toro energy limited wiluna uranium project · 2015-11-13 · centipede and lake way project survey...

Toro Energy Limited

Wiluna Uranium Project

Subterranean Fauna Assessment

March 2011

Outback Ecology Services 1/71 Troy Terrace Jolimont WA 6014 Ph: +61 (08) 9388 8799 Fax: +61 (08) 9388 8633 [email protected]

Subterranean Fauna Assessment

Distribution:

Company Copies Contact Name

Toro Energy Limited 1 (Electronic) Richard Dossor

Document Control for Job Number: TWI-SY-0909_1

Document Status Author Reviewer Signature Date of Issue

Draft Report Nicholas Stevens and Erin Thomas

Fiona Taukulis FT 24/02/2011

Lisa Chandler (Toro)

David Jasper DJ 25/02/2011

Final Report Lisa Chandler (Toro)

LC 28/03/2011

DISCLAIMER, CONFIDENTIALITY AND COPYRIGHT STATEMENT

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This document is confidential. Neither the whole nor any part of this document may be disclosed to any third party without the prior written approval of Outback Ecology and Toro Energy Limited.

Outback Ecology undertook the work, and prepared this document, in accordance with specific instructions from Toro Energy Limited to whom this document is addressed, within the time and budgetary requirements of Toro Energy Limited. The conclusions and recommendations stated in this document are based on those instructions and requirements, and they could change if such instructions and requirements change or are in fact inaccurate or incomplete.

Outback Ecology has prepared this document using data and information supplied to Outback Ecology by Toro Energy Limited and other individuals and organisations, most of whom are referred to in this document. Where possible, throughout the document the source of data used has been identified. Unless stated otherwise, Outback Ecology has not verified such data and information. Outback Ecology does not represent such data and information as true or accurate, and disclaims all liability with respect to the use of such data and information. All parties relying on this document, do so entirely at their own risk in the knowledge that the document was prepared using information that Outback Ecology has not verified.

This document is intended to be read in its entirety, and sections or parts of the document should therefore not be read and relied on out of context.

The conclusions and recommendations contained in this document reflect the professional opinion of Outback Ecology, using the data and information supplied. Outback Ecology has used reasonable care and professional judgment in its interpretation and analysis of the data. The conclusions and recommendations must be considered within the agreed scope of work, and the methodology used to carry out the work, both of which are stated in this document.

This document was intended for the sole use of Toro Energy Limited and only for the use for which it was prepared, which is stated in this document. Any representation in the document is made only to Toro Energy Limited. Outback Ecology disclaims all liability with respect to the use of this document by any third party, and with respect to the use of and reliance upon this document by any party, including Toro Energy Limited for a purpose other than the purpose for which it was prepared.

Outback Ecology has conducted environmental field monitoring and/or testing for the purposes of preparing this document. The type and extent of monitoring and/or testing is described in the document.

On all sites, there exists varying degrees of non-uniformity of the vertical and horizontal soil and water conditions. Because of this non-uniformity, no monitoring, testing or sampling technique can completely eliminate the possibility that the results/samples obtained through monitoring or testing are not entirely representative of the soil and/or groundwater conditions on the site. Any conclusions based on the monitoring and/or testing only serve as an indication of the environmental condition of the site (including the presence or otherwise of contaminants or emissions) at the time of preparing this document. It should be noted that site conditions, including the exact location, extent and concentration of contaminants, can change with time.

Subject to the limitations imposed by the instructions and requirements of Toro Energy Limited, the monitoring and testing have been undertaken in a professional manner, according to generally-accepted practices and with a degree of skill and care which is ordinarily exercised by reputable environmental consultants in similar circumstances. Outback Ecology makes no other warranty, express or implied.

Executive Summary

Toro Energy Limited (Toro) commissioned Outback Ecology to undertake a subterranean fauna

(stygofauna and troglofauna) assessment of the proposed Wiluna Uranium Project (the Project) 720 km to

the north-east of Perth, in the Murchison region of the Yilgarn, Western Australia. The subterranean fauna

assessment involved:

• Stygofauna baseline surveys for the Centipede, Lake Way and West Creek borefield project

survey areas from November 2007 to November 2010;

• Troglofauna baseline surveys for the Centipede and Lake Way project survey areas from

November 2009 to August 2010; and

• Troglofauna pilot survey of the West Creek borefield project survey area from November 2009 to

August 2010.

The uranium deposits within the Centipede and Lake Way project survey areas have formed as shallow

mineralised ore zones. The proposed mining disturbance areas (mining pit voids and waste stockpiles) of

these deposits are located on the margins of calcrete systems and not within the main calcrete habitat

areas. Uranium mineralisation at the Centipede deposit was evenly distributed among the various

geological units present in the ore zone with about one-third hosted by sand/clay deposits, one-third hosted

by calcrete, and one-third hosted by mixed units containing calcrete/sand/clay zones.

The West Creek borefield will involve the extraction of groundwater for the Projects water requirements

from the north-western region of the Lake Violet calcrete system, on the western border of the Uramurdah

calcrete. It is predicted that over 10 years of groundwater extraction, 60 % of the calcrete profile within the

groundwater drawdown contours will remain saturated.

The Wiluna Uranium subterranean fauna assessment provided a comprehensive study of the diversity and

distribution patterns for numerous taxonomic groups at a local spatial scale. Published molecular and

morphological studies have indicated that a calcrete system can act largely as a subterranean island

hosting many endemic stygofauna species. In contrast to these published findings, many of the taxa were

recorded from more than one calcrete system, including the Millbillillie Bubble Well calcrete, as part of this

assessment or previous stygofauna surveys conducted in the northern Yilgarn. More specifically, this

included:

• 13 of the 22 stygofauna taxa identified to species or morphospecies (excluding Oligochaeta taxa)

from the Centipede project survey area encompassing the Hinkler Well calcrete;

• 12 of the 21 species from the Lake Way project survey area encompassing the Uramurdah

calcrete; and,

• 13 of the 21 stygofauna species detected from the West Creek borefield project survey area

encompassing the Lake Violet calcrete and West Creek borefield tenement.

The results indicated that although many species of a stygofauna assemblage can be confined to a single

‘calcrete island’, numerous other species within the assemblage can be more widespread and occur in

close neighbouring calcretes within associated drainage systems.

Centipede and Lake Way Project Survey Areas

Stygofauna

In relation to the stygofauna assemblages associated with the Hinkler Well and the Uramurdah calcretes,

long term conservation risks posed by proposed mining at the Centipede and Lake Way project areas, with

water barriers in place, is likely to be low. Factors contributing to this are:

• Wider distribution of the assemblages throughout each calcrete aquifer, as well as many species

occurring in other neighbouring calcretes;

• Limited area of habitat removal associated with mining excavation, relative to the much greater

expanse of habitat remaining;

• Confined influence of dewatering particularly in relation to the extent of saturated calcrete habitat

that would remain; and

• Short operational life of each project area.

Troglofauna

In relation to the troglofauna assemblages associated with the Hinkler Well and the Uramurdah calcretes,



• High likelihood that many species detected are edaphofauna (soil dwelling) representatives and

not confined to calcrete habitat; and

• Greater extent of suitable habitat fringing the Lake Way playa relative to the size of the mine

disturbance area.

• Wider distribution of the assemblages throughout each calcrete.

West Creek Borefield Project Survey Area

Stygofauna

In relation to the stygofauna assemblages associated with the Lake Violet calcrete in the West Creek

borefield tenement area, the long term conservation risks posed by the proposed development of the West

Creek borefield are likely to be low. Factors contributing to this are:

• Wider distributions of many of the species detected throughout the calcrete aquifer, as well as

other neighbouring calcretes;



• Short operational life (10 years) of the borefield.

Troglofauna

Access to sites at West Creek was constrained in part by heritage and cultural considerations as well as

lack of suitable holes for troglofauna sampling. As a result, the limited number of samples were not

sufficient to provide an adequate assessment of the troglofauna assemblage in the area. Further

subterranean fauna sampling is being considered for the West Creek borefield project survey area, when

additional suitable holes are made available.

Toro Energy Limited Subterranean Fauna Assessment

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION ...............................................................................................................10

1.1 Project ........................................... ................................................................................................. 10

1.2 Background ........................................ ........................................................................................... 14

1.3 Definition of Survey Areas ........................ ................................................................................... 15

1.4 Scope and Objectives .............................. .................................................................................... 15

2. EXISTING ENVIRONMENT ..............................................................................................15

2.1 Biogeographical Region ............................ .................................................................................. 15

2.2 Climate ........................................... ................................................................................................ 17

2.3 Land Use .......................................... .............................................................................................. 18

2.3.1 Grazing .................................................................................................................................... 18

2.3.2 Mining ...................................................................................................................................... 18

2.3.3 Lake Way Deposit ................................................................................................................... 19

2.3.4 Centipede Deposit ................................................................................................................... 19

2.4 Drainage .......................................... ............................................................................................... 19

2.5 Geology ........................................... ............................................................................................... 20

2.6 Hydrogeology ...................................... .......................................................................................... 21

2.6.1 Regional ................................................................................................................................... 21

2.6.2 Hydrogeology of Calcretes in Project Survey Areas ............................................................... 21

3. PROPOSED MINING DEVELOPMENT AND EXTENT OF CALCRETE HABITAT ..........23

3.1 Uranium Deposits .................................. ....................................................................................... 23

3.2 Extent of Mining and Predicted Groundwater Drawdown s ...................................................... 23

3.3 West Creek Borefield .............................. ...................................................................................... 27

3.4 Processing Plant Infrastructure ................... ............................................................................... 27

4. SUBTERRANEAN FAUNA ................................ ...............................................................28

4.1 Background ........................................ ........................................................................................... 28

4.2 Risks and Relevant Legislation .................... ............................................................................... 29

5. METHODS ........................................................................................................................31

5.1 Stygofauna Assessment ............................. ................................................................................. 31

5.1.1 Stygofauna Sampling .............................................................................................................. 31

5.1.2 Stygofauna Survey Effort ......................................................................................................... 31


5.1.3 Groundwater Quality ................................................................................................................ 34

5.2 Troglofauna Assessment ............................ ................................................................................. 34

5.2.1 Troglofauna Sampling ............................................................................................................. 34

5.2.2 Troglofauna Survey Effort ........................................................................................................ 38

5.3 Sorting and identification of Specimens ........... ......................................................................... 44

5.4 DNA Sequencing .................................... ....................................................................................... 44

5.5 Limitations of the Study .......................... ..................................................................................... 45

5.6 Statistical Analyses .............................. ........................................................................................ 45

5.6.1 Univariate Statistics - Minitab .................................................................................................. 45

5.6.2 Multivariate Statistics - Primer ................................................................................................. 46

5.6.3 Species Accumulation Curves and Species Richness Estimation .......................................... 46

6. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION ............................ ..............................................................47

6.1 Stygofauna Assessment ............................. ................................................................................. 47

6.1.1 Groundwater Quality ................................................................................................................ 47

6.1.2 Stygofauna Taxa ..................................................................................................................... 54

6.1.3 Stygal Community Structure .................................................................................................... 74

6.1.4 Stygofauna Species Accumulation Curves and Species Richness Estimates ........................ 76

6.2 Troglofauna Assessment ............................ ................................................................................. 80

6.2.1 Troglofauna Taxa .................................................................................................................... 80

6.2.2 Troglofauna Species Accumulation Curves and Species Richness Estimates ....................... 85

7. CONCLUSIONS ................................................................................................................89

8. REFERENCES ..................................................................................................................92

TABLES

Table 1: Stygofauna sampling effort in relation to disturbance areas and projected contours of

groundwater drawdown, with or without groundwater barriers, at the Centipede project area. ............ 32


groundwater drawdown, with or without groundwater barriers, at the Lake Way project area. ............. 33


groundwater drawdown for the West Creek borefield project area. ...................................................... 33

Table 4: Troglofauna sampling effort in relation to disturbance areas and projected contours of

groundwater drawdown, with or without groundwater barriers, at the Centipede project area. ............ 38


groundwater drawdown, with or without groundwater barriers, at the Lake Way project area. ............. 39



groundwater drawdown for the West Creek borefield project area. ...................................................... 40

Table 7: Taxa for which specialist taxonomists and/or DNA analyses were used during the subterranean

fauna assessment. ................................................................................................................................. 44

Table 8: Habitat types assigned for analyses based on surface geology. ................................................... 45

Table 9: Basic water quality ranges recorded from the surface habitat types sampled within the Centipede

project survey area. .............................................................................................................................. 49

Table 10: Ranges for basic parameters of water quality recorded from the four habitat types sampled

within the Lake Way and West Creek borefield project survey areas. ................................................ 52

Table 11: Summary of results for the Wiluna Uranium stygofauna assessment. ........................................ 54

Table 12: Centipede project survey area stygofauna species diversity, abundance and distribution.

Orange shaded cells indicate species found to date in mining area only. ........................................... 58

Table 13: Lake Way project survey area stygofauna species diversity, abundance and distribution.

Orange shaded cells indicate species found to date in mining area only. ........................................... 63

Table 14: West Creek borefield survey area stygofauna species diversity, abundance and distribution.

Orange shaded cells indicate species found to date in groundwater drawdown contour zones only. 68

Table 15: Observed stygofauna species diversity from the Centipede project survey area, compared to

estimated diversity using EstimateS (Colwell 2009) diversity estimators. ............................................. 77

Table 16: Observed stygofauna species diversity from the Lake Way project survey area, compared to


Table 17: Observed stygofauna species diversity from the West Creek borefield project survey area,

compared to estimated diversity using EstimateS (Colwell 2009) diversity estimators. ........................ 80

Table 18: Summary of the results from the Wiluna Uranium troglofauna assessment. ............................... 81

Table 19: Centipede project survey area troglofauna species diversity, abundance and distribution. Red

shaded cells indicate species found to date in the mining area only. .................................................... 83

Table 20: Lake Way project survey area troglofauna species diversity, abundance and distribution. ...... 84

Table 21: West Creek borefield project survey area troglofauna species diversity, abundance and

distribution. ........................................................................................................................................... 85

Table 22: Observed troglofauna species diversity at from the Centipede project survey area, compared to


Table 23: Observed troglofauna species diversity from the Lake Way project survey area, compared to


FIGURES

Figure 1: Regional location of the proposed Wiluna Uranium Project. ........................................................ 11

Figure 2: Wiluna Uranium Project areas. ..................................................................................................... 12

Figure 3. Calcretes and associated priority ecological communities (PEC’s) in and near the Wiluna

Uranium Project. . . .............................................................................................................................. 13

Figure 4: Location of the Project within the Eastern Murchison (MUR1) subregion. ................................... 16

Figure 5: Average monthly rainfall and temperatures recorded for the Wiluna weather station .................. 17


Figure 6: Stygofauna sampling sites and extent of modelled groundwater drawdown contours for

Centipede and Lake Way project areas with no barriers in place, and West Creek borefield project

survey area. ........................................................................................................................................... 35

Figure 7: Stygofauna sampling sites in Centipede project survey area and extent of modelled

groundwater drawdown contours with barriers in place around proposed mining voids. ...................... 36

Figure 8: Stygofauna sampling sites in Lake Way project survey area and extent of modelled


Figure 9: Troglofauna sampling sites and extent of modelled groundwater drawdown contours for

Centipede and Lake Way project areas with no barriers in place, and West Creek borefield project

survey area. ........................................................................................................................................... 41

Figure 10: Troglofauna sampling sites in Centipede project survey area and extent of modelled


Figure 11: Troglofauna sampling sites in Lake Way project survey area and extent of modelled


Figure 12: PCA plot of basic water quality parameters recorded from the Centipede project survey area

during the assessment period (based on 75 samples). ....................................................................... 50

Figure 13: PCA plot of basic water quality parameters recorded from the Lake Way and West Creek

borefield project survey areas (based on 78 samples). ....................................................................... 53

Figure 14: MDS plot of sites within the Centipede project survey area based on stygofauna

assemblages collected during the assessment period. ......................................................................... 74

Figure 15: MDS plot of sites within the Lake Way and West Creek borefield project survey areas based

on stygofauna assemblages collected during the assessment period. ................................................. 75

Figure 16: Stygofauna species accumulation curve (Sobs Mao Tau: EstimateS (Colwell 2009) for the

Centipede project survey area. .............................................................................................................. 76


Lake Way project survey area. .............................................................................................................. 78


West Creek borefield project survey area. ............................................................................................. 79

Figure 19: Troglofauna species accumulation curve (Sobs Mao Tau: EstimateS (Colwell 2009) for the

Centipede project survey area. .............................................................................................................. 86

Figure 20: Troglofauna species accumulation curve (Sobs Mao Tau: EstimateS (Colwell 2009) for the

Lake Way project survey area. .............................................................................................................. 87

APPENDICES

APPENDIX A: Definitions and categories for threatened and priority ecological communities

APPENDIX B: Stygofauna survey effort

APPENDIX C: Centipede project survey area water quality results

APPENDIX D: Lake Way project survey area water quality results

APPENDIX E: West Creek borefield project survey area water quality results

APPENDIX F: Representative images of surface habitat types

APPENDIX G: Stygofauna survey results


APPENDIX H: Stygofauna images

APPENDIX I: Molecular biodiversity assessment

APPENDIX J: Troglofauna survey effort

APPENDIX K: Troglofauna survey results

APPENDIX L: Troglofauna images


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1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 Project

Toro Energy Limited (Toro) commissioned Outback Ecology to undertake a subterranean fauna

(stygofauna and troglofauna) assessment of the proposed Wiluna Uranium Project (the Project). The

Project is located 720 km to the north-east of Perth, in the Murchison region of the Yilgarn, Western

Australia (WA) (Figure 1 ). The subterranean fauna assessment involved surveying three main project

areas (Figure 2 ):

1. The Centipede deposit (M53/224), and processing plant infrastructure (M53/0113, P53/1355,

P53/1356, P53/1357, P53/1396) located approximately 30 km south of Wiluna;

2. The Lake Way deposit (M53/1090) located approximately 15 km south-east of Wiluna; and

3. The West Creek Borefield (L53/0150) located approximately 9 km to the south-west of Wiluna

(Toro Energy Limited 2010).

The extent of the mine disturbance area (mining pits and waste stockpiles) will involve approximately 390

ha at the Centipede deposit and approximately 500 ha at the Lake Way deposit over the planned 11 year

operational life span of the Project. The respective mine disturbance areas are predominantly comprised

of native vegetation grazed by cattle in the delta zones fringing the Lake Way playa, with minor cleared

areas associated with roads and access tracks. In addition, previous mining activity including exploration

work has occurred within the Project locality (Toro Energy Limited 2010).

The principal activities planned for the Project include:

• Development and operation of an open cut uranium mine encompassing the Lake Way and Centipede

deposits;

• Construction and operation of a uranium ore processing, packing and handling facility near the

Centipede deposit;

• Refurbishment and upgrade of the disused West Creek borefield to supply water to the Project;

• Support facilities including an accommodation village, mine administration buildings and workshops,

haul roads, power generation and transmission facilities, communications systems and water and

waste management;

• Transport of uranium product within Australia for export; and

• Rehabilitation and closure of the mine and other areas disturbed by the Project (Toro Energy Limited

2010).

The Centipede and Lake Way uranium deposits have formed as shallow mineralised zones within

palaeovalley deltas that flow into Lake Way. The mining disturbance areas and proposed borefield are

associated with calcrete systems located along the edge of the Lake Way playa in the northern section of

the Carey palaeodrainage channel (Figure 3) . The Centipede deposit is associated with the Hinkler Well

calcrete on the western margin of the Lake Way playa. The Lake Way deposit is associated with the


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Uramurdah calcrete. The West Creek borefield will involve extraction of groundwater from the north-

western region of the Lake Violet calcrete system. Both the Lake Violet and Uramurdah calcrete systems

are situated on the northern margin of the Lake Way playa with less than one kilometre separating them.

Figure 1: Regional location of the proposed Wiluna Uranium Project.


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Figure 2: Wiluna Uranium Project areas.


13

Figure 3. Calcretes and associated priority ecolog ical communities (PEC’s) in and near the Wiluna

Uranium Project. The circles indicate buffer zones determined by the DEC around the general PEC

location. .


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1.2 Background

The Project proposes to mine uranium associated with the eastern margin of the Hinkler Well calcrete and

along the southern margin of the Uramurdah calcrete in the Centipede and Lake Way mining areas

respectively. The West Creek borefield will be developed in the north-western region of the Lake Violet

calcrete (Aquaterra 2010), for extraction of the Project’s mining and processing water requirements.

Calcrete geologies such as those associated with the Project area are known to provide favourable

habitats for subterranean fauna including stygofauna (groundwater fauna) and troglofauna (fauna

inhabiting subterranean, terrestrial environments) ((Environmental Protection Authority 2003, 2007).

Diverse stygofauna assemblages associated with calcrete systems in the northern Yilgarn region of

Western Australia have been relatively well documented, with molecular and morphological investigations

indicating that each calcrete can host many endemic species, acting largely as subterranean islands

(Bradford et al. 2010, Cooper et al. 2007, Cooper et al. 2002, Cooper et al. 2008, Guzik et al. 2008,

Humphreys 2001, Humphreys 2006, Humphreys 2008, Leys et al. 2003, Watts and Humphreys 1999,

2000, 2001, Watts and Humphreys 2003, Watts and Humphreys 2004, Watts and Humphreys 2006) The

molecular phylogeographic study by Guzik et al. (2008) of the Yilgarn Parabathynellidae (Bathynellacea)

has been the only published study to date that has contained material from two, neighbouring calcrete

systems; Lake Violet and Uramurdah calcretes. The study showed that the three parabathynellid species

identified from the Lake Violet calcrete differed from the species collected from the Uramurdah calcrete,

recently described by Cho and Humphreys (2010) as Brevisomabathynella clayi and B. uramurdadensis.

Stygofauna communities of 34 calcrete systems in the Goldfields have been listed as Priority 1 Ecological

Communities (PEC) including the Hinkler Well, Lake Violet and Uramurdah calcretes, because of the

potentially restricted distributions of stygofauna taxa to a single calcrete system (Figure 3) . The

Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) list ecological communities that are possibly

threatened, and/or have not been adequately defined, as Priorities 1, 2 or 3 Priority Ecological

Communities (PEC’s) (Department of Environment and Conservation 2007) (Appendix A) .

In addition to stygofauna, unpublished studies have also collected numerous troglomorphic species from

the Lake Way calcrete systems, albeit less diverse than the calcrete stygofauna communities (W.

Humphreys pers. comm.; Western Australian Museum Arachnid database search, Dec., 2010.). The local

distributions of troglomorphic species have not been defined.


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1.3 Definition of Survey Areas

The terms used to define the various areas of the Project’s subterranean fauna assessment (Figure 3 )

referred to in this report are as follows:

• Centipede project survey area includes all survey sites in the Hinkler Well calcrete area. This

encompasses the Centipede mining area (mining disturbance area including pit voids and waste

stockpiles) and the processing plant infrastructure footprint.

• Lake Way project survey area includes all survey sites in the Uramurdah calcrete area. This

encompasses the Lake Way mining area (mining disturbance area including pit voids and waste

stockpiles).

• West Creek Borefield survey area includes all survey sites in the Lake Violet calcrete area

including the West Creek borefield tenement.

1.4 Scope and Objectives

This report presents the findings of the Wiluna Uranium subterranean fauna assessment that undertook:

• Stygofauna baseline surveys for the Centipede, Lake Way and West Creek borefield project

survey areas from November 2007 to November 2010;

• Troglofauna baseline surveys for the Centipede and Lake Way project survey areas from

November 2009 to August 2010; and

• Troglofauna pilot surveys for the West Creek borefield project survey area from November 2009 to

August 2010.

The overall objective of the baseline subterranean fauna assessment conducted for the Project was to

investigate the diversity, abundance, and distribution of stygofauna and troglofauna species present in the

Centipede, Lake Way and West Creek borefield project survey areas. Also to assess the conservation

status and potential impacts to species from mining activities such as excavation and groundwater

extraction.

This subterranean fauna assessment provides the first comprehensive study of distribution patterns for

numerous taxonomic groups from calcrete systems situated close to one another. The results will

contribute to knowledge of the diversity and distribution of subterranean faunal assemblages at a finer

spatial scale than previous investigations. This study also will contribute to understanding of the diversity

and distribution patterns of subterranean fauna on a broader regional scale.

2. EXISTING ENVIRONMENT

2.1 Biogeographical Region

The Interim Biogeographic Regionalisation for Australia (IBRA) is a bioregional framework which divides

Australia into 85 bioregions and 403 subregions on the basis of climate, geology, landforms, vegetation

and fauna. It was developed through collaboration between state and territory conservation agencies with


16

coordination by the Department of Sustainability Environment Water Population and Communities

(Department of Sustainability Environment Water Population and Communities 2010a).

As defined by IBRA, the Project area is located in the Eastern Murchison subregion of the Murchison

Bioregion (Figure 4 ). This subregion consists of extensive areas of elevated red/red-brown desert

sandplains with minimal dune development, breakaway complexes and internal drainage and salt lake

systems associated with the occluded Palaeodrainage system. Mulga woodlands dominate the subregion,

as well as hummock grasslands, saltbush shrublands and Tecticornia (samphire) shrublands (Cowan

2001).

Figure 4: Location of the Project within the Easte rn Murchison (MUR1) subregion.


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2.2 Climate

The Murchison region is characterised as having an arid climate, with an annual rainfall of approximately

200 mm (Beard 1990, Gilligan 1994). Summer weather is influenced by anti-cyclonic systems to the south-

east, creating a pattern of clear skies and easterly winds. The region borders the southern end of the

Intertropic Convergence Zone and, as a result, thunderstorm activity and summer rainfall is generated.

The anti-cyclonic system also directly influences winter weather patterns, generating westerly winds and

rain-bearing frontal systems (Gilligan 1994).

The nearest Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) weather station to the Project is located in the Wiluna township,

which experiences an arid climate characterised by hot dry summers and mild dry winters with irregular

rainfall, averaging 256 mm per annum. The majority of rainfall occurs between January and June (Figure

5), resulting from summer cyclonic rains and isolated thunderstorms. Average maximum temperatures

range from 19.4 °C in July to 37.9° C in January. The average minimum temperatures follow a similar

pattern, ranging from 5.4 °C in July to 22.8 °C in January (BOM 2010).

Figure 5: Average monthly rainfall and temperature s recorded for the Wiluna weather station (BOM

2010).


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2.3 Land Use

Land use within the Eastern Murchison sub-region (MUR1) consists of grazing, mining, customary

indigenous purposes, unallocated crown land (UCL), crown reserves and conservation reserves (Cowan

2001, NLWRA 2002). There is an extensive history of both grazing and mining use, considered the

primary land uses in the area.

2.3.1 Grazing

The dominant land use of the MUR1 sub-region is grazing of stock on pastoral leases, with approximately

85% of the sub-region used for this purpose (Cowan 2001). The Lake Way tenement (E53/1132) and

West Creek borefields tenement (L53/0150) are located on the Millbillillie pastoral lease, and the Centipede

tenements (M53/0113, P53/1355, P53/1356, P53/1357, P53/1396, M53/224) are located on the Lake Way

pastoral lease.

2.3.2 Mining

There is an extensive history of mining activity and associated disturbance within the Wiluna region, with

gold first being discovered at Wiluna in 1896. Since then the area has produced in excess of 3 million

ounces of gold (Agincourt Resources Limited 2006). The largest of these operations is the Wiluna Gold

Mine, located 4 km south of Wiluna, and approximately 11 km north-west of the proposed Lake Way

operations area. The existing Wiluna Gold Mine and associated operating infrastructure footprint covers a

total area of approximately 1,970 ha and consists of a large open pit and underground mine development

(Outback Ecology 2010b).

Other mining projects in the Wiluna region (Figure 1 ) include but are not limited to:

• Wiluna South Gold Mine, located 5 km to the west of the Lake Way project survey area. This

operation has been partially rehabilitated and is currently closed.

• Jundee Gold Mine, approximately 50 km north-east of of the Wiluna township. Operated by Newmont,

production began in 1995 and continues from two underground mines.

• Magellan Lead Mine, approximately 30 km west of Wiluna. The operation has been producing lead

carbonate concentrate intermittently since 1995 from a treatment and concentrating plant.

• Golden West Resources, Wiluna West Iron Ore Exploration Project, approximately 40 km west of

Wiluna.

• The proposed Yeelirrie Uranium Project, 75 km to the south-west of Wiluna; and

• The proposed Lake Maitland Uranium Project, approximately 100 km to the south east of Wiluna.


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2.3.3 Lake Way Deposit

The Delhi International Oil Corporation (Delhi) and Vam Limited Joint Venture discovered the Lake Way

uranium deposit in 1972 while exploring for base metal mineralisation within the Wiluna district. Delhi

completed virtually all of the exploration and feasibility work until CSR Limited acquired Delhi in December

1981. In 1983, exploration and development plans were suspended and assets were dispersed in

response to the Federal Labour Government’s ‘Three Mines” Policy’ uranium mining policy.

Extensive exploration and evaluation has been undertaken on the Lake Way deposit involving drill holes,

bulk samples, trial mining, topographic surveys, groundwater analysis, hydrologic and environmental

studies, including vertebrate fauna studies.

In April 1981, draft Environmental Impact Statements and Environmental Management Plans for the Lake

Way Project were made available for public review (Lancaster and Associates, 1981), and the final

documents were assessed by the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA). The EPA did not identify any

unacceptable potential environmental impacts preventing the proposed development from proceeding.

However, the EPA recommended that additional baseline data collection; monitoring and impact

assessment work would be needed to satisfy environmental protection and management regulatory

requirements.

2.3.4 Centipede Deposit

It is thought that the Centipede deposits were discovered around 1977 by Esso, as acting manager and

operator of a joint venture comprising of MIM, Inco and Seltrust. The majority of exploration was

undertaken by Esso between 1977 and 1981. Rights to the Centipede project were acquired by Delhi in

1982. Exploration and development plans were suspended after the ‘Three Mines Policy’ was initiated in

1983.

2.4 Drainage

Dendritic palaeodrainage networks are an important feature of the Yilgarn Craton (Clarke 1994), upon

which the Project area lies. The palaeovalleys which comprise these networks are defunct fluvial systems

incised into Archaean and Proterozoic bedrock (Magee 2009) and filled with Cainozoic sediments. These

systems act as regional drains for groundwater in the bedrock and overlying sediment. Chains of salt lakes

or playas commonly occur in the lowest areas along the drainages, providing the primary sites for

groundwater discharge (Allen 1996, Anand and Paine 2002, Commander 1999).

Lake Way, situated at the headwaters of the Carey Palaeovalley (Morgan 1993), is the largest of the saline

playas (surface area 245 km2) located in the vicinity of the Project, forming the drainage basin for a

catchment of approximately 11,000 km2. Also proximal to the Project are Lake Violet and Uramurdah

Lake, two smaller playas to the north and north-east of Lake Way respectively (RPS Aquaterra 2010b).


20

Negrara, Uramurdah and Kukabubba Creeks are among the major surface drainages in the area, leading

towards the Lake Way playa, from the north and east respectively (Rockwater 1979). Negrara Creek and

its tributaries discharge into the northern margin of Lake Way. Uramurdah drains into Uramurdah Lake

(Rockwater 1979) and the north-east corner of Lake Way, with Kukabubba Creek also discharging into

Uramurdah Lake (RPS Aquaterra 2010b).

Another of the important drainages is West Creek. This ephemeral south-easterly flowing creek and its

tributaries drain the West Creek borefield area, discharging into the northern margin of Lake Way. The

sub-catchments to the north and south of West Creek are drained by the Cockarrow and Freshwater

tributaries respectively. To the north-east, are the large Yandil and Paroo catchments, both of which drain

into the West Creek system through a narrow valley in the Finlayson Range. The West Creek catchment is

approximately 32 km long and covers an area of 647 km2 (Aquaterra 2010).

The Abercromby Creek is one of the main drainages associated with the western side of Lake Way,

draining north-easterly, and discharging into the playa at the Centipede Project area. Another

watercourse, the Camel Creek, also drains into the playa in this area (RPS Aquaterra 2010a).

Surface flow of the creeks in the Lake Way area is rare, requiring rainfall events in excess of 50 mm.

Following such events, water may be retained in the smaller surrounding playas such as Uramurdah Lake

for a short length of time (Rockwater 1979). Lake Way is internally draining, and remains dry for lengthy

periods, only flooding every five to twenty years following substantial rainfall.

2.5 Geology

The Project area is located within granite greenstone terrain, characterised by Archaean felsic volcanic and

volcanoclastic sedimentary rocks, Archaean granitoids and gneiss (Aquaterra 2010, RPS Aquaterra 2010a,

b). In respect to surficial geology, Cainozoic calcrete accounts for some of the primary deposits within the

Project area (Figure 3 ). The formation of such calcrete deposits is common above latitude 29°S (Morgan

1993), with carbonate precipitating in groundwater along drainages, typically at the margins of salt lakes

(Anand and Paine 2002, Commander 1999).

As mentioned, the area to the north of the Lake Way playa, encompassing the West Creek borefield and

Lake Way project survey area, is associated with the Lake Violet calcrete and the Uramurdah calcrete.

The calcrete in these areas is indicated to extend up major drainages including the West, Uramurdah and

Negrara Creeks (RPS Aquaterra 2010b). To the west of Lake Way, the Hinkler Well calcrete (associated

with the Centipede project area) forms an extensive body, spanning approximately 30 km along the

Abercromby palaeodrainage (Mann and Deutscher 1978, RPS Aquaterra 2010a).

Other surficial geologies documented within the Project area include Cainozoic sandplain deposits

consisting of unconsolidated sand and minor silt, forming one of the predominant sediment facies, and


21

sheetwash deposits comprised of clay, silt and sand. Quaternary alluvium is also indicated in the area,

particularly in association with drainages such as the Uramurdah, Negrara and West Creeks. Along the

southern and northern margins of the Centipede project area, colluvium, comprising rock debris, sand, silt

and ferruginous rubble is also present (Aquaterra 2010, RPS Aquaterra 2010a, b).

The surficial geologies of the Lake Way and Lake Violet playas primarily comprise Cainozoic saline and

gypsiferous evaporites, clays and mud. Low dunes of sand, silt, evaporites and carbonates occur along

the northern, western and eastern margins of Lake Way and southern edge of Lake Violet (RPS Aquaterra

2010a, b).

2.6 Hydrogeology

2.6.1 Regional

There are four main groundwater aquifer types associated within the region in which the Project occurs, all

of which are primarily recharged through rainfall (Allen 1996, Johnson et al. 1999):

• Alluvium: unconfined surficial aquifers, potentially representing substantial sources of groundwater.

Waters are generally of low salinity and are predominantly used for pastoral purposes.

• Calcrete: the secondary porosity and high permeability of calcrete can result in the formation of

locally high-yielding aquifers. Groundwater salinity is typically brackish to saline.

• Palaeochannel sand: these aquifers are commonly overlain by a confining kaolinitic clay layer

which can extend to depths of 80 m. They represent the most important aquifers in the region,

reaching up to one kilometre wide and 40 m thick in the trunk palaeochannels. The groundwater is

generally hypersaline and is therefore mostly used for mining activities.

• Fractured rock: these aquifers are associated with rocks such as greenstones, granitoids and

minor intrusives which display secondary porosity and permeability, resulting from faults, fractures

and weathering.

2.6.2 Hydrogeology of Calcretes in Project Survey Areas

Hinkler Well Calcrete

Standing water levels in the Hinkler Well calcrete are generally between one to five metres below ground

level (m bgl) (Mann and Deutscher 1978). Groundwater drains into Abercromby Creek from the higher

areas to the north and south and flows slowly under low gradients towards Lake Way. As a result, flow is

generally from west to east towards the playa, with water also draining from the north via the deeper

palaeochannel system (RPS Aquaterra 2010a).

Direct recharge of the calcrete aquifer is thought to occur through episodic rainfall and periodic flow from

Abercromby Creek (RPS Aquaterra 2010a), although falls in excess of 50 mm are required to inundate the

calcrete rapidly via cavities (Johnson et al. 1999). Indirect recharge is likely to be linked to lateral inflow

from the surrounding alluvial sediments (RPS Aquaterra 2010a).


22

Groundwater salinity in the Hinkler Well calcrete aquifer has been found to range from 1,600 mg/L TDS (at

Abercromby Well) to values of between 66,000 and 330,000 mg/L within the Centipede deposit, increasing

markedly towards the delta area of the playa (Mann and Deutscher 1978, RPS Aquaterra 2010a). This

follows the common pattern of groundwater salinities increasing down gradient along the regional flow

path. Salinity also tends to increase with depth, reflected in the hypersaline conditions recorded from the

deeper palaeochannel in the area (RPS Aquaterra 2010a).

Lake Violet Calcrete

Standing water levels in the Lake Violet calcrete aquifer are approximately 4 m bgl with flow typically

moving from north-east to the south-east, discharging at Lake Way. Similar to the Hinkler Well calcrete,

direct recharge of the aquifer is expected to occur in response to rainfall or infiltration of run-off, with

indirect recharge occurring as a result of lateral inflow from the surrounding alluvial sediments (Aquaterra

2010).

Groundwater salinities in the West Creek borefield area of the calcrete system typically range from 2,000 to

3,000 mg/L TDS, with values increasing towards the south-east of the borefield. The increase in salinity

continues outside the borefield proper, with bores further south towards Lake Way (including XP4 and

XP5) reaching salinities of approximately 4,500 mg/L TDS (Aquaterra 2010).

The salinities of groundwaters associated with the underlying palaeochannel aquifer are substantially

higher than those of the calcrete system, with one of the production bores (P32) displaying a value of

134,000 mg/L TDS. Therefore, while the water quality in the calcrete is considered marginal in relation to

the Project’s water quality constraints, the underlying palaeochannel aquifer is unlikely to be suitable

(Aquaterra 2010).

Uramurdah Calcrete

Standing water levels in the Uramurdah calcrete aquifer typically range from approximately 2 to 4 m bgl.

Groundwater elevations indicate that groundwater flow within the catchment is from the north, associated

with Negrara Creek and the West Creek sub-catchment, discharging at Lake Way. Recharge of the

calcrete is expected to follow a similar pattern to that of the Hinkler Well and Lake Violet calcretes, with

direct recharge in response to rainfall and lateral inflow from the surrounding alluvial sediments accounting

for indirect recharge (RPS Aquaterra 2010b).

Work by Outback Ecology during the subterranean fauna sampling showed that groundwater salinities (as

measured by electrical conductivity) in the Uramurdah calcrete area ranged from 7,200 µS/cm to 72,500

µS/cm, indicating fresh (<5,000 µS/cm) to hypersaline conditions (>70,000 uS/cm). The classification of

<5,000 µS/cm (<3,000 mg/L) as freshwater was proposed by Williams (1998), based on biological and

physico-chemical characteristics of inland waters, with Hammer (1986) categorising >70,000 uS/cm


23

(>50,000 mg/L) as hypersaline. This classification system is widely accepted throughout Australia, and is

commonly applied to inland waters. As noted for the Lake Violet calcrete area, the deeper palaeochannel

aquifer underlying the Lake Way project area is hypersaline. However, the palaeochannel aquifer

associated with Lake Way project survey area is not considered to be a significant groundwater resource

(RPS Aquaterra 2010b).

3. PROPOSED MINING DEVELOPMENT AND EXTENT OF CALCRE TE HABITAT

3.1 Uranium Deposits

The Centipede and Lake Way uranium deposits have formed as shallow mineralised zones within

palaeovalley deltas that flow into Lake Way. Uranium mineralisation at both deposits is dominated by

carnotite, a potassium-uranium vanadate mineral that has precipitated onto any available surface such as

within interstitial spaces of sand and silt grains and cavities within calcrete, dolomite and soil bodies.

Analyses of the Centipede deposit showed that the uranium mineralisation was evenly distributed among

the various geological units present in the ore zone with about one-third hosted by sand/clay deposits, one-

third hosted by calcrete, and one-third hosted by mixed units containing calcrete/sand/clay zones (Toro

Energy pers. comm.). Further work is ongoing to more accurately determine the ratios at which each of

these units host the mineralisation.

The main ore zones occur within 1 to 12 m of the ground surface and are irregular in thickness to a

maximum of about 6.5 m. Mineralisation has generally occurred at or in close proximity to the groundwater

table, typically 1 m bgl to 2 m bgl, particularly in the delta areas in close proximity to the Lake Way playa.

Hole lithologies in the mine test pit area at Centipede indicated the calcrete to be 0.7 m to 1.5 m bgl and to

be 2 m to 3 m thick with uranium mineralisation present in the lower 1.5 m to 2.5 m (Toro Energy pers.

comm.).

3.2 Extent of Mining and Predicted Groundwater Draw downs

The shallow and relatively broad ore deposits will be mined by open pit methods primarily using surface

miners as well as conventional excavators for mining the non-mineralised overburden (Toro Energy Limited

2010). The operational life of the project is 11 years with mining to be undertaken at Centipede for the first

five years. Mining would commence at the Lake Way deposit in the sixth year of the Project and continue

for six years (RPS Aquaterra 2010a, b).

The mine disturbance area at the Centipede deposit will cover approximately 390 ha with 80 ha to 90 ha to

be mined each year for five years (RPS Aquaterra 2010a). The Lake Way mining disturbance area will

cover approximately 500 ha in total with around 75 ha to be mined each year (RPS Aquaterra 2010b).

The depth of mining is likely to be between 5 m and 15 m below the ground surface with most of the mining

not exceeding 10 m in depth (RPS Aquaterra 2010a, b). As the groundwater levels in the proposed mining

areas vary from 0.5 m bgl to 5 m bgl below the ground surface, dewatering will be required to provide dry


24

mining conditions. To significantly reduce the volume and rate of dewatering required and minimise the

lateral extent of groundwater drawdown the construction of water inflow barriers around the mine pit voids

are proposed (RPS Aquaterra 2010a, b, Toro Energy Limited 2010).

Centipede

The proposed Centipede mining area is situated along the eastern boundary of the Hinkler Well calcrete

system bordering the Lake Way playa (Figure 3) . The Hinkler Well calcrete stretches in an east to west

orientation as a relatively narrow band, two to three kilometres wide, for 35 km along the Abercromby

palaeochannel, comprising an area greater than 80 km2. The area of calcrete to be directly impacted by

mining excavation and waste dump storage (not including groundwater drawdowns) will be approximately

3.9 km2, equivalent to about five percent of the known surface area extent of the Hinkler Well calcrete

system.

The thickness of the calcrete was reported to vary from 10 m to 40 m (Dundon 1997). In the vicinity of

Hinkler Well, the calcrete profile ranged from 16 m to 23 m thick with 34 m recorded further west (RPS

Aquaterra 2010a). Moving eastwards, the calcrete thins near the Goldfields Highway where it is

constrained by the elevation of the bedrock in association with Erawalla Fault. East of the Erawalla fault

the calcrete fans out and broadens in profile varying from 5 m to 19 m thick between the Goldfields

Highway and Abercromby Well. In the eastern extent of the calcrete between Abercromby Well and the

Lake Way playa the calcrete thickness was between 0.5 m to 24 m (average 8.1 m) (RPS Aquaterra

2010a). Bore lithologies in the delta area bordering the lake playa indicated the calcrete to be 0.7 m to 1.5

m below the ground surface and to be 2 m to 3 m thick (Toro Energy pers. comm.).

The standing groundwater water levels across the Hinkler Well calcrete vary from 0.8 m to 7.8 m (average

3.1 m) below the ground surface (Appendix B) indicating that a considerable portion of the calcrete is

saturated. Saturation zones of calcretes within the northern goldfields area typically vary around 5 m to 10

m in thickness (Johnson et al. 1999). In the mining area, along the flood plain fringing the lake playa,

standing water levels were 0.8 m to 2.95 m (average 1.57 m).

The lateral extent of the modelled groundwater drawdown at the end of the mining period depends on the

presence or absence of a barrier to water flow into and out of the mine pit areas (RPS Aquaterra 2010a).

With no barrier in place the predicted 0.2 m drawdown zone would extend from the mine pits in an east to

west direction for nearly 12 km and nearly 7.5 km in a north to south direction with the greatest extent of

drawdown occurring in the Lake Way playa (Figure 6) (RPS Aquaterra 2010a). The drawdown contour of

0.5 m outside the mining area would extend for less than 9 km in an east to west direction and for nearly

approximately 6 km in a north to south direction (Figure 6) . The 0.2 m and 0.5 contours extend from the

mine pits westwards along the Hinkler Well calcrete towards Abercromby Well for nearly 5.5 km and 4 km,

respectively.


25

With the construction of water barriers the predicted drawdown zones would not extend westwards beyond

the barrier (Figure 7) . The 0.5 m drawdown contour would remain within the mine void areas. The

modelled 0.2 m drawdown contour would extend a short distance to the east and south-east of the main

mine pit area only (Figure 7) .

It is predicted that 40 years after dewatering, water levels within the mining pit areas, with no barriers in

place, will have mostly (90 %) returned to their pre-mining levels (RPS Aquaterra 2010a). A near full return

of pre-mining water levels is not expected until 60 years after dewatering. However, with barriers in place,

restoration of water levels close to pre-mining levels within the mine pit areas may vary from 50 years in

peripheral areas to 300 or even 700 years in more central bunded pit locations (RPS Aquaterra 2010a).

A relatively extensive area of the Hinkler Well calcrete, around and to the west of Abercromby Well, will not

be impacted by mine dewatering. Outside the mining pit areas, but within the predicted dewatering

drawdown zones of 0.2 m to 0.5 m with no barrier in place, a considerable portion of the calcrete profile (up

to approximately 20 m) would remain saturated.

Lake Way

The proposed Lake Way mining area is located along the southern margin of the Uramurdah calcrete

system bordering the northern shoreline of the Lake Way playa (Figure 3) . The Uramurdah calcrete is

bounded by Uramurdah Creek to the west and Negrara Creek to the east. Negrara Creek bisects at the

surface Uramurdah calcrete from the neighbouring Lake Violet calcrete that extends along the north-

western border of the Lake Way playa and out to the West Creek borefield area.

The surface geological map shows the Uramurdah calcrete to form a relatively broad system approximately

22 km2 in area with smaller isolated calcrete formations present for over 10 km northwards, extending

along the Uramurdah and Negrara creek drainage systems (Figure 3) (Geological Survey of Western

Australia, Jan. 2011). It is suggested from a review of the Department of Water data that these smaller

calcretes are more widespread than indicated on the geological maps and vary in thickness from

approximately 1 m to 14 m (RPS Aquaterra 2010b).

Toro Energy exploration drill hole data showed the calcrete in the mining area to be interbedded with finer

grained sedimentary units such as clay and silt, with gravels also present in parts (Figure 8) (RPS

Aquaterra 2010b). The drill logs also showed the calcrete profiles to varying in thickness from 4 m to 14 m

with an average of 10 m (RPS Aquaterra 2010b). The Lake Way mining area is considered to occur in the

modelled calcrete/alluvium transition hydrogeological unit and not in the main Uramurdah calcrete body

(RPS Aquaterra 2010b). However, two drill holes sampled in the mining area, LakeOES41 and

LakeOES42 that occur in the elevated dune system that has formed on the southern flank of the

Uramurdah calcrete, do appear to intersect the main calcrete body which can be seen approximately 1 m

to 2 m below the ground surface (Outback Ecology, pers. obs.). The Lake Way mining area will cover


26

approximately 5 km2 in the calcrete/alluvium transition zone between the southern boundary of the main

Uramurdah calcrete and the northern shoreline of the Lake Way playa (Figure 8) .

The standing groundwater water levels across the Uramurdah calcrete outside of the mining area vary from

2.7 m to 8.1 m (average 4.4 m) below the ground surface (Appendix B), indicating that a considerable

portion of the calcrete is saturated. Saturation zones of calcretes within the northern goldfields area

typically vary around 5 m to 10 m in thickness (Johnson et al. 1999). In the mining area along the delta

that fringes the lake playa standing water levels were 2.7 m to 6.5 m (average 3.7 m).

The lateral extent of the modelled groundwater drawdown at the end of the mining period depends on the

presence or absence of a barrier to water flow into and out of the mine pit areas (RPS Aquaterra 2010b).

With no barrier in place the predicted 0.1 m drawdown contour zone would extend from the mine pits in an

east to west direction for nearly 10 km and nearly 12 km in a north to south direction (Figure 6) (RPS

Aquaterra 2010a). The drawdown contour of 0.5 m would extend with a radius of approximately 3 km

around the mining area (Figure 6) . Approximately 9 km2 of the western portion of the Lake Violet calcrete

will occur within the 0.1 m predicted drawdown zone. The 0.5 m drawdown contour is not predicted to

extend to the Lake Way calcrete. An estimated 10 km2 of Uramurdah calcrete will occur within the 0.1 m

drawdown zone, with a further 7 km2 of the southern portion of Uramurdah calcrete falling within the 0.5 m

zone.

With the construction of water barriers the predicted 0.5 m drawdown zone would not extend north beyond

the mine void areas but would extend for a short distance beyond the barrier southwards under the lake

playa in parts (Figure 8) . The modelled 0.1 m drawdown contour would also extend for a relatively short

distance (approximately 1 km) southwards under the lake playa but would also extend to the north-west

encompassing the outflow region of the Negrara Creek including small areas of the neighbouring Lake

Violet and Uramurdah calcrete (Figure 8) .

Water levels within the mining pit areas with no barriers in place are predicted to have mostly (90 %)

returned to pre-mining levels 15 years after dewatering (RPS Aquaterra 2010b). A near full return of pre-

mining water levels is not expected for 20 to 30 years after dewatering. With water barriers still in place

post mining, restoration of water levels close to pre-mining levels within the mine pit areas may vary from

20 to 30 years in some areas closer to the mine edge and up to 100 years in more central locations (RPS

Aquaterra 2010b).


27

3.3 West Creek Borefield

The proposed West Creek borefield occurs to the north west of the surface expression of the Lake Violet

calcrete (Figure 3) . Exploration drill logs indicate that the Lake Violet calcrete extends from the north-

western border of the Lake Way playa north-westwards beneath the soil cover to beyond the proposed

borefield bores with thickness varying from 5 m to 20 m (Aquaterra 2010). Aquaterra (2010) considered it

plausible that the calcrete aquifer occurs right along the 32 km West Creek drainage system to the

Millbillillie Bubble Well calcrete located in and beyond a narrow valley in the Finlayson Range 8 km to the

north-west of the borefield.

The Lake Violet calcrete has a maximum width as indicated by surface geology of over 6 km near the Lake

Way playa. In the north-west area of the borefield tenement the calcrete is estimated to be approximately

1 km wide (Aquaterra 2010). The calcrete body in the borefield tenement varies from 0 m to 5 m below the

ground surface and extends to maximum depths of 20 m to 25 m (Aquaterra 2010). The standing water

levels measured in the calcrete areas of the borefield varied from 4.1 m to 11.8 m (average 6.8 m)

(Appendix B), indicating that a considerable portion of the calcrete is saturated with a potential maximum

saturated zone of approximately 20 m. Outside the borefield tenement the calcrete is estimated to vary in

thickness from 5 m to 15 m in the northern region and to increase in thickness as the calcrete approached

the Lake Way playa (Aquaterra 2010).

The lateral extent of the modelled groundwater drawdown (scenario 6) (Aquaterra 2010), at the end of the

Project’s water extraction predicted the 0.1 m drawdown contour to extend for approximately 12 km along

the West Creek drainage system and for approximately 7 km across (Figure 6). The modelled drawdown

predicted a maximum drawdown contour of 4 m to occur as a relatively narrow drawdown cone

(approximately 4 km by 1.3 km) centred around sample sites P26 and P70 (Figure 6) (Aquaterra 2010).

Sites including Bores Windmill, P18, P22, and P61 occur within the 3 m drawdown contour. Sample site

Explor 5 occurs just outside the 2 m drawdown contour, with the remaining sites present within the 0.5 m to

0.1 m drawdown zones. Within 60 years of water extraction ceasing, water levels are predicted to mostly

recover, with greater than 60 % recovery predicted within 20 years (Aquaterra 2010).

3.4 Processing Plant Infrastructure

The mined ore from the Centipede and Lake Way deposits will be processed at a location less than 2.5 km

west of the Centipede deposit (Figure 2) . The plant infrastructure footprint covers an area of

approximately 60 ha situated on an elevated region of the Hinkler Well calcrete to the east of Abercromby

Well (Figure 7) . In this area the calcrete varies from 0 m to 1 m below the surface with standing water

levels ranging from 3.7 m to 4.7 m (average 4.3 m bgl) (Appendix B) . The degree of ground disturbance

and depth of excavation required for construction of the plant is unknown.


28

4. SUBTERRANEAN FAUNA

4.1 Background

Stygofauna

Stygofauna (groundwater fauna) are predominantly comprised of invertebrates. Crustaceans generally

dominate stygal communities with other groups including worms, insects, gastropods and water mites

occurring to a lesser extent. They can be further classified according to their level of dependency on the

subterranean environment. Invertebrates that enter groundwaters passively or accidentally are referred to

as stygoxenes, while those that inhabit groundwaters on a permanent or temporary basis are called

stygophiles. It is only animals that are obligate groundwater dwellers that are termed stygobites.

Stygobites are restricted to their subterranean environment and can be distinguished from surface dwelling

animals ecologically and genetically (Cooper et al. 2002, Danielopol and Pospisil 2000). They display

characteristics typical of a subterranean existence which include: a reduction or absence of pigmentation,

absence or reduction of eyes, and the presence of extended locomotory and sensory appendages

(Humphreys 2008).

Stygofauna occur in various types of aquifers which exhibit voids of a suitable size for biological

requirements (Humphreys 2008). In Australia, research efforts and improved sampling techniques have

revealed a rich stygal community. Previously believed to be restricted to karst landscapes, obligate

groundwater inhabitants have now been found in alluvial sediments, fractured rock aquifers, pisolites and

thin regoliths (Humphreys 2006, Humphreys 2008). In Western Australia, studies have shown that the

calcretes and alluvial aquifers of the arid and semi-arid zones contain rich stygofaunal communities, with

the Pilbara and to a lesser extent the Yilgarn, standing out as global hotspots for stygofauna diversity

(Environmental Protection Authority 2007).

Troglofauna

Troglofauna (terrestrial subterranean fauna) are often relictual forms related to surface dwelling (epigean)

groups and can be distinguished by characteristics associated with a below ground existence (Humphreys

2000). Similar to stygofauna, troglofauna can be further divided into:

• troglophiles, which carry out most of their lifecycle underground, however, are able to survive in

epigean (surface) habitats;

• trogloxenes which can enter subsurface habitats passively or incidentally; and

• troglobites which are obligate or permanent subterranean inhabitants (Thurgate et al. 2001), that

generally lack pigmentation, are blind (or have reduced eyes), have elongated limbs, and may

possess enhanced non-visual sensory adaptations (Culver et al. 1995).

Troglofauna are found worldwide and were generally classified as cave- or well-dwelling organisms (Culver

and Sket 2000). However, the discovery of diverse troglofauna communities inhabiting subsurface rock


29

fractures in non-karst areas in Europe in the 1980’s prompted broader consideration of potential habitat

(Juberthie 2000).

The most researched areas in WA are the Cape Range and Barrow Island karst cave systems, where large

diverse communities have been discovered in extensive caves systems (Hamilton-Smith and Eberhard

2000). However, recent dedicated sampling in the Pilbara region has identified troglofauna from non-

karstic geologies such as vuggy pisolite ore beds (Biota 2006), while in the Yilgarn, geologies including

calcrete (Barranco and Harvey 2008) and metamorphic mafic rocks (Bennelongia 2009) have been found

to contain troglofauna. It is only recently that troglofauna have become a focus of environmental

assessment in Western Australia and there is still relatively little information on their distribution (Eberhard

2007, Environmental Protection Authority 2007).

Troglofauna are defined in the EPA Guidance Statement 54A (2007) as “air-breathing subterranean

animals found in caves or voids”. A high proportion of troglobites are short range endemics (SRE’s) with

geographically restricted ranges. Species with a distribution of less than 10,000 km2 are considered to be

SRE’s and because of their limited range are considered more vulnerable to extinction (Harvey 2002).

Therefore, it is important for environmental impact assessment to demonstrate the wider distribution of

species of troglofauna outside of the extent of habitat disturbance associated with the proposal.

4.2 Risks and Relevant Legislation

In relation to mining, potential threats to subterranean ecosystems, which may support stygofauna and/or

troglofauna communities, include:

• lowering the water table, which may dry out subterranean habitats;

• altering the water quality, which may exceed species tolerance limits; and

• direct removal or disturbance to habitats (Environmental Protection Authority 2003).

Subterranean fauna are protected under State and Federal legislation, governed by three acts:

• Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 (WA);

• Environmental Protection Act 1986 (WA); and

• Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth).

The Department of Environment (DEC), responsible for administering the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950,

maintains a list of rare or threatened species of subterranean fauna, or those with high conservation value.

These include; priority ecological communities (PECS), that are possibly threatened and/or have not been

adequately defined, and threatened ecological communities (TECs) (Department of Environment and

Conservation 2007). The DEC recognises four categories of Threatened Ecological Communities (TECs)

within WA community types and these are presented in Appendix A .


30

Threatened ecological communities that occur in Western Australia may also be listed as nationally

threatened under the federal EPBC Act 1999 (Department of Sustainability Environment Water Population

and Communities 2010b). These state and federal lists are maintained by the DEC and the Department of

Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities (DSEWPC) and are available online (via

database searches), providing important information on significant stygofauna and troglofauna

communities that may be at risk from proposed mining activities.

With the legislation in mind, the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) developed:

• Guidance Statement No. 54: Consideration of Subterranean Fauna in Groundwater and Caves

During Environmental Impact Assessment in Western Australia (2003); and

• Guidance Statement No. 54a Sampling Methods and Survey Considerations for Subterranean

Fauna in Western Australia (Technical Appendix to Guidance Statement 54) (2007).

These documents provide advice to proponents and the public on the EPA’s minimum requirements for

environmental impact assessment (EIA) and management of subterranean fauna.

Mining proposals that will potentially impact on groundwater or habitats that support subterranean fauna

require a risk assessment to ensure mining operations do not threaten the viability of significant taxa. The

risks are primarily determined by the extent of habitat disturbance associated with the proposal and the

wider distribution of the habitat(s) in which the fauna occur (Environmental Protection Authority 2007).

Approval could not be granted if there was considered to be a significant risk of species becoming extinct


The principal aim of sampling is to demonstrate to the satisfaction of the relevant regulatory authorities that

no species is restricted to the impact area of the proposal. If restricted species of high conservation

significance are identified within a project area and proponents intend to manage impacts on these species

during development, a comprehensive management plan, outlining suitable commitments will be necessary



31

5. METHODS

The field methods and survey efforts employed during the Wiluna Uranium Project subterranean fauna

assessment are presented below. Licences to take fauna for scientific purposes (Wildlife Conservation Act

1950, Regulation 17) were obtained from the DEC for the various phases of the assessment (Lic. Nos.

SF006067, SF007149 and SF007343). Personnel involved in sampling included Dr Fiona Taukulis, Dr

Veronica Campagna, Nicholas Stevens and Richard de Lange of Outback Ecology, with Kerryn Wolffe

(Toro Energy Representative) assisting on the November 2009 and February 2010 sample rounds.

5.1 Stygofauna Assessment

5.1.1 Stygofauna Sampling

Stygofauna were sampled using haul nets, which have been found to be the most efficient retrieval method

(Allford et al. 2008). Sampling was consistent with the procedures outlined in the EPA Draft Guidance

Statement No. 54a (Environmental Protection Authority 2007).

The sampling method was as follows:

• Samples were collected using two weighted haul nets with mesh sizes of 150 µm and 50 µm.

Each net was fitted with a glass vial with a base mesh of 50 µm.

• The 150 µm net was lowered first, near to the bottom of the hole.

• Once at the bottom the net was gently raised up and down to agitate the sediments.

• The net was then raised slowly to minimise the ‘bow wave’ effect that may result in the loss of

specimens, filtering the stygofauna from the water column on retrieval.

• Once retrieved the collection vial was removed, the contents emptied into a 250 ml polycarbonate

vial, and preserved with 100 % undenatured ethanol.

• This process was repeated three times and then repeated using the 50 µm net.

• To prevent cross-contamination, all sampling equipment was washed thoroughly with Decon 90 (2-

5 %) and rinsed with distilled water after each site.

• Samples were couriered back to Outback Ecology’s laboratory in Perth for sorting and

identification. All stygofauna samples were preserved in 100 % ethanol and refrigerated at

approximately 20 °Celsius (°C).

5.1.2 Stygofauna Survey Effort

Stygofauna baseline surveys were conducted in all project areas encompassing the Hinkler Well, Lake

Violet and Uramurdah calcretes with sample phases occurring in 2007, 2009 and 2010. The sampling

effort conducted satisfied the minimum requirements recommended by the EPA Guidance statement 54a

(2007).


32

Centipede Project Survey Area

In Centipede project survey area, a total of 75 samples from 64 holes were collected over three rounds of

sampling in July 2007, November 2009 and August 2010 (Table 1; Figure 6) . Thirty six samples were

from inside the Centipede mining disturbance area, and five from within the processing plant infrastructure

footprint. A total of 35 samples were from outside the 0.2 m groundwater drawdown contour with a barrier

in place around the mining voids (Figure 7) . With no barrier in place, 13 of the 35 samples were outside

the 0.5 m groundwater drawdown contour (Figure 6) .

Table 1: Stygofauna sampling effort in relation to disturbance areas and projected contours of groundwater drawdown, with or without groundwater b arriers, at the Centipede project area.

Lake Way Project Survey Area

In the Lake Way project survey area, a total of 44 samples from 26 holes were collected over four rounds

of sampling in November 2009, March, May and August 2010 (Table 2; Figure 6) . Forty four samples

were from the Uramurdah calcrete, six of which were from drill holes LW3 and LW4 situated in the Negrara

Creek bed (Figure 6 & Figure 8) . Twenty seven samples were from inside the Lake Way mining

disturbance area (Figure 8) . If a barrier was in place around the proposed mining voids, eight samples

were from outside the projected 0.1 m drawdown contour and 11 samples from within the 0.1 m drawdown

contour. With no barrier in place 13 samples were outside the 0.5 m drawdown contour (Table 6) .

Barrier

0 m 0 m 0.2 m 0.5 m

Jul-07 21 4 17 1 16 42

Nov-09 15 15 10 5 30

Aug-10 1 3 2 1 4

No. Samples 36 5 35 12 1 22 76

No. Holes 33 4 29 12 1 17 66

Sample Date

Mining AreaProcessing

Area

No BarrierTotal


33

Table 2: Stygofauna sampling effort in relation to disturbance areas and projected contours of groundwater drawdown, with or without groundwater b arriers, at the Lake Way project area.


In the West Creek borefield project survey area, a total of 40 samples from 14 holes were collected over

five rounds of sampling in November 2009, May, August, and November 2010 (Table 3; Figure 6) .

Twenty two samples were from the Lake Violet calcrete in the West Creek borefield tenement area within

the modelled groundwater drawdown with the maximum drawdown exceeding 4 m (Figure 6) (Aquaterra

2010). Three samples were also collected from the Lake Violet calcrete but further to the east of the

proposed borefield area. The remaining 15 samples were taken from outside the calcrete within the

surrounding alluvium in the borefield area within the predicted drawdown contours of 0.1 to 2 m (Figure 6)

(Aquaterra 2010).

Table 3: Stygofauna sampling effort in relation to disturbance areas and projected contours of groundwater drawdown for the West Creek borefield p roject area.

0 m 0.1 m 0 m 0.1 m 0.5 m

Nov-2009 2 3 3 2 5

Mar-2010 18 1 1 19

May-2010 7 2 5 3 4 14

Aug-2010 2 1 3 3 1 6

No. Samples 27 5 12 2 10 8 44

No. Holes 19 2 5 2 3 4 26

Sample Date

Mining Area

Barrier No Barrier Total

Outside Borefield

Alluvium LV Calcrete LV Calcrete

Nov-09 3 5 3 11

May-10 2 5 7

Aug-10 5 6 11

Nov-10 5 6 11

No. Samples 15 22 3 40

No. Holes 5 6 3 14

Sample Date

West Creek BorefieldTotal


34

5.1.3 Groundwater Quality

Basic physico-chemical data was collected from each of the sites. The approximate standing water level

(SWL) (m bgl) was measured using a Solinst 101 water level meter. Groundwater was collected just below

the SWL with a disposable clear PVC bailer (42 mm x 900 mm), lowered using a winch. A calibrated TPS

90 FLMV multi-parameter field instrument was used to measure the pH, salinity as electrical conductivity

(EC), temperature and dissolved oxygen (DO) of the groundwater retrieved. The end of hole (EoH) was

also estimated for each site using the stygofauna haul nets.

5.2 Troglofauna Assessment

5.2.1 Troglofauna Sampling

Troglofauna were sampled using litter traps that were suspended in boreholes following the procedure

adopted by Biota (Biota 2006). Sampling was consistent with the procedures outlined in the EPA Draft

Guidance Statement No. 54a (Environmental Protection Authority 2007).

The sampling methods were as follows:

• Litter traps were packed with sterilised organic material and sealed to maintain moist, sterile

conditions prior to field deployment.

• Litter traps were wetted with deionised water prior to installation in drill holes. Traps were left in

place for at least six to eight weeks during each sample round to allow adequate time for

colonisation by fauna.

• Once retrieved, the traps were sealed in zip lock bags and couriered back to Outback Ecology’s

laboratory in Perth for sorting and identification.

• In the laboratory, fauna were extracted from the litter using Tullgren funnels. Heat from the lamps

above the funnels creates a temperature gradient of approximately 14 °C in the litter. As

troglofauna are light sensitive and prefer humid conditions, they are driven down through the litter

as it dries. The specimens then fall through a mesh layer into collection vials at the base of the

funnels, containing 100 % ethanol.

• Additional troglofauna material was also collected in net haul samples. The supplementary

sampling technique resulted from scraping the sides of the uncased drill holes during the hauling

process, dislodging putative troglofauna material from the unsaturated strata.

• Once sorted in the laboratory, troglofauna material from both litter traps and stygofauna haul net

samples were preserved in 100 % ethanol and refrigerated at approximately 20 °C.


35

Figure 6: Stygofauna sampling sites and extent of modelled groundwater drawdown contours for

Centipede and Lake Way project areas with no barrie rs in place, and West Creek borefield project

survey area.


36

Figure 7: Stygofauna sampling sites in Centipede p roject survey area and extent of modelled

groundwater drawdown contours with barriers in plac e around proposed mining voids.


37

Figure 8: Stygofauna sampling sites in Lake Way pr oject survey area and extent of modelled



38

5.2.2 Troglofauna Survey Effort

Troglofauna baseline surveys were only conducted for the Centipede and Lake Way project survey areas

encompassing the Hinkler Well and Uramurdah calcretes, respectively. The surveys were undertaken in

accordance with EPA Guidance Statement No. 54a (2007) requirements from November 2009 to May

2010 and satisfied the minimum survey effort requirements recommended by the EPA (2007). Because of

insufficient holes suitable for troglofauna sampling for the West Creek borefield project survey in the Lake

Violet calcrete, only a pilot study was undertaken. Within the predicted borefield groundwater drawdown

zones the three holes sampled were located in the alluvial sediments laid down outside the extent of the

calcrete.


A total of 61 litter trap samples and 62 net haul samples from 82 uncased holes were collected over six

rounds of sampling in July 2007, November 2009, February, March, May, August, and November 2010

(Table 4; Figure 9 and Figure 10) . Seventy two samples were from inside the Centipede mining area, 12

from within the processing plant infrastructure footprint and 39 samples from outside the 0.2 m drawdown

contour with a barrier in place around the mining voids. With no barrier in place 38 samples were within

the projected 0.5 m drawdown zone (Table 4; Figure 10) .

Table 4: Troglofauna sampling effort in relation t o disturbance areas and projected contours of groundwater drawdown, with or without groundwater b arriers, at the Centipede project area.

Barrier

0 m 0 m 0.5 m

Net haul 19 4 17 17 40

Trap

Net haul 15 5 5 20

Trap 14 8 1 7 22

Net haul

Trap 24 7 8 8 39

Net haul 1 1 1 2

Trap

Net haul 34 5 23 23 62

Trap 38 7 16 1 15 61

Total 72 12 39 1 38 123

57 7 20 1 19 84

Nov-09 to Feb-10

No. Samples

No. Holes

Jul-07

Mar-10 to May-10

May-10 to Aug-10

TotalSample

DateSample Method

Mining Area

Processing Area

No Barrier


39


A total of 60 litter trap samples and 37 net haul samples from 36 uncased holes were collected over four

sample rounds in November 2009, February, March and May, 2010 (Table 5; Figure 9 and Figure 11) .

Thirty two trap samples and 25 net haul samples were from inside the Lake Way mining area. With a

barrier in place around the mining voids 16 trap samples and two net haul samples were from outside the

drawdown zone, with 16 trap samples and five net haul samples from within the projected 0.1 m drawdown

zone. With no barrier in place two trap samples were outside the 0.5 m drawdown zone (Table 5; Figure

11).

Table 5: Troglofauna sampling effort in relation t o disturbance areas and projected contours of groundwater drawdown, with or without groundwater b arriers, at the Lake Way project area.


Within the West Creek borefield project survey area a total of 13 trap and seven net haul samples from six

uncased holes over five rounds of sampling were collected in November 2009, February, March, August,

and November 2010 (Table 6; Figure 9) . Three holes sampled were from outside the calcrete in the

borefield drawdown area within the surrounding alluvium. The remaining three holes sampled were

collected from the Lake Violet calcrete further to the east of the proposed borefield (Table 6; Figure 9) . No

troglofauna samples were taken from the Lake Violet calcrete in the West Creek borefield drawdown area,

as no suitable holes were available for sampling.

0 m 0.1 m 0.5 m 0.1 m 0.5 m

Net haul 2 3 3 2 5

Trap

Net haul

Trap 1 7 4 3 8 12

Net haul 18 18

Trap 22 3 6 1 3 7 32

Net haul 7 2 4 1 3 4 14

Trap 9 2 4 1 3 4 16

Net haul 25 4 7 1 6 6 37

Trap 32 12 14 2 9 19 60

Total 57 16 21 3 15 25 97

22 7 6 1 3 11 36

No BarrierTotal

No. Holes

Sample Date

Sample Method

Mining Area

Barrier

Nov-09 to Feb-10

Feb-10 to Mar-10

Mar-10 to May-10

May-10 to Aug-10

No. Samples


40

Table 6: Troglofauna sampling effort in relation t o disturbance areas and projected contours of groundwater drawdown for the West Creek borefield p roject area.

Outside Borefield

Alluvium LV Calcrete LV Calcrete

Net haul 1 1

Trap 3

Net haul 2

Trap 3 3 3

Net haul 2

Trap 3 1 1

Net haul 2

Trap

Net haul 6 0 1 7

Trap 9 0 4 13

Total 15 0 5 20

3 0 3 6

West Creek BorefieldSample Date

Sample Method

Total

Nov-09 to Feb-10

Feb-10 to Mar-10

Mar-10 to May-10

May-10 to Aug-10

No. Samples

No. Holes


41

Figure 9: Troglofauna sampling sites and extent of modelled groundwater drawdown contours for

Centipede and Lake Way project areas with no barrie rs in place, and West Creek borefield project

survey area.


42

Figure 10: Troglofauna sampling sites in Centipede project survey area and extent of modelled



43

Figure 11: Troglofauna sampling sites in Lake Way project survey area and extent of modelled



44

5.3 Sorting and identification of Specimens

Preserved samples were sorted manually under Leica MZ6, MZ7.5 and M80 stereomicroscopes, with

sub-samples taken for those taxa present in high numbers. Sorting was conducted by Dr Erin

Thomas, Dr Nihara Gunawardene, Brooke Hay, Richard de Lange, Kimberley Moiler, Syngeon

Rodman, Chris Hofmeester, Dr Adrian Rakimov and Dr Peter Langlands.

Identification was carried out to species or morphospecies level for the majority of taxa, using both

published literature and unpublished keys and taxon descriptions. Oligochaete material was only

taken to family level because of taxonomic issues in the reliability of identifying species, generally

further compounded when specimens are juvenile. Identifications were undertaken by Dr Erin

Thomas, Nicholas Stevens and Dr Nihara Gunawardene of Outback Ecology, with specialist

taxonomists and DNA analyses employed to obtain higher taxonomic resolution for some groups

(Table 7 ).

Table 7: Taxa for which specialist taxonomists and /or DNA analyses were used during the

subterranean fauna assessment.

5.4 DNA Sequencing

Representative specimens of Amphipoda (14), Dystiscidae (7), Isopoda (11), and Parabathynellidae

(15) from Hinkler Well, Lake Violet and Uramurdah calcretes were sent to Dr Leijs (South Australian

Museum) for genetic analyses. The two main aims of the molecular analyses were:

• Test the robustness of identifications based on morphological characters, including juvenile

specimens, and align morphospecies with described and previously sequenced taxa from the

Wiluna region.

• Investigate phylogeographic patterns of selected taxa to assess the degree of genetic

divergence among populations/species across calcretes sampled within the Project area.

Taxa Specialist Taxonomist/s Institution DNA Analyses

Copepoda Dr Tomislav Karanovic Department of Life Sciences, Hanyang University, Korea

Ostracoda Dr Ivana Karanovic Zoologisches Museum Hamburg, Germany

Jane McRae Bennelongia Environmental Consultants, Jolimont, Western Australia

Dr Rachael King South Australian Museum, Adelaide, South Australia ●

Isopoda Dr Rachael King South Australian Museum, Adelaide, South Australia ●

Amphipoda Dr Rachael King South Australian Museum, Adelaide, South Australia ●

Coleoptera (Dytiscidae) Dr Chris Watts South Australian Museum, Adelaide, South Australia ●

Syncarida (Parabathynellidae)


45

5.5 Limitations of the Study

All specimens where possible were identified to the lowest taxonomic level. However, specimens

could not always be identified to species or morphospecies because:

• Loss or damage of certain taxonomic features during collection and/or the sorting process.

• Only juvenile forms were present.

• Taxonomic impediment exists where the current state of taxonomy for a particular group is

insufficiently advanced with taxonomic keys and descriptions of new genera/species lacking.

While every effort has been made to assess the conservation status of the stygofauna collected using

in-house data collections, publications, publicly available reports, and information provided by

specialist taxonomists, some accounts may be limited if information was unavailable at the time of

report submission.

5.6 Statistical Analyses

5.6.1 Univariate Statistics - Minitab

Univariate analysis is a statistical technique that is used for analysing a single parameter at a time.

Analyses were performed in MINITAB (Version 14) (Minitab Incorporated 2003) using water quality

data from the Project area, including the Centipede project survey area, and combined data from the

Lake Way project survey area and the West Creek borefield project survey area.

One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare mean pH and salinity (as electrical

conductivity) based on surface habitat type and survey round, for the Centipede project survey area

and, within the Lake Way project survey area/West Creek borefield project survey area. The survey

rounds and specific surface habitat classifications for each site are listed in Appendix B and

Appendices C – E respectively, with the list of classifications in Table 8 and Appendix F (Plate 1

and Plate 2 ). Data used in the analyses was subjected to normality testing and transformed where

required. A confidence level of 95 % (p value of <0.05) was considered statistically significant.

Table 8: Habitat types assigned for analyses based on surface geology.

Area Surface Habitat Type Code

Lower delta LD

Upper delta UD

Hinkler Well calcrete H

Uramurdah delta D

Uramurdah calcrete Ur

Lake Violet calcrete LV

West Creek alluvium AL

Lake Way project survey

area/ West Creek borefield

survey area

Centipede project survey

area


46

5.6.2 Multivariate Statistics - Primer

Multivariate analysis involves the statistical analysis of more than one parameter at a time. Principal

components analysis (PCA) is an explanatory tool and was applied to basic water quality data

collected over the assessment. A number of sites included in the analyses are represented by

multiple samples and therefore multiple data points. The remaining sites were sampled once only

and are represented by single data points.

Salinity (electrical conductivity) was transformed to reduce skewness (ensuring the data was normally

distributed) and collinear variables (those that have a linear relationship) were removed during pre-

treatment of the data. The results of the PCA are shown in the form of a plot, where sites with similar

water quality are located closer together. Vectors radiate from the centre of the plot and represent the

influence of each parameter. The concentration of the parameter follows the direction of the vector,

with higher concentrations tending to occur at sites situated near the end point. The percentage

variance is a value used to explain the strength of the PCA and is presented over the first two axes of

the plot, with a value exceeding 60 % considered a useful interpretation of the data (Clarke and

Warwick 2001).

Non metric multi-dimensional scaling (MDS) was used to identify sites with similar stygofauna

communities. As with water quality, a number of sites are represented by multiple samples while

others have only a single data point. The datasets were transformed (presence/absence) during pre-

treatment, to reduce skewness and sites which did not contain stygofauna were omitted. A small

number of outlier sites were also removed. The results of the MDS analyses are presented in plots,

where sites yielding similar stygofauna assemblages group closer together. As a result of the sparse

dataset, multivariate analyses were not conducted for troglofauna.

5.6.3 Species Accumulation Curves and Species Richness Estimation

The EstimateS software package (Colwell 2009) was used to plot species accumulation curves and to

estimate the total species richness that might exist based on survey results. The EstimateS results

provide a statistical evaluation of the proportion of the faunal assemblage detected and give an

indication of the adequacy of the sampling effort conducted. A species accumulation curve and

species diversity estimation was not done for the West Creek borefield project survey area as there

was insufficient trogolofauna sampling conducted.


47

6. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

6.1 Stygofauna Assessment

6.1.1 Groundwater Quality


Basic water quality parameters were measured at each of the sites sampled during the stygofauna

assessment (Appendix C - E ). Groundwater pH in the Centipede project survey area ranged from

slightly acidic (<6.50) to alkaline (>7.50) sensu (Foged 1978), with the majority of records across the

habitat types exceeding pH 7 (Table 9 ). While stygofauna communities are known to be rich in

calcareous environments, where the pH generally ranges between 7.20 to 8.20 (Humphreys 2008),

work on stygal ostracods has documented specimens from groundwaters with values as low as pH

4.4 (Reeves et al. 2007). This suggests that the pH of groundwaters within the Centipede project

area is generally suitable for stygofauna.

Groundwater salinity (as electrical conductivity) ranged from a minimum of 1,980 µS/cm at the sites

assigned to the Hinkler Well calcrete habitat type to a maximum of 176,000 µS/cm at one of the lower

delta holes within the mining disturbance area. This indicated that groundwaters in the Centipede

project survey area ranged from fresh (<5,000 µS/cm) to hypersaline (≥70,000 µS/cm) sensu

(Hammer 1986). The mean values displayed a similar pattern, highlighting a general trend of

increasing salinity eastwards from the Hinkler Well calcrete (mean = 2,930 µS/cm) to the lower delta

(mean = 97,800 µS/cm). Although some stygal taxa have been recorded at higher salinities (as

evidenced in this report), significant communities are not expected to occur in groundwaters

exceeding 80,000 µS/cm (Environmental Protection Authority 2007).

Groundwater temperature ranged between 19.4 °C and 26.4 °C, with the lowest minimums recorded

from each of the Centipede habitat types during the July 2007 sampling round. Dissolved oxygen

concentrations varied, ranging from 0.8 ppm at one of the upper delta sites (November 2009) to a

maximum of 8.08 ppm at a lower delta site (July 2007). The overall mean concentrations were

relatively similar across the habitats, with values of between 4.4 ppm and 5.65 ppm calculated for

each. A number of stygal taxa are able to persist over a wide range of dissolved oxygen

concentrations (Malard and Hervant 1999), with studies suggesting that stygofauna can inhabit

groundwaters with dissolved oxygen levels of <1 mg/L (ppm) (Humphreys 2008). As a result, it

appears unlikely that the levels of dissolved oxygen levels noted within the Centipede project survey

area (across the various habitats) would preclude stygal communities.

The approximate standing water levels varied between habitats, with the floodplain sites displaying

the shallowest mean (2 m bgl). This is likely to reflect the proximity of the lower delta holes to the

playa, the standing water levels of which are typically less than 1 m bgl (Mann and Deutscher 1978).

In contrast, the deepest mean standing water level (5.1 m bgl) was associated with the Hinkler Well

calcrete, the surface habitat furthest from the playa.


48

One-way analyses of variance (ANOVA) was conducted on pH and salinity (electrical conductivity),

the two measured water quality variables considered to be the primary influence on stygofauna

distribution. The results of the analyses suggested that pH and salinity varied significantly between

the habitat types (p <0.001). Statistical differences were also noted among the sampling rounds

(p <0.01), related to site differences and temporal variation. Supporting the range tables and the

results of the ANOVAs, the PCA conducted on basic water quality also suggested that there were

differences associated with habitat type within the Centipede project survey area. These were

primarily attributed to pH and salinity, with the lower delta sites generally characterised by higher

salinities (electrical conductivities) and lower pH than the Hinkler Well calcrete sites. The upper delta

sites typically displayed more intermediate values. Temperature was also an important explanatory

variable, a reflection of the temporal differences associated with the assessment (Figure 12 ).


49

Table 9: Basic water quality ranges recorded from the surface habitat types sampled within the Centip ede project survey area. EC = electrical

conductivity, Temp = temperature, DO = dissolved ox ygen, SWL = standing water level.

Jul-07 Nov-09 Aug-10 Overall Nov-09 Aug-10 Overall Jul-07 N ov-09 Overall

Min 7.28 6.47 7.52 6.47 7.84 7.37 7.37 6.98 7.33 6.98

Max 8.06 7.54 7.64 8.06 8.84 7.55 8.84 7.77 8.53 8.53

Mean 7.66 7.01 7.58 7.54 8.15 7.46 8.03 7.24 7.83 7.50

SD 0.27 0.44 0.08 0.38 0.32 0.13 0.39 0.21 0.38 0.40

No. 22 5 2 29 10 2 12 19 15 34

Min 2585 17230 2740 2585 1980 2630 1980 49100 6380 6380

Max 112800 68900 8790 112800 6040 2800 6040 176000 124200 176000

Mean 28140 41366 5765 28870 2974 2700 2930 123450 65437 97800

SD 32720 23669 4277 30690 1200 120 1090 37500 37700 47180

No. 22 5 2 29 10 2 12 19 15 34

Min 21.10 23.80 24.90 21.10 20.70 24.30 20.70 19.40 21.10 19.40

Max 26.40 25.00 25.10 26.40 24.50 25.30 25.30 25.30 25.90 25.90

Mean 24.37 24.34 25.00 24.40 23.28 24.80 23.50 22.59 23.10 22.80

SD 1.34 0.52 0.14 1.18 1.07 0.70 1.16 1.61 1.29 1.48

No. 22 5 2 29 10 2 12 19 15 34

Min 4.25 0.80 4.83 0.80 1.78 4.77 1.78 3.74 1.01 1.01

Max 7.77 4.28 5.73 7.77 5.08 5.85 5.85 8.08 5.48 8.08

Mean 6.32 2.85 5.28 5.65 4.27 5.31 4.40 6.87 3.33 5.30

SD 1.08 1.59 0.64 1.73 1.01 0.76 1.02 1.21 1.38 2.18

No. 22 5 2 29 10 2 12 19 15 34

Min 1.20 2.90 4.40 1.20 4.00 3.97 4.00 0.80 1.30 0.80

Max 4.80 3.88 4.65 4.80 7.80 5.10 7.80 7.20 4.37 7.20

Mean 3.80 3.44 4.53 3.82 5.30 4.54 5.10 2.00 1.89 2.00

SD 1.00 0.41 0.18 0.87 1.07 0.80 1.04 1.60 0.75 1.30

No. 22 5 2 29 10 2 12 19 15 34

Approximate SWL (m bgl)

pH (units)

EC (µS/cm)

Temp (°C)

DO (ppm)

Hinkler Well Calcrete (H) Lower Delta (LD)Upper Delta (UD)


50

Figure 12: PCA plot of basic water quality paramet ers recorded from the Centipede project

survey area during the assessment period (based on 75 samples). A total of 69.2 % of the

variation was explained by the first two axes.

Lake Way and West Creek Borefield Project Survey Areas

Groundwater in the Lake Way and West Creek borefield project survey areas ranged from a minimum

of pH 6.89 to a maximum of pH 9.03, recorded from bores within the Uramurdah calcrete (Ur) and

Lake Violet calcrete (LV) habitat types respectively (Table 10 ). The majority of values recorded from

across the Lake Way and West Creek borefield project survey areas ranged from pH 7 to 8, and were

unlikely to restrict stygal communities (Appendices D – E ).

Groundwater salinity (electrical conductivity) varied, with freshwaters documented from the alluvium of

the West Creek borefield project survey area (mean = 2,110 µS/cm) through to higher salinities at the

Uramurdah delta sites associated with the Lake Way project survey area (mean = 67,140 µS/cm).

The Lake Violet calcrete habitat type ranged from fresh to hyposaline (5,000 – 30,000 µS), with a

-4 -2 0 2 4PC1

-4

-2

0

2

4

PC

2

HabitatUDLDH

pH

EC

Temp

DO


51

mean of 7,440 µS/cm, while the mean salinity of 32,629 µS/cm in the Uramurdah calcrete habitat

represented mesosaline conditions (30,000 – 70,000 µS/cm) sensu (Hammer 1986).

Groundwater temperature ranged from a minimum of 15 °C at an Uramurdah calcrete site (March

2010) to 38.9 °C at a delta site. The Uramurdah ca lcrete also displayed the lowest mean temperature

(22.5 °C), while the remaining habitats averaged 24 .9 °C.

Dissolved oxygen levels in the Lake Way and West Creek borefield project survey areas varied,

ranging from a minimum of 0.81 ppm (Uramurdah calcrete) to a maximum of 9.23 ppm (West Creek

borefield alluvium) over the assessment. The mean concentrations ranged from 2.85 ppm at the

Uramurdah delta to 5.36 ppm at the West Creek alluvium area, with the majority of values recorded

exceeding 1 ppm (1 mg/L), suggesting suitable conditions for stygofauna.

The standing water levels were mostly shallow at the Uramurdah delta (overall mean of 3.69 m bgl)

within the Lake Way project survey area, reflecting its proximity to the playa. The two calcretes,

Uramurdah and Lake Violet, had similar means (5.14 and 5.68 m bgl respectively), with the West

Creek alluvium displaying the deepest water table (a mean SWL of 11.43 m bgl).

ANOVA conducted on the primary water quality variables of pH and salinity (as electrical conductivity)

found significant differences in habitat types (p <0.01), and among the sampling rounds (p <0.01).

The PCA plot of water quality also indicated differences in the basic water quality of some habitat

types (Figure 13 ). The Uramurdah delta (D) and calcrete (Ur) sites of the Lake Way project survey

area typically had higher salinities and slightly lower pH, resulting in their general separation from the

West Creek alluvium and Lake Violet calcrete sites. The variable nature of temperature was also

highlighted, related to seasonal differences.


52

Table 10: Ranges for basic parameters of water qua lity recorded from the four habitat types sampled w ithin the Lake Way and West Creek

borefield project survey areas. EC = electrical co nductivity, Temp = temperature, DO = dissolved oxyg en, SWL = standing water level.

Nov-09 Mar-10 May-10 Aug-10 Overall Mar-10 May-10 Overall N ov-09 May-10 Aug-10 Nov-10 Overall Nov-09 May-10 Aug-10 Nov -10 Overall

Min 7.41 6.89 7.08 6.90 6.89 7.06 7.13 7.06 7.34 7.30 7.06 7.13 7.06 7.89 7.80 7.24 7.24 7.24

Max 7.78 7.07 7.79 7.49 7.79 7.50 7.57 7.57 8.23 9.03 7.46 7.51 9.03 8.03 8.08 7.66 7.76 8.08

Mean 7.59 6.98 7.41 7.18 7.35 7.22 7.31 7.25 7.79 8.02 7.28 7.34 7.60 7.97 7.94 7.40 7.56 7.65

SD 0.16 0.13 0.28 0.24 0.29 0.13 0.16 0.14 0.34 0.63 0.15 0.14 0.44 0.07 0.19 0.16 0.20 0.27

No. 5 2 7 6 20 16 7 23 8 5 6 6 25 3 2 5 5 15

Min 12090 37200 7200 11330 7200 54900 29200 29200 4090 2073 3340 3370 2073 1660 1573 1570 1538 1538

Max 72500 51800 46100 63600 72500 97000 88000 97000 73400 5380 6250 6320 73400 1900 2580 4230 4170 4230

Mean 37216 44500 22768 36355 32629 72760 55890 67140 14210 3200 4720 4645 7440 1760 2070 2200 2200 2110

SD 28868 10320 14030 834 19820 14640 20210 18120 23980 1365 1123 1080 13830 120 710 1140 1100 890

No. 5 2 7 6 20 14 7 21 8 5 6 6 25 3 2 5 5 15

Min 22.50 15.00 21.40 21.10 15.00 20.00 22.30 20.00 22.60 22.30 25.00 26.70 22.30 23.10 20.80 21.90 25.80 20.80

Max 25.30 18.00 24.40 23.40 25.30 38.90 24.70 38.90 24.50 24.50 26.50 28.00 28.00 24.60 22.00 25.60 27.40 27.40

Mean 24.04 16.50 23.17 22.60 22.50 25.75 23.33 24.86 23.56 23.50 25.50 27.18 24.88 23.90 21.40 23.88 26.36 24.38

SD 1.24 2.12 1.08 0.83 2.39 7.74 0.83 6.18 0.69 0.99 0.69 0.51 1.69 0.76 0.85 1.46 0.65 1.91

No. 5 2 7 6 20 12 7 19 8 5 6 6 25 3 2 5 5 15

Min 1.27 0.81 NA 1.94 0.81 0.88 NA 0.88 1.53 NA 5.10 3.40 1.53 3.82 NA 1.08 2.67 1.08

Max 4.44 1.81 NA 6.46 6.46 4.50 NA 4.50 5.43 NA 6.67 7.05 7.05 5.54 NA 6.88 9.23 9.23

Mean 2.56 1.31 NA 3.63 2.86 2.85 NA 2.85 4.18 NA 6.04 5.70 5.19 4.58 NA 4.38 6.80 5.36

SD 1.29 0.70 NA 1.66 1.57 0.94 NA 0.94 1.37 NA 0.56 1.47 1.44 0.87 NA 2.84 2.70 2.58

No. 5 2 0 6 13 16 0 16 8 0 6 6 20 3 0 5 5 13

Min 2.80 5.50 NA 2.99 2.80 2.70 NA 2.70 4.10 4.74 4.15 4.73 4.10 11.80 10.32 10.52 10.22 10.22

Max 6.90 6.50 NA 8.18 8.18 6.50 NA 6.50 6.60 6.44 6.57 9.40 9.40 12.00 11.82 11.66 11.76 12.00

Mean 4.74 6.00 NA 5.20 5.14 3.69 NA 3.69 5.36 5.46 5.69 6.22 5.68 11.90 11.07 11.39 11.33 11.43

SD 1.81 0.71 NA 1.98 1.72 0.85 NA 0.85 0.82 0.88 0.96 1.84 1.17 0.10 1.06 0.49 0.64 0.58

No. 5 2 0 6 13 14 0 14 8 3 6 6 23 3 2 5 5 15

West Creek Borefield Alluvium (AL)

pH (units)

EC (µS/cm)

Approximate SWL (m bgl)

Uramurdah Delta (D)

Temp (°C)

DO (ppm)

Uramurdah Calcrete (Ur) Lake Violet Calcrete (LV)


53

Figure 13: PCA plot of basic water quality paramet ers recorded from the Lake Way and West

Creek borefield project survey areas (based on 78 s amples). A total of 85 % of the variation

was explained by the first two axes.

-4 -2 0 2 4PC1

-4

-2

0

2

4

PC

2

HabitatUrLVDAL

pH

EC

Temp


54

6.1.2 Stygofauna Taxa

In total, 2,809 invertebrate specimens from more than 20 orders were collected by 159 stygofauna net

haul samples from 104 drill holes across all project survey areas, of which 2,495 specimens

represented up to 50 stygofauna taxa (Table 11) . The greatest abundance of stygofauna was

recorded from the Centipede project survey area with 1,440 individuals representing 26 taxa from

nine orders (Table 11). Sampling for the Lake Way project survey area recorded a much lower

abundance with 433 individuals but represented a comparable level of diversity with 24 taxa. The

West Creek borefield project survey area recorded 622 individuals representing 24 taxa.

The Copepoda (Cyclopoida and Harpacticoida) was the most abundant and speciose group collected

from all project survey areas, with 1,416 specimens representing more than half of the total

(Appendix G) . Overall, 19 copepod species were identified, 12 of which were found to be relatively

widespread, occurring across more than one calcrete in a project area and/or having been detected

by other studies from other calcretes in the region. Identification of more-recently collected copepod

and ostracod specimens from the West Creek borefield project survey area are continuing and are

scheduled to be completed by early March 2011.

Table 11: Summary of results for the Wiluna Uraniu m stygofauna assessment.


Of the 22 stygofauna species identified to species or morphospecies from the Centipede project

survey area (excluding the Oligochaeta taxa and single Bathynellidae specimen), 13 species (59.1 %)

were relatively widely distributed, having been collected from other calcrete systems as part of this

assessment, or from previous stygofauna surveys conducted in the northern Yilgarn (Table 12) .

Twelve of these species were Copepoda taxa with Atopobathynella wattsi (Parabathynellidae) being

the only non-copepod.

Centipede Lake Way West Creek

Total specimens 1570 471 768 2809

Stygofauna 1440 398 657 2495

Non-stygofauna 12 0 5 17

Troglofauna 16 12 1 29

Non-troglofauna 102 61 105 268

Invertebrate orders 20 16 18 54

Stygofauna orders 9 8 8 10

Stygofauna taxa 26 24 24 50

Stygofauna species or morphotype 22 21 21 41

NumberArea

Total


55

The constriction of the Hinkler Well calcrete, caused by the Erawalla Fault uplift near to where the

Goldfields Highway crosses the calcrete, has not acted as a barrier to stygofauna movement (Figure

6). The distribution of the amphipod Chiltoniidae sp. SAM3 and the diving beetle Limbodessus

hinkleri (Dytiscidae) (Appendix H , Plate 3a ) were found to stretch for more than 20 km from the

eastern part of the calcrete in the proposed mining area bordering the Lake Way playa to the western

part of the calcrete on the opposite side of the Goldfields Highway. The distribution for L. hinkleri was

further confirmed by DNA sequence data. Limbodessus macrohinkleri (Appendix H , Plate 3b ) and

Candonopsis linnaei (Ostracoda: Candonidae) were both only found in this study to the east of the

highway in and around the processing plant infrastructure footprint. However, both species were first

described from material collected from the Hinkler Well more than 13 km west of the highway

(Karanovic 2008; Watts and Humphreys 2006), demonstrating movement and increased distribution.

Three species, Brevisomabathynella sp. SAM2 (Parabathynellidae), Schizopera sp. TK4 and S. TK7

(Harpacticoida), have not yet been recorded from outside the Centipede mining disturbance area

(Table 12) . It is considered highly unlikely that the distributions of these three species are only

restricted to the immediate vicinity of the drill holes from which they were collected. The wider

distributions of more than 10 other species detected in but not confined to the proposed mining area

indicate the presence of suitable habitat adjacent to and outside of the area to be mined. The

apparent restricted distributions are more likely to be an artefact of sampling and the difficulty in

detecting subterranean species that can exist at low population density levels.


Twelve of the 21 taxa (57.1 %) identified to species or morphospecies (excluding Oligochaeta taxa)

detected from the Lake Way project survey area were found to have relatively widespread

distributions, having been collected from other calcrete systems as part of this assessment or from

previous stygofauna surveys conducted in the northern Yilgarn (Table 13). As for the Centipede

project survey area, the majority of these more widespread species (10) were copepods.

The alignment of DNA sequence data with previously sequenced material from Millbillillie Bubble Well

and Lake Violet calcretes showed the physically larger Chiltoniidae sp. SAM1 (Amphipoda) and

Limbodessus wilunaensis (Coleoptera) stygofauna species to be more widely distributed and not

confined to Uramurdah calcrete (Leijs 2010; Appendix I). The distribution range of Chiltoniidae sp.

SAM1 from several Uramurdah calcrete sites to Millbillillie Bubble Well calcrete 38 km to the north-

west indicates that contiguous habitat exists across the northern Lake Way calcrete systems,

including the Lake Violet calcrete.

The greatest abundance and diversity of species in the Lake Way project survey area were found in

sites located in the main Uramurdah calcrete body (LW3 - 7, 11, LakeOES41, 42) (Figure 8) . There

were 390 specimens representing 20 taxa, including non-morphotyped Oligochaeta material

representing three families. In contrast, sites sampled in the delta region of the mining area were


56

depauperate with only eight specimens representing three taxa, Pararpseudoleptomesochra sp.

?TK2, as well as enchytraeid and naidid oligochaete specimens, collected from three sites

(AC09LW0046, 61, and 59) (Appendix G) .

Kinnecaris sp. TK2 (Copepoda) was the only species not detected from outside the proposed Lake

Way mining area. The single specimen of Kinnecaris sp. TK2 was collected from site LakeOES41

which intercepted the main Uramurdah calcrete body. Ten other taxa collected from this site, were

also found in the more northern Uramurdah calcrete sites (LW3 - 7, and 11) outside of the proposed

mining area, including the widespread amphipod species Chiltoniidae sp. SAM1. The distribution

patterns of these 10 other species from LakeOES41 indicate the absence of any physical barrier and

the presence of a wider extent of suitable habitat occurring outside the mining impact area.

Therefore, it is considered highly unlikely that the distribution of Kinnecaris sp. TK2 is restricted to the

immediate vicinity of the drill hole from which it was collected. Instead, the apparent restricted

distribution is more likely to be an artefact of sampling and the difficulty in detecting species that may

exist at low population density levels.


The stygofauna survey conducted for the West Creek borefield project survey area was in part

constrained by heritage and cultural considerations and the lack of suitable holes available for

sampling outside of the main groundwater drawdown zone. Therefore, it was not possible to obtain a

more comprehensive understanding of the distribution ranges within the West Creek drainage

catchment for many of the taxa recorded. Despite this limitation, the distributions of the majority of

the 21 species detected from within the West Borefield tenement area were found not to be confined

to within the predicted groundwater drawdown contours. Thirteen of the 21 stygofauna taxa (62 %)

identified to species or morphospecies (excluding Oligochaeta taxa) collected from the proposed

West Creek borefield project survey area, have been recorded from other calcrete systems as part of

this assessment or previous stygofauna surveys conducted in the northern Yilgarn (Table 14 ). The

majority (10) of these more widely distributed species were copepod taxa, as was the case with both

the Centipede and Lake Way project survey areas.

The alignment of DNA sequence data extracted from specimens from Bores Windmill in the West

Creek borefield project survey area with previously sequenced material of the described Limbodessus

millbilliensis (Coleoptera) from Millbillillie Bubble Well showed the distribution of this dytiscid beetle

species ranges for at least 20 km along the West Creek drainage catchment (Leijs 2010; Appendix I ).

The demonstrated distribution ranges of Limbodessus millbilliensis support the proposed notion that

the calcrete aquifer extends from Millbillillie Bubble Well calcrete approximately 18 km to the north-

east of the borefield to the Lake Violet calcrete (Aquaterra 2010).

The greatest abundance and diversity of stygofauna species was detected from Bores Windmill,

located within the predicted 3 m to 4 m groundwater drawdown zones (Figure 6 ). Thirteen species,


57

representing more than half of the species found in the Lake Violet calcrete, were recorded from

Bores Windmill over four sampling rounds from November 2009 to November 2010 (Appendix G ).

The widely distributed L. millbilliensis was detected at Bores Windmill on most occasions the site was

sampled. The amphipod, Chiltoniidae sp. SAM2 from Bores Windmill was differentiated from

Chiltoniidae sp. SAM1 on morphological and DNA sequence data.

There were 18 enchytraeids and one Halicyclops kieferi specimen collected from six sites (Explor5, 7,

8 and Well 1 Bore A, B, and C) sampled in the alluvium to the south of the main predicted drawdown

zone. This indicates that the less permeable geology in the area presents sub-optimal habitat for

stygofauna that are present in the neighbouring Lake Violet calcrete (Figure 6; Appendix G) .

In all, seven species, Chiltoniidae sp. SAM2 (Appendix H, Plate 3c) , Paramelitidae sp. SAM1

(Amphipoda), Brevisomabathynella sp. SAM3 (Appendix H , Plate 3d) , Brevisomabathynella sp.

SAM4, Parabathynellidae sp. OES13 (Bathynellacea), Kinnecaris sp TK1 and

Parapseudoleptomesochra sp. TK2 (Copepoda), were not found from outside the modelled borefield

groundwater drawdown contours. Most of the seven species were collected from Bores Windmill,

P18, and/or P22 located in the 3 m to 4 m drawdown contour zone, except for the copepod Kinnecaris

sp TK1 detected from P70 only in the maximum predicted drawdown zone exceeding four metres

(Figure 6) .

It is estimated that a considerable portion of the calcrete profile would stay saturated within the

drawdown area with a potential maximum saturated zone of approximately 20 m remaining.

Aquaterra (2010) estimated under the expanded borefield scenario 6, that 60 % of the saturated

thickness would be maintained with a 40 % permissable drawdown over 10 years of extraction.

It is highly unlikely that the distributions of the seven species only detected from inside the

groundwater drawdown area, are restricted to the immediate vicinity of the sites from which they were

collected. As noted for the other project areas, the distribution patterns of most other species

detected from these sites indicate the presence of a wider extent of contiguous suitable habitat

occurring along the West Creek drainage catchment to the north-west and south-east of the predicted

drawdown contours. The apparent restricted distributions are more likely to be an artefact of the

limited sampling from a wider area outside of the predicted drawdown contours and the difficulty in

detecting subterranean species that can often exist at low population density levels.


58

Table 12: Centipede project survey area stygofauna species diversity, abundance and distribution. Or ange shaded cells indicate species

found to date in mining area only. H = Hinkler Wel l Calcrete; LV = Lake Violet calcrete; Ur = Uramur dah calcrete; WC = West Creek borefield

tenement area of Lake Violet calcrete.

Barrier

0 m 0 m 0.2 m 0.5 m

Chiltoniidae sp. SAM3 74 33 16 25 1 24 H Undescribed species identified by morphological characteristics,

R. King (RK) (SAM)a ; DNA unsuccessfulb.

Chiltoniidae sp. ?SAM3 2 2 2 H Damaged specimens. Considered likely to be Chiltoniidae sp.SAM3.

Bathynellidae 1 1 1 H Family widely distributed. Recorded from Pilbara and Yilgarn

groundwaters c,d. Taxonomy of group currently limited, restrictingfurther identification.

Atopobathynella wattsi 640 631 9 9 H First described from Hinkler Well calcrete. Also recorded from

Paroo Station e.

Atopobathynella ?wattsi 4 3 1 1 H Damaged and/or immature specimens considered likely to beAtopobathynella wattsi .

Atopobathynella sp. OES5 51 51 51 H Undescribed species identified via morphological characteristics;

DNA unsuccessful b.

Brevisomabathynella sp. SAM2

20 20 H

Undescribed species identified by DNA analyses; Grouping near

Brevisomabathynella clayi b from the drainage between Lake

Violet and Uramrudah calcretes f.

Taxon

Bathynellacea

Amphipoda

CommentsTotal

Abund.Mining Area

Process. Area

No BarrierAreas

Detected


59

Table 12 (cont.): Centipede project survey area st ygofauna species diversity, abundance and distribut ion..

Barrier

0 m 0 m 0.2 m 0.5 m

Bidessini 4 1 3 3 H Larvae. Likely to belong to Limbodessus.

Limbodessus 4 3 1 1 H

Larvae and/or damaged adult specimens identified by

morphological characteristics, C.Watts (CW) (SAM) g; DNA

unsuccessful b.

Limbodessus hinkleri 106 1 1 104 42 62 H Identification confirmed morphologically, CW (SAM) g and through

DNA b. First described from the Hinkler Well area h.

Limbodessus ?hinkleri 1 1 1 H Damaged. Identified by morphological characteristics, CW (SAM) g.

Limbodessus macrohinkleri 2 1 1 1 H Identification confirmed morphologically by CW (SAM) g. First

described from Hinkler Well calcrete i.

Dussartcyclops uniarticulatus 3 1 2 2 H, Ur, WCFormerly known as Goniocyclops uniarticulatus j. Recorded fromMurchison localities including Quinns Lake Well, Millbillillie

Station (near Bubble Well) and Depot Springs. Stygobiont k.

Fierscyclops fiersi 12 1 11 11 H, LV Widely distributed in Yilgarn region k. Stygobiont l.

Taxon

Coleoptera

Copepoda: Cyclopoida

CommentsTotal

Abund.Mining Area

Process. Area

No BarrierAreas

Detected


60

Table 12 (cont.): Centipede project survey area st ygofauna species diversity, abundance and distribut ion.

Barrier

0 m 0 m 0.2 m 0.5 m

Halicyclops eberhardi 246 98 10 138 10 128 H, Ur, WCOnce considered to be a widely distributed species but now

considered likely to be a species complex. Possible stygophile l.

Halicyclops kieferi 2 2 2H, LV, Ur,

WCCommon in the Yilgarn region, occurring in >30 localities k

Stygobiont l.

Metacyclops laurentiisae 61 61 60 1 H Recorded from various localities in Murchison and Gascoyne

regions k. Stygobiont l.

Ameiropsyllus sp. TK1 4 4 B, HUndescribed subterranean species. Also identified from

groundwaters of Lake Maitland floodplain, approx. 72 km SE m.

Australocamptus similis 6 6 6 H, WC First described from Wiluna Borefield k. Possible stygophile l.

Kinnecaris sp. TK1 16 16 16 H Undescribed species l, relatively closely related to Kinnecaris

solitaria (Depot Springs k). Provisionally named Kinnecaris

‘lakewayensi s’ by T.Karanovic (TK). Stygobiont l.

Nitokra sp. TK1 26 20 2 4 4 H, UrLarger of two undescribed Nitokra spp. from Lake Way.

Provisionally named Nitokra ‘megaregis ’ by TK. Stygobiont l.

Copepoda: Harpacticoida

TaxonAreas

DetectedComments

Total Abund.

Mining Area

Process. Area

No Barrier

Copepoda: Cyclopoida (cont.)


61


Barrier

0 m 0 m 0.2 m 0.5 m

Nitokra sp. TK2 16 16 H, LV, UrSmaller of two undescribed Nitokra spp. from Lake Way.Provisionally named N. ‘microregis’ by T.Karanovic (TK). Stygobiontl.

Parapseudoleptomesochra sp. TK1

14 14 14 H, LV, UrUndescribed species. Closely related toParapseudoleptomesochra rouchi (Uramurdah calcrete). Stygobiont l.

Schizopera austindownsi 31 29 2 2 H, LV, Ur

Recorded from Austin Downs and Wiluna Gold Lake Violet

Borefields. Appears restricted to broader Wiluna area k. Possible

stygophile l.

Schizopera uramurdahi 27 15 12 12 H, Ur, WC Occurs in Uramurdah calcrete and Lorna Glen Station k. Stygobiont l.

Schizopera sp. TK4 1 1 HUndescribed species, likely to be same as Schizopera sp. TK1 fromgroundwaters of Lake Maitland. Additional material required for

confirmation. Stygobiont m.

Schizopera sp. TK7 19 19 H Undescribed species. Morphologically similar to specimens from

Barwidgee calcrete near Lake Maitland. Stygobiont l.

Taxon

Copepoda: Harpacticoida (cont.)

Areas Detected

CommentsTotal

Abund.Mining Area

Process. Area

No Barrier


62


a (King 2010), b. (Leijs 2010), c. (Eberhard et al. 2004), d. (Outback Ecology 2010a),; e. (B. Humphreys pers. comm. 2010), f. (Cho and Humphreys 2010), g. (C. Watts pers. comm. 2010), h. (Watts and Humphreys 2000), i. (Watts and Humphreys 2006), j. (Karanovic et al. 2011), k. (Karanovic 2004), l. (T. Karanovic pers. comm. 2010), m. (T. Karanovic pers. comm. 2007); n. (Pinder 2010), o. (Pinder et al. 2006), p. (Pinder 2008), q. (Karanovic 2008).

Barrier

0 m 0 m 0.2 m 0.5 m

Enchytraeidae 15 1 14 2 12H, LV, Ur,

WCDocumented from Pilbara and Yilgarn groundwaters c, d.

Naididae 1 1H, LV, Ur,

WC

Previously separated into Tubificidae and Naididae (now

synonomised) n. Occurs in groundwaters of Pilbara and Yilgarn

regions c, d, o.

Phreodrilidae 5 5 5H, LV, Ur,

WCRecorded from groundwaters of Pilbara and Yilgarn regions d, p.

Candonopsis 1 1 1 H Incomplete specimens. Could not be identified further.

Candonopsis (Abcandonopsis) linnaei

15 5 10 H Described from Hinkler Well calcrete. Stygobiont q.

Comments

Oligochaeta

Ostracoda

Total Abund.

Mining Area

Process. Area

No BarrierAreas

DetectedTaxon


63

Table 13: Lake Way project survey area stygofauna species diversity, abundance and distribution. Ora nge shaded cells indicate species found to date in mining area only. H = Hinkler Well Calcret e; LV = Lake Violet calcrete; Ur = Uramurdah calc rete; WC = West Creek borefield tenement area of Lake Violet calcrete.

0 m 0.1 m 0.5 m 0 m 0.1 m 0.5 m

Chiltoniidae sp. SAM1 9 2 1 7 1 7 M, UrIdentified via morphological characteristics, R. King (RK) (SAM)

and DNA a. Also occurs in Millbillillie Bubble Well calcrete b.

Paramelitidae sp. SAM2 2 2 2 UrIdentified via morphological characteristics, RK (SAM) a; DNA

extraction unsuccessful b.

Brevisomabathynella uramurdahensis

4 1 3 3 UrIdentified via DNA b. First described from Urarmurdah Lake

(Millbillillie Station) f .

Brevisomabathynella sp. OES5

11 11 11 Ur Identified via morphological characteristics and DNA a, b.

Brevisomabathynella sp. OES6

8 8 8 Ur

Identified via morphological characteristicsa; DNA unsuccessfulb.

Parabathynellidae 1 1 1 Ur Immature specimen. Could not be identified further.

Limbodessus 1 1 UrLarva, identified via morphological characteristics, C. Watts

(CW) (SAM) g; DNA unsuccessful b.

Limbodessus wilunaensis 2 2 2 LV, Ur

Larvae, identified via morphological characteristics CW (SAM)

and DNA a, b. First described from Wiluna Gold Lake Violet

Borefield r.

Amphipoda

Bathynellacea

Coleoptera

CommentsTaxonTotal

Abund.Mining Area

Barrier No BarrierAreas

Detected


64

Table 13 (cont.): Lake Way project survey area sty gofauna species diversity, abundance and distributi on.

0 m 0.1 m 0.5 m 0 m 0.1 m 0.5 m

Copepoda 6 6 6 Ur Immature (nauplii). Could not be identified further l.

Dussartcyclops uniarticulatus 1 1 1H, Ur ,

WC

Formerly known as Goniocyclops uniarticulatus j. Recorded fromMurchison localities including Quinns Lake Well, Millbillillie

Station (near Bubble Well) and Depot Springs. Stygobiont k.

Halicyclops 1 1 1 Ur Immature (copepodid). Could not be identified further l.

Halicyclops eberhardi 39 4 34 34 1 H, Ur, WCOnce considered to be a widely distributed species but now


Halicyclops k ieferi 173 36 70 67 67 70H, LV, Ur,


Stygobiont l.

Copepoda


CommentsTaxonTotal

Abund.Mining Area


Detected


65


0 m 0.1 m 0.5 m 0 m 0.1 m 0.5 m

Haifameira pori 1 1 1H, LV, Ur,

WC

Common around the Wiluna area; localities including Hinklercalcrete, Lake Violet Borefield and near Bubble Well (Millbillillie

Station) k. Stygobiont l.

Kinnecaris sp. TK2 1 1 UrDamaged specimen. Similar to Kinnecaris sp. TK1 from

Centipede project area but with some unusual deformations s.

Nitokra sp. TK1 7 5 2 2 H, LV, UrLarger of two undescribed Nitokra spp. from Lake Way.Provisionallly named ‘Nitok ra megaregis ’ by T.Karanovic (TK).

Stygobiont l.

Nitokra sp. TK2 15 4 3 8 1 8 2 H, LV, UrSmaller of two undescribed Nitokra spp. from Lake Way.

Provisionally named ‘Nitokra microregis ’ by TK. Stygobiont l.

Parapseudoleptomesochra sp. TK1

29 1 16 12 12 16 H, LV, UrUndescribed species. Closely related toParapseudoleptomesochra rouchi from Uramurdah calcrete.

Stygobiont l.


CommentsTaxonTotal

Abund.Mining Area


Detected


66


0 m 0.1 m 0.5 m 0 m 0.1 m 0.5 m

Parapseudoleptomesochra sp. ?TK2

1 1 1 Ur, ?WCSimilar to Parapseudoleptomesochra sp. TK2 from West

Creek but too immature for confirmation s.

Schizopera austindownsi 5 2 3 1 3 H, LV, Ur

First recorded from Austin Downs and Wiluna Gold Lake Violet

Borefields. Appears restricted to broader Wiluna area k

Possible stygophile l.

Schizopera uramurdahi 58 10 5 43 43 5 H, Ur, WCOccurs in Uramurdah calcrete and Lorna Glen Station k

Stygobiont l.

Schizopera sp. TK2 1 1 1 Ur Undescribed species. Stygobiont l.

Haloniscus sp. OES8 3 3 3 Ur

Several Haloniscus spp. found in stygofauna samples, andlitter traps, considered putative troglofauna. Described spp.from area; H. stilifer and H. longiantennatus, are consideredstygal. H. sp. OES8 similar to H. stilifer but not conclusivedue to poor condition.


Isopoda

CommentsTaxonTotal

Abund.Mining Area


Detected


67


a. (King 2010), b. (Leijs 2010) c. (Eberhard et al. 2004), d. (Outback Ecology 2010a); e. Bill Humphreys pers. comm. 2010; f. (Cho and Humphreys 2010), g. Watts pers. comm. 2010; h. (Watts and Humphreys 2000), i. (Watts and Humphreys 2006), j. (Karanovic et al. 2011), k. (Karanovic 2004), l. (T. Karanovic pers. comm. 2010), m. (T. Karanovic pers. comm. 2007); n. (Pinder 2010), o. (Pinder et al. 2006), p. (Pinder 2008), q. (Karanovic 2008), r. (Watts and Humphreys 2003), s. (T. Karanovic pers. comm 2011), t. (Taiti and Humphreys 2001), u. (Ruppert and Barnes 1994), v.( I. Karanovic pers. comm. 2010), w. Department of Environment and Conservation unpublished data.

0 m 0.1 m 0.5 m 0 m 0.1 m 0.5 m

Enchytraeidae 13 9 4 3 1 Ur, WCDocumented from groundwaters of the Pilbara and Yilgarn

regions c, d.

Naididae 1 1 Ur, WC

Family previously separated into Tubificidae and Naididae (now

synonomised) n. Occurs in groundwaters of Pilbara and Yilgarn

regions c, d, o.

Phreodrilidae 1 1 1 Ur, WCRecorded from groundwaters of the Pilbara and Yilgarn regionsd, p.

Candonopsis sp. IK1 1 1 1LV, Ur,

WCUndescribed species. Provisionally named Candonopsis ‘wayi’

by I. Karanovic. (IK). Stygobiont v .

Ostracoda

Oligochaeta

CommentsTaxonTotal

Abund.Mining Area


Detected


68

Table 14: West Creek borefield survey area stygofa una species diversity, abundance and distribution. Orange shaded cells indicate species

found to date in groundwater drawdown contour zones only. H = Hinkler Well Calcrete; LV = Lake Viole t calcrete; Ur = Uramurdah calcrete; WC =

West Creek borefield tenement area of Lake Violet c alcrete.

Calcrete Alluvium

Chiltoniidae sp. SAM2 76 3 ─ 4 WCUndescribed species identified via morphological

characteristics, R. King (RK) (SAM) a and DNA b.

Paramelitidae sp. SAM1 9 3 ─ 4 WCUndescribed species identified via morphological

characteristics, RK (SAM) a and DNA b.

Brevisomabathynella sp. SAM3 11 3 ─ 4 WCUndescribed species identified via morphological characteristics

and DNA a, b.

Brevisomabathynella sp. SAM4 2 3 ─ 4 WC Undescribed species identified through DNA b.

Parabathynellidae sp. OES13 1 3 ─ 4 WCSmall undescribed species. Separated from otherparabathynellids based on morphological characteristics.

Amphipoda

Bathynellacea

CommentsTaxonTotal Abundance Groundwater

drawdown range (m)

Areas Detected


69

Table 14 (cont.): West Creek borefield project sur vey area stygofauna species diversity, abundance an d distribution.

Calcrete Alluvium

Limbodessus millbilliensis 3 3 ─ 4 Yes LV, M, WC

Larvae and/or damaged adult specimens. Identification based on

morphological characteristics and DNA b, g. First described from

Millbillillie Bubble Well area i.

Cyclopoida 8 3 ─ 4 Identification pending

Dussartcyclops uniarticulatus 66 3 ─ > 4 YesH,LV, Ur,

WC

Formerly known as Goniocyclops uniarticulatus j. Recorded fromthe Murchison region; Quinns Lake Well, Millbillillie Station (nearBubble Well) and Depot Springs. Stygobiont k.

Fierscyclops fiersi 6 0 ─ 4 Yes H, LV, WC Widely distributed in the Yilgarn region k. Stygobiont l.

Halicyclops eberhardi 17 3 ─ 4 Yes H, WCOnce considered to be a widely distributed species but now


Halicyclops kieferi 18 1 0 ─ 4 YesH, LV, Ur,


Stygobiont l.

Comments

Coleoptera


TaxonTotal Abundance Groundwater

drawdown range (m)

Outside drawdown

zone

Areas Detected


70


Calcrete Alluvium

Harpacticoida 29 3 ─ > 4 Identification pending

Australocamptus similis 70 3 ─ 4 Yes H, LV, WC First described from Wiluna Borefield k. Possible stygophile l.

Haifameira pori 115 0 ─ 4 YesH, LV, Ur,

WC

Common around the Wiluna area; Localities including Hinklercalcrete, Lake Violet Borefield and near Bubble Well (Millbillillie

Station) k. Stygobiont l.

Kinnecaris sp. TK1 1 > 4 No WC

Undescribed species l, relatively closely related to Kinnecaris

solitaria from Depot Springs k. Provisionally named Kinnecaris

‘lakewayensis’ by T.Karanovic (TK). Stygobiont l.

Nitokra sp. TK2 1 0 Yes H, LV, Ur Smaller of two undescribed Nitokra species from Lake Wayarea. Provisionallly named Nitokra ‘microregis’ by TK.

Stygobiont l.


Total AbundanceCommentsTaxon

Groundwater drawdown range (m)

Outside drawdown

zone

Areas Detected


71

Table 14 (cont.): West Creek borefield project su rvey area stygofauna species diversity, abundance a nd distribution.

Calcrete Alluvium

Parapseudoleptomesochra sp. TK1 9 0 Yes H, LV, Ur

Undescribed species. Closely related toParapseudoleptomesochra rouchi from Uramurdah calcrete.

Stygobiont l.

Parapseudoleptomesochra sp.TK2

64 3 ─ 4 No WC Undescribed species. Stygobiont l.

Schizopera austindownsi 4 0 Yes H, LV, Ur

First recorded from Austin Downs and Wiluna Gold Lake Violet

Borefields. Appears restricted to broader Wiluna area k

Possible stygophile l.

Schizopera uramurdahi 9 3 ─ 4 YesH, LV, Ur,

WCOccurs in Uramurdah calcrete and Lorna Glen Station k

Stygobiont l.

Comments



drawdown range (m)

Outside drawdown

zone

Areas Detected


72


Calcrete Alluvium

Enchytraeidae 25 18 0 ─ > 4 Potentially LV, WCDocumented from groundwaters of the Pilbara and Yilgarn

regions c, d.

Naididae 1 > 4 Potentially LV, WC

Family previously separated into Tubificidae and Naididae. (now

synonomised) n. Known to occur in groundwaters of Pilbara and

Yilgarn regions c, d, o.

Phreodrilidae 27 3 ─ 4 Potentially LV, Ur, WC Recorded from groundwaters of Pilbara and Yilgarn regions d, p.

Comments

Oligochaeta


drawdown range (m)

Outside drawdown

zone

Areas Detected


73


a .(King 2010), b. (Leijs 2010); c. (Eberhard et al. 2004), d. (Outback Ecology 2010a); e. B. Humphreys pers. comm. 2010; f. (Cho and Humphreys 2010), g. C. Watts pers. comm. 2010; h. (Watts and Humphreys 2000), i. (Watts and Humphreys 2006), j. (Karanovic et al. 2011), k. (Karanovic 2004) l. T. Karanovic pers. comm. 2010; m. T. Karanovic pers. comm. 2007; n. (Pinder 2010), o. (Pinder et al. 2006), p. (Pinder 2008), q. (Karanovic 2008), r. (Watts and Humphreys 2003), s. T. Karanovic pers. comm. 2011; t. (Taiti and Humphreys 2001), u. (Ruppert and Barnes 1994), v. (I. Karanovic pers. comm. 2010) w. (Department of Environment and Conservation unpublished data). .

Calcrete Alluvium

Ostracoda 25 3 ─ 4 Identification pending.

Candonopsis dani 18 3 ─ 4 Yes LV, WCFirst described from Lake Violet Borefield. Common in

groundwaters around Wiluna. Stygobiont v.

Candonopsis sp. IK1 20 0 ─ 4 Potentially LV, Ur, WCUndescribed species. Provisionally named Candonopsis ‘wayi’

by I. Karanovic (IK). Stygobiont v.

Comments

Ostracoda


drawdown range (m)

Outside drawdown

zone

Areas Detected


74

6.1.3 Stygal Community Structure


The MDS plot of sites based on stygal assemblages from the Centipede project survey area indicate

some similarities exist in taxa between the habitat types, particularly in relation to the lower and upper

delta sites (Figure 14 ). A small number of lower delta outliers (NLW4 and NVCT0495) were

exceptions, and were separated from the remaining lower delta and upper delta sites due to the

predominance of the cyclopoid copepod Ameiropsyllus sp. TK1. As noted previously (Table 12 ), this

undescribed species is not restricted to the Centipede project survey area, having also been collected

from the groundwaters of Lake Maitland.

Some of the Hinkler Well calcrete sites also grouped relatively close to those of the lower and upper

delta sites, indicating similar taxa, while other samples taken from the calcrete habitat displayed few

similarities (as evidenced by the greater distance within the plot). However, this may be partially

related to the limited sampling effort in the specific area.

Figure 14: MDS plot of sites within the Centipede project survey area based on stygofauna

assemblages collected during the assessment period. A total of 55 samples and 28 taxa were

included.

Transform: Presence/absenceResemblance: S17 Bray Curtis similarity

HabitatUDLDH

2D Stress: 0.06


75

Lake Way and West Creek Borefield Project Survey Areas

The MDS plot of sites based on stygal assemblages from the Lake Way project survey area and West

Creek borefield project survey area showed that the stygofauna communities within the Lake Violet

calcrete tended to differ from the Uramurdah calcrete, with limited taxa occurring in both habitats

(Figure 15) . As a result of the low number of sites yielding stygofauna, the relationship between the

communities at the Uramurdah delta and those from the West Creek alluvium, is difficult to determine.

Figure 15: MDS plot of sites within the Lake Way a nd West Creek borefield project survey

areas based on stygofauna assemblages collected dur ing the assessment period. A total of 42

samples and 36 taxa were included in the analysis.

Transform: Presence/absenceResemblance: S17 Bray Curtis similarity

HabitatLVALUrD

2D Stress: 0.07


76

6.1.4 Stygofauna Species Accumulation Curves and Species Richness Estimates


The species accumulation curve for the Centipede project survey area indicates a marked decline in

the rate of new species detected after about 20 samples with further decreases in the rate of new

species found with additional sampling (Figure 16) . The various species diversity estimators (e.g.,

ACE, Bootstrap, Chao, ICE, MMruns, and Jacknife) in EstimateS (Colwell 2009) estimated the total

richness of the stygofauna assemblages to range from 27 to 31 species (Table 15) . The survey

detected 26 taxa which suggests that sampling to date has collected 84 % to 96 % of the total species

estimated to occur in the survey area.

Figure 16: Stygofauna species accumulation curve ( Sobs Mao Tau: EstimateS (Colwell 2009)

for the Centipede project survey area.


77

Table 15: Observed stygofauna species diversity fr om the Centipede project survey area,

compared to estimated diversity using EstimateS (Co lwell 2009) diversity estimators.


The species accumulation curve for the Lake Way project survey area indicates a decline in the rate

of new species detected after about 10 samples (Figure 17) . However, the rate of collecting further

species remains relatively constant for the remainder of the sampling effort. The various species

diversity estimators (e.g., ACE, Bootstrap, Chao, ICE, MMruns, and Jacknife) in EstimateS (Colwell

2009) estimated the total richness of the stygofauna assemblage to range from 28 to 55 species

(Table 16). The high value returned as the estimated number of species by the Chao 2 is not

considered to be realistic. Omitting the two more elevated and unrealistic estimates, Chao 2 and

Jacknife 2, it is estimated that the 23 taxa collected to date represents 59 % to 87 % of the total

species estimated to occur in the survey area.

Obs. & Pred. spp richness

% Predicted Collected

Obs. Sobs (Mao Tau) 26

ACE Mean 27.99 92.89%

Bootstrap Mean 28.75 90.43%

Chao 1 Mean 27 96.30%

Chao 2 Mean 27.64 94.07%

ICE Mean 29.55 87.99%

Jack 1 Mean 30.93 84.06%

Jack 2 Mean 31 83.87%

MMRuns Mean 30.84 84.31%

27 - 31 83.9 - 96.3

Observed v. Diversity Estimators

Div

ersi

ty e

stim

ator

s

Range


78


for the Lake Way project survey area.

Table 16: Observed stygofauna species diversity fr om the Lake Way project survey area,





ACE Mean 32.43 74.01%


Chao 1 Mean 30 80.00%

Chao 2 Mean 55.25 43.44%

ICE Mean 40.86 58.74%

Jack 1 Mean 34.73 69.10%

Jack 2 Mean 45.25 53.04%


27.6 - 55.3 43.4 - 87


Div

ersi

ty e

stim

ator

s

Range


79


The species accumulation curve for the West Creek borefield project survey area also indicates a

marked decrease in the rate of new species found after about 20 samples (Figure 18) . The decline in

the rate of finding new species continues for the remainder of the survey but is not as rapid as

depicted for the Centipede project survey area. The various species diversity estimators (e.g., ACE,

Bootstrap, Chao, ICE, MMruns, and Jacknife) in EstimateS (Colwell 2009) estimated the total

richness of the stygofauna assemblage to range from 26 to 51 species (Table 16) . As was the case

for the elevated Lake Way species estimations, the unrealistic MMRuns estimation should be

disregarded. In which case it is estimated that the 23 taxa collected to date represents 70 to 89 % of

the total species estimated to occur in the survey area.


for the West Creek borefield project survey area.


80

Table 17: Observed stygofauna species diversity fr om the West Creek borefield project survey

area, compared to estimated diversity using Estimat eS (Colwell 2009) diversity estimators.

6.2 Troglofauna Assessment

6.2.1 Troglofauna Taxa

In total, 18,049 terrestrial invertebrate specimens from eight orders were collected by 134 troglofauna

litter trap samples and 106 net haul samples from 121 uncased holes across all project survey areas

(Table 18 ; Appendices J and K) . The troglofauna assemblage found in the various project survey

areas was less abundant and diverse than the stygofauna component of the subterranean fauna.

Only 208 specimens were considered to be troglomorphic, representing up to 20 species.

The greatest abundance of troglofauna was recorded from the Centipede project survey area from the

Hinkler Well calcrete with 176 individuals representing nine taxa (Table 18). A much lower

abundance was found in the Lake Way project survey area from the Uramurdah calcrete with only 25

individuals collected, although the level of diversity was equal with 9 taxa recorded. From a limited

sample effort conducted in the West Creek borefield project survey area including the Lake Violet

calcrete, four troglomorphic species were detected. Two of these species were from within West

Creek borefield tenement, both collected from the net haul samples only.

The isopods were the most abundant and diverse troglomorphic group collected with more than 160

specimens representing seven species identified with the assistance of DNA sequence data (Leijs

2010); Appendix I ). Three isopod species were recorded from the Centipede project survey area (

Table 19) and four species were identified from the Lake Way project survey area (Table 20 ). No

isopods were recorded from the West Creek borefield survey area. The next most abundant and

diverse group was the pseudoscorpions with 31 specimens representing three species, one species

from Centipede (Appendix L , Plate 4a ) and two from Lake Way. The majority of the remaining taxa

were represented by only one or two specimens.




ACE Mean 25.78 89.22%


Chao 1 Mean 26 88.46%

Chao 2 Mean 27.1 84.87%

ICE Mean 28.57 80.50%

Jack 1 Mean 29.83 77.10%

Jack 2 Mean 32.77 70.19%


25.8 - 51.1 45.0 -89.2


Div

ersi

ty e

stim

ator

s

Range


81

Table 18: Summary of the results from the Wiluna U ranium troglofauna assessment.


Three of the nine species detected in the Centipede project survey area were found only from within

the Centipede mining area (Table 19) . The collection of these three species, Haloniscus sp. OES3

(Appendix L , Plate 4b ), Haloniscus sp. OES9 (Isopoda), and Projapygidae (Diplura) were

predominantly from litter traps deployed at shallow depths (1 m), in compact fine grained alluvial

sediments of the delta area fringing the Lake Way playa (Appendix K) . The projapygid specimen

was the exception being collected in a net haul.

The groundwater levels at sites in the low-lying delta areas fringing the lake playa were a maximum of

2 m below ground level. This meant little or no unsaturated calcrete habitat was available in these

locations above the water table for true ‘troglobitic’ species to inhabit. The absence of habitat

considered suitable for troglofauna (such as calcretes with reasonably interconnected and humid

subterranean air filled voids) in the areas sampled suggests these species are more likely to be soil

dwelling fauna (edaphobites), and are not obligate inhabitants of subterranean environments

(troglobites) that are considered to be more restricted in distribution and confined to the calcrete

habitat only (Appendix K) . These species are likely to be more widely distributed and not restricted

to the mining areas considering the likelihood that they are edaphofauna and not confined to the

calcrete habitat, coupled with the adjacent and relatively widespread extent of similar habitat fringing

the Lake Way playa.

This also brings into question the troglofauna status of a number of other species, Polyxenida sp.

OES1 (Diplopoda), Tyrannochthonius sp. OES2, and Tyrannochthonius sp. OES3

(Pseudoscorpionida). These were also collected in similar habitat within the mining areas as well

from sites located outside the mining disturbance area that intercepted a greater extent of unsaturated

calcrete habitat.

Centipede Lake Way West Creek

Total specimens 5680 8394 4068 18142

Troglofauna 177 25 6 208

Non-troglofauna 5503 8390 4064 17934

Invertebrate orders 14 14 8 14

Troglofauna orders 7 4 4 8

Troglofauna taxa 10 9 4 17

AreaNumber Total


82


Nine troglomorphic species were recorded from the Lake Way project survey area (Table 20 ). All but

one of these species, Haloniscus sp. OES6 (Isopoda), were found to occur outside the Lake Way

mining area. Haloniscus sp. OES6, known from a single specimen, was collected from similar habitat

to the putative soil fauna species within the Centipede project survey area. The specimen was

collected in a net haul sample from site AC09LW011 which intercepted the groundwater level at 2 m

below the surface. The overlying geology was compact fine grained alluvial sediments in which

extensive suitable troglofauna habitat would be absent. Haloniscus sp. OES6 is more likely to be an

edaphobite rather than a troglobite. Because of the ecological niche likely to be occupied and the

relatively widespread extent of adjacent and similar habitat fringing the Lake Way playa, it is

considered unlikely that Haloniscus sp. OES6 would be restricted to the mining area only.

West Creek Borefield Survey Area

The pilot survey conducted in the West Creek borefield project survey area identified four putative

troglomorphic species representing mostly single specimens (Table 21) . Only two species,

?Trinemura (Diplura) and Pauropodina (Pauropoda) were collected as dead, but reasonably intact

from net haul samples in the calcrete area from Bores Windmill. The bore is fully cased to below the

groundwater so the only entry would be from the surface. Therefore, it is reasonably likely that both

species represent edaphofauna rather than troglofauna. No troglomorphic specimens were collected

from the limited sampling of the uncased holes in the alluvium surrounding the Lake Violet calcrete in

the West Creek borefield tenement area.


83

Table 19: Centipede project survey area troglofaun a species diversity, abundance and distribution.

Red shaded cells indicate species found to date in the mining area only.

Taxon Total Abundance Mining Area Barrier No barrier

0 m 0 m 0.5 m

Diplopoda

Polyxenida 3 �

�

Diplura

Projapygidae 1 � Isopoda

Scyphacidae

Haloniscus sp. 6 � Haloniscus sp. OES3 125 � Haloniscus sp. OES9 1 �

Haloniscus sp. OES10 8

�

�

Pauropoda

Pauropodina 2 � �

Pseudoscorpionida

Chthoniidae

Tyrannochthonius sp. OES3 18 � �

�

Symphyla

Symphyla 1 �

�

Zygentoma

Nicoletiidae

?Trinemura 1 � �


84

Table 20: Lake Way project survey area troglofauna species diversity, abundance and distribution.

Red shaded taxon rows indicate species found to dat e in the mining area only. LV = Lake Violet

calcrete.

Taxon Total Abundance

Mining Area

Barrier No barrier

0 m 0.1 m 0.1 m 0.5 m

Diplopoda

Polyxenida sp. OES1 3 � LV LV

Hemiptera

Meenoplidae 2

� �

Isopoda

Scyphacidae


� �


� �

Haloniscus sp. OES6 1 �

Haloniscus sp. OES7 2 � �

Platyarthiridae

Trichorhina sp. OES5 1

� �

Pseudoscorpionida

Chthoniidae

Tyrannochthonius sp. OES1 6

� �

Tyrannochthonius sp. OES2 4 � � � �


85

Table 21: West Creek borefield project survey area troglofauna species diversity, abundance and

distribution. Red shaded taxon rows indicate speci es found to date in borefield extraction

drawdown zone only.

6.2.2 Troglofauna Species Accumulation Curves and Species Richness Estimates


The species accumulation curve for the Centipede project survey area indicates a decrease in the rate of

new species detected after about 20 samples with a slow rate of decline throughout the remainder of the

survey (Figure 19) . The various species diversity estimators (e.g., ACE, Bootstrap, Chao, ICE, MMruns,

and Jacknife) in EstimateS (Colwell 2009) estimated the total richness of the putative troglofauna

assemblage to range from 10 to 18 species (Table 22) . The survey detected nine taxa which suggest that

sampling to date has collected 51 % to 90 % of the total species estimated to occur in the survey area.

Taxon Total Abundance Groundwater

drawdown range (m) Calcrete Alluvium

Diplopoda

Polyxenida sp. OES1 1

0 ─ 0.1

Pauropoda

Pauropodina 1

3 ─ 4

Pseudoscorpionida

Chthoniidae

Tyrannochthonius sp. OES1 3

0 ─ 0.1

Zygentoma

Nicoletiidae ?Trinemura 1

3 ─ 4


86

Figure 19: Troglofauna species accumulation curve (Sobs Mao Tau: EstimateS (Colwell 2009) for

the Centipede project survey area.

Table 22: Observed troglofauna species diversity a t from the Centipede project survey area,





ACE Mean 11.1 81.08%


Chao 1 Mean 10 90.00%

Chao 2 Mean 10.49 85.80%

ICE Mean 17.68 50.90%

Jack 1 Mean 12.97 69.39%

Jack 2 Mean 13.98 64.38%


10 - 17.7 50.9 - 90.0

Div

ersi

ty e

stim

ator

s


Range


87


The species accumulation curve for the Lake Way project survey area shows little decline in the rate of

new species detected over the assessment (Figure 20) . The various species diversity estimators (e.g.,

ACE, Bootstrap, Chao, ICE, MMruns, and Jacknife) in EstimateS (Colwell 2009) estimated the total

richness of the putative troglofauna assemblage to range from 10 to 24 species (Table 23) . It is estimated

that the nine taxa collected to date represents 38 % to 90 % of the total species which may occur in the

project survey area.

Figure 20: Troglofauna species accumulation curve (Sobs Mao Tau: EstimateS (Colwell 2009) for

the Lake Way project survey area.


88

Table 23: Observed troglofauna species diversity f rom the Lake Way project survey area,





ACE Mean 11.66 77.19%


Chao 1 Mean 10 90.00%

Chao 2 Mean 12.3 73.17%

ICE Mean 15.86 56.75%

Jack 1 Mean 13.95 64.52%

Jack 2 Mean 16.91 53.22%


10 - 23.9 37.7 - 90.0

Div

ersi

ty e

stim

ator

s


Range


89

7. CONCLUSIONS

The Wiluna Uranium subterranean fauna assessment provided a comprehensive study of the diversity and

distribution patterns for numerous taxonomic groups at a local spatial scale. Published molecular and

morphological studies have indicated that a calcrete system can act largely as a subterranean island

hosting many endemic stygofauna species. In contrast to these published findings, many of the taxa were

recorded from more than one calcrete system, including the Millbillillie Bubble Well calcrete, as part of this

assessment or previous stygofauna surveys conducted in the northern Yilgarn. More specifically, this

included:

• 13 of the 22 stygofauna taxa identified to species or morphospecies (excluding Oligochaeta taxa)

from the Centipede project survey area encompassing the Hinkler Well calcrete;

• 12 of the 21 species from the Lake Way project survey area encompassing the Uramurdah

calcrete; and,

• 13 of the 21 stygofauna species detected from the West Creek borefield project survey area

encompassing the Lake Violet calcrete and West Creek borefield tenement.

The results indicated that although many species of a stygofauna assemblage can be confined to a single



Most of the species found to be widespread were Copepoda taxa defined by morphology only. However,

molecular analyses did demonstrate that other physically larger species, Chiltoniidae sp. SAM1

(Amphipoda), Limbodessus millbilliensis and L. wilunaensis (Coleoptera) were also more broadly

distributed among the close neighbouring Lake Violet, Millbillillie and Uramurdah calcrete systems. The

results indicate that although many species of a stygofauna assemblage can be confined to a single



Centipede and Lake Way Project Survey Areas

Stygofauna

The distributions of many taxa were shown to be relatively widespread within a calcrete system of a project

survey area. Most of the species collected from a mining disturbance area were also found from sites

outside the mining area. Of the 13 species recorded from the Centipede mining area, only three species,

were not detected from outside the mining area. Similarly, in the Lake Way project survey area, 11 species

were recorded from the mining area, with only one not detected from outside the mining area.

It is considered highly unlikely that the distributions of the four species detected from inside the Project’s

mining areas only are restricted to the immediate vicinity of the sites from which they were collected. The

wider distributions of other species collected from the same areas indicate the presence of suitable habitat

present adjacent to and outside of the areas to be mined. The apparent restricted distributions are more


90

likely to be an artefact of sampling and the difficulty in detecting subterranean species that can exist at low

population density levels.

In relation to the stygofauna assemblages associated with the Hinkler Well and the Uramurdah calcretes,



• Wider distribution of the assemblages throughout each calcrete aquifer, as well as many species

occurring in other neighbouring calcretes;

• Limited area of habitat removal associated with mining excavation, relative to the much greater

expanse of habitat remaining;



• Short operational life of each project area.

Troglofauna

Three of the nine putative troglofauna species recorded from the Centipede project survey area and one of

the nine species found in the Lake Way project survey area were detected from within the mining areas

only. The habitat from which these species were collected strongly suggests that these species are

edaphofauna (soil dwelling) representatives and not confined to the calcrete habitat.

In relation to the troglofauna assemblages associated with the Hinkler Well and the Uramurdah calcretes,



• High likelihood that many species detected are edaphofauna (soil dwelling) representatives and

not confined to calcrete habitat; and

• Greater extent of suitable habitat fringing the Lake Way playa relative to the size of the mine

disturbance area.

• Wider distribution of the assemblages throughout each calcrete.


Stygofauna

Only seven of 21 species were not detected from outside the predicted borefield groundwater drawdown

contours. As noted for the other project areas, the apparent restricted distributions are more likely to be an

artefact of sampling failing to detect species that may occur at low population densities from outside of the

predicted drawdown contours.

In relation to the stygofauna assemblages associated with the Lake Violet calcrete in the West Creek

borefield tenement area, the long term conservation risks posed by the proposed development of the West

Creek borefield are likely to be low. Factors contributing to this are:


91

• Wider distributions of many of the species detected throughout the calcrete aquifer, as well as

other neighbouring calcretes;



• Short operational life (10 years) of the borefield.

Troglofauna

Access to sites at West Creek was constrained in part by heritage and cultural considerations as well as

lack of suitable holes for troglofauna sampling. As a result, the limited number of samples were not

sufficient to provide an adequate assessment of the troglofauna assemblage in the area. Further

subterranean fauna sampling is being considered for the West Creek borefield project survey area, when

additional suitable holes are made available.


92

8. REFERENCES

Agincourt Resources Limited. (2006) Wiluna Mine Closure Plan. Draft report.

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GLOSSARY OF TERMS

alluvium – sediment deposited by a stream or river

ANOVA – analysis of variance, a statistical test commonly used to compare the mean values of variables

of interest between different groups

aquatic – relating to water

aquifer – a body of permeable rock or sediment capable of storing groundwater

arid – a region characterised by a severe lack of available water, to the extent that the growth and

development of biota is hindered or prevented

bedrock – consolidated rock attached to the earth’s crust

biodiversity – the diversity of biota in a particular environment or region

bootstrapping – a method of assigning measures of accuracy to sample estimates

calcrete – carbonate deposits that form in arid environments, as a result of soil water or groundwater

evaporation

carnotite – a bright yellow or greenish yellow mineral formed when groundwater passes through uranium

deposits, K2(U02)2V2O8.3H2O

cave – a subsurface cavity of sufficient size that a human could enter

CO1 gene – the mitochondrial gene, cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1, widely used for identifying and

clarifying species

conspecific – of the same species

dissolved oxygen – a measure of the amount of gaseous oxygen dissolved in a solution

distribution range – the overall geographic area that a species is known to occur in

divergence – differentiation from a common point or relationship

diversity – the degree of variation

drawdown – the lowering of the adjacent water table or piezometric surface as a result of groundwater

extraction

edaphofauna – soil dwelling fauna

electrical conductivity – an estimate of the total dissolved salts in a solution, or salinity

endemic – having a distribution restricted to a particular geographic region

epigean – pertaining to the surface zone

evaporites – deposits formed by the precipitation of salts from an evaporating saline waterbody

fractured rock – a rock formation characterized by separation or discontinuity, usually as a result of

geological stress (e.g. faulting)

freshwater – salinity less than 5,000 µS/cm (3,000 mg/L)

GenBank ® – a public genetic sequence database

geological ages (e.g. Cainozoic) – distinct time periods within the geological history of the earth

groundwater – water occurring below the ground surface

gypsiferous – containing gypsum, CaSO4.2H2O

habitat – an ecological or environmental area that is inhabited by a particular animal or plant species

hypersaline – salinity above 70,000 µS/cm (50,000 mg/L) (sea water salinity is 50,000 µS/cm)

hypogean – pertaining to the subterranean zone

hyposaline – salinity between 5,000 and 30,000 µS/cm (3,000 – 20,000 mg/L)

invertebrates – animals lacking vertebrae

karst – a region of limestone or other soluble rock, characterized by distinctive features such as caves,

caverns, sinkholes, underground streams and springs

lineage – a group of organisms related by descent from a common ancestor

MDS – multidimensional scaling, a statistical technique used to visualize the similarity or dissimilarity of

data

mesosaline – salinity between 30,000 and 70,000 µS/cm (20,000 – 50,000 mg/L)

molecular – pertaining to the genetic characteristics of an organism or group

morphology – the specific form and structure of an organism or taxon

morpho-species – a general grouping of organisms that share similar morphological traits, but is not

necessarily defined by a formal taxonomic rank

palaeoriver, palaeochannel, palaeodrainage – a remnant of a stream or river channel cut in older rock

and filled by the sediments of younger overlying rock

PCA – principal component analysis, a statistical method that determines the minimum number of factors

that account for the maximum variance in the data

PCR – polymerase chain reaction, a molecular technique which allows the production of large quantities of

specific DNA

pH – a measure of the hydrogen ion concentration of a soil or solution (values below pH of 6.5 are ‘acidic’,

and those above pH 7.5 are ‘alkaline’)

phylogenetic analysis – morphological or molecular assessment of the evolutionary relationship of a

group of organisms

physicochemical – relating to both physical and chemical properties

playa – a large inland salt lake, typically ephemeral

relictual – having survived as a remnant

salinity – the concentration of all dissolved salts in a solution

salt lake – a lake with a salinity above 5,000 µS/cm (3,000 mg/L)

semi-arid – a climatic region that receives low annual rainfall (250 – 500 mm)

sequence, gene sequence – refers to the sequence of nucleotide bases (adenine, guanine, cytosine and

thymine) in the DNA chain of a particular organism or taxon

species – a formal taxonomic unit defining a group or population of organisms that share distinctive

characters or traits, are reproductively viable and/or are otherwise identifiable as a related group

species diversity – the degree of variation of species present in a particular habitat, ecosystem or region

species accumulation curve – a model used to estimate species diversity or richness

standing water level – the depth to groundwater from a particular reference point (e.g. in a monitoring

bore)

stygal, stygo – pertaining to groundwater habitat or biota

stygobite – an obligate aquatic species of groundwater habitats

stygobiont – another term used to describe obligate inhabitants of groundwater systems

stygofauna – a general term for aquatic groundwater fauna

stygophile – an aquatic species that temporarily or permanently inhabits groundwater habitats

stygoxene – an aquatic species that has no fixed affinity with groundwater habitats, but may nonetheless

occur in groundwater habitats

taxon – an identifiable group of organisms, usually based on a known or inferred relationship or a shared

set of distinctive characteristics

troglobite – an obligate terrestrial species of subterranean habitats

troglofauna – a general term for terrestrial subterranean fauna

troglophile – a terrestrial species that temporarily or permanently inhabits subterranean habitats

trogloxene – a terrestrial species that has no fixed affinity with subterranean habitats, but may

nonetheless occur in subterranean habitats

troglomorph – characteristics resulting from an adaptation to subterranean habitats (e.g. a reduction in

pigment)

void – a pore space in the rock or stratum

Yilgarn – pertaining to the Yilgarn Craton, a 65,000 km2 body of the earth’s crust in south-western

Australia that dates back to the Archaean period, 2.6 to 3.7 million years ago

APPENDIX A

Definitions and categories for Priority and Threate ned ecological communities

Possible threatened ecological communities that do not meet the survey criteria or that are not adequately

defined are listed by the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) as Priority ecological

communities (PEC’s) and designated Priorities 1, 2 or 3 (Department of Environment and Conservation

2007). Ecological communities considered to be adequately defined and are rare but not threatened or

meet criteria for Near Threatened, or that have been recently removed from the threatened list, are listed

as Priority 4. These ecological communities require regular monitoring. Conservation dependent

ecological communities are listed as Priority 5.

The DEC recognises four categories of Threatened Ecological Communities (TECs) within WA. These

include: “Presumed Totally Destroyed”, “Critically Endangered”, “Endangered” and ‘Vulnerable’. More

detailed definitions of the TEC categories (as defined by the Department of Environment and

Conservation) have been provided below.

Category Code Definition

Presumed Totally Destroyed PD

An ecological community for which no representative occurrences have been located despite adequately searching. The community has been found to be totally destroyed or so widely modified throughout its range that no occurrence of it is likely to recover its species composition and/or structure in the forseeable future.

Critically Endangered CR

An ecological community that has been adequately surveyed and has been found to be subject to a major contraction in area or was of limited distribution and is facing severe modification or destruction throughout its range in the immediate future, or is already severely degraded throughout its range however is capable of being substantially restored or rehabilitated.

Endangered EN

An ecological community that has been adequately surveyed and has been found to be subject to a major contraction in area or was of limited distribution orginally and is in danger of significant modification throughout its range, or severe modification or destruction over most of its range in the near future.

Vulnerable VU

An ecological community that has been adequately surveyed and has been found to be declining and/or has declined in distribution and/or condition and whose ultimate security has not yet been assured and/or a community that is currently widespread but is believed likely to move into a category of higher threat in the near future if threatening processes continue or begin operating throughout its range.

APPENDIX B

Stygofauna survey effort

Centipede Project Area Survey Effort. EOH = end of hole (m); SWL = standing water level (m bgl).

Barrier

0 m 0 m 0.2 m 0.5 m

Abercromby Well 232983 7027563 19-Jul-07 Cased (slotted below SWL) 1.2 NA UD � �

CC1 211655 7019323 20-Nov-09 Cased (slotted below SWL) 4 13 H � �

NLW1 236183 7030273 17-Jul-07 Uncased 1.4 NA LD �

NLW10 233910 7027929 18-Jul-07 Uncased 4.8 NA UD � �




NLW15 234382 7029066 19-Jul-07 Uncased 4.4 NA UD �

NLW15 234382 7029066 16-Aug-10 Uncased 4.65 6.8 UD �




NLW19 233828 7028909 19-Jul-07 Uncased 3 NA UD � �

NLW19 233828 7028909 17-Nov-09 Uncased 3.4 7 UD � �







NLW22 233467 7028521 16-Aug-10 Uncased 4.4 9 UD � �

No Barrier Mining Area

Process. Area

Bore NameSurface Habitat

EOHSWLCasing

DescriptionSampling

DateWGS 84 Eastings

WGS 84 Northings

APPENDIX B

Stygofauna survey effort (cont.)

Centipede Project Area Survey Effort (cont.).

Barrier

0 m 0 m 0.2 m 0.5 m







NLW7 234397 7026747 18-Jul-07 Uncased 2.8 NA H � �



NVCP1 237728 7027815 17-Nov-09 Uncased 1.1 2.2 LD �

NVCP2 238257 7028265 17-Nov-09 Uncased 1.3 5 LD �



NVCP5 238242 7029209 18-Nov-09 Uncased 2 3 LD �


NVCT0005 236195 7030530 16-Jul-07 Uncased 1.5 NA LD �






NVCT0123A 238361 7028790 17-Nov-09 Uncased 1.5 6 LD �

SWLBore NameWGS 84 Eastings

WGS 84 Northings

Sampling Date

Casing Description

EOHSurface Habitat

Mining Area

Process. Area

No Barrier

APPENDIX B


Centipede Project Area Survey Effort (cont.).

Barrier

0 m 0 m 0.2 m 0.5 m

NVCT0170 235183 7028388 18-Jul-07 Uncased 4.8 NA UD � �

NVCT0174A 237457 7028351 18-Jul-07 Uncased 4.2 NA UD �

NVCT0174A 237457 7028351 17-Nov-09 Uncased 4.37 11 UD �






NVCT0473 238393 7029175 18-Nov-09 Uncased 1.85 17 LD �


NVCT0495 238720 7029030 17-Jul-07 Uncased 1 NA LD �



NVCT0612 237948 7027845 17-Jul-07 Uncased 1 NA LD �

NVCTA 233792 7029061 17-Nov-09 Uncased 2.9 5 UD � �

OBS1 238476 7029363 18-Nov-09 Uncased 1.9 17 LD �




SB13-4 209530 7017654 20-Nov-09 Cased (slotted below SWL) 5 40 H � �

SB19-1 211304 7021008 20-Nov-09 Cased (slotted below SWL) 6 62 H � �

No Barrier Bore Name

WGS 84 Eastings

WGS 84 Northings

Sampling Date

Casing Description

SWL EOHSurface Habitat

Mining Area

Process. Area

APPENDIX B


Centipede Project Area Survey Effort (cont.)

Barrier

0 m 0 m 0.2 m 0.5 m

SB19-4 211513 7020033 20-Nov-09 Cased (slotted below SWL) 4.9 70 H � �





SB32-1 222099 7024471 16-Aug-10 Cased (slotted below SWL) 3.97 18.9 H � �


SB32-2 222126 7025337 16-Aug-10 Cased (slotted below SWL) 5.1 45 H � �

SN09C0014 236493 7030124 18-Nov-09 Uncased 1.5 9 LD �

SN09P0016 235859 7030650 18-Nov-09 Uncased 1.8 11 LD �

TPB-18-1 213447 7017789 20-Nov-09 Cased (slotted below SWL) 5.5 32 H � �


WGS 84 Northings

Sampling Date

Casing Description

EOHSurface Habitat

Mining Area

Process. Area

No Barrier

APPENDIX B


Lake Way Project Area Survey Effort. EOH = end of hole (m); SWL = standing water level (m bgl).

0 m 0.1 m 0 m 0.1 m 0.5 m

AC09LW0008 233578 7042968 20-Mar-10 Uncased 4 9 D �

AC09LW0008 233578 7042968 27-May-10 Uncased NA 9 D �


AC09LW0011 233606 7042896 20-Mar-10 Uncased 3.5 7 D �

AC09LW0012 233087 7042607 27-May-10 Uncased NA NA D �

AC09LW0015 233354 7042734 20-Mar-10 Uncased NA NA D � �

AC09LW0015 233354 7042734 27-May-10 Uncased NA NA D �


AC09LW0039 233529 7043949 19-Mar-10 Uncased 3.5 8.5 D �


AC09LW0042 233491 7043907 19-Mar-10 Uncased NA 5 D �









AC09LW0059 233570 7043855 19-Mar-10 Uncased NA NA D �




WGS 84 Northings

Sampling Date

Casing Description

EOHSurface Habitat

Mining Area

Barrier No Barrier

APPENDIX B


Lake Way Project Area Survey Effort (cont.)

0 m 0.1 m 0 m 0.1 m 0.5 m

LakeOES40 233707 7042858 20-Mar-10 Uncased 6.5 7 D �

LakeOES40 233707 7042858 27-May-10 Uncased NA 7 D �

LakeOES41 235215 7043496 20-Mar-10 Uncased 6.5 10 Ur �

LakeOES41 235215 7043496 27-May-10 Uncased NA 10 Ur �

LakeOES41 235215 7043496 16-Aug-10 Uncased 6.46 10 Ur �

LakeOES42 234981 7043182 20-Mar-10 Uncased 5.5 10 Ur �

LakeOES42 234981 7043182 27-May-10 Uncased NA 10 Ur �

LakeOES42 234981 7043182 16-Aug-10 Uncased 5.45 10 Ur �

LW11 235253 7045547 18-Nov-09 Uncased 6 18 Ur � �

LW11 235253 7045547 27-May-10 Uncased NA 18 Ur � �

LW3 231231 7045463 19-Nov-09 Uncased 3 22 Ur � �


LW3 231231 7045463 16-Aug-10 Uncased 3.15 22 Ur � �

LW4 231728 7045473 18-Nov-09 Uncased 2.8 21 Ur � �


LW4 231728 7045473 16-Aug-10 Uncased 2.99 21 Ur � �

LW5 232232 7045486 18-Nov-09 Uncased 5 21 Ur � �


LW5 232232 7045486 16-Aug-10 Uncased 4.94 21 Ur � �

LW7 234192 7045499 17-Nov-09 Uncased 6.9 12 Ur � �


LW7 234397 7026747 16-Aug-10 Uncased 8.18 12 Ur � �


WGS 84 Northings

Sampling Date

Casing Description

EOHSurface Habitat

Mining Area

Barrier No Barrier

APPENDIX B


West Creek Borefield Project Area Survey Effort. E OH = end of hole (m); SWL = standing water level ( m bgl).

Calcrete Alluvium

Bores Windmill 217572 7049631 19-Nov-09 Cased (slotted below SWL) 4.1 15 3 ─ 4 �

Bores Windmill 217573 7049632 28-May-10 Cased (slotted below SWL) NA 15 3 ─ 4 �

Bores Windmill 217572 7049631 15-Aug-10 Cased (slotted below SWL) 4.15 15 3 ─ 4 �

Bores Windmill 217572 7049631 15-Nov-10 Cased (slotted below SWL) 5.43 15 3 ─ 4 �

Explor5 215796 7046923 28-May-10 Uncased 10.32 11.5 1 ─ 2 �

Explor5 215796 7046923 15-Aug-10 Uncased 10.52 11.5 1 ─ 2 �

Explor5 215796 7046923 15-Nov-10 Uncased 10.22 11.5 1 ─ 2 �

Explor7 214144 7046232 28-May-10 Uncased 11.82 23.5 0.1 ─ 0.5 �

Explor7 214144 7046232 15-Aug-10 Uncased 11.61 23.5 0.1 ─ 0.5 �

Explor7 214144 7046232 15-Nov-10 Uncased 11.66 23.5 0.1 ─ 0.5 �

LW12 230133 7045444 19-Nov-09 Uncased 5.2 35 0 ─ 0.1 �

P18 217977 7048831 18-Nov-09 Cased (slotted below SWL) 5 20 3 ─ 4 �

P18 217973 7048832 28-May-10 Cased (slotted below SWL) 5.2 20 3 ─ 4 �

P18 217977 7048831 15-Aug-10 Cased (slotted below SWL) 5.46 20 3 ─ 4 �

P18 217977 7048831 15-Nov-10 Cased (slotted below SWL) 5.27 20 3 ─ 4 �


P22 218613 7048276 28-May-10 Cased (slotted below SWL) 4.74 20 3 ─ 4 �

P22 218613 7048276 15-Aug-10 Cased (slotted below SWL) 5.12 20 3 ─ 4 �


EOHGroundwater

drawdown (m)

GeologyBore Name

WGS 84 Eastings

WGS 84 Northings

Sampling Date

Casing Description

SWL

APPENDIX B


West Creek Borefield Project Area Survey Effort (co nt.)

Calcrete Alluvium

P26 214899 7049345 19-Nov-09 Cased (slotted below SWL) 6.2 32 > 4 �

P26 214899 7049338 28-May-10 Cased (slotted below SWL) NA 32 > 4 �

P26 214899 7049345 15-Aug-10 Cased (slotted below SWL) 6.31 32 > 4 �

P26 214899 7049345 15-Nov-10 Cased (slotted below SWL) 9.4 32 > 4 �

P61 218868 7047749 15-Aug-10 Cased (slotted below SWL) 6.57 21.5 3 ─ 4 �

P61 218868 7047749 15-Nov-10 Cased (slotted below SWL) 5 21.5 3 ─ 4 �

P70 216526 7049070 19-Nov-09 Cased (slotted below SWL) 6.6 21.5 > 4 �

P70 216517 7049072 28-May-10 Cased (slotted below SWL) 6.44 21.5 > 4 �

P70 216517 7049072 15-Aug-10 Cased (slotted below SWL) 6.5 21.5 > 4 �

P70 216517 7049072 15-Nov-10 Cased (slotted below SWL) 7.5 21.5 > 4 �

Well 1 Bore A 213814 7046703 19-Nov-09 Cased (slotted below SWL) 11.9 23.5 0.1 ─ 0.5 �

Well 1 Bore A 213814 7046703 15-Aug-10 Cased (slotted below SWL) 11.66 23.5 0.1 ─ 0.5 �

Well 1 Bore A 213814 7046703 15-Nov-10 Cased (slotted below SWL) 11.38 23.5 0.1 ─ 0.5 �

Well 1 Bore B 213772 7046692 19-Nov-09 Cased (slotted below SWL) 11 50.5 0.1 ─ 0.5 �

Well 1 Bore B 213772 7046692 15-Aug-10 Cased (slotted below SWL) 11.8 50.5 0.1 ─ 0.5 �

Well 1 Bore B 213772 7046692 15-Nov-10 Cased (slotted below SWL) 11.64 50.5 0.1 ─ 0.5 �

Well 1 Bore C 213915 7046723 19-Nov-09 Cased (slotted below SWL) 12 19 0.1 ─ 0.5 �

Well 1 Bore C 213915 7046723 15-Aug-10 Cased (slotted below SWL) 11.65 19 0.1 ─ 0.5 �

Well 1 Bore C 213915 7046723 15-Nov-10 Cased (slotted below SWL) 11.76 19 0.1 ─ 0.5 �

XP4A 224260 7046444 19-Nov-09 Cased (slotted below SWL) 5.2 11 0 �

XP5 224637 7046760 19-Nov-09 Cased (slotted below SWL) 5.9 11 0 �

EOHGroundwater

drawdown (m)

Geology

Bore NameWGS 84 Eastings

WGS 84 Northings

Sampling Date

Casing Description

SWL

APPENDIX C

Centipede project survey area water quality results

BoreSurface Habitat

Date SWL

(m bgl)pH

(units)EC

(µS/cm)Temp (°C)

DO (ppm)

Abercromby Well UD Jul-07 1.20 7.64 2585 21.10 4.25

CC1 H Nov-09 4.00 8.40 2280 22.50 4.38

NLW1 LD Jul-07 1.40 7.21 104200 19.60 5.54

NLW10 UD Jul-07 4.80 7.92 5680 25.60 7.45

NLW11 UD Jul-07 4.80 7.82 5520 25.10 7.35

NLW12 UD Jul-07 4.60 8.04 3057 25.00 7.73

NLW13 UD Jul-07 4.40 8.03 3276 23.20 7.77

NLW15 UD Jul-07 4.40 7.84 9620 23.80 6.75

NLW15 UD Aug-10 4.65 7.52 8790 24.90 5.73

NLW16 UD Jul-07 3.70 7.80 10480 23.70 7.03

NLW17 UD Jul-07 4.20 7.31 78500 24.10 5.54

NLW18 UD Jul-07 4.50 7.40 85400 25.00 5.28

NLW19 UD Jul-07 3.00 7.28 53300 26.40 5.00

NLW19 UD Nov-09 3.40 6.93 61200 25.00 0.80

NLW2 LD Jul-07 1.33 7.41 90200 21.30 6.62

NLW20 UD Jul-07 3.00 7.34 45000 25.30 6.33

NLW20 UD Nov-09 3.20 7.36 26700 24.40 4.28

NLW21 UD Jul-07 3.70 7.35 36660 26.00 4.85

NLW22 UD Jul-07 3.50 8.06 3591 24.80 7.34

NLW22 UD Nov-09 3.88 6.74 17230 24.00 3.81

NLW22 UD Aug-10 4.40 7.64 2740 25.10 4.83

NLW23 UD Jul-07 3.60 7.47 21840 25.10 6.88

NLW23 UD Nov-09 3.80 6.47 32800 23.80 3.62

NLW3 LD Jul-07 2.95 7.08 142200 22.00 4.42

NLW4 LD Jul-07 2.10 7.05 165600 23.20 5.97

NLW5 LD Jul-07 1.60 7.77 49100 22.90 7.04

NLW6 UD Jul-07 3.00 7.58 32250 23.30 6.88

NLW7 UD Jul-07 2.80 7.74 6610 23.00 6.43

NLW8 UD Jul-07 4.70 7.86 4460 26.10 4.72

NLW9 UD Jul-07 4.70 7.91 6490 25.10 7.28

NVCP1 LD Nov-09 2.20 8.36 56700 23.40 2.79

NVCP2 LD Nov-09 1.30 7.66 64200 24.00 3.47

NVCP3 LD Nov-09 1.30 7.67 110600 24.70 1.61

NVCP4 LD Nov-09 2.20 7.68 54200 22.20 2.51

NVCP5 LD Nov-09 2.00 7.82 33800 23.20 3.35

NVCP6 LD Nov-09 1.50 8.15 37200 22.80 4.59

APPENDIX C

Centipede project survey area water quality results (cont.)

BoreSurface Habitat

Date SWL

(m bgl)pH

(units)EC

(µS/cm)Temp (°C)

DO (ppm)

NVCT0005 LD Jul-07 1.50 7.17 136200 23.90 3.74

NVCT0010 LD Jul-07 1.60 7.34 111800 24.80 6.99

NVCT0027 LD Jul-07 2.20 7.02 169500 22.40 8.08

NVCT0033 LD Jul-07 1.20 6.98 176000 23.10 7.81

NVCT0058 LD Jul-07 1.20 7.44 141200 19.40 7.84

NVCT0077 LD Jul-07 5.60 7.12 119400 25.30 7.21

NVCT0123A LD Nov-09 1.50 7.47 104600 24.40 1.01

NVCT0170 UD Jul-07 4.80 7.30 73400 23.70 4.88

NVCT0174A UD Jul-07 4.20 7.30 112800 21.80 6.13

NVCT0174A LD Nov-09 4.37 7.39 92000 25.90 5.48

NVCT0215 UD Jul-07 4.60 7.77 12460 24.50 7.06

NVCT0225 UD Jul-07 2.40 7.82 6070 24.50 6.21

NVCT0424 LD Jul-07 0.80 7.29 137900 21.30 7.52

NVCT0437 LD Jul-07 1.60 7.30 98600 22.30 6.30

NVCT0473 LD Jul-07 1.70 7.04 156500 23.80 7.39

NVCT0473 LD Nov-09 1.85 7.71 49000 22.30 3.47

NVCT0483 LD Jul-07 1.60 7.48 73300 24.20 6.96

NVCT0495 LD Jul-07 1.00 7.02 175200 23.90 7.93

NVCT0508 LD Jul-07 7.20 7.26 108600 20.90 8.03

NVCT0588 LD Jul-07 1.36 7.12 124400 23.00 7.62

NVCT0612 LD Jul-07 1.00 7.55 65700 21.90 7.43

NVCTA UD Nov-09 2.90 7.54 68900 24.50 1.76

OBS1 LD Nov-09 1.90 7.74 84500 21.50 3.15

OBS2 LD Nov-09 1.34 7.57 113800 21.10 1.18

OBS4 LD Nov-09 1.80 7.33 124200 24.00 4.32

OBS6 LD Nov-09 1.90 7.84 41200 22.30 3.13

SB13-4 H Nov-09 5.00 8.40 1980 20.70 4.73

SB19-1 H Nov-09 6.00 7.96 3780 23.20 4.47

SB19-4 H Nov-09 4.90 7.90 2820 24.40 5.05

SB25-3 H Nov-09 7.80 7.84 2270 24.50 1.78

SB25-4 H Nov-09 5.30 7.98 2680 23.70 5.08

SB26-1 H Nov-09 5.20 8.25 2020 23.20 4.82

SB32-1 H Nov-09 4.10 8.01 2900 23.40 4.33

SB32-1 H Aug-10 3.97 7.55 2800 25.30 4.77

SB32-2 H Nov-09 4.80 7.91 2970 23.50 4.81

SB32-2 H Aug-10 5.10 7.37 2630 24.30 5.85

SN09C0014 LD Nov-09 1.50 8.53 9180 22.10 4.92

SN09P0016 LD Nov-09 1.80 8.47 6380 23.00 5.04

TPB-18-1 H Nov-09 5.50 8.84 6040 23.70 3.32

APPENDIX D

Lake Way project survey area water quality results

BoreSurface Habitat

DateSWL

(m bgl)pH

(units)EC

(µS/cm)Temp (°C)

DO (ppm)

AC09LW0008 D Mar-10 4.00 7.15 93200 25.00 1.60

AC09LW0008 D May-10 NA 7.13 51800 24.00 NA

AC09LW0011 D Mar-10 3.50 7.06 92600 22.00 0.88

AC09LW0011 D May-10 NA 7.30 88000 23.50 NA

AC09LW0012 D May-10 NA 7.21 69700 22.30 NA

AC09LW0015 D May-10 NA 7.32 67300 22.80 NA

AC09LW0037 D Mar-10 3.50 7.16 74000 37.70 1.51

AC09LW0039 D Mar-10 3.50 7.20 71200 NA 4.50

AC09LW0041 D Mar-10 3.50 7.50 55300 22.00 2.75

AC09LW0042 D Mar-10 NA 7.06 NA 38.90 2.80

AC09LW0042 D May-10 NA 7.16 39700 23.30 NA

AC09LW0044 D Mar-10 3.50 7.21 NA NA 3.75

AC09LW0046 D Mar-10 3.50 7.44 54900 20.00 2.74

AC09LW0046 D May-10 NA 7.57 29200 22.70 NA

AC09LW0047 D Mar-10 2.70 7.12 97000 38.40 3.17

AC09LW0049 D Mar-10 3.50 7.19 82200 20.00 3.20

AC09LW0051 D Mar-10 3.50 7.33 56700 NA 2.88

AC09LW0055 D Mar-10 3.50 7.30 71100 22.00 3.84

AC09LW0059 D Mar-10 NA 7.19 79800 NA 3.60

AC09LW0060 D Mar-10 3.50 7.28 70400 20.00 3.12

AC09LW0061 D Mar-10 3.50 7.32 64500 20.00 3.10

LakeOES40 D Mar-10 6.50 7.06 55800 23.00 2.20

LakeOES40 D May-10 NA 7.46 45500 24.70 NA

LakeOES41 Ur Mar-10 6.50 7.07 37200 18.00 1.81

LakeOES41 Ur May-10 NA 7.22 20400 24.40 NA

LakeOES41 Ur Aug-10 6.46 7.14 24000 23.10 4.12

LakeOES42 Ur Mar-10 5.50 6.89 51800 15.00 0.81

LakeOES42 Ur May-10 NA 7.08 46100 24.30 NA

LakeOES42 Ur Aug-10 5.45 7.02 48300 21.10 2.07

LW11 Ur Nov-09 6.00 7.67 12390 25.20 3.28

LW11 Ur May-10 NA 7.62 7930 23.70 NA

LW3 Ur Nov-09 3.00 7.45 72500 22.50 1.63

LW3 Ur May-10 NA 7.68 19350 21.40 NA

LW3 Ur Aug-10 3.15 7.44 31700 22.90 3.94

LW4 Ur Nov-09 2.80 7.41 63700 23.10 1.27

LW4 Ur May-10 NA 7.36 35300 22.60 NA

LW4 Ur Aug-10 2.99 7.08 63600 22.20 1.94

LW5 Ur Nov-09 5.00 7.65 25400 25.30 2.20

LW5 Ur May-10 NA 7.16 23100 23.30 NA

LW5 Ur Aug-10 4.94 6.90 39200 23.40 3.27

LW7 Ur Nov-09 6.90 7.78 12090 24.10 4.44

LW7 Ur May-10 NA 7.79 7200 22.50 NA

LW7 Ur Aug-10 8.18 7.49 11330 22.90 6.46

APPENDIX E

West Creek borefield survey area water quality resu lts

BoreSurface Habitat

DateSWL

(m bgl)pH

(units)EC

(µS/cm)Temp (°C)

DO (ppm)

Bores Windmill LV Nov-09 4.10 7.40 6530 24.50 2.80

Bores Windmill LV May-10 NA 7.30 3810 22.60 NA

Bores Windmill LV Aug-10 4.15 7.06 6250 25.00 5.10

Bores Windmill LV Nov-10 5.43 7.46 6320 26.80 4.47

Explor5 AL May-10 10.32 8.08 2580 20.80 NA

Explor5 AL Aug-10 10.52 7.66 4230 25.60 1.54

Explor5 AL Nov-10 10.22 7.67 4170 27.40 5.57

Explor7 AL May-10 11.82 7.80 1573 22.00 NA

Explor7 AL Aug-10 11.61 7.24 2110 24.40 1.08

Explor7 AL Nov-10 11.66 7.24 2140 26.40 2.67

LW12 LV Nov-09 5.20 7.34 73400 23.80 1.53

P18 LV Nov-09 5.00 7.80 4560 24.00 5.15

P18 LV May-10 5.20 7.92 2610 24.20 NA

P18 LV Aug-10 5.46 7.35 4180 26.50 6.22

P18 LV Nov-10 5.27 7.32 4170 28.00 6.60

P22 LV Nov-09 4.70 7.55 5540 22.60 4.22

P22 LV May-10 4.74 9.03 5380 22.30 NA

P22 LV Aug-10 5.12 7.21 5150 25.10 5.66

P22 LV Nov-10 4.73 7.25 5140 26.70 5.81

P26 LV Nov-09 6.20 8.19 4190 22.90 5.43

P26 LV May-10 NA 8.03 2073 23.90 NA

P26 LV Aug-10 6.31 7.46 3340 26.30 6.67

P26 LV Nov-10 9.40 7.13 3370 27.30 3.40

P61 LV Aug-10 6.57 7.25 5600 25.20 6.33

P61 LV Nov-10 5.00 7.41 5100 26.80 7.05

P70 LV Nov-09 6.60 7.85 4090 23.90 4.77

P70 LV May-10 6.44 7.80 2350 24.50 NA

P70 LV Aug-10 6.54 7.40 3820 25.00 6.28

P70 LV Nov-10 7.50 7.51 3770 27.50 6.87

Well 1 Bore A AL Nov-09 11.90 7.99 1740 23.10 3.82

Well 1 Bore A AL Aug-10 11.66 7.37 1580 22.90 6.65

Well 1 Bore A AL Nov-10 11.38 7.59 1579 25.80 9.23

Well 1 Bore B AL Nov-09 11.80 8.03 1660 24.10 5.54

Well 1 Bore B AL Aug-10 11.55 7.50 1570 21.90 6.88

Well 1 Bore B AL Nov-10 11.64 7.76 1538 25.80 8.70

Well 1 Bore C AL Nov-09 12.00 7.89 1900 24.60 4.38

Well 1 Bore C AL Aug-10 11.65 7.41 1652 24.60 5.79

Well 1 Bore C AL Nov-10 11.76 7.55 1671 26.40 7.92

XP4A LV Nov-09 5.20 7.94 5780 24.00 4.13

XP5 LV Nov-09 5.90 8.23 9600 22.80 5.37

APPENDIX F

Representative photographs of surface habitat types


Plate 1 : Centipede project survey area habitat types based o n surface geology. (a) – (b) Lower delta, (c)

Upper delta, (d) Hinkler Well calcrete

(a) (b)

(c) (d)

APPENDIX F

Representative photographs of surface habitat types (cont.)

Lake Way Project Survey Area and West Creek Borefie ld Project Survey Area

Plate 2: Lake Way project survey area and West Cree k borefield survey area habitat types based on

surface geology. (a) Uramurdah delta, (b) Uramurdah calcrete, (c)Lake Violet calcrete, (d) West Creek

alluvium

(a) (b)

(c) (d)

APPENDIX G

Stygofauna survey results

Centipede Project Area Survey Results

Higher Level Classification

Family Taxon IDNo. of

IndividualsBore Name

Sampling Date

Amphipoda Chiltoniidae Chiltoniidae sp. ?SAM3 1 NLW21 19-Jul-07

Amphipoda Chiltoniidae Chiltoniidae sp. ?SAM3 1 NVCT0225 18-Jul-07

Amphipoda Chiltoniidae Chiltoniidae sp. SAM3 2 NLW13 19-Jul-07





Amphipoda Chiltoniidae Chiltoniidae sp. SAM3 19 NVCP2 17-Nov-09

Amphipoda Chiltoniidae Chiltoniidae sp. SAM3 4 NVCP5 18-Nov-09

Amphipoda Chiltoniidae Chiltoniidae sp. SAM3 3 NVCT0174A 18-Jul-07

Amphipoda Chiltoniidae Chiltoniidae sp. SAM3 2 NVCT0174A 17-Nov-09

Amphipoda Chiltoniidae Chiltoniidae sp. SAM3 4 NVCT0508 18-Jul-07

Amphipoda Chiltoniidae Chiltoniidae sp. SAM3 1 OBS6 18-Nov-09

Amphipoda Chiltoniidae Chiltoniidae sp. SAM3 1 SB32-2 21-Nov-09

Bathynellacea Bathynellidae Bathynellidae 1 NLW7 18-Jul-07

Bathynellacea Parabathynellidae Atopobathynella ?wattsi 1 NLW20 19-Jul-07

Bathynellacea Parabathynellidae Atopobathynella ?wattsi 3 NVCT0612 17-Jul-07

Bathynellacea Parabathynellidae Atopobathynella sp. OES5 50 SB19-1 20-Nov-09

Bathynellacea Parabathynellidae Atopobathynella sp. OES5 1 SB26-1 20-Nov-09

Bathynellacea Parabathynellidae Atopobathynella wattsi 112 NLW16 19-Jul-07



Bathynellacea Parabathynellidae Atopobathynella wattsi 1 NVCT0174A 18-Jul-07

Bathynellacea Parabathynellidae Atopobathynella wattsi 1 NVCT0174A 17-Nov-09

Bathynellacea Parabathynellidae Atopobathynella wattsi 7 NVCT0473 17-Jul-07

Bathynellacea Parabathynellidae Brevisomabathynella sp.SAM2 16 NVCP2 17-Nov-09

Bathynellacea Parabathynellidae Brevisomabathynella sp.SAM2 1 NVCP4 18-Nov-09

Bathynellacea Parabathynellidae Brevisomabathynella sp.SAM2 1 NVCT0123A 17-Nov-09

Bathynellacea Parabathynellidae Brevisomabathynella sp.SAM2 2 NVCT0508 18-Jul-07

Bathynellacea Parabathynellidae Parabathynellidae 1 NLW3 16-Jul-07

Coleoptera Dytiscidae Bidessini 1 NLW12 18-Jul-07



Coleoptera Dytiscidae Dytiscidae 1 NVCT0174A 18-Jul-07

Coleoptera Dytiscidae Limbodessus 2 NLW3 16-Jul-07

Coleoptera Dytiscidae Limbodessus 1 NLW9 18-Jul-07

Coleoptera Dytiscidae Limbodessus 1 NVCT0483 17-Jul-07

Coleoptera Dytiscidae Limbodessus 1 NVCT0612 17-Jul-07

Coleoptera Dytiscidae Limbodessus ?hinkleri 1 NVCT0225 18-Jul-07

Coleoptera Dytiscidae Limbodessus hinkleri 4 NLW10 18-Jul-07



APPENDIX G

Stygofauna survey results (cont.)

Centipede Project Area Survey Results (cont.)




Sampling Date






Coleoptera Dytiscidae Limbodessus hinkleri 2 NVCT0225 18-Jul-07

Coleoptera Dytiscidae Limbodessus hinkleri 1 OBS6 18-Nov-09

Coleoptera Dytiscidae Limbodessus hinkleri 32 SB32-1 21-Nov-09

Coleoptera Dytiscidae Limbodessus hinkleri 6 SB32-1 16-Aug-10

Coleoptera Dytiscidae Limbodessus hinkleri 1 SB32-2 21-Nov-09

Coleoptera Dytiscidae Limbodessus hinkleri 3 SB32-2 16-Aug-10

Coleoptera Dytiscidae Limbodessus macrohinkleri 1 NLW13 19-Jul-07

Coleoptera Dytiscidae Limbodessus macrohinkleri 1 NLW16 19-Jul-07

Cyclopoida Cyclopidae Dussartcyclops uniarticulatus 1 OBS6 18-Nov-09

Cyclopoida Cyclopidae Dussartcyclops uniarticulatus 1 SB26-1 20-Nov-09

Cyclopoida Cyclopidae Dussartcyclops uniarticulatus 1 SB32-1 21-Nov-09

Cyclopoida Cyclopidae Fierscyclops fiersi 11 NLW13 19-Jul-07

Cyclopoida Cyclopidae Fierscyclops fiersi 1 NLW15 19-Jul-07

Cyclopoida Cyclopidae Halicyclops eberhardi 4 NLW10 18-Jul-07



Cyclopoida Cyclopidae Halicyclops eberhardi 1 NLW15 16-Aug-10





Cyclopoida Cyclopidae Halicyclops eberhardi 1 NLW22 17-Nov-09

Cyclopoida Cyclopidae Halicyclops eberhardi 10 NLW22 16-Aug-10


Cyclopoida Cyclopidae Halicyclops eberhardi 1 NLW23 17-Nov-09





Cyclopoida Cyclopidae Halicyclops eberhardi 3 NVCP2 17-Nov-09

Cyclopoida Cyclopidae Halicyclops eberhardi 8 NVCP5 18-Nov-09

Cyclopoida Cyclopidae Halicyclops eberhardi 15 NVCT0005 16-Jul-07

Cyclopoida Cyclopidae Halicyclops eberhardi 3 NVCT0123A 17-Nov-09


Cyclopoida Cyclopidae Halicyclops eberhardi 12 NVCT0174A 18-Jul-07

Cyclopoida Cyclopidae Halicyclops eberhardi 2 NVCT0174A 17-Nov-09


APPENDIX G






Sampling Date


Cyclopoida Cyclopidae Halicyclops eberhardi 2 NVCT0473 18-Nov-09




Cyclopoida Cyclopidae Halicyclops eberhardi 1 OBS1 18-Nov-09

Cyclopoida Cyclopidae Halicyclops eberhardi 4 OBS6 18-Nov-09

Cyclopoida Cyclopidae Halicyclops eberhardi 9 SB32-1 21-Nov-09

Cyclopoida Cyclopidae Halicyclops eberhardi 1 SB32-1 16-Aug-10

Cyclopoida Cyclopidae Halicyclops kieferi 1 SB26-1 20-Nov-09

Cyclopoida Cyclopidae Halicyclops kieferi 1 TPB-18 20-Nov-09

Cyclopoida Cyclopidae Metacyclops laurentiisae 60 Abercromby Well 19-Jul-07

Cyclopoida Cyclopidae Metacyclops laurentiisae 1 NLW13 19-Jul-07

Harpacticoida Ameiridae Ameiropsyllus sp. TK1 2 NLW1 17-Jul-07

Harpacticoida Ameiridae Ameiropsyllus sp. TK1 1 NLW4 17-Jul-07

Harpacticoida Ameiridae Ameiropsyllus sp. TK1 1 NVCT0495 17-Jul-07

Harpacticoida Ameiridae Nitokra sp. TK1 2 NLW15 19-Jul-07




Harpacticoida Ameiridae Nitokra sp. TK1 1 NVCP2 17-Nov-09


Harpacticoida Ameiridae Nitokra sp. TK1 7 NVCT0174A 18-Jul-07

Harpacticoida Ameiridae Nitokra sp. TK1 2 NVCT0174A 17-Nov-09

Harpacticoida Ameiridae Nitokra sp. TK1 1 NVCT0473 18-Nov-09

Harpacticoida Ameiridae Nitokra sp. TK1 1 NVCT0588 16-Jul-07







Harpacticoida Ameiridae Nitokra sp. TK2 1 NVCT0123A 17-Nov-09


Harpacticoida Ameiridae Parapseudoleptomesochra sp. TK1 14 NLW20 19-Jul-07

Harpacticoida Canthocamptidae Australocamptus similis 4 NLW22 19-Jul-07

Harpacticoida Canthocamptidae Australocamptus similis 1 NLW22 16-Aug-10

Harpacticoida Canthocamptidae Australocamptus similis 1 NLW23 19-Jul-07

Harpacticoida Miraciidae Schizopera austindownsi 5 NLW2 17-Jul-07




APPENDIX G






Sampling Date

Harpacticoida Miraciidae Schizopera austindownsi 3 NVCT0010 16-Jul-07

Harpacticoida Miraciidae Schizopera austindownsi 3 NVCT0174A 18-Jul-07




Harpacticoida Miraciidae Schizopera sp. TK4 1 NVCT0058 17-Jul-07

Harpacticoida Miraciidae Schizopera sp. TK7 6 NVCP5 18-Nov-09

Harpacticoida Miraciidae Schizopera sp. TK7 3 OBS1 18-Nov-09

Harpacticoida Miraciidae Schizopera sp. TK7 10 OBS6 18-Nov-09

Harpacticoida Miraciidae Schizopera uramurdahi 1 NLW11 18-Jul-07






Harpacticoida Miraciidae Schizopera uramurdahi 2 NVCP5 18-Nov-09

Harpacticoida Miraciidae Schizopera uramurdahi 1 NVCT0123A 17-Nov-09

Harpacticoida Miraciidae Schizopera uramurdahi 5 NVCT0174A 18-Jul-07

Harpacticoida Miraciidae Schizopera uramurdahi 2 NVCT0174A 17-Nov-09

Harpacticoida Miraciidae Schizopera uramurdahi 2 NVCT0508 18-Jul-07

Harpacticoida Miraciidae Schizopera uramurdahi 1 NVCT0612 17-Jul-07

Harpacticoida Miraciidae Schizopera uramurdahi 1 OBS6 18-Nov-09

Harpacticoida Parastenocarididae Kinnecaris sp. TK1 2 SB26-1 20-Nov-09

Harpacticoida Parastenocarididae Kinnecaris sp. TK1 13 SB32-1 21-Nov-09

Harpacticoida Parastenocarididae Kinnecaris sp. TK1 1 SB32-1 16-Aug-10

Oligochaeta Enchytraeidae Enchytraeidae 1 NLW1 17-Jul-07

Oligochaeta Enchytraeidae Enchytraeidae 1 NLW19 17-Nov-09

Oligochaeta Enchytraeidae Enchytraeidae 10 NLW21 19-Jul-07

Oligochaeta Enchytraeidae Enchytraeidae 1 NVCTA 17-Nov-09

Oligochaeta Enchytraeidae Enchytraeidae 2 SB13-4 20-Nov-09

Oligochaeta Naididae Naididae 1 NVCT0612 17-Jul-07

Oligochaeta Phreodrilidae Phreodrilidae 5 SB26-1 20-Nov-09

Podocopida Candonidae Candonopsis 1 SB32-1 16-Aug-10

Podocopida Candonidae Candonopsis (Abcandonopsis) linnaei 2 NLW16 19-Jul-07



Podocopida Candonidae Candonopsis (Abcandonopsis) linnaei 1 NVCT0005 16-Jul-07

Podocopida Candonidae Candonopsis (Abcandonopsis) linnaei 3 NVCT0612 17-Jul-07

APPENDIX G


Lake Way Project Area Survey Results




Sampling Date

Amphipoda Chiltoniidae Chiltoniidae sp. SAM1 1 LakeOES41 27-May-10

Amphipoda Chiltoniidae Chiltoniidae sp. SAM1 1 LakeOES41 16-Aug-10

Amphipoda Chiltoniidae Chiltoniidae sp. SAM1 3 LW3 27-May-10

Amphipoda Chiltoniidae Chiltoniidae sp. SAM1 1 LW3 16-Aug-10

Amphipoda Chiltoniidae Chiltoniidae sp. SAM1 1 LW4 18-Nov-09

Amphipoda Chiltoniidae Chiltoniidae sp. SAM1 2 LW5 18-Nov-09

Amphipoda Paramelitidae Paramelitidae sp. SAM2 2 LW7 17-Nov-09

Bathynellacea Parabathynellidae Brevisomabathynella sp. OES6 8 LW7 17-Nov-09

Bathynellacea Parabathynellidae Brevisomabathynella uramurdahensis 1 LakeOES41 27-May-10

Bathynellacea Parabathynellidae Brevisomabathynella uramurdahensis 3 LW7 17-Nov-09


Bathynellacea Parabathynellidae Brevisomabathynella sp. OES5 1 LW3 27-May-10

Bathynellacea Parabathynellidae Brevisomabathynella sp. OES5 1 LW3 16-Aug-10


Bathynellacea Parabathynellidae Parabathynellidae 1 LW7 17-Nov-09

Coleoptera Dytiscidae Limbodessus sp. 1 LakeOES41 16-Aug-10

Coleoptera Dytiscidae Limbodessus wilunaensis 2 LW3 16-Aug-10

Copepoda Copepoda 1 LW3 19-Nov-09



Cyclopoida Cyclopidae Dussartcyclops uniarticulatus 1 LW3 27-May-10

Cyclopoida Cyclopidae Halicyclops eberhardi 1 LakeOES41 27-May-10

Cyclopoida Cyclopidae Halicyclops eberhardi 3 LakeOES41 16-Aug-10

Cyclopoida Cyclopidae Halicyclops eberhardi 2 LW3 19-Nov-09

Cyclopoida Cyclopidae Halicyclops eberhardi 1 LW3 16-Aug-10

Cyclopoida Cyclopidae Halicyclops eberhardi 31 LW4 18-Nov-09

Cyclopoida Cyclopidae Halicyclops eberhardi 1 LW7 16-Aug-10

Cyclopoida Cyclopidae Halicyclops kieferi 10 LakeOES41 20-Mar-10

Cyclopoida Cyclopidae Halicyclops kieferi 18 LakeOES41 27-May-10

Cyclopoida Cyclopidae Halicyclops kieferi 8 LakeOES41 16-Aug-10

Cyclopoida Cyclopidae Halicyclops kieferi 37 LW11 18-Nov-09

Cyclopoida Cyclopidae Halicyclops kieferi 12 LW11 27-May-10






Cyclopoida Cyclopidae Halicyclops kieferi 9 LW5 16-Aug-10


Cyclopoida Cyclopidae Halicyclops sp. 1 LW7 27-May-10

Harpacticoida Ameiridae Haifameira pori 1 LW3 19-Nov-09

APPENDIX G


Lake Way Project Area Survey Results (cont.)




Sampling Date

Harpacticoida Ameiridae Nitokra sp. TK1 1 LakeOES41 27-May-10

Harpacticoida Ameiridae Nitokra sp. TK1 4 LakeOES42 20-Mar-10

Harpacticoida Ameiridae Nitokra sp. TK1 3 LW5 27-May-10

Harpacticoida Ameiridae Nitokra sp. TK2 2 LakeOES41 16-Aug-10

Harpacticoida Ameiridae Nitokra sp. TK2 2 LakeOES42 20-Mar-10

Harpacticoida Ameiridae Nitokra sp. TK2 1 LW11 18-Nov-09



Harpacticoida Ameiridae Nitokra sp. TK2 1 LW7 27-May-10

Harpacticoida Ameiridae Parapseudoleptomesochra sp. ?TK2 1 LW7 16-Aug-10

Harpacticoida Ameiridae Parapseudoleptomesochra sp. TK1 1 AC09LW0046 27-May-10

Harpacticoida Ameiridae Parapseudoleptomesochra sp. TK1 5 LW11 18-Nov-09

Harpacticoida Ameiridae Parapseudoleptomesochra sp. TK1 4 LW11 27-May-10




Harpacticoida Ameiridae Parapseudoleptomesochra sp. TK1 3 LW5 16-Aug-10



Harpacticoida Miraciidae Schizopera austindownsi 1 LakeOES41 20-Mar-10

Harpacticoida Miraciidae Schizopera austindownsi 1 LakeOES41 27-May-10

Harpacticoida Miraciidae Schizopera austindownsi 3 LW7 17-Nov-09

Harpacticoida Miraciidae Schizopera sp. TK2 1 AC09LW0012 27-May-10

Harpacticoida Miraciidae Schizopera uramurdahi 2 LakeOES41 20-Mar-10

Harpacticoida Miraciidae Schizopera uramurdahi 5 LakeOES41 27-May-10

Harpacticoida Miraciidae Schizopera uramurdahi 3 LakeOES41 16-Aug-10

Harpacticoida Miraciidae Schizopera uramurdahi 3 LW11 18-Nov-09

APPENDIX G


Lake Way Project Area Survey Results (cont.)




Sampling Date




Harpacticoida Miraciidae Schizopera uramurdahi 1 LW7 27-May-10

Harpacticoida Miraciidae Schizopera uramurdahi 1 LW7 16-Aug-10

Harpacticoida Parastenocarididae Kinnecaris sp. TK2 1 LakeOES41 16-Aug-10

Isopoda Scyphacidae Haloniscus sp. OES8 3 LW4 18-Nov-09

Oligochaeta Enchytraeidae Enchytraeidae 1 AC09LW0061 19-Mar-10

Oligochaeta Enchytraeidae Enchytraeidae 1 LakeOES41 16-Aug-10

Oligochaeta Enchytraeidae Enchytraeidae 2 LakeOES42 20-Mar-10

Oligochaeta Enchytraeidae Enchytraeidae 1 LW11 18-Nov-09

Oligochaeta Enchytraeidae Enchytraeidae 1 LW3 27-May-10

Oligochaeta Enchytraeidae Enchytraeidae 2 LW5 27-May-10

Oligochaeta Enchytraeidae Enchytraeidae 5 AC09LW0061 19-Mar-10

Oligochaeta Naididae Naididae 1 AC09LW0059 19-Mar-10

Oligochaeta Phreodrilidae Phreodrilidae 1 LW3 27-May-10

Podocopida Candonidae Candonopsis sp. IK1 1 LW5 27-May-10

APPENDIX G


West Creek Borefield Project Area Survey Results




Sampling Date

Amphipoda Chiltoniidae Chiltoniidae sp. SAM2 12 Bores Windmill 19-Nov-09

Amphipoda Chiltoniidae Chiltoniidae sp. SAM2 49 Bores Windmill 28-May-10

Amphipoda Chiltoniidae Chiltoniidae sp. SAM2 10 Bores Windmill 15-Aug-10

Amphipoda Chiltoniidae Chiltoniidae sp. SAM2 5 Bores Windmill 15-Nov-10

Amphipoda Paramelitidae Paramelitidae sp. SAM1 2 Bores Windmill 19-Nov-09

Amphipoda Paramelitidae Paramelitidae sp. SAM1 4 Bores Windmill 28-May-10

Amphipoda Paramelitidae Paramelitidae sp. SAM1 3 P22 19-Nov-09

Bathynellacea Parabathynellidae Brevisomabathynella sp. SAM3 8 P22 19-Nov-09

Bathynellacea Parabathynellidae Brevisomabathynella sp. SAM3 2 P22 15-Aug-10

Bathynellacea Parabathynellidae Brevisomabathynella sp. SAM3 1 P22 15-Nov-10

Bathynellacea Parabathynellidae Brevisomabathynella sp. SAM4 2 Bores Windmill 19-Nov-09

Bathynellacea Parabathynellidae Parabathynellidae sp. OES13 1 Bores Windmill 15-Nov-10

Coleoptera Dytiscidae Limbodessus millbilliensis 1 Bores Windmill 19-Nov-09

Coleoptera Dytiscidae Limbodessus millbilliensis 1 Bores Windmill 15-Aug-10

Coleoptera Dytiscidae Limbodessus millbilliensis 1 Bores Windmill 15-Nov-10

Cyclopoida Cyclopidae Dussartcyclops uniarticulatus 1 Bores Windmill 19-Nov-09

Cyclopoida Cyclopidae Dussartcyclops uniarticulatus 3 Bores Windmill 28-May-10

Cyclopoida Cyclopidae Dussartcyclops uniarticulatus 6 Bores Windmill 15-Aug-10

Cyclopoida Cyclopidae Dussartcyclops uniarticulatus 2 P18 28-May-10

Cyclopoida Cyclopidae Dussartcyclops uniarticulatus 44 P22 19-Nov-09

Cyclopoida Cyclopidae Dussartcyclops uniarticulatus 1 P22 28-May-10

Cyclopoida Cyclopidae Dussartcyclops uniarticulatus 8 P22 15-Aug-10

Cyclopoida Cyclopidae Dussartcyclops uniarticulatus 1 P26 15-Aug-10

Cyclopoida Cyclopidae Fierscyclops fiersi 5 Bores Windmill 15-Aug-10

Cyclopoida Cyclopidae Fierscyclops fiersi 1 XP4A 19-Nov-09

Cyclopoida Cyclopidae Halicyclops eberhardi 4 Bores Windmill 19-Nov-09

Cyclopoida Cyclopidae Halicyclops eberhardi 5 Bores Windmill 28-May-10

Cyclopoida Cyclopidae Halicyclops eberhardi 8 Bores Windmill 15-Aug-10

Cyclopoida Cyclopidae Halicyclops kieferi 1 Bores Windmill 19-Nov-09

Cyclopoida Cyclopidae Halicyclops kieferi 1 Explor5 28-May-10


Cyclopoida Cyclopidae Halicyclops kieferi 16 XP5 19-Nov-09

Cyclopoida Cyclopoida 8 Bores Windmill 15-Nov-10

Harpacticoida Ameiridae Haifameira pori 44 Bores Windmill 19-Nov-09

Harpacticoida Ameiridae Haifameira pori 29 Bores Windmill 28-May-10

Harpacticoida Ameiridae Haifameira pori 41 Bores Windmill 15-Aug-10

Harpacticoida Ameiridae Haifameira pori 1 XP4A 19-Nov-09

Harpacticoida Ameiridae Nitokra sp. TK2 1 XP4A 19-Nov-09

APPENDIX G






Sampling Date

Harpacticoida Ameiridae Parapseudoleptomesochra sp. TK1 9 XP5 19-Nov-09

Harpacticoida Ameiridae Parapseudoleptomesochra sp. TK2 1 P18 18-Nov-09

Harpacticoida Ameiridae Parapseudoleptomesochra sp. TK2 2 P18 15-Aug-10

Harpacticoida Ameiridae Parapseudoleptomesochra sp. TK2 40 P22 19-Nov-09

Harpacticoida Ameiridae Parapseudoleptomesochra sp. TK2 6 P22 28-May-10

Harpacticoida Ameiridae Parapseudoleptomesochra sp. TK2 15 P22 15-Aug-10

Harpacticoida Canthocamptidae Australocamptus similis 70 P61 15-Aug-10

Harpacticoida Miraciidae Schizopera austindownsi 1 XP4A 19-Nov-09

Harpacticoida Miraciidae Schizopera austindownsi 3 XP5 19-Nov-09

Harpacticoida Miraciidae Schizopera uramurdahi 9 Bores Windmill 15-Aug-10

Harpacticoida Parastenocarididae Kinnecaris sp. TK1 1 P70 15-Aug-10

Harpacticoida Harpacticoida 10 Bores Windmill 15-Nov-10

Harpacticoida Harpacticoida 2 P18 15-Nov-10



Oligochaeta Enchytraeidae Enchytraeidae 1 Bores Windmill 19-Nov-09

Oligochaeta Enchytraeidae Enchytraeidae 1 Explor5 28-May-10

Oligochaeta Enchytraeidae Enchytraeidae 1 Explor5 15-Aug-10

Oligochaeta Enchytraeidae Enchytraeidae 7 Explor5 15-Nov-10

Oligochaeta Enchytraeidae Enchytraeidae 5 Explor7 15-Aug-10

Oligochaeta Enchytraeidae Enchytraeidae 2 Explor7 15-Nov-10

Oligochaeta Enchytraeidae Enchytraeidae 8 P70 19-Nov-09

Oligochaeta Enchytraeidae Enchytraeidae 1 P70 15-Aug-10

Oligochaeta Enchytraeidae Enchytraeidae 15 P70 15-Nov-10

Oligochaeta Enchytraeidae Enchytraeidae 2 Well 1 Bore C 19-Nov-09

Oligochaeta Naididae Naididae 1 P70 28-May-10

Oligochaeta Phreodrilidae Phreodrilidae 19 P22 19-Nov-09

Oligochaeta Phreodrilidae Phreodrilidae 5 P22 15-Aug-10

Oligochaeta Phreodrilidae Phreodrilidae 3 P61 15-Aug-10

Podocopida Candonidae Candonopsis dani 18 Bores Windmill 15-Aug-10

Podocopida Candonidae Candonopsis sp. IK1 11 Bores Windmill 19-Nov-09

Podocopida Candonidae Candonopsis sp. IK1 7 Bores Windmill 28-May-10

Podocopida Candonidae Candonopsis sp. IK1 2 XP5 19-Nov-09

Ostracoda Ostracoda 25 Bores Windmill 15-Nov-10

APPENDIX H

Stygofauna Images

Plate 3: (a) Limbodessus hinkleri dorsal habitus, (b) Limbodessus macrohinkleri dorsal habitus, (c)

Chiltoniidae sp. SAM2 lateral habitus, (d) Brevisomabathynella sp. SAM3 lateral habitus

(a) (b)

(c) (d)

APPENDIX I

Molecular biodiversity assessment (Leijs 2010)

1

For Outback Ecology

Molecular biodiversity assessment of the subterranean fauna

of the Wiluna area

Introduction There are four main calcretes in the Wiluna area: The Uramurdah calcrete, the Lake Violet calcrete,

the Millbillillie Bubble Well calcrete and the Hinkler Well calcrete (Fig 1). Each of these calcretes

consists of a number of stygofauna species that are unique for these calcretes.

Figure 1. Geological Map of Wiluna area (sheet SG51-9), with the major calcretes (Czk, in yellow)

named.

Hinkler calcrete

Lake Violet calcrete

Uramurdah calcrete

Millbillillie Bubble Well calcrete

West Creek

2

The specimens that were received for molecular biodiversity assessments were collected from bores

on each of these calcretes: The samples from Lake Way actually are from two calcretes: Uramurdah

calcrete (bores LW4-LW7, LakeOES41) and Lake Violet (LW3). The majority of samples from

Centipede are from the eastern end of the Hinkler calcrete, some (SB32-1, SB32-2) are from the

central part of the calcrete near Hinkler Well. The West Creek bore localities are situated

approximately halfway between the Millbillillie Bubble Well calcrete and the Lake Violet calcrete.

Methods Biodiversity assessment of a selection of the collected fauna (Table 1) was performed by PCR

amplification and sequencing of a 677 bp fragment of CO1, commonly used for DNA barcoding

(Hebert et al. 2003). The sequences were added to large datasets that consists of related taxa from

the region (Amphipoda: Cooper et al. 2007; Bathynellidae: Guzik et al. 2008; Dytiscidae; Leys et al.

2003, 2008; Isopoda; Cooper et al. 2008) complemented with unpublished sequence data at the SA-

Museum and data from Genbank.

Table 1. Overview of the analysed specimens. The first column gives the DNA extraction number,

the last column indicates whether the PCR was successful. All specimens were tried with two

different sets of PCR primers.

3

Phylogenetic analyses using neighbour joining of uncorrected sequence distances in PAUP*

(Swofford 1998) were used to estimate the number of species among the received specimens from

the Wiluna area, as well as for checking whether these species were found at other localities in the

region. Results of phylogenetic analyses will be presented as partial phylogenetic trees showing the

target species with some closest related species as well as a matrix of uncorrected (“p”) pairwise

distances between target species and relevant taxa in the phylogenetic trees. The target species are

yellow highlighted in the phylogenetic trees. Intraspecific pairwise distances (cut off value > 3%)

are yellow highlighted, interspecific pairwise distances of closely related species are highlighted in

green.

Results

Amphipoda – Chiltoniidae

A large unpublished sequence dataset of chiltoniid amphipods including data from 28 different

Yilgarn calcretes exist at the SA-Museum. This dataset was used to compare the chiltoniid

amphipods of this project. None of the Yilgarn chiltoniid amphipods are described. Five out of ten

chiltoniid amphipod specimens produced successful PCRs that resulted in clear sequences.

Phylogenetic analysis (Figure and matrix 2) showed that specimens ST1140 (Lake Violet), ST1143

and ST 1144 (Uramurdah) are conspecific, pairwise distances 0 – 2.572%, with an undescribed

species sequenced previously from the Uramurdah and Millbillillie Bubble Well calcretes.

Specimens ST1147 and ST1149 from the West Creek area, Bores Windmill, both belong to the same

undescribed species that has not been sequenced before. These specimens form a distant sister

group (pairwise sequence divergence 11.342 - 12.277%) with the species nov. 1 from the Uramurdah

calcrete. (Figure & Matrix 2)

Figure & Matrix 2.

sp. nov. 1

sp. nov. 2

4

Amphipoda – Paramelitidae

A paper about the Paramelitids of the Yilgarn calcretes was published by Cooper et al. (2007).

Paramelitids have not been sequenced before from the West Creek-Lake Violet area. In the analysis

the two specimens which are conspecific (pairwise sequence divergence 0.514% (matrix 3)) are

grouping with a published, but still undescribed species from the Mt Padbury calcrete in the

Murchison drainage (Cooper et al. 2007). The pairwise sequence divergences of the West Creek

specimens compared to the Mt Padbury species (13.59 – 14.19%) clearly indicates that the

specimens from West Creek represent a separate Paramelitid species, which has not been recorded

before.

Figure & Matrix 3.

Bathynellidae

A paper about the phylogenetics of the Yilgarn parabathynellids was published by Guzik et al.

(2008) and Cho & Humphreys (2010) recently described some additional parabathynellids from the

Yilgarn region. The Guzik et al. (2008) paper contains sequence data from the Uramurdah calcrete

and the Hinkler Well calcrete. Ten out the 15 specimens resulted in successful PCR and clear

sequencing (Table 1). Specimens ST1158 and ST1164 both collected from the Uramurdah calcrete

are conspecific (sequence divergence >1%, Matrix 4) with specimens collected there before (Figure

4a). These specimens were indicated as genus A sp.2 by Guzik et al (2008) and subsequently

described by Cho & Humphreys (2010) as Brevisomabathynella uramurdahensis. Specimen ST1167

from West Creek differs >5.3% from B. uramurdahensis, which is sufficient to consider it a different

yet undescribed species, particularly because the species B. parooensis (EU350221) and B.

eberhardi (EU350241) differ only 4.43% (Matrix 4, Figure 4c). Specimens ST1155 and ST1157

from the Hinkler calcrete are grouping with B. clayi (Figure 4b) from the Uramurdah calcrete, and

differ sufficiently (>6.5%, Matrix 4) to consider them a separate previously unrecognized species.

Specimens ST1160-1162 from the Lake Violet calcrete are conspecific with a specimen that has

been sequenced from the same bore and was indicated as “unidentified species 1” by Guzik et al.

sp. nov. 1

5

(2008). The sequence divergence among these specimens was <2.3% (Matrix 4). Specimens

ST1165-ST1166 from West Creek appear in the phylogenetic tree as a sister group of B. eberhardi

(EU350241) from the neighbouring Millbillillie Bubble Well calcrete (Figure 4c). Sequence

divergence between these taxa is >4.4% (Matrix 4) which warrant to recognise these specimens from

West Creek as a new species.

Summarizing: Molecular biodiversity assessment confirms the identity of two previously known

parabathynellid species from the Uramurdah and Lake Violet calcretes. Specimens from the Hinkler

calcrete (one species) and West Creek (two species) should be considered as new species.

Figure 4a.

Figure 4b.

Brevisomabathynella clayi

Brevisomabathynella uramurdahensis

sp. nov. 1

sp. nov. 2

‘unidentified species 1 (Guzik et al 2008)

6

Figure 4c.

Matrix 4

Subterranean diving beetles (Dytiscidae)

The subterranean diving beetles from the Yilgarn area have been studied intensively (Watts &

Humphreys 2009, Cooper et al. 2002, Leijs et al. 2003, Leijs & Watts 2008). A sequence data set at

the SA-Museum comprising more than 90 subterranean diving species was used to analyse the

subterranean diving beetles from the Lake Way area. Seven out of ten of the extracted divingbeetle

adults and larvae resulted in successful PCR and clean sequences. These specimens could all be

linked with species already known from the respective calcretes. The molecular biodiversity method

proofed particularly useful for identification of immature stages. Specimens ST1168-ST1171 from

the Hinkler calcrete were conspecific with Limbodessus hinkleri (Figure 5), sequence divergence

among these and specimens in the SA-Museum database was < 1.28% (Matrix 5). Larval specimens

ST1174-ST1175 from West Creek were grouping with L. millbillilliensis from the Millbillillie

Bubble Well calcrete (Figure 6), and are conspecific with L. millbillilliensis because the sequence

divergence is < 0.36% (Matrix 6). Specimen ST1173 from the Lake Violet calcrete matches L.

wilunaensis previously collected from the same bore (Figure 7), sequence divergence 0.246%

(Matrix 7).

sp. nov. 3

Brevisomabathynella eberhardi

Brevisomabathynella parooensis

7

Figure 5.

Matrix 5.

Figure 6.

Matrix 6.

Limbodessus hinkleri

Limbodessus millbillilliensis

8

Figure 7.

Matrix 7.

Isopoda

The Isopoda submitted for the molecular biodiversity assessment consisted of a mix of taxa collected

using stygofauna nets and litter traps. Although some work has been done on isopods of the Yilgarn

calcretes (Taiti & Humphreys 2001, Cooper et al. 2008) there is still a lack of understanding of the

family relationships of the species that are found in the region (Taiti personal communication). For

this study DNA sequences were compared with GenBank data, partially from the Cooper et al.

(2008) paper. Eleven of the twelve samples resulted in successful PCR and clear sequences.

Specimens ST1178-ST1181 from the Hinkler calcrete were all conspecific (Figure 8), sequence

divergence < 1.0% (Matrix 8). However, no close match was found, divergence with two species

form different and distant calcretes (BES 10410 Lake Mason, BES 13093 Yarrabubba) was >

12.1%. Because the specimens are grouping with taxa that are considered Haloniscus, it is save to

assume that they are belonging to the same genus and should be treated as an undescribed species.

The remaining seven specimens ST1182, ST1184, ST1185, ST1186, ST1187, ST1188 and ST1189

appear to consist of six deep lineages (Figure 9a,b, Matrix 9). ST1186 and ST1188 are conspecific.

Due to the above mentioned lack of understanding about the family relationships the taxonomic

positions of these lineages remain unclear, but they should be considered as six separate lineages of

undescribed species. It is remarkable that none of these match with the 5-6 species previously

recorded from the Uramurdah and Millbillillie Bubble Well calcretes (Cooper et al. 2008). The

biodiversity of isopods in that region is therefore not sufficiently known yet.

Figure 8.

Haloniscus sp. nov. 1

Limbodessus wilunaensis

9

Matrix 8.

Figure 9a.

Figure 9b.

Matrix 9.

Discussion Although the separate calcretes in the Wiluna area each contain a variety of endemic stygofauna

species, they also show evidence of recent evolutionary processes. The close proximity of the

Millbillillie Bubble Well calcrete, Lake Violet calcrete and Uramurdah calcrete shows both clear

patterns of ancient isolation of species, evidenced for example by the deep divergence between the

chiltoniid amphipods sp. 1 and sp. 2 from West Creek and the Uramurdah calcrete, but it also

indicates recent patterns of gene flow, particular in the chiltoniid amphipod sp. 1 that were collected

from the Uramurdah calcrete, Lake Violet calcrete as well as the Millbillillie Bubble Well calcrete.

A similar pattern of seemingly recent gene flow is found in the diving beetle L. millbillilliensis

which occurs in the Millbillillie Bubble Well calcrete as well as in the neighbouring West Creek

area. This phenomena of both ancient endemics as well as apparent recent gene flow between a

number of calcretes has not been recorded for other calcretes in the Yilgarn and is not well

10

understood. Therefore the Wiluna area is significant for the study of ancient as well as more recent

evolutionary processes in stygofauna.

Summary of results

•••• Three new species of amphipods were recorded, of which one paramelitid and one chiltoniid

endemic for the West Creek area.

• There is a high biodiversity of Parabathynellidae in the area. Each of the calcretes consists of

multiple species. Three new species were discovered, one from the Hinkler Well calcrete and two

from the West Creek area.

• No additional diving beetles species were found. The diving beetle species from the West Creek

area also occurs in the Millbillillie Bubble Well calcrete.

• There is a high biodiversity of Isopoda in the area. An additional 7 new species were discovered.

References Cho J-L & Humphreys WF (2010). Ten new species of the genus Brevisomabathynella Cho, Park

and Ranga Reddy, 2006 (Malacostraca, Bathynellacea, Parabathynellidae) from Western

Australia. Journal of Natural History 44: 993–1079.

Cooper SJB, Bradbury JH, Saint KM et al. (2007). Subterranean archipelago in the Australian arid

zone: mitochondrial DNA phylogeography of amphipods from central Western Australia.

Molecular Ecology 16: 1533–1544.

Cooper SJB, Saint KM, Taiti S et al. (2008). Subterranean archipelago: mitochondrial DNA

phylogeography of stygobitic isopods (Oniscidea:Haloniscus) from the Yilgarn region of

Western Australia. Invertebrate Systematics. 22: 195–203.

Guzik MT, Cooper SJB, Humphreys WF et al. (2008). Phylogeography of the ancient

Parabathynellidae (Crustacea: Bathynellacea) from the Yilgarn region of Western Australia.

Invertebrate Systematics 22: 205–216.

Hebert PDN, Cywinska A, Ball SL & deWaard JR. (2003). Proc. R. Soc. London Ser. B 270: 313–

321.

Leys R & Watts CHS (2008). Systematics and evolution of the Australian subterranean Hydroporine

diving beetles (Dytiscidae), with notes on Carabhydrus. Invertebrate Systematics 22: 217-

225.

Leys R, Watts CHS, Cooper SJB et al. (2003). Evolution of subterranean diving beetles (Coleoptera:

Dytiscidae: Hydroporini, Bidessini) in the arid zone of Australia. Evolution 57: 2819–2834.

Swofford DL. (1998). PAUP*:Phylogenetic Analysis Using Parsimony (and other methods). Sinauer

Associates: Sunderland MA, USA.

Taiti S & Humphreys WF (2001). New aquatic Oniscidea (Crustacea: Isopoda) from groundwater

calcretes of Western Australia. Records of the Western Australian Museum Supplement No.

64: 133–151

Watts CHS & Humphreys WF (2009). Fourteen new dytiscidae (Coleoptera) of the genera

Limbodessus Guignot, Paroster sharp, and Exocelina broun from undergroundwaters in

Australia. Transactions of the Royal Society of South Australia 133: 62–107.

South Australian Museum, Remko Leijs, 16 December 2010.

APPENDIX J

Troglofauna survey effort

Centipede Project Area Survey Effort

Barrier

0 m 0 m 0.5 m

CentOES021 234314 7029066 18-Mar-10 26-May-10 Litter trap NA 2 �





CentOES033 238346 7028888 18-Mar-10 27-May-10 Litter trap NA 0.75 �







NLW1 236183 7030273 17-Jul-07 17-Jul-07 Net hauling NA NA �

NLW2 236274 7030203 17-Jul-07 17-Jul-07 Net hauling 7 NA � �




NLW6 234793 7027030 18-Jul-07 18-Jul-07 Net hauling NA NA � �








NLW13 233808 7028217 18-Mar-10 27-May-10 Litter trap NA 2 � �

NLW15 234382 7029066 19-Jul-07 19-Jul-07 Net hauling 6 NA �

NLW15 234384 7029062 18-Mar-10 26-May-10 Litter trap 6 2 �

NLW15 234382 7029066 16-Aug-10 16-Aug-10 Net hauling 6 NA �


NLW16 234358 7029073 18-Mar-10 26-May-10 Litter trap NA 2 �


WGS 84 Eastings

WGS 84 Northings

Sampling Date (start)

Sampling Date (end)

Sampling Method

EOHTrap

DepthMining Area

Process. Area

APPENDIX J

Troglofauna survey effort (cont.)

Centipede Project Area Survey Effort (cont)

Barrier

0 m 0 m 0.5 m


NLW17 234414 7029070 18-Mar-10 26-May-10 Litter trap NA 2 �


NLW18 234444 7029062 18-Mar-10 26-May-10 Litter trap NA 1.5 �


NLW19 233828 7028909 17-Nov-09 17-Nov-09 Net hauling 7 NA � �

NLW19 233828 7028909 17-Nov-09 09-Feb-10 Litter trap 7 2 � �

NLW19 233825 7028905 18-Mar-10 26-May-10 Litter trap 7 2 � �






NLW21 233620 7028632 17-Nov-09 09-Feb-10 Litter trap NA NA � �

NLW21 233623 7028634 18-Mar-10 26-May-10 Litter trap NA 2 � �





NLW22 233467 7028521 16-Aug-10 16-Aug-10 Net hauling 9 NA � �





NVCP1 237728 7027815 17-Nov-09 17-Nov-09 Net hauling 2.2 NA �

NVCP10 238316 7028188 17-Nov-09 09-Feb-10 Litter trap NA NA �






No Barrier Mining Area

Process. Area

Bore Name EOHSampling Method


WGS 84 Eastings

WGS 84 Northings

Sampling Date (end)

Trap Depth

APPENDIX J



Barrier

0 m 0 m 0.5 m

NVCP2 238257 7028265 17-Nov-09 17-Nov-09 Net hauling 5 NA �

NVCP2 238257 7028265 17-Nov-09 09-Feb-10 Litter trap 5 0.8 �

NVCP2 238257 7028259 17-Mar-10 26-May-10 Litter trap 5 1 �


NVCP3 238391 7028246 17-Nov-09 09-Feb-10 Litter trap 3 0.8 �










NVCT0005 238317 7028190 16-Jul-07 16-Jul-07 Net hauling 11 NA �


NVCT0027 236023 7030415 17-Jul-07 17-Jul-07 Net hauling NA NA �




NVCT0094 236735 7029310 17-Nov-09 09-Feb-10 Litter trap 10 NA � �

NVCT0094 233655 7029023 18-Mar-10 26-May-10 Litter trap 10 1.5 � �

NVCT0123A 233655 7029028 17-Nov-09 17-Nov-09 Net hauling 6 NA �

NVCT0123A 238361 7028790 17-Mar-10 27-May-10 Litter trap 6 1 �

NVCT0170 238370 7028787 18-Jul-07 18-Jul-07 Net hauling 10 NA � �

NVCT0174A 235183 7028388 18-Jul-07 18-Jul-07 Net hauling 11 NA �

NVCT0174A 237457 7028351 17-Nov-09 17-Nov-09 Net hauling 11 NA �

NVCT0174A 237457 7028351 17-Nov-09 09-Feb-10 Litter trap 11 2 �

NVCT0174A 237457 7028351 18-Mar-10 26-May-10 Litter trap 11 3 �

NVCT0188 238284 7028223 17-Mar-10 26-May-10 Litter trap NA NA �


WGS 84 Eastings

WGS 84 Northings


Sampling Date (end)

Sampling Method

EOHTrap

DepthMining Area

Process. Area

APPENDIX J



Barrier

0 m 0 m 0.5 m

NVCT0215 238284 7028223 18-Jul-07 18-Jul-07 Net hauling 8.5 NA � �

NVCT0225 233747 7027805 18-Jul-07 18-Jul-07 Net hauling 2 NA � �




NVCT0473 238393 7029175 17-Nov-09 09-Feb-10 Litter trap 17 1 �

NVCT0473 238393 7029175 18-Nov-09 18-Nov-09 Net hauling 17 NA �

NVCT0473 238393 7029175 18-Mar-10 27-May-10 Litter trap 17 NA �






NVCT0618 237948 7027845 17-Mar-10 26-May-10 Litter trap NA 1 �

NVCT10 238197 7028345 17-Mar-10 26-May-10 Litter trap NA NA �

NVCTA 233792 7029061 17-Nov-09 17-Nov-09 Net hauling 5 NA � �

NVCTA 233792 7029061 17-Nov-09 09-Feb-10 Litter trap 5 2 � �

NVCTA 233799 7029064 18-Mar-10 26-May-10 Litter trap 5 1 � �

OBS06 238343 7029244 18-Mar-10 27-May-10 Litter trap NA 1 �

OBS1 238476 7029363 18-Nov-09 18-Nov-09 Net hauling 17 NA �


OBS3 238504 7029011 17-Nov-09 09-Feb-10 Litter trap NA NA �

OBS3 238504 7029014 18-Mar-10 27-May-10 Litter trap NA 1 �


OBS4 238650 702861 17-Mar-10 27-May-10 Litter trap 11 NA �


SN09C0014 236493 7030124 18-Nov-09 18-Nov-09 Net hauling 9 NA �

SN09P0016 235859 7030650 18-Nov-09 18-Nov-09 Net hauling 11 NA �

Process. Area

No Barrier Sampling Method

EOHTrap

DepthMining Area


WGS 84 Northings


Sampling Date (end)

APPENDIX J


Lake Way Project Area Survey Effort

0 m 0.1 m 0.1 m 0.5 m

AC09LW0008 233578 7042968 20-Mar-10 27-May-10 Litter trap 4 9 2 �

AC09LW0008 233578 7042968 20-Mar-10 20-Mar-10 Net hauling 4 9 NA �

AC09LW0008 233578 7042968 27-May-10 27-May-10 Net hauling 4.5* 9 NA �

AC09LW0008 233578 7042968 27-May-10 16-Aug-10 Litter trap 4.5* 9 2 �

AC09LW0011 233606 7042896 20-Mar-10 27-May-10 Litter trap 3.8* 12 3 �

AC09LW0011 233606 7042896 20-Mar-10 20-Mar-10 Net hauling 3.8* 12 NA �


AC09LW0011 233606 7042896 27-May-10 16-Aug-10 Litter trap 3.8* 12 3 �

AC09LW0012 233087 7042607 20-Mar-10 27-May-10 Litter trap 2.4* 12 2 � �

AC09LW0012 233087 7042607 27-May-10 27-May-10 Net hauling 2.4* 12 NA � �

AC09LW0012 233087 7042607 27-May-10 16-Aug-10 Litter trap 2.4* 12 2 � �

AC09LW0013 233171 7042651 20-Mar-10 27-May-10 Litter trap 3.25* 12 2.5 � �

AC09LW0015 233354 7042734 20-Mar-10 27-May-10 Litter trap 2.95* 12 3 � �

AC09LW0015 233354 7042734 27-May-10 27-May-10 Net hauling 2.95* 12 NA � �

AC09LW0015 233354 7042734 27-May-10 16-Aug-10 Litter trap 2.95* 12 3 � �

AC09LW0039 233529 7043949 19-Mar-10 27-May-10 Litter trap 3.5 8.5 0.5 �

AC09LW0039 233529 7043949 19-Mar-10 19-Mar-10 Net hauling 2.3* 8.5 NA �

AC09LW0039 233529 7043949 27-May-10 16-Aug-10 Litter trap 2.3* 8.5 0.5 �

AC09LW0041 233574 7043967 19-Mar-10 27-May-10 Litter trap 3.5 10 1.5 �


AC09LW0042 233491 7043907 19-Mar-10 27-May-10 Litter trap NA 5 1.5 �

AC09LW0042 233491 7043907 19-Mar-10 19-Mar-10 Net hauling NA 5 NA �

AC09LW0042 233491 7043907 27-May-10 27-May-10 Net hauling NA 5 NA �

AC09LW0042 233491 7043907 27-May-10 16-Aug-10 Litter trap NA 5 1 �



AC09LW0044 233541 7043923 27-May-10 16-Aug-10 Litter trap 2.55* 8 1.5 �




AC09LW0046 233586 7043945 27-May-10 16-Aug-10 Litter trap 2.7* 8 1.5 �


WGS 84 Northings


Sampling Date (end)

Sampling Method

Barrier No Barrier EOH

Trap Depth

Mining Area

SWL

APPENDIX J



0 m 0.1 m 0.1 m 0.5 m



AC09LW0049 233553 7043902 19-Mar-10 27-May-10 Litter trap 3.5 8 1 �




AC09LW0054 233561 7043879 19-Mar-10 27-May-10 Litter trap NA 12 1 �

AC09LW0055 233584 7043889 19-Mar-10 LOST Litter trap 3.5 8 1 �

AC09LW0055 233584 7043889 19-Mar-10 19-Mar-10 Net hauling 3.5 8 NA �

AC09LW0058 233544 7043843 19-Mar-10 27-May-10 Litter trap NA 12 1 �

AC09LW0059 233570 7043855 19-Mar-10 27-May-10 Litter trap 2.7* 12 1 �


AC09LW0060 233597 7043864 19-Mar-10 27-May-10 Litter trap 3.5 9 NA �






AC09LW056 233604 7043898 19-Mar-10 27-May-10 Litter trap NA 12 1.5 �

LakeOES40 233707 7042858 20-Mar-10 27-May-10 Litter trap 6.5 7 3.5 �

LakeOES40 233707 7042858 20-Mar-10 20-Mar-10 Net hauling NA 7 NA �

LakeOES40 233707 7042858 27-May-10 27-May-10 Net hauling NA 7 NA �

LakeOES40 233707 7042858 27-May-10 16-Aug-10 Litter trap NA 7 3.5 �

LakeOES41 235215 7043496 20-Mar-10 27-May-10 Litter trap 6.5 10 5 �

LakeOES41 235215 7043496 20-Mar-10 20-Mar-10 Net hauling 6.5 10 NA �

LakeOES41 235215 7043496 27-May-10 27-May-10 Net hauling 6.46 10 NA �

LakeOES41 235215 7043496 27-May-10 16-Aug-10 Litter trap 6.46 10 6 �

LakeOES42 234981 7043182 20-Mar-10 27-May-10 Litter trap 5.5 10 5 �

LakeOES42 234981 7043182 20-Mar-10 20-Mar-10 Net hauling 5.5 10 NA �

LakeOES42 234981 7043182 27-May-10 27-May-10 Net hauling 5.5 10 NA �

LakeOES42 234981 7043182 27-May-10 16-Aug-10 Litter trap 5.5 10 5 �


WGS 84 Northings


Sampling Date (end)

Sampling Method

Barrier No Barrier SWL EOH

Trap Depth

Mining Area

APPENDIX J



0 m 0.1 m 0.1 m 0.5 m

LW11 235253 7045547 18-Nov-09 18-Nov-09 Net hauling 6 18 NA � �

LW11 235253 7045547 11-Feb-10 20-Mar-10 Litter trap 6.5 18 6 � �

LW11 235253 7045547 20-Mar-10 27-May-10 Litter trap NA 18 5.5 � �

LW11 235253 7045547 27-May-10 27-May-10 Net hauling NA 18 NA � �

LW11 235253 7045547 27-May-10 16-Aug-10 Litter trap NA 18 5 � �

LW13 236722 7045575 11-Feb-10 20-Mar-10 Litter trap 0 6.3 6.3 � �

LW13 236722 7045575 20-Mar-10 27-May-10 Litter trap NA 6.3 5 � �

LW14 NA NA 11-Feb-10 20-Mar-10 Litter trap 0 4.5 4.5 � �

LW14a 235216 7045623 11-Feb-10 20-Mar-10 Litter trap 0 5 5 � �


LW3 231231 7045463 11-Feb-10 20-Mar-10 Litter trap NA 22 2.5 � �

LW3 231231 7045463 20-Mar-10 27-May-10 Litter trap 3.15 22 3 � �



LW4 231728 7045473 18-Nov-09 18-Nov-09 Net hauling 2.8 21 NA � �

LW4 231728 7045473 11-Feb-10 20-Mar-10 Litter trap 3 21 2.5 � �


LW4 231728 7045473 27-May-10 27-May-10 Net hauling NA 21 NA

LW4 231728 7045473 27-May-10 16-Aug-10 Litter trap NA 21 4


LW5 232232 7045486 11-Feb-10 20-Mar-10 Litter trap 5 21 4.5 � �


LW5 232232 7045486 27-May-10 27-May-10 Net hauling 4.94 21 NA � �


LW6 232750 7045494 11-Feb-10 20-Mar-10 Litter trap 0 3.4 3.4 � �

LW6 232750 7045494 20-Mar-10 27-May-10 Litter trap 0 4.5 4.5 � �

LW7 234192 7045499 17-Nov-09 17-Nov-09 Net hauling 6.9 12 NA � �

LW7 234192 7045499 11-Feb-10 20-Mar-10 Litter trap 7 12 6 � �




LW8 235863 7043077 11-Feb-10 20-Mar-10 Litter trap 0 2.6 2.6 �

LW8 235863 7043077 20-Mar-10 27-May-10 Litter trap 0 2.6 2.5 �

LW9 236296 7045576 11-Feb-10 20-Mar-10 Litter trap 6 NA 2.5 � �

LWX 235708 7045511 11-Feb-10 20-Mar-10 Litter trap 6.6 NA 6 � �


WGS 84 Northings


Sampling Date (end)

Sampling Method

Barrier No Barrier SWL EOH

Trap Depth

Mining Area

APPENDIX J


West Creek Borefield Project Area Survey Effort

Calcrete Alluvium

Explor5 215796 7046923 12-Feb-10 20-Mar-10 Litter Trap 10 �

Explor5 215796 7046923 20-Mar-10 28-May-10 Litter Trap 10 �

Explor5 215796 7046923 28-May-10 15-Aug-10 Litter Trap 10 �

Explor5 215796 7046923 28-May-10 28-May-10 Net haul NA �

Explor5 215796 7046923 15-Aug-10 15-Aug-10 Net haul NA �

Explor5 215796 7046923 15-Nov-10 15-Nov-10 Net haul NA �




Explor7 214144 7046232 28-May-10 28-May-10 Net haul NA �

Explor7 214144 7046232 15-Aug-10 15-Aug-10 Net haul NA �

Explor7 214144 7046232 15-Nov-10 15-Nov-10 Net haul NA �




LW1 222522 7045015 11-Feb-10 20-Mar-10 Litter trap 1.2 �

LW12 230133 7045444 19-Nov-09 19-Nov-09 Net hauling NA �

LW12 230133 7045444 11-Feb-10 20-Mar-10 Litter trap 5 �

LW12 230133 7045444 20-Mar-10 27-May-10 Litter trap 3 �

LW2 228004 7045388 11-Feb-10 20-Mar-10 Litter trap 6 �

Trap DepthGeology


WGS 84 Northings


Sampling Date (end)

Sampling Method

APPENDIX K

Troglofauna survey results

Centipede Project Area Survey Results


Family Taxon ID No. of Individuals

Bore Name


Sampling Date (end)

Sampling Method

Depth Trap (m)Diplura Projapygidae 1 NVCT0174A 17-Nov-09 17-Nov-09 Net hauling

Isopoda Scyphacidae Haloniscus sp. 1 NVCT0174A 17-Nov-09 17-Nov-09 Net hauling

Isopoda Scyphacidae Haloniscus sp. 2 NVCP2 17-Nov-09 17-Nov-09 Net hauling

Isopoda Scyphacidae Haloniscus sp. 1 NVCT0437 17-Jul-07 17-Jul-07 Net hauling

Isopoda Scyphacidae Haloniscus sp. 2 OBS6 18-Nov-09 18-Nov-09 Net hauling

Isopoda Scyphacidae Haloniscus sp. OES10 6 NVCT0094 17-Nov-09 09-Feb-10 Litter trap

Isopoda Scyphacidae Haloniscus sp. OES10 2 NVCT0094 17-Nov-09 09-Feb-10 Litter trap

Isopoda Scyphacidae Haloniscus sp. OES3 8 CentOES04 17-Mar-10 27-May-10 Litter trap 1



Isopoda Scyphacidae Haloniscus sp. OES3 14 NVCP10 17-Nov-09 09-Feb-10 Litter trap






Isopoda Scyphacidae Haloniscus sp. OES3 3 NVCP3 17-Nov-09 17-Nov-09 Net hauling

Isopoda Scyphacidae Haloniscus sp. OES3 22 NVCP3 17-Mar-10 26-May-10 Litter trap 1

Isopoda Scyphacidae Haloniscus sp. OES3 30 NVCP3 17-Mar-10 26-May-10 Litter trap 1

Isopoda Scyphacidae Haloniscus sp. OES3 4 NVCT0188 17-Mar-10 26-May-10 Litter trap

Isopoda Scyphacidae Haloniscus sp. OES3 3 NVCT10 17-Mar-10 26-May-10 Litter trap 1

Isopoda Scyphacidae Haloniscus sp. OES3 9 OBS4 17-Mar-10 27-May-10 Litter trap


Pauropodina Pauropodina 1 NVCP5 18-Nov-09 18-Nov-09 Net hauling

Pauropodina Pauropodina 1 SB32-1 16-Aug-10 16-Aug-10 Net hauling

Polyxenida Polyxenida 3 NLW22 17-Nov-09 09-Feb-10 Litter trap

Pseudoscorpionida Chthoniidae Tyrannochthonius sp. OES3 1 CentOES03 17-Mar-10 27-May-10 Litter trap 1





Pseudoscorpionida Chthoniidae Tyrannochthonius sp. OES3 1 NLW22 17-Nov-09 09-Feb-10 Litter trap

Pseudoscorpionida Chthoniidae Tyrannochthonius sp. OES3 1 NVCP14 17-Nov-09 09-Feb-10 Litter trap

Pseudoscorpionida Chthoniidae Tyrannochthonius sp. OES3 1 NVCT0174A 17-Nov-09 17-Nov-09 Net hauling

Pseudoscorpionida Chthoniidae Tyrannochthonius sp. OES3 1 NVCT0588 16-Jul-07 16-Jul-07 Net hauling

Symphyla Symphyla 1 NLW7 18-Jul-07 18-Jul-07 Net hauling

Zygentoma Nicoletiidae ?Trinemura 1 SB32-1 21-Nov-09 21-Nov-09 Net hauling

APPENDIX K

Troglofauna survey results (cont.)

Lake Way Project Area Survey Results



Bore Name


Sampling Date (end)

Sampling Method

Depth Trap (m)Hemiptera Meenoplidae Meenoplidae 2 LW3 19-Nov-09 19-Nov-09 Net hauling

Isopoda Platyarthiridae Trichorhina sp. OES5 1 LakeOES41 20-Mar-10 27-May-10 Litter trap 5

Isopoda Scyphacidae Haloniscus sp. OES4 4 LW3 19-Nov-09 19-Nov-09 Net hauling

Isopoda Scyphacidae Haloniscus sp. OES4 1 LW3 27-May-10 27-May-10 Net hauling

Isopoda Scyphacidae Haloniscus sp. OES5 1 AC09LW0012 20-Mar-10 27-May-10 Litter trap 2

Isopoda Scyphacidae Haloniscus sp. OES6 1 AC09LW011 20-Mar-10 20-Mar-10 Net hauling

Isopoda Scyphacidae Haloniscus sp. OES7 2 LW3 19-Nov-09 19-Nov-09 Net hauling

Polyxenida Polyxenida sp. OES1 3 LakeOES41 27-May-10 16-Aug-10 Litter trap 6

Pseudoscorpionida Chthoniidae Tyrannochthonius sp. OES1 1 LW3 19-Nov-09 19-Nov-09 Net hauling

Pseudoscorpionida Chthoniidae Tyrannochthonius sp. OES1 1 LW3 20-Mar-10 27-May-10 Litter trap 3



Pseudoscorpionida Chthoniidae Tyrannochthonius sp. OES2 1 LakeOES40 20-Mar-10 20-Mar-10 Net hauling

Pseudoscorpionida Chthoniidae Tyrannochthonius sp. OES2 1 LW4 27-May-10 16-Aug-10 Litter trap 3



APPENDIX K

Troglofauna survey results (cont.)




Bore Name


Sampling Date (end)

Sampling Method

Depth Trap (m)Pauropodina Pauropodina 1 Bores Windmill 15-Nov-10 15-Nov-10 Net Hauling

Polyxenida Polyxenida sp. OES1 1 LW12 20-Mar-10 27-May-10 Litter trap 3


Zygentoma Nicolettiidae ?Trinemura 1 Bores Windmill 15-Nov-10 15-Nov-10 Net Hauling

APPENDIX L

Troglofauna images

Plate 4: (a) Tyrannochthonius sp. OES3 dorsal habitus, (b) Haloniscus sp. OES3 lateral

habitus.

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