Supervising Scientist Division

Ranger mine monitoring data

Gulungul Creek monitoring data 2012-2013

The graphs on this web page show the following key chemical indicators for the 2012 - 2013 wet season plus water level from the Gulungul Creek downstream monitoring station (GCDS). Data for physico-chemical parameters and filterable analyte concentrations from previous wet seasons can be found at Gulungul Creek grab sample monitoring data 2002 - 2010 and Gulungul Creek monitoring data 2010-2012.

The Supervising Scientist's interpretation of the data in these charts is available at:

Conductivity in Gulungul Creek

The conductivity guideline of 43 μS/cm was determined statistically from historical weekly grab sampling data, and applies to water quality measured in grab samples. This guideline may be exceeded occasionally due to natural events but should not be exceeded due to mining activities. The Supervising Scientist has a current research project to develop an appropriate interpretive framework for the EC  data produced by  the continuous monitoring program. Details can be found on the Ecotoxicology Electrical Conductivity-Magnesium Pulse Framework page.

Gulungul Creek continuous monitoring data (conductivity) from the commencement of the 2011-12 wet season

Gulungul Creek continuous monitoring data from the commencement of the 2012-13 wet season.

Gulungul Creek continuous monitoring data (conductivity) from the commencement of the 2011-12 wet season

Gulungul Creek continuous monitoring data compared to the Ecotoxicology Electrical Conductivity-Magnesium Pulse Framework during an EC peak at the downstream monitoring site on 9 April 2013.

Gulungul Creek continuous monitoring data compared to the Ecotoxicology Electrical Conductivity-Magnesium Pulse Framework during EC events at the monitoring sites on 22-24 May 2013

Gulungul Creek continuous monitoring data compared to the Ecotoxicology Electrical Conductivity-Magnesium Pulse Framework during an EC peak at the downstream monitoring site on 22-24 May 2013.

Turbidity in Gulungul Creek

The turbidity guideline of 26 NTU was determined statistically from historical weekly grab sampling data, and applies to water quality measured in grab samples. This guideline may be exceeded occasionally due to natural events but should not be exceeded due to mining activities.

Gulungul Creek continuous monitoring data (turbidity) from the commencement of the 2011-12 wet season

Gulungul Creek continuous monitoring data from the commencement of the 2012-13 wet season.

Uranium in Gulungul Creek

The uranium limit of 6 µg/L has been derived using local ecotoxicological data in accordance with the Australian Water Quality Guidelines to protect 99% of the species present. The limit must not be exceeded. Please note that the limit is far above the range shown on the charts.

Gulungul Creek uranium data from the commencement of the 2011-12 wet season

Gulungul Creek uranium data from the commencement of the 2012-13 wet season.

Manganese in Gulungul Creek

The manganese guideline of 26 µg/L was determined statistically from historical weekly grab sampling data, and applies to water quality measured in grab samples. This guideline may be exceeded occasionally due to natural events but should not be exceeded due to mining activities.

Gulungul Creek manganese data from the commencement of the 2011-12 wet season

Gulungul Creek manganese data from the commencement of the 2012-13 wet season.

Magnesium in Gulungul Creek

There is no specific guideline for magnesium in Gulungul Creek. EC is strongly correlated to magnesium. Therefore, the guideline for electrical conductivity is referred to when interpreting magnesium data.The Supervising Scientist has developed an appropriate interpretive framework for the EC data produced by the continuous monitoring program. Details can be found on the Ecotoxicology Electrical Conductivity-Magnesium Pulse Framework page.

Gulungul Creek magnesium data from the commencement of the 2011-12 wet season

Gulungul Creek magnesium data from the commencement of the 2012-13 wet season.

Sulfate in Gulungul Creek

There is no specific guideline for sulfate in Gulungul Creek. EC is strongly correlated to sulfate. Therefore, the guideline for electrical conductivity is referred to when interpreting sulfate data. For comparison, the drinking water standard with taste as the criterion for sulfate is 250 mg/l.

Gulungul Creek sulfate data from the commencement of the 2011-12 wet season

Gulungul Creek sulfate data from the commencement of the 2012-13 wet season.

Toxicity monitoring

Explanatory notes

Glossary