The Consultant must prepare an updated Operation Environmental Management Plan and submit it to the NSW Department of Planning and Environment (DPE) for approval. The OEMP must meet the requirements stipulated by the DPE in the project approval Conditions of Consent, as modified by the Modification of Minister’s Approval.

The process is managed by the DPE and requires an understanding of the Guideline for the Preparation of Environmental Management Plans (DIPNR 2004). Preparation of the OEMP also requires specialist expertise in the various technical areas to be addressed, including hydrology, aquatic and terrestrial ecology, water quality, groundwater, geomorphology and socio-economics.