AMD (Acid and Metalliferous Drainage) Water Treatment for Quarry Discharge in Tasmania

When two pit lakes at a quarry in Tasmania required treatment before discharge, Earth Systems was engaged to develop and implement a practical AMD water treatment strategy.

AMD, or Acid and Metalliferous Drainage, can occur when water interacts with exposed rock or disturbed materials and becomes acidic or metal-rich. For quarry, mining and disturbed land sites, this can create environmental, operational and compliance challenges if not managed correctly.

At this quarry, the pit lakes contained acid and metalliferous drainage water that needed to be treated before it could be safely discharged. The treated water also needed to meet water quality requirements, including compliance with the ANZECC guidelines for the protection of more than 95% of species.

Within two weeks of treatment commencing, metal concentrations were reduced by more than 98%.

This project demonstrates Earth Systems’ practical capability in environmental geochemistry, contaminated water treatment and site-specific discharge management.

The Challenge

The quarry needed a reliable treatment strategy that would allow contaminated pit lake water to be safely managed and discharged, supporting the resumption of site activities.

The key challenge was not only to treat the water, but to do so in a way that responded to the site conditions, water chemistry and environmental discharge requirements.

For sites managing AMD, the treatment approach needs to be technically sound and practical to implement on the ground. A generic solution is rarely enough.

The Earth Systems Approach

Earth Systems developed a site-specific AMD water treatment strategy based on the chemistry of the pit lake water and the conditions at the quarry.

Using Earth Systems Water’s in-house treatment tool, TREATSim, the team determined the optimum target pH and suitable reagent types for the treatment process.

A dosing method was then designed to suit the on-site conditions and support effective treatment of the contaminated water.

This approach allowed the team to move from water quality assessment and treatment modelling into practical implementation.

The Outcome

Both pit lakes were successfully treated.

Within two weeks of treatment commencing, metal concentrations were reduced by more than 98%. Earth Systems also developed a discharge method to help minimise erosion at the discharge point and support mixing and dilution with the receiving environment.

The result was a practical treatment outcome that supported safe discharge, environmental compliance and the resumption of quarry activities.

Why This Matters for Quarry and Mining Clients

Water quality issues can quickly become a major constraint for quarry, mining, infrastructure and industrial sites.

Contaminated water can delay operations, create compliance pressure and increase environmental risk. Clients often need more than advice; they need a clear treatment pathway that can be implemented on site and deliver measurable results.

This project shows how Earth Systems supports clients by combining environmental geochemistry, treatment modelling and field implementation.

For sites managing AMD water treatment, pit lakes, mine water, quarry discharge or contaminated water, Earth Systems can help assess the issue, design the treatment strategy and support practical delivery.

Earth Systems Water Treatment Capability

Earth Systems provides specialist support for contaminated water, quarry discharge, mine water, pit lakes and AMD water treatment projects.

Our team works across:

• Water quality assessment

• Environmental geochemistry

• Treatment modelling

• AMD treatment strategy design

• Site-based treatment implementation

• Monitoring and discharge planning

• Contract and emergency response water treatment

  
  

This capability supports quarry, mining, industrial, infrastructure and government clients that need practical solutions for water quality, discharge management and environmental compliance.

Managing AMD, Contaminated Water or Quarry Discharge?

Earth Systems provides practical water treatment and environmental geochemistry solutions for quarry, mining, industrial and infrastructure projects.

For support with AMD water treatment, pit lake management, mine water, contaminated discharge or environmental geochemistry, contact our team.

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