BIRD IN HAND GOLD PROJECT MINING LEASE PROPOSAL MC 4473 ABN | 66 122 765 708 Unit 7 / 202-208 Glen Osmond Road | Fullarton SA 5063 APPENDIX Q4 2018 STYGOFAUNA STUDY
BIRD IN HAND GOLD PROJECT MINING LEASE PROPOSAL MC 4473
ABN | 66 122 765 708 Unit 7 / 202-208 Glen Osmond Road | Fullarton SA 5063
APPENDIX Q4
2018 STYGOFAUNA STUDY
Bird In Hand Stygofauna Investigation
8 June 2018
Terramin Exploration Proprietary Limited
Bird In Hand Stygofauna - Terramin 2
Document Control
Report Number Status Date Author Reviewer
BIH‐ENV‐2018Fauna01-V1 Draft 13/2/2018 Alistair Cameron Matt Daniel
BIH‐ENV‐2018Fauna01-V2 Final 8/6/2018 Alistair Cameron Matt Daniel
Inquiries on this report can be made to:
Matt Daniel | Environment & Community Superintendent Terramin Exploration Pty LtdUnit 7, 202-208, Glen Osmond Road, Fullarton, SA 5063, Australia T : 08 82131415E: [email protected]
Please refer to this document as:
Terramin, Bird In Hand Stygofauna, Report # BIH‐ENV‐2018Fauna01-V2. 2018.
Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................................ 5
Bird In Hand Stygofauna - Terramin 3
1.1 STYGOFAUNA AND SUBSURFACE GROUNDWATER DEPENDENT ECOSYSTEMS ..................................................................... 5 1.2 DISTRIBUTION OF STYGOFAUNA IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA .................................................................................... 7 1.3 SA GROUNDWATER POLICY AND LEGISLATION ................................................................................................. 8 1.4 GEOLOGY AND GROUNDWATER ........................................................................................................................ 8 1.5 PROJECT OBJECTIVES ............................................................................................................................................. 9
2. METHODOLOGY ............................................................................................................................................. 10
2.1 SAMPLING SITES .............................................................................................................................................. 10 2.2 SAMPLING METHODOLOGY .................................................................................................................................... 10
3. RESULTS ............................................................................................................................................................ 13
4. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION ................................................................................................................ 16
5. REFERENCES ................................................................................................................................................... 18
6. APPENDICES ..................................................................................................................................................... 19
List of Tables
Table 1 Groundwater conditions favourable for stygofauna and aquifer conditions at BiH. ....................... 8
Table 2 Sample site and date ...................................................................................................................... 10
Table 3 Physical attributes and type of aquifer at the groundwater bores sampled ................................. 13
Table 4 Water Quality attributes of ground water bores at time of sampling 2014 and 2015. .................... 14
Table 5 Water Quality attributes of ground water bores at time of sampling 2017. ................................... 14
Table 6 Stygofauna sample results. ............................................................................................................. 15
List of Figures
Figure 1 Bird in Hand Location, showing historic mine workings ............................................................... 6
Figure 2 Bore locations. .............................................................................................................................. 11
Figure 3 Conceptual design of pump test bores .......................................................................................... 12
Abbreviations
BiH Bird in Hand
SGDE Subsurface groundwater dependent ecosystems
DO dissolved oxygen
EC electrical conductivity
TDS total dissolved solids
Bird In Hand Stygofauna - Terramin 4
Executive Summary
This report follows on from the previous stygofauna conducted by Terramin (2016) and the
recommendation by COOE (2014) for a two-stage baseline stygofauna sampling survey in conjunction with
groundwater quality sampling. COOE (2014) had identified groundwater dependent ecosystems and the
possible presence of stygofauna as potential management risk in the operation of Bird-In-Hand (BiH) Mine.
3 bores were examined in 2014 and 4 bores in 2015. This report presents the data from a further 5 bores
sampled in 2017. The current report contains the all data presented in Terramin (2016) and therefore
supersedes the previous report.
The projects objectives were to confirm the presence or absence of Stygofauna in samples taken in bores
near the proposed underground mine; provide a report on search effort, GW water quality for sample,
geological unit; and provide items of interest and proposed distance to underground operations.
Water quality data collected during the survey indicated wide varying results within and between sites
during the sampling process. pH was most acidic at 6628-8301 although the most acidic reading was
recorded from 6628-8945. Dissolved Oxygen readings varied greatly and it is suggested that the sampling
methodology would have influenced the recordings through artificial aeration. TDS were similar at all sites
but with 6628-8301 appearing considerably higher than all other sites. Electrical Conductivity was also the
highest at 6628-8301. 231086 was the only site to exhibit readings that were consistently below the
previously reported favourable threshold of 1.5 mS/cm. High ions were recorded at 6628-8301, which is
indicative of the high EC recorded from the site. Na+ and Cl- dominated the ion concentration. High levels
of Manganese were recorded at 231090, 231086 and 6628-8301. A high concentration of Total N was
recorded at 231087 with 1.0 mg/L, 6628-27447 with 1.4 mg/L and at 6628-8301 with 3.4 mg/L. All other
readings were below drinking water trigger values.
Examination of the stygofauna samples indicated no stygofauna were present in any of the samples. While
some fauna were identified they were all of terrestrial origin. Depth of the bores and high salinity appear
to be outside the known habitat preferences. Additionally the historical and recent groundwater
abstraction for irrigation and consumption purposes, identified the lack of stygofauna food items, and the
presence of clay aquitards (Golders 2017) within the area together could be possible explanations of a lack
of Stygofauna. The groundwater abstraction seasonally lowers the water table reducing habitat value, and
potentially removing Stygofauna. The aquitards and low permeability rock zones, outside of groundwater
bearing fractures, identified in the above mentioned Terramin groundwater study would also prevent or
slow migration of stygofauna back to an area where they might have become locally extinct.
In conclusion, the samples examined indicated that stygofauna are not present in the BiH study area and
that current water quality and structure of the groundwater bearing fractures would prevent their
presence.
Bird In Hand Stygofauna - Terramin 5
1. INTRODUCTION
This report follows on from the previous stygofauna conducted by Terramin (2016) and the
recommendation by COOE (2014) for a two-stage baseline stygofauna sampling survey in conjunction with
groundwater quality sampling. COOE (2014) had identified groundwater dependent ecosystems and the
possible presence of stygofauna as potential management risk in the operation of Bird-In-Hand (BiH) Mine.
3 bores were examined in 2014 and 4 bores in 2015. This report presents the data from a further 5 bores
sampled in 2017. The current report contains the all data presented in Terramin (2016) and therefore
supersedes the previous report.
Terramin (2016) provides the site history of the Bird-In-Hand (BiH) Mine site that is located within the
Western Mount Lofty Ranges three kilometers east of the Adelaide Hills township of Woodside, and 25 km
east of Adelaide, South Australia (Figure 1). Fradd and Morris (2015) also provide an extensive summary
of the history of the BiH mine as well other mines in the larger Woodside area. As previously reported in
Terramin (2016) BiH mine was established in 1882 but closed in 1889 due to financial and water
management difficulties. Between 1915 and 1916 treatment of tailings yielded 846.4 grams of gold
bullion. Between 1932 and 1934 the mine was dewatered and explored by the South Australian Mines
Department. From 1934 to 1967 groundwater has been extracted as supply for Inverbrackie Barracks.
Ownership of the mine transferred to from the Commonwealth to State government in the 1960’s and the
site was primarily used for storing fill materials that included, concrete, building materials and asphalt.
Maximus Resources explored the area between 2005 and 2013 with diamond and percussion drilling and
released an indicated and inferred resource of 598 000 tonne at 12.3 g/t Au for a contained 7371.5 kg (237
000 oz) gold to 430 m vertical depth at a depth which is about 325 m deeper than the original mine
workings. Terramin then acquired the Mineral Claim in July 2013 and a nearby farming property July 2015,
exploration has been ongoing, informing the forthcoming Mining Lease Application.
1.1 Stygofauna and Subsurface Groundwater Dependent Ecosystems
As previously identified by Terramin (2016) Subsurface Groundwater Dependent Ecosystems (SGDEs)
include ecosystems that are below the surface that would be significantly altered through the changes in
the water quality of groundwater, changes to water levels or removal of groundwater, and compaction of
sediment.
SGDEs include stygofauna and troglofauna, as well as terrestrial vegetation and wetland communities that
are sustained by the groundwater. Troglofauna are air-breathing organisms living in subterranean cavities
such as caves or small air filled voids and this type of habitat is absent from the study area. Troglofauna
include arachnids, millipedes, beetles, crickets, cockroaches and many other invertebrate species.
Troglofauna are not considered further in this reporting. Additionally, types of groundwater dependent
ecosystems, which rely on the surface expression of groundwater to sustain terrestrial and riparian plants,
wetlands or stream base-flows are not examined in this report. Finally, terrestrial or flying organisms that
fall into boreholes may also be sampled in groundwater.
Stygofauna generally consist of predominately crustaceans, as well as worms, snails, insects and a few
Bird In Hand Stygofauna - Terramin 6
other invertebrate groups. Fish have also been described (rarely) as stygofauna, such as the Blind Gudgeon
and Blind Cave Eel of Western Australia. They are found in aquifers that may be associated with existing
features of the land surface such as permanent, seasonal or ephemeral watercourses. Stygofauna have
been characterised into three broad groups: stygoxenes, that are surface-dwelling species that are
occasionally transported to groundwaters; stygophiles, that are widely found species that use both
groundwater and surface waters as part of their life cycles; and stygobites, which are obligate dwellers in
subterranean waters. The latter group typically displays common morphological characteristics, such as
loss of eyes, pale or no pigmentation and enhanced sensory structures (Eberhard 2007). Given the isolation
of many aquifers, stygofauna may exhibit high levels of endemism (i.e. species that are restricted to
particular localities). DNA analyses are required to discriminate taxonomic groups where identification of
species based on morphological features is not currently reliable.
Figure 1 Bird in Hand Location, showing historic mine workings
SGDEs differ from surface ecosystems in both the types of biota present and the major driving processes.
In contrast to surface water ecosystems, groundwater ecosystems are usually considered to have relatively
stable conditions and physically inert environments. However, many groundwater ecosystems undergo
substantial changes through space and time, related to fluxes in groundwater flow, exchange and nutrient
imports (Mencio et al. 2014). Additionally, the absence of light means that there are usually no primary
producers (e.g. higher plants and algae) driving the food webs of subsurface groundwater ecosystems,
although a small amount of primary production can occur through chemo-autotrophic bacteria and
protozoa that derive their energy through chemical reactions with inorganic molecules such as hydrogen
sulfide, elemental sulfur and ammonia under an anaerobic or low oxygen environment (Hose and Lategan
Bird In Hand Stygofauna - Terramin 7
2012). The ecosystem is often dependent on the processing of carbon filtering down from the surface and
metabolised by bacteria and fungi at the base of the aquifer food web (Boulton 2000). A simplified food
web in a SGDE would be the microbes in these aquifers forming biofilms that are grazed by protozoa and
the meiofauna (i.e. fauna between 1 mm mesh and 45 μm), such as rotifers and nematodes, which in turn
are grazed by macro-invertebrates.
Although are studies on Australian stygofauna are in their youth, it has been that shown that there is a
wide variety of subterranean species and Australian SGDEs are gaining international renown (Goonan et
al. 2015). At least 750 Australian stygofauna species have been found so far, which represents about 22%
of the global total and highlights Australia as a groundwater biodiversity hot zone (Humphreys 2008). Most
groundwater ecosystem studies have been focused in Western Australia, particularly from areas such as
the Pilbara and Yilgarn that are undergoing large-scale exploration and mining developments. However,
surveys in recent years have also shown significant biological richness in alluvial, fractured rock, karstic
and calcrete aquifers across the Northern Territory, New South Wales, Queensland and Tasmania
(Tomlinson and Boulton 2008). In Australia, many stygofaunas in arid areas occur in brackish to saline
waters, although they contain taxa from lineages generally restricted to freshwater systems (Humphreys
2006).
Threats to stygofauna have been identified as disturbance of groundwater habitats, such as water
extraction, artificial filling and contamination (including introduction of toxic chemicals or clogging of pore
spaces by fine sediments) (Tomlinson and Boulton 2010, Humphreys 2006). Their low dispersal capabilities
and fecundity makes them susceptible to habitat disturbances and at risk of extinction. Life-history
adaptations of stygofauna to the groundwater environment, such as production of fewer but larger eggs,
prolonged egg development and greater longevity compared with surface-dwelling relatives, may make
them more susceptible to environmental disturbance (Tomlinson and Boulton 2010).
1.2 Distribution of stygofauna in South Australia
In 2007 the Australian Research Council initiated a study with the aim of describing stygofaunal and
microbial diversity in South Australian aquifers (Goonan et al. 2015). Since that time, the project has
sampled 547 sites, with approximately half the sites containing stygofauna. The survey conducted between
2008 and 2010 by the Flinders University (Leijs unpublished, Leijs 2008, Leijs 2010 sited by COOE 2014)
resulted in the discovery of more than 100 new species. This taxonomic diversity ranged across a number
of different invertebrate groups from all aquifer types in various parts of South Australia (South East,
Mount Lofty Ranges, Flinders Ranges, York Peninsula and Eyre Peninsula).
Although the Lofty Ranges area was not systematically surveyed, stygofauna were found in most spring
habitats sampled. Species diversity was high and the majority of the species were only found at single
localities (COOE 2014). A new species of Neoniphargid amphipod was found in a spring at Spring Creek
near Burra Gorge, as well as a Bathynellid species in a groundwater observation bore north of Burra. The
significance of these finds was suggested as increasing the expectation of occurrence of stygofauna
elsewhere in the Mount Lofty Ranges (Leijs 2008, 2009).
Bird In Hand Stygofauna - Terramin 8
Stygofauna sampling localities closest to the BiH project area are: Piccadilly Springs, springs on private
properties near Crafers and along Brown Hill Creek, and a hyporheic site in Cox Creek near Mylor. All these
localities had assemblages of fauna with unique species, which are likely associated with fractured rock
aquifers.
In 2016 the examination of the bores 231087, 231090, 231089, ONK 20, 6628-8945, 231086 and 6628-
8301 indicated the absence of stygofauna. The bores examined had elevated electrical conductivity, were
often too alkaline and were too deep to meet favourable conditions for the presence of stygofauna.
1.3 SA groundwater policy and legislation
While there currently is no specific legislation in South Australia referring to stygofauna, they are indirectly
protected by a number of different acts that have been identified in detail by COOE (2014). The acts
include:
Environment Protection Act 1993;
National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972;
Mining Act 1971;
Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act);
Natural Resources Management Act 2004; and
Water Allocation Plan for the Western Mount Lofty Ranges Prescribed Water Resources Area
2013.
In general, stygofauna are protected through the maintenance of groundwater habitats, protection of
threatened species of flora and fauna and the protection of biodiversity.
1.4 Geology and Groundwater
BiH mine is within the Onkaparinga River Catchment of the Western Mount Lofty Ranges and falls within
the Inverbrackie Creek Adelaidean Underground Water Management Zone. Current bores lie within the
eastern edge of the Onkaparinga River drainage system, which flows into the ocean south of Port
Noarlunga. This catchment is a fractured rock aquifer where fractures and caves were identified in the Cox
sandstone, Brighton limestone and the Tapley Hill formation. Fractures are expected to also occur in the
Tarcowie siltstone.
Stygofauna are known to be more prevalent in bores less than 10 m and with the groundwater exhibiting
specific water quality characteristics (Table 1). All bores examined are deeper than 10 m and water quality
is often outside the ideal range for stygofauna to be present.
Table 1 Groundwater conditions favourable for stygofauna and aquifer conditions at BiH.
Bird In Hand Stygofauna - Terramin 9
Characteristic Reported Conditions Conducive to Stygofauna (Hancock and Boulton 2008)
Conditions of BiH Aquifers
Groundwater electrical conductivity (μScm-1) < 1500 μScm
-1 > 1500 μScm
-1
Groundwater pH (pH units) Known range: 4.3 to 7.37 units Ranges from 6.27 to 10.0
Depth of groundwater body (m) < 10 m below ground level (bgl) > 10m
Geology Presence of cavities, fractures or interstices
Present
1.5 Project Objectives
The projects objectives are the following:
1. Confirm the presence or absence of Stygofauna in 7 additional groundwater samples;
2. Provide a brief report on search effort, GW water quality for sample, geological unit; and
3. Provide items of interest and proposed distance to underground operations
Bird In Hand Stygofauna - Terramin 10
2. METHODOLOGY
2.1 Sampling sites
Terramin sampled ten bores across 3 years. The sampling date and geo-referencing are provided in Table 2.
A map indicating the location of the bores, as well as other private bores in the Woodside area is provided
in Figure 2.
Table 2 Sample site and date
Bore ID Sampling Date MGA Easting MGA Northing
6628-27448 (IB1) 25/9/2014 & 26/10/2017 309059.47 6129673.69
6628-27446 (IB2) 28/9/2015 & 26/10/2017 309020.366 6129638.603
6628-27447 (IB3) 15/1/2015 309071.81 6129683.58
6628-27445 (IB4) 1/8/2017 309032.932 6129644.341
6628-27444 (IB5) 29/9/2015 & 26/10/2017 309042.03 6129652.94
6628-9156 (Cow calf) 3/11/2017 308151.1 6129887
6628-8942 (Goldwyn Ck bore) 3/11/2017 308124.761 6129978.865
6628-8945 (Gabb) 14/1/2015 & 1/8/2017 308835.526 6129305.843
6628-8939 (ONK020) 16/1/2015 308717.14 6130543.62
6628-8301 (Glatz2) 3/3/2015 309931.8 6128115
A conceptual design of the pump test bores and their relationship to the various sedimentary layers is
provided in Figure 3.
2.2 Sampling methodology
Sampling of stygofauna followed a standard protocol for all sites. The procedure initially includes installing
loggers and manually dipping surrounding bores to detect any level impacts. The bore to be pumped then
has the logger installed and is manually dipped. The pump is then installed and involves screwing 3 m
lengths of poly of 50 mm diameter into the head of the pump, then lowering and screwing in subsequent
3 m lengths of poly until desired length is reached. The desired length was determined by bore standing
water level combined with estimated drawdown caused by pumping. An exit point is established and water
is passed through a 63 μm collection net. In 2014 and 2015 water quality was then measured every minute
from a bucket after the net catching point. The pumping rate was estimated using a 20 L bucket and
determining the time for it to fill. At the completion of obtaining the desired pumping volume. The pump
was then stopped and water samples were collected for metal, ion and nutrient analysis. Contents from
the collection net were emptied into the sample container and the filled to 30% with 98% ethanol. The
sample container was then filled with bore water. In 2017 the volume sampled was much lower as any
stygofauna were expected in the upper reach of the bore. Water quality was measured once from water
pumped into a 20 L bucket after the initial purging.
Bird In Hand Stygofauna - Terramin 11
Figure 2 Bore locations.
Bird In Hand Stygofauna - Terramin 12
Figure 3 Conceptual design of pump test bores
Parameters measured included pH, water temperature, dissolved oxygen (DO), electrical conductivity (EC),
total dissolved solids (TDS) and turbidity. Water samples collected for metals, ions and nutrients were sent
to a NATA certified laboratory for analysis.
Stygofauna samples were processed by first adding Rose Bengal stain that makes biological material pink
in colour, providing good contrast between invertebrates, and pale sand and silt or dark organic matter in
the samples. The stain was added to the sample two days prior to sample processing. The samples where
then processed by decanting excess preservative through the 63 μm collection net. The remaining sample
was then transferred to a petri dish and examined under a Leica M80 dissecting microscope to a
magnification of 75x.
Bird In Hand Stygofauna - Terramin 13
3. RESULTS
In 2014 and 2015 the volume of water sampled from the various aquifers varied greatly from a very high
69 000 L at 231086 from the Tapley Hill formation to 900 L at 6628-8945 from Tarcowie Siltstone. Physical
attributes of the groundwater bores sampled are provided in Table 3. At 231087 black sulfate bacteria
was present for first 3 hours of pumping. At ONK 20 the water turned black after 9 000 L. At 6628-8945
the water volume from 300 to 700 L black sulfate bacteria was present and cleared between 700 to 900 L.
In 2017 the volume of water sampled varied from 10 to 100 L.
Table 3 Physical attributes and type of aquifer at the groundwater bores sampled
Bore ID
(Permit/Unit
number)
Geology
formation type
Surface
elevation
(m AHD)
Screen
Depth (m
BGL)
SWL
(m)
Volume
sampled
(L)
Extraction
Depth (m) Date
6628-27448 (IB1)
Brighton limestone
454.876 203-265 45.38 29 700 60 25/9/2014
452.182 198-238 43.49 100 60 26/10/2017
6628-27446 (IB2)
Brighton limestone
452.182 198-238 41 4 476 60 28/9/2014
6628-27447 (IB3)
Cox Sandstone 454.84 108-136 44.87 3105 60 15/1/2015
6628-27444 (IB5)
Tapley Hill Formation
452.961 270-294 43.45 69000 60 29/9/2014
452.961 270-294 41.09 60 60 26/10/2017
6628-8945 (Gabb)
Perched Aquifer -Tarcowie Siltstone
408.12 open 7.56 900 15 14/1/2015
411.663 open 7.66 100 15 1/8/2017
6628-8939 (ONK020)
Tapley Hill formation
406.13 open 17.14 12 000 26 16/1/2015
6628-8301 (Glatz2)
Brachina formation
462.91 39.62-100.58
13.46 19260 60 3/3/2015
6628-9156 (Cow-calf)
Tapley Hill Formation
399 open 6.78 10 25 3/11/2017
6628-8942 (Goldwyn Creek bore)
Tapley Hill Formation
402.94 open 4.87 10 18 3/11/2017
6628-27445 (IB4)
Tarcowie siltstone
452.528 120-154 41.09 50 60 1/8/2017
Water quality data collected during the survey in 2014 and 2015 indicated wide varying results within and
between sites during the sampling process (Table 4). pH was most acidic at 6628-8301 although the most
acidic reading was recorded from 6628-8945. Dissolved Oxygen readings varied greatly and it is suggested
that the sampling methodology would have influenced the recordings through artificial aeration. TDS were
similar at all sites but with 6628-8301 appearing considerably higher than all other sites. Electrical
Conductivity was also the highest at 6628-8301. 6628-8939 (ONK020) was the only site to exhibit readings
that were consistently below the previously reported favourable threshold of 1.5mS/cm.
Bird In Hand Stygofauna - Terramin 14
Table 4 Water Quality attributes of ground water bores at time of sampling 2014 and 2015.
Bore ID Sampling Time (mins)
Temp (oC)
pH DO (%) TDS (mg/L) EC (mS/cm)
Turbidity (NTU)
6628-27448 (IB1)
330
Min 18.86 7.12 12.9 1.13 1.77 0.7
Max 19.96 7.26 176.9 1.17 1.83 26
Average 19.68 7.14 27.28 1.15 1.8 6.08
6628-27446 (IB2)
280
Min 17.9 7.23 7.1 0.002 1.87 28
Max 22.81 8.42 125.5 1.28 2.01 239
Average 22.16 7.49 23.28 1.16 1.95 58.9
6628-27444 (IB5)
330
Min 16.96 7.49 27.9 0.822 1.36 22.5
Max 22.38 8.6 194.9 1.1 1.72 471
Average 21.37 8.04 46.59 1.03 1.62 48.67
6628-8939 (ONK020)
94
Min 16.89 6.73 29.6 0.143 0.256 15.2
Max 17.64 8.1 240.3 0.974 1.52 928
Average 17.02 6.82 58.2 0.9 1.41 106.26
6628-8945 (Gabb)
15
Min 16.9 5.07 103.7 0.008 0.012 41.8
Max 22.26 8.54 443.6 1.58 2.46 1000
Average 17.85 7.52 244.11 1.27 1.99 196.07
6628-27447 (IB3)
13
Min 16.88 9.3 79.7 0.654 1.06 64.2
Max 17.22 9.39 266.6 0.833 1.3 554
Average 17.04 9.37 114.95 0.817 1.28 135
6628-8301 (Glatz2)
125
Min 17.02 6.19 32.6 3370 5.36 25
Max 17.06 6.54 94.9 3480 5.53 54.3
Average 17.05 6.27 47.23 3419.3 5.43 35.2
Bold figures indicate readings outside favourable water quality conditions conducive to Stygofauna
Water quality measured in 2017 (Table 5) indicated that pH was outside the known range for stygofauna
at all sites with exception of Goldwyn Creek bore and Cow Calf bore. EC was measured above the known
tolerance of 1.5 mS/cm at 6628-9156 (Cow Calf bore), 6628-27448 (IB1), 6628-27446 (IB2) and 6628-27444
(IB5). Of the sites that were repeated sampling and 6628-27444 (IB5) and 6628-27446 (IB2) exhibited
higher pH and turbidity, 6628-8945 (Gabb) higher EC and lower turbidity, and 6628-27448 (IB1) higher pH.
Table 5 Water Quality attributes of ground water bores at time of sampling 2017.
Bore ID Date Temp (˚C) pH DO (mg/L) TDS (mg/L)
EC (mS/cm)
Turbidity (NTU)
6628-8942 (Goldwyn Ck bore)
3/11/2017 15.76 6.95 24.71 0.890 1.39 21
6628-9156 (Cow Calf bore)
3/11/2017 14.03 7.22 23.3 1.450 2.27 17
6628-27448 (IB1) 26/10/2017 8.32 0.959 1.62 19.7
6628-27446 (IB2) 27/10/2017 9.1 0.961 1.64 105
6628-27447 (IB3) 27/10/2017 18.85 10.0 0.606 0.94 10.7
6628-8945 (Gabb) 1/8/2017 7.64 1.400 2.55 33
6628-27445 (IB4) 1/8/2017 7.72 0.774 1.38 4.9
6628-27444 (IB5) 26/10/2017 9.08 0.849 1.46 68.1
6628-8301 (Glatz2) 27/10/2017 8.08 0.864 1.39 0.4
Bold figures indicate readings outside favourable water quality conditions conducive to Stygofauna. Blank cells indicate
measurement not taken.
Bird In Hand Stygofauna - Terramin 15
Water samples collected for metal, ion and nutrient analysis are presented in Appendix 1. From the 2014
and 2015 sampling high ions were recorded at 6628-8301 (Glatz2), which is indicative of the high EC
recorded from the site. Na+ and Cl- dominated the ion concentration. High levels of Manganese were
recorded at 6628-27446 (IB2), 6628-27447 (IB3) and 6628-8301 (Glatz2). A high concentration of Total N
was recorded at 6628-27448 (IB1) with 1.0 mg/L and at 6628-8301 with 3.4 mg/L. All other readings were
below drinking water trigger values. The 2017 sampling indicated higher nutrients at 6628-27447 (IB3)
where TKN rose by over 460 %. The remaining results saw slight changes in salt concentrations reflected
in the previously observed changes in EC.
Examination of the stygofauna samples indicated no stygofauna were present in any of the samples (Table
6). While some fauna were identified they were all of terrestrial origin that is they fell into the bore,
possibly when the pump was installed.
Table 6 Stygofauna sample results.
Site Sample notes Sampling Date
6628-27448 (IB1) 1 exoskeleton of winged terrestrial insect. Sample with detritus and stones. Partial body segment of unknown origin.
25/9/2014
6628-27446 (IB2) 1 terrestrial midge (Diptera: Chironomidae). Sample with detritus and stones. Partial body segment of unknown origin
28/9/2014
6628-27447 (IB3) 1 partial terrestrial insect head. 2 terrestrial midge adults (Diptera: Chironomidae). Partial body segment of unknown origin.
15/1/2015
6628-8939 (ONK020) 1 adult terrestrial wasp (Hymenoptera). 1 terrestrial spider. Lots of silt.
16/1/2015
6628-8945 (Gabb) 1 terrestrial spider. Sample with detritus and biofilm. 14/1/2015
6628-27444 (IB5) Nothing 29/9/2014
6628-8301 (Glatz2) Nothing 3/3/2015
6628-27448 (IB1) 1 terrestrial beetle. Fine sediments and little detritus. 26/10/2017
6628-27446 (IB2) 2 terrestrial ants damaged. Fine sediments and some detritus. 26/10/2017
6628-27444 (IB5) 2 terrestrial spiders. 1 damaged terrestrial adult midge. 1 terrestrial beetle, 1 adult fly. Fine sediments and some detritus.
26/10/2017
6628-9156 (Cow calf) 1 terrestrial hemipteran, Very little detritus. 3/11/2017
6628-8942 (Goldwyn Ck
bore) 1 terrestrial spider. 1 damaged terrestrial adult midge. 1 terrestrial beetle, 1 adult fly. Little detritus.
3/11/2017
6628-27445 (IB4) 1 spider, little detritus 2/3/17
6628-8945 (Gabb) 42 Collembola, 1 spider, lots of detritus 2/3/17
Bird In Hand Stygofauna - Terramin 16
4. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION
The conditions of the bores at BiH suggest that they not conducive to the presence of Stygofauna. Hancock
and Boulton (2008) in a study of fauna from two aquifers in Queensland and two in New South Wales
showed taxon richness decreased with distance below the water table. The most taxon-rich bores in each
region occurred where the water table depth was <10 m, were associated with the alluvium of tributaries
of large regulated river systems, and were near phreato-phytic trees. Hancock and Boulton (2008) also
indicated stygofauna were collected in water with electrical conductivity below 1.5 mg/L and a pH between
4.3 and 7.37. The groundwater in the BiH study area has either pH and EC, and sometimes both, outside
the preferred range. Additionally all the bores examined were considerably deeper than 10m.
Although Leijs (2009) had collected stygofauna across a range of aquifers, water quality and depth
information has not been published. Given small sized crustaceans such as Copepoda, Harpacticoidea, and
Ostracoda, as well as the Oligochaete worms were most commonly found, it is possible that the South
Australian stygofauana are more tolerant of higher salinities as representatives of these taxonomic groups
are often collected in saline waters. As previously stated Humphreys (2006) indicated many stygofaunas
in arid areas occur in brackish to saline waters. Roudnew et al. (2009) presented preliminary data from
bores across South Australia that is still yet to be formally published but indicated stygofauna was found
in bores with lower salinity, lesser depth and higher dissolved oxygen. Additionally the authors indicated
bacteria abundances decrease with increasing depth and corresponding increase with decreasing
dissolved oxygen.
In the current study sites it appears that there is a likely presence of microbial (bacteria and fungi)
communities that are able to derive their energy through chemical reactions with inorganic molecules such
as hydrogen sulfide, elemental sulfur and ammonia that could form the basis of simple food webs.
However, the lack of presence of rotifers or even nematodes suggests that there is lack of food for
stygofauna.
High nutrient concentrations at 6628-27448 (IB1), 6628-8301 (Glatz2) and 6628-27447 (IB3) suggest that
the groundwater might be impacted. In a previous study two geologically similar but hydrologically
partially separated aquifer systems successfully indicated elevated nitrate impacts linked to land use
activities resulted in a change in community structure (Stein et al. 2010). Within the microbial
communities, impacts from land use were mirrored by high bacterial biodiversity values atypical for
pristine groundwater of comparable systems (Stein et al. 2010).
The current sampling methodology used is a common method for sampling stygofauna. A study of the
subterranean fauna from calcrete (carbonate) aquifers of the Yilgarn Region of central Western Australia
by Alford et al. (2007) examined the effectiveness of three sampling methods. They compared the
efficiency of haul net sampling, pumping with a 12-V impeller pump, and a discrete interval sampler. No
significant taxonomic bias was detected across the sampling methods. However, sampling using a haul net
was found to be the most efficient method for capturing the available taxa per unit time when sampling
bores are less than 10 m deep, with pumping being the least efficient. Given the bores at BiH are greater
than 10 m the use of the pump appears to be the most appropriate method.
Bird In Hand Stygofauna - Terramin 17
Hose and Lategan (2012) also provide sampling strategies for assessing NSW groundwater ecosystems and
they prescribe multiple samples over space and time to properly assess an ecosystem. They are also
indicate that the majority of invertebrates collected in a stygofauna sample are those in the borehole at
the time of sampling rather than being in the surrounding aquifer. Purging a bore would therefore remove
animals, which may take weeks or months to re-establish. Frequent or repeated purging for water quality
sampling interferes with stygofauna sampling, and they therefore recommend every effort be made to
coincide these activities. Species accumulation curves suggest that 10 sampling events may be necessary
in order to adequately assess the stygofauna in some locations.
For the collection of stygofauna Hose and Lategan (2012) recommend that multiple sampling events are
necessary to assess stygofauna assemblages in any bore, multiple bores per aquifer/region are needed to
assess the richness of that aquifer/region and to overcome any potential inter-seasonal variability in
stygofauna assemblages samples should be taken across at least two seasons. In the current study repeat
sampling of bores had not produced any evidence of stygofauna and therefore the prescribed sampling
protocols are not relevant in the current study area.
The historical and recent groundwater abstraction for irrigation and consumption purposes, identified the
lack of stygofauna food items, and the presence of clay aquitards (Golders 2017) within the area together
could be possible explanations of a lack of Stygofauna. The groundwater abstraction seasonally lowers the
water table reducing habitat value, and potentially removing Stygofauna. The aquitards and low
permeability rock zones, outside of groundwater bearing fractures, identified in the above mentioned
Terramin groundwater study would also prevent or slow migration of stygofauna back to an area where
they might have become locally extinct.
In conclusion, the samples examined indicated that stygofauna are not present in the BiH study area and
that current water quality and structure of the groundwater bearing fractures would prevent their
presence.
Bird In Hand Stygofauna - Terramin 18
5. REFERENCES
Alford A, Steven J. B., Cooper S. J. B., Humphreys W. F. and Austin A.D. (2007) Diversity and distribution of
groundwater fauna in a calcrete aquifer: does sampling method influence the story? Invertebrate
Systematics 22(2) 127–138
Boulton A (2000) River ecosystem health down under: assessing ecological conditions in riverine groundwater
zones in Australia, Ecosystem Health 6:108 118.
COOE (2014) Care of our environment Bird-In-Hand Prefeasibility Study – Stygofauna Desktop Study Document
code: TER.BIH.20140523b Suite 613, 147 Pirie St, Adelaide, SA
Eberhard, S. (2007). Classification of Subterranean Fauna. Subterranean Ecology. Prepared for the Department of
Environment and Conservation, Western Australia, Greenwood, WA. Project 49, pp2–7.
Fradd W.P. and Morris B.J. (2015) Historical review of mine workings and production – Woodside Goldfield, Report
Book 2015/00022. Department of State Development, South Australia, Adelaide.
Golders (2017) Groundwater assessment for the native vegetation heritage agreement area. Technical
memorandum, 15 September 2017Project No. 1659870.
Goonan P., Jenkins C., Hill R. and Klenig T. (2015) Subsurface groundwater ecosystems a briefing report on the
current knowledge, monitoring considerations and future plans for South Australia. South Australia EPA
ISBN 978-1-921495-65-6
Hancock P.J. and Boulton A.J. (2009). Sampling groundwater fauna: efficiency of rapid assessment methods tested
in bores in eastern Australia. Freshwater Biology 54:902-917.
Hose G.C. and Lategan M.J. (2012) Sampling strategies for biological assessment of groundwater ecosystems CRC
for Contamination Assessment and Remediation of the Environment. Technical Report 21 ISBN: 978-1-
921431-31-9
Humphreys WF (2006). Aquifers: the ultimate groundwater dependent ecosystems. In: Eamus SL Farrer D (eds.)
Special edition on groundwater dependent ecosystems. Aust J Bot. 54:115–132
Humphreys WF (2008), 'Rising from Down Under: developments in subterranean biodiversity in Australia from a
groundwater fauna perspective', Invertebrate Systematics 22:85 101.
Leijs R (2008). Newsletter Stygofauna and Stygomicrobe, Research Flinders University,
http://www.scieng.flinders.edu.au/current/biology/msl/StygoNewsletter1.pdf
Leijs R (2009). Newsletter Stygofauna and Stygomicrobe Research, Flinders University,
http://www.scieng.flinders.edu.au/current/biology/msl/StygoNewsletter2.pdf
Menico A., K.L. Korbel K.L. and Hose G.C. (2014) River–aquifer interactions and their relationship to stygofauna
assemblages: A case study of the Gwydir River alluvial aquifer A., (New South Wales, Australia) Science of
the Total Environment 479–480: 292–305
Roundnew B, Leijis R, Seront L and Mitchell JG (2009) Biodiversity of stugofauna and stygomicrobes of aquifiers in
South Australia in relation to environmental factors. School of Biological Sciences, Flinders University,
Adelaide SA 5001. Poster presentation unpublished.
Stein H., Kellermann C., Schmidt S. I., Brielmann H., Steube C., Berkhoff S. E., Fuchs A., J€urgen Hahn H., Thulin B.
and Griebler C. (2010) The potential use of fauna and bacteria as ecological indicators. Journal of
Environmental Monitoring 12: 242–254
Terramin (2016), Bird In Hand Stygofauna, Report # BIH-ENV-004-V2. 2016.
Tomlinson, M and Bolton AJ (2010.) Ecology and management of subsurface groundwater dependent ecosystems in
Australia a review. Marine and Freshwater Research 61: 936– 949
Bird In Hand Stygofauna - Terramin 19
6. APPENDICES
Appendix 1- Bore Assays
Site 6628-27445
(IB4) 6628-8945
(Gabb) 6628-27448
(IB1) 6628-27444
(IB5) 6628-27447
(IB3) 6628-27446
(IB2)
Sampling date 1/08/17 1/08/17 26/10/17 26/10/17 27/10/17 27/10/17
Total Alkalinity (mg/L) 346 372 376 265 102 223
SO4 Turb (mg/L) 42 134 1 4 - 145
Cl CDA (mg/L) 266 608 368 366 252 379
Ca DMC (mg/L) 45 106 24 2 1 2
K DMC (mg/L) 8 14 7 7 5 8
Mg DMC (mg/L) 24 66 24 15 8 32
Na DMC (mg/L) 218 369 278 289 185 353
B Diss (mg/L)
Ba Diss (mg/L)
Co Diss (mg/L)
Cu Diss (mg/L) - - 0.001 0.002 - -
Mn Diss (mg/L) 0.128 0.200 0.142 0.026 - 0.014
Mo Diss (mg/L)
Ni Diss (mg/L) - - - - - -
Pb Diss (mg/L)
Zn Diss (mg/L) 0.018 - - 0.006 - -
Fluoride (mg/L)
N Ammonia (mg/L)
N Nitrite (mg/L) - - - -
N Nitrate (mg/L) - - - 0.02
NOx Nitrite (mg/L) - - 0.01 0.02
TKN N (mg/L) - 0.5 1.4 -
N Tot (mg/L) 1.4 -
FTP P (mg/L)
P Tot (mg/L) 0.04 0.07 0.09 0.11 0.04 0.08
- Indicates values are below the detection limit
Blank cells indicated water quality parameter not measured
Bird In Hand Stygofauna - Terramin 20
Appendix 1 cont. Bore Assays
Site 6628-27448 (IB1)
6628-27446 (IB2)
6628-27447 (IB3)
6628-27444 (IB5)
6628-8945
(Gabb)
6628-8301
(Glatz2)
6628-8939
(ONK020)
Sampling date 25/09/14 28/09/14 15/01/15 29/09/14 14/01/15 3/03/15 16/01/15
Total Alkalinity (mg/L) 385 289 109 310 325 384 120
SO4 Turb (mg/L) 54 230 66 106 139 119
Cl CDA (mg/L) 392 381 392 379 579 1650 325
Ca DMC (mg/L) 65 57 3 45 82 58 64
K DMC (mg/L) 8 12 8 8 12 24 7
Mg DMC (mg/L) 32 40 16 26 53 102 37
Na DMC (mg/L) 273 313 207 287 299 1070 130
B Diss (mg/L) 0.08 0.13 0.06 0.14
Ba Diss (mg/L) 0.136 0.02 0.032 0.114
Co Diss (mg/L) 0.002
Cu Diss (mg/L) 0.001 0.001
Mn Diss (mg/L) 0.079 0.236 0.189 0.151
Mo Diss (mg/L) 0.002 0.001 0.006
Ni Diss (mg/L) 0.002 0.002
Pb Diss (mg/L) 0.001
Zn Diss (mg/L) 0.027 0.013 0.017
Fluoride (mg/L) 0.8 0.9 1 0.9 0.9 0.7 0.4
N Ammonia (mg/L) 0.43 0.11 0.02 0.15 0.04 0.02
N Nitrite (mg/L) 0.02
N Nitrate (mg/L) 2.95 0.5
NOx Nitrite (mg/L) 2.97 0.5
TKN N (mg/L) 1 0.4 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.3
N Tot (mg/L) 1 0.4 0.2 0.3 3.4 0.8
FTP P (mg/L) 0.02 0.04 0.1 0.02 0.05
P Tot (mg/L) 0.06 0.03 0.05 0.02 0.11 0.07 0.06
Blank readings indicate values are below the detection limit
Bird In Hand Stygofauna - Terramin 21
Appendix 2 Sample photos
Sample from GATZ2
Sample from 231086
Sample from ONK 20