2.3.1 Methods

Summary

The conceptual model of causal pathways characterises the causal pathway, the logical chain of events ‒ either planned or unplanned ‒ that link coal resource development and potential impacts on water and water-dependent assets. This section details the specific application to the Gloucester subregion of methods described in the companion submethodology M05 (as listed in Table 1) for developing a conceptual model of causal pathways (Henderson et al., 2015).

Key concepts and terminology are also explained, and the overall steps are summarised, including the: (i) synthesis of the key system components, processes and interactions for the geology, hydrogeology and surface water of the subregion; (ii) landscape classification; (iii) definition of baseline coal resource development (baseline), the coal resource development pathway (CRDP) and additional coal resource development; (iv) identification of potential hazards; (v) identification of potential causal pathways from the coal resource development to hydrological changes; and (vi) characterisation of those potential causal pathways for both baseline and CRDP for the Gloucester subregion.

This development of causal pathways closely follows the process laid out in the companion submethodology M05 (as listed in Table 1) for developing a conceptual model of causal pathways (Henderson et al., 2016); however, the understanding of the key system components, processes and interactions was explored through consultation with external stakeholders.

Last updated:
23 October 2018