Area K Separation Bund and Low Flow Channel Project was implemented to facilitate the diversion of clean water runoff around the Area K Site as well as prevent the discharge of ash affected water runoff into the clean water system. This drainage system was critical as its discharge point was to a small creek and the into Lake Macquarie.

The Separation bund was constructed using 14,000m3 of site won fill material, transported, trimmed, compacted and tested to ensure its stability. This separation bund is to remain in place until the batters on the Area K Perimeter Bund had been successfully revegetated to a minimum of 70% coverage. Portions of the separation bund needed to be constructed over some manmade wetland areas of saturated Fly ash, some areas greater than 20m deep. This project was completed incident free and enabled the construction of the Area K Dry Stack to commence.

The Area K Dry stack project was implemented to create additional ash storage capacity within its tailings dam. The construction of the Area K Dry Stack comprised of a fly ash Perimeter Bund (Engineered fill), Fly Ash Dry Stack (General Fill), Perimeter and surface drainage channels. The construction of the Area K Dry Section was staged such that a maximum lift of 2m per year was observed. Progressive capping and rehabilitation to “End of Life” specifications was a critical aspect of this project to meet environmental requirements.

As of October 2024, the Area K Dry Stack construction is ongoing and is at Stage 3 of 4 stages.