boggabri coal pty ltd noise management plan · 2014 16 july 2014 4 septembe r 2014 23 october 2014...

Boggabri Coal Pty Ltd

Noise Management PlanJanuary 2015

Revision Control Chart

Rev No Original 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

RevisionDate

25 Jan2012

4 Dec2012

17 Apr2013

5 Nov2013

14 May2014

16 July2014

4September 2014

23October2014

20January2015

Preparedby

NPennington

NPennington

NPennington C Royal

NPennington

NPennington / B Bird

NPennington / B Bird

S Crick N Elvers N Elvers

Reviewedby

W Jones B Bird B Bird B Bird B Bird B Bird S Crick S Crick S Crick

Approvedby

J Rennick J Green J Green J Green J Green J Green J Green J Green J Green

Distribution Control

Controlled copies will be distributed to and retained by relevant personnel including key Boggabri Coal PtyLimited (BCPL), agency and contractor representatives.

Company Position

Idemitsu Australia Resources Group Group Manager Environment and Sustainability

BCPL Environment Superintendent

Department of Trade and Investment, RegionalInfrastructure and Services – Division of Resourcesand Energy

Regional Environment Officer

Department of Planning and Environment Senior Planner

Downer EDI Mining Project Manager

LCR Coal Project Manager

Uncontrolled Copies

Uncontrolled copies may be issued on the authority of the BCPL Environment Superintendent. Such copieswill neither be numbered nor kept up to date.

BCPL Page i

Contents

Page number

1. Introduction 1

1.1 Overview 1

1.2 Aim of this NMP 1

1.3 Elements covered by this NMP 2

2. Statutory requirements 3

3. Existing environment 5

3.1 Background noise 5

3.2 Sensitive receptors 5

3.3 Equipment sound power levels 8

4. Noise criteria 9

4.1 Noise affected land 9

4.2 Operational noise criteria 10

4.3 Cumulative noise criteria 11

5. Noise management measures 12

5.1 Approved hours of work 12

5.2 Noise mitigation measures 12

5.3 Risk response procedure and matrix 16

5.4 Property mitigation and acquisition 20

5.5 Cumulative noise management for the BTM Complex 20

6. Monitoring 21

6.1 Attended monitoring 21

6.2 Real-time monitoring 22

6.3 Cumulative noise monitoring 23

6.4 Meteorological monitoring 24

6.5 Mobile equipment monitoring 25

7. Reporting 26

7.1 Annual environment management report 26

7.2 Quarterly reporting 26

7.3 Community consultation committee reporting 27

7.4 Environment incidents 27

Page ii BCPL

8. Incident and complaint management 28

8.1 Incident management 28

8.2 Complaint response protocol 28

9. Corrective and preventative actions 30

9.1 Non-compliances and corrective actions 30

9.2 Preventive actions 30

10. Training and awareness 31

10.1 Visitors induction 31

10.2 Site induction 31

10.3 Toolbox talks 31

10.4 Task specific training 31

11. Roles and responsibilities 32

12. NMP review 34

12.1 Contingency plan 34

13. References 35

BCPL Page iii

List of tablesPage number

Table 2.1 Project Approval noise management plan conditions 3Table 3.1 Modelled sound power levels (Ref: EA Acoustic Assessment, Table 6) 8Table 4.1 Maximum predicted noise levels 10Table 4.2 Operational noise criteria dB(A) 10Table 4.3 Cumulative noise criteria dB(A) LAEQ(Period) 11Table 5.1 Approved hours 12Table 5.2 Mitigation measures for operational activities 13Table 5.3 Investigation and action trigger levels 16Table 5.4 Risk response matrix 18Table 6.1 Existing Boggabri Coal Mine noise monitoring locations 21Table 6.2 Boggabri Coal Mine attended noise monitoring locations 21Table 6.3 Attended noise monitoring locations for BTM Complex mines 24Table 11.1 Roles and responsibilities for implementation of this plan 32Table 11.2 Responsibilities – monitoring 33Table 11.3 Site contacts 33

AppendicesAppendix A Noise monitoring location plan for BoggabriAppendix B Additional statutory requirements for noise managementAppendix C Process flow diagrams for property mitigation, assessment and acquisitionAppendix D Tables

Page iv BCPL

Glossary

Glossary

AEMR Annual Environmental Management Report

ARTC Australian Rail Track Corporation

BCEP Boggabri Coal Expansion Project

BCM Boggabri Coal Mine

BCPL Boggabri Coal Pty Limited

BCT Boggabri Coal Terminal

BTM Complex Boggabri-Tarrawonga-Maules Creek Complex

CCC Community Consultative Committee

CEMP Construction Environment Management Plan

CHPP Coal Handling and Preparation Plant

dB Decibel

dB (A) A Decibel

DoE Commonwealth Department of the Environment

DP&E NSW Department of Planning and Environment

EA Environmental Assessment

ENCM Environmental Noise Control Manual

EPA Environment Protection Authority

EP&A Act Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, 1979

EPL Environmental Protection Licence

INP NSW Industrial Noise Policy 2000

Km Kilometre

MCP Maules Creek Project

MOP Mining Operations Plan

Mt Million Tonnes

Mtpa Million Tonnes Per Annum

NMP Noise Management Plan

NMS Noise Management Strategy

OCE Open Cut Examiner

OEH NSW Office of Environment and Heritage

PAC NSW Planning Assessment Commission

Part 3a Part 3a of Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, 1979

POEO Act Protection of the Environment (Operations) Act, 1997

SPL Sound Power Level

ROM Run of Mine

BCPL Page 1

1. Introduction

1.1 Overview

Boggabri Coal Mine is located 15 km north-east of the township of Boggabri in north-western NewSouth Wales. The project is an open cut coal mine that has been operating since 2006. Truck andshovel operations produce a crushed and screened run-of-mine (ROM) coal product. Coal istransported on a sealed private haul road to a rail loading facility, where coal is dispatched foroverseas consumption via the Port of Newcastle.

The mine is managed by Boggabri Coal Pty Limited (BCPL), who engages contractors to undertakeconstruction, mining, coal crushing and transportation activities.

The original development consent for BCPL (DA36/88) allowed the mine to produce 5 milliontonnes per annum (Mtpa) of run of mine (ROM) coal by open cut methods with mining operationsundertaken 24 hours a day, seven days a week. However, a 2011 modification restricted theextraction rate to 3.5 Mtpa of ROM coal as part of a 2 year extension to mining operations. Amodification, approved in June 2012, allowed for an increase in height of the overburdenemplacement area (OEA) by 55 m. This modification was submitted to allow for the continuation ofoperations until an earlier major project application was assessed. The earlier major projectapplication was lodged under the now-repealed Part 3A of the Environmental Planning andAssessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act) and was approved by the PAC, under delegation by the Ministerin July 2012.

The Boggabri Project Approval (DA 09_0182) allows Boggabri to extend its mining operations for afurther 21 years, and increase its production rate to 7 Mtpa of ROM coal from a total resource of145 Mt. The Project includes operation of existing ancillary equipment; construction of a new coalhandling and preparation plant; a 17 km rail spur line; bridges over the Namoi River and KamilaroiHighway; a rail load-out facility located at the mine; upgrade of the overburden and coal extractionhaulage fleet (with an option for a drag-line); upgrade of electricity transmission lines; and otherancillary infrastructure.

A modification (Modification 3) was lodged in November 2013 to allow BCPL to transport coal fromsite by road until the rail spur is commissioned; this was approved in March 2014.

Schedule 3, Condition 13 of the Project Approval requires the preparation of a Noise ManagementPlan (NMP). This plan has been prepared in fulfilment of the requirements. The specificrequirements of the NMP are listed in Table 2.1. Consultation with the Boggabri Coal CommunityConsultative Committee (CCC) and the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) was undertakenduring preparation of the NMP (refer to Section 2).

All BCPL staff and contractors working at Boggabri Coal Mine are required to operate incompliance with this NMP.

1.2 Aim of this NMP

The aim of this NMP is to outline the processes for achieving the following objectives:

n to facilitate compliance with the Project Approval, Environment Protection Licence (EPL)12407 (the EPL), Mining leases CL 368, A355, A339 and all relevant environmentlegislation

n to ensure that works are managed to minimise adverse noise impacts on the communityand the environment

BCPL

n to detail specific noise management and mitigation measures for site personneln to outline the mine’s monitoring and reporting requirements related to noise; andn to provide clear definition of the roles and responsibilities for noise management that apply

to all BCPL employees and contractors.

1.3 Elements covered by this NMP

This management plan applies to all employees and contractors at the Boggabri Coal Mine andcovers all areas within the ‘Project Boundary’ as defined in the Project Approval. A figure showingthe extent of these areas is provided in Appendix A.

This NMP covers all operational activities that have the potential to generate noise at the BoggabriCoal Mine.

Construction activities that have the potential to generate noise at the Boggabri Coal Mine will bemanaged via the Construction Environment Management Plan (CEMP), which has been developedin accordance with this management plan.

Cumulative noise management for Boggabri Coal Mine and the neighbouring Tarrawonga andMaules Creek Coal Mines is detailed in the Boggabri-Tarrawonga-Maules Creek (BTM Complex)Noise Management Strategy (NMS). Key elements of the NMS are discussed in Sections 5 and 6of this NMP.

BCPL Page 3

2. Statutory requirementsProject Approval conditions outlining the requirements for a noise management plan are detailed inTable 2.1, together with a reference to where these conditions are addressed in this NMP.

Additional legislative requirements relevant to noise management at the Boggabri Coal Mine, andreferences to where they have been addressed in this NMP are provided in Appendix B.

Table 2.1 Project Approval noise management plan conditions

ApplicableCondition

Requirement NMPReference

Schedule 3Condition 13

The Proponent shall prepare and implement a Noise Management Planfor the project to the satisfaction of the Director-General. This plan must:

Whole NMPDocument

a) be prepared in consultation with the EPA and the CCC, andsubmitted to the Director-General for approval within 6 months of thedate of this approval;

Appendix D

b) describe the measures that would be implemented to ensure:i) best management practice is being employed;ii) the noise impacts of the project are minimised during

meteorological conditions when the noise limits in this approvaldo not apply; and

iii) compliance with the relevant conditions of this approval;

Section 5

c) describe the proposed noise management system in detail; Whole NMPDocument

d) include a risk/response matrix to codify mine operational responsesto varying levels of risk resulting from weather conditions and specificmining activities;

Section 5.3

e) include commitments to provide summary reports and specificbriefings at CCC meetings on issues arising from noise monitoring;

Section 7.3

f) include a monitoring program that:i) uses a combination of real time and supplementary attended

monitoring to evaluate the performance of the project;ii) adequately supports the proactive and reactive noise

management system on site;iii) uses predictive meteorological forecasting to incorporate

proactive mitigation measures to manage noise impacts;iv) includes monitoring of inversion strength at an appropriate

sampling rate to determine compliance with noise limits;v) evaluates and reports on the effectiveness of the noise

management system on site;vi) provides for the annual validation of the noise model for the

project; and

Section 6

g) includes a Leard Forest Mining Precinct Noise Management Strategythat has been prepared in consultation with other coal mines in thePrecinct to minimise the cumulative noise impacts of all mines withinthe Precinct, that includes:i) systems and processes to ensure that all mines are managed to

achieve their noise criteria;ii) a shared environmental monitoring network and data sharing

protocol; andh) procedures for identifying and apportioning the source/s and

contribution/s to cumulative noise impacts for operating mines andother sources, using the noise and meteorological monitoringnetwork and appropriate investigative tools.

BTMComplexNoiseManagementStrategy

BCPL

ApplicableCondition


The Proponent shall ensure that the noise and air quality risk/responsematrices required to be developed in the Noise and Air QualityManagement Plans and validated real time monitoring data are availableon line and includes:n timely publication of validated monitoring data in a clearly

understandable form;n identification of mine operational responses to monitoring data and

weather forecasts; andn provision for on-line input /response by members of the community and

real time engagement with regionally-based regulatory compliancestaff, to the satisfaction of the Director-General.

Sections 5.3,6.3 and 6.4

BCPL Page 5

3. Existing environment

3.1 Background noise

Boggabri Coal Mine and the neighbouring Tarrawonga Coal Mine are located in a quiet rural area,away from major roads or other major industry. The Maules Creek Project is being constructedimmediately north of Boggabri Coal Mine.

Monitoring had demonstrated that background levels regularly fall to 30 dBA or below. Abackground noise level of 30 dBA was adopted for all receivers and time periods in accordancewith the NSW Industrial Noise Policy.

3.2 Sensitive receptors

Receptors sensitive to noise impacts from construction and operational activities associated withthe Boggabri Coal Mine were identified in the Environmental Assessment (EA). Noise impacts onsensitive receptors were modelled for year 1 (2012), year 5 (2016), year 10 (2021) and year 21(2032) of operations. The 35dB (A) and 40dB (A) noise contours for each of these years ofoperations was mapped to show the extent of the areas likely to be impacted. Modelled noiseimpacts, as detailed in the EA, are shown in Figures 3.1 and 3.2. The sensitive receptors withinand surrounding the areas bounded by the modelled noise impact contours will be subject tovarying levels of noise mitigation and management, as outlined in Section 5.

BCPL

Figure 3.1 Indicative 35 dBA noise contours

BCPL Page 7

Figure 3.2 Indicative 40 dBA noise contours

BCPL

3.3 Equipment sound power levels

Mobile and stationary noise sources will be monitored annually in accordance with Conditions 9and 10 of Schedule 3 of the Project Approval to ensure continued compliance with the soundpower levels listed in Table 3.1. The sounds power levels and plant numbers in Table 3.1 areconsistent with those used to undertake noise impact assessment modelling in the EA.

Table 3.1 Modelled sound power levels (Ref: EA Acoustic Assessment, Table 6)

Plant Item Maximum

dB(A),LAeq

Number

(current)

Number

(End of MOP)

D11 Dozer 116 dB(A) 9 15

Overburden Drill 117 dB(A) 3 7

Rope Shovel 118 dB(A) 0 0

Excavators 120 dB(A) 5 5

Overburden haul (uphill)* 119 dB(A) 30 42

Overburden haul (on flat)* 117 dB(A)

Loader 117 dB(A) 1 2

Grader 115 dB(A) 2-3 2-3

Water Cart 117 dB(A) 7 4

Coal preparation Plant 117 dB(A) 0 1

ROM feeder/breaker 109 dB(A) 0 1

Train loading bin 103 dB(A) 1 1

Train (50 km/h) 126 dB(A) 0 Various

Coal trucks 120 dB(A) 8 8

* Dynamic test in general accordance with ISO 6395:2008(E).

BCPL Page 9

4. Noise criteriaNoise criteria and conditions applicable to the Boggabri Coal Mine are specified in the ProjectApproval and summarised in the following subsections.

4.1 Noise affected land

Project Approval Schedule 3, Conditions 3 and 4 describe the actions the Proponent is required tofollow with regard to receivers on noise affected land as follows.

3. For privately-owned residences identified within the project’s 35dB(A) noise impact contour (seeAppendix 4A) the owner(s) can make a written request to the Proponent for one of the following:

(a) mitigation (such as double glazing, insulation and air conditioning) at the residence inconsultation with the owner(s). These measures must be reasonable and feasible anddirected towards reducing the noise impacts of the project on the residence. If within 3months of receiving this request from the owner(s), the Proponent and owner(s) cannotagree on the measures to be implemented, or there is a dispute about the implementation ofthese measures, then either party may refer the matter to the Director-General forresolution; or

(b) acquisition of the residence and land in accordance with the procedures in conditions 8-9 ofSchedule 4.

Upon receiving a written request from the owner(s), the Proponent must undertake whicheveroption has been requested by the owner(s).

However, this condition does not apply if the Proponent has an agreement with the owner(s) of therelevant residence to generate higher noise levels, and the Proponent has advised the Departmentin writing of the terms of this agreement.

Notes:

1. For the purposes of this condition a privately-owned residence is defined as a residence notowned by a mining company that: is regularly occupied; or is an existing residence that is notregularly occupied but for which a valid development consent exists; or is a proposedresidence for which a development application has been lodged with the relevant authorityprior to the date of this approval.

2. For the purposes of acquisition under this condition, parcels of land that are in close proximityand operated as a single agricultural enterprise should be considered as part of the land to beacquired. Where the Proponent and the owner(s) cannot agree on whether non-contiguousparcels of land should be included, either party may refer the matter to the Director-General forresolution. The Director-General’s decision as to the lands to be included for acquisition underthe procedures in conditions 8 and 9 of Schedule 4 shall be final.

4. Where the owner(s) of a residence included in condition 3 of this schedule have opted for either anagreement to generate higher noise levels or mitigation under condition 3(a), and the owner(s) havereason to believe that the noise impacts at the residence are more than 3 dB(A) above thepredicted noise levels for that residence (see Table 4.1), the owner(s) can request an independentnoise impact assessment for the residence. The request shall be made in writing to the Director-General. If the Director-General considers that a noise impact assessment is warranted, then theProponent shall commission the assessment.

If the noise impact assessment determines that the noise generated by the project causessustained exceedances, or is likely to cause sustained exceedances, of the predicted noise levelsby more than 3 dB(A) the owner(s) may require the Proponent to acquire the residence and land inaccordance with the procedures in conditions 8-9 of Schedule 4.

BCPL

Table 4.1 Maximum predicted noise levels

Location Property/ID Day

(LAeq (15 min))

Evening

(LAeq (15 min))

Night

(LAeq (15 min))

Night

(LA1 (1 min))

54 35 42 42 45

52 35 41 41 45

67, 68 35 40 40 45

23 35 38 38 51

27, 48 36 38 38 48

86 35 38 38 45

43, 44 35 37 37 45

32, 33, 79, 90 35 36 36 45

Note:

1. To interpret the locations referred to in Table 4.1, see the applicable figure in Appendix 4.

2. The noise assessment must be undertaken by a suitably qualified, experienced and independent person, whoseappointment has been approved by the Director-General and include either:

a. sufficient monitoring at the affected residence to allow for assessment of the impacts under a range ofmeteorological conditions (including adverse conditions) likely to be experiences at the residence; or

b. Sufficient monitoring to allow reliable prediction of the likely impacts under the range of meteorological conditions(including adverse conditions) likely to be experienced at the residence.

3. Monitoring should be conducted in accordance with the requirements of the NSW Industrial Noise Policy.

4. Where predictions of likely impacts is to be used, either in substitution for, or in conjunction with, direct measurement ofnoise impacts at the residence, it must be based on sufficient monitoring data to provide a reliable estimate of theimpacts (including under adverse meteorological conditions) and be derived using standard noise modeling techniquesaccepted by the EPA.

5. The Proponent shall ensure that the requested noise impact assessment is submitted to the Director-General within 3months of the Director-General’s decision that the assessment was warranted. The Proponent shall also provide acopy of the assessment to the owner(s) of the residence at the same time it is submitted to the Director-General.

6. Note 2 to condition 3 of this Schedule applies to acquisition under this condition.

4.2 Operational noise criteria

The operational noise criteria applicable to all properties not identified in Conditions 3 and 4, asadopted from Project Approval Schedule 3, Condition 5, are detailed in Table 4.2. The criteria applyto all on-site noise sources including mining and coal processing equipment, coal truck movementon the private haul road to Boggabri Coal Terminal (BCT), train loading equipment and trainmovements on the private rail spur.

BCPL will implement various management approaches to ensure that the noise generated by theProject does not exceed the criteria in Table 4.2 at any residence on privately-owned land.Management measures are outlined in Section 5.

Table 4.2 Operational noise criteria dB(A)

Location Day Evening Night

LAEQ(15 min) LAEQ(15 min) LAEQ(15 min) LA1(1 min)

All privately owned land 35 35 35 45

BCPL Page 11

Condition 6 of Schedule 3 (produced in full in Appendix B, Table B.1 of this NMP) allows for noisemitigation or property acquisition if an independent noise assessment determines that the noisegenerated by the Project causes sustained exceedances, or is likely to cause sustainedexceedances, of the noise criteria in Table 4.3. The various scenarios under which BCPL will berequired to mitigate or acquire landholder properties are described in detail in Section 5.4.

4.3 Cumulative noise criteria

BCPL shall implement all reasonable and feasible measures to ensure that the noise generated bythe development combined with the noise generated by other mines in the area does not exceedthe criteria, as outlined in Schedule 3, Condition 7 of the Project Approval and detailed in Table 4.3,at any residence on privately-owned land.

Table 4.3 Cumulative noise criteria dB(A) LAEQ(Period)

Location Day Evening Night

All privately owned land 40 40 40

Condition 8 of Schedule 3 (produced in full in Appendix B, Table B.1 of this NMP) allows for noisemitigation or property acquisition if an independent noise survey shows that the cumulative noisegenerated by the Project and others mine(s) causes sustained exceedances, or is likely to causesustained exceedances, of the cumulative noise criteria in Table 4.3. Mitigation is described furtherin Table 5.2 and Section 5.4. Landholder property acquisition scenarios for Boggabri Coal Mine aredescribed in Appendix C. Cumulative noise mitigation and acquisition is discussed further in theBTM Complex NMS.

BCPL

5. Noise management measuresA combination of the following noise control measures will be used by BCPL to ensure predictionsare met, minimise potential adverse operational noise impacts on receivers and reduce the mine’sarea of potential impact.

Management actions related to construction activities are included in the CEMP.

5.1 Approved hours of work

Project operational activities (construction works are considered in a separate CEMP) will beundertaken in accordance within the hours specified under Project Conditions of Consent listed inTable 2.1 and summarised in Table 5.1 below.

Table 5.1 Approved hours

Activity Monday to Friday Saturday Sunday and PublicHolidays

Operational activities 24 hours 7 days 24 hours 7 days 24 hours 7 days

Blasting* 9:00 am to 5:00 pm 9:00 am to 5:00 pm No Blasting

Note: * 1 blast per day (unless an additional blast is required following a blast misfire) and no more than 4 blasts per week,averaged over a calendar year.

5.2 Noise mitigation measures

Proactive noise mitigation measures that will be applied during operational activities at theBoggabri Coal Mine are outlined in Table 5.2. The table also specifies the key parties that will beresponsibility for implementation of each management measure.

Noise mitigation measures that will be applied during construction activities related to the spur lineconstruction is considered in a separate CEMP. However, construction activities within the MiningInfrastructure Area (MIA) including the construction of the Coal Handling and Preparation Plant(CHPP), water infrastructure, load out facilities etc. are incorporated into the Noise ManagementPlan.

BCPL Page 13

Table 5.2 Mitigation measures for operational activities

Activity/aspect

Management control Responsibility for implementation

BCPL Miningcontractor

Coalhaulage

contractor

BCEP

Procurement n Ensuring any additional trucks purchased for the haulage of coal along the BCPL private haul road achieve asound power level of 108 dBA or less

n Ensuring all new trucks, dozers, drills and excavators purchased for use on site after 18th July 2012 arecommissioned as noise-suppressed (or attenuated) units

n Ensuring that all new equipment and noise control measures deliver sound power levels that are equal to orbetter than the sound power levels listed in Table 3.1 of this NMP and that correspond to best practice or theapplication of best available technology economically achievable

●

n Selecting vehicle reverse alarms, horns, start alarms and other audible warning devices that produce thelowest possible noise levels consistent with relevant safety standards

● ● ● ●

Coal haulage n Operating product haul trucks to the following speed limits to minimise noise and air quality impacts.

Area Speed limitMining area 60km/hrProduct haul road 80km/hrMine access road and other light vehicle roads 50km/hrCar parks and infrastructure areas 20km/hr

Note: speed limits may be varied in response to adverse weather conditions, air quality monitoring results or other factors.

●

Coal handling n Ensuring idlers do not have uneven surfacesn Screening or partially enclosing conveyer belt motorsn Using low noise motorsn Using vibration absorbing pads on supporting springs for vibrating screens

●

n Limiting the speed of the track dozers in reversen Ensuring belt covers do not have ripples or imperfections

●

Loading trainsand privatespur line

n Enclosing the train loading chute and binn Ensuring rail lines are thermit weldedn Undertaking regular inspections of trains and wagonsn Not permitting train horns as a form of communication at BCT

●

BCPL

Activity/aspect



Coalhaulage

contractor

BCEP

n Undertaking regular maintenance on trains and wagons to minimise noise generatedn Ensuring that the Boggabri Rail Spur Line is only accessed by locomotives that are approved to operate on the

NSW rail network in accordance with the noise limits in ARTC's EPL (No. 3142)n Ensuring that rolling stock supplied by service providers on the Boggabri Rail Spur Line is designed and

constructed to minimise noisen Ensuring any new rail rolling stock manufactured specifically for the project is designed and constructed to

minimise noisen Focusing on out of round trains and wagon wheels and brake noisen Designing Rail Spur Line and bridge crossing to minimise noisen Conduct train speed noise testing to optimise train speed for minimum noise

Open cutmining

n Fitting all new mining trucks with best practise exhaust silencersn Progressively fitting the existing haul truck fleet with best practise exhaust silencers by the end of July 2013n Implementing an annual monitoring plan to ensure that the effectiveness of attenuated plant is maintainedn Directing the overburden haul truck fleet to higher, exposed emplacement areas during favourable weather

conditions (generally during the day) and to lower, more shielded emplacement areas where possible duringnoise enhancing weather conditions (generally during the evening and night)

n Placing overburden in strategic locations to provide additional screening between noise sources on the site andnearby noise sensitive areas

n Constructing noise bunds along the edge of any exposed ramps at exposed elevations on the overburdenemplacement area

n Where possible, scheduling noisier activities to occur during the day time period (7 am to 6 pm)n Substituting alternative, quieter operating methods or machines. This may include operating equipment at

lower speeds and/or adopting new technologies to reduce potential noise emissions and even extend toceasing operating equipment that is identified as the dominant noise source(s) until weather conditions aremore favourable

n Continuing to monitor noise levels following implementation of a change to mining activities to confirm thechange has been effective

n Limiting the speed of the track dozers in reversen Predictive met forecasting and real time noise monitoring to guide the day to day planning of mining operationsn Equipment found to have defects that lead to elevated noise emissions will not be returned to operations until

●

BCPL Page 15

Activity/aspect



Coalhaulage

contractor

BCEP

repaired

Maintenance n Ensuring plant and equipment is maintained regularly and in accordance with manufacturer’s requirementsn Where reasonable and feasible, improving existing noise suppression equipment as technologies become

available

● ● ● ●

BCPL

5.3 Risk response procedure and matrix

This section describes how the risk of noise level exceedances is to be managed.

Following installation of the proposed cumulative real time noise monitoring system (as outlined inthe NMS), a series of trigger levels will be set and investigation and high level criteria confirmedthrough the integrated software. A trigger action response matrix is outlined in Table 5.3, tomanage alarms, complaints and incidents. The trigger action response matrix will be refined as thecumulative network is progressively implemented, tested and improved. The timing of the above isoutlined in the NMS.

Noise monitoring levels will be communicated to environmental personnel and the Open CutExaminer (OCE) via SMS, email and/or other systems integrated into operating processes(depending on needs).

The level of the ‘noise alert’ will be determined in accordance with Trigger Levels in Table 5.3. Thetable outlines the action required once the alert is issued.

Table 5.3 Investigation and action trigger levels

Noise alert level Trigger level Description/action required

Investigation Any real time monitors reacha level 3dB below theproject-specific criterion forthe residence nearest to themonitor.

Comparing the low-pass (initially 800 Hz) LAeq levelwith the total LAeq level to determine whether minenoise (predominantly lower-frequency) is a likelycause of elevated noise levels.

Listening to the most recent audio files to see if thesource(s) of the increasing noise can be identified.Audio recordings of one minute duration wouldtypically be taken every five minutes.

Reviewing meteorological data to determine whetherincreasing noise levels may be due to wind ortemperature inversions. Low speed winds can affectnoise levels due to the location of the monitor inrelation to the noise source and high speed windsgenerally increase environmental noise levels.

Preparatory measures will be implemented or readyto be implemented in accordance with the riskresponse matrix.

Action Any of the real time monitorsreach a level 1 dB below theproject-specific noisecriteria.

Relevant personnel are required to implementcontrols in accordance with the risk response matrix.

Once either an ‘investigation’ or action’ noise alert is triggered, the procedures outlined in the riskresponse matrix provided in Table 5.4 would be followed.

BCPL Page 17

The risk response matrix will be refined as the cumulative network is progressively implemented,tested and improved. The timing of the above is outlined in the NMS.

It is important to note that once the real-time noise management system is operational, triggerlevels would be reviewed as part of the NMS, updated and refined following a review of the dataand calibration of the system. If the trigger levels are not appropriate to site operations (too manyor too few investigation or action responses) they will be revised. Different trigger levels may be setfor each monitoring location within the cumulative network, depending on the noise criterion for thenearest receiver to the monitor. Trigger levels will also be regularly assessed as part of the ongoingreview of this plan.

The trigger levels can be used as a starting point for identifying the most significant contributor(s) toelevated noise. Consideration of the prevailing winds and temperature inversions is paramount inthis analysis and it is anticipated that trigger levels would be developed and refined over during theongoing review process.

Initially, seasonal wind trends (generally northwest in cooler months and southeast in warmermonths) will guide placement of the mobile real-time monitor when it is not being used to monitor aspecific residence. That is, the mobile monitor would be placed at a location generally northwest ofthe mine in summer and at a location generally southeast of the mine in winter, unless communityfeedback suggests a different location.

BCPL

Table 5.4 Risk response matrix

Noise Risk LevelLevel 1- Investigate and prepare Level 2- Action required

Noise alert level ‘Investigation’ noise alert received ‘Action’ noise alert level received

Activity/ Risk Investigation Response Action Response, implement until ‘Noise Risk Level’ reduced.General (Triggerlevel exceeded)

n Listen to audio recording and determine likely noise source.n Compare the low-pass LAeq level with the total LAeq level to determine

whether mine noise is a likely source.n Review meteorological data to determine whether increasing noise levels

may be due to wind or temperature inversions.n If noise attributed to Boggabri Coal Mine, OCE to notify relevant operations.n If the noise is determined to be from other operations, OCE to inform

Environment Superintendent, who will notify BTM Complex mines.

n Listen to audio recording and determine likely noise source.n Compare the low-pass LAeq level with the total LAeq level to determine

whether mine noise is a likely source.n Review meteorological data to determine whether increasing noise

levels may be due to wind or temperature inversions.n If noise attributed to Boggabri Coal Mine, OCE to notify relevant

operations and modify mine operations, including ceasing the identifiedactivity if noise is non-compliant

n Investigation into the trend of increased noise levels will be conductedupon reaching this trigger level, as discussed above.

n If the noise is determined to be from other sources, OCE to record theinvestigation by following the BCPL incident management procedure(refer to Section 9) and inform Environment Superintendent.

Unfavourablemetrologicalconditions

n Mine planners review predictive models and determine optimal plan for adverse conditions.n Adjust shift plans to minimise potential for noise impacts from predicted adverse conditions.n Reduce haul truck speeds to 60 km/h during evening and night time periods.

Noise complaintreceived

n Document complaint as per the BCPL incident management procedure (refer to Section 9).n If complainant is not near a noise monitor, liaise with complainant to deploy mobile noise monitor at mutually agreeable time.n Listen to audio recording to determine likely noise source.n Determine if additional noise monitoring (i.e. attended) is required to adequately investigate the complaint.n If noise attributed to Boggabri Coal Mine, OCE to modify mine operations.n Investigation into the trend of increased noise levels will be conducted upon reaching this trigger level, as discussed above.n Implementation of individual mine noise mitigation actions will be instigated upon reaching a ‘high’ trigger level.n If the noise is determined to be from another source then the OCE records the investigation by following the BCPL incident management procedure (refer

to Section 9) and informs the Environment Superintendent.

Exceedance ofProject Approval

n Investigate noise source and develop actions to reduce noise levels.

BCPL Page 19

criteria duringnoise monitoring

n As soon as practical after obtaining monitoring results showing an exceedance of the relevant criteria (Appendix B), the Proponent shall notify the affectedlandowners in writing of the exceedance, and provide regular monitoring results to each of these parties until the Project is complying with the relevantcriteria again.

n Review the NMS and frequency of noise monitoring undertaken.n Implementation of individual mine noise mitigation actions will be instigated if there is an exceedance of the criteria.n Document incident, investigation and outcomes.

Coal handling n Check coal handling equipment against the mitigation measures listed inTable 5.2.

n Check coal handling equipment against the mitigation measures listed inTable 5.2.

n Limit the speed of track dozers in reverse.

Train loading n Check train loading infrastructure and rail lines against the mitigationmeasures listed in Table 5.2.

n Check train loading infrastructure and rail lines against the mitigationmeasures listed in Table 5.2.

Open cut mining n Check open cut mining mitigation measures listed in Table 5.2. n Check open cut mining mitigation measures listed in Table 5.2.n Direct haul trucks to lower, more shielded emplacement areas where

possible during noise enhancing weather conditions (generally during theevening and night)

n Place overburden in strategic locations to provide additional screeningbetween noise sources on the site and nearby noise sensitive areas

n Limit the speed of track dozers in reverse.n Use predictive met forecasting and real time noise monitoring to guide the

day to day planning of mining operations.

Maintenance n Check maintenance mitigation measures listed in Table 5.2. n Check maintenance mitigation measures listed in Table 5.2.

BCPL

5.4 Property mitigation and acquisition

The Project Approval stipulates that private landholders can request an independent noise impactassessment be undertaken at their property if they suspect mining noise is (a) exceeding theapproved criteria in Table 2 of the Project Approval by more than 3 dB, for receivers inside the35 dB(A) contour, or (b) exceeding the approved criteria in Table 3 of the Project Approval, forreceivers outside the 35 dB(A) contour. If an assessment is required, it will be undertaken todetermine whether noise levels are above or below the approved limits and identify the source ofthe noise impacts. The allowable noise levels will be dependent on the location of the landholder’sproperty and whether the impact is solely caused by BCPL or whether it is cumulative. Theoutcomes of the assessment will then be used as a basis for subsequent landholder negotiationsfor noise mitigation or property acquisition.

As described in the Project Approval, mitigation options may include the installation of doubleglazing, insulation and air conditioning at the landholder’s residence. Any mitigation will beundertaken in consultation with the landholder and be reasonable, feasible and directed towardsreducing the noise impacts of the Boggabri Coal Mine or the BTM Complex upon the residence.

If mitigation is not agreed upon within three months of the landholder’s written request, then BCPLwill refer the matter to the Director-General for resolution.

If property acquisition is required, BCPL will undertake negotiations with the landholder inaccordance with conditions 8 and 9 of Schedule 4 of the Project Approval (reproduced inAppendix B).

Process flow diagrams outlining the key steps that will be undertaken for noise assessment andpotential acquisition under the various landholder impact scenarios are provided in Appendix C. Itis expected that the scenarios outlined in Appendix C will only be implemented followinginvestigation of practical and feasible mitigation measures, as discussed in this section and Tables5.2 and 5.3.

5.5 Cumulative noise management for the BTM Complex

The strategy and actions for the management of cumulative noise impacts associated with the BTMComplex are described in the NMS. The NMS outlines the basic system architecture, which willinclude predictive noise modelling and predictive meteorology. The system will assist short termmine planning, by allowing various mining scenarios to be run and evaluated for predictedmeteorological conditions. The mine plan can then be optimised to allow for best noise or air qualityperformance (see also Sections 6.3 and 6.6).

BCPL Page 21

6. MonitoringOngoing real time noise monitoring and quarterly attended noise monitoring will be undertakenthroughout Project construction and operational phases. Attended monitoring has been conductedsince project inception at or near the locations listed in Table 6.1.

Table 6.1 Existing Boggabri Coal Mine noise monitoring locations

Receiver # Landowner/Property name Type

67/68N/A1

GoonbriGreenhills

AttendedAttended

N/A1

5423/27

Bollol Creek/TemplemoreTarrawongaCooboobindi

AttendedAttendedAttended

N/A2 Hazeldene Attended

N/A2 Roma Attended1 Property owned by other mining company and not allocated receiver number in Boggabri Mine assessment.2 No assigned receiver number.

6.1 Attended monitoring

Attended noise monitoring has been conducted on a quarterly basis since inception of the BoggabriCoal Mine. Continued attended monitoring will be required to assess ongoing compliance withindividual and cumulative noise criteria.

Recommended attended monitoring locations outside the 35 dB(A) contour and not listed inCondition L3.3 of EPL 12407, in satisfaction of Condition M8.1 of EPL 12407, are listed in Table6.2 and illustrated in Appendix A. Additional one-off or occasional monitoring may also beundertaken at other surrounding locations as required utilising either a mobile real-time monitor orby commissioning an independent expert to undertake attended monitoring.

Table 6.2 Boggabri Coal Mine attended noise monitoring locations

Location # Landowner/Property name Type

N1 Goonbri Attended

N2 Sylvania Attended

N3 Picton Attended

N4 Barbers Lagoon Attended

N5 Glenhope Attended

N6 Roma Attended

N7 Arlington Attended

Attended noise monitoring will be conducted as follows:

n All noise investigations will be carried out in accordance with NSW Industrial Noise Policy,2000 (INP), and applicable Australian Standards.

BCPL

n Noise levels will be measured in one-third octave bands using an instrument with IEC Type1 characteristics as defined in AS 1259-1990 “Sound Level Meters”. The instrument willhave current calibration as per manufacturer’s instructions and field calibration will beconfirmed before and after measurements with a sound level calibrator.

n The instrument will be set to A-weighting, “fast” response and measurements of LAeq(15 minute)

will be taken at each location in Table 6.1. Each measurement will be stored at a samplingrate of no greater than 5 seconds for further analysis.

n Attended surveys will occur at each location in Table 6.1 at a frequency specified incondition M8.1 of EPL 12407 as follows:4 quarterly in a reporting period4 during day, evening and night period as defined in the NSW Industrial Noise policy for

a minimum of:– 1.5 hours during the day– 30 minutes during the evening– 1 hour during the night4 for three consecutive operating days.

n The EPL will require updating upon approval of this NMP, but it is not anticipated that anychange to the above Condition M8.1 would occur.

n Field notes will be taken during each measurement recording the time and duration ofnoise events, noise sources, instantaneous noise levels and frequency range of identifiedsite noise sources.

n Extraneous noise sources will be filtered from the measured signal using Bruel & KjaerEvaluator Software and the LAeq(15-minute) and LAmax (as an estimate of the LA1(1-minute) sleepdisturbance descriptor) levels attributable to BC activities will be identified and comparedwith the relevant criterion.

n Details regarding plant configuration, survey interval, weather conditions, extraneous noisesources, monitoring locations and times of measurement will be recorded for inclusion inthe noise monitoring report.

n If, during an attended survey, it is considered that noise at a given location isrepresentative of noise levels at another nearby location(s) then only that location shall bemonitored. The measured level will be recorded against the other locations representedand fully explained in the report.

The final allocation of monitoring locations within the respective noise monitoring locations will bedecided in consultation with relevant agencies.

6.2 Real-time monitoring

A cumulative real-time noise monitoring system is being developed by the BTM Complex mines toassist in the management of noise emissions on a daily basis. This system is described in detail inthe cumulative Noise Management Strategy (NMS).

Four permanent real-time noise monitors will be installed as part of the development of thecumulative network, comprising the following:

n one at the P Murphy property in the W Zone (identified as RT2, installed as part of theMaules Creek Project)

n one at Maules Creek School (identified as RT1, installed as part of the Maules CreekProject)

n one unit at Olivedene west of Boggabri Coal Mine (identified as RT3, installed as part ofthe Maules Creek Project)

n one at the Sylvania property in the E Zone (to be installed by Boggabri Coal Mine).

BCPL Page 23

As part of the proposed real-time monitoring network, two additional mobile real-time units mayalso be employed to variously monitor cumulative coal haulage noise impacting on SW Zonereceivers, noise impacts at the nearest privately owned receivers to the Maules Creek Project inthe NE, NW and SW zones, at a receiver in the S zone during the prevailing winter NW winds, or toinvestigate noise complaints from any receiver.

The BTM Complex will continue to work with noise specialists to determine the optimumconfiguration of monitors for the combined monitoring network.

Utilising the output of the real-time noise monitoring system BCPL will:

n further consult with adjacent affected landowners and establish noise managementagreements where appropriate

n offer mitigation to the residences of immediate neighbours where monitoring resultsindicate repeated exceedances of noise criteria (as described in Section 5.4)

n review the monitoring locations on a regular basis to confirm it remains appropriate as themine progresses

n correlate real-time noise monitoring results with the mine’s meteorological monitoringstation and the central data repository for the BTM Complex for comparative analysis toassist in determining appropriate responses to noise issues

n develop, in conjunction with BTM Complex partner mines, an automatic warning system tonotify site mining contractors and BCPL personnel when noise levels from mining activitiesreach ‘Investigation’ and ‘High’ level triggers discussed in Section 5.3. This will also includea predictive capability linked to meteorological data (described in the BTM Complex NoiseManagement Strategy) to provide an estimate of likely future noise impacts from miningoperations

n be made publically available on the Boggabri Coal Mine websitehttp://www.idemitsu.com.au/content/cms/Monitoring in a clearly understandable form withina reasonable timeframe.

Due to the need for cooperation between the different mines of the BTM Complex with respect tomonitoring, the implementation of proposed monitoring programs will be undertaken in stages, asthe needs for all parties are fully determined. Schedule 2, Condition 21 of the Project Approval,allows for the staged submission of strategies, plans and programs required under the ProjectApproval. Noise models developed as part of the cumulative system will be reviewed quarterlyinitially, extending to annually once performance is viewed to be satisfactory, as detailed in theNMS.

6.3 Cumulative noise monitoring

The real-time network discussed in Section 6.2 forms part of the comprehensive cumulative noisemonitoring network, which is detailed in the NMS for the BTM Complex (BTM Complex, 2014).

The requirements of the cumulative monitoring network are to:

n facilitate compliance with existing and likely future consent conditionsn allow proactive management and real-time noise monitoring to assist in day to day

operations of each mine siten develop an integrated and coordinated approach to noise management of the BTM

Complexn potentially consolidate existing monitoringn allow for predictive meteorological forecasting to guide operationsn include procedures for identifying the source(s) and contribution(s) to cumulative noise

impacts for mines and other sources

http://www.idemitsu.com.au/content/cms/Monitoring

BCPL

n include appropriate investigative tools such as noise modelling.

Noise monitoring sufficient to cover all affected receivers will be conducted by the individual minesunder their respective NMP’s with each mine reporting on their individual noise levels andcumulative mining noise levels. Permanent real-time and quarterly attended monitoring locationsare summarised in Table 6.3.

Table 6.3 Attended noise monitoring locations for BTM Complex mines

Receiver# (zone) Property name/landowner Type Mine*

N1 (E) Goonbri Attended BCM

N2 (SE) Sylvania Attended BCM

N3 (SE) Picton (boundary) Attended BCM/TCM

N4 (S) Barbers Lagoon Attended BCM/TCM

TN4 (S) Bungalow Attended TCM

N5 (SW) Glenhope Attended BCM

N6 (SW) Roma Attended BCM

N7 (W) Arlington Attended BCM

NM1 (N) Maules Creek School Attended MCP

NM2 (NW) Wongala Attended MCP

NM3 (W) Riverway Attended MCP

NM4 Ellerslie Attended MCP

NM5 Thornfield Attended MCP

RT1 Maules Creek School Real-time MCP

RT2 Wongala Real-time MCP

RT3 P Murphy Real-time MCP

RT4 Sylvania Real-time BCM* BTM – Boggabri Coal Mine TCM – Tarrawonga Coal Mine MCP – Maules Creek Project

6.4 Meteorological monitoring

Condition 14 of the Project Approval states the following:

Where conditions in this approval refer to measurement of noise within the context of the NSWIndustrial Noise Policy the inversion class to be applied to the project is Class G.

However, the Proponent may undertake an investigation to determine whether a proposal forchange in this classification could be considered for approval by the Director-General. Any suchinvestigation must be conducted in consultation with the EPA and be conducted by a suitablyqualified person whose appointment has been endorsed by the EPA and approved by the Director-General. The report and recommendation must be submitted to the EPA for endorsement prior tosubmission to the Director-General. If the Director-General is satisfied that the recommendation isreasonable, then the Director-General may amend the inversion class applying to the project underthis approval.

BCPL Page 25

BCPL’s existing meteorological monitoring capabilities will be upgraded, including the provision ofreal time access to meteorological data. The BTM Complex have installed a 60 m tower which willmeasure temperature at (at least) two altitudes with minimum 50 m vertical separation, asrecommended in Appendix D of the INP. The tower will provide accurate measured real-timetemperature inversion data without the need to resort to unreliable methods such as extrapolationfrom sensors at 2m and 10m above the ground or analysis of sigma-theta data.

Class G inversions are defined in the INP as having a temperature gradient strength up to80C/100m, which will be adopted as the upper level of applicability of the noise criteria, unless thedata suggest a more appropriate value. In that case, the EPA will be consulted as directed inCondition 14.

Real-time access to meteorological data via the central data repository will allow theimplementation of a management system that employs both reactive and proactive mitigationmeasures.

A predictive forecast meteorology system will be implemented based on the Weather Research &Forecasting (WRF) model, specifically for the BTM Complex, and a website be developed to makedata immediately available for each of the mine sites, with half hourly forecasts up to 48 hours inadvance. This system will download global meteorological data and forecasts on a daily basis andprocess and run the WRF model to produce the information required for input into a real-time 3Ddispersion model.

As with any predictive forecast, confidence reduces with longer predictions, however the half hourly48-hour forecasts will provide useful planning information for operations. The forecasts for the next24-hour and 12-hour periods will provide more confidence in predictions for the day ahead and howweather may affect operations.

Once this meteorological system is configured and operating, the outcomes will be evaluated by acompetent meteorologist or atmospheric science professional quarterly against actualmeteorological measurements and the meteorological system will be validated and improved,where possible.

6.5 Mobile equipment monitoring

In accordance with Condition 9 of Schedule 3, all mobile equipment mobilised to site will have theirsound power levels (SPLs) monitored and assessed annually against the SPL used in the AcousticImpact Assessment/predictive model. The level of acoustic attenuation supplied as OriginalEquipment should be reviewed or additional acoustic mitigation equipment retro fitted to theindividual vehicle.

Manufacturers data sheets will be reviewed to ensure nominated are compared against the SPLused in the Acoustic Impact Assessment/predictive model. Should the manufacturers SPL begreater than that used in the model, the equipment choice, or level of acoustic mitigation equipmentsupplied as original equipment should be reviewed.

This annual monitoring program of attenuated plant will ensure that the attenuation remainseffective. The results of all attenuated plant monitoring will be included in the BCPL AnnualEnvironment Management Report, which will be made publically available on the Boggabri CoalMine website http://www.idemitsu.com.au/content/cms/Monitoring/487/.

http://www.idemitsu.com.au/content/cms/Monitoring/487/

BCPL

7. ReportingVarious monitoring reports will be prepared at regular intervals for the management of issuesassociated with noise management at BCPL. These reports and reporting periods are discussed indetail in the following sections.

7.1 Annual environment management report

The Annual Environment Management Report (AEMR) will contain a section on the monitoring,assessment and repairs undertaken to maintain attenuation equipment on the truck fleet.

The AEMR summarises the environmental performance of the mine for the previous calendar year.In accordance with BCPL’s mining leases (CL368, A355, and A339) and Schedule 5, condition 4 ofthe Project Approval, the report must include the following details relevant to noise management:

n a comprehensive review of the monitoring results and complaint records over the pastyear, which includes a comparison of these results against the:4 assessment criteria (refer to Section 4 and Section 6)4 monitoring results of previous years4 noise impact predictions in the EA

n identification of any non-compliance over the last year, and a description of what actionswere (or are being) taken to ensure compliance

n a summary of the monitoring, assessment and repairs/improvements undertaken to ensurerelevant mining and ancillary equipment is appropriately noise attenuated

n identification of any trends in the monitoring data over the life of the Projectn identification of any discrepancies between the predicted and actual impacts of the Project,

and analysis of the potential cause of any significant discrepanciesn a description of what measures will be implemented over the next year to improve noise

management performance.

The BCPL AEMR will be made publically available on the Boggabri Coal Mine website(www.idemitsu.com.au/boggabri).

7.2 Quarterly reporting

A suitably qualified acoustic consultant will provide reports of quarterly onsite monitoring to theBCPL Environment Superintendent, following a monitoring event. This reporting will include:

n results of ongoing monitoringn a quantitative and qualitative assessment of the acoustic environmentn identification of and reporting on the progress of non-conformance issues and corrective

action requests identified during periodic audits or from community complaintsn the performance of the developmentn the implementation and effectiveness of the noise controls and conditions specifically

relating to the development.

Quarterly monitoring reports will be made publically available on the Boggabri Coal Mine website(www.idemitsu.com.au/boggabri).

http://www.idemitsu.com.au/boggabri


BCPL Page 27

7.3 Community consultation committee reporting

The BCPL Environment Superintendent will provide regular updates to the community on the noisemanagement performance of the Boggabri Coal Mine at CCC meetings. These updates willtypically include a summary of:

n noise monitoring results for the period since the last CCC meetingn any specific noise mitigation or other management actions undertaken since the last CCC

meetingn any proposed noise management activities that will be undertaken in the forthcoming

period.

Minutes of all CCC meetings will be made publically available on the Boggabri Coal Mine website(www.idemitsu.com.au/boggabri).

7.4 Environment incidents

Reporting of environment incidents by the contractor(s) to the BCPL Environment Superintendentshall be undertaken as soon as practically possible, but not later than 24 hours following theincident.

Any noise monitoring result that indicates that EPL noise criteria have been exceeded as a result ofBCPL operations will be reported to the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) PollutionLine service on 131 555. Written details of the notification will be provided to the EPA within 7 daysof the date on which the incident occurred as required under Schedule 5, Condition 8 of the ProjectApproval.


BCPL

8. Incident and complaint managementBCPL employees and contractors will identify failures/incidents within their acoustic controlsystems through their monitoring programs and inspections. The process for the management ofincidents and complaints is outlined in the following subsections.

8.1 Incident management

All noise related incidents will be managed in accordance with the BCPL incident managementprocedure. This procedure outlines a process for identifying, reporting and correcting allenvironment incidents at the Boggabri Coal Mine.

BCPL’s Environment Superintendent will maintain records of all environment incidents in theBoggabri Coal Mine incident register.

All environment incidents that have the potential to result in offsite environment impacts will beimmediately notified to the Director-General, and in accordance with EPL, if required to the EPA, inaccordance with the Protection of the Environment Operations Act, 1997 Section 148 – Duty toNotify Pollution Incidents.

Notifications will be followed by a written incident report to the Director-General within seven daysof the date on which the incident occurred, in accordance with Project Approval Schedule 5,Condition 8.

8.2 Complaint response protocol

BCPL has developed a procedure which details how to receive, respond to, and record and actionany community complaints. This includes recording:

n the nature of the complaintn the method of the complaint, i.e. telephonen monitoring results, including meteorological conditions at the time of the complaintn site investigation outcomesn site activity and activity changesn any necessary actions assigned.

BCPL maintains a 24 hr community response line (1800 Boggabri) to field any complaints orinquiries from neighbouring residents or interested stakeholders.

The community response line has been advertised in the local media on at least an annual basisand is also available from site personnel and representatives on the Community ConsultativeCommittee.

Contractors and subcontractors will recommend that the complainant contact the communityresponse line or the BCPL Environment Superintendent.

Where the complainant insists on communicating their complaint, the Contractor and Subcontractorwill record specific details relating to any community complaint in accordance with this procedure.This information will be passed to BCPL’s Environment Superintendent within 24 hours.

Where possible, complainants will be contacted within 24 hours of BCPL’s EnvironmentSuperintendent being advised. A follow up on the complaint will be made by BCPL’s Environment

BCPL Page 29

Superintendent, where necessary to notify the complainant of any required or remedial actionsundertaken.

Every effort will be made to ensure that concerns are addressed in a manner that facilitates amutually acceptable outcome for both the complainant and mining operation concerned. If required,the Independent Dispute Resolution Process will be entered into.

All complaints received will be tabled at meetings of the Community Consultative Committee.

BCPL will maintain completed complaint forms on file for a period of no less than five years.

BCPL

9. Corrective and preventative actionsBoth Contractors and BCPL employees will be involved in implementation of corrective andpreventative actions as outlined in the following subsections.

9.1 Non-compliances and corrective actions

Non-compliances will be detected through verification processes such as monitoring, inspectionsand audits.

The process for managing non-compliance issues is summarised as follows:

n When a non-conformance issue is detected, corrective actions will be identified,communicated with relevant employees and contractors, and then implemented.

n Relevant contractors will be notified immediately of any non-compliant activities thatpresent a risk of causing material environmental harm.

n Corrective actions will include a review of any relevant plans and procedures followingidentification of any non-conformance.

n Where the non-conformance issue is associated with an inspection, audit or monitoringevent, the actions will be linked to the record of that event.

n Non-compliance reports will be reviewed on a regular basis to ensure actions areprogressed appropriately.

9.2 Preventive actions

Preventive actions will be managed as follows:

n A preventive action may be identified without an environment incident or non-conformanceoccurring.

n Corrective actions will be identified and agreed with BCPL before being implemented.n Preventative actions may include physical works or changes to plans or procedures,

training or other requirements.

BCPL Page 31

10. Training and awareness

10.1 Visitors induction

All visitors to the Boggabri Coal Mine (personnel not undertaking work) will undergo a visitor’sinduction. Contractors and subcontractors are responsible for the actions and conduct of theirvisitors and will ensure that all environment requirements of the site are obeyed. All visitors will beaccompanied around the site at all times. Under no circumstances will a visitor undertake anyphysical work on site.

Records of visitor inductions will be maintained by BCPL and relevant contractors andsubcontractors.

10.2 Site induction

All personnel (including employees, contractors and subcontractors) will undertake a site-orientatedinduction program prior to commencing works. The induction will describe environment impactsapplicable to the Boggabri Coal Mine, including relevant legislation and legal responsibilities.

10.3 Toolbox talks

Toolbox talks will be conducted regularly to maintain and improve employee and contractorawareness of air quality and greenhouse gas management issues/requirements.

10.4 Task specific training

BCPL employees and contractors undertaking tasks requiring specific knowledge or skills in noisemanagement may be required to undergo task specific training. Specific requirements for BCPLemployees and contractors (e.g. use of noise monitoring equipment, the need to relocate or ceasethe operation of machinery if advised to do so) will be identified during BCPL’s annual trainingneeds analysis, and/or as required as changes to activities or personnel occur. The training needsanalysis identifies the minimum required competencies, qualifications and skills commensurate withthe individual’s role responsibilities.

Records of personnel training attendance, competencies, qualifications and skills will bemaintained by BCPL and contractors.

BCPL

11. Roles and responsibilitiesCompliance with this NMP is the responsibility of all BCPL employees and contractors. The keyroles and responsibilities for noise management at the Boggabri Coal Mine are outlined in Table11.1.

Table 11.1 Roles and responsibilities for implementation of this plan

Role Responsibility

BCPL GeneralManagerOperations

n Providing sufficient environmental resources to ensure the effective implementationof this management plan.

n Ensuring all mitigation measures outlined in this management plan are achieved onsite.

n Negotiating with affected parties to resolve ongoing complaints.n Ensuring all employees and contractors are inducted with respect to noise

management.

IdemitsuCorporateApprovals Director

n Overall responsibility for managing plans and strategies under the ProjectApproval.

BCPLEnvironmentSuperintendent

n Ensuring all noise monitoring is undertaken according to the requirements of thismanagement plan and relevant Australian standards.

n Maintaining awareness of potential noise impacts from activities with minepersonnel and contractors via inductions and tool box talks.

n Notifying other BTM Complex mines if noise trigger levels are reached.n Responding to community complaints.n Liaising with regulatory authorities regarding noise management.n Scheduling additional noise monitoring at the site of a sensitive receptor if required.n Ensuring exceedances are reported to the relevant regulatory authority in

accordance with Section 8 of this management plan.n Maintaining the site’s noise monitoring system.n Implementing noise mitigation measures in accordance with Section 5 of this

management plan.n Reviewing and updating this management plan in accordance with Section 12.n Ensuring all employees and contractors are aware of their obligations under this

management plan.

Mining contractor n Implementing noise management measures in accordance with Section 5 of thisplan.

n Developing and implementing specific procedures for the employees andsubcontractors under their responsibility to facilitate compliance with thismanagement plan.

n Ensuring all employees and subcontractors under their control are aware of theirobligations under this management plan.

n Providing relevant environmental data to assist BCPL with their reportingrequirements, in accordance with Section 8 of this plan.

Coal haulagecontractor

n Implementing noise mitigation measures in accordance with Section 5 of this plan.n Developing and implementing specific procedures for the employees and

subcontractors under their control to facilitate compliance with this managementplan.

n Ensuring all employees and subcontractors working under their control are awareof their obligations under this management plan.


BCPL Page 33

Role Responsibility

BCEP n Implementing noise management measures in accordance with Section 5 of thisplan.

n Ensuring the BCEP CEMP (including subordinate documents) is developed andimplemented to facilitate compliance with this management plan.

n Ensuring all employees and subcontractors working under their control are awareof their obligations under this management plan.


All BCPLemployees andcontractors

n Undertaking activities, as required, in accordance with this management plan underinstruction from their supervisor.

n Informing the Boggabri Coal Environment Manager of any noise related issues asthey arise.

Staff responsible for monitoring are outlined in Table 11.2. The names and contact details of keyBCPL and contractor personnel are provided in Table 11.3.

Table 11.2 Responsibilities – monitoring

Type Frequency Responsibility Comments

Operational NoiseAttended noiseSurveys

Quarterly.As required in response to noisecomplaints.

Suitably qualifiedacoustic consultant

As commissionedby the EnvironmentSuperintendent

Real timeMonitoring

Continuously EnvironmentSuperintendent andcontractors

Suitably qualifiedacoustic consultantwill install andcommissionintegrated system

Mobile MineEquipment

New equipment to be assessed onarrival at Boggabri Coal Mine.Existing equipment to be assessedannually and/or in response to noisecomplaints or upon request fromEnvironment Superintendent.

EnvironmentSuperintendent andcontractors

The sound powerlevels are to berecorded andprovided toEnvironmentSuperintendent

Table 11.3 Site contacts

Title Company Name Contact No

Idemitsu Corporate Approvals Director Idemitsu AustraliaResources

Dr Jan Green 0457 705 059

General Manager BCPL Ray Balks 0407 859 403

Mine Manager BCPL Lloyd Hardy 0439 136 264

Environment Superintendent BCPL Hamish Russell 0438 003 915

Mining Contractor Downer EDI Mining Brad Zillman 0400 574 812

Coal Haulage Contractor LCR Mick Schultz 0417 188 007

24 Hour Community Response Line BCPL - 1800 Boggabri

BCPL

12. NMP reviewThe implementation and review of this NMP will be the responsibility of the BCPL EnvironmentSuperintendent. It will be reviewed at least every twelve months to ensure compliance with legaland other requirements.

Review of this management plan may also be triggered by:

n changes to construction methodologies, mining operations, equipment or designn an exceedance of noise criteria, as confirmed by monitoringn repeated complaints related to noise impacts (neither frivolous nor vexatious in nature)n a hazard, near miss, or incident related to noise managementn outcomes of an internal or external auditn changes to legislationn modifications to the BCPL’s Project Approval, EPL, mining leases or other relevant

approvalsn changes to the organisational management structure at the Boggabri Coal Mine.

Any review of this NMP will be undertaken in consultation with the relevant government agenciesand approved by the Director-General (or delegate).

12.1 Contingency plan

If it is found through the review of the NMP described above or during the comparison of actual andpredicted monitoring results undertaken for the AEMR (refer to Section 7.1), that unpredictedimpacts have resulted from the project, the following process would be undertaken:

n consultation would be undertaken with relevant regulators, such as DP&E, DE and the EPAto determine appropriate methods for addressing the unpredicted impact, considerationwould be given to:4 further definition or quantification of the impact(s) – this may require additional

monitoring, or use of mobile air-quality monitors at locations not routinely monitored4 review of previous impact assessments based on updated ‘real world’ data, this may

include more recent meteorological data, updated locations of sensitive receivers etc.n an investigation would be undertaken to determine the cause of the impact and the NMP

would be reviewed to ensure it provides effective measures for mitigating the impactn impact assessments may be revised or recalibrated to ensure impacts are predicted as

accurately as possiblen the results of any investigation undertaken regarding unpredicted impacts would be

detailed in the AEMR.

BCPL Page 35

13. ReferencesAustralian and New Zealand Environment Council (ANZEC) (1990) Technical basis for guidelinesto minimise annoyance due to blasting overpressure and ground vibration.

DEC (2006) Assessing Vibration – A Technical Guideline.

DECC (2009) Interim Construction Noise Guideline.

DECC (2007), Interim Guideline for the Assessment of Noise from Rail Infrastructure Projects.

DECCW (2011) NSW Road Noise Policy.

EPA (2000) NSW Industrial Noise Policy (INP) for Operational and Construction Noise.

EPA (1985) Environmental Noise Control Manual, Chapter 19 (in relation to sleep disturbancecriteria).

Hansen Bailey (2010) Continuation of Boggabri Coal Mine Environmental Assessment. Singleton,NSW.

Hansen Bailey (2011) Continuation of Boggabri Coal Mine Environmental Assessment – ResidualMatters Report. Singleton, NSW.

Spectrum Acoustics Pty Limited (2012) Cumulative Noise Management Strategy for the Boggabri,Tarrawonga and Maules Creek Coal Mines. Prepared for Boggabri Coal Pty Limited andWhitehaven Coal.

Appendix A

Noise monitoring location plan forBoggabri

BCPL Page A-1

Appendix B

Additional statutory requirements fornoise management

BCPL Page B-1

Additional statutory requirements for noisemanagement

Statutory requirements applicable to the Boggabri Coal Mine include any Commonwealth, State or localrequirements under any provisions of relevant Acts and regulations, environment planning instruments (e.g.State Environmental Planning Policies, Regional Environment Plans, Local Environment Plans andDevelopment Control Plans) and any other relevant guidelines.

The following statutory requirements associated with the management of noise impacts have beenconsidered during the development of this NMP.

Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979

In addition to the requirement for a noise management plan, the Project Approval conditions listed inTable B.1 relate to the management of noise at the Boggabri Coal Mine.

Table B.1 Project Approval conditions

ApplicableCondition



For privately owned residences within the project’s 35 dB(A) contour the owner(s)can make a written request to the Proponent for one of the following:a) mitigation (such as double glazing, insulation and air conditioning) at the

residence in consultation with the owner(s). These measures must bereasonable and feasible and directed towards reducing the noise impacts ofthe project upon the residence. If within 3 months of receiving this requestfrom the owner(s), the Proponent and owner(s) cannot agree on themeasures to be implemented, or there is a dispute about the implementationof these measures then either party may refer the matter to the Director-General for resolution; or

b) acquisition of the residence and the land in accordance with the proceduresin conditions 8-9 of Schedule 4.

Upon receiving a written request from the owner(s), the proponent mustundertake whichever option has been requested by the owner(s).However, this condition does not apply if the Applicant has a written agreementwith the owner(s) of the relevant residence to generate higher noise levels, andthe Applicant has advised the Department in writing of the terms of thisagreement.Notes:n For the purposes of this condition a privately-owned residence is defines as a

residence not owned by a mining company that: is regularly occupied; or is aproposed residence for which a development application has been lodged withthe relevant authority prior to the date of this approval.

n For the purposes of acquisition under this condition, parcels of land that are inclose proximity and operated as a single agricultural enterprise should beconsidered as part of the land to be acquired. Where the Proponent and theowner(s) cannot agree on whether non-contiguous parcels of land should beincluded, either party may refer the matter to the Director-General forresolution. The Director-General’s decision as to the lands to be included foracquisition under procedures in conditions 8 and 9 and schedule 4 shall befinal.

Section 5.2,Appendix C

Page B-2 BCPL

ApplicableCondition



Where the owner(s) of a residence included in condition 3 of this schedule haveopted for an agreement to either generate higher noise levels or mitigation undercondition 3(a), and the owner(s) have reason to believe that the noise impacts atthe residence are more than 3 dB above the predicted noise levels for thatresidence (see Table 2), the oewne9s) can request an independent noise impactassessment for the residence. The request shall be made in writing to theDirector-General. If the director-General considers that a noise impactassessment is warranted, then the proponent shall commission the assessment.If the noise impact assessment determines that the noise generated by theproject causes sustained exceedances, or is likely to cause sustainedexceedances, of the predicted noise levels by more than 3 dB(A) the owner(s)may require the proponent to acquire the residence and the land in accordancewith the procedures in conditions 8-9 of Schedule 4.Notes:1. To interpret the locations referred to in Table 2; see the applicable figure in

Appendix 4.2. The noise assessment must be undertaken by a suitably qualified,

experienced and independent person, whose appointment has beenapproved by the director-general and include either:a) Sufficient monitoring at the affected residence to allow for assessment of

impacts under a range of meteorological conditions (including adverseconditions) likely to be experienced at the residence; or

b) Sufficient monitoring to allow reliable prediction of the likely impactsunder a range of meteorological conditions (including adverseconditions) likely to be experienced at the residence.

3. Monitoring should be conducted in accordance with the requirements of theNSW Industrial Noise Policy.

4. Where prediction of likely impacts is to be used, either in substitution for, orin conjunction with, direct measurement of noise impacts at the residence, itmust be based on sufficient monitoring data to provide a reliable estimate ofthe impacts (including under adverse conditions) and be derived usingstandard noise modelling techniques accepted by the EPA.

5. The proponent shall ensure that the requested noise impact assessment issubmitted to the Director-General within 3 months of the Director-General’sdecision that the assessment was warranted. The proponent shall alsoprovide a copy of the assessment to the owner(s) of the residence at thesame time it is submitted to the Director-General.

6. Note 2 to condition 3 of this schedule applies to acquisition under thiscondition.

Section 5,Appendix C


At any stage of the project, except for the noise-affected land identified inCondition 3 as being within the project’s 35 dB(A) contour, the Proponent shallensure that operational noise generated by the project does not exceed thecriteria in Table 3 at any residence on privately-owned land.Notesn Noise generated by the project is to be measured in accordance with the

relevant requirements and exemptions (including certain meteorologicalconditions) of the NSW Industrial Noise Policy.

n Operational noise generated by the project includes noise generated from useof the private haul road and proposed rail spur.

However, these noise criteria do not apply if the Applicant has a writtenagreement with the owner(s) of the relevant residence to generate higher noiselevels, and the Applicant has advised the Department in writing of the terms ofthis agreement.


BCPL Page B-3

ApplicableCondition



If the owner(s) of a privately owned residences which is not within the project’s 35dB(A) noise impact contour have reason to believe that operational noise fromthe project is causing the criteria in Table 3 to be exceeded at the residence, theowner(s) can request an independent noise impact assessment for the residence.The request shall be made in writing to the Director-General. If the director-General considers that a noise impact assessment is warranted, then theproponent shall commission the assessment.If the noise impact assessment determines that the noise generated by theproject causes sustained exceedances, or is likely to cause sustainedexceedances, of the criteria in Table 3 the owner(s) can make a written request tothe Proponent for one of the following:c) mitigation (such as double glazing, insulation and air conditioning) at the


d) acquisition of the residence and the land in accordance with the proceduresin conditions 8-9 of Schedule 4.

Upon receiving a written request from the owner(s), the proponent mustundertake whichever option has been requested by the owner(s).However, this condition does not apply if the Applicant has a written agreementwith the owner(s) of the relevant residence to generate higher noise levels, andthe Applicant has advised the Department in writing of the terms of thisagreement.Notes:n For the purposes of this condition a privately-owned residence is defines as a

residence not owned by a mining company that: is regularly occupied; or is aproposed residence for which a development application has been lodged withthe relevant authority prior to the date of this approval;


n Notes 2, 3, 4 and 5 of condition 4 apply to this condition.



Except for the noise-affected land identified in Condition 3 as being within theproject’s 35 dB(A) contour, the Proponent shall ensure that the operational noisegenerated by the project combined with the noise generated by other mines doesnot exceed the criteria in Table 4 at any residence on privately-owned land.Notes:n Cumulative noise is to be measured in accordance with the relevant

requirements and exemptions (including certain meteorological conditions) ofthe NSW Industrial Noise Policy.

n Operational noise includes noise from the mining operations and use of privatehaul roads and rail spurs.


Page B-4 BCPL

ApplicableCondition



If the owner(s) of a privately owned residences which is not within the project’s 35dB(A) noise impact contour … reasonably believes that the noise limits in Table 4are being exceeded at the residence and that the exceedance is caused byoperational noise from the project and one or more other mines (including use ofprivate haul roads and rail spurs), the owner(s) can request an independent noiseimpact assessment for the residence. The request shall be made in writing to theDirector-General. If the director-General considers that a noise impactassessment is warranted, then the proponent shall commission the assessment.Where the noise impact assessment determines that the cumulative noisegenerated by the project combined with the noise from the other mine(s) causessustained exceedances, or is likely to cause sustained exceedances, of thecriteria in Table 4 the owner(s) can make a written request to the Proponent forone of the following:e) mitigation (such as double glazing, insulation and air conditioning) at the


f) acquisition of the residence and the land in accordance with the proceduresin conditions 8-9 of Schedule 4.

Upon receiving a written request from the owner(s), the proponent mustundertake whichever option has been requested by the owner(s).However, this condition does not apply if the Applicant has a written agreementwith the owner(s) of the relevant residence to generate higher noise levels, andthe Applicant has advised the Department in writing of the terms of thisagreement.The proponent may seek to recover an equitable share of the costs incurred fromthe other mines contributing to the cumulative impact. Unless otherwise agreedbetween the mines, the proportional contributions should be based on expertanalysis of the monitoring results to assess relative contribution to the impact. If adispute between the mines the Proponent, or one of the contributing mines, maysubmit the matter to the Director-General for resolution. The Director-General’sdecision shall be final.Notes:n For the purposes of this condition a privately-owned residence is defines as a

residence not owned by a mining company that: is regularly occupied; or is aproposed residence for which a development application has been lodged withthe relevant authority prior to the date of this approval;


n Notes 2, 3, 4 and 5 of condition 4 apply to this condition.The noise impact assessment shall include assessment of the relativecontribution of the mines to the impact at the residence.


BCPL Page B-5

ApplicableCondition



The Proponent shall:a) Ensure that:

n all new trucks, dozers, drills and excavators purchased for use on the siteafter the date of this approval are commissioned as noise-suppressed (orattenuated) units;

n ensure that all equipment and noise control measures deliver soundpower levels that are equal to or better than the sound power levelsidentified in the EA and that correspond to best practice or the applicationof best available technology economically achievable;

n Where reasonable and feasible, improvements are made to existing noisesuppression equipment as technologies become available; and

n monitor and report on the implementation of these requirements annuallyon its website.

Sections 5, 6.5


The Proponent shall:a) conduct an annual testing program of the attenuated plant on site to ensure

that the attenuation remains effective;b) restore the effectiveness of any attenuation if it is found to be defective; andc) report on the results of any testing and/or restoration work within the Annual

Review.

Section 5 &Section 6.5


The Proponent shall:a) ensure all relevant Boggabri Rail Spur Line and rail bridge designs are

assessed by suitably qualified and experienced person/s in acousticengineering for the purpose of providing reasonable and feasiblerecommendations to minimise noise, including low frequency noise. Thisacoustic review should consider the EA’s relevant recommendations andadditional noise attenuation such as acoustic barriers to minimise noise atsensitive receptors;

b) implement reasonable and feasible recommendations made in the acousticreview;

c) undertake commissioning trials of the operation of the Rail Spur to optimisetrain speed to minimise noise impacts; and

d) following completion and commissioning of the Spur Line, undertake targetednoise monitoring to determine the accuracy of predicted acoustic impactsand effectiveness of any noise reduction measures, including monitoringduring adverse inversion conditions,

to the satisfaction of the Director-General.

Section 5(whererelevant);CEMP

Page B-6 BCPL

ApplicableCondition



The Proponent shall:a) implement best noise management practice to minimise the operational, low

frequency and road and rail traffic noise of the project;b) operate a comprehensive noise management system on site that uses a

combination of predictive meteorological forecasting and real time noisemonitoring data to guide the day to day planning of mining operations andimplementation of both proactive and reactive noise mitigation measures toensure compliance with the relevant conditions of this approval.

c) Maintain the effectiveness of noise suppression equipment on plant at alltimes and ensure defective plant is not used operationally until fully repaired;

d) Ensure that noise attenuated plant is deployed preferentially in locationsrelevant to sensitive receivers;

e) minimise the noise impacts of the project during meteorological conditionswhen the noise limits in this approval do not apply;

f) Ensure that the Boggabri Rail Spur Line is only accessed by locomotives thatare approved to operate on the NSW rail network in accordance with thenoise limits in ARTC’s EPL (No 3142);

g) Use its best endeavours to ensure that rolling stock supplied by serviceproviders on the Boggabri Rail Spur Line is designed and constructed tominimise noise;

h) Ensure any new rail rolling stock manufactured specifically for the project isdesigned and constructed to minimise noise;

i) Use its best endeavours to achieve the long term intrusive noise goals for theproject in Table 5, where this is reasonable and feasible, and report on theprogress of achieving these goals in the annual review; and

j) Coordinate the noise management on site with the noise management atother mines within the Leard Forest Mining Precinct to minimise thecumulative noise impacts of these mines,

k) to the satisfaction of the Director-General.

Whole NMPDocument


Notes:The comprehensive review can be undertaken as part of independentenvironment audits required under condition 10 of schedule 5.

BCPL Page B-7

ApplicableCondition



The Proponent shall prepare and implement a Noise Management Plan for theproject to the satisfaction of the Director-General. This plan must:i. be prepared in consultation with the EPA and the CCC, and submitted to the

Director-General for approval within 6 months of the date of this approval;ii. describe the measures that would be implemented to ensure:

n best management practice is being employed;n the noise impacts of the project are minimised during meteorological

conditions when the noise limits in this approval do not apply; andn compliance with the relevant conditions of this approval;

iii. describe the proposed noise management system in detail;iv. include a risk/response matrix to codify mine operational responses to

varying levels of risk resulting from weather conditions and specific miningactivities;

v. include commitments to provide summary reports and specific briefings atCCC meetings on issues arising from noise monitoring;

vi. include a monitoring program that:n uses a combination of real time and supplementary attended monitoring to

evaluate the performance of the project;n adequately supports the proactive and reactive noise management

system on site;n uses predictive meteorological forecasting to incorporate proactive

mitigation measures to manage noise impacts;n includes monitoring of inversion strength at an appropriate sampling rate

to determine compliance with noise limits;n evaluates and reports on the effectiveness of the noise management

system on site;n provides for the annual validation of the noise model for the project; and

vii. includes a Leard Forest Mining Precinct Noise Management Strategy thathas been prepared in consultation with other coal mines in the Precinct tominimise the cumulative noise impacts of all mines within the Precinct, thatincludes:n systems and processes to ensure that all mines are managed to achieve

their noise criteria;n a shared environment monitoring network and data sharing protocol; andn procedures for identifying and apportioning the source/s and contribution/s

to cumulative noise impacts for operating mines and other sources, usingthe noise and meteorological monitoring network and appropriateinvestigative tools.

Note: The Leard Forest Mining Precinct Noise Management Strategy can be developed instages and will need to be subject to ongoing review dependent upon the determination andcommencement of other mining projects in the area.

Whole NMPDocument


1. The Proponent shall ensure that the noise and air quality risk/responsematrices required to be developed in the Noise and Air Quality ManagementPlans and validated real time monitoring data are available on line andincludes:c) timely publication of validated monitoring data in a clearly

understandable form;d) identification of mine operational responses to monitoring data and

weather forecasts; ande) provision for on-line input /response by members of the community and

real time engagement with regionally-based regulatory compliance staff,to the satisfaction of the Director-General.

Page B-8 BCPL

Mining Act 1992

The Mining Act 1992 provides mechanisms to encourage and facilitate the discovery and development ofmineral resources in New South Wales.

BCPL holds Coal Lease 368 under this Act.

Operations must be undertaken in a manner that controls the impacts of the Boggabri Coal Mine to thoseareas described in the EA.

Table B.2 below identifies applicable coal lease conditions and their corresponding requirements relevant toBCPL in relation to noise management.

Table B.2 Coal Lease Conditions

ApplicableCondition

Requirement NMP Reference

11 (b) ii & iii The registered holder shall…submit for the Ministers approval an environmentmanagement plan relating to the operation of the registered holder on thesubject area.(b) the plan shall describe the methods to be used to protect the environment,including the methods used to –(ii) minimise air, noise and water pollution;(iii) minimise erosion;

Whole NMPDocument

Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997

The Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 (POEO Act) is the key piece of environmentprotection legislation, which aims to protect, restore and enhance the quality of the environment in NewSouth Wales by rationalising, simplifying and strengthening the regulatory framework for environmentprotection.

This Act ensures that the operation of any plant or equipment is undertaken in a manner that does not causepollution from those premises and that operations are also carried out in a competent manner.

Under the POEO Act, certain industrial activities (including the Project) require an EPL. Each EPL limitslawful pollution emissions to air (including noise), land and water to specific thresholds.

BCPL holds EPL No: 12407 under this Act. A copy is available at the following NSW Office of Environmentand Heritage (OEH) Website:

http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/prpoeoapp/ViewPOEOLicence.aspx?DOCID=30377&SYSUID=1&LICID=12407

A summary of EPL conditions relating to noise produced by the Boggabri Coal Mine, which is required to beconsistent with the project approval, is provided in Table B.3.



BCPL Page B-9

Table B.3 Conditions from EPL 12407

ApplicableCondition


L3.1 Noise generated at the premises must not exceed the noise limits in the tablebelow.

(Note: subsequent conditions L3.2 to L3.7 give more detail on requirements formonitoring and acquisition. For full conditions refer to EPL).

Sections 4 and5

M8.1 To assess compliance with the noise limits presented in the Noise Limits table,attended noise monitoringmust be undertaken in accordance with the condition titled DeterminingCompliance, outlined above, and:a) at each one of the locations listed in the Noise Limits table;b) occur quarterly in a reporting period;c) occur during each day, evening and night period as defined in the NSWIndustrial Noise Policy for aminimum of: i) 1.5 hours during the day; ii) 30 minutes during the evening; and iii) 1 hour during the night.d) occur for three consecutive operating days.

Section 6.1

R4 A noise compliance assessment report must be submitted to the EPA within 30days of thecompletion of the quarterly monitoring. The assessment must be prepared by asuitably qualified and experienced acoustical consultant and include:a) an assessment of compliance with noise limits presented in this licence; andb) an outline of any management actions taken within the monitoring period toaddress any exceedances of the limits contained in this licence.

Section 7.2

E1.1 Noise impacts where wind speed exceeds 3 metres per second at 10 metresabove the ground must be addressed by:a) documenting noise complaints received to identify any higher level ofimpacts or wind patterns;where levels of noise complaints indicate a higher level of impact then actionsto quantify and ameliorate any enhanced impacts where wind speed exceeds 3metres per second at 10 metres above the ground should be developed andimplemented.

Sections 5, 8and 9

E1.2 The noise limits set by condition L3.1 of this licence apply to noise generatedsolely from the premises. Where the limits are exceeded solely due tocumulative noise impacts from the premises and off premise operations (notunder control of the licensee), the licensee must:a) Identify significant contributing noise sources and/or meteorologicalconditions on the premises contributing to the cumulative noise impacts;b) Liaise with the occupier(s) of all off premise operations contributing to thecumulative noise impact to identify the source(s) and/or cause(s) of cumulativenoise impacts causing theexceedance;c) Develop a joint noise reduction strategy in conjunction with all off sitecontributors to the cumulative noise impacts; andd) Implement all noise mitigation measures that relate solely to the premisesidentified in the joint noise reduction strategy.A copy of the joint noise reduction strategy must be provided to the DECC’sArmidale office within 30 days of any cumulative noise impacts exceeding thelimits set by condition L3.1 of this licence.

Section 5

Page B-10 BCPL

Additional standards and guidelines

Additional publications, standards and codes of practice applicable to managing Project noise are listed inTable B.4.

The Interim Construction Noise Guideline (DECC, 2009) does not apply to industrial sources includingmining and associated construction (e.g. rail spur, CHPP etc.), and is therefore not applicable.

Table B.4 Additional Standards and Guidelines Applicable to the Project

Legislative Requirements Purpose

Interim Guidelines for theAssessment of Noise fromRail Infrastructure Projects(DECCW, 2007)

Addresses noise and vibration from new rail infrastructure projects designed tostreamline decision-making processes by providing consistent and transparentprocedures for the assessment and approval process for rail infrastructuredevelopments that have potential noise and vibration impacts.The noise trigger levels presented are those that trigger the need for a project toconduct an assessment of its potential noise and vibration impacts and examinewhat mitigation measures would be feasible and reasonable to apply to amelioratethese impacts.

Industrial Noise Policy (EPA,2000)

Sets the criteria to assess potential off-site noise impacts to control intrusive shortterm noise impacts for residences and maintain long term amenity of particular landuses.

NSW Road Noise Policy(DECCW, 2011)

Establishes recommended base criteria for land use developments with the potentialto create additional traffic on existing roads.

http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/noise/railinfranoise.htm



Appendix C

Process flow diagrams for propertymitigation, assessment andacquisition

BCPL Page C-1

Figure C.1 Process for noise assessment, mitigation and acquisition for landholders within 35dB (A)contour area and no written agreement with BCPL

Page C-2 BCPL

Figure C.2 Process for noise assessment, mitigation and acquisition for landholders outside of 35dB (A) contour area

BCPL Page C-3

Figure C.3 Process for noise assessment, mitigation and acquisition for landholders within35dB (A) contour area and that have a written agreement with BCPL

Appendix D

Tables

BCPL Page D-1

Table D.1 Record of agency consultation

Consultation Date Details Response

Noise Management Plan January2013

NMP sent to DP&I forreview / approval.

Plan lodged January 2013. DP&Icomments received March 2013. Plansubsequently revised to addresscomments, the revised MOP and the BTMComplex NMS.

Boggabri Coal CCCMeeting April 2013

30.04.2013 NMS was presented tothe CCC for comment.

The NMS presentation was received by theCCC. General comments regarding noisewere considered in the revision of theNMS. No further comment was received.

Noise Management Plan forBoggabri Coal Mine sent toEPA for comment

28.01.2014 The management plancontains details of theproposed NMS for theBTM Complex

The EPA received the management planand responded on 12.02.2014 that “theEnvironment Protection Authority (EPA)encourages the development of such plansto ensure that proponents have determinedhow they will meet their statutoryobligations and designated environmentalobjectives. However, we do not approve orendorse these documents as our role is toset environmental objectives forenvironmental/ conservation management,not to be directly involved in thedevelopment of strategies to achieve thoseobjectives”

Table D.2 Response to DP&I Comments

Page/section Comment Response

General As per the conditions of approval, the managementplan should have been submitted followingconsultation the EPA and CCC. The plan cannot beapproved by DP&I until this consultation has occurredand the outcome of this consultation provideddocumenting how any concerns/ comments have beenincorporated into the documents. It is noted that EPApolicy is not to comment on the management plans,however written confirmation is required from EPA.

The EPA received themanagement plan andresponded on 12.02.2014 that“the Environment ProtectionAuthority (EPA) encouragesthe development of suchplans to ensure thatproponents have determinedhow they will meet theirstatutory obligations anddesignated environmentalobjectives. However, we donot approve or endorse thesedocuments as our role is toset environmental objectivesfor environmental/conservation management,not to be directly involved inthe development of strategiesto achieve those objectives”The NMP was presented tothe CCC in April 2013.CCCmembers were invited toreview the document andprovide further input ifdesired. No further commentwas received.

Table 2.1 Last dot point in table should be ‘(g)’ to be consistentwith the project approval and included in full.

Done

Page D-2 BCPL


Appendix B Statutory requirements for noise also include the EPLand this should be referenced here, noting that theEPL is required to be consistent with the projectapproval.

Table B.3 does containconditions from EPL 12407

Also missing in Appendix B and the NoiseManagement Plan is how Sch 5 (condition 13 – onlinecommunication of on-site activities and monitoring ofair and noise) will be addressed.The Proponent shall ensure that the noise and airquality risk/response matrices required to bedeveloped in the Noise and Air Quality ManagementPlans and validated real time monitoring data areavailable on line and includes:

(a) timely publication of validatedmonitoring data in a clearlyunderstandable form;

(b) identification of mine operationalresponses to monitoring data andweather forecasts; and

(c) provision for on-line input /response bymembers of the community and realtime engagement with regionally-basedregulatory compliance staff,

to the satisfaction of the Director-General.

Sch 5 Condition 13 includedin body of NMP and AppendixB

3.1 It is difficult to interpret these figures. It may be betterto include one figure that identifies the maximum35dBA contour as referenced in the project approvalAppendix and that clearly shows the location of allprivate residential receptors. It would also be useful toshow all the current privately owned receptors withinthe 35dBA contour and those outside the 35dBAcontour as this will drive how noise criterion andacquisition conditions specified in the approval anddiscussed further in s4.1.

Single Figure showing 35dB(A) contour over allscenarios has been prepared(Figs. 3.1 and 3.2)

BCPL Page D-3


3.2 Equipment SoundPower Level s

Further details should be provided on the size andlocations of the fleet/ noise sources as assumed in theEA (for different staging) and details of the currentfleet and noise locations and proposed fleet expansionover the next 3 or so years. More detailed informationshould be provided for the mine stage/ plan asproposed for the next 3 years so that managementmeasures can be specifically targeted to the noisesources over this period. The management plan canthen be updated/ reviewed as the mine plan / MOP isupdated. This approach will also allow the requirementfor development of a risk / response matrix tospecifically target operations as proposed over ashorter period – rather than generic operationalmanagement measures over the life of the mine - asrequired under condition 13(d). The risk responsematrix does not appear to have been provided. Thiscondition requires that mine operational responses tovarying levels of risk resulting from weather conditionsand specific mining activities. For example – in the first1-2 years there is no haulage by train therefore aspecific operational risk response matrix is not yetrequired – and the focus can be on haulage by road.As an example, dumping of overburden as proposedin the revised MOP to be approved by DRE in the SEcorner of the mine should be identified as a noisesource, with closest receptors identified, metconditions that would impact on receptors identifiedand proposed staged operational responses outlined.The risk response matrix can be modified and refinedas the mine plan is changed.

Plant numbers provided.

At the time of planpreparation, there was noNMP in NSW which containeda risk/response matrix, andDP&I could not provide anexample when requested. ATable (2 columns withmultiple rows) fits thedefinition of a cartesian matrixwas subsequently prepared.

The NMP contains responseprocedures for identified risks,incorporated in a “matrix”format in Table 5.3.

4.1 Operational NoiseCriteria

This section needs major overhaul as it does notdescribe or explain the conditions very well. Referenceshould be made to condition 3 and privately ownedresidences identified and referred to in the table thathave noise mitigation or acquisition rights under theapproval. These residences should be clearlyidentified and the current status provided – eg. Haveagreements been reached, has property beenacquired, has agreed noise mitigation works beenundertaken in accordance with the approval?

Status ofnegotiations/agreements isnot a usual requirement of aNMP and is consideredcommercially sensitive. BCPLis happy to update the DP&Ion individual negotiationsdirectly.

For the residences within the modelled 35dBA contourthat have not triggered condition 3, Table 2 in theapproval identifies the maximum predicted noiselevels. To be consistent with the EA and approval, theoperations at the site have to be managed to ensurethese maximum noise levels are not exceeded. This isrequired under Sch 2 condition 2 (to operate generallyin accordance with the EA) and Sch 3 Condition 12 –the proponent shall implement best practice tominimise the operational, low frequency and road andrail traffic noise of the project.

Correct. Noted.

For residences outside the 35dBA contour defined inthe approval conditions condition 5 noise limits apply(Table 4.1 in the NMP).

Correct. Comment included.

For residences in condition 3 who trigger mitigation/agreement then condition 4 may then apply - that isrequest for independent noise monitoring and furthertrigger for acquisition if 3dBA above maximumpredicted noise.

Conditions 3 and 4 have beenfully reproduced in Sec 4.1 oflatest draft.

States that condition 6 of Sch 3 is produced in full inTable 2.1 – this is incorrect it is provided in App BTable B.1.

Cross reference corrected.

Page D-4 BCPL


4.2 Cumulative NoiseCriteria

Statement that project approval does not quantifycumulative noise acquisition criteria is not strictly true– the cumulative noise criteria specified in condition 7Table 4 are also the cumulative noise acquisitioncriteria – however the option for choosing mitigation oragreement is also provided to the landowner.

Could not locate thisstatement in the NMP.

Section 5 Para should be included indicating that managementactions related to the spur line construction is coveredin the CEMP, however construction activities withinthe MIA including the construction of the CHPP, waterinfrastructure, load out facilities etc. are incorporatedinto the NMP. Are these included in the NMPcurrently?

NMP only relates tooperations. Statementincluded.

Table 5.2 Activity aspect loading trains – should be loading andrail transport private spur line.

Change made.

Condition 11 Sch 3 has specific requirements fordesign to minimise noise impacts – this is currentlybeing prepared as part of BCEP and reference shouldbe made to this and additional management measuresidentified incorporated.

Included in this revision.

Open cut mining – “fitting all new mining trucks will befitted..” needs amending

Fixed

Site rules – what are the speed limits imposed tominimise noise impacts?

Deleted. Not applicable.

Placing overburden in strategic locations to provideadditional acoustic screening – how is this intended tobe practically implemented, for example over the next3 years based on the proposed mine plan? Anylocations should be identified and incorporated into theplan or is intended to be reactive approach?

Placement of OB as acousticscreens is an availablemeasure employed reactively.

How is it proposed to minimise low frequency noisesources – e.g. from the CHPP when commissioned –this needs to be considered during the design stage ofthe CHPP.

CHPP design specificationwill have appropriateconditions to be met andcertified by the supplier.Tonality and low frequencyare assessed by analysis ofthe measured LAeq and LCeqspectrum from noisemonitoring.

Management actions needs to include predictive metforecasting and real time noise monitoring to guide theday to day planning of mining operations and theimplementation of proactive and reactive noisemitigation measures – as required under condition12(b)

Included in Table.

Management actions should also include condition12(c) that defective equipment is not usedoperationally until fully repaired.Overall the table provides generic operationalmanagement actions to manage noise and does notconstitute a risk response matrix as required under13(d) and Schedule 5 condition 13 – onlinecommunication.

Included in Table.

BCPL Page D-5


5.1.3 This section needs to be finalised as it is lacking inspecifics and details, noting that it is based on theprecinct wide real time noise monitoring systemcurrently being finalised (due for completion end ofMarch?)

Boggabri system is acomponent of the precinct-wide system. The NMSprovides further detail ofcumulative system. A revisedNMS was lodged with theDP&I in March 2014.

When is the real time noise monitoring system goingto be installed – a clear commitment to implementationis required.

Refer to NMS.

Investigation trigger levels 3dBA below the cumulativenoise criterion (that is 40-3dBA = 37dBA) and 1dBAbelow (39dBA) is not appropriate for sensitivereceptors where Boggabri Coal is the dominant noisesource. The cumulative noise criterion is also basedon LAeq period and not LAeq 15 minute which is thecriterion for intrusive noise impacts project alone.Trigger levels should also be based on LAeq 15minute criterion. For example real time noisemonitoring targeting noise levels along the rail spurline/ haul road (with potential contribution from mining)are largely project specific.

Installation of the real timemonitoring system will be instages, as outlined in theNMS. Stage 1 will becompleted within 6 months ofapproval of the NMS.

Trigger levels changed. Theywill be based on LAeq 15minute.

The real time noise monitoring could initially be placedat a location representative of a residence just outsidethe 35dBA contour and residence(s) closer to themine-site to assess performance against predictednoise levels to provide input into operational controls,Tarrawonga and Goonbri may be suitable locations.

Noted and agreed.

Para before table 5.3 stating that trigger levels may beset lower for monitoring locations closer to noisesources – do you mean trigger levels may be sethigher (as predicted noise levels would be higher).

Wording changed.

It is not clear who will be responsible for responding toalerts and ensure actions are implemented?

Covered in Tables 533, 11.1and 11.2.

What frequency range is proposed for the low passLAeqWill there be any met monitoring undertaken at thereal time monitoring locations and will the met data beused to filter alerts – e.g. High wind conditions.

Initially, 800Hz.A single 60m met tower hasbeen installed at Boggabri.

How frequently will audio be logged or is it triggeredfor a period of time once an investigation or high levelalert is triggered?

Typically 1 minute in every 5.

Table 5.3 The low level investigation alarm should be included inthis table

Included.

Responsibilities should be identified Included in Table.

Who is responsible for notifying relevant operationswithin the BTM complex?

EnvironmentalSuperintendent

If a high level alarm is triggered and the noise sourceidentified as causing a non-compliance – then theactions need to be more than investigations – whatactions are proposed to be undertaken to ensurecompliance – this links into the need for a riskresponse matrix as required under the approval e.g. Ifthe noise source is identified as a dump truck atelevation overburden dumping then operationalresponse is to reduce or cease this activity untilcompliant.

Included the option to ceaseactivity if noise is non-compliant.

Page D-6 BCPL


If a noise complaint is received at a different locationto the real time noise monitoring – how is it proposedto investigate the complaint. It states that additionalnoise monitoring will be determined – is it proposed tohave a mobile noise unit to be used by the threemines?

There will be mobile unit/s.Comments added to Table.

Exceedance of approval criteria – reference toAppendix C is only in relation to where landownerformally requests the DG for an independent noiseassessment, Boggabri should be implementingmitigation measures to ensure compliance in the firstinstance without triggering conditions 4 or 6 ofschedule 3. It is not clear why Schedule 3 condition 2only is referenced here – this is construction noisecriterion? Compliance with the project approvalconditions includes compliance with the specifiedproject specific and cumulative noise levels (Tables 3and 4 of the approval) but also ensuring that noiselevels at residences within the 35dBA contour whohave not triggered acquisition or mitigation or havereached a noise agreement for a higher level do notexceed the predicted levels.

The NMP text indicates thatmitigation measures shouldbe fully investigated prior toinitiation of the formal noiseassessment and acquisitionprocess. Flow charts areintended to show the nextstage of the process, and arein keeping with steps outlinedin the Project Approval.

5.2 This section needs to be modified to acknowledge the2 triggers for independent review – residences outsidethe 35dBA and residences within the 35dBA who havenegotiated agreements or mitigation and where noiselevels are believed to be >3dB above predicted.

Text has been modifiedaccordingly.

6 BCPL Environmental superintendent – refers to airquality monitoring – not noise monitoring

Corrected.

It is not clear based on this table who is responsiblefor reviewing and assessing the audio, met data andthe real time noise monitoring data once aninvestigation and high level alert is sent, and also whoimplements specific on-site actions to ensurecompliance with the conditions of approval?

Responsible person(s)incorporated into Table 5.3.

Who is responsible for noise along the rail corridorincluding shared corridor and also ensuring that thelocomotives meet the EPL noise limits

Rail corridor is site noise – theEnvironmentalSuperintendent isresponsible.Freight contractor isresponsible for certification oflocomotives etc. See alsoTable 5.2.

BCPL Page D-7


7 The proposed quarterly attended monitoring locationsneed further work. The quarterly monitoring isintended to assess compliance with specific noiselimits or approval conditions. For Boggabri four sets ofcompliance monitoring need to be considered· intrusive noise limits at private residences

located outside the 35dBA contour where aspecific noise criterion of 35dBA is set;

· noise monitoring at private residences within the35dBA noise contour which have acquisition ormitigation rights as specified in condition 3, withmonitoring undertaken to demonstrate that thenoise levels are generally in accordance with thethat predicted in the EA and are minimised inaccordance with condition 12(a)

· cumulative impact noise limits specified in Table4 condition 7.

· construction noise monitoring of the spur line toassess compliance with Table 1 condition 2 (tobe covered in the CEMP)

Monitoring campaigns willtake these variousmeasurements into account.Construction noise monitoringwill be considered separatelyfrom operational noise.The attended noisemonitoring locations for theBTM Complex are detailed inthe revised NMS. TheBoggabri specific sites aredetailed in this section. As themine/s have taken over anumber of suggestedproperties, all propertiessuggested by DP&I are nolonger valid. See Table 4.2 ofthe NMS and the revised listin this plan (Section 6).

Additional comments(received 18/6/2014 fromDepartment of Planningand Environment

Additional comments were received from the DPE on18/6/2014. These were primarily edits to ensureconsistency with the NMP and the BTM ComplexNMS, minor corrections, updates and clarifications.

The comments received havebeen addressed in thisversion (Rev 5) of the NMP.

7 This section does not demonstrate that compliancemonitoring is being effectively targeted to monitorcompliance. For example, Templemore, Bollol Creek,Greenhills are owned by the Tarrawonga Mine andBelleview is owned by Boggabri - attended monitoringat these locations by Boggabri Coal is not needed.The monitoring should be targeted as above, forexample -Residences outside 35dBA to assess compliance –Callandar, Picton residences to the east (likely to becovered in Tarrawonga monitoring), Hazeldene due tofuture rail noise and existing loader; possibly someresidents to west of existing coal loader.Residences within 35dBA to assess noise levelsagainst predicted and to ensure noise is beingminimised to assess compliance with project approval– key receptors likely to be Tarrawonga, Jeralong,Goonbri being closest to the mine site and othersalong rail spur line.Cumulative – need further information on locations toassess cumulative impacts but based on Appendix Dof the EA Acoustic assessment – cumulative impactslikely at Jeralong and Goonbri with Tarrawonga also toexperience substantive cumulative impacts.Construction spur line – Cooboobindi has limitsspecified.The attended compliance monitoring needs to befurther reviewed and updated.

Comments noted andincorporated into revision ofthis document.

7.1 Should not refer to the ENCM – this is superseded.What are the applicable Australian Standards –specify these.

Deleted.

Monitoring to assess compliance against sleepdisturbance should also be undertaken.

Included.

Page D-8 BCPL


7.2 Further details are needed on the proposed locationsof the real time monitoring, one real time noisemonitoring location may be inadequate, pendingconsideration of all proposed locations across theprecinct.

BTM Complex NMS containslocations. Comment included.

The statement that on page 21 that - “this may includea predictive capability linked to met data” should bemodified. This must be included as it is a requirementin the conditions of approval. Further details will berequired in the management plan as to how the metforecasting system will be used by the mine tominimise noise.

“may” changed to “will”.

Initial placement of mobilereal-time monitor described.

When will the precinct noise management strategy besubmitted to the Department - end March?

The revised NMS wasresubmitted to theDepartment in March 2014.

7.3 Condition 14 state that Class G inversions applysubject to further investigations. This section shouldreference this condition, any compliance monitoring orreal time monitoring needs to acknowledge that ClassG inversions apply at this stage subject toinvestigation/ approval by DG for alternate inversionclass applying.

Comments included.

7.4 2nd para – should be removed, use of equipmenthigher than the SPL assumed in the noise modellingwould be a breach of condition Schedule 3 9(a), notingthat continuous improvement and application of bestavailable technology economically achievable isrequired.

Deleted

7.5.1 It is not clear why the focus of the real time monitoringis just on cumulative impact locations? There needs tobe real time monitoring targeting impacts from projectalone operations where one mine is the maincontributor.

The Boggabri Coal Minemonitoring network is asubcomponent of thecumulative network.

Statement that location R120 (Knott) was the onlylocation where cumulative impacts were predictedexceeding the criterion does not appear correct. R120is owned by Maules Creek Coal so it is not clear whyattended monitoring is proposed to be undertakenhere, given that attended monitoring is generally forcompliance monitoring? Boggabri EA and Tarrawongapredicted cumulative impacts exceeding or gettingclose to criterion at Goonbri, Jeralong, Northam andTarrawonga – noting also that these all haveacquisition rights under the approvals. Further detailsand justification are required on the proposed real timemonitoring system.

Revised monitoring locationshave been put into the NMP.EPA feedback on selectedmonitoring locations issought.

Statement that there are 2 mobile units – earlier onpage 21 stated that there would be one additionalmonitor to assess investigate noise complaints.

There are two proposed in theBTM Complex NMS, howeverthis is subject to approval ofthe NMS by the DP&I; textamended.

8.1 Need to include here how Sch 5 (condition 13 – onlinecommunication of on-site activities and monitoring ofair and noise) will be addressed.

First dot point and finalsentence referring toBoggabri Coal Mine websiteaddress this.

BCPL Page D-9


8.4 This is the only reference to the EPA noise criteria –as indicated above a section needs to be included onthe statutory requirements under the EPL. It isunderstood that a variation to the EPL is required toreflect the project approval conditions – this needs tobe discussed in the MP. Reference to OEH is nowincorrect as EPA is separate agency.

EPL referenced in Sec 6, 6.1and Appendix B.

Environment incidents need to be reported consistentwith the project approval Sch 5 condition 8 – thisshould be referenced and ensure notification andreporting undertaken as specified.

Referenced.

9.1 Comment regarding notification requirements forincidents – also needs to refer to Sch 5 condition 8.

Already included in the lastsentence.

11.4 Task specific training – refers to air quality andgreenhouse management – this should refer to noise.Clearly training and understanding on potential noiseimpacts from operation of plant and equipment is akey component of management of noise and wouldapply to most operators on site, given that there aremanagement actions related to speed limits,maintenance of equipment, relocation and cessationof equipment under adverse conditions.

Reference corrected.

There are no longer anymanagement actions relatingto speed limits.

Appendix A Figure will need to be amended once noise monitoringlocations are finalised. It would be useful to have amap just showing the noise monitoring locations andlocation of private sensitive receptors within the35dBA and outside the 35dBA boundary. The figureshould also show receptors further to the east andnorth including Northam, Kyalla and Flixton. Whereproperties have been acquired – change the colourcode.

Updated map provided inNMP showing 35dBAboundary and receptors(Figure 3-1).

Appendix B Fix up typos and include noise limit tables referencedin the approval.

Document reviewed.

The EPL will need to be varied to be consistent withthe approval – e.g. Noise limits will need to beremoved for residences within the 35dBA contour,noise limits apply under G class inversions, monitoringlocations will need to be changed.

Noted.

Appendix C As indicated above, this process is only in relation to aformal triggering of request to DG for independentreview. The process for noise assessment andmitigation can occur based on complaints, attendedand real time monitoring directly without formaltriggering of request to DG. Boggabri Coal also has todemonstrate that all reasonable and feasible noisemitigation measures have been implemented tocomply with noise limits. The process should alsoreference that sustained exceedance is required to bedemonstrated.

Flowcharts revised to includeconsideration of mitigation.

Appendix D Needs to be provided including consultation with CCC. Appendix D has beenupdated.

Missing components notdiscussed above

The MP has not addressed:Schedule 3Condition 11 – needs to be reference and if covered inCEMP or separate package to be provided this shouldbe noted in the NMP. There are also specificcommissioning and monitoring trials to be undertaken.There may be outcomes of the acoustic review thatwill feed into management actions on the rail spur linee.g. Maintenance.

Is in the Construction NMP.

Page D-10 BCPL


Condition 12 (a) – it is not clear how LF noise will beminimised, particularly CHPPCondition 12(b) – predictive met forecasting isrequired to guide day to day planning –see commentsabove12(d) – not specifically addressed12(f) locos – not clear how compliance with this will bemonitored?12(g) and (h) rolling stock – what processes will be putin place to demonstrate best endeavours to sourcerolling stock to minimise noiseCondition 13Risk response matrix not providedPredictive met forecasting not includedAnnual validation of the noise model not included.

Suppliers must achievespecified levels for CHPP,rolling stock, locomotives etc.Ongoing compliancemonitoring will highlight ifcompliant or not.Predictive meteorologicalforecasting is a component ofthe combined BTM Complexsystem and is discussed inthe NMS. See also Table 5.2,Table 5.3 and Section 6.4.Risk response matrixprovided as Table 5.3The noise model, includingmodel validation frequency, isdetailed in the BTM ComplexNMS, as is PredictiveMeteorological forecasting.See also Section 6.4.

boggabri coal pty ltd noise management plan · 2014 16 july 2014 4 septembe r 2014 23 october 2014...

Documents