dianas basin gravel pit - epa.tas.gov.au basin suppl final.pdf · final november 2011 vs 2 john...

Break O’Day Counci l

John Miedecke & Partners Pty Ltd • November 2011

Dianas Basin Gravel Pit

Environmental Effects ReportSupplement

ML 1589P/M Break Oday Council

5 ha area

ML22M/2003 NE Excavations

Break O’Day Council

Dianas Basin Gravel Pit

ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS REPORT Final

November 2011

Vs 2 John Miedecke and Partners Pty Ltd 41 Tasma St North Hobart Tasmania 7000 03 62311472 Fax 0362311548 [email protected] Version 2

[Dianas Basin Quarry Comments SummaryTable Final.docx]john miedecke and partners 15/11/2011 Page 1 of 1

Break O’Day Council/Diana’s Basin Quarry Summary of Public and Agency comments and Response

A. Relevant Public Submissions

Issue Submission No.

Comment Response

Environ- mental

1 Due to ambiguity of clauses in the EER with regard to “access”, it is unclear whether trucks travelling to the quarry will or will not be using Basin Creek Road. The wording used to define “access” throughout the report needs to be more clearly defined, and a clearer definition of the route to be used by trucks traveling to and from the quarry is required.

The transport route for ALL trucks is shown in Figure 10 in the EER. Attached is a google image. (Figure A). Only light vehicles will access the quarry from the Highway/ Basin Creek Road intersection.

1 If Basin Creek Road is not to be used by Break O’Day Council trucks, or trucks contracted by Break O’Day Council, in either direction to and from the quarry, then the representor has no objection to the proposal.

Basin Creek Road Intersection with the Highway will not be used by Break O’Day Council trucks or trucks contracted by Council to access the highway or Quarry.

1 If trucks are to access the quarry via Basin Creek Road, the representor has the following concerns related to truck movements: dust and noise nuisance, loss of enjoyment, and safety issues with regard to junction of Basin Creek Road and Tasman Highway.

As above

Traffic impacts

3, 4, 5 There is a concern the extra volume of truck traffic along Eastern Creek Road and Skyline Drive will increase the amount of dust already generated from road traffic.

The Council proposes to seal an additional 70m of Skyline Drive to the edge of the Urban Zone Boundary, offering a reduction in dust to the residential area of Skyline Drive. This sealing will be to 10m past the last residential driveway (Peter King). The applicant also intends to re assess the dust nuisance as operation continues, if it is found that excessive dust from the BODC traffic movements (proven by logged records in accordance with MRT) is effecting the residential area, dust suppressant measures could be undertaken further along Skyline Drive. This could include road watering or sealing.


3 The representor’s children suffer from asthma, and there is a concern an increase in dust will make it worse.

Refer above

4 Dust from traffic on Eastern Creek Road and Skyline Drive currently enters the gutters and water tanks causing a nuisance.

Refer above

5 A small subdivision is currently being developed on the representor’s property. The representor is concerned the increased volume of dust could reduce their chance of attracting buyers. They are also considering developing a market garden and are concerned the increased volume of dust will affect the produce and lower the crop value.

Refer above

5 The representor is concerned the increased volume of dust will be detrimental to their future health.

Refer above

3, 5 Skyline drive should be sealed further up to reduce the amount of dust generated by traffic.

Refer above

4 The representor queries what can be done to alleviate the problems caused by dust from traffic movements on Eastern Creek Road and Skyline Drive.

Refer above

2 The EER states, ‘Overall, the transport impacts will be less than the NE excavation quarry and forestry activities’. This statement does not address the fact that without sales to the Break O’Day Council the NE Excavations (Tas) P/L quarry would be operating at a substantially lower production level and may not be a viable operation.

Not relevant to the application

2 The EER states, ‘This (Basin Creek Road) is a Forestry road maintained by the Foresty Commission’. This statement is incorrect. NE Excavations (Tas) P/L has maintained the access road (Basin Creek Road) from the Tasman Highway through to their quarry operations for the past 8 years. NE Excavations (Tas) P/L have supplied and spread gravel from their quarry operation, and regularly grade, compact and water the road with NE Excavations (Tas) P/L machinery. Break O’Day made a small contribution towards the maintenance of the access road on the 22/01/2010.

The road is managed by Timberlands Pacific Pty Ltd (on behalf of Forestry Tasmania). They liaise with road users and coordinate road maintenance.

Erosion 2 Representor queries the statement in EER that there has been no sediment movement from the existing council pit downslope.

At the time of the EER preparation this was correct. Some erosion is now evident after recent flooding. This has resulted from surface waters eroding table drains along the access road.


Planning Health and Safety

3 An increase in the volume of trucks along Skyline Drive is a concern from a health and safety point of view, as young children are in the area. The speed limit along Skyline Drive should be reduced to 40 kph.

The speed limit is 50kmh from the first residential driveway entering Beaumaris, Forestry road speed limits are not within the control of the applicant. It is considered that 50kmh is acceptable, and areas of 40kmh are only generally applied to schools, where there are possibly 50-100 children crossing regularly etc.. It may be more relevant to ensure that all vehicles using the road are in fact travelling at that legal speed limit, including private motorbikes, cars etc.

Alternative Sites

2 Northeast Excavations (Tas) P/L have suggested that a shortfall in product of 5000m3 can be supplied by negotiation from mining lease 22M/2003, and thereby obviate the need for the proposed increase in production at the Council quarry.

Not relevant

2 The EER states, ‘Surrounding land tenure is private land to the north, east and south.’ The land to the south is shown as public land on The LIST Land Information System with DPIPWE being the manager of the section that is part of the Tasmanian Reserve Estate, and Forestry Tasmania the manager of the State Forest to the SW.

The EER was incorrect in that the areas to the south and west is Crown Land. One lot is controlled by DPIPWE and the remainder by Forestry Tasmania.

Land use and Tenure

2 The Council quarry site is within the Environmental Protection Zone. Resource development is an acceptable activity in the zone (Break O’Day Council Planning Scheme, 1996). Under the Break O’Day Council Planning Scheme, (1996), Table 11.1, Issue 4.1a (ii), mining as a Resource Development in an Environmental Protection Zone is only an acceptable solution in areas identified under the Regional Forest Agreement. There is no indication on The List Information System or the title document that the land occupied by the Council quarry has been assessed as part of the CAR Reserve system on private land, or been identified under the Regional Forest Agreement, or indeed has passed through the RFA process for inclusion in the CAR Reserve System.

The Resource Development Use in the Environment Protection Zone is an existing use, with rights to continue operating. This application is not changing the “use”, rather it is expanding a development.


Planning Approvals

1 The representor would like to be informed as per section 57 of the Land Use Planning and Approvals Act 1993 of Council’s decision on this proposal. The representor has in the past not been informed of a Council decision to withdraw a previous application where they had made a representation.

Council have advised that the representor was informed by mail on December 16 2010 of the applicants intent to withdraw the original application, and re submit in 2011. Copy of this letter can be supplied if required.

B. Referral Agency Comments

Agency Additional comment and information required DIER/MRT/ Industrial Minerals and Land Management

The mining lease is not pending renewal as stated on the first page of the EER. The renewal was approved last year for a lease term of 5 years.

Noted

DPIPWE / EPA Division

Transport Clearly mark on a map, the transport route for trucks (empty and laden) to and from the quarry boundary and Tasman Highway. Include clearly marked road names, Define the authorities responsible for maintenance of Basin Creek Road (between the quarry entrance and Coach Road), Coach Road, Eastern Creek Road and Skyline Drive.

This has been done- see Figure A (Google Image). Also shown in Figure 10 in the EER. The authority responsible for the maintenance of the roads in the area on Forestry Tasmania land is Timberlands Pacific Pty Ltd. Timberlands Pacific Pty Ltd manages Taswood Growers’s 46,000ha Radiata Pine forest in Tasmania. Taswood Growers is a joint venture between Forestry Tasmania and the United States-based investment company, GMO Renewable Resources LLC. These roads are Basin Creek Road, Coach Road, Eastern Creek Road etc and all roads on Forestry land. Other roads are the responsibility of the Break O’Day Council (Skyline Drive) and the


Commitment 6, ‘Transport’, states: ‘Maintain access roads in good condition. Liaise with Forestry re road use and maintenance.’ Restate commitment defining access roads and relevant authorities responsible for maintenance. Commitment 9, ‘Dust Management’, states: ‘Maintain access roads and apply dust suppression measures (water sprays) as required’. Restate commitment defining access roads. Define the tenure of the existing access route to the quarry boundary from Basin Creek Road, including any rights of way, easements, covenants and tenure issues that may affect access to the quarry site. Surface and groundwaters The location of the settling pond and drainage lines as shown in Figure 3 does not match the location indicated during the site visit (16/09/2011). Redraw Figure 3 to address, and include location of ephemeral and permanent creeks. Explain how drainage will be managed to reduce erosion on the access track leading up to the quarry site. Commitment 9 ‘Dust Management’, states use of water sprays. Explain where water will be obtained from for the water sprays, and whether a water truck will be available on site. Dangerous goods and chemicals Will refuelling of equipment be undertaken on site? Will fuel be stored temporarily

mining leaseholders. Timberland Pacific has an informal arrangement (which they manage) with other road users (including adjoining.quarry owner) to maintain the road. BODC is now included (Jason Hall Roading Manager pers.comm). Access to the ML is via a road on crown land and access through the edge of ML 22M/2003. See Table 2 Commitments (revised) See Table 2 Commitments (revised) The access road has no formal agreements, right of ways. It is located on Crown land Revised Figure 3 is attached. A culvert will be installed to divert drainage to the settling pond. The table drain(s) will be maintained.Downslope, culverts will be installed according to the Forest Practices Code. Water will be obtained from creeks in the area, the onsite settling ponds, or from


on site? Commitments

• Fuel, dangerous goods and chemicals: If there is to be refuelling of equipment on site, a commitment is required outlining best management practices for refuelling on site. If there is to be fuel temporarily stored on site, a commitment is required outlining best management practices for the temporary storage of fuel on site.

• Blasting: A commitment is required to notify the nearest residents at least

24hr prior to blasting.

• Water management: A commitment is required to undertake routine maintenance of the settling pond to ensure adequate function of the pond as a sediment trap.

• Management: A commitment is required to maintain a register of all complaints and incidents related to the operation, including haulage along Coach Road, Eastern Creek Road and Skyline Drive.

domestic supplies. A water truck will be available when required. In dry periods water supplies from the St Helens supply will be available. No fuel will be stored on site. All refueling will be within bunded areas. See revised Table of Commitments See revised Table of Commitments See revised Table of Commitments See revised Table of Commitments

DPIPWE / Resource Management & Conservation

There is a potential Tasmanian devil den located on the northern boundary of the mining lease. PCAB supports the recommendation to establish a buffer between the outer extent of the impact area and the northern and eastern boundaries of the lease. The EER states a buffer of approximately 25 metres. PCAB recommends that the EER provide a commitment to a buffer of preferably at least 30 metres and that this distance is specified in the list of commitments detailed in Part D (Table 2) of the EER. PCAB recommends that Figure 3 is updated to delineate the location of the exclusion fencing that will be erected and the distance of the buffer ‘no go zone’. It

A 30m buffer will be provided. This is shown in Figure 3 revised. Exclusion fencing will be provided.


is also recommended that this figure show the location of the threatened Hovea corrickiae plants which have been identified on the property. As noted, the provision in the EER for a buffer to protect threatened species is supported. If however, any threatened flora species are to be impacted, then a permit to ‘take’ under the TSPA must be applied for before any works can be undertaken.

MMLL 11558899 PP//MM

ML 22M/2003NE Excavations

90m100

m

80m

70m

85m

95m 60m 60m

50

m

Cre

ek

Ephemeral stream

Hovea corrickiae plant

Revised 14/11/111

Dianas Basin Gravel PitStages 1 & 2

JOHN MIEDECKE AND PARTNERS PTY LTD


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Years 5 - 10

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Years 0 - 5

Stage 1 floor RL90 approx

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0 25 50m

80

85

Final pit floor RL 85

originalsurface

leaseboundary

90

95

100

105

RL 110

scale 2 x 1 (v x h)

TYPICAL SECTION

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Stage 1 - RL 90

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Dianas Basin Gravel PitGravel Transportation Route

JOHN MIEDECKE AND PARTNERS PTY LTD


10F I G .

Coach Road

Coach Road

Eastern Creek Road

general accessBasin Creek Rd

FIGURE A Google Image

[T 2 Commitments F.doc] Page 1 of 1

1

Table 2 Summary of Commitments (revised Nov 2011)

EER Sect

Potential Impacts

Management measure commitments Timeframe

1

General Operate the pit in accordance with the Forest Practices Code, the Quarry Code of Practice, the EER, the land use Permit and Mining Lease conditions.

Ongoing

2 General

Consult with Forestry regarding timber salvage, road access and maintenance

Ongoing

3 Noise Monitor blasting near closest residence to demonstrate compliance with regulations (ground vibration and airblast). Advice 24 hrs before blasting

At least initially

4 Flora and fauna

Maintain exclusion zone (fencing) to the east and north to protect existing vegetation and possible Devil Den site (Fig 3) Revegetate pit progressively after benches developed and on closure.

Ongoing

5 Weeds and diseases

Ensure all machinery is washed in accordance with the wash down guidelines (see Appendix E). Implement the weed and Phytophthora management plan.

Ongoing First year

6 Transport Use transport shown in Figure 10 for gravel transport. Maintain access roads in good condition. Liaise with Forestry re road use and maintenance Liaise with Timberland Pacific regarding required maintenance. Seal additional area of Skyline Drive. Install signage when operating

As needed. Ongoing. 1st year

7 Visual Maintain visual screen around quarry.

Ongoing.

8 Water management

Direct all runoff from active pit area through the settling pond prior to release. Annual inspection and removal of sediment if required. Install culvert across roadway

Ongoing. Before operations

[T 2 Commitments F.doc] Page 2 of 2

2

9 Dust management

Operate water sprays on crushing equipment when required. Maintain access roads and apply dust suppression measures (water sprays) as required.

Ongoing

10 Wastes Dispose of all liquid and solid wastes council waste disposal facilities.

Ongoing

11 Fuel, dangerous goods and chemicals

Only fuel will be required on site. All refuelling will be within a bunded area and no fuels, dangerous goods or chemicals will be stored on site.

Ongoing

12 Rehabilitation Salvage topsoils and subsoils and stockpile for rehabilitation. Rehabilitate benches progressively and at quarry closure.

Ongoing

13 Management

Maintain a complaints register. Cooperate with Environment Division, MRT and Forestry officers in site inspections and recommendations/directions. Seek professional advice when required.

Continuous

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