highland lakes road quarry - epa tasmania quarry dpemp.pdf · 2011. 7. 13. · highland lakes road...

HIGHLAND LAKES ROAD QUARRY DEVELOPMENT PROPOSAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN

Prepared by: INTEGRATED LAND MANAGEMENT AND PLANNING Barry Williams

19 February 2009

DOCUMENT CIRCULATION

DATE REVISION CIRCULATION

15 January 2009 Draft 1 Tony Cresswell

19 January 2009 Draft 1 Tom Jackson (EPA)

2 February 2009 Draft 2 Tom Jackson (EPA)

6 February 2009 Draft 3 Tom Jackson (EPA)

6 February 2009 Final Tony Cresswell

19 February 2009 Final Leanne Rabjohns (MVC)

Highland Lakes Road Quarry - DPEMP

2 Integrated Land Management and Planning Final

CONTENTS

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY........................................................................................................................................ 5

1. INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................................... 6

1.1. Proponent ............................................................................................................................................. 6

2. PROPOSAL DESCRIPTION .......................................................................................................................... 7

2.1. Project outline ...................................................................................................................................... 7

2.1.1. Operational methods ....................................................................................................................... 8

2.2. Off-site infrastructure ........................................................................................................................ 14

2.3. Technical and management alternatives ........................................................................................... 14

3. EXISTING ENVIRONMENT ........................................................................................................................ 15

3.1. Planning aspects ................................................................................................................................. 15

3.2. Environmental aspects ....................................................................................................................... 18

3.3. Geological aspects .............................................................................................................................. 18

3.4. Alternative sites .................................................................................................................................. 18

4. POTENTIAL EFFECTS AND THEIR MANAGEMENT ................................................................................ 20

4.1. Air emissions ....................................................................................................................................... 20

4.2. Liquid waste disposal and water quality ........................................................................................... 22

4.3. Noise emissions .................................................................................................................................. 24

4.4. Solid and controlled waste management .......................................................................................... 27

4.5. Dangerous goods ................................................................................................................................ 27

4.6. Biodiversity and nature conservation values .................................................................................... 28

4.7. Greenhouse gases and ozone depleting substances ......................................................................... 30

4.8. Heritage .............................................................................................................................................. 31

4.9. Land use and development ................................................................................................................ 31

4.10. Visual effects ...................................................................................................................................... 35

4.11. Socio-economic issues ........................................................................................................................ 39

4.12. Health and safety issues ..................................................................................................................... 39

4.13. Hazard analysis and risk assessment ................................................................................................. 40



4.14. Fire risk................................................................................................................................................ 42

4.15. Infrastructure and off-site ancillary facilities .................................................................................... 42

4.16. Environmental management systems ............................................................................................... 43

4.17. Cumulative and interactive effects .................................................................................................... 43

4.18. Traffic Impact assessment .................................................................................................................. 44

5. MONITORING AND REVIEW .................................................................................................................... 46

5.1. Baseline studies .................................................................................................................................. 46

5.2. Construction and operation phase monitoring ................................................................................. 46

5.3. Reporting frequency ........................................................................................................................... 46

6. DECOMMISSIONING AND REHABILITATION ........................................................................................ 47

6.1. Progressive rehabilitation .................................................................................................................. 47

6.2. Preliminary decommissioning and site closure plan ......................................................................... 48

7. COMMITMENTS ........................................................................................................................................ 49

8. CONCLUSION ............................................................................................................................................. 53

9. APPENDICES ............................................................................................................................................... 54

Bibliography .......................................................................................................................................................... 64



TABLE OF FIGURES

Figure 1. Aerial image showing lease boundary ............................................................................................... 7

Figure 2. General site plan showing the arrangement of all stages of development ...................................... 12

Figure 3. Typical cross-section though access road formation showing stripping placement ......................... 13

Figure 4. Cross section through the Stage 1 extraction, stockpiling and process areas, showing full

development of the top bench ............................................................................................................... 13

Figure 5. Cross section through Stage 1 extraction area after final rehabilitation is complete ....................... 13

Figure 6. Locality plan showing land uses surrounding the quarry ................................................................. 16

Figure 7. Aerial photo with 1000 metre buffer shown and closest dwellings (TASMAP, 2005) ....................... 17

Figure 8. Geological Map showing target source rock types (Vicary, 2008) .................................................... 19

Figure 9. Wind roses for Quoiba as an example of the prevailing winds likely at the Highland Lakes Road

quarry (BOM, 2009)................................................................................................................................ 21

Figure 10. Cross section through pipe culvert installed in existing drainage path .......................................... 23

Figure 11. Mining plans showing Stage 1 development to rehabilitation ....................................................... 26

Figure 12. Cross-sections at chainage 00 and 400 along Highland Lakes Road showing the line of sight

towards the proposed quarry................................................................................................................. 38

Figure 13. Access road junction improvement - Details .................................................................................. 45



EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Cresswell’s Transport and Quarrying Pty Ltd proposes to establish a hard rock quarry on Crown Land off the

Highland Lakes Road 2.7 kilometres from the Meander Road turn off towards Golden Valley. The site is

surrounded by plantation forestry although the extraction area is unsuitable for commercial forestry

operations. This development can provide the Deloraine community with a reliable supply of high quality

construction materials for an expected production life of 30 years.

Cresswell’s Transport and Quarrying Pty Ltd currently operate the Pumicestone Ridge quartz gravel quarry and

the Porters Bridge Road dolerite quarry. The Pumicestone Ridge quartz quarry has limited development

potential due to resource constraints and nearby sensitive uses. This quarry can compliment a new dolerite

quarry at Porters Bridge Road with fines for blending R40 road base or to supply R40 in its own right.

The product will be extracted by drilling, blasting, crushing and screening with a campaign style operation

where equipment will be mobilised on site to extract an amount of product that will be stockpiled until

required. The equipment will be demobilised at the end of the campaign and the site secured until the next

operation. It is expected that up to six campaigns will occur each year producing up to 30,000 cubic metres of

processed product.

The site is located on the south west side of a ridgeline that runs parallel to Highland Lakes Road. The majority

of the operation will be screened from the road by an intervening ridgeline and the nearest dwellings are

located to the north and east on the other side of the ridge. The closest of these dwellings is well outside the

1000 metre buffer considered desirable for blasting operations. The land is unsuitable for plantation forestry

and has been allowed to regenerate naturally since being logged in the 1980’s.

The site has areas of native forest that have the potential to provide habitat for significant flora and fauna

species. A flora and fauna survey has been conducted but no evidence was found of threatened or endangered

species located on the site. Sites and artefacts of Aboriginal cultural significance are known in areas

surrounding the site. An Aboriginal cultural heritage survey has been conducted but no evidence of any sites or

artefacts were found. A follow up survey has been recommended once construction works have commenced.

Nuisance caused by emissions of dust will be minimised by the predominantly westerly winds carrying the dust

away from the road and by the use of a water cart for carting operations. Sediment contaminated water run-

off from the site will be controlled by a series of drains and retention ponds. A natural water course will be

diverted through a pipe culvert to protect it from contamination. Nuisance caused by noise from the operation

will be minimised by the remote location, the surrounding working forest environment and the intervening

topography between the works and sensitive uses.

The quarry will gain access directly onto the Highland Lakes Road. A Traffic Assessment has been undertaken

and the impact of the additional traffic is considered to be negligible. The junction with the Highland Lakes

Road will be improved to provide sight distance that will comply with regulation. The road works, drainage

works, stockpiling areas and extraction areas will amount to more than one hectare of vegetation clearing. A

forest practices plan has been prepared and submitted to the Forest Practices Authority. The Forest Practices

Authority approval process is running concurrently with this process.



1. INTRODUCTION

Cresswell’s Transport and Quarrying Pty. Ltd. propose establishing a hard rock quarry off the Highland Lakes

Road 2.7 kilometres from the Meander Valley turn-off towards Golden Valley. The quarry will provide a variety

of raw materials that when blended will produce R40 road base. This product will be available for road

construction projects in and around the Deloraine region. The site selected for the quarry targets a quality

quartz rock and quartz conglomerate resource outcropping in an area surrounded by plantation forestry.

This document will provide information about the proposal to the public and agencies responsible for

assessing the proposal including the Meander Valley Council, the Board of the Environment Protection

Authority and Mineral Resources Tasmania. The document will provide:

A description of the proposal,

An evaluation of the potential social, economic and environmental impacts of the proposal, and

A description of the management measures introduced to minimize impacts and ensure that

activities associated comply with regulatory requirements.

This document has been prepared in accordance with the Development Proposal and Environmental

Management Plan Project Specific Guidelines for Cresswell’s Transport and Quarrying Pty. Ltd. Highland Lakes

Road Quarry Development (27 October 2008) prepared by the Board of the Environment Protection Authority.

1.1. Proponent

The Proponent is Cresswell’s Transport and Quarrying Pty. Ltd. This company currently operates two quarries

in the Deloraine and Exton areas. Mr Tony Cresswell is the Managing Director of Cresswell’s Transport and

Quarrying Pty. Ltd. and the Lessee of mining lease 1873P/M. The proponents contact details are:

Tony Cresswell

Managing Director

Cresswell’s Transport and Quarrying Pty. Ltd.

ABN 70 081 693 003

40 Moriarty Place

Deloraine TAS 7304

Business Phone (03) 6362 4700

Business Fax (03) 6362 2559

Email: [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]



2. PROPOSAL DESCRIPTION

2.1. Project outline

The proponent marked-out the land and submitted an application for a mining lease in August 2008. The

original lease boundaries crossed property boundaries and were subsequently altered so that the mining lease

could be located solely on crown land managed by Forestry Tasmania. Figure 1 is an aerial image showing the

boundaries of mining lease 1873P/M. The boundaries of the mining lease provide sufficient room to arrange

the extraction, storage and processing areas while not adversely affecting access to plantation and re-growth

forests. The western boundary follows the boundary between State Forest and land owned by Associated

Forest Holdings Pty Ltd. The northern boundary is positioned on the edge of an existing Eucalypt plantation

and the southern boundary is located outside a buffer zone to a natural water course. The lease area is 23

hectares with a resource potential of at least 700,000 cubic metres solid. It is planned to extract the product at

a rate of 30,000 cubic metres of processed product annually. With an estimated bulking factor of 0.8 the

projected life of the quarry is 30 years.

Figure 1. Aerial image showing lease boundary

The first stage of the operation will be to extend the access road towards the stage 1 extraction site (see

mining general arrangement plan Figure 2). Before this work can occur a ‘sediment retention basin’ will be

constructed close to south west corner of the lease. The stage 1 extraction site is screened from the Highland

Lakes Road by a short ridgeline and this area will remain the stockpiling and processing area throughout the

life of the project.

Extraction activities will occur on a campaign style basis and equipment will be moved onto the site for the

duration of the extraction and processing campaign. During the campaign a wheel loader, an excavator and a

mobile crushing and screening plant will be established on the site. The processed product will be stockpiled

on site or carted to an alternative site and then the equipment removed. No permanent structures or



equipment will be located at the site. Security will be provided by a boom gate erected at the entrance to the

quarry.

Figure 2 shows the mining plan with the arrangement of the access road, processing, stockpiling and extraction

areas. The drainage arrangements and visual screening will be discussed in subsequent chapters.

2.1.1. Operational methods

2.1.1.1. Extraction method

The method of extraction will be by drilling, blasting, loading, crushing and stockpiling on a ‘campaign’ style

basis. Processed product will be carted off-site during the campaign or stockpiled ready for a subsequent

cartage campaign.

2.1.1.2. Drilling methods

For the initial stages of development the proponent’s own ‘air-track’ style drill rig will be used to drill 100

diameter holes. The drill pattern will be 3.0 metres spacing by 3.0 metres burden, drilled to a depth of 10

metres to form nominal 9 metre high benches. Each hole will be drilled 1 to 1.5 metres below grade to fracture

the surface of the subsequent bench. Once an accessible bench is established a more efficient drill rig similar

to that shown in plate 1 will be used. The drill pattern, depth and angle of the holes will be adjusted to suit the

ground conditions.

Plate 1 An example of an efficient drilling machine.

Each drill hole will produce 81 cubic metres of shot rock. To achieve an annual production of 30,000 cubic

metres from 24,000 cubic metres solid and assuming minimal waste, 300 drill holes will be required each year.



With a program of 6 campaigns annually it will be necessary to drill 50 holes per campaign. Two blasts of 25

holes each would provide 4050 cubic metres of shot rock from each campaign. This production rate will

produce 5000 cubic metres of processed product in each campaign.

2.1.1.3. Blasting methods

To achieve the desired production rate two blasts will occur in quick succession and then no further blasting

will occur for two months. Each blast will require firing approximately 25 holes.

The detailed blast planning will be performed by the blasting contractor and will be informed by the

proponent’s production requirements, access limitations and a detailed risk assessment. The blast plan will be

documented and available for review by regulatory authorities.

2.1.1.4. Haulage methods

In most cases the shot rock will be moved to the processing level with an excavator. When the rock is being

moved from the Stage 1A or Stage 2 extraction areas a haul truck may be used. A wheel loader will be used to

feed the crusher and for stockpiling. Plates 2 and 3 are recent photographs of the actual machines that will be

used for this work.

Plate 2 Excavator and haul truck Plate 3 wheel loader

2.1.1.5. Processing methods

A permanent crushing and screening facility will not be established on site. A mobile crusher and screen will be

floated to the site and established once a sufficient quantity of raw rock has been stockpiled. The capacity of

the raw rock and processed gravel stockpiles will be limited by the available hard-stand area. A mobile crusher

similar to that featured in Plate 4 will be moved onto the site every second or third campaign. Assuming a

specific gravity of 1.8, raw rock stockpile of 10,000 cubic metres will take between 10 and 12 days to process.

The Highland Lakes Road site geology is very similar to another site operated by the Proponent at Pumicestone

Ridge. After 20 years of operation this site has produced very little waste rock. Beds of lower grade materials

are crushed to produce landscaping gravel or are used for farm lanes. Generally the resource is consistent and

easily fractured by blasting with few oversized boulders. It is expected that the Highland Lakes Road resource

will be similar and all materials extracted will be processed. Any resilient boulders will be broken with a rock

breaker fitted to the excavator. It will not be necessary to accommodate waste rock stockpiles.



Plate 4 An example of a mobile crushing facility that will be used every second or third campaign

2.1.1.6. Stockpiling methods

The processed product will be discharged from the crusher and pushed up into stockpiles by the loader. The

stockpiling area will accommodate three stockpiles each with a total volume of approximately 3500 cubic

metres. The product will remain in the stockpiles until it is required to fill orders or to be transported to

another site for blending.

2.1.1.7. Transport methods

The processed product will be transported off-site in a campaign style operation using a combination of the

proponent’s own trucks and cartage contractors. The wheel loader will be taken to the site and a team of four

truck and trailers loaded on-site. With a 2 hour turn around it is expected that intermittent carting will account

for twenty truck movements and up to ten support vehicle movements per day. The majority of trips will be

north from the quarry access towards Deloraine.

2.1.1.8. Personnel

Personnel working at the site will be either employees or contractors or a combination of both depending on

the activity underway at the time.

Activity Task Personnel Total

Blasting

Blast coordinator 1 contractor

5 Supervisor 1 contractor

Blast wardens 2 contractors 1 employee

Excavation and stockpiling

Excavator operator 1 employee

3 Loader operator 1 employee

Dozer operator 1 employee

Screening and crushing

Excavator operator 1 employee

4 Loader operator 1 employee

Dozer operator 1 employee

Crusher screener 1 contractor

Carting

Loader operator 1 employee

6 Excavator operator 1 employee

Truck driver 4 employees / contractors



2.1.1.9. Hours of operation

The Proponent will use sub-contractors to undertake the drilling, blasting and to supply the mobile crushing

machine. Once the Proponents own machinery and contract machinery is mobilised on site it will be important

to ensure that its time is used efficiently. During summer campaigns the normal operating hours will be

extended to make use of available daylight.

October to March

Days of the week Operating hours

Monday to Friday 07:00 to 20:00

Saturdays 07:00 to 18:00

Sundays and public holidays 08:00 to 18:00

April to September

Days of the week Operating hours

Monday to Friday 07:00 to 17:00

Saturdays 07:00 to 17:00

Sundays and public holidays 08:00 to 17:00

2.1.2. Construction phase

Construction activities will be confined to extending the existing access road approximately 450 metres to the

east and establishing the stage 1 extraction, stockpile and process area. The access road must traverse a

natural drainage path to reach the stage 1 area. A culvert will be installed to divert this natural drainage under

the road (see Figure 10.). The secondary sediment retention pond will be constructed and run off from new

works will be directed to this via a culvert (see Figure 2). The access point onto the Highland Lakes Road will be

modified to improve sight distances before any substantial quantities of product are carted off site.

The route of the access road will be adjusted to avoid large standing trees. Trees that can’t be avoided will be

cut and removed from site. The crowns and all other vegetation will be laid down adjacent to the access road

works. Stripping will be pushed to the down-slope side and then pulled back onto the formation batter (see

Figure 3.). The vegetation will then be pulled up over the down-slope batter to protect it from wind and water

erosion. This vegetation will encourage revegetation of these batters early in the life of the quarry.

Road drainage will be directed to a table drain constructed on the up-slope side and transported to the

secondary sediment retention pond via a culvert under the road. The road side drain will be designed to carry

the run-off from the exposed areas on the site. For this reason the access road will have a consistent grade of

between five and seven percent. The stage 1 area construction will include a primary sediment retention

facility. The primary sediment retention pond will overflow through a constricting pipe culvert to the road side

drain and to the secondary sediment retention pond. During extreme rain events the capacity of the

constricting pipe will be exceeded and the primary sediment retention pond will spill onto the processing hard

stand area. Extracting and processing activities will be curtailed during these events until the run-off water is

contained within the retention pond.

All construction equipment will be thoroughly cleaned before being brought to the site. Cleaning will include

digging out tracks, hosing under the chassis and sweeping out cabs to ensure that no infected or seed

contaminated soil is accidentally brought to site. Care will be taken during construction phase to ensure that

vehicles paths and drainage are separated.



Figure 2. General site plan showing the arrangement of all stages of development

INTEGRATED LAND MANAGEMENT A N D P L A N N I N G

Cresswell’s Highland Lakes Road Quarry 1873P/M

Sediment Retention pond

Product stockpiles

0 100 200 300 400 500

Natural water course through culvert

Pond overflow over culvert

Extent of plantation (GPS)

Cross-section and view line at chainage 00

Cross-section and view line at chainage 400

Slash and stripping stockpiles



Slash and stripping stockpiles Temporary Crusher

Diffuse overflow discharge

Vegetation Screen

Vegetation Screen

Sediment Retention Culvert

STAGE 1A (1.0ha)

STAGE 1 (3.4ha)

STAGE 2 (3.4 ha)

Table drain



Figure 3. Typical cross-section though access road formation showing stripping placement

Figure 4. Cross section through the Stage 1 extraction, stockpiling and process areas, showing full development of the top bench

Figure 5. Cross section through Stage 1 extraction area after final rehabilitation is complete

N.S. RL 345

D.S. RL 343

D.S. RL 361

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INTEGRATED LAND MANAGEMENT

A N D P L A N N I N G

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2.2. Off-site infrastructure

In order to develop the site, some upgrading of existing offsite infrastructure will be required. The access onto

the Highland Lakes Road will be improved to provide good sight distance in both directions. This will ensure

that road safety on this popular tourist route is not compromised by the development.

2.3. Technical and management alternatives

The proponent currently operates three quarries locally, one is a shale resource with small quantities of quartz

alluvium and some quartz conglomerate beds, another is a pure dolerite quarry and the third is primarily a

quartz hard rock resource. Potential for expansion of the third quarry is constrained by sensitive uses close by

and a locally sensitized community.

This site offers advantages of close proximity to the local Deloraine area, direct access to a major arterial road

network, few alternative development prospects and no sensitive uses nearby. Established plantations

surrounding the site and complimentary zoning will protect the quarry from future residential encroachment.



3. EXISTING ENVIRONMENT

3.1. Planning aspects

The mining lease is wholly situated on crown land designated as state forest and is managed by Forestry

Tasmania on behalf of the Crown. The site is located within the boundaries of the Meander Valley Council. The

land is located in the Rural zone (RU1) under the Meander Valley Planning Scheme 1995 the intent of which is

“to provide for the use and development of the physical, economic, conservation and cultural resources…”

(Council, Meander Valley, 2006). Figure 6 shows the mining lease and its relationship to neighbouring land

uses.

Under the provisions of the Draft Meander Valley Planning Scheme 2007 the land is located in Rural Resource

zone the intent of which is “to provide for the sustainable use or development of resources for agriculture,

forestry, mining and other primary industries” ’ (Meander Valley Council, 2007). Quarrying activities are

classified as a mining use which is consistent with the zone intent. Importantly, no sensitive uses are located in

close proximity to the proposed quarry thereby minimising the potential for land use conflict.

Some smaller Rural zoned parcels of land with dwellings are located to the east, off Maroney’s Road.

However, the dwellings are over one kilometre away from the boundary of the mining lease thereby meet the

required attenuation distance of one kilometre. A plateau forms a natural topographic barrier between the

quarry site and these dwellings. Figure 7 shows the mining lease, a line delineating those points located over a

kilometre distant from the mining lease boundary and the location of the dwellings. The land between the

mining lease and the dwellings consists of a plateau which provides a topographic barrier to attenuate noise

and ground vibration.



Figure 6. Locality plan showing land uses surrounding the quarry



0 0.50

1.00

1.50

2.0

Scale (km)

Mixed agriculture

Zoned Rural - mixed use

Plantation forestry Plantation forestry

Plantation forestry

Quarry

Low density residential

Low density residential

Mixed agriculture

Plantation forestry

Mixed agriculture

North



Figure 7. Aerial photo with 1000 metre buffer shown and closest dwellings (TASMAP, 2005)



Existing dwelling 114 Maroneys Rd



Existing dwelling Maroneys Rd

Mining Lease

Highland Lakes Road


0 250 500 750 1000



3.2. Environmental aspects

The site occupies a strip of land between established eucalypt plantations. The conglomerate rock outcrops

that form the ridgeline make the land unsuitable for plantation establishment. The vegetation community on

top of the ridge is Eucalyptus obliqua dry forest (TASVEG DOB) but the trees are stunted because of the poor

ground and exposed position and of little economic value for logging. The vegetation community on the

southern mid and lower slopes is E. Amygdalina – E. Obliqua damp sclerophyll forest (TASVEG DSC). In its

undisturbed state DSC is a Regional Forest Agreement priority community however the accessible areas of this

site have been previously logged and the vegetation is mixed age regrowth with little economic potential.

The site of the proposed quarry is surrounded by plantation forestry and the two activities are complimentary

in that the plantations provide a buffer around the site. Any activity that is likely to be adversely affected by

the quarry operation is discouraged and the quarry can provide a source of road building or maintenance

materials to the forestry operations. Gunns Ltd. operate a gravel quarry on their land closer to Golden Valley

for this purpose.

3.3. Geological aspects

This site is set in a very similar geological context as quarry 1 at the Pumicestone Ridge site. Late Cambrian

pink quartz conglomerates with minor pink quartzarenite beds lie in a relationship with middle Cambrian

volcaniclastic to siliceous conglomerate and micaceous sandstone (Vicary, 2008). A Quaternary quartz

sandstone and conglomerate talus overlays the parent rock in places. Figure 8 is an extract from the relevant

geological detail map Montana 4639.

3.4. Alternative sites

The site was identified as a source of gravel for road works for some period. Behind the quarry site is an area

where colluvial gravels have been pushed up and recovered for road works in forestry operations. This historic

land disturbance is clearly visible on the aerial photo (Figure 7.) above. These old workings are not included in

the area of the mining lease and will not affect the planning or operation of the proposed quarry. This site was

selected because it offered access to the quartz conglomerate resource, a sympathetic land use environment,

excellent access to the arterial road network and close proximity to the Deloraine community and the Lessee’s

facilities at Moriarty Road.

An alternative site was considered but rejected as the target resource crossed cadastral boundaries which

complicated leasing and royalty requirements. The lessee currently operates another quarry closer to

Deloraine but this site has limited development potential and sensitive uses close by which makes further

expansion problematic.



Figure 8. Geological Map showing target source rock types (Vicary, 2008)

Pale pink quartzite – derived, closed to open framework, massive pebble to cobble conglomerate with minor pink quartzarenite beds (Correlate of Roland Conglomerate)

Quartz sandstone and conglomerate talus





4. POTENTIAL EFFECTS AND THEIR MANAGEMENT

4.1. Air emissions

4.1.1. Performance criteria

Air emission standards are included in:

Environment Management and Pollution Control Act 1994 (TAS)

Workplace Health and safety Regulations 1998

DEPHA Quarry Code of Practice 1999

National Environment Protection Measure (Air) varied 2003

DEPHA Environment Protection (Air Quality) 2004

4.1.2. Effect

The target material is quartz rock and quartz conglomerate that will be extracted by blasting and processed through a mobile crusher and stockpiled on site. All the roads and hardstand areas will be constructed from the same material. Processing these materials is known to produce quantities of sand and dust.

4.1.3. Mitigating circumstances or actions

The off-site effects of dust emissions produced by blasting activities can be controlled by observing the weather and ensuring that the prevailing wind conditions are favourable at the time of blasting. Wind roses indicate that in the north of Tasmania the strongest and most common winds (> 30 percent of the time) are westerly. North easterly winds are lighter and occur less than 15 percent of the time (BOM, 2009). Wind roses for Quoiba are included as Figure 9. The predominant wind direction will tend to carry dust away from the Highland Lakes Road and into the surrounding forest and plantations.

The resource will be extracted in a campaign style of operation which will facilitate the management of dust emanating from the works. In the planning stage for an extraction and crushing campaign the prevailing weather conditions will be taken into account and if dust is likely to be a problem the water cart can be on standby to wet down the processing and traffic areas to ensure an adverse effect does not occur. Similarly transporting the materials will also take place as a campaign style operation and the water cart can again be deployed to mitigate the dust hazard.

When the site is idle, access to the roads and hardstand areas will be controlled with a boom gate so dust emissions will not be generated by traffic. At the end of a campaign the water cart will be used to wash down the road and vehicle manoeuvring areas. Fine silica and clay particles produced by the crushing operation will be washed into the sediment retention facilities where they will be either held under water or consolidated in the bottom of the basin when the water evaporates.

4.1.4. Commitments 4.1.4.1. Blasting and crushing activities will occur only when the prevailing wind is in the western

sector. 4.1.4.2. Carting activities will proceed with the assistance of a water cart when conditions are dry

and windy.



Figure 9. Wind roses for Quoiba as an example of the prevailing winds likely at the Highland Lakes Road quarry (BOM, 2009)



4.2. Liquid waste disposal and water quality


Liquid discharge emission and water quality standards are included in:

State Policy on Water Quality Management 1997

Water Management Act 1999 (TAS)


4.2.2. Effect

The quarry site is located within State forest and large tracts of land surrounding the site have had plantations established. Quite close to the site two small stands of native forest follow a natural water course. Liquid discharges from the site could have an adverse effect on these communities by affecting water quality of the natural water course.


There will be no permanent buildings constructed on the site. Staff facilities for each campaign will be brought onto the site when required. A ‘Port-a-loo’ type relocatable toilet will be used by the workers during each campaign and this facility and any waste will be taken offsite at the completion of the works.

All the equipment used in each campaign will be serviced off-site and only emergency repairs will be undertaken onsite. A spill pick-up kit will enable any accidental hydrocarbon spills to be recovered and disposed of offsite.

Road, process area and stockpile area stormwater runoff will be treated using two sediment retention basins. The secondary and larger will be constructed at the beginning of the works and a culvert will be installed to direct runoff from the road into the new basin. The road will be constructed with a one-way cross fall to drain into a table drain on the up-slope side of the road. Slash will be pulled up over the down-slope batter of the road to encourage vegetation recruitment early to stabilise the batter, prevent water erosion and sediment contamination.

An ephemeral drainage path crosses the route of the access road close to the stage 1 extraction site. A culvert will be installed to carry this drainage path under the road and keep this water separate from the quarry and road runoff. A primary sediment retention basin will be constructed in the floor of the stage 1 stockpile area and the overflow of this will be piped over the culvert and into the table drain on the up-slope side of the access road. This road and drainage infrastructure will serve the quarry for its design life.

Stages 1A and 2 will use the stage 1 stockpile and process area and will be accessed via short roads from either end of the stage 1 area. Run-off from stage 1A will be directed to the stage 1 retention facilities and stage 2 will drain into the access road table drain and into the secondary retention basin.

4.2.4. Commitments 4.2.4.1. No permanent facilities will be constructed on the site. No liquid waste will be treated on

site. 4.2.4.2. Water in the natural drainage path bisecting the site will remain separate to site run-off

water. 4.2.4.3. Site run-off water will travel through retention facilities to allow time for particulate

matter to settle out.



4.2.5. Road culvert design

The access road design is based on Forest Practices Code (2000). The road is considered to be a class 4 road,

from Table 1. ‘minor spur road max traffic volume 1000 tonnes per week’ ( Forest Practices Board, 2000). The

road culvert carrying the un-named drainage path has been designed with a 1 in 10 year flood reoccurrence

interval. The ‘Rational method’ has been used to design the culvert (see appendix 1 for calculations).

The results of the calculations indicate that a single 600 diameter concrete culvert pipe with an exposed socket

end will carry the design 1 in 10 year reoccurrence interval flow. The culvert pipes will be laid in the base of the

drainage path under dry conditions ie. minimal flow, at a minimum grade of 2 percent to prevent siltation. Rip-

rap will be utilised at the outlet end in the modified stream bed to prevent erosion until vegetation can

stabilise the ground. A cross-section detail drawing of the pipe culvert design is included as Figure 10 below.

Figure 10. Cross section through pipe culvert installed in existing drainage path

4.2.6. Sediment retention capacity

The primary sediment retention facility is designed to contain a 1 in 20 year reoccurrence flood volume from

the stage 1 and 1A extraction areas. The total developed area of stage 1 and 1A is 4.4 hectares. Of this area

approximately 3.2 hectares is extraction area and 1.2 hectares is devoted to processing and stockpiling. The

extraction areas will be fractured below the bench surface level to a depth between 1.0 to 1.5 metres. This

provides an initial run-off storage capacity estimated here as 5 percent voids.

The calculations included in appendix 2 indicate that the primary sediment retention pond should have a

surface area of 400 square metres and a bottom area of 300 square metres and an average depth of 1.0

metres to provide a capacity of 340 cubic metres. The secondary sediment retention pond should have a

surface area of 600 square metres and a bottom area of 400 square metres with an average depth of 1.1

metres to provide a capacity in excess of 520 cubic metres. This capacity will cater for the worst case scenario

for run-off during the life of the quarry. The overflow from the secondary retention pond will be a diffuse

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600 diameter SJ pipe culvert on existing drainage bed invert

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discharge through a number of PVC outlet pipes into the intact vegetation some 100 metres distant from a

natural drainage path.

The overflow from the primary pond to the secondary pond via the table drain will be restricted by a 150

diameter PVC pipe so if the primary pond’s capacity is exceeded the overflow will spill onto the processing

area and be retained. The overflow pipe will only add around 18 cubic metres to the secondary retention

system each hour.

The secondary retention pond will be constructed as part of the initial quarry establishment and for much of

the life of the quarry will act as a backup system to the primary retention pond.

4.3. Noise emissions


Noise emission standards are included in:


Environment Protection and Pollution Control (Miscellaneous Noise) Regulations 2004


4.3.2. Effect

Quarry operations, particularly blasting and crushing generate noise that can become a nuisance for neighbours. Earthmoving equipment working and trucks operating generate noise from reversing beepers, engine noise and noise from materials being loaded.


The recommended separation distance between quarry blasting activities and sensitive uses is 1000 metres (DPIWE, 1999) (Meander Valley Council, 2007). The only existing dwellings located near the site are outside this distance. The closest dwelling to the site is located at 164 Maroneys Road and is 1250 metres distant from the mining lease boundary (see Figure 7.). The actual workings will be further removed from the boundary. Blasting noise and vibration is best attenuated by topography (DPIWE, 1999). The dwellings are located east and northeast of the site while the quarry operation will take place on a southwest face of the outcrop. The air blast will tend to be deflected towards the south west. An elevated plateau intervenes between the valley where the operation is located and the valley where the dwellings are located.

Areas to the south, west and northwest are currently occupied by plantation forestry and hence protect the quarry from encroachment by sensitive uses. The area to the north and northeast has dwellings on small parcels but is zoned rural in the current and the new draft planning schemes. Residential development is strictly controlled in the rural zone (Meander Valley Council, 1995) (Meander Valley Council, 2007).

Blasting will be undertaken by fully qualified personnel and the selection of detonators, arrangement of holes and delays between shot holes will be designed to minimise air blast over pressure and ground vibration. Blasting will normally occur during normal working hours on weekdays. The extraction areas will be developed so that once the initial bench is formed all subsequent activities will take place behind the barrier of the top face (see mining plans Figure 11. and cross section through Stage 1 Figure 4.). The mining plans included as Figure 11. show the sequence of mining for the stage 1 extraction area, the subsequent mining areas will be developed similarly.



To comply with the Environmental Management and Pollution Control (Miscellaneous Noise) Regulations 2004 the noise emitted by the crusher and screen, excavator and loader needs to be less than 103 dB when measured from 7.5 metres away.

The Environment Management and Pollution Control Act 1994 (TAS) requires that noise emissions from an industry must not create a nuisance. The Quarry Code of Practice states that an acceptable standard is a noise level of 10 dB above ambient levels. For operations with extended working hours (outside 07:00 to 19:00 weekdays and 08:00 to 16:00 weekends) or where sensitive uses are likely to be affected a level of 5 dB above ambient is acceptable.

No sound level measurements are available for the specific machinery operating on this site. All the equipment that will be used on the site is currently operating at other locations and is well maintained with proprietary silencers fitted. A significant factor in the generation of noise from a quarry site is the drop distance for feeding the hopper on the mobile crusher. Industry best practice quarrying requires that this distance is minimised by careful processing area layout planning and machine operation. The site was chosen because there are no sensitive uses in close proximity and no prospect for sensitive uses to be introduced into a buffer zone of 1000 metres surrounding the site.

“Topographical features provide the most effective ‘in line’ reduction of sound levels” (DPIWE, 1999). A combination of the attenuation distance to the nearest sensitive use and the topography will minimise the risk of normal operating noise from the quarry becoming a nuisance to the public. Noise may affect users of the section of the Tasmanian Trail which skirts around the site for a short distance.

The Tasmania Trail is a multiple use recreation trail extending between Devonport and Dover. The trail links up existing forestry roads, fire trails and country roads and is used by walkers, mountain bikers and horse riders. The trail is managed by a non-profit state-wide incorporated body, the northern regional contact is Jane Becker contactable at [email protected].

The risk of trail users being affected by quarry operating noise is mitigated by:

infrequent use of the quarry and the trail will make clashes unlikely,

no camping areas are located in the vicinity of the quarry so trail users are unlikely to stay in the area,

the trail runs through an area of highly modified land with no places of interest so trail users are most likely to move through this area quickly, and

the trail comes off the Highland Lakes Road at the quarry access road, so an operating quarry would not be ‘out of place’ against a background of traffic noise and in a landscape of plantation forestry.

4.3.4. Commitments 4.3.4.1. Blasting will be undertaken by fully qualified personnel and will comply with AS 2187.1-

1998 Explosives-Storage, transport and use, Part 1: Storage, AS 2187.2-2006, Explosives-Storage and Use Part 2: Use of explosives and the Australian Explosives Code (AEC).

4.3.4.2. The blasting plan will be designed to minimise air blast overpressure and ground vibration and the limits described in the Quarry Code of Practice will not be exceeded.

4.3.4.3. The extraction areas will be developed so that a face will remain between quarrying activities and the distant dwellings.

4.3.4.4. All machinery will be well maintained with proprietary silencers fitted. 4.3.4.5. Process area layout and machine operation will comply with industry best practice to

minimise noise emissions.

mailto:[email protected]



Figure 11. Mining plans showing Stage 1 development to rehabilitation

Stage 1 stockpiling and processing area established

Stripping arranged on down-slope side of earthworks

600 dia. Pipe culvert installed road and basin overflow over.

Figure 11.1. Year 1 - Western end of Stage 1

Stripping

Mobile crusher and screen

50 m

50 m

100 m

Increase size of retention basin

Retain natural vegetation

Figure 11.2. Develop top bench first

Continue to widen top bench processing still on bottom bench


2500 m2 stripped and top 8 m high

face taken back to full extent.

Figure 11.3. Develop lower benches


Retain natural vegetation

0 50 100 150 200 250

Figure 11.4. Start revegetation




4.4. Solid and controlled waste management


Standards for the storage and disposal of general and controlled waste are included in:


Environment Management and Pollution Control (Waste Management) Regulations 2000


4.4.2. Effect

During construction and operation earthwork activities can generate waste. Grease cartridges and rags if discarded on the site have potential to cause hydrocarbon emissions into the surrounding environment. Discarded food scraps and wrappers and stored chemicals can cause discomfort or injury to native wildlife.


There will be no permanent facilities or structures erected on site so at the end of each stage of development during construction and each campaign during operation everything brought onto site can be taken away.

Any materials or wastes stored onsite will be secured in containers with lids until removal at the completion of works. No waste materials will be discarded on the site or buried under embankments or other earthworks.

4.4.4. Commitments 4.4.4.1. Anything taken onto the site will be removed at the culmination of each stage of

construction or campaign during operation. 4.4.4.2. Anything stored on site will be secured in a robust container with a lid.

4.5. Dangerous goods


Standards on the storage, handling and transport of dangerous goods are included in:


Dangerous Goods (General) Regulations 1998


Security-Sensitive Dangerous Substances Act 2005 (TAS)

4.5.2. Effect

Activities likely to occur during construction and operation of the quarry will involve transport, handling, use and disposal of dangerous goods. These goods if handled inappropriately can have an immediate or chronic adverse impact to the health and well being of the employees and the receiving environment.


No hydrocarbons or explosives will be stored onsite. Where these goods are required a quantity suitable to service the day’s activities will be transported to the site, used and any unused goods will be removed at the end of the day.

Machinery will be refuelled onsite using a purpose-built mobile facility and a spill kit will be available for immediate deployment should a spill occur. If hydrocarbons enter the sediment retention facilities absorbent



booms will be utilised to prevent escape into the receiving environment.

Explosives will be transported to the site, stored during the day and used by fully qualified professionals. All activities involving transport, storage and use of explosives will occur in accordance with the requirements of the relevant legislation and Australian Standards.

4.5.4. Commitments 4.5.4.1. No fuel will be stored on site and any re-fuelling spills will be immediately captured with

a spill kit and booms. 4.5.4.2. Activities involving explosives transport, storage and use will be undertake by fully

qualified personnel and will comply with AS 2187.1-1998 Explosives-Storage, transport and use, Part 1: Storage, AS 2187.2-2006, Explosives-Storage and Use Part 2: Use of explosives and the Australian Explosives Code (AEC).

4.6. Biodiversity and nature conservation values


Requirements for identifying natural values and protecting biodiversity are included in:

Crown Lands Act 1976 (Tas)

Forest Practices Act 1985 (TAS)

Threatened Species Protection Act 1995 (TAS)

Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth)


Forest Practices Code 2000

4.6.2. Effect

The site selected for the quarry is surrounded by plantation forests but the development of the extraction areas and associated infrastructure will disturb native forest on the ridgeline and regrowth forest on the mid-slopes. Any ground disturbance within native vegetation can have an adverse impact on communities, populations and individual species.


Patches of remnant vegetation surrounded by a highly modified environment must be of an appropriate size and shape to be sustainable. Forest and woodland communities provide habitat to species that normally require a significant range for populations to survive. Long and thin shaped remnants of native vegetation suffer from edge effects making them vulnerable to weed disease incursions (Lindenmayer & Fischer, 2006). The site for this development is located in a narrow remnant of the native vegetation community; however it is connected to larger tracts of forest and woodland. The Eucalyptus plantations although substantially modified would not pose the same level of risk as agricultural or residential land.

It is possible that the native vegetation community where the development is proposed has significant natural values. To guarantee that any significant flora or fauna values associated with this tract of land are identified a detailed flora and fauna survey and assessment has been undertaken. The field survey was targeted at particular species known to inhabit the vegetation communities on this site and in this region. The survey was undertaken by a fully qualified and experienced professional and performed in November when many plants are flowering and conditions for observation are good. The full report is included in the Appendices.

Preliminary surveys found records of four Aquila audax ssp. fleayi (wedge-tailed eagle) nests located within 5000 metres of the site. These records were dated in the 1980’s and it is likely that the observations were made as part of forestry operation planning. The closest of these sites (#190) is located 1150 metres from the edge of the proposed Stage 2 extraction area. Activities that may disturb eagle breeding may not occur closer



than 1000 metres from a nest with a direct line of sight or otherwise no closer than 500 metres. The nest #190 if it still exists is outside the minimum buffer but more importantly the works will take place on the southern face of a prominent ridgeline while the nest is located to the north. The ridgeline will screen the works both visually and will provide some noise attenuation.

In the intervening years since the nests were observed forestry operations have taken place on the privately owned land to the west, east and south of the site and on the Forestry Tasmania managed land to the north. The site itself was logged in the 1980’s and the likelihood of a nest being established in the interim was considered low because wedge-tailed eagles “require large trees in old growth forest for successful nesting.” (Milner, 2008)

The botanical survey included a specific search for wedge-tailed eagle nests in the study area which included the buffer area between the site and the Highland Lakes Road. The conditions for identifying an eagle nest were good in that the forest has a very open canopy and the emergent trees are not tall. The consulting botanist reported that “...no nests were observed during the survey.” (Milner, 2008).

The flora and fauna survey also found:

no plants listed under the threatened species legislation apparent on the site,

two threatened vegetation communities located between the site and the Highland Lakes Road but outside the lease boundary,

one fauna species Lathamus discolour (swift parrot) observed in the forest community adjacent to the Highland Lakes Road,

two species of environmental weed Ulex europa (gorse) and Cirsium vulgare (spear thistle) on the side of Highland Lakes Road and the access road, and

no evidence of the presence of Phytophthora cinnamomi (root rot fungus).

The subsequent report arising from the flora and fauna study made a number of recommendations. The responses to the recommendations by this management plan are discussed below:

The access road should be confined to the existing area of disturbance where it traverses the threatened vegetation community (DOV) located over the water course.

The existing formation for the access road will need to be raised over the water course to give a satisfactory vertical alignment leading into the junction with the Highland Lakes Road. There is sufficient width in the current clearing to achieve this without disturbing more of the native vegetation.

That portion of the (DAS) forest community between the Highland Lakes Road and the site should be protected with an exclusion zone.

This community is outside the mining lease area and provisions within this management plan will ensure that areas outside the lease boundary will not suffer adverse effects.

No action is required for the protection of threatened flora.

The provisions above will protect foraging habitat for the threatened species Lathamus discolour.

An additional survey is required focusing on the ridge top area looking a tree hollows for signs of active nests of Accipiter novaehollandiae, Tyoto novaehollandiae, or Lathamus discolour and dens for Sarcophilus harrisii and Dasyurus maculatus.

An additional survey was undertaken and found no indication that active dens or nests of threatened fauna species were present within the area that will be disturbed by the stage 1 development.

A management plan for controlling the environmental weeds Ulex europa and Cirsium vulgare is required.

The observed weeds and others presenting will be controlled by the implementation of the following measures:

1. All machinery will be thoroughly cleaned to ensure that it is weed seed free before being taken to the site. Cleaning will include digging out tracks, hosing under-chassis areas and sweeping out cabin floors.

2. No topsoil will be taken on site either deliberately for rehabilitation or accidentally ie laden trucks for ferrying personnel.

3. A monitoring and control program will include an annual inspection of the lease area for new



infestations of weeds and the application of selective herbicide sprays to individual plants or where native vegetation is vulnerable ‘cut stump’ application. Herbicide selection and application details will be in accordance with DPIWE Service Sheets (DPIWE-A, 2002) (DPIWE-B, 2002) and manufacturers recommendations.

A management plan for preventing the introduction of Phytophthora cinnamomi is required.

The introduction of Phytophthora cinnamomi will be prevented by the above measures plus the following additional measures:

4. Maintaining good drainage to prevent mud forming on the active area of the site. 5. Ensuring that employees are aware of Phytophthora cinnamomi symptoms and can identify its

presence on other sites they visit. 6. Stockpiling topsoil and stripping so as to drain away from the working areas of the site. 7. The annual inspection for weeds will include a visual assessment of signs of Phytophthora cinnamomi

in susceptible species.

4.6.4. Commitments 4.6.4.1. Modifications to the existing access road height and alignment will not encroach on the

native vegetation community Eucalyptus ovata forest and woodland (DOV). 4.6.4.2. There will be no impact during construction or operation of the quarry on native

vegetation communities outside the mining lease boundary. 4.6.4.3. Measures 1. to 7. of 4.6.3. will be adopted as a weed and disease management plan to

control existing weeds and protect the site against the introduction of new weeds and diseases.

4.7. Greenhouse gases and ozone depleting substances


The community today expects that an industry understands its potential to generate greenhouse gases and how it can minimise the contribution it makes to greenhouse gas emissions.

4.7.2. Effect

Quarrying generates greenhouse gases directly by burning liquid fuels to power machinery, by the indirect transport of those fuels and by the removal of carbon sinks (forest).


This quarry operation will be efficient in that the distance between the extraction face, processing area and stockpiling area is minimal especially in the stage 1 operation. This has the effect of reducing internal travelling times and the need for cartage equipment. Quick turnaround times will mean minimal idling time which reduces green house gas emissions and well as costs.

Best practice quarrying in forested areas requires the operator undertake absolute minimal clearing and early rehabilitation and revegetation of worked-out areas. Minimising the disturbance to standing forests has a benefit in that more forest can contribute as green house gas reduction as carbon sinks.

This quarry development has the potential to make a contribution to reducing green house gas contributions from the construction of road infrastructure by being strategically placed for upcoming road reconstruction activities. If a contract to reconstruct the Highland Lakes Road were serviced from this site rather than alternative sites substantial green house gas savings could be realised.

4.7.4. Commitments 4.7.4.1. Best practice quarrying methods will be applied to arrange activities to reduce

unnecessary onsite cartage and forest disturbance.



4.8. Heritage


Requirements for identifying cultural heritage values and protecting sites and artefacts are included in:

Aboriginal Relics Act 1975 (TAS)

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act 1984 (Cth)

Historic Cultural Heritage Act 1995 (TAS)

4.8.2. Effect

Vegetation clearing and ground disturbance can have an adverse effect on sites and items of Aboriginal or historic cultural heritage.


The closest historic place registered on the Australian Historic Places Inventory is ‘Calstock’ which is an historic estate with a house and stables located on the Lakes Highway south of Deloraine. No other places of interest are located nearby and it is considered highly unlikely that the quarry development will disturb any historic cultural heritage.

The Tasmanian Aboriginal Site Index has records of isolated artefacts and scatters close to the site in areas where surveys have been undertaken for plantation development. It is possible that artefacts could be disturbed by clearing and construction activities. A full and comprehensive Aboriginal cultural heritage field survey was undertaken by a suitably qualified Aboriginal cultural heritage officer and a report prepared based of the findings.

The field survey found no artefacts within the areas marked for disturbance although the dense vegetation made it not possible to be completely satisfied that artefacts did not exist. An area of the exposed rock face that is overhanging appeared to be a location that might well have been used as a shelter by Aboriginal people. No artefacts were located in or around the overhang even though the ground cover here was less dense.

The heritage officer has requested that further work should be undertaken once the proposal is approved and clearing has begun. The full report is included in the Appendices.

4.8.4. Commitments 4.8.4.1. Workers involved with the construction of infrastructure will adhere to legislation and

report any item exposed that appears may have aboriginal cultural heritage significance. 4.8.4.2. An additional targeted aboriginal cultural heritage survey will be undertaken once

construction works are underway.

4.9. Land use and development


Requirements for controlling land use and development are included in:

Meander Valley Planning Scheme 1995 (last amended 2006)

Meander Valley (Draft) Planning Scheme 2007

4.9.2. Effect

A new development can have a detrimental effect on neighbouring properties, and the region if it is



inappropriate to its social economic or environmental setting. Planning Schemes set out the desired arrangement of development and control the impact a development may have by requiring compliance with the provisions of the scheme.


The following section will demonstrate that the proposed development of a hard rock quarry off Highland Lakes Road does comply with the provisions of the Meander Valley Planning Scheme 1995. The numbering in this section complies with the Planning Scheme document for clarity and ease of use.

PART ONE – ABOUT THIS SCHEME 1.8 Planning Scheme Strategy 1.8.3 Rural Strategy The rural strategy is to facilitate a range of uses such as forestry, farming and mineral extraction in order to foster economic development and generate employment whilst approving development that protects the environment and amenity for the community and visitors. The strategy also provides for consideration of cultural and social interests. The proposal to utilise 23 hecares for the extraction of a range of quartz gravel products will provide the following benefits to the Meander Valley Community:

Development of the resource will inject $300,000 into the local economy;

The establishment of the quarry will provide resource certainty;

Growth in development as a result of the construction of the Meander Dam will increase demand for a variety of gravel products; and

The resource will be located close to demand requiring shorter haulage distances which in turn will a result in a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

Therefore it is evident that the proposal is consistent with the Meander Valley rural strategy. 1.8.3 Settlement, Use and Development Strategies (21) Mineral Extraction Strategy This provision encourages the development of mineral resources where conservation, scenic, amenity and road access concerns can been addressed. This report demonstrates that each of the above concerns can be effectively managed while at the same time allowing for the development to proceed.

PART TWO – PLANNING CONTROLS 2.1 Regulation of the Use, Development, Protection and Conservation of Land Development and use of mineral resources (quarry) is defined in the scheme as Industry Low/ Medium/ High Impact. This is a Discretionary use in the Rural zone RU1 and will therefore require a permit. 2.2 Application for a permit 2.2.1 The mining lease and quarry development is situated wholly on Crown Land that is designated as State Forest and as such is managed by Forestry Tasmania. The Mersey District Forest Manager has been notified of the mining lease and the submission of this proposal and has suggested a compensation agreement that is satisfactory. A copy of an email with the agreement conditions is included as Appendix 8. 2.2.1 State Policy on Water Quality Management. Water quality has been considered in detail in Section 4.2 of the main report. 2.3 Use or Development in zones 2.3.1 The proposed use (quarry) is categorised as Industry Low/ Medium/ High Impact. 2.3.2 and 2.6 Industry is Discretionary in the RU1.



2.10 Consideration of an Application for a permit Before granting, either conditionally or subject to conditions on, or refusing a permit for a use or development, Council shall take into consideration:

Stand Response

a) The Goal and objectives of the scheme, settlement, use and development strategies, zone intent and policies, relevant development standards and other relevant considerations of the scheme.

Refer to PART ONE above for strategic consideration. Refer below for zone intent and other relevant standards

b) Any relevant proposals, reports or requirements of any persons

Requirements of Forestry – see Appendix 8

c) Whether the land is subject to a range of hazards. The fire risk to the land is discussed in Section 4.14.

d) Whether the proposed use and development is satisfactory in terms of its siting, size or appearance and levels of emissions.

A description of the site is included in Section 2.1. Adjoining land uses are discussed in section 3.1. Landscape impacts are discussed in section 4.10. Cultural significance is discussed in section 4.8. Relevant pollution or hazards are discussed in sections 4.1., 4.2., 4.3. and 4.4.

e) Any provisions of Part 4 of the Scheme not listed in this clause

See general provisions Part four in this section.

f) Whether there is adequate provision of landscaping, amenity, facilities and illumination for the development, and the treatment of the site generally;

The treatment of the site for a quarry refers to progressive rehabilitation and is discussed in section 5.1.

g) Whether the proposed use or development will adversely affect the existing and planned future use of adjacent land, and vice versa;

This topic is discussed in section 4.17. and 4.11.

h) Whether the proposed development will be supplied with an adequate level of infrastructure and services without detriment to existing uses;

The requirement for off-site infrastructure is discussed in Section 2.2.

i) Whether the proposed use or development is adequately served by roads

The competency of the existing road network is discussed in Section 4.18. and below.

j) Whether the assessed impact of the proposed use or development is acceptable in terms of road safety, amenity and efficiency

A TIA prepared for the proposal is discussed in section 4.18. and included as appendix 7

k) The objectives of the RMPS The objectives of the RMPS largely relate to sustainable and strategic development that provides social and economic development while ensuring safety and protecting the environment. This proposal demonstrates consistency with these objectives.

l) The circumstances of the case and the public interest; and

See Part 1 of the Planning Scheme discussion

PART THREE – ZONING PROVISIONS 3.6.Rural zone (RU1) 3.6.1 Zone Intent



Both the current and the new draft planning schemes show that the quarry site is and will remain zoned rural. The draft planning scheme indicates that the zone maybe rural resource. The current planning scheme states the intent of the rural zone is:

“(1) To provide for the use and development of the physical, economic, conservation and cultural resources of the Rural zone and the activities that support this primary purpose.

(2) To ensure the protection of access to and sustainable development of resources and provide appropriate processes for resolving competing interests.

(3) Rural zone is to conserve:

(a) resources for economic development; ...”

(Meander Valley Council, 1995)

The draft planning scheme also states that the purpose of the rural resource zone is:

“14.1.1 To provide for the sustainable use or development of resources for agriculture, aquaculture, forestry, mining and other primary industries. (Pending decision of the RPDC relating to the current Scheme amendment to incorporate the State Policy on the Protection of Agricultural Land and the strategy for agricultural land.)”

(Meander Valley Council, 2007)

In both planning schemes the intended activity is consistent with the intent of the zone. No zone that may allow a conflicting sensitive use is located anywhere near the site. The most common sensitive use that is affected by an operating quarry is residential use. Residential development is prohibited in the rural zones in each planning scheme unless the residence is integral to an agricultural use.

3.6.2 Zone Policies (2) This policy is proposed to facilitate forestry and mining activities in appropriate locations. The proposal is for a quarry which is considered to be a mining activity and is well screened by existing forestry and is more than 1.25km from the nearest sensitive use. Therefore the proposal is consistent with the policy. (3) The proposal is consistent with the policy to conserve areas of scenic value whilst providing sustainable economic activity. This has been demonstrated in the discussions included in section 4.10. (5) although the land is zoned Rural, it is an area that was harvested for logs approximately 30 years ago and consists largely of forest regrowth. It is not suitable for agricultural purposes therefore policies to develop new agricultural pursuits or limit forestry and mining industries are not relevant. Additionally, the proposal will not require Council to provide additional services and will not impose on any corridors identified for future urban expansion. 3.6.3 Development requirements and Standards in the Rural (RUI) zone (1) No subdivision is proposed. (2) No structures are proposed therefore height and setback standards are not relevant. PART FOUR - GENERAL PROVISIONS 4.1 - 4.4 The proposal is located in an unsewered area, however the development does not include structures that might require site services. There will be no requirement to relocate boundaries or reorganise titles or any need for minor subdivision, therefore these standards are not applicable to this proposal. 4.5 There is an ephemeral watercourse located on the site. A detailed discussion in relation to this matter is included in section 4.2. 4.6 – 4.7 here is no unstable or contaminated land on the site, therefore these standards are not applicable.



4.8 The land is subject to bushfire hazard however, given the proposal does not include buildings, this standard does not apply to this proposal. 4.9 The proposed location for the quarry id not located in a scenic protection area. However visual impact is discussed in detail in section 4.10. 4.10 The proposal is not located in a Karst area therefore this standard is not applicable. 4.11 the proposal does involve the removal of trees across an area that is greater than 1 ha. A Forest Practices Plan has been prepared in accordance with advice from the District Forest Manager. A copy of the Forest Practices Plan is included in as Appendix 9. 4.12 Section 4.1, 4.2, 4.3 and 4.4 of this report consider emissions and the potential for environmental nuisance and attenuation distances. This report has demonstrated that the proposal can achieve the emission standards proposed under the planning scheme. PART FIVE – CAR PARKING The proposal does not include any structures and will not involve the regular employment of any staff members, therefore this standard is not applicable. However, there will be large areas available for vehicles attending the site to undertake the expected intermittent activity. PART SIX – SIGNS No signs are proposed as part of this proposal other than those recommended to warn road users of heavy traffic movements and forest users of steep faces. PART SEVEN – ITEMS OF CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE There are no Historic heritage sites or items on this site. However the area was identified as having potential for Aboriginal heritage values. Therefore an Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Officer was engaged to undertake a site assessment in November 2008. A discussion in relation to the Aboriginal heritage values on the site is included in section 4.8. and a full report is included as Appendix 6. PART EIGHT The description of the use and development is included in Part 1 and 2 of this section.

4.9.4. Commitments 4.9.4.1. By applying the actions in this environmental management plan the Proponent will

ensure that the development complies with the provisions in the Planning Scheme

4.10. Visual effects


The quarry should not detract from the visual character of the landscape when viewed from accessible vantage points by locals and visitors.

4.10.2. Effect

The quarry can detract from the visual character of a scene by creating a pronounced scar in an otherwise homogenous landscape. The quarry proposal rests in a working forest that at different times will have areas of remnant natural forest, areas of clear felling, areas of young and mature plantations. Within this mosaic the quarry will stand out against all but the clear felled areas.




The proposed quarry is located within a previously harvested forest with a current vegetative cover of semi-mature regrowth. The regeneration has been inconsistent and some areas have a canopy of trees while others have a dense understorey with emergent isolated trees. The forest cover is not homogenous and hence clearings within the forest are less obtrusive.

The privately managed forest surrounding the proposed quarry is active and has mature plantations, young plantations and areas of clear felling. It is likely that harvesting activities will continue as more plantations reach maturity. New and existing areas of ‘clear fell’ create a pattern over the landscape that has the effect of lessening the impact of a single clearing that will result from the quarry development. This is especially true when the landscape is observed from a distant and elevated vantage point such as Quamby Bluff.

The site of the proposed quarry was chosen, in part because it allowed access to the resource in a location where the majority of the activities will take place behind a screening ridgeline. The ridgeline runs parallel to the Highland Lakes Road and only 250 metres distant. Stages 1 and 1A of the extraction area and the processing and stockpiling areas are located another 300 metres away. A cross-section showing the view line from Highland Lakes Road across to the Stage 1 quarry is presented in Figure 12. It can be seen that the topography completely interrupts the view and visual screening does not rely upon vegetation.

Plate 5 is a panorama taken from approximately chainage 400 along Highland Lakes Road from the access junction towards Golden Valley. The intervening ridgeline can be seen through the roadside forest vegetation.

Plate 5 Panorama taken from Highland Lakes Road looking through road side forest to the ridgeline beyond.

The Stage 2 extraction area occupies the north western end of the mining lease and the ridgeline does not intervene between the quarry and the road. The mining plan for stage 2 has been altered and extraction will take place in a slot, leaving an elevated ridge of natural ground to provide a visual screen. In this manner the visual impact of the quarry will be reduced and the existing forest will be retained to screen that portion of the quarry that would otherwise be visible.

The vegetation community that occurs adjacent to the Highland Lakes Road provides substantial immediate screening especially for observers travelling along the road in vehicles. The flora and fauna survey commissioned by the proponent has identified this community as “Eucalyptus ovata forest and woodland, a community which is listed as threatened under the Act” (Milner, 2008). Although this forest is outside the mining lease its listing under the act means it is unlikely to be disturbed and will continue to provide a visual screen. The view in plate 6 shows the view from an elevated position (approximate height of a bus passenger) looking towards the stage 2 extraction area from approximately chainage 00. The existing access road can be seen mid-field through the screening effect of the road side vegetation.



Plate 6 View from Highland Lakes Road looking north east towards the proposed stage 2 extraction area.

The proponent has entered into an agreement with the forest manager to compensate for lost earnings to guarantee that the forest on the mining lease will be retained to provide visual screening for the life of the quarry. The areas to be retained are described as ‘vegetation screens’ on Figure 2. The retained vegetation screen located on the mining lease will mitigate the risk of the neighbouring plantation forest being clear felled up to the road reserve boundary and exposing the stage 2 operation.

4.10.4. Commitments 4.10.4.1. Topography will screen the Stage 1 and Stage 1A operations from travellers on the

Highland Lakes Road. 4.10.4.2. The proponent will maintain a compensation agreement with the land manager to ensure

the retention of the forest located on the mining lease and marked as vegetation screen.



Figure 12. Cross-sections at chainage 00 and 400 along Highland Lakes Road showing the line of sight towards the proposed quarry



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Cross-section chainage 400 on Highland Lakes Road towards Golden Valley bearing 450 true

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4.11. Socio-economic issues


The proposal should offer a net benefit to the community.

4.11.2. Effect

The quarry can detract from the community’s socio-economic budget by restricting recreational opportunities, devaluing land and degrading the scenic appeal and tourist experience.

The development of a new quarry will enhance physical development opportunities by offering high quality construction materials, providing capital investment and perhaps additional employment.


Current use of the site is to be restricted to motorcycle enthusiasts who use the many tracks and roads. Apart from a very local interruption caused by the boom gate and the stripping stockpiles protecting the faces very little land will be made inaccessible to these users.

The 1000 metre buffer around the quarry that will prohibit any sensitive use is entirely zoned rural and residential development is already difficult to achieve in this zone in the planning scheme. The land in this buffer will not suffer a loss in value associated with the development of the quarry.

The visual amenity and tourist experience for travellers on the Highland Lakes road will not be degraded by the quarry. Users of the Tasmanian Trail will perceive the operation as conforming to the background of highway infrastructure and plantation forestry.

The proponent will invest around $300k in labour, equipment hours and material during the construction phase of this project. Annual investment will be in the order of a further $300k. The method of operation will mean that much of this investment will be in sub-contractors, consultants and machinery hire which will be a direct injection into northern Tasmania’s economy.

The Meander Dam will facilitate significant development opportunities in a region that derives much of its wealth from agricultural production. A source of high quality construction materials located close to the region’s centre of business will enhance the economics of realising these development opportunities.

4.11.4. Commitments 4.11.4.1. The quarry will provide a new source of high grade construction materials by either

providing fines to enhance dolerite quarried from another source or by providing R40 grade road base in its own right.

4.11.4.2. The quarry operation will not detract from local property values or the experience of visitor to the area.

4.11.4.3. The proponent is likely to inject around $300k during the construction phase and around $300k annually thereafter in operating the quarry.

4.12. Health and safety issues


Workplace Health and Safety Act 1995

Workplace Health and Safety Regulations 1998



4.12.2. Effect

The quarry will have high faces that could present a health and safety risk to the public.

Heavy earthmoving operations pose a level of risk to employees working on the site.


The quarry faces will be no higher than some of the existing natural faces. There will be stripping stockpiles located behind the top of the faces to alert any forest users to the changed situation. The main access will be protected with a boom gate that will be locked further restricting access. Signs will be installed on alternative access points to alert the public to the hazard.

All employees working on the site will be fully trained and experienced in the safe operation of their machines and safe quarrying practices (see appendices for examples of the proponent’s induction system for new employees). Blasting activities will be undertaken by fully trained and qualified professional personnel. The proponent currently uses Orica for the drilling and blasting activities at the other operating quarries.

4.12.4. Commitments 4.12.4.1. Public access to the quarry site will be restricted by a boom gate and warning signs. 4.12.4.2. All activities undertaken on the site will be performed by trained professional personnel.

4.13. Hazard analysis and risk assessment


The major hazards to public health, safety and the environment as a result of the quarry going ahead should be quantified and mitigating actions identified.

4.13.2. Effect

Major hazards to the public and the environment resulting from an operating quarry include:

fly-rock from blasting hitting vehicles or other forest users,

a major hydrocarbon spill or leak escaping into the receiving environment, and

explosives stolen from the site being used for antisocial ends.


The hazards identified above are quantified using the matrix below:



The consequences of the fly-rock hazard are catastrophic, without controls even if the probability is unlikely the risk is still high. This risk is mitigated by locating the extraction areas at least 500 metres away from the Highland Lakes Road and by using a professional sub-contractor for all blasting activities. The blast design will take into account changes in geology, the surrounding topography and the powder factors will be designed to minimise the risk.

Blast wardens will ensure that no traffic enters the area when a shot is fired and a warden will also be sent along the Tasmanian Trial to ensure that no other users are in the vicinity. These measures will be additional to standard signs and sirens that will warn professional forest workers of the hazard.

The consequence of a hydrocarbon spill is also catastrophic as the drainage system will carry the emission outside the lease area and into natural drainage paths. This risk is mitigated through site design by limiting the volume of hydrocarbons on the site to a level where spill kits and booms can readily mop up. No fuels will be stored on site and equipment will be re-fuelling using purpose built mobile facility. Employees will be aware and trained in the use of the clean up equipment.

The risk of explosives theft is mitigated through compliance with the Security-sensitive Dangerous Substances Act 2005 (TAS) and the Security-sensitive Dangerous Substances Regulations 2005.

4.13.4. Commitments 4.13.4.1. Blast wardens will be used to ensure that no vehicles enter the blast area immediately

prior to a shot being fired. 4.13.4.2. A separate blast warden will walk up the Tasmania Trail to ensure that no walkers or

cyclists enter the blast area immediately prior to a shot being fired. 4.13.4.3. Explosives storage and handling will comply with the Security-sensitive Dangerous

Substances Act 2005 (TAS) and the Security-sensitive Dangerous Substances Regulations 2005.



4.14. Fire risk


Minimise the risk to employees from wildfires in the surrounding forest and the risk to the forest from fire escaping from the site.

4.14.2. Effect

Employees working on the site are surrounded by forest and in the event of a wildfire could become trapped.

Maintaining heavy earthmoving machinery often involves hot work including welding and grinding which can pose a risk to the surrounding forest.


Employees located on the site will have a form of continuous communication with the operator’s main depot at Deloraine. When fires are reported in the area the employees on site will be contacted and operations halted temporarily and the employees will be redeployed until the threat has passed.

The Proponent, in conjunction with Forestry Tasmania (Mersey District) will develop a Fire Management Plan for the site. No hot work will occur on the site on days of total fire ban. On other days hot work will only occur with an appropriate form of fire suppression equipment at the ready for immediate deployment.

4.14.4. Commitments 4.14.4.1. A form of communication will enable employees on the site to be warned of a wildfire

hazard. 4.14.4.2. A Fire Management Plan will be developed in conjunction with Forestry Tasmania. 4.14.4.3. All hot work on the site can only occur with fire suppression equipment at the ready.

4.15. Infrastructure and off-site ancillary facilities


Minimise the adverse impact on public infrastructure resulting from the development.

4.15.2. Effect

For periods during construction there will be minor interruptions to traffic on Highland Lakes Road as a result of access improvements.

It will be necessary to post blast wardens on the Highland Lakes Road to ensure that no vehicles are in the vicinity when a shot is fired. Once the OK is given for a shot any vehicles approaching will be temporarily delayed under the area is safe.


The junction between the Highland Lakes Road and the access to the quarry will require improvements. The access road alignment will be straightened in order to intersect closer a high point in the Highland Lakes Road. The access road vertical alignment will be raised to improve sight distance towards Golden Valley. These works will occur off the Highland Lakes Road with only a short period of activity occurring on the road verge. Traffic interruption will be confined to signage and a temporary speed reduction introduced. A single lane closure will be required while the shoulder of Highland Lakes Road is reinforced to increase the load carrying capacity. Traffic control will be managed by suitably qualified personnel.

Blast planning will include coordinating activities to avoid times that are likely to be busy on Highland Lakes Road such as Fridays, Mondays and Thursdays before long weekends. This will result in minimum disruption to traffic on the road. It will be necessary to send an individual along the Tasmanian Trail to ensure that no trail users are in or move into the area when a shot is fired. These precautions will be taken to supplement standard signs and sirens that will be used and are familiar to other forest users.



4.15.4. Commitments 4.15.4.1. Traffic interruptions as a result of road works will be controlled by suitably qualified

personnel and the interruption periods will be kept to a minimum. 4.15.4.2. Interruptions to traffic and other forest users as a result of quarrying activities will be

minimised and strictly controlled.

4.16. Environmental management systems


Systems that will ensure the proponents actions in developing and operating the quarry do not cause an adverse impact on the environment.

4.16.2. Effect

The objective of an environmental management system is to guarantee that activities on the ground comply with best environmental practice for quarrying.


The requirements of this Development Proposal and Environmental Management Plan are based on the current codes of practice for quarrying and for forest operations. These codes are considered to be current industry best practice. The DPEMP not only sets out the performance criteria that are required to meet industry best practice but also describes in a practical sense how these criteria will be met.

The proponent and employees are committed to their environmental policy and seek to apply the philosophy to their day to day operations.

4.16.4. Commitments 4.16.4.1. The proponent and employees acknowledge their environmental policy and incorporate

the principles in their daily activities. 4.16.4.2. The proponent will comply with the environmental management plan incorporated into

this document, the conditions imposed by the permit and the mining lease. Another environmental management system is not considered necessary.

4.17. Cumulative and interactive effects


The cumulative effect of this proposal and other activities in the region should not conspire to create an adverse effect on the social or natural environment.

4.17.2. Effect

The total effect of a development may be larger when considered in combination with other activities.


The area surrounding the quarry is occupied by plantation forestry. This industry uses similar techniques to protect the environment as is proposed in this management plan. The combination of these two industries will be complementary and no additional impact should be felt.

The product extracted from this quarry is only available in small quantities from other sources. A local gravel quarry located near the public refuse disposal area has limited reserves and the other major operation at Pumicestone ridge is operated by the proponent and has limited development potential. The volume of road base material available from this quarry will not compete adversely with other operations.



4.17.4. Commitments 4.17.4.1. No adverse net effect will result from this activity when combined with surrounding

activities.

4.18. Traffic Impact assessment


Any impact on the traffic flow or safety on the existing road network needs to be quantified and measures introduced to minimise adverse effects

4.18.2. Effect

A new quarry will cause an increase in heavy vehicle traffic on a section of road as well as potential conflict at points where heavy vehicles are entering and exiting the Highland Lakes Road.


A Traffic Impact Assessment has been undertaken by a suitably qualified and experienced professional. The conclusions of the assessment show that the impact on traffic service for Highland Lakes Road will be negligible. However the existing access arrangement off Highland Lakes Road was found to be deficient. The access horizontal and vertical geometry must be improved to comply generally with Austroads Part 5 figure 6.61. (Austroads, 2005) see Figure 13. Additionally it is recommended that a ‘trucks entering’ sign is installed on the southern approach side of the access to warn oncoming vehicles. The complete Traffic Impact Assessment is included in the Appendices.

4.18.4. Commitments 4.18.4.1. The current access will be improved to comply generally with Austroads Part 5

figure 6.61. 4.18.4.2. A new sign warning of ‘trucks entering’ will be installed on the southern approach to

the access road.





Figure 13. Access road junction improvement - Details

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5. MONITORING AND REVIEW

5.1. Baseline studies

5.1.1. Watercourse health

An un-named watercourse runs parallel to the proposed quarry access road and joins another watercourse running parallel to the Highland Lakes Road. The combined water course runs through an existing culvert under the access road close to the junction with the Highland Lakes Road. A visual assessment will be made of the health of this watercourse prior to the works commencing.

5.1.2. Vegetation assessment

The flora and fauna report prepared for this document will form the baseline study for reporting on habitat health during the construction and operation phases of the development.

5.2. Construction and operation phase monitoring

5.2.1. Water course

During construction and operation phases the health of the water course will be monitored by keeping a photographic record. Assessment criteria will be confined to turbidity and obvious sedimentation. The cause of any changes to the watercourse will be analysed and if the quarry is responsible corrective action will be taken to remedy the problem.


During construction and operation phases the natural vegetation will be monitored by keeping a photographic record. Assessment criteria will be confined to the extent of clearing, success of natural colonisation of disturbed areas and the introduction of weeds and disease. The cause of any changes to the health of the surrounding forest will be analysed and if the quarry is responsible corrective action will be taken to remedy the problem

5.2.3. Cultural heritage

During the construction phase an additional aboriginal cultural heritage survey will be undertaken. This subsequent report will inform future planning regarding the likelihood of activities disturbing sites or artefacts.

5.2.4. Air blast overpressure and ground vibration

In the initial stages of developing the first bench of Stage 1 noise monitoring will be conducted in accordance with the Noise Measurement Procedures Manual prepared by the Director of Environmental Management and Pollution Control. These measurements will evaluate the actual noise pressure at the closest dwellings located on Maroney’s Road.

5.3. Reporting frequency

5.3.1. Watercourse health

The health of the watercourse running parallel to the Highland Lakes Road will be reported on after the major earthworks have been completed during the construction phase and within the DPEMP review that will be undertaken every five years during the operation of the quarry.


The health of the forest surrounding the quarry will be reported on within the DPEMP review that will be undertaken every five years during the operation of the quarry.

5.3.3. Air blast overpressure and ground vibration

Blast records will be maintained and compiled to be included in the DPEMP review undertaken every five years. These records will be available for scrutiny by regulators at any time during the operation of the quarry.



Any occasion where acceptable limits have been exceeded will be reported at that time along with an assessment of the likely reason for the deviation and a description of the measures introduced to prevent a reoccurrence.

5.4. Commitments 5.4.1. Watercourse health will be monitored and the assessment reported once during construction

and thereafter reports will be included in the regular DPEMP reviews. 5.4.2. An additional Aboriginal heritage survey will be undertaken during construction. 5.4.3. The health of the forest surrounding the quarry will be monitored and the assessment will be

included in the regular DPEMP reviews.

6. DECOMMISSIONING AND REHABILITATION

6.1. Progressive rehabilitation

6.1.1. Construction phase

Topsoil and vegetation cleared from the route for the access road to the stockpiling and process area in stage 1 will be laid down on the down-slope side of the works. As soon as the road is constructed a portion of the stripping and slash will be pulled up on the fill batter. This will help to initiate re-colonisation of the fill batters by natural seeding.

6.1.2. Operation phase

The mining plan calls for the top bench to be fully developed before extraction proceeds to the lower benches. As shown in Figure 11.4. once the lower benches are fully worked at the western end, rehabilitation can commence. This sequence of completing the lower benches and rehabilitating will continue until half way along the Stage 1 face. At this point work will commence on Stage 1A using a similar sequence. Once Stage 1A is operating the Stage 1 faces will be rehabilitated leaving the stockpiling, processing and vehicle manoeuvring areas of Stage 1 active. Stage 2 will commence while Stage 1A is still operating, however as soon as Stage 2 is producing Stage 1A will be rehabilitated.

This sequence of events may vary once the results of resource definition drilling are received. Some target materials may be located at different parts of the lease. If this is the case discrete areas of the various stages will become active concurrently and the rehabilitation effort may be more fragmented. The mining lease allows only five hectares of un-rehabilitated land for the site. The access road and sediment retention facilities and the Stage 1 stockpiling and processing area accounts for two hectares. These areas will remain un-rehabilitated until closure. The total area of un-rehabilitated land allowed for the extraction areas is therefore confined to three hectares.

The site of the quarry is at present an exposed rocky ridge with a flat top and precipitous faces on the southern side. An ephemeral drainage path is incised between the Stage 1 and Stage 2 production areas. The objective of the rehabilitation effort will be to return the site to close to its original state. The drainage path will remain intact and the new faces alongside will align with the natural slope of the drainage path. The final faces will have the leading edges taken off and stripping placed on the bench. The height of the bench thus will be reduced to between five and six metres and will be planted with local provenance trees and shrubs. (see cross section Figure 5.)

Progressive rehabilitation of the extraction face will consist of;

disturbing the live edge of the face,

placing waste rock, subsoil and topsoil on the bench below, and

planting local provenance trees and shrubs on the benches.

Progressive rehabilitation of the access roads, process and stockpiling areas will consist of;

ripping the compacted surface where possible,

placing waste rock against faces,



pulling batters over onto flat surfaces,

collapsing over-burden stockpiles onto the surface, and

planting local provenance trees and shrubs on the benches. The main stockpiling and processing area in Stage 1 will remain intact and active for the duration of the project.

6.1.3. Commitments 6.1.3.1. Revegetation will be encouraged on disturbed areas such as batters and in the drainage

path bed as soon as construction is complete. 6.1.3.2. Rehabilitation works will be underway on a stage before the next stage in the sequence is

commenced. 6.1.3.3. The total area of un-rehabilitated land will be confined to five hectares.

6.2. Preliminary decommissioning and site closure plan

6.2.1. Quarry facilities

At the completion of each campaign the site will be cleaned up and all equipment, waste and facilities will be removed. There will be no equipment or buildings established on the site so there will be little effort required for de-mobilisation.

6.2.2. Quarry infrastructure

It will be important for the sediment retention facilities to remain in place until the larger disturbed areas have a vegetative cover. To this end the pipe culvert diverting the drainage path between Stage 1 and Stage 2 will remain until vegetation is established on the stockpiling and processing area. Once the rehabilitation of Stage 1 and Stage 1A is self-sustaining the culvert will be removed and the road and bed of the drainage path revegetated. The culvert under the road leading to the secondary retention pond will remain in place until the Stage 2 revegetation is self-sustaining. At this point the final section of the road will be ripped and revegetated the pipe culvert will be removed. The ditch remaining after the pipes have been recovered will be left in place to discourage vehicles from accessing the revegetation sites.

6.2.3. Commitments 6.2.3.1. Sediment retention infrastructure for each stage will remain in service until that stage has

a self-sustaining vegetation cover. 6.2.3.2. Once all the process areas have been rehabilitated and the vegetative cover is self-

sustaining, all the infrastructure will be removed and disturbed surfaces rehabilitated.



7. COMMITMENTS

AIR EMISSIONS

Commitments Responsible entity

Blasting and crushing activities will occur only when the prevailing wind is in the western sector.

Operator / Blasting contractor

Carting activities will proceed with the assistance of a water cart when conditions are dry and windy.

Operator

LIQUID WASTE DISPOSAL AND WATER QUALITY


No permanent facilities will be constructed on the site. No liquid waste will be treated on site.

Operator

Water in the natural drainage path bisecting the site will remain separate to site run-off water.

Operator

Site run-off water will travel through retention facilities to allow time for particulate matter to settle out.

Operator

NOISE EMISSIONS


Blasting will be undertaken by fully qualified personnel and will comply with AS 2187.1-1998 Explosives-Storage, transport and use, Part 1: Storage, AS 2187.2-2006, Explosives-Storage and Use Part 2: Use of explosives and the Australian Explosives Code (AEC).


The blasting plan will be designed to minimise air blast overpressure and ground vibration and the limits described in the Quarry Code of Practice will not be exceeded.


The extraction areas will be developed so that a face will remain between quarrying activities and the distant dwellings.


All machinery will be well maintained with proprietary silencers fitted. Operator

Process area layout and machine operation will comply with industry best practice to minimise noise emissions.

Operator

SOLID AND CONTROLLED WASTE MANAGEMENT


Anything taken onto the site will be removed at the culmination of each stage of construction or campaign during operation.

Operator

Anything stored on site will be secured in a robust container with a lid. Operator

DANGEROUS GOODS


No fuel will be stored on site and any re-fuelling spills will be immediately captured with a spill kit and booms.

Operator

Activities involving explosives transport, storage and use will be undertake by fully qualified personnel and will comply with AS 2187.1-1998 Explosives-Storage, transport and use, Part 1: Storage, AS 2187.2-2006, Explosives-Storage and Use Part 2: Use of explosives and the Australian Explosives Code (AEC).




BIODIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION VALUES


Modifications to the existing access road height and alignment will not encroach on the native vegetation community Eucalyptus ovata forest and woodland (DOV).

Operator

There will be no impact during construction or operation of the quarry on native vegetation communities outside the mining lease boundary.

Operator

Measures 1. to 7. of Section 4.6.3. will be adopted as a weed and disease management plan to control existing weeds and protect the site against the introduction of new weeds and diseases.

Operator

GREEN HOUSE GASES AND OZONE DEPLETING SUBSTANCES


Best practice quarrying methods will be applied to arrange activities to reduce unnecessary onsite cartage and forest disturbance.

Operator

HERITAGE VALUES


Workers involved with the construction of infrastructure will adhere to legislation and report any item exposed that appears may have aboriginal cultural heritage significance.

Operator

An additional targeted aboriginal cultural heritage survey will be undertaken once construction works are underway.

Operator

LAND USE AND DEVELOPMENT


By applying the actions in this environmental management plan the Proponent will ensure that the development complies with the provisions in the Planning Scheme

Operator

VISUAL EFFECTS


Topography will screen the Stage 1 and Stage 1A operations from travellers on the Highland Lakes Road.

Operator

The proponent will maintain a compensation agreement with the land manager to ensure the retention of the forest located on the mining lease and marked as vegetation screen.

Operator

SOCIO-ECONOMIC ISSUES


The quarry will provide a new source of high grade construction materials by either providing fines to enhance dolerite quarried from another source or by providing R40 grade road base in its own right.

Operator

The quarry operation will not detract from local property values or the experience of visitor to the area.

Operator

The proponent is likely to inject around $300k during the construction phase and around $300k annually thereafter in operating the quarry.

Operator



HEALTH AND SAFETY ISSUES


Public access to the quarry site will be restricted by a boom gate and warning signs. Operator

All activities undertaken on the site will be performed by trained professional personnel.

Operator

HAZARD ANALYSIS AND RISK ASSESSMENT


Blast wardens will be used to ensure that no vehicles enter the blast area immediately prior to a shot being fired.


A separate blast warden will walk up the Tasmania Trail to ensure that no walkers or cyclists enter the blast area immediately prior to a shot being fired.


Explosives storage and handling will comply with the Security-sensitive Dangerous Substances Act 2005 (TAS) and the Security-sensitive Dangerous Substances Regulations 2005.


FIRE RISK


A form of communication will enable employees on the site to be warned of a wildfire hazard.

Operator

A Fire Management Plan will be developed in conjunction with Forestry Tasmania. Operator / Forestry Tasmania

All hot work on the site can only occur with fire suppression equipment at the ready.

Operator

INFRASTRUCTURE AND OFF SITE ANCILLARY FACILITIES


Traffic interruptions as a result of road works will be controlled by suitably qualified personnel and the interruption periods will be kept to a minimum.

Operator

Interruptions to traffic and other forest users as a result of quarrying activities will be minimised and strictly controlled.


ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS


The proponent and employees acknowledge their environmental policy and incorporate the principles in their daily activities.

Operator

The proponent will comply with the environmental management plan incorporated into this document, the conditions imposed by the permit and the mining lease. Another environmental management system is not considered necessary.

Operator

CUMULATIVE AND INTERACTIVE EFFECTS


No adverse net effect will result from this activity when combined with surrounding activities.

Operator



TRAFFIC IMPACT ASSESSMENT


The current access will be improved to comply generally with Austroads Part 5 figure 6.61.

Operator

A new sign warning of ‘trucks entering’ will be installed on the southern approach to the access road.

Operator

MONITORING AND REVIEW


Watercourse health will be monitored and the assessment reported once during construction and thereafter reports will be included in the regular DPEMP reviews.

Operator

An additional Aboriginal heritage survey will be undertaken during construction. Operator

The health of the forest surrounding the quarry will be monitored and the assessment will be included in the regular DPEMP reviews.

Operator

DECOMMISSIONING AND REHABILITATION


Revegetation will be encouraged on disturbed areas such as batters and in the drainage path bed as soon as construction is complete.

Operator

Rehabilitation works will be underway on a stage before the next stage in the sequence is commenced.

Operator

The total area of un-rehabilitated land will be confined to five hectares. Operator

PRELIMINARY DECOMMISSIONING AND SITE CLOSURE PLAN


Sediment retention infrastructure for each stage will remain in service until that stage has a self-sustaining vegetation cover.

Operator

Once all the process areas have been rehabilitated and the vegetative cover is self-sustaining, all the infrastructure will be removed and disturbed surfaces rehabilitated.

Operator



8. CONCLUSION

Deloraine is the business centre for the Meander Valley District and rests at the junction of the Bass and Lakes

Highways. The region has a largely agricultural economic base that has recently received a capacity boost by

the development of the Meander Dam and the associated irrigation district. Considerable development is

likely to occur in the district as a result of these developments. A reliable supply of high quality construction

materials is required to service the expected new developments.

This site is strategically located in the district close to Deloraine but away from residential areas. The

alternative local source of construction gravel is Pumicestone Ridge. This site is operated by the Proponent but

is limited in its expansion potential by failing reserves and a close proximity to residential properties. Other

sites will require significant cartage distances or do not have the reserves to provide a reliable supply.

The Proponent has twenty years experience operating two local quarries at Pumicestone Ridge and Porters

Bridge Road. The Proponent operates a fertilizer supply and application contract business as well as the

quarries and has a sound economic base with which to fund a new quarry development. The Proponent’s

current employees will be employed for this new development and are fully experienced in safe and efficient

quarry operations.

The site for this new quarry resides in a favourable land use context. Being surrounded by active forest

operations both protects the site from encroachment of sensitive’s uses and also provides the forest activities

with an alternative source of construction materials. With the strategies prescribed and the commitments

made in this document and with the application of industry best practice this proposal will develop a natural

resource that will provide a benefit to the Deloraine community and the State of Tasmania while causing no

harm to the social, cultural or natural environment.



9. APPENDICES

APPENDIX 1 CULVERT DESIGN CALCULATIONS

Time of Concentration

Tc = 58L/(A0.1

* Se0.2

)

where L = Length of flow line (km)

A = Area (km2)

Se = Equal area slope (m/km)

Tc = 58*0.5 / (0.120.1

*120.2

) = 38 mins

Use time of concentration to find intensity value from Intensity Frequency Duration Data (BOM, 2008)

reoccurrence interval 1 in 10 years, intensity = 30mm/hr

Run off occurs over a combination of sparce plantation forest and a small area of exposed rock.

Assume a Coefficient of runoff = 0.36

Peak discharge at culvert

Q = CAI / 0.36

Where C = Catchment coefficient

A = Area (ha)

I = Intensity

Q = 0.36*12*30 / 0.36 = 360 l/s = 0.36 m3/s

The pipe culvert will be laid in the bed of the drainage path at a grade no greater than 2 percent.

Assume an embankment height of 1.5 metres above the pipe. Class 4 road surface width is 5.0 metres

including shoulders with embankment width of 6(height) + downstream run-out, the total culvert length is 18

metres.

Pipe culvert design using Humes Concrete Pipe Reference Manual (Humes, 2008)

Q = 0.36 m3/s, HW = 1.0m, Pipe culvert length = 18m, Pipe culvert slope = 2 in 100 or 0.36m over 18m

Maximum TW = 0.6m,

Assume socket end projecting and inlet control, try 375mm diameter pipe:

HW/D = 2.67 from 10.3 0.32 m3/s <Q

Try 600mm diameter pipe:

HW/D = 1.67 from 10.3 0.52 m3/s >Q

Flow relationship for inlet control conditions:

From Figure 10.3 HW/D = 1.5 therefore HW = 0.9m (<1.0m) single 600mm diameter RRJ pipe is ok for inlet

control conditions

Check outlet control conditions:

Determine critical flow depth (dc):

Q / (g0.5

x D2.5

)

0.36 / 0.873 = 0.41



From Figure 10.1 dc / D = 0.65 therefore dc = 0.39m

For partly-full flow outlet control (dc + D)>TW therefore approx. HW is established using (dc + D)

From Figure 10.4 – Energy Head Relationships for Pipes Flowing Full...

Q = 0.36 cumecs L = 18 m ke = 0.2 then H = 0.2

HW level for outlet control conditions:

HW = ((dc + D) / 2) + H - fall

= 0.495 + 0.2 – 0.36 = 0.335

HW for inlet control = 0.9m > HW for outlet control = 0.335m therefore inlet control governs.



APPENDIX 2 RUNOFF RETENTION FACILITIES DESIGN CALCULATIONS

Runoff retention capacity Primary Retention Pond

For sediment retention facilities use 1 in 20 year reoccurrence interval

Flood intensity from (BOM, 2008) is 35mm/hr.

The total area of Stages 1 and 1A is 4.4 ha.

Total volume of runoff to be considered in 0.035 * 44000 = 1540 cubic metres

Assuming the blast fracturing in the extraction area is only effective to 0.75 m deep, the capacity in the floor is:

3.2 ha * depth of 0.75 m * 0.05 = 1200 cubic metres

The capacity of the primary sediment retention pond is 340 cubic metres.

A pond with an area of 400 square metres on the surface and 300 square metres on the bottom and an

average depth of 1.0 metre will provide the capacity required.

If the flood intensity of 35mm/hr is exceeded the pond will spill out onto the processing and stockpiling area.

This area will be graded to a central drain and hence will have an emergency retention capacity of 3000 cubic

metres.

A single 150 diameter uPVC pipe will provide the overflow from the primary retention pond. The overflow

discharge rate is 5 L/s. Over an hour this will add 18 cubic metres to the total volume in the secondary

retention pond.

Runoff retention capacity Secondary Retention Pond

1 in 20 year reoccurrence flood intensity is 35mm/hr (from previous calculations).

The total area of Stage 2 and access road is 4.0 ha.


Extraction area runoff capacity total area 3.4 ha * depth of 0.75 m * 0.05 = 1275 cubic metres

The capacity of the secondary sediment retention pond is 125 cubic metres.

A pond with a surface area of 300 square metres on the top and 100 square metres on the bottom and an

average depth of 1.0 metre will provide the capacity required.

There will be a point in the quarry’s development where a substantial portion of the Stage 2 extraction area is

developed and the stage 1 A extraction is un-rehabilitated. The total catchment at this point will be the

stockpiling process area, the Stage 1A extraction area and the Stage 2 extraction area:

Extraction areas Stage 1A and Stage 2 = 4.40 ha

Process and access =1.80 ha


Extraction area runoff capacity total area 4.40 ha * depth of 0.75 m * 0.05 = 1650 cubic metres

To meet retention requirements at this time the secondary retention pond must have a capacity of 520 cubic

metres.

A pond with a surface area of 600 square metres on top and 400 square metres of the bottom and an average

depth of 1.1 metres will provide the capacity required.


Integrated Land Management and Planning Final

APPENDIX 3. AN EXAMPLE OF THE PROPONENTS EMPLOYEE INDUCTION PROGRAM



APPENDIX 4. FLORA AND FAUNA SURVEY (P. MILNER) 14 NOV. 2008



APPENDIX 5. FLORA AND FAUNA SURVEY SUPPLEMENTARY REPORT (P. MILNER) 22 DEC. 2008



APPENDIX 6. ABORIGINAL CULTURAL HERITAGE ASSESSMENT (R. SAINTY) NOV. 2008



APPENDIX 7. TRAFFIC ASSESSMENT (T. EATON) 15 DEC. 2008



APPENDIX 8. COMPENSATION AGREEMENT CONDITIONS (FORESTRY TAS MERSEY DISTRICT)



APPENDIX 9. FOREST PRACTICES PLAN (J. HAWKES) JAN 2009



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