Appendix 10-A Environmental Noise Assessment

Transcription

1 Appendix 10-A Environmental Noise Assessment

2 Rochdale Holdings Pty Ltd A.B.N trading as: HERRING STORER ACOUSTICS Suite 34, 11 Preston Street, Como, W.A P.O. Box 219, Como, W.A Telephone: (08) Facsimile: (08) MINERAL RESOURCES LIMITED ENVIRONMENTAL NOISE ASSESSMENT J5 & BUNGALBIN EAST IRON ORE PROJECT FEBRUARY 2016 OUR REFERENCE:

3 Herring Storer Acoustics DOCUMENT CONTROL PAGE ENVIRONMENTAL NOISE ASSESSMENT J5 & BUNGALBIN EAST IRON ORE PROJECT Job No: Document Reference : FOR MINERAL RESOURCES LIMITED DOCUMENT INFORMATION Author: Paul Drew Checked By: Paul Drew Date of Issue : 18 th February 2016 REVISION HISTORY Revision Description Date Author Checked 1 Draft 10/2/2016 PD 2 Revised following internal review 12/2/2016 PD TR 3 Topographic corrections & addition of mine layout 16/2/2016 PD TR 4 Revised mine layout 18/2/2016 PD PD DOCUMENT DISTRIBUTION Copy No. Version No. Destination Hard Copy Electronic Copy 1 4 Mineral Resources Limited

4 Herring Storer Acoustics CONTENTS 1. INTRODUCTION 1 2. ACOUSTIC CRITERIA Receptors AS2107:2000 Criteria WA Environmental Protection (Noise) Regulations Mining Operational Noise Blast noise Potential Acoustic Criteria 6 3. METHODOLOGY Operational Noise Air Blast Overpressure 7 4. EXISTING AMBIENT NOISE LEVELS 8 5. PREDICTED NOISE LEVELS Operational Noise Blast Noise ASSESSMENT Operational Noise Blast Noise CONCLUSION Mining Operation Noise Blast Noise 14 APPENDICES A B C Sound Power Levels Noise Contour Plots Ambient Noise Monitoring Graphs

5 Herring Storer Acoustics Our ref: INTRODUCTION Mineral Resources Limited commissioned Herring Storer Acoustics to carry out an acoustic study of noise emissions for proposed mining of the J5 & Bungalbin East iron ore deposits (the project). The assessment addresses various requirements outlined in the Environmental Scoping Document (ESD) for the Public Environmental Review being prepared by Polaris in accordance with the Environmental Protection Act In particular it addresses the relevant work items referred to as part of the Amenity environmental factor, namely items 42, 43, 45, 49 and 51 in relation to noise. This report assesses night time and daytime mining noise emissions under maximum propagation conditions for initial mining and also for the developed mining scenario where the mining area has been partially excavated and the waste dumps constructed. For the same topographical scenarios the noise from blasting has been predicted based on a typical Maximum Instantaneous Charge but during the daytime only. The baseline noise environment is characterised in part by monitoring of background noise prior to mining activity. It is noted that Polaris Metals currently operate the nearby Carina Iron Ore Mine to the east and have recently commenced mining at J4 deposit to the west. The proposed J5 and Bungalbin East haul roads will intersect the J4 haul road. This report assesses the noise emissions for the proposed mining operation and assesses compliance with the requirements of the Western Australian Environmental Protection (Noise) Regulations 1997 (WA) (the Noise Regulations). 2. ACOUSTIC CRITERIA The establishment of appropriate acoustic criteria for this project is complex because of its remote setting within the Mt Manning Helena Aurora Conservation Park (MMHARCP) and absence of sensitive receptors in the form of permanent human occupation. We present various criteria that may be applicable in Western Australia or may be used in assessing acoustic amenity, noting that amenity is subjective as it depends on the expectations of the receptor. There are no specific noise sensitive receptors in the local area as determined under the Noise Regulations. The Aurora Accommodation Village is operated by Polaris for the support of the J4 mine. Polaris may choose to set an internal objective of compliance with the noise levels that would be applicable to a noise sensitive premise, however this is not a legislative requirement. There are no formal campsites in the vicinity of the proposed J5 and Bungalbin East mining areas. There are several informal locations where persons appear to have camped in the past and that are known to some recreational groups. It is entirely possible that such individuals and groups may camp anywhere in the MMHARCP either in areas that might be affected by noise emissions from the project, or in areas far enough away that would not be affected.

6 Herring Storer Acoustics Our ref: RECEPTORS A summary of the identified receptor locations are shown in Table 2.4. Receptor TABLE 2.4 IDENTIFIED RECEPTOR LOCATIONS Distance from Bungalbin East Distance from J5 Aurora Campsite (Mineral Resources) 9.5 km 7.5 km C1 Occasional camping location 3km NW of Bungalbin deposit C2 Infrequent camping location south of Bungalbin deposit proposed waste dump 3.1 km 3.8 km 2.2 km 9.7 km C3 Infrequent camping location 3km west of J5 deposit 10 km 2.4 km The aerial photograph (Figure 01) shows the identified receptor locations. Figure 01 J5 & Bungalbin Aerial with identified receptors 2.2 AS2107:2000 CRITERIA Commonly used criteria for background noise within buildings are provided in Australian/New Zealand Standard 2107:2000 Acoustics Recommended design sound levels and reverberation times for building interiors. This standard applies within the building unoccupied but ready for occupancy, with mechanical services systems operating (for example).

7 Herring Storer Acoustics Our ref: The applicable criteria for the human receptor locations under AS2107:2000 are: Residential TABLE AS2107:2000 RECOMMENDED DESIGN SOUND LEVELS FOR BUILDINGS Satisfactory Maximum Type of Occupancy L Aeq, db(a) L Aeq, db(a) Hotels and Motels near minor road Hotels and Motels near major road We consider the underlined criteria as being appropriate for Aurora Accommodation Village. The Noise Regulations have an adjustment of 15 db(a) between outside to inside (a closed window). It is reasonable to expect that the buildings will achieve this level of noise attenuation. There is also an applicable adjustment for tonal characteristic if this is present. To achieve acceptable internal noise levels of 35 db(a) for the Aurora Accommodation Village the applicable criteria would therefore be an external noise level of 50 db(a). At an external noise level of 50 db(a) it is likely that tonal characteristics would be present in noise emissions from heavy mobile equipment. In such cases, after adjustment for tonal characteristic the acceptable external noise level would therefore be 45 db(a). 2.3 ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION (NOISE) REGULATIONS 1997 (WA) For comparative purposes the criteria of the Noise Regulations are described as follows. These regulations stipulate maximum allowable external noise levels determined by the calculation of an influencing factor. The influencing factor is calculated for the usage of land within the two circles, having radii of 100m and 450m from the premises of concern. Type of premises receiving noise Noise sensitive premises: highly sensitive area (i.e within 15m of a dwelling) Noise sensitive premises: any area other than highly sensitive area TABLE 2.2 ASSIGNED OUTDOOR NOISE LEVELS Time of day Assigned level (db) L A 10 L A 1 L A max 0700 to 1900 hours Monday to Saturday 45 + IF 55 + IF 65 + IF 0900 to 1900 hours Sunday and public holidays 40 + IF 50 + IF 65 + IF 1900 to 2200 hours all days 40 + IF 50 + IF 55 + IF 2200 hours on any day to 0700 hours Monday to Saturday and 0900 hours Sunday and public holidays 35 + IF 45 + IF 55 + IF All hours Commercial premises All hours Industrial and utility premises other than those in the Kwinana All hours Industrial Area Industrial and utility premises in the Kwinana Industrial Area All hours Note: The L A10 noise level is the noise that is exceeded for 10% of the time. The L A1 noise level is the noise that is exceeded for 1% of the time. The L Amax noise level is the maximum noise level recorded. IF = Influencing Factor

8 Herring Storer Acoustics Our ref: Where the above characteristics are present and cannot be practicably removed, the following adjustments are made to the measured or predicted level at other premises. TABLE 3.2 ADJUSTMENTS FOR ANNOYING CHARACTERISTICS WHEN MUSIC IS NOT PRESENT Where tonality is present Where modulation is present Where impulsiveness is present + 5 db + 5 db + 10 db Note: Where music is present the adjustment is +10 db, and is +15dB if impulsiveness is present. The adjustments are cumulative to a maximum of 15 db. Generally it is assumed that mining operational noise will have tonality characteristic applicable, although as distances increase and the mining noise approaches the existing background noise level the noise characteristic will be increasingly weak and would not be applicable. At noise emission levels around 35 db(a) it will generally be the case that the noise emission level is low enough that the influence of background noise will result in the noise emission not being technically tonal, although that does not mean that some characteristics would not be audible. Blast Noise is considered separately under Regulation 11. The requirements of Regulation 11 Airblast levels due to blasting are extracted from the Noise Regulations as follows: (4) Subject to subregulation (5), no airblast level resulting from blasting on any premises or public place, when received at any other premises between 0700 hours and 1800 hours on any day, may exceed (a) for an airblast level received at noise sensitive premises or (i) when received at a sensitive site 120 db L Z peak ; or (ii) when received at a location other than a sensitive site 125 db L Z peak ; (b) for an airblast level received at any other premises 125 db L Z peak. (5) The levels specified in subregulation (4) do not apply in respect of an airblast level when received at premises, or a part of premises, on which the blaster believes on reasonable grounds no person is present at the time of the blast. (6) Despite subregulation (4), airblast levels for 9 in any 10 consecutive blasts (regardless of the interval between each blast), when received at any other single premises between 0700 hours and 1800 hours on any day, must not exceed (a) for airblast levels received at noise sensitive premises or (i) when received at a sensitive site 115 db L Z peak ; or (ii) when received at a location other than a sensitive site 120 db L Z peak ; (b) for airblast levels received at any other premises 120 db L Z peak. It is noted that Regulation 11 does not assess blast noise unless there is a person present at the receptor location at the time of the blast event. If there is no person present at a receptor location during a blast then there cannot be an exceedance.

9 Herring Storer Acoustics Our ref: MINING OPERATIONAL NOISE The assessment of amenity in remote areas without noise sensitive receptors extends beyond the requirements contemplated in the Western Australian Environmental Protection (Noise) Regulations An interpretation of the Noise Regulations is that the criteria in Table 1 Noise sensitive premises: Any area other than highly sensitive area may be applicable for areas within the MMHARCP away from the mining tenements as there are no buildings or official campsites in this area. In attempting to determine the potential impact of noise emissions we consider it useful to determine the general extent of the area where the mining noise emissions might be audible. Measurement of background noise with the absence of mining activity can assist in determining the natural background noise environment against which mining noise emissions may intrude. Measurement of existing background noise to the north of Bungalbin was carried out for this purpose. The location of the noise monitor has the Helena Aurora Range acting as an acoustic barrier to the Aurora Accommodation Villagee, the roads to the village and any mobile equipment or construction work associated with the J4 haul road. It is considered that the background noise measurements are representative of the natural background noise of the MMHARCP. An alternative assessment measure might be to use the most stringent criteria under the Noise Regulations. These are the criteria for a highly noise sensitive premises with zero influencing factor. Compliance would be achieved at or below an L A10 noise level of 35 db(a), assuming that tonal characteristic would not be technically measureable due to the existing background noise. The above criteria can be applied to identify the area within which visitors may hear mining noise emissions. Visitors to the MMHARCP may range from groups with their own power generators to others that generate minimal noise from their campsite. Campers have the option of camping further from the mining area where the noise is not audible, as the MMHARCP is relatively large. The determination of amenity can therefore be considered subjective. 2.5 BLAST NOISE The assessment of blast noise is usually undertaken in accordance with Regulation 11 of the Noise Regulations. As previously identified, under the Noise Regulations there are no noise sensitive premises other than the Aurora Accommodation Village operated by Polaris, which also operates the mines and therefore are considered the same premise. Blast noise occurs on average once per day from each mine area (blasts do not occur every day) and has a typical duration of 1 4 seconds. The noise levels are relatively high but commonly occur in early afternoon and are of very short duration blast noise emissions are usually considered separately to general noise emissions. Blast noise is assessed with a different acoustic parameter than general noise, being expressed in terms of Linear Peak Noise Level, db L Zpeak. Note that the numeric level for a Peak noise measurement is higher than for the rms db(a) noise level for the same noise event. For example a blast was measured with a Peak noise level of 143 db Zpeak and the maximum rms Slow noise level

10 Herring Storer Acoustics Our ref: for the same measurement was 126 db(a). The Peak noise parameter was 17 db higher than the db(a) slow maximum level. Mining companies may choose to adopt their own internal acoustic criteria for airblast noise emissions based on Regulation 11 of the Environmental Protection (Noise) Regulations The regulation assigned levels for other occupied premises would be a level of 115 db L Z peak as indicated in the extracted sections of the regulations. Effectively this means that for the majority of blasts, the air blast overpressure level should not exceed 115 db L Z peak at the Aurora Accommodation Village if the Regulation assigned level is used as an internal criteria. 2.6 POTENTIAL ACOUSTIC CRITERIA A summary of potential acoustic criteria are shown in Table 2.6. These acoustic criteria are not regulatory requirements for the identified receptors but may assist in assessing amenity as they would apply to various receptor scenarios. TABLE 2.6 POTENTIAL ACOUSTIC CRITERIA REGULATORY & AMENITY Receptor Blast Operation Noise Regulation 11 AS2107 Noise Regs Noise Regs Noise Sensitive Aurora Campsite (Mineral Resources) 115 db Z Peak C1 Occasional camping location C2 Infrequent camping location C3 Infrequent camping location Because none of the identified receptors are categorized as highly noise sensitive, the criteria in Table 2.7 are the minimum standards that we consider apply. The MMHARCP is interpreted as being a Noise sensitive premises, any area other than highly sensitive area, and the recommendations of NZ/AS 2107:2000 should apply to the Aurora Accommodation Village. TABLE 2.7 REGULATORY ACOUSTIC CRITERIA Receptor Blast Operation Noise Regulation 11 AS2107 Noise Regs Noise Regs Noise Sensitive Aurora Campsite (Mineral Resources) 45 Occasional camping locations 60

11 Herring Storer Acoustics Our ref: METHODOLOGY 3.1 OPERATIONAL NOISE Noise levels were predicted using the acoustic software SoundPlan for worst case wind conditions in accordance with the superseded DOE Draft 8 Guidelines. Night worst case conditions have been modelled using Pasquil Stability Class F with temperature of 15 degrees and windspeed 3 m/s which has been considered by DOE as representing thermal inversion conditions with maximum sound propagation. Daytime worst case conditions have been modelled with Pasquil Stability Class E with temperature of 20 degrees and windspeed 4 m/s. It is noted that worst case wind conditions refer to conditions where there is a temperature inversion in conjunction with light winds in the direction from noise source to receiver, resulting in effective sound propagation towards receiver locations. The sound power levels used in the acoustic modelling are tabulated in Appendix A. 3.2 AIR BLAST OVERPRESSURE Blasting will only occur during daylight hours, so acoustic modelling is based on daytime climatic conditions. Soundplan is a complex acoustic prediction software package capable of taking acoustic barrier and wind effects into consideration. Air blast overpressure noise emissions have been predicted using acoustic software SoundPlan. The input data for blast sound power has been determined using the empirical formula: db (linear) peak = C1 C2 log (d m 1/3 ) where C1 = 165 C2 = 24 (for calm wind conditions) d is distance from blast in meters m is Maximum Instantaneous Charge (MIC) in Kg and the sound spectrum from previous blast measurements from other projects. Measurement of a blast at the J4 mine site confirmed that the blast vibration model represents the blasting carried out in this region. Unless otherwise noted all predictions are for worst case wind conditions of 4 m/s from source to receiver. The SoundPlan modelling of noise emissions under downwind conditions will therefore predict higher noise levels than would be predicted by the empirical formula with C2=24. Predictions have been made for a normal Maximum Instantaneous Charge (MIC) of 370 Kg, the MIC utilized for the measured blast at J4. Where air blast overpressure noise emissions are likely to be of concern the blast engineer may reduce the MIC to achieve a reduced noise emission, however unless special measures such as addition of overburden are utilized, the reduction achievable is no more than 5 db.

12 Herring Storer Acoustics Our ref: Corrections for reduced MIC are: TABLE 3.1 CORRECTIONS FOR REDUCED MIC FROM BASE OF 370 KG MIC (Kg) Correction, db There are a number of factors that affect blast noise emissions, including the local geology, direction of blast pattern and effectiveness of stemming. Variation from the predicted level is expected, normally within 10 db of the predicted level, although care in planning and stemming the blast can reduce the risk of high deviations. It is our experience that large variations in noise emissions are uncommon where the orebody has geological consistency. 4. EXISTING AMBIENT NOISE LEVELS As required by ESD for the PER, the existing ambient noise environment has been characterised through noise monitoring. The background noise monitoring was carried out over the period 23 rd January 6 th February The noise monitor was located approximately 300m east of the identified occasional use campsite C1. The location of the noise monitor has the Helena Aurora Range acting as an acoustic barrier to the Aurora Accommodation Village, the roads to the village and any mobile equipment or construction work associated with the J4 haul road. It is considered that the background noise measurements are representative of the natural background noise of the Conservation Park. Wind conditions over the monitoring period were not monitored at site, however wind recordings from Southern Cross Airport indicate that on the 25 th and 31 st January there were strong wind gusts which may be associated with the higher noise levels observed on the monitoring graphs (Appendix C). There was also rainfall of 20mm recorded on the 26 th January at the Southern Cross Airport. The acoustic parameters of interest include the statistical L Amin and L A90 levels, the L A10 noise level, the L Amax noise level and the Peak noise level. The subscript 90 refers to the 90 th percentile for the 15 minute measurement period, essentially the noise level in db(a) which is not exceeded for 90 seconds within that 15 minute measurement period (nearly the lowest noise level). The Peak noise level is included for comparison with the predicted blast noise Peak noise emissions. It is noted that the Peak noise level for a 15 minute monitoring period is the maximum Peak noise level measured in that period.

13 Herring Storer Acoustics Our ref: A graph of the 14 days of measured noise levels shows the variation in noise level over time is shown below as Figure 02. The main factor causing the varying noise levels is thought to be wind and tree noise generated due to movement by the wind. Quieter noise periods are observed around mid day, perhaps due to a reduction in wind speed with a change in wind direction. Bungalbin East Ambient Noise Monitoring Statistical Noise levels for 15 minute measurement period Sound Pressure Level, db LAmax LAmin LA10 LA90 LCpeak /1/ /1/ /1/ /1/ /1/ /1/ /1/ /1/ /1/ /1/ /1/ /1/ /1/ /1/ /1/ /1/ /1/ /1/2016 1/2/2016 1/2/2016 2/2/2016 2/2/2016 3/2/2016 3/2/2016 4/2/2016 4/2/2016 5/2/2016 5/2/2016 6/2/2016 6/2/2016 7/2/2016 Date Figure 02 Background Noise Monitoring The range of noise levels demonstrated during the two week measurement period were: Minimum noise level: Minimum L A90 noise level: Minimum L A10 noise level Median minimum noise level: Median L A90 noise level Median L A10 noise level Minimum Peak noise level Median Peak noise level Maximum Peak noise level 23.4 db(a) 23.5 db(a) 24.2 db(a) 30.6 db(a) 33.4 db(a) 43.4 db(a) 53 db(a) 88 db(a) 123 db(a) There were some rain showers in the first week which may have influenced the Maximum Peak Noise Level, although this could also be associated with a single event such as a bird squawking close to the microphone or a strong wind gust.

14 Herring Storer Acoustics Our ref: PREDICTED NOISE LEVELS 5.1 OPERATIONAL NOISE A summary of the predicted receptor noise levels for mining operations are shown in Table 4.1. TABLE 4.1 PREDICTED NOISE LEVELS FOR VARIOUS WIND CONDITIONS, L A10 db(a) Aurora Description C1 C2 C3 Village Day Conditions Road Quad Trailer Trucks Maximum Pass by Noise Level Worst Case Winds Road Quad Trailer Trucks Maximum Pass by Noise Level Calm Winds Mining Operations initial mining AllWinds Mining Operations initial mining NW winds Mining Operations initial mining NE winds Mining Operations developed mining Allwinds Night Conditions Mining Operations initial mining AllWinds Mining Operations initial mining NW winds Mining Operations initial mining NE winds Mining Operations developed mining Allwinds Comparison of the mining scenarios for worst case daytime and night time conditions shows that the predicted noise emissions are slightly higher for night conditions. This is expected as night conditions reflect a night time temperature inversion which is commonly the best conditions for far field sound propagation. Noise contour plots for the above scenarios are included in Appendix B for the Night propagation condition. 5.2 BLAST NOISE A summary of the predicted receptor noise levels for blasting are shown in Table 4.2. TABLE 4.2 PREDICTED NOISE LEVELS WORST CASE CONDITIONS, Peak db Z Aurora Description C1 C2 C3 Camp J5 Blast with MIC 370 Kg initial surface J5 Blast with MIC 370 Kg developed mine at RL Bungalbin Blast with MIC 370Kg initial surface Bungalbin Blast with MIC 370Kg developed mine at RL Noise contour plots for the above scenarios are included in Appendix B. The predicted levels of blast noise are for worst case climatic conditions, and for nominal mining at the natural surface and at a flat developed mine surface (RL 560 for Bungalbin East and RL490 for J5). Under normal operations there will often be a specific wind condition which will then

15 Herring Storer Acoustics Our ref: reduce noise emissions to non windward directions, and once mining commences there will sometimes be additional barrier effects due to relative heights of mining benches. The influence of acoustic barriers is demonstrated by the difference between the initial and developed scenarios for Bungalbin East to receptor C1 which is partially attenuated by the remaining topography as the mine RL decreases. Even this is conservative as the calculation is for a max situation where all parts of the mine are modelled as emitting blast noise, and for a significant portion of the mine the barrier effect to the north will be greater than for the remaining part which has a dip in the topography towards the western end of the mining area. For the nominated Maximum Instantaneous Charge (MIC) of 370 Kg / 8 millisecond timeframe the predictions indicate that the Peak noise level will be below 115 db Zpeak. There will be some variation in blast noise emissions compared to predicted, both increase and decrease, however our experience in comparing modelled vs measured noise emissions indicates that the modelling predictions are usually representative of measured blast emissions. To put the Peak noise level into context, the measured Peak noise level for a passing quad trailer haul truck at a distance of 40m from the roadway was 100 db Zpeak, with a measured rms Slow maximum noise level of 76 db(a). The median maximum Peak noise level from two weeks of monitoring in 15 minute periods was 88 db peak. 6. ASSESSMENT 6.1 OPERATIONAL NOISE As discussed in the criteria section of this report, the only official sensitive receptor is the Aurora Accommodation Village, which being part of the Polaris mining operation is not required to comply with the highly noise sensitive receptor criteria of the Noise Regulations. The highest predicted noise emissions for the Aurora Accommodation Village is 28 db(a) from mining operations. At this noise level and with the assumption that the noise emission may exhibit tonal characteristic, the predicted noise emission is less than the 35 db(a) level which would be the compliance level for highly noise sensitive premises at night. This noise level also complies with the recommendations of New Zealand/Australian Standard 2107:2000. At this low noise level the general noise around Aurora Campsite from exhaust fans, air conditioning units and general activity should mean that noise intrusion from the mining operation will be minimal. Noise from passing Quad Trailer trucks is predicted to be of the order of 41 db(a) for short period as trucks pass by, however the average noise level (L Aeq ) will be much lower. After building attenuation the short term noise within buildings is predicted to be of the order of 26 db(a), which is a relatively low noise level and should be acceptable given that light vehicles moving around the campsite generate higher noise levels. Occasional campsite C1 located on the northern side of the Helena Aurora Range is predicted to experience a noise level up to 29 db(a) from mining operations, reducing as the Bungalbin East mine is developed and noise emissions are attenuated by the natural topography. Similar to the Aurora Accommodation Village, the predicted noise level is within accepted standards for highly noise sensitive premises, although as previously noted there is no such premises at this location. Background noise in this area may at times be less than 29 db(a), with a minimum noise level of 23.5 db(a) measured over a two week period of ambient noise monitoring. The median L A90 background noise level is 33 db(a) so the mining noise may not be particularly audible for much of the time. At times when winds are light from the south easterly direction the mining operational noise might be clearly audible at Occasional Campsite C1. Transport truck noise is predicted to be less than 20 db(a) and is unlikely to be audible.

16 Herring Storer Acoustics Our ref: Intermittent use Campsites C2 and C3 have predicted noise levels from mining up to 42 db(a). At these noise levels the mining noise would be clearly audible under light wind conditions towards the sites. Transport truck noise may also be audible but at levels of 30 db(a) and 25 db(a) respectively would not be significant in the presence of operational mining noise. These campsite areas do not appear to be significant use locations. Once the J5 and Bungalbin East operations cease there will be no residual noise impact. 6.2 BLAST NOISE Blast Noise is normally of short duration up to once per day. The noise characteristic of blast noise means it is normally audible at levels above 80 db Zpeak, although it is noted that predictions are for worst case wind conditions so noise levels may be less than indicated by the noise contours for many blasts. Predicted noise levels from blasting are less than 115 db Zpeak at the identified receptor locations. Although not required to comply with this Noise Regulations limit, the blast noise is predicted to be less than this criteria. It is recommended that Polarisadopt a management measure to advise potential travellers and campers that blasting is conducted at minesites within the region (area bounded by signage) and those who wish to not hear mining noise may wish to camp away from the operations. We note that blasting is already carried out at J4, Carina and other mining tenements in the area, and that the impact from blasting at J5 and Bungalbin East is unlikely to be any different. Once the J5 and Bungalbin East blast operations cease there will be no residual noise impact.

17 Herring Storer Acoustics Our ref: CONCLUSION It is concluded that the project will comply with the requirements of the Western Australian Environmental Protection (Noise) Regulations 1997 at all times. The identified receptor locations are the Aurora Accommodation Village, which is an accommodation camp for Polaris mining operations, an occasional use camp site C1 and irregular use camp sites C2 & C3. There are also occasional use camp sites on the Bungalbin East ore deposit. These camp sites are not formalised but it is obvious based on physical and anecdotal evidence that these areas are used for this purposewith vehicle tracks and minor clearing evident. There was no evidence of recent occupancy at site C1 when background noise monitoring was carried out in that area in January Monitoring of background noise was carried out for a period of two weeks from 23 rd January 6 th February 2016 at a location near site C1. The lowest recorded noise level was 25.4 db(a), the median L A90 noise level for the 15 minute measurement periods was 33 db(a), and the median Peak noise level was 88 db peak. The MMHARCP is interpreted as being a Noise sensitive premises, any area other than highly sensitive area pursuant to the Noise Regulations. Because none of the identified receptors are categorized as highly noise sensitive, the regulatory requirement is that noise levels at other premises should not exceed an L A10 of 60 db(a), and infrequent noise emissions should not exceed an L A1 of 75 db(a). The recommendations of NZ/AS 2107:2000 should apply to the Aurora Accommodation Village, with a recommended maximum external noise level of 45 db(a) for continuous noise. Amenity is subjective if noise emissions are audible, however the predicted noise emissions to identified potential receptor locations are within criteria for highly noise sensitive premises for site C1, and exceed this criteria for infrequent campsites C2 and C3. Similar to other mining operations in the region, visitors to the MMHARCP have the option of camping away from the proposed mines if noise emissions are of concern. Noise emissions are non residual in nature and no residual effects are expected once the operations cease. 7.1 MINING OPERATION NOISE The Aurora Accommodation Village is used by Polaris as part of the J4 mining operation. Regardless of the fact that Aurora is part of the Polaris premise, noise levels are predicted to be within assigned levels normally applied to highly noise sensitive premises under the Western Australian Environmental Protection (Noise) Regulations Noise levels within accommodation units are also predicted to be within New Zealand/Australian Standard 2107:2000 background noise levels. Predicted noise emissions at Aurora Accommodation Village are a maximum of 28 db(a) from mining operations, a maximum of 29 db(a) for occasional use camping areas C1, and db(a) for infrequent use camping areas C3 & C2.

18 Herring Storer Acoustics Our ref: Predicted pass by noise levels from quad trailer units transporting ore or returning on the proposed haul roads have been assessed. Maximum pass by noise levels are predicted to be 41 db(a) at the Aurora Camp under worst case wind conditions, reducing to 35 db(a) under calm conditions, and further reduced if wind direction is away from the camp. Noise levels from vehicle movement around the Aurora camp will generally be higher than from haulage trucks. The proposed mining operations could be audible an occasions at the noted receptors. The distance of audibility could extend to 8km from the proposed mine sites, although this would be during rare climatic conditions. There are existing mining operations at Carina and J4 which are likely to reduce or conclude early in the operational period of J5 and Bungalbin East deposits. Noise levels from these existing operations are similar in nature to those proposed, the main difference being the location. The MMHARCP is relatively large and there are options to camp elsewhere. Loss of acoustic amenity can be avoided depending on how access and camping within the park is managed and on the choices made by potential users of the MMHARCP. 7.2 BLAST NOISE Noise from daily blasting under worst case wind conditions has the potential to be most audible although it is only present for a few seconds on any one day. The distance of audibility could extend to 15km for blasting, although this would be for rare climatic conditions. There are existing mining operations at Carina and J4 which are likely to reduce or conclude early in the operational period of J5 and Bungalbin East deposits. Blast noise levels from these existing operations are similar in nature to those proposed, the main difference being the location. Predicted noise emissions from blasting at J5 and Bungalbin East are below the criteria of 115 db Zpeak that would apply to a highly noise sensitive premises at all the identified receptor sites. Predicted blast noise levels are no greater than 102 db Zpeak at the Aurora Accommodation Village. Once the Bungalbin East deposit is partially excavated, predicted blast noise levels at occasional use site C1 will reduce to 100 db Zpeak or lower due to the barrier effect of the remaining range. These blast noise predictions are for worst case climatic conditions with maximum noise propagation to the receptors, for many blast events noise emissions to receptors will be much lower.

19 APPENDIX A

20 Acoustic Model Sound Power Levels Description L WA k 1.25k 1.6k 2k 2.5k 3.15k 4k 5k 6.3k 8k 10k J5 Deposit KOMATSU PC1250 EXCAVATOR CAT 785 Haul Truck CAT 785 Haul Truck CAT 785 Haul Truck CAT 785 Haul Truck CAT 785 Haul Truck CAT 14H Grader CAT D10N Dozer CAT 988K LOADER BLAST DRILL DRILLING BLAST DRILL DRILLING CAT 785 Water Cart Bungalbin East Deposit HITACHI EX2600 EXCAVATOR HITACHI EX2600 EXCAVATOR HD1500 Haul Truck HD1500 Haul Truck HD1500 Haul Truck HD1500 Haul Truck HD1500 Haul Truck HD1500 Haul Truck HD1500 Haul Truck HD1500 Haul Truck HD1500 Haul Truck HD1500 Haul Truck CAT 14H Grader CAT 988K LOADER CAT D10N Dozer CAT D10N Dozer BLAST DRILL DRILLING BLAST DRILL DRILLING

21 APPENDIX B

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32 APPENDIX C

33 23/1/ /1/ /1/ /1/ /1/ /1/ /1/ /1/ /1/ /1/ /1/ /1/ /1/ /1/ /1/ /1/ /1/ /1/2016 1/2/2016 1/2/2016 2/2/2016 2/2/2016 3/2/2016 3/2/2016 4/2/2016 4/2/2016 5/2/2016 5/2/2016 6/2/2016 6/2/2016 7/2/ Bungalbin East Ambient Noise Monitoring Statistical Noise levels for 15 minute measurement period Date LAmax LAmin LA10 LA90 LCpeak Sound Pressure Level, db

34 23/1/16 0:00 23/1/16 12:00 24/1/16 0:00 24/1/16 12:00 25/1/16 0:00 25/1/16 12:00 26/1/16 0:00 26/1/16 12:00 27/1/16 0:00 27/1/16 12:00 28/1/16 0:00 28/1/16 12:00 29/1/16 0:00 29/1/16 12:00 30/1/16 0:00 30/1/16 12:00 31/1/16 0: Bungalbin East Ambient Noise Monitoring Statistical Noise levels for 15 minute measurement period January 2016 LAmax LAmin LA10 LA90 Date:Time A-weighted Sound Pressure Level, db(a)

35 31/1/16 0:00 31/1/16 12:00 1/2/16 0:00 1/2/16 12:00 2/2/16 0:00 2/2/16 12:00 3/2/16 0:00 3/2/16 12:00 4/2/16 0:00 4/2/16 12:00 5/2/16 0:00 5/2/16 12:00 6/2/16 0:00 6/2/16 12:00 7/2/16 0: Bungalbin East Ambient Noise Monitoring Statistical Noise levels for 15 minute measurement period 31 January - 6 February 2016 Date:Time LAmax LAmin LA10 LA90 A-weighted Sound Pressure Level, db(a)