Annual Review. Integra Coal Operations Pty Ltd. NSW Department of Planning and Environment (1) NSW Office of Environment and Heritage (1)

Transcription

1 REPORT TITLE Annual Review PREPARED BY Integra Coal Operations DATE March 2015 (3) NSW Trade & Investment, Division of Resources and Energy (1) NSW Department of Planning and Environment (1) DISTRIBUTION NSW Office of Environment and Heritage (1) NSW Environment Protection Agency (1) NSW Office of Water (1) Singleton Shire Council (1) CCC Members (4) Name of Mine: Integra Coal Operations (comprising Camberwell Colliery (Integra Open Cut), Glennies Creek Colliery (Integra Underground) and Integra North Open Cut) Titles/Mining Leases: CL 357, CL 382, ML 1437, ML 1518, ML 1551, ML 1630, ML , ML 1525, EL 5824, ML1676, A440 & A81 MOP Commencement Dates: UG 23/12/2014; OC 1/10/2014 MOP Completion Dates: UG 30/07/2017; OC 30/09/2017 Annual Review Commencement Date: 01/01/2014 Annual Review Completion Date: 31/12/2014 Name of Leaseholder: Reporting Officer: Title: Chris Quinn Environment and Community Advisor Signature: Date: 31/03/2015

2 Table of Contents 1. INTRODUCTION DOCUMENT PURPOSE HISTORY Introduction Location Resource Description of Operations APPROVALS, LEASES AND LICENCES Status Modifications during the Reporting Period ACTIONS & IMPROVEMENTS PROPOSED IN PREVIOUS REPORTING PERIOD MINE CONTACTS Mine Contacts Contract Support Personnel ENVIRONMENT POLICY OPERATIONS EXPLORATION LAND PREPARATION CONSTRUCTION BUILDINGS MINING Method Progress COAL PROCESSING Summary Method

3 Processing Plant Residues / Reject Management CHPP Water Handling and Waste Disposal Procedures Monitoring and Maintenance of Containment Facilities COAL SALES COAL STOCKPILES WATER MANAGEMENT Introduction Clean Water Management Mine Water Management Water Supply and Use Treated Water HAZARDOUS MATERIAL MANAGEMENT Fuel Containment Oil Containment and Disposal Hazardous Materials Explosives ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AND PERFORMANCE METEOROLOGICAL Introduction Rainfall Temperature Wind speed and Direction AIR QUALITY Environmental Management Depositional Dust HVAS TSP HVAS PM TEOM

4 Environmental Performance Depositional Dust TSP PM EROSION AND SEDIMENT CONTROL Environmental Management Environmental Performance SURFACE WATER Environmental Management Environmental Performance GROUNDWATER Environmental Management Environmental Performance CONTAMINATED LAND Environmental Management Environmental Performance FLORA Environmental Management Environmental Performance FAUNA Environmental Management Environmental Performance WEEDS Environmental Management Environmental Performance PESTS (FERAL AND NATIVE) BLASTING Environmental Management

5 Environmental Performance OPERATIONAL NOISE Environmental Management Environmental Performance VISUAL AMENITY AND LIGHTING Environmental Management Environmental Performance ABORIGINAL HERITAGE Environmental Management Environmental Performance NON-ABORIGINAL HERITAGE Environmental Management Environmental Performance SPONTANEOUS COMBUSTION AND ACID ROCK DRAINAGE Environmental Management Environmental Performance BUSHFIRE MANAGEMENT Environmental Management Environmental Performance MINE SUBSIDENCE Management/Monitoring Results HYDROCARBON MANAGEMENT Objectives and Management Performance METHANE DRAINAGE AND VENTILATION Monitoring Methane Output

6 Methane Level Impacts on Mine Production Methane Re-use SECURITY AND PUBLIC SAFETY Management Security Mine Inductions Personal Protection Equipment Performance INCIDENTS AND RISKS Environmental Management Environmental Performance WASTE MANAGEMENT Environmental Management Sewage Treatment/ Disposal Rubbish Disposal Hazardous Waste Disposal Environmental Performance STAKEHOLDER RELATIONS EXTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMUNITY CONSULTATION Community Consultative Committee COMMUNITY AFFAIRS Community Newsletter COMMUNITY LIAISON MINE CLOSURE PLANNING SOCIAL/ECONOMIC CONTRIBUTIONS, DONATIONS AND SPONSORSHIP EMPLOYMENT STATUS AND DEMOGRAPHY ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLAINTS

7 Environmental Management Environmental Performance REHABILITATION Buildings & Other Infrastructure Rehabilitation of Disturbed Land Other Infrastructure Rehabilitation Monitoring BIODIVERSITY OFFSET AREAS ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE Biodiversity Management Glennies Creek and Station Creek Riparian Rehabilitation 2014 Progress PROPOSED MINING ACTIVITIES MINE DEVELOPMENT MODIFICATIONS ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENTS

8 List of Figures Figure 1 - Mine Location Figure 2 - Integra Coal Stratigraphic Sequence Figure 3 ICO Mining Leases Figure 4 Care and Maintenance Environment Organisational Structure (March 2015) Figure 5 - Underground mine longwall progression during reporting period Figure 6 - Product Coal and Total Processing Waste from the CHPP in Figure 7 - Split of ROM Coal for 2014 reporting period Figure 8 - Market Destination and Sales Figure 9 - Coal Sales by Coal Type Figure 10 - Water Management System Figure 11 Location of Monitoring Points during Care and Maintenance Figure 12 Location of Monitoring Points (excluding water) prior to Care and Maintenance Figure 13 - Project Land Plan Figure 14: Monthly Rainfall Figure 15 - Monthly Temperature Figure 16 - Annual Average Depositional Dust Gauge Results 2013 and Figure 17 - Rolling Average TSP Over Reporting Period Figure 18- Annual Average HVAS TSP Results Figure 19 - Annual Average PM10 Results 2011 to Figure 20 - Rolling Average PM10 Results over Reporting Period Figure 21 - TEOM PM10 Maximum 24hr Reading Figure 22 - Water Monitoring Points (inclusion of annual monitoring) Figure 23 Gas Drainage Surface Infrastructure Figure 24 - Methane sent for re-use in Glennies Creek Power Station (Envirogen) Figure 25 - Nature of Complaints During the Reporting Period

9 Figure 26 - Comparison of Monthly Complaints 2013 and Figure 27 - Mining and Rehabilitation Map Figure 28 - Mining and Rehabilitation Map (as provided in 2014/17 MOP) Figure 29 Underground Gaswell Rehabilitation Map (as provided in 2014/2017 UG MOP) Figure 30 Glennies Creek and Station Creek Riparian Areas

10 List of Tables Table 1 - Seams identified in the geological models within the Foybrook Formation Table 2 - Approvals, Leases and Licences Table 3 Environment Actions / Improvements Table 4 - Integra Open Cut Mobile Plant and Equipment Table 5 - Integra Underground Mobile Plant and Equipment Table 6 - Underground Mine Progression Table 7 Details of the Mine Water Management System and Catchment Areas Table 8 - Air Quality Assessment Criteria Table 9 - Percentage of Uncontaminated Dust Deposition Gauges Table 10 - Annual Average Insoluble Solids Table 11 - Integra Water Monitoring Sites Table 12 Location of Blast Monitors Table 13 Operational Status of Gas Drainage Boreholes Table 14 Methane Reuse Table 17 Methods of Communication Table 18 Employment Numbers Table 19 Nature of Complaints Table 20 Indicative Integra Seed Mixes

11 List of Appendices Appendix 1 Project Approval 08_0101 and 08_0102 Appendix 2 Meteorological Data Appendix 3 Water Monitoring Appendix 4 Air Quality Results Appendix 5 Blast Monitoring Data Appendix 6 Quarterly Noise Report Results Appendix 7 - CCC Meeting Minutes Appendix 8 - Complaint Summary Appendix 9 Rehabilitation Summary Appendix 10 Production and Waste Summaries Appendix 11 Topsoil and Subsoil Balance Appendix 12 Underground Hydrocarbon Register and Storage Areas 11

12 List of Abbreviations AHD AR bcm BIS CHPP CCC DA dbl dba DPI DRE EA EC EIS EL EMP EMS EMSt EPA GHG EPL g/m 2 /mth HRSTS ICO ISO l/s MCM MIC mm/s MOP MI ML, MPL, CCL & CL Mt OGM NAG NOC NOW NOEA OC PIRMP PM 10 PPV ROM Australian Height Datum Annual Review Bank cubic metre Brambles Industrial Services Coal Handling and Preparation Plant Community Consultative Committee Development Application Noise decibels (linear) Noise decibels (A-weighted) Department of Planning and Infrastructure Division of Resources and Energy Environmental Assessment Electrical Conductivity Environmental Impact Statement Exploration Licence Environmental Management Plan Environmental Management System Environmental Management Strategy Environment Protection Authority Greenhouse Gas Environment Protection Licence Grams per square metre per month Hunter River Salinity Trading Scheme International Standard Litres per second Monthly Communication Meetings Maximum Instantaneous Charge Millimetres per second Mining Operations Plan Megalitre Mining Leases Million tonnes Organic Growth Media Noise Assessment Group North Open Cut New South Wales Office of Water North overburden emplacement area Open Cut Pollution Incident Response Management Plan Particulate matter (dust) with a diameter of less than 10 microns Peak Particle Velocity Run-of-mine 12

13 SAP EC SISPAV SOEA STP TBT TEOM UG µs/cm µg/m 3 System Analysis & Program Development Environmental Compliance SoftExpert Excellence Suite South overburden emplacement area Sewage Treatment Plant Toolbox Talk Tapered Element Oscillating Microbalance Underground Micro Siemens per centimetre Micrograms per cubic metre 13

14 1. INTRODUCTION 1.1 DOCUMENT PURPOSE This Annual Review (AR) details the environmental performance and operations at the Integra Coal Operations (ICO) during the reporting period. ICO is comprised of Integra Open Cut and Integra Underground and the reporting period covers the period of 1 st January to 31 st December In addition, the AR endeavours to provide information to external stakeholders regarding policies, objectives, goals and environmental and social performance during the 2014 reporting period. The AR is a requirement of statutory approvals and has been developed in accordance with the conditions of Mining Leases and Project Approval 08_0101 and 08_0102. The structure of this report was prepared in accordance with the Industry and Investment NSW (I&I NSW) Guidelines and Format for Preparation of an Annual Environmental Management Report (January, 2006). Condition 3 of Schedule 5 of Project Approval 08_0101 and 08_0102 states that: By the end of March 2012, and annually thereafter, the Proponent shall review the environmental performance of the projects to the satisfaction of the Director-General. This review must: (a) describe the development (including any rehabilitation) that was carried out in the past year, and the development that is proposed to be carried out over the next year; (b) include a comprehensive review of the monitoring results and complaints records of the projects over the past year, which includes a comparison of these results against the: relevant statutory requirements, limits or performance measures/criteria; monitoring results of previous years; and relevant predictions in the documents referred to in condition 2 or 3 of schedule 2; (c) identify any non-compliance over the past year, and describe what actions were (or are being) taken to ensure compliance; (d) identify any trends in the monitoring data over the life of the projects; (e) identify any discrepancies between the predicted and actual impacts of the projects, and analyse the potential cause of any significant discrepancies; and (f) describe what measure will be implemented over the next year to improve the environmental performance of the projects. Copies of the report are distributed to various stakeholders including, but not limited to: NSW Department of Trade & Investment, Regional Infrastructure & Services, Division Resources and Energy (DRE); NSW Department of Planning and Environment (DPE); Environment Protection Authority (EPA); NSW Office of Environment & Heritage (OEH): Integra Coal Operations Community Consultative Committee (ICO CCC) members; NSW Office of Water (NOW); and Singleton Shire Council (SSC). 14

15 A copy of the Annual Review is also made available on the Integra website. 1.2 HISTORY Introduction The ICO comprises underground and open cut operations which have been active since 1991 formerly as Glennies Creek Colliery and Camberwell Coal Mine. Development Consent (DA 105/90) for Glennies Creek Colliery, now Integra Underground, was granted on 1 st November 1991 and was modified on six occasions to allow further surface facility development and increased production. An environmental assessment for mining within the Middle Liddell beyond 2012 and in the Hebden and Barrett seams was submitted in July 2009 with the application (PA_08_0101) being approved in late 2010 by the Department of Planning. Project Approval PA_08_0101 allows for underground mining operations to be undertaken until 31 December, Coal is currently mined from the Middle Liddell seam with approval and development also covering the Hebden seam. Camberwell Coal Joint Venture (CCJV) was granted Development Consent (DA 86/2889) for mining operation on the 21 st March Development commenced with the construction of the CHPP and rail loop facilities and the first coal was mined in the area known as the North Pit on the 1 st March Ten modifications have been granted, which related to matters such as increased production and surface infrastructure changes and upgrades. An application (PA _0802) for open cut mining operations within the Northern and Western Extension mining areas was approved in late 2010 by the Department of Planning. CCJV and Glennies Creek Joint Venture (GCJV) were integrated on the 4 th August 2006 to form the Integra Coal Joint Venture (ICJV). AMCI Holdings Australia, part owner of ICJV, was bought by Brazil s Companhia Vale do Rio Doce (CVRD), the world s largest iron ore miner on the 20 th April CVRD changed the company name to Vale on the 29 th November 2007 and subsequently on the 11 th February 2008 renamed CVRD Australia Pty Ltd as Vale Australia Pty Ltd. In December 2014 Vale Australia (GC) Pty Ltd, a subsidiary of Vale Australia Pty Ltd, acquired 3.6% from POS-GC Pty Ltd, increasing its stake to 36%. At the end of the reporting period, Vale Australia Pty Ltd owned 64.8% of ICO via its subsidiaries Vale Australia (GC) Pty Ltd (36%) and Maitland Main Collieries Pty Ltd (28.8%), with the remaining 35.2% held by shareholdings as described below: Toyota Tsusho Mining (Australia) Pty Ltd 15% NS Glennies Creek Pty Ltd 5.95% POS-GC Pty Ltd 2.35% Chubu Electric Power Integra Pty Ltd 5.95% JFE Steel Australia (GC) Pty Ltd 4.15% JS Glennies Creek Pty Ltd 1.8% The ICO is operated as an unincorporated joint venture, with Integra Coal Operations Pty Limited being the management company responsible for all operations at both sites on behalf of the joint venture owners. The ICO currently operates under a single project approval instrument which combines the project approval for Integra Underground and Open Cut (PA 08_0101 and PA 08_0102, respectively). The project approval was granted on 26 th November 2010 under Part 3A of the NSW Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act) and is attached (as modified) in Appendix 1. 15

16 Location The ICO is located in the Hunter Coalfields of the Sydney Basin, approximately 10km northwest of Singleton. The ICO is surrounded by a number of existing mines, predominately along the western boundary, including Mount Owen Mine and Ravensworth East Mine to the north-west, Glendell Mine and Ashton Mines to the west and Rix s Creek Mine to the southwest. 16

17 Figure 1 - Mine Location Resource The Open Cut (OC) project overlies part of the north plunging Rix s Creek Syncline, which is flanked in the west by the eroded Camberwell Anticline, within the Vane Subgroup, Foybrook Formation, and Wittingham Coal Measures. Coal seams are numerous, thin and interbedded with sandstone, mudstone and a lesser amount of conglomerate. 17

18 The OC seams dip west or northwest at between 2 and 10 degrees. Seams occasionally show roll structures and paleo-river channels. The steepest dips are located on the western side of the OC South Pit. The Integra Underground (UG) Operations coal seams and surrounding strata are assigned to the Foybrook Formation, a stratigraphic unit of the Late Permian Singleton Supergroup. The Foybrook Formation contains at least six named coal seams, of which four are considered to have resource potential, and three are planned to be mined. Seams that have been identified in previous and current geological models within the Foybrook Formation Stratigraphic Sequence are shown in Table 1 and Figure 2. Table 1 - Seams identified in the geological models within the Foybrook Formation Geological Seam 1987 Model (Coalesced) 1987 Model (Primary) 1997/98 Model 2003 & 2007 Models Lemington Pikes Gully Arties (these seams excluded from previous studies) (these seams excluded from the 1987 study) 255W W 250W W W 240W

19 Geological Seam 1987 Model (Coalesced) 1987 Model (Primary) 1997/98 Model 2003 & 2007 Models 230W 230W W 220W Upper Liddell 205W 210W W 190W Middle Liddell W 180W W Upper Lower Liddell 160W 160W W 150W Lower Liddell 140W W 130W CORRELATION HORIZON Upper Barrett 120W 120W W Lower Barrett 105W W W 90W Upper Hebden 75W W W W W Lower Hebden 25W 30W W

20 Coal Seams <CBW Seam No.> <Geological Coal Seam> Coal Sandstone W 205W 175W 135W 105W 75W 55W Arties Upper Liddell Middle Liddell Siltstone Mudstone Lower Middle Liddell Lower Liddell Upper Barrett Lower Barrett Upper Hebden Lower Hebden Conglomerate Figure 2 - Integra Coal Stratigraphic Sequence 20

21 Annual Report 2014 Mining Leases Figure 3 ICO Mining Leases 21

22 The ICO resource is well suited to the production of export semi-soft coking and thermal coal. In accordance with Project Approvals 08_0101 and 08_0102, the ICO has approval to dispatch up to 7.3 million tonnes (Mt) of product coal from the site each calendar year Description of Operations Due to falling coal prices and increased operational costs at ICO, a decision was made by the Joint Ventures to transition ICO from an operational mine to one held in care and maintenance (C&M). Integra Underground Operations entered into C&M on the 28th July 2014 with Integra Open Cut Operations entering into C&M on the 15th August Transportation of coal product ceased at the end of September A dedicated team has been left to preserve plant equipment and infrastructure and ensure compliance with approvals, licences and permits while ICO is in C&M. Prior to C&M, operations consisted of multi-seam mining in four open cut areas and extraction from one underground coal seam within in leases shown in Figure 3 and are as follows: The former North Pit mining ceased in 1999 and the bulk of the pit was backfilled leaving a small section in the north-western corner without backfill to enable access to Glennies Creek Colliery, now Integra Coal Underground, via a portal on the former highwall; The former South Pit final coal was recovered in December 2011 with waste emplacement to the pit commencing the same month; The Western Extension (extension of the South Pit) approved in November Development work commenced in December 2010 with first run of mine (ROM) coal produced in May 2011; The North Open Cut (NOC) project approval granted on 2 nd December 2008, operation commencing in August 2009; and Underground operations mining continued in the Middle Liddell coal seam. Development for the Hebden seam commenced in 2011, however the progression of the Hebden seam has been suspended due to ICO entering into care and maintenance. The ICO utilised a number of facilities and equipment necessary for the mining and washing of coal which include: Infrastructure areas which incorporates workshops, administration buildings, coal handling and preparation plant (CHPP) and coal stockpiles; Rail loading facilities; and mobile plant and equipment. The operation of the CHPP and train load out facility was suspended during C&M. A preservation schedule has been formed to ensure that plant and equipment is maintained to an operational standard during C&M. In the reporting period, all ROM coal was hauled directly from the underground and open cut pits to the CHPP ROM receival area. From the CHPP, product coal is loaded into railway wagons using the ICO Rail Load-out Facility for transportation to the Port of Newcastle for export. 1.3 APPROVALS, LEASES AND LICENCES Status Mining operations at ICO are undertaken under various licences, approvals and leases, the current status of which are summarised in Table 2. 22

23 Table 2 - Approvals, Leases and Licences. Site Instrument Authority Validity Periods Open Cut Operations Project Approval 08_0102 DPE 26/11/ /12/2022 Development Consent 86/2889 DPE 19/03/ /03/2011 Development Consent Modification 2 DPE 1/02/2013 ML14 suspension of mining operations in care & maintenance DRE 3/3/ /6/2017 Environment Protection Licence 3390 EPA Licence anniversary 31st August In Force Coal Lease 357 DRE 18/06/ /03/2032 Coal Lease 382 DRE 10/10/2014 (renewed) 11/11/2033 Mining Operations Plan for Care & Maintenance DRE 14/10/ /9/2017 Mining Lease 1437 DRE 28/04/ /03/2032 Mining Lease 1518 DRE 14/06/ /03/2032 Mining Lease 1630 DRE 16/03/ /03/2030 Mining Lease 1648 DRE 04/01/ /01/2032 Mining Lease 1649 DRE 04/01/ /01/2032 Mining Lease 1650 DRE 04/01/ /01/2032 Mining Lease 1651 DRE 04/01/ /01/2032 Authorisation 440 DRE 04/11/2013 (renewed) -16/12/2015 Authorisation 81 DRE 22/09/2014 (renewed) 18/03/2016 Notification of Dangerous Goods NDG Work Cover 15/12/2015 Surface Water Licence WAL874 (240 GS) NOW Issued 31/3/2005 Surface Water Licence WAL672 (102 GS) NOW Issued 23/3/2005 Surface Water Licence WAL833 (54 GS) NOW Issued 31/3/2005 Surface Water Licence WAL797 (12 GS) NOW Issued 1/11/2006 Surface Water Licence WAL1273 (1.2 SS) NOW Issued 1/11/2006 Surface Water Licence WAL (230HS) NOW Issued 11/09/2006 Radiation Licence (Mod 1 Density) EPA 31/07/2015 Radiation Licence (Mod 2 Density) EPA 31/07/2015 Radiation Licence (Tailings 1 Density) EPA 20/10/2014 Radiation Licence 7561 (Tailings 2 Density) EPA 31/07/2015 Radiation Licence 684 (RC1 Coalscan) EPA 31/07/2015 Radiation Licence 683 (CC1 Coalscan) EPA Disposed of 01/08/2012 Radiation Licence 685 (DC1 Coalscan) EPA 31/07/2015 Radiation Licence (Allscan) EPA 31/07/2015 Radiation Licence (Allscan ) EPA 31/07/2015 Dangerous Work Licence 35/ Work Cover 09/03/ /05/2016 Water Access Licence 20BL Department of Water and Energy 24/07/2009-Perpetuity Bore Licence 20AL NOW Issued 01/07/2004 Bore Licence 20AL NOW Issued 01/07/2004 Bore Licence 20AL NOW Issued 01/07/2004 Bore Licence 20AL NOW Issued 01/07/2004 Bore Licence 20BL NOW Issued 15/08/2000 Bore Licence 20BL NOW Issued 07/03/

24 Site Instrument Authority Validity Periods Bore Licence 20BL NOW 07/03/ /02/2015 Bore Licence 20BL NOW Issued 07/03/2005 Bore Licence 20BL NOW 17/08/2007-Perpetuity Bore Licence 20BL NOW 17/08/2007-Perpetuity Bore Licence 20BL NOW 17/08/2007-Perpetuity Bore Licence 20BL NOW 17/08/2007-Perpetuity Bore Licence 20BL NOW 17/08/2007-Perpetuity Bore Licence 20BL NOW Issued 26/09/2005 Bore Licence 20BL NOW Issued 26/09/2005 Bore Licence 20BL NOW 03/09/2007-Perpetuity Bore Licence 20BL NOW 17/08/2007-Perpetuity Bore Licence 20BL NOW 17/08/2007-Perpetuity Bore Licence 20BL NOW 17/08/2007-Perpetuity Bore Licence 20BL NOW 17/08/2007-Perpetuity Bore Licence 20BL NOW 16/02/2008-Perpetuity Bore Licence 20BL NOW 16/02/2008-Perpetuity Bore Licence 20BL NOW 16/02/2008-Perpetuity Bore Licence 20BL NOW 03/04/2008-Perpetuity Bore Licence 20BL NOW 03/04/2008-Perpetuity Bore Licence 20BL NOW 15/09/2009-Perpetuity Bore Licence 20BL NOW 15/09/2009-Perpetuity Bore Licence 20BL NOW 15/09/2009-Perpetuity Bore Licence 20BL NOW Issued 20/04/1959 Bore Licence 20BL NOW Issued 10/12/1962 Bore Licence 20BL NOW Renewed 28/02/2015 Bore Licence 20BL NOW Issued 03/04/2008 Bore Licence 20AL NOW Issued 01/07/2004 Bore Licence 20AL NOW Issued 01/07/2004 Bore Licence 20AL NOW Issued 01/07/2004 Bore Licence 20AL NOW Issued 01/07/2004 Bore Licence 20CA NOW 01/07/ /02/2018 Bore Licence 20CA NOW 01/07/ /06/2017 Bore Licence 20CA NOW 04/07/ /06/2017 Underground Project Approval 08_0101 DPE 26/11/ /12/2022 ML14 suspension of mining operations in care maintenance DRE 3/3/ /6/2017 Mining Lease 1437 DRE 28/04/ /03/2032 Mining Lease 1525 (Forest Road Ventilation Shaft) DRE 18/11/ /11/2023 Mining Lease 1676 DRE 5/06/2013-4/01/2026 Mining Lease 1518 DRE 14/06/ /03/2032 Mining Operations Plan for Care & Maintenance DRE 23/12/ /7/2017 Mining Lease 1551 DRE 10/01/ /03/2032 Mining Lease 1525 DRE 18/11/ /11/2023 Exploration Lease 5824 DRE 18/6/2013 (renewed) 18/3/

25 Site Instrument Authority Validity Periods Environment Protection Licence 3390 EPA Licence anniversary 31st August In Force Water Access 961 NOW 01/07/2004-Perpetuity Water Access 960 NOW 01/07/2004-Perpetuity Water Access 484 NOW 01/07/2004-Perpetuity Water Access 485 NOW 01/07/2004-Perpetuity Water Access 1172 NOW 01/07/2004-Perpetuity Water Access 1173 NOW 01/07/2004-Perpetuity Water Access 1242 NOW 01/07/2004-Perpetuity Water Access NOW 01/07/2004-Perpetuity Bore Licence 20BL NOW 15/08/2000-Perpetuity Bore Licence 20BL NOW 07/03/2005-Perpetuity Bore Licence 20BL NOW 07/03/2005-Perpetuity Bore Licence 20BL NOW 07/03/2005-Perpetuity Bore Licence 20BL NOW 17/08/2007-Perpetuity Bore Licence 20BL NOW 17/08/2007-Perpetuity Bore Licence 20BL NOW 17/08/2007-Perpetuity Bore Licence 20BL NOW 17/08/2007-Perpetuity Bore Licence 20BL NOW 16/01/2008-Perpetuity Bore Licence 20BL NOW 16/01/2008-Perpetuity Bore Licence 20BL NOW 16/01/2008-Perpetuity Bore Licence 20BL NOW 15/09/2009-Perpetuity Bore Licence 20BL NOW 15/09/2009-Perpetuity Bore Licence 20BL NOW 15/09/2009-Perpetuity Dangerous Goods Licence NDG WorkCover NSW Expiries 02/11/15 Dangerous Goods Licence XSTR WorkCover NSW Expires 06/12/17 Development Consent 719/20033 Singleton Shire Council Issued 13/02/ Modifications during the Reporting Period The Modification 4 Environmental Assessment was submitted to the Department of Planning and Environment in April Modification 4 is currently awaiting determination from the Minister of the Department of Planning and Environment. Refer to section 7.2 for further information. 25

26 1.4 ACTIONS & IMPROVEMENTS PROPOSED IN PREVIOUS REPORTING PERIOD A number of proposed environmental actions and improvements were listed in the previous reporting period s Annual Review. Table 3 below outlines each of these environmental actions / improvements and the status of each. Proposed environmental actions / improvements for the 2015 reporting period are outlined in section 7.3 Environmental Improvements. Table 3 Environment Actions / Improvements Environmental Action / Improvement Status Improvements to dirty water and clean water drains Singleton Earth Moving completed dredging of material in the clean water and dirty water drains around site to improve flow and increase capacity. Reduce noise when evaporative fans are in operation Evaporative fans were sound attenuated to reduce noise as well as relocated from the elevated tailings dam to a lower RL100 bench in the western extension Implementation of four spray lines to reduce water and aid in reducing dust onsite Two spray lines (polypipe fitted with pig tail sprays) were positioned in the western extension and two additional spray lines positioned in North Open Cut to reduce site water and aid in dust suppression. Continued community engagement Ongoing CCC meetings, company newsletters and web site information. 24hr community hotline. Individual community contact and consultation as required. Specific community consultation was undertaken in relation to the Modification 4 application. Continue and improve employee environmental awareness training Automation of pumping infrastructure to improve water balance tracking Environmental content within Integra Inductions. Environmental awareness via Monthly Communication Meetings (MCM), Tool Box Talks (TBT) and Pre Shift Communications (PSC). Ongoing general communication of environmental awareness through daily contact with employees. Pumping infrastructure around ICO can now be remotely activated and monitored off site. Along with regular inspections, the automated system has enabled personnel to manage dirty water being pumped around site which improves water balance tracking and potentially reduces the potential of dirty water discharges from site. Targeted rehabilitation of Glennies Creek Riparian Areas Continued rehabilitation of the Glennies Creek Riparian Area, which involves targeted weed spraying, tube stock planting and fencing of areas along Glennies Creek. 26

27 1.5 MINE CONTACTS Mine Contacts Due to ICO entering into C&M, there was a significant restructure that took place during the reporting period. Prior to entering into care and maintenance, ICO had a General Manager for each site. Each General Manager was responsible to ensure that all employees, contractors and visitors to the ICO comply with all relevant appropriate regulations and legislation. Due to the C&M restructure the General Manager Position was deemed to be no longer required. Under C&M, Grant Clouten became Operations Manager across both the OC and UG operations. During the reporting period Shane Flint was responsible for managing environment elements at the ICO. There was a reduction of Environmental Advisors due to the C&M restructure with Chris Quinn becoming responsible for the routine environmental management at the ICO. A dedicated C&M team remains at ICO to ensure that the site remains safe and secure and reduce the potential for the dormant site to cause harm to the environment or to the public. The ICO C&M team continues to monitor and report in line with the requirements of the consent conditions, the mining lease conditions, and all approved plans and permits The current organisational structure for the environment team is shown in Figure 4. Current contact details for the Operations Manager, Environmental Manager and Environmental & Community Advisor are: Mr Grant Clouten Operations Manager Integra Coal Operations Phone: Grant.clouten@valeaustralia.com.au Mr Shane Flint Environment, Health & Safety Principal Phone: shane.flint@valeaustralia.com.au Mr Chris Quinn Environment and Community Advisor Phone: Chris.quinn@valeaustralia.com.au 27

28 Figure 4 Care and Maintenance Environment Organisational Structure (March 2015) Contract Support Personnel Specialist environmentally based or related companies consulted/involved in activities at the ICO during the reporting period included: Carbon Based Environmental Pty Ltd ground and surface water monitoring and analysis, air quality monitoring and visual subsidence inspections; Ecotech blast monitoring; East Coat Flora Survey flora survyes; Environmental Management Group Australia (EMGA) environmental assessments; Environmental Resource Management Australia (ERM) subsidence management plan, ecological (flora) and archaeological surveys; Forest Fauna Surveys fauna surveys; Global Acoustics operational noise monitoring and quarterly attended noise monitoring; GeoTerra surface and groundwater reviews along with hydro-geological studies and water management plans; RW Corkery & CO Pty Limited Independent Environmental Auditors; ISS/Flick Pest Management; 28

29 JSA Environmental general environmental support; Parsons Brinkerhoff Biodiversity Offset Area Audit and Flora and Fauna assessments; Pells Sullivan Meynick dam safety advice; Spectrum Acoustics operational noise monitoring and quarterly attended noise monitoring (open cut 2012, ICO 2013); SCT Operations subsidence monitoring and end of longwall panel reports; Remondis (formerly Thiess) waste management; JR Richards waste management; SoundScience noise monitoring equipment support services; AGH Rehabilitation works; Thiess hydrographic data collection. 1.6 ENVIRONMENT POLICY ICO is committed to the Vale Global Sustainable Development Policy (POL-0003-G). The principles of the Sustainable Development Policy are: - Vale s mission is to transform natural resources into prosperity and sustainable development; - Sustainable development is achieved when its activities, particularly mining operations, add value to its shareholders and stakeholders whilst contributing to social strengthening, economic development of regional vocations and environmental conservation and restoration through a conscious and responsible management approach, voluntary corporate actions and the establishment of partnerships with government, public institutions, the private sector and civil society; - Sustainability as a legacy Vale s principle is to act with the objective of leaving a positive social, economic and environmental legacy in the areas where it operates by encouraging social inclusion through work, education and human development, economic growth and diversification accordingly to location vocations, strengthening of local institutions, supporting the responsible public institutions with the planning of appropriate urban infrastructure, whilst contributing to the conservation and restoration of the ecosystems, biodiversity and cultural heritage of the region. Mining by nature is a finite activity, limited to the lifecycle of the mineral deposit. The sustainable legacy of our activities depends on the development of new economic vocations that may guarantee the perpetuity of the social wellbeing in balance with environmental conservation. The achievement of these principles is supported by three pillars of action; as a Sustainable Operator, as a Catalyst for Sustainable Local Development and as a Global Sustainability Agent. These three pillars are detailed below: 1. Sustainable Operator To work sustainably is to act in a conscientious and socio-economic and environmentally responsible manner throughout the complete lifecycle of our activities from the conception, project implementation, operational cycle and commercialisation until closure phase. It is value creation: 29

30 Value added to stakeholders; Anticipation and prevention; Legislation as baseline for continuous improvement; Uphold organisation and discipline; and Ethics and respect in business. 2. Local Sustainable Development Catalyst L.O.C.A.L development in our direct influence area. As the catalyst of local development, we seek to go beyond the impact of management of our operations and projects, contributing voluntarily through partnerships with governments, other companies and civil society to build a sustainable regional legacy: License to operate; Order for development; Communication and engagement; Alliance with key stakeholders; and Legacy for the region. 3. Global Sustainability Agent The G.L.O.B.A.L sustainability pillar is based on the acknowledgement on one side that certain global sustainability aspects may directly affect our business and on the other side, that Vale as one of the leading companies in the mining sector may contribute to the international promotion of sound sustainability practices: Guaranteed Transparency; Leadership; Observation of trends; Best practices; Act local, think global; and Legacy for future generations. Integra Coal is also committed to the Vale Australia s Environmental Policy, which states: At Vale in Australia, we are committed to acting in an environmentally responsible manner. We will integrate environmental matters into our corporate and operational activities by: Complying with legislative requirements; 30

31 Communicating effectively with stakeholders; and Committing to reduction of environmental impacts. We are all responsible for the effective application of this policy. Integra has also implemented an Environmental Management Strategy (EMSt) to address environmental issues requiring management as determined by relevant authorities following Environmental Assessments and internal risk management processes. The Environmental Management Strategy outlines the actions required and persons responsible in order for Integra to effectively manage environmental best practice and compliance through implementation of audits and reviews and the establishment of a process for continual improvement of environmental performance. The EMSt has been developed to: Facilitate the management of environmental issues; Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements; Improve environmental performance; and Meet stakeholder and community expectations. To implement the EMSt, a number of management plans have been developed. These management plans will: Describe the core element of the management system and interactions; and Provide direction to related documentation and other references. The seven levels of documentation within the EMSt include: Environmental policy; Environmental objectives and targets; Environmental management system; Management plans; Procedures; Forms; and Registers. All key characteristics of the operation that can have an impact on the environment are monitored on a regular basis in accordance with the Project Approval and those environmental licences and other statutory conditions relevant to the integration of all operations at the ICO. Measuring, monitoring and evaluating are key activities that ensure Integra is performing in accordance with the Vale Australia s Environmental Policy s objectives and targets whilst also addressing ongoing planning. A copy of the ICO Environmental Management Strategy is available on the Integra website. 31

32 2. OPERATIONS 2.1 EXPLORATION No Exploration activities were undertaken at the ICO during the reporting period. 2.2 LAND PREPARATION There were no new areas disturbed at Integra Opencut Operations during the reporting period. The West Pit and North Pit operated within the existing footprint of operations, therefore no vegetation clearing or topsoil stripping was undertaken. No subsoil or topsoil was stockpiled at the ICO during the reporting period. A copy of the topsoil and subsoil balance is presented in Appendix 11. The ICO covers approximately 583 hectares of current disturbed land, with available topsoil/subsoil resources sufficient to provide approximately 100 mm coverage. This estimate is in accordance with the target coverage of 100mm of material to be applied to areas that have had bulk shaping completed. It must be noted that the majority of this material is subsoil. A figure outlining the location of topsoil and subsoil stockpile locations is presented in Section 6 Rehabilitation (Figure 27: Mining and Rehabilitation Map 2014). The ICO completed approximately 10 ha of Rehabilitation and 44ha of Dump Decommissioning during the reporting period. Waste emplacements at the North Open Cut and Western Extension mining areas were shaped and decommissioned prior to entering into care and maintenance. Further details, including figures outlining rehabilitation completed during the reporting period are outlined in Section 6 Rehabilitation. Production and Waste summaries for the Open Cut, North Open Cut and Underground are included in Appendix 10. Land preparation activities undertaken at the Integra Underground during the reporting period were limited to concurrent vegetation and soil stripping to permit installation of gas drainage drill pads on LW 12/11 to 12/12, and burying of Poly Pipe from the Integra Gas Flare Installation to connect LW12 Gas Extraction Wells to Longwall 13 via 12/1 to 13/1. Gaswell 7/1, 8/2, 8/4, 9/1, 9/3, 10/2, 10/3, 11/2, 11/4, and VW06A. Integra UG methane gas mitigation project/gas Flares installed approximately 2km of 800mm, 1.95km of 630mm and 0.28km of polypipe subsurface between gas drainage infrastructure by trenching and back filling trenches with excavated material. Flares stage 1 & 2 were limited to an interim 1300m2 pad and 1600m2 interim pump site which will be rehabilitated after redundancy. Flares stage 3 was limited to a permanent 6600m2 pad adjacent to the ventilation flare site. The ventilation fan is within the existing fan site and will occupy approximately 5000m2. In construction of the new shaft and fan infrastructure, temporary structures include a 1ML water settling pond, 12ML drill water storage pond and cuttings stock pile which will be rehabilitated when the ventilation fan project is completed. Rehabilitation will consist of backfilling/compacting ponds, construction of clean water diversions, topsoiling and seeding. A new ventilation fan site rehabilitation plan will be forwarded to DRE for review prior to decommissioning of the construction compound. 32

33 2.3 CONSTRUCTION Construction activities at the ICO during the reporting period consisted of: Relocation of ten evaporative fans from the dividing dam wall between TD1 and TD2 to the RL100 bench in the western extension, south pit. Drilling of gas drainage boreholes 12/11, 12/12, 13/1 to 13/2 and construction of associated gas drainage infrastructure. Gas drainage boreholes are installed in the undisturbed strata in advance of the longwall face. Following the passage of the longwall face, the gas is captured via an underground pipeline and piped to the Glennies Creek Power Station (operated by EDL - Energy Developments Limited), or delivered to the onsite Flare System (operated by Integra), or allowed to free-vent via bleed-off stacks. Once the gas levels have reduced to predetermined levels in the underground workings and/or the longwall face has progressed past the equivalent point on the adjacent panel, the vent stack and associated equipment is removed. The Envirogen pipeline may then connect directly to the borehole to utilise mine gases if necessary. When the gas well site is no longer utilised, the borehole is sealed, pipe is reclaimed and the site rehabilitated. Construction of a new ventilation fan shaft utilising blind bore drilling was completed during Seam connection at Middle Liddell and Hebden was not completed during the reporting period. The Hebden Project Drivage of two (2) interseam drifts from Middle Liddell seam to Hebden seam and connection to the ventilation shaft. Construction of Gas Flare infrastructure Stages 1, 2 & 3. Stages 1 & 2 Gas Flares were constructed on an interim basis while Stage 3 Gas Flares are permanent. 2.4 BUILDINGS No buildings were renovated or removed at the UG during the reporting period. Safety fences with key card entry were established at the UG in accordance with UG care and maintenance planning. Removal of one demountable bath house / toilet complex and one demountable office at the administration area from site. 2.5 MINING Method Prior to entering into care and maintenance in August 2014, Integra OC mining operations utilised a Bucyrus RH340B excavator, two Hitachi 3600 excavators and a Caterpillar (CAT) 6040 excavator for bulk material excavation and coal mining. CAT rear dump truck fleets are used for overburden and coal transport. Excavators and trucks were used to remove coal which is loaded into the coal hopper ( ROM Bin ) or placed on the ROM pad at the CHPP. During the C&M period which commenced in August 2014, designated park up positions for mobile equipment were established. Haul trucks, water carts and front end loaders were parked up at the south pit park up area and the maintenance 33

34 hardstand and workshop area. Bull dozers and excavators were relocated and parked up at the south pit RL100 dump, with drilling equipment being parked up at the Build pad in the south pit. During the C&M planning phase, a preservation schedule was created to preserve the heavy mining equipment from deteriorating. Periodically, the equipment has been mobilised to check functionality and to complete the maintenance requirements. Activities of this nature have been conducted during daylight hours. If any defects are identified they are recorded in the defects management system and rectified to ensure that the heavy mining equipment is maintained in a state of readiness with the potential to recommence operations. The mining equipment at Integra open cut is shown in Table 4. Table 4 - Integra Open Cut Mobile Plant and Equipment. Equipment Type Number Routinely in Use Function Bucyrus RH340B Excavator 1 Materials movement Hitachi EX3600 Excavator 2 Material movement Caterpillar 6040 excavator 1 Materials movement Caterpillar 994 Loader 4 Materials movement Drilltech DK75KS 1 Drill rig Drilltech D75K 2 Drill rig Drilltech D40K 1 Drill rig Caterpillar D11 5 Materials movement Caterpillar D10 2 Materials movement Caterpillar 854 RTD 1 Materials movement Caterpillar 16 G Grader 3 Road maintenance Caterpillar 789 Rear Dump Truck 26 Materials movement Caterpillar 777 Water Cart 3 Dust Suppression Caterpillar 773 Service Cart 1 Equipment servicing Coal mining methods at the Integra Underground during the reporting period remain predominately unchanged from the previous period, namely: Mine development using three wide head, single pass continuous miners with a combination of electrically powered shuttle cars loading onto a 1200mm wide conveyor belt system. One single pass continuous miner was used in North Mains, complimented by Drill & Blast operations in high drive areas (ie. Overcasts, belt chambers, etc.). One single pass continuous miner was used in Maingate development for parts of longwall 13 and longwall 14. Full face Drill & Blast operations occurred in both the Man & Materials Drift to the Hebden Seam completed by a continuous miner. Middle Liddell shaft drivage initiated by a single pass continuous miner. Longwall extraction using a Caterpillar longwall feeding a Beam Stage Loader to a 1200mm wide conveyor belt system. The longwall unit comprises a shearer with a.85m depth delivering coal to an armoured face conveyor. During the reporting period final extraction and sealing of longwall panel 12 occurred (face width ~250m). Roof support on the longwall face was provided by 143 x 1.75m wide, two legged hydraulic roof supports with a carrying capacity of 940 tonne each. Coal was transferred from the longwall face to the RL100m ROM stockpile area by the production and development conveyors and finally via two additional surface conveyors. UG ROM coal is transported by truck to the coal hopper ( ROM Bin ) or placed on the ROM pad at the CHPP. 34

35 Table 5 - Integra Underground Mobile Plant and Equipment. Equipment Type Number Routinely in Operation Function Personnel Transporters 8 Personnel movement Load Haul Dump (LHD/FBL) 6 Materials movement Grader 1 Underground road maintenance Continuous Miner 2 Mine development Shuttle Car 2 Mine development Bobcat 1 Underground belt cleaning Surface Forklift 3 Surface and stores Longwall Unit 1 Coal production Surface Front End Loader 1 * Loading coal trucks Surface Haul Truck 4 * Transporting coal to CHPP Surface Water Truck 1 * Dust suppression * Plant also utilised by open cut operations Progress Open Cut mining operations continued in the North Open Cut and the Western Extension of the South Pit up until August 2014, when ICO was placed in care and maintenance. Mining of longwall panel 12 was completed on the 22 nd or April 2014 with the equipment being recovered and the panel being sealed. Longwall panel 13 was developed during the reporting period, however, mining was postponed due to the mine being placed in C&M. Underground mine progression at the end of the reporting period is shown on Figure 5 and presented chronologically in Table 6. Values in the table represent metres driven in development and metres of retreat for longwall extraction each month (rounded to the nearest metre). New ventilation shaft construction was completed during the reporting period to provide ventilation for both the Middle Liddell and Hebden seams. Due to the UG operations entering into C&M in July 2015, a steel cap was placed on top of the shaft to protect the shaft from damage. Gas drainage flares were commissioned during the reporting period with the potential for methane destruction up to 6000 litres per second. C&M activities at the UG operations during the reporting period involved relocation of the long wall and development equipment to the surface so that equipment could be preserved and maintained to an operational standard. A small amount of Integra staff and contractors continue to perform duties on site with the aim of extending the life of parked up equipment, providing general maintenance and satisfying statutory and regulatory obligations. 35

36 Table 6 - Underground Mine Progression 36

37 Figure 5 - Underground mine longwall progression during reporting period 2.6 COAL PROCESSING Summary The CHPP processes ROM coal from both OC and UG operations. The monthly breakdown of product coal produced and process waste material created by the CHPP during the reporting period is shown in Figure 6. ICO produced a total of 2.49 million tonnes (Mt) of ROM coal all of which was processed through the CHPP during the reporting period. Annual product coal produced during the reporting period totalled 1.31Mt compared to 2.45Mt for the previous annual period. The decrease in coal production between annual periods was due to ICO entering into care and maintenance in August As per Schedule 2, Condition 8, ICO shall not extract more than 1.5 Mt from the open cut north mining area, 4.5 Mt from the open cut western mining area and 4.5 Mt from the underground mining operations during a calendar year. The ICO did not exceed coal extraction limits for the 2014 period, which is demonstrated in Figure 7. 37

38 Total Product from CHPP (tonnes) Jan '14 Feb '14 Mar '14 Apr '14 May '14 Jun '14 Jul '14 Aug '14 Sep '14 Oct '14 Nov '14 Dec ' Total Processing Waste from CHPP (tonnes) PRODUCT WASTE Figure 6 - Product Coal and Total Processing Waste from the CHPP in ,200,000 1,000, ,000 Tonnes (t) 600, , ,000 0 Open Cut ROM Coal Mined - West Open Cut ROM Coal Mined - North Underground ROM coal mined ,121, , ,813 Figure 7 - Split of ROM Coal for 2014 reporting period Method Raw coal is delivered to the CHPP dump hopper by haul trucks. A sizing station at the dump hopper reduces the material to 90mm top size in a two stage crushing process. Sized coal is then transported by conveyor to the plant feed surge bin or conveyed to the raw coal stacker for stockpiling. Plant feed, sourced directly from the dump hopper or reclaimed from the raw coal stockpile, is fed into the plant and crushed a third and final time to a max of 50mm. Through the use of screens and classifying cyclones, the raw coal is separated into 38

39 three size fractions. The coarse coal (>2.5mm) is processed in one of two dense medium cyclones, where the coal is separated from reject material. Coarse coal and reject are separately dewatered. The middle size fraction of the raw coal (2.5mm to 0.25mm) is processed using teeter bed separators. The product from the teeter bed separators is sized at 1.4mm using sieve bends, the over size is dewatered and combined with coarse coal product. The undersize is reprocessed in spirals. Spiral reject is combined with teeter bed separator reject and dewatered. This dewatered reject material is combined with the dense medium cyclone reject and leaves the plant as a single stream on the reject conveyor. Coarse reject (all reject <0.25mm) is transported from the CHPP to the reject bin, and removed by rear dump truck to emplacement areas within the pit. The fine coal fraction (<0.25mm) is processed in the flotation circuit using Jameson Cells. The Jameson Cells beneficiate coal by froth flotation. The coal froth product is dewatered by filtration and combined with the coarser size fraction products. Reject material from the flotation process is thickened at the CHPP to recover water for reuse and reduce the volume of material reporting to the tailings dam Processing Plant Residues / Reject Management During the reporting period, CHPP overall yield for ROM coal from open cut operations was 44.7% and from underground operations was 59.7%; with overall yield for the ICO being 49.7%. There was an increase in the UG yield of 3.3% compared to the 2013 reporting period which was due to a combination of factors including the seam thickness and quality and operation of the new longwall which enabled increased control of the strata CHPP Water Handling and Waste Disposal Procedures Tailings from the CHPP during the reporting period were pumped approximately 2.5km to Tailings Dam No. 1, Tailings Dam 2 (TD1 and TD2) located in the north east section of the mining lease. During the reporting period the tailings storage in Tailings Dam 3 (TD3) was completed and the dam is now in the drying phase ahead of being decommissioned. A system for water return from the tailing dam complex to mine water dam D1 (via a decant system) is used. Returned water is then available for reuse through the site water management system. Prime waste and coarse rejects conveyed from the CHPP to the reject holding bin are loaded into mine dump trucks and disposed in the overburden emplacement areas. Fine rejects from the CHPP are pumped to the tailings facilities Monitoring and Maintenance of Containment Facilities Seepage through the southern and south western embankments of TD2 is minimised by the tailings selectively beaching against the dam wall. Any seepage that does occur is collected in drains constructed at the toe of the downstream batter and directs the water back to dam D1. Seepage to the north from TD2 is collected in containment facility dams W20 and W21 and can be pumped to dam D1. TD3 decant water is pumped to D1 via a pontoon pump. Seepage from TD3 is understood to report to the UG Portal Sump, which is located at the lowest point of the old North Pit (underground dirty water sump). Water from the Portal Sump is pumped to D1 for reuse or to Possum Skin Dam. The following checks and inspections are carried out on a weekly basis and documented by the CHPP Maintenance personnel: Tailings dams and pipelines are inspected daily and following blasts in the NOC, with a written condition report produced weekly. The main tailings pipeline from the CHPP to the tailings complex is also fitted with an alarm to alert staff of potential blockages or leakage Location of water in relation to the southern and south western embankments. If the deposition of the tailings results in water ponding against the embankment the discharge point should be moved and/or the decant pump started; and 39

40 Seepage water clarity should be clear and is checked for signs of contamination with dark tailings. Comments are made on the volume discharging from the drains at the base of the southern and south western embankment. In addition to routine inspections, TD2 has six piezometers installed to monitor groundwater in the region of the dam wall; three are installed on the dam wall crest and three at the toe of the dam wall. The piezometers are currently monitored for ground water level, Electrical Conductivity (EC) and ph. The piezometers installed on TD2 are imperative to understanding the stability and integrity of the dam wall by monitoring groundwater levels. It is essential for the ground water depth to be maintained at a relatively low level to ensure that the stability of the dam wall is not compromised. The depth of ground water may be influenced by rainfall, seepage or other factors. The monitoring results for the piezometers installed on TD2 are discussed further in Section and are presented in Appendix 3. Two v-notch weirs for water flow measurement are installed on both the north and southern sides of the tailings facilities. These weirs measure water flows which indicate the amount of seepage coming from the tailings facilities. A review undertaken during the reporting period indicated no significant increase in the seepage volumes from the tailings dams. 2.7 COAL SALES The ICO produces and exports three coal products. Coal sourced from the OC operations is processed to produce either a 9% ash semi-soft coking coal or a 12% ash thermal coal. Coal sourced from the underground operations is all processed to a 9.2% ash semi-hard coking coal. The majority of coal produced was exported to Japan, with some sales to South Korea, Taiwan and Pakistan. A breakdown by destination and product coal type is shown in Figure 8 and Figure 9 respectively. 5.15% 3.86% 8.27% 6.22% 76.46% Japan South Korea Other Taiwan Pakistan Figure 8 - Market Destination and Sales 40

41 Semi Soft Thermal Semi Hard Figure 9 - Coal Sales by Coal Type 2.8 COAL STOCKPILES The ICO CHPP utilised three coal stockpiles in the handling and preparation process during the reporting period. The first in the process is the 60,000 tonne ROM stockpile located adjacent to the ROM hopper. The second, a 70,000 tonne ROM stockpile which utilises a stacker and a reclaim facility. The third is the 300,000 tonne product coal stockpile which utilises six (6) coal valves and a reclaim tunnel to move coal from the stockpile to the train loading facility. The stockpiles are located to the west (ROM) and the south (product) of the existing CHPP main infrastructure. In September 2014, the last of the coal stockpiled at ICO was loaded into railway carriages and transported to Newcastle port. The coal stockpiles were levelled off using a Bull Dozer and preserved for future operation. 2.9 WATER MANAGEMENT Introduction The ICO does not hold a water discharge licence and separates clean water, sediment laden water, and mine water to minimise adverse environmental impacts. Clean water is allowed to run off site and includes captured water from upstream catchment areas that are designated as undisturbed or rehabilitated and are not affected by mining activities. Sediment laden water is water captured on disturbed ground which may or may not be subject to mining activity and includes areas such as roads, hardstand, drill pads and unfinished rehab areas. Mine water generally includes all water coming into contact with overburden, tailings and infrastructure surfaces. Water management infrastructure is shown in Figure 10 and includes dams, pipelines and associated drainage structures which allow for catchment of water from undisturbed areas to be diverted, where possible, away from disturbed and sediment laden mine water. Controls are implemented to ensure storm water and groundwater from the mining area is diverted to either mine water dams or the pit void to prevent discharge of dirty water off site. 41

42 A Water Management Plan for the operations (North Open Cut, the Underground Mine, South Pit and the extended South Pit (Western Extension)) outlines surface water and groundwater management practices including monitoring requirements, performance indicators and response plans. During the operational period of 2014 the ICO Water Committee continued with the aim of identifying and managing site water strategies. Components of this committee have included an ongoing water balance (still in development), identifying the potential to increase the diversion of clean water and minimising dirty water catchments, improved water movement monitoring and auditing of water management structures. The water committee was discontinued prior to entering into C&M, however, during the planning phase of care and maintenance, a decision was made to automate pumping infrastructure around site so that pumps could be remotely operated. During the reporting period, both clean water and dirty water diversion drains were cleaned out using a long reach excavator to significantly reduce the likelihood of dirty water entering clean water drains and being released offsite Clean Water Management In the OC mining lease area east of the main Northern Railway Line, rainwater runoff from non-mined or rehabilitation areas, as well as from the diversion of the Martins Creek and Blackwattle Creek catchments, is collected in a series of four dams (C1, C2, C3 and C4). A vegetated clean water channel connects these dams. Water from C3 and C4 can be pumped to other water storage dams for on-site use as required. C3 and C4 are maintained with sufficient freeboard to ensure adequate surge capacity during storm events. Three further dams, C5, C6 and C6a are sediment laden water dams in the south of the mining lease and these dams bywash to Dam C3. The area west of the Main Northern Railway Line had several dams constructed in 2000 due to the increase in South Pit operations and the need to separate clean and mine water. The water management system was designed for ICO by John Hannan and comprises clean water dams C7 to C11. The dams and diversion banks divert clean runoff water from entering mine workings. Dams C7, C8 and C11 bywash and flow into C4 via the vegetated channel, while dam C9 (west of the south pit) bywashes into Station Creek. Dam C10 was located in the active mining area and was mined-through in The passive release of water from C4 has occurred in the past during storm events. Water is decanted after these events in order to keep the dam at 70% of maximum capacity. This maintains enough freeboard to allow sufficient residence time to settle solids in the next first flush event. Clean and mine water separation at Integra Underground is achieved by means of an earthen bund which extends along the western margin of the access road to the hardstand/storage areas and traverses the southern and western sides of the stores lay-down area. Flows from the west of the bund, which originate from areas largely undisturbed by mining, are directed to the clean water areas via natural or constructed drainage lines and channels. Possum Skin Dam, a structure for the storage of mine water, is isolated from clean surface runoff by a perimeter cleanwater diversion drain. All captured mine water is directed to the Portal Sump. 42

43 Figure 10 - Water Management System 43

44 Mine Water Management Mine water is a product of water captured within the mine water footprint in areas such as: roads, hardstands, and infrastructure and surface facilities. Typically, due to the local geology, mine water is characterised by elevated salinity levels. All runoff from OC surface facilities is intercepted by diversion drains and directed to Dam D1 (as illustrated in Figure 10). Mine water and tailings dam return water is pumped or drained to Dam D1. A dedicated pipeline returns water collected from the underground operations Portal Sump to Dam D1 or PSD. Groundwater inflows during mining operations are dewatered from the pit to D1 for use in the coal processing system. Development of the North Open Cut included construction of three sediment dams (Sediment Dams 1, 2 and 3) at the eastern end of the pit to collect disturbed area surface runoff. In the Western Extension and North Open Cut project areas there have been a number of smaller in-pit dams constructed to aid in the removal of captured mine water from the pit. Water from these dams is pumped back to D1 as required. Four sediment control dams (B1, B2, B5 and B6) have also been constructed in the Western Extension project area to capture sediment laden runoff. A pump is permanently located at B5 dam and pumps run at dam B1, B2 and B6 as required to return water to D1 or the South Pit void. An oil separator located at the OC truck wash is used to remove hydrocarbons contained in wash down water. Floating oil booms are also located at the inlet to Dam D1 to remove any extra hydrocarbons from the water before it enters Dam D1. A mechanised oil skimmer is also installed at the holding sump prior to the oil separator. There have been no incidents where oil contaminated water was released off site during the reporting period. Ten evaporative fans were sound attenuated and relocated from the dam wall between TD1 and TD2 to the lower RL100 bench in the western extension during the 2014 reporting period. These fans will assist in reducing the level of stored mine water and also benefit dust control in the South pit void. In addition to the evaporative fans, the OC have introduced polypipe fitted with pig tail sprays along areas of spoils and waste rock. Two (2) spray lines are located in the Northern Open cut. An additional two (2) spray lines were established in the western extension during the 2014 reporting period. These sprays are also aimed at assisting with the reduction of stored mine water and will also benefit dust control. Mine water runoff from underground footprint surface facilities is diverted to the Portal Sump via the mine water drainage system. As described in Section 2.8.2, clean and mine water separation is achieved by means of earthen bunds. Overland pipelines transport water from the Portal Sump to Possum Skin Dam or D1 as required. Water is also diverted from the portal sump to the process water dam which supplies water underground for fire fighting and mining purposes. A sedimentation dam, positioned next to Possum Skin Dam, captures sediment laden water originating from the clean water diversion drains. Table 7 outlines the characteristics of water storages and catchment areas located within ICO to manage water. Table 7 Details of the Mine Water Management System and Catchment Areas Storage Type of Total Max. Capacity at Function Inspection Water Stored Catchment Surface Spill Level Regime Area (ha) Area (ML) (ha) C1 Clean Collect surface runoff Monthly C2 Clean Collect surface runoff Monthly C3 Clean Collect surface runoff Monthly C3A Clean a Collect surface runoff Monthly 44

45 Storage Type of Total Max. Capacity at Function Inspection Water Stored Catchment Surface Spill Level Regime Area (ha) Area (ML) (ha) C4 Clean Collect surface runoff Monthly C5 Clean Collect surface runoff Monthly C6 Clean Collect surface runoff Monthly C6A Clean Collect surface runoff Monthly C7 Clean Collect surface runoff Monthly C8 Clean Collect surface runoff Monthly C9 Clean Collect surface runoff Monthly C11 Clean Collect surface runoff Monthly TD1 Mine Dewatering and disposal of tailings generated from processing coal. Monthly Note: Tailings dams are not used for water storage. TD2 Mine ,000 Dewatering and disposal of tailings generated from processing coal. Monthly Note: Tailings dams are not used for water storage. D1 Mine Supplies CHPP and also used for dust suppression Monthly Central repository for Open Cut mine water. D3 / TD3 Mine a Dewatering and disposal of tailings generated from processing coal. Monthly Note: Tailings dams are not used for water storage. D3 Mine Monthly D4 Mine Monthly Process Dam Mine N/A Process water for underground use. Monthly Vent Shaft Dam Mine N/A Water for use in drilling operations at ventilation shaft site. Monthly New Vent Fan drill water settling pond New Vent Fan drill water temporary holding pond Mine N/A 1 Settling pond holds transit water from the new vent fan drilling program Mine N/A 12 Temporary pond constructed to hold drill water in the shaft construction phase Weekly Weekly 45

46 Storage Type of Total Max. Capacity at Function Inspection Water Stored Catchment Surface Spill Level Regime Area (ha) Area (ML) (ha) Clean run-off pond water Clean N/A Storage of clean water run-off. Monthly Possum Skin Mine b Store excess water from both open Monthly Dam cut and underground operations for evaporation Provide water for dust suppression. Portal Sump Mine b Overflow storage for Underground. Weekly Sediment Dam 1 Sediment Dam 2 Sediment Dam 3 Sediment Dam B1 Sediment Dam B2 Sediment Dam B5 Sediment Dam B6 Sediment Dam (underground) Sediment Laden Sediment Laden Sediment Laden Sediment Laden Sediment Laden Sediment Laden Sediment Laden Sediment Laden Settle sediment prior to discharge. Monthly Settle sediment prior to discharge. Monthly Settle sediment prior to discharge. Monthly >10.5 Settle sediment prior to discharge. Monthly >1.2 Settle sediment prior to discharge. Monthly >6.1 Settle sediment prior to discharge. Monthly >7.0 Settle sediment prior to discharge. Monthly 0.3 a 0.87 a >6 a Collects run-off from hardstand. Monthly Sewage Sewage N/A 0.07 a >10 a Storage of sewage system water Monthly Treatment Dam System prior to irrigation. Water Possum Skin Dam Sediment Dam a Estimate only Sediment Laden 50 a 0.56 a >8 a Settle sediment prior to discharge. Monthly b Existing conditions, Capacity to Maximum Operating Level (MOL) = 1090 ML, Expansion of North Open Cut will reduce capacity to MOL = 710 ML c Portal Sump storage at RL 41m AHD in the open sump / backfill with a 10% assumed porosity Water Supply and Use The CHPP total water requirement during the 2013 reporting period was approximately 13 GL. A total of 12.1 GL of water was recycled/reused during this period, representing 94.9% net water recycled. Water was drawn primarily from Dam D1, which 46

47 can be supplemented by water pumped from the clean water system if required. The bulk of this water is returned to D1 through the tailings disposal process. Mine water from the underground operations is pumped to the Portal Sump and then pumped, via overland pipeline, to either mine water dam D1 or Possum Skin Dam. Mine water from the underground can also be pumped to Ashton Coal on an as needed basis. Surface water trucks collect water from Possum Skin Dam for dust suppression at the OC and ROM pad as required. No water was sourced from the clean water system or Glennies Creek for mining operations during the reporting period. Water is or may be made available from the following sources: Singleton Town Supply this water is primarily used for the bathhouse and drinking water; and Glennies Creek Integra Coal Operations has a licence to pump from Glennies Creek Treated Water Treated waste water from the OC sewage treatment system is applied to a rehabilitated area. There have been no adverse impacts observed resulting from the irrigation of rehabilitation areas during the 2014 reporting period. The Underground sewage treatment plant processes waste water and delivers treated water to a holding pond from which irrigation is undertaken HAZARDOUS MATERIAL MANAGEMENT Fuel Containment All fuel storage tanks have bunds with the capacity to hold 110% of the largest tank within that bunded area. There have been no significant areas of hydrocarbon contamination at the OC during the reporting period. Hydrocarbon staining was identified at the UG during the reporting period. The relocation of underground mining equipment and infrastructure from the underground workings to the surface for preservation works has culminated in some hydrocarbon staining of the longwall laydown area and the UG surface maintenance workshop area. Remediation of the hydrocarbon contaminated areas are proposed to occur in Oil Containment and Disposal Open Cut bulk oil storage occurs within the same bunded area that the bulk fuel tanks are contained within and as a result the capacity of the bund for the bulk oil storage tank is well above 110% of the oil storage tank capacities. During the reporting period all waste oil and radiator coolant from truck and vehicle maintenance was reclaimed and recycled. Underground waste oil is collected at the bench and Brambles Industrial Services (BIS) workshop and stored for waste oil collection. A licensed waste transport contractor collects waste oil and coolant for subsequent recycling. The OC wash down area has a sump to collect the oil/water mix. Drains at the workshop are directed to the wash down bay area sump where a loop tube surface skimmer removes the majority of hydrocarbons before the remaining water is passed through a plate separator. Recovered oil is transferred to a storage tank and a licensed waste transport contractor collects the separated waste oil from the storage tank. Water post hydrocarbon recovery then flows to mine water dam D1. 47

48 Hazardous Materials Inventories of hazardous materials and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) are available through the OC and UG stores. The UG control room also holds hard copy MSDSs. The ICO also utilises the Chemwatch system which can be accessed via the Integra Intranet. The ICO generates some wastes which are classified as hazardous under the Office of Environment and Heritage s waste classification system. These wastes must be tracked when transported into, within or out of New South Wales. The waste consignor, transporter and receiving facility all have obligations to ensure that the waste is tracked, transported and dealt with in accordance with the Protection of the Environment Operations Act, The volumes of hazardous waste generated at the ICO and disposed of are monitored and collated monthly Explosives Integra holds licenses to store explosives (refer Table 2). Open cut explosive materials, such as ammonium nitrate prill and emulsion, which are used to blast overburden, were stored in the explosives compound ( Orica compound ). Detonators were stored in a separate compound as per the Explosives Act 2003 No. 39 and Explosives Regulation Due to ICO entering into care and maintenance, a licenced contracting company removed explosives and detonators from site once blasting was completed in August ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AND PERFORMANCE The location of meteorological and air quality monitoring points during C&M is shown in Figure 11. The air quality monitoring network for the operational period of 2014 is illustrated in Figure 12, whilst water monitoring points are highlighted in Figure 22. Project land ownership at the ICO is provided in Figure METEOROLOGICAL Introduction The ICO has a permanent weather station which has location coordinates of E326672m, N m. The weather station records 10 minute averages of rainfall, temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, wind direction and sigma theta. The data is transferred by a telemetry link to the ICO weather display and is used to evaluate weather conditions when blasting or after receiving a complaint. The weather station achieved very good data recovery during the reporting period with over 90% of data being captured. Intermittent dropouts in the temperature data was recorded in December 2014 due to a technical issue with the temperature sensors. Due to Intermittent dropouts of the temperature data in December 2014, the temperature data was substituted with data from the nearest Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) weather station. The ICO weather station will be operational and maintained during care and maintenance. All data is stored and managed onsite by the environment department. Monthly weather summaries are presented in Appendix 2. 48

49 Figure 11 Location of Monitoring Points during Care and Maintenance 49

50 Figure 12 Location of Monitoring Points (excluding water) prior to Care and Maintenance 50

51 Figure 13 - Project Land Plan 51

52 Rainfall A total of 566 mm of rainfall was received at the ICO weather station during Total rainfall was lower than the 2013 total of 774 mm, with monthly rainfall totals exceeding 50 mm on four occasions in 2014, compared with five occasions in There were prolonged dry periods in 2014, with low rainfall totals recorded between April to July and September to November Figure 14 illustrates the monthly breakdown of rainfall for the reporting period including a comparison with the previous reporting period. Figure 14: Monthly Rainfall

53 Temperature Figure 15 illustrates the monthly breakdown of temperatures for the previous and current reporting period. The results indicate similar trends in minimum and maximum temperatures for this reporting period compared to November 2014 recorded a maximum of 43 0 C compared to a maximum temp of 39 0 C recorded for November in Figure 15 - Monthly Temperature Wind speed and Direction The wind distribution pattern for Integra shows that, consistent with trends within the Hunter Valley, winds largely follow a northwest to southeast axis. During summer the prevailing wind direction is from the southeast, while in winter the prevailing wind direction originates from the northwest. Monthly wind roses depicting wind velocity and direction are presented in Appendix AIR QUALITY Environmental Management Air quality management at the ICO incorporates routine dust management practices and an air quality monitoring network which operate in accordance with the Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Management Plan (AQGGMP). The AQGGMP addresses air quality and greenhouse gas management across both OC and UG sites and also considers potential cumulative issues caused by dust emissions from nearby mining operations. The monitoring network seeks to: Facilitate compliance with existing Licence and Project Approval conditions; 53

54 Support proactive dust management; Develop an integrated and coordinated approach to air quality management; and Consolidate existing monitoring, where possible. Integra Coal Operations amended the AQGGMP for C&M, which was approved by the Department of Planning and Environment on the 18 th of September The AQGGMP air quality monitoring network was reduced in scope as mining operations entered into C&M. The air quality monitoring network for C&M is shown in Figure 10. Within the reporting period, prior to entering care and maintenance, ICO maintained an air quality monitoring network consisting of seventeen (17) depositional dust gauges (DDG), four (4) high volume air samplers (HVAS) and three (3) TEOMs as shown in Figure 11. The air quality monitoring network recorded data until November 2014 with the C&M amended air quality network being reduced from November The current AQGGMP air monitoring network has six (6) DDGs, two (2) HVAS units, and utilises information from the Upper Hunter Air Quality Monitoring Network unit located at Camberwell Village to monitor particulate matter less than 2.5 microns (PM 2.5). The DDGs provided monthly dust fallout data while the HVAS measured Total Suspended Particulates (TSP) or Particulate Matter less than ten microns (PM 10) in air for a period of 24 hours every six days. All samples were collected by Carbon Based Environmental on behalf of the Integra. Preventive routine dust management procedures implemented at the ICO include use of weather (wind speed, wind direction, rainfall, etc.) data, weather forecasting, regular water cart road spraying, site speed limits, PetroTac (a dust suppression chemical) application on underground surface roads and hardstands, water sprays on conveyors, tailings dam management, rehabilitation of exposed areas and workforce education. An overall analysis of the results obtained during the period of this report is presented in Sections , with results contained in Appendix 4. Disturbed areas are kept to a minimum and rehabilitated with vegetation as soon as practicable to minimise the potential for dust generation. Unsealed trafficable areas are maintained in such a manner as to reduce dust emission. Civil contractors working onsite are also required to utilise water carts to control their dust emissions as required. Dust from the ROM and product coal stockpile areas was managed by the use of water sprays during the reporting period. Monitoring of greenhouse gas emissions is also undertaken monthly in accordance with the AQGGMP. This monitoring includes monitoring electricity and diesel usage, methane emissions, methane used for power generation and ROM coal production Depositional Dust Monitoring of depositional dust was undertaken on a monthly basis at 16 locations surrounding the mine site in accordance with Australian Standard AS/NZS (2003). Dust gauge 16, located at the McInerney Residence at Camberwell also has a directional depositional gauge in addition to the standard/uni-directional deposition gauge. A total of 226 samples out of 226 depositional dust measurements were successfully analysed during the reporting period, giving a data capture rate of 100%. Note that some results were contaminated by excessive bird droppings, insects or vegetation and were excluded from the data set. 54

55 HVAS TSP A total of 176 monitoring events occurred during the reporting period from a planned 176 measurements, giving a data capture rate of 100%. Note that the Dulwich TSP was decommissioned in November 2014 due to the reduction of the air quality monitoring network in C&M HVAS PM10 A total of 122 PM 10 monitoring events occurred during the reporting period from the 122 planned, giving a data capture rate of 100% TEOM The North TEOM continuously captured PM10 results throughout the reporting period. The Bridgeman Rd TEOM, with it returned a data capture rate of 90% for the reporting period. No data was captured between the 13 January 2014 and 15 January 2014, 18 th January 2014 and 23 rd January 2014 due to a power failure. No data was captured between the 5 December 2013 and 11 December 2013 due to a power failure. The Western Extension TEOM had a power failure 1 st June 2014 and 15 th June Data retention for the Western TEOM was 85% for the reporting period Environmental Performance Air quality assessment criteria for the open cut operation are outlined in Table 8. Table 8 - Air Quality Assessment Criteria Pollutant Standard Period Agency TSP 90µg/m 3 Annual average EPA/DPI 50µg/m 3 24 hour maximum EPA/ DPI PM 10 30µg/m 3 Annual average EPA/ DPI National Environment Protection Measure 50µg/m 3 24 hour average; 5 exceedances permitted a year (NEPM) Depositional Dust 4g/m 2 /month Annual maximum total deposited dust level EPA/ DPI 2g/m 2 /month Annual maximum increase in deposited dust level EPA/ DPI 55

56 Depositional Dust Monitoring of depositional dust was undertaken on a monthly basis from 16 locations surrounding the mine site in accordance with Australian Standard AS/NZS (2003). A total of 226 samples of 226 depositional dust measurements were undertaken during the reporting period. Note that the some results were contaminated by excessive bird droppings, insects or grass clippings and were excluded from the data set as shown in Table 10. The average annual depositional dust gauge data recorded in 2014 when compared with previous years (as far back as 2002) is consistent for recorded insoluble solids at each depositional dust gauge. With equal or decreased dust levels recorded at seventeen (17) dust gauges during this reporting period. D2, the depositional dust gauge installed at Rixs Creek, has previously been in excess of 4.9g/m2 during the 2013 reporting period, however, this gauge averaged recorded 2.7g/m2f or the 2014 reporting period. The DD16N depositional dust gauge located at the McInerney Residence recorded elevated yearly averages in 2012 with 4.5g/m2, 2013 with 5.6g/m2 and 2014 with 5.1g/m2 being recorded. The depositional dust gauge DD16N is a directional depositional gauge that receives dust from a northerly direction, therefore, it is unlikely that this dust originates from the ICO which is located to the east of the McInerney residence. Table 9 indicates the percentage of valid results from those collected at each site in the 2014 reporting period and the reason for exclusion. Results for Depositional Dust Gauges are summarised in Table 10 and shown graphically in Figure 16. Table 9 - Percentage of Uncontaminated Dust Deposition Gauges Dust Gauge Data Availability (%) Details D contaminated gauge (insects/vegetation) D contaminated gauges (insects/bird droppings) D D contaminated gauge (bird/insects droppings) D contaminated gauge (bird/insects droppings) D contaminated gauge (bird/insects droppings) D contaminated gauge (insects) D contaminated gauges (insects/bird droppings/vegetation) D contaminated gauges (insects/bird droppings/vegetation) D contaminated gauge (insects/vegetation) D contaminated gauge (insects/vegetation) D contaminated gauge (insects/bird droppings) D contaminated gauge (insects/vegetation/bird droppings) D D D16N D16E D16S D16W D

57 Table 10 - Annual Average Insoluble Solids Dust Gauge Annual Average 2011 (g/m2/month) Annual Average 2012 (g/m2/month) Annual Average 2013 (g/m2/month) Annual Average 2014 (g/m2/month Long Term Average from (g/m2/month) Variance between 2013 and 2014 reporting period results D D D nil D D D D D D D nil D D D D15 not installed 1.5 D16 not installed 3.1 D16N not installed 4.5 D16E not installed 2.1 D16S not installed 2.5 D16W not installed 3.0 D17 not installed not installed nil

58 6.0 Insoluble Solids Average (g/m2) D2 D4 D6 D8 D10 D12 D14 D16 D16E D16W 2013 Annual Average 2014 Annual Average Annual maximum Figure 16 - Annual Average Depositional Dust Gauge Results 2013 and TSP Annual average TSP results for sites HV1 and HV3 were less than the DPI annual criteria (90 µg/m 3 ), as shown in Figure 17. The annual average TSP results for HV2 at the Dulwich residence was also below the DPI annual criteria (90 µg/m 3 ) with 75 µg/m 3 recorded in 2014 compared to 91 µg/m 3 for the 2013 reporting period. The HV2 receptor was also well below the 3 year predicted average as shown in Figure 18. In August 2014, ICO entered into care and maintenance, which coincided with a minor drop in HV2 and HV3 receptors and a drop of 9% for the HV1 receptor compared to operational period from January 2014 to July There were no specified criteria for a 24-hour daily TSP maximum in Integra s EPL or Project Approval. It should be noted that the particulates recorded by the monitors are the total from all sources and not solely from the ICO. During the 2014 reporting period there was a decrease in the reported TSP annual average for HV-1 of 15 µg/m 3, a decrease at HV-2 of 9 µg/m 3 and a decrease at HV-3 of 5 µg/m 3 respectively. It should also be noted, that the 2014 reporting period encountered periods of low rainfall, especially between April and November. Figure 18 displays the annual average TSP from 2011 to 2014 and provides comparison against the 3 yearly predicted average in the Environmental Assessment. 58

59 100 Rolling Average of TSP (ug/m3) Jan 14' Fev 14' Mar 14' Apr 14' May 14' Jun 14' Jul 14' Aug 14' Sep 14' Oct 14' Nov 14' Dec 14' HV1-LAM HV2 - DUL TSP HV3 - HAR TSP Series4 Figure 17 - Rolling Average TSP Over Reporting Period Average Annual TSP µg/m HV1 (TSP) HV2 (TSP) HV3 (TSP) Year 3 Figure 18- Annual Average HVAS TSP Results As part of the ICO Modification 2 environmental assessment an air quality assessment was completed in 2012 for operations at Integra Coal. Air dispersion modelling was completed for representative periods, using meteorological data from The Modification 2 environmental assessment predicted that no exceedances of the annual average TSP would occur for Monitoring results for the reporting period support the predicted results for The Environmental Assessment completed for the Western Extension predicted that annual average TSP above the DPI annual average maximum criteria of 90ug/m3 due to the project, other mines and other sources (cumulative) would be recorded at the Dulwich residence (153) and Rix s Creek owned residence (138). During the reporting period, the HVAS units located at the Dulwich residence recorded annual average TSP results below 90ug/m3. 59

60 PM10 Average PM 10 results for sites HV-1 and HV-3 were 18.3 µg/m 3 and 19.2 µg/m 3 respectively, which is less than the EPA long term annual average criteria of 30 µg/m 3, as shown in Figure 19. Compared to the previous reporting period, HV-1 and HV-3 showed a decrease of 2.9 µg/m 3 at HV-1 and a decrease of 1.4 µg/m 3 at HV-3. It must be noted that there is a correlation between a drop in the rolling average of HV-1 and HV-3 receptors when ICO entered in care and maintenance in August 2014 as shown in Figure 20. Figure 18 displays the longer term annual average PM10 from 2011 to Please note that Figure 19 displays the year to date annual average and the 3 year predicted average from the Western Extension Environmental Assessment (EA). First ROM coal was extracted from the western extension in May 2011, therefore the 3 year predicted averages provide a good indicator when compared with the 2014 reporting information. It can be identified that the HV1 receptor is above the predicted range during the 2014 reporting period. The HV3 receptor is below the predicted value for the last three reporting periods. There were two (2) exceedances of the PM 10 short term impact assessment criteria of 50µg/m 3 over 24 hours as per Condition 22, Schedule 3 of Project Approval 08_0101 and 08_0102 during the reporting period. Each exceedance and prevailing weather conditions are listed below; On 31 st October, 2014 the HVAS units located at the Hardy residence (HV3-HAR) and the Lambkin residence (HV1- LAM) recorded a PM 10 results of 51 µg/m 3. Prevailing winds were recorded at / greater than 30 km/h travelling from an east-southeast direction to west-northwest direction with lesser contribution from west north-west for the 24 hour monitoring period; Conditions were consistently dry with little rain from April- November No immediate actions were undertaken by Integra in response to the abovementioned PM 10 exceedances but both events were investigated. This exceedance occurred while ICO was under care and maintenance with no plant and equipment being operated on this particular day. The exceedance of both HV3-HAR and HV1-LAM for the same monitoring period indicates the occurrence of a regional dust event, which may explain the exceedances of HV3-HAR and HV1-LAM receptors on the 31 st October Data from the Upper Hunter Air Quality Monitoring Network (UHAQMN) recorded elevated daily averages ranging between 36.5 PM 10 for the Bulga receptor and 78.9 PM 10 for the Camberwell receptor which also indicates the occurrence of a regional dust event throughout Upper Hunter on the 31 st October Integra routinely conduct dust suppression and associated tasks such as real time wind monitoring, weather forecasting, regular use of water cart road spraying, site speed limits, application of PetroTac on Integra Underground surface roadways, water spray on conveyors, tailings dam management, rehabilitation of exposed areas, workforce education in air quality / dust control and in adverse conditions. During January to August production period for 2014, the cancellation / postponing of blasting, equipment shutdown and relocation of working equipment to lower RLs were implemented mitigate air quality impacts. 60

61 30.0 Average Annual PM10 µg/m HV1 (PM10) Year 3 HV3 (PM10) Figure 19 - Annual Average PM10 Results 2011 to Jan 14' Feb 14' Mar 14' Apr 14' May 14' Jun 14' Rolling Average of PM10 (ug/m3) Jul 14' Aug 14' Sep 14' Oct 14' Nov 14' Dec 14' HV1-LAM TYD Mean Average Annual Average Maximum ( 30ug/m3) HV3-HAR TYD Mean Average Figure 20 - Rolling Average PM10 Results over Reporting Period 61

62 PM10 (ug/m3) hour PM10 Maximum (50ug/m3) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec North 2013 North 2014 West Ext 2013 West Ext 2014 Bridgeman Rd 2013 Bridgeman Rd 2014 Figure 21 - TEOM PM10 Maximum 24hr Reading 2014 Figure 21 displays the maximum 24hr PM 10 recorded at the North, Western Extension and Bridgeman Rd TEOM monitoring locations. During the reporting period the short term 24-hour impact assessment criteria 50 ug/m3 was exceeded 15 times on 10 different days at TEOM monitoring sites, including air emissions from all sources. It must be noted that exceedances occurred in September, October and November 2014 at the Western Extension TEOM when ICO was under care and maintenance, suggesting influence from additional sources. An investigation into each of these events were undertaken, including using wind directional data to ascertain the ICO s contribution, and assessing regional air quality trends and localised influences or events at the time. On all occasions, results of the investigation showed that Integra Coal s contribution was less than 50 ug/m3. ICO completed a review and implementation of management practices to ensure compliance with best practice in response to the EPL Pollution Reduction Program. The Vale Dust Assessment Guide provides indicators for mining equipment operators and mining supervisors to identify acceptable/non-acceptable conditions. Should the site be deemed too dusty, work will cease or be moved to another area until visible dust is acceptable. The real-time air quality data monitoring network will be continued to be used in the Trigger Action Response Plan (TARP) to respond to elevated dust levels. ICO actively participated in the Upper Hunter Mining Dialogue environment workshops. The initiative was established by the NSW Minerals Council to provide a forum for collaboration between community, government, consultants and mining companies to focus on air quality across the region. Integra Coal will continue to provide data and information for the study and future development of a predictive dust management system. 62

63 3.3 EROSION AND SEDIMENT CONTROL Environmental Management All personnel at the ICO have the responsibility to ensure that environmental issues relating to erosion and sediment control are considered when carrying out or reviewing all tasks on site. Training is provided to keep personnel informed of the company s environmental obligations and any changes or revisions to the Water Management Plan which the Erosion and Control Plan forms part of and are communicated via tool box talks (TBT), Pre Shift Communications (PSC) and Monthly Communication Meetings (MCM). The principle objective of erosion and sediment control at the ICO is to ensure that any clean water leaving site meets the appropriate quality standards. This objective is intrinsic to design of erosion and sediment control measures at mine sites and will be achieved by implementing the following principles: Conducting best practice land clearing procedures for all proposed disturbance areas; Coordinating disturbance activities to minimise exposure of bare soils to the elements; Minimising run-off into the disturbance area from upslope catchment areas in order to reduce the amount of sediment laden water requiring management; Directing sediment laden runoff into designated water management structures for treatment, or pumping to the mine water management system; Restricting vehicle access (as much as possible) to designated access and haul roads; Appropriate storage of material stockpiles in areas away from roadways and other drainage lines; Erecting temporary erosion and sediment control structures such as silt fences; Maintaining water management structures to ensure that the designated capacities are maintained for optimum settling of sediments; Revegetation of disturbed areas (beyond the mine footprint) as soon as possible following the completion of disturbance activities; and Implementing an ongoing maintenance program for the site erosion and sediment control structures. The ICO aims to prevent soil erosion at the source wherever possible. If erosion cannot be significantly reduced in situ, sedimentation control structures are used to capture and treat sediment laden water. Sediment dams are often required down-slope of rehabilitation areas and in areas of high erosion potential. These dams are designed to reduce the velocity of sediment-laden water to facilitate the settling of coarse particulate matter. At ICO, dams, contour banks, drainage routes and clean and mine water channels are inspected regularly to assess their ongoing integrity and suitability to the task of controlling and capturing water. Site drainage and erosion and sediment control structures are inspected regularly after rainfall events (in excess of 25mm during a 24 hour period) and until vegetative cover is complete and the soil is stable. 63

64 Environmental Performance During the 2014 reporting period, there were no discharges of mine water off-site. During the 2014 reporting period, the Northern Stock Water Dam No.1 (W20) was de-silted to improve the storage capacity of the dam prior to entering into care and maintenance. 3.4 SURFACE WATER Environmental Management A C&M Water Management Plan (WMP) was approved by the Department of Planning and Environment on the 12 th November The WMP outlined the primary water demands at the ICO during care and maintenance which included: Operation of ten evaporative fans located in the West pit for excess water reduction; Operation of the four 100 metre sections of evaporative spray lines; Operation of water transfer pumps and use of poly pipe for surface water management and de-watering, as required; and Maintenance and repair work on mobile plant equipment as required, with necessary operation which was carried out within the workshop area during day shift The surface water monitoring program is designed to measure potential impacts of the operations of Integra upon surface waters in the vicinity of operations specifically: Impacts (if any) on the surface water catchments of Glennies Creek, Reedy Creek, Station Creek, Bettys Creek and Main Creek. The surface water monitoring program for implementation during care and maintenance has been designed to monitor key water storage structures on-site that may potentially be impacted by the remaining activities on site. The main risks identified to surface water management during this phase include: Overtopping of dams due to insufficient freeboard; Contamination of the surrounding environment as a result of leachates or chemicals coming from dam/s; Unauthorized water releases to the surrounding environment; and Failure of containment bunds or drains Throughout the term of care and maintenance, the ICO will continue to monitor the quantity and the quality of the water flows within the receiving waters and respond to any potential signs of contamination or inadvertent diversion of water attributable to the Integra site. The Integra Environmental Protection Licence (EPL) requires the monitoring of surface water for ph, EC, TSS and TDS at the following sites on a monthly basis: 1. Station Creek, where it leaves the mine site (Integra site W1); 2. Martins Creek, where it enters the mine site (Integra site W3); 3. Blackwattle Creek, where it enters the mine site (Integra site W6); and 4. Dam C4, final dam in Open Cut clean water system (Integra site W10). 64

65 Integra monitors twenty-nine (29) other sites surrounding the operations. These additional sites are also monitored monthly and samples are analysed for ph, EC, TSS and TDS. All monitoring sites are indicated in Table 12 and Figure 22. Table 12 - Integra Water Monitoring Sites Monitoring Point Location W1 W3 W4 W5 W6 W7 W10 W11 W12 W13 W14 W15 W16 W17 W18 W19 Station Creek Martins Creek Glennies Creek upstream of the Station Creek confluence Glennies Creek downstream of the Station Creek confluence Blackwattle Creek Stony Creek where it crosses Stony Creek Road Clean Water Dam C4 Glennies Creek downstream at Camberwell where it crosses the New England Highway Clean Water Dam C1 Clean Water Dam C6 Clean Water Dam C3 Clean Water Dam C6A (after C5 spillway channel before clean water channel) Sediment Control Dam C7 Clean Water Dam C2 Clean Water Dam C5 Mine Water Dam D1 W20 Northern Stock Water Dam No. 1 W21 Northern Stock Water Dam No. 2 W22 W23 GCS001 GCS002 GCS003 GCS004 GCS005 GCS006 GCS007 SD1 SD2 SD3 GC1 GC2 Station Creek Up Station Creek Down Process Dam Portal Sump Possum Skin Dam PS Dam Seepage Collector PS Dam Clean Water diversion Sediment Pond Sewage Pond Portable Water South Sediment Dam Central Sediment Dam North Sediment Dam Middle Falbrook Rd Bridge Glennies Creek Nobles Crossing 65

66 Nobles Crossing Nobles Crossing 66

67 Figure 22 - Water Monitoring Points (inclusion of annual monitoring) 67

68 The volumes of water inflow, storage, transfer and use within targeted elements of the water management system are monitored using a series of flow meters and water level gauges at strategic locations across the ICO. Telemetered flow meters and water level gauges were maintained and recorded during the reporting period. An overall analysis of the results obtained during the period of this report is presented in Section 3.4.2, with results contained in Appendix 3. ph Environmental Performance Summary The results for ph analysis, including range, mean and standard deviation, are presented in Appendix 3. ph levels ranged from 5.16 at site GCS005 (Sediment Pond) in August 2014 to 10.0 at site W10 (Dam C4) in February The average ph for all sites ranged from 6.73 (GCS005) to 9.0 (W10), with the more alkaline sites being the dams. Minimal rainfall between April and August 2014 may have resulted in the low ph recorded in August 2014 at Sediment Dam GCS005. These results were very similar to previous reporting period and pre-mining studies, suggesting minimal influence from Integra mining activities. Acid generation was not observed on site from mined materials or ground waters. Runoff from overburden materials is typically mildly alkaline. Site Analysis The ph level at the EPL monitoring site W1 (Station Creek), was alkaline during the majority of the monitoring period, with ph values ranging from 8.2 to 9.1. EPL monitoring site W3 (Martins Creek) ranged between 6.2 to 7.1. EPL monitoring site W6 (Blackwattle Creek) ranged between 7.3 and 8.0. The ph levels in W4 (Glennies Creek up), W5 (Glennies Creek down), W11 (Glennies Creek at Camberwell) and W18 (Dam C5) were very similar to each other throughout the monitoring period. All sites indicated slightly alkaline water, W4 ranged from 7.4 to 7.9, W5 ranged from 7.3 to 8.1, W11 ranged from 7.6 to 8.4 and W18 ranged from 7.3 to 8.1. ph levels at dam sites in the series W12 - W21 remained slightly alkaline throughout the reporting period. The ph levels at the final dam in the clean water system, W10 (Dam C4, EPA site) were all slightly alkaline, ranging from 8.7 to 9.6. Most other creeks and site dams had variable ph levels consistent with variations due to climatic factors such as rainfall and evaporation. No indications of acid generation from ICO were observed during the reporting period. A number of sample points, including W3 Martins Creek, W6 Blackwattle Creek, W7 Stony Creek, W16 Dam C8, W23 Station Creek Dam, GCS005 Sediment Pond and the Northern Sediment Dam were not sampled for one or more months as the sample points were either too low to sample or had no flow. Electrical Conductivity (EC) Summary The results for EC analysis, including range, mean and standard deviation, are presented in Appendix 3. The results are very similar to previous annual results and pre-mining studies, suggesting minimal influence from mining activities. EC results at most sites varied due to climatic factors such as rainfall and evaporation. 68

69 Site analysis The EC levels at the EPL monitoring site W1 (Station Creek) fluctuated generally in accordance with climatic conditions, with results ranging from 4,840 µs/cm to 10,090 µs/cm. Higher EC results were recorded during months of very low rainfall between April and November 2014, when evaporation would have led to higher salt content and the relative contribution of more groundwater (relatively saline) to stream flow would have been greater. The lowest results were obtained after periods of high rainfall. At EPL monitoring site W3 (Martins Creek), EC results remained generally constant, ranging from 140 µs/cm to 599 µs/cm. EC results for W6 (Blackwattle Creek) are anticipated to have fluctuated with responses to rainfall, groundwater contribution and evaporation ranging from 6,080 µs/cm to 10,840 µs/cm. All three creeks are ephemeral and generally saline groundwater inflows are predominate when the fresh water flow slows. There is a correlation between relatively low rainfall and elevated EC results between April and November The EC levels at W4 (Glennies Creek Up), W5 (Glennies Creek Down) and W11 (Glennies Creek NEH) all followed a similar trend throughout the monitoring period. EC levels at clean water dam C4 (W10, EPA site) generally fluctuated with variations in rainfall, ranging from 4,840 µs/cm to 8,480 µs/cm during the 2014 reporting period. Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) The results for TDS analysis, including range, mean and standard deviation, are presented in Appendix 3. As expected, TDS results generally followed similar trends as per discussion within the electrical conductivity section. Total Suspended Solids (TSS) Summary The results for TSS analysis, including range, mean and standard deviation, are presented in Appendix 3. Results are similar to previous years and pre-mining studies, suggesting no significant influence from mining activities. Site analysis The TSS levels at the EPL monitoring site W1 (Station Creek) and W6 (Blackwattle Creek) remained relatively low and consistent with W1 recording an average of 14.5mg/L and W6 recording an average of 8.9mg/L throughout the monitoring period. TSS levels peaked at 328 mg/l at site W3 (Martins Creek) which may have been due to a high rainfall event and associated runoff. The TSS levels in W4 (Glennies Creek Up), W5 (Glennies Creek Down) and W11 (Glennies Creek NEH) were also low and generally remained consistent throughout the monitoring period. Slight fluctuations can generally be attributed to rainfall events. TSS levels at W10 (Dam C4, EPA site) remained generally consistent, ranging from 1 to 17 mg/l throughout the year. Slight fluctuations at W10 can generally be attributed rainfall events throughout the reporting period. Overall, no surface water level triggers were exceeded and no reportable events occurred during the reporting period. 69

70 3.5 GROUNDWATER Environmental Management The ground water program is designed to measure the impacts (if any) upon local groundwater resources. As discussed in section Monitoring and Maintenance of Containment Facilities, piezometers are utilised to monitor groundwater, especially the depth to, and quality of, groundwater. Piezometers (groundwater bore) locations are shown in Figure Environmental Performance Overall, no groundwater level triggers were exceeded and no reportable events occurred during the reporting period. The results for groundwater analysis, including range, mean and standard deviation are presented in Appendix 3. The ph remained at relatively constant levels throughout the reporting period at all GC series groundwater monitoring wells (neutral to slightly alkaline range). EC was consistently low at the Glennies Creek alluvial bore GC09 ( µs/cm). The Richards Bore by comparison registered more saline groundwater ( µs/cm). Monitoring of the coal seam aquifer GC05 has shown relatively high and consistent conductivity (11,900-12,600 µs/cm). Readings at GC02 was slightly above the ranges sighted in the EIS for coal seam aquifers (16,000-17,300 µs/cm). Due to mine water storage in the South Pit during the reporting period, groundwater inflow cannot be accurately measured. Monitoring wells B1 to B3 have been installed in order to evaluate hydrological impacts on TD2 dam wall. As such, results from these bores do not reflect groundwater impacts generally. The results recorded in each piezometer installed on TD2 were fairly consistent throughout the reporting period and similar to results recorded in previous years. The depth to water in Bore 1 was consistent throughout the reporting period ranging from metres with ph ranging from 7.1 to 7.7 and electrical conductivity ranging from 11.9 to 12.4mS/cm. There were twenty nine (29) occasions throughout 2014 including between March to December where Bore 1 was recorded as being dry. Variances in Bores 1-3 standing water levels are expected to respond to changes in water levels of the tailings dam TD2. The depth to water recorded in Bore 2 ranged from 14.9 to 15.7 metres during the reporting period with ph ranging from 7.0 to 7.3 and electrical conductivity ranging from 10 to 10.6 ms/cm. The depth to water recorded during the reporting period in Bore 3 ranged from 11.1 to 11.4 metres with ph ranging from 7.0 to 7.5 and electrical conductivity ranging from 7.0 to 10.5 ms/cm. Bores B4, B5 and B6 have the purpose of assessing seepage from the tailings dam complex. Two of these bores were dry during the reporting period (B4 & B6) whilst the remaining bore s water quality in terms of EC appears to be consistent with tailings dam water quality. Alluvium groundwater levels at Integra Underground, North Open Cut and Western Extension sites showed no response to mining activities, remaining consistent over the reporting period. With the exception of GCP34 which showed a reduced degree of depressurisation compared to 2013 reporting data, basement groundwater levels at the Western Extension have remained consistent and are yet to show signs of depressurising. The North Open Cut basement groundwater piezometers GCP7, GCP8 and GCP9 are generally depressurising. Basement groundwater levels at the Underground remained consistent throughout the reporting period with no change in trend compared to the 2013 reporting period. 70

71 3.6 CONTAMINATED LAND Environmental Management The Integra Environmental Management System (EMS) and complex procedures outline potential contaminant management for the site. The Pollution Incident Response Management Plan (PIRMP) in accordance with reporting obligations under the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 and the Protection of the Environment Operations (General) Regulations 2009 provides guidelines in respect to potential site contamination and pollution. This management plan requires all personnel on site to report any identified pollution incident to their supervisor. The management plan outlines the process of reporting pollution incidents to the relevant nominated bodies such as the DPI, the EPA, DRE and Singleton Shire Council in addition to other stakeholders such as neighbouring landowners and the Community Consultative Committee. All above ground hydrocarbon storage tanks are held within a bunded area, with a containment capacity of 110% of the largest tank. Emergency spill kits are placed throughout the ICO to enable prompt clean-up of minor hydrocarbon spills. Larger booms and spill kits are available at site Environmental Performance There have been no significant areas of hydrocarbon contamination at the open cut operations during the reporting period. Hydrocarbon contamination has been identified at the underground operations during the reporting period. The relocation of underground equipment and infrastructure from the underground workings to the surface for preservation works has culminated in some hydrocarbon staining of the longwall laydown area and the UG surface maintenance workshop area. Remediation of the hydrocarbon contaminated areas are proposed to occur in FLORA Environmental Management The objectives of the Biodiversity Management Plan are to rehabilitate, revegetate and manage land for biodiversity within the biodiversity offset areas and the mine site during and post mining. One of the performance indicators relating to the Biodiversity Management Plan is the monitoring of flora to ensure the long-term resilience and natural regeneration, with success based on the establishment and subsequent development of groundcover, mid-storey and canopy series. Flora monitoring was undertaken in spring 2014 to report findings and compare with baseline data collected in Sixteen permanently marked transects within six key management units (vegetation types): Bulloak (Allocasuarina luehamnnii), Ironbark (Eucalyptus crebra), Swamp Oak (Casuarina glauca), Spotted Gum (Corymbia maculata-eucalyptus fibrosa), Grey Box (Eucalyptus moluccana), and Apple (Angophora floribunda) were established. Each transect spans a recognisable Remnant Forest-Grassland boundary, and has been used to collect quantitative data on species diversity, weed prevalence and distribution, canopy and shrub composition, canopy and shrub structure, and ground cover attributes within both Remnant Forest and Grassland. In accordance with the Biodiversity Management Plan and Project Approval Statement of Commitments, pre-clearing surveys are carried out and groundcover clearance protocols established prior to any vegetation clearing being undertaken. No clearing occurred during the 2014 reporting period with no significant clearing occurring since early

72 Environmental Performance The flora survey undertaken during November 2014 by independent consultants, allowed for quantitative flora attributes to be measured. Based on transect data for the 2014 monitoring period, the following key points summarise changes in floristics and structure when compared to the 2013 monitoring period: Overall species diversity has increased across all Management Units (MUs), with the Ironbark and Grassland (Spotted Gum) MUs displaying the greatest increase in both native and weed species; Basal area of canopy species has varied across all MUs, some increasing and some decreasing. Grassland (Ironbark) and Grassland (Spotted Gum) have shown an increase due to ongoing seedling and sapling growth; Likewise, mean diameter-at-breast-height (DBH) of canopy species has also been variable across MUs, although the majority have experienced slight increases in size; Canopy stem density has increased or remained stable for all MUs. This includes all Grassland MUs, which are evidently beginning to colonise grassland areas after cessation of cattle grazing. There remains no canopy succession within the Grassland (Grey Box) MU, however cattle were only recently removed from this BOA; Woody shrub density has shown a decrease across many MUs, while the density of Acacia stems has increased in the Spotted Gum MU (the only Forest MU yet to support this genus). Acacia has also shown an increase in Grassland (Ironbark), but a decrease in Grassland (Spotted Gum). Mortality of very young seedlings during dry conditions and detection difficulties may have contributed to these decreases; Estimated weed cover decreased significantly in the Bulloak MU, but remained more-or-less stable for all other Forest MUs. Weed cover increased for all Grassland MUs, with the exception of Grassland (Spotted Gum) which showed a slight drop. Nearly all weed species are herbaceous in nature, and would have previously been controlled through grazing by cattle under earlier management; Estimated leaf litter cover remained stable or experienced slight increases or decreases for all MUs; Estimated bare ground remained relatively insignificant across most MUs, with the greatest change being reductions in the Bulloak and Ironbark MUs. This is probably due to increased litter or grass growth. During the reporting period, the West Pit and North Pit operated within the existing footprint of operations, therefore no vegetation clearing was undertaken. There were no instances where a threatened or endangered species was knowingly impacted by land clearing during the reporting period. 3.8 FAUNA Environmental Management The ICO Biodiversity Management Plan (BMP) was submitted and approved by the DPE during the reporting period. The objectives of the Biodiversity Management Plan are to rehabilitate, revegetate and manage land for biodiversity within the biodiversity offset areas and the mine site during and post mining. One of the performance indicators is the comprehensive monitoring of fauna to determine persistence of current populations, including threatened species, and ensure no impact on 72

73 fauna habitat outside of defined disturbance areas. Implementation of the BMP required more comprehensive fauna surveys in each of the biodiversity offset areas. A decision was made to combine the previous fauna survey methodologies specified in the Threatened Species Management Plan and Biodiversity Management Plan (2013). The fauna monitoring of ICO biodiversity offset areas by a suitably qualified ecologist now includes the following: Inspection of 125 installed nest and roost boxes for a variety of tree hollow dependent fauna, including the threatened Brush-tailed Phascogale; Surveys along nine (9) designated transects for threatened and protected species; Monitoring of feral predators by use of sand traps and remote infra-red cameras; and Comprehensive surveys for all fauna groups conducted every 2 years. A total of 22 possum, 34 microchiropteran bat and 69 phascogale / glider boxes were installed in 2009 and are monitored during the annual assessment. In November 2013, the installation of 40 new nest boxes (6 possum, 13 glider and 11 microbat boxes) and the repair and maintenance of 15 existing nest boxes were commissioned by Integra Coal Environmental Performance The fauna survey undertaken during October 2014 by independent consultants, revealed that nest box usage, as determined by either presence of individual species, or nest material, increased significantly in the 2014 monitoring period. Of significance was the high usage of new nest boxes installed in November The highest proportion of nest box usage is in the phascogale / glider style box, in which 83% of all boxes have been utilised. Evidence of the Brush-tailed Phascogale was recorded at Integra Coal in 2014, with the species previously detected during surveys in The absence of this species over the period is uncertain, but it is likely the species is uncommon across the landscape. In contrast, the microbat boxes have yet to be utilised in significant numbers. An issue with the microbat boxes is the ongoing maintenance required for these boxes, with many lids falling off, or hanging upside down. Since commencement of monitoring in 2009, only 1 box in 2012 recorded four (4) individual Gould s Wattled Bat. A total of seven (7) threatened species were recorded during surveys in the Integra Biodiversity Offset areas in October Threatened species recorded include five (5) bird species and two (2) mammals. The threatened birds include Masked Owl, Greycrowned Babbler, Speckled Warbler, Varied Sittella and Brown Treecreeper. Threatened mammals recorded include Squirrel Glider and Brush-tailed Phascogale. The Squirrel Glider is widespread, being recorded in most of the offset areas. In contrast, the Brush-tailed Phascogale was recorded for the first time since 2007, with two (2) individuals observed, and evidence from nest material in two additional nest boxes. This species is very uncommon in the locality, with very few records of the species despite intensive survey effort across many nearby locations. Notable for the duration of field camera monitoring was the low abundance of predators such as Dingo, domestic dog, feral cat and Red Fox. The Biodiversity Management Plan indicates control of feral predators within the Offset areas, however, the low abundance of these species would suggest this action could be monitored regularly (by use of these cameras) rather than implemented as an action annually under a prescriptive target. There has been no instance where a threatened or endangered species has been knowingly impacted by land clearing during the reporting period. 73

74 3.9 WEEDS Environmental Management ICO has developed a site Weed and Pest Management Plan to provide guidance in the management of noxious weeds and pest (feral and native animals) on the lands associated with the ICO. The objectives of the Weed and Pest Management Plan are: To comply with legislative requirements for declared noxious weeds; Management of weeds other than declared noxious weeds; and Manage the impact of feral (and native) animals upon biodiversity. The Weed and Pest Management Plan includes the following obligations relating to weed control: Systematic surveillance and treatment for noxious weeds; Staff training in the identification of noxious weeds; Treatment following a reported weed sighting; Prevention of the establishment of additional noxious weed species; and Maintain up to date knowledge of the latest weed control techniques and products. The Weed and Pest Management Plan identifies the following noxious weeds as being present, or previously being present within the ICO based on five previous studies: Bryophyllum delagoense (Mother-of Millions); Cestrum parqui (Green Cestrum); Olea cuspidate (African Olive); Echium spp. (Paterson's Curse and Vipers Bugloss); Lycium ferocissimum (African Boxthorn); Opuntia humifusa (Creeping Pear); Opuntia stricta (Prickly Pear); Romulea rosea (Onion Grass); and Rosa rubiginosa (Sweet Briar). The Weed and Pest Management Plan also identifies two other shrubby species which are not classified as noxious weeds but should be eradicated as both species have a capacity to rapidly invade the landscape. These species are: Ricinus communis (Castor Oil Plant), and Gomphocarpus fruticosus (Swan Plant). Weeds considered to be in conflict with the objectives of the Biodiversity Management Plan, Rehabilitation Management Plan or other Integra related documents, will be subjected to weed management. 74

75 Where required, the management of Galenia on soil stockpiles and throughout the mine site is via these integrated weed management practices: Early detection a coordinated response to contain or control species before they become too widespread is the best approach to weed species such as Galenia. Once a newly discovered outbreak is identified an assessment can be made to determine the most appropriate early response method. Physical control tilling or cultivation that turns over soil, buries the weed beneath the soil. This provides a barrier to the sun, therefore killing the weeds. It should be noted that tilling or cultivation will only be undertaken where heavy infestations occur as it can lead to damage in soil structure. Hand removal including hoeing is a good method for selective removal of weeds without disturbing the surrounding vegetation. This can be very labour-intensive and is often only used in small outbreak areas only. Cultural control encouraging the competitiveness of desired species that are more competitive and fast growing will aid in suppressing weed growth by reducing access to available sunlight, nutrients and moisture. This can be achieved by choosing plant or cover crop species, increased seeding rates where appropriate, and using fertilisers in the optimal growth period to encourage rapid growth of the desired species. Chemical control the use of herbicides can be an important and effective component of any weed control program. In some situations herbicide offers the only practical, cost-effective and selective method of managing particular weeds. Heavy outbreaks of Galenia may require herbicide application to effectively control the further spread of this species. Ongoing maintenance an important aspect of the success of any weed control program is the ongoing maintenance that is the follow up actions that occur after the initial weed control has occurred. Monitoring treated sites for reinfestation will occur and treatment of any weeds as they appear. Photo points, records and maps may be used to determine the success or failure of weed control work. During the reporting period, work as per the Glennies Creek Riparian Management Plan continued, with preliminary targeted weed control through slashing and herbicides, installation of fencing to stop cattle eroding banks, and removal of debris along sections of Glennies Creek being undertaken and managed by Integra. Weed identification and spraying occurred in and around surface facilities as a part of general grounds maintenance. Weed identification and treatment was also carried out within the Western and Supplementary Biodiversity Offset Areas Environmental Performance There was no evidence of significant noxious weed infestation on-site or within buffer lands during the reporting period. Weed spraying was undertaken along the periphery of mine project areas / public roads and included the targeting of mother of millions, African olive, prickly pear, African box thorn, Green cestrum and Coolatai grass following site inspections. Opportune spot spraying was also conducted on site as part of routine maintenance. Species identified and sprayed within the Western and Supplementary Biodiversity Offset Areas included Coolatai Grass, Prickly Pear, African Olive and Box thorn. Follow-up investigations were carried out to confirm the success of spraying and mechanical removal. The Weed and Pest Management Plan continued to be implemented throughout the 2014 reporting period PESTS (FERAL AND NATIVE) Environmental Management 75

76 Pest (feral and native) animal management on the land associated with the ICO is addressed within the Weed & Pest Management Plan. The objectives of the Weed and Pest Management Plan are per previously noted in section 3.9.1: Manage the impact of feral (and native) animals upon biodiversity. Pest management is essentially undertaken on a campaign basis. Management timing, chosen target species and mode of management are functions of the nature and scale of the pest problem as evidenced either by Environmental staff or via reports to the Environmental staff. Pest management includes such actions (on a needs basis) as: Monitoring of wild dog/dingo and red fox populations; Rabbit baiting; Baiting of wild dogs; Culling of large kangaroo populations (typically by shooting) and, Rodent control around facilities. All baiting, trapping and culling operations are undertaken in accordance with relevant legislative requirements. Previous studies have recorded the presence of a number of pest animals on various sections of the Integra lands. Recorded pest species have included: Acriditheres tristis (Common Myna); Canis lupus familiaris (Feral Dog); Capra hircus (Goat); Felis catus (Feral Cat); Lepus capensis (Hare); Mus domesticus (House Mouse); Orictolagus cuniculus (Rabbit); Rattus rattus (Black Rat); Sturnus vulgaris([common Starling); and Vulpes vulpes (European Red Fox) Environmental Performance No kangaroo culling, wild dog baiting or poisoning of rabbits was undertaken during the reporting period BLASTING Environmental Management For the operational period from January to August 2014, the ICO operated a blasting management system in accordance with the Blast Management Plan. This included the use of a meteorological model to evaluate weather conditions prior to blasting. The model considered wind speed and direction, as well as sigma theta as an indicator of the presence of an atmospheric inversion, to assist in predicting unsuitable blasting conditions. If unsuitable conditions are detected, blasting can be postponed until the conditions become suitable. 76

77 Integra operates an automatically triggered blast monitoring system to record and return ground vibration and air blast overpressure results to the mine office directly following each blast. Table 12 displays the locations of the blast monitors. Table 11 Location of Blast Monitors Monitoring Site Address/Location Lambkin Residence Bridgman Rd, Singleton NSW 2330 McInerney Residence McInerney Rd, Camberwell NSW 2330 Cherry Residence Middle Falbrook Rd, Singleton NSW 2330 Langdon Residence Thomas Lane, Mt Olive NSW 2330 Dulwich Middle Falbrook Rd, Singleton NSW 2330 Tailings Dam 2 (TD2) Tailings Dam 2 embankment Possum Skin Dam (PSD) Possum Skin Dam embankment Watling Residence Glennies Creek Rd, Singleton NSW 2330 Cheetham Residence Middle Falbrook Rd, Glennies Creek NSW 2330 Craven (Jensen) Residence Thomas Lane, Mt Olive NSW 2330 Bridge Residence Middle Falbrook Rd, Singleton NSW 2330 Moran Residence Glennies Creek Rd, Singleton NSW 2330 Due to the cessation of drilling and blasting activities while ICO are under care and maintenance, blast monitors were removed from the monitoring sites during October A contracting company was responsible for the safe removal of explosives and explosive precursors at the ICO once blasting was finalised. No explosives will be transported or stored onsite for the duration that ICO is held in care and maintenance. Prior to C&M, blasting operations were managed by deployment of an engineered blast design. The blast specification for each blast was designed to ensure compliance with ground vibration and air blast limits to ensure the safety of site personnel and the public and to protect public and private infrastructure. When blasting occurred during the reporting period, Integra employed a variety of methods to reduce the vibration and overpressure impacts of blasts whilst maximising the amount of maximum instantaneous charge (MIC) utilised in each blast which include: Presplit blasting - involves loading a single row of holes that have been drilled along a desired highwall crest or excavation line with small decoupled charges that reduce the crushing effect around the borehole and are shot prior to the main production shot. Presplit blasting reduces overbreak from the primary blast and produces a smooth rock wall; and Buffer shot a shot fired before the main production shot in the aim of removing / breaking the compaction of soil around the area to be blasted. This attenuates the transmission of vibration being able to travel through the rock as the rock is either removed or the compaction of the soil is compromised. The Environmental Assessment completed in 2009 for the Western Extension predicted that Integra would need to restrict blasts to 19kg of MIC. By utilising the above methods, Integra has been able to adopt greater maximum instantaneous charges during blasting. The Environmental Assessment completed in 2007 for the North Open Cut predicted that Integra would need to restrict blasts to 375kg of MIC. As detailed above, by using a number of proactive controls such as buffer blasting, Integra has been able to comply with vibration and overpressure limits whilst increasing the amount of MIC that may be used. 77

78 The EPL and Project Approval specifies that overpressure shall not exceed 120 db (L), and maximum peak particle velocity (ppv) shall not exceed 10 mm/s at residences upon privately owned property (unless a private agreement is in place). Five percent of blasts may exceed 115 db (L) and 5 mm/s respectively. The limits are based on comfort criteria. Mitigation measures adopted by the Integra to minimise the startling effect of blasts on neighbours include: Liaising with drill and blast engineers / coordinators at adjacent mines to coordinate blast times; Notify stakeholders by way of the ICO website; SMS notification to neighbours listed on a contact list; Phone call to neighbours to notify of blasts; and Notifying neighbours via way of the SMS system and phone calls when blasts are delayed Environmental Performance There were 83 blasts at Integra s open cut operations during the reporting period. There were no instances where the recorded peak particle velocity (ppv) was greater than 10 mm/s and one (1) instance when recorded ppv was greater than 5 mm/s at monitored privately owned residences. The 1 blast resulting in ground vibration greater than 5 mm/s (but less than 10 mm/s) equalled 0.98% of total annual blasts and fell within the allowable annual exceedance of 5% of total blasts. During the reporting period there were one (1) instance where overpressure results exceeded 115 db(l) but did not exceed 120 db(l).the 1 blast exceeding 115 db(l) equalled 0.98% of total annual blasts, which is below the allowable annual exceedance criteria of 5% total annual blasts. Data capture for blast monitors this reporting period was affected, on occasion, by: Monitor malfunction; and Maintenance/calibration or replacement of monitors. Blast monitoring results for blast exceedances are provided in Appendix 5. The ICO received seven (7) complaints from the community relating to blasting, representing a significant decrease from the previous reporting period. No reportable incidents involving fume generation as a consequence of blasting occurred during the reporting period. In 2014, blasting undertaken at ICO Underground utilised approximately 2,200 sticks of Orica Senatel Permitted 1000 P1 explosive within the underground areas only. No community complaints were received as a result of the underground blasting activities and there is no evidence to suggest that blast limits were exceeded. The majority of explosives used within underground workings is due to development work to access the Hebden coal seam. 78

79 3.12 OPERATIONAL NOISE Environmental Management The ICO undertook or utilised the following noise control measures to manage potential noise impacts from the mining operations: Noise was monitored to measure noise levels and determine contributing noise sources and, where required, to assess the practicability of additional noise controls; Implementation of sound power standards for mobile plant; The use of a light signalling system, rather than audible signals for the train loading system; Maintenance of mobile equipment and conveyors to ensure optimal (including noise) performance; Selection of new equipment with consideration of sound power levels; Development and implementation of a complaint management protocol that facilitates investigation and actioning of noise related complaints; Operation of an acoustic bund along the RL 100 haul road, from the ICO Underground Operation; Use of slower and wider conveyors; and Not fully emptying the reject hopper between loads to prevent initial loading noise. The Noise Management Plan details the monitoring undertaken at the ICO. Due to transitional arrangements into care and maintenance, the Noise Management Plan was amended and approved by the DPE on the 15 th of September Under care and maintenance, no attended monitoring will occur unless prompted by valid complaints and/or directed by the DPE of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Where care and maintenance activities are carried out while attended noise monitoring is not occurring, added consideration was given to the timing and location of operations in order to, as far as practicable, reduce or eliminate noise generated by ICO impacting the community. While the ICO was operational from January to August 2014, Attended monitoring was completed in April and July 2014 to assess compliance with prescribed limits. Unattended noise monitoring involved the use of directional, real time monitoring at key locations and thus management by ICO staff if and when noise issues arise Environmental Performance During the reporting period attended noise surveys were conducted quarterly by an independent contractor for the ICO. The surveys were conducted during April 2014 and July Noise monitoring reports are provided in Appendix 6. The results demonstrate that the ICO satisfied the Project Approval noise criteria during attended monitoring events. Noise monitoring performed during the first quarter of the reporting period to determine whether the ICO were in accordance with regulatory requirements revealed that ICO complied with operational noise criteria at all monitoring locations and times. ICO noise monitoring undertaken in the second quarter of 2014 concluded that the operations did not exceed the relevant noise criteria at all monitoring locations and times. It must be noted that the noise emissions from ICO was higher than the 79

80 noise criterion of 37 db(a) Leq at the Garvie monitoring location during the evening period on the 16th of July. Temperature inversion and wind speed data showed, however, that the noise measurement at the Garvie location was made under noncompliant meteorological conditions (i.e. temperature inversions of greater than 4 C/100 metres (stability category G) and wind speed greater than 3m/s). Noise emissions from ICO, therefore, did not exceed the relevant noise criteria at any location during any monitoring period. Attended monitoring results for April and July 2014 are shown in Table 12. Quarterly noise monitoring revealed that ICO complied with all state government consent noise limits. Historically since 2007, the open cut and underground has operated in accordance with noise criteria with the exception of the second quarter in 2010 where a pump being utilised at Possum Skin Dam was audible at a number of monitoring locations. As part of the ICO Modification 2 environmental assessment a noise model assessment was completed in 2012 for ICO. Noise modelling was completed for different years of operations predicting maximum noise levels under prevailing day, evening and night conditions for each receiver. The predictions for full pit year 4 are most relevant for the comparison of predictions in the Environmental Assessment to the quarterly noise monitoring during the reporting period. The monitoring results for the period generally support the predicted results in the environmental assessment noise modelling. Mobile plant sound power at the ICO continued to be checked during the reporting period and any non-compliant item that was identified were modified and/or repaired as necessary as required under the Project Approval. All mobile plant types that are significant noise generators have sound power limits specified in the Integra Coal Open Cut Mobile Plant Sound Power Specification (Global Acoustics P/L, 26 April 2012). Listed plant types require a sound power test on delivery to site and before acceptance on site and at least once every three years after entering service. A drill was commissioned while ICO was under care and maintenance with sound power level testing being conducted on the drill as a part of the site commissioning process. Cumulative mining noise in the area of ICO is monitored and when relevant recorded during each quarterly attended survey. If higher mine noise is detected and is considered to be a consequence of activities at another mine which can be identified, contact will be made by ICO with the relevant site to inform them. The ICO received five (5) complaints from the community relating to noise during the reporting period. A summary of all noise complaints and actions taken is provided in Appendix 8. 80

81 Table 12 - Attended Noise Monitoring Reported: 5 May 2014 Licensee: Integra Coal Operations (ICO) EPL No: 3390 Qualifications related to noise limits The noise limits do not apply when wind speed is greater than 3 m/s at 10 m above ground or in temperature inversion conditions greater than 3 C/100 m. Location Date Start Time Measurement Period (min) Measured Levels (db(a)) Leq (15 min) L1 (1 min) Limits (db(a) Leq (15 min) (D/E/N) L1 (1 min) (N) Weather Wind Speed (m/s)/ Direction (degrees), Comments Observations Noise Sources (contribution) Leq (15 min) (Potential) noncompliance/ breach 20. Garvie 8/4/ Garvie 8/4/ Garvie 9/4/ Garvie 9/4/ Garvie 9/4/ Garvie 10/4/ Garvie 10/4/ Garvie 10/4/ Garvie 11/4/ /37/36, 45 37/37/36, 45 37/37/36, 45 37/37/36, 45 37/37/36, 45 37/37/36, 45 37/37/36, 45 37/37/36, 45 37/37/36, / 103 Traffic (46), birds (20), IMC inaudible 2.3 / 134 Traffic (45), insects & frogs (41), IMC (25) 1.5 / 133 Insects & frogs (39), IMC (31), traffic (27) 0.6 / 200 Traffic (47), birds (35), IMC faintly audible 1.2 / 172 Traffic (44), insects & frogs (38), IMC (24) 1.6 / 133 Insects & frogs (38), IMC (31) 1.1 / 122 Traffic (45), birds (36), IMC (32) 1.1 / 107 Traffic (49), insects & frogs (41), IMC (30) 0.1 / 151 Insects & frogs (36), IMC (33) 81

82 31. Craven 8/4/ /36/35, / 108 Traffic (37), birds (27), IMC inaudible 31. Craven 8/4/ /36/35, / 131 Insects & frogs (35), traffic (32), other mines (21), IMC inaudible 31. Craven 8/4/ n/a 36/36/35, / 157 Insects & frogs (33), other mines (24), IMC inaudible 31. Craven 9/4/ Craven 9/4/ Craven 9/4/ /36/35, 46 36/36/35, 46 36/36/35, / 327 Birds (33), traffic (31), IMC inaudible 1.3 / / 148 Insects & frogs (31), traffic (25), other mine (24), IMC inaudible Insects & frogs (31), IMC (22), traffic (21) 31. Craven 10/4/ /36/35, / 107 Traffic (34), tractor (32), birds (30), IMC inaudible 31. Craven 10/4/ /36/35, / 140 Insects & frogs (34), traffic (33), train (28), other mine (24), IMC inaudible 31. Craven 10/4/ n/a 36/36/35, / 189 Insects & frogs (37), other mines (30), IMC inaudible 47. Cherry 8/4/ Cherry 8/4/ Cherry 8/4/ Cherry 9/4/ Cherry 9/4/ Cherry 9/4/ /39/39, 45 39/39/39, 45 39/39/39, 45 39/39/39, 45 39/39/39, 45 39/39/39, / 123 Traffic (56), birds (39), IMC (33) 1.9 / 137 Traffic (48), IMC (33), insects (28) 0.7 / 89 Traffic (47), insects (32), IMC (31) 0.6 / 138 Traffic (57), birds & insects (37), IMC (29) 2.0 / 138 Insects (37), IMC (33) 1.8 / 149 Traffic (49), insects (37), IMC (28) 47. Cherry 10/4/ /39/39, / 213 Traffic (52), other mines (32), birds (32), IMC inaudible 47. Cherry 10/4/ /39/39, / 111 Traffic (48), insects (40), other mines (32), IMC (29) 82

83 47. Cherry 10/4/ n/a 39/39/39, / 209 Insects & frogs (39), other mines (34), traffic (23), IMC inaudible 4. L. Cox 8/4/ /39/39, / 118 Traffic (50), birds & insects (38), IMC inaudible 4. L. Cox 8/4/ L. Cox 8/4/ L. Cox 9/4/ L. Cox 9/4/ L. Cox 10/4/ L. Cox 10/4/ L. Cox 10/4/ /39/39, 48 39/39/39, 48 39/39/39, 48 39/39/39, 48 39/39/39, 48 39/39/39, 48 39/39/39, / 137 Traffic (55), insects (40), IMC (30) 0.4 / 80 Traffic (61), IMC (32), insects (37) 1.7 / 110 Traffic (62), birds (32), IMC inaudible 2.4 / 126 Traffic (62), birds (37), IMC inaudible 0.1 / 302 Traffic (46), IMC (27), insects & frogs (26) 0.9 / 249 Traffic (63), IMC (33), birds (24) 0.8 / 124 Traffic (58), insects & frogs (46), IMC (34) 4. L. Cox 11/4/ /39/39, / 270 Traffic (54), IMC (34), insects & frogs (31), train (30) 5. D. Cox 8/4/ D. Cox 8/4/ D. Cox 8/4/ D. Cox 9/4/ /40/40, 47 40/40/40, 47 40/40/40, 47 40/40/40, / 120 Traffic (35), birds (30), IMC (26) 2.2 / 135 Insects (35), IMC (30), traffic (25) 0.9 / 153 Traffic (37), IMC (34), insects (26) 2.6 / 113 Traffic (35), IMC (22), birds & insects (22) 5. D. Cox 9/4/ /40/40, / 118 Insects (37) traffic (33), train (29), IMC (27) 5. D. Cox 10/4/ D. Cox 10/4/ /40/40, 47 40/40/40, / 68 IMC (30), insects & frogs (24), traffic (24) 0.9 / 249 Traffic (37), IMC (28), birds (23) 83

84 5. D. Cox 10/4/ /40/40, / 113 Traffic (36), birds (35), IMC (35), trains (33) 5. D. Cox 11/4/ Hoggan 8/4/ Hoggan 8/4/ Hoggan 9/4/ Hoggan 9/4/ /40/40, 47 42/42/42, 49 42/42/42, 49 42/42/42, 49 42/42/42, / 202 IMC (34), insects & frogs (33), traffic (25) 2.6 / 118 Traffic (37), birds (30), IMC inaudible 1.3 / 126 Insects (37), IMC (35), traffic (27) 1.0 / 127 IMC (32), insects & frogs (28), traffic (20) 0.5 / 226 Traffic (39), birds (35), IMC (25) 14. Hoggan 9/4/ /42/42, / 126 Insects (43), traffic (31), plane (24), IMC inaudible 14. Hoggan 10/4/ Hoggan 10/4/ Hoggan 10/4/ Hoggan 11/4/ Holmes 8/4/ Holmes 8/4/ /42/42, 49 42/42/42, 49 42/42/42, 49 42/42/42, 49 39/39/39, 45 39/39/39, / 129 Insects & frogs (33), IMC (30), traffic (28) 1.2 / 130 Traffic (39), birds (32), IMC (30) 1.3 / 112 IMC (35), insects & frogs (35), traffic (33) 0.5 / 276 Insects & frogs (36), IMC (31) 2.9 / 120 Traffic (44), IMC (29), birds (29) 2.0 / 138 Insects & frogs (30), IMC (29), traffic (27) 54. Holmes 8/4/ /39/39, / 92 Insects & frogs (30), IMC (28), train (25), traffic (22) 54. Holmes 9/4/ Holmes 9/4/ Holmes 9/4/ /39/39, 45 39/39/39, 45 39/39/39, / 265 Traffic (50), birds (30), IMC (25) 2.1 / 127 Traffic (50), insects (38), IMC (35) 1.1 / 146 Insects & frogs (31), IMC (23), traffic (23) 84

85 54. Holmes 10/4/ /39/39, / 217 Traffic (50), lawn mower (33), IMC (28), birds (24) 54. Holmes 10/4/ /39/39, / 112 Traffic (57), insects (40), IMC (30) 54. Holmes 10/4/ /39/39, / 102 Insects & frogs (31) other mines (29), IMC (26) 64. Gardner 8/4/ / 120 Traffic (39), birds (37), IMC (33) 64. Gardner 8/4/ / 145 Traffic (40), IMC (40), insects (31) 64. Gardner 8/4/ / 80 IMC (41), traffic (36), insects (30) 64. Gardner 9/4/ / 327 Traffic (34), birds & insects (32), IMC (30), train (27) 64. Gardner 9/4/ / 135 IMC (41), insects (33), traffic (31) 64. Gardner 9/4/ / 145 IMC (38), traffic (32), insects (27) 64. Gardner 10/4/ / Gardner 10/4/ / Gardner 10/4/ / 186 Traffic (32), birds (31), other mines (29), IMC inaudible Traffic (32), other mines (31), IMC (26), insects & frogs (26) IMC (34), insects & frogs (31), traffic (30), train (29), other mines (29) 91. Olofsson 8/4/ /40/40, / 103 Birds & insects (35), traffic (34), IMC inaudible 91. Olofsson 8/4/ Olofsson 9/4/ Olofsson 9/4/ Olofsson 9/4/ /40/40, 47 40/40/40, 47 40/40/40, 47 40/40/40, / 126 Traffic (40), insects & frogs (36), IMC (32) 1.2 / 133 Traffic (48), IMC (33), insects (28) 1.1 / 117 Traffic (53), birds (33), IMC inaudible 2.1 / 127 Traffic (40), insects (31), IMC (27) 85

86 91. Olofsson 9/4/ /40/40, / 146 Traffic (36), insects (33), IMC (32), train (27) 91. Olofsson 10/4/ /40/40, / 151 Traffic (43), birds (39), IMC inaudible 91. Olofsson 10/4/ /40/40, / 135 Traffic (37), insects & frogs (33), IMC (23), other mines (23) 91. Olofsson 10/4/ /40/40, / 198 Traffic (38), other mines (36), IMC (29), insects (28) 111. Burgess 111. Burgess 111. Burgess 111. Burgess 111. Burgess 111. Burgess 111. Burgess 111. Burgess 8/4/ / 123 Traffic (55), birds (27), IMC inaudible 8/4/ / 126 Traffic (57), IMC (40), insects (35) 9/4/ / 127 Traffic (42), IMC (38), insects (29) 9/4/ / 124 Traffic (56), birds (38), IMC inaudible 9/4/ / 135 Traffic (55), IMC (35), insects (30) 10/4/ / 130 Traffic (48), IMC (35), insects (28) 104/ / 121 Traffic (52), birds (29), IMC inaudible 10/4/ / 118 Traffic (53), IMC (39), insects (37) 111. Burgess 10/4/14 23: / 148 Traffic (40), IMC (37), other mines (37), insects & frogs (26) 112. Ernst 8/4/ /120 Traffic (46), birds (33), IMC inaudible 112. Ernst 8/4/ / 126 Traffic (44), IMC (40), insects (33) 112. Ernst 9/4/ / 127 Traffic (45), insects (34), IMC (33) 112. Ernst 9/4/ / 145 Traffic (52), birds (32), IMC inaudible 86

87 112. Ernst 9/4/ / 138 Traffic (64), IMC (36), insects (34) 112. Ernst 10/4/ / 136 Traffic (62), IMC (35), insects & frogs (35) 112. Ernst 10/4/ / 105 Traffic (49), birds (30), IMC inaudible 112. Ernst 10/4/ / 157 Traffic (53), IMC (36), insects (33) 112. Ernst 10/4/ / 182 Traffic (46), IMC (37), insects & frogs (31), other mines (30) 132. Bowman 8/4/14 13: /38/38, / 115 Traffic (36), birds (32), other mines (26), IMC inaudible 132. Bowman 8/4/ /38/38, / 129 Traffic (43), insects (38), other mines (30), IMC inaudible 132. Bowman 9/4/ /38/38, / 127 Insects (37), traffic (33), IMC (30) 132. Bowman 9/4/ /38/38, / 151 Birds & insects (37), traffic (36), IMC inaudible 132. Bowman 9/4/ /38/38, / 132 Traffic (42), insects (37), IMC inaudible 132. Bowman 9/4/ /38/38, / 146 Insects & frogs (56), traffic (37), IMC (27) 132. Bowman 10/4/ /38/38, / 93 Birds (52), cattle (37), IMC (30), plane (30) 132. Bowman 10/4/ /38/38, / 112 Insects & frogs (64), traffic (40), IMC inaudible 132. Bowman 10/4/ /38/38, / 127 Insects & frogs (49), traffic (39), IMC (36), other mines (32) 87

88 Reported: 8 August 2014 Licensee: Integra Coal Operations (ICO) EPL No: 3390 Qualifications related to noise limits The noise limits do not apply when wind speed is greater than 3 m/s at 10 m above ground or in temperature inversion conditions greater than 3 C/100 m. Location Date Start Time Measurement Period (min) Measured Levels (db(a)) Leq (15 min) L1 (1 min) Limits (db(a) Leq (15 min) (D/E/N) L1 (1 min) (N) Weather Wind Speed (m/s)/ Direction (degrees), Comments Observations Noise Sources (contribution) Leq (15 min) (Potential) noncompliance/ breach 20. Garvie 14/7/ Garvie 14/7/ Garvie 15/7/ /37/36, 45 37/37/36, 45 37/37/36, / 95 Traffic (45), birds (32), IMC inaudible 2.5 / 89 Traffic (40), dogs (35), IMC (25) 2.7 / 136 Traffic (28), dogs (28), IMC faintly audible 20. Garvie 15/7/ /37/36, / 92 Traffic (48), birds (33), other mine (25), IMC inaudible 20. Garvie 15/7/ /37/36, / 189 Traffic (45), IMC (23), frogs (22) 20. Garvie 16/7/ /37/36, / 318 IMC (27), train (27), other mine (25), frogs (22) 20. Garvie 16/7/ Garvie 16/7/ Garvie 17/7/ Craven 14/7/ Craven 14/7/ /37/36, 45 37/37/36, 45 37/37/36, 45 36/36/35, 46 36/36/35, / 285 Traffic (49), wind (43), IMC (32) 6.5 / 305 IMC (43), traffic (43), frogs & insects (28) 8.4 / 301 Traffic (54), IMC (30), frogs (28) 4.1 / 92 Traffic (38), birds (36), IMC inaudible 2.3 / 79 Birds (37), traffic (31), IMC (26) 88

89 31. Craven 14/7/ /36/35, / 128 Traffic (26), domestic (25), IMC (21) 31. Craven 15/7/ Craven 15/7/ Craven 15/7/ /36/35, 46 36/36/35, 46 36/36/35, / / / 323 Birds (42), traffic (34), other mine (25), IMC inaudible IMC (29), traffic (27), frogs (24) Frogs (29), other mine (28), traffic (24), IMC (24) 31. Craven 16/7/ /36/35, / 280 Wind (52), domestic noise (40), IMC inaudible 31. Craven 16/7/ /36/35, / 307 Wind (39), frogs (30), mine (29), IMC inaudible 31. Craven 16/7/ /36/35, / 301 Wind (41), traffic (28), IMC (26) 47. Cherry 14/7/ /39/39, / 78 Traffic (50), birds (48), tractor (31), IMC (33) 47. Cherry 14/7/ Cherry 14/7/ /39/39, 45 39/39/39, / 58 Traffic (53), IMC (26), frogs & insects (25) 1.5 / 153 Irrigation system (32), IMC faintly audible 47. Cherry 15/7/ /39/39, / 74 Traffic (62), birds (32), other mine (28), IMC inaudible 47. Cherry 15/7/ /39/39, / 67 Other mine (26), traffic (24), frogs (23), IMC inaudible 47. Cherry 15/7/ n/a 39/39/39, / 267 Traffic (46), other mine (29), IMC inaudible 47. Cherry 16/7/ /39/39, / 290 Wind (55), IMC inaudible 47. Cherry 16/7/ /39/39, / 296 Traffic (47), other mine (30), frogs (28), IMC (29) 47. Cherry 16/7/ n/a 39/39/39, / 296 Wind (45), other mine (31), IMC inaudible 4. L. Cox 14/7/ /39/39, / 89 Traffic (62), birds (36), wind (35), IMC inaudible 89

90 4. L. Cox 14/7/ L. Cox 14/7/ n/a 4. L. Cox 15/7/ L. Cox 15/7/ L. Cox 16/7/ L. Cox 16/7/ L. Cox 16/7/ L. Cox 17/7/ D. Cox 14/7/ /39/39, 48 39/39/39, 48 39/39/39, 48 39/39/39, 48 39/39/39, 48 39/39/39, 48 39/39/39, 48 39/39/39, 48 40/40/40, / 48 Traffic (57), frogs (30), IMC faintly audible 1.5 / 103 Traffic (60), frogs (25), IMC inaudible 1.5 / 111 Traffic (63), birds (29), IMC faintly audible 1.5 / 64 Traffic (62), IMC (33) 2.1 / 311 Trains (39), traffic (30), IMC (30) 4.8 / 297 Traffic (60), wind (50), IMC inaudible 7.3 / 298 Traffic (58), wind (40), IMC (36) 7.9 / 295 Traffic (52), wind (44), IMC (29) 4.8 / 83 Traffic (31), birds (26), IMC (24) 5. D. Cox 14/7/ /40/40, / 65 Traffic (31), domestic (26), IMC faintly audible 5. D. Cox 14/7/ n/a 40/40/40, / 153 Traffic (36), frogs & insects (26) IMC inaudible 5. D. Cox 15/7/ D. Cox 15/7/ D. Cox 16/7/ /40/40, 47 40/40/40, 47 40/40/40, / 121 Traffic (40), domestic (29), IMC inaudible 0.5 / 87 Traffic (33), IMC (27) 2.2 / 316 Traffic (36), IMC (36) 5. D. Cox 16/7/ /40/40, / 289 Traffic (44), wind (40), birds (31), IMC inaudible 5. D. Cox 16/7/ D. Cox 17/7/ /40/40, 47 40/40/40, / 307 Wind (45), traffic (39), IMC inaudible 8.6 / 300 Wind (45), IMC (38) 90

91 14. Hoggan 14/7/ Hoggan 14/7/ /42/42, 49 42/42/42, / 99 Traffic (38), birds (32), IMC inaudible 1.3 / 118 Frogs (26), traffic (24), IMC inaudible 14. Hoggan 15/7/ n/a 42/42/42, / 142 Traffic (35), dogs (34), frogs (29), IMC inaudible 14. Hoggan 15/7/ /42/42, / 124 Traffic (43), mine (30), birds (28), IMC inaudible 14. Hoggan 15/7/ Hoggan 16/7/ /42/42, 49 42/42/42, / 119 Traffic (40), frogs (31), IMC (24) 2.2 / 312 IMC (35), frogs (35) 14. Hoggan 16/7/ /42/42, / 292 Traffic (47), wind (47), birds (30), IMC faintly audible 14. Hoggan 16/7/ Hoggan 17/7/ /42/42, 49 42/42/42, / 298 Wind (41), traffic (41), IMC (38) 8.3 / 297 Wind (45), IMC (33), frogs (27) 54. Holmes 14/7/ /39/39, / 85 Traffic (47), birds (35), tractor (28), IMC inaudible 54. Holmes 14/7/ Holmes 14/7/ /39/39, 45 39/39/39, / 63 Traffic (52), frogs (39), IMC (26) 2.0 / 100 Traffic (53), frogs (30), IMC (21) 54. Holmes 15/7/ /39/39, / 90 Traffic (46), birds (31), other mine (27), IMC inaudible 54. Holmes 15/7/ /39/39, / 64 Frogs (36), traffic (35), other mine (31), IMC inaudible 54. Holmes 15/7/ Holmes 16/7/ /39/39, 45 39/39/39, / 118 Traffic (53), frogs (34), IMC (28) 9.9 / 292 Wind (52), birds (34), IMC inaudible 54. Holmes 16/7/ /39/39, / 293 Traffic (52), frogs (37), other mine (31), IMC inaudible 91

92 54. Holmes 16/7/ n/a 39/39/39, / 300 Traffic (54), wind (40), frogs (35), other mines (29), IMC inaudible 64. Gardner 14/7/ / 82 Traffic (35), IMC (30) 64. Gardner 14/7/ / 82 Traffic (31), train (29), IMC (26) 64. Gardner 14/7/ / 90 Sub station (32), birds (24), IMC (23) 64. Gardner 15/7/ / Gardner 15/7/ / Gardner 15/7/ n/a / 273 Birds (42), dogs (39), other mine (28), cattle (25), IMC inaudible Traffic (32), train (30), sub station (28), other mine (27), IMC inaudible Train (35), sub station (34), traffic (29), other mine (29), IMC inaudible 64. Gardner 16/7/ / 288 Wind (50), plane (31), IMC inaudible 64. Gardner 16/7/ / Gardner 16/7/ n/a / 294 Other mine (32), train (29), traffic (29), IMC inaudible Other mine (33), wind (33), frogs (23), IMC inaudible 91. Olofsson 14/7/ Olofsson 14/7/ /40/40, 47 40/40/40, / 108 Traffic (44), birds (31), IMC inaudible 2.3 / 79 Traffic (38), IMC (27) 91. Olofsson 15/7/ n/a 40/40/40, / 139 Traffic (38), other mine (30), IMC inaudible 91. Olofsson 15/7/ Olofsson 15/7/ Olofsson 15/7/ n/a 91. Olofsson 16/7/ /40/40, 47 40/40/40, 47 40/40/40, 47 40/40/40, / 136 Birds (46), traffic (32), IMC inaudible 2.0 / 64 Traffic (36), IMC (27), insects (24) 0.8 / 148 Traffic (41), train (30), IMC inaudible 11.1 / 290 Wind (54), traffic (40), IMC inaudible 92

93 91. Olofsson 16/7/ Olofsson 16/7/ n/a 40/40/40, 47 40/40/40, / 296 Traffic (43), wind (35), IMC inaudible 9.2 / 296 Traffic (44), wind (39), IMC inaudible 111. Burgess 111. Burgess 111. Burgess 111. Burgess 111. Burgess 111. Burgess 111. Burgess 111. Burgess 111. Burgess 14/7/ / 99 Traffic (58), birds (31), IMC inaudible Traffic (48), IMC (37) 14/7/ / /7/ / 138 Traffic (49), IMC (30) 15/7/ / 109 Traffic (54), birds (31), IMC inaudible 15/7/ / 64 Traffic (46), IMC (39) 16/7/ n/a / 313 Traffic (44), IMC inaudible 16/7/ / 282 Traffic (52), wind (46), IMC inaudible 16/7/ / 307 Traffic (50), IMC inaudible 17/7/14 00: n/a / 305 Traffic (49), IMC inaudible 112. Ernst 14/7/ / 96 Traffic (51), train (36), IMC inaudible 112. Ernst 14/7/ / 89 Traffic (49), IMC (42) 112. Ernst 15/7/ / 138 Traffic (50), IMC (31) 112. Ernst 15/7/ / 127 Traffic (48), birds (32), IMC inaudible 112. Ernst 15/7/ / 87 Traffic (41), train (34), IMC inaudible 112. Ernst 15/7/ n/a / 318 Traffic (41), IMC inaudible 93

94 112. Ernst 16/7/ / 289 Traffic (51), wind (49), IMC inaudible 112. Ernst 16/7/ / Ernst 16/7/ n/a / 296 Traffic (51), frogs & insects (29), IMC inaudible Traffic (48), other mine (30), IMC inaudible 132. Bowman 14/7/14 15: /38/38, / 85 Traffic (39), tractor (29), birds (29), IMC inaudible 132. Bowman 14/7/ /38/38, / 134 Frogs (46), traffic (38), IMC inaudible 132. Bowman 14/7/ n/a 38/38/38, / 133 Traffic (40), frogs (40), other mine (25), IMC inaudible 132. Bowman 15/7/ /38/38, / 86 Birds (38), traffic (35), IMC inaudible 132. Bowman 15/7/ /38/38, / 70 Traffic (43), frogs (32), IMC inaudible 132. Bowman 15/7/ n/a 38/38/38, / 252 Traffic (39), frogs (37), IMC inaudible 132. Bowman 16/7/ /38/38, / 290 Wind (47), IMC inaudible 132. Bowman 16/7/ /38/38, / 293 Traffic (38), frogs (36), wind (32), IMC inaudible 132. Bowman 16/7/ n/a 38/38/38, / 299 Frogs (40), traffic (37), other mine (30), IMC inaudible 94

95 3.13 VISUAL AMENITY AND LIGHTING Environmental Management Light emitting equipment and facilities include mobile lighting plant, headlights on vehicles and heavy equipment, fixed lighting on workshops, open cut and underground administration areas, CHPP and off-site operations such as Forest Road ventilation shaft site and gas drainage sites. A number of management techniques are used to minimise the impacts of stray lighting and are employed across both sites which include: Visual bunds established to improve visual amenity and block light; Light positioning and orientation for mobile lighting plant; Positioning mine entrance and exit roads to prevent headlights shining towards adjacent residences; Utilisation of a low spill design for car park area lighting; Awareness training to educate employees regarding the sensitivity of the ICO proximity to local residents and Procedures and standards for lighting Environmental Performance There were no community complaints regarding lighting during the 2014 reporting period ABORIGINAL HERITAGE Environmental Management Aboriginal cultural heritage values are protected in accordance with the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 (NP&W Act) and the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act). Integra acknowledges the cultural importance of Aboriginal archaeological sites and how these and other sites in the Hunter Valley symbolise our past and connect to the local Aboriginal people, especially people of the Wanaruah/Wonnarua Tribe. If during the course of works any previously unknown historical archaeological material or heritage sites/items are uncovered or identified, all work in the area of the item(s) shall cease immediately and a suitably qualified and experienced archaeologist will be consulted. If the archaeologist considers the archaeological material uncovered constitutes an archaeological relic, the Heritage Branch, OEH will be consulted, in accordance with Section 146 of the Heritage Act 1977 (NSW), to determine an appropriate course of action prior to the recommencement of work in the area of the item. The ICO Aboriginal Heritage Management Plan sets out the procedures for the protection of Aboriginal sites as well as the salvage and care of Aboriginal objects found within the operational activities. Additional objectives of the Aboriginal Heritage Management Plan are to: To establish an ongoing Aboriginal stakeholder consultation process; To describe the manner in which certain Aboriginal sites will be salvaged; 95

96 To provide a summary research design and work plan for the sub surface excavation of select sites and areas; and To describe a program for Aboriginal site survey and assessment in areas not addressed by the original EA. The Aboriginal Heritage Management Plan also outlines the importance of ongoing consultation with Aboriginal stakeholders during mining. All staff and contractors as part of a site induction are provided with information on Aboriginal heritage sites, their locations, what constitutes an artefact and what to do if an item of Aboriginal heritage is located Environmental Performance The original Camberwell Coal EIS and associated studies identified Aboriginal heritage on what is now the ICO. Where sites were to be impacted, the appropriate Consents to Destroy under Section 90 of the NP&W Act were obtained in advance. Sites that have been identified and did not have Consent to Destroy are protected by fencing and are subject to inspections to ensure they have not been damaged. A number of Aboriginal heritage items were relocated during the initial phase of the Glennies Creek Open Cut Project (North Open Cut), relocation was undertaken in accordance with the approved Aboriginal Heritage Management Pan for the project. Due diligence surveys were conducted during the 2013 reporting period for gas drainage drill pads and location for the flare site and vent fan at the underground operations. No further areas were disturbed during the 2014 period, therefore no known sites were disturbed or destroyed during the reporting period NON-ABORIGINAL HERITAGE Environmental Management A Non-Aboriginal Heritage Management Plan addresses management of non-aboriginal heritage at the ICO. Due diligence surveys for non-aboriginal archaeological assessment are conducted in conjunction with aboriginal assessments by suitably qualified archaeologists. If during the course of works any previously unknown historical archaeological material or heritage sites/items are uncovered or identified, all work in the area of the item(s) shall cease immediately and a suitably qualified and experienced archaeologist will be consulted. If the archaeologist considers the archaeological material uncovered constitutes an archaeological relic, the Heritage Branch, OEH will be consulted, in accordance with Section 146 of the Heritage Act 1977 (NSW), to determine an appropriate course of action prior to the recommencement of work in the area of the item Environmental Performance No known items of non-aboriginal heritage have been identified or impacted during the current reporting period SPONTANEOUS COMBUSTION AND ACID ROCK DRAINAGE Environmental Management Prior testing of in seam coal indicates that the coal has low to medium propensity for spontaneous combustion. There have been no identified incidents of spontaneous combustion at the ICO since production commenced and the risk of spontaneous combustion is considered to be low. Notwithstanding the above, Integra continued following management measures to minimise the risk of spontaneous combustion within the ICO: 96

97 Minimising the length of time coal is held in stockpiles; Monitoring coal stockpiles for signs of spontaneous combustion; Immediately reporting incidents; Ventilation assessments; and Extinguishment by excavation, spreading and saturation with water Environmental Performance During the 2014 reporting period, there was no indication of spontaneous combustion or acid rock drainage BUSHFIRE MANAGEMENT Environmental Management ICO Bushfire Management Procedure is designed to manage and mitigate the risk of bushfires at ICO. Fire breaks around perimeters are most commonly utilised as a management tool to control the potential of fires Environmental Performance Routine reinstatement of firebreaks was undertaken during the reporting period by way of mowing, slashing and / or soil tilling. There were two (2) instances of fires occurring on the ICO lease during the reporting period. A grass fire occurred in the Open Cut lease near RL150 dump in the western extension in September The Rural Fire Brigade and Integra personnel assisted in minimising the spread of the grass fire. Approximately 10 hectares of grassland was burnt during the fire. The Rural Fire Brigade indicated that lightning may have been responsible for the initiation of the grass fire. A grass fire also occurred at the underground lease during November Extremely hot and windy weather allowed overhead supply power lines to sag and contact trees underneath the power lines. The grass fire was detected underneath the overhead supply power lines from Integra underground to Integra underground fan-site area. The local rural fire brigade was notified and the energy supplier was notified to have power lines de-energised to allow firefighting operations to continue. The ICO was notified of the issue and power was isolated to the underground fan-site area to allow firefighting of the grass fire in the area. Contractors were sourced to trim & remove a number of identified trees in risk of contacting overhead lines and causing more fires. Once trees were removed, power was restored to the fan site. Remedial action from the underground ground lease grass fire included clearing trees that could potentially come in contact with overhead power lines and implementing an inspection regime of the overhead power line area that includes trees to be identified for trimming to eliminate reoccurrence of grass fires MINE SUBSIDENCE Management/Monitoring Longwall mining involves the removal of a substantial proportion of the coal seam which may result in the collapse of the overlying rock strata into the previously mined area known as the goaf, resulting in subsidence of the natural surface. The extent of subsidence depends on the width and thickness of the coal seam removed in each longwall panel, the characteristics of the overlying rock and the depth of mining. The settlement and binding of the strata to the surface results in a subsidence trough which is wider than the actual longwall panel extracted. 97

98 By contrast, development of first workings, such as the north-west and north mains, involves the removal of a minor portion of the coal seam, is designed for stability, does not cause any collapse of the rock strata and hence does not cause subsidence. Subsidence management for ICO underground operations for all longwall panels mined to-date is in accordance with appropriate approvals. All mining beyond LW6 was undertaken in accordance with the subsidence management approval process administered by the Department of Trade and Investment - Division of Resources and Energy. This process requires an assessment of the surface environment in the area of proposed underground mining; identification and characterisation of surface and sub-surface features that may be affected by the proposed mining; subsidence prediction, and an assessment of the subsidence impacts and risks. The Subsidence Management Plan (SMP) for longwall panels LW10 to LW17 was approved on the 17 October 2008 and is currently in use. Central to the subsidence management plan is monitoring, reporting and a review of outcomes against predictions. Subsidence monitoring undertaken at the ICO Underground Operation will be undertaken in three phases. The three phases are: 1. Pre-mining monitoring to establish a baseline for subsequent monitoring and impact assessment; 2. Monitoring within the predicted subsidence impact zone during mining to allow the implementation of subsidence impact management processes as required; and 3. Post-mining monitoring to establish that no further subsidence impacts are likely and to allow the completion of subsidence impact management processes. Phase two subsidence monitoring undertaken at the ICO Underground Operations in order involves: Surveys along a single fixed transect crossing all longwall panels (normal to the chain pillars) after the completion of each longwall block; Surveys of three monitoring lines parallel to the Mt Owen Rail Spur, each at different offsets to the Rail Spur; Surveys of two bridges on Mt Owen Rail Spur, prior to and after completion of each longwall block Surveys of Bettys Creek, prior to, during and following mining, to measure changes in gradient and cross-section, and identify any pondage; Photography of high risk areas to observe increases in, or changes to, erosion and sedimentation; and Visual impact assessment of surface infrastructure and facilities such as farm buildings, dams and Forest Road Results Mine-induced subsidence recorded to-date over LW1 to LW12 has ranged up to 1.4 metres, with future subsidence as a consequence of Middle Liddell Seam extraction currently predicted to remain within the range of 1.6 metres, based largely on the expectation that maximum subsidence will not exceed 65% of seam thickness mined. A longwall 11 and 12 End of Panel Report was prepared by an independent consultant in October 2014 that recorded subsidence of up to 1.3 m for longwall 11 and 12, which was below the predicted subsidence of 1.6 meters. Detailed subsidence predictions which will reflect measured subsidence in completed panels will be provided in each future SMP. Surface effects which can be observed as a consequence of subsidence are limited to: 98

99 Changes in fence wire tension resulting in breakage; Slight changes to Forest Road drainage (rectified by grading); and Minor surface cracking. During the reporting period no impacts were identified through the inspection regime, subsequently, no remediation works were required to be completed. If impacts are observed, prompt consultation with the relevant stakeholders and remediation actions are initiated per the Subsidence Management Plan. During the reporting period, ICO were not made unaware of any subsidence-induced damage to residences or structures which are covered by the Mine Subsidence Board, and received no requests for information from the Board HYDROCARBON MANAGEMENT Objectives and Management ICO seeks to: Manage hydrocarbons and other chemicals in accordance with a dedicated site procedures; Contain all bulk hydrocarbons within bunded areas; Appropriately dispose of, or remediate (as applicable), hydrocarbon contaminated materials; and Contain any spillages prior to contaminated soil excavation for either on site bio-remediation or transfer offsite by an appropriately licensed waste contractor. During the reporting period, ICO introduced a Pollution Incident Response Management Plan (refer to section 3.6 Contaminated Land of this report) which addresses Integra s obligations in this area Performance There have been no significant areas of hydrocarbon contamination at the open cut operations during the reporting period. Hydrocarbon contamination has been identified at the underground operations during the reporting period. The relocation of underground equipment and infrastructure from the underground workings to the surface for preservation works has culminated in some hydrocarbon staining of the longwall laydown area and the UG surface maintenance workshop area. Remediation of the hydrocarbon contaminated areas are proposed to occur in A register of equipment laydown areas and storage of chemical oils and lubricants was developed while the underground operation is under care and maintenance and is presented in Appendix METHANE DRAINAGE AND VENTILATION Monitoring The ICO Underground Operations undertakes an extensive program to assess air quantity and quality within its underground workings. Ventilation air and gas drainage is also closely monitored. Monitoring methods include: 99

100 Hand held monitors for use by personnel; Underground sensors that electronically measure and send gas concentrations in real time from underground locations to the surface; A tube bundle monitoring system that constantly draws gas from underground locations and analyses it on the surface; and Gas chromatography - where bag samples are taken from underground and processed on the surface Methane Output The total methane emission in Tonnes Carbon Dioxide equivalent [t CO2-e] recorded during the reporting period were: 364,860 vented through the main fan 59,116 through gas plants; and 324,744 transferred to the EDL power generation. Methane was transferred to the EDL site via a series of buried pipelines from gaswells in LW6-LW12 as well as the UIS Gas Riser. Clearing works for gas drainage boreholes LW12/11 to 12/12, 13/1 and 13/2 was undertaken in the 2013 reporting period, hence no further disturbance was completed in the 2014 period. Field work associated with surface gas drainage activities commences with site drill pad surveys including survey pegging, archaeological, ecological and services scan clearances. Following site disturbance approval, a forty (40) by forty (40) metre gravel pad and associated access track is formed for all weather access. A sump is excavated on the down slope side of the pad for temporary storage of drill mud and the excavated material is stockpiled as a bund below the sump. Sediment fencing is erected on the down slope side of the pad and the pad is fenced with a gate and sign posted. On completion of drilling, infrastructure such as gas riser pipework and lightening poles are installed. Following the installation of gas drainage infrastructure, the area is rehabilitated to either three (3) by three (3) metre or one (1) by one metre (1) metre pads with infrastructure still in place. When the gas drainage borehole is decommissioned, all infrastructure is removed, the borehole is grouted, gravel is removed to be used in future boreholes and the area is topsoiled and seeded. If the access road is required for future gas drainage boreholes, it is left in its current form. The status of gas drainage boreholes at the end of the reporting period is detailed in the Table 13 below. The location of these boreholes, as well as proposed boreholes, is outlined in Figure 23 with existing boreholes being outlined in Figure 5. Table 12 Operational Status of Gas Drainage Boreholes Operational Status Number Operational 13 Rehabilitated 11 Decommissioned partially rehabilitated and awaiting final rehabilitation Decommissioned may be recommissioned at a later date Proposed 19 To be commissioned 2 13 NIL 100

101 Figure 23 Gas Drainage Surface Infrastructure Methane Level Impacts on Mine Production Barometer fluctuations and higher gas content within the mining area were considered to be the main causes for methane levels exceeding 2.0% in the tailgate roadway on a regular basis. Goaf seals have continued to be of a high standard to minimise the leakage from the adjacent goaf into the return. The new gas extraction plant and flaring operations are well into commissioning phase with completion due in early April The new plant is intended to improve gas extraction capabilities and reduce lost time production caused by methane levels in the tailgate Methane Re-use Condition 12(b)(viii) of DA 105/90 (as amended) requires that the ICO Underground Operations provide an annual evaluation of the feasibility of methane drainage and re-use. The construction of the Glennies Creek Colliery supplied methane fired power station (Envirogen) commenced in 2006 with commissioning being carried out in the latter half of Since that time, a significant volume of methane has been captured and combusted to generate electricity. Table 14 and Figure 24 identify the volume of methane captured and used in electricity generation. During 2014, the power station consumed 16,755 tonnes of methane. 101

102 Table 13 Methane Reuse 2014 Month Methane [t CH4] sent to Envirogen January 1,025 February 943 March 1,088 April 951 May 1,376 June 1,481 July 1,405 August 1,505 September 1,444 October 1,427 November 1,336 December 1,401 TOTAL 16,755 Mehtane (Tionnes) 1,600 1,400 1,200 1, Figure 24 - Methane sent for re-use in Glennies Creek Power Station (Envirogen) SECURITY AND PUBLIC SAFETY Management Management of security and public safety at the ICO is achieved through a combination of physical measures, education and training as outlined below. 102

103 Security The two ICO operational areas (Open Cut and Underground) are boundary fenced with a single main access roadway for each. Additional fencing is in place around sensitive areas such as the explosive magazines and biodiversity offset areas. Additional security fencing and swipe card entry was installed at the underground site during the reporting period. Public entering the mine site are directed by a sign stating NO UNAUTHORISED ENTRY, ALL VISITORS AND CONTRACTORS TO REPORT TO THE MAIN OFFICE with an additional sign which directs the visitors and contractors to the car park and main office complex. All visitors and contractors must login using the electronic onsite tracking system, and logoff when leaving site. Prior to ICO transitioning into care and maintenance, the site was manned 24 hours, 7 days per week with a fully functioning control rooms. Care and Maintenance hours are generally between 6am and 6pm Monday to Friday, therefore licenced security contractors provide patrols of the mine site areas when employees are not on site to ensure 24 hours, 7 days per week coverage. Proposed upgrades of the ICO security system are proposed to be implemented during the 2015 reporting period Mine Inductions No visitor or contractor is allowed on the ICO without having an appropriate induction. The inductions, which determine the areas where visitors and contractors are allowed to go on the mine site, are valid for a period of two years. When on-site, visitors are escorted by mine personnel at all times Personal Protection Equipment Personal protection equipment (PPE), which complies with the relevant Australian Standards, is available to all visitors and contractors visiting the sites. All areas where PPE is to be worn are clearly sign-posted Performance The management procedures in place were effective throughout the reporting period, with no incidents involving unauthorised entry or injury to any member of the public INCIDENTS AND RISKS Environmental Management Broad Brush Risk Assessments are undertaken regularly as a means of reviewing the environmental risks associated with activities at the ICO including: Open Cut Mining, Surface Drilling, Coal Handling and Preparation, 103

104 Maintenance Facilities, Supply and Procurement, and Underground Mining. All identified risks have appropriate management controls to assist in reducing the potential for, and severity of, environmental impacts Environmental Performance No reportable environmental incidents occurred at the ICO during the 2014 reporting period compared with four (4) reportable environmental incidents within the previous reporting period. An incident is defined in Project Approvals 08_0101 and 08_0102 as a set of circumstances that causes or threatens to cause material harm to the environment, and / or breaches or exceeds the limits or performance measures / criteria in this approval. 104

105 3.23 WASTE MANAGEMENT Environmental Management The ICO Waste Management Plan guides the treatment and subsequent disposal of several waste streams which include wastes produced by mining and coal processing (overburden, tailings and rejects) and site general waste: sewage, general waste streams (rubbish), recyclables and hazardous wastes. Details relating to coal processing waste are outlined in section 2.6 Coal Processing. Any general waste removed from site is carried out by a registered waste disposal contractor and disposed of at a licensed waste facility. Large vehicle tyres are disposed of in pit and smaller tyres are removed from site by a licenced tyre handling facility. Monthly reporting of waste management is undertaken internally and internal waste targets are set to encourage recycling, reuse and operational improvement Sewage Treatment/ Disposal The ICO has on-site sewage treatment systems which includes a primary aeration tank with a secondary maturation pond and a package sewage treatment plant. Wastewater from the systems are dispersed by irrigation sprays on dedicated irrigation areas Rubbish Disposal A consolidated waste contractor has continued to operate throughout the 2014 reporting period. The contractor consolidates a number of waste streams into a single contract to ensure all waste streams are accounted for and to assist/encourage greater recycling of all materials on site. Additional communication was provided for all employees via TBTs, PSCs and MCMs to ensure a greater understanding of the importance of segregating waste streams to achieve effective and responsible waste management Hazardous Waste Disposal Hazardous wastes such as batteries, waste oils, greases, oil filters, oily rags and oily water were managed by JR Richards and Sons during the reporting period. JR Richards and Sons provided Integra with monthly waste tracking reports for all hazardous waste removed from site Environmental Performance No waste related incidents occurred during the reporting period. Waste tonnages for both the Integra Open Cut and Underground Operations is provided below in Tables 15 and

106 Table 15 - Integra Open Cut Waste Streams and Tonnes Waste Category Weight (tonnes) Used oils and greases Batteries 5.83 Waste and materials contaminated with oils and greases Rubbers and tyres Wood 5.88 Metallics Paper and cardboard 7.15 Mixed waste Total Table 16 Integra Underground Waste Streams and Tonnes Waste Category Weight (tonnes) Used oils and greases 8.25 Waste and materials contaminated with oils and greases 8.03 Rubbers and tyres 7.63 Metallics Paper and cardboard 7.12 Mixed waste Total STAKEHOLDER RELATIONS 4.1 EXTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS The ICO is committed to focus on building good working relationships with the community through effective communication. The ICO commenced implementation of the Community Engagement Strategy in The aim of the Community Engagement Strategy is to provide accurate, accessible and timely information about the operation to stakeholders including understanding key regulatory, industry and community impacts and concerns in the area of the ICO. Integra believes in engaging different stakeholders through strong consultation processes. Community engagement and community participation are one of the keys to maintain ICO licence to operate and to promote industry and community growth. These objectives are achieved through the operation of a 24 hour hotline and other methods as detailed in Table 17. The ICO 24 hour Environmental Hotline service is advertised on the Company website, in newsletters and in local newspapers on a regular basis. 106

107 Table 17 Methods of Communication Stakeholder Method of Communication Adjacent Residents Personal visits and phone conversations Newsletters (by mail) Integra Coal Operations website Community Consultative Committee Singleton Newsletters (accessible by ICO website) Site Tours and Presentations Community Consultative Committee Integra Coal Operations website Singleton Shire Council Presentations Newsletters (accessible by ICO website) Integra Coal Operations website Phone conversations Community Consultative Committee Government Departments Scheduled external reporting of monitoring results and performance Newsletters (accessible by ICO website) Personal visits and phone conversations Integra Coal Operations website Aboriginal Groups Newsletters (accessible by ICO website) Meetings and site inspections (as required) Integra Coal Operations website Employees and their Families Monthly Communications Meetings Tool Box Talks Notice Boards Job Safety Observations (JSO) Newsletters (handed out on site) Integra Coal Operations intranet and website Educational Providers Site tours and presentations Neighbouring Industry Site tours and presentations Integra Coal Operations website 4.2 COMMUNITY CONSULTATION Community Consultative Committee The ICO Community Consultative Committee (CCC) was established in 2011 as per Condition 5 of Schedule 5 in the Project Approval. The ICO CCC replaced the separate CCCs operating at the Open Cut and Underground projects. In accordance with the Guidelines for Establishing and Operating Community Consultative Committees for Mining Projects (Department of Planning 2007), during 2014 the ICO was represented by members of the Sustainability, Environment & Community and Management team. The remainder of the Committee was comprised of local residents, representatives of Singleton Shire Council and relevant stakeholders. There were three (3) meeting conducted within 2014 reporting period with minutes of each meeting distributed to CCC members and available on the ICO website. The minutes of the meetings held during the reporting period are presented in Appendix 7. Three CCC meetings were held during the reporting period occurring on: 26 th March, 2014; 14 th May, 2013; and 107

108 6 th August, COMMUNITY AFFAIRS Community Newsletter One (1) community information sheet was distributed in 2014 relating to information on the modification 4 application, which related to proposed changes to ICO s biodiversity offset strategy. Newsletters and information sheets provided information on issues relating to ICO, community, health and safety, environment and employment. 4.4 COMMUNITY LIAISON In addition to community liaison through CCC meetings, ICO personnel also undertook irregular informal discussions with local landholders and residents and formal one-to-one discussions with those members of the local community who considered that they had been adversely impacted by issues such as subsidence, blasting, dust and noise. 4.5 MINE CLOSURE PLANNING The current Project Approval allows open cut operations to continue until 2023 and underground mining to occur until The ICO prepared conceptual mine closure plans for the open cut and underground operations in December 2012 and February 2013 respectively. Due to ICO ceasing operations and entering into care and maintenance, a requirement from the approved Care and Maintenance Mining Operations Plans is that detailed mine closure planning will need to be completed in SOCIAL/ECONOMIC CONTRIBUTIONS, DONATIONS AND SPONSORSHIP ICO contributes to the community at a both a local and State level. There were many contributions made to the community through the reporting period in the form of donations and contributions to the total of approximately $11,250. These donations and contributions included those made to: Singleton Neighbourhood Centre; Singleton Junior Football Club; Breast Cancer; Cancer Council; Prostate Cancer; Special Olympics; and Salvation Army. 108

109 4.7 EMPLOYMENT STATUS AND DEMOGRAPHY Due to ICO entering into Care and Maintenance in August 2014, there has been a significant reduction in the amount to employees with 489 employees being employed at ICO at the end of 2013 reporting period compared to 24 employees working at the ICO at the end of the 2014 reporting period. Table 18 provides information on employment levels by classification. Table 14 Employment Numbers Classification Employees at 31/12/14 Integra Coal Operations Staff 9 Contractors - Open Cut Staff 6 Contractors - Underground Staff 9 Contractors - Total 24 Singleton is the principle place of residence for ICO employees and contractors, with other employees commuting mainly from Maitland and Hunter areas. 4.8 ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLAINTS Environmental Management Integra Coal operates a 24 hour Environmental Hotline, , whereby ICO can be made aware of any concern held by a member of the public. The hotline also serves to provide information on upcoming blasting activities Environmental Performance There were fifteen (15) community complaints received by the ICO during the 2014 reporting period. The primary nature of the complaints is displayed in Table 19 and illustrated in Figure 25. Figure 26 displays the monthly breakdown of complaints for The 15 complaints received represent an overall decrease of 132 complaints compared to the previous reporting period. Table 15 Nature of Complaints Primary Nature of Complaint Site Blast Dust Light Noise Other Total Western extension North Open Cut Underground Off-site Total

110 Figure 25 - Nature of Complaints During the Reporting Period Figure 26 - Comparison of Monthly Complaints 2013 and 2014 The ICO remains committed to managing complaints in a proactive manner. All comments are filed in the ICO Complaints Register as required by the Environmental Protection Licence 3390 and Project Approval Condition 10 of Schedule 5. A summary of all complaints and actions taken is provided in Appendix

111 5. REHABILITATION The land at the ICO prior to the commencement of mining operations had a long history of clearing and agricultural or pastoral land use which resulted in considerable modification of native vegetation and faunal habitat. The majority of the area was cleared for pasture with irrigation on the Glennies Creek floodplain. Clearing resulted in both grasslands devoid of trees and artificially induced open woodland with scattered mature trees. The Rehabilitation Management Plan and Mining Operations Plans (MOPs) address proposed rehabilitation objectives at the ICO. An Operational MOP covering open cut operations for the period 2013/14 was approved by DRE on the 18 th January Due to the transitional care and maintenance arrangements for ICO, C&M MOPs for both Open Cut and Underground operations were submitted to DRE in July 2014 and approved in December Rehabilitation at Integra is undertaken progressively as outlined in the EA, Project Approval and Biodiversity Management Plan commitments. The rehabilitation of the final landform features will be integrated across the underground, open cut and surrounding natural landforms. The major objective of the rehabilitation process is to: return the site to a suitable land capability class; reshape all slopes to gradients which provide long term stability; locate dams on natural and reformed watercourses and gullies to provide short term retention and sedimentation control during mining and rehabilitation, and long term stock watering; prevent contaminants from leaving the site; revegetate lands disturbed by mining activities; and minimise dust generation during the rehabilitation process. Surface preparation activities for rehabilitated areas are commenced as soon as possible following the completion of mining activities. A general overview of surface preparation activities undertaken at ICO include: overburden dumps will be reshaped to around 10 degrees slope with a maximum of 18 degrees, where steep slopes are constructed, suitable erosion control structures such as contour banks, drop structures may be utilised to provide for stability; prior to revegetation activities, spoil and topsoils will be characterised to determine the type and application rate that may be required for the addition of soil ameliorants (e.g. gypsum, fertiliser, organic growth medium.); shaped landform surface is ripped along the contour to remove surface compaction by machinery and raked with rocks removed and buried in current dumping areas; appropriate soil ameliorants will be applied for incorporation into the final shaped surface; topsoil will be applied, where available, at a nominal depth of 100mm in thickness; where direct tree seeding is planned, final shaped surfaces will be deep ripped parallel with the contour prior to the application of seed to provide for an adequate seed bed; where pasture seeding is planned the surface will be cultivated across the contour to provide for an adequate seed bed; suitable erosion control measures (e.g. silt fences, mulches etc.) will be implemented, where required, to minimise soil loss from areas undergoing rehabilitation; and 111

112 where appropriate and practical, structures such as tree hollows/logs and rock piles may be incorporated into the final landform to increase habitat value of proposed areas. Regular monitoring of rehabilitated areas is undertaken during the initial vegetation establishment period and beyond to demonstrate that the objectives of the rehabilitation strategy are being achieved, and that a sustainable, stable landform has been created. Depending on the outcomes of the monitoring, Integra may be required to undertake some rehabilitation maintenance to repair any areas that have failed. This may include, but not be limited to, the repair of diversion drains and banks, and the reseeding or fertilizing of areas that may have failed to establish. The monitoring results of rehabilitated areas will be compared to at least two representative reference sites to allow a comparison of the development and success of the rehabilitation against remnant vegetation. Reference sites indicate the condition of surrounding undisturbed areas and allow comparisons to be made between the rehabilitated sites and the undisturbed areas. A detailed assessment of rehabilitation success is planned to be carried out in Buildings & Other Infrastructure During the reporting period, no buildings were renovated or removed at the UG site. Safety fences with key cared entry were established at the UG site in accordance with UG site care and maintenance planning. Removal of one demountable bath house / toilet complex and one demountable office at the administration area from the Open Cut site. 5.2 Rehabilitation of Disturbed Land The ICO completed approximately 22ha of rehabilitation and 40ha of dump decommissioning during the reporting period. Approximately 10ha of pasture rehabilitation was completed on the South Open Cut RL150 dump and 12ha of rehabilitation was completed on the North Open Cut RL 141 dump during the reporting period. The ICO was ahead of schedule with rehabilitation as per the C&M OC MOP commitments at the end of the reporting period as the North Open Cut RL 141 rehabilitation area was proposed to be completed in the 2015 reporting period. Prior to entering into care and maintenance, Integra have delivered as much landform shaped as the plan will sustain without committing the mine to temporary reshaping that would need to become an active dump if operations are to resume. Each area that achieved the final height as prescribed in the consented land form, the waste emplacement area has been decommissioned and shaped for rehabilitation. Areas that have been shaped to final landform design during the reporting period include: approximately 25ha of the North Open Cut RL 141 dump; approximately 3ha of the North Open Cut RL 105 dump, adjacent to Stoney Creek Road, and approximately 12ha of the RL 150 South Pit Open Cut Dump. Rehabilitation, as well as waste placement and landform establishment completed during the 2014 reporting period is outlined in Figure 27. Rehabilitation commitments for the 2015 include completion of the 13ha of the North Open Cut RL 141. Rehabilitation commitments for 2015 is shown in Figure 28. Minor gas well rehabilitation work was completed at the Integra underground operations during the reporting period with gaswell register and location of bores shown in Figure 29. The rehabilitation summary table for this reporting period is provided in Appendix 9. The summary table provides rehabilitation completed prior to the reporting period, works undertaken during the reporting period and the areas proposed for the rehabilitation in the next reporting period. 112

113 During the reporting period, the operations utilised a variety of different seed mixes. The pasture and tree seed mixes were chosen for their compatibility with local native vegetation and vegetation that existed prior to mining operations. The Department of Resource and Energy (DRE) raised concerns that the use of Cassinia acculeata was potentially a dominant species. Cassinia acculeata is native with its natural distribution occurring in dry eucalypt woodland and heath vegetation communities, similar to vegetation community that existed prior to mining. Cassinia acculeata can be misinterpreted for Cassinia accurata which produces significant amounts of seed with the ability to outcompete degraded pastures and is considered problematic in regions of central NSW. The seed mix utilised in rehabilitation during the reporting period at the ICO are presented below in Table 20. Table 16 Indicative Integra Seed Mixes Pasture Seed Mix Tree Seed Mix Common Name Scientific Name Common Name Scientific Name Phalaris Phalaris aquatica Spotted Gum Corymbia maculate Green Panic Panicum maximum Grey Box Gum Eucalyptus moluccana Wimmera rye grass Lolium rigidum Forest Red Gum Eucalyptus tereticornis Kangaroo Valley rye Lolium perenne Red Ironbark Eucalyptus fibrosa (Aurora) Lucerne Medicago sativa Narrow Leaf Ironbark Eucalyptus crebra Setaria Narok Setaria sphacelata var. narok Butter bush Pittosporum angustifolium Purple Pigeon Grass Setaria incrassata Broom Bitter-pea Daviesia genisitifolia Fescue Festuca elatior Blunt Bush Pea Pultenaea retusa Cocksfoot Dactylis glomerata Dolly Bush Cassinia aculeata Premier Digitaria Digitaria smutsii Spiney-head Mat-rush Lomandra longifolia Namoi Vetch Namoi vetch spp dasycarpa Kangaroo Grass Themeda australis (No. 2) Kikuyu Pennisetum clandestinum Western Silver Wattle Acacia decora Couch Cynodon dactylon Lomandra Lomandra multiflora Haifa White Trifolium repens Rough-barked Apple Angophora floribunda Renegade Red Clare Woodgeneop Seaton Park Trifolium pratense Trifolium subterraneum Trifolium subterraneum Trifolium subterraneum 113

114 2014 REHABILITATION MAP Figure 27 - Mining and Rehabilitation Map

115 2015 REHABILITATION MAP Figure 28 - Mining and Rehabilitation Map (as provided in 2014/17 MOP) 115

116 Figure 29 Underground Gaswell Rehabilitation Map (as provided in 2014/2017 UG MOP) 116

117 Other Infrastructure Minor rehabilitation associated with some gas drainage drill pads were carried out after gas drainage infrastructure was completed during the reporting period Rehabilitation Monitoring During the reporting period, rehabilitation monitoring of landforms and associated water management structures, plus plant vigour and cover, were monitored by way of inspections to assist in the management of instability, erosion and/or failure. This process will continue over the life of the mine, with the extent and nature of activities undertaken being consistent with the MOP. A detailed assessment of rehabilitation establishment by independent consultants is conducted on a biannual basis, with the next detailed rehabilitation assessment to occur in the spring of

118 6. BIODIVERSITY OFFSET AREAS 6.1 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT The Biodiversity Management Plan, which guides the management of biodiversity offset areas, was approved during the reporting period. The biodiversity offset strategy will be integrated into the overall rehabilitation of the ICO through the development of linkages between the offset areas, revegetated habitats in the rehabilitated mine site, and riparian habitat within Glennies Creek, Bettys Creek and Main Creek. Key management actions were completed in the 2014 reporting period to assist in the maintaining and improving the condition of biodiversity offset areas. Actions taken related to additional native plantings, firebreaks, flora and fauna monitoring, and weed and pest management. 6.2 ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE Biodiversity Management An action to improve the condition of the biodiversity offset areas was addressed during the reporting period with additional tubestock planting and firebreaks completed. Tubestock were planted at the Northern Biodiversity Area and targeted weed management of Genus opuntia (prickly pear) and Hyparrhenia hirta (coolatai grass) occurred in the Martins Creek and Northern Biodiversity Area. During the reporting period, the annual biodiversity offset areas and threatened species monitoring detected comparable fauna species in nesting boxes to previous years which is detailed in Section 3.8 Fauna. The flora monitoring conducted during the reporting period, was compared against the 2013 baseline data and was used to compare floristic and structural attributes of the BOAs and is detailed in Section 3.7- Flora Glennies Creek and Station Creek Riparian Rehabilitation 2014 Progress Under the project approval, ICO has committed to rehabilitate 1000 metres of riparian area per year adjacent to Glennies Creek and Station Creek to establish linkages between the Project Site, the biodiversity offset areas and the riparian vegetation adjacent to Glennies Creek. Glennies Creek and Station Creek Riparian zones are shown in Figure 30. During the reporting period, the ICO completed fence line repairs in Area 1 as well as replanting of tubestock in the designated re-vegetation zone of Area 1 which included Lomandra multiflora, Lomanda longifolia, Angophora floribunda, Eucalyptus tereticornis and Allocassurina torulosa. A water absorbing polymer was added to the tubestock to increase the chance of survival in hot dry conditions Targeted weed spraying of Junctus Acutus (Spikey Rush) and Cestrum parqui (Green Cestrum) was conducted in March 2014 in Area 1. In February 2014, Debris including metal, wood and concrete were removed from Area 2 and disposed off-site to a designated waste management facility. Fencing was established to eliminate cattle traversing down steep flood embankments causing bank erosion. An electric fence was installed in April 2014 that covered the fence line of Area 2 to stop cattle from rubbing up against the fence, preventing fence failure. 118

119 In March 2014, the field cultivating method of mulching and disking were used on open areas to prepare the soil for a cover crop. A cover crop was sown to reduce the like hood of noxious weeds repopulating the area. A tractor was used to created rip lines in the soil in preparation for tubestock being planted in the designated re-vegetation zone in Area 2. Tubestock species planted in Area 2 included Carex appressa, Lomandra multiflora, Callistemon sieberi, Angophora floribunda, Eucalyptus tereticornis, Backhousia and Casuarina cunninghamiana. In April 2014, targeted weed spraying occurred at the northern section of Area 2 to reduce noxious weeds, such as Junctus Acutus (Spikey Rush) and Cestrum parqui (Green Cestrum) from repopulating the area. In September 2014, Willows were poisoned to reduce re-establishment in the area. Initial weed management of Cestrum parqui (Green Cestrum), Ricinus communis (Caster Oil Plant) and Lycium ferocissimum (African Boxthorn) were targeted along the bank of Area 4 in August 2014 to reduce infestation. In September and October 2014, Willows were targeted at the southern end of the Area 4 to reduce infestations. The field cultivating method of mulching and disking were used on open areas to prepare the soil for a cover crop to reduce noxious weeds repopulating the area. Native tree seed was direct seeded in three to six meter lines in the mid-section of Area 4. Ongoing 3 and 6 monthly spot spraying programs have been scheduled to reduce repopulating of noxious weeds in the area. Tubestock were planted from July to September

120 Figure 30 Glennies Creek and Station Creek Riparian Areas 120