Environmental Impact Statement. Avoca Tank Project

Transcription

1 ABN Environmental Impact Statement for the Avoca Tank Project Prepared by: R.W. CORKERY & CO. PTY. LIMITED July 2014

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3 ABN Environmental Impact Statement for the Avoca Tank Project Prepared for: Tritton Resources Pty Ltd ABN: Yarrandale Road HERMIDALE NSW 2831 Telephone: (02) Facsimile: (02) Prepared by: R.W. Corkery & Co. Pty. Limited Geological & Environmental Consultants ABN: Brooklyn Office: 1st Floor, 12 Dangar Road PO Box 239 BROOKLYN NSW 2083 Telephone: (02) Facsimile: (02) Orange Office: 62 Hill Street ORANGE NSW 2800 Telephone: (02) Facsimile: (02) Brisbane Office: Suite 5, Building 3 Pine Rivers Office Park 205 Leitchs Road BRENDALE QLD 4500 Telephone: (07) Facsimile: (02) brisbane@rwcorkery.com Ref No. 859/02 July 2014

4 Avoca Tank Project Report No. 859/02 Document Control Document Title Environmental Impact Statement Document Number 859/02 Document Owner Revision Issue Date Originator Reviewed Approved Version 1 23/07/14 C Dickson M Bland T Cooney Version 2 Version 3 Next Review Due This Copyright is included for the protection of this document COPYRIGHT R.W. Corkery & Co. Pty Limited 2014 and Tritton Resources Pty Ltd 2014 All intellectual property and copyright reserved. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study, research, criticism or review, as permitted under the Copyright Act, 1968, no part of this report may be reproduced, transmitted, stored in a retrieval system or adapted in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise) without written permission. Enquiries should be addressed to R.W. Corkery & Co. Pty Limited. ii

5 Report No. 859/02 Avoca Tank Project iii

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7 Report No. 859/02 Avoca Tank Project CONTENTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY... ES-1 SECTION 1 INTRODUCTION SCOPE THE APPLICANT PROJECT SITE BACKGROUND TO THE PROPOSAL Existing Mineral Authorities Historic Mining Operations Current Mining Operations Introduction Girilambone Copper Mine Tritton Copper Mine Previous Exploration Operations Mineral Resource Estimate Ongoing Exploration Operations Environmental Performance Introduction Air Quality Noise Biodiversity Surface Water Groundwater FORMAT OF THE DOCUMENT MANAGEMENT OF INVESTIGATIONS SECTION 2 DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSAL INTRODUCTION Objectives Overview of the Proposal Approvals Required SITE PREPARATION Survey and Mark Out Vegetation Clearing Soil Stripping MINING OPERATIONS Layout of the Box cut Construction of the Box Cut and Portal Construction of the Box Cut Construction of the Portal and Underground Infrastructure Underground Development Decline and Development Design Drill and Blast Operations Load and Haul Operations Ventilation and Emergency Egress Underground Stoping Operations Mining Method Stope Design Stope Backfilling Operations Mining Rate Mining Equipment WASTE ROCK MANAGEMENT Introduction Waste Rock Characteristics Introduction Acid Rock Drainage Waste Rock Characterisation Methodology Waste Rock Characterisation Results Waste Rock Emplacement Layout Waste Rock Emplacement Procedure Waste Rock Balance ORE MANAGEMENT AND TRANSPORTATION ROM Pad Design and Layout Load and Haul Operations WATER MANAGEMENT Classes of Water Erosion and Sediment Control Operational Site Water Balance Water Management TRANSPORTATION Internal Project Site Transportation External Transportation External Road Network Traffic Types and Levels FACILITIES AND SERVICES Facilities Services Introduction Electricity Supply Communications Hydrocarbons v

8 Avoca Tank Project Report No. 859/02 CONTENTS 2.9 NON-PRODUCTION WASTE MANAGEMENT PROPOSAL LIFE AND HOURS OF OPERATION vi Hours of Operation Proposal Life EMPLOYMENT, CAPITAL COST AND ECONOMIC CONTRIBUTIONS SAFETY/SECURITY MANAGEMENT SITE REHABILITATION AND DECOMMISSIONING Introduction Rehabilitation Hierarchy Rehabilitation Objectives Strategic Rehabilitation Management Rehabilitation Domains Rehabilitation Completion Criteria, Performance Indicators and Monitoring Strategy Final Landform Final Land Use Rehabilitation Methods and Procedures Domain 1 Surface Facilities Area and Infrastructure Domain 3 Water Management Structures Domain 4 Waste Rock Emplacement and ROM Pad Domain 8 Underground Mining Area Ecosystem Development and Monitoring ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED Introduction Alternative Site Layout Alternative Access Route On-Site Processing SECTION 3 CONSULTATION, ISSUE IDENTIFICATION AND PRIORITISATION INTRODUCTION CONSULTATION Community Consultation Neighbouring Landowners Community Consultative Committee Government Agency Consultation Introduction Conceptual Project Development Plan Meeting Planning Focus Meeting Individual Agency and Stakeholder Consultation Summary of Issues Identified RELEVENT LEGISLATION, PLANNING ISSUES, POLICIES AND GUIDELINES Introduction Legislation Commonwealth Legislation NSW Legislation State Planning Policies State Environmental Planning Policy (State and Regional Development) State Environmental Planning Policy (Mining, Petroleum Production and Extractive Industries) State Environmental Planning Policy No. 33 Hazardous and Offensive Development State Environmental Planning Policy No. 44 Koala Habitat Protection State Environmental Planning Policy No. 55 Remediation of Land State Environmental Planning Policy (Rural Lands) Regional Planning Issues Regional Environmental Plans Regional Strategies Local Planning Issues Environmental Guidelines

9 Report No. 859/02 Avoca Tank Project CONTENTS 3.4 ANALYSIS OF ENVIRONMENTAL RISK AND ISSUE PRIORITISATION PRIORITISATION OF KEY ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES SECTION 4 ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT OF KEY ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES BACKGROUND ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING Introduction Topography and Drainage Regional Topography and Drainage Local and Project Site Topography and Drainage Geology Regional Geology Local Geology Mineralisation Climate Introduction Data Sources Temperature and Humidity Rainfall and Evaporation Wind Conditions Land Ownership, Residences and Land Use Land Ownership and Residences Land Use ABORIGINAL HERITAGE Introduction Ethnohistory Previous Surveys Introduction Archaeological Record Previous Project Site Surveys Predictive Model Consultation Prior to Survey During the Survey Following the Survey Adequacy of Consultation Survey Methodology Survey Results Potential Impacts on Aboriginal Heritage Sites Mitigation Measures Assessment of Impacts Assessment of Significance Conclusion ECOLOGY Introduction Regional and Local Setting Regional Setting Local Setting Background Research Previous Ecological Studies Database Searches Predicted Species, Communities and Populations Field Survey Methodology Introduction Flora Survey Methodology Fauna Survey Methodology Project Site Flora and Fauna Introduction Vegetation Communities Identified Flora Species Identified Fauna Species Identified Habitats Recorded Potential Direct and Indirect Biodiversity Impacts Introduction Direct Biodiversity Impacts Potential Indirect Impacts on Flora and Fauna Management and Mitigation Measures Introduction Avoidance of Impacts Mitigation of Impacts Assessment of Impacts Introduction Vegetation Communities TSC Act Impact Assessment EPBC Act Assessment Matters of National Environmental Significance Conclusion GROUNDWATER Introduction Hydrogeological Setting Regional Hydrogeology Local Hydrogeology vii

10 Avoca Tank Project Report No. 859/02 CONTENTS Project Site 4.6 BLASTING AND VIBRATION Hydrogeology Introduction Surrounding Groundwater Users Blasting Criteria Groundwater Quality Assessment Methodology GROUNDWATER DEPENDENT ECOSYSTEMS Assessment of Impacts Groundwater Use and Supply Monitoring Assessment Methodology HISTORIC HERITAGE Introduction Introduction Conceptual Model Historical Record Qualitative Assessment Quantitative Background Research Assessment Survey Methodology Management and Mitigation Measures Survey Results Mitigation Measures Assessment of Impacts Groundwater Inflows Assessment of Impacts Groundwater 4.8 AIR QUALITY Drawdown Introduction Groundwater Quality Existing Environment Groundwater Users Introduction Groundwater Existing Sources of Air Dependent Pollutants Ecosystems Background Deposited Licensing Requirements Dust Levels Groundwater Monitoring NOISE Introduction Existing Noise Climate Introduction Existing Noise Sources and Identified Residences Meteorological Conditions Background Noise Levels Environmental Noise Criteria Introduction Operational Noise Criteria Sleep Disturbance Criteria Road Traffic Noise Criteria Assessment Methodology Site Establishment and Noise and Operational Noise Traffic-related Noise Management and Mitigation Measures Assessment of Impacts Site Establishment and Construction Noise Operational Noise Sleep Disturbance Road Traffic Noise Potential Sources of Dust Emissions Air Quality Guidelines Management and Mitigation Measures Assessment of Impacts Air Quality Monitoring SURFACE WATER Introduction Existing Environment Drainage Surface Water Quality Surface Water Users Management and Mitigation Measures Assessment of Impacts Monitoring TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORTATION Introduction Existing Road Traffic Environment Management and Mitigation Measures Assessment of Impacts VISUAL AMENITY Introduction Existing Visual Amenity Management and Mitigation Measures viii

11 Report No. 859/02 Avoca Tank Project CONTENTS Assessment of Impacts BUSH FIRE MANAGEMENT Introduction Existing Bush Fire Hazard Environment Vegetation Slope Classification Distance to Activities Hazard Assessment Management and Mitigation Measures Assessment of Impact SOIL AND LAND CAPABILITY Introduction Existing Environment Regional Soil Landscapes Project Site Soils Project Site Land Capability Management and Mitigation Measures Assessment of Impacts AGRICULTURAL RESOURCE ASSESSMENT Introduction Existing Agricultural Environment Agricultural Resources and Enterprises Water Resources Road Transport Infrastructure Management and Mitigation Measures Impact Assessment SOCIO-ECONOMIC Introduction Policy Context Introduction Orana Regional Action Plan Bogan Shire Community Strategic Plan Bogan Shire Delivery Program ( ) Community Profile Surrounding Communities Community Statistics Community Facilities and Social Infrastructure Economic Profile Social and Economic Contributions Introduction Employment Contributions Direct Economic Contribution Management and Mitigation Measures Impact Assessment SECTION 5 EVALUATION AND JUSTIFICATION OF THE PROPOSAL INTRODUCTION ANALYSIS OF ENVIRONMENTAL RISK EVALUATION AND JUSTIFICATION OF THE PROPOSAL Introduction Ecologically Sustainable Development INTRODUCTION The Precautionary Principle Social Equity Conservation of Biological Diversity and Ecological Integrity Improved Valuation, Pricing and Incentive Mechanisms Conclusion JUSTIFICATION OF THE PROPOSAL Introduction Biophysical Considerations Socio-economic Considerations Planning Considerations Section 79C Considerations Consequences of not Proceeding with the Proposal CONCLUSION SECTION 6 REFERENCES SECTION 7 GLOSSARY OF TERMS, ACRONYMS AND SYMBOLS ix

12 Avoca Tank Project Report No. 859/02 CONTENTS APPENDICES (Presented in Separate Volume) Appendix 1 Development Application... A1-1 Appendix 2 Appendix 3 Director-General s Requirements and Requirements of Consulted Government Agencies... A2-1 Coverage of Director-General s Requirements and Requirements of Consulted Government Agencies... A3-1 Appendix 4 Statement of Commitments... A4-1 Appendix 5 Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Assessment Report... A5-1 Appendix 6 Ecology Assessment... A6-1 Appendix 7 Groundwater Impact Assessment... A7-1 Appendix 8 Noise and Blasting Assessment... A8-1 Appendix 9 FIGURES Figure 1.1 Historic Heritage Assessment Report... A9-1 Locality Plan and Mineral Authorities Figure 1.2 The Project Site Figure 1.3 Existing Operations Figure 1.4 Girilambone Copper Mine Figure 1.5 Tritton Copper Mine Figure 2.1 Indicative Project Site Layout Figure 2.2 Indicative Surface Facilities Layout Figure 2.3 Indicative Mine Design Figure 2.4 Proposed Mining Methods Figure 2.5 Waste Rock Characterisation Results Figure 2.6 Schematic Water Balance Figure 2.7 Surrounding Road Network Figure 2.8 Figure 4.1 Figure 4.2 Figure 4.3 Indicative Rehabilitation Domains and Final Landform Regional Topography and Drainage Project Site Topography and Drainage Indicative Regional Basement Geology Figure 4.4 Seasonal Wind Roses Nyngan Airport Figure 4.5 Figure 4.6 Land Ownership and Residences Surrounding Land Uses and Soil Test Pits Figure 4.7 AHIMS Search Results Figure 4.8 Heritage Survey Results Figure 4.9 Figure 4.10 Ecology Field Survey Locations, Vegetation Communities and Habitats Threatened Fauna Species Locations Figure 4.11 Noise Modelling Scenarios Figure 4.12 Deposited Dust Monitoring Locations Figure 4.13 ABS Statistical Areas TABLES Table 1.1 Project Site Land Titles Table 1.2 Existing Mineral Authorities Table 1.3 Table 1.4 Girilambone Copper Mine Existing Development Approvals Tritton Existing Development Approvals Table 1.5 Mineral Resource Estimate 31 December Table 2.1 Indicative Soil Inventory Table 2.2 Indicative Mining Rate Table 2.3 Proposed Mining Equipment Table 2.4 Table 2.5 Table 2.6 Acid Formation Potential Classification System Waste Rock Characterisation Results Waste Rock Emplacement Design Criteria Table 2.7 Indicative Waste Rock Balance Table 2.8 Table 2.9 Table 2.10 Indicative Operational Water Balance Anticipated Maximum Daily Traffic Movements Non-Production Waste Management Table 2.11 Proposed Hours of Operation x

13 Report No. 859/02 Avoca Tank Project CONTENTS Table 2.12 Table 3.1 Indicative Rehabilitation Completion Criteria, Performance Indicators and Monitoring Strategy Key issues identified by Government Agencies Table 3.2 Application of the Mining SEPP Table 3.3 Table 3.4 CW- CMA Catchment Action Plan Targets Central Western Transitional CAP Table 4.1 Monthly Meteorological Data Table 4.2 Table 4.3 Table 4.4 Table 4.5 AHIMS Sites Recorded within the Project Site Identified Aboriginal Heritage Items within the Project Site Listed Species with Potential to Occur Threatened Species with Potential to Occur within the Project Site Table 4.6 Fauna Survey Methods Table 4.7 Recorded Threatened Fauna Species Table 4.8 Key Threatening Processes Table 4.9 Groundwater Monitoring Bores Table 4.10 Table 4.11 Surrounding Groundwater Bores Project Site Groundwater Quality Table 4.12 Estimated Groundwater Inflow Table 4.13 Table 4.14 Groundwater Assumptions and Approximations Modelled Rate of Underground Development Table 4.15 Aquifer Parameters Table 4.16 Table 4.17 Qualitative and Quantitative Groundwater Inflow Results Quantitative Groundwater Drawdown Results Table 4.18 Identified Noise Residences Table 4.19 Industrial Noise Policy Criteria Table 4.20 Road Traffic Noise Assessment Criteria for Residential Land Uses Table 4.21 Equipment for Noise Modelling Table 4.22 Blast Calculations at 1 000kg Maximum Instantaneous Charge Table 4.23 Historic Heritage Sites Table 4.24 Table 4.25 Deposited Dust Monitoring Results 2012 and Anticipated Maximum Daily Traffic Movements Table 4.26 Bush fire Hazard Assessment Table 4.27 Soil Test Pit Results Table 4.28 Soil Analysis Results Table 4.29 Table 4.30 Regional Agricultural Production Nyngan-Warren and 2011 Census Population Statistics Table Census Age Statistics Table 4.32 Table Census Employment Statistics Census Industry of Employment Statistics Table Census Income Statistics Table 4.35 Table Census Cost of Housing and Household Size Statistics Census Post School Level of Education Table 4.37 Schools within the Bogan LGA Table 4.38 Direct Employment Contributions 2012/ Table 4.39 Direct Supplier Contributions 2012/ Table 5.1 Qualitative Consequence Rating Table 5.2 Qualitative Likelihood Rating Table 5.3 Risk Rating Matrix Table 5.4 Analysis of Standard and Residual Environmental Risk xi

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