Appendix Hs. Codrilla Noise & Vibration Assessment Addendum Report

Transcription

1 Appendix Hs Codrilla Noise & Vibration Assessment Addendum Report

2 Codrilla Coal Mine Project Valkyrie Noise and Vibration Impact - Addendum Report 22/05/2011 Prepared for Macarthur Coal Limited ASK Consulting Engineers Pty Ltd ABN: ACN: PO Box 3901, South Brisbane. QLD P: F: W: E: mail@askconsulting.com.au

3 Document Control W:\5800\5843\Reports ASK Advice\ R01V01 - Noise\ Revision No Date of Issue Method of Issue Status Prepared by Reviewed by 5843R01V01_draft 29/04/2011 Draft KH & SP FK 5843R01V01 22/05/11 Final SP - This report and the copyright thereof are the property of ASK Consulting Engineers Pty Ltd (ABN ). It must not be copied in whole or in part without the written permission of ASK Consulting Engineers Pty Ltd. This report has been produced specifically for the Client and project nominated herein and must not be used or retained for any other purpose. Valkyrie Page 1 of 39

4 Table of Contents 1 Introduction Project Information Project Description Sensitive Locations Noise and Vibration Criteria Overview Environmental Protection Act Environmental Protection (Noise) Policy Overview Background Creep Acoustic Quality Objectives EcoAccess Planning for Noise Control Control and Prevention of Background Creep Sleep Disturbance Criteria EcoAccess Assessment of Low Frequency Noise EcoAccess Noise & Vibration from Blasting Existing Noise Environment Summary of Data from Original Noise & Vibration Report Summary of Background Creep Noise Limits Noise and Vibration Modelling Model Description Noise Sources Modelling Scenarios Predicted Noise Levels & Assessment Blasting Assessment EcoAccess Design Noise Guideline Levels Sleep Disturbance & Annoyance Low Frequency Noise Blasting Discussion Mitigation Measures Valkyrie Page 2 of 39

5 10 Conclusion Appendix A Glossary Appendix B Proposed Mining Scenarios Appendix C Predicted Noise Level Contours Valkyrie Page 3 of 39

6 1 Introduction ASK Consulting Engineers Pty Ltd (ASK) was commissioned by Macarthur Coal Limited (MCL) to prepare a noise and vibration addendum report for the Codrilla Coal Mine Project Environmental Impact Study (EIS). The proposed operation is to be located approximately 55 km east-southeast of Moranbah and 45km to the south-southwest of Nebo, as shown on Figure 1.1. This addendum report is to be read in conjunction with the original ASK noise and vibration report 5001R01V03 dated 20/08/2010. This report is based on latest mine schedule and equipment information provided to ASK, and addresses the Department of Environmental Resource Management s (DERM) response to the original ASK report. Due to the extent of the modeling and criteria changes, this report is a substantial re-writing of the majority of the original ASK noise and vibration report. A glossary of acoustic terminology is included in Appendix A. Figure 1.1 Approximate Location of Codrilla Coal Mine Project (Source: Google Maps) Valkyrie Page 4 of 39

7 2 Project Information The project information has changed since the original ASK noise & vibration report 5001R01V03. This section presents the latest details. 2.1 Project Description The proposed bulk sample maximum Run of Mine (ROM) is 5.25 Mt per annum of coal. The life of the mine is proposed to be mined over 16 years. Mining and crushing will operate 7 day a week, 24 hours a day. Mining will be open pit using conventional truck and shovel excavation methodology, with potential for future underground activities. The proposed Project infrastructure and pit layout is shown in Figure B.1 to B.3 in Appendix B. ROM will be hauled to the processing plant via haul roads from the pits. Waste material will be stacked on out of pit waste dumps adjacent to the pits until sufficient room becomes available in the pit at which stage waste will be placed in mined out pit areas. Excavators will load material from the pits into dump trucks for transport to the stockpile. Front end loaders will load the crushed ROM coal into the haul trucks. Road transport trucks will enter the site to load product coal at the coal handling process plant (CHPP) and travel along a haul road between the CHPP and Moorvale Mine for loading onto trains. Associated pieces of equipment such as drills will also be operating at the face. Service vehicles and water trucks will operate on the haul roads. All these sources are included in the model. The equipment utilisation is included in Table 2.1 as well as the proposed areas of operation and operation hours per year. The onsite operation can be described as: Mining 24 hours a day CHPP 24 hours a day Road Transport 24 hours a day Mining Fleet as per Table 2.1 ROM 5.25 Mt per annum Overburden 55,000,000 bcm per annum Table 2.1 Equipment Utilisation Maximum Production Year Type Mobile Equipment Type Excavator Excavator Model # Location # of PC RH340B Scheduled to work from existing surface to approx 60m below surface. PC8000's are commissioned. Then scheduled to work from 60m below surface down Yearly Operational Hours per Vehicle Valkyrie Page 5 of 39

8 Type Equipment Type Model # Location # of Yearly Operational Hours per Vehicle to the pit floor. Excavator EX2500 Scheduled to only extract coal and partings in pit Assumed to work with the PC8000. Taking weathered Dump Komatsu material from surface to Truck 930E 60m below surface, to the OB dump and then upper levels of the in-pit dump. Assumed to work with the RH340's taking OB from Dump Komatsu the box cut to the OB Truck 830E dump, then material from m below surface to pit floor, to the in-pit dump. Working with the Dump EX2500's, taking parting Cat 789C Truck material to the in-pit dump, coal to the ROM area Drill Assumed that the drills will Reedrill be working in-pit at various SKSS16 depths no. on the OB dump/inpit Track Dozer Cat D11T dump. 4no. In-pit on bulk push from yr4. Track Dozer Cat D10T 1 no. On the ROM area, 2 no. on general duties Wheel 2 no. clean up around the Cat 854K Dozer excavators in-pit General haul road Grader Cat 24M maintenance in and around the pit area. Grader Cat 16M General haul road maintenance in and around the pit area. Water Cart Cat 777 Dust suppression work in and around the pit area FEL Cat 993 Working on the ROM area only Service Truck AH400D Mining Lease Light Vehicles Landcruiser Mining Lease Coaster Bus TBA TBA Valkyrie Page 6 of 39

9 Type Fixed Equipment Yearly Operational Model # Location # of Type Hours per Vehicle Haulage Trucks Highway type Haulroute CHPP TBA ROM Area Pump TBA ROM Area Lighting TBA ROM Area Diesel Generator TBA ROM Area MIA/Admin TBA ROM Area Notes: * Maximum ** Trips per day The CHPP plant consists of the following items: Primary and Secondary Crushing Stations Washers Pumps Rejects Bin Products Bin Blasting would be required and would be carried out 70 times per annum with the following characteristics for each blast: Blast area of 25,000m 2 with 312 holes Blast hole width of 0.229m and depth will be a maximum of 35m Stemming Height of 2.0m Maximum Instantaneous Charge (MIC) 39 kg Valkyrie Page 7 of 39

10 2.2 Sensitive Locations The nearest sensitive locations (see Figure 2.1) are summarised in Table 2.2 including the approximate distances from (i) the nearest Pit; and (ii) the main plant. Table 2.2 Nearest Sensitive Receivers Location Coordinates (MGA Zone 55) Distance from Project (km) ID# Location East North Nearest Pit Main Plant 1 Devlin Creek Lillianvale (N3) Regalo Weamber (N1) Codrilla Moorpeth (N2) School School House Bundarra Iffley Deveril Valkyrie Note: The Location ID s listed as L1 to L12 are shown in Figure 3.1 as locations 1 to 12. Valkyrie Page 8 of 39

11 Figure 2.1 Monitoring and Sensitive Receiver Locations Valkyrie Page 9 of 39

12 3 Noise and Vibration Criteria The noise & vibration criteria have been updated in accordance with the latest information from Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM). 3.1 Overview Noise and vibration criteria for the project will need to address potential noise impacts on existing residential receivers. The assessment will be undertaken in accordance with relevant legislation and guidelines from the Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM) including: Environmental Protection Policy (Noise) 2008 Environmental Protection Act 1994 EcoAccess Guideline Planning For Noise Control EcoAccess Guideline Assessment of Low Frequency Noise EcoAccess Guideline Noise & Vibration from Blasting 3.2 Environmental Protection Act In Queensland, the environment is protected under the Environmental Protection Act The object of the Act is to protect Queensland s environment while allowing for development that improves the total quality of life using, both now and in the future, in a way that maintains the ecological processes on which life depends (ecologically sustainable development). This legislation refers to noise as including vibration of any frequency, whether emitted through air or another medium and thus includes underwater noise. The Act states a person must not carry out any activity that causes, or is likely to cause, environmental harm unless the person takes all reasonable and practicable measures to prevent or minimise the harm. This is termed the general environmental duty. Environmental harm is defined as any adverse effect, or potential adverse effect (whether temporary or permanent and of whatever magnitude, duration or frequency) on an environmental value, and includes environmental nuisance. Environmental nuisance is defined in the Act as unreasonable interference or likely interference with an environmental value caused by noise or vibration. The Act includes a number of offences relating to noise and vibration standards, including blasting. The blasting requirements are as follows: 440ZB Blasting A person must not conduct blasting if (a) the airblast overpressure is more than 115dB Z Peak for 4 out of any 5 consecutive blasts; or (b) the airblast overpressure is more than 120dB Z Peak for any blast; or Valkyrie Page 10 of 39

13 (c) the ground vibration is (i) for vibrations of more than 35Hz more than 25mm a second ground vibration, peak particle velocity; or (ii) for vibrations of no more than 35Hz more than 10mm a second ground vibration, peak particle velocity. The following noise sources are excluded from the Act audible traffic signals, warning signals for railway crossings, safety signals from reversing vehicle, operating a ship, aircraft, public and state controlled roads, busway, light rail, rail, and non-domestic animals. This Act refers to the Environmental Protection Policies as being subordinate legislation to the Act. 3.3 Environmental Protection (Noise) Policy Overview In respect of the acoustic environment, the object of the Act is achieved by the Environmental Protection (Noise) Policy 2008 (EPP (Noise)). This policy identifies environmental values to be enhanced or protected, states acoustic quality objectives, and provides a framework for making decisions about the acoustic environment Background Creep The EPP(Noise) contains noise criteria for controlling background creep, which are to be applied for an activity involving noise. The criteria are as follows: To the extent that it is reasonable to do so, noise from an activity must not be a) for noise that is continuous noise measured by LA90,T more than nil db(a) greater than the existing acoustic environment measured by LA90,T; or b) for noise that varies over time measured by LAeq,adj,T more than 5dB(A) greater than the existing acoustic environment measured by LA90,T. The EPP(Noise) does not define continuous noise, but by definition, the continuous noise would be required to occur for at least 90% of a measurement period (typically 15 minutes or 60 minutes). Thus this criterion could apply for equipment such as mechanical plant. The criterion for noise that varies over time is appropriate for noise sources operating for less than 90% of a measurement period, and could apply to intermittent events (e.g. vehicles) or mechanical plant that does not run continuously (e.g. air-conditioning). Valkyrie Page 11 of 39

14 3.3.3 Acoustic Quality Objectives The EPP(Noise) contains a range of acoustic quality objectives, which are intended to be progressively achieved over the long term. The objectives are provided for a range of receptors. Schedule 1 of the EPP(Noise) includes the following acoustic quality objectives to be met at residential dwellings: Outdoors o Daytime & Evening: 50 db(a) LAeq,adj,1hr, 55 db(a) LA10,adj,1hr & 65 db(a) LA1,adj,1hr Indoors o Daytime & Evening: 35 db(a) LAeq,adj,1hr, 40 db(a) LA10,adj,1hr & 45 db(a) LA1,adj,1hr o Night: 30 db(a) LAeq,adj,1hr, 35 db(a) LA10,adj,1hr & 40 db(a) LA1,adj,1hr In other DERM documentation it is proposed that the noise reduction provided by a typical residential building façade is 5 to 10 db(a) assuming open windows. That is, with an external noise source, a 5 to 10 db(a) reduction in noise levels from outside a house to inside a house is expected when windows are fully open. Thus the indoor noise objectives noted above could be considered as the following external objectives (with windows open): Daytime & Evening: 40 to 45 db(a) LAeq,adj,1hr, 45 to 50 db(a) LA10,adj,1hr & 50 to 55 db(a) LA1,adj,1hr Night: 35 to 40 db(a) LAeq,adj,1hr, 40 to 45 db(a) LA10,adj,1hr & 45 to 50 db(a) LA1,adj,1hr A sensitive receptor is defined as an area or place where noise is measured. As this project involves the introduction of new noise sources it would seem reasonable that the acoustic quality objectives are achieved upon commencement of operation of the project, and this may be the intent of the policy. However, the acoustic quality objectives do not take into consideration the existing noise environment and therefore it is considered that they do not necessarily protect or enhance the acoustic amenity of the area surrounding the site. It is considered that the objectives should not be used as the sole noise limits for a development. 3.4 EcoAccess Planning for Noise Control DERM EcoAccess Guideline Planning For Noise Control contains procedures and methods that are applicable for setting conditions relating to noise emitted from industrial premises for planning purposes. The guideline is applicable to noise from all sources, individually and in combination, which contribute to the total noise from a site. Valkyrie Page 12 of 39

15 3.4.1 Control and Prevention of Background Creep The procedure takes into account three factors: firstly, the control and prevention of background noise creep in the case of a steady noise level from equipment such as caused by ventilation fans and other continuously operating machinery; secondly, the containment of variable noise levels and short-term noise events such as those caused by forklifts and isolated hand tools to an acceptable level above the background noise level; thirdly, the setting of noise limits that should not be exceeded to avoid sleep disturbance. The calculation of suitable background creep limits is described in Appendix C Sleep Disturbance Criteria The World Health Organization (WHO) issued its Guidelines for Community Noise in April The WHO guideline states the following in regard to sleep disturbance from continuous noise from activities such as mining operations: Where noise is continuous, the equivalent sound pressure level should not exceed 30 db(a) indoors, if negative effects on sleep are to be avoided. When noise is composed of a large proportion of low-frequency sounds a still lower guideline value is recommended, because lowfrequency noise (eg from a ventilation system) can disturb rest and sleep even at low sound pressure levels. The EcoAccess Guideline Planning for Noise Control, in referring to the World Health Organisation guidelines, makes the following general recommendation regarding short term transient noise events: As a rule in planning for short-term or transient noise events, for good sleep over eight hours, the indoor sound pressure level measured as a maximum instantaneous value should not exceed approximately 45 db(a) maxlpa more than 10 to 15 times per night. For less regular night events, the allowable internal noise level is higher, as follows: Approximately 3 events per night: 50 db(a) Lmax. Approximately 1 event per night: 65 db(a) Lmax. Note: For the purpose of this assessment the maxlpa level is defined using the Lmax descriptor. The WHO guideline states the following in regard to annoyance response to community noise: Annoyance to community noise varies with the type of activity producing the noise. During the daytime few people are seriously annoyed by activities with LAeq levels below 55 db(a); or moderately annoyed by LAeq levels below 50 db(a). Sound pressure levels during the evening and night should be 5 10 db(a) lower than during the day. Noise with low frequency components requires even lower levels. Valkyrie Page 13 of 39

16 As noted previously, DERM propose that the noise reduction provided by a typical residential building façade is 5 to 10 db(a) assuming open windows. Thus the indoor noise objectives noted above could be considered external objectives (with windows open) with the appropriate correction. The criteria are summarised in Table 3.1. Table 3.1: Summary of WHO Sleep Disturbance & Annoyance Criteria Descriptor Sleep Disturbance (Short Duration Events) Number of Noise Events Indoor Criterion in db(a) Outdoor Criterion, db(a) Lmax 45 Lmax 50 to 55 3 Lmax 50 Lmax 55 to 60 1 Lmax 55 Lmax 60 to 65 Continuous Leq 30 Leq 35 to 40 Sleep Disturbance (Continuous Noise) Annoyance (Night Time) Continuous Leq 35 Leq 40 to 45 Note: The outdoor criteria are based on a DERM EcoAccess nominated outdoor-to-indoor noise reduction of 5 to 10 db(a) for open windows. 3.5 EcoAccess Assessment of Low Frequency Noise DERM EcoAccess Guideline Assessment of Low Frequency Noise contains methods and procedures that are applicable to low frequency noise emitted from industrial premises and mining operations for planning purposes. Items such as boilers, pumps, transformers, cooling fans, compressors, oil and gas burners, foundries, wind farms, electrical installations, diesel engines, ventilation and air-conditioning equipment, wind turbulence and large chimney resonance are sources of high level noise having frequency content less than 200 Hz. These sources exhibit a spectrum that characteristically shows a general increase in sound pressure level with decrease in frequency. Annoyance due to low frequency noise can be high even though the db(a) level measured is relatively low. Typically, annoyance is experienced in the otherwise quiet environments of residences, offices and factories adjacent to or near low frequency noise sources. Generally, low level/low frequency noises become annoying when the masking effect of higher frequencies is absent. This loss of high frequency components may occur as a result of transmission through the fabric of a building, or in propagation over long distances. Where a noise immission occurs exhibiting an unbalanced frequency spectrum, the overall sound pressure level inside residences should not exceed 50 db(linear) to avoid complaints of low frequency noise annoyance. A spectrum is considered unbalanced when the un-weighted overall noise level is more than 15 db higher than the A-weighted overall noise level. Valkyrie Page 14 of 39

17 3.6 EcoAccess Noise & Vibration from Blasting DERM EcoAccess Guideline Noise and vibration from blasting contains criteria and procedures that are applicable to noise and vibration emitted from blasting. It applies to activities such as mining, quarries, construction and other operations which involve the use of explosives for fragmenting rock. The criteria address human comfort and are below typical limits for prevention of structural damage. The criteria apply at residential and commercial receivers. The criteria are presented in Table 3.2. Table 3.2 Blasting Vibration and Airblast Criteria Issue Airblast Criteria Air blast overpressure of 115 db (linear peak) for nine (9) out of ten (10) consecutive blasts initiated and not greater than 120 db (linear peak) at any time. Vibration 5 mm/s peak particle velocity for nine (9) out of ten (10) consecutive blasts and not greater than 10 mm/s peak particle velocity at any time. The criteria in Table 3.2 are similar to those nominated in the Act, as described previously. Valkyrie Page 15 of 39

18 4 Existing Noise Environment 4.1 Summary of Data from Original Noise & Vibration Report The existing noise environment and noise monitoring results were included in the original ASK noise & vibration report 5001R01V03. From that report, the background noise levels were determined and are copied below in Table 4.1. Table 4.1 Measured Background Noise Levels Location Background Noise Level, minl90, db(a) Day Evening Night N1 Codrilla Homestead N2 Valkyrie State School 27 17* 15* * Likely to be affected by noise floor of instrument From Table 4.1 it can be seen that the lowest background noise levels during the daytime, evening and night were measured at N Summary of Background Creep Noise Limits The background creep noise limits were included in the original ASK noise & vibration report 5001R01V03. From that report, the background creep noise limits were determined and are copied below in Table 4.2. Subsequent to that ASK report, it has been proposed by DERM that calculated noise limits at Location N1 are applied at Location N3 and this is included in Table 4.2. Table 4.2 Background Creep Limits Location Background Creep Limits, LAeq,1hour Day Evening Night N N N Valkyrie Page 16 of 39

19 Although the background noise levels are lowest at Location N2, the background creep limits are higher at this location due to the higher noise area category and higher ambient Leq noise levels due to passing road traffic. It is considered that the background creep limits at Location N1 are appropriate for use at Locations N2 & N3, as they include the same night-time noise limit. ASK generally recommends that these limits be used as a guideline, and consideration be given to other limits. Valkyrie Page 17 of 39

20 5 Noise and Vibration Modelling The noise & vibration modelling has been substantially revised in accordance with the latest scenario and fleet information from Macarthur Coal Limited. 5.1 Model Description Noise modelling was carried out using the PEN computer program. It is a digital terrain noise model (i.e. the calculations of the propagation are ground aware). The noise modelling for this project employed the environmental noise module, which is an implementation of the methodology contained in Engineering Noise Control by Bies and Hansen (1988). The model includes the propagation effects of air absorption, ground reflection, meteorology, barriers and forest. A digital terrain noise model of the site and surroundings was set up using the PEN environmental noise model. The terrain data was obtained from data supplied by the proponent. The ground contours were inserted into the model and form the topographic basis for the investigation. 5.2 Noise Sources The nearest sensitive receivers listed in Table 2.2 are a minimum of 2.8km from the processing area and 2.7km from the pits. The noise impact from plant and mobile equipment has been considered. Table 5.1 lists the sound power level for the equipment associated with the mine operations. The reference source for the sound power level data was based on the ASK noise database and manufacturer equipment specifications. Table 5.1 Equipment Sound Power Levels Type Mobile Equipment Details ( # Data Source refer Table 6.2) Source Height (m) Total Lw (db) Octave Band (Hz) Sound Power Level (db) k 2k 4k 8k Excavator PC # Excavator RH340B # Excavator EX2500 # Dump Truck Dump Truck Komatsu 930E Loaded Komatsu 930E Loaded Flat #1 Valkyrie Page 18 of 39

21 Type Fixed Equipment Dump Truck Dump Truck Dump Truck Dump Truck Dump Truck Dump Truck Dump Truck Drill Details ( # Data Source refer Table 6.2) Komatsu 930E Empty Source Height (m) Total Lw (db) Octave Band (Hz) Sound Power Level (db) k 2k 4k 8k Flat # Komatsu 830E Loaded Uphill # Komatsu 830E Loaded Flat # Komatsu 830E Empty Flat # Cat 789C Loaded Up Hill # Cat 789C Loaded On Flat # Cat 789C Empty On Flat # Reedrill #6 SKSS Track Dozer Cat D11T # Track Dozer Cat D10T # Wheel Dozer Cat 854K # Grader Cat 24M # Grader Cat 16M # Water Cart Cat 777 # FEL Cat 993 # Service Truck AH400D Not considered a significant noise source and therefore no assessed Light Vehicles Landcruiser Not considered a significant noise source and therefore no assessed Coaster Bus TBA Not considered a significant noise source and therefore no assessed CHPP #6 10. TBA Valkyrie Page 19 of 39

22 Type Equipment Details ( # Data Source refer Table 6.2) Source Height (m) Total Lw (db) Octave Band (Hz) Sound Power Level (db) k 2k 4k 8k Pump TBA # Lighting TBA Not considered a significant noise source and therefore no assessed Diesel Generator TBA # Reclaimer TBA # Stacker TBA # Crusher TBA # Table 5.2 lists the source of data for equipment in Table 5.1. Table 5.2 Source of Data for Equipment Sound Power Levels Source # Data Source 1 Based on ASK Sound Power Determination Measurements and adjusted. Sound power data from equipment suppliers and adjusted spectral noise levels 2 from ASK internal noise source database. 3 ASK, Sound Power Determination Measurements Data for these sources was extracted from the Coppabella Coal Mine EIS. Generally this data was similar to noise data for similar equipment at other mine 4 sites and is considered suitable for noise modelling purposes. Data for these sources was extracted from the Goonyella Riverside Coal Mine Expansion EIS. Generally this data was similar to noise data for similar equipment 5 at other mine sites and is considered suitable for noise modelling purposes. Data for these sources was extracted from the EIS Sunnyside Coal Project, Naomi Mining Pty Ltd, March Generally this data was similar to noise data for similar equipment at other mine sites and is considered suitable for noise 6 modelling purposes. Data for these sources was extracted from the EIS Proposed Extension to the Invincible Colliery, Coalpac Pty Ltd, April Spectral noise data was extracted from this report and adjusted to manufacutrers overall noise levels as per the 7 equipment specifications. 8 Condobolin Ethanol Production Facility, ARGI Energy Ltd, June 2007 Data for these sources was extracted from the Westfarmer LPG Pty Ltd EIS. Generally this data was similar to noise data for similar equipment at other mine 9 sites and is considered suitable for noise modelling Data for these sources was extracted from the Wagerup 3 Expansion Project 10 Noise Model Development Report - Alcoa of Australia Valkyrie Page 20 of 39

23 5.3 Modelling Scenarios The modelling scenarios used to predict noise level emissions from the proposed mine include: Year 1 As per Section 2.1 and pit cutting face at the eastern end of the eastern pit as shown in Figure B.1 in Appendix B. Year 6 As per Section 2.1 and pit cutting face at the western end of the eastern pit as shown in Figure B.2 in Appendix B. Year 11 As per Section 2.1 and pit cutting face at the western end of the western pit as shown in Figure B.3 in Appendix B. The equipment used in the modelling scenarios is included in Table 2.1, which also includes the modelled location of the equipment and the operation of haul trucks on the haul route. The meteorological data for the modeling has been determined from a typical year of hourly meteorological data. The following meteorological conditions have been modelled to assess the mine noise impacts: Noisiest 10% The meteorological condition that result in the highest 10 th percentile noise level of all the years noise levels in the day, evening and night. This is likely to be inversion conditions with a light breeze blowing towards the sensitive receiver. Median The meteorological condition that result in the median noise level of all the years noise levels in the day, evening and night. This is likely to be relatively neutral conditions. Quietest 10% The meteorological condition that result in the lowest 10 th percentile noise level of all the years noise levels in the day, evening and night. This is likely to be a breeze blowing away from the sensitive receiver. 5.4 Predicted Noise Levels & Assessment Tables 5.3, 5.4 and 5.5 contain the predicted external noise levels due to the proposed mine operation using yearly meteorological conditions as outlined in Section 5.3. The cells in these tables are shaded based on a comparison with various noise criteria as follows: Noise levels exceeding the night-time Annoyance Criteria of 40 db(a) from Table 3.1 are marked as Red. Noise levels exceeding the night-time Sleep Disturbance Criteria of 35 db(a) from Table 3.1 are marked as Green. Noise levels exceeding the Background Creep limit of 28 db(a) from Table 4.2 are marked as Blue. Valkyrie Page 21 of 39

24 Noise level contour plots are presented for adverse meteorological conditions as follows: Figure C.1: Year 1 mining operations Figure C.2: Year 6 mining operations Figure C.3: Year 11 mining operations Table 5.3 Predicted Noise Levels for Year 1 of Operation ID# Location Year 1 Noise Level Predictions Leq, db(a) Noisiest 10% Median Case Quietest 10% Day Eve Night Day Eve Night Day Eve Night 1 Devlin Creek Lillianvale Regalo (N3) Weamber Codrilla (N1) Moorpeth School (N2) School House Bundarra Iffley Deveril Valkyrie Valkyrie Page 22 of 39

25 Table 5.4 Predicted Noise Levels for Year 6 of Operation ID# Location Year 6 Noise Level Predictions Leq, db(a) Noisiest 10% Median Case Quietest 10% Day Eve Night Day Eve Night Day Eve Night 1 Devlin Creek Lillianvale Regalo (N3) Weamber Codrilla (N1) Moorpeth School (N2) School House Bundarra Iffley Deveril Valkyrie Table 5.5 Predicted Noise Levels for Year 11 of Operation ID# Location Year 11 Noise Level Predictions Leq, db(a) Noisiest 10% Median Case Quietest 10% Day Eve Night Day Eve Night Day Eve Night 1 Devlin Creek Lillianvale Regalo (N3) Weamber Codrilla (N1) Moorpeth School (N2) School House Bundarra Iffley Deveril Valkyrie Note: Noise levels exceeding the night-time Annoyance Criteria of 40 db(a) are marked as Red. Noise levels exceeding the night-time Sleep Disturbance Criteria of 35 db(a) are marked as Green. Noise levels exceeding the Background Creep of 28 db(a) are marked as Blue. Valkyrie Page 23 of 39

26 From Table 5.3, 5.4 and 5.5 the predicted noise levels are assessed against the EcoAccess criteria for Mine Operations Years 1, 6 and 11 as follows: Noisiest 10% noise levels: Receivers 7 and 8 are the only receivers that exceed the Annoyance noise limit of 40 db(a) for all three scenarios. Receivers 5, 7 and 8 are the only receivers that exceed the Sleep Disturbance noise limit of 35 db(a) for all three scenarios. Receiver 3 exceeds the Sleep Disturbance criteria for year scenarios 1 and 6. Receivers 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8 and 12 exceed the EcoAccess Background Creep noise limit of 28 db(a) for all three scenarios. Median Case noise levels: Receivers 7 and 8 are the only receivers that exceed the Sleep Disturbance noise limit of 35 db(a) for all three scenarios. Receivers 5, 7 and 8 exceed the EcoAccess Background Creep noise limit of 28 db(a) for all three scenarios. Receiver 3 exceeds the EcoAccess Background Creep noise limit for year scenarios 1 and 6. Lowest 10% noise levels: Receivers 5, 7 and 8 exceed the EcoAccess Background Creep noise limit of 28 db(a) for all three scenarios, except during the day at receiver 5. The predicted noise levels in Tables 5.3, 5.4 and 5.5 are considered representative of a typical mining operation during Scenarios 1, 2 and 3 respectively. Valkyrie Page 24 of 39

27 6 Blasting The blasting calculations are as per the original ASK noise & vibration report 5001R01V03. The results are summarised as follows. The 10 mm/s peak particle velocity criterion would be achieved at distances greater than 0.2 km from the blast. The 5 PPV (mm/s) is achieved at distance greater than 0.3kms from the blast. The distance to the 120 db(lin) airblast contour line is calculated to be 6.5km. The distance to the 115 db(lin) contour line is 9.5km. Therefore, receivers 3-Regalo, 5-Codrilla, 7-School and 8-School House may exceed 120 db(lin). In addition to these receivers, 4- Weamber would exceed 115 db(lin). If the stemming height was adjusted to 3000mm, the 120 db(lin) and 115 db(lin) contour is calculated to be approximately 2.5km and 3.5km respectively. Due to the number of noise sensitive receivers near the mining site, blast parameters should be designed to achieve the blast criteria at the nearby noise sensitive receivers within 6.5km of the blast. Valkyrie Page 25 of 39

28 7 Assessment The maximum noise levels over each modelled year (1, 6 & 11) from Section 5.4 are presented in Table 7.1. Table 7.1 Predicted Noise Levels for All Years of Operation ID# Location Highest Noise Level Predictions - Years 1, 6 & 11 Leq, db(a) Noisiest 10% Median Case Quietest 10% Day Eve Night Day Eve Night Day Eve Night 1 Devlin Creek Lillianvale Regalo (N3) Weamber Codrilla (N1) Moorpeth School (N2) School House Bundarra Iffley Deveril Valkyrie Note: Noise levels exceeding the night-time Annoyance Criteria of 40 db(a) are marked as Red. Noise levels exceeding the night-time Sleep Disturbance Criteria of 35 db(a) are marked as Green. Noise levels exceeding the Background Creep of 28 db(a) are marked as Blue. 7.1 EcoAccess Design Noise Guideline Levels The predicted noise levels in Table 7.1 have been compared with the EcoAccess Design Noise Guideline Levels in Table 4.2. The EcoAccess Design Noise Guideline Levels is 28 db(a) Leq for all receivers except 3 (N3) with which the noise limits are 35, 31 & 28 db(a) Leq during the day, evening and night respectively. When considering the noisiest 10%, the results in Table 7.1 are assessed as follows: The EcoAccess day, evening and nighttime limit of 28 db(a) is predicted to be exceeded at receivers 2, 5, 7 and 8 during all periods. The EcoAccess day, evening and nighttime limit of 28 db(a) is predicted to be exceeded at receivers 4 and 12 during the evening and nighttime periods. Valkyrie Page 26 of 39

29 Predicted noise levels at Receiver 3 exceed the evening limit of 31 db(a) and the nighttime limit of 28 db(a) but meets the daytime limit of 35 db(a). When considering the median case, the results in Table 7.1 are assessed as follows: The EcoAccess day, evening and nighttime limit of 28 db(a) is predicted to be exceeded at receivers 5, 7 and 8 during all periods. Predicted noise levels at Receiver 3 exceed the evening limit of 31 db(a) and the nighttime limit of 28 db(a) but meets the daytime limit of 35 db(a). When considering the quietest 10%, the results in Table 7.1 are assessed as follows: The EcoAccess day, evening and nighttime limit of 28 db(a) is predicted to be exceeded at receivers 5, 7 and 8 during all periods, except during the day at receiver 5. From the predicted noise levels for future operations, it can be seen that the worst affected receivers are receivers 5, 7 and 8, where the noise levels are predicted to exceed the criteria under all meteorological conditions, except during the day at receiver 5 under quietest 10% conditions. If the noisiest 10% is applied then receivers 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8 and 12 would exceed noise criteria. The significance of these exceedances can be interpreted by considering the other noise criteria assessed in the report. 7.2 Sleep Disturbance & Annoyance The calculated noise levels in Table 7.1 have been compared with the EcoAccess Sleep Disturbance and Annoyance levels in Section The equivalent external noise limits assuming a minimal 5 db(a) façade reduction are 35 db(a) and 40 db(a) for Sleep Disturbance and Annoyance respectively. When considering the noisiest 10%, the results in Table 7.1 are assessed as follows: The Sleep Disturbance noise limit of 35 db(a) is predicted to be exceeded at receivers 3, 5, 7 and 8 during the nighttime period. The Annoyance noise limit of 40 db(a) is predicted to be exceeded at receivers 7 and 8 during the nighttime period. When considering the median case, the results in Table 7.1 are assessed as follows: The Sleep Disturbance noise limit of 35 db(a) is predicted to be exceeded at receivers 7 and 8 during the nighttime period. The Annoyance noise limit of 40 db(a) is predicted to be met at all receivers. When considering the quietest 10%, the results in Table 7.1 are assessed as follows: The Sleep Disturbance noise limit of 35 db(a) is predicted to be met at all receivers. The Annoyance noise limit of 40 db(a) is predicted to be met at all receivers. Valkyrie Page 27 of 39

30 7.3 Low Frequency Noise To assess low frequency noise the A-weighted and un-weighted noise levels have been predicted at the noisiest receivers (i.e. 2 to 5, 7, 8 & 12). The results are shown in Table 7.2. Table 7.2 Predicted Low Frequency Noise Levels Predicted Noise Levels ID# Location A-Weighted db(a) Un-Weighted db(lin) Difference 2 Lillianvale Regalo (N3) Weamber Codrilla (N1) School (N2) School House Valkyrie Note: Noise levels exceeding an external level of 55 db(lin) are marked as Red. From Table 7.2 it can be seen that the differences between the un-weighted and weighted noise levels are predicted to be 16 to 20 db, which is considered unbalanced according to EcoAccess Assessment of Low Frequency Noise. The predicted external noise levels are 49 to 62 db(lin). A façade noise reduction of at least 5 db would be expected from a typical light-weight building façade, resulting in internal noise levels of 44 to 57 db. Receivers subject to an un-weighted external noise level of greater than 55 db(lin) in Table 7.2 would be expected to be subject to internal noise levels exceeding the 50 db(lin) criterion, which includes receivers 5, 7 & 8. The predicted noise levels are therefore considered non-compliant with the EcoAccess low frequency criterion at receivers 5, 7 & 8, but compliant at other receivers. Valkyrie Page 28 of 39

31 7.4 Blasting Based on the blasting calculations in Section 6, the predicted vibrations and blasting have been assessed against the criteria in Section 4.6. From this assessment the following is found: When considering the impacts from blasting vibrations, the vibration criteria is predicted to be met at all sensitive receivers. The 120 db(lin) peak airblast criterion is predicted to be exceeded at receivers 3, 5, 7 and 8. The 115 db(lin) peak airblast criterion is predicted to be exceeded at receivers 3, 4, 5, 7 and 8. Valkyrie Page 29 of 39

32 8 Discussion From the analysis in Section 7, it is apparent that the predicted noise levels exceed some of the noise criteria at receivers 2 to 5, 7, 8, and 12. In keeping with other recent similar mining projects and discussions with DERM, it is recommended that a night-time noise limit of 35 db(a) Leq,adj,T is applied to the project. This limit is based on achieving an internal sleep disturbance criterion of 30 db(a), assuming a minimal 5 db(a) reduction through a light-weight building façade with open windows. A limit of 40 db(a) Leq,adj,T is recommended for the daytime and evening, as this would be expected to achieve the DERM acoustic quality objective of 35 db(a) inside a dwelling. The proposed noise limits are shown in Table 8.1. Table 8.1 Recommended Noise Limits Recommended Noise Limits Leq,adj,T (T= 15 minutes to 1 hour), db(a)* Daytime Evening Nighttime Notes: * To be achieved under most adverse meteorological conditions. Daytime = (7am to 6pm), Evening = (6pm to 10pm), Nighttime = (10pm to 7am). The predicted highest noise levels have been reassessed against the proposed noise limits in Table 8.1, as shown in Table 8.2. Valkyrie Page 30 of 39

33 Table 8.2 Predicted Noise Levels for All Years of Operation ID# Location Highest Noise Level Predictions - Years 1, 6 & 11 Leq, db(a) Noisiest 10% Median Case Quietest 10% Day Eve Night Day Eve Night Day Eve Night 1 Devlin Creek Lillianvale Regalo (N3) Weamber Codrilla (N1) Moorpeth School (N2) School House Bundarra Iffley Deveril Valkyrie Note: Noise levels exceeding the day & evening limit of 40 db(a) are marked as Red. Noise levels exceeding the night-time limit of 35 db(a) are marked as Green. From Table 8.2 it can be seen that the predicted noise levels exceed the proposed noise limits at receivers 3, 5, 7 & 8 under noisiest and some median meteorological conditions. To minimise noise and vibration impacts at sensitive receivers, the options are as follows: Apply noise mitigation measures to the mining operations. This could be expected to achieve overall reductions of up to 5 db(a) which may be sufficient for receivers 3 & 5. Noise mitigation measures are discussed further in Section 9. Relocate dwellings at receivers 3, 5, 7 & 8 to further from the mine footprint such that the resulting noise levels are compliant. Apply noise treatments and mechanical ventilation to the dwellings and school at receivers 3, 5, 7 & 8. This method can only be successful if residents keep windows and doors closed to noise affected rooms. Once the mine is operational the following steps should be undertaken: Vibration and airblast monitoring be conducted at sensitive receivers 3, 5, 7 and 8, unless otherwise relocated, during initial blasts to ensure that blast parameters are resulting in compliant levels. Blast parameters should be revised if exceedances are recorded. Valkyrie Page 31 of 39

34 Noise monitoring is to be undertaken at sensitive receivers 3, 5, 7 and 8, unless otherwise relocated, or any other receiver from where a non-vexatious noise complaint is received. Results from this monitoring should be compared against the noise limits in the Environmental Authority. Noise measurements should be conducted using a one-third octave band sound level meter. Care should be taken to ensure that measurement levels are representative of mining noise, and are not dominated by extraneous noise (e.g. wind rustling leaves in trees, rain, insects, animals etc). Measurement results should be reported in conjunction with weather data. Given the range of potential meteorological conditions and therefore the range in predicted noise levels, it is likely that several monitoring periods would be required to establish compliance or exceedance. This is generally the case with environmental noise, as the noise variations can be significant occurring over long periods of time (e.g. seasonal variations). Thus any noise monitoring to determine compliance or otherwise should be conducted over a minimum 7 day period and may be required to be conducted over several seasons. Should noise levels indicate exceedances then a mitigation strategy should be developed, using the guidance provided in Section 9. Valkyrie Page 32 of 39

35 9 Mitigation Measures There are a variety of noise sources associated with mines that can cause complaints from nearby residents. From previous experience at similar coal mines, the noise sources that are most likely to cause concern are as follows: 1. Low frequency revving noise created by the dump trucks. 2. Horns used by the excavator to signal to the dump truck that the tray is full. 3. Reverse beepers of mining equipment. 4. Track noise created by track dozers on top of the overburden dump. 5. Damaged or not well maintained equipment, i.e. noise generated from fixed and mobile equipment which is not properly maintained. 6. Overall ambient noise from the mine. To reduce the likely hood of complaints and the noise impacts on the surrounding environment, the following noise mitigation measures could be undertaken. 1. a) To reduce the noise from the dump trucks, sound suppression kits can be purchased for mining equipment to reduce the overall sound power of the machine. Noise suppression kits can usually provided up to 10 db noise attenuation once applied to mining equipment. b) Placement of the overburden dump between the residences and the pit will remove the line of sight and reduce the noise impact. The reduction of noise levels from the mine will depend on the height of the overburden pile (taller the better) and the operating level of the truck (the lower the better). c) Restricting the dumping of overburden to in-pit dumping during the night time period of (10pm to 7am). 2. Installation of an in-cabin communication system to remove the requirement to use the horn when communicating between the excavators and the dump trucks. 3. Installation of broad band warning beepers to reduce the sound travel distance of the warning beepers and to remove the tonality. It is noted that warning beepers are not included in the latest EPA requirements however can still cause annoyance at nearby residences. 4. Restricting the dozers to out-of-pit overburden dump operations to the day and evening periods (7am to 10pm). 5. Maintain equipment as per manufacturer s specifications to avoid unnecessary noise emissions from the mining equipment not operating properly, i.e. preventative maintenance. 6. The overall ambience noise from the mine is almost impossible to mitigate. If typical suppression kits were to be applied to all mining equipment (fixed and mobile), the resulting noise levels could be reduced by up to 10 db however, due to the variety of noise sources and limitations with the range of sound suppression kits available, the overall noise reduction is likely to be significantly less than 10 db. The implementation of the above recommendation should reduce the likelihood of complaints and the noise impacts from the mine onto the surrounding environment. Valkyrie Page 33 of 39

36 10 Conclusion ASK Consulting Engineers has assessed the latest proposed operation at the proposed Codrilla Coal Mine, Valkyrie. ASK has also addressed the issues raised by DERM regarding the previous EIS report prepared by ASK for Codrilla Coal mine and has implemented the recommendations from those comments into this addendum report accordingly. Based on the range of EcoAccess criteria, a table of noise limits has been determined as follows (refer Section 8 for related discussion): Recommended Noise Limits Leq,adj,T (T= 15 minutes to 1 hour), db(a)* Daytime Evening Nighttime Notes: * To be achieved under most adverse meteorological conditions. Daytime = (7am to 6pm), Evening = (6pm to 10pm), Nighttime = (10pm to 7am). Noise levels from the mine operations were predicted at the nearest noise sensitive receptors for different meteorological conditions. The noisiest 10% of the predicted noise levels were assessed against the nominated noise limits and it was found that the predicted noise levels exceed the proposed noise limits at receivers 3-Regalo, 5-Codrilla, 7-School & 8-School House. In addition to the above noise limits, a range of recommendations and mitigation options have been presented within Sections 8 and 9 of the report. Please contact the undersigned with any queries on Yours faithfully ASK Consulting Engineers Stephen Pugh Director Valkyrie Page 34 of 39

37 Appendix A Glossary Parameter Term Frequency db db(a) db(lin), db(linear) db(z) db(c) or OR Description The number of vibrations, or complete cycles, that take place in one second. Measured in hertz (Hz), where one Hz equals one cycle per second. A young person with normal hearing will be able to perceive frequencies between approximately 20 and 20,000 Hz. With increasing age, the upper frequency limit tends to decrease. The decibel (db) is the unit measure of sound. Most noises occur in a range of 20 db (quiet rural area at night) to 120 db (nightclub dance floor or concert). Noise levels are most commonly expressed in terms of the A' weighted decibel scale, db(a). This scale closely approximates the response of the human ear, thus providing a measure of the subjective loudness of noise and enabling the intensity of noises with different frequency characteristics (e.g. pitch and tone) to be compared. Noise levels are sometimes expressed in terms of the linear, Z or un-weighted decibel scale they all take the same meaning. The value has no weighting applied to it and is the same as the db level. Noise levels are sometimes expressed in terms of the C' weighted decibel scale, db(c). This scale is very similar to the db, db(lin), db(linear), db(z) un-weighted scale. The difference being that some negative weighting is applied below 250Hz and above 1kHz. The magnitude of the weighting is significantly less than the db(a) scale. Octave band Day Evening Night Free-field Reverberant field Ranges of frequencies where the highest frequency of the band is double the lowest frequency of the band. The band is usually specified by the centre frequency, i.e., 31.5, 63, 125, 250, 500 Hz, etc. The period between 7am and 6pm. The period between 6pm and 10pm. The period between 10pm and 7am. The description of a noise receiver or source location which is away from any significantly reflective objects (e.g. buildings, walls). The description of a noise receiver or source location which is in a room or near significant reflective objects (e.g. surrounded by walls). Valkyrie Page 35 of 39

38 Parameter Term or Description Noise sensitive receiver OR Noise sensitive receptor The definition can vary depending on the project type or location, but generally defines a building or land area which is sensitive to noise. Generally it includes residential dwellings (e.g. houses, units, caravans, marina), medical buildings (e.g. hospitals, health clinics, medical centres), educational facilities (e.g. schools, universities, colleges), Lp LpA L1 L10 L90 minl90 minl90,1hour Leq Leq (1hour) The instantaneous noise level, which is noted during a noise event. As for Lp except the frequency weighting is defined as being the A weighted decibel scale. Often the A is not included in the subscript if the level is reported as being db(a). The noise level exceeded for 1% of the measurement period. The noise level exceeded for 10% of the measurement period. It is sometimes referred to as the average maximum noise level. The noise level exceeded for 90% of the measurement period. This is commonly referred to as the background noise level. The background noise levels calculated using the lowest 10th percentile of the L90 levels in each period of the day. This lowest 10th percentile method is defined in the Queensland Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM) guidelines. As for minl90 except the measurement intervals are defined as 1 hour duration. The equivalent continuous sound level, which is the constant sound level over a given time period, which is equivalent in total sound energy to the time-varying sound level, measured over the same time period. As for Leq except the measurement intervals are defined as 1 hour duration. LAmax maxlpa LAmax,T LAmax,adj,T OR Maximum A-weighted sound pressure level. Average maximum A-weighted sound pressure level. Adjusted average maximum A-weighted sound pressure level. Leq(24 hour) The average Leq noise level over the 24-hour period from midnight to midnight. Valkyrie Page 36 of 39

39 Parameter Term LAr,Tr PNL or Description The rating noise level, as used by the Queensland Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM) EcoAccess Planning for Noise Control guideline document. The planning noise level, as used by the Queensland Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM) EcoAccess Planning for Noise Control guideline document. Low frequency noise Noise that occurs in the 10 Hz to 200 Hz frequency range, as defined in the Queensland Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM) EcoAccess Assessment of Low Frequency Noise draft guideline document. Valkyrie Page 37 of 39

40 Appendix B Proposed Mining Scenarios Valkyrie Page 38 of 39

41 East Pit Mining Progression Year 1

42 East Pit Mining Progression Year 6

43 West Pit Mining Progression Year 11

44 Appendix C Predicted Noise Level Contours Valkyrie Page 39 of 39

45