STRATFORD MINING COMPLEX Noise Management Plan

Transcription

1 STRATFORD MINING COMPLEX Noise Management Plan

2 STRATFORD MINING COMPLEX NOISE MANAGEMENT PLAN Revision Status Register Section/Page/ Annexure Revision Number Amendment/Addition Distribution All 1 Noise Consent and Management Plan (May 2006 All 2 Stratford Mining Complex Noise Management Plan (May 2011) All Version C (April 2017) Stratford Mining Complex Noise Management Plan (April 2017) DPE Comments addressed DP&E Approval Date EPA, DoPI May 2006 EPA, ARTC, DP&I - EPA, ARTC, DP&E 22 September 2017 APRIL 2017 Project No. GLC Document No

3 TABLE OF CONTENTS Section Page 1 INTRODUCTION STRATFORD MINING COMPLEX PURPOSE AND SCOPE STRUCTURE OF THE NMP 4 2 STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS EP&A ACT DEVELOPMENT CONSENTS Noise Management Plan Management Plan Requirements LICENCES, PERMITS AND LEASES OTHER LEGISLATION RAIL TRANSPORT 8 3 KEY NOISE GENERATING ACTIVITIES CONSTRUCTION MINE OPERATION RAIL TRANSPORT 10 4 NOISE CRITERIA AND PERFORMANCE INDICATORS DEVELOPMENT CONSENT CONDITIONS Noise Criteria and Noise Acquisition Criteria Additional Noise Mitigation Measures Rail Noise Operating Conditions ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION LICENCE CONDITIONS Mine Operations Rail Transport ADDITIONAL RAIL CRITERIA 14 5 BASELINE DATA PRE-MINING BACKGROUND NOISE NOISE MONITORING SOUND POWER LEVEL MONITORING METEROLOGICAL MONITORING 15 6 NOISE MANAGEMENT MEASURES BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES SOURCE AND TRANSMISSION NOISE CONTROLS RECEIVER NOISE CONTROL CONSTRUCTION NOISE MANAGEMENT RAIL TRANSPORT Train Scheduling 19 7 NOISE MONITORING PROGRAM GENERAL REQUIREMENTS ATTENDED NOISE MONITORING Purpose Monitoring Locations Methodology Compliance Assessment Protocol 23 NOISE MANAGEMENT PLAN SMC - E i Stratford Coal Pty Ltd

4 TABLE OF CONTENTS (Continued) 7.3 REAL-TIME NOISE MONITORING Purpose Monitoring Location Methodology Noise Monitoring Response Protocol RAIL NOISE MONITORING METEOROLOGICAL MONITORING AND FORECASTING SOUND POWER LEVEL MONITORING 27 8 CONTINGENCY PLAN POTENTIAL CONTINGENCY MEASURES 28 9 ANNUAL REVIEW AND IMPROVEMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE ANNUAL REVIEW NMP REVIEW AND UPDATE REPORTING AND MANAGEMENT PROTOCOLS REFERENCES 31 LIST OF TABLES Table 1 Table 2 Table 3 Table 4 Table 5 Table 6 Table 7 Management Plan Requirements Hours of Operation for Mining Phases ARTC s EPL Noise Limits EPA Rail Noise Assessment Trigger Levels Rated Background Levels Implementation Status of Noise Mitigation Measures Quarterly Attended Noise Monitoring Locations LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 Regional Location General Arrangement Noise Monitoring Locations LIST OF APPENDICES Appendix A Summary of Development Consent Conditions Relevant to Noise Management NOISE MANAGEMENT PLAN SMC - E ii Stratford Coal Pty Ltd

5 1 INTRODUCTION 1.1 STRATFORD MINING COMPLEX Stratford Coal Pty Ltd (SCPL), a wholly owned subsidiary of Yancoal Australia Limited (Yancoal), owns and operates the Stratford Coal Mine (SCM), which is located approximately 100 kilometres (km) north of Newcastle, New South Wales (NSW) (Figure 1). SCPL also owns and operates the Bowens Road North Open Cut (BRNOC), located to the immediate north of the SCM. Collectively, these mines, and the associated coal processing and handling facilities, are referred to as the Stratford Mining Complex (SMC). Yancoal also owns the Duralie Coal Mine (DCM), which is located approximately 20 km south of the SMC (Figure 1). Run-of-mine (ROM) coal from the DCM is transported by rail to the SMC, where it is processed along with ROM coal from the SCM and BRNOC. The SCM commenced in 1995 and is operated in accordance with Development Consent (DA 23-98/99) (the SCM Development Consent). The BRNOC commenced in 2003 and is operated under a separate Development Consent (DA ) (the BRNOC Development Consent). The general arrangement of the SMC approved under the SCM and BRNOC Development Consents is provided in Figure 2. At the time of writing (April 2017), construction and mining activities approved under the SCM Development Consent and the BRNOC Development Consent are suspended. However, the SMC continues to process ROM coal from DCM and transport ROM coal from the SMC by rail under the SCM Development Consent. On 29 May 2015, the NSW Planning Assessment Commission approved the Stratford Extension Project (SEP) (Development Consent SSD-4966) under the State Significant Development provisions (Division 4.1) of Part 4 of the NSW Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, 1979 (EP&A Act). The SEP involves the extension and continuation of mine operations at the SMC. SCPL has not commenced the SEP under Development Consent SSD PURPOSE AND SCOPE This Noise Management Plan (NMP) has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of: Condition 8, Schedule 3 (Environmental Performance Conditions) of the SCM Development Consent; and Condition 6.4D, Schedule 2 of the BRNOC Development Consent. SCM and BRNOC operations are covered collectively in this NMP. NOISE MANAGEMENT PLAN SMC - E 1 Stratford Coal Pty Ltd

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7 v Do Wheatleys MLA1 ROSEVILLE WEST PIT ML1733 v Lane BOWENS ROAD NORTH OPEN CUT Northern Waste Emplacement v Cr eek Creek STRATFORD ML1577 Trap ML1528 AVON RIVER g v Road ale Cox on d Av Wenham v ML1409 Road d Roa v WAY THE BUCKETTS ML1447 ens Bow Roseville Pit (Backfilled) Western Co-Disposal Area Workshops and Administration cce Main A " STRATFORD MAIN PIT (Co-Disposal Area) v MLA2 Return Water Dam d ss Roa " Road Parkers/Bowens Road West Pit Void ROM Pad and Stockpiles " " Parkers Product Stockpile STRATFORD WASTE EMPLACEMENT " " Rail Loop ML1538 Upper Avon Ro ad ML1360 Roseville Extended Pit (Partially Backfilled) v Bowens Stratford East Dam CHPP and Infrastructure ML1521 Avondale NO R TH COA S T Cre ek WAY R A IL CRAVEN " ETL Realignment GCL MPCF_201A Glen v Roa d ± 1 Kilometres GDA 1994 MGA Zone v 0 LEGEND Mining Lease Boundary Mining Lease Application Boundary Electricity Transmission Line STRATFORD MINING COMPLEX General Arrangement Source: LPI (2016); Geoscience Australia (2006); NSW Department of Industry (2016); SCPL (2016) Figure 2

8 1.3 STRUCTURE OF THE NMP The remainder of the NMP is structured as follows: Section 2: Section 3: Section 4: Section 5: Section 6: Section 7: Section 8: Section 9: Outlines the statutory requirements applicable to the NMP. Describes key noise generating activities. Details the noise criteria and performance indicators that will be used to assess noise impacts at the SMC. Provides detailed baseline data. Describes noise management measures. Describes the noise monitoring program. Provides a Contingency Plan to manage any unpredicted impacts and their consequences. Describes the annual review and improvement of environmental performance process. Section 10: Describes the management and reporting of incidents, complaints and non-compliances. Section 11: Lists the references cited. NOISE MANAGEMENT PLAN SMC - E 4 Stratford Coal Pty Ltd

9 2 STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS SCPL s statutory obligations relevant to the SMC are contained in: (i) (ii) (iii) the conditions of the SCM and BRNOC Development Consents; relevant licences and permits, including conditions attached to Mining Leases (MLs); and other relevant legislation. These are described below. 2.1 EP&A ACT DEVELOPMENT CONSENTS The conditions of the SCM and BRNOC Development Consents relevant to noise management are described below. A comprehensive list of all conditions in the SCM Development Consent relevant to noise management, and a description of where they are referenced in this NMP, is provided in Appendix A. Except where explicitly stated in Section 2.1.1, the conditions of the BRNOC Development Consent relevant to noise are the same in terms of content as the conditions listed in the SCM Development Consent Noise Management Plan Condition 8, Schedule 3 (Environmental Performance Conditions) of the SCM Development Consent requires the preparation of a NMP for the SMC. Condition 8 states: Noise Management Plan 8. The Applicant shall prepare and implement a Noise Management Plan for the Stratford mining complex to the satisfaction of the Director-General. This plan must: (a) (c) 1 be prepared in consultation with DECCW and ARTC, and submitted to the Director-General for approval by the end of May 2011 or prior to the proposed construction of the new rail loop on site, whichever is sooner; describe the noise mitigation measures that would be implemented to ensure compliance with the relevant conditions of this consent, including: the measures to minimise construction noise during the construction of the proposed new rail loop; the scheduling measures that would be implemented to minimise the occurrence of two trains simultaneously occupying the Stratford rail loop at night; the measures that would be implemented on site to offset the noise generated by the development on site when two trains are simultaneously occupying the Stratford rail loop at night; a real-time noise management system that employs both reactive and proactive mitigation measures; and a detailed program to replace or attenuate the existing plant on site; 1 Note that there is no Condition 8 (b) in Development Consent DA 23-98/99. NOISE MANAGEMENT PLAN SMC - E 5 Stratford Coal Pty Ltd

10 (d) include a noise monitoring program that: uses a combination of real-time and supplementary attended monitoring measures to evaluate the performance of the development; includes a program to monitor the actual sound power levels of the plant on site, compare it with the benchmark levels used in the most recent EA for the development, and evaluate the effectiveness of any attenuation; and includes a protocol for determining exceedances of the relevant conditions of this consent. Condition 6.4.3(a), Schedule 2 of the BRNOC Development Consent also prescribes the requirement for a NMP. The requirements of Condition 6.4D are the same in terms of content as those required for the SCM Development Consent (as detailed above), with the following additional subclause 6.4D(b), as follows: Noise Management Plan (a) The Applicant shall, prior to commencement of mining construction or operations, prepare and implement the approved Noise Management Plan (incorporating construction and operational noise), or revise and update the existing plan to address the issues associated with the modification application MOD , to the satisfaction of the Director-General. The EPA and GSC should also be consulted prior to the finalisation of the Management Plan Management Plan Requirements Condition 2, Schedule 5 of the SCM Development Consent outlines the management plan requirements that are applicable to the preparation of the NMP. Table 1 presents these requirements and indicates where they are addressed within this NMP. NOISE MANAGEMENT PLAN SMC - E 6 Stratford Coal Pty Ltd

11 Table 1 Management Plan Requirements Development Consent Condition 2. The Applicant shall ensure that the management plans required under this consent are prepared in accordance with any relevant guidelines, and include: NMP Section a) detailed baseline data; Section 5 b) a description of: the relevant statutory requirements (including any relevant consent, licence or lease conditions); Section 2 any relevant limits or performance measures/criteria; Section 4 the specific performance indicators that are proposed to be used to judge the performance of, or guide the implementation of, the development or any management measures; c) a description of the measures that would be implemented to comply with the relevant statutory requirements, limits, or performance measures/criteria; d) a program to monitor and report on the: impacts and environmental performance of the development; effectiveness of any management measures (see c above); Section 7 Section 6 Section 7 e) a contingency plan to manage any unpredicted impacts and their consequences; Section 8 f) a program to investigate and implement ways to improve the environmental performance of the development over time; g) a protocol for managing and reporting any: incidents; complaints; non-compliances with statutory requirements; and exceedances of the impact assessment criteria and/or performance criteria; and Section 9 Section 10 h) a protocol for periodic review of the plan. Section LICENCES, PERMITS AND LEASES In addition to the Development Consents, all activities at or in association with the SMC will be conducted in accordance with a number of licences, permits and leases which have been issued. Key licences, permits and leases pertaining to the SMC include: The conditions of Environment Protection Licences (EPLs) No (SCM) and No (BRNOC) issued under the NSW Protection of the Environment Operations Act, The conditions of the following MLs issued under the NSW Mining Act, 1992: - MLs 1360, 1409, 1447, 1538, 1521 and 1733 (SCM); and - MLs 1528 and 1577 (BRNOC). The Stratford Mining Complex Mining Operations Plan (MOP). Mining and occupational health and safety related approvals granted by NSW Department of Industry, Skills and Regional Development Division of Resources and Energy and SafeWork NSW. 2.3 OTHER LEGISLATION SCPL will ensure that the SMC is consistent with the SCM and BRNOC Development Consents and any other legislation that is applicable to an approved Project under Part 4 of the EP&A Act. NOISE MANAGEMENT PLAN SMC - E 7 Stratford Coal Pty Ltd

12 In addition to those Acts referred to in Section 2.2, the following NSW Acts may be applicable to the conduct of the SMC: Contaminated Land Management Act, 1997; Dangerous Goods (Road and Rail Transport) Act, 2008; National Parks and Wildlife Act, 1974; Noxious Weeds Act, 1993; Roads Act, 1993; Threatened Species Conservation Act, 1995; Work Health and Safety (Mines and Petroleum Sites) Act, 2013; Crown Lands Act, 1989; Dams Safety Act, 2015; Fisheries Management Act, 1994; and Petroleum (Onshore) Act, RAIL TRANSPORT Trains transporting coal from the SMC will travel on the North Coast Railway, which is controlled and operated by the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC). Noise emissions from the railway are regulated via the ARTC s EPL (No. 3142). The requirements of the SCM Development Consent relevant to rail noise are addressed in Sections 3.3, and 6.5 of this NMP. NOISE MANAGEMENT PLAN SMC - E 8 Stratford Coal Pty Ltd

13 3 KEY NOISE GENERATING ACTIVITIES 3.1 CONSTRUCTION Augmentation of the SCM rail loop with an additional 400 metre (m) section of track immediately adjacent to the current track is approved under the SCM Development Consent. At the time of writing (April 2017), these works have not commenced and construction activities at the SMC are currently suspended (Section 1.1). Notwithstanding the above, when construction of the rail loop augmentation occurs, noise would be generated by the mobile equipment, which was considered to have the highest potential for intrusive noise emissions. The earthworks phase of construction would involve the most intensive mobile equipment use. The following mobile equipment is expected to be required during earthworks: D6 dozer; 30 tonne excavator; 2 x 30 tonne articulated dump trucks; and water cart (shared with ongoing SMC mining operations). Alternative equipment (e.g. D8 dozer and a scraper) would be employed subject to agreement with the adjacent landowner in regard to construction noise impacts. In addition, the limited use of a rock-breaker willbe required, subject to the geotechnical conditions encountered below ground-level. Construction activities would only occur during daytime hours. The earthworks component of the construction phase is expected to last approximately 12 weeks. The remaining phases of construction would also occur during daytime hours, over a period of approximately six months. 3.2 MINE OPERATION Mining activities at the SMC are currently suspended (Section 1.1). Notwithstanding the above, the key noise generating activities/equipment from mining activities at the SMC (when operating) would be as follows: drilling; blasting; excavators; haul trucks; dozers; and mobile fleet. The key noise generating activities from the ongoing processing operations at the SMC (Section 1.1) will be as follows: mobile fleet; primary and secondary crushers; Coal Handling and Preparation Plant (CHPP); and train and rail loading and unloading facilities. NOISE MANAGEMENT PLAN SMC - E 9 Stratford Coal Pty Ltd

14 The approved hours of operation for these activities are shown in Table 2. Table 2 Hours of Operation for Mining Phases Phase Hours of Operation Blasting 9am 5pm 1 Mining operations Roseville West Pit 7am 10pm Mining operations BRNOC 7am 7pm Coal handling, processing and stockpiling 24 hours Train unloading 6am 10pm 2 Train loading 24 hours 1 2 Monday to Friday only. As described in Condition 8, Schedule 2 of the DCM Project Approval (DA 08_0203) 3.3 RAIL TRANSPORT The SMC continues to process ROM coal from DCM and transport ROM coal from the SMC by rail (Section 1.1). Up to 10 train movements per day will be directly associated with the SMC operations. These trains will generate pass-by noise for receivers in close proximity to the railway line. In addition, noise will be generated from trains idling on the SMC rail loop. As stated in Section 2.4, trains originating from the SMC will be controlled and operated by the ARTC once they have left the SMC rail loop. In accordance with Condition 5, Schedule 3 (Environmental Performance Conditions) of the SCM Development Consent, the SMC will only receive or dispatch locomotives on/off site that are approved to operate on the NSW rail network, as per the noise limits in ARTC s EPL (No. 3142). NOISE MANAGEMENT PLAN SMC - E 10 Stratford Coal Pty Ltd

15 4 NOISE CRITERIA AND PERFORMANCE INDICATORS 4.1 DEVELOPMENT CONSENT CONDITIONS Noise Criteria and Noise Acquisition Criteria Noise criteria and noise acquisition criteria are provided in Conditions 2 and 3, respectively, of Schedule 3 (Environmental Performance Conditions) of the SCM Development Consent. These Conditions are detailed below, and are the same in terms of content as Conditions 6.4A and 6.4B, Schedule 2 of the BRNOC Development Consent. Noise Criteria 2. Except for the land referred to in Table 1 [Table 1: Land subject to acquisition upon request], the Applicant shall ensure that the noise generated by the Stratford mining complex does not exceed the criteria in Table 2 at any residence on privately-owned land or on more than 25 percent of any privately-owned land. Table 2: Noise Criteria db(a) Location Day Evening Night L Aeq(15 minute) L Aeq(15 minute) L Aeq(15 minute) L A1(1 minute) Craven Village 39 Standen 42 D Blanch Wallace Hall 25 Thompson 288 Yates 291 Stackman All other privately-owned land Notes: To identify the locations referred to in Table 2, see the figure in Appendix 3; For the purposes of this condition, the Craven village is comprised on [sic] the properties listed as Cr 2-8 in the figure in Appendix 3; and Noise generated by the Stratford mining complex is to be measured in accordance with the relevant procedures and exemptions (including certain meteorological conditions) of the NSW Industrial Noise Policy. However, these criteria do not apply if the Applicant has a written agreement with the relevant landowner to exceed the criteria, and the Applicant has advised the Department in writing of the terms of this agreement. Noise Acquisition Criteria 3. If the noise generated by the Stratford mining complex exceeds the criteria in Table 3 at any residence on privately-owned land or on more than 25 percent of any privately-owned land, then upon receiving a written request for acquisition from the landowner, the Applicant shall acquire the land in accordance with the procedures in Conditions 5-6 of Schedule 4. NOISE MANAGEMENT PLAN SMC - E 11 Stratford Coal Pty Ltd

16 Table 3: Noise Acquisition Criteria db(a) L Aeq(15 min) Location Day Evening Night Stratford Village Craven Village All other privately-owned land Notes: Noise generated by the Stratford mining complex is to be measured in accordance with the relevant procedures and exemptions (including certain meteorological conditions) of the NSW Industrial Noise Policy; For the purposes of this condition, the Craven Village is comprised on [sic] the properties listed as Cr 2-8 in the figure in Appendix 3, and the Stratford Village is the land shown as the urban development on the figure in Appendix 3; and For this condition to apply, the exceedences of the criteria must be systemic Additional Noise Mitigation Measures In addition to the noise criteria and noise acquisition criteria from the SCM Development Consent (detailed above), Condition 4, Schedule 3 (Environmental Performance Conditions) of the SCM Development Consent lists the following requirements: Additional Noise Mitigation Measures 4. Upon receiving a written request from the owner of any residence: (a) on the land listed in Table 1 [Table 1: Land subject to acquisition upon request]; (b) in the Craven Village (see the land listed as Cr2-8 in the figure in Appendix 3); (c) on the land listed as 39 and 42 in the figure in Appendix 3; (d) on the land listed as R8-12 in the figure in Appendix 3; (e) on privately-owned land where subsequent noise monitoring shows that the noise generated by the Stratford mining complex is greater than or equal to LAeq(15 minute) 38 db(a), or on privately-owned land between the Stratford and Duralie mines where the maximum passby rail traffic noise from the Stratford mining complex exceeds 85dBA, the Applicant shall implement additional noise mitigation measures (such as double glazing, insulation, and/or air conditioning) at the residence in consultation with the owner. These measures must be reasonable and feasible. If within 3 months of receiving this request from the owner, the Applicant and the owner cannot agree on the measures to be implemented, or there is a dispute about the implementation of these measures, then either party may refer the matter to the Director-General for resolution Rail Noise Conditions 5 and 6, Schedule 3 (Environmental Performance Conditions) of the SCM Development Consent detail the requirements to manage rail noise. These conditions are as follows: Rail Noise 5. By the end of December 2011, or as otherwise agreed by the Director-General, the Applicant shall only receive or dispatch locomotives on/off site that are approved to operate on the NSW rail network in accordance with the noise limits in ARTC s EPL (No. 3142). NOISE MANAGEMENT PLAN SMC - E 12 Stratford Coal Pty Ltd

17 6. Unless the Director-General agrees otherwise, the Applicant shall ensure that the Stratford rail loop is only occupied simultaneously by two trains at night on: (a) no more than 40 times in a calendar year before the end of 2013; (b) (c) no more than 25 times in a calendar year from the start of 2014; and no more than once a week Operating Conditions The noise-related operating conditions required under the SCM Development Consent are detailed in Condition 7, Schedule 3 (Environmental Performance Conditions) for the SCM. These operating conditions are detailed below, and are the same in terms of content as those listed in Condition 6.4C, Schedule 2 of the BRNOC Development Consent. Operating Conditions 7. The Applicant shall: (a) (b) implement best practice noise management, including all reasonable and feasible noise mitigation measures to minimise the operational, low frequency and rail noise generated by the development; and regularly assess the real-time noise monitoring and meteorological forecasting data and relocate, modify, and/or stop operations on site to ensure compliance with the relevant conditions of this consent, to the satisfaction of the Director-General. 4.2 ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION LICENCE CONDITIONS Mine Operations Noise from the SCM and BRNOC must not exceed the limit conditions specified in EPLs No and No , respectively. The noise limit conditions in both EPLs are for daytime (7am to 7pm) and evening (7pm to 10pm) noise emissions at privately-owned residences. The noise limits specified in the EPLs are the same as the noise criteria specified in the SCM and BRNOC Development Consents (Section 4.1.1) Rail Transport The general noise limits specified in ARTC s EPL (No. 3142) are as follows: L2 Noise Limits Note: It is an objective of this Licence to progressively reduce noise impacts from railways systems activities to the noise level goals of 65 db(a)leq, (day and evening time from 7am 10pm), 60 db(a)leq, (night time from 10pm 7am) and 85dB(A) (24 hr) max pass-by noise, at one metre from the facade of affected residential properties. These noise limits are tabulated in Table 3. NOISE MANAGEMENT PLAN SMC - E 13 Stratford Coal Pty Ltd

18 Table 3 ARTC s EPL Noise Limits Railway Licence Holder Descriptor Rail Traffic Goal (db[a]) North Coast Railway ATRC EPL 3142 Daytime/evening L Aeq(15hour) 65 Night-time L Aeq(9hour) 60 Maximum Pass-by L Amax 85 Source: EPL No Note: db(a) = A-weighted decibels. 4.3 ADDITIONAL RAIL CRITERIA The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) specifies rail noise assessment trigger levels as part of the requirements of Environmental assessment requirements for rail traffic-generating developments described in the EPA (2013) Rail Infrastructure Noise Guidelines Appendix 2 of the guidelines provide: Land-use developments other than rail projects that are likely to generate additional rail traffic on an existing rail network should be assessed against the following requirements: Identify the typical offset distance/s of sensitive receivers from the rail line/s that are likely to be affected by increased rail movements. Quantify the existing level of rail noise at the offset distance/s identified above using the noise descriptors L Aeq, 15/9hr and L Amax (95th percentile) db(a). Predict the cumulative rail noise level (i.e. from the existing and proposed rail movements) using a calibrated noise model (based on predicted increased rail movements) at the offset distances identified above. Compare the cumulative noise level with the rail noise assessment trigger levels: L Aeq,15hr 65 db(a), L Aeq,9hr 60 db(a), and L Amax (95th percentile) 85 db(a). Implement all feasible and reasonable noise mitigation measures where the cumulative noise level exceeds the noise assessment trigger levels and project-related noise increases are predicted. Where the L Aeq noise level increases are more than 2 db(a), which is equivalent to approximately 60 per cent of the total line or corridor rail traffic, and exceeds the relevant noise assessment trigger level, strong justification should be provided as to why it is not feasible or reasonable to reduce the increase. As such, the EPA s rail noise assessment trigger levels are shown in Table 4. These levels are the same as the ARTC EPL noise limits (refer to Table 3). Table 4 EPA Rail Noise Assessment Trigger Levels Descriptor Rail Noise Assessment Trigger Level (db[a]) L Aeq(15 hour) 65 L Aeq(9 hour) 60 Maximum Pass-by L Amax (95th percentile) 85 Source: EPA (2013) NOISE MANAGEMENT PLAN SMC - E 14 Stratford Coal Pty Ltd

19 5 BASELINE DATA 5.1 PRE-MINING BACKGROUND NOISE SLR Consulting (2012) determined pre-mining rating background levels (RBLs), which provide an indication of background noise levels that are indicative of the entire year. The pre-mining RBLs range from 30 dba to 32 dba, as shown in Table 5. Location Table 5 Rated Background Levels RBL (db[a]) Daytime Evening Night-time Stratford/Craven Residential Stratford/Craven Rural Source: SLR Consulting (2012) 5.2 NOISE MONITORING Quarterly noise monitoring at key privately-owned residences is conducted at the SMC. The results of attended noise monitoring, and a comparison with noise criteria, are publicly available from the Stratford Coal website ( An assessment of the noise monitoring results is also included in the Annual Reviews. Noise monitoring has consisted of a combination of operator attended measurements and unattended measurements, in accordance with the NSW Industrial Noise Policy (INP) (EPA, 2000). 5.3 SOUND POWER LEVEL MONITORING SCPL undertakes annual mobile plant sound power level monitoring. The purpose of this monitoring is to obtain current sound power levels for noise generating plant and compare these levels with previous noise assessments and other measure data. Where significant increases are detected, maintenance and/or other remedial measures are undertaken. This monitoring is typically conducted in April or May each year, and will be continued for the remainder of the SMC mine life. Previous results are contained within the Annual Reviews. 5.4 METEROLOGICAL MONITORING Meteorological monitoring is undertaken at SMC, in accordance with the requirements of the Development Consents and EPLs. The following data is collected by the weather station: daily rainfall; continuous wind speed and direction; and daily temperature statistics (e.g. average, maximum and minimum). A summary of monthly meteorological conditions is provided in the SMC Annual Review which is publicly available on the Stratford Coal website ( In addition, temperature inversions are directly measured at the SMC. The temperature inversion system consists of two 10 m high meteorological towers located at an elevation differential of approximately 50 m with temperature probes, and an anemometer for measuring wind speed and direction. NOISE MANAGEMENT PLAN SMC - E 15 Stratford Coal Pty Ltd

20 6 NOISE MANAGEMENT MEASURES SCPL has demonstrated continuous efforts to mitigate and manage noise from the SMC. SCPL will continue to implement measures to ensure noise from the SMC is managed to acceptable levels, through a combination of the following: ensuring best management practices are implemented onsite by all staff and contractors; implementing noise controls to reduce noise from the source and attenuate noise in transmission; and if necessary, implementing measures to control noise at sensitive receivers. The effectiveness of noise management measures at the SMC will be assessed through real-time and attended noise monitoring (refer to Section 7 of this NMP), and improved if necessary. 6.1 BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES The following proactive/predictive noise management measures, listed as best management practices in the NSW INP, will continue to be implemented at the SMC. An awareness and understanding of noise issues will be included in site inductions for all staff, contractors and visitors to the SMC. The use of significant noise generating equipment simultaneously will be avoided wherever possible. The noisiest activities will be scheduled where practicable to the least sensitive times of the day. Weather conditions will be monitored (as per Section 7.5) and where adverse conditions are experienced or predicted, operational changes will be made to avoid or reduce noise impacts. All machinery and plant used on site will be maintained and operated in a proper and efficient manner 2 to minimise noise generation. Train horns will not be permitted as a means of communication by the drivers of trains during coal loading activities. Waste rock will be strategically placed to provide acoustic barriers, wherever practicable. The volume of reversing sirens and start-up alarms will be reduced to the minimum practicable level (while still complying with coal mine safety regulations) and the least intrusive reversing alarms will be used. Low noise mobile and fixed plant equipment will be used where practically achievable. Noise monitoring will include a combination of real-time and attended monitoring of mine-generated noise, as well as a program to monitor the sound power levels of the plant on site. Operation of a meteorological station to aid noise mitigation measures and the identification of noise enhancing conditions will be continued (refer to Section 7.5). An awareness of industry developments will be maintained in relation to noise mitigation engineering for individual plant items in order to assess inherent cost and practicality. 2 This will be implemented in accordance with Condition 12, Schedule 3 (Environmental Performance Conditions) of the SCM Development Consent. NOISE MANAGEMENT PLAN SMC - E 16 Stratford Coal Pty Ltd

21 In addition, the following reactive measures will be implemented: All noise complaints will be responded to and acted on as per provisions in Section 10 and the Environmental Management Strategy (EMS). Strategies and targets will be developed as part of the annual review of noise monitoring results and the review of verified 3 noise complaints. These strategies will be reported in the annual report and their effectiveness will be reported in subsequent reports. If verified complaints regarding specific pieces of machinery or equipment are received, a maintenance inspection and maintenance work will be undertaken, if required. 6.2 SOURCE AND TRANSMISSION NOISE CONTROLS As an example of SCPL s ongoing commitment to reducing noise emissions from the SMC, the following subsections describe commitments to mitigation measures. SCPL has implemented noise controls since the commencement of mining. These controls include a combination of measures to reduce noise from the source and attenuate noise transmission. Table 6 shows the implementation status of noise controls identified as being reasonable and feasible. Table 6 Implementation Status of Noise Mitigation Measures Project Component Noise Control Implementation Status Coal Handling Facility CHPP Rail Loop Coal Unloading Conveyors Installed ROM front-end loader (FEL) CAT992 (or equivalent) with an operating L eq SWL of 112 dba. Installed 5 m high ROM hopper barrier. ROM coal stockpiles to be maintained at 5 m height whenever possible and FEL to be operated generally within the ROM coal stockpile area. Install secondary crusher SWL 106 dba. Install new coal stockpile facility and retain a minimum RL 137 m (even when empty) so that the effective height of the barrier (provided by previous bunding) not compromised. Install visual/noise bund wall adjacent to the CHPP with increased height by approximately 3 m to RL 140 m. Installed coal stockpile CAT D11XQ Dozer (or equivalent) with an operating L eq SWL of 112 dba. Installed new conveyors and drives (new product stockpile and ROM conveyor/stacker) to be consistent with current low noise conveyor system technology in accordance with acoustical design specification. Partial enclosure of the ground and first floor levels of the CHPP and acoustic lining of 50% of the interior in accordance with an acoustic design specification. Install two adjacent barriers approximately 60 m in length, with an elevation of 5 m above rail level and an offset distance no greater than 3 m from the nearest outer rail. The barriers to be located adjacent to the at rest location of idling locomotives on the southern (i.e. inbound) side of the rail loop. Install low noise idlers on conveyors CV18 and CV17 consistent with current low noise conveyor system technology in accordance with an acoustic design specification. Completed. Completed. Completed. Completed. Completed. Completed. Completed. Completed. Completed. Completed. 3 A verified noise complaint is a complaint associated with a corresponding exceedance in noise criteria. NOISE MANAGEMENT PLAN SMC - E 17 Stratford Coal Pty Ltd

22 Table 6 (continued) Implementation Status of Noise Mitigation Measures Project Component Noise Control Implementation Status Coal Loading and Unloading Stations Note 1: Note 2: Note 3: Partial enclosure of the eastern and western wings of the coal loader comprising 0.47 millimetres Colourbond Profile Steel Iron Cladding (or equivalent) extending from ground level up to a minimum height of 10 m. Similarly, enclosure of the coal unloader comprising iron cladding extending from rail down to ground level. SWL = sound power level. RL = relative level. AEMC = Applied Environmental Management Consultants. Completed. 6.3 RECEIVER NOISE CONTROL If required, as per Condition 4, Schedule 3 (Environmental Performance Conditions) of the SCM Development Consent, SCPL will implement reasonable and feasible noise mitigation measures (such as double glazing, insulation, and/or air conditioning) at noise-affected receivers. 6.4 CONSTRUCTION NOISE MANAGEMENT Augmentation of the SCM rail loop with an additional 400 m section of track immediately adjacent to the current track is approved under the SCM Development Consent. As of April 2017, these works have not commenced and construction activities at the SMC are currently suspended (Section 1.1). An addendum to the previous Noise Consent and Management Plan (Vipac, 2006) relating specifically to the construction of the Stratford rail loop augmentation was approved by the Department of Planning (now Department of Planning and Environment [DP&E]) on 30 March This component of the NMP was submitted on a progressive basis in accordance with Condition 13, Schedule 3 (Administrative Conditions) of the SCM Development Consent. The construction noise management measures outlined addendum would be implemented if construction activities were required. 6.5 RAIL TRANSPORT In addition to the noise-control measures for the SMC rail loop detailed in Section 6.2, the following measures have been implemented to reduce noise associated with rail transport: Existing locomotives were replaced by GL class or equivalent locomotives, which are quieter than the existing DCM locomotives. Longer product coal trains (i.e. train lengths of up to 1,300 m long) were introduced to allow for increased product coal production rates, while maintaining an average of 2.5 trains per day and a peak of five trains per day. These trains will be approved to operate on the NSW rail network in accordance with the noise limits ARTC s EPL (No. 3142), as per Condition 5, Schedule 3 (Environmental Performance Conditions) of the SCM Development Consent. NOISE MANAGEMENT PLAN SMC - E 18 Stratford Coal Pty Ltd

23 6.5.1 Train Scheduling Where practicable, SCPL will schedule trains to the least sensitive times of the day (i.e. daytime hours). However, SCPL will ensure that the following conditions of the SCM Development Consent are adhered to: SCPL may dispatch a maximum of 1 laden train from the site during the night from the start of 2014 until the end of mining operations in 2019 (Condition 9, Schedule 3 [Administrative Conditions] of the SCM Development Consent). SCPL must ensure that the SMC rail loop is only occupied simultaneously by two trains at night on no more than 25 times in a calendar year before the start of 2014 and no more than once a week. NOISE MANAGEMENT PLAN SMC - E 19 Stratford Coal Pty Ltd

24 7 NOISE MONITORING PROGRAM 7.1 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS As per the requirements of the SCM Development Consent and the BRNOC Development Consent, the SMC noise monitoring program will comprise both attended and real-time monitoring (Sections 7.2 and 7.3, respectively). The results of attended monitoring will be used to assess compliance with relevant noise impact assessment criteria (Section 4.1.1). Real-time monitoring will be used as a management tool to assist SCPL to take pre-emptive management actions to avoid potential non-compliances. Meteorological monitoring will also be conducted, including continuous monitoring of temperature inversions (Section 7.5), as well as annual assessments of equipment and plant sound power levels (Section 7.6). 7.2 ATTENDED NOISE MONITORING Purpose The main aim of attended noise monitoring is to determine compliance with the SCM Development Consent and BRNOC Development Consent noise criteria (refer to Section 4.1.1). Results from attended noise monitoring will also be used to verify data collected from real-time noise monitoring Monitoring Locations The quarterly attended noise monitoring program will be conducted at the locations and frequencies shown in Table 7 (refer to Figure 3 for monitoring locations). These monitoring locations and frequencies are consistent with the monitoring that has occurred since 2006, allowing for noise generated from the SMC to be tracked on a comparable basis. Table 7 Quarterly Attended Noise Monitoring Locations Landowner Monitoring Time and Frequency Day Evening Night 1 3 Atkins (AGL owned) Clarke Gates Ellis (SCPL owned) Hall Lowrey Pryce Jones Van der Drift (SCPL owned) Note: Night-time monitoring consists of 1 15 minute sample, at each location. AGL and Clarke Gates will alternate for night monitoring (e.g. AGL for quarter 1, Clarke for quarter 2). Night-time monitoring frequency would increase accordingly when operations resume. NOISE MANAGEMENT PLAN SMC - E 20 Stratford Coal Pty Ltd

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26 7.2.3 Methodology Generally, the attended noise monitoring will continue as per the existing program (i.e. on a quarterly basis, in accordance with Australian Standard [AS] :1997 Acoustics Description and Measurement of Environmental Noise and the INP). In accordance with Condition 3(b), Schedule 5 of the SCM Development Consent, the results of the attended noise monitoring will be compared with relevant noise criteria (refer to Section 4.1.1). The quarterly monitoring reports will be made publicly available on the Stratford Coal website ( in accordance with Condition 10(a), Schedule 5 of the SCM Development Consent. A summary of all monitoring results for each year will be reported in the SMC Annual Review at the end of that year, in accordance with Condition 3, Schedule 5 of the SCM Development Consent. The SMC Annual review will also address the requirements for the Annual Environmental Management Report required by Condition 9.2, Schedule 2 of the BRNOC Development Consent. Timing Attended noise monitoring will be conducted for 15 minute periods during the day, evening and night-time. In accordance with the SCM Development Consent and INP, day is defined as 7.00 am to 6.00 pm, evening is defined as 6.00 pm to pm and night-time is defined as pm to 7.00 am. Particular attention will be given to monitoring between 6.00 pm and 7.00 am (i.e. evening/night-time periods). Experience has shown that it is during these periods that noise can be at its most intrusive and results in more complaints. This is due to the low background noise levels experienced during these periods, and a higher instance of adverse meteorological conditions such as temperature inversions. Measurement Acoustic instrumentation used in attended monitoring will comply with AS :1990 Sound Level Meters and carry current National Association of Testing Authorities or manufacturer calibration certificates. Instrument calibration will be conducted before and after each survey, with the variation in calibrated levels not to exceed ± 0.5 dba. The intrusive noise level (L Aeq[15min] ) contribution from SMC operational activities will be quantified over a 15 minute measurement period. In addition, the overall levels of ambient noise (i.e. L Amax, L A1, L A10, L A90, L Amin and L Aeq ) over the 15 minute period will be quantified and characterised. In accordance with EPL requirements, noise monitoring will be conducted at the most noise-affected point on or within the residential boundary, or at the most affected point within 30 m of the dwelling, where the dwelling is more than 30 m from the boundary. Modifying factors from Section 4 of the INP will be used where applicable. Tonality and low frequency will be assessed by analysis of the measured L Aeq spectrum. NOISE MANAGEMENT PLAN SMC - E 22 Stratford Coal Pty Ltd

27 Recording The following information will be recorded for each monitoring survey: operator s name; locations of attended or unattended noise instruments; recording intervals; meteorological conditions for each measurement location, including a combination of graphs and tables presenting the weather conditions (including the presence and strength of any temperature inversions) for the entire survey period; statistical noise level descriptors together with notes identifying the principal noise sources; some operating conditions including train loading times together with mobile and ancillary equipment operation and predominant location; and instrument calibration details Compliance Assessment Protocol As discussed in Section 7.2.1, the results of attended noise monitoring will be compared against the relevant noise criteria (Section 4). The comparison will be undertaken following the exclusion of data where meteorological conditions are not relevant to the site in accordance with the INP (Section 5.1), as well as observations of non-mine (extraneous) noise by the person undertaking the attended noise monitoring program. In the event of an exceedance of the noise criteria, an assessment will be conducted to determine: The timing of the exceedance. The location of the exceedance. The exclusion of non-mine related noise and noise from non-smc mining activities (e.g. can the exceedance be attributed directly to the SMC). This will include consideration of: - the methods and type of equipment being used at the SMC at the time of the exceedance and proximity to the locations at which the exceedance was recorded; and - the location of non-smc mining activities or agricultural activities and proximity to the locations at which the exceedance was recorded. The meteorological conditions at the time of the exceedance, including confirmation that meteorological conditions are relevant to apply to the noise criteria. Meteorological conditions where noise criteria are not relevant are detailed in the EPLs for both the SCM and BRNOC, as follows: - during rainy periods; - during periods where wind speeds (at 10 m height) are greater than 3 m/s; and - under non-significant weather conditions (as described in the INP, Chapter 5 and Appendix E in relation to wind and temperature inversions). If the above assessment determines that an exceedance is due to SMC-related noise during relevant meteorological conditions, then management strategies detailed in Sections 8 and 10 to help prevent recurrence will be implemented in an effort to reduce noise levels below the SCM and BRNOC Development Consent noise criteria. NOISE MANAGEMENT PLAN SMC - E 23 Stratford Coal Pty Ltd

28 Exceedances of the noise criteria will be determined in consideration of Section of the INP (EPA, 2000), which states the following in relation to when a development is in non-compliance with a noise condition: A development will be deemed to be in non-compliance with a noise consent or licence condition if the monitored noise level is more than 2 db above the statutory noise limit specified in the consent or licence condition. A development will be in breach of a noise consent or licence condition if sustained non-compliances are not addressed and rectified. For the purposes of this NMP, the monitored noise level is the attended noise monitoring results at the locations listed in Section The reporting of incidents will be conducted in accordance with Condition 6, Schedule 5 of the SCM Development Consent. SCPL will notify the Secretary of the DP&E and any other relevant agencies of any incident associated with the SMC immediately after SCPL becomes aware of the incident. Within seven days of the date of the incident, SCPL will provide the Secretary of the DP&E and any relevant agencies with a detailed report on the incident. 7.3 REAL-TIME NOISE MONITORING Purpose Real-time noise monitoring will be used as a noise management tool, and will not be used to assess compliance with noise criteria. This will involve the use of noise investigation triggers (i.e. performance indicators) for ongoing performance assessment and will assist in the implementation of pre-emptive management actions to avoid potential non-compliances Monitoring Location The real-time monitoring unit was installed by a qualified expert, and its approximate location is shown in Figure 3. This location has been chosen as it is a representative location for any noise from the mine s 24 hour/day activities (i.e. the CHPP and rail loading/unloading facilities) that may transmit to Craven Village, which is where the highest concentration of potentially noise-affected residences are located. As the monitoring unit will be positioned on SCPL owned land, SCPL will ensure that the following is managed appropriately: occupational health and safety requirements; security of the monitoring equipment; and access to the monitoring equipment for installation, maintenance and recovery Methodology The real-time noise monitoring equipment will have the following capabilities: Recording of 15 minute statistical noise data. Continuous recording of real-time audio files. NOISE MANAGEMENT PLAN SMC - E 24 Stratford Coal Pty Ltd

29 Recording of meteorological monitoring data (including wind speed, direction, temperature, humidity and rainfall). Production of daily reports, including: 15 minute statistical data (L A10, L A90 ); L Aeq(15 minute) and L Aeq(period) noise levels; L Aeq(15 minute) in 1/3 octave; L Aeq(15 minute) in the 12.5 to 630 Hertz (Hz) range; and wind direction, wind speed, temperature, humidity and rainfall. The monitor will record noise levels 24 hours per day, seven days per week. A graphical summary of the previous 24 hours of noise levels will be ed to mine staff on a daily basis. The continuous recording will also include an audio function which allows the monitor to record audio of the noise signal. This audio information can be downloaded so the listener can determine whether the noise source is mine-related. There are numerous other potential noise sources apart from mine noise, such as wind, traffic, machinery, animals and general non-mining anthropogenic activities, etc which may influence noise monitoring results. Noise data will be processed to exclude data recorded during meteorological conditions that are not relevant to the site in accordance with the INP (Section 5.1). The meteorological station and, the temperature lapse rate monitoring instrument (Section 7.5) will be used to determine these conditions, with the meteorological data recorded by the real-time noise monitors used as a back-up. Noise Investigation Triggers Noise investigation trigger thresholds will be set at 42 dba between the hours of 8.00 pm and 8.00 am. This time period has been chosen as there are generally too many other extraneous, non-mine generated noise sources outside this time period that would result in regular false triggering of the alarms. While this trigger threshold is above the night-time Craven Village noise criteria of 40 dba, this still allows for proactive noise management. The results of noise modelling (Heggies, 2010) show that during the night-time, noise received from the mine s operation is approximately 5 dba lower at Craven Village than at the real-time noise monitoring location (as estimated from the noise contours). Therefore, if noise at the monitoring location reaches the trigger threshold of 42 dba, it is likely that noise at Craven Village will not be exceeding the noise criteria. If noise at the real-time monitoring location exceeds the trigger threshold, a SMS or radio message will be sent to the mobile phone of the Environment & Community Superintendent (or delegate). The protocol for responding to situations where the triggers are exceeded is described below in Section Noise Monitoring Response Protocol The implementation of the real-time noise monitoring protocol will be the responsibility of the Environment & Community Superintendent (or delegate). Ongoing Assessment An important component of the protocol is the review of noise monitoring results, noise control and management measures. These will be assessed by daily graphical analysis by the Environment & Community Superintendent (or delegate), incorporating all meteorological exclusions and review of recorded audio files, where necessary. NOISE MANAGEMENT PLAN SMC - E 25 Stratford Coal Pty Ltd