Hunter Valley Operations South

Transcription

1 Hunter Valley Operations South This booklet outlines a modification proposal being prepared for Coal & Allied s Hunter Valley Operations (HVO) South mining activities. In this booklet you will find an overview of the proposal and how the project has been designed to minimise impacts to the community and the environment. There are also further details on how you can provide feedback on the proposal. The Hunter Valley Operations mine is geographically divided by the Hunter River and operates under two planning approvals; one for HVO North and one for HVO South. HVO South s current approval comprises the Riverview and Cheshunt Pits; and South Lemington Pits 1 and 2 (yet to be mined); Lemington Coal Handling and Preparation Plant (yet to be constructed) and all related mining activities and infrastructure such as overburden and fine reject emplacement areas. HVO fast facts Operating since 1949; Currently operates under two planning approvals HVO North and HVO South; Provides work for 1,500 people; Currently produces 14 million tonnes of coal per annum (Mpta) although approved for 16Mtpa; Has approval until HVO South Modification 5 Summary 1

2 The proposal HVO South Modification 5 Coal & Allied is seeking to modify its HVO South consent to allow deeper seams of coal to be extracted within the mine s existing footprint in our Riverview and South Lemington 2 pits. In the Riverview pit we are seeking to extract coal to the base of the Bayswater seam (pictured), which we currently mine in the neighbouring Cheshunt pit. We are also looking to extend mining to the Vaux seam in South Lemington Pit 2. The mining of these deeper seams will require a revision to HVO South s overburden emplacement strategy because we will be extracting more waste material (overburden) from between the deeper coal seams. This will increase the height of the Cheshunt overburden emplacement; however we will also be able to incorporate a more natural landform design into the post mining landscape. The change in the mine design also moves the evaporative basin (lake) further away from the Hunter River. We are also seeking an increase to our production limit from HVO South from 16Mtpa to 20Mtpa, to provide greater flexibility for sourcing coal across the whole HVO operation. The proposal will not increase the overall amount of coal processed through the coal handling and preparation plants (CHPPs) and transported to port. The proposal is not seeking to extend the current approval period, which is due to expire in Environmental Assessment Coal & Allied has commissioned environmental consultancy, EMM, to undertake a wide range of environmental studies and develop an Environmental Assessment (EA) as part of the application to modify the HVO South consent. To help you understand the proposal and outcomes of the assessments we have prepared this summary which includes an overview of the proposal and the work completed to optimise design and minimise environment and community impacts. The findings from specialist studies undertaken as part of the EA are also detailed along with proposed management and mitigation. HVO South Modification 5 Summary 2

3 Noise and vibration Overview The noise and vibration studies were undertaken in accordance with the NSW EPA Industrial Noise Policy (INP) and Rail Infrastructure Noise Guideline; and the Integrated Mining Voluntary Land Acquisition and Mitigation Policy. A contemporary noise model was used to assess the potential for noise impacts on residences over the remaining life of the proposal.. The proposal will see an increase in fleet (trucks, dozers etc) during peak production at HVO South, however the total fleet numbers across the HVO complex will remain the same. Design considerations To minimise impact on our neighbours, acoustic engineers worked closely with Coal & Allied during the mine plan development phase. This meant we could incorporate important noise mitigation and management into the design. We will continue to implement a comprehensive operational noise management system, including sound attenuated equipment and continuous, real-time noise monitoring in neighbouring communities, to manage and minimise noise during operations. Operational noise will comply with existing approval limits for all assessment locations during calm weather conditions for day, evening and night periods; The noise is predicted to be similar to approved operations for assessment locations to the east (Maison Dieu) in all weather conditions and 1-5db higher for western assessment locations (Jerrys Plains Road) in adverse weather conditions; 12 additional properties will be entitled to noise mitigation (six have existing ZOA rights with Wambo United Project); eight on Jerry s Plains Road and four in Maison Dieu; The proposal satisfies the Industrial Noise Policy's acceptable night time criterion at all but one location, which is entitled to voluntary acquisition rights under existing approvals; and Impacts are within appropriate criteria for operational blasting activities and rail operations. Retrofitting noise attenuation equipment on all of the haul truck fleet to make them quieter. Implement proactive and reactive controls to manage noise during adverse weather conditions, including: o Use of predictive weather forecast information, and continuous, realtime monitoring in neighbouring communities; o Preferential placement of attenuated fleet at shift start and as required to ensure noise emissions are minimised under adverse conditions; o and Ongoing monthly attended monitoring on site and in the community including the new directional noise monitoring system in the Jerrys Plains Village to assess compliance and validate the effectiveness of the noise management system. HVO South Modification 5 Summary 3

4 Air quality and greenhouse gas Overview and design considerations The air quality and greenhouse gas study was undertaken in accordance with the NSW EPA Approved Methods for the Modelling and Assessment of Air Pollutants in NSW and the Integrated Mining Voluntary Land Acquisition and Mitigation Policy. Air quality engineers worked closely with HVO mine planners to ensure dust reduction measures were incorporated into mine design. The proposed modification will lead to dust levels generally similar to approved operations; Cumulative air quality requirements will be met for all surrounding properties, with the exception of three properties in Warkworth Village; These comprise of two non-residence locations, Warkworth Hall and St Philips Church and one residence which is already afforded acquisition rights from neighbouring mine operations; No change in air quality impacts are predicted for residences in Jerrys Plains; and No additional air quality impacts are predicted to result from coal train dust or blasting emissions We will continue implementing air quality management measures in the HVO Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Management Plan, including: Use of water carts to reduce dust on haul routes; Altered or reduced operations in periods of high winds; Dump at lower and more protected locations during adverse weather; such as periods of high wind; Use weather forecast data to guide day-today planning of mining operations; and Monitor air quality at locations including; Maison Dieu, Jerrys Plains and Long Point. HVO s Air Quality Management plan will be updated to accommodate the proposed modification. HVO South Modification 5 Summary 4

5 Visual amenity Although the overburden emplacement will be higher in places, the final landform has been designed to look more consistent with natural landforms in the area. Overview A visual assessment for the proposed modification was undertaken to identify potential impacts on the visual amenity of neighbouring communities, with a particular focus on Maison Dieu, Long Point and Jerrys Plains. As we mine the deeper seams in the Riverview pit we will generate additional overburden (waste rock) within our existing mining footprint. In order to maintain the current disturbance footprint we are proposing to place overburden in existing waste dumps. This means the overburden emplacements would increase by a maximum of approximately 80 metres in height, to a height that is similar to the approved emplacements at West Pit at Hunter Valley Operations North. We have assessed the visual impacts associated with this change, and have taken steps to mitigate the impact of this increase. Design considerations We recognise this proposal will change the visual amenity for some of our neighbours in Maison Dieu. To minimise the impact of this change, we have positioned the increase in overburden emplacement as far to the north as possible in order to maintain the outlook to the Wollombi Range from properties in Maison Dieu. We are also introducing micro relief into the landform, which will see the overburden emplacement take on a more natural look. Potential viewpoints of the emplacement areas are primarily to the east of the existing operations, such as Maison Dieu and Long Point. Views from the north, south and west are generally constrained due to intervening topography and distance; Active emplacement areas are likely to be exposed for a period of approximately six years as the change in elevation is completed and the landform shaping takes place; and The existing rehabilitated face of the emplacement area seen from Maison Dieu and Long Point will be retained. Progressively reshape, topsoil and rehabilitate completed overburden emplacement areas; Temporary stabilisation of unused areas or dump slopes to be undertaken annually by way of aerial seeding or similar; Once the final landform height is achieved, final rehabilitation will commence which will reduce the visual impacts; Rehabilitation will provide for the development of a more natural landscape that includes large areas of connected native vegetation and grassland to support land suitable for agriculture and native fauna movement; Implementation of visual and lighting management measures, including progressive rehabilitation as soon as practical. HVO South Modification 5 Summary 5

6 Groundwater and surface water Overview The mining of the deeper seams and changes to the final landform, including final void, have the potential to influence groundwater. To assess this, a groundwater study was undertaken for the proposal in accordance with the Department of Primary Industry Water s (DPI Water) Aquifer Interference Policy (AIP). The model developed for the study was independently peer reviewed by an expert hydrologist. A surface water study was also undertaken to assess the potential impacts of the proposed modification. The study included an update of the water balance for HVO to include the modification. As there is no change to the approved disturbance footprint of HVO South with this modification there is no additional mining of alluvial lands. There is no increase in the catchment area at HVO as a result of the proposed modification and, therefore, it will not cause additional impacts on downstream flows; and No significant change to the frequency or magnitude of releases under the Hunter River Salinity Trading Scheme is predicted. There is no significant impact (less than 2 metres) to groundwater levels in any private bores or impacts on groundwater dependent ecosystems; The groundwater model predicts a peak take from the Permian strata of 1,589ML/year at Year 15. The model predicts a peak indirect take of 392ML/year under the Hunter Unregulated Water Sharing Plan and 591ML/year under the Hunter Regulated Water Sharing Plan. These volumes are within previously predicted maximum water takes for the currently approved operations; and The independent peer review confirmed the assessment findings that the modification will have minimal influence on groundwater. The HVO Water Management System will be updated to take into account the modification. The objectives of this system are to: o minimise the use of fresh water; o minimise impacts on the environment o and HVO neighbours; and minimise interference to mining production. Existing management and monitoring measures currently implemented under the current approval, such as the HVO Water Management Plan, will continue under the proposed modification, with regular review, optimisation and reporting. HVO South Modification 5 Summary 6

7 Final landform, rehabilitation and land use Overview This proposal requires a change in the overburden emplacement strategy and final landform to accommodate an additional volume of overburden material as a result of mining deeper. This includes a change to the size and location of the final void. Design considerations The design of the final void, its alignment with final landform objectives and its role in post-mining water management (preventing saline water leaving the site) were important considerations in the development of the proposed mine plan. The proposed final landform has been shaped to minimise the surface water catchment draining to the void. As a result, whilst the proposed mine plan enables access to the deeper seams, the proposed surface water catchment area draining to the final void is smaller than under the current approved mine plan. There is also an increased distance between the Hunter River and the evaporative basin (lake) within the final void when compared with its current approved location. The slope of the final void has been substantially reduced from 14 to 18 degrees to 8 to 10 degrees, which will allow for a wider range of post mining land use options. This design consideration allows for an increase of 150ha of useable land compared to the approved landform. The final landscape is planned to be an undulating, free-draining landform with a post mining land capability which supports land for cattle grazing and native habitat; Aims to reflect the natural features and complement the previously created landforms; The final void will remain as a groundwater sink which prevents the release of stored water into the Hunter River and Wollombi Brook; and An indirect benefit of the groundwater sink is that there will be a reduction in saline water flowing into the Hunter River and Wollombi Brook under conditions of high rainfall. Rehabilitation and final landform development will continue to be undertaken in accordance with the HVO South Mine Operations Plan and the HVO South Rehabilitation and Landscape Management Plan; A final void management plan and mine closure plan will also be prepared in consultation with the relevant agencies at least five years prior to the completion of mining. HVO South Modification 5 Summary 7

8 Ecology Does not change the approved disturbance footprint and therefore there are no additional direct impacts on ecology; Will not have a significant impact on ecosystems that potentially use groundwater in the vicinity of HVO South; Does not change the local flooding regime and, therefore, impact on these communities is not expected. No additional management and monitoring required beyond existing Rehabilitation and Biodiversity Management Plan for HVO South. Heritage The proposed modification will have no additional impacts on Aboriginal cultural heritage or historic heritage other than those approved for the existing operations. Does not change the State-approved disturbance footprint; No additional impacts on Aboriginal cultural heritage or historic heritage. Management of cultural heritage will continue in conformance with the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Management Plan (ACHMP) and Coal & Allied Cultural Heritage Management System (CHMS). Socio-economic Sustains mine employment at current levels and generates additional economic activity including $243 million in royalties and $160 million in taxes (discounted at 7 per cent); It does not result in social impacts arising from workforce influx, population change and associated impacts on infrastructure; Consultation has identified concerns relating to visual amenity, with mitigation measures outlined earlier in this booklet. A$4m 21% Ongoing employment in the mining sector across HVO. in community contribution commitments between Continued sourcing of goods and services from local business. of all revenue to be paid in the form of taxes and royalties. HVO South Modification 5 Summary 8

9 What happens next? Stage 1 Consultation and prepare Environmental Assessment (EA) A draft EA is prepared in accordance with the relevant policies. Stage 2 Lodgement of application & EA Coal & Allied will lodge the application with the EA to the Department of Planning and Environment. Stage 3 Public Exhibition of EA The EA will be placed on public exhibition where individuals and organisations will be invited to make a written submission during the exhibition period. We are here. Stage 4 Response to submissions Coal & Allied will consider all written submissions made during the public exhibition period and prepare a response to submission document addressing the submissions. Stage 5 Recommendation and Secretary s Assessment Report The Department of Planning and Environment will prepare an assessment report for the Secretary with a recommendation on whether the applications should be approved or refused. Stage 6 Determination Depending on the amount and type of submissions received, the Minister or the Planning Assessment Commission will make a determination. How can I participate? We encourage near neighbours and community members to ask questions and be informed about the proposal and more generally about our mining at Hunter Valley Operations. Community drop-in sessions will be held during the public exhibition period to answer any questions you may have about the findings of the EISs, including outcomes of the technical studies on things like noise and air quality and how we are proposing to minimise any impacts. These sessions will be advertised. We will also be talking directly with our near neighbours and other members of the community. To make a submission during the public exhibition period, please visit: HVO South Modification 5 Summary 9

10 If you would like further information, we invite you to: Drop in to our community shop front at 127 John Street, Singleton. Free call our information line on Visit our website at HVO South Modification 5 Summary 10