ANNEX. Stakeholder Engagement Resources

Transcription

1 ANNEX D Stakeholder Engagement Resources

2 Integra Coal Operations Pty Limited NEWSLETTER 15 August 2007 Integra Coal Operations Pty Limited Hebden and Barrett Seams Part 3a Assessment 640 Middle Falbrook Road Singleton NSW 2330 Postal Address PMB 7 Singleton NSW 2330 General Enquiries Phone: (02) Fax: (02) Office Hours 8.00am pm Monday - Thursday 8.00am pm Friday INTRODUCTION In August 2006, the Glennies Creek Underground Project and adjacent Camberwell Open Cut Operation were integrated through the formation of the Integra Coal Joint Venture. Integra Coal Operations Pty Ltd is the management company responsible for all operations on behalf of the joint venture participants. The existing Integra Open Cut and Integra Underground operations are located on contiguous leases, centred approximately 12 km north of Singleton. Mining activities within the underground mine to-date have been, and continue to be, undertaken within the Middle Liddell seam to the north and west of Glennies Creek, at depths of approximately 300m to 400m below the surface. Mining is by continuous miners for mains and gateroad development and a single longwall unit for bulk coal extraction. Coal extraction has been completed in Longwalls 1 to 6 and is currently being undertaken in Longwall 7. The recent Part 3A Application for the extension of mining into Middle Liddell Longwalls is currently being assessed by the Minister for Planning. The purpose of this newsletter is to provide information on Integra Coal s proposed mining expansion into the Hebden and Barrett Seams, and to provide details of who you can contact if you wish to learn more about the proposed development. 1

3 WHAT IS PROPOSED? Integra Coal Operations propose to mine the Hebden and Barrett coal seams, to the northwest and southeast of Glennies Creek. The mining will be at approximately ###m below the surface in the Hebden Seam, and at ###m depth in the Barrett Seam. The bulk of the extraction will be via longwall mining methods, although bord and pillar mining is also proposed for the area. This will mean a continuation of current mining techniques, with no requirement for additional transport or processing facilities. The coal will be processed at the existing Integra facilities. It is expected that ## tonnes of coal will be extracted throughout the proposed mining of the Hebden and Barrett Seams. This will take approximately ## years from commencement of mining. The proposal requires a Part 3A Assessment under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, Environmental Resources Management Australia Pty Ltd (ERM) has been engaged to complete this assessment. Integra Coal will utilise assessment findings in modifying mine plans to maximise resource recovery, while minimising impacts on the surrounding environment. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT The Environmental Assessment being undertaken by ERM will accompany the application that will be submitted to the State Government seeking approval for the project. The Environmental Assessment comprises a range of environmental studies, including assessments of: noise; air quality; surface water; groundwater flora and fauna; Aboriginal heritage; and social and economic impacts. The Minister for Planning is responsible for approving the proposed application. ONGOING CONSULTATION A 1800 number and website will be established for the proposal during its early stages, to enable the community to stay informed and make contact with the Project Team. Newsletters containing updates on the approvals process will also be distributed, and community information days are planned for the beginning and end of the approvals process. Further information on these services will be provided once they are established. In the meantime, please use the contact details below for any enquiries. WHO CAN I CONTACT FOR FURTHER INFORMATION? If you have any queries or would like to learn more about the Environmental Assessment process or the proposed extension, you can contact: Contact: Mike Shelly Tel: (02) Fax: (02) mike.shelly@erm.com 2

4 Environmental Resources Management Australia 22 April, 2008 Name Building C, 33 Saunders Street Pyrmont NSW 2009 Telephone (02) Facsimile (02) Locked Bag 24, Broadway NSW Address Suburb NSW Postcode AUSTRALIA Our Reference: LETTER TO RESIDENTS-FINAL.DOC Dear Resident, RE: PRELIMINARY ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT CONSULTATION FOR INTEGRA COAL Integra Coal Operations (Integra) is the in process of submitting an application for approval to the NSW Department of Planning to continue underground mining operations at Glennies Creek. Integra has engaged Environmental Resources Management (ERM) to undertake the Environmental Assessment of the proposed extension to the operation of the mine. This is a requirement under Part 3A of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act Your contact details have been provided to ERM by Integra because as a landowner, you may be interested in the Preliminary Environmental Assessment (PEA), as well as further work which ERM will be conducting in relation to the proposal. This letter is to inform you of the current progress of the Environmental Assessment proposal and provide you with information on the community consultation occurring throughout the project. The steps in the assessment are: 1. The PEA for the proposed continuation of the underground coal mining operations at Glennies Creek in the Hebden, Barrett and Middle Liddell seams will be lodged with the NSW Department of Planning (DoP) at the close of this month. 2. The PEA report will be available on the Integra website ( in early May, and will also be on the DoP website ( some time in May 2008, dependent on their timelines for the consideration of the project. If you would like a hard copy, please contact ERM on ISO 9001 LIC 5127 Standards Australia Letter to residents-final.doc Katy Fulton -21 April 2008 Page 1 Environmental Resources Management Australia Pty Ltd A.C.N A.B.N Offices worldwide

5 ERM 3. The PEA will be considered by DoP who will then provide advice on their requirements for production of an Environmental Assessment Report (EAR). 4. The EAR will assess the potential environmental, social and economic impacts associated with the development. We anticipate the preparation of the EAR will commence in June 2008, and will be conducted within 2-3 months. As part of the preparation of the EAR, ERM will provide information on the progress and findings of the report to the public. This will include: a. Information Sessions; b. Newsletters; and c. Meeting with individuals and groups. ERM has established an and telephone contact line that will run for the life of the project. If you are interested in receiving direct information on the proposal, please register your contact details by: Phoning ERM on during business hours or; ing ERM is also available to meet with you, along with representatives of Integra, to discuss the proposal. If you would like to arrange a meeting please contact ERM on to arrange a time. If you do require further information about the assessment process, please do not hesitate to contact ERM on or au.integraug@erm.com Yours sincerely, for Environmental Resources Management Australia Pty Ltd Katy Fulton Social Consultant Letter to residents-final.doc Katy Fulton -21 April 2008 Page 2

6 7May2008 Stakeholders OurReference: LETTERPEAUPDATEFINAL.DOC Environmental ResourcesManagement Australia 53BonvilleAvenue ThorntonNSW2322 POBox71 ThorntonNSW2322 Telephone(02) Facsimile(02) DearResident, RE: INFORMATIONLETTERTWO On 29 th April 2008 Integra Coal Operations (Integra) submitted a Preliminary EnvironmentalAssessment(PEA)totheNSWDepartmentofPlanningtoexpand underground mining operations at Glennies Creek. A letter was posted to landownersoutliningtheplanningprocessinvolvedwiththeassessmentwhich youwouldhavereceivedinapril2008. We originally envisaged the PEA would be available on the Integra and Department of Planning websites in early May 2008, however there has been a delay,andpublicreleaseofthepeaisdependentonthedepartmentofplanning officiallyrecognisingtheapplication. IfyouhavepreviouslyrequestedahardcopyofthePEA,wewillforwarditto youassoonasitbecomesapublicdocument.followupmeetingsforthosethat areinterestedindiscussingtheproposal,orhavepreviouslyrequestedafaceto facemeeting,willalsobearrangedafterthattime. Ifyourequirefurtherinformationabouttheassessmentprocess,orwouldliketo registeryourinterestinafacetofacemeetingwithmembersoftheproject,please donothesitatetocontactermby: Phoning during business hours; ing au.integraug@erm.com; or Forwarding written comments to: ERM Integra Underground, Locked Bag 24, Broadway, NSW, Yourssincerely, forenvironmentalresourcesmanagementaustraliaptyltd KatyFulton SocialConsultant ISO9001LIC5127 StandardsAustralia 3.LetterPEAupdatefinal.doc KatyFultonxx Page1 EnvironmentalResources ManagementAustraliaPtyLtd A.C.N A.B.N Officesworldwide

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8 11June2008 Name Address SuburbNSW Postcode AUSTRALIA OurReference: FOLLOWUPLETTERTORESIDENTSFINAL.DOC DearResident, RE: PRELIMINARYENVIRONMENTALASSESSMENT CONSULTATIONFORINTEGRACOAL Thankyou for registering your interest in receiving information on the Environmental Assessment process for the continuation of the Integra Coal Operations (Integra) underground mine at Glennies Creek, as confirmed by phone on 16 th April 2008 with Katy Fulton from Environmental Resources Management(ERM). Asdiscussed,yourcontactdetailshavebeenprovidedtoERMbyIntegrabecause as a landowner, you may be interested in the Preliminary Environmental Assessment (PEA), as well as further work which ERM will be conducting in relationtotheproposal. For your information, the current progress of the Environmental Assessment proposalis: 1. The PEA for the proposed extension of the underground coal mining operationsatglenniescreekinthehebden,barrettandmiddleliddell seamswillbelodgedwiththenswdepartmentofplanning(dop)atthe closeofthismonth. 2. The PEA report will be available on the Integra website ( in early May, and will also be on the DoP website( ontheirtimelinesfortheconsiderationoftheproject.ifyouwouldlikea hardcopy,pleasecontactermon Followuplettertoresidentsfinal.doc KatyFulton21April2008 Page1

9 ERM 3. ThePEAwillbeconsideredbyDoPwhowillthenprovideadviceontheir requirements for production of an Environmental Assessment Report (EAR). 4. The EAR will assess the potential environmental, social and economic impactsassociatedwiththedevelopment. 5. We anticipate the preparation of the EAR will commence in June 2008, and will be conducted within 23 months. As part of the preparation of theear,ermwillprovideinformationontheprogressandfindingsof thereporttothepublic.thiswillinclude: a. InformationSessions; b. Newsletters; c. Meetingwithindividualsandgroups. ERM can meet individually with you, along with representatives of Integra to discusstheproposalif youareinterested.weanticipatethiswilloccurin May If you are interested in organising a facetoface meeting or telephone meeting,pleasecontactermby: Phoning duringbusinesshoursor; ingau.integraug@erm.com The andtelephonecontactlineswillrunforthelifeoftheproject. Ifyoudorequirefurtherinformationabouttheassessmentprocess,pleasedonot hesitatetocontactermon orau.integraug@erm.com Yourssincerely, forenvironmentalresourcesmanagementaustraliaptyltd KatyFulton SocialConsultant 5.Followuplettertoresidentsfinal.doc KatyFulton21April2008 Page2

10 13June2008 Environmental ResourcesManagement Australia 53BonvilleAvenue ThorntonNSW2322 POBox71 ThorntonNSW2322 Telephone(02) Facsimile(02) OurReference: PEALETTERFINAL.DOC DearResident, RE: PRELIMINARY ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT FOR THE INTEGRAUNDERGROUNDCOALPROJECT Thank you for requesting a hard copy of the Preliminary Environmental Assessment (PEA) for Integra Coal Operations (Integra s) proposed UndergroundCoalProject. Please find attached a hard copy of the final PEA, which has been formally recognisedasapublicdocumentbythedepartmentofplanning(dop).thepea is also available for viewing on the Integra website ( andthedopwebsite( Follow up meetings with those people who previously requested them, will be arrangedshortly. If you have not previously requested a meeting with the team regarding the proposalandwouldliketoarrangeonepleasecontactusontheprojecttollfree numberbelow. A Public Information Session will be held shortly, which will provide an opportunitytoreceivefurtherinformationanddiscusstheprogressoftheproject withmembersoftheprojectteam.furtherinformationwillfollowregardingthe venue,sessiontimeanddate. ISO9001LIC5127 StandardsAustralia 6.PEAletterfinal.doc KatyFultonX Page1 EnvironmentalResources ManagementAustraliaPtyLtd A.C.N A.B.N Officesworldwide

11 ERM AfterreadingthePEAifyouhavefurthercommentsorwouldliketohighlight areas not included in the PEA which the Environmental Assessment should addresspleasedonothesitatetocontactermby: Phoning duringbusinesshours; Forwarding written comments to: ERM Integra Underground, Locked Bag 24,Broadway,NSW,2007. Yourssincerely, forenvironmentalresourcesmanagementaustraliaptyltd KatyFulton SocialConsultant 6.PEAletterfinal.doc KatyFultonX Page2

12 WORKING SAFELY WORKING RESPONSIBLY WORKING TOGETHER Introduction June 2008 In 2007 Integra Coal Operations (ICO) commenced the process required for it to make an application to the NSW Department of Planning (DoP) for approval to continue underground mining operations at the Integra Underground, formerly known as the Glennies Creek Colliery. Environmental Resources Management (ERM) have been engaged to undertake the Environmental Assessment for the proposed extension to the operation of the underground mine. The assessment is being undertaken under Part 3A of the NSW Environment and Planning Act In June 2008 ICO submitted a Preliminary Environment Assessment (PEA) to the Department of Planning. What is Part 3A and Where is ICO in the Application Community Consultation (ongoing through the process) The Part 3A Planning Process Site Investigations Environmental Investigations Begin Development of Mine Plan Concepts Lodgment of Project Application and Preliminary Environmental Assessment Report WE ARE HERE NEWSLETTER ONE Environmental Assessment Report Requirements Ongoing Planning and Environmental Assessment Report Assessment of Adequacy Amend as Necessary NEWSLETTER TWO Assessment of Application, EAR and Submissions Ministerial Determination The PEA can be viewed on the ICO website at under the Environmental Assessments page. The PEA can also be viewed on the DoP website at: asp/register2006.asp#hunt. Inside This Issue: Introduction 1 What is Part 3A? 1 Part 3A Process 2 ICO Application 3 Information on Assessment 4 Information Sessions 4

13 Part 3A Process The Part 3A process relates to planning and development controls associated with major projects. The key steps in the process are as follows: The applicant, in this case ICO, is required to prepare a PEA which is submitted to the DoP. ICO submitted the PEA for this project in June The DoP, together with other relevant Authorities, will now assess the PEA and identify the issues which must be addressed in an Environmental Assessment Report. These requirements will be outlined in the Director General s Requirements (DGRs) for the proposal. ICO will then prepare the Environmental Assessment Report (EAR) for the proposed development. This report will assess the potential physical, environmental, social and economic impacts associated with the proposal. The draft EAR will then be submitted to the DoP who will distribute it to government agencies and authorities for their comment on the adequacy of the assessment in addressing the DGRs, and the suitability of the document for public exhibition. If required, ICO will amend the EAR on the basis of the adequacy of the assessment prior to it being placed on public exhibition. Following the exhibition phase, ICO will be required to prepare responses to any issues raised by the Government Authorities or the public during exhibition of the EAR. The DoP will then consider the EAR, taking into consideration issues identified in the exhibition phase and ICO s responses. DoP will then make a recommendation to the Minister on whether to approve the project. Should approval be proposed, the recommendation to the Minister would also propose conditions under which the project would be required to operate. WORKING SAFELY WORKING RESPONSIBLY WORKING TOGETHER

14 ICO Application The Preliminary Environmental Assessment for this application was submitted to DoP in June The assessment identified key issues and outlined the scope for further work. The following areas were addressed: Subsidence Ground and Surface Water Ecology (including flora & fauna) Acoustics (background noise, blast and vibration) Historical and Indigenous Heritage Air Quality Social and Economic Impacts Traffic The Preliminary Environmental Assessment identified subsidence and its potential impacts on surface water, groundwater, land use, ecology and heritage as the key issues for consideration in this proposal.

15 Information on the Assessment ICO recognises that stakeholder consultation is a critical aspect of the project and essential for a proper assessment of the potential impacts. To ensure this occurs, ERM has established and telephone project information lines where people can make comments on the proposal, and also register their interest in receiving information about further work on the assessment. These are: Telephone: during business hours; or au.integraug@erm.com There will be further Project Newsletters to inform people about the progress of the project, as shown in the flowchart on page 1. The newsletters will also be available on the Integra website at under the Projects page. Information Sessions Information Sessions will be held to provide further information. You are welcome to drop in at any time during the sessions to ask questions and discuss the progress of the project with members of the project team. The first of these Information Sessions will be held on: Saturday 12 th July, 10am-1pm Venue: Singleton Public Library, Meeting Room, 8-10 Queen Street, Singleton. If you are unable to attend, but would like to receive further information, please contact ERM during business hours by phoning or ing au.integraug@erm.com. Open Cut Operation: Phone: Underground Operation: Phone: Environmental Hotlines: Open Cut: Underground: WORKING SAFELY WORKING RESPONSIBLY WORKING TOGETHER

16 O n g o i n g C o m m u n i t y C o n s u l t a t i o n The Part 3A Planning Process Estimated Timeline SITE INVESTIGATIONS ENVIRONMENTAL INVESTIGATIONS NEWSLETTER ONE June 2008 July 2008 August 2008 DEVELOPMENT OF MINE PLAN CONCEPTS LODGEMENT OF PROJECT APPLICATION AND PRELIMINARY ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT (PEA) REPORT The PEA is submitted to the Department of Planning (DoP) ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT REPORT (EAR) REQUIREMENTS DoP together with other relevant authorities assess the PEA & identify issues which must be addressed in the EAR. TheserequirementswillbeoutlinedintheDirector General srequirements (DGRs) fortheproposal. Letters to stakeholders Copies fo PEA sent to stakeholders NEWSLETTER TWO Information Session One - PEA Stage Face to Face Meetings with stakeholders August 2008 September 2008 ONGOING PLANNING & PREPARATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT REPORT Integra Coal Operations (ICO) prepares an EAR for the proposed development. The report will assess the potential physical, environmental, social and economic impacts associated with the proposal. September 2008 EAR SUBMISSION TO DoP The draft EAR will be submitted to the DoP who will then distribute it to government agencies and authorities for their comments. October 2008 ADEQUACY REVIEW Comments will be made on the adequacy of the assessment in addressing the DGRs and the suitability of the document for public exhibition. NEWSLETTER THREE Information Session Two - Assessment of Adequacy Phase November 2008 December 2008 February 2009 March 2009 April 2009 May 2009 June 2009 July 2009 AMENDMENTS TO EAR If required, ICO will amend the EAR on the basis of the adequacy of the assessment prior to it being placed on public exhibition. PUBLIC EXHIBITION OF EAR The EAR will be placed on public exhibition and submissions can be made by stakeholders RESPONDING TO SUBMISSIONS Following the exhibition phase, ICO will be required to prepare responses to any issues raised by the Government authorities or the public during exhibition of the EAR. DoP CONSIDERATION OF EAR The DoP will consider the EAR, taking into consideration issues identified in the exhibition phase and ICO s response. MINISTERIAL DETERMINATION The DoP will make a recommendation to the Minister on whether to approve the project. Shouldapprovalbeproposed, therecommendationtotheministerwouldalsoproposeconditionsunder which the project would be required to operate. NEWSLETTER FOUR Information Session Three - Public Exhibition Phase Response Phase

17 FEBRUARY 2006 PRIMEFACT 21 Mine subsidence Environmental Sustainability Branch Introduction This Primefact provides the community with a brief overview of mine subsidence, its causes, potential impacts and the NSW Government s regulatory controls. By publishing this document, the Department of Primary Industries seeks to increase the community s knowledge of mine subsidence and identify opportunities for public participation. The general meaning of subsidence The term subsidence commonly refers to a point (or points) on or in the earth s surface moving vertically to a lower level. To understand and manage any potential impacts of subsidence, it is important to pay attention to both the vertical and horizontal component of these movements. Subsidence can result from natural causes such as earthquakes and from human activities such as removal of materials from below the surface or extraction of groundwater from alluvial aquifers. Mine subsidence The extent of areas affected by subsidence due to underground coal mining can be more significant than subsidence resulting from other forms of activity such as tunnelling. Therefore this document specifically refers to mine subsidence as being subsidence caused by underground coal mining. Longwall mining is the safest, most efficient and most commonly used method of underground coal mining in Australia and other developed countries. Although this method is the major cause of mine subsidence in NSW, it should not be viewed as the sole cause of mine subsidence. To help understand mine subsidence, Figure 1 illustrates: The extraction of coal may cause subsidence of the rock and soil mass above the extracted coal seam. The area of subsidence influence is shown in lighter yellow in Figure 1. The limit, magnitude and nature of subsidence movements are dependent on numerous factors, such as mine design, geological conditions, surface topography, and the distance between the mine workings and the ground surface (or point of interest). The rock or soil mass within the influence of mining may move three-dimensionally at any given point. In other words, the extraction of coal may result in vertical as well as horizontal subsidence movements. Figure 1: Diagram of mine subsidence development from underground coal mining. Understanding the potential impacts of mine subsidence The development of mine subsidence can potentially impact on both natural and man-made surface and sub-surface features. The management of these impacts requires an understanding of fundamental aspects of mine subsidence such as: The magnitude and direction of subsidence movements at any point within the influence of mining. Differential subsidence movements between parts of a given surface or sub-surface feature. Such differences (either in the direction or magnitude of movements) may lead to impacts on a surface or sub-surface feature. For

18 example, if every part of a building (or a given natural feature) is subject to movement of the same magnitude in one direction, this building is unlikely to be damaged. The tolerance of a given surface or sub-surface feature to the influence of mine subsidence. Depending on their characteristics and sitespecific conditions, the natural environment and man-made structures can withstand certain levels of mine subsidence. Not every feature will be affected. The occurrence, nature, severity, duration or reparability of subsidence impacts depend strongly on the magnitude/nature of subsidence, and the nature of the environmental system or man-made structure in question. Mine subsidence and rivers Mining under watercourses on floodplains, or in other relatively flat-lying areas, may result in localised diversion of water flows and possible increases in the incidence of flooding, erosion and other impacts. Mining under watercourses in steep valleys may result in small areas of ground in valley floors being forced upwards to relieve stress, an effect known as upsidence. Upsidence can result in a number of short-term impacts. Surface water may permeate into the shallow groundwater system through the resulting open fractures. This water will usually return to the surface further downstream, but may be chemically altered by minerals in the rock strata. During extended periods of dry weather, the loss of surface water from rivers or creeks may become evident with a noticeable but localised reduction in surface flows. Altered flows and stream chemistry may have an impact on the lifecycle of aquatic species and riparian vegetation. Subsidence prediction and management of impacts The prediction and management of mine subsidence aims to produce outcomes that are consistent with community and government expectations for responsible mining. The required management outcomes cannot be achieved without adequate understanding and assessment of site-specific factors that may affect the development of subsidence, and the responses of the environmental system or manmade structures in question. Like many other engineering disciplines involving geological materials, uncertainties are an inherent part of subsidence engineering and management. Management of subsidence must be risk-based, flexible, responsive and capable of dealing with unexpected changes or uncertainties. In recent years, significant progress has been made towards achieving a better understanding of subsidence development related to the natural environment. This has led to improvements in the accuracy of mine subsidence impact predictions. The NSW Government actively encourages the use of new mining techniques which have the potential to minimise subsidence or the effects of subsidence. The mining industry is in the process of developing and trialling technologies to meet these objectives. Economics of coal mining Coal mining continues to be an integral part of the NSW economy and is vital to the local power, steel and other industries. Domestic consumption of coal for these purposes was 33 million tonnes in In the NSW coal mining industry produced million tonnes of saleable coal, of which 33.9 million tonnes was produced by longwall mining. In , these activities provided direct employment for 9998 people, as well as $4.8 billion dollars of saleable coal, $354 million in royalties to the NSW Treasury and $3.7 billion in exports. High quality coking coal from southern Sydney and the Illawarra cannot be readily replaced by other sources, or economically mined by methods which do not result in subsidence. Although NSW is fortunate to have large amounts of coal, most of this resource is not mineable due to factors such as: poor coal quality inadequate seam thickness for practical mining difficult access geological factors such as faulting conflicting land uses (e.g. National Parks, dams and high density developments). Figure 2: Longwall coal shearer and hydraulic roof shield supports. PRIMEFACT 21, MINE SUBSIDENCE 2

19 Government regulation of mine subsidence impacts in NSW NSW Government policies aim to balance the economic and social benefits of mining with the Government s commitment to ensuring that the industry meets contemporary standards of environmental management. The NSW Government introduced a new subsidence management policy and approvals process in March This was to improve the assessment, management and regulation of subsidence effects due to underground coal mining, although the process applies to all mining likely to result in subsidence. Subsidence management plans (SMPs) The NSW Government subsidence management policy and approvals process requires mining operators to provide a Subsidence Management Plan (SMP) which must include: a full description of the area proposed to be impacted by mining activity, including areas of environmental, heritage or archaeological sensitivity an outline of existing mine workings within the application area, the proposed mine plan and a schedule of proposed mine development for the period to be covered by the SMP predictions of the expected extent of subsidence a full assessment of the potential environmental, land use and other impacts an assessment of the economic and social benefits and impacts of the proposed mine development relevant extracts of associated development consents, licences, and policies of other agencies a description of subsidence projections and actual impacts associated with any previous activities proposals to minimise impacts of surface subsidence, particularly in areas of environmental, heritage or archaeological sensitivity, or important built surface features proposals for ground and surface water management proposals for rehabilitation of subsidence impacts results of consultation with affected landowners, State and local agencies, and the general community details of proposals for ongoing community consultation. The SMP must be of a level of detail appropriate to the sensitivity of surface features, and the magnitude, extent and nature of the anticipated subsidence impacts arising from the proposed mining. The essential purpose of the SMP is to provide for the protection of important natural and built features. Protection may involve the avoidance of damage to particularly significant features, the mitigation of damage, or its rehabilitation. These protection measures are specifically designed for each longwall and its unique environment and are a key component of an SMP. The NSW Scientific Committee recently listed alteration of habitat following subsidence due to longwall mining as a key threatening process under the Threatened Species Conservation Act The Minister for the Environment has determined that the current SMP process addresses this key threatening process and that the development of a Threat Abatement Plan would be unnecessary. The SMP approval process Approvals will be granted only after consideration of all potential impacts on landholders and the environment. Should the potential impacts be deemed significant and unacceptable, particularly with regard to adjacent rivers and water supplies, then the proposal will be either modified or refused. An SMP is first assessed by an internal DPI review committee which reviews the technical merits and adequacy of the SMP regarding the potential impacts of subsidence. This committee may request amendments, or refer the SMP to an interagency committee comprising senior representatives from DPI, the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC), the Department of Planning (DoP), and the Mine Subsidence Board. Representatives from other agencies (such as the Sydney Catchment Authority, Dam Safety Committee, Roads and Traffic Authority and Heritage Office) are also involved where appropriate. The interagency committee considers: the potential impacts of the proposed activities on the environment the results of on-site monitoring whether there is a need to consult outside expertise in considering and conditioning subsidence-related environmental impacts whether the mining company should obtain an independent environmental audit or assessment. The committee develops conditions of approval and makes recommendations to the approval authority (the Director-General of DPI). These approvals are restricted to a maximum period of 7 years and are subject to annual review. PRIMEFACT 21, MINE SUBSIDENCE 3

20 Subsidence monitoring and reporting program Pre-mining baseline monitoring is required as part of an SMP. If an SMP is approved, the mining company must undertake a detailed and ongoing subsidence monitoring and reporting program to the satisfaction of DPI and other government agencies. Monitoring requirements include the comparison of predicted subsidence impacts with actual impacts to assess whether the observed subsidence is consistent with predictions. All significant incidents or variations to predicted subsidence or subsidence impacts must be reported to DPI within 48 hours of their identification. In consultation with the SMP committee, DPI may then require the mining company to increase monitoring, make changes to the mine plan, or immediately stop mining. Summary results and analysis of the monitoring must also be reported to DPI on a six-monthly basis and provided to all other government agencies with an identified interest. Government reviews of the results of monitoring or incident reports may lead to a review of the SMP, the amendment of its conditions, or a requirement to undertake rehabilitation works. Use of expert panels or audits may be required if mining is impacting on sensitive areas, or if monitoring or incident reports indicate unsatisfactory performance or unanticipated impacts. Enforcement of SMP approvals The existing enforcement provisions of the Mining Act 1992 apply to SMP approvals. The Minister for Mineral Resources is able to give directions relating to environmental management and rehabilitation conditions and attach additional environmental management conditions to the mining lease. If necessary, the Minister can suspend mining operations or cancel the lease. For contravention of conditions of title related to environmental management, fines of up to $110,000 can be imposed. Penalty notices for certain offences can also be issued by DPI officers. The costs of any rehabilitation undertaken by the Department can be recovered from the mining company. Failure to adhere to conditions or to satisfactorily remediate damage is taken into account when deciding whether to grant further SMP approvals to a mining company. Figure 3: Spatial database developed by DPI to assist in the management of the SMP process. Community consultation Community consultation during development of an SMP Mining companies are required to undertake an intensive program of consultation with stakeholders during the development of an SMP. The company must also advertise their intention to prepare an SMP in both a local and State newspaper. The advertisement must contain a map of the affected area and provide contact details for the company. Community submissions to government during the SMP approval process Mining companies must advertise their intention to submit an SMP for approval in both a local and State newspaper. This advertisement must include information about how to access a copy of the SMP. As part of their SMP, the mining company must: report on the public consultation process undertaken with affected landholders, local councils, the local Aboriginal community and the general community fully report and discuss the views expressed during the public consultation process report on how those views have been taken into account. Should the community feel that their views have not been properly taken into account in the development of the SMP, they may make submissions to DPI or other affected government agencies. These submissions will be considered during the government s assessment of the SMP. If an SMP is approved, the conditions of approval are made publicly available at Subsidence PRIMEFACT 21, MINE SUBSIDENCE 4

21 Community involvement after an SMP is approved The mining company may include proposals for ongoing community consultation within their SMP. This would usually be required in sensitive areas, or in areas where significant numbers of residents are directly affected by proposed mining operations. If no ongoing consultation has been proposed by the mining company, DPI may require this as a condition of the SMP approval. The NSW Mine Subsidence Board The Mine Subsidence Board is a service organisation operating for the community in coal mining areas of NSW, and is responsible for administering the Mine Subsidence Compensation Act This Act provides for compensation or repair services where buildings or other improvements are damaged by mine subsidence resulting from the extraction of coal. The Act also makes the Board responsible for reducing the risk of mine subsidence damage to properties by assessing and controlling the types of buildings and improvements which can be erected in Mine Subsidence Districts. Further information More information on the NSW subsidence management approvals process can be found at Subsidence Published by NSW Department of Primary Industries State of New South Wales 2006 ISSN Job number 6036 Updates of this Primefact are available at Disclaimer: The information contained in this publication is based on knowledge and understanding at the time of writing (February 2006). However, because of advances in knowledge, users are reminded of the need to ensure that information upon which they rely is up to date and to check currency of the information with the appropriate officer of New South Wales Department of Primary Industries or the user s independent adviser. PRIMEFACT 21, MINE SUBSIDENCE 5