Rolleston Coal Expansion Project

Transcription

1 Rolleston Coal Expansion Project ÎÑÔÔÛÍÌÑÒ ÑÐÛÒ ÝËÌ ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT SUMMARY BOOKLET APRIL 2014 Contents Expansion project 2 Development 3-8 of the project Public roads 9 Transport 9 Surface water 10 Groundwater Ecology 13 Land 14 Social and 15 economic values Cultural Heritage 16 Air Quality 17 Noise and vibration 18 Hazard and risk 19 Next stages 20 The Rolleston Coal Expansion Project (the Project) aims to secure the ongoing operation of Glencore s Rolleston Coal Mine. As part of our application to continue and expand the mine s current operations, an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) has been prepared to meet the requirements of the Environmental Protection Act 1994 and the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act This booklet has been prepared to provide the community with a summary of the information included in the EIS. Through careful planning and implementation, we believe the Project will: Enable us to continue operating with minimal impacts on our neighbours; Provide ongoing employment for mine workers and other service providers; the regional community, State and Federal economies; Continue to support local communities through corporate social initiatives; and Manage and minimise our impacts on the environment. As a member of the local community, we understand the importance of achieving a balance between an ongoing operation that supports the local community and managing the impacts of our operation. For this reason, a key component of the EIS has been consultation with the Project s stakeholders. We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has provided the feedback that has been used to guide the design of the Project and our management measures to date, and to encourage your further participation in the ongoing consultation that will take place throughout the EIS process. Project background For the past nine years, we (Xstrata Coal Queensland now Glencore Coal Queensland) have operated the Rolleston Coal Mine. This mine is an open cut operation in the Southern Bowen Basin, approximately 16km west of the town of Rolleston and 58km south east of Springsure. Approximately 450 people make up our workforce and our current operation is approved to produce up to 14 million tonnes of coal per annum. The majority of our coal is exported, however domestic markets are also supplied. We are now seeking approval to extend and continue the life of the existing Rolleston Coal Mine by approximately 30 years. This involves extracting coal from leases immediately adjacent to the current mining operation. About Glencore Coal Queensland During the preparation of the EIS, Xstrata plc. (The parent company of Xstrata Coal Queensland) merged with Glencore plc. The new entity, Glencore plc, is one of the world s largest As a result of this merger, Xstrata Coal Queensland has now changed its name to Glencore Coal Queensland Pty Ltd. Within the EIS, reference to Xstrata Coal Queensland remains. However, all future correspondence associated with the Project post completion of the EIS will refer to Glencore Coal Queensland Pty Ltd. 1 - Rolleston Coal Expansion Project GLENCORE GLENCORE Rolleston Coal Expansion Project - 1

2 The Project This booklet presents information about: What we are proposing to do; When the changes are proposed; Why we are proposing them; and What impacts are expected. expected? The following pages outline the key stages of the Project together with the results from the various assessments for each stage. As the EIS and Project progresses, we will continue to consult with our adjacent neighbours, stakeholders and other interested community members to ensure they are informed of our activities. Project Design The Project s design has been assessment. Information collected throughout this process has allowed us to avoid or minimise impacts wherever possible and provide more sustainable outcomes. The Project encompasses an area of 12,758 ha. However, the mine expansion has been designed to minimise the area of disturbance, with 5,649 ha likely to be disturbed. Project Construction Construction of the Project will occur progressively over a period of 9 years. During this time upgrades to existing mine infrastructure as well as new infrastructure will occur. This will include pipelines, levees, dams, creek diversions, and drains. It is also proposed to re-align the route of Springwood Road which will include bridge construction and a powerline realignment. To meet the projected workforce requirements, the existing accommodation village will be progressively expanded to provide another 100 rooms. Project Operation The operation of the Project will follow the same open cut methods currently used at the mine. The Project s increased production will result in additional trains entering and leaving the mine and increased amount of equipment onsite. To meet the requirements of the expansion, it is expected the workforce will increase gradually to approximately 660 full-time employees. What happens after we are gone? We have committed to providing a sustaining and non-polluting. This will support land uses that include grazing, infrastructure (including roads and dams) and areas of natural ecosystem. This will be achieved through a detailed mine closure plan which will be developed at least 5 years prior to closure. 2 - Rolleston Coal Expansion Project GLENCORE

3 The Development of the Project The following stage plans show how the Project will progress through the construction, operation and mine closure phases. Proposed Stage 1: Years 1 3 Key features of the Project at this stage Expansion of the workforce accommodation village. Upgrade of Mine Infrastructure Area on ML Upgrade of the Coal Handling Facility on ML Realignment of Mount Kelman Road Reserve Construction of a water storage dam and Sandy Creek diversion on MLA Construction of Meteor Creek levee on MLA70415, and dewatering of advancing mining areas. Construction of Gibbs Gully drainage re-alignment on MLA Realignment of Springwood Road and powerline. Please note that during realignment continued access to properties will be maintained. GLENCORE Rolleston Coal Expansion Project - 3

4 The Development of the Project Proposed Stage 2: Years 4 6 Key features of the Project at this stage Mining continues in same pits as Stage 1 with inclusion of W1 and W2 Pits. Construction of internal haul roads and the Mine Services Area and access road on MLA Construction of Bootes Creek Stage 1 diversion and Bootes Creek Stage 2 diversion. Construction of the Western Release dam and W3 dam. Paton s Spring Gully Drainage realignment Stage 1. Construction of internal mine power lines. Construction of raw water pipeline from Naroo Dam to the mine services area on MLA Upgrade to Communication and Information Management Systems in the mining lease. 4 - Rolleston Coal Expansion Project GLENCORE

5 The Development of the Project Proposed Stage 3: Years 7 9 Key features of the Project at this stage Mining continues in same pits as Stages 1 and 2 with inclusion of W3 Pit. Construction of Patons Spring Gully drainage re-alignment stage 2 and Gibbs Gully drainage re-alignment stage 2 on MLA GLENCORE Rolleston Coal Expansion Project - 5

6 The Development of the Project Proposed Stage 4: Years Key features of the Project at this stage No further mining in Meteor Creek Pit. Mining continues in Spring Creek Pit, Meteor West Pit, Bootes West Pit, Gibbs Gully Pit, Meteor South (A) Pit, Meteor South (B) Pit, W1 Pit, W2 Pit and W3 Pit. 6 - Rolleston Coal Expansion Project GLENCORE

7 The Development of the Project Proposed Stage 5: Years Key features of the Project at this stage Mining ceases in all pits except W3 and W4 Pits. GLENCORE Rolleston Coal Expansion Project - 7

8 The Development of the Project Stage 6: Years Key features of the Project at this stage Completion of mining in W3 and W4 Pits, commencement of site decommissioning 8 - Rolleston Coal Expansion Project GLENCORE

9 Public Roads Springwood Road Realignment of Springwood Road is required to maintain public access while allowing the mine pits to be developed. The road will not be used by mine vehicles as part of normal mining operations Two road relocations are currently of the road will be undertaken in consultation with government and affected local landholders. During construction, the road will remain open with continual access provided. Mount Kelman Access Road Reserve This reserve crosses through the western portion of the Project Site. A road is yet to be built within the reserve. Realignment of the reserve will be undertaken to maintain public access in the future should it be required. Transport The EIS contains a transport impact assessment, which considers throughout the various phases of the Project. The assessment also considers the realignment of Springwood Road and Mount Kelman Access Road Reserve. Shipping and Airports The Project is considered to have minimal impacts on transport with an estimated increase 3.7% in ship movements and 1.3% in airport movements. No further management of these externally owned assets is proposed. Rail Coal will be transported from the site to port using the existing rail network. The Project is expected to add approximately 2 additional trains per day to the network. To minimise the release of dust from wagons, the existing practice of smoothing and the veneering of coal in wagons will continue. The rail corridor will continue to be managed by an external party contracted by the mine to transport coal to the port. Roads Impacts from the Project on the regional transport network are not construction and operational phases. of the local roads during construction and operation. In order to manage the Project s impacts, a Road Use Management Plans will be developed prior to the commencement of construction. These plans will ensure that effects on public roads are reduced and that public safety is maintained. GLENCORE Rolleston Coal Expansion Project - 9

10 Surface water Water management system Surface water is currently managed at the existing mine through 2 primary water management systems: A clean water system to divert clean water around the site to preserve Flooding Detailed hydrologic and hydraulic assessments of the mine and its potential to property or public infrastructure would not be adversely affected by the increases in A pit water system which contains and separates mine affected water from the surrounding environment and allows for the reuse of this water for dust suppression. This excess mine water can be discharged, but only when it meets criteria contained in the mine s Environmental Authority. These systems have proven to be effective at the current mine and will be applied to the Project as well. The mine is also supplied with water from the nearby Naroo Dam for use in the accommodation village, workshop and mine infrastructure area. This dam is located on land owned by Glencore Coal Queensland. New water infrastructure To facilitate operation, new pipelines, levees, dams, creek diversions and drainage re-alignments will be constructed as part of the Project. This new infrastructure will add to the water management system used at the existing mine which was upgraded Water Balance A water balance model has been developed for the Project to assess the reliability of the proposed water management systems. The model takes into account local and regional weather data that has been checked against recorded historical data. It also contains potential for variation within climate. in periods of extended drought, and adequate storage to contain mine or prolonged wet weather. The water mine will not be needed to alter the existing discharge criteria in its current Environmental Authority. designed to cope with a 1 in 1000 year to the Project. that the systems and infrastructure proposed for the Project will provide Final Voids After the completion of mining, some voids will remain. These voids will and will be of a quality that is suitable for stock use. Modelling has also been completed to determine if the voids will overtop. The results of this modelling overtop with rehabilitation design to 10 - Rolleston Coal Expansion Project GLENCORE

11 Groundwater Groundwater Monitoring A groundwater monitoring network for the existing mine has been in place since The original groundwater monitoring network consisted of 12 bores. In 2011, the monitoring network was expanded through the addition of 11 new monitoring bores throughout the Project Site. Automatic water level data loggers have been installed in the new monitoring bores. Additional monitoring bores will be added over the life of the development to ensure actual impacts can be compared against those predicted in the studies. Assessment investigations and modelling was undertaken to determine the Project s potential impacts on groundwater. The assessment considered: Groundwater levels and the lowering of surrounding aquifers. Mine operation and seepage of groundwater into the pits. Impacts on landholder bores. Hydrological linkage to surface water (including wetlands). Environmental values such as groundwater dependent ecosystems. Groundwater Environment Groundwater within the Project Site indicates a number of aquifers of varying quality. They include; Quaternary alluvium - suitable for stock and irrigation, but too saline (in its raw form) for long-term human consumption. Tertiary basalt - suitable for stock, irrigation and in some areas human consumption. Permian aquifer - suitable for industry, stock and irrigation of some types. This water is not considered suitable for human consumption. GLENCORE Rolleston Coal Expansion Project - 11

12 Landholder Bores A bore census has been undertaken in the areas surrounding the Project which determined there are 91 bores present with a number being inactive. Of these bores, 45 are owned by Glencore Coal Queensland. Assessment indicates that of the 46 non-glencore owned bores, 17 may be impacted by the Project. Agreements to manage impacts on these bores will be made, with the by the level of impact upon the bore s capacity and the suitability of the required mitigation. Mitigation measures may include, for example, the upgrading of pumps, deepening of bores and redrilling of bores. Groundwater Dependent Ecosystems Wetlands within and surrounding the Project were assessed to determine if they are groundwater fed or surface water dependent. Surface water and groundwater sampling was conducted to compare the age of the water. Surface water in the wetlands was found to be much younger than groundwater, thus the wetlands are unlikely to be groundwater derived, but more likely to be surface water fed. Wetland site W1 adjacent to Sandy Creek included in the Groundwater Assessment 12 - Rolleston Coal Expansion Project GLENCORE

13 Ecology Terrestrial Flora The Project is situated in an area of land that has been used historically for grazing and agriculture. During this time, remnant vegetation was cleared over large areas of the Project Site. The remaining areas of remnant vegetation within the Project Site include natural grassland and open woodland. Regional ecosystems and threatened ecological communities protected by State and Commonwealth law exist within this area. This includes Coolibah Black Box Woodlands, Natural Grasslands, Brigalow and Semievergreen Vine Thickets. Construction of the Project will require the clearing of some remnant vegetation. This will be minimised through a number of initiatives such as: 1. Placement of new infrastructure in areas that have been cleared previously. 2. Use of existing infrastructure at the Rolleston Coal Mine. Terrestrial Fauna The Project Site is dominated by open plains. Small ridges and ephemeral creeks intersect these areas predominantly in the west. These landforms support areas of natural grassland, open woodland and ephemeral wetlands. The diversity of terrestrial and aquatic fauna within the Project area is low. occur and would be impacted by the clearing of vegetation, these include the Ornamental snake, Brigalow scaly-foot, Black-breasted button quail and Little pied bat. Efforts to minimise impacts on fauna are proposed. These relate to the retention of remnant vegetation (and associated habitat) and maintenance of water quality in ephemeral wetlands. Unavoidable impacts are to be offset, with large areas of regionally aside between the Mount Hope State Forest and Albinia National Park on property already owned by Xstrata Coal Queensland. Aquatic Ecology Aquatic ecosystem values are dictated primarily by the ephemeral and intermittent nature of the region s waterways, although agricultural development and mining within the the physical characteristics of aquatic habitat. The assessment found that the Project adverse impact on any vulnerable or threatened aquatic species, or ecological communities. Biodiversity Offsets Biodiversity Offsets for the clearing of vegetation and fauna habitat are proposed. Potential Offset lands being considered include portions the Mount Kelman and Meteor Downs properties which are located adjacent to the current operations and in the same bioregion. Providing ecological offsets will reduce long term impacts in the region and the loss of any biodiversity. GLENCORE Rolleston Coal Expansion Project - 13

14 Land Strategic Cropping Land Areas of strategic cropping land (SCL) occur within the Project Site. Efforts to avoid and minimise Project impacts on SCL have been undertaken. This includes the use of existing infrastructure and the establishment of new infrastructure on land of lesser value. This has resulted in impacts being reduced to 257 ha or 445 ha with the exact area dependant on the option for the relocation of Springwood Road. Residual impacts on SCL will be managed in accordance with the transitional arrangements of the Strategic Cropping Land Act Good Quality Agricultural Land The Project site contains areas of Good Quality Agricultural Land (GQAL) that will be directly impacted by the proposed mining activities. The areas impacted are predominantly used for livestock grazing. Although areas of the Project Site are suitable for agriculture, such land is relatively common in the surrounding Central Highlands Region. Rehabilitation is also proposed upon decommissioning and this will return large areas to a landuse suitable for grazing. On this basis, the Project is not considered to present a value. Landscape and Visual Amenity An assessment of the potential visual amenity and lighting impacts were conducted at locations representative of nearby landscape character are likely to occur Rolleston Coal Expansion Project GLENCORE

15 Social and economic values Social The key concerns raised by the community with regard to the Project were: Potential reduction to housing affordability. Increase in the perceived social divide. Issues with road safety. Increased demand on social infrastructure. Challenges in the attraction and retention of skilled labour. The community also raised a number of opportunities including: Increased local employment. Incentives for mining families to live in the towns. Affordable housing initiatives. Education and training initiatives. Local procurement opportunities for small businesses. Conduct, Cultural Heritage Management Plan and Social Involvement Plan. Through our Corporate Social Involvement Program, we will continue to work in partnership with the local community on a number of initiatives including the Rolleston Open Cut Community Fund, the Community administered by Central Highlands Regional Council) and a Community Reference Group. Previous initiatives undertaken by Glencore have included collaborative efforts with the Central Queensland Medicare Local and CHRC, with the the supply and installation of a health facility at Rolleston on land provided by Council. Since 2006, we have invested initiatives. Notes recorded by the Project Team at the As part of the EIS consultation in February 2012, community information workshops were held in Rolleston and Springsure. The workshops were open for anyone to attend and conducted in locations and at times to accommodate different schedules. The workshops introduced the Project and provided information to the community. The workshops also assisted in establishing and strengthening relationships with the community and presented opportunities for valuable input into technical studies. Economic Rolleston Health Facility associated with the Project. The assessment found that the Project Notes recorded by the Project Team at the Improved engagement between the mine and local communities. Issues raised by the community will continue to be addressed through the mine s Recruitment Policy, Fatigue Management Policy, Employee Code of Notes recorded by the Project Team at the Springsure workshop result of the investment for construction and operation. While the distribution of the economic impact may not be uniform across all businesses and individuals, on balance, the positive impacts are anticipated to outweigh the negative impacts experienced by certain groups. GLENCORE Rolleston Coal Expansion Project - 15

16 Cultural heritage Non-Indigenous cultural heritage The colonial history of the Project Site dates back to the 1850s, when taken up in the area. Consolidated into the Meteor and Albinia Downs Run in 1887, these runs contained a variety of infrastructure, including yards, fences, huts and wells. Over the next 150 years, the Meteor Downs and Albinia Downs runs were used for sheep and then cattle grazing. From the 1930s, a number of parcels of land were subdivided from the original run to establish new grazing farms. The pastoral heritage of Meteor Downs and Albinia Downs is represented by two reported heritage places the Tyson Steam Tractor and the Albinia Dip and Yards. Both sites are located outside the area proposed for development. Three potential areas of European heritage exist within the Project Site: the Meteor Downs hut and the two yard sites. Information on their location is poorly documented and archaeological material may not co-exist in the area. Procedures will be put in place to stop work and recover material should it be found. With the application of these procedures, the Project is not impact on known non-indigenous cultural heritage. Indigenous cultural heritage Archaeological research indicates that Aboriginal people have occupied the region around the Project area for at least 18,000 years, with a marked increase in occupation density in the last 3000 years. When European colonists around 500 Aboriginal people. This number dropped steadily due to disease and frontier violence, until the majority of Aboriginal people were removed from the area by the government in the early 20th century to settlements within the region. At the Project Site, a number of Indigenous cultural heritage places of known importance exist. Given the number of known sites and the time and depth of occupation in the region, it is likely that further Indigenous heritage sites of these cultural heritage sites will be managed through Cultural Heritage Management Plans (CHMP) that have been developed and approved in accordance with the relevant statutory requirements. Surveys and management measures have already commenced in accordance with the existing Rolleston Coal Mine CHMP Rolleston Coal Expansion Project GLENCORE

17 Air Quality Modelling Dust dispersion modelling has been undertaken to predict ground-level concentrations in the local area surrounding the Project. This process considered meteorological data from around the region, natural sources of dust and other mines. The study modelled Total Suspended Particulates (TSP), PM10 and PM2.5 predicted emissions. Study Findings The study compared the predicted results against the objectives set out in the Environmental Protection Policy (Air) 2008 and concluded that: No off site impacts due to emissions from the Project were predicted for TSP dust deposition and 24 hour average PM2.5 concentrations. Annual average PM2.5 concentrations were predicted to exceed the Project objectives at 1 Glencore Coal Queensland owned property. Exceedances of the 24 hour PM10 Project objective were predicted at one private property and the two Glencore Coal Queensland owned properties. Management Dust minimisation strategies used at the existing mine, such as the application of water to haul roads, veneering of coal wagons and progressive rehabilitation were considered in the assessment and will be continued for the Project. The project team have reached an agreement with the owners of the one affected private property to mitigate potential impacts on air quality at their location. To monitor air quality, a continuous monitoring system will be used. This system has proven reliable at the existing mine and will be extended for the Project. The air quality impact assessment undertaken for the Project has determined that, with the appropriate impacts on air quality as a result of the Project are expected. Particulate sizes TSP total suspended particulate matter - all suspended particles in the air. The upper size range is typically PM10 particles with equivalent aerodynamic diameters of less PM2.5 particles with equivalent aerodynamic diameters of less (a subset of PM10). Often referred to as GLENCORE Rolleston Coal Expansion Project - 17

18 Noise and Vibration Modelling An assessment of the potential noise and vibration emissions has been undertaken for the Project. Noise emissions were modelled using typical worst case scenarios of Year 7 and Year 14 of the Project s operation and meteorological conditions typical of the area. In determining the worst case scenario, location of equipment, location of receptors and the amount of mining were considered. Study Findings The assessment of operational noise impacts found that emissions from the Project at sensitive receptors are forecast to comply with the nominated noise criteria. Vibration Ground vibration and overpressure impacts from blasting were predicted using methods contained in Australian Standards. With continued implementation of the current blast management practices, the Project s airblast overpressure and ground vibration impacts are predicted to comply with the nominated criteria at all sensitive receptors Rolleston Coal Expansion Project GLENCORE

19 Hazard and risk In addressing natural and man-made hazards associated with the Project, the risks involving people and property were considered. A preliminary hazard analysis found that high risk activities were likely to occur throughout all stages of the Project. However, following the implementation of mitigation and response measures, the residual impact rating was reduced to acceptable levels. Health and Safety Potential impacts on people and property as a result of the Project have been assessed across the construction, operation and decommissioning phases. The assessment considered: Dust and air emissions. Noise and vibration. Road use and safety. Contaminant release. Disease vectors. Natural hazards and emergencies. The existing Health, Safety, Environment and Community (HSEC) systems and policies at the Rolleston Coal Mine, specify strict controls to mitigate potential impacts on health and safety values. These systems and policies would be reviewed operations as a result of the Project. Health and safety values will be protected through application of the proposed management and mitigation strategies, including implementation of the amended Rolleston Coal HSEC System. Rolleston Coal existing Risk Management Framework Waste General Waste The reporting and management of wastes associated with the construction, operation and decommissioning of the Project would be undertaken in accordance with relevant legislation, guidelines and existing, but amended, management plans. It is expected that a large portion of waste generated by the Project would be managed through reuse and recycling, with disposal through a suitably located licensed, off site Waste Rock (Overburden) The mine waste rock likely to be generated through construction and operation of the Project was sampled and analysed. The analysis determined that most rock is non-acid forming and with appropriate management (as used at the existing Rolleston Coal environment are likely to occur. GLENCORE Rolleston Coal Expansion Project - 19

20 Next stages Public Exhibition of EIS We have compiled our EIS and it is now on public exhibition until Wednesday 21st May Advertising of the public exhibition period was included in The Weekend Australian, The Courier Mail and local newspapers, including The Central Queensland News. An electronic copy of the EIS can be viewed on our project website. Hard copies are also available to view at various locations including the Rolleston, Springsure and Emerald libraries. Contact Us We encourage you to contact us should you have any questions or require further information. Phone: Further information is available on our website. We trust you have found this booklet useful and look forward to your continued feedback on the Rolleston Coal Expansion Project Rolleston Coal Expansion Project GLENCORE