Noise Management Plan

Transcription

1 Boggabri Coal Operations Pty Ltd Noise Management Plan January 2016

2 Revision Control Chart Rev No Original Revision Date Prepared by Reviewed by Approved by 25 Jan 2012 N Pennington 4 Dec 2012 N Pennington 17 Apr 2013 N Pennington C Royal 5 Nov 2013 N Pennington 14 May 2014 N Pennington / B Bird 16 July 2014 N Pennington / B Bird 4 September 2014 S Crick 23 October 2014 N Elvers 20 January 2015 N Elvers 22 January 2016 T Welbourne W Jones B Bird B Bird B Bird B Bird B Bird S Crick S Crick S Crick A Blakeney J Rennick J Green J Green J Green J Green J Green J Green J Green J Green H Russell Distribution Control Controlled copies will be distributed to and retained by relevant personnel including key Boggabri Coal Pty Limited (BCPL), agency and contractor representatives. Company Idemitsu Australia Resources Group BCPL Department of Trade and Investment, Regional Infrastructure and Services Division of Resources and Energy Department of Planning and Environment Downer EDI Mining LCR Coal Position Group Manager Environment and Sustainability Environment Superintendent Regional Environment Officer Senior Planner Project Manager Project Manager Uncontrolled Copies Uncontrolled copies may be issued on the authority of the BCPL Environment Superintendent. Such copies will neither be numbered nor kept up to date.

3 Contents Page number 1. Introduction Overview Aim of this NMP Elements covered by this NMP Statutory requirements Existing environment Background noise Sensitive receptors Equipment sound power levels Noise criteria Noise affected land Operational noise criteria Cumulative noise criteria Noise management measures Approved hours of work Noise mitigation measures Risk response procedure and matrix Property mitigation and acquisition Cumulative noise management for the BTM Complex Monitoring Attended monitoring Real-time monitoring Cumulative noise monitoring Meteorological monitoring Mobile equipment monitoring Reporting Annual environment management report Attended monitoring reporting Community consultation committee reporting Environment incidents Incident and complaint management Incident management Complaint response protocol Corrective and preventative actions Non-compliances and corrective actions Preventive actions BCPL Page 1

4 10. Training and awareness Visitors induction Site induction Toolbox talks Task specific training Roles and responsibilities NMP review Contingency plan References List of tables Page number Table 2.1 Project Approval noise management plan conditions 6 Table 3.2 Modelled sound power levels (Ref: EA Acoustic Assessment, Table 6) 11 Table 4.3 Maximum predicted noise levels 13 Table 4.4 Operational noise criteria db(a) 13 Table 4.5 Cumulative noise criteria db(a) LAeq(Period) 14 Table 5.6 Approved hours 15 Table 5.7 Mitigation measures for operational activities 16 Table 5.8 Investigation and action trigger levels 18 Table 5.9 Risk response matrix 20 Table 6.10 Existing Boggabri Coal Mine historical noise monitoring locations 23 Table 6.11 Boggabri Coal Mine attended noise monitoring locations 23 Table 6.12 Attended noise monitoring locations for BTM Complex mines 26 Table Roles and responsibilities for implementation of this plan 34 Table Responsibilities monitoring 35 Table Site contacts 35 Page 2 BCPL

5 Glossary Glossary AEMR Annual Environmental Management Report ARTC Australian Rail Track Corporation BCEP Boggabri Coal Expansion Project BCM Boggabri Coal Mine BCPL Boggabri Coal Pty Limited BCT Boggabri Coal Terminal BTM Complex Boggabri-Tarrawonga-Maules Creek Complex CCC Community Consultative Committee CEMP Construction Environment Management Plan CHPP Coal Handling and Preparation Plant db Decibel db (A) A Decibel DoE Commonwealth Department of the Environment DP&E NSW Department of Planning and Environment EA Environmental Assessment ENCM Environmental Noise Control Manual EPA Environment Protection Authority EP&A Act Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, 1979 EPL Environmental Protection Licence INP NSW Industrial Noise Policy 2000 Km Kilometre MCP Maules Creek Project MOP Mining Operations Plan Mt Million Tonnes Mtpa Million Tonnes Per Annum NMP Noise Management Plan NMS Noise Management Strategy OCE Open Cut Examiner OEH NSW Office of Environment and Heritage PAC NSW Planning Assessment Commission Part 3a Part 3a of Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, 1979 POEO Act Protection of the Environment (Operations) Act, 1997 SPL Sound Power Level ROM Run of Mine BCPL Page 3

6 1. Introduction 1.1 Overview Boggabri Coal Mine is located 15 km north-east of the township of Boggabri in north-western New South Wales. The project is an open cut coal mine that has been operating since Truck and shovel operations produce a crushed and screened run-of-mine (ROM) coal product. Coal is transported on a sealed private haul road to a rail loading facility, where coal is dispatched for overseas consumption via the Port of Newcastle. The mine is managed by Boggabri Coal Pty Limited (BCPL), who engages contractors to undertake construction, mining, coal crushing and transportation activities. The original development consent for BCPL (DA36/88) allowed the mine to produce 5 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) of run of mine (ROM) coal by open cut methods with mining operations undertaken 24 hours a day, seven days a week. However, a 2011 modification restricted the extraction rate to 3.5 Mtpa of ROM coal as part of a 2 year extension to mining operations. A modification, approved in June 2012, allowed for an increase in height of the overburden emplacement area (OEA) by 55 m. This modification was submitted to allow for the continuation of operations until an earlier major project application was assessed. The earlier major project application was lodged under the now-repealed Part 3A of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act) and was approved by the PAC, under delegation by the Minister in July The Boggabri Project Approval (DA 09_0182) allows Boggabri to extend its mining operations for a further 21 years, and increase its production rate to 7 Mtpa of ROM coal from a total resource of 145 Mt. The Project includes operation of existing ancillary equipment; construction of a new coal handling and preparation plant; a 17 km rail spur line; bridges over the Namoi River and Kamilaroi Highway; a rail load-out facility located at the mine; upgrade of the overburden and coal extraction haulage fleet (with an option for a drag-line); upgrade of electricity transmission lines; and other ancillary infrastructure. A modification (Modification 3) was lodged in November 2013 to allow BCPL to transport coal from site by road until the rail spur is commissioned; this was approved in March Schedule 3, Condition 13 of the Project Approval requires the preparation of a Noise Management Plan (NMP). This plan has been prepared in fulfilment of the requirements. The specific requirements of the NMP are listed in Table 2.1. Consultation with the Boggabri Coal Community Consultative Committee (CCC) and the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) was undertaken during preparation of the NMP (refer to Section 2). All BCPL staff and contractors working at Boggabri Coal Mine are required to operate in compliance with this NMP. 1.2 Aim of this NMP The aim of this NMP is to outline the processes for achieving the following objectives: to facilitate compliance with the Project Approval, Environment Protection Licence (EPL) (the EPL), Mining leases CL 368, A355, A339 and all relevant environment legislation Page 4 BCPL

7 to ensure that works are managed to minimise adverse noise impacts on the community and the environment to detail specific noise management and mitigation measures for site personnel to outline the mine s monitoring and reporting requirements related to noise; and to provide clear definition of the roles and responsibilities for noise management that apply to all BCPL employees and contractors. 1.3 Elements covered by this NMP This management plan applies to all employees and contractors at the Boggabri Coal Mine and covers all areas within the Project Boundary as defined in the Project Approval. A figure showing the extent of these areas is provided in Appendix A. This NMP covers all operational activities that have the potential to generate noise at the Boggabri Coal Mine. Construction activities that have the potential to generate noise at the Boggabri Coal Mine will be managed via the Construction Environment Management Plan (CEMP), which has been developed in accordance with this management plan. Cumulative noise management for Boggabri Coal Mine and the neighbouring Tarrawonga and Maules Creek Coal Mines is detailed in the Boggabri-Tarrawonga-Maules Creek (BTM Complex) Noise Management Strategy (NMS). Key elements of the NMS are discussed in Sections 5 and 6 of this NMP. BCPL Page 5

8 2. Statutory requirements Project Approval conditions outlining the requirements for a noise management plan are detailed in Table 2.1, together with a reference to where these conditions are addressed in this NMP. Additional legislative requirements relevant to noise management at the Boggabri Coal Mine, and references to where they have been addressed in this NMP are provided in Appendix B. Table 2.1 Project Approval noise management plan conditions Applicable Condition Requirement NMP Reference Schedule 3 Condition 13 The Proponent shall prepare and implement a Noise Management Plan for the project to the satisfaction of the Director-General. This plan must: a be prepared in consultation with the EPA and the CCC, and submitted to the Director-General for approval within 6 months of the date of this approval; b describe the measures that would be implemented to ensure: i) best management practice is being employed; ii) the noise impacts of the project are minimised during meteorological conditions when the noise limits in this approval do not apply; and iii) compliance with the relevant conditions of this approval; Whole NMP Document Appendix D Section 5 c describe the proposed noise management system in detail; Whole NMP Document d include a risk/response matrix to codify mine operational responses to varying levels of risk resulting from weather conditions and specific mining activities; e include commitments to provide summary reports and specific briefings at CCC meetings on issues arising from noise monitoring; f include a monitoring program that: i) uses a combination of real time and supplementary attended monitoring to evaluate the performance of the project; ii) adequately supports the proactive and reactive noise management system on site; iii) uses predictive meteorological forecasting to incorporate proactive mitigation measures to manage noise impacts; iv) includes monitoring of inversion strength at an appropriate sampling rate to determine compliance with noise limits; v) evaluates and reports on the effectiveness of the noise management system on site; vi) provides for the annual validation of the noise model for the project; and g includes a Leard Forest Mining Precinct Noise Management Strategy that has been prepared in consultation with other coal mines in the Precinct to minimise the cumulative noise impacts of all mines within the Precinct, that includes: i) systems and processes to ensure that all mines are managed to achieve their noise criteria; ii) a shared environmental monitoring network and data sharing protocol; and h procedures for identifying and apportioning the source/s and contribution/s to cumulative noise impacts for operating mines and other sources, using the noise and meteorological monitoring network and appropriate investigative tools. The Proponent shall ensure that the noise and air quality risk/response matrices required to be developed in the Noise and Air Quality Section 5.3 Section 7.3 Section 6 BTM Complex Noise Management Strategy Sections 5.3, Page 6 BCPL

9 Applicable Condition Requirement Management Plans and validated real time monitoring data are available on line and includes: timely publication of validated monitoring data in a clearly understandable form; identification of mine operational responses to monitoring data and weather forecasts; and provision for on-line input /response by members of the community and real time engagement with regionally-based regulatory compliance staff, to the satisfaction of the Director-General. NMP Reference 6.3 and 6.4 BCPL Page 7

10 3. Existing environment 3.1 Background noise Boggabri Coal Mine and the neighbouring Tarrawonga and Maules Creek Coal Mines are located in a quiet rural area, away from major roads or other major industry. Monitoring had demonstrated that background levels regularly fall to 30 dba or below. A background noise level of 30 dba was adopted for all receivers and time periods in accordance with the NSW Industrial Noise Policy. 3.2 Sensitive receptors Receptors sensitive to noise impacts from construction and operational activities associated with the Boggabri Coal Mine were identified in the Environmental Assessment (EA). Noise impacts on sensitive receptors were modelled for year 1 (2012), year 5 (2016), year 10 (2021) and year 21 (2032) of operations. The 35dB (A) and 40dB (A) noise contours for each of these years of operations was mapped to show the extent of the areas likely to be impacted. Modelled noise impacts, as detailed in the EA, are shown in Figures 3.1 and 3.2. The sensitive receptors within and surrounding the areas bounded by the modelled noise impact contours will be subject to varying levels of noise mitigation and management, as outlined in Section 5. Page 8 BCPL

11 Figure 3.1 Indicative 35 dba noise contours BCPL Page 9

12 Figure 3.2 Indicative 40 dba noise contours Page 10 BCPL

13 3.3 Equipment sound power levels Mobile and stationary noise sources will be monitored annually in accordance with Conditions 9 and 10 of Schedule 3 of the Project Approval to ensure continued compliance with the sound power levels listed in Table 3.2. The sounds power levels and plant numbers in Table 3.2 are consistent with those used to undertake noise impact assessment modelling in the EA. Table 3.2 Modelled sound power levels (Ref: EA Acoustic Assessment, Table 6) Plant Item Maximum Number Number db(a),laeq (current) (End of MOP) D11 Dozer 116 db(a) 9 15 Overburden Drill 117 db(a) 3 7 Rope Shovel 118 db(a) 0 0 Excavators 120 db(a) 5 5 Overburden haul (uphill)* 119 db(a) Overburden haul (on flat)* 117 db(a) Loader 117 db(a) 1 2 Grader 115 db(a) Water Cart 117 db(a) 7 4 Coal preparation Plant 117 db(a) 0 1 ROM feeder/breaker 109 db(a) 0 1 Train loading bin 103 db(a) 1 1 Train (50 km/h) 126 db(a) 0 Various Coal trucks 120 db(a) 8 8 * Dynamic test in general accordance with ISO 6395:2008(E). BCPL Page 11

14 4. Noise criteria Noise criteria and conditions applicable to the Boggabri Coal Mine are specified in the Project Approval and summarised in the following subsections. 4.1 Noise affected land Project Approval Schedule 3, Conditions 3 and 4 describe the actions the Proponent is required to follow with regard to receivers on noise affected land as follows. 3. For privately-owned residences identified within the project s 35dB(A) noise impact contour (see Appendix 4A) the owner(s) can make a written request to the Proponent for one of the following: (a) (b) mitigation (such as double glazing, insulation and air conditioning) at the residence in consultation with the owner(s). These measures must be reasonable and feasible and directed towards reducing the noise impacts of the project on the residence. If within 3 months of receiving this request from the owner(s), the Proponent and owner(s) 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; or acquisition of the residence and land in accordance with the procedures in conditions 8-9 of Schedule 4. Upon receiving a written request from the owner(s), the Proponent must undertake whichever option has been requested by the owner(s). However, this condition does not apply if the Proponent has an agreement with the owner(s) of the relevant residence to generate higher noise levels, and the Proponent has advised the Department in writing of the terms of this agreement. Notes: 1. For the purposes of this condition a privately-owned residence is defined as a residence not owned by a mining company that: is regularly occupied; or is an existing residence that is not regularly occupied but for which a valid development consent exists; or is a proposed residence for which a development application has been lodged with the relevant authority prior to the date of this approval. 2. For the purposes of acquisition under this condition, parcels of land that are in close proximity and operated as a single agricultural enterprise should be considered as part of the land to be acquired. Where the Proponent and the owner(s) cannot agree on whether non-contiguous parcels of land should be included, either party may refer the matter to the Director-General for resolution. The Director-General s decision as to the lands to be included for acquisition under the procedures in conditions 8 and 9 of Schedule 4 shall be final. 4. Where the owner(s) of a residence included in condition 3 of this schedule have opted for either an agreement to generate higher noise levels or mitigation under condition 3(a), and the owner(s) have reason to believe that the noise impacts at the residence are more than 3 db(a) above the predicted noise levels for that residence (see Table 4.3), the owner(s) can request an independent noise impact assessment for the residence. The request shall be made in writing to the Director- General. If the Director-General considers that a noise impact assessment is warranted, then the Proponent shall commission the assessment. If the noise impact assessment determines that the noise generated by the project causes sustained exceedances, or is likely to cause sustained exceedances, of the predicted noise levels by more than 3 db(a) the owner(s) may require the Proponent to acquire the residence and land in accordance with the procedures in conditions 8-9 of Schedule 4. Page 12 BCPL

15 Table 4.3 Maximum predicted noise levels Location Property/ID Day Evening Night Night (LAeq (15 min)) (LAeq (15 min)) (LAeq (15 min)) (LA1 (1 min)) , , , , 33, 79, Note: 1. To interpret the locations referred to in Table 4.3, see the applicable figure in Appendix The noise assessment must be undertaken by a suitably qualified, experienced and independent person, whose appointment has been approved by the Director-General and include either: a. sufficient monitoring at the affected residence to allow for assessment of the impacts under a range of meteorological conditions (including adverse conditions) likely to be experiences at the residence; or b. Sufficient monitoring to allow reliable prediction of the likely impacts under the range of meteorological conditions (including adverse conditions) likely to be experienced at the residence. 3. Monitoring should be conducted in accordance with the requirements of the NSW Industrial Noise Policy. 4. Where predictions of likely impacts is to be used, either in substitution for, or in conjunction with, direct measurement of noise impacts at the residence, it must be based on sufficient monitoring data to provide a reliable estimate of the impacts (including under adverse meteorological conditions) and be derived using standard noise modeling techniques accepted by the EPA. 5. The Proponent shall ensure that the requested noise impact assessment is submitted to the Director-General within 3 months of the Director-General s decision that the assessment was warranted. The Proponent shall also provide a copy of the assessment to the owner(s) of the residence at the same time it is submitted to the Director-General. 6. Note 2 to condition 3 of this Schedule applies to acquisition under this condition. 4.2 Operational noise criteria The operational noise criteria applicable to all properties not identified in Conditions 3 and 4, as adopted from Project Approval Schedule 3, Condition 5, are detailed in Table 4.4. The criteria apply to all on-site noise sources including mining and coal processing equipment, coal truck movement on the private haul road to Boggabri Coal Terminal (BCT), train loading equipment and train movements on the private rail spur. BCPL will implement various management approaches to ensure that the noise generated by the Project does not exceed the criteria in Table 4.4 at any residence on privately-owned land. Management measures are outlined in Section 5. Table 4.4 Operational noise criteria db(a) Location Day Evening Night LAeq(15 min) LAeq(15 min) LAeq(15 min) LA1(1 min) All privately owned land Condition 6 of Schedule 3 (produced in full in Appendix B, Table B.1 of this NMP) allows for noise mitigation or property acquisition if an independent noise assessment determines that the noise BCPL Page 13

16 generated by the Project causes sustained exceedances, or is likely to cause sustained exceedances, of the noise criteria in Table 4.5. The various scenarios under which BCPL will be required to mitigate or acquire landholder properties are described in detail in Section Cumulative noise criteria BCPL shall implement all reasonable and feasible measures to ensure that the noise generated by the development combined with the noise generated by other mines in the area does not exceed the criteria, as outlined in Schedule 3, Condition 7 of the Project Approval and detailed in Table 4.5, at any residence on privately-owned land. Table 4.5 Cumulative noise criteria db(a) LAeq(Period) Location Day Evening Night All privately owned land Condition 8 of Schedule 3 (produced in full in Appendix B, Table B.1 of this NMP) allows for noise mitigation or property acquisition if an independent noise survey shows that the cumulative noise generated by the Project and others mine(s) causes sustained exceedances, or is likely to cause sustained exceedances, of the cumulative noise criteria in Table 4.5. Mitigation is described further in Table 5.7 and Section 5.4. Landholder property acquisition scenarios for Boggabri Coal Mine are described in Appendix C. Cumulative noise mitigation and acquisition is discussed further in the BTM Complex NMS. Page 14 BCPL

17 5. Noise management measures A combination of the following noise control measures will be used by BCPL to ensure predictions are met, minimise potential adverse operational noise impacts on receivers and reduce the mine s area of potential impact. Management actions related to construction activities are included in the CEMP. 5.1 Approved hours of work Project operational activities (construction works are considered in a separate CEMP) will be undertaken in accordance within the hours specified under Project Conditions of Consent listed in Table 2.1 and summarised in Table 5.6 below. Table 5.6 Approved hours Activity Monday to Friday Saturday Sunday and Public Holidays Operational activities 24 hours 7 days 24 hours 7 days 24 hours 7 days Blasting* 9:00 am to 5:00 pm 9:00 am to 5:00 pm No Blasting Note: * 1 blast per day (unless an additional blast is required following a blast misfire) and no more than 4 blasts per week, averaged over a calendar year. 5.2 Noise mitigation measures Proactive noise mitigation measures that will be applied during operational activities at the Boggabri Coal Mine are outlined in Table 5.7. The table also specifies the key parties that will be responsibility for implementation of each management measure. Noise mitigation measures that will be applied during construction activities related to the spur line construction is considered in a separate CEMP. However, construction activities within the Mining Infrastructure Area (MIA) including the construction of the Coal Handling and Preparation Plant (CHPP), water infrastructure, load out facilities etc. are incorporated into the Noise Management Plan. BCPL Page 15

18 Table 5.7 Mitigation measures for operational activities Activity/ aspect Procurement Coal haulage Management control Ensuring any additional trucks purchased for the haulage of coal along the BCPL private haul road achieve a sound power level of 108 dba or less Ensuring all new trucks, dozers, drills and excavators purchased for use on site after 18th July 2012 are commissioned as noise-suppressed (or attenuated) units Ensuring that all new equipment and noise control measures deliver sound power levels that are equal to or better than the sound power levels listed in Table 3.1 of this NMP and that correspond to best practice or the application of best available technology economically achievable Selecting vehicle reverse alarms, horns, start alarms and other audible warning devices that produce the lowest possible noise levels consistent with relevant safety standards Operating product haul trucks to the following speed limits to minimise noise and air quality impacts. Area Mining area Product haul road Mine access road and other light vehicle roads Speed limit 60km/hr 80km/hr 50km/hr Car parks and infrastructure areas 20km/hr Note: speed limits may be varied in response to adverse weather conditions, air quality monitoring results or other factors. BCPL Responsibility for implementation Mining contractor Coal haulage contractor BCEP Coal handling Loading trains and private spur line Ensuring idlers do not have uneven surfaces Screening or partially enclosing conveyer belt motors Using low noise motors Using vibration absorbing pads on supporting springs for vibrating screens Limiting the speed of the track dozers in reverse Ensuring belt covers do not have ripples or imperfections Enclosing the train loading chute and bin Ensuring rail lines are thermit welded Undertaking regular inspections of trains and wagons Not permitting train horns as a form of communication at BCT Undertaking regular maintenance on trains and wagons to minimise noise generated Ensuring that the Boggabri Rail Spur Line is only accessed by locomotives that are approved to operate on the Page 16 BCPL

19 Activity/ aspect Open cut mining Maintenance Management control NSW rail network in accordance with the noise limits in ARTC's EPL (No. 3142) Ensuring that rolling stock supplied by service providers on the Boggabri Rail Spur Line is designed and constructed to minimise noise Ensuring any new rail rolling stock manufactured specifically for the project is designed and constructed to minimise noise Focusing on out of round trains and wagon wheels and brake noise Designing Rail Spur Line and bridge crossing to minimise noise Conduct train speed noise testing to optimise train speed for minimum noise Fitting all new mining trucks with best practise exhaust silencers Progressively fitting the existing haul truck fleet with best practise exhaust silencers by the end of July 2013 Implementing an annual monitoring plan to ensure that the effectiveness of attenuated plant is maintained Directing the overburden haul truck fleet to higher, exposed emplacement areas during favourable weather conditions (generally during the day) and to lower, more shielded emplacement areas where possible during noise enhancing weather conditions (generally during the evening and night) Placing overburden in strategic locations to provide additional screening between noise sources on the site and nearby noise sensitive areas Constructing noise bunds along the edge of any exposed ramps at exposed elevations on the overburden emplacement area Where possible, scheduling noisier activities to occur during the day time period (7 am to 6 pm) Substituting alternative, quieter operating methods or machines. This may include operating equipment at lower speeds and/or adopting new technologies to reduce potential noise emissions and even extend to ceasing operating equipment that is identified as the dominant noise source(s) until weather conditions are more favourable Continuing to monitor noise levels following implementation of a change to mining activities to confirm the change has been effective Limiting the speed of the track dozers in reverse Predictive met forecasting and real time noise monitoring to guide the day to day planning of mining operations Equipment found to have defects that lead to elevated noise emissions will not be returned to operations until repaired Ensuring plant and equipment is maintained regularly and in accordance with manufacturer s requirements Where reasonable and feasible, improving existing noise suppression equipment as technologies become available BCPL Responsibility for implementation Mining contractor Coal haulage contractor BCEP BCPL Page 17

20 5.3 Risk response procedure and matrix This section describes how the risk of noise level exceedances is to be managed. Following installation of the proposed cumulative real time noise monitoring system (as outlined in the NMS), a series of trigger levels will be set and investigation and high level criteria confirmed through the integrated software. A trigger action response matrix is outlined in Table 5.8, to manage alarms, complaints and incidents. The trigger action response matrix will be refined as the cumulative network is progressively implemented, tested and improved. The timing of the above is outlined in the NMS. Noise monitoring levels will be communicated to environmental personnel and the Open Cut Examiner (OCE) via SMS, and/or other systems integrated into operating processes (depending on needs). The level of the noise alert will be determined in accordance with Trigger Levels in Table 5.3. The table outlines the action required once the alert is issued. Table 5.8 Investigation and action trigger levels Noise alert level Trigger level Description/action required Investigation Action Any real time monitors reach a level 3dB below the project-specific criterion for the residence nearest to the monitor. Any of the real time monitors reach a level 1 db below the project-specific noise criteria. Comparing the low-pass (initially 800 Hz) LAeq level with the total LAeq level to determine whether mine noise (predominantly lower-frequency) is a likely cause of elevated noise levels. Listening to the most recent audio files to see if the source(s) of the increasing noise can be identified. Audio recordings of one minute duration would typically be taken every five minutes. Reviewing meteorological data to determine whether increasing noise levels may be due to wind or temperature inversions. Low speed winds can affect noise levels due to the location of the monitor in relation to the noise source and high speed winds generally increase environmental noise levels. Preparatory measures will be implemented or ready to be implemented in accordance with the risk response matrix. Relevant personnel are required to implement controls in accordance with the risk response matrix. Once either an investigation or action noise alert is triggered, the procedures outlined in the risk response matrix provided in Table 5.4 would be followed. The risk response matrix will be refined as the cumulative network is progressively implemented, tested and improved. The timing of the above is outlined in the NMS. Page 18

21 It is important to note that once the real-time noise management system is operational, trigger levels would be reviewed as part of the NMS, updated and refined following a review of the data and calibration of the system. If the trigger levels are not appropriate to site operations (too many or too few investigation or action responses) they will be revised. Different trigger levels may be set for each monitoring location within the cumulative network, depending on the noise criterion for the nearest receiver to the monitor. Trigger levels will also be regularly assessed as part of the ongoing review of this plan. The trigger levels can be used as a starting point for identifying the most significant contributor(s) to elevated noise. Consideration of the prevailing winds and temperature inversions is paramount in this analysis and it is anticipated that trigger levels would be developed and refined over during the ongoing review process. Initially, seasonal wind trends (generally northwest in cooler months and southeast in warmer months) will guide placement of the mobile real-time monitor when it is not being used to monitor a specific residence. That is, the mobile monitor would be placed at a location generally northwest of the mine in summer and at a location generally southeast of the mine in winter, unless community feedback suggests a different location. BCPL

22 Table 5.9 Risk response matrix Noise Risk Level Level 1- Investigate and prepare Level 2- Action required Noise alert level Investigation noise alert received Action noise alert level received Activity/ Risk Investigation Response Action Response, implement until Noise Risk Level reduced. General (Trigger level exceeded) Unfavourable metrological conditions Noise complaint received Exceedance of Project Approval criteria during noise monitoring Listen to audio recording and determine likely noise source. Compare the low-pass LAeq level with the total LAeq level to determine whether mine noise is a likely source. Review meteorological data to determine whether increasing noise levels may be due to wind or temperature inversions. If noise attributed to Boggabri Coal Mine, OCE to notify relevant operations. If the noise is determined to be from other operations, OCE to inform Environment Superintendent, who will notify BTM Complex mines. Mine planners review predictive models and determine optimal plan for adverse conditions. Adjust shift plans to minimise potential for noise impacts from predicted adverse conditions. Reduce haul truck speeds to 60 km/h during evening and night time periods. Document complaint as per the BCPL incident management procedure (refer to Section 9). Listen to audio recording and determine likely noise source. Compare the low-pass LAeq level with the total LAeq level to determine whether mine noise is a likely source. Review meteorological data to determine whether increasing noise levels may be due to wind or temperature inversions. If noise attributed to Boggabri Coal Mine, OCE to notify relevant operations and modify mine operations, including ceasing the identified activity if noise is non-compliant Investigation into the trend of increased noise levels will be conducted upon reaching this trigger level, as discussed above. If the noise is determined to be from other sources, OCE to record the investigation by following the BCPL incident management procedure (refer to Section 9) and inform Environment Superintendent. If complainant is not near a noise monitor, liaise with complainant to deploy mobile noise monitor at mutually agreeable time. Listen to audio recording to determine likely noise source. Determine if additional noise monitoring (i.e. attended) is required to adequately investigate the complaint. If noise attributed to Boggabri Coal Mine, OCE to modify mine operations. Investigation into the trend of increased noise levels will be conducted upon reaching this trigger level, as discussed above. Implementation of individual mine noise mitigation actions will be instigated upon reaching a high trigger level. If the noise is determined to be from another source then the OCE records the investigation by following the BCPL incident management procedure (refer to Section 9) and informs the Environment Superintendent. Investigate noise source and develop actions to reduce noise levels. As soon as practical after obtaining monitoring results showing an exceedance of the relevant criteria (Appendix B), the Proponent shall notify the affected landowners in writing of the exceedance, and provide regular monitoring results to each of these parties until the Project is complying with the

23 Coal handling Train loading relevant criteria again. Review the NMS and frequency of noise monitoring undertaken. Implementation of individual mine noise mitigation actions will be instigated if there is an exceedance of the criteria. Document incident, investigation and outcomes. Check coal handling equipment against the mitigation measures listed in Table 5.7. Check train loading infrastructure and rail lines against the mitigation measures listed in Table 5.7. Check coal handling equipment against the mitigation measures listed in Table 5.7. Limit the speed of track dozers in reverse. Check train loading infrastructure and rail lines against the mitigation measures listed in Table 5.7. Open cut mining Check open cut mining mitigation measures listed in Table 5.7. Check open cut mining mitigation measures listed in Table 5.7. Direct haul trucks to lower, more shielded emplacement areas where possible during noise enhancing weather conditions (generally during the evening and night) Place overburden in strategic locations to provide additional screening between noise sources on the site and nearby noise sensitive areas Limit the speed of track dozers in reverse. Use predictive met forecasting and real time noise monitoring to guide the day to day planning of mining operations. Maintenance Check maintenance mitigation measures listed in Table 5.7. Check maintenance mitigation measures listed in Table 5.7.

24 5.4 Property mitigation and acquisition The Project Approval stipulates that private landholders can request an independent noise impact assessment be undertaken at their property if they suspect mining noise is (a) exceeding the approved criteria in Table 2 of the Project Approval by more than 3 db, for receivers inside the 35 db(a) contour, or (b) exceeding the approved criteria in Table 3 of the Project Approval, for receivers outside the 35 db(a) contour. If an assessment is required, it will be undertaken to determine whether noise levels are above or below the approved limits and identify the source of the noise impacts. The allowable noise levels will be dependent on the location of the landholder s property and whether the impact is solely caused by BCPL or whether it is cumulative. The outcomes of the assessment will then be used as a basis for subsequent landholder negotiations for noise mitigation or property acquisition. As described in the Project Approval, mitigation options may include the installation of double glazing, insulation and air conditioning at the landholder s residence. Any mitigation will be undertaken in consultation with the landholder and be reasonable, feasible and directed towards reducing the noise impacts of the Boggabri Coal Mine or the BTM Complex upon the residence. If mitigation is not agreed upon within three months of the landholder s written request, then BCPL will refer the matter to the Secretary for resolution. If property acquisition is required, BCPL will undertake negotiations with the landholder in accordance with conditions 8 and 9 of Schedule 4 of the Project Approval (reproduced in Appendix B). Process flow diagrams outlining the key steps that will be undertaken for noise assessment and potential acquisition under the various landholder impact scenarios are provided in Appendix C. It is expected that the scenarios outlined in Appendix C will only be implemented following investigation of practical and feasible mitigation measures, as discussed in this section and Tables 5.2 and Cumulative noise management for the BTM Complex The strategy and actions for the management of cumulative noise impacts associated with the BTM Complex are described in the NMS. The NMS outlines the basic system architecture, which will include predictive noise modelling and predictive meteorology. The system will assist short term mine planning, by allowing various mining scenarios to be run and evaluated for predicted meteorological conditions. The mine plan can then be optimised to allow for best noise or air quality performance (see also Sections 6.3 and 6.6).

25 6. Monitoring Ongoing real time noise monitoring and monthly attended noise monitoring will be undertaken throughout Project construction and operational phases. Attended monitoring has been conducted since project inception at or near the locations listed in Table Table 6.10 Existing Boggabri Coal Mine historical noise monitoring locations Receiver # Landowner/Property name Type 67/68 N/A 1 N/A /27 Goonbri Greenhills Bollol Creek/Templemore Tarrawonga Cooboobindi Attended Attended Attended Attended Attended N/A 2 Hazeldene Attended N/A 2 Roma Attended 1 Property owned by other mining company and not allocated receiver number in Boggabri Mine assessment. 2 No assigned receiver number. 6.1 Attended monitoring Attended noise monitoring was conducted on a quarterly basis from inception of the Boggabri Coal Mine to the end of Continued attended monitoring to assess ongoing compliance with individual and cumulative noise criteria is now conducted at monthly intervals. Recommended attended monitoring locations outside the 35 db(a) contour and not listed in Condition L3.3 of EPL 12407, in satisfaction of Condition M8.1 of EPL 12407, are listed in Table 6.11 and illustrated in Appendix A. Additional one-off or occasional monitoring may also be undertaken at other surrounding locations as required utilising either a mobile real-time monitor or by commissioning an independent expert to undertake attended monitoring. Table 6.11 Boggabri Coal Mine attended noise monitoring locations Location # Landowner/Property name Type N1 Goonbri Attended N2 Sylvania Attended N3 Picton Attended N4 Barbers Lagoon Attended N5 Glenhope Attended N6 Roma Attended N7 Arlington Attended Attended noise monitoring will be conducted as follows: All noise investigations will be carried out in accordance with NSW Industrial Noise Policy, 2000 (INP), and applicable Australian Standards. Noise levels will be measured in one-third octave bands using an instrument with IEC Type 1 characteristics as defined in AS Sound Level Meters. The instrument will

26 have current calibration as per manufacturer s instructions and field calibration will be confirmed before and after measurements with a sound level calibrator. The instrument will be set to A-weighting, fast response and measurements of LAeq(15 minute) will be taken at each location in Table Attended surveys will occur at each location in Table 6.10 at a frequency specified in condition M8.1 of EPL as follows: monthly. during the night period as defined in the NSW Industrial Noise policy for a minimum of 15 minutes. Field notes will be taken during each measurement recording the time and duration of noise events, noise sources, instantaneous noise levels and frequency range of identified site noise sources. Extraneous noise sources will be filtered from the measured signal using appropriate methods such as, employing an appropriate low pass cut-off, pausing unwanted noise or similar methods and the LAeq (15-minute) and LAmax (as an estimate of the LA1 (1-minute) sleep disturbance descriptor) levels attributable to BCM activities will be identified and compared with the relevant criterion. Details regarding plant configuration, survey interval, weather conditions, extraneous noise sources, monitoring locations and times of measurement will be recorded for inclusion in the noise monitoring report. The selection of monitoring locations has been undertaken in consultation with relevant agencies. 6.2 Real-time monitoring A cumulative real-time noise monitoring system is being developed by the BTM Complex mines to assist in the management of noise emissions on a daily basis. This system is described in detail in the cumulative Noise Management Strategy (NMS). Four permanent real-time noise monitors will be installed as part of the development of the cumulative network, comprising the following: one at the P Murphy property in the W Zone (identified as RT2, installed as part of the Maules Creek Project) one at Maules Creek School (identified as RT1, installed as part of the Maules Creek Project) one unit at Olivedene west of Boggabri Coal Mine (identified as RT3, installed as part of the Maules Creek Project) one at the Sylvania property in the E Zone (to be installed by Boggabri Coal Mine). As part of the proposed real-time monitoring network, two additional mobile real-time units may also be employed to variously monitor cumulative coal haulage noise impacting on SW Zone receivers, noise impacts at the nearest privately owned receivers to the Maules Creek Project in the NE, NW and SW zones, at a receiver in the S zone during the prevailing winter NW winds, or to investigate noise complaints from any receiver. The BTM Complex will continue to work with noise specialists to determine the optimum configuration of monitors for the combined monitoring network. Utilising the output of the real-time noise monitoring system BCPL will:

27 further consult with adjacent affected landowners and establish noise management agreements where appropriate offer mitigation to the residences of immediate neighbours where monitoring results indicate repeated exceedances of noise criteria (as described in Section 5.4) review the monitoring locations on a regular basis to confirm it remains appropriate as the mine progresses correlate real-time noise monitoring results with the mine s meteorological monitoring station and the central data repository for the BTM Complex for comparative analysis to assist in determining appropriate responses to noise issues develop, in conjunction with BTM Complex partner mines, an automatic warning system to notify site mining contractors and BCPL personnel when noise levels from mining activities reach Investigation and High level triggers discussed in Section 5.3. This will also include a predictive capability linked to meteorological data (described in the BTM Complex Noise Management Strategy) to provide an estimate of likely future noise impacts from mining operations be made publically available on the Boggabri Coal Mine website in a clearly understandable form within a reasonable timeframe. Due to the need for cooperation between the different mines of the BTM Complex with respect to monitoring, the implementation of proposed monitoring programs will be undertaken in stages, as the needs for all parties are fully determined. Schedule 2, Condition 21 of the Project Approval, allows for the staged submission of strategies, plans and programs required under the Project Approval. Noise models developed as part of the cumulative system will be reviewed quarterly initially, extending to annually once performance is viewed to be satisfactory, as detailed in the NMS. 6.3 Cumulative noise monitoring The real-time network discussed in Section 6.2 forms part of the comprehensive cumulative noise monitoring network, which is detailed in the NMS for the BTM Complex [BTM14]. The requirements of the cumulative monitoring network are to: facilitate compliance with existing and likely future consent conditions allow proactive management and real-time noise monitoring to assist in day to day operations of each mine site develop an integrated and coordinated approach to noise management of the BTM Complex potentially consolidate existing monitoring allow for predictive meteorological forecasting to guide operations include procedures for identifying the source(s) and contribution(s) to cumulative noise impacts for mines and other sources include appropriate investigative tools such as noise modelling. Noise monitoring sufficient to cover all affected receivers will be conducted by the individual mines under their respective NMP s with each mine reporting on their individual noise levels and cumulative mining noise levels. Permanent real-time and monthly attended monitoring locations are summarised in Table 6.12.

28 Table 6.12 Attended noise monitoring locations for BTM Complex mines Receiver# (zone) Property name/landowner Type Mine* N1 (E) Goonbri Attended BCM N2 (SE) Sylvania Attended BCM N3 (SE) Picton (boundary) Attended BCM/TCM N4 (S) Barbers Lagoon Attended BCM/TCM TN4 (S) Bungalow Attended TCM N5 (SW) Glenhope Attended BCM N6 (SW) Roma Attended BCM N7 (W) Arlington Attended BCM NM1 (N) Maules Creek School Attended MCP NM2 (NW) Wongala Attended MCP NM3 (W) Riverway Attended MCP NM4 Ellerslie Attended MCP NM5 Thornfield Attended MCP RT1 Maules Creek School Real-time MCP RT2 Wongala Real-time MCP RT3 P Murphy Real-time MCP RT4 Sylvania Real-time BCM * BTM Boggabri Coal Mine TCM Tarrawonga Coal Mine MCP Maules Creek Project 6.4 Meteorological monitoring Condition 14 of the Project Approval states the following: Where conditions in this approval refer to measurement of noise within the context of the NSW Industrial Noise Policy the inversion class to be applied to the project is Class G. However, the Proponent may undertake an investigation to determine whether a proposal for change in this classification could be considered for approval by the Secretary. Any such investigation must be conducted in consultation with the EPA and be conducted by a suitably qualified person whose appointment has been endorsed by the EPA and approved by the Secretary. The report and recommendation must be submitted to the EPA for endorsement prior to submission to the Secretary. If the Secretary is satisfied that the recommendation is reasonable, then the Secretary may amend the inversion class applying to the project under this approval. BCPL s existing meteorological monitoring capabilities will be upgraded, including the provision of real time access to meteorological data. The BTM Complex have installed a 60 m tower which will measure temperature at (at least) two altitudes with minimum 50 m vertical separation, as recommended in Appendix D of the INP. The tower will provide accurate measured real-time temperature inversion data without the need to resort to unreliable methods such as extrapolation from sensors at 2m and 10m above the ground or analysis of sigma-theta data.

29 Class G inversions are defined in the INP as having a temperature gradient strength up to 8 0 C/100m, which will be adopted as the upper level of applicability of the noise criteria, unless the data suggest a more appropriate value. In that case, the EPA will be consulted as directed in Condition 14. Real-time access to meteorological data via the central data repository will allow the implementation of a management system that employs both reactive and proactive mitigation measures. A predictive forecast meteorology system will be implemented based on the Weather Research & Forecasting (WRF) model, specifically for the BTM Complex, and a website be developed to make data immediately available for each of the mine sites, with half hourly forecasts up to 48 hours in advance. This system will download global meteorological data and forecasts on a daily basis and process and run the WRF model to produce the information required for input into a real-time 3D dispersion model. As with any predictive forecast, confidence reduces with longer predictions, however the half hourly 48-hour forecasts will provide useful planning information for operations. The forecasts for the next 24-hour and 12-hour periods will provide more confidence in predictions for the day ahead and how weather may affect operations. Once this meteorological system is configured and operating, the outcomes will be evaluated by a competent meteorologist or atmospheric science professional quarterly against actual meteorological measurements and the meteorological system will be validated and improved, where possible. 6.5 Mobile equipment monitoring In accordance with Condition 9 of Schedule 3, all mobile equipment mobilised to site will have their sound power levels (SPLsLW) monitored and assessed annually against the SPLLW used in the Acoustic Impact Assessment/predictive model. The level of acoustic attenuation supplied as Original Equipment should be reviewed or additional acoustic mitigation equipment retro fitted to the individual vehicle. Manufacturers data sheets will be reviewed to ensure nominated are compared against the SPL used in the Acoustic Impact Assessment/predictive model. Should the manufacturers SPL be greater than that used in the model, the equipment choice, or level of acoustic mitigation equipment supplied as original equipment should be reviewed. This annual monitoring program of attenuated plant will ensure that the attenuation remains effective. The results of all attenuated plant monitoring will be included in the BCPL Annual Environment Management Report, which will be made publically available on the Boggabri Coal Mine website.

30 7. Reporting Various monitoring reports will be prepared at regular intervals for the management of issues associated with noise management at BCPL. These reports and reporting periods are discussed in detail in the following sections. 7.1 Annual environment management report The Annual Environment Management Report (AEMR) will contain a section on the monitoring, assessment and repairs undertaken to maintain attenuation equipment on the truck fleet. The AEMR summarises the environmental performance of the mine for the previous calendar year. In accordance with BCPL s mining leases (CL368, A355, and A339) and Schedule 5, condition 4 of the Project Approval, the report must include the following details relevant to noise management: a comprehensive review of the monitoring results and complaint records over the past year, which includes a comparison of these results against the: assessment criteria (refer to Section 4 and Section 6) monitoring results of previous years noise impact predictions in the EA identification of any non-compliance over the last year, and a description of what actions were (or are being) taken to ensure compliance a summary of the monitoring, assessment and repairs/improvements undertaken to ensure relevant mining and ancillary equipment is appropriately noise attenuated identification of any trends in the monitoring data over the life of the Project identification of any discrepancies between the predicted and actual impacts of the Project, and analysis of the potential cause of any significant discrepancies a description of what measures will be implemented over the next year to improve noise management performance. As outlined in Project Approval, Schedule 3, Condition 13, f) v), the attend monitoring will be used to evaluate and report on the effectiveness of the noise management system at BCM in the AEMR for the previous year. The BCPL AEMR will be made publically available on the Boggabri Coal Mine website ( 7.2 Attended monitoring reporting A suitably qualified acoustic consultant will provide reports of attended monitoring to the BCPL Environment Superintendent, following each monitoring survey. This reporting will include: monitoring aims monitoring methodology a quantitative assessment of the acoustic environment results showing the performance of the development in relation to all relevant criteria. Monthly monitoring reports will be made publicly available on the Boggabri Coal Mine website (

31 7.3 Community consultation committee reporting The BCPL Environment Superintendent will provide regular updates to the community on the noise management performance of the Boggabri Coal Mine at CCC meetings. These updates will typically include a summary of: noise monitoring results for the period since the last CCC meeting any specific noise mitigation or other management actions undertaken since the last CCC meeting any proposed noise management activities that will be undertaken in the forthcoming period. Minutes of all CCC meetings will be made publically available on the Boggabri Coal Mine website ( 7.4 Environment incidents Reporting of environment incidents by the contractor(s) to the BCPL Environment Superintendent shall be undertaken as soon as practically possible, but not later than 24 hours following the incident. Any noise monitoring result that indicates that EPL noise criteria have been exceeded as a result of BCPL operations will be reported to the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) Pollution Line service on Written details of the notification will be provided to the EPA within 7 days of the date on which the incident occurred as required under Schedule 5, Condition 8 of the Project Approval.

32 8. Incident and complaint management BCPL employees and contractors will identify failures/incidents within their acoustic control systems through their monitoring programs and inspections. The process for the management of incidents and complaints is outlined in the following subsections. 8.1 Incident management All noise related incidents will be managed in accordance with the BCPL incident management procedure. This procedure outlines a process for identifying, reporting and correcting all environment incidents at the Boggabri Coal Mine. BCPL s Environment Superintendent will maintain records of all environment incidents in the Boggabri Coal Mine incident register. All environment incidents that have the potential to result in offsite environment impacts will be immediately notified to the Secretary, and in accordance with EPL, if required to the EPA, in accordance with the Protection of the Environment Operations Act, 1997 Section 148 Duty to Notify Pollution Incidents. Notifications will be followed by a written incident report to the Secretary within seven days of the date on which the incident occurred, in accordance with Project Approval Schedule 5, Condition Complaint response protocol BCPL has developed a procedure which details how to receive, respond to, and record and action any community complaints. This includes recording: the nature of the complaint the method of the complaint, i.e. telephone monitoring results, including meteorological conditions at the time of the complaint site investigation outcomes site activity and activity changes any necessary actions assigned. BCPL maintains a 24 hr community response line (1800 Boggabri) to field any complaints or inquiries from neighbouring residents or interested stakeholders. The community response line has been advertised in the local media on at least an annual basis and is also available from site personnel and representatives on the Community Consultative Committee. Contractors and subcontractors will recommend that the complainant contact the community response line or the BCPL Environment Superintendent. Where the complainant insists on communicating their complaint, the Contractor and Subcontractor will record specific details relating to any community complaint in accordance with this procedure. This information will be passed to BCPL s Environment Superintendent within 24 hours. Where possible, complainants will be contacted within 24 hours of BCPL s Environment Superintendent being advised. A follow up on the complaint will be made by BCPL s Environment

33 Superintendent, where necessary to notify the complainant of any required or remedial actions undertaken. Every effort will be made to ensure that concerns are addressed in a manner that facilitates a mutually acceptable outcome for both the complainant and mining operation concerned. If required, the Independent Dispute Resolution Process will be entered into. All complaints received will be tabled at meetings of the Community Consultative Committee. BCPL will maintain completed complaint forms on file for a period of no less than five years.

34 9. Corrective and preventative actions Both Contractors and BCPL employees will be involved in implementation of corrective and preventative actions as outlined in the following subsections. 9.1 Non-compliances and corrective actions Non-compliances will be detected through verification processes such as monitoring, inspections and audits. The process for managing non-compliance issues is summarised as follows: When a non-conformance issue is detected, corrective actions will be identified, communicated with relevant employees and contractors, and then implemented. Relevant contractors will be notified immediately of any non-compliant activities that present a risk of causing material environmental harm. Corrective actions will include a review of any relevant plans and procedures following identification of any non-conformance. Where the non-conformance issue is associated with an inspection, audit or monitoring event, the actions will be linked to the record of that event. Non-compliance reports will be reviewed on a regular basis to ensure actions are progressed appropriately. 9.2 Preventive actions Preventive actions will be managed as follows: A preventive action may be identified without an environment incident or non-conformance occurring. Corrective actions will be identified and agreed with BCPL before being implemented. Preventative actions may include physical works or changes to plans or procedures, training or other requirements.

35 10. Training and awareness 10.1 Visitors induction All visitors to the Boggabri Coal Mine (personnel not undertaking work) will undergo a visitor s induction. Contractors and subcontractors are responsible for the actions and conduct of their visitors and will ensure that all environment requirements of the site are obeyed. All visitors will be accompanied around the site at all times. Under no circumstances will a visitor undertake any physical work on site. Records of visitor inductions will be maintained by BCPL and relevant contractors and subcontractors Site induction All personnel (including employees, contractors and subcontractors) will undertake a site-orientated induction program prior to commencing works. The induction will describe environment impacts applicable to the Boggabri Coal Mine, including relevant legislation and legal responsibilities Toolbox talks Toolbox talks will be conducted regularly to maintain and improve employee and contractor awareness of air quality and greenhouse gas management issues/requirements Task specific training BCPL employees and contractors undertaking tasks requiring specific knowledge or skills in noise management may be required to undergo task specific training. Specific requirements for BCPL employees and contractors (e.g. use of noise monitoring equipment, the need to relocate or cease the operation of machinery if advised to do so) will be identified during BCPL s annual training needs analysis, and/or as required as changes to activities or personnel occur. The training needs analysis identifies the minimum required competencies, qualifications and skills commensurate with the individual s role responsibilities. Records of personnel training attendance, competencies, qualifications and skills will be maintained by BCPL and contractors.

36 11. Roles and responsibilities Compliance with this NMP is the responsibility of all BCPL employees and contractors. The key roles and responsibilities for noise management at the Boggabri Coal Mine are outlined in Table Table Roles and responsibilities for implementation of this plan Role BCPL General Manager Operations Idemitsu Corporate Approvals Director BCPL Environment Superintendent Mining contractor Coal haulage contractor Responsibility Providing sufficient environmental resources to ensure the effective implementation of this management plan. Ensuring all mitigation measures outlined in this management plan are achieved on site. Negotiating with affected parties to resolve ongoing complaints. Ensuring all employees and contractors are inducted with respect to noise management. Overall responsibility for managing plans and strategies under the Project Approval. Ensuring all noise monitoring is undertaken according to the requirements of this management plan and relevant Australian standards. Maintaining awareness of potential noise impacts from activities with mine personnel and contractors via inductions and tool box talks. Notifying other BTM Complex mines if noise trigger levels are reached. Responding to community complaints. Liaising with regulatory authorities regarding noise management. Scheduling additional noise monitoring at the site of a sensitive receptor if required. Ensuring exceedances are reported to the relevant regulatory authority in accordance with Section 8 of this management plan. Maintaining the site s noise monitoring system. Implementing noise mitigation measures in accordance with Section 5 of this management plan. Reviewing and updating this management plan in accordance with Section 12. Ensuring all employees and contractors are aware of their obligations under this management plan. Implementing noise management measures in accordance with Section 5 of this plan. Developing and implementing specific procedures for the employees and subcontractors under their responsibility to facilitate compliance with this management plan. Ensuring all employees and subcontractors under their control are aware of their obligations under this management plan. Providing relevant environmental data to assist BCPL with their reporting requirements, in accordance with Section 8 of this plan. Implementing noise mitigation measures in accordance with Section 5 of this plan. Developing and implementing specific procedures for the employees and subcontractors under their control to facilitate compliance with this management plan. Ensuring all employees and subcontractors working under their control are aware of their obligations under this management plan. Providing relevant environmental data to assist BCPL with their reporting requirements, in accordance with Section 7 of this plan.

37 Role BCEP All BCPL employees and contractors Responsibility Implementing noise management measures in accordance with Section 5 of this plan. Ensuring the BCEP CEMP (including subordinate documents) is developed and implemented to facilitate compliance with this management plan. Ensuring all employees and subcontractors working under their control are aware of their obligations under this management plan. Providing relevant environmental data to assist BCPL with their reporting requirements, in accordance with Section 8 of this plan. Undertaking activities, as required, in accordance with this management plan under instruction from their supervisor. Informing the Boggabri Coal Environment Manager of any noise related issues as they arise. Staff responsible for monitoring are outlined in Table The names and contact details of key BCPL and contractor personnel are provided in Table Table Responsibilities monitoring Type Frequency Responsibility Comments Operational Noise Attended noise Surveys Monthly. As required in response to noise complaints. Suitably qualified acoustic consultant As commissioned by the Environment Superintendent Real time Monitoring Continuously Environment Superintendent and contractors Suitably qualified acoustic consultant will install and commission integrated system Mobile Mine Equipment New equipment to be assessed on arrival at Boggabri Coal Mine. Existing equipment to be assessed annually and/or in response to noise complaints or upon request from Environment Superintendent. Environment Superintendent and contractors The sound power levels are to be recorded and provided to Environment Superintendent Table Site contacts Title Company Name Contact No Idemitsu Corporate Approvals Director Idemitsu Australia Resources Dr Jan Green General Manager BCPL Ray Balks Mine Manager BCPL Lloyd Hardy Environment Superintendent BCPL Hamish Russell Mining Contractor Downer EDI Mining Brad Zillman Coal Haulage Contractor LCR Mick Schultz Hour Community Response Line BCPL Boggabri

38 12. NMP review The implementation and review of this NMP will be the responsibility of the BCPL Environment Superintendent. It will be reviewed at least every twelve months to ensure compliance with legal and other requirements. Review of this management plan may also be triggered by: changes to construction methodologies, mining operations, equipment or design an exceedance of noise criteria, as confirmed by monitoring repeated complaints related to noise impacts (neither frivolous nor vexatious in nature) a hazard, near miss, or incident related to noise management outcomes of an internal or external audit changes to legislation modifications to the BCPL s Project Approval, EPL, mining leases or other relevant approvals changes to the organisational management structure at the Boggabri Coal Mine. Any review of this NMP will be undertaken in consultation with the relevant government agencies and approved by the Secretary (or delegate) Contingency plan If it is found through the review of the NMP described above or during the comparison of actual and predicted monitoring results undertaken for the AEMR (refer to Section 7.1), that unpredicted impacts have resulted from the project, the following process would be undertaken: consultation would be undertaken with relevant regulators, such as DP&E, DE and the EPA to determine appropriate methods for addressing the unpredicted impact, consideration would be given to: further definition or quantification of the impact(s) this may require additional monitoring, or use of mobile noise monitors at locations not routinely monitored review of previous impact assessments based on updated real world data, this may include more recent meteorological data, updated locations of sensitive receivers etc. an investigation would be undertaken to determine the cause of the impact and the NMP would be reviewed to ensure it provides effective measures for mitigating the impact impact assessments may be revised or recalibrated to ensure impacts are predicted as accurately as possible the results of any investigation undertaken regarding unpredicted impacts would be detailed in the AEMR.

39 13. References Australian and New Zealand Environment Council (ANZEC) (1990) Technical basis for guidelines to minimise annoyance due to blasting overpressure and ground vibration. DEC (2006) Assessing Vibration A Technical Guideline. DECC (2009) Interim Construction Noise Guideline. DECC (2007), Interim Guideline for the Assessment of Noise from Rail Infrastructure Projects. DECCW (2011) NSW Road Noise Policy. EPA (2000) NSW Industrial Noise Policy (INP) for Operational and Construction Noise. EPA (1985) Environmental Noise Control Manual, Chapter 19 (in relation to sleep disturbance criteria). Hansen Bailey (2010) Continuation of Boggabri Coal Mine Environmental Assessment. Singleton, NSW. Hansen Bailey (2011) Continuation of Boggabri Coal Mine Environmental Assessment Residual Matters Report. Singleton, NSW. Spectrum Acoustics Pty Limited (2012) Cumulative Noise Management Strategy for the Boggabri, Tarrawonga and Maules Creek Coal Mines. Prepared for Boggabri Coal Pty Limited and Whitehaven Coal.

40

41 Appendix A Noise monitoring location plan for Boggabri

42

43 Appendix B Additional statutory requirements for noise management

44 Additional statutory requirements for noise management Statutory requirements applicable to the Boggabri Coal Mine include any Commonwealth, State or local requirements under any provisions of relevant Acts and regulations, environment planning instruments (e.g. State Environmental Planning Policies, Regional Environment Plans, Local Environment Plans and Development Control Plans) and any other relevant guidelines. The following statutory requirements associated with the management of noise impacts have been considered during the development of this NMP.

45 Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 In addition to the requirement for a noise management plan, the Project Approval conditions listed in Table B.1 relate to the management of noise at the Boggabri Coal Mine. Table B.1 Project Approval conditions Applicable Condition Schedule 3 Condition 3 Requirement For privately owned residences within the project s 35 db(a) contour the owner(s) can make a written request to the Proponent for one of the following: a) mitigation (such as double glazing, insulation and air conditioning) at the residence in consultation with the owner(s). These measures must be reasonable and feasible and directed towards reducing the noise impacts of the project upon the residence. If within 3 months of receiving this request from the owner(s), the Proponent and owner(s) 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; or b) acquisition of the residence and the land in accordance with the procedures in conditions 8-9 of Schedule 4. Upon receiving a written request from the owner(s), the proponent must undertake whichever option has been requested by the owner(s). However, this condition does not apply if the Applicant has a written agreement with the owner(s) of the relevant residence to generate higher noise levels, and the Applicant has advised the Department in writing of the terms of this agreement. Notes: For the purposes of this condition a privately-owned residence is defines as a residence not owned by a mining company that: is regularly occupied; or is a proposed residence for which a development application has been lodged with the relevant authority prior to the date of this approval. For the purposes of acquisition under this condition, parcels of land that are in close proximity and operated as a single agricultural enterprise should be considered as part of the land to be acquired. Where the Proponent and the owner(s) cannot agree on whether non-contiguous parcels of land should be included, either party may refer the matter to the Director-General for resolution. The Director-General s decision as to the lands to be included for acquisition under procedures in conditions 8 and 9 and schedule 4 shall be final. NMP Reference Section 5.2, Appendix C

46 Applicable Condition Schedule 3 Condition 4 Schedule 3 Condition 5 Requirement Where the owner(s) of a residence included in condition 3 of this schedule have opted for an agreement to either generate higher noise levels or mitigation under condition 3(a), and the owner(s) have reason to believe that the noise impacts at the residence are more than 3 db above the predicted noise levels for that residence (see Table 2), the oewne9s) can request an independent noise impact assessment for the residence. The request shall be made in writing to the Director-General. If the director-general considers that a noise impact assessment is warranted, then the proponent shall commission the assessment. If the noise impact assessment determines that the noise generated by the project causes sustained exceedances, or is likely to cause sustained exceedances, of the predicted noise levels by more than 3 db(a) the owner(s) may require the proponent to acquire the residence and the land in accordance with the procedures in conditions 8-9 of Schedule 4. Notes: 1 To interpret the locations referred to in Table 2; see the applicable figure in Appendix The noise assessment must be undertaken by a suitably qualified, experienced and independent person, whose appointment has been approved by the director-general and include either: i j Sufficient monitoring at the affected residence to allow for assessment of impacts under a range of meteorological conditions (including adverse conditions) likely to be experienced at the residence; or Sufficient monitoring to allow reliable prediction of the likely impacts under a range of meteorological conditions (including adverse conditions) likely to be experienced at the residence. 2. Monitoring should be conducted in accordance with the requirements of the NSW Industrial Noise Policy. 3. Where prediction of likely impacts is to be used, either in substitution for, or in conjunction with, direct measurement of noise impacts at the residence, it must be based on sufficient monitoring data to provide a reliable estimate of the impacts (including under adverse conditions) and be derived using standard noise modelling techniques accepted by the EPA. 4. The proponent shall ensure that the requested noise impact assessment is submitted to the Director-General within 3 months of the Director-General s decision that the assessment was warranted. The proponent shall also provide a copy of the assessment to the owner(s) of the residence at the same time it is submitted to the Director-General. 5. Note 2 to condition 3 of this schedule applies to acquisition under this condition. At any stage of the project, except for the noise-affected land identified in Condition 3 as being within the project s 35 db(a) contour, the Proponent shall ensure that operational noise generated by the project does not exceed the criteria in Table 3 at any residence on privately-owned land. Notes Noise generated by the project is to be measured in accordance with the relevant requirements and exemptions (including certain meteorological conditions) of the NSW Industrial Noise Policy. Operational noise generated by the project includes noise generated from use of the private haul road and proposed rail spur. However, these noise criteria do not apply if the Applicant has a written agreement with the owner(s) of the relevant residence to generate higher noise levels, and the Applicant has advised the Department in writing of the terms of this agreement. NMP Reference Section 5, Appendix C Section 5, Appendix C

47 Applicable Condition Schedule 3 Condition 6 Schedule 3 Condition 7 Requirement If the owner(s) of a privately owned residences which is not within the project s 35 db(a) noise impact contour have reason to believe that operational noise from the project is causing the criteria in Table 3 to be exceeded at the residence, the owner(s) can request an independent noise impact assessment for the residence. The request shall be made in writing to the Director-General. If the director- General considers that a noise impact assessment is warranted, then the proponent shall commission the assessment. If the noise impact assessment determines that the noise generated by the project causes sustained exceedances, or is likely to cause sustained exceedances, of the criteria in Table 3 the owner(s) can make a written request to the Proponent for one of the following: c) mitigation (such as double glazing, insulation and air conditioning) at the residence in consultation with the owner(s). These measures must be reasonable and feasible and directed towards reducing the noise impacts of the project upon the residence. If within 3 months of receiving this request from the owner(s), the Proponent and owner(s) 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; or d) acquisition of the residence and the land in accordance with the procedures in conditions 8-9 of Schedule 4. Upon receiving a written request from the owner(s), the proponent must undertake whichever option has been requested by the owner(s). However, this condition does not apply if the Applicant has a written agreement with the owner(s) of the relevant residence to generate higher noise levels, and the Applicant has advised the Department in writing of the terms of this agreement. Notes: For the purposes of this condition a privately-owned residence is defines as a residence not owned by a mining company that: is regularly occupied; or is a proposed residence for which a development application has been lodged with the relevant authority prior to the date of this approval; For the purposes of acquisition under this condition, parcels of land that are in close proximity and operated as a single agricultural enterprise should be considered as part of the land to be acquired. Where the Proponent and the owner(s) cannot agree on whether non-contiguous parcels of land should be included, either party may refer the matter to the Director-General for resolution. The Director-General s decision as to the lands to be included for acquisition under procedures in conditions 8 and 9 and schedule 4 shall be final. Notes 2, 3, 4 and 5 of condition 4 apply to this condition. Except for the noise-affected land identified in Condition 3 as being within the project s 35 db(a) contour, the Proponent shall ensure that the operational noise generated by the project combined with the noise generated by other mines does not exceed the criteria in Table 4 at any residence on privately-owned land. Notes: Cumulative noise is to be measured in accordance with the relevant requirements and exemptions (including certain meteorological conditions) of the NSW Industrial Noise Policy. Operational noise includes noise from the mining operations and use of private haul roads and rail spurs. NMP Reference Section 5, Appendix C Section 5, Appendix C

48 Applicable Condition Schedule 3 Condition 8 Requirement If the owner(s) of a privately owned residences which is not within the project s 35 db(a) noise impact contour reasonably believes that the noise limits in Table 4 are being exceeded at the residence and that the exceedance is caused by operational noise from the project and one or more other mines (including use of private haul roads and rail spurs), the owner(s) can request an independent noise impact assessment for the residence. The request shall be made in writing to the Director-General. If the director-general considers that a noise impact assessment is warranted, then the proponent shall commission the assessment. Where the noise impact assessment determines that the cumulative noise generated by the project combined with the noise from the other mine(s) causes sustained exceedances, or is likely to cause sustained exceedances, of the criteria in Table 4 the owner(s) can make a written request to the Proponent for one of the following: e) mitigation (such as double glazing, insulation and air conditioning) at the residence in consultation with the owner(s). These measures must be reasonable and feasible and directed towards reducing the noise impacts of the project upon the residence. If within 3 months of receiving this request from the owner(s), the Proponent and owner(s) 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; or f) acquisition of the residence and the land in accordance with the procedures in conditions 8-9 of Schedule 4. Upon receiving a written request from the owner(s), the proponent must undertake whichever option has been requested by the owner(s). However, this condition does not apply if the Applicant has a written agreement with the owner(s) of the relevant residence to generate higher noise levels, and the Applicant has advised the Department in writing of the terms of this agreement. The proponent may seek to recover an equitable share of the costs incurred from the other mines contributing to the cumulative impact. Unless otherwise agreed between the mines, the proportional contributions should be based on expert analysis of the monitoring results to assess relative contribution to the impact. If a dispute between the mines the Proponent, or one of the contributing mines, may submit the matter to the Director-General for resolution. The Director-General s decision shall be final. Notes: For the purposes of this condition a privately-owned residence is defines as a residence not owned by a mining company that: is regularly occupied; or is a proposed residence for which a development application has been lodged with the relevant authority prior to the date of this approval; For the purposes of acquisition under this condition, parcels of land that are in close proximity and operated as a single agricultural enterprise should be considered as part of the land to be acquired. Where the Proponent and the owner(s) cannot agree on whether non-contiguous parcels of land should be included, either party may refer the matter to the Director-General for resolution. The Director-General s decision as to the lands to be included for acquisition under procedures in conditions 8 and 9 and schedule 4 shall be final. Notes 2, 3, 4 and 5 of condition 4 apply to this condition. The noise impact assessment shall include assessment of the relative contribution of the mines to the impact at the residence. NMP Reference Section 5, Appendix C

49 Applicable Condition Schedule 3 Condition 9 Schedule 3 Condition 10 Schedule 3 Condition 11 Requirement The Proponent shall: k Ensure that: ll new trucks, dozers, drills and excavators purchased for use on the site after the date of this approval are commissioned as noise-suppressed (or attenuated) units; nsure that all equipment and noise control measures deliver sound power levels that are equal to or better than the sound power levels identified in the EA and that correspond to best practice or the application of best available technology economically achievable; here reasonable and feasible, improvements are made to existing noise suppression equipment as technologies become available; and onitor and report on the implementation of these requirements annually on its website. The Proponent shall: a) conduct an annual testing program of the attenuated plant on site to ensure that the attenuation remains effective; b) restore the effectiveness of any attenuation if it is found to be defective; and c) report on the results of any testing and/or restoration work within the Annual Review. The Proponent shall: a) ensure all relevant Boggabri Rail Spur Line and rail bridge designs are assessed by suitably qualified and experienced person/s in acoustic engineering for the purpose of providing reasonable and feasible recommendations to minimise noise, including low frequency noise. This acoustic review should consider the EA s relevant recommendations and additional noise attenuation such as acoustic barriers to minimise noise at sensitive receptors; b) implement reasonable and feasible recommendations made in the acoustic review; c) undertake commissioning trials of the operation of the Rail Spur to optimise train speed to minimise noise impacts; and d) following completion and commissioning of the Spur Line, undertake targeted noise monitoring to determine the accuracy of predicted acoustic impacts and effectiveness of any noise reduction measures, including monitoring during adverse inversion conditions, to the satisfaction of the Director-General. NMP Reference Sections 5, 6.5 Section 5 & Section 6.5 Section 5 (where relevant); CEMP

50 Applicable Condition Schedule 3 Condition 12 Schedule 3 Condition 12 Requirement The Proponent shall: a) implement best noise management practice to minimise the operational, low frequency and road and rail traffic noise of the project; b) operate a comprehensive noise management system on site that uses a combination of predictive meteorological forecasting and real time noise monitoring data to guide the day to day planning of mining operations and implementation of both proactive and reactive noise mitigation measures to ensure compliance with the relevant conditions of this approval. c) Maintain the effectiveness of noise suppression equipment on plant at all times and ensure defective plant is not used operationally until fully repaired; d) Ensure that noise attenuated plant is deployed preferentially in locations relevant to sensitive receivers; e) minimise the noise impacts of the project during meteorological conditions when the noise limits in this approval do not apply; f) Ensure that the Boggabri Rail Spur Line is only accessed by locomotives that are approved to operate on the NSW rail network in accordance with the noise limits in ARTC s EPL (No 3142); g) Use its best endeavours to ensure that rolling stock supplied by service providers on the Boggabri Rail Spur Line is designed and constructed to minimise noise; h) Ensure any new rail rolling stock manufactured specifically for the project is designed and constructed to minimise noise; i) Use its best endeavours to achieve the long term intrusive noise goals for the project in Table 5, where this is reasonable and feasible, and report on the progress of achieving these goals in the annual review; and j) Coordinate the noise management on site with the noise management at other mines within the Leard Forest Mining Precinct to minimise the cumulative noise impacts of these mines, k) to the satisfaction of the Director-General. Notes: The comprehensive review can be undertaken as part of independent environment audits required under condition 10 of schedule 5. NMP Reference Whole NMP Document

51 Applicable Condition Schedule 3 Condition 13 Schedule 5 Condition 13 Requirement The Proponent shall prepare and implement a Noise Management Plan for the project to the satisfaction of the Director-General. This plan must: i. be prepared in consultation with the EPA and the CCC, and submitted to the Director-General for approval within 6 months of the date of this approval; ii. iii. describe the measures that would be implemented to ensure: est management practice is being employed; he noise impacts of the project are minimised during meteorological conditions when the noise limits in this approval do not apply; and ompliance with the relevant conditions of this approval; describe the proposed noise management system in detail; iv. include a risk/response matrix to codify mine operational responses to varying levels of risk resulting from weather conditions and specific mining activities; v. include commitments to provide summary reports and specific briefings at CCC meetings on issues arising from noise monitoring; vi. include a monitoring program that: ses a combination of real time and supplementary attended monitoring to evaluate the performance of the project; dequately supports the proactive and reactive noise management system on site; ses predictive meteorological forecasting to incorporate proactive mitigation measures to manage noise impacts; ncludes monitoring of inversion strength at an appropriate sampling rate to determine compliance with noise limits; valuates and reports on the effectiveness of the noise management system on site; rovides for the annual validation of the noise model for the project; and vii. includes a Leard Forest Mining Precinct Noise Management Strategy that has been prepared in consultation with other coal mines in the Precinct to minimise the cumulative noise impacts of all mines within the Precinct, that includes: ystems and processes to ensure that all mines are managed to achieve their noise criteria; shared environment monitoring network and data sharing protocol; and rocedures for identifying and apportioning the source/s and contribution/s to cumulative noise impacts for operating mines and other sources, using the noise and meteorological monitoring network and appropriate investigative tools. Note: The Leard Forest Mining Precinct Noise Management Strategy can be developed in stages and will need to be subject to ongoing review dependent upon the determination and commencement of other mining projects in the area. 1 The Proponent shall ensure that the noise and air quality risk/response matrices required to be developed in the Noise and Air Quality Management Plans and validated real time monitoring data are available on line and includes: l timely publication of validated monitoring data in a clearly NMP Reference Whole NMP Document

52 Applicable Condition Requirement understandable form; m identification of mine operational responses to monitoring data and weather forecasts; and n provision for on-line input /response by members of the community and real time engagement with regionally-based regulatory compliance staff, to the satisfaction of the Director-General. NMP Reference

53 Mining Act 1992 The Mining Act 1992 provides mechanisms to encourage and facilitate the discovery and development of mineral resources in New South Wales. BCPL holds Coal Lease 368 under this Act. Operations must be undertaken in a manner that controls the impacts of the Boggabri Coal Mine to those areas described in the EA. Table B.2 below identifies applicable coal lease conditions and their corresponding requirements relevant to BCPL in relation to noise management. Table B.2 Coal Lease Conditions Applicable Condition Requirement NMP Reference 11 (b) ii & iii The registered holder shall submit for the Ministers approval an environment management plan relating to the operation of the registered holder on the subject area. (b) the plan shall describe the methods to be used to protect the environment, including the methods used to (ii) minimise air, noise and water pollution; (iii) minimise erosion; Whole NMP Document

54 Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 The Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 (POEO Act) is the key piece of environment protection legislation, which aims to protect, restore and enhance the quality of the environment in New South Wales by rationalising, simplifying and strengthening the regulatory framework for environment protection. This Act ensures that the operation of any plant or equipment is undertaken in a manner that does not cause pollution from those premises and that operations are also carried out in a competent manner. Under the POEO Act, certain industrial activities (including the Project) require an EPL. Each EPL limits lawful pollution emissions to air (including noise), land and water to specific thresholds. BCPL holds EPL No: under this Act. A copy is available at the following NSW Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) Website: A summary of EPL conditions relating to noise produced by the Boggabri Coal Mine, which is required to be consistent with the project approval, is provided in Table B.3.

55 Table B.3 Conditions from EPL Applicable Condition Requirement NMP Reference L3.1 Noise generated at the premises must not exceed the noise limits in the table below. Sections 4 and 5 (Note: subsequent conditions L3.2 to L3.7 give more detail on requirements for monitoring and acquisition. For full conditions refer to EPL). M8.1 To assess compliance with the noise limits presented in the Noise Limits table, attended noise monitoring must be undertaken in accordance with the condition titled Determining Compliance, outlined above, and: a) at each one of the locations listed in the Noise Limits table; b) occur quarterly in a reporting period; c) occur during each day, evening and night period as defined in the NSW Industrial Noise Policy for a minimum of: i) 1.5 hours during the day; ii) 30 minutes during the evening; and iii) 1 hour during the night. d) occur for three consecutive operating days. R4 A noise compliance assessment report must be submitted to the EPA within 30 days of the completion of the quarterly monitoring. The assessment must be prepared by a suitably qualified and experienced acoustical consultant and include: a) an assessment of compliance with noise limits presented in this licence; and b) an outline of any management actions taken within the monitoring period to address any exceedances of the limits contained in this licence. E1.1 Noise impacts where wind speed exceeds 3 metres per second at 10 metres above the ground must be addressed by: a) documenting noise complaints received to identify any higher level of impacts or wind patterns; where levels of noise complaints indicate a higher level of impact then actions to quantify and ameliorate any enhanced impacts where wind speed exceeds 3 metres per second at 10 metres above the ground should be developed and implemented. E1.2 The noise limits set by condition L3.1 of this licence apply to noise generated solely from the premises. Where the limits are exceeded solely due to cumulative noise impacts from the premises and off premise operations (not under control of the licensee), the licensee must: a) Identify significant contributing noise sources and/or meteorological conditions on the premises contributing to the cumulative noise impacts; b) Liaise with the occupier(s) of all off premise operations contributing to the cumulative noise impact to identify the source(s) and/or cause(s) of cumulative noise impacts causing the exceedance; c) Develop a joint noise reduction strategy in conjunction with all off site contributors to the cumulative noise impacts; and d) Implement all noise mitigation measures that relate solely to the premises identified in the joint noise reduction strategy. A copy of the joint noise reduction strategy must be provided to the DECC s Armidale office within 30 days of any cumulative noise impacts exceeding the limits set by condition L3.1 of this licence. Section 6.1 Section 7.2 Sections 5, 8 and 9 Section 5

56 Additional standards and guidelines Additional publications, standards and codes of practice applicable to managing Project noise are listed in Table B.4. The Interim Construction Noise Guideline (DECC, 2009) does not apply to industrial sources including mining and associated construction (e.g. rail spur, CHPP etc.), and is therefore not applicable. Table B.4 Additional Standards and Guidelines Applicable to the Project Legislative Requirements (DECCW, 2007) Industrial Noise Policy (EPA, 2000) NSW Road Noise Policy (DECCW, 2011) Purpose Addresses noise and vibration from new rail infrastructure projects designed to streamline decision-making processes by providing consistent and transparent procedures for the assessment and approval process for rail infrastructure developments that have potential noise and vibration impacts. The noise trigger levels presented are those that trigger the need for a project to conduct an assessment of its potential noise and vibration impacts and examine what mitigation measures would be feasible and reasonable to apply to ameliorate these impacts. Sets the criteria to assess potential off-site noise impacts to control intrusive short term noise impacts for residences and maintain long term amenity of particular land uses. Establishes recommended base criteria for land use developments with the potential to create additional traffic on existing roads.

57 Appendix C Process flow diagrams for property mitigation, assessment and acquisition

58 Figure C.1 Process for noise assessment, mitigation and acquisition for landholders within 35dB (A) contour area and no written agreement with BCPL