Incorporating an Air Quality Monitoring Protocol

Transcription

1 UNDERGROUND OPERATION Incorporating an Air Quality Monitoring Protocol Issue 1: March 2007

2 Carbon Based Environmental Pty Limited This document was prepared solely for the original recipient and no third party must rely or use any information without the consent of Carbon Based Environmental Pty Limited. Carbon Based Environmental Pty Limited and the author accept no responsibility to any third party who uses or relies upon the information contained in this report. Document Prepared By Colin Davies BSc MEIA CENVP Environmental Scientist Carbon Based Environmental Pty Limited 47 Boomerang St CESSNOCK NSW 2325 P: F: E: Noise Management Plan 0 01/03/ /03/ of 27

3 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.0 INTRODUCTION OBJECTIVES RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHER PLANS BACKGROUND PROJECT OVERVIEW THE APPROVED DEVELOPMENT EXISTING AIR QUALITY MONITORING POTENTIAL PARTICULATE EMISSION SOURCES UNDERGROUND VENTILATION FAN LOCAL WEATHER CONDITIONS IMPACTED AREAS ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES DEVELOPMENT CONSENT CONDITIONS ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION LICENCE (EPL) CONDITIONS AIR QUALITY CRITERIA AIR QUALITY MONITORING PROGRAM AND PROTOCOL DUST GAUGES - DEPOSITIONAL DUST HIGH VOLUME AIR SAMPLING PM 10 AND TSP METEOROLOGICAL MONITORING REPORTING AND REVIEW OF AIR QUALITY MONITORING DATA MITIGATION MEASURES AND CORRECTIVE ACTION EXCEEDANCE OF AIR QUALITY CRITERIA INDEPENDENT REVIEW INDEPENDENT ENVIRONMENTAL AUDIT COMMUNITY COMPLAINT PROTOCOL COMMUNITY CONSULTATION REFERENCES Noise Management Plan 0 01/03/ /03/ of 27

4 1.0 INTRODUCTION On the 31 st January 2007 a Section 3(A) modification was approved by the Department of Planning for Glennies Creek Coal Mine - Surface Facilities Project (now Integra Underground). In accordance with the conditions of approval, specifically condition 11 of schedule 3, an Air Quality Monitoring Program (AQMP) was prepared. The Air Quality Monitoring Program may also be defined as the Air Quality Management Plan for the site. The AQMP includes an air quality monitoring protocol for evaluating compliance with the air quality impact assessment criteria. 2.0 OBJECTIVES The main objective of the AQMP is to establish an air quality monitoring protocol in which to evaluate compliance with relevant criteria. The AQMP aims to ensure that emissions from the approved mining operation do not result in unacceptable impacts on the environment and surrounding community. It focuses on the strategies used to monitor air quality surrounding the mine lease area including, particulate emissions, mitigation of emissions at the source, monitoring, reviewing the monitoring results in terms of the approved impact criteria specified in the project approval conditions and reporting. Air quality issues can also arise from odours generated from activities such as vehicle or equipment emissions and spontaneous combustion. However, odour issues have not been a historical problem at the site and therefore no definitive monitoring or evaluation of odour has been included in this AQMP. In developing a monitoring protocol for particulates, the requirements stated in the Environmental Assessment, project approval consent conditions and Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) Environmental Protection Licence (EPL) have all been considered. The AQMP recognises that there will inevitably be some emissions of particulates from the mine and the plan includes the implementation of management practices to minimise the impact of these emissions on the environment and the community. Noise Management Plan 0 01/03/ /03/ of 27

5 3.0 RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHER PLANS In accordance with Schedule 5 Condition 1 of the Project Approval, an Environmental Management Strategy (EMS) and Environmental Monitoring Plan (EMP) will be prepared for the site. The AQMP will form part of the EMP and support the overall environmental objectives outlined in the EMS. 4.0 BACKGROUND 4.1 Project Overview Integra Underground is an underground coal mine located approximately 10km north west of Singleton in the Hunter Valley, NSW Figure 1. Integra Underground abuts the northern boundary of the Integra Open Cut Coal Lease with access to the underground lease (CL 382) provided from the north-western highwall of the former Camberwell Coal Open Cut North Pit. Support facilities are located adjacent the highwall entry area and the surface facilities area is adjacent to the former Oak Park School (both within ML 1437). All coal produced from the mine is transported through the Integra Coal Open Cut and processed and despatched from the Integra Coal Operations Coal Handling and Preparation Plant. Within the surrounding vicinity of Integra Underground, four other active mines exist, including the adjoining Integra Coal Open Cut, Ashton Coal (3 km west north west), Mt Owen Mine (5km north west) and Rixs Creek Mine (3km south). 4.2 The Approved Development The 2007 Section 3(A) approval allows for the construction and/or use of surface facilities associated with the Glennies Creek underground coal mine. The 3(A) application proposal included: continued use of all existing mine-related surface facilities and infrastructure; and construction and operation of additional surface facilities, including: various facilities at the Pit Top Area, including: demountable bathhouse building; sealed extension of the car park; Noise Management Plan 0 01/03/ /03/ of 27

6 coal handling system; stores compound; additional underground water supply tank; extension of the existing electrical substation; demountable office and crib room buildings and associated facilities; extension to coal stockpile areas; ballast delivery and stockpile area at the Forest Road Ventilation Shaft Area; and additional gas drainage boreholes at the Gas Drainage Borehole Area clarification of the existing facilities within the contractor s area; addition of a transportable toilet block; and installation of a portal-framed workshop building. The approval allows the consolidation of all existing and proposed surface facilities associated with the Glennies Creek underground coal mine into a single, contemporary approval. The AQMP was prepared to meet the conditions of consent applicable to the 2007 Section 3(A) approval. 4.3 Existing Air Quality Monitoring Integra Underground previously installed two High Volume Air Samplers (HVAS) monitoring fine particulates (PM 10 ) in anticipation of monitoring and data requirements required for future operations. The two PM 10 monitors will continue to be utilised for collection of air quality data. Integra Coal Open Cut currently monitors Total Suspended Particulates (TSP) and dust deposition, to the appropriate Australian Standards, in areas surrounding Integra Underground. A previously established agreement with Integra Coal Open Cut, to supply air quality data and a selection of sites meeting the requirements of the AQMP, will continue to be utilised. 4.4 Potential Particulate Emission Sources Potential particulate emission sources from the current mining operations are listed below and include: - Stockpiling of topsoil and gravels; Noise Management Plan 0 01/03/ /03/ of 27

7 - Spreading topsoil and ameliorants on rehabilitation areas; - General road traffic on paved and unpaved roads; - Transferring coal onto linked conveyors at the underground mine; - Loading and transporting coal by truck or conveyor; - Unloading coal to the run of mine stockpiles; - Wind erosion from exposed land and stockpiles; - Combustion engine exhaust; - Underground ventilation fan exhaust; - Construction activities; - Maintenance of fire breaks and asset protection zones; - Clearing of vegetation; and - Bushfire. 4.5 Underground Ventilation Fan The Integra Underground ventilation fan can emit particulates and odour from underground mining operations. Under normal operating conditions emissions from the fan are considered to be minor and specific monitoring requirements are not required by the project approval conditions. The Mt Owen and Ashton Coal projects are located adjacent to the ventilation fan site to the south west, west and north. The air quality monitoring network to the south east and east will assist in monitoring any particulate impacts from the fan on the community. 4.6 Local Weather Conditions Typical of other areas in the Hunter valley, a marked seasonal variation occurs with the prevalent winds in summer and autumn being from the south east and in winter from the north west. Winds in spring are reasonably evenly distributed between the north westerly and south easterly directions (Epps and Associates 1989) 4.7 Impacted Areas As discussed, any air quality impacts surrounding the mine will be primarily from particulates. The degree of impact will be influenced by the source, success of mitigation measures and the prevailing winds. Modelling has determined that impacts will be minor (EA 2006) and previous air quality monitoring has shown that results are currently well within project Noise Management Plan 0 01/03/ /03/ of 27

8 approval air quality criteria. Due to prevailing winds, the impacts will be greatest along the SE NW wind axis. The predominant wind axis map showing the location of mine facilities is presented in Figure 1. Rural residences exist to the north west and the south east of the mine. Other areas are unlikely to be impacted by particulate emissions from Integra Coal Underground due to the prevailing winds and predicted low particulates emission rates. In all cases, the air quality impacts from Integra Underground will be assessed and mitigated to ensure particulate levels do not exceed the impact assessment criteria provided in the project approval conditions. Noise Management Plan 0 01/03/ /03/ of 27

9 Mt Owen Operations NW Integra Underground Ventilation Fan Ashton Coal Integra Underground Integra Coal Open Cut NW/SE Wind Axis Rixs Creek Open Cut SE Singleton Figure 1: Predominant wind axis (wind blowing from the SE to the NW in summer and from the NW to the SE in winter), aligned with principal infrastructure. \\pmsap01\netapps\docs\ems Air Quality Monitoring Program.doc Noise Management Plan Issue No 0 Approved Review Date Date: 01/03/ /03/2010 < Page: 7 of 27

10 5.0 ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY Integra Underground has, and is committed to, an Environmental Policy which states: At Integra Underground, we are committed to the development of a positive culture where we are responsible and accountable for our actions at all levels of our business. We are committed to operating in an environmentally responsible and safer manner through the application of our Operating Philosophy and Environmental Management System by; Complying with applicable environmental laws, regulations and statutory obligations; Communicating regularly with stakeholders; and Making environmental considerations an integral part of our activities. 5.1 Responsibilities and Accountabilities The Mine Manager is responsible for the overall environmental performance of Integra Underground. Senior operational managers have direct environmental responsibility for their areas of control while the Safety and Environmental Advisor provides direction and advice to ensure site environmental conformance is maintained. The principal environmental and operational managers at Integra Underground are provided in Table 1. All employees and contractors have a responsibility to manage operations in an environmentally responsible manner and report any visible air pollution or take action to reduce air quality impacts from site operations. All environmental incidents will be reported to the Integra Underground Safety and Environmental Advisor. All employees and contractors are provided with environmental awareness training through a site induction process. Noise Management Plan 0 01/03/ /03/ of 27

11 Table 1: Principal Operational and Environment Managers at Integra Underground Position Held Integra Operations General Manager Integra Underground Mine Manager Integra Operations Manager Safety and Environment Integra Underground Safety and Environmental Advisor Employer Integra Coal Operations Integra Coal Underground Integra Coal Operations Integra Coal Underground 6.0 DEVELOPMENT CONSENT CONDITIONS The AQMP was prepared in accordance with the 2007 Section 3(A) modification that was approved by the Department of Planning for Glennies Creek Coal mine Surface Facilities Project (now Integra Underground). The conditions of approval, schedules 2 to 5, that are applicable to the AQMP are summarised in Tables 2, 3 and 4.. Noise Management Plan 0 01/03/ /03/ of 27

12 Table 2: Relevant Conditions from Schedule 3 of the Conditions of Approval. Air Quality 10. Impact Assessment Criteria The applicant shall ensure that dust emissions generated by the development do not cause additional exceedances of the air quality impacted assessment criteria lists in tables 2, 3 and 4 at any residence on, or on more than 25 percent of any privately owned land. Section 8.0 And Table Air Quality Monitoring Program The proponent shall prepare (and following approval implement) an Air Quality Monitoring Program, to the satisfaction of the Director-General. The program must include an air quality monitoring protocol for evaluating compliance with the air quality impact assessment criteria in this approval, and be submitted to the Director General by the end of March This document Meteorological Monitoring 12. By the end of March 2007, the proponent shall ensure that there is a suitable meteorological station operating in the vicinity of the development in accordance with the requirements in Approved Methods for Sampling of Air Pollutants in New South Wales and to the satisfaction of the DEC and the Director-General. Section 9.3 Noise Management Plan 0 01/03/ /03/ of 27

13 Table 3: Relevant Conditions from Schedule 4 of the Conditions of Approval. Notification of Landowners 1. If the results of monitoring required in schedule 3 identify that impacts generated by the project are greater than the relevant impact criteria in schedule 3, then the Proponent shall notify the Director-General and the affected landowners and/or existing or future tenants (including tenants of mine owned properties.) accordingly, and provide quarterly monitoring results to each of these parties until the results how that they are complying with the criteria in schedule 3. Independent Review 2. If a landowner (excluding mine owned properties) considers the project to be exceeding the impact assessment criteria in schedule 3, then he/she may ask the Proponent in writing for an independent review of the impacts of the project on his/her land. Section12.0 If the Director-General is satisfied that an independent review is warranted, the Proponent shall within 3 months of the Director-General advising that an independent review is warranted: (a) consult with the landowner to determine his/her concerns; (b) commission a suitably qualified, experienced and independent person, whose appointment has been approved by the Director-General, to conduct monitoring on the land, to determine whether the project is complying with the relevant criteria in schedule 3, and identify the sources(s) and the scale of any impact on the land, and the proponents contribution to the impact; (c) give the Director General and landowner a copy of the review. Section 12.0 Noise Management Plan 0 01/03/ /03/ of 27

14 Table 4: Relevant Conditions from Schedule 5 of the Conditions of Approval. Environmental Monitoring Program 2. The Proponent shall prepare (and following approval implement) an Environmental Monitoring Program for the Project, to the satisfaction of the Director-General. The program must consolidate the various requirement in schedule 3 of this approval into a single document, and be submitted to the director general within two months of the date of approval of the monitoring program under schedule 3 of this approval. Annual Reporting 3. The proponent shall prepare and submit an AEMR to the director general and relevant agencies. The report must: (e) include a summary of the monitoring results for the project during the past year; (f) include an analysis of these monitoring results against for the relevant: * impact assessment criteria/limits; *monitoring results from previous years. * Prediction in the EA/EIS; (g) identify any trends in the monitoring results over the life of the project; (h) identify any non- compliance during the previous year; and (i) describe what action were, or are being, taken to ensure compliance. Section 9.0 Section 10.0 Independent Environmental Audit 5. Every 5 years (and consistent with the mines existing audit schedule), unless the Director-General directs otherwise, the proponent shall commission and pay the full cost of an Independent Environmental Audit of the project. The audit must: (a) be conducted by a suitably qualified, experienced, and independent expert/s whose appointment has been endorsed by the Director-General; (b) assess the various aspects of the environmental performance of the project, and its effects on the surrounding environment; (c) assess whether the project is complying with the relevant standards, performance measures and statutory requirements. (d) review the adequacy of any strategy/plan/program required under this approval; and; if necessary, (e) Recommend measures or actions to improve the environmental performance of the project and/or and strategy/ plan/program under this approval. 7. Following each Individual Environmental Audit, the Proponent shall review and if necessary revise each of the environmental management and monitoring strategies/ plans/ programs in schedule 3 and 5, to the satisfaction of the Director-General. The revised strategies/ plans/ programs shall be submitted to the Director-General within 6 months of completing the audit. Section 13.0 Section 13.0 Noise Management Plan 0 01/03/ /03/ of 27

15 Table 4 continued. Access to Information 9. Within 3 months of the approval of any plan/strategy/program required under this approval (or any subsequent revisions), the completion of the Independent Environmental Audit required under this approval, or the completion of the AEMR, the proponent shall: (a) provide a copy of the relevant document/s to the council, relevant agencies and the CCC; and (b) put a copy of the relevant document/s on the proponents website; to the satisfaction of the Director-General. 10. During the life of the project, the Proponent shall: (a) make a summary of monitoring results required under this approval publicly available on its website: and (b) update these results on a regular basis (at least every 6 months), to the satisfaction of the Director-General. Section 15.0 Section 10.0 Noise Management Plan 0 01/03/ /03/ of 27

16 7.0 ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION LICENCE (EPL) CONDITIONS This current EPL for Integra Underground does not direct any specific air quality monitoring, however, it does provide a condition for site dust management and for completeness is included in the AQMP. The relevant condition is stated below in Table 5. Table 5: Relevant EPL Air Quality Conditions for Integra Underground. Dust O3.1 The premises must be maintained in a condition which minimises or prevents the emission of dust from the premises. Section AIR QUALITY CRITERIA Air quality impact criteria are provided in the project approval conditions. Air quality criteria for depositional dust, particulates matter with an aerodynamic diameter <10µm (PM 10 ) and total suspended particulates (TSP) are provided in Table 6. Noise Management Plan 0 01/03/ /03/ of 27

17 Table 6: Air Quality Impact Assessment Criteria Pollutant Criterion Averaging Period Long Term Impact Assessment Criteria for Particulate Matter Total Suspended Particulate (TSP) matter Particulate Matter < 10µm (PM10) 90 µg/m 3 Annual 30 µg/m 3 Annual Short Term Impact Assessment Criterion for Particulate Matter Particulate Matter < 10µm (PM10) 50 µg/m 3 24 hour Long Term Impact Assessment Criteria for Deposited Dust Depositional Dust 2 g/m 2.month (maximum increase in deposited dust level) 4 g/m 2.month (maximum total deposited dust level) Annual Annual It should be noted that all air quality monitoring equipment detailed in the AQMP record the particulate levels from all sources not solely from Integra Underground. 9.0 AIR QUALITY MONITORING PROGRAM AND PROTOCOL The air quality monitoring program will consist of data from six (6) dust depositional gauges, four (4) High Volume Air Samplers (HVAS), consisting of two (2) measuring PM10 and two (2) measuring TSP, in addition to data from an on site local and regional meteorological stations. The location of the dust deposition gauges and high volume air samplers is described in Table 7 and depicted in Figure 2. Noise Management Plan 0 01/03/ /03/ of 27

18 Table 7: Location of Air Quality Monitoring Equipment Monitor Site Code Location Description Dust Gauge Dust Gauge Dust Gauge Dust Gauge Dust Gauge DG1 DG2 DG3 DG4 DG5 Mordey Residence Bridgman Rd, south east of Integra Underground Lambkin Residence Bridgman Rd. east south East of Integra Underground Egan Residence Thomas Lane. north of Integra Underground, Located adjacent to Possum Skin Dam, north west of Integra Underground Donnellan Residence Glennies Creek Rd, west of Integra Underground Dust Gauge DG6 Camberwell Village. south west of Integra Underground. HVAS (PM10 and TSP) HVAS (PM10 and TSP) Local Meteorological Station Regional Meteorological Station HVAS1 and HVAS 2 HVAS 3 and HVAS4 MET OC MET Hardy Residence Glennies Creek Rd, west of Integra Underground Lambkin Residence Bridgman Rd, east of Integra Underground. On site at Integra Underground Pit Top. On site at Integra Open Cut A description of the air quality monitoring methods and protocols follows. The air quality monitoring program will be incorporated into the Integra Underground consolidated Environmental Monitoring Program. Noise Management Plan 0 01/03/ /03/ of 27

19 DG5 Hardy TSP DG3 DG4 (HVAS1) and PM10 (HVAS2) MET DG2 DG6 Lambkin TSP (HVAS3) and PM10 (HVAS4) OC MET DG1 Singleton Figure 2: Locations of Dust Depositional Gauges (DG), TSP and PM10 HVAS and Meteorological Stations. \\pmsap01\netapps\docs\ems Air Quality Monitoring Program.doc Noise Management Plan Issue No 0 Approved Review Date Date: 01/03/ /03/2010 < Page: 17 of 27

20 9.1 Dust Gauges - Depositional Dust The dust deposition gauges (DG) will be operated to monitor insoluble solids as defined by AS/NZS :2003 Methods for Sampling and Analysis of Ambient Air, Determination of Particulates Deposited Matter Gravimetric method. Samples will be collected every 30 +/- 2 days. Samples are additionally analysed for ash residue to the Australian Standard in order to assist in determining possible contamination and dust source. The monitoring will also meet the requirements of the DEC (EPA) approved methods. The dust deposition gauges will provide deposited dust as insoluble solids, in g/m 2.month. The analysis will be performed at an accredited National Association Testing Authority (NATA) laboratory. Samples will be tracked from field sampling to final analysis by completion of a field sheet and Chain of Custody (COC) documentation. The general sampling process for the dust deposition gauges is displayed as a flow chart in Figure 3. Noise Management Plan 0 01/03/ /03/ of 27

21 Step 1 Operate DDG in the current field location in accordance with AS and AS Complete the field sheet, recording the date dust gauge bottle was installed, name of field technician who installed and location code. Step 2 Sample deposited dust for 30 +/- 2 days Step 3 Collect sample and compete the field sheet, recording date sample was collected, name of field technician who collected, name of location and details of visual assessment including extraneous dust sources (eg. road works, mining, farming) and contamination (eg. bird droppings, vegetation etc) Repeat Step 1-3 for all DDG. Step 4 Transport the collected samples to a NATA laboratory with chain of custody and relinquish samples. Step 5 Receive results from laboratory and prepare relevant reports. Figure 3: Flow chart for dust deposition gauge field sampling, analysis and reporting Noise Management Plan 0 01/03/ /03/ of 27

22 9.2 High Volume Air Sampling PM 10 and TSP Integra Underground will utilise two (2) PM 10 High Volume Air Samplers (HVAS) and two (2) TSP HVAS which sample ambient air for a period of 24 hours every six days in accordance with AS :2003 Methods for sampling and analysis of ambient air. Method 9.6: Determination of suspended particulate matter PM 10 high volume sampler with size selective inlet - Gravimetric method, AS :2003 Methods for sampling and analysis of ambient air. Method 9.3: Determination of suspended particulate matter Total Suspended Particulate matter (TSP) high volume sampler gravimetric method and the DEC sampling schedule. The monitoring will also meet the requirements of the DEC (EPA) approved methods. The analysis will be performed at an accredited National Association Testing Authority (NATA) laboratory. Samples will be tracked from field sampling to final analysis by completion of a field sheet and Chain of Custody (COC) documentation. The general sampling procedure is shown in Figure 4. The HVAS will provide particulate concentrations in µg/m 3 calculated at 0 degrees C and 101.3kPa. Noise Management Plan 0 01/03/ /03/ of 27

23 Step 1 Operate the TSP and PM10 HVAS in their existing locations to AS AS and AS Install HVAS monitoring filters in HVAS. Complete the field sheet recording the date sample was installed, name of field technician who installed, name of location, initial flow rate and initial run time. Step 2 Program HVAS to sample on correct day from midnight to midnight for 24 hours. Step 3 Within 5 days of run day, collect filters. This is completed by: manually running the HVAS and completing the field sheet, recording date sample was collected, name of field technician who collected, name of location and project, final flow rate and final run time. Repeat Steps 1-3 for all HVAS run events. Step 4 After the last run in a month, transport the collected samples to a NATA laboratory with chain of custody and relinquish samples. Step 5 Receive results from laboratory and prepare relevant reports. Step 6 Ensure HVAS are calibrated every 2 months or when moved or flow has changed from set point and ensure the PM10 impaction plate is cleaned and the impact plate surface treatment is applied to manufacturer s specifications Figure 4: Flow chart for HVAS field sampling, analysis and reporting. Noise Management Plan 0 01/03/ /03/ of 27

24 9.3 Meteorological Monitoring A meteorological station was installed on the Integra Coal pit top area in November 2006 to monitor and record temperature, humidity, rainfall, windspeed and direction. The station is used to monitor immediate weather conditions at the pit top but is impacted from the adjacent Integra Open Cut overburden emplacements. The Integra Open Cut meteorological station provides better weather data in a regional context and will be used for back up data and any requirement for future air quality modelling purposes. The Integra Open Cut meteorological station is operated in accordance with the requirements in the Approved Methods for Sampling of Air Pollutants in New South Wales (DEC). If required, the Bureau of Meteorology station at Singleton will be used for additional backup data REPORTING AND REVIEW OF AIR QUALITY MONITORING DATA The Integra Underground Safety and Environmental Advisor will review all air quality monitoring results on a monthly basis and ensure corrective action is taken where results or trends indicate non compliance or risk of future non compliance to the project approval impact assessment criteria. The results will also be included in the Annual Environmental Management Report (AEMR). The AEMR will include a summary of monitoring results during the past year, comparison against the air quality impact criteria, summary of previous years monitoring results and comparison against predictions in the EIS and SEE. The AEMR will also identify any trends in air quality impacts and identify any non conformance over the year as well as describing any actions currently implemented or planned to ensure compliance with the air quality impact criteria. The AEMR will be available to the relevant authorities including the Department of Planning and the Department of Primary Industries (DMR) and the Community Consultative Committee. It will also be placed on the company s website along with a summary of environmental monitoring results. Monitoring results will be updated on the company s website at least every 6 months. The DEC (EPA) will be provided with an annual return, statement of compliance and a monitoring and complaints summary. Noise Management Plan 0 01/03/ /03/ of 27

25 11.0 MITIGATION MEASURES AND CORRECTIVE ACTION Integra Underground employs various measures which mitigate against air quality impacts. Coal stockpiles are sprayed for dust suppression and roads are kept moist with the deployment of a 24 hour dedicated water cart. Site speed limits are reduced to limit dust emission from vehicles. Excessive dust events are reported to the control room for corrective action and dust management procedures and protocols and emphasized during the employees and contractors induction process. Dust is controlled on the internal coal haul road from Integra Underground to Integra Open Cut Coal Handling and Preparation Plant with a 777 water cart operated by Integra Open Cut. Rehabilitation of exposed areas from previous open cut mining on the site is progressing and will reduce the potential for wind blown dust. The majority of the site is stable and does not generate excessive dust EXCEEDANCE OF AIR QUALITY CRITERIA If air quality monitoring reveals that as a direct result of Integra Undergrounds operation, the particulate levels have exceeded the criteria outlined in Section 8 Air Quality Criteria Integra Underground will conduct an investigation into the source of the particulates. The investigation will consider any plant operation or other factors that may have generated excessive levels of particulates. The report will be provided to the any affected landowner and/or existing or future tenants, including tenants of mine owned properties and the Director-General Department of Planning The report will: (a) describe the date, time and nature of the exceedence/ incident; (b) identify the cause (or likely cause) of the exceedence/ incident; (c) describe what action has been taken to date; and (d) describe the proposed measures to address the exceedence/incident. Integra Underground will follow recommendations of the investigation in order to abate particulate emissions from the mine. Quarterly reports will be provided to each affected party and the Director-General until the results show compliance to project approval criteria. Noise Management Plan 0 01/03/ /03/ of 27

26 12.1 Independent Review If a landowner considers the project to be exceeding the impact assessment criteria, Table 6, then they may ask Integra Underground in writing for an independent review of the impacts of the project on their land. There are detailed procedures in the project approval schedule 4 to progress and determine the independent review and these shall be followed by Integra Underground. The Integra Underground Safety and Environmental Advisor shall manage the independent review process for Integra Underground INDEPENDENT ENVIRONMENTAL AUDIT An Independent Environmental Audit will be conducted every 5 years. This will include a review of this document, air quality results and predicted impacts. The audit will be conducted by a suitably qualified person as agreed by the Director-General and if revisions are required from audit findings, this document will be resubmitted for approval as per schedule 5, condition 5 of the approval conditions. After the Independent Environmental Audit is completed, and if changes are recommended to the AQMP, Integra Underground shall review and if necessary revise the AQMP, to the satisfaction of the Director-General. The revised AQMP will be submitted to the Director- General within 6 months of completing the audit COMMUNITY COMPLAINT PROTOCOL Integra Underground records all complaints made by the community. For each complaint, the following information is recorded: Date and time of complaint; Method by which the complaint was made; Personal details of the complainant which were provided by the complainant or, if no such details were provided, a note to that effect; Nature of the complaint; The action(s) taken in relation to the complaint, including any follow-up contact with the complainant; and Noise Management Plan 0 01/03/ /03/ of 27

27 If no action was taken, the reason why no action was taken. Complaint records are kept for at least four years after the complaint was made and will be available to any authorised officer of the DEC who may require details. A summary of each complaint is provided in the AEMR COMMUNITY CONSULTATION Integra Underground will conduct community consultation via a Community Consultative Committee (CCC) with meetings held on a 6 monthly basis. In accordance with the project approval conditions, the approved AQMP and the results of air quality monitoring and this plan will be available on the company s website. The AQMP or any subsequent revision will be placed on the company s website within 3 months of approval by the Director-General. A copy of the AQMP and any subsequent revision will be provided to Singleton Shire Council and the CCC REFERENCES Camberwell Coal Project EIS, 1989, Epps and Associates. Environmental Assessment of Surface Facilities and Activities, 2006, Glennies Creek Coal Management P/L, Glennies Creek Colliery. NSW Department of Environment and Conservation, Environment Protection Licence, Licence Number NSW Department of Planning, 2007, Project Approval File No S03/ NSW Department of Planning, 2007, Major Project Assessment Glennies Creek Coal Mine Surface Facilities Project, Assessment Report. Noise Management Plan 0 01/03/ /03/ of 27