Surface Water Management Plan

Transcription

1 Plan for Document Page 1 of 47

2 Table of Contents 1 Introduction Background Purpose and Scope Objectives Related Documents Regulatory Requirements Project Approval Environment Protection Licence Stakeholder Consultation Regarding this Document Baseline Data Surface Water Quality Water Discharges Surface Water Management System Overview Pit Top Facilities Clean Water Runoff Dirty Water Runoff Water Storages Water Transfer and Disposal Water Treatment Potable Water Wastewater Management Inspection and Maintenance Requirements Mining Services Facility No. 3 Ventilation Shaft and Ballast Borehole Site No. 2 Ventilation Shaft Site Longwall 11 Borehole Pipeline Management Erosion and Sediment Control Ground Disturbance Procedure General Erosion and Sediment Control Principles Construction and Maintenance Principles Site Specific Strategies Selection of Control Techniques Group 1 Erosion Control (Raindrop Impact) Group 2 Erosion Control (Flowing Water Impact) Clean Water Diversion Drains Catch Drains Group 3 Sedimentation Control (Sheet Flow) Temporary Sedimentation Control Methods Group 4 Sedimentation Control (Concentrated Flow) Sediment Dams Page 2 of 47

3 5 Site Water Balance Water Sources Water Demands and Losses Water Re-use Historical Water Balance Predicted Site Water Balance Annual Water Balance Surface Water Monitoring Trigger Value Determination Monitoring Standards Surface Water Monitoring Program Surface Water Quality Monitoring EPA Point 2 Discharge Volume Monitoring Summary of Environmental Monitoring Requirements Reporting and Reviewing Environmental Incidents External Reporting Unforeseen Impacts Protocol Community Complaints and Consultation Review and Improvement Definitions Accountabilities References Legislation External Glencore Coal Assets Australia West Wallsend Underground Appendices Appendix 1 Statement of Commitments and Project Approval Conditions Appendix 2 Baseline Summary Data Appendix 3 Construction and Design Matrix for Erosion and Sediment Control Structure Appendix 4 Government Agency Correspondence Document Information Change Information Page 3 of 47

4 1 Introduction 1.1 Background Oceanic Coal Australia Pty Limited (OCAL) manages and operates West Wallsend Underground (WWU) on behalf of the Macquarie Coal Joint Venture (MCJV). OCAL is majority owned by Glencore Coal Assets Australia (Glencore). WWU is an underground coal mine located approximately 25 kilometres south-west of Newcastle in the Lake Macquarie Government Area (refer to Figure 1.1). WWU has been granted Project Approval (PA 09_0203) for continued operations through the approval of the West Wallsend Colliery Continued Operations Project (WWCCOP) Environmental Assessment (EA), assessed under Part 3A of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act). Project Approval was granted on 25 January 2012 by the NSW Department of Planning and Environment (DP&E), formerly the NSW Department of Planning and Infrastructure (DP&I) Director-General. The Project Approval allows for the continuation of mining operations at WWU and enables the consolidation of existing approvals for underground mining and infrastructure. The WWCCOP assessed the coal reserves for WWU, the existing pit top and other related ancillary surface facilities, including the No.3 ventilation shaft and ballast borehole facility. Approval was granted for an additional two (2) longwall (LW) panels (LW 51 and LW 52) in WWU and associated surface infrastructure are shown in Figure 1.1. Condition 17 of Schedule 4 of the Project Approval requires that the Surface Water Management Plan (SWMP) be prepared by suitably qualified and experienced persons whose appointment has been approved by the Secretary. In accordance with Condition 17, Schedule 4 of the Project Approval, WWU received notification from the Secretary of the DP&I that the Department approved the appointment of Susan Shield, Technical Engineering Manager at Umwelt (Australia) Pty Limited, as suitably qualified and experienced to prepare the SWMP (refer to Appendix 4 for correspondence). This SWMP has been prepared by Susan Shield of Umwelt (Australia) Pty Limited in consultation with WWU. The SWMP will be reviewed in accordance with the requirements of the Project Approval and should minor updates need to occur, they will be undertaken by WWU, in consultation with the DP&E. WWU is committed to implementing continued mining operations in the context of updated and contemporary environmental management requirements. 1.2 Purpose and Scope This SWMP has been developed to satisfy the conditions of the Project Approval and Environment Protection Licence (EPL) No The scope of this management plan is limited to surface water management and monitoring for surface facilities at WWU. Water management and monitoring for subsidence related impacts is addressed in the LW 51 and LW 52 Water Management Plan (WWC SD PLN 0145). This SWMP should be read in conjunction with the LW 51 and LW 52 Water Management Plan (WWC SD PLN 0145). The surface facilities managed by WWU are shown on Figure 1.1 and include WWU pit top area; No.2 ventilation shaft site; No.3 ventilation shaft site and ballast borehole facility; and Longwall 11 borehole facility. Details of the relevant mitigation measures and monitoring for each of the surface facilities is provided in Sections 4.0 and Section 6.0 respectively. The SWMP provides a detailed water balance for the site (Section 5.0). The SWMP also provides the details of monitoring undertaken for the following elements of the WWU water management system and surrounding creeks Page 4 of 47

5 surface water quality in upstream and downstream watercourses; onsite water management; discharges to Burkes Creek; and water transfers offsite. The SWMP will be implemented in accordance with the current version of Methods for the Sampling and Analysis of Water Pollutants in New South Wales (Department of Environment and Conservation ((DEC), 2004). 1.3 Objectives The objective of the SWMP is to provide detailed historical baseline data on surface water quality in creeks and other water bodies that could potentially be affected by WWU s mining operations; detail the surface water monitoring strategy for WWU, including compliance monitoring and measurement of water discharges from WWU; outline the general and site specific principals of erosion and sediment controls to be implemented at WWU; monitor the effectiveness of the erosion and sediment control measures; outline relevant surface water impact assessment criteria and provide methods for the assessment of compliance with conditions of the Project Approval, EPL and legislation relating to surface waters; and outline the reporting requirements for the results of the monitoring program. 1.4 Related Documents Documents within the WWU Environmental Management System (EMS) that relate to, or provide support to the SWMP include Environmental Management Framework (WWC SD FWK 0013); LW 51 and LW 52 Water Management Plan (WWC SD PLN 0145); and Mining Operations Plan (WWC SD PLN 0159). Page 5 of 47

6 Figure 1.1 Project locality Page 6 of 47

7 2 Regulatory Requirements 2.1 Project Approval The Project Approval for WWU was granted under the EP&A Act. The requirement for this SWMP arises from Condition 17 of Schedule 4 of the Project Approval. Table 2.1 Project Approval (09_0203) Conditions Project Approval Condition Surface Water Discharges Schedule 4, Condition 16 The Proponent shall ensure that all surface water discharges from the site comply with the discharge limits (both volume and quality) set for the project in any EPL. Schedule 4, Condition 17 The Proponent shall prepare and implement a for the project to the satisfaction of the Secretary. This plan must be prepared in consultation with NOW and EPA by suitably qualified and experienced persons whose appointment has been endorsed by the Secretary and submitted to the Secretary for approval within 6 months of this approval. This plan must include a) a comprehensive water balance for the project, that includes details of sources and security of water supply; water use on site; water management on site; off-site water transfers; and b) management plans for the surface facilities sites, that include a detailed description of water management systems for each site, including clean water diversion systems; erosion and sediment controls; and any water storages; measures to minimise potable water use and to reuse and recycle water; (following consultation with DP&E it has been determined that this condition is no longer applicable due to the LOM refer to Section 5.2.1). Section Relevant Document Section 6.3 Entire plan Section 5 Section 4 Within Section Error! Reference source not found.error! Reference source not found. Section Error! Reference source not found.error! Reference source not found. Section Sections 4.2.6, and measures to comply with surface water discharge limits; Section 6.0 measures to manage sewage wastewater in accordance with Council requirements; and Section monitoring and reporting procedures. Section 7.0 Note This plan must be suitably integrated with the Water Management Plan that forms a part of an extraction plan Section 1.2, References throughout text Page 7 of 47

8 A detailed list of the general management plan requirements of the Project Approval conditions and the Statement of Commitments, and where they are addressed in this document is included in Appendix Environment Protection Licence EPL Condition Surface water monitoring at WWU will be undertaken in accordance with the conditions of EPL A complete list of conditions relating to surface water monitoring, and an indication of where they are addressed within this document are provided in Table 2.2. Table 2.2 EPL 1360 Conditions L2 Concentration Limits Section 6.3 L3 Volume and Mass Limits Section 6.3 M1 Monitoring records Section 7 M2 Requirement to monitor concentration of pollutants discharged Section where addressed within this Document Section 6.3 M3 Testing methods concentration limits Section 6.3 M8 Requirement to monitor volume or mass Section 6.3 R2 Notification of Environmental harm Section 7.0 R3 Written Report Section Stakeholder Consultation Regarding this Document Extensive consultation with government authorities was undertaken during the preparation of the WWCCOP EA (Umwelt, 2010) including project briefings, a Planning Focus Meeting, public exhibition and separate meetings with relevant regulatory authorities to discuss specific issues. The consultation undertaken during the preparation of the WWCCOP EA is described in Section 3.0 of the WWCCOP EA (Umwelt, 2010). The consultation process has also involved the submission of the SWMP to EPA and NOW concurrently with its submission to DP&E. All comments provided by EPA and NOW following submission have been subsequently addressed in this document which will be resubmitted to DP&E for approval. Comments from both agencies can be found in Appendix 4. All minor revisions that are undertaken in accordance with Schedule 6, Condition 5 of the Project Approval will be discussed (where relevant) with DP&E prior to submission for approval. Page 8 of 47

9 3 Baseline Data 3.1 Surface Water Quality WWU has one licensed discharge point (EPA Point 2) under EPL Water quality is monitored at Drain A on the boundary of the premises adjacent to The Broadway in accordance with the requirements of EPL Monitoring is also undertaken upstream (SW02) and downstream (SW03) of the discharge point in Burkes Creek for due diligence purposes. For the purpose of this SWMP, baseline monitoring conditions have been assessed for May 2009 to December The existing water management system at the WWU pit top is shown in Figure 3.1 and surface water monitoring locations are listed in Table 3.1. Baseline water quality results are detailed in Table 3.2. The trends for key water quality variables are illustrated graphically in Appendix 2. Table 3.1 Surface Water Monitoring Locations for WWU Monitoring Point Location EPL Point No. EPA Point 2 Drain A 2 SW02 Burkes Creek Upstream NA* SW03 Burkes Creek Downstream NA* Parameter * Burkes Creek Upstream (SW02) and Burkes Creek Downstream (SW03) are environmental monitoring locations and are monitored for due diligence purposes, and as such, these monitoring locations are not included within EPL Surplus underground water at WWU is transferred to Westside Mine via a borehole at LW 11 for discharge to Cockle Creek (via EPL 4033) (Figure 1.1) or, when maintenance is required at the borehole at LW 11, the surplus underground water can be discharged via EPA Point 2 to Burkes Creek. A summary of the results of the background water quality monitoring at SW02 are shown in Table 3.2. Table 3.2 Historical Ranges in Water Quality of Upstream Burkes Creek (May 2009 December 2011) Burkes Creek ph Electrical Conductivity (µs/cm) Total Suspended Solids (mg/l) 5-2,200 Aluminium (Dissolved) (µg/l) 20-1,600 2 Aluminium (Total) (µg/l) ,200 2 Arsenic (Dissolved) (µg/l) <1 1-3 Arsenic (Total) (µg/l) < Beryllium (Dissolved) (µg/l) <1 1-1 Beryllium (Total) (µg/l) <1 1 Cadmium (Dissolved) (µg/l) Cadmium (Total) (µg/l) < Page 9 of 47

10 Chromium (Dissolved) (µg/l) <1 1-7 Chromium (Total) (µg/l) < Cobalt (Dissolved) (µg/l) <1 1-2 Cobalt (Total) (µg/l) < Copper (Dissolved) (µg/l) < Copper (Total) (µg/l) < Iron (Dissolved) (µg/l) Lead (Dissolved) (µg/l) <1 1-2 Lead (Total) (µg/l) 2-63 Mercury (Dissolved) (µg/l) <0.1 1 Mercury (Total) (µg/l) <0.1 1 Manganese (Dissolved) (µg/l) 24-1,620 Molybdenum (Dissolved) (µg/l) <1 1 - <5 1 Molybdenum (Total) (µg/l) <5 1 Nickel (Dissolved) (µg/l) <1 1-2 Nickel (Total) (µg/l) 2-32 Selenium (Dissolved) (µg/l) <1 1 - <5 1 Selenium (Total) (µg/l) <1 1-7 Silver (Dissolved) (µg/l) < <5 1 Silver (Total) (µg/l) < Vanadium (Dissolved) (µg/l) < Vanadium (Total) (µg/l) < Zinc (Dissolved) (µg/l) 6-40 Zinc (Total) (µg/l) Below laboratory Limit of Reading at the time of analysis. 2 The concentrations of aluminium measured within Burkes Creek appear to be anomalous, given that values within Cockle Creek are significantly less. Where data exceeds ANZECC guidelines the result is bolded. Page 10 of 47

11 Figure 3.1 Pit Top Surface Water Management System Page 11 of 47

12 Based on the available data, discharges of surface water from the WWU pit top facility are likely to be within the historical background water quality ranges for ph, Electrical Conductivity (EC) and Total Suspended Solids (TSS) in Burkes Creek. Similarly, based on the available data, the concentrations of dissolved heavy metals in surface water discharged from the WWU pit top facility are likely to be within the historical background water quality ranges of Burkes Creek. The analysis indicates that the surplus underground water will be similar to the background water quality for ph, TSS and dissolved heavy metals. However, the EC of the surplus underground water is likely to be in the range of 3,900 µs/cm to 6,600 µs/cm which is higher than the EC of the receiving waters. Surplus underground water is generally discharged to Cockle Creek via the Westside Mine EPL (EPL 4033). Variations in the monitoring results are considered to be the result of natural fluctuations in water quality. Based on the water quality of historical discharges and background water quality in Burkes Creek, it is expected the current and proposed future discharges at WWU via EPA Point 2 will have negligible impact on water quality in Burkes Creek and downstream in Cockle Creek and Lake Macquarie. 3.2 Water Discharges WWU propose to continue to extract surplus water from the WWU underground workings, via a borehole at LW 11 (Figure 1.1). This extraction of water from WWU is licensed under 20BL The extraction of groundwater is licensed under Part 5 of the Water Act 1912 which currently provides for extraction of up to 360 ML per year. An application to increase the groundwater extraction limit permitted under the LW 11 licence to 1000 ML in any 12 month period was lodged with NOW in WWU has developed a numerical groundwater model in consultation with NOW. The model is being reviewed by NOW and will be used to guide future water licencing requirements. The required extraction limit may change as a result of water investigations and subsequent consultation with NOW around possible water make from the Teralba Underground barrier pillar. WWU will continue to discharge surplus minewater from underground workings via Cockle Creek (in accordance with the conditions of EPA Point 4 of EPL 4033 for Westside Mine) or Burkes Creek (in accordance with the conditions of EPA Point 2 of EPL 1360). Discharge of surplus underground mine water via EPA Point 2 may be necessary during periods of scheduled maintenance on the LW 11 borehole pump. 4 Surface Water Management System 4.1 Overview The WWU water management system includes mine dewatering systems, water storages, sediment basins and flocculent dosing stations as well as drains and bunding around the laydown hardstand areas and fuelling areas. The WWU water management system has the following key functions management of groundwater inflows into the underground mine workings; management of surface water runoff at the WWU pit top facility, No. 3 ventilation shaft and ballast borehole site and mining services facility (MSF) (if constructed), including o o collection and treatment of runoff from surface infrastructure area; where necessary, treatment of water with flocculants to improve sedimentation prior to discharge; reducing the discharge of pollutants (e.g. sediment, saline water and heavy metals) from the mine to the environment; and managing water discharges to meet licence conditions. r Page 12

13 A schematic of the existing WWU pit top water management system is shown on Figure 4.1. Maintenance and upgrading works were undertaken in 2014/2015 in order to ensure the surface water dams shown on Figure 3.1 have sufficient capacity to enable WWU to comply with its water monitoring and discharge obligations under the Project Approval, various management plans, EPL1360 and the requirements identified in the WWCCOP EA. Figure 3.1 also displays newly installed clean water diversion drains which were identified as a water management system improvement following the water incident investigations in March Pit Top Facilities Clean Water Runoff Where possible, runoff from undisturbed areas adjacent to WWU surface facilities is diverted around disturbed areas using diversion drains. The diversion drains prevent the clean water from entering the dirty water catchment and minimise the inflow of clean water runoff into the pit top facilities Dirty Water Runoff Runoff water from the WWU pit top facilities potentially contains sediment and needs to be managed accordingly. Runoff is directed to the water management system dams (Section 4.2.3) via catch drains. Water is then treated in the dams before being used where possible on site for dust suppression and equipment wash down or is discharged off site via EPA Point 2. During normal operation, the water management system dams are maintained at low levels to ensure that adequate capacity is available in the event of a storm event or period of prolonged rainfall. If required, water is discharged in accordance with the EPL (Section 4.2.4). Page 13 of 47

14 Figure 4.1 Water Management System Page 14 of 47

15 4.2.3 Water Storages Water storage areas at WWU are limited, with the majority of water storage available within the underground workings. Runoff from the WWU pit top facility is captured and treated in four dams located at the WWU pit top facilities. These dams store and treat water prior to discharge at EPA Point 2. The dams have a combined storage volume of approximately 16.9 ML. The dams have capacity to capture runoff from the 10 year Average Recurrence Interval (ARI) 24 hour storm event from the total catchment area (Table 4.1). Table 4.1 WWU Surface Facility Storage Dams Dam Catchment Area (ha) Storage Volume (ML) 5 Day 95 th Percentile Runoff Volume (ML) 1 10 year ARI 24 hour Storm Event Volume (ML) North East Dam Top Dam Bottom Dam (cells 1 & 2) Total Based on 76.7 mm rainfall with 90% runoff. Water levels within sediment dams are pro-actively managed to maintain stormwater capacity and to minimise the requirement to discharge during storm events. Freeboard will be maintained in all sediment dams prior to rainfall events. In the event that water levels during a rainfall event reduce the freeboard, opportunities to transfer water within the water management system, or to treat and discharge water are assessed. Maintenance and upgrade works such as sediment removal are periodically undertaken to ensure the surface water management system remains consistent with the WWCCOP EA. As mentioned above, maintenance and upgrade works were undertaken in 2014/2015 to ensure consistency with the WWCCOP EA and address the water incidents that occurred in 2013 by increasing dam capacity. Any additional sediment dams required in the future by WWU will be designed with sufficient capacity to treat and/or capture runoff in accordance with the requirements outlined in Appendix Water Transfer and Disposal WWU transfers/disposes of water from site by three methods, as follows transfer of treated effluent to Macquarie Coal Preparation Plant (MCPP); discharge from a licensed discharge point under EPL 1360; and groundwater extraction via the LW 11 borehole facility and transfer to Westside Mine. WWU has one licensed discharge point at EPA Point 2 under EPL The licensed discharge point is currently used for discharge of surplus surface water runoff from the WWU pit top site and for the discharge of surplus water from underground workings, where required, during periods of scheduled maintenance on the LW11 borehole pump. Water Page 15 of 47

16 quality is monitored at the EPA Point 2 discharge point as well as upstream of and downstream of the discharge point in Burkes Creek. Water discharged from the site will comply with all quality limits contained within the relevant EPL. Water quality will be confirmed through sampling in accordance with the requirements of the EPL Water Treatment Daily visual inspections of the surface water dams are undertaken to determine whether stored water requires flocculation. An automated flocculent station has been established on the Top Dam and operates on a permanent basis. A second flocculent dosing station is located at the inlet to the Bottom Dam (Cell 1). This station is utilised to reduce the level of TSS in the discharge from EPA Point 2 during high rainfall events. In addition, a portable venturi flocculent station is available that can be used to treat all dams Potable Water Potable water is purchased from Hunter Water Corporation (HWC). Potable water is used in the underground operations and the surface facilities for amenities and equipment wash down Wastewater Management Sewage generated at the WWU pit top is treated by a Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) adjacent to the light vehicle entrance (Figure 3.1). The STP is operated in accordance with a Lake Macquarie City Council (LMCC) approval for the operation of an on-site STP. Treated effluent from the STP is pumped to the maturation ponds at the MCPP, with the water reused as process water within the MCPP Inspection and Maintenance Requirements All surface water dams are visually inspected on a daily basis. The purpose of the daily inspections is to check water levels and quality and to determine the need for any flocculation. Dams are also inspected on a monthly basis by the OCAL Environment and Community Department to determine sedimentation levels. Equipment used in the measurement of water quantities and quality such as flow meters, online instrumentation and hand held analytical meters are tested and calibrated in accordance with the manufacturers specifications. Calibration certificates and records are kept for a period of at least four years in accordance with the WWC Environmental Management Strategy (WWC SD FWK 0013). 4.3 Mining Services Facility The approved MSF is located within the Palmers Creek catchment adjacent to Wakefield Road. Vehicle access to the site will be via Wakefield Road. Due to the LOM WWU do not currently propose to construct the approved MSF. If in the future the MSF is constructed the conceptual surface water management strategy for the site of the MSF is outlined in the Environmental Assessment Surface Water Assessment (Umwelt, 2010). The water management strategy has been designed to minimise the potential impacts on the surrounding environment and downstream catchment areas. A detailed design of the water management system for the MSF will be completed prior to construction of the MSF and will include erosion and sediment controls associated with the construction phase. Page 16 of 47

17 4.4 No. 3 Ventilation Shaft and Ballast Borehole Site The No. 3 ventilation shaft and ballast borehole site is located within the Cockle Creek catchment area, which flows into Lake Macquarie. The site has existing water management infrastructure in place to capture and treat runoff from the existing mining facilities. This system includes a clean water diversion drain, catch drains and two sedimentation ponds of approximately 1 ML capacity as shown on Figure 4.2. An existing clean water diversion drain upslope of the existing facilities diverts runoff from the upslope undisturbed catchment away from the sedimentation ponds. Site runoff drains in a north-easterly direction and is intercepted by dirty water catch drains which direct runoff to the first of the two sedimentation ponds. Water from the first sedimentation pond overflows into a second sedimentation pond. The second sedimentation pond overflows from the eastern end of the pond to Cockle Creek. In total, the combined catchment reporting to the sedimentation ponds is approximately 2.9 hectares. Ongoing activities at the No.3 ventilation shaft and ballast borehole site will be managed through the existing water management system at the site. 4.5 No. 2 Ventilation Shaft Site There are no specific water management controls for the No. 2 ventilation shaft site, as there are no ongoing surface disturbance activities. Any areas which are not required for ongoing operations of the No. 2 Ventilation Shaft Site have been revegetated. 4.6 Longwall 11 Borehole Currently, surplus underground mine water is pumped to the surface via the Longwall 11 borehole (Figure 1.1) and transferred to Westside Mine where it is discharged into Cockle Creek. WWU may also extract surplus underground mine water at the WWU pit top for discharge via EPA Point 2 when required for maintenance requirements. As detailed in Section 2.1, WWU has applied for a variation to the Longwall 11 extraction licence to increase the extraction limit to 1000 ML in any 12 month period. Determination of the application has not been received to date. This limit is to be further discussed with NOW as stated in Section 3.2. The transfer of underground mine water to Westside Mine (via Longwall 11 borehole) has assisted with the management of surface water at the WWU pit top increasing the pit top dam s ability to accommodate storm events. 4.7 Pipeline Management WWU manages surface water pipelines in accordance with the Glencore Pipeline Management Protocol (CAA HSEC PCL 0010). The Pipeline Management Protocol outlines the requirements for the design, installation, operation and maintenance of surface pipelines to minimise the risk of pipeline failure (e.g. rupture, leakage or damage from physical impact); and provide that contingencies for containment and remediation are in place to minimise environmental impacts if pipeline failure occurs. All pipelines at the WWU are to be installed, operated and maintained in accordance with CAA HSEC PCL When works are being done on pipelines or pumps a risk assessment and/or a change management shall be undertaken to consider any HSEC risks. Pipeline testing (ie thickness testing, fittings check etc) should be carried out when required inline with pipeline maintenance strategy. Page 17 of 47

18 4.8 Erosion and Sediment Control Erosion and sediment controls will be installed and maintained as required at WWU to mitigate the impact on nearby watercourses and the surrounding environment. Standard erosion and sediment control techniques will be utilised in accordance with the requirements of Managing Urban Stormwater Soils and Construction Volume 1 (Landcom, 2004) and Volumes 2A, 2C, 2D and 2E (DECC, 2008) (the Blue Book). A summary of the general erosion and sediment control principles to be utilised by WWU to limit erosion at surface facilities are outlined in Section Controls for construction and maintenance activities are outlined in Section Further site specific erosion and sediment control strategies and structures that will be utilised by WWU to minimise erosion and sedimentation are outlined in Section The implementation of the controls outlined in the following sections will require the preparation of a site specific, job related plan of erosion and sediment control works to be implemented in support of each activity to be undertaken (Section Error! Reference source not found.error! Reference source not found.). 4.9 Ground Disturbance Procedure Glencore has developed a Ground Disturbance Permit Procedure (CAA HSEC PRO 0002) to ensure that site clearing activities are planned and carried out in a manner that minimises environment and community impacts. A Glencore Ground Disturbance Permit Form (CAA HSEC PER 0004) must be completed for all construction, ground disturbance or clearing activities to detail the erosion and sediment control measures to be implemented for that activity. The form requires detailed erosion and sediment control planning for each stage/area of the relevant activity in line with the Glencore Erosion and Sediment Control Procedure (CAA HSEC PRO 0016). This may include (but not be limited to) the following an Erosion and Sediment Control Drawing; information on ground cover, soil type and compaction requirements; design calculations and key design assumptions for sediment control features such as sediment dams, including size of catchment area and proportion disturbed; an order of works based upon stabilisation of all areas of high erosion hazard at the earliest practical stage; proposed time schedules for construction of structures and implementation of measures to control erosion and sedimentation; reference to monitoring and maintenance procedures, including details of any water quality testing required; rehabilitation requirements (e.g. seeding and fertiliser rates); and standard document control information (e.g. date developed, person authorising the procedure and version number). For construction activities, the Glencore Ground Disturbance Permit Form will be incorporated into the construction program and no earthworks or excavations will proceed until the contractor has installed the measures detailed within the Glencore Ground Disturbance Permit Form. Specific Glencore Ground Disturbance Permit Forms will be progressively amended where necessary to accommodate changes in construction activities, landforms, drainage paths and other conditions. Page 18 of 47

19 Figure 4.2 No. 3 Ventilation Shaft and Ballast Borehole Site Water Management System Page 19 of 47

20 4.9.1 General Erosion and Sediment Control Principles WWU will install and maintain erosion and sediment controls in accordance with the Blue Book (Landcom, 2004 and DECC, 2008) at the WWU surface facilities. The measures that will be implemented include the following Installation of erosion and sediment control measures as the first step in the process for land disturbance; Minimising all disturbed areas and stabilisation by progressive rehabilitation/stabilisation as soon as practicable; Clearly identifying and delineating areas required to be disturbed and ensuring that disturbance is limited to those areas. Clearing as little vegetation as required, leaving mulch on cleared areas as long as possible and minimising machinery disturbance outside of these areas; Construction of diversion drains upslope of areas to be disturbed to direct clean water runoff away from disturbed areas, where practical. The diversion drains will be designed to ensure effective segregation of sediment-laden runoff and allow clean surface water to return to natural watercourses (Appendix 3); Construction of catch drains to capture runoff from disturbed areas and direct runoff into sediment dams (Appendix 3); Construction of other erosion and sediment control measures, where required, such as sediment fences and sediment dams within the catchment area; Construction of drainage controls such as table drains at roadsides and on hardstand areas and toe drains on stockpiles; Construction of sediment dams, where required, to capture runoff from infrastructure areas (Appendix 3); Addition of flocculant to dams, where required, to aid the settlement of entrained sediment (Appendix 3); Placement of geotextile liners and rock check dams in drains as required to reduce water velocities and prevent scouring (Appendix 3); Regular maintenance of all controls and inspection of all works weekly and after storm events to ensure erosion and sediment controls are performing adequately; Topsoil stockpiles to be located away from high traffic areas and watercourses; Level or gently sloping areas will be selected as stockpile sites, where required, to minimise erosion and potential soil loss where possible; Appropriate sediment controls will be installed upslope of stockpiles to divert water around the stockpiles and downslope of stockpiles to prevent soil loss; Stockpiles will generally be less than three metres high and will be set out in windrows to maximise surface exposure and biological activity; Vegetation of soil stockpiles if stored for longer than three months; and Immediate repair or redesign of erosion and sediment controls that are not performing adequately, as identified in field inspections Construction and Maintenance Principles Prior to the commencement of any construction activities at WWU, a Glencore Ground Disturbance Permit Form is required to be completed (Section Error! Reference source not found.error! Reference source not found.). WWU will control erosion and the discharge of water off site from construction activities in accordance with the Blue Book (Landcom, 2004 and DECC, 2008). Page 20 of 47

21 The general recommendations of the Blue Book in regard to sediment and waste control indicate that where the average annual soil loss from the total area of land disturbance is less than 150 m 3 per year, a sediment dam may not be required. For these areas where a sediment dam is potentially not required, other control measures can be used to ensure that pollution does not occur to downslope receiving waters (as per Section of Volume 1 of the Blue Book (Landcom, 2004)). Where a sediment dam is required the following should apply sediment dam design is to be in accordance with Table 2 of Appendix 3; sediment dams are to be maintained in a drawn down state as far as practical to ensure the required settling zone is available; where sediment is known to be dispersive, a suitable flocculation system will be available for the dam to settle fine particles; where discharge is required in order to maintain sufficient surcharge capacity, the discharge is to be undertaken in accordance with the relevant site discharge procedure; and sediment dams are to be inspected and maintained as per Section Site Specific Strategies Selection of Control Techniques In order to effectively plan for the design and installation of control measures that will have minimal erosion and sediment associated impacts upon the surrounding environment, the following steps should be followed identify if the problem is associated with erosion or sedimentation where erosion is the issue, identify if particles are being detached by raindrop impact or flowing water; or where sedimentation is the issue, identify if particles are being transported by sheet flow or concentrated flow; and select appropriate erosion and sediment control techniques as outlined in Figure Group 1 Erosion Control (Raindrop Impact) The following erosion control techniques are recommended for implementation where soil particles are being detached by raindrop impacts vegetation; batter blankets; soil surface mulching; surface roughening; and geobinders Group 2 Erosion Control (Flowing Water Impact) The following erosion control techniques are recommended for implementation where soil particles are being detached by the impacts of flowing water Up-slope diversions; Mid-slope diversions; Page 21 of 47

22 Soft armour channels; Hard armour channels; In-stream diversions; Check dams; Batter drains; Grade control structures and flumes; and Outlet dissipation structures. Further detail regarding Clean Water Diversion Drains and Catch Drains is provided in the sections below. Figure 4.3 Erosion and Sediment Control Selection Procedure Page 22 of 47

23 Clean Water Diversion Drains Clean water diversions will be constructed upslope of areas to be disturbed to convey clean water runoff away from disturbed areas. This clean water runoff will be diverted into nearby watercourses. Appropriate protection will be established where diverted waters enter creeks through the use of level spreaders and, if required, additional planting of grass, small shrubs and riparian species to achieve the required bank stability. Permanent diversion drains (required for greater than 3 months) are to be designed in accordance with the Blue Book to cater for a 20 year Average Recurrence Interval (ARI) storm event. Further design criteria are provided in Appendix Catch Drains Catch drains will be established to convey runoff from the disturbed areas to sediment dams. All permanent catch drains (required for greater than 3 months) will be designed to convey peak discharges from a minimum critical duration 20 year ARI storm event in accordance with the Blue Book. Further design criteria are provided in Appendix Group 3 Sedimentation Control (Sheet Flow) The following erosion control techniques are recommended for implementation where soil particles are being detached by sheet flow vegetative buffers; sediment barriers/filters; and site exit points. Further detail regarding temporary controls to control sheet flow are provided in the sections below Temporary Sedimentation Control Methods Sediment fences, sediment traps, rock check dams and other temporary erosion and sediment control measures from the Blue Book will be installed in advance of, or in conjunction with, earthworks to prevent sediment laden water leaving the site or entering clean water systems. These temporary controls are intended to be used for short periods whilst more permanent erosion and sediment control structures are being implemented or during emergency scenarios where permanent structures are not deemed appropriate. Sediment fences and other temporary controls are to be designed in accordance with the Blue Book. Where necessary, sediment fences or other temporary controls are to be installed immediately downstream of the areas to be disturbed. Sediment fences are to be installed along contours if practicable and the upslope catchment is to have a maximum grade of 1V 2H (vertical horizontal). Sediment fences are not to be installed in high flow areas where the effectiveness of the fences may be impeded (e.g. perpendicular across waterways or drains). Where practicable, the catchment areas of sediment fences and other temporary controls are to be limited by constructing the fences or other controls with small returns at 20 metre intervals to create smaller contributing sub-catchments. This is necessary as sediment fences and other temporary controls are prone to failure in larger storm events and should be designed to ensure a maximum of 50 L/s passes through the sediment fence during a storm event Group 4 Sedimentation Control (Concentrated Flow) The following erosion control techniques (Section Error! Reference source not found.error! Reference source not found.) are recommended for implementation where soil particles are being detached by concentrated flow sediment curtains/turbidity barriers; sediment traps; and Page 23 of 47

24 sediment dams. Further detail regarding Sediment Dams is provided in the section below Sediment Dams Sediment dams are to be constructed within dirty water catchments to capture and treat sediment laden water for treatment prior to discharge. Sediment dams will be installed where appropriate prior to any land disturbance activities occurring and maintained following completion of land disturbance activities. The design of each sediment dam will take into consideration the topsoil characteristics of the catchment, as well as the presence of any other potential pollutants (e.g. coal fines) (Appendix 3). Sediment dam sizes will then be determined in accordance with the Blue Book for fine soils (i.e. type D or F) for the 95th percentile 5 day rainfall event (Appendix 3). Where sediment is known/expected to be dispersive, sediment dams will include a flocculation system to assist in settling fine particles. All sediment dams will be maintained in a drawn down state as far as practicable. Permanent sediment dams have been designed and constructed within the infrastructure at the WWU pit top to capture sediment laden water for treatment prior to reuse or discharge. 5 Site Water Balance The site water balance model comprises a series of modules that represent the catchments and major components of the mine water management system. Each module is balanced individually and then brought together to represent the total water balance. The site water balance takes into account water sources (including rainfall and groundwater), demands and losses, the change in the inventory of water stored underground and in surface dams, and the transfer of water. The primary aspects of the site water balance are discussed in Section 5.1 to Section Water Sources The main sources of water within the WWU Water Management System are runoff at the pit top facilities (from rainfall) and groundwater inflows to the WWU underground mine. Potable water is also imported to the WWU pit top. 5.2 Water Demands and Losses The primary water demands and losses affecting the WWU water balance are Inflows Losses catchment rainfall and runoff into the water management system; groundwater inflows into the underground operations; and import of potable water for administration facilities and to support underground mining operations. underground mining operations (i.e. water lost to ROM, emulsion make up, dust suppression, ventilation air); discharge via EPA Point 2; evaporation from dam surfaces; and water lost with ROM coal Water Re-use Managing water demand, minimising water losses and maximising water recovery within the system is an important aspect of the WWU water management system. WWU has Page 24 of 47

25 undertaken detailed investigations into options for reducing the use of potable water. Through consultation with the DP&E and considering the revised LOM, it has been determined that no further investigative action is necessary. WWU currently transfer treated effluent to the MCPP. The effluent is reused at the MCPP as process water in the coal preparation plant. 5.3 Historical Water Balance WWU prepare a water balance annually, with the results of the water balance reported in the WWU Annual Review. A summary of the 2013 and 2014 water balances for WWU is shown in Table 5.1. Table 5.1 Average Site Water Balance for 2013 and 2014 Component Volume (ML/year) Inflows Rainfall/runoff Groundwater inflows 1, Potable water import Total Inflows 1, Losses Lost to ROM coal Equipment washdown and dust suppression Evaporation from surface dams -7-7 Lost to humidity/ventilation in the underground Total Losses -230 GROSS WATER BALANCE 1, Discharges and Transfers Off Site Discharge via EPA point 2 (Burkes Creek) Extracted at Westside Mine via LW11-1, Effluent transferred to MCPP Total Discharges and Transfers -1, NET WATER BALANCE +47 (i.e. +3.1% of inflows) +20 (i.e +1.1% of inflows) Page 25 of 47

26 5.4 Predicted Site Water Balance The predictive water balance model for WWU is based on the model developed for the historical water balance. Historical meteorological data from the Williamtown Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) station was used to predict the range in potential future rainfall, runoff and evaporation characteristics and is considered to adequately represent the rainfall and evaporation rates experienced at WWU. Estimates of future groundwater make were based on historical data. A groundwater inflow rate of approximately 900 ML per year (i.e. 2.5 ML per day) was used in the predictive water balance model. The main water losses identified include water discharged via EPA Point 2, groundwater transferred to Westside Mine and water exported with ROM coal to MCPP. Historical evaporation rates were used to estimate the water lost to evaporation from dam surfaces. Future potable water use was based on historical usage and predicted ongoing staffing levels for the WWCCOP. The predictive water balance model indicates if no shandying of potable water with mine water occurs, potable water import will range between approximately 210 ML per year to approximately 405 ML per year; if shandying of potable water with mine water occurs at a rate of approximately 60/40 (i.e. 60% potable water, 40% mine water), potable water import will range between approximately 130 ML per year to approximately 250 ML per year; discharges from EPA Point 2 are driven by rainfall/runoff regimes and will range between approximately 20 ML per year to approximately 90 ML per year; extraction from the underground operations via LW11 under licence 20BL will range between approximately 960 ML per year to approximately 1000 ML per year with approximately 800 ML of this water consisting of groundwater inflow to the underground mining operations; and transfers of sewage effluent to MCPP will remain constant at approximately 20 ML per year as no increase in staffing are predicted to occur at WWU. 5.5 Annual Water Balance An annual site water balance will be compiled based on site water management data collected in accordance with the requirements of Condition 17(a) of Schedule 5 of the Project Approval. Specific reporting outcomes from the annual site water balance include an estimate of the volume of rainfall runoff collected in each of the catchment areas that make up the WWU Water Management System; an estimate of the volume of water sourced from the hardrock and alluvial aquifers; the volume of water transferred to or from other mining operations; water discharged via EPA Point 2 to Burkes Creek; and potable water usage. The annual site water balance will also be used to manage the risks associated with the management, storage and transfer of water at WWU. The results of the annual water balance review will be reported in the WWU Annual Review. This will include a comparison of the performance against the predictions in the West Wallsend Continued Operations Project Environmental Assessment (Umwelt, 2010), a comparison of the reported groundwater inflow against licence conditions, a review of the rainfall yield model, a review of the water loss models (i.e. evaporation and coal moisture), an assessment of the monitoring equipment reliability and any requirements for additional monitoring equipment. Page 26 of 47

27 6 Surface Water Monitoring 6.1 Trigger Value Determination WWU was required under EPL 1360 to conduct a Pollution Study. Condition U2 in Section 8 of EPL 1360 required WWU to undertake an assessment of metals leaving the premises. Monitoring of water quality for the Pollution Study commenced in June In addition to monitoring metal concentrations in water discharged from site via EPA Point 2, WWU also monitored background water quality upstream and downstream in Burkes Creek. At the completion of the 24 month monitoring period an assessment was undertaken in accordance with Australian and New Zealand Environment and Conservation Council (ANZECC) water quality guidelines and the assessment report was submitted to the EPA on 6 October Monitoring Standards Surface water monitoring at WWU will be undertaken in accordance with relevant Australian Standards, legislation and the OEH approved methods for sampling, including (but not limited to) Methods for the Sampling and Analysis of Water pollutants in NSW (DEC, 2004); AS/NZS Water Quality Sampling Guidance on the Design of Sampling Programs, Sampling Techniques and the Preservation and Handling of Samples; and AS/NZS Water Quality Sampling Guidance on Sampling of Waste Waters. 6.3 Surface Water Monitoring Program This program includes monitoring of the following elements of the WWU water management system and surrounding creeks daily rainfall, as recorded at the WWU weather station. The WWU weather station was installed and commissioned in December 2012 in accordance with the Methods for Sampling of Air Pollutants in New South Wales Guideline. The weather station is positioned in an approved location onsite at WWU, adjacent to the WWU carpark; daily visual inspections of water management infrastructure; monthly inspections of all erosion and sediment controls, as well as after storm events (i.e. rainfall events of greater than 50 millimetres in 24 hours); transfers of water to, from and around the site; off-site surface water discharges; and monitoring of surface water quality and flows (by observation) in upstream and downstream watercourses. A description of the monitoring locations, frequency and parameters measured for each component of the water management system is provided in the following sections. Page 27 of 47

28 6.3.1 Surface Water Quality Monitoring WWU will continue to undertake all surface water monitoring in accordance with EPL Table 6.1 outlines the EPL concentration limits for EPA Point 2. Table 6.1 EPL 1360 Concentration Limits Pollutant EPL Concentration Limit Conductivity ( S/cm) 10,000 ph Total Suspended Solids (mg/l) 50 Table 6.2 details the parameters proposed to be monitored to satisfy the requirements of the Project Approval. Due diligence monitoring is also undertaken upstream (SW02) and downstream (SW03) of the licensed discharge point (EPA Point 2) at Burkes Creek and is outlined in Table 6.2. Table 6.2 West Wallsend Underground Discharge Water Monitoring Location Analysis Sampling Frequency Requirement EPA Point 2 ph Conductivity Total Suspended Solids Aluminium (dissolved and total) Arsenic (dissolved and total) Beryllium(dissolved and total) Cadmium (dissolved and total) Chromium (dissolved and total) Cobalt (dissolved and total) Copper (dissolved and total) Filterable Iron Lead (dissolved and total) Mercury (dissolved and total) Molybdenum (dissolved and total) Nickel (dissolved and total) Selenium (dissolved and total) Silver (dissolved and total) Vanadium (dissolved and total) Zinc (dissolved and total) Once a month via grab sample (min. of 4 weeks) (during discharge) EPL1360 EPA Point 2 ph Conductivity Total Suspended Solids ph and Conductivity - continuous measurement during discharge using in line instrumentation Total Suspended Solids - daily upon discharge via grab sample Due Diligence Page 28 of 47

29 Burkes Creek Upstream (SW02) and Downstream (SW03)* ph Conductivity Total Suspended Solids Aluminium (dissolved and total) Arsenic (dissolved and total) Beryllium(dissolved and total) Cadmium (dissolved and total) Chromium (dissolved and total) Cobalt (dissolved and total) Copper (dissolved and total) Filterable Iron Lead (dissolved and total) Mercury (dissolved and total) Molybdenum (dissolved and total) Nickel (dissolved and total) Selenium (dissolved and total) Silver (dissolved and total) Vanadium (dissolved and total) Zinc (dissolved and total) Once a month via grab sample (min. of 4 weeks) (during discharge) Due Diligence All monitoring data will be retained in an appropriate format on site and will be used to review the effectiveness of the WWU water management system on an ongoing basis, with the water quality monitoring results reported on an annual basis within the WWU Annual Review and in the EPL Annual Return (where applicable) EPA Point 2 Discharge Volume Monitoring In accordance with the requirements of EPL 1360, WWU will monitor the volume of water discharged via EPA Point 2 through a v-notch weir with level sensor attached to a continuous logger. In accordance with EPL 1360, discharge from EPA Point 2 will not exceed 4,000 kilolitres per day. The results of the discharge volume monitoring will be reported annually in the WWU Annual Review and the EPL Annual Return Summary of Environmental Monitoring Requirements A summary of the environmental monitoring requirements as detailed within this SWMP is detailed in Table 6.4. Table 6.4 Summary of monitoring required by this SWMP Monitoring Location Frequency EPL 1360 Water Quality Discharge Monitoring EPL 1360 Discharge Volume Monitoring Due Diligence Water Quality Monitoring Due Diligence Water Quality Monitoring EPA Point 2 EPA Point 2 EPA Point 2 Burkes Creek Upstream (SW02) and Downstream (SW03) ph, EC, TSS and metals monthly during discharge Continuous during discharge ph, EC, TSS - daily during discharge ph, EC, TSS and metals monthly during discharge Page 29 of 47

30 7 Reporting and Reviewing 7.1 Environmental Incidents If water monitoring results identify an exceedance of the limits specified in EPL 1360, the exceedance is to be reported internally in accordance with the Community Complaint and Environmental Incident Management Procedure (WWC SD PRO 0036) and externally in accordance with the WWU, MCPP and Teralba Northgate Pollution Incident Response Management Plan (WWC SD PLN 0074). All environmental incidents will be investigated to a level commensurate to their risk level in consultation with the OCAL Environment and Community Manager. In addition, reporting of environmental incidents will be undertaken in accordance with Condition 7, Schedule 6 of the Project Approval, which states The Proponent shall notify the Secretary and any other relevant agencies of any incident that has caused, or has the potential to cause, significant risk of material harm to the environment, at the earliest opportunity. For any other incident associated with the project, the Proponent shall notify the Secretary and any other relevant agencies as soon as practicable after the Proponent becomes aware of the incident. Within 7 days of the date of the incident, the Proponent shall provide the Secretary and any relevant agencies with a detailed report on the incident, and such further reports as may be requested. 7.2 External Reporting A summary of the SWMP monitoring results will be reported in the WWU Annual Review in accordance with Condition 4 of Schedule 6 of the Project Approval By the end of March each year (or other such timing as agreed by the Director-General), WWU shall submit a review of the environmental performance of the project to the satisfaction of the Director-General. This review must a) describe the works (including any rehabilitation) carried out in the past calendar year, and the works proposed to be carried out over the current calendar year; b) include a comprehensive review of the monitoring results and complaints records of the project over the past calendar year, which includes a comparison of these results against the relevant statutory requirements, limits or performance measures/criteria; monitoring results of previous years; and relevant predictions in the EA; c) identify any non-compliance over the past calendar year, and describe what actions were (or are being) taken to ensure compliance; d) identify any trends in the monitoring data over the life of the project; e) identify any discrepancies between the predicted and actual impacts of the project, and analyse the potential cause of any significant discrepancies; and f) Describe what measures will be implemented over the current calendar year to improve the environmental performance of the project. The WWU Annual Review will also document complaints relating to the performance, maintenance and/or failure of the WWU Water Management System. Performance monitoring, which includes an assessment of the effectiveness of water controls and compliance with the relevant Project Approval and EPL conditions, will also be discussed at Community Consultative Committee (CCC) meetings. Page 30 of 47

31 7.3 Unforeseen Impacts Protocol In the event of unforeseen impacts associated with surface waters at WWU surface facilities, the following protocol will be implemented conduct a preliminary review of the nature of the impact, including o o any relevant monitoring data; and current mine activities and land use practices; commission an investigation into the unforeseen impact to confirm cause and effect and consider relevant options for amelioration of impact(s) as appropriate; prepare an action plan in consultation with the relevant stakeholders; mitigate causal factors where possible; and implement additional monitoring as necessary to measure the effectiveness of the controls implemented. The outcomes of the investigations into any unforeseen impacts and the controls / remediation actions implemented will be undertaken in consultation with DP&E, NOW and OEH (EPA) and will be reported in the WWU Annual Review. 7.4 Community Complaints and Consultation Complaints relating to surface water management at WWU will be managed in accordance with Community Complaint and Environmental Incident Management Procedure (WWC SD PRO 0036). This will include initial contact with the complainant within 24 hours of receiving the complaint, as well as a detailed investigation into the cause of the complaint. A summary of complaints will be available to regulatory authorities on request and provided in the WWU Annual Review. Site water management issues of interest to the community will be addressed in regular CCC meetings in accordance with Condition 6 of Schedule 6 of the Project Approval. CCC meetings will be conducted in general accordance with the Guidelines for Establishing and Operating Community Consultative Committees for Mining Projects (Department of Planning, 2007, or its latest version). A copy of the water monitoring results reported in the WWU Annual Review will be made publically available in accordance with Condition 11 of Schedule 6 of the Project Approval. 8 Review and Improvement Ongoing monitoring and review on the performance and implementation of this SWMP will be undertaken in accordance with the WWU Environmental Management Strategy. In accordance with Condition 5 of Schedule 6, WWU shall review, and if necessary revise, the strategies, plans, and programs required under Project Approval to the satisfaction of the Secretary, within 3 months of a) the submission of an annual review under condition 4 above; b) the submission of an incident report under condition 7 below; c) the submission of an audit report under condition 9 below; and d) any modification to the conditions of this approval (unless the conditions require otherwise), The Proponent shall review, and if necessary revise, the strategies, plans, and programs required under this approval to the satisfaction of the Secretary. WWU will review and if necessary, revise this SWMP and resubmit to DP&E every year or earlier if required. A copy of the revised SWMP will be supplied to the Secretary of DP&E for approval. The SWMP will reflect changes in environmental requirements, technology and Page 31 of 47

32 operational procedures. Updated versions of the approved SWMP will be made publicly available on the WWU website (http// 9 Definitions Term µs/cm AHD Alluvium Aquifer ARI Blue Book DP&E DTIRIS EA EC EMS EPA Definition microsiemens per centimetre. The standard measure of electrical conductivity used to indicate the salinity level of water Australia Height Datum. Used to indicate elevation. Sediment deposited by a flowing stream, e.g. clay, silt, sand etc. A water bearing rock formation Average Recurrence Interval. Expresses the rarity of a rainfall event. Managing urban Stormwater Soils and Construction, Volumes 1 and 2 (Landcom 2004 and DECC 2008) Department of Planning and Environment (formerly DP&I and DoP) Department of Trade and Investment, Regional Infrastructure and Services (formerly NSW I&I) Environmental Assessment Electrical conductivity Environmental Management System Environment Protection Authority - NSW EP&A Act Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 EPL Groundwater kl LGA LOM ML Mtpa NOW OEH PA Environment Protection Licence Sub-surface water which is within the saturated zone and can supply wells and springs. The upper surface of this saturated zone is called the water table. Kilolitres or thousands of litres, e.g. 3 kl is the same as 3,000 litres. Local Government Area Life of mine Megalitres or millions of litres, e.g. 5 ML is the same as 5 million litres. Million tonnes per annum NSW Office of Water Office of Environment and Heritage (formerly DECCW) Project Approval Page 32 of 47

33 ph A measure of acidity. POEO Act Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 ROM SD SWMP Run of Mine Sustainable Development Surface Water Management Program WM Act Water Management Act 2000 WMP Water Management Plan 10 Accountabilities Role Operations Manager Environment and Community Manager Accountabilities for this document Approve appropriate resources for the effective implementation of this Plan. Provide that sufficient resources are allocated for the implementation of this Plan. Coordinate the implementation of water management controls and strategies in accordance with this Plan. Coordinate the surface water monitoring requirements of this plan, and evaluate and report monitoring results as required. Coordinate water related incident investigations and reporting as required by legislation and internal standards and guidelines. Coordinate the review of this plan in accordance with the requirements of the Project Approval. All employees and contractors Comply with all requirements of this Plan. Report all potential environmental incidents to their supervisor immediately. Seek approval from the OCAL Environment and Community Manager prior to making changes to the water management system. Page 33 of 47

34 11 References 11.1 Legislation Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 Water Management Act 2000 Water Act External Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 ANZECC/ARMCANZ, National Water Quality Management Strategy Australian Guidelines for Fresh and Marine Water Quality. Landcom, Managing Urban Stormwater Soils and Construction, Volume 1 (the Blue Book). Department of Environment and Climate Change (DECC), Managing Urban Stormwater Soils and Construction, Volume 2A Installation of Services. Department of Environment and Climate Change (DECC), Managing Urban Stormwater Soils and Construction, 2C Unsealed Roads. Department of Environment and Climate Change (DECC), Managing Urban Stormwater Soils and Construction, 2D Main Road Construction. Department of Environment and Climate Change (DECC), Managing Urban Stormwater Soils and Construction, Volume 2E Mines and Quarries. Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resource (DIPNR), Draft Guidelines for Management of Stream/Aquifer Systems in Coal Mining Developments Hunter Region. Department of Land and Water Conservation (1994), Guidelines for the planning, construction and maintenance of tracks. IE Aust, Australian Rainfall and Runoff (AR&R). Landcom, Managing Urban Stormwater Soils and Construction, Volume 1, 4th Edition. NSW Fisheries, undated, Fish Friendly Waterway Crossings Umwelt (Australia) 2010, West Wallsend Continued Operations Project Environmental Assessment 11.3 Glencore Coal Assets Australia Standard 10 Community and Stakeholder Engagement Standard 11 Environment Ground Disturbance Permit Form (CAA HSEC PER 0004) Ground Disturbance Permit Procedure (CAA HSEC PRO 0002) Erosion and Sediment Control Procedure (CAA HSEC PRO 0016) Pipeline Management Protocol (CAA HSEC PCL 0010) 11.4 West Wallsend Underground OCAL Environmental Management Framework (WWC SD FWK 0006) Page 34 of 47

35 West Wallsend Underground Environmental Management Framework (WWC SD FWK 0013) LW 51 and LW 52 Water Management Plan (WWC SD PLN 0145) Community Complaint and Environmental Incident Management (WWC SD PRO 0036) 12 Appendices 12.1 Appendix 1 Statement of Commitments and Project Approval Conditions Table 12.1 Statement of Commitments Conditions Relevant to this Plan Number Commitment WWU will submit an updated for the Project, as outlined in the approval conditions The existing Water Management System will continue to be used to control and treat runoff from the WWU pit top site with surface runoff directed to the water management system dams for use as dust suppression or discharge WWC will complete a series of investigation within 12 months of Project Approval, including a more detailed desktop investigation of the various salt concentrations at other Xstrata operations and relevance to WWC; trialling shandying percentages based on the more detailed investigations of salts; and determining the most appropriate shandying percentage taking into consideration potential water quality impacts on the life and maintenance of the underground mining equipment The optimal water reuse strategy confirmed by the investigations will be implemented within two years of Project Approval. If the investigations indicate that shandying potable water with mine water for re-use on site is not viable, WWC will investigate the feasibility of other options for mine water treatment and re-use e.g. reverse osmosis Section Referenced in Text Entire Plan Page 35 of 47

36 Table 12.2 Project Approval Management Plan Conditions Project Approval General Management Plan Requirements - Schedule 5 Condition 2 The Proponent shall ensure that the management plans required under this approval are prepared in accordance with any relevant guidelines, and include a) detailed baseline data b) a description of the relevant statutory requirements (including any relevant approval, licence or lease conditions); any relevant limits or performance measures/criteria; the specific performance indicators that are proposed to be used to judge the performance of, or guide the implementation of, the project or any management measures; c) a description of the measures that would be implemented to comply with the relevant statutory requirements, limits, or performance measures/criteria; d) a program to monitor and report on the impacts and environmental performance of the project; effectiveness of any management measures (see (c) above); e) a contingency plan to manage any unpredicted impacts and their consequences and to ensure that ongoing impacts reduce to levels below relevant impact assessment criteria as quickly as possible; f) a program to investigate and implement ways to improve the environmental performance of the project over time; g) a protocol for managing and reporting any incidents; complaints; non-compliances with conditions of this approval and statutory requirements; and exceedances of the impact assessment criteria and/or performance criteria; and Section 3 Throughout the plan in particular Sections 4 and 6 4, 6.1 7, in particular h) a protocol for periodic review of the plan. 8 Page 36 of 47

37 EC (µs/cm) ph West Wallsend Underground 12.2 Appendix 2 Baseline Summary Data SW02 Burkes Creek Upstream SW02 - Burkes Creek Upstream - ph Jan-06 Jan-07 Jan-08 Jan-09 Jan-10 Jan-11 SW02 - Burkes Creek Upstream - EC Jan-06 Jan-07 Jan-08 Jan-09 Jan-10 Jan-11 Page 37 of 47

38 TSS (mg/l) TSS (mg/l) West Wallsend Underground SW02 - Burkes Creek Upstream - TSS Jan-06 Jan-07 Jan-08 Jan-09 Jan-10 Jan SW02 - Burkes Creek Upstream - TSS 0 mg/l to 120 mg/l Jan-06 Jan-07 Jan-08 Jan-09 Jan-10 Jan-11 Page 38 of 47

39 EC (µs/cm) ph West Wallsend Underground SW01 EPA Point 2 SW01 - EPA Pt 2 - ph Jan-06 Jan-07 Jan-08 Jan-09 Jan-10 Jan-11 SW01 - EPA Pt 2 - EC Jan-06 Jan-07 Jan-08 Jan-09 Jan-10 Jan-11 Note The significant decrease in EC at EPA Point 2 from mid 2008 onwards is as a result of surplus groundwater being discharged at Westside Mine after this date, rather than at EPA Point 2. Page 39 of 47

40 ph TSS (mg/l) West Wallsend Underground SW01 - EPA Pt 2 - TSS Jan-06 Jan-07 Jan-08 Jan-09 Jan-10 Jan-11 SW03 Burkes Creek Downstream SW03 - Burkes Creek Downstream - ph Jan-06 Jan-07 Jan-08 Jan-09 Jan-10 Jan-11 Page 40 of 47

41 TSS (mg/l) EC (µs/cm) West Wallsend Underground SW03 - Burkes Creek Downstream - EC Jan-06 Jan-07 Jan-08 Jan-09 Jan-10 Jan SW03 - Burkes Creek Downstream - TSS Jan-06 Jan-07 Jan-08 Jan-09 Jan-10 Jan-11 Page 41 of 47

42 12.3 Appendix 3 Construction and Design Matrix for Erosion and Sediment Control Structure The following matrix provides design details for the construction of erosion and sediment control structures outlined in the West Wallsend Colliery. Table 1 Drain Design Criteria Drain Type Location ARI Storm Event Storm Duration Freeboard Typical Grade Side Batters Comments Diversion 2 Entire site 20 year Time of Minimum of concentration metres 0.5% to 1.0% No steeper than 12 (vh) Where velocity >1.5 m/s in 20 year ARI storm event place rock bars every 100 metres to reduce scour potential. All drains to be vegetated and/or rock lined. Level spreaders to be located at ends of all drains. Catch 2 Entire site 20 year Time of Minimum of concentration metres 0.5% to 1.0% No steeper than 12 (vh) Where velocity >1.5 m/s place rock bars every 100 metres to reduce scour potential. Level spreaders to be located at ends of all drains. Note 1 To be determined based on methods outlined in Australian Rainfall & Runoff (AR&R) (Institution of Engineers, 1987) Time of concentration for storm event and Manning s Equation for flow rate. Note 2 For permanent drains that are to be in place for greater than 3 months Page 42 of 47

43 Table 2 Sediment Dam Design Criteria Location Soil Type Method Sediment Zone 1 Runoff Coefficient Freeboard Treatment and Pump Out Overflow Pathway Requirement 2 Disturbed areas Dispersive Nondispersive Blue Book 3 Type D (dispersive) for 5 day Blue Book rainfall event Blue Book 3 Type F (fine) for 5 day Blue Book rainfall event Sediment zone = 50% of settling zone Sediment zone = 50% of settling zone Runoff coefficient (C v ) = 0.9 (hardstand) Runoff coefficient (other areas) = 0.79 Runoff coefficient (C v ) = 0.9 (hardstand) Runoff coefficient (other areas) = 0.79 Design minimum 1 metre Design minimum 1 metre for of for of Mine Water Management System Downstream creek systems Mine Water Management System Downstream creek systems Ability to pump out in 5 days and sufficient downstream volume to contain spills Ability to treat 2 and pump out full dam volume in 5 days Ability to pump out in 5 days and sufficient downstream volume to contain spills Ability to treat 2 and pump out full dam volume in 5 days Note 1 Total dam volume = Settling Zone + Sediment Zone (Blue Book Landcom 2004). Note 2 Treat to a level suitable for discharge or pump out to mine water management system. Note 3 Managing Urban Stormwater Soils and Construction (the Blue Book) - Volume 1 (Landcom, 2004) and Volume 2E (DECC, 2008). Note Percentile rainfall should be selected based on site specific risk profile (refer to Table 6.2 Volume 2E (DECC, 2008). Page 43 of 47

44 12.4 Appendix 4 Government Agency Correspondence Page 44 of 47

45 Page 45 of 47 Uncontrolled unless viewed on the intranet

46 Page 46 of 47 Uncontrolled unless viewed on the intranet