Bass Point Quarry Environmental Management Strategy Bass Point Quarry Environmental Management Strategy July 2014
Table of Contents Table of Contents... 1 List of Figures... 2 List of Tables... 2 1.0 Introduction... 3 1.1 Overview... 3 1.2 Scope... 3 1.3 Project/Site Description... 3 1.3.1 Project Summary... 4 2.0 Environmental Management Strategy... 8 2.1 Environmental Management and Performance Criteria... 9 2.2 Legislative and External Requirements...12 2.2.1 Environmental Protection Licence (EPL) No. 2193...12 3.0 Implementation and Operation...12 3.1 Personnel Structure and Responsibilities...12 3.2 Training...14 3.3 Communication and Consultation...14 3.3.1 Internal Communication...14 3.3.2 External Communication...14 3.3.3 Community Complaints...14 3.3.4 Conflict Resolution...17 3.4 Emergency Response...17 4.0 Monitoring and Corrective Action...17 4.1 Monitoring Programs...17 4.2 Non-Compliance...18 5.0 Conclusion...18 1
List of Figures Figure 1: Project Location... 4 Figure 2: Plant Layout... 7 Figure 3: Proposed Rehabilitation and Revegetation... 8 Figure 4: Personnel structure and summary of environmental responsibilities...13 List of Tables Table 1: Primary Functions of the Plant... 5 Table 2: Key environmental management and performance outcomes...10 Table 3: The Process for External Communications...16 Table 4: Monitoring Programs...18 2
1.0 Introduction 1.1 Overview Hanson Construction Materials Pty Ltd (Hanson) own and operate a hard rock quarry located at Bass Point, within the Shellharbour Local Government Area, 100km south of Sydney, NSW. The project involves the extraction of up to four million tonnes per annum of construction aggregates over a project life of 30 years. Aggregates extracted from the site would be processed at the site and then transported by road to local and regional customers in the Shellharbour local government area, as well as transported inter-regionally, predominantly to Wollongong and Sydney. Bass Point Quarry currently directly employees 71 staff. The Project is expected to procreate an additional 30 direct employment positions for subcontracted workers. The Department of Planning and Environment (DP&E), formally the Department of Planning and Infrastructure, granted approval for the project subject to a number of approval conditions (Ref 08_0143, January 28, 2014). Under Schedule 5, Condition 1 of the Project Approval, an Environmental Management Strategy (EMS) for the project must be prepared to provide an overview of environmental management at the site. 1.2 Scope This EMS addresses the requirements of the Project Approval under section 75J of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979. Specifically, this strategy will; provide the strategic framework for the environmental management of the project; identify the statutory approvals that apply to the project; describe the role, responsibility, authority and accountability of all key personnel involved in the environmental management of the project; describe the procedures that would be implemented to: o keep the local community and relevant agencies informed about the operation and environmental performance of the project; o receive, handle, respond to, and record complaints; o resolve any disputes that may arise during the course of the project; o respond to any non-compliance; and o respond to emergencies; and include: o copies of any strategies, plans and programs approved under the conditions of this approval; and o a clear plan depicting all the monitoring required to be carried out under the conditions of this approval. 1.3 Project/Site Description Hanson proposes to extend its Bass Point hard rock quarry in a project known as the Bass Point Quarry Expansion (Figure 1). This involves the expansion of the quarry footprint and deepening of the extraction area, as well as the relocation and upgrade of the processing plant. The major 3
components of the project are summarised in Table 1, and are depicted in Figures 2 and 3. The project is described in full in Hanson s Environmental Assessment (EA). 1.3.1 Project Summary The Project will involve; Extraction of up to 4 million tonnes per annum (mtpa); Relocation and replacement of existing plant and equipment; Installation of a new processing plant; Decommissioning of the existing processing plant; Minor upgrades to the current concrete plant; Construction of new office, workshop and amenities buildings; Construction of a new weighbridge; Deepening and widening of the extraction level and boundary; Processing raw quarried material; Loading and dispatch of maximum 4 mtpa quarry products; and Reconfiguration of the bund wall. Figure 1: Project Location Source: Insite, Environmental Assessment Bass Point Quarry Extension 4
Table 1: Primary Functions of the Plant Aspect Description Total Site Area Extraction Areas Extraction Method Extraction Rate Extraction Staging Resource Depth of Extraction Processing and facilities 157 ha Refer to Figure 2. West pit extraction deepening to 40m and east pit extraction extension to the same depth. Drilling for the laying of charges, free-face blasting periodically, followed by gradual extraction by loader and truck. Benches will be formed with access ramps for vehicles. Maximum 4mtpa. Two staged extraction (three (3) compartments). In excess of 74 million tonnes -40m AHD The processing plant will be relocated and installed centrally on the site. It will operate using primary, secondary and tertiary feed crushers and screens, with connecting conveyor belts. The Project will involve the relocation of workshop, office and amenities building. Water Management Main Products Product Transport Project Life Rehabilitation The current weighbridge will also be relocated. A Water Management Plan (WMP) will be prepared and implemented under the Water Management Act 2000 and/or with Water Act 1912. The WMP will include site, surface and groundwater management in the WMP. Specifically the WMP will address; SITE: Water use on site, sources and security of water supply, water management on site. SURFACE: Use of sediment settlement dams as erosion and sediment controls, water transfers from the Extraction Area, water storage in dams on site, specified and managed water discharge points, maintenance of water balance at Killalea Lagoon (incl. baseline data). GROUNDWATER: the monitoring of ground water reserves, groundwater yield data, monitoring of ground water at privateowned land in the vicinity. GENRAL: Auditing and reporting procedures and a monitoring program for each component. Concrete aggregates, asphalt aggregates, road base, sundry aggregates. All products will be transported via shipping or designated road transportation routes. 30 years The Project will exercise progressive rehabilitation. The processing plant and stockpile area will be planted with endemic native plants and grasses, quarry pits backfilled with rainwater runoff and ground water, progressive planting of local native plants and grasses, screen bunds planted with endemic native plants and grasses, whilst ensuring minimal environmental 5
Employment Construction Hours of Operation consequences for local populations of Pimelia spicata, Melateuca armilaris tall shrubland, Littoral Thicket, Littoral Rainforest and Themeda Grassland. The outcome is projected to be two large water filled pits, which are aquatically connected, complete with native revegetated surrounds and existing native vegetation on the peripheral of the site. Refer to Figure 3. The site currently directly employs approximately 70 people. The Project would support hire of up to 30 additional employees through construction and ongoing operations. Erection of new processing plant, including the relocation and decommissioning of existing; Stock piles; Office, work shop and amenities; Concrete batching plant Parking area Weighbridge Reconfiguration of the bund wall. Drilling: Monday Sunday: 24 hours a day Blasting: Monday Friday: 8am 5 pm, Saturday Sunday: n/a Processing: Monday Sunday: 24 hours a day Transportation: Monday Sunday: 24 hours a day Construction hours: 7 am and 6 pm Monday to Friday, 8 am and 1 pm Saturday, no works on Sunday s and public holidays. 6
Figure 2: Plant Layout 7
Figure 3: Proposed Rehabilitation and Revegetation 8
2.0 Environmental Management Strategy 2.1 Environmental Management and Performance Criteria The following environmental management/monitoring plans have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Project Approval: - Draft Air Quality Management and Monitoring Plan - Attachment A. - Draft Noise and Blast Monitoring Program - Attachment B. - Transport Management Plan and Driver Code of Conduct - Attachment C. - Draft Heritage Management Plan - Attachment D. Please note the required Water Management Program will be prepared upon receiving approval for appointment of a nominated consultant from the department. The resultant key environmental management and performance outcomes for the site are summarised in Table 2 to create a single management strategy for the site. Reports can be found in Attachments A D. 9
Table 2: Key environmental management and performance outcomes Aspect Element Objective Performance Outcomes Water Site Water Balance Provide access to available stored water; Promoting the accessibility of water sources and maintaining water security via site water engineering and water storage. Determine details of source and security of water supply; Site based hydrological assessment to assess water flow and collection points on site. Thereafter identifying the confidence level of water storage maintenance on site; Minimise clean water use on site; Maximise recycling procedures, silt retention dams, design appropriate water stores (e.g. quarry voids) and re-distribution of water around site; Surface Water Management Plan Minimise erosion and sediment off-flow during plant construction and operation; Implement clean water diversion systems. Revegetation of bunding sites and exposed areas to minimise soil erosion from these areas. Maintenance of Killalea Lagoon; Development of trigger levels, monitoring program, and surface water lagoon assessment; Determine existing (baseline) water quality of discharge waters; Monthly surface water sampling in accordance with EPL monitoring location; Groundwater Management Plan Maintenance of Killalea Lagoon ecological functions; Assessment of bore water data to assess changes in groundwater properties; Maintain no adverse ground water effect on surrounding privately owned properties; Compliance with EPL monitoring, DA approved extraction drilling staging and depths and WAL guidelines; Reduce seepage potential from water stores. Consistent monitoring of water levels in water stores. Controlled release of excess water. Air Air Quality Identify trigger values for remedial action; Management of dust levels through dust control practices listed in Section 3 of the Air Quality Management and Monitoring Plan (Attachment A). Develop a monitoring program for air quality; Establishment of Dust Monitoring Devices to facilitate the identification of potential particulate matter changes; 10
Establishment of maximum dust, TSP and PM 10 concentrations for long and short term impact in accordance with director general requirements (DGR); Identify particulate monitoring sites; Reduce atmospheric particulate matter around the site. Acoustics Noise Maintain current low potential for noise impacts to existing surrounding residential communities; No dust, TSP or PM 10 exceedances recorded at receptor; Internal EPL reporting of dust violation incidences; Routine spraying of haul routes and unsealed surfaces, water spraying of stockpiles, conveyor enclosure, underground loading of conveyers. Compliance with noise conditions specified in Schedule 3, Condition 1 of the project approval. Consistency with industry noise emissions factors for plant and machinery. Provide a good practice noise management plan Monitoring of noise emissions from specified monitoring points (Attachment B). Heritage Heritage Management Plan Maintain Aboriginal and non-aboriginal heritage values. Effectively manage heritage items and human remains in the event that they are discovered on site. Effective management of human remains or heritage items in the event that they are discovered on site. Protection of heritage items identified adjacent to the Project. Protect heritage items identified adjacent to the Project. Traffic Transport Management Plan and Driver Code of Conduct Ensure Transport Management Plan informs drivers of; 1. Site safety issues along haulage route, particularly near any schools or intersections; 2. Drivers code of conduct; 3. DA approval conditions. Compliance with drivers code of conduct. No transport accidents/incidents. 11
2.2 Legislative and External Requirements Environmental monitoring and management for the site must also meet statutory requirements primarily stipulated in the Environmental Protection Licence, which is elaborated upon below; 2.2.1 Environmental Protection Licence (EPL) No. 2193 Applies to all scheduled activities undertaken by Hanson Construction Materials at Lot 22 in Deposited Plan No 1010797. The license provides the following; - Discharges to air and water; - Noise vibration and air blast, including the recording and reporting of each blast; - Monitoring and recording of operations; - Receiving and recording complaints; - Annual reporting of environmental performance; - Notification of incidents the dispersal of dust in high southerly winds was noted, as was the point that the new quarry works will be less exposed to heavy winds and hence likely to generate less dust (EPL 2193, p 18 of 22); - As a result of an incident in January 2010 a variation to the licence was issued in August 2010, requiring dust suppression works to be carried out; 3.0 Implementation and Operation 3.1 Personnel Structure and Responsibilities The Hanson structure of environmental personnel and their roles/responsibilities is shown in Figure 4. Although personnel have specific accountabilities at different levels of work, all staff members, contractors and visitors are accountable for: Complying with relevant legislation including EPL s; Complying with this EMS and associated documents as they apply; Communicating any information they become aware of in relation to environmental management; and Taking appropriate action to mitigate environmental impacts. 12
National Environmental Manager Establish and delegate environmental monitoring programs requested Regional Environmental Manager Establish a documented monitoring programs/schedules for: Licence conditions which stipulate monitoring Planning conditions which stipulates monitoring Monitoring required by EMS and associated documentation Discharges on/off site where there is a high risk of adverse environmental impacts Documentat any non-compliance and remedial action and report to Director General/relevant government agencies as per project approval. Resolve any community complaints referred by site manager Establish procedures for environmental emergencies and distribute to site managers. Site Manager Ensure environmental monitoring occurs at the nominated frequency Ensure results are checked in accordance with relevant criteria and EPL requirements Immediately report any non-compliance to the regional manager and undertake remedial action as per monitoring program. Coordinate remedial action for environmental emergencies/spills. organise/participate in community/stakeholder consultation Initial complaints handling Ensure all personel are appropiately inducted and trained regarding environmental management, monitoring procedures and environmental emergency procedures. Coordinate toolbox meetings Figure 4: Personnel structure and summary of environmental responsibilities 13
3.2 Training The site manager is to ensure that all personnel (including contractors and visitors) have appropriate environmental training and awareness so that they understand their environmental responsibilities and how to appropriately manage impacts on the environment. This shall be undertaken via: 1. Compulsory site induction for all employees, contractors and visitors to provide environmental awareness and procedures training; and 2. Regular toolbox meetings for all environmental personnel to ensure environmental procedures are being effectively implemented, to recognise any environmental hazards associated with their specific work tasks and to develop procedures to alleviate these hazards. 3.3 Communication and Consultation 3.3.1 Internal Communication All employees and contractors are to be provided with information they need to ensure impacts on the environment are minimised. Environmental communications media includes: Environmental Policy, EPL s and any changes; EMS and associated plans, procedures and documents which detail objectives, management and monitoring; Environmental toolbox training; and Information regarding any incidences onsite. 3.3.2 External Communication Regular communication with government agencies, stakeholders and the local community shall be maintained to promote positive working relationships, build awareness on site processes, procedures and plans, and minimise disruptions to site operations and nearby residents. 3.3.2.1 Community Consultative Committee In accordance with Schedule 5 (6) of the Project Approval, a community consultative committee will be established as a platform for the local community to be informed of project progression. This consultative process will assist Hanson in the identification and management of specific community concerns during the course of the project, thereby facilitating the development of a collegial relationship between Hanson and local residents. 3.3.2.2 Staged submission Any plans, strategies, or programs will be submitted to the Secretary to ensure satisfactory project trajectory. This submission process may occur in a staged manner, as identified in Schedule 2 (3) of the project approval, to both satisfy compliance requirements and also to enable project progression. 3.3.3 Community Complaints The following complaints handling procedure is currently implemented by employees and shall remain in place as part of this project approval. The procedure includes; 14
Members of the community can make a complaint by phoning the number displayed on the street/site sign, the number in the Yellow Pages or the number listed on the website; Their call will be connected to a call centre; The call centre will direct the compliant to the Regional Risk Manager for NSW; If the call is not taken, then this gets elevated to the National Risk manager, then if necessary the National CEO; The complaint will be recorded and referred to the site manager; The site manager will respond immediately by identifying the area of concern and either respond to the concern or refer the matter to the appropriate person; 15
Table 3: The Process for External Communications Community / Stakeholder Method of Communication Frequency Objectives Any contact method Regularly 1) Site manager or designated representative to regularly inform immediate neighbours on aspects of operations, new proposals to keep them fully informed 2) To provide a mechanism to raise concerns directly with site management. Emergency Contact Line As required 1) To provide quick and effective resolution of community concerns and environmental matters. Internet Site As required 1) Enable the community to readily access information on the site and future development/plans. 2) Provide a means for complaints/concerns. 3) Provide community with appropriate contact information for head and regional offices. Secretary (DP&E) Site Annual Environmental Performance Review Annually 1) Provide details of environmental monitoring and results, complaints recording and results, details of non-compliance and remedial action, long-term environmental trends, recommendations. 2) Compliance with project approval. Environmental Protection Authority Annual Return Annually 1) Comply with requirements of EPL. 2) Provide EPA with monitoring summary. Director General (DP&E) and relevant government agencies Verbally & written documentation 3) Provide EPA with complaints summary. 4) Provide EPA with Statement of Compliance As required 1) Notify an incident associated with the project as soon as practically possible. 2) Provide detailed report of incident within 7 days, as per project approval. 16
3.3.4 Conflict Resolution In the event that the client, stakeholders or government agencies (other than DP&E) cannot agree on the requirements applicable under the project approval, the matter shall be referred to the Secretary of DP&E. If not resolved by the Secretary, it will then be referred to the Minister for Planning whose determination is final. If a dispute occurs with a private landowner and cannot be resolved between the 2 parties, the matter will be referred to the Secretary of DP&E for resolution. Regular communication and consultation with stakeholders, government agencies and nearby local community will help mitigate conflicts arising and assist in their quick resolution. 3.4 Emergency Response The site has an Emergency Response Team who are trained to coordinate any emergency response required including liaising and assisting emergency services. An Emergency Response Plan for the site has been developed and documented by the Site Manager and shall remain in place as part of the current project approval. The Response Plan includes: o Site details and a site map showing muster points, location of first aid, spill kits etc; o First aid procedures; o Fire procedures; o Evacuation procedures; o Environmental spill procedures, and o Other procedures such as building damage, gas leaks etc. The Emergency Response Plan must be readily available to all staff and copies are to be kept in all site offices, operator cabins etc. A drill or mock emergency is to by conducted annually (at least) and involve all personnel onsite at the time. Any site changes affecting the Response Plan must be communicated to all personnel. 4.0 Monitoring and Corrective Action 4.1 Monitoring Programs Environmental monitoring programs have been developed for the site as per the Project Approval and are attached to this EMS. Each monitoring program has been developed in consultation with relevant guidelines/approvals to ensure compliance with relevant criteria is achieved. A summary of monitoring plans is outlined below. 17
Table 4: Monitoring Programs Plan Air Quality Management and Monitoring Plan Heritage Management Plan Noise and Blast Management Transport Management Plan and Driver Code of Conduct Water Management Plan Complete SLR Global Environmental Solutions. Submitted to the Department of Planning and Environment 30 May 2014. RPS. Submitted to the Department of Planning and Environment 30 May 2014. SLR Global Environmental Solutions. Submitted to the Department of Planning and Environment 30 May 2014. Intersect Traffic. Submitted to the Department of Planning and Environment 30 May 2014. To be completed. In addition to these plans a revised groundwater assessment will be completed prior to any quarrying operations below 0m AHD. This will satisfy Schedule 3 (24) of the Project Approval. 4.2 Non-Compliance Non-compliance is defined as an instance where environmental performance fails to meet the statutory limit. Procedures in the event of non-compliance is outlined in the attached monitoring plans, however the general procedure is; 1. Non-compliance is reported by personnel to the site manager; 2. Under the site manager s direction, the source of the non-compliance is to be investigated and identified; 3. Mitigation works/measures are to be developed and actioned as soon as possible. Notify Regional Environmental Manager who contacts relevant government agencies; 4. Investigate possible amendments/alterations to treatment systems to avoid future noncompliance; 5. Prepare an incident report for the site manager to include in Annual Review for DP&E and EPA. Additional reporting may also be required by government agencies or DP&E; Where non-compliance is likely to cause significant environmental harm, relevant government agencies are to be notified promptly by the Regional Environmental Manager. 5.0 Conclusion This EMS has addressed the Project requirements under section 75J of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979. This document has provided the strategic framework for the environmental management of the Project, along with applicable statutory approvals, procedures and authoritative roles and responsibilities. Please see the relevant appendices for pertinent environmental management plans. 18
ATTACHMENT A DRAFT AIR QUALITY MANAGEMENT AND MONITORING PLAN 19
ATTACHMENT B DRAFT NOISE AND BLAST MONITORING PROGRAM 20
ATTACHMENT C TRANSPORT MANAGEMENT PLAN AND DRIVER CODE OF CONDUCT 21
ATTACHMENT D DRAFT HERITAGE MANAGEMENT PLAN 22