Gunlake Quarry Noise and Blast Management Plan August 2015
Table of Contents 1. Introduction 3 1.1 Overview 3 1.2 Aims and Objectives 3 2. Noise Criteria 3 2.1 Operational Noise Assessment Criteria 3 2.2 Blasting and Vibration Criteria 4 2.2.1 Airblast Overpressure Impact Assessment Criteria 4 2.2.2 Ground Vibration Impact Assessment Criteria 4 2.3 Statement of Commitments Error! Bookmark not defined. 2.4 Hours of Operation 4 3. Noise Monitoring and Management 6 3.1 General Requirements 6 3.2 Noise Management Initiatives 6 3.3 Operator-Attended Noise Surveys Error! Bookmark not defined. 4. Blast Monitoring and Management 8 4.1 Overview 8 4.2 Blast Management Initiatives 8 4.3 Monitoring Locations 8 4.3.1 Weather Monitoring Equipment 5. Communication and Reporting 9 5.1 Community Consultation 9 5.2 Government Consultation 9 5.3 Notifying Landowners or Occupiers of Blast Events 9 6. Verification and Corrective Action 10 6.1 Environmental Monitoring 10 6.2 Non-Conformance, Corrective Action and Adaptive Management 10 6.3 Continuous Improvements 10 Gunlake Quarry Noise and Blast Management Plan Page i
Appendices Appendix A - Plans Gunlake Quarry Noise and Blast Management Plan Page ii
1. Introduction 1.1 Overview The Project Approval Conditions require the NBMP to include noise and vibration monitoring, and a protocol for evaluating compliance with the relevant impact assessment criteria in the approval. The NBMP and any other matters relating to the project should be read in conjunction with MP 07_0074 As the project components have transitioned from construction to operation, the specific construction noise criteria Guidelines no longer apply. 1.2 Aims and Objectives Gunlake seeks to meet all noise and blasting criteria as specified in the Project Approval and Environment Protection Licence (EPL) at all non-company owned residential receptors. 2. Noise Criteria 2.1 Operational Noise Assessment Criteria Condition 2, Schedule 3 of the Project Approval states that Gunlake shall ensure that the noise generated by the project does not exceed the noise impact assessment criteria reproduced in Table 2.1 at any residence or on more than 25% of any privately-owned land. Table 2.1: Operational Noise Assessment Criteria Noise Assessment Location Day Evening Night R2 35 35 35 47 LAeq (15 minute) LAeq (15 minute) LAeq (15 minute) LA1 (1 minute) R4 35 35 35 45 Notes: To determine compliance with these noise limits, noise from the project is to be measured at the most affected point within the residential boundary, or at the most affected point within 30 metres of the dwelling where the dwelling is more than 30 metres from the boundary. Where it can be demonstrated that direct measurement of noise from the project is impractical, alternative means of determining compliance may be accepted (see Chapter 11 of the NSW Industrial Noise Policy). The modification factors in Section 4 of the NSW Industrial Noise Policy shall also be applied to the measured noise level where applicable. The noise limits apply under all meteorological conditions except the following: - wind speed greater than 3m/s at 10m above ground level; - temperature inversion conditions between 1.5 degrees C/100m and 3 degrees C/100m and wind speed greater than 2m/s at 10m above ground level; or - temperature inversion conditions greater than 3 degrees C/100m. The Secretary may relax the noise limits in Table 1 for any property where the Proponent has an agreement with the relevant owner/s to generate higher noise levels, and the Proponent has advised the Department in writing of the terms of this agreement. For more information on the noise assessment locations see Appendix 4. The original listed noise receptors have been reduced through property acquisition. Gunlake Quarry Noise and Blast Management Plan Page 3
2.2 Blasting and Vibration Criteria 2.2.1 Airblast Overpressure Impact Assessment Criteria Blast designs will meet or exceed specific requirements of all relevant standards All blasts are to be monitored. Any exceedance in criteria will result in a change in blast design in order to meet the criteria. In accordance with Condition 6, Schedule 3 of the Project Approval, Gunlake will ensure that the airblast overpressure level from blasting at the project does not exceed the criteria reproduced in Table 2.2 at any residence on privately owned land. Table 2.2: Airblast Overpressure Impact Assessment Criteria for Residences on Privately Owned Land Airblast Overpressure Level (db(lin Peak)) Allowable Exceedance 115 5% of the total number of blasts over a period of 12 months 120 0% Notes: To determine compliance with these limits, airblast overpressure from the project is to be measured at the most affected point at the residential boundary, or at the most affected point within 30 metres of the dwelling where the dwelling is more than 30 metres from the boundary (subject to landowners consent). Airblast overpressure is not to be measured within 3.5 metres of any building. 2.2.2 Ground Vibration Impact Assessment Criteria Condition 7, Schedule 3 of the Project Approval states that Gunlake shall ensure that the ground vibration level from blasting at the project does not exceed the criteria reproduced in Table 2.3 at any residence on privately owned land. Table 2.3: Ground Vibration Impact Assessment Criteria for Residences on Privately Owned Land Ground Vibration Level (mm/s) Allowable Exceedance 5 5% of the total number of blasts over a period of 12 months 10 0% Note: To determine compliance with these limits, ground vibration from the project is to be measured at the most affected point at the residential boundary, or at 30 metres from the dwelling where the dwelling is more than 30 metres from the boundary (subject to landowners consent). 2.3 Noise Sources The current noise sources relevant to the Gunlake Quarry operation are: Overburden stripping and emplacement Gunlake Quarry Noise and Blast Management Plan Page 4
Drilling Quarrying and Processing Product loading and haulage Rehabilitation. Not all of the above activities occur at the same time principally because of a limited amount of mobile plant used on site, and the sequential nature of the extraction process. Also a number of activities are limited by restricted hours of operation as described in Section 2.4. 2.4 Hours of Operation The approved hours of operation are reproduced in Table 2.4 Table 2.4: Approved Hours for Construction and Operation. Activity Day Time Construction work Monday - Friday 7.00am to 6.00pm Saturday 8.00am to 1.00pm Overburden removal and drilling Blasting Quarrying and processing (excluding tertiary crushing) Tertiary crushing Loading and Dispatch Product Transportation Maintenance Monday Friday Monday to Saturday Bypass road Brayton Road to Marulan 7.00am to 6.00pm 9.00am to 5.00pm 7.00am to 6.00pm 24-hours except 6.00pm Saturday to 2.00am Monday 24-hours except 6.00pm Saturday to 2.00am Monday 24-hours except 6.00pm Saturday to 2.00am Monday 6.00am to 7.00pm Any Time Notes: This condition does not apply to delivery of material if that delivery is required by police or other authorities for safety reasons, and/or the operation or personnel or equipment are endangered. In such circumstances, notification is to be provided to EPA and the affected residents as soon as possible, or within a reasonable period in the case of emergency. Gunlake Quarry Noise and Blast Management Plan Page 5
3. Noise Monitoring and Management 3.1 General Requirements This Plan primarily seeks to confirm that the quarry is operating as proposed as well as confirm the predictions provided in the assessment. Specific noise management and monitoring initiatives are described in the following sections. 3.2 Noise Management Initiatives The following noise management initiatives are used: Noise checks on all plant to ensure that noise emitted from the plant does not exceed the original noise model. Noise monitoring on and around the site to verify the impact prediction made in the EA. Ensure all mobile plant and fixed noise sources such as crushers and screens are effectively maintained to ensure that noise emissions do not increase over time. Prompt response to any community issues of concern. Refinement of on site noise mitigation measures and quarry operating procedures, where practical. Develop a mechanism to determine the strength of temperature inversions in order to develop additional noise mitigation measures if required. Include noise management provisions in relevant on site work inductions. Operator attended noise surveys conducted quarterly for at least 2 years after which time the frequency can be reassessed. 3.3 Weather Monitoring Instrumentation An automatic weather station located adjacent to the site office is programmed to continuously record the meteorological parameters as shown in Table 3.1. Table 3.1: Meteorological Monitoring. Measured Parameter Unit Sample Interval Mean Wind Speed Km/hr (or m/s) 15 minute Mean Wind Direction Degrees 15 minute Sigma-theta / 15 minute Aggregate rainfall mm 15 minute Mean Air Temperature o C 15 minute Mean Relative Humidity %RH 15 minute
4. Blast Monitoring and Management 4.1 Blast Management Initiatives Each blast event is monitored for ground vibration and airblast overpressure. This data is then used to refine subsequent blast designs in order to control blast emission levels. In order to maximise the benefits of the blast monitoring process, the significant design parameters, emission levels and meteorological data are collated and maintained by the Quarry in a Blast Design Record for each blast event. Gunlake seeks to implement current best blasting practice in order to protect the safety of people and livestock in areas surrounding the operation. This is achieved through the notification process enabling affected residents to take any necessary precautions for stock and personal safety. Gunlake also notifies adjoining quarry operators regarding its blasting activities which seeks to minimise the potential cumulative blasting impacts on the community. 4.2 Monitoring Locations A portable blast emissions monitor that measures airblast overpressure and vibration is currently positioned at Lot 575 Brayton Road (represents R1). 5. Communication and Reporting Effective communication with government agencies, the workforce and the community are important features of the overall Environmental Management Strategy for Gunlake Quarry and therefore a key component of each Environmental Management Plan. 5.1 Community Consultation Issues relating to noise quality are matters of concern to local residents. This issue has been raised in the CCC meetings. 5.2 Government Consultation Gunlake will continue to liaise with the relevant government agencies in relation to the ongoing quarry operation and any future life of quarry development proposal. Gunlake Quarry Noise and Blast Management Plan Page 7
5.3 Notifying Landowners or Occupiers of Blast Events In accordance with Schedule 3, Condition 9 of the Approval Gunlake undertakes the following notification requirements: All residences that have registered an interest within 2 km of the Quarry pit prior to any blasting. The residents are advised by telephone or email. Records are kept of the notification. Gunlake gives Holcim at least 24 hours notification by telephone or email of each planned blast at the Quarry. 6. Verification and Corrective Action This NBMP forms a component of the overall Environmental Management System for the Gunlake Project. An essential component of the EMS is verification and implementation of corrective actions as required to achieve the requirements of the Project Approval and Environment Protection Licence. 6.1 Environmental Monitoring As described in Chapters 3 and 4, noise and blast management initiatives will be monitored during the quarry life. This monitoring work falls within the overall monitoring program for the site which includes surface and groundwater, traffic, biodiversity and vegetation. The results of this monitoring is summarised in the Annual Review each year. 6.2 Non-Conformance, Corrective Action and Adaptive Management The blasting person is responsible for the design, management and monitoring of each blast in consultation with the Quarry Manager. All non-conformances are reported to the Quarry Manager in the first instance. Corrective actions are implemented as soon as practicable on identification of any non-conformances, and records of such are to be maintained. Corrective actions are to be in line with current best practice within the industry and ensure that appropriate guidelines are met. 6.3 Continuous Improvements A key component of the environmental management of Gunlake Quarry is the commitment to continuous improvement. This will be measured by formal and informal criteria. Formal measures will include monitoring data, internal and external inspection and action plans. This information will be used to establish trends in non-compliance and environmental performance. The level of non-compliance with both statutory and company standards will then be summarised in the Annual Review. Gunlake Quarry Noise and Blast Management Plan Page 8
Appendix A - Plans Gunlake Quarry Noise and Blast Management Plan Page 9