Wambo Coal Mine and Rail Spur

Transcription

1 Wambo Coal Mine and Rail Spur Environmental Noise Monitoring Quarter Prepared for Wambo Coal Pty Limited

2 Wambo Coal Mine and Rail Spur Quarter 4, 2009 Environmental Noise Monitoring Reference: 09244_R01.doc Report Date: 9 March 2010 Prepared for: Wambo Coal Pty Limited PMB 1 Singleton NSW 2330 Prepared by: PO Box 115 Thornton NSW 2322 Prepared: Jeremy Welbourne Acoustics Engineer QA review: Tony Welbourne Director ~ Environmental noise modelling and impact assessment ~ Sound power testing ~ Noise control advice ~ Noise and vibration monitoring ~ OHS noise monitoring and advice ~ Expert evidence in Land and Environment and Compensation Courts ~ Architectural acoustics ~ Blasting assessments and monitoring ~ Noise management plans (NMP) ~ Sound level meter and noise logger sales and hire 09244_R01.doc

3 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Global Acoustics were engaged by Wambo Coal (WC) to conduct a noise survey around the Wambo Coal Mine (WCM), and the Wambo Coal Rail Spur (WCRS). A noise survey around both the WCM and the WCRS is required quarterly as a condition of their current development consents (relevant extracts from both are provided in the following report sections). Environmental noise monitoring described in this report was undertaken during 4 December 2009 and 8 January 2010 for day measurements, and 5/6 January 2010 for night measurements. Attended noise monitoring was conducted at a total of six locations for WCM and the WCRS (see Figure 1). The survey purpose is to quantify and describe the existing acoustic environment around the WCM and WCRS and compare results with relevant development consent conditions or modelled EIS noise levels. Three of the six monitoring locations are within the Noise Affectation Zone, as identified in EIS reports (Wambo Development Project EIS (Resource Strategies, 2003), and Jerrys Plains Coal Terminal and Rail Line Environmental Impact Statement and Statement of Environmental Effects (CMPS&F, 1997)); as such, noise criteria do not apply directly to these properties. For these locations, measured noise levels from WCM and WCRS are compared against EIS modelled noise results. Compliance with modelled noise levels at these nearest receptors indicates compliance with development consent criteria at properties further away is likely. Attended monitoring was conducted during day and night hours in accordance with the DECC Industrial Noise Policy (INP) guidelines and Australian Standard AS 1055 Acoustics, Description and Measurement of Environmental Noise. The duration of each measurement was 15 minutes. Monitoring was not conducted during the evening period, as evening consent noise limits are the same as for the night period, and it is considered that night is a more conservative period in which to monitor. Noise levels from WCM complied with the L Aeq(15 minute) and L A1(1 minute) development consent criteria or modelled noise levels at the six monitoring locations (N01, N03, N16, N22, N23 and N24) during the Quarter survey. WCM was audible at N03, but was inaudible at all other monitoring locations during daytime monitoring. At N03, rear dump truck engine/exhaust noise, and dozer tracks were audible and generated the WCM L Aeq(15 minute) of 35 db. A low level continuum ( Hz) was also audible. Dumping activities were audible briefly on two occasions, but were not measurable During night monitoring, WCM was audible at N01, N03, and N16. At N01, a mining continuum at frequencies less than 0 Hz was audible throughout the measurement. At N03, individual rear dump truck engine noise from the ROM area was audible on 5 occasions. At N16, a very low level continuum was just perceptible at times during the measurement, but was not measurable. WCM was inaudible at N22, N23 and N24 during night monitoring _R01.doc Page i

4 WCRS was inaudible at N01 and N03 during day and night monitoring. At N22, during night monitoring, locomotives on the WCRS were just perceptible towards the end of the measurement, but were not measurable. A low level continuum was audible during day monitoring, but was not measurable. It is noted that wind speeds and/or temperature inversion conditions were at levels greater than which development consent conditions would apply for WCM and WCRS activities in some instances. In most instances, the predicted EIS noise levels were met regardless _R01.doc Page ii

5 TABLE OF CONTENTS Page 1 INTRODUCTION BACKGROUND MONITORING LOCATIONS AND FREQUENCY TERMINOLOGY WAMBO COAL MINE DEVELOPMENT CONSENT WAMBO COAL RAIL SPUR DEVELOPMENT CONSENT METHODOLOGY ASSESSMENT METHOD Overview Attended Noise Monitoring RESULTS MONITORING LOCATIONS PLANT LOCATIONS ATTENDED NOISE MONITORING Wambo Coal Mine Noise Wambo Coal Rail Spur Noise DISCUSSION NOTED NOISE SOURCES N01 Lambkin, 8 January 2010, WCM and WCRS Day-time N03 Kelly, 4 December 2009, WCM Day-time N16 Muller, 4 December 2009, WCM Day-time N22 Henderson, 8 January 2010, WCRS Day-time N23 Carter, 4 December 2009, WCM Day-time N24 Curlewis, 8 January 2010, WCM and WCRS Day-time N01 Lambkin, 5 January 2010, WCM and WCRS Night-time N03 Kelly, 6 January 2010, WCM Night-time _R01.doc

6 4.1.9 N16 Muller, 6 January 2010, WCM - Night-time N22 Henderson, 6 January , WCRS Night-time N23 Carter, 6 January 2010, WCM Night-time N24 Curlewis, 5 January 2010, WCM and WCRS Night-time SUMMARY SUMMARY...30 TABLE OF APPENDICES A: DEVELOPMENT CONSENT B: CALIBRATION CERTIFICATES C: METEOROLOGICAL DATA 09244_R01.doc

7 1 INTRODUCTION 1.1 BACKGROUND Global Acoustics were engaged by Wambo Coal (WC) to conduct a noise survey around the Wambo Coal Mine (WCM), and the Wambo Coal Rail Spur (WCRS). The mine and spur operate under separate development consents and have been monitored separately. Reporting, however, has been combined in this document. Wambo Coal operates both open cut and underground mining operations from their mine at Warkworth, NSW. The open cut operations include use of heavy mobile equipment in open cut pits, on haul roads and on waste rock emplacements. The underground operations have surface facilities. Both operations utilise a coal handling and preparation plant (CHPP) including conveyors, bins and other materialhandling infrastructure. The WCRS is located between Mt Thorley and Warkworth Village, New South Wales (as shown in Figure 1) and includes the following components: a product coal stockpile and reclaim area, product coal conveyer, train loadout bin, rail loop and a rail spur from the Wambo Coal Mine to Mount Thorley; and rail transport of product coal to the market, an intermittent activity that can take place at anytime. A noise survey around both the WCM and the WCRS is required quarterly as a condition of their current development consents (relevant extracts from the development consents are provided in the following report sections). Environmental noise monitoring described in this report was undertaken during 4 December 2009 and 8 January 2010 for day measurements, and 5/6 January 2010 for night measurements. Attended noise monitoring was conducted at a total of six locations for WCM and the WCRS (see Figure 1). Three of the six monitoring locations are within the Noise Affectation Zone, as identified in EIS reports (Wambo Development Project EIS (Resource Strategies, 2003), and Jerrys Plains Coal Terminal and Rail Line Environmental Impact Statement and Statement of Environmental Effects (CMPS&F, 1997)); as such, noise criteria do not apply directly to these properties. For these locations, measured noise levels from WCM and WCRS are compared against EIS modelled noise results. Compliance with modelled noise levels at these nearest receptors indicates compliance with development consent criteria at properties further away is likely. The survey purpose is to quantify and describe the existing acoustic environment around WCM and WCRS and compare results with relevant development consent conditions or modelled EIS noise levels _R01.doc Page 1

8 Source: WCNMP, 2007 Figure 1 Monitoring Sites 09244_R01.doc Page 2

9 1.2 MONITORING LOCATIONS AND FREQUENCY Table 1.1 outlines the monitor type and frequency for the noise monitoring locations shown in Figure 1. Table 1.1 WAMBO COAL MONITORING LOCATIONS AND FREQUENCY 1 Site Reference Site Location Monitor Type Consent Requirement Frequency 2 N01 Lambkin Residence Attended Mine & Rail Spur Development Consents N03 Kelly Residence Real-time & Attended N16 Muller Residence Real-time & Attended Mine Development Consent Mine Development Consent Quarterly Continuous & Quarterly Continuous & Quarterly N20 Thelander Residence Real-time Mine Development Consent Continuous N21 Wambo South Residence Real-time Mine Development Consent Continuous N22 Henderson Residence Attended Rail Spur Development Consent Quarterly N23 Redmanvale Road Attended Mine Development Consent Quarterly N24 Curlewis Residence Attended Mine & Rail Spur Development Consents Quarterly N25 3 Dyson Residence Rail Pass-by Rail Spur Development Consent Every fifth quarterly period Notes: 1. Sourced from Wambo Coal Noise Monitoring Program EMP ; 2. Quarterly attended locations are shown in italics; and 3. Dyson required every fifth quarterly period (last monitored in Q1 2009) 09244_R01.doc Page 3

10 1.3 TERMINOLOGY Some definitions of terminology, which may be used in this report, are provided in Table 1.2. Table 1.2 TERMINOLOGY Descriptor L A L A10 L A90 L Aeq db(a) SPL SEL Hertz (Hz) ABL RBL Day Evening Night Definition The A-weighted root mean squared (RMS) noise level at any instant The noise level which is exceeded for 10 per cent of the time, which is approximately the average of the maximum noise levels The level exceeded for 90 per cent of the time, which is approximately the average of the minimum noise levels. The L A90 level is often referred to as the background noise level and is commonly used to determine noise criteria for assessment purposes The average noise energy during a measurement period Noise level measurement units are decibels (db). The A weighting scale is used to describe human response to noise Sound pressure level (SPL), fluctuations in pressure measured as 10 times a logarithmic scale, the reference pressure being 20 micropascals Sound exposure level (SEL), the A-weighted noise energy during a measurement period normalised to one second Cycles per second, the frequency of fluctuations in pressure, sound is usually a combination of many frequencies together Assessment background level (ABL), the 10th percentile background noise level for a single period (day, evening or night) of a 24 hour monitoring period Rating background level (RBL), the background noise level for a period (day, evening or night) determined from ABL data This is the period 7:00am to 6:00pm This is the period 6:00pm to 10:00pm The period 10:00pm to 7:00am 09244_R01.doc Page 4

11 1.4 WAMBO COAL MINE DEVELOPMENT CONSENT WCM was granted consent (DA ) in February 2004, which enables the extension of current open cut and underground mining operations. The Wambo Coal Environmental Management System, Noise Monitoring Programme (Document EMP011, Rev 3, May 2007) was prepared in accordance with Schedule 4, Consent Condition 9. The Noise Monitoring Programme indicates that monitoring will be conducted for WCM activities, and the noise levels to be used for assessment. Monitoring for noise from mining activities is undertaken at the properties numbered N01, N03, N16, N23 and N24. It should be noted that properties N01, and N03 are within the Noise Affectation Zone for the development, and are also subject to acquisition upon request, as detailed in Schedule 4, Condition 1 of DA As such, there are no operational noise goals that apply directly to these properties. Predicted maximum noise levels from the EIS are therefore used for comparison at this location except where these levels are less than the minimum criterion for intrusive noise nominated in the NSW Industrial Noise Policy (35 db). In these instances, a criterion of 35 db is used for assessment. Compliance with predicted levels at this location indicates likely compliance at properties further away from WCM. Table 1.3 summarises relevant noise assessment criteria for WCM. Table 1.3 WAMBO COAL MINE NOISE GOALS Location L Aeq(15minute) Day db L Aeq(15minute) Evening and Night db L A1(1minute) Night db N / N / N N N Notes: 1. Criteria from Development Consent DA N01, and N03 are within the Zone of Affectation. Modelled noise levels from EIS are presented for these sites; and 3. Seasonal modelled noise level for Winter/Not winter. 1.5 WAMBO COAL RAIL SPUR DEVELOPMENT CONSENT The WCRS consists of two Development Applications (DA s): The Wambo Rail Loop (DA ); and The Wambo Rail Line (DA 235/97). The Wambo Coal Environmental Management System, Noise Monitoring Programme (Document EMP011, Rev 3, May 2007) was prepared in accordance with Schedule 4, Consent Condition 9. The Noise Monitoring Programme indicates that monitoring will be conducted for WCRS activities, and the noise levels to be used for assessment _R01.doc Page 5

12 Monitoring for noise from rail activities is undertaken at properties numbered N01, N22 and N24 each quarter and at N25 every fifth quarter for rail pass-by noise. It should be noted that property number N22 is within the Noise Affectation Zone for the development, and is also subject to acquisition upon request, as detailed in Condition 1 of DA As such, the operational noise goals or predictions do not apply directly to this property. It is also noted however that Condition 2 of DA indicates that While the land listed in Table 1 [of Condition 1] is privately owned, the Applicant shall implement all practicable measures to ensure that the impacts of the development comply with the predictions in the SEE, and the relevant conditions in this consent, at any residence on this land, to the satisfaction of the Director-General. Therefore, the predicted operational noise levels outlined in the Jerrys Plains Coal Terminal and Rail Line Environmental Impact Statement and Statement of Environmental Effects (CMPS&F, 1997), as reproduced in Resource Strategies (2005), are referred to in this report. Compliance with the predicted levels from the EIS at this monitoring location indicates likely compliance at properties further away from the WCRS. Table 1.4 summarises relevant noise assessment criteria for the WCRS during operation. Table 1.4 OPERATIONAL NOISE GOALS, WAMBO COAL RAIL SPUR Location L Aeq Day db L Aeq(15minute) Evening L A1(1minute) Night db and Night db N / N / N Notes: 1. This site is within the Zone of Affectation and so modelled noise levels from EIS are adopted as criteria; and 2. Seasonal modelled noise level for Winter/Not winter. The relevant section of each consent is reproduced in Appendix A _R01.doc Page 6

13 2 METHODOLOGY 2.1 ASSESSMENT METHOD Overview Noise monitoring was conducted at the nearest residences in accordance with the Department of Environment and Climate Change (DECC) Industrial Noise Policy (INP) guidelines and Australian Standard AS 1055 Acoustics, Description and Measurement of Environmental Noise. The mine was in operation for all monitoring. WCRS monitoring was only conducted while train loading was in progress. Weather forecasts of predicted wind speeds and rainfall are always previewed prior to commencement of monitoring. Approval to undertake monitoring is then sought from our client. This procedure gives the best chance of monitoring during suitable atmospheric conditions. However, forecasts are computer models generated for a general area based on a number of atmospheric variables. These models are often generated 12 to 24 hours prior to commencement of monitoring and are only as accurate as the information input. Joel Curran, Stephen Kozakiewicz, and Tony Welbourne conducted attended monitoring. Meteorological data was obtained from the Wambo Coal Mine meteorological station. This allowed correlation of atmospheric parameters and measured noise levels. Ground level atmospheric condition measurement was also undertaken during attended monitoring Attended Noise Monitoring Attended noise monitoring was conducted at all sites during day and night hours. Monitoring was not conducted in the evening period, as consent limits are the same for evening and night periods, and night time monitoring is considered a more suitable time to measure the source of interest. The duration of all measurements was 15 minutes. Attended monitoring is preferred to the use of loggers when determining compliance with prescribed limits; it allows an accurate determination of the contribution, if any, to measured noise levels by the source of interest (in this case WCM and / or WCRS). Weather conditions were recorded at each location during each noise level measurement. Although the consent is not specific as to where the meteorological data should be sourced, information from WCM has been used as it is measured with an elevated anemometer as is required by the consent. The anemometer at WCM is not overly distant from the monitoring locations and is considered to be representative of the general area. Wind speeds measured at 10 metres above ground are usually 09244_R01.doc Page 7

14 higher than those measured closer to ground level. In accordance with consent conditions, noise criteria only apply in wind speeds up to 3 metres per second. Table 2.1 shows the Beaufort Wind Scale and the corresponding wind speed in metres per second. Table 2.1 BEAUFORT WIND SCALE Scale Description Observable Effects Wind Speed (km/h) Wind Speed (m/s) 0 Calm Smoke rises vertically < 1.6 < Light Air smoke drifts slightly Light breeze Leaves rustle gently Gentle breeze 4 Moderate breeze Leaves and small twigs move Small branches move, paper blown around Fresh breeze Smaller trees sway Strong breeze Large branches sway Moderate gale Trees start to sway Fresh gale 9 Strong gale 10 Whole gale Twigs/small branches broken, walking difficult Loose exterior fixtures damaged Trees blown down, significant damage v Storm Much damage Hurricane Major natural disaster Source: Bush and Alpine Resources. In Table 2.1, number 2 on the scale is approximately the upper limit for the application of noise criteria under this consent. As this describes, up to 3 metres per second is a light breeze where leaves rustle gently. In the Hunter Valley during daytime hours it is unusual (especially during certain months of the year) for such light breezes to occur, particularly where meteorological stations are situated. The equipment used to measure and record environmental noise levels are listed in Table 2.2. Calibration certificates are provided in Appendix B. Table 2.2 MONITORING EQUIPMENT Model Serial Number Calibration Due Date Rion NA-28 sound level analyser /05/2011 Rion NC-73 calibrator /02/2010 Rion NA-28 sound level analyser /11/2011 Rion NC-74 calibrator /03/ _R01.doc Page 8

15 3 RESULTS 3.1 MONITORING LOCATIONS There were a total of six monitoring locations during this survey as listed in Table 3.1 and shown on Figure 1. As detailed previously in Table 1.1 some locations are monitored for noise from both WCM and the WCRS. Table 3.1 Descriptor N01 N03 N16 N22 N23 N24 MONITORING LOCATIONS Monitoring Location 367 Wambo Road 1071 Jerrys Plains Road, Warkworth Rear of Kilburnie, Golden Hwy, Jerrys Plains 970 Jerrys Plains Road, Warkworth 207 Redmanvale Road Knodlers Lane, Maison Dieu 09244_R01.doc Page 9

16 3.2 PLANT LOCATIONS The log of operations provided by WCM confirms full or partial operations were in progress during the survey period. Equipment in operation during night monitoring (5/6 January 2010) is detailed in Table 3.2. Table 3.2 PLANT LOCATIONS Unit Location Haul Destination BN/317/100/G Bates North RL BN/317/100/G Bates North RL BN/317/100/G Bates North RL BN/317/101/M ROM BN/317/101/M ROM BN/317/101/M ROM BN/317/101/M ROM BN/317/101/M ROM BS/101/100/G Bates South WM BS/101/100/G Bates South WM BS/101/100/G Bates South WM BS/101/100/G Bates South WM BS/101/100/G Bates South WM BS/101/100/G Bates South WM EX20 BN/317/100/G N/A EX20 BN/317/101/M N/A PC50 BS/101/100/G N/A PC50 BS/101/100/G N/A 09244_R01.doc Page 10

17 3.3 ATTENDED NOISE MONITORING Noise levels measured at each location during attended 15 minute surveys are provided in Table 3.3; discussion as to the noise sources responsible for these measured levels is provided in Chapter 4 of this report. Table 3.3 MEASURED NOISE LEVELS, QUARTER Location Date / Start Time L A1 db L A10 db L Aeq db L A90 db N23 04/12/ : N16 04/12/ : N03 04/12/ : N24 05/01/ : N01 05/01/ : N22 06/01/ : N03 06/01/ : N16 06/01/ : N23 06/01/ : N01 08/01/ : N22 08/01/ : N24 08/01/ : Note: Levels in this table are not necessarily the result of activity at WCM or WCRS _R01.doc Page 11

18 3.3.1 Wambo Coal Mine Noise Noise levels generated by activity at Wambo are shown in Table 3.4 and Table 3.5, where comparison of measured L Aeq and L A1 levels for WCM is made with relevant noise goals. Table 3.4 L Aeq(15 minute) db GENERATED BY WCM AGAINST NOISE CRITERIA, QUARTER Location Date / Start Time Wind Speed (m/s) VTG 7 ( 0 C/100m) Criterion LAeq(15 min) db Winter Criterion LAeq(15 min) db Not winter Criterion Applies? 3 Wambo LAeq(15 min) db 4,5 Exceedance 6 N23 04/12/ : N IA N/A N16 04/12/ : N IA N/A N /12/ : N 35 N/A N24 05/01/ : Y IA NIL N /01/ : N 37 N/A N /01/ : Y 24 NIL N16 06/01/ : Y NM NIL N23 06/01/ : Y IA NIL N /01/ : Y IA NIL N24 08/01/ : Y IA NIL Notes: 1. Development consent criterion; 2. Monitoring location is within Zone of Affectation. EIS or SEE modelled noise level presented; 3. The noise emission limits identified in the above table apply under meteorological conditions of: - Wind speeds of up to 3 m/s at 10 metres above ground level; or - Temperature inversion conditions of up to 3ºC/100m, and wind speeds of up to 2 m/s at 10 metres above ground level. 4. Estimated or measured LAeq db attributed to WCM; 5. NM denotes WCM audible but not measurable, IA denotes inaudible; 6. NA in exceedance column means atmospheric conditions outside conditions specified in development consent and so criterion is not applicable; 7. Vertical temperature gradient (VTG) calculated using sigma theta values according to INP procedures; and 8. Bold and red text indicates exceedance of relevant criterion _R01.doc Page 12

19 Table 3.5 L A1(1 minute) db GENERATED BY WCM AGAINST NOISE CRITERIA, QUARTER Location Date / Start Time Wind Speed (m/s) VTG 7 ( 0 C/100m) Criterion LA1(1 min) db Criterion Applies? 3 Wambo LA1(1 min) db 4,5 Exceedance 6 N24 05/01/ : Y IA NIL N /01/ : N/A N N/A N/A N /01/ : N/A Y N/A NIL N16 06/01/10 01: Y NM NIL N23 06/01/10 01: Y IA NIL Notes: 1. Development consent criterion; 2. Monitoring location is within Zone of Affectation, no EIS L A1 levels available; 3. The noise emission limits identified in the above table apply under meteorological conditions of: - Wind speeds of up to 3 m/s at 10 metres above ground level; or - Temperature inversion conditions of up to 3ºC/100m, and wind speeds of up to 2 m/s at 10 metres above ground level. 4. Estimated or measured LA1 db attributed to WCM; 5. NM denotes WCM audible but not measurable, IA denotes inaudible; 6. NA in exceedance column means atmospheric conditions outside conditions specified in development consent and so criterion is not applicable, or, there is no applicable criterion; 7. Vertical temperature gradient (VTG) calculated using sigma theta values according to INP procedures; and 8. Bold and red text indicates exceedance of relevant criterion _R01.doc Page 13

20 3.3.2 Wambo Coal Rail Spur Noise Noise levels generated by activity associated with the Wambo Coal Rail Spur are shown in Table 3.6 and Table 3.7, where comparison of measured L Aeq and L A1 levels for WCRS is made with relevant noise goals. Table 3.6 L Aeq(15 minute) db GENERATED BY WCRS AGAINST NOISE CRITERIA, QUARTER Location Date / Start Time Wind Speed (m/s) VTG 7 ( 0 C/100m) Criterion LAeq(15 min) db Winter Criterion LAeq(15 min) db Not winter Criterion Applies? 3 Wambo LAeq(15 min) db 4,5 Exceedance 6 N24 05/01/ : Y IA NIL N01 05/01/ : N IA N/A N /01/ : N NM N/A N01 08/01/ : Y IA NIL N /01/ : Y NM NIL N24 08/01/ : Y IA NIL Notes: 1. Development consent criterion; 2. Monitoring location is within Zone of Affectation. EIS or SEE modelled noise level presented; 3. The noise emission limits identified in the above table apply under meteorological conditions of: - Wind speeds of up to 3 m/s at 10 metres above ground level; or - Temperature inversion conditions of up to 3ºC/100m, and wind speeds of up to 2 m/s at 10 metres above ground level. 4. Estimated or measured LAeq db attributed to WCRS; 5. NM denotes WCRS audible but not measurable, IA denotes inaudible; 6. NA in exceedance column means atmospheric conditions outside conditions specified in development consent and so criterion is not applicable; 7. Vertical temperature gradient (VTG) calculated using sigma theta values according to INP procedures; and 8. Bold and red text indicates exceedance of relevant criterion _R01.doc Page 14

21 Table 3.7 L A1(1 minute) db GENERATED BY WCRS AGAINST NOISE CRITERIA, QUARTER Location Date / Start Time Wind Speed (m/s) VTG 7 ( 0 C/100m) Criterion LA1(1 min) db Criterion Applies? 3 Wambo LA1(1 min) db 4,5 Exceedance 6 N24 05/01/ : Y IA NIL Notes: 1. Development consent criterion; 2. Monitoring location is within Zone of Affectation, no EIS L A1 levels available; 3. The noise emission limits identified in the above table apply under meteorological conditions of: - Wind speeds of up to 3 m/s at 10 metres above ground level; or - Temperature inversion conditions of up to 3ºC/100m, and wind speeds of up to 2 m/s at 10 metres above ground level. 4. Estimated or measured LA1 db attributed to WCRS; 5. NM denotes WCRS audible but not measurable, IA denotes inaudible; 6. NA in exceedance column means atmospheric conditions outside conditions specified in development consent and so criterion is not applicable, or, there is no applicable criterion; 7. Vertical temperature gradient (VTG) calculated using sigma theta values according to INP procedures; and 8. Bold and red text indicates exceedance of relevant criterion. Atmospheric condition data measured at each location are shown in Table 3.8. Data obtained concurrently by the meteorological station is provided in Appendix C. Table 3.8 MEASURED ATMOSPHERIC CONDITIONS Date and Time Temperature (degrees) Wind Speed (m/s) Wind Direction Cloud Cover (eighths) 04/12/ : /12/ : /12/ : /01/ : /01/ : /01/ : /01/ : /01/ : /01/ : /01/ : /01/ : /01/ : Notes: 1. Wind speed and direction measured at 1.8 metres _R01.doc Page 15

22 4 DISCUSSION 4.1 NOTED NOISE SOURCES Table 3.3 presents data gathered during attended monitoring. These noise levels are the result of many sounds reaching the sound level meter microphone during monitoring. Received levels from various noise sources were noted during attended monitoring and particular attention was paid to the contribution of WCM or WCRS, if any, to measured levels. At each receptor location, the L Aeq and L A1 (night-time only) for the WCM or WCRS (in the absence of any other noise) was, where possible, measured directly, or, determined by frequency analysis. These levels are summarised in Table 3.4, Table 3.5, Table 3.6 and Table 3.7. From these observations summaries have been derived for each location. The following chapter sections provide these summaries. Statistical 1/3 octave band analysis of environmental noise was undertaken, and Figures 3 to 14 display the frequency ranges for various noise sources at each location for L A1, L A10, L A90, and L Aeq. These figures also provide, graphically, statistical information for these noise levels. An example is provided as Figure 2 where it can be seen that frogs and insects are generating noise at frequencies above 1000 Hz; mining noise is at frequencies less than 1000 Hz (this is typical). Adding levels at frequencies that relate to mining only allows separate statistical results to be calculated. This analysis cannot always be performed if there are significant levels of other noise at the same frequencies as mining; this can be dogs, cows, or, most commonly, road traffic. It should be noted that the method of summing statistical values up to a cutoff frequency can overstate the L A1 result by a small margin but is entirely accurate for L Aeq _R01.doc Page 16

23 Environmental Noise Levels 20 March 2004, 0306 hours TotL1 TotL10 TotLeq TotL90 L1 L10 Leq L Measured Noise Levels LA1 39 db LA10 37 db LAeq 35 db LA90 32 db db(a) Mine dragline fans, bucket noise, rear dump truck engine and transmission noise Insects Site Only Noise Levels LA10 34 db LAeq 32 db All statistics are 15min unless noted otherwise 25 Frogs Total Frequency (Hz) Figure 2 Sample Graph 09244_R01.doc Page 17

24 4.1.1 N01 Lambkin, 8 January 2010, WCM and WCRS Day-time Environmental Noise Levels At N01 - Lambkin 08 Jan 2010, 1336 hours TotalLA1 TotalLA10 TotalLAeq TotalLA90 LA1 LA10 LAeq LA db(a) Insects and birds Measured Noise Levels LA1 45 db LA10 41 db LAeq 38 db LA90 32 db WCM Inaudible WCRS Inaudible All statistics are 15min unless noted otherwise 30 MTW engine noise Total Frequency (Hz) Figure 3 Environmental Noise Levels, N01 WCM and WCRS were inaudible. Birds and insects were responsible for all measured levels. A low-level engine continuum from Mount Thorley Warkworth mine (MTW) was audible during the measurement _R01.doc Page 18

25 4.1.2 N03 Kelly, 4 December 2009, WCM Day-time Environmental Noise Levels At N03 - Kelly 04 Dec 2009, 1308 hours TotalLA1 TotalLA10 TotalLAeq TotalLA90 LA1 LA10 LAeq LA db(a) WCM RDT exhaust; Jerry Plains Road engine noise Breeze in foliage; Jerry Plains Road tyre noise Rooster Insects and birds Measured Noise Levels LA1 52 db LA10 db LAeq 47 db LA90 43 db WCM Noise Levels LAeq 35 db All statistics are 15min unless noted otherwise Total Frequency (Hz) Figure 4 Environmental Noise Levels, N03 Rear dump truck engine/exhaust noise, and dozer tracks from WCM were audible during the measurement and generated the WCM L Aeq(15 minute) of 35 db. A low level continuum ( Hz) was also audible throughout the measurement. Dumping activities were audible briefly on two occasions, but were not measurable. Traffic on Jerry s Plains Road was audible throughout the measurement and was primarily responsible for all measured levels. A rooster and breeze in foliage contributed to the measured L A1. Birds, dogs and insects were also noted _R01.doc Page 19

26 4.1.3 N16 Muller, 4 December 2009, WCM Day-time Environmental Noise Levels At N16 - Muller 04 Dec 2009, 1232 hours TotalLA1 TotalLA10 TotalLAeq TotalLA90 LA1 LA10 LAeq LA db(a) Breeze on microphone; Golden Highway engine noise Breeze in foliage; Golden Highway tyre noise Insects and birds Measured Noise Levels LA1 db LA10 45 db LAeq 41 db LA90 34 db WCM Inaudible All statistics are 15min unless noted otherwise Total Frequency (Hz) Figure 5 Environmental Noise Levels, N16 WCM was inaudible. Traffic on Jerry s Plains Road combined with birds and breeze on the microphone, generated the measured L A1, and was responsible for the measured L A10, L Aeq and L A90. Low-level rear dump truck engine noise from HVO was audible. Insects and sheeting on a shed moving in the breeze were also noted _R01.doc Page 20

27 4.1.4 N22 Henderson, 8 January 2010, WCRS Day-time Environmental Noise Levels At N22 - Henderson 08 Jan 2010, 1407 hours TotalLA1 TotalLA10 TotalLAeq TotalLA90 LA1 LA10 LAeq LA db(a) Breeze on microphone; Jerry Plains Road engine/exhaust noise Breeze in foliage; Jerry Plains Road tyre noise Insects and birds Insects Measured Noise Levels LA1 49 db LA10 45 db LAeq 42 db LA90 38 db WCRS Not measurable All statistics are 15min unless noted otherwise MTW continuum Total Frequency (Hz) Figure 6 Environmental Noise Levels, N22 A low level continuum WCRS was audible during the measurement but was not measurable. Traffic on Jerry s Plains Road combined with birds and insects to generate the measured L A1, L A10 and L Aeq. Road traffic tyre noise combined with insects generated the measured L Aeq. Low-level continuums from WCM and MTW were audible throughout the measurement. Breeze on the microphone was also noted _R01.doc Page 21

28 4.1.5 N23 Carter, 4 December 2009, WCM Day-time Environmental Noise Levels At N23 - Redmanvale Road 04 Dec 2009, 1202 hours TotalLA1 TotalLA10 TotalLAeq TotalLA90 LA1 LA10 LAeq LA Breeze in foliage Measured Noise Levels LA1 53 db LA10 48 db LAeq 44 db LA90 36 db db(a) Breeze on microphone Insects WCM Inaudible All statistics are 15min unless noted otherwise Total Frequency (Hz) Figure 7 Environmental Noise Levels, N23 WCM was inaudible. Breeze in foliage generated all measured levels. A drill rig operating near the park in Jerrys Plains village was audible at low levels throughout the measurement. Insects, aircraft, road traffic on Jerrys Plains Road and breeze on the microphone were also noted _R01.doc Page 22

29 4.1.6 N24 Curlewis, 8 January 2010, WCM and WCRS Day-time Environmental Noise Levels At N24 - Curlewis 08 Jan 2010, 10 hours TotalLA1 TotalLA10 TotalLAeq TotalLA90 LA1 LA10 LAeq LA Insects and birds Measured Noise Levels LA1 55 db LA10 41 db LAeq 41 db LA90 32 db db(a) 45 Breeze in foliage WCM Inaudible WCRS Inaudible Breeze on microphone All statistics are 15min unless noted otherwise 30 Insects 25 Breeze in foliage Total Frequency (Hz) Figure 8 Environmental Noise Levels, N24 WCM and WCRS were inaudible. Birds and insects were responsible for the measured L A1 and were primarily responsible for the L Aeq. Breeze in foliage generated the measured L A10 and L A90. Breeze on the microphone was also noted _R01.doc Page 23

30 4.1.7 N01 Lambkin, 5 January 2010, WCM and WCRS Night-time Environmental Noise Levels At N01 - Lambkin 05 Jan 2010, 2343 hours TotalLA1 TotalLA10 TotalLAeq TotalLA90 LA1 LA10 LAeq LA db(a) WCM engine continuum Frogs and bird Insects Measured Noise Levels LA1 55 db LA10 54 db LAeq 51 db LA90 43 db WCM Noise Levels LAeq 37 db WCRS Inaudible 35 All statistics are 15min unless noted otherwise Total Frequency (Hz) Figure 9 Environmental Noise Levels, N01 A mining continuum at frequencies less than 0 Hz was audible throughout the measurement and was responsible for the WCM L Aeq(15 minute) of 37 db. WCRS was inaudible. Insects and frogs were primarily responsible for all measured levels. The WCM continuum was a minor contributor to the measured L A90. A dragline or shovel groan from MTW was noted on one occasion at a low level. Birds were also noted _R01.doc Page 24

31 4.1.8 N03 Kelly, 6 January 2010, WCM Night-time Environmental Noise Levels At N03 - Kelly 06 Jan 2010, 0048 hours TotalLA1 TotalLA10 TotalLAeq TotalLA90 LA1 LA10 LAeq LA db(a) WCM RDT engines at ROM WCRS dozer tracks at stockpile area Insects and frogs Measured Noise Levels LA1 51 db LA10 49 db LAeq 48 db LA90 45 db WCM Noise Levels LAeq 24 db 40 All statistics are 15min unless noted otherwise WCRS loadout conveyor continuum Bat Total Frequency (Hz) Figure 10 Environmental Noise Levels, N03 Individual rear dump truck engine noise from the ROM area was audible from WCM on 5 occasions, and was responsible for the WCM L Aeq(15 minute) of 24 db. A continuum from the rail loadout conveyor, dozer track noise from the stockpile area, and coal releasing into empty train wagons were audible from WCRS. These sources were primarily responsible for all measured levels. WCRS is not assessed at this location. Insects and frogs were audible throughout the measurement and contributed to all measured levels. Rear dump truck engine noise from WCM contributed to the measured L A1. Highway trucks from United mine were noted on two occasions at low levels. A dog and a bat were also audible _R01.doc Page 25

32 4.1.9 N16 Muller, 6 January 2010, WCM - Night-time Environmental Noise Levels At N16 - Muller 06 Jan 2010, 0120 hours TotalLA1 TotalLA10 TotalLAeq TotalLA90 LA1 LA10 LAeq LA Insects Measured Noise Levels LA1 54 db LA10 53 db LAeq 48 db LA90 41 db db(a) Frogs WCM Not measurable All statistics are 15min unless noted otherwise HVO engine noise Total Frequency (Hz) Figure 11 Environmental Noise Levels, N16 A very low level continuum was just perceptible from WCM at times during the measurement, but was not measurable. Frogs and insects generated all measured levels. Engine noise from HVO and a high volume air sampler were also audible _R01.doc Page 26

33 N22 Henderson, 6 January , WCRS Night-time Environmental Noise Levels At N22 - Henderson 06 Jan 2010, 0021 hours TotalLA1 TotalLA10 TotalLAeq TotalLA90 LA1 LA10 LAeq LA db(a) WML and HVO mining continuum Jerrys Plains Road tyre noise Frogs Insects Measured Noise Levels LA1 54 db LA10 46 db LAeq 44 db LA90 41 db WCRS Not measurable All statistics are 15min unless noted otherwise Insects Total Frequency (Hz) Figure 12 Environmental Noise Levels, N22 Locomotives on the WCRS were just perceptible towards the end of the measurement, but were not measurable. Road traffic tyre noise from Jerrys Plains Road was responsible for the measured L A1 and L A10, and was a primary contributor to the measured L Aeq. A mining continuum from Warkworth mine (WML) combined with insects generated the measured L A90. A mining continuum from HVO was audible during the first five minutes of the measurement. Dozer tracks and a series of groans from HVO were also audible. Frogs, dogs and a bat were also noted _R01.doc Page 27

34 N23 Carter, 6 January 2010, WCM Night-time Environmental Noise Levels At N23 - Redmanvale Road 06 Jan 2010, 0149 hours TotalLA1 TotalLA10 TotalLAeq TotalLA90 LA1 LA10 LAeq LA db(a) Insects Measured Noise Levels LA1 46 db LA10 45 db LAeq 43 db LA90 40 db WCM Inaudible All statistics are 15min unless noted otherwise 35 Frogs Total Frequency (Hz) Figure 13 Environmental Noise Levels, N23 WCM was inaudible. Insects and frogs were responsible for all measured levels. Distant road traffic noise on Jerrys Plains Road, and a bird were also audible at low levels _R01.doc Page 28

35 N24 Curlewis, 5 January 2010, WCM and WCRS Night-time Environmental Noise Levels At N24 - Curlewis 05 Jan 2010, 2256 hours TotalLA1 TotalLA10 TotalLAeq TotalLA90 LA1 LA10 LAeq LA Measured Noise Levels LA1 43 db LA10 40 db LAeq 39 db LA90 37 db db(a) HVO engine continuum Frogs Insects WCM Inaudible WCRS Inaudible All statistics are 15min unless noted otherwise 30 Cows Total Frequency (Hz) Figure 14 Environmental Noise Levels, N24 WCM and WCRS were inaudible. A mining continuum from HVO was audible throughout the measurement and was primarily responsible for all measured levels. Frogs and insects were minor contributors to measured levels. Cows were also noted _R01.doc Page 29

36 5 SUMMARY 5.1 SUMMARY Environmental noise monitoring described in this report was undertaken during 4 December 2009 and 8 January 2010 for day measurements, and 5/6 January 2010 for night measurements. Noise levels from WCM complied with the L Aeq(15 minute) and L A1(1 minute) development consent criteria or modelled noise levels at the six monitoring locations (N01, N03, N16, N22, N23 and N24) during the Quarter survey. WCM was audible at N03, but was inaudible at all other monitoring locations during daytime monitoring. At N03, rear dump truck engine/exhaust noise, and dozer tracks were audible and generated the WCM L Aeq(15 minute) of 35 db. A low level continuum ( Hz) was also audible. Dumping activities were audible briefly on two occasions, but were not measurable During night monitoring, WCM was audible at N01, N03, and N16. At N01, a mining continuum at frequencies less than 0 Hz was audible throughout the measurement. At N03, individual rear dump truck engine noise from the ROM area was audible on 5 occasions. At N16, a very low level continuum was just perceptible at times during the measurement, but was not measurable. WCM was inaudible at N22, N23 and N24 during night monitoring. WCRS was inaudible at N01 and N03 during day and night monitoring. At N22, during night monitoring, locomotives on the WCRS were just perceptible towards the end of the measurement, but were not measurable. A low level continuum was audible during day monitoring, but was not measurable. It is noted that wind speeds and/or temperature inversion conditions were at levels greater than which development consent conditions would apply for WCM and WCRS activities in some instances. In most instances, the predicted EIS noise levels were met regardless _R01.doc Page 30

37 Appendix A: Development Consent 09244_R01.doc

38 A.1 WAMBO COAL MINE DEVELOPMENT CONSENT A.1.1 Relevant Wambo Coal Mine Development Consent Conditions The relevant sections of the Development Consent conditions are reproduced below: ACQUISITION UPON REQUEST 1. Upon receiving a written request for acquisition from the landowner of the land listed in Table 1, the Applicant shall acquire the land in accordance with the procedures in conditions 9 11 of Schedule 5: NOISE 2 Lambkin 23A & B Kannar 13C Skinner 19A & B Kelly 31A, B, C & D Fisher 51 Hawkes 22 Henderson 56 Haynes Table 1: Land subject to acquisition upon request Note: For more information on the numbering and identification of properties used in this consent, see Attachment 1 of the EIS for the Wambo Development Project. Noise Impact Assessment Criteria 6. The Applicant shall ensure that the noise generated by the development does not exceed the noise impact assessment criteria presented in Table 9. Day Evening/Night Night Land Number L Aeq(15 minutes) L Aeq(15 minutes) L A1(1 minute) Curlewis Birrell 4B Circosta 15B McGowen/Caslick 16 Cooper 23C Kannar 25 Fenwick 28A & B Garland 33 Thelander/O Niell 39 Northcote 40 Muller 254A - Algie Strachan 6 Merrick 7 Maizey 37 Lawry 48 - Ponder Brosi 17 Carter 18 Denney 38 Williams 49 Oliver 63 Abrocuff 75 Barnes 91 Bailey Birralee 43 Carmody 137 Woodruff 163 Roger/Williams Bailey B Skinner 178 Smith 188 Fuller 09244_R01.doc Page A.1

39 262A, B & C Moses All other residential or sensitive receptors, excluding the receptors listed in condition 1 above Table 9: Noise Impact Assessment Criteria db(a) Notes: Land Acquisition Criteria a) Noise from the development is to be measured at the most affected point or within the residential boundary, or at the most affected point within 30 metres of a dwelling (rural situations) where the dwelling is more than 30 metres from the boundary, to determine compliance with the L Aeq(15 minute) noise limits in the above table. Where it can be demonstrated that direct measurement of noise from the development is impractical, the DEC may accept alternative means of determining compliance (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 levels where applicable. b) Noise from the development is to be measured at 1 metre from the dwelling façade to determine compliance with the L A1(1 minute) noise limits in the above table. c) The noise emission limits identified in the above table apply under meteorological conditions of: wind speeds of up to 3 m/s at 10 metres above ground level; or temperature inversion conditions of up to 3ºC/100m, and wind speeds of up to 2 m/s at 10 metres above ground level. 7. If the noise generated by the development exceeds the criteria in Table 10, the Applicant shall, upon receiving a written request for acquisition from the landowner, acquire the land in accordance with the procedures in conditions 9 11 of Schedule 5. Day/Evening/Night Property Monitoring L Aeq(15 minutes) Curlewis 23C Kannar 254A - Algie 40 All other residential or sensitive receptor, excluding the receptors listed in condition 1 above Table 10: Land Acquisition Criteria db(a) Note: Noise generated by the development is to be measured in accordance with the notes presented below Table 9 above. 8. The Applicant shall conduct real-time monitoring of the noise generated by the development at a minimum of four properties to the south and north-west of the site, in general accordance with the NSW Industrial Noise Policy and AS : Acoustics Description and Measurement of Environmental Noise. 9. Before carrying out any development, the Applicant shall prepare a Noise Monitoring Program to the satisfaction of the Director-General, which includes a noise monitoring protocol for evaluating compliance with the criteria in Tables 9 & _R01.doc Page A.2

40 A.2 WAMBO RAIL SPUR DEVELOPMENT CONSENT A.2.1 Relevant WCRS Development Consent Conditions The relevant noise criteria, as detailed in the Construction/Operational Noise Management Plan and Monitoring Programme (Resource Strategies, 2005), are reproduced below: DA Schedule 4 Condition 4 Construction Hours The Applicant shall ensure that all construction work is carried out from 7 am to 6 pm Monday to Saturday (inclusive) and 8 am to 6 pm Sundays and public holidays. 5 Operating Hours The Applicant shall: (a) take all practicable measures to minimise train movements at the development on Friday evening (6pm-9pm) and Sunday morning (9am-12am) to the satisfaction of the Director-General. (b) report on the implementation and effectiveness of these measures to the satisfaction of the Director-General. 6 The Applicant shall monitor the noise generated by the development at least four times a year at a minimum of 3 representative locations near the site, in general accordance with the NSW Industrial Noise Policy and AS : Acoustics Description and Measurement of Environmental. 7 Before carrying out any development, the Applicant shall prepare a Noise Monitoring Program for the development to the satisfaction of the Director- General, which includes a noise monitoring protocol for evaluating compliance with the criteria in Table CONSTRUCTION/OPERATION NOISE CRITERIA DA The noise impact assessment criteria for construction and operation of the Wambo Coal Terminal and Rail Spur (DA ) are presented in Table 1 for residential and sensitive receptors in the vicinity of the development. Table 1: Noise Impact Assessment Criteria Day Evening/Night LAeq (15 minute) (dba) LAeq (15 minute) (dba) Night LA(1 minute) (dba) Land Number (Figure 2) Curlewis Birrell 4B Circosta 15 McGowen/Caslick 16 Cooper 25 Fenwick 28 Garland 33 Thelander/O Neill 39 Northcote 40 Muller 254 Algie Strachan 6 Merrick 7 Maizey 37 Lawry 48 Ponder Brosi 17 Carter 18 Denney 30 Williams 49 Oliver 63 Abrocuff 75 Barnes 91 Bailey 09244_R01.doc Page A.3