Muswellbrook Coal Company

Transcription

1 Muswellbrook Coal Company Environmental ise Monitoring May 2015 Prepared for Muswellbrook Coal

2 Page i Muswellbrook Coal Company Environmental ise Monitoring May 2015 Reference: Report date: 18 June 2015 Prepared for Muswellbrook Coal Company PO Box 123 Muswellbrook NSW 2333 Prepared by Global Acoustics Pty Ltd PO Box 3115 Thornton NSW 2322 Prepared: Amanda Borserio Environmental Scientist (Acoustics) QA Review: Jesse Tribby Scientist (Acoustics) Global Acoustics Pty Ltd ~ Environmental noise modelling and impact assessment ~ Sound power testing ~ ise control advice ~ ise and vibration monitoring ~ OHS noise monitoring and advice ~ Expert evidence in Land and Environment and Compensation Courts ~ Architectural acoustics ~ Blasting assessments and monitoring ~ ise management plans (NMP) ~ Sound level meter and noise logger sales and hire

3 Page ii EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Global Acoustics was engaged to conduct a noise survey around Muswellbrook Coal, an open cut coal mine near Muswellbrook, NSW. Development consent was issued to Muswellbrook Coal Company (MCC) in September 2003 (DA 205/2002) to extend the former Open Cut. 1. Condition 6.4 of the consent details the noise requirements. MCC hold Environment Protection Licence (EPL). 656 for coal mining. Section L2 of the EPL details the noise requirements. The purpose of the survey is to quantify and describe the acoustic environment around the site and compare results with these limits. Environmental noise monitoring described in this report was undertaken on 19/20 and /26 May Monitoring was suspended on the night of 19/20 May as operations were shut down after a heavy rain event. Monitoring was then completed on the night of /26 May. There were 6 monitoring locations. Attended monitoring was conducted in accordance with the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) Industrial ise Policy (INP) guidelines and Australian Standard AS 1055 Acoustics, Description and Measurement of Environmental ise. The duration of each measurement was 15 minutes. Wind speed and/or temperature inversion conditions resulted in development consent criteria not always being applicable, as indicated in the Table 2.1 and Table 4.4. MCC complied with the relevant limits during the May 2015 survey at all locations. Global Acoustics Pty Ltd

4 Page iii Table of Contents 1 INTRODUCTION Background Monitoring Locations Terminology CONSENT AND CRITER Development Consent Development Consent Environment Protection Licence ise Management Plan Project Specific Criteria INP Modifying Factors Tonality, Intermittent and Impulsive ise Low Frequency ise Low Frequency Criteria METHODOLOGY Attended ise Monitoring RESULTS Attended ise Monitoring Low Frequency Assessment Atmospheric Conditions DISCUSSION ted ise Sources R7, Day Measurement R7, Day Measurement R7, Evening Measurement R7, Night Measurement R7, Night Measurement R13, Day Measurement

5 Page iv R13, Day Measurement R13, Evening Measurement R13, Night Measurement R13, Night Measurement R15, Day Measurement R15, Day Measurement R15, Evening Measurement R15, Night Measurement R15, Night Measurement R16, Day Measurement R16, Day Measurement R16, Evening Measurement R16, Night Measurement R16, Night Measurement R17, Day Measurement R17, Day Measurement R17, Evening Measurement R17, Night Measurement R17, Night Measurement R20, Day Measurement R20, Day Measurement R20, Evening Measurement R20, Night Measurement R20, Night Measurement SUMMARY...51 Appendices A STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS...52 B CALIBRATION CERTIFICATES...60

6 Page 1 1 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background Muswellbrook Coal Company (MCC) engaged Global Acoustics, to conduct a noise survey around its operations, an open cut mine north-east of Muswellbrook. Environmental noise monitoring described in this report was undertaken on 19/20 and /26 May Monitoring was suspended on the night of 19/20 May as operations were shut down after a heavy rain event. Monitoring was then completed on the night of /26 May. Figure 1 shows the monitoring locations and Figure 2 to Figure 5 show the location of major plant items in operation during the attended monitoring. The purpose of the survey is to quantify and describe the acoustic environment around the site and compare results with specified limits. 1.2 Monitoring Locations Monitoring locations during this survey are detailed in Table 1.1 and shown on Figure 1. Table 1.1: MCC ATTENDED NOISE MONITORING LOCATIONS Descriptor Owner Monitoring Location R7 Entrance gate to Transgrid yard, Sandy Creek Road R13 McMaster 120 Sandy Creek Road R15 Collins 71 Queen Street, Muswellbrook R16 Tuckey 100 Queen street, Muswellbrook R17 Colvin 42 Queen street, Muswellbrook R20 Gordon 90 Muscle Creek Road

7 Figure 1: MCC Attended ise Monitoring Sites Page 2

8 Figure 2: Muswellbrook Coal Plant Locations Day and night shift, 19/20 May 2015 Page 3

9 Page 4 Figure 3: Muswellbrook Coal Plant Locations Day and night shift, 19/20 May 2015 Figure 2 and Figure 3 show 212 running all the time for day and night shift on 19/20 May ran on the blue circuit on 19 May before the rain delay, then resumed on the red circuit on 20 May Dozers and the drill were running all the time in these areas.

10 Figure 4: Muswellbrook Coal Plant Locations Day and night shift, /26 May 2015 Page 5

11 Page 6 Figure 5: Muswellbrook Coal Plant Locations Day and night shift, /26 May 2015 Figure 4 and Figure 5 show the position the excavators were in for all shifts on and 26 May Dozers and the drill were running all the time in these areas.

12 Page Terminology Some definitions of terms and abbreviations, which may be used in this report, are provided in Table 1.2. Table 1.2: TERMINOLOGY & ABBREVTIONS Descriptor Definition LA The A-weighted root mean squared (RMS) noise level at any instant LA10 The noise level which is exceeded for 10 percent of the time, which is approximately the average of the maximum noise levels LA90 The level exceeded for 90 percent of the time, which is approximately the average of the minimum noise levels. The LA90 level is often referred to as the background noise level and is commonly used to determine noise criteria for assessment purposes LAeq The average noise energy during a measurement period Lpk The unweighted peak noise level at any instant db(a) ise level measurement units are decibels (db). The A weighting scale is used to describe human response to noise SPL Sound pressure level (SPL), fluctuations in pressure measured as 10 times a logarithmic scale, the reference pressure being 20 micropascals ABL Assessment background level (ABL), the 10th percentile background noise level for a single period (day, evening or night) of a 24 hour monitoring period RBL Rating background level (RBL), the background noise level for a period (day, evening or night) determined from ABL data Hertz (Hz) Cycles per second, the frequency of fluctuations in pressure, sound is usually a combination of many frequencies together VTG Vertical temperature gradient in degrees Celsius per 100 metres altitude. Estimated from wind speed and sigma theta data Day This is the period 7:00am to 6:00pm Evening This is the period 6:00pm to 10:00pm Night This is the period 10:00pm to 7:00am

13 Page 8 2 CONSENT AND CRITER 2.1 Development Consent A development consent and licence apply to the MCC operation. The noise sections of the consent and licence are reproduced in Appendix A Development Consent MCC obtained development consent in September 2003 (DA 205/2002) to extend the former Open Cut. 1. Condition 6.4 of the consent details the noise requirements Environment Protection Licence On 27 February 2015, MCC was issued with a variation to Environment Protection Licence. 656 for coal mining. Section L2 of the licence details the noise requirements and is reproduced in Appendix A ise Management Plan A ise Management Plan (NMP) was originally prepared in February 2005 and reviewed in December Section 4.6 provides details on the noise monitoring program and is reproduced in Appendix A. 2.2 Project Specific Criteria ise criteria and land acquisition criteria are detailed in Table 2.1 and Table 2.2. Table 2.1: MCC PROJECT SPECIFIC NOISE CRITER Day Evening Night Descriptor Monitoring Location LAeq,15minute LAeq,15minute LAeq,15minute LA1,1minute R7 Gate to Transgrid yard R Sandy Creek Road 51 R15 71 Queen Street 46 R Queen Street 46 R17 42 Queen Street 46 R20 90 Muscle Creek Road

14 Page 9 Table 2.2: MCC LAND ACQUISITION CRITER Day Evening Night Descriptor Monitoring Location LAeq,15minute LAeq,15minute LAeq,15minute R7 Gate to Transgrid yard R Sandy Creek Road R15 71 Queen Street R Queen Street R17 42 Queen Street R20 90 Muscle Creek Road As specified in the development consent, the noise criteria in Table 2.1 and Table 2.2 apply under meteorological conditions of: Wind speed up to 3 metres per second at 10 metres above ground level; and Temperature inversion conditions of up to 3 degrees Celsius per 100 metres. 2.3 INP Modifying Factors ise monitoring and reporting is carried out generally in accordance with the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) 'Industrial ise Policy' (INP). Chapter 4 of the INP deals specifically with modifying factors that may apply to industrial noise. The most common modifying factors are addressed in detail below Tonality, Intermittent and Impulsive ise As defined in the Industrial ise Policy: Tonal noise contains a prominent frequency and is characterised by a definite pitch. Impulsive noise has high peaks of short duration and a sequence of such peaks. Intermittent noise is characterised by the level suddenly dropping to the background noise levels several times during a measurement, with a noticeable change in noise level of at least 5 db. Intermittent noise applies to night-time only. Years of monitoring have indicated that noise levels from mining operations, particularly those levels measured at significant distances from the source are relatively continuous. There is no equipment on site that is likely to generate tonal or impulsive noise as defined in the INP.

15 2.3.2 Page 10 Low Frequency ise INP Method As defined in the Industrial ise Policy: Low frequency noise contains major components within the low frequency range (20 Hz to 0 Hz) of the frequency spectrum. As detailed in Chapter 4 of the INP, low frequency noise should be assessed by measuring the C-weighted and A-weighted level over the same time period. The correction/penalty of 5 db is applied if the difference between the two levels is 15 db or more. Broner Method Low frequency noise can also be assessed against criteria specified in the paper A Simple Method for Low Frequency ise Emission Assessment (Broner JLFNV Vol.29-1 pp.1-14, 2010). If the predicted C-weighted noise level at a receptor exceeds the relevant criterion, a 5 db penalty (modifying factor) is added to predicted levels. This method is included to provide a comparison with the INP method. 2.4 Low Frequency Criteria As detailed in condition (b) of the consent: The modification factors presented in Section 4 of the NSW Industrial ise Policy shall also be applied to the measured noise level where practical. Low frequency criteria are detailed in Table 2.3. Table 2.3: LOW FREQUENCY ASSESSMENT METHODS Assessment Method Calculation Method Night Criterion Day Criterion Broner, 2010 LCeq to 0 Hz Broner, 2013 (assumed) LCeq to 0 Hz LCeq for source of interest INP, total Total LCeq minus LAeq tes: 1. Assumed based on Broner The EPA is currently undertaking a review of the assessment of low frequency noise. While a practice note is not yet available, low frequency noise results from MCC have been compared to a range of assessment methods and criteria presented above.

16 Page 11 3 METHODOLOGY 3.1 Attended ise Monitoring Attended monitoring was conducted at six sites in accordance with the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) Industrial ise Policy (INP) guidelines and Australian Standard AS 1055 Acoustics, Description and Measurement of Environmental ise. Atmospheric condition measurement was also undertaken. A measurement of LA1,1minute corresponds to the highest noise level generated for 0.6 second during one minute. In practical terms this is the highest noise level emitted from the MCC noise source during the entire measurement period (i.e. the highest level of the worst minute during the 15-minute measurement). As indicated in Section (b) and (c) of the consent, the LA1,1minute measurement should be undertaken at 1 metre from the dwelling façade and the LAeq,15minute measurement within metres of the dwelling. However, the direct measurement of noise at 1 metre from the façade is not practical during monitoring for this project. In most cases, monitoring near the residence is impractical due to barking dogs or issues with obtaining access. In all cases, measurements for this survey were undertaken at a suitable and representative location. The duration of each measurement was 15 minutes. During this survey, attended monitoring was undertaken over 24 hours during the day, evening and night periods. Monitoring was carried out once at each location during the evening period and twice per location during the day and night periods. Attended monitoring is preferred to the use of noise 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 MCC). The terms Inaudible (), t Measurable (NM), less than db (< db) or less than db (< db) are used in this report. When site noise is noted as then there was no site noise at the monitoring location. However, if site noise is noted as NM, < db or < db, this means some noise was audible but could not be quantified. This means that noise from the site was either very low, or, being masked by other noise that was relatively loud. In the former case (very low site levels) we consider it not necessary to attempt to accurately quantify site noise as it would be significantly less than any criterion and most unlikely to cause annoyance (and in many cases, to be even noticed). If site noise were NM due to masking then we would employ methods as per the Industrial ise Policy (e.g. measure closer and back calculate) to determine a value for reporting if deemed necessary. All site NM in this report are due to low absolute values.

17 Page 12 As detailed in Section 2.3 of this report, it is not considered necessary to assess tonal, intermittent and impulsive noise from MCC. However, low frequency noise from MCC has been addressed. The equipment detailed in Table 3.1 was used to measure environmental noise levels. Calibration certificates are provided in Appendix B. Table 3.1: ATTENDED NOISE MONITORING EQUIPMENT Model Serial Number Calibration Due Date Rion -28 sound level analyser /06/2016 Rion -28 sound level analyser /11/2015 Pulsar Model 106 acoustic calibrator /12/2016 Rion NC-73 acoustic calibrator /06/2016

18 Page 13 4 RESULTS 4.1 Attended ise Monitoring Overall noise levels measured at each location during attended measurement are provided in Table 4.1. Table 4.1: MEASURED NOISE LEVELS - MAY Location Start Date And Time LAmax db LA1 db LA10 db LA db LAeq db LA90 db LAmin db R7 19/05/ : R7 19/05/ : R7 19/05/ : R7 20/05/ : R7 26/05/ : R13 19/05/ : R13 19/05/ : R13 19/05/ : R13 20/05/ : R13 26/05/ : R15 19/05/ : R15 19/05/ : R15 19/05/ : R15 19/05/ : R15 /05/ : R16 19/05/ : R16 19/05/ : R16 19/05/ : R16 19/05/ : R16 /05/ : R17 19/05/ : R17 19/05/ : R17 19/05/ : R17 19/05/ : R17 /05/ : R20 19/05/ : R20 19/05/ : R20 19/05/ : R20 19/05/ : R20 /05/ : tes: 1. Levels in this table are not necessarily the result of activity at MCC.

19 Page 14 Table 4.2 details LAeq,15minute noise levels from MCC in the absence of other noise sources. Criteria are then applied if weather conditions are in accordance with the development consent. Discussion as to the noise sources responsible for these measured levels is provided in Chapter 5 of this report. Table 4.2: LAeq,15minute GENERATED BY MCC AGAINST NOISE CRITER - MAY 2015 Location Start Date And Time Wind Speed m/s VTG oc per Criterion db Criterion Applies?1 MCC LAeq db 2 Exceedance 100m R7 19/05/ : Yes Nil R7 19/05/ : Yes Nil R7 19/05/ : R7 20/05/ : < R7 26/05/ : R13 19/05/ : Yes Nil R13 19/05/ : Yes Nil R13 19/05/ : R13 20/05/ : < R13 26/05/ : < R15 19/05/ : Yes Nil R15 19/05/ : Yes Nil R15 19/05/ : R15 19/05/ : < R15 /05/ : < R16 19/05/ : Yes Nil R16 19/05/ : R16 19/05/ : R16 19/05/ : R16 /05/ : R17 19/05/ : Yes Nil R17 19/05/ : Yes Nil R17 19/05/ : < R17 19/05/ : < R17 /05/ : R20 19/05/ : R20 19/05/ : Yes Nil R20 19/05/ : Yes Nil R20 19/05/ : < /05/ : R20 tes: ,4 Limits apply for winds up to 3 m/s (at a height of 10 metres above ground level); or temperature inversions of up to 3 oc /100m; These are results for MCC in the absence of all other noise sources; Bolded results in red are those greater than the relevant criterion (if applicable); and means atmospheric conditions outside conditions specified in development consent, criterion is not applicable.

20 Page 15 Table 4.3 details LAeq,15minute noise levels from MCC in the absence of other noise sources. Land acquisition criteria are then applied if weather conditions are in accordance with the development consent. Table 4.3: LAeq,15minute GENERATED BY MCC AGAINST LAND ACQUISITION CRITER - MAY 2015 Location Start Date And Time Wind Speed m/s VTG oc per Criterion db Criterion Applies? 1 MCC LAeq db 2 Exceedance 100m R7 19/05/ : Yes Nil R7 19/05/ : Yes Nil R7 19/05/ : R7 20/05/ : < R7 26/05/ : R13 19/05/ : Yes Nil R13 19/05/ : Yes Nil R13 19/05/ : R13 20/05/ : < R13 26/05/ : < R15 19/05/ : Yes Nil R15 19/05/ : Yes Nil R15 19/05/ : R15 19/05/ : < R15 /05/ : < R16 19/05/ : Yes Nil R16 19/05/ : R16 19/05/ : R16 19/05/ : R16 /05/ : R17 19/05/ : Yes Nil R17 19/05/ : Yes Nil R17 19/05/ : < R17 19/05/ : < R17 /05/ : R20 19/05/ : R20 19/05/ : Yes Nil R20 19/05/ : Yes Nil R20 19/05/ : < /05/ : R20 tes: ,4 Limits apply for winds up to 3 m/s (at a height of 10 metres above ground level); or temperature inversions of up to 3 oc /100m; These are results for MCC in the absence of all other noise sources; Bolded results in red are those greater than the relevant criterion (if applicable); and means atmospheric conditions outside conditions specified in development consent, criterion is not applicable.

21 Page 16 Table 4.4 details LA1,1minute noise levels from MCC in the absence of other noise sources. Criteria are then applied if weather conditions are in accordance with the development consent. Table 4.4: LA1,1minute GENERATED BY MCC AGAINST NOISE CRITER - MAY 2015 Location Start Date And Time Wind Speed m/s Criterion db Criterion Applies? 3,7 MCC LA1,1min db 4,5 Exceedance C per 100m R7 20/05/ :32 R < 26/05/ : R13 20/05/ : < R13 26/05/ : < R15 19/05/ : < R15 /05/ : R16 19/05/ : R16 /05/ : R17 19/05/ : R17 /05/ : R20 19/05/ : /05/ : R20 tes: VTG o 6,8 Limits apply for winds up to 3 m/s (at a height of 10 metres above ground level); or temperature inversions of up to 3 oc /100m; These are results for MCC in the absence of all other noise sources; Bolded results in red are those greater than the relevant criterion (if applicable); and means atmospheric conditions outside conditions specified in development consent, criterion is not applicable.

22 Page Low Frequency Assessment Table 4.5 provides statistics for attended noise monitoring undertaken around MCC. Table 4.5: ATTENDED MEASUREMENT STATISTICS FOR MCC - MAY 2015 Conditions Total Number of measurements Number of measurements where criterion applies 11 Number of measurements where MCC was the only lowfrequency source and levels were within 5 db of the criterion and criterion applied 0 ne of the measurements occurred during which MCC was the only low frequency source, was measurable (not inaudible, not measurable or less than a maximum cut-off value of db), was within 5 db of the relevant criterion, and where meteorological conditions resulted in criteria applying (in accordance with the project approval). further action was taken.

23 Page Atmospheric Conditions Atmospheric condition data measured at each location are shown in Table 4.6. Table 4.6: MEASURED ATMOSPHERIC CONDITIONS MAY 2015 Location Start Date And Time Temperature o C Wind Speed m/sec Wind Direction Degrees Cloud Cover eighths R7 19/05/ : R7 19/05/ : R7 19/05/ : R7 20/05/ : R7 26/05/ : R13 19/05/ : R13 19/05/ : R13 19/05/ : R13 20/05/ : R13 26/05/ : R15 19/05/ : R15 19/05/ : R15 19/05/ : R15 19/05/ : R15 /05/ : R16 19/05/ : R16 19/05/ : R16 19/05/ : R16 19/05/ : R16 /05/ : R17 19/05/ : R17 19/05/ : R17 19/05/ : R17 19/05/ : R17 /05/ : R20 19/05/ : R20 19/05/ : R20 19/05/ : R20 19/05/ : R20 /05/ : tes: 1. Temperature, wind speed and direction measured at 1.8 metres.

24 Page 19 5 DISCUSSION 5.1 ted ise Sources Table 4.1 to Table 4.4 present 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 extent of MCC s contribution, if any, to measured levels. At each receptor location, MCC s LAeq,15minute and LA1,1minute (in the absence of any other noise) was, where possible, measured directly, or, determined by frequency analysis. Time variations of noise sources in each measurement, their temporal characteristics, are taken into account via statistical descriptors. 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 the figures in this section of the report display the frequency ranges for various noise sources at each location for LA1, LA10, LAeq, and LA90. These figures also provide, graphically, statistical information for these noise levels. An example is provided as Figure 6 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 cut-off frequency can overstate the LA1 result by a small margin but is entirely accurate for LAeq.

25 Figure 6: Sample Graph Page 20

26 5.1.1 Page 21 R7, Day Measurement 1 Environmental ise Levels At R7 19 May 2015, 1444 hours TotalLA1 TotalLA10 TotalLAeq TotalLA90 LA1 LA10 LAeq LA Road traffic tyre noise Measured ise Levels LAmax: 74 db LA1: 66 db LA10: 47 db LA: 36 db LAeq: 52 db LA90: db LAmin: 27 db MCC Only ise Levels LAeq: Inaudible Birds db(a) Road traffic engine noise All statistics are 15min unless noted otherwise in report Total Frequency (Hz) Figure 7: Environmental ise Levels, R7 - Gate to Transgrid yard MCC was inaudible. Road traffic noise was primarily responsible for the measured levels. Birds contributed to the measured LA10 and LA90. Breeze on the microphone, breeze in foliage, cows and a loud speaker were also noted.

27 5.1.2 Page 22 R7, Day Measurement 2 Environmental ise Levels At R7 19 May 2015, 1729 hours TotalLA1 TotalLA10 TotalLAeq TotalLA90 LA1 LA10 LAeq LA Measured ise Levels LAmax: 67 db LA1: 61 db LA10: 51 db LA: 38 db LAeq: 49 db LA90: db LAmin: 32 db Road traffic tyre noise 55 db(a) Road traffic engine noise Frogs and insects MCC Only ise Levels LAeq: Inaudible All statistics are 15min unless noted otherwise in report Total Frequency (Hz) Figure 8: Environmental ise Levels. R7 - Gate to Transgrid yard MCC was inaudible. Road traffic noise was responsible for the measured LAmax, LA1, LA10 and LAeq. Frogs and insects were responsible for the measured LA90. Substation continuum, dogs, an aircraft and breeze in foliage were also noted.

28 5.1.3 Page 23 R7, Evening Measurement Environmental ise Levels At R7 19 May 2015, 1851 hours TotalLA1 TotalLA10 TotalLAeq TotalLA90 LA1 LA10 LAeq LA Road traffic tyre noise Measured ise Levels LAmax: 75 db LA1: 65 db LA10: 42 db LA: db LAeq: 51 db LA90: 32 db LAmin: db db(a) Road traffic engine noise Frogs and insects MCC Only ise Levels LAeq: Inaudible All statistics are 15min unless noted otherwise in report Total Frequency (Hz) Figure 9: Environmental ise Levels. R7 - Gate to Transgrid yard MCC was inaudible. Road traffic noise was responsible for the measured LAmax, LA1, LA10 and LAeq. Frogs and insects were responsible for the measured LA90. Substation continuum and an aircraft were also noted.

29 5.1.4 Page 24 R7, Night Measurement 1 Environmental ise Levels At R7 20 May 2015, 0032 hours TotalLA1 TotalLA10 TotalLAeq TotalLA90 LA1 LA10 LAeq LA Measured ise Levels LAmax: 69 db LA1: 54 db LA10: db LA: 26 db LAeq: 42 db LA90: 24 db LAmin: 22 db Road traffic tyre noise db(a) MCC Only ise Levels LA1,1min: < db LAeq: < db Frogs and insects Road traffic engine noise All statistics are 15min unless noted otherwise in report Total Frequency (Hz) Figure 10: Environmental ise Levels. R7 - Gate to Transgrid yard A low-level continuum was audible from MCC briefly during the measurement, generating the site only LAeq and LA1,1minute of less than db. Road traffic noise was responsible for the measured LAmax, LA1 and LAeq and combined with frogs and insects to generate the measured LA10. Substation continuum, frogs and insects were responsible for the measured LA90. Cows and birds were also noted.

30 5.1.5 Page R7, Night Measurement 2 Environmental ise Levels At R7 26 May 2015, 0034 hours TotalLA1 TotalLA10 TotalLAeq TotalLA90 LA1 LA10 LAeq LA Measured ise Levels LAmax: 41 db LA1: 36 db LA10: 34 db LA: 32 db LAeq: 32 db LA90: db LAmin: 27 db db(a) MCC Only ise Levels LA1,1min: 33 db LAeq: 29 db MCC RDT continuum Frogs and insects Train passby All statistics are 15min unless noted otherwise in report Total Frequency (Hz) Figure 11: Environmental ise Levels. R7 - Gate to Transgrid yard Rear-dump truck engine noise from MCC was audible throughout the measurement, generating the site only LAeq of 29 db. A surge in rear dump truck engine noise was responsible for the site only LA1,1minute of 33 db. MCC, a train passby, frogs and insects generated the measured LA1 and LAeq. MCC, frogs and insects generated the measured LA10. MCC primarily generated the measured LA90. Dogs, livestock, and a train horn were also noted.

31 5.1.6 Page 26 R13, Day Measurement 1 Environmental ise Levels At R13 19 May 2015, 14 hours TotalLA1 TotalLA10 TotalLAeq TotalLA90 LA1 LA10 LAeq LA90 70 Road traffic tyre noise 65 Measured ise Levels LAmax: 78 db LA1: 71 db LA10: 56 db LA: 47 db LAeq: 57 db LA90: db LAmin: db MCC Only ise Levels LAeq: Inaudible 60 Road traffic engine noise Birds 55 db(a) Road traffic tyre noise All statistics are 15min unless noted otherwise in report Frequency (Hz) Figure 12: Environmental ise Levels, R13 - McMaster MCC was inaudible. Road traffic noise generated the measured levels. An aircraft, breeze, birds and local impact noises were also noted. Total

32 5.1.7 Page 27 R13, Day Measurement 2 Environmental ise Levels At R13 19 May 2015, 1710 hours TotalLA1 TotalLA10 TotalLAeq TotalLA90 LA1 LA10 LAeq LA90 70 Road traffic tyre noise 65 Measured ise Levels LAmax: 75 db LA1: 70 db LA10: 59 db LA: db LAeq: 58 db LA90: 41 db LAmin: 38 db MCC Only ise Levels LAeq: Inaudible 60 Road traffic engine noise 55 Frogs and insects db(a) All statistics are 15min unless noted otherwise in report Total Frequency (Hz) Figure 13: Environmental ise Levels, R13 - McMaster MCC was inaudible. Road traffic noise was responsible for the measured LAmax, LA1, LA10 and LAeq. Road traffic noise, frogs and insects were responsible for the measured LA90. Birds were also noted.

33 5.1.8 Page 28 R13, Evening Measurement Environmental ise Levels At R13 19 May 2015, 1832 hours TotalLA1 TotalLA10 TotalLAeq TotalLA90 LA1 LA10 LAeq LA90 70 Road traffic tyre noise 65 Measured ise Levels LAmax: 74 db LA1: 69 db LA10: 47 db LA: 39 db LAeq: 53 db LA90: 36 db LAmin: 33 db Road traffic engine noise db(a) Frogs and insects MCC Only ise Levels LAeq: Inaudible All statistics are 15min unless noted otherwise in report Frequency (Hz) Figure 14: Environmental ise Levels, R13 - McMaster MCC was inaudible. Road traffic noise generated the measured levels. Frogs and insects were also noted. Total

34 5.1.9 Page 29 R13, Night Measurement 1 Environmental ise Levels At R13 20 May 2015, 0010 hours TotalLA1 TotalLA10 TotalLAeq TotalLA90 LA1 LA10 LAeq LA Measured ise Levels LAmax: 52 db LA1: 46 db LA10: db LA: 32 db LAeq: 36 db LA90: 26 db LAmin: 23 db db(a) Road traffic tyre noise MCC Only ise Levels LA1,1min: < db LAeq: < db Birds Frogs and insects Road traffic engine noise All statistics are 15min unless noted otherwise in report Total Frequency (Hz) Figure 15: Environmental ise Levels, R13 - McMaster A low level continuum was audible from MCC during some of the measurement, generating the site only LAeq and LA1,1minute of less than db. Road traffic noise was responsible for the measured LAmax, LA1, LA10 and LAeq. Frogs and insects generated the measured LA90. Birds and bats were also noted.

35 Page R13, Night Measurement 2 Environmental ise Levels At R13 26 May 2015, 0010 hours TotalLA1 TotalLA10 TotalLAeq TotalLA90 LA1 LA10 LAeq LA Measured ise Levels LAmax: 51 db LA1: 43 db LA10: 39 db LA: db LAeq: 36 db LA90: 32 db LAmin: 29 db db(a) MCC Only ise Levels LA1,1min: < db LAeq: < db Road traffic tyre noise Road traffic engine noise and a train passby Frogs and insects All statistics are 15min unless noted otherwise in report Total Frequency (Hz) Figure 16: Environmental ise Levels, R13 - McMaster A continuum from MCC was audible during the measurement, generating the site only LAeq and LA1,1minute of less than db. Road traffic noise generated the measured levels. A train passby, frogs, insects and birds were also noted.

36 Page 31 R15, Day Measurement 1 Environmental ise Levels At R15 19 May 2015, 1415 hours TotalLA1 TotalLA10 TotalLAeq TotalLA90 LA1 LA10 LAeq LA Road traffic tyre noise and breeze in foliage Measured ise Levels LAmax: 67 db LA1: 59 db LA10: 47 db LA: 38 db LAeq: 46 db LA90: db LAmin: 31 db MCC Only ise Levels LAeq: Inaudible Road traffic engine noise and aircraft Birds db(a) All statistics are 15min unless noted otherwise in report Frequency (Hz) Figure 17: Environmental ise Levels, R15 - Collins MCC was inaudible. Road traffic noise and breeze in foliage primarily generated the measured levels. Birds, an aircraft, an electrical hum and dogs were also noted. Total

37 Page 32 R15, Day Measurement 2 Environmental ise Levels At R15 19 May 2015, 16 hours TotalLA1 TotalLA10 TotalLAeq TotalLA90 LA1 LA10 LAeq LA Measured ise Levels LAmax: 66 db LA1: 60 db LA10: 54 db LA: 43 db LAeq: db LA90: 39 db LAmin: 36 db MCC Only ise Levels LAeq: Inaudible 60 Road traffic tyre noise 55 Road traffic engine noise Birds db(a) All statistics are 15min unless noted otherwise in report Frequency (Hz) Figure 18: Environmental ise Levels, R15 - Collins MCC was inaudible. Road traffic noise generated the measured levels. Birds, dogs and local impact noises were also noted. Total

38 Page 33 R15, Evening Measurement Environmental ise Levels At R15 19 May 2015, 1801 hours TotalLA1 TotalLA10 TotalLAeq TotalLA90 LA1 LA10 LAeq LA Measured ise Levels LAmax: 62 db LA1: 59 db LA10: 51 db LA: 42 db LAeq: 48 db LA90: db LAmin: 36 db 60 Road traffic tyre noise 55 db(a) Road traffic engine noise Frogs and insects MCC Only ise Levels LAeq: Inaudible All statistics are 15min unless noted otherwise in report Total Frequency (Hz) Figure 19: Environmental ise Levels, R15 - Collins MCC was inaudible. Local impact noises generated the measured LAmax. Road traffic noise generated all other measured levels. Frogs, insects, dogs, electrical hum and residents talking were also audible.

39 Page 34 R15, Night Measurement 1 Environmental ise Levels At R15 19 May 2015, 2342 hours TotalLA1 TotalLA10 TotalLAeq TotalLA90 LA1 LA10 LAeq LA Measured ise Levels LAmax: 42 db LA1: 38 db LA10: 33 db LA: 29 db LAeq: db LA90: 27 db LAmin: db db(a) MCC Only ise Levels LA1,1min: < db LAeq: < db Road traffic tyre noise Road traffic engine noise and a local continuum All statistics are 15min unless noted otherwise in report Frogs Total Frequency (Hz) Figure 20: Environmental ise Levels, R15 - Collins A low-level continuum from MCC was audible during some of the measurement, generating the site only LAeq and LA1,1minute of less than db. Birds generated the measured LAmax. Road traffic noise was responsible for the measured LA1, LA10 and LAeq. Road traffic and a local continuum generated the measured LA90. Bats and frogs were also audible.

40 Page R15, Night Measurement 2 Environmental ise Levels At R15 May 2015, 23 hours TotalLA1 TotalLA10 TotalLAeq TotalLA90 LA1 LA10 LAeq LA Measured ise Levels LAmax: 56 db LA1: 46 db LA10: 38 db LA: 36 db LAeq: 38 db LA90: db LAmin: 32 db db(a) Road traffic tyre noise MCC Only ise Levels LA1,1min: 32 db LAeq: < db Local continuum Other mine continuum All statistics are 15min unless noted otherwise in report Birds Total Frequency (Hz) Figure 21: Environmental ise Levels, R15 - Collins Rear dump truck and transmission noise were audible from MCC briefly during the measurement, generating the site only LAeq of less than db. A surge in rear dump truck noise generated the site only LA1,1minute of 32 db. Road traffic noise generated the measured L Amax and LA1. A continuum from another mine and a local continuum generated the measured LA10, LAeq and LA90. Dogs and birds were also noted.

41 Page 36 R16, Day Measurement 1 Environmental ise Levels At R16 19 May 2015, 18 hours TotalLA1 TotalLA10 TotalLAeq TotalLA90 LA1 LA10 LAeq LA90 70 Road traffic tyre noise 65 Measured ise Levels LAmax: 79 db LA1: 71 db LA10: 59 db LA: db LAeq: 58 db LA90: 42 db LAmin: 39 db 60 Birds Road traffic engine noise 55 db(a) MCC Only ise Levels LAeq: Inaudible Pump All statistics are 15min unless noted otherwise in report Total Frequency (Hz) Figure 22: Environmental ise Levels, R16 - Tuckey MCC was inaudible. Road traffic noise was responsible for the measured LAmax, LA1, LA10 and LAeq. A continuum from a nearby pump station generated the measured LA90. Birds, dogs and breeze in foliage were also noted.

42 Page 37 R16, Day Measurement 2 Environmental ise Levels At R16 19 May 2015, 1617 hours TotalLA1 TotalLA10 TotalLAeq TotalLA90 LA1 LA10 LAeq LA90 70 Road traffic tyre noise 65 Measured ise Levels LAmax: 74 db LA1: 71 db LA10: 63 db LA: 48 db LAeq: 59 db LA90: 42 db LAmin: 38 db MCC Only ise Levels LAeq: Inaudible 60 Road traffic engine noise 55 db(a) Pump All statistics are 15min unless noted otherwise in report Total Frequency (Hz) Figure 23: Environmental ise Levels, R16 - Tuckey MCC was inaudible. Road traffic noise was responsible for the measured LAmax, LA1, LA10 and LAeq. A continuum from a nearby pump station generated the measured LA90. Dogs and breeze in foliage were also noted.

43 Page 38 R16, Evening Measurement Environmental ise Levels At R16 19 May 2015, 2102 hours TotalLA1 TotalLA10 TotalLAeq TotalLA90 LA1 LA10 LAeq LA90 70 Road traffic tyre noise 65 Measured ise Levels LAmax: 78 db LA1: 69 db LA10: 54 db LA: 46 db LAeq: 56 db LA90: 46 db LAmin: db MCC Only ise Levels LAeq: Inaudible Road traffic engine noise db(a) All statistics are 15min unless noted otherwise in report Pump Total Frequency (Hz) Figure 24: Environmental ise Levels, R16 - Tuckey MCC was inaudible. Road traffic noise was primarily responsible for the measured LAmax, LA1, LA10 and LAeq. A continuum from a nearby pump station contributed to the measured LA10 and generated the measured LA90. Dogs were also noted.

44 Page 39 R16, Night Measurement 1 Environmental ise Levels At R16 19 May 2015, 2323 hours TotalLA1 TotalLA10 TotalLAeq TotalLA90 LA1 LA10 LAeq LA Measured ise Levels LAmax: 54 db LA1: 46 db LA10: 46 db LA: 44 db LAeq: 44 db LA90: 44 db LAmin: db db(a) Pump Road traffic tyre noise MCC Only ise Levels LA1,1min: Inaudible LAeq: Inaudible Pump Frogs and insects Road traffic engine noise All statistics are 15min unless noted otherwise in report Total Frequency (Hz) Figure : Environmental ise Levels, R16 - Tuckey MCC was inaudible. Road traffic noise generated the measured LAmax. A continuum from a nearby pump station generated all other measured levels. Bats, dogs, frogs and insects were also noted.

45 Page R16, Night Measurement 2 Environmental ise Levels At R16 May 2015, 2320 hours TotalLA1 TotalLA10 TotalLAeq TotalLA90 LA1 LA10 LAeq LA Measured ise Levels LAmax: 48 db LA1: db LA10: 43 db LA: 41 db LAeq: 41 db LA90: db LAmin: 38 db db(a) Dogs and road traffic tyre noise Pump MCC Only ise Levels LA1,1min: Inaudible LAeq: Inaudible Road traffic engine noise Pump All statistics are 15min unless noted otherwise in report Frequency (Hz) Figure 26: Environmental ise Levels, R16 - Tuckey MCC was inaudible. A nearby pump station continuum generated the measured levels. Road traffic, dogs and continuum from Muswellbrook were also noted. Total

46 Page 41 R17, Day Measurement 1 Environmental ise Levels At R17 19 May 2015, 13 hours TotalLA1 TotalLA10 TotalLAeq 70 TotalLA90 LA1 LA10 LAeq LA90 Road traffic tyre noise 65 Measured ise Levels LAmax: 77 db LA1: 71 db LA10: 61 db LA: 47 db LAeq: 58 db LA90: db LAmin: db MCC Only ise Levels LAeq: Inaudible 60 Birds 55 Road traffic engine noise db(a) All statistics are 15min unless noted otherwise in report Total Frequency (Hz) Figure 27: Environmental ise Levels, R17 - Colvin MCC was inaudible. Road traffic noise primarily generated the measured levels. Birds contributed to the measured LA90. A lawnmower, breeze and dogs were also noted.

47 Page R17, Day Measurement 2 Environmental ise Levels At R17 19 May 2015, 1559 hours TotalLA1 TotalLA10 TotalLAeq TotalLA90 LA1 LA10 LAeq LA90 70 Road traffic tyre noise 65 Measured ise Levels LAmax: 82 db LA1: 70 db LA10: 61 db LA: 48 db LAeq: 59 db LA90: 42 db LAmin: 37 db MCC Only ise Levels LAeq: Inaudible 60 Road traffic engine noise and motorbike exhaust noise Birds 55 db(a) All statistics are 15min unless noted otherwise in report Frequency (Hz) Figure 28: Environmental ise Levels, R17 - Colvin MCC was inaudible. Road traffic noise generated the measured levels. Birds, breeze, motorbike exhaust and local impact noises were also noted. Total

48 Page R17, Evening Measurement Environmental ise Levels At R17 19 May 2015, 2037 hours TotalLA1 TotalLA10 TotalLAeq TotalLA90 LA1 LA10 LAeq LA Road traffic tyre noise Measured ise Levels LAmax: 70 db LA1: 63 db LA10: 46 db LA: 36 db LAeq: 49 db LA90: 32 db LAmin: 29 db MCC Only ise Levels LAeq: < db Road traffic engine noise Frogs and insects db(a) All statistics are 15min unless noted otherwise in report Total Frequency (Hz) Figure 29: Environmental ise Levels, R17 - Colvin MCC was audible briefly and at low levels as engine continuum, generating the site only LAeq of less than db. Road traffic noise generated the measured levels. Frogs, insects and dogs were also noted.

49 Page R17, Night Measurement 1 Environmental ise Levels At R17 19 May 2015, 24 hours TotalLA1 TotalLA10 TotalLAeq TotalLA90 LA1 LA10 LAeq LA Measured ise Levels LAmax: 53 db LA1: 43 db LA10: 39 db LA: 34 db LAeq: 36 db LA90: 32 db LAmin: 29 db db(a) Road traffic tyre noise MCC Only ise Levels LA1,1min: < db LAeq: db Frogs and insects MCC RDT engine and exhaust surges All statistics are 15min unless noted otherwise in report Total Frequency (Hz) Figure : Environmental ise Levels, R17 - Colvin An engine continuum and rear-dump truck engine and exhaust surges were audible from MCC at times during the measurement, generating the site only LAeq of less than db. A rear dump truck engine and exhaust surge generated the site only LA1,1minute of db. Road traffic noise generated the LAmax. MCC engine surges, road traffic noise, frogs and insects generated the measured LA10 and LAeq. Road traffic noise generated the measured LA90. Dogs were also noted.

50 Page 5.1. R17, Night Measurement 2 Environmental ise Levels At R17 May 2015, 27 hours TotalLA1 TotalLA10 TotalLAeq TotalLA90 LA1 LA10 LAeq LA Measured ise Levels LAmax: 62 db LA1: db LA10: 41 db LA: 37 db LAeq: 41 db LA90: 36 db LAmin: 34 db db(a) Road traffic engine noise, a train passby and road traffic tyre noise MCC Only ise Levels LA1,1min: 37 db LAeq: 32 db Frogs and insects All statistics are 15min unless noted otherwise in report Total Frequency (Hz) Figure 31: Environmental ise Levels, R17 - Colvin An engine continuum and rear-dump truck engine and exhaust surges were audible from MCC at times during the measurement, generating the site only LAeq of 32 db. A rear dump truck engine and exhaust surge generated the site only LA1,1minute of 37 db. Road traffic noise primarily generated the measured L A1, LA10 and LAeq. A train passby contributed to the measured LA1 and LAeq. A continuum from Muswellbrook contributed to the measured L A10 and LAeq and primarily generated the measured LA90. A train horn, dogs, frogs and insects were also noted.

51 Page R20, Day Measurement 1 Environmental ise Levels At R20 19 May 2015, 1312 hours TotalLA1 TotalLA10 TotalLAeq TotalLA90 LA1 LA10 LAeq LA Road traffic tyre noise Birds Road traffic engine noise Measured ise Levels LAmax: 85 db LA1: 82 db LA10: 61 db LA: 39 db LAeq: 67 db LA90: db LAmin: db MCC Only ise Levels LAeq: Inaudible db(a) All statistics are 15min unless noted otherwise in report Frequency (Hz) Figure 32: Environmental ise Levels, R20 - Gordon MCC was inaudible. Road traffic noise generated the measured levels. Birds, frogs, insects, breeze and an aircraft were also noted. Total

52 Page R20, Day Measurement 2 Environmental ise Levels At R20 19 May 2015, 1534 hours TotalLA1 TotalLA10 TotalLAeq TotalLA90 LA1 LA10 LAeq LA Road traffic tyre noise Birds Measured ise Levels LAmax: 85 db LA1: 80 db LA10: 66 db LA: 42 db LAeq: 66 db LA90: db LAmin: 32 db MCC Only ise Levels LAeq: Inaudible 60 Road traffic engine noise 55 db(a) All statistics are 15min unless noted otherwise in report Frequency (Hz) Figure 33: Environmental ise Levels, R20 - Gordon MCC was inaudible. Road traffic noise generated the measured levels. Birds and breeze were also noted. Total

53 Page R20, Evening Measurement Environmental ise Levels At R20 19 May 2015, 2129 hours TotalLA1 TotalLA10 TotalLAeq TotalLA90 LA1 LA10 LAeq LA Measured ise Levels LAmax: 51 db LA1: 48 db LA10: 46 db LA: 41 db LAeq: 42 db LA90: 36 db LAmin: db db(a) Road traffic tyre noise Road traffic engine noise MCC Only ise Levels LAeq: Inaudible All statistics are 15min unless noted otherwise in report Frogs Frequency (Hz) Figure 34: Environmental ise Levels, R20 - Gordon MCC was inaudible. Road traffic noise generated the measured levels. Frogs and livestock were also noted. Total

54 Page R20, Night Measurement 1 Environmental ise Levels At R20 19 May 2015, 2221 hours TotalLA1 TotalLA10 TotalLAeq TotalLA90 LA1 LA10 LAeq LA Measured ise Levels LAmax: 60 db LA1: 52 db LA10: 44 db LA: 39 db LAeq: 42 db LA90: db LAmin: 31 db Road traffic tyre noise db(a) Road traffic engine noise and MCC engine surges MCC Only ise Levels LA1,1min: 38 db LAeq: < db Frogs All statistics are 15min unless noted otherwise in report Total Frequency (Hz) Figure : Environmental ise Levels, R20 - Gordon An engine continuum, engine surges, exhaust noise and track noise were audible from MCC at times during the measurement. These sources generated the site only LAeq of less than db. An engine surge generated the site only LA1,1minute of 38 db. Road traffic tyre noise was primarily responsible for the measured levels. Frogs and dogs were also noted.

55 Page 5.1. R20, Night Measurement 2 Environmental ise Levels At R20 May 2015, 2229 hours TotalLA1 TotalLA10 TotalLAeq TotalLA90 LA1 LA10 LAeq LA90 70 Train passby 65 Measured ise Levels LAmax: 84 db LA1: 77 db LA10: 74 db LA: 48 db LAeq: 66 db LA90: 44 db LAmin: 36 db db(a) Road traffic tyre noise MCC Only ise Levels LA1,1min: Inaudible LAeq: Inaudible All statistics are 15min unless noted otherwise in report Road traffic engine noise Total Frequency (Hz) Figure 36: Environmental ise Levels, R20 - Gordon MCC was inaudible. A train passby generated the measured LAmax, LA1, LA10 and LAeq. Road traffic noise generated the measured LA90. Frogs were also noted.

56 Page 51 6 SUMMARY Environmental noise monitoring described in this report was undertaken on 19/20 and /26 May Monitoring was suspended on the night of 19/20 May as operations were shut down after a heavy rain event. Monitoring was then completed on the night of /26 May. There were 6 monitoring locations. The purpose of the survey was to quantify and describe the acoustic environment around the site and compare the results with development consent conditions for the extension of MCC's. 1 Open cut operations. Wind speed and/or temperature inversion conditions resulted in development consent criteria not always being applicable, as indicated in Table 4.2 to Table 4.4. MCC complied with the relevant limits during the May 2015 survey at all locations. Global Acoustics Pty Ltd

57 APPENDIX A STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS Page 52

58 Page 53 A development consent and licence apply to the MCC operation. The noise sections are reproduced below. A.1 MCC Development Consent The noise section of the development consent issued by Muswellbrook Shire Council is reproduced below.

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63 Page 58 A.2 Environment Protection Licence Muswellbrook Coal Company Ltd have an Environment Protection Licence. 656 for coal mining. Section L2 of the licence details the noise requirements and are reproduced below.

64 A.3 ise Monitoring Program, Section 4.6 Page 59

65 Page 60 APPENDIX B CALIBRATION CERTIFICATES

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