Muswellbrook Coal Company

Transcription

1 Muswellbrook Coal Company Environmental Noise Monitoring November 2015 Prepared for Muswellbrook Coal

2 Page i Muswellbrook Coal Company Environmental Noise Monitoring November 2015 Reference: Report date: 5 January 2016 Prepared for Muswellbrook Coal Company PO Box 123 Muswellbrook NSW 2333 Prepared by Global Acoustics Pty Ltd PO Box 3115 Thornton NSW 2322 Prepared: Jeremy Welbourne Civil Engineer (Acoustics) QA Review: Katie Weekes Environmental Scientist (Acoustics) Global Acoustics Pty Ltd ~ 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

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 No. 1. Condition 6.4 of the consent details the noise requirements. MCC hold Environment Protection Licence (EPL) No. 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 9/10 November There were 6 monitoring locations. Attended monitoring was conducted in accordance with the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) 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. Operational Noise Assessment Wind speed and/or temperature inversion conditions resulted in development consent criteria not always being applicable, as indicated in Table 2.1 and Table 4.4. MCC complied with the relevant impact assessment and land acquisition limits during the November 2015 survey at all locations. Low Frequency Noise Assessment During the November 2015 survey, MCC complied with the relevant limits and triggers using the Broner and draft ING methods of assessing low frequency noise. Using the INP method of assessing low frequency noise, MCC complied with the relevant limits at all locations, with the exception of R15, R16 and R17. For the measurement at R15 starting at 22:43 on 9 November 2015, measured LAeq complied with the noise impact assessment criterion of LAeq,15minute 35 db. However, analysis of low frequency noise content indicated a low frequency modifying factor correction was warranted in accordance with the INP method of assessing low frequency noise. An exceedance of 5 db of the noise impact assessment criterion resulted after application of the correction. The land acquisition criterion was not exceeded. For the measurement at R16 starting at 22:23 on 9 November 2015, measured LAeq complied with the noise impact assessment criterion of LAeq,15minute 35 db. However, analysis of low frequency noise content indicated a low frequency modifying factor correction was warranted in accordance with the INP method of assessing low frequency noise. An exceedance of 3 db of the noise impact assessment criterion resulted after

4 Page iii application of the correction. The land acquisition criterion was not exceeded. For the measurement at R17 starting at 22:00 on 9 November 2015, measured LAeq complied with the noise impact assessment criterion of LAeq,15minute 35 db. However, analysis of low frequency noise content indicated a low frequency modifying factor correction was warranted in accordance with the INP method of assessing low frequency noise. An exceedance of 4 db of the noise impact assessment criterion resulted after application of the correction. The land acquisition criterion was not exceeded. Subsequent measurements at all three locations during the night period on 9/10 November showed a reduction in MCC noise levels and compliance with impact assessment and land acquisition criteria. As a result, this is not considered to be a noise affected night. Trigger levels were not exceeded for any of these three measurements using the Broner and draft ING methods. Global Acoustics Pty Ltd

5 Page iv Table of Contents 1 INTRODUCTION Background Monitoring Locations Terminology CONSENT AND CRITERIA Development Consent Development Consent Environment Protection Licence Noise Management Plan Project Specific Criteria INP Modifying Factors Tonality, Intermittent and Impulsive Noise Low Frequency Noise Low Frequency Criteria METHODOLOGY Attended Noise Monitoring Attended Noise Monitoring Equipment RESULTS Attended Noise Monitoring Low Frequency Assessment Atmospheric Conditions DISCUSSION Noted Noise Sources R7, Day Measurement R7, Day Measurement R7, Evening Measurement R7, Night Measurement R7, Night Measurement

6 Page v R13, Day Measurement 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 Operational Noise Assessment Low Frequency Noise Assessment...50 Appendices A STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS...52 B CALIBRATION CERTIFICATES...60

7 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 9/10 November Figure 1 shows the monitoring locations and Figure 2 shows 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 NA 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

8 Figure 1: MCC Attended Noise Monitoring Sites Page 2

9 Page 3 Figure 2: Muswellbrook Coal Plant Locations Day and night shift, 9/10 November 2015 Figure 2 shows the location of the two digging units, haul routes and dozers operating during both day and night shifts on 9/10 November The drill was only operational during day shift.

10 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 & ABBREVIATIONS 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) Noise 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

11 Page 5 2 CONSENT AND CRITERIA 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 No. 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 No. 656 for coal mining. Section L2 of the licence details the noise requirements and is reproduced in Appendix A Noise Management Plan A Noise 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 Noise criteria and land acquisition criteria are detailed in Table 2.1 and Table 2.2. Table 2.1: MCC PROJECT SPECIFIC NOISE CRITERIA 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 R Queen Street R17 42 Queen Street R20 90 Muscle Creek Road

12 Page 6 Table 2.2: MCC LAND ACQUISITION CRITERIA 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 Noise monitoring and reporting is carried out generally in accordance with the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) 'Industrial Noise 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 Noise As defined in the Industrial Noise 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.

13 2.3.2 Page 7 Low Frequency Noise INP Method As defined in the Industrial Noise Policy: Low frequency noise contains major components within the low frequency range (20 Hz to 250 Hz) of the frequency spectrum. As detailed in Chapter 4 of the INP, low frequency noise should be assessed by measuring the site only Cweighted and site only 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 Noise Emission Assessment (Broner JLFNV Vol.29-1 pp.1-14, 2010). If the site only 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. Draft Industrial Noise Guideline Method Whilst the INP is the current document for assessment of industrial noise impact in NSW, the EPA has recently published the draft Industrial Noise Guideline (ING), which is currently under review after a period of public consultation. The draft ING contains an alternate method of assessing low frequency noise to the INP. The draft ING method is: Measure/assess C-weighted and A-weighted Leq,T levels over the same time period. The low frequency noise modifying factor correction is to be applied where the C-A level exceeds 15 db and: where any of the 1/3 octave noise levels in Table C2 are exceeded by up to 5 db and cannot be mitigated, a 2 dba positive adjustment to measured A weighted levels applies for the evening/night period; where any of the 1/3 octave noise levels in Table C2 are exceeded by more than 5 db and cannot be mitigated, a 5 dba positive adjustment to measured A weighted levels applies for the evening/night period and a 2 dba positive adjustment applies for the daytime period. Table C2 of the draft ING is reproduced below:

14 Page Low Frequency Criteria As detailed in condition (b) of the consent: The modification factors presented in Section 4 of the NSW Industrial Noise 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/Evening Criterion Broner, 2010 LCeq for source of interest INP Site only LCeq minus site only LAeq Draft ING LCeq minus LAeq Notes: 1. Where this initial screening trigger is exceeded, further assessment is required through comparison of 1/3 octave spectra with threshold levels in Table C2 of the draft ING. Low frequency noise results from MCC have been compared to the range of assessment methods and criteria presented above.

15 Page 9 3 METHODOLOGY 3.1 Attended Noise Monitoring Attended monitoring was conducted at six sites in accordance with the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) Industrial Noise Policy (INP) guidelines and Australian Standard AS 1055 Acoustics, Description and Measurement of Environmental Noise. Atmospheric condition measurement was also undertaken. Katie Weekes carried out the day attended noise monitoring, Tony Welbourne carried out the evening and night attended noise monitoring during this reporting period. 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 30 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 (IA), Not Measurable (NM), less than 30 db (<30 db) or less than 25 db (<25 db) are used in this report. When site noise is noted as IA then there was no site noise at the monitoring location. However, if site noise is noted as NM, <30 db or <25 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 Noise Policy (e.g. measure closer and back calculate) to determine a value for reporting if deemed necessary. All site NM

16 Page 10 in this report are due to low absolute values. 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. 3.2 Attended Noise Monitoring Equipment 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 NA-28 sound level analyser /06/2017 Rion NC-73 acoustic calibrator /06/2017

17 Page 11 4 RESULTS 4.1 Attended Noise Monitoring Overall noise levels measured at each location during attended measurement are provided in Table 4.1. Table 4.1: MEASURED NOISE LEVELS - NOVEMBER Location Start Date And Time LAmax db LA1 db LA10 db LA50 db LAeq db LA90 db LAmin db R7 09/11/ : R7 09/11/ : R7 09/11/ : R7 09/11/ : R7 10/11/ : R13 09/11/ : R13 09/11/ : R13 09/11/ : R13 09/11/ : R13 10/11/ : R15 09/11/ : R15 09/11/ : R15 09/11/ : R15 09/11/ : R15 10/11/ : R16 09/11/ : R16 09/11/ : R16 09/11/ : R16 09/11/ : R16 10/11/ : R17 09/11/ : R17 09/11/ : R17 09/11/ : R17 09/11/ : R17 10/11/ : R20 09/11/ : R20 09/11/ : R20 09/11/ : R20 10/11/ : R20 10/11/ : Notes: 1. Levels in this table are not necessarily the result of activity at MCC.

18 Page 12 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 CRITERIA - NOVEMBER 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 09/11/ : IA R7 09/11/ : NM R7 09/11/ : NM R7 09/11/ : R7 10/11/ : No 27 R13 09/11/ : NM R13 09/11/ : IA R13 09/11/ : R13 09/11/ : R13 10/11/ : No 33 R15 09/11/ : NM R15 09/11/ : No NM R15 09/11/ : R15 09/11/ : R15 10/11/ : No 26 R16 09/11/ : NM R16 09/11/ : IA R16 09/11/ : IA R16 09/11/ : R16 10/11/ : No IA R17 09/11/ : NM R17 09/11/ : IA R17 09/11/ : IA R17 09/11/ : R17 10/11/ : R20 09/11/ : No IA R20 09/11/ : IA R20 09/11/ : IA R20 10/11/ : IA 10/11/ : No IA R20 Notes: ,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 NA means atmospheric conditions outside conditions specified in development consent, criterion is not applicable.

19 Page 13 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 CRITERIA - NOVEMBER 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 09/11/ : IA R7 09/11/ : NM R7 09/11/ : NM R7 09/11/ : R7 10/11/ : No 27 R13 09/11/ : NM R13 09/11/ : IA R13 09/11/ : R13 09/11/ : R13 10/11/ : No 33 R15 09/11/ : NM R15 09/11/ : No NM R15 09/11/ : R15 09/11/ : R15 10/11/ : No 26 R16 09/11/ : NM R16 09/11/ : IA R16 09/11/ : IA R16 09/11/ : R16 10/11/ : No IA R17 09/11/ : NM R17 09/11/ : IA R17 09/11/ : IA R17 09/11/ : R17 10/11/ : R20 09/11/ : No IA R20 09/11/ : IA R20 09/11/ : IA R20 10/11/ : IA 10/11/ : No IA R20 Notes: ,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 NA means atmospheric conditions outside conditions specified in development consent, criterion is not applicable.

20 Page 14 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 CRITERIA - NOVEMBER 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 09/11/ :35 R /11/ : No 36 R13 09/11/ : R13 10/11/ : No 41 R15 09/11/ : R15 10/11/ : No 26 R16 09/11/ : R16 10/11/ : No IA R17 09/11/ : R17 10/11/ : R20 10/11/ : IA 10/11/ : No IA R20 Notes: 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 NA means atmospheric conditions outside conditions specified in development consent, criterion is not applicable.

21 Page Low Frequency Assessment Table 4.5 provides statistics for attended noise monitoring undertaken around MCC. Table 4.5: ATTENDED MEASUREMENT STATISTICS FOR MCC - NOVEMBER 2015 Conditions Total Number of measurements 30 Number of measurements where criterion applies 23 Number of measurements where MCC LCeq was measurable, MCC LAeq was within 5 db of the criterion and criterion applied in accordance with meteorological exclusion rules 3 Three of the 30 measurements occurred during which the MCC LCeq was measurable, and, the site LAeq measurable (not inaudible, not measurable or less than a maximum cut-off value of 30 db), was within 5 db of the relevant criterion, and where meteorological conditions resulted in criteria applying (in accordance with the project approval). These three measurements are further analysed in Table 4.6.

22 Page 16 Table 4.6: LOW FREQUENCY NOISE MODIFYING FACTOR ASSESSMENT NOVEMBER 2015 Location Start Date and Time R15 09/11/ :43 >60 53 >= (INP) INP low frequency trigger exceeded R16 09/11/ :23 >60 49 >= (INP) 38 INP low frequency trigger exceeded R17 09/11/ :00 >60 52 >= (INP) 39 INP low frequency trigger exceeded Notes: Broner low Broner, frequency Site only modifying factor LCeq db2, trigger db1 INP low INP, Site only MCC Draft ING Modifying MCC LAeq frequency LCeq minus LAeq db6 threshold factor with modifying site only LAeq exceedance correction correction factor trigger db 7 applied db 8 4, 5 3 db db Comments Night LCeq modifying factor trigger as detailed in Broner (2010); These are measured or calculated site only Broner C-weighted noise levels, NM denotes site levels were audible but not measurable, IA denotes site noise was inaudible. Where it is not possible to determine the site only Broner result due to the presence of other low frequency noise sources occurring during the measurement, this is noted as NA (not available) and no further assessment is required. Guidance is provided in the Comments column; Low frequency modifying factor trigger as detailed in the INP; These are measured or calculated site only INP results (site only LCeq minus site only LAeq), NM denotes site levels were audible but not measurable, IA denotes site noise was inaudible. Where it is not possible to 5. determine the site only INP result due to the presence of other low frequency noise sources occurring during the measurement, this is noted as NA (not available) and no further assessment is required. Guidance is provided in the Comments column; Bold results are greater than the relevant modifying factor trigger (if applicable); 6. MCC LAeq,15minute provided as a guide; 7. Highest exceedance of draft ING 1/3 octave low frequency noise threshold value; and 8. Bold result indicates noise impact assessment criterion exceeded. As indicated in Table 4.6: None of the three measurements exceeded the Broner low frequency modifying factor trigger. No modifying factor correction was applied; All of the three measurements exceeded the INP low frequency modifying factor trigger. A 5 db correction was applied to measured LAeq. All three measurements exceed the noise impact assessment criterion with the modifying factor correction applied; and All of the three measurements exceeded the initial draft ING screening trigger; requiring additional assessment. None of the three measurements exceeded the threshold levels outlined in Table C2 of the draft ING (as detailed in Section 2.4). No modifying factor correction was applied.

23 Page Atmospheric Conditions Atmospheric condition data measured at each location are shown in Table 4.7. Table 4.7: MEASURED ATMOSPHERIC CONDITIONS NOVEMBER 2015 Location Start Date And Time Temperature o C Wind Speed m/sec Wind Direction Degrees Cloud Cover eighths R7 09/11/ : R7 09/11/ : R7 09/11/ : R7 09/11/ : R7 10/11/ : R13 09/11/ : R13 09/11/ : R13 09/11/ : R13 09/11/ : R13 10/11/ : R15 09/11/ : R15 09/11/ : R15 09/11/ : R15 09/11/ : R15 10/11/ : R16 09/11/ : R16 09/11/ : R16 09/11/ : R16 09/11/ : R16 10/11/ : R17 09/11/ : R17 09/11/ : R17 09/11/ : R17 09/11/ : R17 10/11/ : R20 09/11/ : R20 09/11/ : R20 09/11/ : R20 10/11/ : R20 10/11/ : Notes: 1. Temperature, wind speed and direction measured at 1.8 metres.

24 Page 18 5 DISCUSSION 5.1 Noted Noise 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 3 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 3: Sample Graph Page 19

26 5.1.1 Page 20 R7, Day Measurement 1 Figure 4: Environmental Noise Levels, R7 - Gate to Transgrid yard MCC was inaudible. Road traffic noise was primarily responsible for measured levels. Breeze in foliage contributed to the measured LA10 and LA90. Breeze on the microphone, insects, an aircraft, birds and a lawnmower were also noted.

27 5.1.2 Page 21 R7, Day Measurement 2 Figure 5: Environmental Noise Levels. R7 - Gate to Transgrid yard Engine noise from MCC was audible at times at low levels, but was not measurable. Road traffic noise was primarily responsible for measured levels. Breeze in foliage contributed to the measured LA10 and was responsible for the measured LA90. Birds contributed to the measured LA10. Breeze on the microphone, a loudspeaker, and insects were also noted.

28 5.1.3 R7, Evening Measurement Figure 6: Environmental Noise Levels. R7 - Gate to Transgrid yard Low-level engine noise from MCC was audible at times, but was not measurable. Insects were responsible for all measured levels. A continuum from a nearby substation, distant road traffic tyre noise and birds were also noted. Page 22

29 5.1.4 Page 23 R7, Night Measurement 1 Figure 7: Environmental Noise Levels. R7 - Gate to Transgrid yard A low-level continuum from MCC was audible for the majority of the measurement. Individual rear dump truck engine and fan noise, and, dozer tracks were audible on several occasions each. These sources generated the site only LAeq of 28 db. Individual rear dump truck engine and fan noise generated the site only LA1,1minute of 38 db. MCC individual rear dump truck engine and fan noise, combined with frogs and insects, generated the measured LA1, LA10, and LAeq. The continuum from MCC combined with frogs and insects to generate the measured LA90. A continuum from the nearby substation and breeze in foliage were also noted.

30 5.1.5 Page 24 R7, Night Measurement 2 Figure 8: Environmental Noise Levels. R7 - Gate to Transgrid yard A low-level continuum from MCC was audible throughout the measurement, generating the site only LAeq of 27 db. An engine and exhaust surge within the continuum generated the site only LA1,1minute of 36 db. A reverse quacker alarm was noted on two occasions at low levels. MCC engine and exhaust surges, combined with frogs and insects, generated the measured LA1, LA10, and LAeq. The continuum from MCC was primarily responsible for the measured LA90.

31 5.1.6 Page 25 R13, Day Measurement 1 Figure 9: Environmental Noise Levels, R13 - McMaster Engine noise from MCC was audible briefly on one occasion, but was not measurable. Birds generated the measured LA1, and were primarily responsible for the measured LA10 and LAeq. Road traffic tyre noise contributed to the measured LA10 and LAeq. Breeze in foliage generated the measured LA90. A horn from the rail line, road traffic engine noise, breeze on the microphone and engine noise from a nearby industrial site were also noted.

32 5.1.7 Page 26 R13, Day Measurement 2 Figure 10: Environmental Noise Levels, R13 - McMaster MCC was inaudible. Road traffic noise and birds were responsible for the measured LA1, LA10 and LAeq. Breeze in foliage was responsible for the measured LA90. A train, a train horn, and engine noise from a nearby industrial site were also noted.

33 5.1.8 Page 27 R13, Evening Measurement Figure 11: Environmental Noise Levels, R13 - McMaster An engine continuum from MCC was audible throughout the measurement, generating the site only LAeq of 34 db. A horn was noted on one occasion at a low level. Birds were responsible for the measured LA1, LA10 and LAeq. Breeze in foliage was responsible for the measured LA90. Road traffic tyre noise was also noted.

34 5.1.9 Page 28 R13, Night Measurement 1 Figure 12: Environmental Noise Levels, R13 - McMaster An engine continuum and individual rear dump truck engine and fan surges from MCC were audible during the measurement, generating the site only LAeq of 31 db. An individual rear dump truck engine and fan surge generated the site only LA1,1minute of 37 db. A horn and an impact were also noted. A bird was responsible for the measured LAmax. Frogs and insects were primarily responsible for the measured LA1, LA10, LAeq and LA90. MCC engine and fan surges were a minor contributor to the measured LA1. Cows and road traffic tyre noise were also noted.

35 Page R13, Night Measurement 2 Figure 13: Environmental Noise Levels, R13 - McMaster An engine continuum and individual rear dump truck engine and fan surges from MCC were audible during the measurement, generating the site only LAeq of 33 db. An individual rear dump truck engine and fan surge generated the site only LA1,1minute of 41 db. A horn and an impact were also noted. MCC individual rear dump truck engine and fan surges generated the measured LA1, and contributed to the measured LA10 and LAeq. Insects and frogs contributed to the measured LA10 and LAeq, and were responsible for the measured LA90. A bat and road traffic tyre noise were also noted.

36 Page 30 R15, Day Measurement 1 Figure 14: Environmental Noise Levels, R15 - Collins Reverse alarms and engine noise were occasionally audible from MCC, but were not measurable. Dogs were responsible for the measured LA1, and contributed to the measured LAeq. Road traffic was responsible for the measured LA10, and contributed to the measured LAeq. Breeze in foliage was responsible for the measured LA90. An aircraft, a grass trimmer, insects and birds were also noted.

37 Page 31 R15, Day Measurement 2 Figure 15: Environmental Noise Levels, R15 - Collins Reverse alarms, dozer tracks, dumping and engine noise were occasionally audible from MCC, but were not measurable. Gardening activities at a residence generated the measured LAmax. Road traffic and birds were responsible for the measured LA1, LA10 and LAeq. Breeze in foliage was responsible for the measured LA90. A lawn mower, insects and a dog were also noted.

38 Page 32 R15, Evening Measurement Figure 16: Environmental Noise Levels, R15 - Collins An engine continuum from MCC was audible throughout the measurement, generating the site only LAeq of 28 db. A horn was noted on two occasions at low levels. Birds and children were responsible for the measured LA1, LA10 and LAeq. Breeze in foliage combined with the continuum from MCC were responsible for the measured LA90. Road traffic tyre noise and dogs were also noted.

39 Page 33 R15, Night Measurement 1 Figure 17: Environmental Noise Levels, R15 - Collins An engine continuum and individual rear dump truck engine noise from MCC were audible during the measurement, generating the site only LAeq of 35 db. An individual rear dump truck engine surge generated the site only LA1,1minute of 41 db. A horn was audible of four occasions. A bat generated the measured LAmax. The continuum and rear dump truck noise from MCC were responsible for the measured LA1, LA10, LAeq and LA90. Insects and road traffic tyre noise were also audible.

40 Page 34 R15, Night Measurement 2 Figure 18: Environmental Noise Levels, R15 - Collins A low-level continuum from MCC was audible throughout the measurement, generating the site only LAeq of 26 db and LA1,1minute of 26 db. A horn was noted on two occasions at low levels. The continuum from MCC and a continuum from another mine were primarily responsible for the measured LA1, LA10, LAeq and LA90. Insects were a minor contributor to the measured LA10, LAeq and LA90. A nearby pump, air quality monitoring equipment and road traffic were also noted.

41 Page 35 R16, Day Measurement 1 Figure 19: Environmental Noise Levels, R16 - Tuckey Reverse alarms from MCC were audible on several occasions, but were not measurable. Road traffic noise was responsible for the measured LA1, and contributed to the measured LA10 and LAeq. A lawnmower was primarily responsible for the measured LA10, and contributed to the measured LA1, LAeq and LA90. A continuum from a nearby pump station contributed to the measured LA90. Birds, residential noise and breeze in foliage were also noted.

42 Page 36 R16, Day Measurement 2 Figure 20: Environmental Noise Levels, R16 - Tuckey MCC was inaudible. Road traffic noise was responsible for the measured LA1, LA10 and LAeq. A continuum from a nearby pump station generated the measured LA90. Dogs, insects and breeze in foliage were also noted.

43 Page 37 R16, Evening Measurement Figure 21: Environmental Noise Levels, R16 - Tuckey MCC was inaudible. Road traffic noise was responsible for the measured LA1, LA10 and LAeq. A continuum from a nearby pump station generated the measured LA90. A motorbike and birds were also noted.

44 Page 38 R16, Night Measurement 1 Figure 22: Environmental Noise Levels, R16 - Tuckey An engine continuum from MCC was audible throughout the measurement, generating the site only LAeq of 33 db and LA1,1minute of 37 db. A horn was noted on one occasion. A continuum from a nearby pump station generated the measured LA1, LA10, LAeq and LA90. Insects were also noted.

45 R16, Night Measurement 2 Figure 23: Environmental Noise Levels, R16 - Tuckey MCC was inaudible. A nearby pump station continuum generated measured levels. Frogs, insects, dogs, a train and continuum from other mines were also noted. Page 39

46 Page R17, Day Measurement 1 Figure 24: Environmental Noise Levels, R17 - Colvin Reverse alarms and dozer tracks from MCC were audible at low levels, but were not measurable. Road traffic noise primarily generated measured levels. Breeze in foliage contributed to the measured LA90. Insects, birds, breeze on the microphone, a door closing and a dog were also noted.

47 Page R17, Day Measurement 2 Figure 25: Environmental Noise Levels, R17 - Colvin MCC was inaudible. Road traffic noise primarily generated measured levels. Breeze in foliage contributed to the measured LA90. Insects, birds, breeze on the microphone, voices and impact noise from a nearby industrial estate were also noted.

48 Page R17, Evening Measurement Figure 26: Environmental Noise Levels, R17 - Colvin MCC was inaudible. Road traffic noise primarily generated measured levels. Irrigation sprays contributed to the measured LA90. Birds and breeze in foliage were also noted.

49 Page R17, Night Measurement 1 Figure 27: Environmental Noise Levels, R17 - Colvin An engine continuum and rear-dump truck engine and exhaust surges were audible from MCC during the measurement, generating the site only LAeq of 34 db. A horn generated the site only LA1,1minute of 43 db. An impact was noted on one occasion. Insects generated the LAmax. MCC engine surges, frogs and insects generated the measured LA1, LA10 and LAeq. The continuum from MCC and frogs generated the measured LA90. Breeze in foliage and road traffic tyre noise were also noted.

50 Page R17, Night Measurement 2 Figure 28: Environmental Noise Levels, R17 - Colvin A low-level continuum from MCC was audible throughout the measurement, generating the site only LAeq of 27 db and LA1,1minute of 27 db. The continuum from MCC, frogs and insects combined generated all measured levels. A bat and a low-level continuum from another mine were also noted.

51 R20, Day Measurement 1 Figure 29: Environmental Noise Levels, R20 - Gordon MCC was inaudible. Road traffic noise generated measured levels. Birds, an aircraft, insects, breeze on the microphone and breeze in foliage were also noted. Page 45

52 R20, Day Measurement 2 Figure 30: Environmental Noise Levels, R20 - Gordon MCC was inaudible. A train was responsible for measured LA1. Road traffic noise generated other measured levels. Birds and breeze in foliage were also noted. Page 46

53 R20, Evening Measurement Figure 31: Environmental Noise Levels, R20 - Gordon MCC was inaudible. A train was responsible for measured A1, LA10 and LAeq. Insects generated the measured LA90. Aircraft and road traffic were also noted. Page 47

54 R20, Night Measurement 1 Figure 32: Environmental Noise Levels, R20 - Gordon MCC was inaudible. Road traffic tyre noise was primarily responsible for measured levels. Frogs, insects and roadwork equipment were also noted. Page 48

55 R20, Night Measurement 2 Figure 33: Environmental Noise Levels, R20 - Gordon MCC was inaudible. Road traffic tyre noise was primarily responsible for measured levels. Frogs, insects and roadwork equipment were also noted. Page 49

56 Page 50 6 SUMMARY 6.1 Operational Noise Assessment Environmental noise monitoring described in this report was undertaken on 9/10 November 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 No. 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 impact assessment and land acquisition limits during the November 2015 survey at all locations. 6.2 Low Frequency Noise Assessment During the November 2015 survey, MCC complied with the relevant limits and triggers using the Broner and draft ING methods of assessing low frequency noise. Using the INP method of assessing low frequency noise, MCC complied with the relevant limits at all locations, with the exception of R15, R16 and R17. For the measurement at R15 starting at 22:43 on 9 November 2015, measured LAeq complied with the noise impact assessment criterion of LAeq,15minute 35 db. However, analysis of low frequency noise content indicated a low frequency modifying factor correction was warranted in accordance with the INP method of assessing low frequency noise. An exceedance of 5 db of the noise impact assessment criterion resulted after application of the correction. The land acquisition criterion was not exceeded. For the measurement at R16 starting at 22:23 on 9 November 2015, measured LAeq complied with the noise impact assessment criterion of LAeq,15minute 35 db. However, analysis of low frequency noise content indicated a low frequency modifying factor correction was warranted in accordance with the INP method of assessing low frequency noise. An exceedance of 3 db of the noise impact assessment criterion resulted after application of the correction. The land acquisition criterion was not exceeded. For the measurement at R17 starting at 22:00 on 9 November 2015, measured LAeq complied with the noise impact assessment criterion of LAeq,15minute 35 db. However, analysis of low frequency noise content indicated a low frequency modifying factor correction was warranted in accordance with the INP method of assessing low frequency noise. An exceedance of 4 db of the noise impact assessment criterion resulted after application of the correction. The land acquisition criterion was not exceeded.

57 Page 51 Subsequent measurements at all three locations during the night period on 9/10 November showed a reduction in MCC noise levels and compliance with impact assessment and land acquisition criteria. As a result, this is not considered to be a noise affected night. Trigger levels were not exceeded for any of these three measurements using the Broner and draft ING methods. Global Acoustics Pty Ltd

58 APPENDIX A STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS Page 52

59 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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64 Page 58 A.2 Environment Protection Licence Muswellbrook Coal Company Ltd have an Environment Protection Licence No. 656 for coal mining. Section L2 of the licence details the noise requirements and are reproduced below.

65 A.3 Noise Monitoring Program, Section 4.6 Page 59

66 APPENDIX B CALIBRATION CERTIFICATES Page 60

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