Review of Baseline Noise Monitoring results and Establishment of Noise Criteria

Transcription

1 Appendix G Review of Baseline Noise Monitoring results and Establishment of Noise Criteria Environmental Management Plan G May 2014

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3 Colton Coal Mine Aldershot, Queensland Review of Baseline Noise Monitoring Results and Establishment of Noise Criteria 23/05/14 Prepared for AARC ASK Consulting Engineers Pty Ltd ABN: ACN: PO Box 3901, South Brisbane. QLD P: F: W: E: mail@askconsulting.com.au

4 Document Control W:\6500\6584 Colton Mine Conditions\ASKout\.docx Document Ref Date of Issue Status Author Reviewer _draft 24/03/14 Draft SP TO 23/05/14 Final SP TO Document Approval Author Signature Approver Signature Name Stephen Pugh Name Stephen Pugh Title Director Title Director Disclaimer: This document and associated tasks were undertaken in accordance with the ASK Consulting Engineers Quality Assurance System, which is based on Australian Standard / NZS ISO 9001:2008. This document is issued subject to review, and authorisation by a Senior Consultant noted in the above table. If the table is incomplete, this document shall be considered as preliminary or draft only and no reliance shall be placed upon it other than for information to be verified later. This document is prepared for our Client's particular requirements which are based on a specific brief with limitations as agreed to with the Client. It is not intended for and should not be relied upon by a third party and no responsibility is undertaken to any third party without prior consent provided by ASK Consulting Engineers. The information herein should not be reproduced, presented or reviewed except in full. Prior to passing on to a third party, the Client is to fully inform the third party of the specific brief and limitations associated with the commission. The information contained herein is for the identified purpose of acoustics only. No claims are made and no liability is accepted in respect of design and construction issues falling outside of the specialist field of acoustics engineering including and not limited to structural integrity, fire rating, architectural buildability and fit-for-purpose, waterproofing, safety design and the like. Supplementary professional advice should be sought in respect of these issues. Copyright: This report and the copyright thereof are the property of ASK Consulting Engineers Pty Ltd (ABN ). It must not be copied in whole or in part without the written permission of ASK Consulting Engineers Pty Ltd. This report has been produced specifically for the Client and project nominated herein and must not be used or retained for any other purpose. Page 2

5 Contents Executive Summary Introduction Study Area Description Noise Monitoring Locations, Dates and Instrumentation Weather Noise Logging Results from Year Attended Noise Monitoring Results from Year Summary of Background Noise Levels Noise Criteria and Limits Overview EcoAccess Planning for Noise Control Background Creep Limits Proposed Locations for Applying Noise Limits Conclusion Appendix A Glossary Appendix B Tables of Monitoring Results Appendix C Graphs of Monitoring Results Appendix D Graphs of Monitoring Results Using 24 Hour X-Axis Page 3

6 Executive Summary ASK Consulting Engineers Pty Ltd (ASK) was commissioned by AARC to provide noise consultancy services for the proposed new Colton Coal Mine Project near the town of Aldershot to the north of Maryborough, Queensland. As part of the original EM Plan work by ASK, long term (1 week) noise monitoring was conducted at four locations around the Project site in April 2008 (Autumn). The monitoring was conducted at relatively remote locations, and did not include measurements in the nearby town of Aldershot. Subsequent to the EM Plan work, ASK has been requested to undertake additional noise monitoring at locations close to residences near the proposed mine. Therefore additional noise monitoring has been conducted at 12 new monitoring locations in June 2013 (Winter) and September 2013 (Spring). The new monitoring has included long term noise monitoring at three locations in June 2013, and four locations in September The new noise monitoring includes locations in Aldershot, Dundathu and residences adjacent the Bruce Highway approximately 7 kilometres north of Aldershot. As a result of the new noise monitoring data and recent discussions between the project team and the Queensland Department of Environment and Heritage Protection (EHP), the project noise criteria have been reappraised and are presented in this report. Three noise assessment monitoring locations have been proposed around the mine so that future operational mine noise monitoring can be conducted without requiring access to private residences. These locations are between the mine and residences to the west, south, and south-east. Noise limits have been determined for each of these assessment monitoring locations. To aid in the understanding of the terms in this report a glossary is included in Appendix A. Page 4

7 1 Introduction ASK Consulting Engineers Pty Ltd (ASK) was commissioned by AARC to provide noise consultancy services for the proposed new Colton Coal Mine Project near the town of Aldershot to the north of Maryborough, Queensland. As part of the original EM Plan work by ASK, long term noise monitoring was conducted at four locations around the Project site. The monitoring was conducted at relatively remote locations, and did not include measurements in the nearby town of Aldershot. The original ASK EM Plan noise report is identified as 4634R01V06, dated 16/08/11. Subsequent to the EM Plan work, ASK has been requested to undertake additional noise monitoring at locations close to residences near the proposed mine. Therefore additional noise monitoring has been conducted at additional locations around the mine, and new noise limits have been determined. To aid in the understanding of the terms in this report a glossary is included in Appendix A. Page 5

8 2 Study Area Description The proposed mine site is located to the north of Aldershot and Maryborough in Queensland, as shown in Figure 2.1. Dundathu Figure 2.1 Proposed Mine Location Page 6

9 From Figure 2.1 it is noted that the Bruce Highway runs to the west of the mine and Aldershot, a railway line runs to the west of the mine and east of Aldershot, and Churchill Mine Road runs to the east of the mine. The town of Dundathu is to the south-east of the mine, and north-east of Maryborough. Page 7

10 3 Noise Monitoring 3.1 Locations, Dates and Instrumentation A list of the noise monitoring sites and dates is shown in Table 3.1, and these sites are also shown on Figures 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3. Table 3.1 Summary of Noise Monitoring Locations and Monitoring Periods Location ID Location Location Coordinates (AMG Zone 56) Monitoring Date (Duration) East North N1 N2 N3 N4 N5 N6 N7 N8 N9 N10 N11 N12 Location on Churchill Mine Road to the north-east of the project site. No nearby residence. Location to the north of the project site. No nearby residence. Residence, adjacent the North Coast Rail Line. Residence, Dundathu The logger was located at the corner of Peridge Road and Churchill Mine Road. Residence, South-West Aldershot The logger was located in the yard. Residence, North-East Aldershot The logger was located at the rear boundary on the property. Residence, Dundathu The logger was located next to the fence on the boundary of the property, at the corner of Peridge Road and Churchill Mine Road. Location approximately 530m west of Bruce Highway. No nearby residence. Location approximately 1.7km west of Bruce Highway. No nearby residence. Residence, West Aldershot. Residence, Highway The logger was located on the road side of the house, approximately 50m away from the house. Residence, North-west Aldershot The measurement was conducted at the side of Aldershot Street April 2008 (1 week) April 2008 (1 week) April 2008 (1 week) April 2008 (1 week) June 2013 (1 week) September 2013 (1 week) June 2013 (1 week) June 2013 (1 week) September 2013 (1 week) June 2013 (15 minutes) June 2013 (15 minutes) September 2013 (1 week) September 2013 (1 week) September 2013 (15 minutes) Page 8

11 Location ID Location Location Coordinates (AMG Zone 56) Monitoring Date (Duration) N13 N14 N15 N16 Residence, Central Aldershot The measurement was conducted at the side of the intersection of Vaughan and Rawson Streets. Residence, Central Aldershot The measurement was conducted at the side of the intersection of Shiplick and Herrenberg Streets, adjacent the rail corridor. Residence, South-west Aldershot The measurement was conducted at the side of the western end of Vaughan Street. Residence, Dundathu The measurement was conducted at the side of the intersection of Churchill Mine Road and Saltwater Creek Road September 2013 (15 minutes) September 2013 (15 minutes) September 2013 (15 minutes) September 2013 (15 minutes) Previous noise reporting on this project nominated a number of sensitive receivers and these are listed in Table 3.2, and also shown on Figures 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3. Table 3.2 Locations of Noise Sensitive Receivers Location Location Nearby Noise Coordinates Receiver Logging ID (AMG Zone 56) Locations East North L1 Residences to west on Bruce Highway. N L2 Single residence on Colton Road, adjacent rail corridor to the south. N L3 Nearest residence in town of Aldershot to the south, on Marshall Road. N5, N6 and N L4 Single residence to south east on Peridge Road. N4 and N L5 Residence to south-east in town of Dundathu, at corner of Churchill Mine Road and Peridge N4 and N Road. L6 Residence to south-east in town of Dundathu, at corner of Maryborough Hervey Bay Road and N4 and N Peridge Road. L7 Residence to east on Maryborough Hervey Bay Road. N4 and N The monitoring dates and instrumentation associated with noise logging are summarised in Table 3.3. Page 9

12 Table 3.3 Summary of Noise Logging Dates and Instrumentation Monitoring Period Location ID Dates Instrumentation April 2008 N1 Tuesday 22 nd to Tuesday 29 th April, 2008 Rion NL22 N2 Tuesday 22 nd to Tuesday 29 th April, 2008 Rion NL22 N3 Tuesday 22 nd to Tuesday 29 th April, 2008 Rion NL22 N4 Tuesday 22 nd to Tuesday 29 th April, 2008 Rion NL22 June 2013 N5 Monday 17 th to Tuesday 25 th June, 2013 LD831 N6 Monday 17 th to Tuesday 25 th June, 2013 LD831 N7 Monday 17 th to Sunday 23 rd June, 2013 LD831 September 2013 Note: N5 Tuesday 3 rd to Wednesday 11 th September, 2013 LD831 N7 Tuesday 3 rd to Wednesday 11 th September, 2013 LD831 N10 Tuesday 3 rd to Wednesday 11 th September, 2013 LD831 N11 Tuesday 24 th September to 2 nd October, 2013 LD831 The instrumentation has current laboratory calibration and was field calibrated. A Rion NL22 is a type 2 sound level meter. An LD831 is a Larson Davis 831 Type 1 sound level meter with third octave, octave and audio recording. Page 10

13 3 km Proposed Colton Mine Figure 3.1 Overall Monitoring Locations, Residences, and Assessment Monitoring Locations Page 11

14 250 m Figure 3.2 Monitoring Locations and Residences near Aldershot Page 12

15 500 m Figure 3.3 Monitoring Locations and Residences near Dundathu Page 13

16 3.2 Weather Weather data was obtained from the Bureau of Meteorology for the Maryborough station. According to this data the weather in 2013 monitoring periods was as follows: June 2013: Dry except for some rainfall on Friday 21 st (1.6 millimetres) and Saturday 22 nd (3.0 millimetres). The temperature range during the monitoring period was 4 C to 22 C, with minimums of 4 C to 13 C and maximums of 16 C to 22 C. September/October 2013 o 3 rd to 11 th September: Dry except for some rainfall on Wednesday 4 th (0.2 millimetres), Tuesday 10 th (1.4 millimetres) and Wednesday 11 th (2.0 millimetres). The temperature range during the monitoring period was 9 C to 32 C, with minimums of 9 C to 14 C and maximums of 24 C to 32 C. o 24 th September to 2 nd October: Generally dry with occasional light to moderate rainfall reported. Some rainfall on Tuesday 24 th (0.2 millimetres), Sunday 29 th (0.4 millimetres), Monday 30 th (2.8 millimetres), Tuesday October 1 st (0.2 millimetres) and Wednesday October 2 nd (6.2 millimetres). The temperature range during the monitoring period was 12 C to 33 C, with minimums of 12 C to 21 C and maximums of 28 C to 33 C. Overall, the majority of data is not rain affected, or only affected by light rainfall. 3.3 Noise Logging Results from Year 2013 From the noise logging the statistical results have been summarized in Table 3.4, Table 3.5 and Appendix B. Graphs of the noise level results are included in Appendix C. The data is also graphed on a 24 hour X-axis in Appendix D. Table 3.4 Background Noise Levels at Year 2013 Logging Locations Location Date Background Noise Levels, minl90 (Lowest 10th Percentile) dba Day Evening Night N5 Residence, South-West Aldershot June September N6 Residence, North-East Aldershot June N7 Residence, Dundathu June September N10 Residence, West Aldershot September N11 Residence, Highway, 7km north of Aldershot September Notes: Insect noise has been removed from September measurements by subtracting the affected octave band from overall results.

17 From Table 3.4 it can be seen that the background noise levels are similar in the daytime and evening at all five locations, but are noticeably quieter at night at the N7 Dundathu monitoring location. The reduced noise levels at N7 Dundathu at night are most likely due to the increased distance from the Bruce Highway. Table 3.5 Average Leq Noise Levels at Year 2013 Logging Locations Location Date Noise Levels, Leq (Average) dba Day Evening Night N5 Residence, South-West Aldershot June September N6 Residence, North-East Aldershot June N7 Residence, Dundathu June September N10 Residence, West Aldershot September N11 Residence, Highway, 7kms north of Aldershot September Notes: Insect noise has been removed from September measurements by subtracting the affected octave band from overall results. Time periods are: Day (7am to 6pm), Evening (6pm to 10pm), Night (10pm to 7am) From Table 3.5 it can be seen that noise levels are similar at all locations, particularly at night, except N7 Dundathu which is quieter. This is considered to be due to location N7 being further from the road traffic noise emissions of the Bruce Highway. 3.4 Attended Noise Monitoring Results from Year 2013 Attended measurements were undertaken over 15 to 60 minute periods. The microphone height was approximately 1.3m above natural ground level. The attended measured noise levels are summarised in Table 3.6 and Table 3.7 for June and September 2013 respectively. The measurements are grouped into monitoring periods and separated by a grey shaded line. Table 3.6 Attended Noise Measurement Results (June 2013) Date & Time 2:42pm 17/06/13 Location Period (Minutes) Results & Notes N7 15 Noise levels: L10 41 dba, Leq 41 dba, L90 35 dba. Background noise 35 to 38 dba. Distant traffic from Hervey Bay Road barely audible 38 to 41 dba. Passing car 58 dba.

18 Date & Time 3:38pm 17/06/13 4:24pm 17/06/13 Location Period (Minutes) Results & Notes N5 15 Noise levels: L10 51 dba, Leq 49 dba, L90 42 dba. Birds producing peaks at high frequency band 40 to 55 dba. Traffic from Bruce Highway is the dominant source of noise 40 to 53 dba. Vehicles passing on local Street 50 to 61 dba. N6 15 Noise levels: L10 57 dba, Leq 54 dba, L90 40 dba. Traffic from Bruce Highway is the dominant source of noise 44 to 48 dba. Birds producing peaks at high frequency bands 56 to 68 dba. Cars passing by on local Street 48 dba. Airplane flying by area 41 to 43 dba. 10:37pm 17/06/13 10:59pm 17/06/13 11:30pm 17/06/13 12:42am 18/06/13 02:10am 18/06/13 N8 15 Noise levels: L10 45 dba, Leq 42 dba, L90 33 dba. Traffic from Bruce Highway is the dominant source of noise 36 to 52 dba. Frogs producing peaks at 2.5 and 3.15 khz band, 35 to 40 dba. Background levels 31 to 33 dba. N9 15 Noise levels: L10 29 dba, Leq 26 dba, L90 27 dba. Background levels 19 to 23 dba. Traffic from Bruce Highway 23 to 29 dba. Frogs in the area 22 dba. N5 60 Noise levels: L10 51 dba, Leq 48 dba, L90 35 dba. Traffic from Bruce Highway 34 to 60 dba. Insects creating peaks at 5 khz frequency band. Background levels 29 to 33 dba. N6 60 Noise levels: L10 52 dba, Leq 47 dba, L90 31 dba. Traffic from Bruce Highway is the dominant source of noise 44 to 58 dba. Insect and frogs audible but do not contribute much to background levels. Background levels 28 to 31 dba. N7 60 Noise levels: L10 38 dba, Leq 33 dba, L90 20 dba. Very quiet background levels 18 to 22 dba. Traffic barely audible in the distance. Cars passing by Maryborough Hervey Bay Road 29 to 48 dba.

19 Table 3.7 Attended Noise Measurement Results (September 2013) Date & Time 11:57am 03/09/13 12:36pm 03/09/13 10:30pm 03/09/13 10:59pm 03/09/13 11:54pm 03/09/13 12:23am 04/09/13 12:53am 04/09/13 1:22am 04/09/13 1:57am 04/09/13 Location Period (Minutes) Results & Notes N10 15 Noise levels: L10 50 dba, Leq 46 dba, L90 41 dba. Background noise 39 to 41 dba. Traffic from Bruce Highway is barely audible at 44 to 50 dba. Traffic on Herrenberg Street is 44 to 47 dba. Birds and insects affecting noise levels. Wind gust caused noise levels up to 50 dba. Nearby air-conditioning plant was not operating. N5 15 Noise levels: L10 54 dba, Leq 52 dba, L90 43 dba. Background noise 43 to 48 due to wind and birds. Traffic from Bruce Highway was barely audible with wind gusts, but 50 to 53 dba when wind was quieter. Rail noise from line approximately 550m to east 51 to 54 dba. Passing car on Brugh Street up to 53 dba, and fire truck up to 57 dba. Passing car on Vaughan Street up to 66 dba. N7 15 Noise levels: L10 38 dba, Leq 35 dba, L90 28 dba. Background noise 26 to 30 dba without traffic and insects. Traffic from Carter Lane to east is dominant 33 to 43 dba. N16 15 Noise levels: L10 58 dba, Leq 60 dba, L90 31 dba. Background noise 30 to 32 dba. Traffic from Carter Lane is dominant with car passbys up to 76 dba, and truck passby of 82 dba. N10 15 Noise levels: L10 49 dba, Leq 45 dba, L90 36 dba. Background noise 30 to 33 dba. Traffic from Bruce Highway is dominant 37 to 52 dba. N5 15 Noise levels: L10 50 dba, Leq 45 dba, L90 31 dba. Background noise 29 to 37 dba dependant on insects. Traffic from Bruce Highway is dominant 39 to 56 dba. N12 15 Noise levels: L10 53 dba, Leq 51 dba, L90 32 dba. Background noise 33 to 35 dba, but occasionally quieter at 28 to 30 dba. Traffic from Bruce Highway is dominant 38 to 56 dba. Dogs barking 58 to 61 dba. Insect noise at higher frequencies. N6 15 Noise levels: L10 46 dba, Leq 42 dba, L90 28 dba. Background noise 25 to 27 dba when quiet, 26 to 30 dba with traffic, and 30 to 42 dba with insects. Traffic from Bruce Highway is dominant 36 to 42 dba, except with insect and/or frogs when noise increase significantly. N13 15 Noise levels: L10 44 dba, Leq 40 dba, L90 27 dba. Background noise 29 to 31 dba without traffic, and 34 to 36 dba with traffic. Traffic from Bruce Highway is dominant 41 to 47 dba. Television from nearby residence is audible when background is very quiet.

20 Date & Time 2:28am 04/09/13 2:56am 04/09/13 3:44am 04/09/13 4:13am 04/09/13 Location Period (Minutes) Results & Notes N14 15 Noise levels: L10 47 dba, Leq 43 dba, L90 32 dba. Background noise 30 to 33 dba without traffic, and 34 to 37 dba with traffic. Traffic from Bruce Highway is dominant 37 to 48 dba. N15 15 Noise levels: L10 64 dba, Leq 62 dba, L90 38 dba. Background noise 28 to 30 dba without traffic. Bruce Highway is dominant noise. Passing trucks up to 78 dba. Passing cars up to 68 dba. N9 15 Noise levels: L10 40 dba, Leq 36 dba, L90 25 dba. Background noise 21 to 22 dba without traffic, and 25 to 30 dba with traffic. Traffic from Bruce Highway is dominant 32 to 41 dba. N8 15 Noise levels: L10 51 dba, Leq 47 dba, L90 38 dba. Background noise 34 to 37 dba. Traffic from Bruce Highway is dominant 37 to 52dBA. 10:50am 04/09/13 11:43am 04/09/13 2:08pm 24/09/13 10:40pm 24/09/13 N5 15 Noise levels: L10 53 dba, Leq 50 dba, L90 45 dba. Background noise 42 to 44 dba. Traffic from Bruce Highway is audible 45 to 52 dba. Passing car on Vaughan Street 62 dba. Birds creating peaks in higher frequencies 43 to 50 dba. N7 15 Noise levels: L10 58 dba, Leq 56 dba, L90 53 dba. Noise environment dominated by mower 52 to 54 dba, and occasional wind gusts up to 63 dba. N11 15 Noise levels: L10 60 dba, Leq 54 dba, L90 48 dba. Background noise 49 to 51 dba. Passing vehicles 53 to 57 dba. N11 60 Noise levels: L10 54 dba, Leq 51 dba, L90 39 dba. Background noise 36 to 39 dba. Passing trucks 54 to 59 dba (except notably loud truck 66 dba). Passing cars 47 to 50 dba.

21 4 Summary of Background Noise Levels A summary of the measured background noise levels obtained in 2008 and 2013 is included in Table 4.1. The background noise levels determined from logging are calculated using the lowest 10 th percentile method as per the EHP noise measurement manual. The background noise levels from attended measurements were determined from 15 to 60 minute duration measurements Table 4.1 Summary of Background Levels Area Location Distance from Bruce Highway km Measurement Method Background Noise Levels L90 dba Day Evening Night Dundathu N4 7 Logging 31* 35* 1 20* N7 7 Logging 38*, 35* 32*, 32* 21*, 23* Attended 35, 53-20, 28 (Mower) N16 7 Attended Aldershot N5 0.4 Logging 39*, 36* 38*, 33* 28*, 27* Attended 42, 43, 45-35, 31 N Logging 37* 34* 28* Attended 40-31, 28 N Logging 37* 34* 26* Attended N Attended N Attended N Attended N Attended Highway N Logging 39* 33* 26* Residence Attended Opposite N8 0.5 Attended , 38 Highway Residences N9 1.7 Attended , 25 Remote N1 9 Logging 27* 23* 19* N2 5 Logging 24* 20* 18* N3 2 Logging 32* 31* 23* Note: * Calculated as lowest 10 th percentile. 1 The evening background noise level at location N4 was incorrectly reported as 32 dba in Table 4.5 of ASK report 4634R01V06. From Table 4.1, the following observations are made: The night-time background noise levels at Dundathu (N4 and N7) and remote locations N1, N2 and N3 were very quiet (18 to 23 dba) due to the distance from the Bruce Highway. An attended measurement at N7 around 10:30pm was higher (28 dba) due to traffic on Carter Lane. The attended measurement at N16 was around 10:59pm and adjacent Carter Lane and therefore subject to higher traffic noise levels.

22 The background noise levels determined from logging were generally similar in Aldershot (26 to 28 dba) due to road traffic noise from the Bruce Highway. Shorter term attended measurements occasionally indicated higher levels due to insects and wind and increased traffic noise. The background noise level at N11 was similar to the background noise levels in Aldershot due to the presence of the same noise source being the Bruce Highway. Audio data from noise logging suggests the background noise levels in Aldershot (N5, N6 and N10) and north of Aldershot (N11) are due to road traffic noise because of the proximity to the Bruce Highway, which is in agreement with field observations.

23 5 Noise Criteria and Limits 5.1 Overview In recent conversations (05/08/13) between AARC and EHP, EHP indicated that noise limits can be based on the EcoAccess Planning for Noise Control background Creep limits during the day, evening and night, or alternatively they can be based on achieving the EcoAccess Planning for Noise Control sleep disturbance limit of 30 dba inside at night. A facade noise reduction of 7 dba was proposed in a conversation between ASK and EHP (14/05/13), as per the Planning for Noise Control guideline, assuming open windows, giving an external limit of 37 dba Leq,1hour at night. 5.2 EcoAccess Planning for Noise Control Background Creep Limits Background Creep Limits have been determined for Aldershot (N5, N6 & N10), Dundathu (N4 & N7) and Bruce Highway Residence (N11) receptors in Table 5.1. Limits for Dundathu (N4 & N7) and Railside Residence (N3) receptors are presented in Table 5.2. Table 5.1 Background Creep Derived Noise Limits for Receptors Near to Bruce Highway Location Aldershot Highway # Description D E N D E N D E N D E N 1 Noise monitoring location N5 N6 N10 N11 2 Initial survey L Acceptable (measured) L Recommended L Differences (equals #3 - #4) Adjustments to background Maximum planning level, L Existing Leq Noise area category (Z1 to Z7) z4 z4 z4 z4 10 PNL Leq,1hour Differences (equals #8 - #10) Max PNL Leq,1hour NOISE GUIDELINE LEVELS - Specific Level 13 (lower of equals #7 plus 3 db(a) and #12) Location Aldershot Highway Note: Where multiple noise measurements were conducted at a location (e.g. June and September) the average results were used in the analysis. D = Day (7am to 6pm), E = Evening (6pm to 10pm), N = Night (10pm to 7am)

24 Table 5.2 Background Creep Derived Noise Limits for Receptors Distant from Bruce Highway Location Dundathu Rail-side # Description D E N D E N D E N 1 Noise monitoring location N4 N7 N3 2 Initial survey L Acceptable (measured) L Recommended L Differences (equals #3 - #4) Adjustments to background Maximum planning level, L Existing Leq Noise area category (Z1 to Z7) z1 z1 Z3 10 PNL Leq,1hour Differences (equals #8 - #10) Max PNL Leq,1hour NOISE GUIDELINE LEVELS - Specific Level 13 (lower of equals #7 plus 3 db(a) and #12) Location Dundathu Rail-side Notes: Where multiple noise measurements were conducted at a location (e.g. June and September) the averaged results were used in the analysis. The noise limits for N3 are taken from the ASK EM Plan noise report 4634R01V06. D = Day (7am to 6pm), E = Evening (6pm to 10pm), N = Night (10pm to 7am) From Tables 5.1 and 5.2 it can be seen that the noise limits at night are up to 36 dba Leq,1hour, and hence it is proposed to use the second night-time noise limit option presented by EHP, being an external sleep disturbance limit of 37 dba Leq,1hour at night instead. Based on the above results it is considered appropriate to have variable noise limits, depending on the receptor locations, particularly their distance from the Bruce Highway, being the dominant existing noise source. It is understood that alternative arrangements will be determined for the residence at N3 (e.g. site specific noise attenuation measures, property purchasing etc), and hence noise limits are not nominated for that location. The proposed noise limits are included in Table 5.3. From Table 5.3 it can be seen that the noise limits are lower in the day and evening at Dundathu. Table 5.3 Proposed Noise Limits Location Noise Limits, Leq,1hour dba Day Evening Night Aldershot (N5, N6 & N10) Dundathu (N4 & N7) 38 37* 37 Residences adjacent Bruce Highway (N11) Note: * The limits derived in Table 5.2 are 33 dba and 31 dba, but it is proposed to use the higher night-time limit of 37 dba.

25 6 Proposed Locations for Applying Noise Limits From discussions between EHP and the project team it has been proposed that noise limits be imposed at the boundary of the mine site, or specific locations between the mine site and sensitive receivers, rather than at the sensitive receivers themselves. The reasons for this include: It is preferable not to require access to private residences for the purpose of conducting noise monitoring or installing a permanent noise monitoring site. Monitoring closer to the mine results in noise data which is more representative of mining noise and is less likely to be affected by extraneous noise (e.g. residential activities, road traffic, air-conditioning units, wind rustling leaves in trees). It is not possible to accurately monitor noise emissions on the western and southern boundaries of the mining lease, as these locations would directly adjoin areas of mining activity (i.e. the western boundary mining of the lease boundary is near to the rail loop and mining plant, and the south-west boundary of the mining lease is adjacent the dump). It is generally not desirable to monitor noise from a mine at close proximity to particular areas of activity as the resulting noise measurement results can be representative of just local activities, rather than noise from the mine as a whole. Three noise monitoring sites have been proposed (M1 to M3) to the west, south and south-east respectively. A monitoring location to the north of the mine is not considered to be required as ASK has previously been advised that the buildings to the north of the mine are within the shooting range property boundary and are not used as residences. The monitoring locations are listed in Table 6.1 and shown on Figure 3.1. Table 6.1 Proposed Noise Monitoring Locations for Applying Noise Limits Location ID M1 M2 M3 Receiver Location to the west, midway between the mining lease and residences to the west on the Bruce Highway. Location to the south, midway between the mining lease and residences in Aldershot to the south. Location to the south-east on the mining lease, and midway between the mine and residences in Dundathu to the south-east. Location Coordinates (AMG Zone 56) East North These monitoring locations, and their corresponding noise limits, are subject to change due to further consideration of practicalities such as vehicular access and local topography.

26 As the proposed noise monitoring locations in Table 6.1 are closer to the mine than the actual sensitive receivers, it follows that the applicable noise limits are higher at the noise monitoring locations. Modelling has been conducting for the early years and final years of mining to determine noise limits at locations M1 to M3 based on achieving the noise limits in Table 5.3 for residences in Aldershot, adjacent the Bruce Highway and in Dundathu. As noted previously, the monitoring location noise limits do not consider achieving specific noise levels at the rail-side residence at Location N3. It is understood that alternative arrangements will be determined for this residence (e.g. site specific noise attenuation measures, property purchasing etc). The calculated noise limits at locations M1 to M3 are presented in Table 6.2. Table 6.2 Proposed Noise Limits at Monitoring Locations Monitoring Location ID Noise Limits, Leq,1hour dba Day Evening Night M M M Note: * Noise limits to be confirmed and applied if a noise sensitive receiver is identified to the north. It is recommended that once mining is operational that the limits in Table 6.2 be re-evaluated by conducting simultaneous measurements at the sensitive receivers and the monitoring locations M1 to M3. The limits at locations M1 to M3 should then be adjusted such that the resulting noise levels at sensitive receivers is compliant with the levels in Table 5.3.

27 7 Conclusion As a result of the new noise monitoring data and recent discussions between the project team and the Queensland Department of Environment and Heritage Protection (EHP), the project noise criteria have been reappraised and are presented in this report. Three noise assessment monitoring locations have been proposed around the mine so that future operational mine noise monitoring can be conducted without requiring access to private residences. These locations are between the mine and residences to the west, south, and south-east. Noise limits have been determined for each of these assessment monitoring locations.

28 Appendix A Glossary Parameter or Term Description db The decibel (db) is the unit measure of sound. Most noises occur in a range of 20 db (quiet rural area at night) to 120 db (nightclub dance floor or concert). dba Noise levels are most commonly expressed in terms of the A' weighted decibel scale, dba. This scale closely approximates the response of the human ear, thus providing a measure of the subjective loudness of noise and enabling the intensity of noises with different frequency characteristics (e.g. pitch and tone) to be compared. Day The period between 7am and 6pm. Evening The period between 6pm and 10pm. Night The period between 10pm and 7am. Free-field The description of a noise receiver or source location which is away from any significantly reflective objects (e.g. buildings, walls). L1 The noise level exceeded for 1% of the measurement period. L10 The noise level exceeded for 10% of the measurement period. It is sometimes referred to as the average maximum noise level. L90 The noise level exceeded for 90% of the measurement period. This is commonly referred to as the background noise level. Leq The equivalent continuous sound level, which is the constant sound level over a given time period, which is equivalent in total sound energy to the time-varying sound level, measured over the same time period. Leq,1hour As for Leq except the measurement intervals are defined as 1 hour duration. Lmax Maximum A-weighted sound pressure level.

29 Appendix B Tables of Monitoring Results Table B.1 Statistical Results at N5 (June 2013) South-West Aldershot Parameter Lmax L01 L10 L90 Leq Noise Levels, dba Statistic Day Evening Night Maximum Minimum Average Maximum Minimum Average Maximum Minimum Average Maximum Minimum Average Maximum Minimum Average

30 Table B.2 Statistical Results at N5 (September 2013) South-West Aldershot Parameter Lmax L01 L10 L90 Leq Noise Levels, dba Statistic Day Evening Night Maximum Minimum Average Maximum Minimum Average Maximum Minimum Average Maximum Minimum Average Maximum Minimum Average Table B.3 Statistical Results at N6 (June 2013) North-East Aldershot Parameter Lmax L01 L10 L90 Leq Noise Levels, dba Statistic Day Evening Night Maximum Minimum Average Maximum Minimum Average Maximum Minimum Average Maximum Minimum Average Maximum Minimum Average

31 Table B.4 Statistical Results for N7 (June 2013) Dundathu Parameter Lmax L01 L10 L90 Leq Noise Levels, dba Statistic Day Evening Night Maximum Minimum Average Maximum Minimum Average Maximum Minimum Average Maximum Minimum Average Maximum Minimum Average Table B.5 Statistical Results for N7 (September 2013) Dundathu Parameter Lmax L01 L10 L90 Leq Noise Levels, dba Statistic Day Evening Night Maximum Minimum Average Maximum Minimum Average Maximum Minimum Average Maximum Minimum Average Maximum Minimum Average

32 Table B.6 Statistical Results for N10 (September 2013) West Aldershot Parameter Lmax L01 L10 L90 Leq Noise Levels, dba Statistic Day Evening Night Maximum Minimum Average Maximum Minimum Average Maximum Minimum Average Maximum Minimum Average Maximum Minimum Average Table B.7 Statistical Results for N11 (September 2013) Beside Bruce Highway Parameter Lmax L01 L10 L90 Leq Noise Levels, dba Statistic Day Evening Night Maximum Minimum Average Maximum Minimum Average Maximum Minimum Average Maximum Minimum Average Maximum Minimum Average

33 Appendix C Graphs of Monitoring Results Figure C.1 Graph of Monitoring Results at N5 (June 2013) South-West Aldershot Figure C.2 Graph of Monitoring Results at N5 (September 2013) South-West Aldershot

34 Figure C.3 Graph of Monitoring Results at N6 (June 2013) North-East Aldershot Figure C.4 Graph of Monitoring Results for N7 (June 2013) Dundathu

35 Figure C.5 Graph of Monitoring Results for N7 (September 2013) Dundathu Figure C.6 Graph of Monitoring Results for N10 (September 2013) West Aldershot

36 Figure C.7 Graph of Monitoring Results for N11 (September 2013) Beside Bruce Highway

37 Appendix D Graphs of Monitoring Results Using 24 Hour X-Axis Figure D.1 Graph of Monitoring Results at N5 (June 2013) South-West Aldershot Figure D.2 Graph of Monitoring Results at N5 (September 2013) South-West Aldershot

38 Figure D.3 Graph of Monitoring Results at N6 (June 2013) North-East Aldershot Figure D.4 Graph of Monitoring Results for N7 (June 2013) Dundathu

39 Figure D.5 Graph of Monitoring Results for N7 (September 2013) Dundathu Figure D.6 Graph of Monitoring Results for N10 (September 2013) West Aldershot

40 Figure D.7 Graph of Monitoring Results for N11 (September 2013) Beside Bruce Highway