Compliance Noise Survey & Assessment

Transcription

1 Prepared for: Compliance Noise Survey & Assessment Duralie Coal Mine October 2008 Report No. 29N TRP December 2008 Vipac Engineers & Scientists Ltd Newcastle, NSW

2 Co mpliance Noise Survey & Assessment Page 2 of 30 DOCUMENT CONTROL Compliance Noise Survey & Assessment REPORT NO: LIBRARY CODE: 29N TRP PREPARED FOR: PREPARED BY: Vipac Engineers & Scientists Ltd P.O. Box 168 Shop 5 Shopping Village, Laycock Street Gloucester NSW 2422 CAREY BAY NSW 2283 AUSTRALIA Contact: John Trotter huntervalley@vipac.com.au Phone: Phone: Fax : Fax : AUTHOR: REVIEWED/APPROVED BY: REVISION HISTORY: Simon Ritchie Date: 3 December 2008 Consulting Engineer Ian Guy Date: 3 December 2008 Manager, Newcastle Office Revision No. Date Issued Reason/Comments 0 3 December 2008 Initial Issue 1 3 December 2008 Update site map DISTRIBUTION: Copy No._2_ KEYWORDS: Location 1 Project 2 UNCONTROLLED COPY Client, pdf format Mining; Compliance; Noise NOTE: This is a controlled document within the document control system. If revised, it must be marked SUPERSEDED and returned to the Vipac QA Representative. This document contains commercial, conceptual and engineering information, which is proprietary to VIPAC Engineers & Scientists Ltd. We specifically state that inclusion of this information does not grant the Client any license to use the information without VIPAC's written permission. We further require that the information not be divulged to a third party without our written consent.

3 Co mpliance Noise Survey & Assessment Page 3 of 30 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Vipac Engineers & Scientists Ltd (VIPAC) was engaged to undertake Environmental Compliance Noise Monitoring in the rural environment surrounding the Duralie Coal Mine (DCM) Site, Bucketts Way, Stroud Road NSW. The purpose of the assessment was to conduct ambient noise monitoring in accordance with the Department of Planning (DoP) Development Consent Modification Schedule 3 Condition 2, dated 2006 and the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), now Department of Environment and Climate Change (DECC) Environmental Pollution Licence (EPL 11701), Section L6.1, Noise Limits. The noise monitoring survey commenced at 18:30hrs on Monday 27 th October and ended at 16:00hrs on Tuesday 28 th October Day-time Operator Attended Impact Assessment 28 th October 2008 DCM operation L eq (15 minute) noise emissions during the daytime attended noise-monitoring period, under the prevailing weather conditions were as follows: Sound Pressure Level L eq Noise Criteria L eq Monitoring Locations AAS1 Lyall Nil 35 0 N2 S Doherty < AS3 Jensen Nil 35 0 Excursion Evening-time Operator Attended Impact Assessment 27 th October 2008 DCM operation L eq (15 minute) noise emissions during the evening-time attended noise-monitoring period, under the prevailing weather conditions were as follows: Sound Pressure Level L eq Noise Criteria L eq Monitoring Locations AAS1 Lyall < N2 S Doherty Nil 35 0 AS3 Jensen Nil 35 0 Excursion Night-time Operator Attended Impact Assessment 28 th October 2008 DCM operation L eq (15 minute) noise emissions during the nighttime attended noise-monitoring period, under the prevailing weather conditions were as follows: Sound Pressure Level L eq Noise Criteria L eq Monitoring Locations AAS1 Lyall <35, , 2* N2 S Doherty <35, < , 0 AS3 Jensen Nil, Nil 35 0, 0 *Note: Significant temperature inversion was recorded at this time. Excursion

4 Co mpliance Noise Survey & Assessment Page 4 of 30 Assessment of Compliance Sigma-theta data indicated a moderately strong temperature inversion (F to G Class) at times during the night survey period, therefore significant enhancement due to temperature gradient was observed. Consequently, the recorded 37dB mine contribution at AAS1 Lyall can be attributed to the moderate to strong temperature inversion (greater than 3 o C/100m) at the time. As stated in the conditions of consent Schedule 3 note c), the 35 criteria applies for Temperature inversion conditions of up to 3 o C/100m, and wind speeds of up to 2 m/s at 10 metres above ground level therefore the criteria does not apply in this case. Mine operating noise emissions were at or below the 35 noise criteria at all monitoring locations during the October 2008 Environmental Noise Level Survey except the one instance at AAS1 Lyall where noise from the mine was enhanced due to the effects of temperature inversion. The nominated monitoring locations represent the closest residences to the mine so that further located properties will receive mine noise levels somewhat lower than those measured, due to distance attenuation under stable atmospheric conditions. Under the prevailing weather conditions and based on the attended monitoring results it is concluded that mine noise emissions did not breach the 35 criteria at any nearby residence during the 27 th 28 th October 2008 survey.

5 Co mpliance Noise Survey & Assessment Page 5 of 30 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. INTRODUCTION DEFINITIONS OF ACOUSTICAL TERMS DURALIE COAL MINE SITE DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION OF OPERATION METHODOLOGY INSTRUMENTS MONITORING LOCATIONS MONITORING WEATHER CRITERIA TEMPERATURE INVERSION CONDITIONS RESULTS DAY SURVEY RESULTS TUESDAY 28 TH OCTOBER Equipment Operating Prevailing Weather Conditions...11 Table 5.1.3: Day Noise Survey Results, 28 th October : Noise Impact Assessment - Daytime EVENING SURVEY RESULTS 27 TH OCTOBER Equipment Operating Prevailing Weather Conditions...12 Table 5.2.3: Evening Noise Survey Results, 27 th October Noise Impact Assessment - Evening NIGHT SURVEY RESULTS 28 TH OCTOBER Equipment Operating Prevailing Weather Conditions...14 Table 5.3.3: Night time Noise Survey Results, 28 th October Noise Impact Assessment - Night COMPLIANCE ASSESSMENT DISCUSSION & CONCLUSION...16 APPENDIX A: WEATHER CONDITIONS...18 APPENDIX B: LOCALITY MAP & SURVEY LOCATIONS...22 APPENDIX C: TIME TRACES...23

6 Co mpliance Noise Survey & Assessment Page 6 of INTRODUCTION Vipac Engineers & Scientists Ltd (VIPAC) was engaged to undertake Environmental Compliance Noise Monitoring in the rural environment surrounding the Duralie Coal Mine (DCM) Site, Buckets Way, Stroud Road NSW. The purpose of the assessment was to conduct ambient noise monitoring in accordance with the Department of Planning (DoP) Development Consent Modification Schedule 3 Condition 2, dated 2006 and the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), now Department of Environment and Climate Change (DECC) Environmental Pollution Licence (EPL 11701), Section L6.1, Noise Limits. The noise monitoring survey commenced at 18:30hrs on Monday 27 th October and ended at 16:00hrs on Tuesday 28 th October DEFINITIONS OF ACOUSTICAL TERMS Table 1.1 provides the definitions of common acoustical terms and is presented as an aid to understanding this report. Term Lw L P Leq L 90 L 10 Table Acoustical Terms and Definition Definition A unit of measurement in decibels (A), of sound pressure level which has its frequency characteristics modified by a filter ("A-weighted") so as to more closely approximate the frequency response of the human ear. Sound Power Level radiated by a noise source per unit time re 1pW. Sound pressure level (SPL) or sound level L p is a logarithmic measure of the rms sound pressure of a sound relative to a reference value. Equivalent Continuous Noise Level - which, lasting for as long as a given noise event has the same amount of acoustic energy as the given event. The noise levels that is equalled or exceeded for 90% of the measurement period. An indicator of the mean minimum noise level, and is used in Australia as the descriptor for background or ambient noise (usually in dba). The noise levels that is equalled or exceeded for 10% of the measurement period. L 10 is an indicator of the mean maximum noise level, and is generally used in Australia as the descriptor for intrusive noise (usually in dba).

7 Co mpliance Noise Survey & Assessment Page 7 of DURALIE COAL MINE 2.1. SITE DESCRIPTION DCM is located east of the Bucketts Way between the villages of Stroud Road and Wards River, NSW DESCRIPTION OF OPERATION The following activities have the potential to generate noise during DCM operations: Operation of mobile equipment (e.g. excavators, loaders, haul trucks, dozers, graders, and water carts) for: Vegetation removal and stripping/stockpiling of soil resources; Open cut development and production; and Haulage of raw coal and mine waste; Operation of fixed plant (e.g. ROM bin, raw coal conveyor, bin loading/unloading, lighting plant and pit pumps); and, Rail transportation of coal on the mining lease. 3. METHODOLOGY Ambient noise level measurements were conducted in accordance with the requirements of the DECC, and as detailed in Australian Standard AS , Acoustics Description and Measurement of Environmental Noise, Part 1 General Procedures. The operator-attended surveys were conducted at each monitoring location to quantify ambient noise levels and the contributed levels of noise emitted from current Duralie Mining operations. The day, evening and night survey was conducted as follows: Daytime - conducted between 14:53hrs 15:59hrs Tuesday 28 th October 2008; Evening - conducted between 18:33hrs 19:36hrs Monday 27 th October 2008; Night - conducted between 01:14hrs - 03:58hrs Tuesday 28 th October The Engineer determines Mine s noise contribution by noting instantaneous meter reading when the mine was clearly audible and dominant. Alternatively, the Mine s contribution was determined by noting the relative audibility of the mining activities at otherwise quiet times and establishing the difference in received sound level between the Mine s activities and the background noise level. The mine s contribution could be measured directly at most residential locations during the surveys. A scale of audibility is provided to gain a general understanding of the mining operation s noise levels received at the nearby residential locations. Clearly Audible: Audible: Faintly Audible: Not Audible: Background noise level (L 90 ) plus 5 and greater. Background noise level (L 90 ) plus/minus 5. Background noise level (L 90 ) minus 5 to 8. Background noise level (L 90 ) minus 8 and less. Exceptions to the above could be intermittent sounds from reverse beeps and dozer tracks etc. On occasions when the background noise levels are elevated due to extraneous noise sources the mine noise emissions are determined utilizing the octave filters of the sound level meter where possible.

8 Co mpliance Noise Survey & Assessment Page 8 of INSTRUMENTS Attended noise measurements were taken with A Brüel & Kjær (B&K) 2250 integrating sound level meter, fitted with a B&K 4189 ½ inch diameter electret microphone and a windshield. This instrument has performance characteristics within the requirements of Type 1 accuracy in accordance with AS1259, and has the capability to measure steady, fluctuating, intermittent and/or impulsive sound, and to compute and display percentile noise levels for the measuring period. During the attended surveys the B&K 2250 instrument was used to record a 1/3 octave, one-second interval time trace of each 15-minute measurement enabling detailed analysis of the acoustic environment. Audio recording was performed simultaneously by the B&K2250 to enable crosschecking of the sample data where required. Noise levels over the 15-minute periods were calculated and stored in the B&K 2250 at each location during the surveys. The identifiable noise sources and their contributions were ranked in order of prominence. A Rion Sound Level Calibrator NC-73 was used to calibrate the SLM prior to measurement and checked at the conclusion. The difference in the two measurements was less than 0.5dB. The SLM was supported with the microphone approximately 1.5m above the ground at the monitoring locations. The 15-minute time traces from the surveys are collated in Appendix C MONITORING LOCATIONS Monitoring locations are described in Table below where operator attended noise monitoring was conducted and are shown on the Map of the Area, Appendix B. Table Monitoring Locations Location Resident/ Owner Address AAS1 2 Lyall Off Johnson Creek Road N2 S. Doherty 863 Johnson Creek Road AS3 2 Jensen Duralie Road REF 1 Mine Site W4 Johnson Creek Road Note: 1 Reference Site mine owned dwelling used as additional noise monitoring location. 2 Alternative noise monitoring site MONITORING WEATHER The Mine Weather Station compound is located centrally on the Mine lease. Meteorological data from this location is collected by the Mine Management and provided to VIPAC for analysis. Data is presented in fifteen-minute intervals in Appendix A of this Report including meteorological parameters such as wind direction, wind speed, temperature, sigma-theta and rainfall.

9 Co mpliance Noise Survey & Assessment Page 9 of CRITERIA The DECC s Environmental Pollution Licence (EPL 11701) L6.1 Noise Limits states the following: L6.1 Operational Noise from the premises must not exceed: Noise Limits`1 Location Period Intrusive Criteria Leq(15 minute) SOUTHERN SITE (N1) Boundary of DCM controlled land adjacent to Johnson Creek Road 2 Day, Evening & Night 35 S DOHERTY (N2) Day, Evening & Night 35 AJ & DM HARRISON (N3) 3 Day, Evening & Night 35 Note: 1. The noise emissions identified in L6.1 apply for prevailing meteorological conditions (winds up to 3ms -1 ), except under conditions of temperature inversions. 2. An alternative noise monitoring site AAS1 Lyall, which is the closest non-mine owned dwelling in the vicinity of N1 relative to mine operations (refer to site map in Appendix B). 3. An alternative to noise monitoring site AS3 (T. Jensen), which is the closest non-mine owned dwelling in the vicinity of N3 relative to mine operations (refer to site map in Appendix B). Furthermore, DCM obtained approval from Department of Planning for the Duralie Coal Mine Extension Section 96(2) Modification Notice of Modification dated 30 th July 2006 (DA No. 169/99). The relevant noise criterion is given in Schedule 3 Condition 2 and is reproduced below. SCHEDULE 3 NOISE Noise Impact Assessment Criteria 2. The Applicant shall ensure that the noise generated by the development does not exceed the noise impact assessment criteria in Table 2. Day L Aeq (15 minute) (Extract) Table 2: Noise Impact Assessment Criteria Evening L Aeq (15 minute) Night L Aeq (15 minute) Land Number Woodley Trigg N Relton (old) S Relton (new) Guidice 124 Zulomovski 135 Hare-Scott All other privately owned land excluding the land listed in Table 1 Notes: a) Noise from the development is to be measured at the most affected point or within the residential boundary, or at the most affected point within 30 metres of a dwelling (rural situations) where the dwelling is more than 30 metres from the boundary, to determine compliance with the L Aeq(15 minute) noise limits in the above table. Where it can be demonstrated that direct measurement of noise from the development is impractical, the Department and the DECC may accept alternative means of determining compliance (see Chapter 11 of the NSW Industrial Noise Policy). The modification factors in Section 4 of the NSW Industrial Noise Policy shall also be applied to the measured noise levels where applicable. b) Noise from the development is to be measured at 1 metre from the dwelling façade to determine compliance with the L A1(1 minute) noise limits in the above table. Where it can be demonstrated that direct measurement of noise from the development is impractical, the Department and the DECC may accept alternative means of determining compliance (see Chapter 11 of the NSW Industrial Noise Policy). c) The emission limits identified in the above table apply under meteorological conditions of: Wind speeds of up to 3 m/s at 10 metres above ground level: or Temperature inversion conditions of up to 3 o C/100m, and wind speeds of up to 2 m/s at 10 metres above ground level.

10 Co mpliance Noise Survey & Assessment Page 10 of TEMPERATURE INVERSION CONDITIONS Meteorological data provided by Duralie Coal Mine and calculated Pasquil Stability Categories allows for the prediction of wind and temperature profiles to within a moderately narrow range without recourse to actual measurement. The sigma-theta method developed by the US EPA is employed to determine the occurrence of different stability classes and refers to observations of sigma theta, wind speed and time of day. The Pasquil stability method categories may be determined by using a relationship between stability categories and standard deviation of the horizontal wind direction fluctuations and wind speed as shown in Table Table 4.1.1: Pasquil-Gifford stability categories based on sigma-theta Daytime Pasquil Stability Category Standard deviation of the horizontal wind direction fluctuations ( A in degrees) A A 22.5 B 17.5 A < 22.5 C 12.5 A < 17.5 Wind 10m (ms -1 ) < < < Night-time Pasquil Stability Category D 7.5 A < 12.5 Any D E 3.8 A < to 5 E F 2.1 A < to 3 F G A 2.1 < 2 G Note: Daytime stability category is calculated using A only; Nighttime stability category is determined using A and wind speed at 10m. Once the stability category is known the range of possible temperature gradients may be inferred as shown in Table along with estimates of the stability frequency. Stability Class Table 4.1.2: Frequency of Occurrence of Stability Classes Percentage Frequency 1 Percentage Frequency 2 Range of vertical temperature gradient DT/DZ ( O C/100 m) F E D F E D E D Qualitative Description A 31% 0% DT/DZ < -1.9 Lapse B 13% 0% -1.9 DT/DZ < -1.7 Lapse C 29% 0% -1.7 DT/DZ < -1.5 Lapse D 13% 38% -1.5 DT/DZ < -0.5 Neutral E 7% 10% -0.5 DT/DZ < 1.5 Weak Inversion F 0% 31% 1.5 DT/DZ < 4.0 Moderate Inversion G 7% 21% 4.0 DT/DZ Strong Inversion Note: 1 Based on daytime data for the measurement period 27 th 28 th October Based on evening/night time data for the measurement period 27 h 28 th October Based on the information above, moderate to strong inversions occurred approximately 52% of the evening/nighttime and 7% during the daytime survey period. Therefore since significant inversions are predicted to have occurred during the evening/nighttime period, the noise enhancing effects of temperature inversion will be considered where audible mine noise was recorded during evening and night attended monitoring.

11 5. RESULTS Co mpliance Noise Survey & Assessment Page 11 of 30 DCM supplies information on mining plant and equipment operations with specific site locations. The results of the day, evening, and nighttime operator attended surveys under prevailing weather conditions are presented in Table 5.1.3, and respectively, together with a description of audible sounds and their contribution. 5.1.DAY SURVEY RESULTS TUESDAY 28 TH OCTOBER Equipment Operating DCM operations during the day survey period consisted of the following: - Coal/Waste Waste Fleet Support - Liebherr Excavator (Ex 5002) 6 & 3 hrs RL 57m - Cat 789 Dump Trucks (x3) Coal to ROM Stockpile/ RL 17m - Liebherr Excavator (Ex 5029) 8 hrs RL 40m - Cat 789 Dump Trucks (x4) Waste to RL 17m. - EX2020 Excavator Coal on ROM 3hrs - D10 Dozers (x3) 7.6, 7.5 and 7.5 hrs - Water Cart 7 hrs - 16H Grader 8 hrs - Drill (x2) 7.5 & 7 hrs Processing - Train loading within the estimated periods of 10:00 to 10:45hrs and 13:25 to 15:06hrs Prevailing Weather Conditions The following atmospheric weather conditions were noted during this daytime survey: Location Measurement (hrs) Table 5.1.2: Daytime Weather Conditions Temp. O C Weather Parameter Cloud Cover Wind Speed 1 (ms -1 ) Wind Direction (deg.) Rainfall (mm) AAS1 14: N2 15: AS3 15: Wind speed was checked at each location during attended noise monitoring. Noise measurements were only conducted where wind speed was measured to be below 3.0m/s at the monitoring location.

12 Co mpliance Noise Survey & Assessment Page 12 of 30 Table 5.1.3: Day Noise Survey Results, 28 th October 2008 Location Measurement Description Primary Noise Descriptor Description of Noise Source and Typical Maximum Levels Lmax AAS1 Lyall 14:53hrs N2 S. Doherty 15:15hrs AS3 Jensen 15:43hrs Leq L 1 L 10 L 90 Road Traffic (55-70), Wind in foliage (40-52) Ambient Insects/frogs (38-49), Birds (46-47), Aeroplane (40-44), Train (35-43) Mine Measured Contribution: Nil Mining operations not audible Ambient Car passby (50-73), Birds (45-49), Train (45-48), Wind in foliage (46-46), Haul Trucks / Excavator / dozer (<35). Mine Measured Contribution: <35L eq Mining operations faintly audible Ambient Birds (42-67), Wind in foliage (41-45), Aeroplane (40-43), Road traffic (35-40). Mine Measured Contribution: Nil Mining operations not audible 5.1.4: Noise Impact Assessment - Daytime Based on the operator attended day survey on 28 th October 2008, the Mine L Aeq (15 minute) noise emissions were not audible at AAS1 Lyall & AS3 Jensen and <35 at N2 S. Doherty, in the prevailing weather conditions, being moderate winds from the south during the survey. 5.2.EVENING SURVEY RESULTS 27 TH OCTOBER Equipment Operating DCM operations during the evening survey period consisted of the following: - Coal/Waste Waste Fleet Support Processing - Liebherr Excavator (Ex 5002) 7.5 & 1.5 hrs RL 57m - Cat 789 Dump Trucks (x2), Coal to ROM stockpile/rl 17m - Liebherr Excavator (Ex 5029) 7.6 hrs RL 40m - Cat 789 Dump Trucks (x3) Waste to RL 68m. - D10 Dozers (x3) 9, 7.3, 6.2 hrs - Water Cart 4 hrs - 16H Grader 3.5 hrs - Drill (x2) 7.6, 6.5 hrs -Lighting plant - Train loading 21:00 to 21:45 hrs Prevailing Weather Conditions The following atmospheric conditions were noted during this evening survey:

13 Location Report No. 29N TRP Co mpliance Noise Survey & Assessment Page 13 of 30 Measurement (hrs) Table 5.1.2: Evening Weather Conditions Temp. O C Weather Parameter Cloud Cover Wind Speed (ms -1 ) Wind Direction (deg.) Rainfall (mm) AAS1 18:33hrs / REF 18:49hrs / N2 18:58hrs / AS3 19:25hrs / Table 5.2.3: Evening Noise Survey Results, 27 th October 2008 Location Measurement Description Primary Noise Descriptor Description of Noise Source and Typical Maximum Levels Lmax AAS1 Lyall 18:33hrs REF 18:49hrs N2 S. Doherty 18:58hrs AS3 Jensen 19:25hrs Leq L 1 L 10 L 90 Birds (36-66), Insects/frogs (37-53), Cattle (35-52), Dogs (40-45), Ambient Aeroplane (36-44), Domestic Activities (40-42), Mining activities (25-<35). Mine Measured Contribution:<35L eq Mining operations audible Ambient Aeroplane (40-44), Haul Trucks (35-41), Mine Activities (39-40), Insects/frogs (36-37), Road Traffic (32-35). Mine Measured Contribution: 37L eq Mining operations clearly audible Ambient Road traffic (30-73), Birds (27-69), Cattle (30-33), Insects/frogs (28-33) Mine Measured Contribution: Nil Mining operations not audible Ambient Birds (40-54), Road traffic (45-52), Insects/frogs (36-50), Cattle (43-46), Aeroplane (40-42). Mine Measured Contribution: Nil Mining operations not audible Noise Impact Assessment - Evening Based on the operator attended evening survey on 27 th October 2008, the Mine L Aeq (15 minute) noise emissions were Nil at AS3 Jensen & N2 S. Doherty and <35dB AAS1 Lyall in the prevailing weather conditions, being light north-north-westerly winds throughout the period. Sigma-theta data indicated a weak/moderate to occasionally strong temperature inversion (E to G class), therefore significant enhancement due to temperature gradient was observed although at all locations mine noise was recorded to be below the relevant criteria.

14 Co mpliance Noise Survey & Assessment Page 14 of NIGHT SURVEY RESULTS 28 TH OCTOBER Equipment Operating DCM operations during the night survey period consisted of the following: - Coal/waste Waste Fleet Support - Liebherr Excavator (Ex 5002) 7.5 & 1.5 hrs RL57 - Cat 789 Dump Truck (x2), Coal to ROM stockpile/rl 17m. - Liebherr Excavator (Ex 5029) 7.6 hrs RL 40m - Cat 789 Dump Truck (x3) Waste to RL 17m. - D10 Dozers (3) 9, 7.3 & 6.2 hrs - Water Cart 3 hrs - 16H Grader 3.5 hrs - Drill (2) 7.6 & 6.5 hrs -Lighting plant Prevailing Weather Conditions The following atmospheric conditions were noted during this evening survey: Location Measurement (hrs) Table 5.1.2: Night Weather Conditions Temp. O C Weather Parameter Cloud Cover Wind Speed (ms -1 ) Wind Direction (deg.) Rainfall (mm) AS3 01:14hrs / AS3 01:31hrs / AAS1 02:31hrs / AAS1 02:47hrs / REF 03:09hrs / N2 03:35hrs / N2 03:43hrs /

15 Co mpliance Noise Survey & Assessment Page 15 of 30 Table 5.3.3: Night time Noise Survey Results, 28 th October 2008 Location Measurement Description Primary Noise Descriptor Description of Noise Source and Typical Maximum Levels Lmax AS3 Jensen 01:14hrs Leq L 1 L 10 L 90 Ambient Insects/frogs (45-59), Dogs (35-40), Road traffic (<40). AS3 Jensen 01:31hrs AAS1 Lyall 02:31hrs AAS1 Lyall 02:47hrs REF 03:09hrs Mine Measured Contribution: Nil Mining operations not audible Ambient Insects/frogs (50-57), Birds (40-42), Aeroplane (<40). Mine Measured Contribution: Nil Mining operations not audible Insects/frogs (55-62), Train main line (45-49), Cattle (35-40), Ambient Aeroplane (30-40), Haul truck (25-39), Dozer (33-37), Mine Measured Contribution: <35L eq Mining operations not audible Train main line (45-49), Insects/frogs (37-48), Dozer Tracks (37-46), Ambient Cattle (42-44), Haul Truck (35-42), Aeroplane (37). Mine Measured Contribution: 37L eq Mining operations audible Ambient Train (47-49), Insects/frogs (40-42), Dozer & Haul trucks (<40). N2 S. Doherty 03:35hrs N2 S. Doherty 03:43hrs Mine Measured Contribution: 39L eq Mining operations clearly audible Train main line (48-56), Insects/frogs (41-50), Cattle (42-47), Ambient Aeroplane (40-45), Haul trucks & Dozer (<35). Mine Measured Contribution: <35L eq Mining operations audible Ambient Train main line (48-56), Birds (55), Insects/frogs (42-43), Haul Trucks (31-40). Mine Measured Contribution:<35L eq Mining operations audible Noise Impact Assessment - Night Based on the operator attended night-time survey on 28 th October 2008, the Mine L Aeq (15 minute) noise emissions were inaudible at AS3 Jensen; <35 & 37 at AAS1 Lyall; and <35 at N2 Doherty. Weather conditions consisted of light northerly and northwesterly breezes blowing from the mine towards AAS1 and away from N3. Sigma-theta data indicated a moderate strong temperature inversion (F to G Class) at times during the night survey period, therefore significant enhancement due to temperature gradient was observed. Consequently, the recorded 37dB mine contribution at AAS1 Lyall can be attributed to the moderate to strong temperature inversion (greater than 3 o C/100m) at the time. As stated in the conditions of consent Schedule 3 note c), the 35 criteria applies for Temperature inversion conditions of up to 3 o C/100m, and wind speeds of up to 2 m/s at 10 metres above ground level therefore the criteria does not apply in this case.

16 Co mpliance Noise Survey & Assessment Page 16 of COMPLIANCE ASSESSMENT DCM operation L eq (15 minute) noise emissions during the attended noise-monitoring period, under the prevailing weather conditions were as follows: Table Received Noise Noise Monitoring Locations - under prevailing weather conditions Daytime Sound Pressure Level L eq Noise Criteria L eq Monitoring Locations AAS1 Lyall Nil 35 0 N2 S Doherty < AS3 Jensen Nil 35 0 Excursion As shown in Table 5.4.1, the required daytime noise level (criteria) was not exceeded on any occasion during the day survey. Table Received Noise Noise Monitoring Locations under prevailing weather conditions Evening time Sound Pressure Level L eq Noise Criteria L eq Monitoring Locations AAS1 Lyall < N2 S Doherty Nil 35 0 AS3 Jensen Nil 35 0 Excursion As shown in Table 5.4.2, the required evening-time noise level (criteria) was not exceeded on any occasion during the evening survey. Table Received Noise Noise Monitoring Locations under prevailing weather conditions Night time Sound Pressure Level L eq Noise Criteria L eq Monitoring Locations AAS1 Lyall <35, , 2* N2 S Doherty <35, < , 0 AS3 Jensen Nil, Nil 35 0, 0 Excursion As shown in Table 5.4.3, the required evening-time noise level (criteria) was exceeded at one occasion at AAS1 during the night survey, however a significant temperature inversion was present at the time. 6. DISCUSSION & CONCLUSION An Environmental Compliance Noise Monitoring Survey has been carried out in the rural environment surrounding the Duralie Coal Mine Site, Duralie Road, NSW. The survey was requested by to ascertain the degree of compliance of noise emissions generated from the operation of Duralie Coal Mine with licence and consent conditions.

17 Co mpliance Noise Survey & Assessment Page 17 of 30 Day received mine L Aeq (15 minute) noise emissions were not audible at AAS1 Lyall & AS3 Jensen and <35 at N2 S. Doherty, in the prevailing weather conditions, being moderate winds from the south during the survey. Evening received mine L Aeq (15 minute) noise emissions were Nil at AS3 Jensen & N2 S. Doherty and <35dB AAS1 Lyall in the prevailing weather conditions, being light north-north-westerly winds throughout the period. Night-time received mine L Aeq (15 minute) noise emissions were inaudible at AS3 Jensen; <35 & 37 at AAS1 Lyall; and <35 at N2 Doherty. Weather conditions consisted of light northerly and north-westerly breezes blowing from the mine towards AAS1 and away from N3. Sigma-theta data indicated a moderately strong temperature inversion (F to G Class) at times during the night survey period, therefore significant enhancement due to temperature gradient was observed. Consequently, the recorded 37dB mine contribution at AAS1 Lyall can be attributed to the moderate to strong temperature inversion (greater than 3 o C/100m) at the time. As stated in the conditions of consent Schedule 3 note c), the 35 criteria applies for Temperature inversion conditions of up to 3 o C/100m, and wind speeds of up to 2 m/s at 10 metres above ground level therefore the criteria does not apply in this case. Mine operating noise emissions were at or below the 35 noise criteria at all monitoring locations during the October 2008 Environmental Noise Level Survey except the one instance at AAS1 Lyall where noise from the mine was enhanced due to the effects of temperature inversion. The nominated monitoring locations represent the closest residences to the mine so that further located properties will receive mine noise levels somewhat lower than those measured, due to distance attenuation under stable atmospheric conditions. Under the prevailing weather conditions and based on the attended monitoring results it is concluded that mine noise emissions did not breach the 35 criteria at any nearby residence during the 27 th 28 th October 2008 survey.

18 Co mpliance Noise Survey & Assessment Page 18 of 30 Date (Hrs) APPENDIX A: WEATHER CONDITIONS Air Temperature ( o C) Wind Direction ( o Angle) Sigma ( o Angle) Wind Speed (m/s) Rain (mm) 27/10/ : /10/ : /10/ : /10/ : /10/ : /10/ : /10/ : /10/ : /10/ : /10/ : /10/ : /10/ : /10/ : /10/ : /10/ : /10/ : /10/ : /10/ : /10/ : /10/ : /10/ : /10/ : /10/ : /10/ : /10/ : /10/ : /10/ : /10/ : /10/ : /10/ : /10/ : /10/ : /10/ : /10/ : /10/ : /10/ : /10/ : /10/ : /10/ : /10/ : /10/ : /10/ : /10/ : /10/ : /10/ : /10/ : /10/ : /10/ :

19 Co mpliance Noise Survey & Assessment Page 19 of 30 Date (Hrs) Weather conditions (cont..) Air Temperature ( o C) Wind Direction ( o Angle) Sigma ( o Angle) Wind Speed (m/s) Rain (mm) 28/10/2008 0: /10/2008 0: /10/2008 0: /10/2008 0: /10/2008 1: /10/2008 1: /10/2008 1: /10/2008 1: /10/2008 2: /10/2008 2: /10/2008 2: /10/2008 2: /10/2008 3: /10/2008 3: /10/2008 3: /10/2008 3: /10/2008 4: /10/2008 4: /10/2008 4: /10/2008 4: /10/2008 5: /10/2008 5: /10/2008 5: /10/2008 5: /10/2008 6: /10/2008 6: /10/2008 6: /10/2008 6: /10/2008 7: /10/2008 7: /10/2008 7: /10/2008 7: /10/2008 8: /10/2008 8: /10/2008 8: /10/2008 8: /10/2008 9: /10/2008 9: /10/2008 9: /10/2008 9: /10/ : /10/ : /10/ : /10/ : /10/ : /10/ : /10/ : /10/ :

20 Co mpliance Noise Survey & Assessment Page 20 of 30 Date (Hrs) Weather conditions (cont..) Air Temperature ( o C) Wind Direction ( o Angle) Sigma ( o Angle) Wind Speed (m/s) Rain (mm) 28/10/ : /10/ : /10/ : /10/ : /10/ : /10/ : /10/ : /10/ : /10/ : /10/ : /10/ : /10/ : /10/ : /10/ : /10/ : /10/ : /10/ : /10/ : /10/ : /10/ : /10/ : /10/ : /10/ : /10/ :

21 Co mpliance Noise Survey & Assessment Page 21 of 30 Noise Survey Wind Speed 12 Noon 27/10/08 to 12 Noon 28/10/ m/s :00 13:00 14:00 15:00 16:00 17:00 18:00 19:00 20:00 21:00 22:00 23:00 0:00 1:00 2:00 3:00 4:00 5:00 6:00 7:00 8:00 9:00 10:00 11:00 0:00 Wind Rose - 12 Noon 27/10/2008 to 12 Noon 28/10/08 Dominant Wind Direction WNW W NNW NW 30 N NNE 20 NE 10 ENE 0 E WSW SW SSW S SE SSE ESE Number in Class

22 Co mpliance Noise Survey & Assessment Page 22 of 30 APPENDIX B: LOCALITY MAP & SURVEY LOCATIONS

23 Co mpliance Noise Survey & Assessment Page 23 of 30 APPENDIX C: TIME TRACES Daytime Survey 85 AAS1 Lyall 15-Minute Trace 28/10/08 14: Nil 1 Second Leq Leq L 90 Mine Contribution :00 01:00 02:00 03:00 04:00 05:00 06:00 07:00 08:00 09:00 10:00 11:00 12:00 13:00 14:00 15:00 85 N2 S. Doherty 15-Minute Trace 28/10/08 15: < Second Leq Leq L 90 Mine Contribution :00 01:00 02:00 03:00 04:00 05:00 06:00 07:00 08:00 09:00 10:00 11:00 12:00 13:00 14:00 15:00

24 Co mpliance Noise Survey & Assessment Page 24 of 30 Daytime Survey (Cont...) 85 AS3 Jensen 15-Minute Trace 28/10/08 15: Nil 1 Second Leq Leq L 90 Mine Contribution :00 01:00 02:00 03:00 04:00 05:00 06:00 07:00 08:00 09:00 10:00 11:00 12:00 13:00 14:00 15:00

25 Co mpliance Noise Survey & Assessment Page 25 of 30 Evening Survey 85 AAS1 Lyall 15-Minute Trace 27/10/08 18: < Second Leq Leq L 90 Mine Contribution :00 01:00 02:00 03:00 04:00 05:00 06:00 07:00 08:00 09:00 10:00 11:00 12:00 13:00 14:00 15:00 85 REF 15-Minute Trace 27/10/08 18: Second Leq Leq L 90 Mine Contribution :00 01:00 02:00 03:00 04:00 05:00 06:00 07:00 08:00 09:00 10:00 11:00 12:00 13:00 14:00 15:00

26 Co mpliance Noise Survey & Assessment Page 26 of 30 Evening Survey (Cont ) 85 N2 S. Doherty 15-Minute Trace 27/10/08 18: Nil 1 Second Leq Leq L 90 Mine Contribution :00 01:00 02:00 03:00 04:00 05:00 06:00 07:00 08:00 09:00 10:00 11:00 12:00 13:00 14:00 15:00 85 AS3 Jensen 15-Minute Trace 27/10/08 19: Nil 1 Second Leq Leq L 90 Mine Contribution :00 01:00 02:00 03:00 04:00 05:00 06:00 07:00 08:00 09:00 10:00 11:00 12:00 13:00 14:00 15:00

27 Co mpliance Noise Survey & Assessment Page 27 of 30 Night Survey 85 AS3 Jensen 15-Minute Trace 28/10/08 1: Nil 1 Second Leq Leq L 90 Mine Contribution :00 01:00 02:00 03:00 04:00 05:00 06:00 07:00 08:00 09:00 10:00 11:00 12:00 13:00 14:00 15:00 85 AS3 Jensen 15-Minute Trace 28/10/08 1: Nil 1 Second Leq Leq L 90 Mine Contribution :00 01:00 02:00 03:00 04:00 05:00 06:00 07:00 08:00 09:00 10:00 11:00 12:00 13:00 14:00 15:00

28 Co mpliance Noise Survey & Assessment Page 28 of 30 Night Survey (Cont ) 85 AAS1 Lyall 15-Minute Trace 28/10/08 2: < Second Leq Leq L 90 Mine Contribution :00 01:00 02:00 03:00 04:00 05:00 06:00 07:00 08:00 09:00 10:00 11:00 12:00 13:00 14:00 15:00 85 AAS1 Lyall 15-Minute Trace 28/10/08 2: Second Leq Leq L 90 Mine Contribution :00 01:00 02:00 03:00 04:00 05:00 06:00 07:00 08:00 09:00 10:00 11:00 12:00 13:00 14:00 15:00

29 Co mpliance Noise Survey & Assessment Page 29 of 30 Night Survey (Cont ) 85 REF 15-Minute Trace 28/10/08 3: Second Leq Leq L 90 Mine Contribution :00 01:00 02:00 03:00 04:00 05:00 06:00 07:00 08:00 09:00 10:00 11:00 12:00 13:00 14:00 15:00 85 N2 S. Doherty 15-Minute Trace 28/10/08 3: < Second Leq Leq L 90 Mine Contribution :00 01:00 02:00 03:00 04:00 05:00 06:00 07:00 08:00 09:00 10:00 11:00 12:00 13:00 14:00 15:00

30 Co mpliance Noise Survey & Assessment Page 30 of 30 Night Survey (Cont ) 85 N2 S. Doherty 15-Minute Trace 28/10/08 3: < Second Leq Leq L 90 Mine Contribution :00 01:00 02:00 03:00 04:00 05:00 06:00 07:00 08:00 09:00 10:00 11:00 12:00 13:00 14:00 15:00