Wambo Coal AEMR 2011-2012 - Peabody Energy

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Global Acoustics was engaged by Wambo Coal Pty Ltd to provide a summary of the
quarterly environmental noise surveys conducted around Wambo Coal Mine (WCM), and the
Wambo Coal Rail Spur (WCRS) from 1 July 2011 to 30 June 2012.
Monitoring was delayed several times during Quarter 2, 2012 due to train scheduling and the
arrival of trains coinciding with acceptable meteorological conditions. As a result of trying to
find a suitable time to undertake WCRS monitoring, the Quarter 2 2012 survey was extended
into August 2012.
WCM was granted consent (DA 305-7-2003) in February 2004, which enables the extension of
current open cut and underground mining operations.
The WCRS consists of two Development Applications (DA’s):
The Wambo Rail Loop (DA 177-8-2004); and
The Wambo Rail Line (DA 235/97).
The relevant sections of these consents are reproduced in Appendix A.
Attended environmental noise monitoring described in this report was undertaken on a
quarterly basis at five sites during Quarters 3 and 4 2011 and Quarters 1 and 2 2012 around
the mine. The survey purpose is to quantify and describe the existing acoustic environment
around WCM and WCRS and compare results with relevant development consent conditions
or modelled EIS noise levels.
Noise levels from WCM complied with the development consent criteria or modelled noise
levels at all sites during the 2011/2012 attended monitoring.
Noise levels from WCRS complied with the development consent criteria or modelled noise
levels at all sites during the 2011/2012 attended monitoring. Monitoring was delayed several
times during Quarter 2, 2012 due to train scheduling and the arrival of trains coinciding with
acceptable meteorological conditions. As a result of trying to find a suitable time to
undertake WCRS monitoring, the Quarter 2 2012 survey was extended into July 2012.
It is noted that wind speeds and/or temperature inversion conditions were at levels greater
than which development consent conditions would apply for WCM and WCRS activities in
some instances. In all instances, the predicted EIS noise levels were met regardless.
Rail pass-by monitoring was not undertaken during this reporting period.
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