Wambo Coal AEMR 2011-2012 - Peabody Energy

Our Ref: PR109410:RS/TL
16 December 2011
WAMBO COAL PTY LTD
PMB 1
SINGLETON NSW 2330
ATTENTION: TROY FAVELL
Dear Troy,
RE:
ACACIA PENDULA POPULATION POST-UNDERMINING HEALTH
INSPECTION, WAMBO MINE
On 5 December 2011 an RPS ecologist undertook an inspection of the Acacia pendula
(Weeping Myall) population adjacent to the eastern corner of RWEP C area at Wambo
Coal Mine. These investigations were conducted as a due diligence precaution to
compare the condition of the population with regards to the health, recruitment, extent
and habitat attributes subsequent to undermining by LW-4. The following letter contains
the methodologies and results of the December 2011 field investigation.
It should be noted that an initial inspection pre-undermining was undertaken in June
2011 to determine Acacia pendula health prior to mining occurring.
This assessment aims to provide information on the health of the Acacia pendula
(Weeping Myall) population after undermining by LW-4. Acacia pendula is listed within
Part 2 of Schedule 1 of the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 (TSC Act 1995)
as an Endangered Population in the Hunter Catchment.
Methodology
An inspection of the Acacia pendula population and habitat on the site was undertaken
as follows:
An Ecologist from RPS (Mr Robert Sansom, BSc (Hons)) was accompanied to
the A. pendula population by Mr David Rankin from Peabody Wambo Mine.
The A. pendula population was inspected and notes taken with regard to age
cohorts, recruitment levels, health, infestations, senescence, as well as soil and
drainage attributes.
Searches were undertaken within the A. pendula habitat areas for any changes
that may be attributable to subsidence.