Wambo Coal AEMR 2011-2012 - Peabody Energy

Wambo Coal Pty Limited AEMR 2011-2012
Summary of Environmental Incidents
1 July 2011 - 30 June 2012
NO
DATE
RECEIVED
AREA
RESPONSIBLE
CAT.
1 20/9/2011 Projects - Daracon 1
ISSUE
Excessive dust generation from Project works
NWCD
ACTION TAKEN
Vegetation had been cleared over the previous week,
exposing bulldust on high wind day.
Very windy day – wind speed between 8am and 4pm
on 20/9/2011 was 9.5m/s @ 280 degrees (WNW).
More formalised assessment of dust potential, and
modification of operations in response to climatic
conditions (as put into practice on the high wind day).
Introduction of a second water cart. Currently a
smaller subcontractor’s cart is being used, while a
second (or, if required, third) large water cart is being
sourced and prepared for use.
Establishment of a second water refill standpipe, to
provide greater flexibility in water cart refilling, and
ensure greater watering coverage.
Modification of refill standpipes to prevent the
recurrence of the refilling difficulties caused by the
strong wind gusts on the day of the incident.
Identification of topsoil material with high dust
potential (i.e. bulldust), and the prioritised
management (stripping, stockpiling and stockpile
revegetation) of that material, as permitted by
prevailing weather conditions. Once the topsoil
material has been stripped, stockpiled and
revegetated, it is expected that the underlying clay
material will represent a much lesser dust risk.
• Implementation of processes for the regular
inspection of the project site, closer assessment of
dust monitoring results, and provision of timely
feedback to the project contractors.
2 6/10/2011 Projects - Daracon 1 Creek line Disturbance
Authorisation (DA approval) had been obtained to
clear ground for construction of NWC Diversion.
Vegetation clearance and ground disturbance had
occurred prematurely for entire area of flood bund
section of creek, causing unnecessary disturbance,
and increasing erosion/ sedimentation risk.
Section of impacted creek line to be revegetated. Turf
Appendix 3: Summary of Environmental Incidents