Wambo Coal AEMR 2011-2012 - Peabody Energy

2011-2012 AEMR
3.10.2.2 Wambo Rail Development Vibration
Monitoring
Construction of the Wambo Coal Terminal (WCT)
commenced in May 2005 and has been operational
since June 2006. Quarterly vibration monitoring was
undertaken between 2005 and 2008 for the WRD in
accordance with DA 177-8-2004, Schedule 4,
Condition 12, and the approved Wambo Rail
Development Vibration Monitoring Program.
Monitoring results from 2005 to 2008 concluded that
WRD has not increased vibration levels in the
Warkworth area. In the previous reporting period
(2008/2009), WCPL engaged a vibration consultant
to complete a summary of all of the vibration
monitoring results since the construction of the
WCT. The summary report was sent to the DoP to
seek approval to discontinue monitoring and
approval was granted in December 2008.
3.11 Operational Noise
3.11.1 Environmental Management
Noise monitoring is undertaken in accordance with
WCPL’s approved Noise Monitoring Program
(NMP).
A number of proactive management measures
designed to minimise noise generation from
operations at WCPL and the WRD have been
implemented over the reporting period including:
Regular maintenance of plant and equipment
and pre-start up inspections;
The applicant shall ensure noise emissions from the
operation of the JPRL when measured at any
residence along the railway line corridor shall not
exceed the following EPA criteria
a) Planning level of L Aeq24hr 55dB(A); and
b) Maximum pass-by level of L Amax 85dB(A).
Real Time Noise Monitoring
Four real-time monitoring locations have been
established at representative locations to the south
and north-west of WCPL.
The noise environment surrounding WCPL is
monitored using four fixed remote continuous noise
monitors. The monitors are installed on properties
identified in the WCPL’s NMP, including Kelly (N03),
Muller (N16), Thelander (N20) and the WCPL
owned WA (N21).
Attended Noise monitoring
Attended environmental noise monitoring 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 WCPL and WRD and compare
results with relevant development consent
conditions or modelled EIS noise levels. Noise
levels from WCPL complied with the development
consent criteria or modelled noise levels at all sites
during the 2011/2012 attended monitoring (see
Figure 3.1).
Positioning of portable generators and
machinery to take advantage of natural and
man made barriers to mitigate sound travel;
Equipment is turned off or throttled down when
not in use;
Construction of noise and visual bunds
surrounding the operational activities; and
Minimal disturbance of vegetation between the
site and nearby residences to provide a screen
to mitigate sound dispersal.
The noise monitoring criteria for the mine and WRD
are presented in Table 3.3. The noise criteria only
apply to noise generated from WCPL’s mining
operations, rail loop and rail loading operations.
In addition to these noise criteria the Wambo rail
line also has rail pass-by criteria as set out in
consent DA 235/97 from SSC. These criteria are
listed in consent Condition 8 DA 235/97 and are as
follows:
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