Wambo Coal AEMR 2011-2012 - Peabody Energy

2011-2012 AEMR
3.15 Bushfire Management
3.15.1 Environmental Management
The Bushfire Management Plan (BFMP) was
originally approved by the NSW Rural Fire Service
(NSWRFS) and SSC in 2005. This plan
incorporates both an identification of likely bushfire
hazards on the site, and an assessment of the risks
those hazards represent. Based on the hazard level
and the associated risk level, fire management
strategies for the site have been formulated.
In February 2008, the BMP was reviewed in
consultation with the NSWRFS and subsequently
approved on 1 July 2008. The revised BMP was
sent to the SSC in accordance with Consent
Condition 93, Schedule 4 of DA305-7-2003.
In December 2010, the NSWRFS completed an
assessment of various grassland and bushland
areas within WCPL’s landholdings regarding
bushfire hazards. WCPL are currently reviewing the
BMP.
3.15.2 Environmental Performance
The bushfire trails around the WCPL boundary were
periodically inspected during the reporting period.
Sections of WCPL internal bush tracks that form
part of the Fire Trail running along the western
boundary of the Wollemi National Park were
maintained for vehicular access. Existing signage
on several main access gates were replaced during
the previous reporting period, detailing land
ownership and emergency contact numbers in case
of fire outbreak. Vegetation under and around power
line easements were maintained in accordance with
BMP during the reporting period.
There were no bushfires or incidents of fire within
WCPL owned land during the reporting period.
3.16 Mine Subsidence
WCPL’s Underground operates under an approved
Subsidence Management Plan (SMP). This SMP
covers underground mining activities for the next
seven years for Longwall Panels 1 through to 6 (LW
1-6), and includes an assessment of environmental
impacts associated with subsidence.
The first of eight longwall blocks (LW1) was
completed in February 2009 and production
commenced in the second longwall block (LW2) in
March 2009. In December 2010, extraction of
Longwall Panel 3 (LW3) was completed, with
production of Longwall Panel 4 (LW4) commencing
in January 2011. During November 2011 LW4 was
completed. Extraction of Longwall Panel 5 (LW5)
commenced during December 2011. At the end of
the reporting period LW5 had retreated
approximately 2,858m. The completion of LW5 is
expected during August 2012. The NWU continues
to operate seven days a week.
The results of subsidence monitoring are reported to
the DII as per the requirements in the SMP.
Subsidence monitoring in the South Wambo and
Stony Creek areas is further discussed in Section
5.1.2 of this report. Since 2006, Baseline Riparian
Vegetation and Bed Bank Stability Monitoring
Programs were initiated in North Wambo, South
Wambo and Stony Creeks. The Riparian Vegetation
and Bed Bank Stability Monitoring Program
continued in during the 2011-2012 reporting period.
The monitoring programs are designed to obtain a
greater understanding of any subsidence related
impacts on the riparian environment (see Section
5.1.2).
3.16.1.1 Subsidence Response Strategy
In accordance with the North Wambo Creek
Subsidence Response Strategy, monitoring of
pumping volumes from the NWU during the
reporting period was undertaken. A graph of
pumping volumes and rainfall during the reporting
period is provided in Appendix 2D.
3.17 Hydrocarbon
Contamination
Any soil that becomes contaminated by
hydrocarbons is managed on site. All the necessary
information regarding soil contamination incidents,
are captured in relevant Wambo Environmental
Incident Reports.
As discussed in Section 3.6.1, WCPL and Downer
EDI have provided a new location for the
bioremediation site within the Open Cut during the
last reporting period. The new facility is open to
accept and treat hydrocarbon contaminated soil
material during the next reporting period. In
accordance with the operating procedure for the
bioremediation facility, contaminated soil from
WCPL operation is placed within segregated bays,
where the material is treated and sampled over time
until laboratory results determine the material
suitable for removal and replacement back into
open cut voids.
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