Wambo Coal AEMR 2009-2010 - Peabody Energy

Wambo Coal Pty Limited 

Annual Environmental Management Report 

2009 - 2010

2009-2010 AEMR 

Table of Contents 

1.0 INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................1 

1.1 Scope .............................................................................................................................1 

1.2 Background ....................................................................................................................1 

1.3 Consents, Leases and Licences ....................................................................................1 

1.3.1 Development Consents ...................................................................................1 

1.3.2 Mining Leases and Authorisations...................................................................2 

1.3.3 Environmental Protection Licence ...................................................................7 

1.3.4 NPW Act Approvals .........................................................................................7 

1.3.5 Water Licences................................................................................................7 

1.3.6 Mining Operations Plan ...................................................................................7 

1.3.7 Subsidence Management Plan......................................................................11 

1.3.8 Emplacement Area Approvals .......................................................................11 

1.4 Mine Contacts ..............................................................................................................11 

1.5 Review of 2009-2010 Objectives and Targets .............................................................13 

1.6 Actions from 2008-2009 AEMR Review .......................................................................13 

2.0 OPERATIONS DURING THE REPORTING PERIOD .................................................15 

2.1 Exploration ...................................................................................................................15 

2.2 Land Preparation..........................................................................................................15 

2.3 Construction .................................................................................................................15 

2.4 Mining...........................................................................................................................16 

2.4.1 Production and Waste Summary...................................................................16 

2.4.2 Estimated Mine Life .......................................................................................16 

2.4.3 Underground Operations ...............................................................................19 

2.4.4 Open Cut Operations.....................................................................................19 

2.5 Coal Handling and Preparation ....................................................................................20 

2.5.1 Reject Management.......................................................................................23 

2.5.1.1 Chemical and Physical Characteristics of Reject....................................... 23 

2.5.1.2 Handling and Disposal Procedures ........................................................... 23 

2.5.1.3 Tailing Management Strategy ................................................................... 23 

2.6 Waste Management .....................................................................................................23 

2.6.1 Sewage Treatment and Disposal...................................................................23 

2.6.2 Rubbish Disposal...........................................................................................24 

2.6.3 Oily Waste Disposal.......................................................................................24 

2.7 ROM and Product Coal Stockpiles...............................................................................24 

2.8 Water Management......................................................................................................24 

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2.8.1 Water Supply and Use...................................................................................30 

2.8.2 Surface Water Management..........................................................................30 

2.8.2.1 Water Balance & Modeling........................................................................ 30 

2.8.2.2 NWC Discharge Report............................................................................. 30 

2.8.3 Water Discharge............................................................................................30 

2.9 Hazardous Material Management ................................................................................32 

2.9.1 Hydrocarbon Containment.............................................................................32 

2.9.2 Explosive Management .................................................................................32 

2.9.3 Material Safety Data Sheets..........................................................................32 

3.0 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AND PERFORMANCE ......................................33 

3.1 Meteorological Monitoring ............................................................................................33 

3.1.1 Environmental Management..........................................................................33 

3.1.2 Environmental Performance ..........................................................................33 

3.1.3 Rainfall and Evaporation................................................................................33 

3.1.4 Temperature ..................................................................................................33 

3.1.5 Wind Speed and Direction.............................................................................33 

3.2 Air Quality.....................................................................................................................38 



3.2.2.1 High Volume Air Sampling ........................................................................ 38 

3.2.2.2 PM 10 .......................................................................................................... 39 

3.2.2.3 Dust Deposition......................................................................................... 42 

3.3 Erosion & Sediment Control .........................................................................................43 



3.4 Surface Water ..............................................................................................................44 



3.4.2.1 Water Quality ............................................................................................ 44 

3.4.2.2 pH Analysis ............................................................................................... 45 

3.4.2.3 Total Suspended Solids ............................................................................ 45 

3.4.2.4 Electrical Conductivity and Total Dissolved Solids .................................... 46 

3.4.2.5 Oil and Grease.......................................................................................... 47 

3.4.2.6 Flow Monitoring......................................................................................... 47 

3.5 Groundwater Management...........................................................................................47 



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3.5.2.1 Depth to Water .......................................................................................... 48 

3.5.2.2 pH ............................................................................................................. 52 

3.5.2.3 Electrical Conductivity ............................................................................... 52 

3.6 Contaminated Land ......................................................................................................52 


3.7 Threatened Flora and Fauna........................................................................................53 



3.7.2.1 Pre-Clearance Surveys ............................................................................. 53 

3.7.2.2 Acacia Species.......................................................................................... 53 

3.7.2.3 Remnant Woodland Enhancement Program ............................................. 54 

3.8 Weeds ..........................................................................................................................57 



3.8.2.1 Remnant Woodland Enhancement Areas ................................................. 57 

3.8.2.2 North Wambo, South Wambo and Stoney Creeks .................................... 57 

3.8.2.3 Open Cut Rehabilitation ............................................................................ 57 

3.9 Feral Animal Control.....................................................................................................57 



3.9.3 Remnant Woodland Enhancement Program.................................................58 

3.10 Blasting and Vibration ..................................................................................................58 



3.10.2.1 Blast Monitoring ...................................................................................... 58 

3.10.2.2 Wambo Rail Development Vibration Monitoring ...................................... 60 

3.11 Operational Noise.........................................................................................................60 



3.12 Visual Stray Light .........................................................................................................63 

3.13 Cultural and Natural Heritage Conservation.................................................................63 

3.13.1 Aboriginal Heritage ........................................................................................63 

3.13.1.1 Environmental Management ................................................................... 63 

3.13.1.2 Environmental Performance.................................................................... 63 

3.13.1.3 Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Conservation Agreement – Remnant 

Woodland Enhancement Area (A)............................................................................ 63 

3.13.2 European Heritage ........................................................................................65 

3.13.2.1 Environmental Management ................................................................... 65 

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3.14 Spontaneous Combustion ............................................................................................65 

3.14.1 Underground..................................................................................................65 

3.14.2 Open Cut .......................................................................................................65 

3.14.3 CHPP.............................................................................................................65 

3.15 Bushfire Management ..................................................................................................65 



3.16 Mine Subsidence..........................................................................................................65 

3.17 Hydrocarbon Contamination.........................................................................................66 

3.18 Methane Drainage/ Ventilation .....................................................................................66 

3.19 Public Safety ................................................................................................................66 

3.19.1 United Colliery Activities ................................................................................66 

3.20 Reportable Environmental Incidents ............................................................................66 


Minor (Category 1) .......................................................................................................66 

Serious (Category 2) ....................................................................................................66 

Major (Category 3) .......................................................................................................67 


4.0 COMMUNITY RELATIONS .........................................................................................68 

4.1 Employment Status ......................................................................................................68 

4.2 Environmental Complaints ...........................................................................................68 

4.3 Community Liaison.......................................................................................................70 

4.3.1 Community Consultation................................................................................70 

4.3.2 Community Contributions ..............................................................................70 

4.3.3 Community Programs....................................................................................70 

5.0 REHABILITATION .......................................................................................................72 

5.1 Rehabilitation of Disturbed Land ..................................................................................73 

5.1.1 Open Cut .......................................................................................................73 

5.1.2 Rehabilitation Performance ...........................................................................74 

5.1.2.1 North East Tailings Dam ........................................................................... 74 

5.1.2.2 Rehabilitation Audit ................................................................................... 75 

5.1.3 Rail Line.........................................................................................................75 

5.1.4 NWC Diversion ..............................................................................................75 

5.2 Rehabilitation Trials and Research ..............................................................................75 

6.0 SUMMARY OF OTHER PROJECTS DURING THE REPORTING PERIOD ..............76 

6.1.1 Ecosystem Function Analysis........................................................................76 

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6.1.1.1 Ecosystem Function Analysis Summary.................................................... 76 

7.0 ACTIVITIES PROPOSED FOR THE NEXT AEMR PERIOD.......................................77 

7.1 Wambo’s Key Activities for 2010-2011.........................................................................77 

7.2 Objectives and Targets for 2010-2011 Reporting Period .............................................77 

List of Tables 

Table 1.1 – WCPL Development Consents ...............................................................................3 

Table 1.2 – WCPL Mining Leases and Authorisations...............................................................5 

Table 1.3 – Water Licence Summary.........................................................................................8 

Table 1.4 – Emplacement Area Approvals...............................................................................11 

Table 1.5 – Contact Details of Relevant Mine Officials ............................................................11 

Table 1.6 – Review of 2009-2010 Objectives and Targets ......................................................13 

Table 1.7 – Actions from 2007-2008 AEMR Review................................................................14 

Table 2.1 – Production and Waste Summary ..........................................................................18 

Table 2.2 – Annual Open Cut ROM Production Levels............................................................20 

Table 2.3 – Stored Water Summary.........................................................................................26 

Table 2.4 – 2009-2010 Water Balance ....................................................................................31 

Table 3.1 – Surface Water Quality Criteria ..............................................................................44 

Table 3.2 – Groundwater Quality Criteria.................................................................................49 

Table 3.3 – Noise Criteria for WCPL from November 2005 .....................................................61 

Table 4.1 – WCPL Employment Status (June 2009) ...............................................................68 

Table 4.2 – WCPL Historical Complaints .................................................................................69 

Page v


List of Figures 

Figure 1.1 – Site Location Plan ..................................................................................................3 

Figure 1.2 – Mining Leases........................................................................................................6 

Figure 1.3 – Water Licences and Permits ..................................................................................9 

Figure 1.4 – Current Emplacement Areas................................................................................10 

Figure 2.1 – Vegetation Clearance Protocol ............................................................................17 

Figure 2.2 – Extent of Mining Operations 30 June 2010..........................................................21 

Figure 2.3 – Coal Handling and Preparation Plant Process.....................................................22 

Figure 2.4 – Water Storage and Catchment Areas ..................................................................28 

Figure 2.5 – Water Reticulation Diagram .................................................................................29 

Figure 3.1 – Environmental Monitoring Locations....................................................................34 

Figure 3.2 – 2009-2010 Rainfall and Evaporation Summary ...................................................35 

Figure 3.3 – 2009-2010 Maximum and Minimum Temperatures .............................................35 

Figure 3.4 – 2009-2010 Annual Wind Rose .............................................................................36 

Figure 3.5 – 2009-2010 Spring Wind Rose..............................................................................37 

Figure 3.6 – 2009-2010 Summer Wind Rose...........................................................................37 

Figure 3.7 – 2009-2010 Winter Wind Rose..............................................................................37 

Figure 3.8 – 2009-2010 Autumn Wind Rose............................................................................37 

Figure 3.9 a – Results for TSP at HV01...................................................................................40 

Figure 3.9 b – Results for TSP at HV02...................................................................................40 

Figure 3.9 c – Results for TSP at HV03 ...................................................................................40 

Figure 3.9 d – Results for TSP at HV04...................................................................................40 

Figure 3.10a – PM 10 Results Recorded at AQ01......................................................................41 

Figure 3.10b – PM 10 Results Recorded at AQ02......................................................................41 

Figure 3.10c – PM 10 Results Recorded at AQ03......................................................................41 

Figure 3.10d – PM 10 Results Recorded at AQ04......................................................................41 

Figure 3.11 – 2009-2010 Depositional Dust Gauges Annual Averages...................................42 

Figure 3.12 – Ground Water Monitoring Location ....................................................................50 

Figure 3.13 a – Ground Water (Wells) Depth to Water ............................................................51 

Figure 3.13 b – Ground Water (Wells) Depth to Water ............................................................51 

Figure 3.14 – Ground Water (100 Series) Depth to Water.......................................................51 

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Figure 3.17 – Ground Water (United Piezometers) Depth to Water ........................................51 

Figure 3.18 – Remnant Woodland Enhancement Program Monitoring ..................................55 

Figure 3.19 – 2009-2010 Weed Control...................................................................................59 

Figure 3.20 – 2009-2010 Blast Monitoring Results ..................................................................58 

Figure 3.21 – Aboriginal and European Heritage Sites............................................................64 

Figure 4.1 – 2009-2010 Breakdown of Community Complaints by Issue ................................69 

Page vii


List of Appendices 

Appendix 1 

Appendix 2 

Appendix 2A 

Appendix 2B 

Appendix 2C 

Appendix 2D 

Appendix 2E 

Appendix 2F 

Appendix 2G 

Appendix 3 

Appendix 4 

Appendix 5 

Rail and Road Haulage Records 

Environmental Monitoring Program Results 

Meteorological Data 

Air Monitoring Results 

Surface Water Monitoring Results 

Ground Water Monitoring Results 

Blast and Vibration Monitoring Results 

Noise Monitoring Results 

Flora & Fauna Monitoring 

Summary of Environmental Incidents 

Register of Community Complaints 

Rehabilitation Plan 

Page viii


EXCUTIVE SUMMARY 

Wambo Coal Pty Limited (WCPL) continued to operate in accordance with its Mining Operations Plans (MOP), 

Development Consents, Environmental Protection Licence (EPL) and all other approvals during the 2009-2010 

reporting period. 

WCPL reported two notifiable environmental incidents during the reporting period. One overpressure exceedance 

from a blast in August 2009 and one uncontrolled flow of mine water from a ruptured pipeline in May 2010. 

All environmental monitoring undertaken during the reporting period was in accordance with DA 305-7-2003, DA 

17-8-2004, Environmental Protection Licence (EPL) No.529 and approved management plans. 

WCPL completed approximately 84.4 hectares (ha) of rehabilitation within the Open Cut. 

The rehabilitation of North East Tailings Dam (NETD) continued during the reporting period following rehabilitation 

method trials and consultation with DII (formally the DPI). 

The WCPL Open Cut moved a total of 19,866,651 bank cubic metres (bcm) of prime overburden to allow the 

extraction of 2.751 million tonnes (Mt) of run of mine (ROM) coal during 2009-2010. 

The WCPL Underground operation extracted a total 4.659 Mt of ROM coal during the 2009-2010 reporting period. 

A total of 4.929 Mt of product coal was produced by Wambo during the 2009-2010 reporting period. 

All coal produced from WCPL was railed via the WCPL rail spur and rail line to the Port of Newcastle for export. 

There was no change in production methods during this reporting period. 

At the current rates of production and assuming no further mining approvals, the WCPL Open Cut and Wambo 

Underground Mine has a remaining life of approximately 7 years. 

WCPL received a total of eighteen community complaints during the reporting period. 

Page ix


1.0 Introduction 

1.1 Scope 

This Annual Environmental Management Report 

(AEMR) details the environmental performance of 

Wambo Coal Pty Limited (WCPL) mining, 

construction and rail activities for the period from 1 

July 2009 to 30 June 2010. WCPL is required to 

prepare and submit an AEMR in accordance with 

the Department of Industry and Investment (DII), 

Guidelines and Format for Preparation of an Annual 

Environmental Management Report Version 3, 

January 2006. WCPL also has AEMR reporting 

requirements under Development Applications (DA) 

305-7-2003 and 177-8-2004, Environment 

Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) 

Act, 1994 approval EPBC/1138, and the approved 

Subsidence Management Plan (SMP) for Longwalls 

(LW) 1-6. 

An aerial photo and locality plan for the mine is 

shown in Figure 1.1. 

1.2 Background 

WCPL is owned by Peabody Energy Australia Pty 

Limited (75%) and Sumitomo Australia Pty Ltd now 

Sumiseki Materials Co, Ltd (25% - Net profit B class 

shares). WCPL is an Open Cut and Underground 

mining operation located approximately 15 

kilometres (km) west of Singleton near the village of 

Warkworth. It is bounded by Wollombi Brook to the 

east, coal mining operations to the north, grazing 

land to the south and north west and the Wollemi 

National Park to the south west. 

WCPL was granted development consent by Patrick 

Plains Shire Council in 1969 with Open Cut and 

Underground mining commencing shortly after. 

Subsequent development consents issued in 1972, 

1974 and 1977 covered a range of early Open Cut 

and Underground operations. Singleton Shire 

Council (SSC) approved extensions to mining 

operations, construction activities and modifications 

to road haulage rates in the period between 1980 

and 1991. 

In July 1991, a DA was lodged with SSC seeking 

approval for the expansion of Open Cut and 

Underground mining activities and the consolidation 

of earlier development consents. Development 

consent was granted in February 1992. 

The Homestead Underground Mine commenced in 

1979 and operated until 1999. In 2003 the mine 

entries were sealed. 

The Wollemi Underground Mine commenced 

production in 1997 and was placed under care and 

maintenance in October 2002 after the available 

longwall reserves were exhausted. 

Open Cut operations were suspended between 

March 1999 and August 2001. Following the 

closure of the Wollemi Underground Mine, Open 

Cut operations were expanded to maintain an 

overall production rate of 3 million tonnes per 

annum (Mtpa) of product coal. Development of the 

North Wambo Underground Mine (the Underground) 

commenced in November 2005, with longwall 

operations commencing in October 2007. 

Coal from the Open Cut and the Underground 

operations is washed at the Coal Handling and 

Preparation Plant (CHPP). Until June 2006 product 

coal was transported by highway rated trucks via 

the Golden Highway to the Mount Thorley Coal 

Loader for rail transport to the Port of Newcastle. 

The construction and commissioning of the WCPL 

Rail Development (WRD) in May 2006, which 

includes the rail line from Mount Thorley and WCPL 

rail spur and coal terminal, allows the direct rail 

transportation of all product coal from WCPL to the 

Port of Newcastle. 

United Colliery, owned by Xstrata Coal NSW, 

ceased longwall underground mining in the 

Arrowfield Seam during the reporting period. 

Underground mining previously occurred beneath 

sections of WCPL’s Open Cut and Underground 

operations. The last of United’s coal was loaded by 

rail on 27 May 2010. United are currently under care 

and maintenance program. 

1.3 Consents, Leases and 

Licences 

1.3.1 Development Consents 

Mining and rail activities at WCPL operate under 

development consents granted by the Department 

of Planning (DoP) and SSC. Rail construction 

activities commenced operating under these 

consents in January 2005 and mining activities 

commenced under DA 305-7-2003 in November 

2004. Table 1.1 outlines the active development 

consents applicable to WCPL. 

During the reporting period WCPL sought to modify 

DA 305-7-2003 in accordance with Section 96(2) of 

Page 1


the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 

1979, for the construction of a mine water storage 

dam. The 96(2) application to modify the consent 

was approved by DoP in August 2009. Further 

construction details of the water storage dam are 

provided in Section 2.3. 

All other development consents, except DA 108/91 

granted by SSC, were surrendered in November 

2005. 

1.3.2 Mining Leases and 

Authorisations 

WCPL’s current mining leases and authorisations 

are listed below in Table 1.2 and shown in Figure 

1.2. 

Page 2


Table 1.1 – WCPL Development Consents 

Approval Name Number Approval 

Authority 

WCPL Mining Operations 

Date 

Granted 

Expiry Date 

Original consolidated consent for mine 

operations 

Modification to include Wollemi Box Cut and 

mine 

Modification to include Brambles Coal 

Transport System 

Expansion of open cut and underground 

mining operations 

Modification to allow DA No. 108/91 to 

remain active 

Re-orientation of the Wambo seam 

underground mine longwall panels 

Upgrade of open cut workshop and 

underground surface facilities 

DA 108/91 SSC 17/02/1992 21 years from issue 

of coal lease 


of coal lease 


of coal lease 

DA 305-7-2003 DoP 04/02/2004 Nov 2026 

DA 305-7-2003 DoP 2004 Nov 2026 

DA 305-7-2003 DoP 04/05/2005 Nov 2026 

DA 305-7-2003 DoP 10/01/2006 Nov 2026 

Extraction of the Wollemi remnants DA 305-7-2003 DoP 19/04/2006 Nov 2026 

Construction of a temporary by-pass of 

North Wambo Creek 

Construction of the North Wambo Creek 

Diversion in a staged manner and 

construction of gas and dewatering wells 

DA 305-7-2003 DoP 20/10/2006 Nov 2026 

DA 305-7-2003 DoP 25/01/2007 Nov 2026 

Construction of internal water storage dam DA 305-7-2003 DoP 22/06/2009 Nov 2026 

Construction of internal water storage dam DA 305-7-2003 DoP 27/08/2009 Nov 2026 

WCPL Rail Development 

Jerry’s Plains Rail Line DA 235/97 SSC 16/07/1998 Perpetuity 

Modification to DA235/97 to correct 

residents list and allow the preparation of 

management plans in a staged manner 

DA 235/97 SSC 01/05/2003 Perpetuity 

Altered alignment of Jerry’s Plains Rail Line DA 235/97.3 SSC 03/12/2004 Perpetuity 

WCPL rail and coal loading infrastructure DA 306-7-2003 DoP 01/06/2004 01/06/2025 

WCPL rail and coal loading infrastructure 

(altered alignment of rail loop) 

DA 117-8-2004 DoP 16/12/2004 16/12/2025 

Page 4


Table 1.2 – WCPL Mining Leases and Authorisations 

Lease Reference Area (ha) Date Granted Expiry Date 

Coal Lease 365 (Coal Mining Act 1973) 530 19/09/1990 19/09/2011 

Coal Lease 374 (Coal Mining Act 1973) 382 06/12/1991 21/03/2026 

Coal Lease 397 (Coal Mining Act 1973) 1,480 04/06/1992 04/06/2013 

Consolidated Coal Lease 743 (Coal Mining Act 1973) 3,000 09/03/1990 14/08/2022 

Mining Lease 1402 (Coal Mining Act 1973) 352 23/09/1996 14/08/2022 

Mining Lease 1572 (Coal Mining Act 1973) 1,012 21/12/2005 21/12/2026 

Mining Lease 1594 (Mining Act 1992) 263 01/05/2007 30/04/2028 

Exploration Licence A444 3,060 04/10/2007 16/05/2011 

Exploration Licence EL7211 967 29/09/2008 29/09/2011 

Notes: - United has a strata title lease to the Arrowfield seam in the northern 1.5 km of CCL743 and CL397. 

- Mining Lease 1402 covered surface rights to enable development of the Wollemi Mine. 

- A444 is an Authority to Prospect granted under Coal Mining Act 1973. 

Page 5


1.3.3 Environmental Protection 

Licence 

WCPL operates under Environmental Protection 

Licence 529 (EPL 529), issued by the Department 

of Environment, Climate Change and Water 

(DECCW) under the authority of the Protection of 

the Environment Operations Act 1997. The EPL 529 

covers WCPL’s activities at the mine and rail spur. 

During the last reporting period, the DECCW 

granted a variation to EPL 529 to increase the Fee- 

Based Activity Scale of Mining for Coal and for Coal 

Works from >3,500,000 tonnes produced annually 

to >5,000,000 tonnes produced annually. The 

licence variation was required to align the EPL with 

approved production limits under DA 305-7-2003. 

1.3.4 NPW Act Approvals 

WCPL holds a permit under the National Parks and 

Wildlife Act 1974 (NPW Act), for the salvage and 

impact on Aboriginal heritage sites prior to ground 

disturbance. Consent number #2222 was issued 

under Section 87 and Section 90 of the NPW Act on 

the 20 June 2005. In consultation with the DECCW 

and local Aboriginal groups, the DECCW granted 

approval to extend the permit for an additional 5 

years, expiring on the 19 June 2015. 

Consent number #2085 was issued under Section 

90 of the NPW Act on 14 December 2004 for the 

salvage of Aboriginal artefacts along the Wambo 

Rail Development. Salvage works for the Wambo 

Rail Development were completed and reported in 

the 2005-2006 reporting period. There have been 

no further salvage works under consent number 

#2085. Consent #2085 expired in January 2007. 

site. During the reporting period eight new water 

licenses were granted by the NSW Office of Water 

(OoW) in July 2009 for the installation of eleven new 

groundwater monitoring bores. 

Details of the current water licenses for WCPL are 

presented in Table 1.3 

The location of these licensed facilities is shown in 

Figure 1.3. 

1.3.6 Mining Operations Plan 

WCPL has two current Mining Operations Plans 

(MOP’s), one for the Open Cut and one for the 

Underground. 

During the reporting period a new Open Cut MOP 

was approved by the DII on the 29 June 2010. The 

new Open Cut MOP was prepared in accordance 

with the DII’s Guidelines and Format for Preparation 

of Mining Operations Plan Version 3, January 2006. 

WCPL consulted with the DII and the community 

throughout the development of the new Open Cut 

MOP. The MOP covers all aspects of the Open Cut 

operation including mining, rehabilitation and tailings 

management, until the year 2016. 

The MOP for the Underground was approved by the 

DII in November 2005 for the period November 

2005 to November 2012. This MOP applies to 

underground mining operations and refers to the 

Open Cut MOP where applicable. 

Salvage works undertaken during this reporting 

period are discussed further in Section 3.13.1. 

For further details regarding Permit #3130 for Care 

and Control of Aboriginal Objects salvaged under 

Section 87/90 permits, please refer to Section 3.13. 

1. 

1.3.5 Water Licences 

WCPL currently holds water licences for a number 

of bores, wells and pumps located across the mine 

Page 7


Licence 

Number 

Table 1.3 – Water Licence Summary 

Description Facility Valid To Extraction Limits 

20BL132753 Old Well No. 1 Well 28/07/2013 243ML/year 

20BL166910 Dewatering (Bore No. 1) Bore 25/10/2018 450ML/year 

20BL167737 Well No. 2 Well 08/01/2011 70ML/year 

20SL033872 Wollombi Brook Pump Pump 06/07/2011 750ML/year 

20BL167810 Well – Domestic, Stock Well Perpetuity 11ML/year 

20AL200631 Hunter River Pump Pump Perpetuity 1,000ML/year 

20WA200632 Hunter River Pump Pump 30/06/2017 6ML/year 

20BL168017 Dewatering (Bore No. 2) Bore 21/05/2012 750ML/year 

20BL168643 Dewatering Bore Bore 7/08/2013 300ML/year 

20BL166438 Well - Stock Bore Perpetuity 5ML/year 

20BL167738 Dewatering Bore Bore 11/09/2010 300ML/year 

20BL168997 Piezometer Test Bore Perpetuity Groundwater monitoring 





20SL061690 NWC Temporary By-Pass Cutting 21/02/2012 N/A 

20BL166906 Spearpoint Irrigation Perpetuity 19ML/year 

20BL172061 Dewatering (Bore No.2a) Bore 22/03/2014 750ML/year 

20BL172156 Dewatering Excavation 3/05/2014 98ML/year 

20BL171155 Dewatering Excavation 25/09/2012 243ML/year 

20BL172237 GW14, GW18, GW21 Monitoring Bore Perpetuity Groundwater monitoring 

20BL172238 GW12 Monitoring Bore Perpetuity Groundwater monitoring 


20BL172242 GW16, GW17 Monitoring Bore Perpetuity Groundwater monitoring 





Page 8


1.3.7 Subsidence Management Plan 

WCPL’s Underground operates under an approved 

Subsidence Management Plan (SMP). The SMP for 

First Workings was approved in October 2005 with 

mining commencing in November 2005. The SMP 

for Second Workings was lodged in March 2006 and 

was approved on the 11 December 2006. This 

SMP covers underground mining activities for the 

next seven years for longwall panels 1 through to 6 

(LW 1-6), and includes the management of 

environmental impacts associated with subsidence. 

Mine subsidence is discussed further in Section 

3.16. 

1.3.8 Emplacement Area Approvals 

Table 1.4 outlines previous emplacement approvals 

issued under Section 126 Approvals for 

Emplacement Areas (Dams). 

These emplacement areas can be seen in Figure 

1.4. The Hunter Pit emplacement is the only current 

operational area. Rehabilitation of past 

emplacement areas continued this reporting period 

with these activities outlined in Section 2.5.1.3. 

A Section 127 Approval to Discontinue 

Emplacement Areas was granted on the 8 

September 2004 for the North East Tailings Dam 

(NETD). In July 2009 WCPL submitted to the DII a 

Section 101 amendment, replacing the original 

Section 127. 

1.4 Mine Contacts 

Table 1.5 outlines the contact details for site 

personnel responsible for mining, coal preparation, 

rehabilitation and environmental management at 

WCPL. 

Table 1.4 – Emplacement Area Approvals 

Date 

Granted 

Area Details Current Status 

Area No. 1 Whynot (South) Area Rehabilitated. 

28/08/1991 

Area No. 2 Ridge Open Cut and Cut 11N areas Capping complete. 

Area No. 3 

Ridge Portal/Western Open Cut 

Ridge Portal rehabilitated. 

Western Cut temporary 

rehabilitated. 

Area No. 4 

This comprised sub areas A and B as below: 

02/12/1993 

Area A 

A south east extension of the North 

East Open Cut 

Now called Charlies Hole. This 

area was rehabilitated during the 

reporting period 

Area B Original slurry drying pond area Rehabilitated. 

North Whynot Void - Rehabilitated. 

08/05/1995 

Area ‘C’ Open cut approval area number 8/8A 

Used as mine water storage. Not 

planned to be used for tailings. 

Hunter Pit Commenced filling in 29/03/2004 Current disposal area. 

23/01/2004 Area No. 1 Whynot (South) Area Rehabilitated. 

Page 11


Table 1.5 – Contact Details of Relevant Mine Officials 

Title Name Office Phone 

(Acting) General Manager Peter Roser 02 6570 2216 

Open Cut Manager Geoff Moore 02 6570 2308 

Underground Manager Andrew Boyling 02 6570 2314 

Coal Handling and Preparation Plant Manager Glen Pitt 02 6570 2381 

Environment and Community Manager Sarah Bailey 02 6570 2217 

Senior Environmental Advisor Lachlan Crawford 02 6570 2206 

Environment and Community Coordinator Troy Favell 02 6570 2209 

Blasting Hotline 02 8250 5205 

Community Inquiry Line & Environment Hotline 02 6570 2245 

Page 12


1.5 Review of 2009-2010 

Objectives and Targets 

The objectives and targets for the 2009-2010 

reporting period were identified in the 2008-2009 

AEMR. These are presented below in Table 1.6, 

including an assessment of whether or not the 

objectives and targets have been met. 

1.6 Actions from 2008-2009 

AEMR Review 

A review of the 2008-2009 AEMR was undertaken 

by DII, followed by a site inspection on 29 January 

2010. The DII found that the 2008-2009 AEMR met 

DII’s reporting requirements and subsequently 

accepted the AEMR. WCPL are required to 

complete a number of actions during the next 

reporting period. Actions are listed in Table 1.7. 

Table 1.6 – Review of Objectives and Targets 

Objective 

Target 

2009 – 2010 

Status 

2009 – 2010 

Target 

2010 - 2011 

Land rehabilitated (hectares) 82.5 84.4 76.2 

Land disturbed (hectares) 29.5 23.3 68.4 

Number of significant 

environmental incidents 

Number of regulatory 

penalties 

Annual Average % Waste 

Recycled 

Number of environmental 

newsletters distributed 

0 0 0 

0 0 0 

60 86% 70 

4 4 4 

Page 13


Table 1.7 – Actions from 2008-2009 Annual Environmental Management Report Review 

No Issue Action Description Due Comments 

1 North Wambo Creek Diversion Final Rehabilitation Plan to be provided for 

review. Office of Water to co-review the final 

plan. 

Report progress 

in next AEMR. 

Wambo provided to DII a draft remedial rehabilitation plan for 

the North Wambo Creek Diversion. In January 2010 the DII 

inspected the proposed remedial sites and provided feedback, 

which has now been incorporated into the draft. The remedial 

rehabilitation plan will be sent to the Office of Water once it has 

been finalised. 

2 North East Tailings Dam 

Rehabilitation 

Timeframe of rehabilitation to be 

incorporated into the MOP and a separate 

report provided at the end of 2010. 

End of 2010 

Timeframe has been incorporated into the MOP. An update to 

be provided end of 2010. 

3 North East Tailings Dam 

Rehabilitation 

Progress reports for the tailings dam 

rehabilitation to be provided to DII’s 

Environmental Sustainability Unit as well as 

Mine Safety Department. 

Completed. 

Report progress 

in next AEMR. 

Wambo commenced monthly reporting of the NETD 

rehabilitation status to the DII (Mine Safety) and the NSW Dam 

Safety Committee in October 2009. 

4 Charlie’s Hole rehabilitation 

completed 

The application for relinquishment of the 

bond for this area to be included with North 

East Tailings Dam. 

Completed. 

Page 14


2.0 Operations During the 

Reporting Period 

2.1 Exploration 

Surface exploration throughout the reporting period 

consisted of a total of seventy four (74) boreholes at 

approximately 11,959 meters drilled. Exploration 

drilling occurred were drilled in the following areas; 

• 43 x boreholes within A444 with a total of 

6,335 m drilled; 

• 10 x boreholes within CL743 with a total of 185 

m drilled; 

• 3 x boreholes within CL397 with a total of 656 

m drilled; and 

• 18 x boreholes within EL7211 with a total of 

4,783 m drilled. 

Drilling is required to further define coal reserves, 

coal quantity and gas content of the Whybrow, 

Redbank Creek, Wambo and Whynot coal seams. 

All boreholes were fully grouted upon completion. 

It is expected that exploration activities over the 

coming twelve months will continue within A444 and 

EL7211. WCPL is anticipating drilling approximately 

92 boreholes (31,000 m) during the next reporting 

period. 

2.2 Land Preparation 

WCPL operates under an approved Flora and 

Fauna Management Plan (FFMP) which includes a 

Vegetation Clearance Protocol (Figure 2.1). In 

accordance with the FFMP a Surface Disturbance 

Permit Procedure and checklist has been 

developed. This checklist requires the approval of 

WCPL’s environmental department and the 

manager responsible for that area of land, prior to 

any clearing activities taking place. The Permit 

aims to identify any environmental issues such as 

Cultural Heritage sites, drainage, threatened 

species and the identification of any seed or timber 

resources that can be salvaged. 

In accordance with WCPL’s Timber Management 

Plan, timber including hollow logs is recovered 

during clearing. This material is placed back onto 

the rehabilitated areas or stockpiled for future use. 

Nominally, 100 millimetres (mm) of topsoil is 

recovered from the surface prior to mining an area. 

The actual depth of topsoil recovered is dependent 

on the original soil conditions (e.g. deeper in creek 

beds and shallower on ridge lines), the area extent 

over the block being mined and the quality of the 

material. 

If a re-profiled surface is not available, the topsoil is 

stockpiled. The treatment of the topsoil stockpiles is 

dependent on the planned timeframe between 

construction and use. If these stockpiles are to be 

left for longer than three months, they are shaped 

into a mound and seeded with pasture to keep the 

soil fertile, stop weeds from growing and to reduce 

soil loss. 

Stockpiled topsoil is recovered by an excavator and 

moved to the rehabilitation area. 

2.3 Construction 

Underground 

In 2010 the upgrade of the Underground’s 

ventilation system commenced. The two inpit axial 

flow fans have been replaced with a single 

centrifugal flow fan at the current Inpit site, and 

another centrifugal fan located on the Homestead 

Open Cut bench. 

The upgrade project involved the recovery of 

centrifugal fans from Peabody’s North Goonyella 

Coal Mine in Queensland with associated overhauls 

and modifications necessary to meet Wambo’s 

Underground ventilation needs. The fans will be 

modified from a typical underground booster type 

configuration to those of a surface exhausting 

arrangement. Modified fans will be installed at either 

end of the current underground mains. At the inbye 

end of the mains (i.e. Homestead bench) there is a 

requirement to construct a raisebore shaft onto 

which one of the fans will be installed. Associated 

fan control systems and monitoring will also be 

implemented. 

In the 2009-2010 reporting period the following 

portion of the project was completed: 

• Recovery of the fans from North Goonyella 

Mine; 

• Overhaul of the fans, transformer and 

motors; 

• Construction of ducting; 

• Completion of the raisebore on the 

Homestead bench; and 

• Construction of the Homestead 

Switchroom and Fan. 

Chitter Dam 

At the end of the previous reporting period, WCPL 

commenced construction of the Chitter Dam, which 

was approved by DoP under Section 96 (1a) of the 

Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 

in June 2009. The 870 ML mine water storage dam 

was completed in October 2009. 

Page 15


South Wambo Dam 

In August 2009, WCPL was granted development 

consent for the construction of the Wambo South 

Dam. Construction commenced in October 2009 

and was completed by January 2010. The new 840 

ML mine de-watering storage dam was required to 

replace the existing West Cut Dam, which has now 

been decommissioned. The South Wambo Dam 

receives most of its water from dewatering 

underground workings. 

2.4 Mining 

2.4.1 Production and Waste 

Summary 

Table 2.1 provides a summary of coal production for 

the 2009-2010 reporting period. During the 

reporting period, a combined total of 7.410 (Mt) of 

ROM coal was mined, representing a 11.2% 

increase compared with the 2008-2009 reporting 

period. 

Open cut operations in the reporting period were 

generally in accordance with the Open Cut MOP. 

Approximately 118,942m 3 of topsoil was recovered, 

whilst approximately 127,131m 3 of topsoil was used 

for rehabilitation purposes. Approximately 

19,866,651bcm of overburden material was 

removed during the reporting period, almost 16.8% 

less than the previous AEMR period. De-watering of 

the Homestead Pit void continued during the 

reporting period which delayed Open Cut 

operations. 

Underground operations in the reporting period 

were generally in accordance with the Underground 

MOP. The provisional mine production schedule in 

the Underground MOP for the 2009-2010 reporting 

period allowed for approximately 4.00 Mt ROM coal 

mined. The actual ROM coal for reporting period 

was 4.659 Mt. 

2.4.2 Estimated Mine Life 

Coal resources in the Colliery Holding and A444 

exploration area are approximately 648 Mt with 

greater than 67% (434.16 Mt) of the resource at 

measured status. WCPL has approval to mine up to 

14.7 Mt per annum of ROM coal for 21 years from 

2004 within the Colliery Holding. This mining will 

take place through the existing Open Cut operations 

in the Whybrow, Redbank Creek, Wambo and 

Whynot seams and Underground mining in the 

Wambo seam. 

Page 16


Figure 2.2 – Vegetation Clearance Protocol 

Page 17


Table 2.1 – Production and Waste Summary 

Cumulative Production 

Unit 

2008-2009 

Reporting 

Period 

2009-2010 

Reporting 

Period 

2010-2011 

Reporting 

Period 

(Prediction) 

Topsoil Stripped m 3 162,250 118,942 82,560 

Topsoil 

Used/Spread 

Overburden 

Moved 

Processing 

Waste 

m 3 7,800 127,131 91,440 

bcm 23,886,024 19,866,651 34,681,000 

Mt 2.081 2.474 3.21 

ROM Coal Mined Mt 6.574 7.410 10.120 

- Open Cut Mt 3.386 2.751 4.549 

- Underground Mt 3.187 4.659 5.571 

Product Mt 4.493 4.929 6.667 

Page 18


2.4.3 Underground Operations 

WCPL’s current Underground operation mines the 

Wambo seam using longwall mining methods. The 

first of eight Longwall blocks was completed in 

February 2009 and production commenced in the 

second longwall block in March 2009. The 

underground continues to operate seven days a 

week. 

Development of WCPL’s Underground mine 

continued during the reporting period. Eight x 250 

m wide Longwall panels, approximately 3.8 km to 4 

km in length, were developed with the Longwall 

panels orientated south-west to north-east. 

Longwall panels one to five will be developed off 

main headings driven from the existing Bates North 

Open Cut highwall. The remaining three panels will 

be developed by punch mining directly off the 

Homestead Pit Open Cut highwall. 

WCPL primarily use Joy Mining Longwall 

equipment, including the Longwall operating 

system. The Longwall panels are being formed by 

driving two sets of gateroads (the tailgate and 

maingate roads). Each gateroad requires two 

roadways (headings) to be driven parallel to each 

other (31 m apart). One of the roadways is used for 

personnel and materials access and fresh air intake 

ventilation while the other is used for coal clearance 

and return air ventilation. The roadways are 

developed using two Joy 12CM30 continuous 

miners. Approximately 14.37 km of roadway was 

developed in the 2009-2010 period with 4,427 m of 

Longwall retreat. 

The headings are connected every 100 m by driving 

a cut through from one heading to another. This 

forms the pillars of coal along the length of the 

gateroad. The tailgate and maingate roads are 

separated by the 250 m wide Longwall panel. The 

maingate roads and tailgate roads are then linked 

together by driving an installation road and bleeder 

road at the inbye end of the longwall panels. 

As the continuous miners develop the roadways, 

ROM coal is conveyed to a stockpile with an 

approximate 70,000 tonne capacity. When a 

sufficient stockpile is present, coal is loaded onto 

trucks for transport to the CH&PP. During the 2009- 

2010 reporting period, approximately 4.659 Mt of 

ROM coal was produced. 

At the end of the reporting period the following 

equipment was available to undertake underground 

mining activities at WCPL’s Underground: 

• 2 x Joy 12CM29 Continuous miners; 

• 1 x Joy 12CM30 Continuous miner 

• 3 x electric shuttle cars with a 15 t payload; 

• 8 x Load Haul Dump (LHD) machines; 

• 9 x personnel transporters Specialised 

Mining Vehicles (SMV’s); 

• Associated longwall equipment; 

• 146 Joy Roof Supports; 

• a Joy 7LS2a Shearer; 

• Monorail system; 

• Pump sled; and 

• 5MVA Transformer 

The Wollemi Underground Mine was on care and 

maintenance throughout the reporting period with no 

coal being produced from this mine. The old 

Wollemi workshop, bathhouse and store facilities 

previously used by the WCPL’s Underground 

operations were decommissioned during October 

2008 due to the completion of the new 

administration and bathhouse facilities. During the 

reporting period WCPL commissioned a review of 

the structural adequacy of the old Wollemi buildings 

after the site was impacted by subsidence. The 

review determined what materials can be reused or 

recycled. 

2.4.4 Open Cut Operations 

Downer EDI Mining are contracted to undertake 

Open Cut mining operations at WCPL. Open Cut 

mining is divided into pits known as the Bates Pit, 

Bates South Pit, Montrose West Pit, Montrose East 

Pit and the Homestead Pit. The Bates Pit, Bates 

South Pit and the Montrose West Pit, via a mining 

corridor, are adjoining and linked. The Homestead 

Pit and the Montrose East Pit are separate mining 

areas. 

Operations during the reporting period occurred in 

the Bates Pit, Bates South Pit, the corridor of 

Montrose West Pit and the Homestead Pit. The 

Montrose West and Montrose East Pits have not yet 

been developed. The current Open Cut workings 

are presented in Figure 2.2. 

Mining of the Open Cut commences with the 

removal of topsoil and vegetation as described in 

Section 2.2. Following the land preparation, 

excavators and trucks remove any weathered 

material as a “free dig” operation. The weathered 

material that can be free dug ranges from one metre 

to ten metres in thickness. The remaining 

overburden is drilled, blasted and removed utilising 

the excavators and trucks to uncover the coal. 

Page 19


The exposed coal is mined using excavators and 

loaded into haul trucks. The intervening clay bands, 

when thick enough, are excavated and loaded out 

separately for disposal in pit to avoid complications 

in the coal washing process. The coal is mined 

without blasting. The majority of ROM coal is 

delivered directly from the Open Cut to the ROM 

dump hopper using haul trucks, with the balance 

stored on the ROM coal stockpile. Mining is based 

on a shift roster of two 12.5 hour shifts per day. 

Table 2.2 shows annual ROM production levels 

from Open Cut mining at WCPL for the past 13 

years. 

During the reporting period, Open Cut coal was 

primarily mined from the Whybrow, Redbank Creek, 

Wambo and Whynot seams. Backfilling of the 

Wombat Pit continued, reducing the need for out of 

pit dump space. At the end of the reporting period 

the following equipment was utilised to undertake 

Open Cut mining activities: 

• 1 x Cat 773B service truck 

• 1 x Cat 773D service truck 

• 2 x Cat 785B dump trucks 

• 1 x Cat 773D water truck 

• 2 x Cat 777C water truck 

• 9 x Cat 785C dump trucks 

• 11 x Komatsu 930E dump trucks 

• 1 x Hitachi 2500 excavator 

• 3 x Komatsu PC5500 excavators 

• 1 x Cat 24H grader 

• 2 x Cat 16H grader 

• 4 x Cat D10T dozers 

• 4 x Cat D11R dozers 

• 1 x 994 wheel loader 

• 1 x 992D wheel loader 

• 1 x 992G wheel loader 

Table 2.2 – Annual Open Cut ROM Production Levels 

Year 

Coal 

(ROM 

tonnes) 

Overburden 

(Bank Cubic 

Metres) 

Ratio 

1997-1998 1,232,658 7,322,227 6.2:1 

1998-1999 482,002 1,684,484 3.5:1 

1999-2000 13,700 41,800 3.0:1 

2000-2001 0 0 - 

Year 

Coal 

(ROM 

tonnes) 

Overburden 

(Bank Cubic 

Metres) 

Ratio 

2004-2005 4,186,000 23,240,000 5.6:1 

2005-2006 5,424,000 30,620,000 5.6:1 

2006-2007 5,790,000 35,150,783 6.1:1 

2007-2008 4,245,395 27,854,967 6.6:1 

2008-2009 3,386,614 23,886,024 7.1:1 

2009-2010 2,751,000 19,866,651 7.2:1 

2.5 Coal Handling and 

Preparation 

The coal handling process is illustrated in Figure 

2.3. Coal from the Open Cut and Underground 

operations is transferred to the CHPP via haul 

trucks on internal private haul roads. Coal is tipped 

directly into the 400 tonne ROM bin or stockpiled at 

the CHPP and subsequently loaded into the ROM 

bin using a front-end loader, as required. 

Three stages are used to crush the ROM coal. The 

crushed coal passes into the CHPP, then into two 

separate Modules which contain dense medium 

cyclone coarse coal circuits. These operate in 

parallel with a teetered bed separator for the 

beneficiation of fine material in Module 2, and 

spirals in Module 1. 

All clean coal is conveyed to the clean coal 

stockpile. Four underground reclaim points feed 

coal from the clean coal stockpile onto the reclaim 

conveyor for WCPL. (The fourth reclaim point was 

previously used to feed the clean coal from United.) 

The reclaim conveyor transfers coal onto the loadout 

conveyor to the Wambo Coal Terminal (WCT) 

train load-out bin. The WCT train loading system is 

designed to load trains at a rate of 4,500 tonnes per 

hour (tph). Details of the amount of coal transported 

from the WCT are presented in Appendix 1. 

During the reporting period the CHPP processed a 

total of 7.410 Mt ROM coal. The average coal 

recovery was 67%. 

2001-2002 922,613 8,025,081 8.7:1* 

2002-2003 3,671,000 22,550,000 6.1:1 

2003-2004 4,220,000 23,530,000 5.6:1 

* Anomalously high ratio due to reopening and expansion. 

Page 20


Page 22


2.5.1 Reject Management 

2.5.1.1 Chemical and Physical 

Characteristics of Reject 

The CHPP beneficiates ROM coal to produce both a 

high energy steaming coal and a pulverised coal 

injection product, the by-product being reject made 

up of carbonaceous shale and waste rock material. 

The rejects represent approximately 30% of the 

ROM coal processed in the plant and are classified 

as either coarse or fine 

Coarse reject typically represent two-thirds of this 

material and is made up of


2.6.2 Rubbish Disposal 

There are a series of bulk garbage bins around site 

that are emptied on a regular basis by a licensed 

contractor. For details of waste removed during the 

reporting period please refer to Table 2.4. 

2.6.3 Oily Waste Disposal 

Waste oils from the site are collected, stored and 

are removed by a licensed waste contractor on a 

periodic basis. For details of oily waste removed 

during the reporting period please refer to Table 

2.4. 

A number of oily water separator systems are 

located across the site at both Underground and 

Open Cut operations, for the separation of 

hydrocarbons from oily water runoff. Licensed 

waste contractors remove collected waste oil from 

the separators on a regular basis. Routine 

inspections are carried out on all systems to ensure 

that there are no blockages or overflows. 

Records of all waste disposals are kept on site. 

2.7 ROM and Product Coal 

Stockpiles 

One 70,000 tonne ROM coal stockpile for 

underground coal is located near the Underground 

portal level just east of the Underground entrance. 

Coal is conveyed to the Underground ROM 

stockpile along the surface from the portal entrance 

by CV01. 

Coal is transported from the Open Cut and 

Underground and either tipped directly into the 400 

tonne ROM hopper or stockpiled at the CHPP. The 

CHPP ROM stockpile area is located adjacent to the 

dump hopper at the CHPP. The area of the 

stockpile is approximately 200 m x 200 m with a 

ROM coal storage capacity of approximately 

250,000 tonnes. 

The capacity of the clean coal stockpile is 500,000 

tonnes. 

2.8 Water Management 

The water management system at WCPL comprises 

of clean water (imported water from the Hunter 

River or Wollombi Brook), mine water (collected runoff 

from disturbed catchments or recycled water 

from the CHPP) and fresh water (either imported 

from the town supply or collected rainwater). The 

water management system is illustrated in Figures 

2.4 and 2.5 and major storages are presented in 

Table 2.3. 

A network of storages and drains has been 

established to capture runoff from mine water 

catchment areas. Runoff from areas disturbed by 

mining (including the CHPP and associated 

industrial areas) is collected in Open Cut voids and 

other mine water storages. These storages are 

used as priority water sources for the CHPP and 

dust suppression. Runoff from haul roads is treated 

in sediment dams or diverted to mine water 

storages. 

CHPP tailings are discharged to the Hunter Pit 

tailings dam. Water that is liberated from the settled 

tailings filters through spoil at the southern end of 

the dam and reports to completed void in the North 

Homestead Pit. Water is reticulated from this pit 

back to the CHPP. 

Runoff from rehabilitated and establishing 

revegetated mine areas is directed to sediment 

dams. These are either allowed to drain to local 

drainages or, depending upon the water quality, 

directed to mine water storages. 

An extensive reticulation system has been 

developed to: 

• transfer water between Open Cut and 

Underground operations and mine water 

storages; 

• source water from Wollombi Brook and the 

Hunter River; 

• facilitate controlled releases to Wollombi Brook; 

and 

• provided water to the adjacent United Collieries 

operation up until the end of 2009. 

The available water sources and underground 

storage capacity for mine water have provided 

WCPL with flexibility to manage its water system. 

During the reporting period the main water 

management related activities included: 

• reviewing the site water balance for the short 

and medium term, taking into account the new 

MOP and water availability; 

• dewatering of the Open Cut and controlling 

water levels in the Underground workings; 

• maintaining water supply to the Open Cut truck 

fill water tanks to provide water for dust 

suppression; 

Page 24


• Installation of additional water tank at the 

second water fill point for Open Cut dust 

suppression; 

• maintenance and testing of the Hunter River 

Salinity Trading Scheme (HRSTS) discharge 

system and upgrade; 

• continued decanting of water from the Hunter 

Pit (emplacement area) and North East Cut 

Tailings to the Homestead Pit for reuse; 

• maintaining a 100 litre per second (L/s) Legra 

pump to allow for long-term dewatering of the 

Homestead Pit and supply for dust 

suppression; 

• maintenance of the fire water reticulation 

system to the Wambo Homestead complex; 

• continued installation and refining of telemetry 

for site water management and control; 

• continued dewatering from the No. 2 and No.3 

boreholes; 

• maintaining water to Dam C11 to allow United 

to extract for their use during 2009; 

• Dewatering of the Homestead Pit void 

continued; 

• Upgrade Wollemi Brook pumps; 

• decommissioning of Turkeys Nest Dam and 

construction of the new approved Chitter Dump 

Dam; 

• construction and commissioning of the 

approved South Wambo Dam; 

• planning and execution of modifications to 

water management systems in the Open Cut 

such as upgrades to pump-out lines from the 

Bates Pit area and movement towards an 

integrated water management system; and 

• the automation of major pump installations 

across the site was fine-tuned and overall 

maintenance of pumping infrastructure 

continued. 

Page 25


Table 2.3 – Stored Water Summary 

Volume Held ML 

Start of 

Reporting 

Period 

End of 

Reporting 

Period 

Storage 

Capacity 

Clean Water 

Admin Box Cut 301 270 305 

Wollemi Box Cut (alluvial)


Table 2.4 – WCPL Waste Statistics 

Page 27


Figure 2.5 Water Reticulation Diagram 

Wambo Water Balance Schematic January 2010 

Page 29


2.8.1 Water Supply and Use 

Continuity of water supply to the CHPP, Open Cut 

and Underground is important for the processing of 

coal and the operation of the mine. During this 

reporting period the site water balance for the 

mining activities was recalculated. This water 

balance is presented in Table 2.5. 

WCPL manages its water supply through a number 

of on site water storage dams. The mine routinely 

obtains water from the Hunter River Licence 

(Number 20AL200631), Wollombi Brook Licence 

(Number 20SL033872), the Wollemi and 

Homestead goaf areas and from rainfall runoff. 

Heavy rainfall events during 2008 decreased 

WCPL’s spare water capacity to almost zero 

capacity. This in turn reduced the need for 

additional extraction from the Hunter River. In the 

2009-2010 reporting period, approximately 80ML 

was extracted from the Hunter River during the 

upgrade of the Wollemi Brook pumps. 

2.8.2 Surface Water Management 

To minimise the potential for water quality impacts 

from mining operations, a network of water storages 

has been established to separate the clean water 

(runoff from undisturbed areas) and dirty water 

(runoff from disturbed areas). Rainfall runoff from 

undisturbed areas is diverted away from mining 

areas. Runoff from areas disturbed by mining is 

diverted into the Gordon Below Franklin and C11 

Dams for use across the site. West Cut Dam and 

Area C Dam are now only sumps. 

The wash down and runoff water from the CHPP 

and adjacent stockpiles is accumulated in 

sedimentation ponds which feed into the Gordon 

Below Franklin Dam network. The Gordon Below 

Franklin Dam network is designed to slow the flow 

of the water and encourage the precipitation of fine 

sediment to drop out. The sediment ponds are 

cleaned out on a regular basis using an excavator 

and trucks. Water from these dams is returned to 

the Eagles Nest Dam. A new dredging program is 

expected to commence in late 2010 to remove 

excess sediment from the Gordon Below Franklin 

Dam network. 

Water stored in South Wambo Dam, Chitter Dam 

and Eagles Nest Dam complex is used in the coal 

washing process and for dust suppression at the 

CHPP. 

Two water storage tanks and truck filling facilities 

have been installed in the Open Cut to allow water 

carts to fill and assist in dust suppression. Water for 

this process is pumped from the storage dams and 

the Homestead Pit (North) decant dam. 

2.8.2.1 Water Balance & Modeling 

In March 2010, WCPL completed a detailed review 

of the sites water balance. The water balance is 

based on monitoring data from numerous water flow 

meters on site and information provided by WCPL 

technical personnel. 

A comprehensive predictive site water and salt 

model is being finalised in accordance with recent 

development consent requirements. The completed 

water model will include a predictive accounting 

system for water and salt budgets. WCPL expect to 

complete the water model early next reporting 

period. 

2.8.2.2 NWC Discharge Report 

In April 2008, the North Wambo Creek (NWC) 

Diversion Plan was approved by DoP and OoW 

subject to a number of conditions. In accordance 

with those conditions, WCPL finalised the North 

Wambo Creek Discharge Report during September 

2009 in response to two flow events in the diversion 

back in February and April 2009. The final report 

was submitted into the DoP and the OoW on the 24 

September 2009. There were several objectives of 

the report, including: 

• Providing a comparative assessment of the 

conditon of the NWC Diversion to several other 

reference sites within South Wambo Creek and 

Apple Tree Creek; and 

• Provide recommendations for any remedial 

works required. 

For further information regarding any remedial 

recommendations within the NWC Diversion, please 

refer to Section 5.1.4. 

2.8.3 Water Discharge 

WCPL’s water management system is currently 

balanced by the adjustment of flow from the various 

water sources and storages. However, where 

excess water is generated, WCPL has facilities to 

discharge water. This is done in accordance with 

EPL529, DA 305-7-2003, the Hunter River Salinity 

Trading Scheme (HRSTS), and Managed Envelope 

of Residuals (MER) Scheme. 

EPL 529 approves discharge into Wollombi Brook 

when the flow is greater than 500 ML/day at the 

Page 30


Bulga gauging station, provided other conditions of 

the HRSTS and MER are satisfied. 

On 30 June 2010, WCPL held a total of 62 salt 

credits under the HRSTS scheme. During the 

reporting period there were no water discharges 

under the HRSTS or MER. 

Table 2.5 – 2009-2010 Water Balance 

Water Sources (ML) 

Hunter River 80 

Wollombi Brook 184 

United Borehole 0 

Rainfall/run off 3020 

Underground Seepage 460 

Open Cut Seepage 450 

Wollemi Sump 21 

Site Wells 0 

Total Water Input 4215 

Water Usage (ML) 

Dust Suppression 680 

CH&PP Consumption 950 

Underground 350 

United 443 

Domestic Usage 3 

Total Water Usage 2426 

Water Loss (ML) 

Evaporation – Mine Water 

& Tailings Dams 

1850 

Water Balance -61 

Page 31


2.9 Hazardous Material 

Management 

WCPL has systems in place to ensure active and 

efficient management of hazardous material within 

its operations. There are several locations on site 

where hazardous material is stored. WCPL has 

storage areas at the Open Cut workshop, 

Underground and the CHPP. The Open Cut mining 

contractor and other on-site contractors are 

responsible for the maintenance and operation of 

their facilities. 

Dangerous goods depots at WCPL were audited by 

an independent dangerous goods specialist during 

January and February 2009. A summary of actions 

included replacement and upgrading of placards at 

depots, consideration of the potential 

decommissioning of the unleaded fuel tank and fuel 

bowser and upgrading depot plans. 

In February 2009, an Industrial Hygienist was 

engaged to undertake an inspection of the WCPL 

old Administration building for asbestos. The 

inspection indentified several areas within the 

building where asbestos sheeting had been used in 

ceiling and wall partitioning. The report noted that if 

the asbestos cement sheeting is kept painted and is 

maintained in good conditon, it presents no health 

risk. 

In October 2008, a consultant was engaged to 

analyse transformer oils for polychlorinated 

biphenyls (PCB). The report concluded that 

transformer oils at WCPL were PCB free. 

At WCPL, dangerous goods and explosives are 

managed separately under their respective pieces 

of legislation i.e. to comply with the updated 

Dangerous Goods Act 2005 and Explosive Act 2003 

respectively. 

2.9.1 Hydrocarbon Containment 

There are oil/water separators at the Open Cut and 

Underground portal workshop facilities. These 

systems are designed to remove hydrocarbons from 

the wash down bay collection sumps. The collected 

oil waste is removed by a licensed contractor for 

disposal. These separators are routinely inspected 

and maintained to ensure their effective operation. 

During the reporting period a new oil water 

separator was under construction, immediately 

below the rail loadout area. 

2.9.2 Explosive Management 

In addition to priming and initiating explosives, up 

to 120 tonnes of ammonium nitrate prill is stored in 

tippers on site as well as 50 tonnes of Ammonium 

Nitrate Emulsion (ANE) for the Open Cut 

operations. The ammonium nitrate is loaded 

into mobile processing units (MPU) at a reload 

facility situated in the mine. The MPU is then driven 

onto bench where all the ingredients are mixed 

entering into a blast holes. This area is audited as 

part of the mine’s regular environmental inspection 

schedule. The ammonium nitrate storage area and 

the magazine areas were upgraded last reporting 

period to conform with the Explosive Act 2003. The 

focus has been on increased security. 

2.9.3 Material Safety Data Sheets 

All materials stored on site have appropriate 

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS). No chemical 

or hazardous material is permitted on site unless the 

mine has a copy of the appropriate MSDS or, in the 

case of a new product; it is accompanied by a 

MSDS. ChemAlert is used to maintain a register of 

chemicals on site. A recent audit of the site was 

conducted during the last reporting period with all 

the information being entered into ChemAlert and 

MSDS folders being developed for each area. The 

Open Cut contractor and other on site contractors 

are responsible for the maintenance of a MSDS 

register for their areas. 

Diesel fuel for the open cut is stored above ground 

within specifically designed concrete bunding. Oil 

and grease storages on site are contained within 

impervious bunds and purpose built hydrocarbon 

storage units. Diesel for the underground is stored 

within a portable, self bunded (double walled) 

Transtank. There is one decommissioned 

underground fuel storage tank adjacent to the light 

vehicle car park. This facility is planned for removal 

during the next reporting period. All bulk fuel, oil and 

grease storage areas are regularly inspected as part 

of the internal monthly environmental inspection 

schedule. 

Page 32


3.0 Environmental 

Management and 

Performance 

3.1 Meteorological Monitoring 

3.1.1 Environmental Management 

The WCPL maintains a weather station in 

accordance with the Australian Standard AS2923 – 

1987. The weather station is located approximately 

350m east of the WCPL administration building (see 

Figure 3.1). As required under Schedule 4, 

Condition 10(a) of Development Consent DA 305-7- 

2003, the meteorological station records the 

following parameters: 

• temperature (at 2 m and 10 m); 

• lapse rate; 

• wind speed; 

• wind direction; 

• solar radiation; 

• humidity; and 

• sigma theta. 

Evaporation is calculated from this information, 

which is used in reports such as the site water 

balance. Meteorological information collected at the 

weather station is used on a daily basis for general 

mining activities including the location of operating 

plant and equipment, and to minimise blasting 

impacts on the neighbouring residences. 

3.1.2 Environmental Performance 

The meteorological station was approved for 

relocation to its current position (see Figure 3.1) by 

the DECCW in December 2007. A malfunctioning 

temperature sensor resulted in reduced data 

capture rate during January and February. The 

sensors was replaced and recalibrated in 

accordance with relevant Australian Standards. The 

temperature data for January and February has 

been sourced from the Jerry’s Plains Post Office 

meteorological station, a Bureau of Meteorology 

station. A summary of weather data recorded 

during the reporting period is provided below and in 

Appendix 2A. 

3.1.3 Rainfall and Evaporation 

The monthly and cumulative rainfall and evaporation 

data for the 2009-2010 reporting period is provided 

in Figure 3.2 below. The long term annual average 

rainfall is from the Bureau of Meteorology Jerry’s 

Plains Post Office weather station, which has 

recorded weather data since 1884, is provided in 

Appendix 2A. 

A total of 564.3 mm of rainfall was recorded at 

WCPL during the reporting period, of which 97.2 

mm was recorded in February 2010. The long-term 

average (1884 – 2010) recorded at the Jerry’s 

Plains Post Office weather station is 641.4 mm. 

Rainfall recorded during the previous reporting 

period (2008-2009) was 772.9 mm. 

The total evaporation recorded for the reporting 

period was 2268.3 mm, which is almost 4 times the 

amount of rainfall received during the same period. 

The highest evaporation (265.3 mm) occurred 

during December 2009. 

3.1.4 Temperature 

The maximum and minimum temperatures recorded 

during the 2009-2010 reporting period are shown in 

Figure 3.3 below. The maximum temperature of 

42.6 0 C was recorded in November 2009, the lowest 

temperature of -5.7 0 C was recorded in June 2010. 

The seasonal average temperatures recorded 

during the reporting period were as follows: 11.6 0 C 

in winter; 19.1 0 C in spring; 23.3 0 C in summer; and 

17.7 0 C in autumn. These results are typical of 

temperature variations in this region. 

3.1.5 Wind Speed and Direction 

The dominant winds recorded during the 2009-2010 

reporting period were from the north west and south 

east directions with the strongest winds blowing 

from the NW. The maximum average wind speed of 

4.8 m/s was recorded in September 2009. The 

mean monthly wind speed varied between 1.6 m/s 

to 2.2 m/s, with the yearly average being 1.9 m/s. 

The annual and seasonal wind roses for the 

reporting period are shown in Figure 3.4 to Figure 

3.8. 

Page 33


300 

Wambo Coal Weather Station 

Rainfall vs Evaporation - July 2009 to June 2010 

2500 

Monthly Rainfall 

Monthly (mm) 

250 

200 

150 

100 

50 

0 

2000 

1500 

1000 

500 

0 

Cumulative (mm) 

Monthly 

Evaporation 

Cumulative 

Rainfall 

Cumulative 

Evaporation 

Jul 09 

Aug 09 

Sep 09 

Oct 09 

Nov 09 

Dec 09 

Jan 10 

Feb 10 

Mar 10 

Apr 10 

May 10 

Jun 10 

Month 

Figure 3.2 – 2009-2010 Rainfall and Evaporation Summary 

Wambo Coal Weather Station 

Temperature (2m) - July 2009 to June 2010 

Temperature ( o C) 

45 

40 

35 

30 

25 

20 

15 

10 

5 

0 

-5 

Maximum 

Temperature 

Average 

Temperature 

Minimum 

Temperature 

Jul 09 

Aug 09 

Sep 09 

Oct 09 

Nov 09 

Dec 09 

Jan 10 

Feb 10 

Mar 10 

Apr 10 

May 10 

Jun 10 

Month 

Figure 3.3 – 2009-2010 Maximum and Minimum Temperatures 

Page 35


Figure 3.4 – 2009-2010 Annual Wind Rose 

Page 36


Figure 3.5 – 2009-2010 Spring Wind Rose 

Figure 3.6 – 2009-2010 Summer Wind Rose 

Figure 3.7 – 2009-2010 Winter Wind Rose 

Figure 3.8 – 2009-2010 Autumn Wind Rose 

Page 37


3.2 Air Quality 


Dust generation is primarily managed by road 

maintenance and consolidation, and utilising water 

carts to apply recycled mine water onto internal 

roads and other disturbed areas. Other dust control 

measures during the reporting period included: 

• Induction training to all employees highlighting 

their responsibility to limit the level of dust 

produced; 

• Rehabilitation of disturbed land on a 

progressive basis to reduce total disturbed 

area; 

• Keeping disturbance areas to a minimum by 

minimising the disturbance in advance of 

mining operations until mining is due to 

commence in the area and clearly defining 

roads; 

• Modifying mining operations during 

unfavourable weather conditions to reduce dust 

generation; 

• Dust suppression equipment is fitted and 

operated on drills; 

• Regular servicing of water carts for effective 

road watering and continual operation; 

• Revegetating topsoil stockpiles which are not 

planned to be used for over three months; 

• Designing blast holes with stemming to provide 

optimum confinement of the blast charge; 

• Constraints on blasting operations to reduce 

impact of immediate neighbours (e.g. rescheduling 

blasts when wind blowing towards 

immediate neighbours); 

• Use of additional contractor water trucks to 

water frequently used roads around the CHPP 

as required; 

• Operation of two water truck fill points during 

the reporting period to reduce the time between 

road watering; 

• Operation of water sprays during raw coal 

unloading at the ROM dump hopper; 

• Regular use of a road sweeper on the main 

access road into WCPL; 

• Implementing speed limits on roadways; 

• Cleaning up coal spillage around the CHPP to 

prevent dust; and 

• Fitting dust suppression systems at transfer 

points where necessary. 

WCPL operate under an approved Air Quality 

Monitoring Program (AQMP). The AQMP was 

revised to capture operational changes and resubmitted 

to the DoP in June 2008. 

In accordance with the AQMP, WCPL has 

maintained and operated the following air quality 

monitoring equipment, throughout the reporting 

period: 

• Four High Volume Air Sampler (HVAS) 

measuring Total Suspended Particulates (TSP); 

• Seventeen depositional dust gauges; and 

• Four real time Tapered Element Oscillating 

Microbalance (TEOM) units measuring 

particulate matter of 10 microns in diameter 

(PM 10) on a continuous basis. 


All air quality monitoring conducted at WCPL during 

the 2009-2010 reporting period was measured 

against criteria stipulated in Consent Condition 2, 

Schedule 4 of DA 305-7-2003 and EPL 529 which 

apply at any privately owned residences and are as 

follows: 

• TSP Annual Average Impact Assessment 

criteria less than 90 µg/m3; 

• PM 10 annual average assessment criteria less 

than 30 µg/m3; 

• PM 10 24 hour assessment criteria of less than 

50 µg/m3; 

• Deposited dust annual average assessment 

criteria less than 4 g/m2/month; and 

• Deposited dust maximum increase in deposited 

dust level of less than 2 g/m2/month. 

3.2.2.1 High Volume Air Sampling 

Monitoring of TSP occurred at four locations during 

the reporting period; 

1. HV01 – Coralie 

2. HV02 – Wambo Road 

3. HV03 – Thelander 

4. HV04 - Muller 

Page 38


All four HVAS continued to operate every six days 

(in line with the DECCW cycle) during the reporting 

period. The locations of the HVAS are illustrated in 

Figure 3.1. 

All of the HVAS units had a capture rate of 100% 

during the 2009-2010 reporting period. The TSP 

results recorded at each of the HVAS sites are 

illustrated in Figures 3.9a-d below and provided in 

Appendix 2B. The annual average TSP 

concentration at all four monitoring locations did not 

exceed the annual average criteria of 90µg/m 3 . 

Several regional dust events influenced the annual 

average and can be seen in Figures 3.9a-d. The 

elevated reading at HV03 during a run cycle on the 

20/03/10 can be attributed to other localised 

activities, as results from HV04 were much lower. 

The highest annual average TSP of 59µg/m 3 was 

recorded at HV02 located at AQ02, however this 

was well below the annual average criteria of 

90µg/m 3 . The higher result can be attributed to local 

vehicular traffic accessing unsealed sections of road 

in the vicinity of the monitor. 

3.2.2.2 PM 10 

Four real-time TEOM PM 10 units were in operation 

during the reporting period as part of the air quality 

monitoring program: 

1. AQ01 – Coralie 

2. AQ02 – Wambo Road 

3. AQ03 – Thelander 

4. AQ04 - Muller 

Each TEOM PM 10 unit records the PM 10 particulates 

every 15 minutes and calculates the 24 hour 

average, which is compared to the relevant criteria 

mentioned above. Units AQ01, AQ02, AQ03 and 

AQ04 had a capture rate of 89%, 88%, 93% and 

96% per unit respectively. Intermittent power 

failures and instrument malfunctions were identified 

as the primary cause of equipment failure. All 

TEOM PM 10 units have power surge protection 

devices fitted to protect against power surges. The 

locations of these TEOM PM 10 units are shown in 

Figure 3.1. 

The PM 10 annual average concentration at all four 

monitoring locations did not exceed the annual 

average criteria of 30 µg/m 3 , however exceedances 

recorded on the first day of the new reporting period 

from all four units initially skewed the annual 

average until more daily PM 10 data was collected. 

There were a number of exceedances of the daily 

50 µg/m 3 limit during the reporting period. Initial 

investigations undertaking by WCPL concluded the 

exceedances were not the result of WCPL activities. 

A total of ten exceedances were recorded at AQ01. 

AQ01 Is located on WCPL owned land and is close 

to the operations. The close proximity to the mine 

and prevailing westerly winds were likely to have 

contributed to the exceedances on 22/08/09, 

25/08/09, 1/10/09, 4/11/09 and 20/11/09. Five 

regional dust events were recorded on 1/7/09, 

2/10/09, 13/10/09, 14/10/09 and 29/11/10. All WCPL 

PM 10 monitors recorded similar results on the above 

mentioned days, confirming a regional dust event 

was the most likely contributor for the exceedances. 

A total of seven exceedances were recorded at 

AQ02. Five regional dust events recorded on 1/7/09, 

2/10/09, 13/10/09, 14/10/09 and 08/12/09 is the 

cause of the exceedances. AQ02 is located on 

WCPL owned land and in close proximity to a gravel 

road. The exceedance on the 17/12/09 cannot be 

attributed to Wambo due to prevailing south 

westerly winds. The exceedance on the 23/04/10 

can be attributed to a hazard reduction burn by the 

Rural Fire Service in the adjacent Wollemi National 

Park, where smoke from the hazard burn drifted 

from the National Park towards the mine. 

A total of seven exceedances were recorded at 

AQ03. Four regional dust events recorded on 

1/7/09, 14/10/09, 28/11/09 and 29/11/09 is the 


privately owned land, approximately 4km to the 

north west of the operations. The exceedance on 

the 22/11/09 was not a result from WCPL 

operations, due to the prevailing north westerly 

winds at the time of the exceedance. The 

exceedances on 25/06/10 and 26/06/10 were not 

the result from WCPL as the prevailing wind was 

from the south west. 

A total of six exceedances were recorded at AQ04. 

Five regional dust events recorded on 1/7/09, 

2/10/09, 14/10/09, 28/11/09 and 29/11/9 is the 


privately owned land, approximately 4km to the 

north west of the operations. The exceedance on 

the 22/11/09 was not a result from WCPL 

operations, due to the prevailing north westerly 

winds at the time of the exceedance. 

Results recorded from the PM 10 units are illustrated 

in Figure 3.10a-d below and tabled in Appendix 

2B. 

Page 39


High Volume Air Sampling 

HV01 - Coralie 


HV02 - Caban 

Total Suspended Particulates (ug/m 3 ) 

180 

160 

140 

120 

100 

80 

60 

40 

20 

0 

Jul 09 

Aug 09 

Sep 09 

Oct 09 

Nov 09 

Dec 09 

Jan 10 

Feb 10 

Mar 10 

Apr 10 

May 10 

TSP 

Results 

Yearly 

Average 

Annual 

Limit 


180 

160 

140 

120 

100 

80 

60 

40 

20 

0 

Jul 09 

Aug 09 

Sep 09 

Oct 09 

Nov 09 

Dec 09 

Jan 10 

Feb 10 

Mar 10 

Apr 10 

May 10 

TSP 

Results 

Yearly 

Average 

Annual 

Limit 

Figure 3.9 a – Results for TSP at HV01 

(Coralie Unit) 

Figure 3.9 b – Results for TSP at HV02 

(Wambo Road Unit) 


HV03 - Thelander 


HV04 - Muller 


300 

250 

200 

150 

100 

50 

0 

Jul 09 

Aug 09 

Sep 09 

Oct 09 

Nov 09 

Dec 09 

Jan 10 

Feb 10 

Mar 10 

Apr 10 

May 10 

TSP 

Results 

Yearly 

Average 

Annual 

Limit 


180 

160 

140 

120 

100 

80 

60 

40 

20 

0 

Jul 09 

Aug 09 

Sep 09 

Oct 09 

Nov 09 

Dec 09 

Jan 10 

Feb 10 

Mar 10 

Apr 10 

May 10 

TSP 

Results 

Yearly 

Average 

Annual 

Limit 

Figure 3.9 c – Results for TSP at HV03 

(Thelander Unit) 

Figure 3.9 d – Results for TSP at HV04 

(Muller Unit) 

Page 40


Particulate Matter 

AQ01 (Coralie - Wambo Coal site enterance road) 


AQ02 (Wambo Road) 

Particulate Matter (10 micron) (ug/m 3 ) 

100 

90 

80 

70 

60 

50 

40 

30 

20 

10 

0 


100 

90 

80 

70 

60 

50 

40 

30 

20 

10 

0 

Jul-09 

Aug-09 

Sep-09 

Oct-09 

Nov-09 

Dec-09 

Jan-10 

Feb-10 

Mar-10 

Apr-10 

May-10 

Jun-10 

Jul 09 

Aug 09 

Sep 09 

Oct 09 

Nov 09 

Dec 09 

Jan 10 

Feb 10 

Mar 10 

Apr 10 

May 10 

Jun 10 

PM10 Results Yearly Average Annual Limit Daily Limit 


Figure 3.10a – PM 10 Results Recorded at AQ01 

(Coralie) 

Figure 3.10b – PM 10 Results Recorded at AQ02 

(Wambo Road) 


AQ03 (Thelander) 


AQ04 (Muller) 


100 

90 

80 

70 

60 

50 

40 

30 

20 

10 

0 


100 

90 

80 

70 

60 

50 

40 

30 

20 

10 

0 

Jul 09 

Aug 09 

Sep 09 

Oct 09 

Nov 09 

Dec 09 

Jan 10 

Feb 10 

Mar 10 

Apr 10 

May 10 

Jun 10 

Jul-09 

Aug-09 

Sep-09 

Oct-09 

Nov-09 

Dec-09 

Jan-10 

Feb-10 

Mar-10 

Apr-10 

May-10 

Jun-10 



Figure 3.10c – PM 10 Results Recorded at AQ03 

(Thelander) 

Figure 3.10d – PM 10 Results Recorded at AQ04 

(Muller) 

Page 41


3.2.2.3 Dust Deposition 

WCPL maintains a network of 17 dust deposition 

gauges, the location of each dust deposition gauge 

is shown in Figure 3.1. 

All depositional dust gauges were sampled and 

analysed for insoluble solids and ash residue, in 

accordance with AS2724.1 (1984) and National 

Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) 

requirements. 

A summary of the annual averages for the 17 dust 

gauges is provided in Figure 3.11 below and a full 

summary of the monthly results provided in 

Appendix 2B. There was a capture and analysis 

rate of 100% for all dust gauges. Nearly all dust 

gauges contained various sources of foreign 

material including bird droppings, insects and other 

organic matter when analysed. 

There was only one depositional dust gauge, D12 

that exceeded the annual average criteria of 4 

g/m 2 /month on privately owned land. D12 is located 

approximately 700m east from the mining 

operations (see Figure 3.1). D12 is also within the 

zone of affectation as predicted by the 2003 EIS. 

During the reporting several regional dust events 

were recorded, the most severe dust events were in 

the months of October and November 2009. 

Consideration must be given regarding the influence 

each regional dust event had on the annual average 

results. The higher results recorded at D12 in 

October 2009 and November 2009 correlate with 

these dust events. In the absence of these regional 

dust events, the annual average at D12 would have 

achieved the criteria of 4 g/m 2 /month. 

Additionally, the annual average rainfall for the 

2009/2010 reporting period was approximately 208 

mm less than the previous year. The less than 

average rainfall for the reporting period is another 

contributing factor with respect to dust averages. 

Dust gauges D01, D07 and D14 exceeded the 

average criteria of 4 g/m 2 /month, however all three 

dust gauges are situated on WCPL owned land and 

therefore the average criteria of 4 g/m 2 /month does 

not apply. D01 is located near an internal dirt road, 

used regularly during the reporting period, for the 

construction of the South Wambo Dam. D14 is 

located within the footprint of the Open Cut 

disturbance area and is influenced by the close 

proximity to the operations. 

All other dust gauges located on residential 

properties (D11, D17, D21, D22, D24 and D25) 

were below the annual average criteria of 4 

g/m 2 /month. 

g/m 2 /month 

12 

11 

10 

9 

8 

7 

6 

5 

4 

3 

2 

1 

0 

Monthly Dust Monitoring 

Yearly Average 

D01 

D03 

D07 

D09 

D11 

D12 

D14 

D17 

D19 

D20 

D21 

D22 

D23 

D24 

D25 

D26 

Insoluble Solids Ash Residue Project Criteria 

Figure 3.11 – 2009-2010 Depositional Dust Gauges Annual Averages 

Note: D01, D07 & D14 are located on land owned by WCPL and therefore the average criteria of 4 g/m 2 /month 

does not apply. 

Page 42


3.3 Erosion & Sediment 

Control 


Erosion and sedimentation is managed in 

accordance with WCPL Erosion and Sediment 

Control Plan (ESCP). The main principles of the 

ESCP include: 

• Separation of runoff from disturbed and 

undisturbed areas where practicable; 

• Construction of sediment structures or 

utilisation of existing mine water storages to 

capture runoff up to a specified design criterion; 

• Construction of surface drains to facilitate the 

efficient transport of surface runoff. Drains are 

designed using trapezoidal or parabolic crosssections; 

and 

• Progressive rehabilitation stabilisation of mine 

infrastructure areas. 

These principles take into account the general 

recommendations for site drainage works presented 

in “Managing Urban Stormwater – Soils and 

Construction Volume 1” (Landcom, 2004). 

A number of strategies are used on site for erosion 

and sediment control including: 

• Monthly monitoring of all sediment control 

structures and maintenance when required; 

• Limiting clearance and disturbance of the 

natural environment; and 

• Progressive rehabilitation across site. 


Monthly inspections of sediment control structures 

as well as inspections following rainfall events of 20 

mm or more in a 24 hour period are conducted 

across the mine by WCPL personnel. During these 

inspections, sediment control structures are 

inspected for capacity, structural integrity and 

effectiveness. 

The routine removal of sediment from a number of 

the sediment control structures, including Hales 

Crossing Sediment Dam was undertaken during the 

reporting period. During the next reporting period, 

WCPL anticipate a plan of works to remove coal 

sediment from a series of purpose built sediment 

dams, adjacent to the CHPP and product stockpile 

areas. 

During the reporting period WCPL completed a 

number of revegetation projects including 

hydromulching the dam walls of South Wambo and 

Chitter Dams, hydromulching along the Western 

Drain and small areas along the western reaches of 

the North Wambo Creek Diversion 

• The establishment of diversion banks on the 

upstream side of the site to divert clean water 

around the site and into natural drainage lines; 

• The establishment of catch drains in 

accordance with relevant criteria (outlined in the 

ESCP) to direct sediment-laden water into 

sediment control structures; 

• The strategic placement and design of 

sediment control structures on site to treat 

sediment laden water before it leaves site; 

• The placement of hay bales along catch drains 

to control the velocity of flow and prevent 

scouring; 

• The establishment of sediment ponds or 

utilisation of existing mine water structures to 

treat sediment laden water; 

• The establishment of sediment fencing as 

required on the down-slope side of soil 

stockpiles; 

• The use of a street sweeper to remove dirt and 

mud from mine access roads; 

Page 43


3.4 Surface Water 


Surface water monitoring is undertaken in 

accordance with WCPL’s Surface Water Monitoring 

Program (SWMP). The SWMP has been prepared 

to fulfil development consent and EPL 529 

conditions. 

The SWMP has been prepared to the satisfaction of 

DoP, SSC and in consultation with DII and OoW. 

The SWMP was approved by the DoP in October 

2005. WCPL revised the SWMP in October 2008 

and November 2009 and re-submitted the surface 

water monitoring program to the relevant 

government departments to accommodate 

operational changes and development consent 

modification requirements. 

At the time of writing the AEMR, WCPL were still 

awaiting responses from both the DoP and OoW 

regarding the revised SWMP. WCPL received 

official notification from the DII during April 2010 

accepting the changes to the SWMP. 

The results in Section 3.4.2 of the 2009-2010 

AEMR for surface water are for those surface water 

monitoring sites required for monitoring in 

accordance with approved in the 2005 SWMP. 

• several local water ways including Wollombi 

Brook, Doctors Creek, Longford Creek, North 

Wambo Creek, South Wambo Creek and Stony 

Creek; and 

• mine water storage dams, Eagles Nest Dam. 

Monitoring of water quality in both the new South 

Dam and Chitter Dam also commenced during the 

period, a requirement of each respective separate 

development consent. 

WCPL participates in the HRSTS which allows 

water to be discharged into the Wollombi Brook 

from the licensed discharge point SW15 (Eagles 

Nest Dam) as listed in EPL 529. For further details 

of water discharges refer to Section 2.8.3. 


3.4.2.1 Water Quality 

Surface water quality criteria for pH, Electrical 

Conductivity (EC) and Total Suspended Solids 

(TSS) for the monitoring locations at WCPL are 

provided in Table 3.1. The surface water quality 

criteria for pH and TSS were adopted from the 

discharge criteria (i.e. Schedule 4, Consent 

Condition 24 of DA 305-7-2003, and Condition L3.3 

of EPL 529) and the HRSTS. 

In accordance with SWMP, WCPL maintained a 

total of 16 surface water monitoring sites, during the 

reporting period including sites located within: 

Table 3.1 – Surface Water Quality Criteria 

Stream System 

pH Criteria 

EC Criteria 

(µS/cm) 

TSS Criteria 

(mg/L) 

WCPL Mine Site 

Wollombi Brook 6.5 - 9.0 3,106 120 

North Wambo Creek 6.5 - 9.0 2,093 120 

Eagles Nest Dam 6.5 - 9.0 N/A * 120 

South Wambo Creek 6.5 - 9.0 492 120 

Stony Creek 6.5 - 9.0 492 120 

Wambo Rail Development 

Wollombi Brook 

Longford Creek 

Doctors Creek 

Less than 20% more 

than upstream 

concentration 


than upstream 

concentration 


than upstream 

concentration 

Note: * Under Schedule 4, Condition 24 of DA 305-7-2003 and condition L3.3 of EPL 529 the 

Eagles Nest Dam discharge point is not required to be monitored for EC. 

^ ANZECC Guidelines for Fresh and Marine Water Quality (2000). 

Page 44


Trigger levels for EC however have been derived 

from historical monitoring data (using a minimum of 

24 data points), where available, in accordance with 

the Australia and New Zealand Environment and 

Conservation Council Guidelines for Fresh and 

Marine Water Quality (ANZECC Guidelines) 

(ANZECC, 2000). 

Additional surface water monitoring in natural 

waterways (except Hunter River) and Eagles Nest 

Dam is also undertaken after rainfall events of more 

than 20 mm rain in 24 hours (12 am to 12 am). The 

monthly surface water quality results for the 

reporting period are discussed below. 

For the complete monthly surface water quality and 

rainfall event sampling results during the reporting 

period, please see Appendix 2C. 

All surface water samples are monitored for pH and 

Electrical Conductivity (EC) on a monthly basis. 

Surface water samples from natural waterways 

(except Hunter River) and Eagles Nest Dam are 

also analysed for total dissolved solids (TDS) and 

Total Suspended Solid (TSS). In addition, oil and 

grease monitoring is also undertaken. Additional 

monitoring of mine water dam sites and the Hunter 

River site are not required under the SWMP but are 

measured for salt budget and to assist in identifying 

the water source in the Open Cut and Underground 

operations (e.g. groundwater flow). 

EC and pH are measured in the field while samples 

are collected and analysed in the laboratory for 

TDS, TSS, oil and grease. Surface water samples 

are collected in accordance with AS/NZS 

5667.4:1998 – Guidance on sampling from lakes, 

natural and man-made and AS/NZS 5667.6:1998 – 

Guidance on sampling of rivers and streams. 

A number of surface water monitoring sites within 

North Wambo Creek, South Wambo Creek and 

Stony Creek were dry during the monthly sampling 

regime and therefore no water samples could be 

obtained. 

Surface water monitoring undertaken in accordance 

with SWMP indicated that WCPL’s mining 

operations had minimal influence on the water 

quality of the surrounding natural water courses 

during the reporting period. 

3.4.2.2 pH Analysis 

The recorded pH values from the surface water 

monitoring program during the reporting period are 

presented graphically and tabulated in Appendix 

2C. 

The pH levels for the Eagles Nest Dam during the 

2009-2010 reporting period were within the pH 

criteria and ranged from 8.90 to 9.20. In general, 

mine water quality within Eagles Nest Dam is 

typically more alkaline than pH values of the 

surrounding natural creeks and streams. 

The recorded pH for the creeks and streams 

surrounding the operation varied depending on 

rainfall and volumetric flow. 

Wollombi Brook recorded average pH values of 7.3, 

7.7, 7.8 and 7.6 at surface water monitoring sites 

SW01, SW02, SW03 and SW40 respectively. All 

monthly recorded pH values were within the SWMP 

surface water quality criteria. 

South Wambo Creek and Stony Creek recorded 

average pH values of 7.3, and 6.8 at surface water 

monitoring sites SW06 and SW07 respectively. 

There were no results for SW08 during the reporting 

period due dry conditions within the creek at each 

time of sampling. All monthly recorded pH values 

were within the SWMP surface water quality criteria. 

North Wambo Creek recorded pH values ranging 

from 7.6 and 7.5 at surface water monitoring sites 

SW05 and SW27 respectively. There were no 

results for SW32 during the reporting period due dry 

conditions within the creek at each time of sampling. 

All monthly recorded pH values were within the 

SWMP surface water quality criteria. 

The recorded pH values monitored at SW39 and the 

WRD surface water sites were within the surface 

water quality criteria. 

3.4.2.3 Total Suspended Solids 

The recorded TSS values form the surface water 

monitoring program during the 2009-2010 reporting 

period are graphically presented and tabulated in 

Appendix 2C. 

Variations in TSS for the Eagles Nest Dam during 

the 2009-2010 reporting period were within surface 

water quality criteria limits and ranged from 9 mg/L 

to 64 mg/L. 

Variations in TSS observed throughout the year 

within the surrounding natural creeks and streams 

were attributable to rainfall events. The monthly 

recorded TSS concentrations within the natural 

waterways surrounding the operations generally 

remained below the criteria of 120 mg/L, with the 

exception of results recorded in February 2010 due 

to several significant rainfall events. 

Wollombi Brook recorded average TSS 

concentrations of 24mg/L, 11mg/L, 10mg/L and 

Page 45


22mg/L at surface water monitoring sites SW01, 

SW03, SW02 and SW40 respectively. All monthly 

recorded TSS concentrations were within the 

SWMP surface water quality criteria, with the 

exception of one result from SW03 during the 

February 2010. At the time of sampling (8/02/2010), 

46.6mm of rainfall was recorded over the previous 

48hrs influencing natural fluctuations of TSS 

concentrations within the Wollombi Brook. 


average TSS concentrations of 25 mg/L and 1 mg/L 

at surface water monitoring sites SW06 and SW07 

respectively. There were no results for SW08 during 

the reporting period due dry conditions within the 

creek at each time of sampling. All monthly 

recorded TSS concentrations were within the 

SWMP surface water quality criteria. 

TSS concentrations at SW39 exceeded the surface 

water quality criteria on a number of occasions. 

SW39 is to the north west of the operations and 

therefore outside the influences from mining. 

North Wambo Creek recorded average TSS 

concentrations of 17 mg/L and 965mg/L at surface 

water monitoring sites SW05 and SW27 

respectively. There were no results for SW26 and 

SW32 during the reporting period due to no flows at 

the time of sampling. All monthly recorded TSS 

concentrations were within the SWMP surface water 

quality criteria with the exception of two results from 

SW27 during the January and February 2010 round 

of monitoring. 

At the time of sampling (28/01/2010), 30.6mm of 

rainfall was recorded over the previous two days. 

For the six months prior, SW27 had not been able to 

be sampled due to dry conditions within the creek 

during each sampling event. The coinciding rainfall 

was a contributed to the natural fluctuations of TSS 

concentrations within North Wambo Creek 

immediately. Further sampling at SW27 in February 

2010 showed that the TSS concentration had vastly 

improved. Additional sampling downstream during 

January and February at SW05 showed results 

were well below the criteria for TSS. 

The TSS monitored at the Wambo Rail 

Development (WRD) monitoring sites could not be 

assessed against the criteria of less than 20% 

variation between up and downstream sites for 

Longford Creek on three occasions. It must be 

noted that Doctors Creek remained dry at the 

downstream site (SW45) during the reporting period 

with no TSS result comparisons able to be made. 

The establishment of the WRD monitoring sites was 

a requirement during the construction and 

revegetation of the WRD project. TSS and other 

water quality results within Longford Creek and 

Doctors Creek are highly unlikely to be influenced 

by the rail line, as rehabilitation works were 

successfully completed several years ago. 

Additionally SW46 and SW45 are surrounded by 

non WCPL agricultural and mining activities, 

including cattle grazing and coal stockpiling 

respectively. T 

The higher TSS concentrations recorded at the 

downstream monitoring locations in Longford Creek 

are a result of sampling the remnant pools of usually 

turbid water, remaining within the box culverts. 

3.4.2.4 Electrical Conductivity and Total 

Dissolved Solids 

The EC and TDS of the creek water systems varied 

depending on the flows within the systems, while 

the EC and TDS concentrations within the mine 

water system typically depends on the quality of the 

fresh water added to the system and the mine water 

pumped around site. EC and TDS results recorded 

during the 2009-2010 reporting period are 

graphically presented and tabulated in Appendix 

2C. 

Wollombi Brook recorded average EC values of 

844µS/cm, 1041µS/cm, 2225µS/cm and 794µS/cm 

at surface water monitoring sites SW01, SW02, 

SW03 and SW40 respectively. All monthly recorded 

EC values were within the SWMP surface water 

quality criteria with the exception of results from 

SW03. There were five occasions were the EC 

criteria was not achieved at SW03 due to low flows 

in the brook. 


average EC values of 631µS/cm and 667µS/cm at 

surface water monitoring sites SW06 and SW07 

respectively. There were no EC results for SW08 

during the reporting period due to no flows within 

the creek at the time of sampling. Although the EC 

criterion was not achieved at SW06 and SW07, both 

sites are upstream of the mining operations and 

therefore considered outside the influence of 

mining. 

Water samples were only taken from SW05 and 

SW27 within North Wambo Creek during the 

reporting period due to the creek being mostly dry at 

the other sites. EC results at SW05 did not meet the 

EC criteria of 2140µS/cm of several occasions, with 

an average EC concentration below the criteria of 

2111µS/cm. As expected during January and 

February 2010, the EC criteria was achieved at 

SW05 as good rainfall influenced creek flows within 

the creek. 

Page 46


Results from the WRD water monitoring program 

show that EC in the Wollombi Brook achieved the 

EC criteria. 

The EC in Longford Creek did not meet the surface 

water quality criteria on two occasions. That is, the 

EC exceeded the criteria of less than 20% variation 

between up and downstream. The establishment of 

the WRD monitoring sites was a requirement during 

the construction and revegetation of the WRD 

project. EC and other water quality results within 

Longford Creek and Doctors Creek are highly 

unlikely to be influenced by the rail line, as 

rehabilitation works were successfully completed 

several years ago. Additionally SW46 and SW45 

are surrounded by non WCPL agricultural and 

mining activities, including cattle grazing and coal 

stockpiling. 

3.4.2.5 Oil and Grease 

Oil and grease results recorded during the reporting 

period concluded that oil and grease concentrations 

in the surrounding waters were generally in 

compliance with the criteria set out in the WRD 

SWMP. Oil and grease results recorded during the 

2009-2010 reporting period are tabulated in 

Appendix 2C. 

3.4.2.6 Flow Monitoring 

In consultation with the OoW, WCPL completed a 

program to re-install all nine surface water flow sites 

destroyed during the June 2007 floods. The 

replacement program involved the installation of 

hydrographic stations in North Wambo Creek, South 

Wambo Creek and Stony Creek, the locations of 

each site are illustrated in Figure 3.1. Plate 3 is a 

photo of a flow monitoring site FM1, located in the 

upper reaches of North Wambo Creek. The picture 

was taken during a flow event in April 2009. 

The results of the flow monitoring program within 

North Wambo Creek, South Wambo Creek and 

Stony Creek are presented in Appendix 2C. 

Volumetric flow monitoring in Wollombi Brook is 

undertaken at Bulga and Warkworth, the results are 

obtained from the OoW website. 

3.5 Groundwater Management 


WCPL operates under a Groundwater Monitoring 

Program (GWMP). The GWMP was approved by 

the DoP in October 2005. WCPL revised the GWMP 

in July 2008 and January 2010, re-submitting the 

ground water monitoring program to the relevant 

government departments to accommodate 

operational changes, report recommendations and 

development consent modification requirements. 

At the time of writing the 2009/2010 AEMR, WCPL 

were still awaiting responses from both the DoP and 

OoW regarding the revised GWMP. WCPL received 

official notification from the DII during April 2010 

accepting the changes to the GWMP. 

The results in Section 3.5.2 of the 2009-2010 

AEMR for groundwater are for those groundwater 

monitoring sites approved in the 2005 GWMP. 

Appendix 2D contains all and groundwater 

monitoring results undertaken during the reporting 

period. 

The overall objectives of the GWMP are to establish 

baseline groundwater quality and water level data 

and to implement a programme of data collection 

that can be utilised to assess potential impacts of 

mining activities on the groundwater resources of 

the area. 

From a hydrogeological perspective, the Wambo 

area is relatively complex due to the occurrence of 

alluvium it’s proximity to Wollemi National Park and 

a number of historical and proposed mining 

developments. Due consideration must also be paid 

to constraints imposed by the existing and proposed 

mining operations. 

Plate 3 – Flow monitor site FM1 

Groundwater data is collected on-site on a 

bimonthly basis and records from 1994 are available 

for some sites. During the reporting period, a total of 

11 new groundwater monitoring bores were 

installed. The groundwater monitoring network now 

consists of 30 monitoring sites. These sites consist 

of purpose constructed monitoring bores (also 

referred to as piezometers), water supply bores, and 

bores owned by neighbouring landholders. Actual 

bores may be standpipe monitoring bores, stock 

Page 47


wells or multiple vibrating wire piezometers. 

Appendix 2D presents the details of the monitoring 

network. 

The location of groundwater sites monitored during 

the reporting period are illustrated in Figure 3.12. 

All groundwater samples were collected in 

accordance with AS/NZS 5667.11:1998 – Guidance 

on sampling of ground waters. All samples collected 

were analysed in the field for pH, electrical 

conductivity (EC), temperature and depth to water. 


The purpose of groundwater impact assessment 

criteria is to provide “Trigger Levels” for each of the 

key groundwater parameters, that is, depth to water, 

pH and EC. The “Trigger Levels” for each existing 

monitoring site used in the GWMP has been 

assessed through review of the historical water level 

and water quality data. For the depth to water level 

and EC, the upper and lower trigger levels have 

been assigned as two standard deviations greater 

and less than the maximum and minimum observed 

values. In terms of pH, the lower and upper trigger 

levels have been specified as 6.0 and 9.5 

respectively which encompass the normal range for 

groundwater. To date, few pH values at either 

WCPL or United Collieries have been measured 

outside this range. 

The groundwater quality criteria from the updated 

GWMP which were applicable to groundwater 

monitoring sites from December 2005 are 

summarised in Table 3.2. 

The depth to water monitoring results during the 

reporting period are illustrated in Figures 3.13a-b to 

3.17 and provided in Appendix 2D. All water levels 

are measured from the top of the borehole casing. 

During the last reporting period WCPL initiated an 

independent review of the current groundwater 

monitoring network, undertaken by a specialist 

groundwater hydrologist. The outcomes of that 

review concluded an expansion of the groundwater 

monitoring network was required for current and 

future mining operations. During the 2008-2009 

reporting period WCPL in consultation with the OoW 

made applications under Part 5 of the Water Act 

1912 to licence a total of 11 additional groundwater 

monitoring piezometers, for installation of WCPL 

owned land. 

3.5.2.1 Depth to Water 

In general water levels remained static for most of 

the reporting period, with some groundwater 

monitoring sites displaying only slight decreases in 

water levels. 

Groundwater Wells 

GW02 and GW11 located on the Brosi property 

were monitored throughout 2009-2010. The water 

levels remained mostly static for the period. 

Groundwater monitoring in 2009-2010 identified 

recovery of water levels in GW11 and GW02 

towards the end of the reporting period. 

During the reporting period both water levels in 

GW02 and GW11 only dropped below their 

respective trigger water levels on one occasion 

each, before recovering to their minimum trigger 

water levels. Due to land access issues, the 

scheduled monitoring of GW02 and GW11 in April 

2010 could not be completed. 

GW08 and GW09 located on WCPL property were 

monitored throughout 2009-2010 period. The water 

levels remained mostly static for the period. 

Groundwater monitoring in 2009-2010 identified 

only minor decreases and fluctuations of water 

levels at the end of the reporting period. The water 

level at GW09 remained outside the trigger level 


100 and 200 Series Piezometers 

The 100 and 200 series piezometers located 

adjacent to the Wollombi Brook were monitored 

throughout 2009-2010. All standing water levels 

were within their respective criteria’s for all the 100 

series piezometers. The water levels in P116 

recovered above its minimum respective water level 

depths. 

The 200 series piezometers also displayed the 

same characteristics as the 100 series piezometers 

in terms of recovering water levels. The water level 

in P206 recovered above its minimum respective 

water level depth during the reporting period. 

300 Series Piezometers 

The 300 series piezometers are located adjacent to 

Stony Creek. The 300 series piezometers also 

displayed the same characteristics as the 100 and 

200 series piezometers. During this reporting period 

P301 water levels were maintained within its 

respective depth to water level criteria. 

Water levels at P305 fell below its respective criteria 

and could not be sampled during the last quarter 

during the end of the reporting period. 

Page 48


Table 3.2 – Groundwater Quality Criteria 

Groundwater 

Monitoring Site 

Depth to 

Groundwater 

Level 

Min WL 

(mbGL) 

Max WL 

(mbGL) 

Min 

pH 

pH 

Max pH 

Electrical Conductivity 

Min EC 

(µS/cm) 

Max EC 

(µS/cm) 

P106 7.16 12.3 6.0 9.5 100 1,325 

P109 4.30 7.81 6.0 9.5 100 890 

P110 2.31 10.86 6.0 9.5 250 1,300 

P111 5.54 9.20 6.0 9.5 300 715 

P114 5.70 7.92 6.0 9.5 250 750 

P116 5.50 9.08 6.0 9.5 1,500 8,000 

P202 8.15 10.60 6.0 9.5 2,500 8,500 

P206 19.18 23.99 6.0 9.5 1,400 3,500 

P301 8.77 15.98 6.0 9.5 8,500 10,000 

*P311 18.15 25.85 6.0 9.5 6,500 8,000 

P315 2.26 11.90 6.0 9.5 250 600 

GW02 4.05 11.41 6.0 9.5 100 860 

GW08 1.17 3.80 6.0 9.5 1,500 2,500 

GW09 2.02 2.85 6.0 9.5 1,500 1,800 

GW11 4.25 7.75 6.0 9.5 200 750 

P1 13.33 30.28 6.0 9.5 5,000 12,000 

P3 5.63 9.15 6.0 9.5 300 11,200 

P5 0.76 7.74 6.0 9.5 750 5,250 

P6 1.58 6.47 6.0 9.5 1,500 3,500 

P11 0.50 44.58 6.0 9.5 10,000 23,000 

P12 5.75 7.77 6.0 9.5 2,800 8,820 

P13 5.96 7.98 6.0 9.5 1,000 3,200 

P15 5.46 6.42 6.0 9.5 2,900 22,000 

P16 6.47 7.37 6.0 9.5 3,800 22,700 

P17 5.25 6.21 6.0 9.5 8,900 17,000 

P18 6.48 7.53 6.0 9.5 4,450 22,000 

P20 6.83 7.86 6.0 9.5 4,750 22,800 

Note: mbGL – meters below ground level 

* P311 has now been decommissioned due to subsidence related impacts 

Page 49


Monthly Ground Water Monitoring 

Brosi Property 

Monthly Ground Water Monitoring 

Brosi Property 

pH 

10.0 

9.0 

8.0 

7.0 

6.0 

5.0 

Jul-09 

Aug-09 

GW02 - M ax's New Well 

Sep-09 

Oct-09 

Nov-09 

Dec-09 

Jan-10 

Month 

GW11 - M ax's Extra Well 

Restricted land access 

Feb-10 

Mar-10 

Apr-10 

May-10 

Jun-10 

Electrical Conductivity 

(uS/cm) 

1,000 

800 

600 

400 

200 

0 

Jul-09 

Aug-09 

GW02 - M ax's New Well 

Sep-09 

Oct-09 

Nov-09 

Dec-09 

Jan-10 

Month 

GW11 - M ax's Extra Well 

Restricted land access 

Feb-10 

Mar-10 

Apr-10 

May-10 

Jun-10 

Figure 3.13a – Ground Water (Wells) Depth to Water 

Figure 3.13b – Ground Water (Wells) Depth to 

Monthly Piezometer Monitoring 

100 Series 

P106 P109 P110 P111 P114 P116 


200 Series 

P202 

P206 

Month 

10.0 

0 

Jul-09 

Aug-09 

Sep-09 

Oct-09 

Nov-09 

Dec-09 

Jan-10 

Feb-10 

Mar-10 

Apr-10 

May-10 

Jun-10 

9.0 

8.0 

Depth to Water (m) 

2 

4 

6 

8 

10 

12 

pH 

7.0 

6.0 

5.0 

Jul-09 

Aug-09 

Sep-09 

Oct-09 

Nov-09 

Dec-09 

Jan-10 

Month 

Feb-10 

Mar-10 

Apr-10 

May-10 

Jun-10 

Figure 3.14 – Ground Water (100 Series) Depth to Water 



300 Series 

P301 

Month 

P315 


United Piezometers 

P1 P3 P5 P6 P11 P12 P13 

P15 P16 P17 P18 P20 

Month 

0 

Jul-09 

Aug-09 

Sep-09 

Oct-09 

Nov-09 

Dec-09 

Jan-10 

Feb-10 

Mar-10 

Apr-10 

May-10 

Jun-10 

0 

Jul-08 

Aug-08 

Sep-08 

Oct-08 

Nov-08 

Dec-08 

Jan-09 

Feb-09 

Mar-09 

Apr-09 

May-09 

Jun-09 


2 

4 

6 

8 

10 

12 

Piezometer dry 


5 

10 

15 

20 

25 

30 

14 

35 


Figure 3.17 – Ground Water (United) Depth to Water 

Page 51


United Collieries Piezometers 

The United Collieries network of piezometers 

displayed largely static water levels for most of the 

reporting period. With the exception of P1 and P13, 

all other piezometers periodically exceeded their 

respective maximum water level depths. The overall 

trend at the end of the reporting period displayed 

recovering water levels approaching their respective 

criteria. Good rainfall in January and February 2010 

was likely to have influenced this recovering trend. 

3.5.2.2 pH 

The results for pH analysis of the groundwater 

monitoring network are provided graphically and 

tabulated in Appendix 2D. 

The pH values for groundwater in wells GW02, 

GW08, GW09 and GW11 remained within the 

GWMP trigger levels during the reporting period 

with levels averaging from 6.6 to 7.1. The 

groundwater wells GW02 and GW11 located on the 

Brosi’s property are subject to the ANZECC criteria 

for “Raw Waters for drinking purposes subject to 

coarse screening”. GW02 and GW11 were within 

the ANZECC pH range of 6.5-8.5 for the whole 

monitoring period. On one occasion the pH 

measured in August 2009 at GW08 fell below pH 6 

(ph 5.7), however recovered back to normal pH 

values after subsequent monitoring. 

With the exception of P202 and P301, all pH values 

recorded for the 100, 200 and 300 series remained 

within the pH trigger limits. With the exception of 

P13, the other United Collieries monitored 

piezometers remained within their respective pH 

trigger limits, as listed in Table 3.2. 

3.5.2.3 Electrical Conductivity 

The results for EC analysis of the groundwater 

monitoring network are provided graphically and 

tabulated in Appendix 2D. 

Groundwater wells GW02, GW08 and GW11 

remained within the GWMP trigger levels for EC 

during the reporting period, with the exception of 

GW09. The recorded EC at GW09 decreased below 

the minimum EC trigger level of 1500µS/cm with an 

annual average 1310µS/cm. 

The measured EC in the 100 and 200 piezometer 

series stayed relatively static during the reporting 

period. The measured EC for P106, P109, P110, 

P111, P114 and P206 remained within their 

respective criteria for EC. P116 periodically 

dropped below the EC criteria of 1500µS/cm during 

the reporting period, with an average of 879µS/cm. 

On two occasions the EC at P202 was outside the 

maximum EC criteria in December 2009 and April 

2010. The last round monitoring in June 2010 

showed that the EC had return to within the criteria. 

The measured EC in the 300 series piezometers 

during the reporting period remained relatively 

static. The measured EC values at P301 decreased 

below the minimum EC trigger level of 8500µS/cm 

with an annual average 3577µS/cm. 

The United Collieries monitored piezometers 

generally remained within their respective EC trigger 

levels during the reporting period. A number of 

United’s piezometers returned EC values well below 

their respective minimum EC trigger levels. 

3.6 Contaminated Land 


The highest potential for land contamination at 

WCPL is from hydrocarbons. The main areas with 

the potential for contaminating land with 

hydrocarbons are the hydrocarbon storage areas. 

All hydrocarbon storage areas are routinely 

inspected as part of WCPL Environmental 

Management System (EMS). All hydrocarbon 

storage areas at WCPL, with the exception of the 

underground unleaded fuel tank at the 

administration area, are managed within bunded 

areas. These bunded areas are regularly monitored 

and maintained and control the risk of any 

hydrocarbon spillage. The underground storage 

tank has previously been pressure tested to ensure 

its integrity is satisfactory. 

Dangerous goods depots at WCPL were audited by 

an independent dangerous goods specialist during 

the previous reporting period. During the 2009/2010 

reporting period, WCPL developed a detailed scope 

of works to remove an underground unleaded fuel 

tank and its associated fuel bowser, in response to 

one of the audit report recommendations. Several 

tenders have now been received by WCPL 

regarding the removal of the tank and works are 

expected to commence in the upcoming 2010/2011 

AEMR reporting period. 

With the above controls in place, the probability of 

contaminated land at WCPL is considered to be low. 

Any soil that becomes contaminated with 

hydrocarbons is reported and collected for disposal 

within approved areas of the overburden dumps. At 

the time of writing the 2009-2010 AEMR, WCPL and 

Downer EDI were finalising procedures of the new 

bioremediation site within the Open Cut. Further 

Page 52


details regarding the bioremediation site are 

contained in Section 3.17. 

3.7 Threatened Flora and 

Fauna 


WCPL has a Flora and Fauna Management Plan 

(FFMP) for the mine and for the WRD. Both Plans 

have been prepared in accordance with the 

development consent requirements and were 

approved by the DoP in 2005. The FFMP’s 

document the management practices which are 

aimed at minimising the potential impacts on flora 

and fauna as a result of WCPL’s activities. Both 

plans include a Vegetation Clearance Protocol and 

Threatened Species Management Protocol. The 

FFMP for the mine also includes the Remnant 

Woodland Enhancement Program (RWEP), the 

Rehabilitation Program and the Flora and Fauna 

Monitoring Program. 

During 2008 the FFMP was reviewed internally and 

externally by an ecological specialist. The revised 

FFMP was submitted to the DoP in April 2008, and 

approved by the DoP in June 2008. A further review 

of the FFMP was completed in early 2010 and 

subsequently re-submitted into the DoP. At the time 

of writing the 2009-2010 AEMR, WCPL were 

awaiting notification from DoP regarding the revised 

FFMP. Some of the changes to the FFMP from the 

review included additional management strategies 

regarding vegetation clearing, weed and feral 

animal control. 

The WRD FFMP includes the requirements for the 

protection and maintenance of the rail loop 

woodland areas as part of the RWEP. 

The key components of the Vegetation Clearance 

Protocol include the delineation of areas to be 

cleared of remnant vegetation, pre-clearance 

surveys, fauna management strategies, vegetation 

clearance procedures, seed collection, and salvage 

reuse of materials. 

The key components of the Threatened Species 

Management Protocol are site observations and 

surveys, threatened species management 

strategies, consultation and reporting. 


During the reporting period WCPL engaged a 

specialist ecologist to undertake the annual 

ecological monitoring Remnant Woodland Areas 

and Riparian Bend and Bank Stability Monitoring, in 

accordance with the FFMP. A summary of the 

monitoring is in Section 3.7.2.3. In addition to this, 

WCPL completed Swift Parrot and Regent 

Honeyeater Surveys. A letter report on the Swift 

Parrot survey is in Appendix 2G. 

3.7.2.1 Pre-Clearance Surveys 

During the reporting period a number of preclearance 

surveys were undertaken in consultation 

with ecological specialists, for mining and 

exploration related activities, including the South 

Wambo Dam project. Under the FFMP, preclearance 

surveys must identify if additional flora 

and fauna management measures are required. 

3.7.2.2 Acacia Species 

During the development of the EIS in 2003, a large 

stand of an Acacia species was found to the west of 

North Wambo Creek, which was initially identified as 

Acacia anuera. In 2004 Terry Tame (Acacia expert) 

and Travis Peake (then of the Hunter Catchment 

Management Trust) concluded this stand to be 

Acacia pendula. However, the lack of flowering 

plants meant that confirmation could not be 

attained. 

The NSW Scientific Committee has made a final 

determination to list the population of the tree 

Acacia pendula in the Hunter catchment as an 

Endangered Population in Part 2 of Schedule 1 of 

the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995. 

An Acacia management plan was developed in 

2006. During the development of this management 

plan site investigations were undertaken of the 

Acacia sp. on site and the known stands of Acacia 

pendula in Jerry’s Plains cemetery. These 

investigations raised questions over the correct 

identification of the large stand of Acacia sp at 

WCPL. Due to the lack of flowering it is thought that 

perhaps this plant is a sterile hybrid of Acacia 

pendula and Acacia homalophylla. Conclusively 

identified Acacia pendula and these hybrid Acacia 

have been found at Jerry’s Plains cemetery and 

across WCPL’s site. 

Further detailed investigations, which included a site 

inspection in April 2007 to determine the correct 

identification of these Acacia species was 

undertaken by HLA Envirosciences. Although the 

findings to date have been inconclusive, WCPL 

continued to monitor these plants for signs of 

flowering during 2009-2010 so that correct 

identification could be made. 

Page 53


In 2008, investigations were undertaken with an 

expert botanist during the reporting period to verify if 

the strand is actually Acacia pendula. It was 

determined that insufficient information exists (i.e. 

did not flower during the reporting period again) with 

respect to the genetic characteristic of this species. 

Underground mining activities are not scheduled to 

occur below this stand of Acacia species during the 

next reporting period. WCPL have submitted to DII 

for approval an Acacia pendula Management Plan 

for LW Panel 4. The details of this management 

plan will be discussed further in the next AEMR. 

3.7.2.3 Remnant Woodland Enhancement 

Program 

The objective of the Remnant Woodland 

Enhancement Program (RWEP) is to help conserve 

regional biodiversity, whilst enhancing the habitat 

available to flora and fauna. The RWEP will provide 

a strategy that gives protection in perpetuity for 

RWEP Area A and long-term protection of RWEP 

Areas B and C. The RWEP also includes the area 

within the area of the WRD rail loop (see Figure 

3.18). 

During late 2009, WCPL added another area of 

approximately 50ha to the Remnant Woodland 

Enhancement Program. The additional area was to 

offset construction of the new South Dam. This 

recent offset area is now referred to as RWEP Area 

D (see Figure 3.18). 

Flora 

Thirty one vegetation plots were sampled during the 

2009 survey, identifying a total of 249 plant species. 

Of these 249 species, 167 were native plants and 

82 species were identified as exotic species. This is 

a decrease of 41 native flora species and an 

increase of 29 exotic species from the 2008 survey. 

The decrease in the native species diversity is likely 

to be attributable to much drier conditions. Flora 

sites along Wollombi Brook, within the River Oak / 

Rough-barked Apple Forest and River Red Gum 

Woodland Vegetation Communities recorded the 

highest percentages of exotic species, as per 

previous surveys. 

Soil conditions were noticeably drier than previous 

surveys. Little (if any) groundwater was observed as 

supplying baseline water flows in the watercourses. 

Therefore diversity of vegetation within the ground 

layers has declined, causing a reduction in species 

diversity compared to previous years. Many ground 

layer species prefer wetter conditions and their 

presence within a plot may be regarded as 

seasonal. Growth was recorded within the canopy 

and mid levels within most vegetation communities. 

Little growth and some actual reduction in the height 

of groundcovers was attributable to the drier 

conditions. 

The creek banks along South Wambo Creek are 

showing a marked decline of exotic species and 

regeneration of native plants (especially juvenile 

Casuarina cunninghamiana), where cattle have 

been excluded. Improvements have also been 

achieved by selective planting of native species 

which has been undertaken by the mine. 

Fauna 

Fauna surveys revealed a number of native 

mammal species across the survey areas, including, 

the Macropus giganteus (Eastern Grey Kangaroo), 

M. robustus (Common Wallaroo), Wallabia bicolor 

(Swamp Wallaby) and M. rufogriseus (Red-necked 

Wallaby),Vombatus ursinus (Common Wombat) and 

Trichosurus vulpecula (Common Brushtail Possum). 

A number of introduced mammal species, including 

Oryctolagus cuniculus (Rabbit) and Lepus capensis 

(Brown Hare) were also noted across the cleared 

flats, riparian and lower open woodland habitats. 

A moderate to high diversity of common 

Microchiropteran Bat species were recorded as part 

of the study. Four threatened Microchiropteran Bat 

species were recorded, namely Mormopterus 

norfolkensis (East Coast Freetail-bat), Miniopterus 

australis (Little Bentwingbat) Falsistrellus 

tasmaniensis (Eastern Falsistrelle) and Scoteanax 

rueppellii (Greater Broad-nosed Bat). 

Two types of bird survey (bird plot survey and Swift 

Parrot survey) were conducted as part of the 2009 

monitoring. Bird surveys within designated bird plots 

detected a moderately diverse range of common 

native bird species and a number of threatened 

species, including Chthonicola sagittata (Speckled 

Warbler), Climacteris picumnus (Brown 

Treecreeper), Melanodryas cucullata (Hooded 

Robin) and Pomatostomus temporali (Grey-crowned 

Babbler). 

Wedge-tailed Eagles were recorded breeding (two 

half fledged juveniles) in Area A to the east of 

Wollombi Brook. Few other birds of prey were 

recorded during this survey, apart from other 

common raptors, such as Nankeen Kestrel, Blackshouldered 

Kite and Brown Goshawk. Owl call 

surveys detected a single forest owl species, Tyto 

novaehollandiae (Masked Owl), within Area A. Two 

individuals of another owl species Tyto javanica 

(Eastern Barn Owl) were flushed while roosting in 

lowland woodland outside of the RWEP Areas. Two 

other nocturnal bird species were noted during 

fauna surveys, being Podargus strigoides (Tawny 

Frogmouth) and Aegotheles cristatus (Australian 

Owlet Nightjar). 

Page 54


Figure 3.19 Weed Control 

Page 56


3.8 Weeds 


The FFMP details the weed control measures used 

to minimise the potential for weed invasion. These 

include identification of weed infestations during 

pre-clearance surveys, removal of weeds or 

application of approved herbicides and follow-up 

inspections to assess effectiveness of the weed 

management measures implemented. 

Only certified personnel who have completed the 

ChemCert Farm Chemicals User Course, the 

SMART Train Chemical User qualification or 

equivalent undertake weed control at WCPL. All 

activities are conducted in accordance with the 

Pesticides Amendment (Records) Regulation 2002. 

Weed sighting sheets have been developed and are 

made available to all personnel. The sighting sheets 

assist with prioritising weed control works and 

identifying problem areas. During the reporting 

period WCPL engaged a weed contractor to assist 

with the ongoing (monthly) weed control. All areas 

that are inspected and controlled are entered into 

GIS database to assist in the management of weeds 

across the entire site (see Figure 3.19). 


3.8.2.1 Remnant Woodland Enhancement 

Areas 

A comprehensive weed control program within 

Remnant Woodland Areas continued during the 

reporting period. The target species of the weed 

control program included Mother of Millions, 

Creeping Pear, Tiger Pear, Purple Top, Caster Oil 

Plant, Galenia and African Boxthorn. 

In the previous reporting period approximately 5000 

individual Creeping Pear plants were treated with 

herbicide within the rail loop area of Remnant 

Woodland Area A. Follow up spraying continued in 

this reporting period, to enhance previous 

campaigns. RWEP areas east of Wollombi Brook 

and adjacent to the rail load out area were 

undertaken to reduce the density of Mother of 

Millions infestations. 

Continued monitoring will be undertaken during 

2010-2011 to determine if there is any seasonal 

variation in the weed species present. 

3.8.2.2 North Wambo, South Wambo and 

Stoney Creeks 

During the reporting period weed control was 

undertaken along potions of South Wambo Creek, 

North Wambo Creek and Stony Creek. Continued 

monitoring will be undertaken during 2010-2011 to 

determine if there is any seasonal variation in the 

weed species present all weed control work is 

performed in accordance with the Cattle Care 

requirements. 

3.8.2.3 Open Cut Rehabilitation 

Weed control programs continued within areas of 

the Open Cut rehabilitation. Several methods of 

weed control were employed, including weed 

spraying, burying and competition planting. These 

methods were carried out within the Sarah Maree 

dump to control Galenia and Caster Oil plants. 

3.9 Feral Animal Control 


The FFMP details the feral animal control measures 

used to minimise the threat to native fauna and 

comply with the requirements of the Rural Lands 

Protection Act, 1998. Programs to assess the 

status of pest populations, implementation of pest 

control measures, implementation of mandatory 

pest control for any declared pests (i.e. rabbits, pigs 

and wild dogs) and follow-up inspections to assess 

effectiveness of the control measures implemented 

are carried out on an annual basis. 


During the reporting period WCPL completed an 

extensive feral animal control program. The 

vertebrate pest control program was undertaken in 

January 2010 and occurred throughout the RWEP 

areas, around WCPL infrastructure and WCPL 

owned buffer lands. This vertebrate pest control 

program will be followed up with a winter feral 

animal control planned for August 2010. The 

vertebrate pest control program included 1080 

baiting, feral cat cage trapping and sandpad 

monitoring. 

The Summer 2010 sandpad monitoring saw an 

increase in dog abundance within the targeted area. 

Increasing from a Scarce rating (20%). Fox abundance within the area remained at 

a Medium rating (15-40%). 

The poison bait uptake remained similar to the 

previous baiting control program conducted in 

Page 57


Winter 2009, with 27 lethal baits taken by targeted 

species (dogs and foxes) and with 24 lethal 1080 

baits taken in Summer 2010. The percentage of 

Bait takes in Winter 2009 (18%) decreased slightly 

to 16% in Summer 2010. 

3.9.3 Remnant Woodland 

Enhancement Program 

The results of the vertebrate pest control program 

within the RWEP areas are described in Section 

3.9.2. 

3.10 Blasting and Vibration 


Blasting is conducted by Downer EDI Blasting 

Services and monitoring is conducted by WCPL 

personnel using a network of permanent blast 

monitors located on site and on neighbouring 

properties surrounding WCPL (Figure 3.1). Blast 

monitoring was conducted at four locations around 

the mine during the 2009-2010 reporting period. 

The locations of these blast monitors are as agreed 

by the DECCW and satisfy WCPL’s regulatory 

requirements in relation to blast monitoring. 

EPL 529 permits WCPL a maximum ground 

vibration of 10 mm/second and requires that less 

than 5% of total blasts exceed 5 mm/second at any 

non-mine owned residential locations. EPL 529 

also permits WCPL’s blasting operations a 

maximum of 120 dB(L) and requires less than 5% of 

total blasts exceed 115 dB(L) at any non-mine 

owned residential location. 

Every blast is designed with consideration for 

vibration and overpressure impacts of blasting on 

our neighbours, including the Underground 

operations. In addition to the blast designs, a 

blasting protocol is in place which prevents blasting 

during weather conditions which may adversely 

affect neighbours. The wind criteria of the blasting 

protocol were modified following an incident in 

January 2007. 


3.10.2.1 Blast Monitoring 

There were a total of 62 blasts in the open cut 

during the reporting period. All 62 blasts were 

monitored with a 100% capture rate. The blast 

results for each of the four monitors are illustrated in 

Figure 3.20 and are provided in Appendix 2E. 

A total of two out of the 62 blasts fired at WCPL 

during the reporting period recorded levels above 

115 dB(L) at blast monitors located at various 

sensitive receptors. WCPL was able to meet the 5% 

of total blasts exceeding 115 dB(L), with total of 

3.2% of blasts not achieving the 115 dB(L) criteria. 

One of the two blasts mentioned above exceeded 

the 120 dB(L) limit during the reporting period at 

122.1 dB(L). This was reported to DECCW and is 

further discussed in Section 3.20.2. 

WCPL’s development consent specifies that blasts 

within 2 km of the Wambo Homestead need to be 

monitored. All 62 blasts were monitored at the 

Homestead regardless of the 2km trigger. All 

blasting results at the Wambo Homestead are 

reviewed on a monthly basis by an independent 

structural engineer. 

Any recorded overpressures at the Wambo 

Homestead blast monitor, that exceed the EPL 

blasting criteria of 115dB and 120dB are not 

considered a non-compliance because the property 

is owned by the mine. 

There were no vibration results greater than 5 

mm/second at any of the monitoring sites during the 

reporting period. 

Structural engineering reports for the reporting 

period confirmed that: 

• All blasts recorded at the Wambo Homestead 

did not exceed the ground vibration approval 

limit of 5 mm/s; and 

• The ground vibration levels recorded at the 

Wambo Homestead are not expected to cause 

structural damage. 

Page 58


2009-2010 AEMR - Blast Results for WCPL 

125 

5.0 

Overpressure Result (dB(L)) 

100 

75 

50 

25 

4.0 

3.0 

2.0 

1.0 

0 

02/07/09 

16/07/09 

30/07/09 

13/08/09 

27/08/09 

10/09/09 

24/09/09 

08/10/09 

22/10/09 

05/11/09 

19/11/09 

03/12/09 

17/12/09 

31/12/09 

14/01/10 

28/01/10 

11/02/10 

25/02/10 

11/03/10 

25/03/10 

08/04/10 

22/04/10 

06/05/10 

20/05/10 

03/06/10 

17/06/10 

Vibration (mm/s) 

0.0 

Overpressure Limit Homestead Overpressure Kelly Overpressure Harris Overpressure 

Muller Overpressure Kelly Vibration Vibration Limit Homestead Vibration 

Harris Vibration 

Muller Vibration 

Figure 3.20 – 2009-2010 Blast Monitoring Results 

Page 59


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 


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; 

• 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: 

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 noise monitoring for WCPL was completed 

at a total of six locations over the 2009-2010 

reporting period in accordance with the relevant 

development consent conditions, the NMP and the 

WRD Construction and Operational Noise 

Management Plan (WRD NMP) (see Figure 3.1) 

Page 60


Day 

L Aeq(15 minute) 

Table 3.3 – Noise Criteria for WCPL from November 2005 

Evening/Night 

L Aeq(15 minute) 

Night 

L A1(1 minute) 

35 41 50 94 – Curlewis 

35 40 50 

35 39 50 

35 38 50 

35 37 50 

35 36 50 

3 – Birrell 

4B – Circosta 

15B - McGowen/Caslick 

16 – Cooper 

23C – Kannar 

25 – Fenwick 

28A & B – Garland 

33 -Thelander/O'Neill 

39 – Northcote 

40 – Muller 

254A – Algie 

5 – Strachan 

6 - Merrick 

7 - Maizey 

37 - Lawry 

48 - Ponder 

1 - Brosi 

17 - Carter 

18 - Denney 

38 - Williams 

49 - Oliver 

63 - Abrocuff 

75 - Barnes 

91 - Bailey 

27 - Birralee 

43 - Carmody 

137 - Woodruff 

163 - Rodger/Williams 

246 - Bailey 

13B - Skinner 

178 - Smith 

188 - Fuller 

262A, B & C - Moses 

Land Number 

35 35 50 All other residential or sensitive receptors, excluding 

the receptors listed in condition 1 above 

Notes: 

a) Noise from the development is to be measured at the most affected point or within the residential boundary, or at the 

most affected point within 30 metres of a dwelling (rural situations) where the dwelling is more than 30 metres from 

the boundary, to determine compliance with the LAeq(15 minute) noise limits in the above table. Where it can be 

demonstrated that direct measurement of noise from the development is impractical, the DEC may accept alternative 

means of determining compliance (see Chapter 11 of the NSW Industrial Noise Policy). The modification factors in 

Section 4 of the NSW Industrial Noise Policy shall also be applied to the measured noise levels where applicable. 

b) Noise from the development is to be measured at 1 metre from the dwelling façade to determine compliance with the 

L A1(1 minute) noise limits in the above table. 

c) The noise emission limits identified in the above table apply under meteorological conditions of: 

• Wind speeds of up to 3 m/s at 10 metres above ground level; or 

• Temperature inversion conditions of up to 3ºC/100m, and wind speeds of up to 2 m/s at 10 metres above 

ground level. 

Page 61



Real Time Noise Monitoring 

WCPL compile quarterly reports on monitoring data 

from four fixed SentineX continuous noise 

monitoring systems adjacent to WCPL. Below is a 

summary of the quarterly reports for real time noise 

monitoring. 

Q1- July to September 2009 

Assessment of noise impacts for the July to 

September 2009 monitoring period indicates that 

WCPL complied with the noise level criteria 

prescribed in the Wambo Coal NMP. Measurement 

data were observed to exceed the criteria on a 

number of occasions however review of audio 

recordings indicates mining activity was not the 

dominant noise source for the majority of these 

events 

The passage of vehicles on the Golden Highway 

was the dominant noise impact at the N16 (Muller) 

monitoring location. L AeqLF,15minute noise levels 

associated with increasing early morning traffic 

flows of up to 45dB(A) were observed at this 

location from approximately 5:00am onwards. 

Q2 - October to December 2009 

Measured noise levels were found to comply with 

the L Aeq,15minute criteria more than 90% of the time at 

the N20 (Thelander) and N21 (WA) locations during 

the October to December 2009 reporting period. 

Review of recorded audio at times when impacts 

above the criteria were observed indicates 

environmental noise sources including livestock, 

barking dogs and road noise dominate the receiving 

environments adjacent to WCPL. Meteorological 

influences were also observed, as wind at speeds of 

less than 3m/s were found to generate noise at 

levels exceeding the L Aeq,15minute criteria at the 

N21 (WA) and N16 (Muller) monitoring locations. 

Q3 - January to March 2010 

Measured noise levels at the N21 (WA) monitoring 

location were observed to comply with the 

L Aeq,15minute noise criteria more than 98% of the time 

during the January to March period. Detailed 

assessment of data from N16 (Muller) indicates this 

monitoring location is significantly affected by 

extraneous noise impacts. Measured noise levels 

were found to exceed the L Aeq,15minute noise criteria 

approximately 52% of the time. Review of recorded 

audio indicates mining noise is observed at this 

location; however the location of mining sources 

relative to the monitoring location could not be 

determined. Detailed analysis of the potential 

WCPL contribution based on mine noise modelling 

indicates assessment of measured noise levels 

significantly over-estimates likely exceedence rates 

of the L Aeq,15minute criteria. 

Q4- April to June 2010 

Assessment of potential sleep disturbance impacts 

indicates that animal noise, road noise and 

meteorological influences (gusting winds) dominate 

the L A1 noise environment. Mining activity was 

observed during audio review of L A1,1minute results at 

the N21 (WA), N20 (Thelander) and N16 (Muller) 

monitoring locations, however the contribution from 

mining operations during these events was below 

the 50 dB(A) criteria. 

For the complete quarterly reports of real time noise 

monitoring at WCPL for the reporting period, please 

refer to Appendix 2F. 

Attended Noise Monitoring 

Attended environmental noise monitoring was 

undertaken on a quarterly basis at the six locations 

around the mine, in accordance with the NMP. The 

purpose is to quantify and describe the existing 

acoustic environment around WCPL and WRD, and 

compare results with relevant development consent 

conditions and noise modeling from the 2003 

Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) predicted 

noise levels. 

Noise levels from WCPL and the WRD complied 

with the development consent criteria and modeled 

noise levels at all sites during the 2009-2010 

attended monitoring. 

It is noted that wind speeds and/or temperature 

inversion conditions were at levels greater than 

which development consent conditions would apply 

for WCPL and WRD activities in some instances. In 

most instances, the predicted EIS noise levels were 

met regardless. 

Six train passes (three loaded, and three empty) 

were measured at the Dyson property during 

Quarter 2, 2010. Rail pass-by LAmax and LAeq,24 

hour results at the Dyson property were less than 

relevant consent conditions. 

For the complete annual report of attended noise 

monitoring at WCPL for the reporting period, please 

refer to Appendix 2F. 

Page 62


3.12 Visual Stray Light 

To minimise lighting impacts on WCPL’s neighbours 

there is a plan depicting all the neighbours on 

display in the Open Cut Examiners (OCE) office to 

reference for lighting plant positioning. 

Mobile lighting plants are strategically positioned to 

avoid light being directed towards our neighbours. 

During the last reporting period, specific lighting 

fixtures associated with the product stockpile area 

were adjusted in response to a previous community 

complaint. During this reporting period there were 

no community complaints in relation to lighting from 

WCPL operations. For further details regarding 

community complaints please refer to Section 4.2. 

3.13 Cultural and Natural 

Heritage Conservation 

3.13.1 Aboriginal Heritage 

3.13.1.1 Environmental Management 

Archaeology and Cultural Heritage is managed in 

accordance with the National Parks and Wildlife Act 

1974 (NPW Act) and the Environmental Planning 

and Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act). In addition, 

the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Standards and 

Guidelines Kit prepared by the DECCW provide a 

basis for Aboriginal Heritage management and 

impact assessment. Aboriginal heritage sites within 

the WCPL mining leases were identified and 

assessed during the 2003 EIS. The location of sites 

is shown on Figure 3.21. 

The WCPL Surface Disturbance Permit (SDP) 

process requires the location of the proposed 

disturbance to be checked to ensure that an 

archaeological and heritage assessment has been 

conducted and any Aboriginal artefacts likely to be 

impacted have been removed in accordance with 

the NPW Act or are protected from disturbance. 

Extensive salvage works were undertaken under 

Permit #2222 during the reporting period. The 

arrangements for the salvage operation followed the 

Interim Community Consultation Guidelines (ICCG) 

issued by the DECC in 2004. All respondents to the 

ICCG process attended a site induction at WCPL on 

12 February 2009. The members of the Wonnarua 

Aboriginal Community Stakeholders (WACS) 

undertook the salvage and excavation works under 

the guidance of an archaeologist. 

Temporary Keeping Place 

The WACS, WCPL and the Archaeologist from RPS 

HSO met at WCPL in February 2009 and agreed on 

a Temporary Keeping Place that was subsequently 

approved by the DECCW on 14 July 2009. All 

artefacts salvaged during the operation are stored at 

the Temporary Keeping Place under Permit #3130 

for Care and Control of Aboriginal Objects Salvaged 

under Section 87/ 90 permits #2085 and #2222 in 

accordance with Section 89/ 90 of NPW Act. 

During May and June 2010, several salvage 

programs were undertaken in accordance with the 

requirements under Section 90 Permit #2222. The 

salvage programs targeted sites in the north 

western portion of the approved Open Cut 

disturbance area. 

3.13.1.3 Aboriginal Cultural Heritage 

Conservation Agreement – 

Remnant Woodland Enhancement 

Area (A) 

During the last reporting period WCPL engaged an 

Archaeologist to establish an Aboriginal Cultural 

Heritage Conservation Agreement for RWEP Area 

A. The preparation of this document involved 

consultation with local Aboriginal Groups and the 

DECCW and was developed in accordance with 

DA305-7-2003, Schedule 4, Consent Condition 51. 

The agreement establishes protocols for 

maintaining the cultural significance within RWEP 

Area A. 

3.13.1.2 Environmental Performance 

Salvage 

A Section 87/ 90 Permit (#2222) (now known as 

Aboriginal Heritage Impact Permits) was issued to 

WCPL by the DECCW under the NPW Act on 20 

June 2005. In consultation with the DECCW and 

local Aboriginal groups, the DECCW granted 

approval to extend the permit for an additional 5 

years, expiring on the 19 June 2015. 

Page 63


3.13.2 European Heritage 

3.13.2.1 Environmental Management 

In January 2010, the annual inspection of the 

Wambo Homestead was undertaken by a structural 

engineer. The objective of the assessment was to 

determine if any damage to the Wambo Homestead 

buildings was attributed to ground vibration. In the 

opinion of the structural engineer, blasting activities 

at WCPL were not contributing to damage to the 

Homestead. 

The annual archival photographic record of the 

Wambo Homestead was undertaken in January 

2010. Copies of these photos were sent to NSW 

Heritage Office, DoP and SSC. 

In 2009-2010 WCPL continued maintenance 

activities to control the surrounding vegetation from 

a fire management perspective. 

There has been no impact on the Wambo 

Homestead as a result of WCPL’s activities during 

the reporting period. 

3.14 Spontaneous Combustion 

3.14.1 Underground 

There were no spontaneous combustion incidents at 

the Underground during the reporting period. 

Inspections for spontaneous combustion form part 

of the Underground inspection system. 

The Underground mine atmosphere is monitored 

continuously in the main fan return. Monitoring 

results and trends are displayed in the control room. 

Any abnormal readings trigger an audible and visual 

alarm. All monitoring equipment is tested and 

calibrated regularly. 

3.14.2 Open Cut 

There was one spontaneous combustion (spon 

comb) incident within the Open Cut operations 

during the reporting period. The spon comb is 

located on the north western side of the Hunter Pit. 

This incident is considered minor and is being 

monitored by WCPL operations. Inspections for 

spontaneous combustion form part of the Open Cut 

inspection program. 

3.14.3 CHPP 

There were no spontaneous combustion incidents at 

the CHPP during the reporting period. Inspections 

for spontaneous combustion form part of the CHPP 

inspection program. 

3.15 Bushfire Management 


The Bushfire Management Plan (BFMP) was 

originally approved by the Rural Fire Service (RFS) 

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 RFS and subsequently 

approved on 1 July 2008. The revised BMP was 

sent to the SSC. 


The bushfire trails around the WCPL boundary were 

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. Existing 

signage on several main access gates were 

replaced, detailing land ownership and emergency 

contact numbers in case of fire outbreak. 

There were no bushfires within WCPL owned land 


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. 

Longwall underground mining commenced in 

Longwall Panel 1 (LW1) in October 2007 and was 

completed in January 2009. Longwall mining 

commenced LW2 during March 2009. At the end of 

the reporting period LW3 had retreated 

approximately 500m. 

Subsidence monitoring is currently undertaken for 

longwall panels in accordance with WCPL’s 

Page 65


approved SMP. The results of subsidence 

monitoring are reported to the DII as per the 

requirements in the SMP. 

Subsidence 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 2009- 

2010 reporting period. The monitoring programs are 

designed to obtain a greater understanding of any 

subsidence related impacts on the riparian 

environment. 

3.17 Hydrocarbon 

Contamination 

Any soil that becomes contaminated by 

hydrocarbons is managed on site. The 

contaminated soil is collected and disposed within a 

designated area of the overburden dumps. All the 

necessary information regarding soil contamination 

incidents, are captured in the Wambo 

Environmental Incident Report. 

During the previous reporting period, investigations 

into a suitable bioremediation site at WCPL had 

identified a suitable inpit area within the active Open 

Cut. WCPL expect to commission the 

bioremediation site in the next reporting period. 

3.18 Methane Drainage/ 

Ventilation 

For LW2 and the first half of LW3 operations the 

Underground was ventilated by both relocated 

Wollemi axial fans operating in parallel at 

approximately 190 m 3 /s at 2,000 Pascals. Methane 

levels at these main fans averaged 0.9 % = 1710 

litres / second. 

With the commencement of LW2 operations it was 

apparent that the Longwall gas make exceeded the 

capacity of the relocated Wollemi axial fans and 

work began on a project to upgrade the mine’s 

ventilation infrastructure. Two larger fans were 

purchased to replace the two Wollemi axial fans in 

2010. The new fans are to be fitted with speed 

control and each fan is capable of supplying 

between 40 to 180 m 3 /s at a pressure range of 

approximately 400 to 3,200 Pascals. 

Installation of the first of the two fans is planned for 

August 2010. WCPL expect to have both fans 

operating by the startup of LW4 in January 2011. 

The Wollemi mine is not actively ventilated. An 

inspection of the mine in July 2010 showed there is 

approximately 5 m 3 /s of natural ventilation with a 

gas make of approximately 10 litres /second. 

3.19 Public Safety 

Public safety is managed through the 

implementation of safety systems and daily security 

inspections. Fencing, signposting and locked 

external gates form part of the safety measure to 

ensure the safety of the public. A contracted 

security service patrols the mine site and 

surrounding areas. 

3.19.1 United Colliery Activities 

United Collieries (United) ceased Longwall mining 

beneath WCPL land during this reporting period. 

The last of United’s coal was loaded by rail on 27 

May 2010. United are currently under care and 

maintenance program. 

Previously installed ventilation boreholes that were 

maintained by United personnel, have now been 

decommissioned. 

3.20 Reportable Environmental 

Incidents 


Environmental incidents are managed in 

accordance with WCPL’s Environmental Incident 

Response Procedure. All environmental incidents 

are recorded on the Environmental Incident Report 

Form which is required to be closed off by the 

Environmental Department. Incidents classifications 

are as follows: 

Minor (Category 1) 

Minor incidents are those that cause negligible 

actual impact on the environment, are readily 

controlled by established procedures (for example: 

small hydrocarbon spills in a non-sensitive 

environment that are able to be immediately 

cleaned up). 

Serious (Category 2) 

Incidents categorised as serious are those that 

cause localised, reversible damage to the 

environment, for example: hydrocarbons spills in a 

non-sensitive environment and/or contained area 

and saline water discharge. 

Page 66


Major (Category 3) 

Incidents categorised as significant are those that 

have actual or potential severe damage to the 

environment with the potential to result in 

environmental liability, regulatory intervention and/or 

significant community concern or actual damage 

that will require significant remediation/ 

management. 


During the reporting period WCPL recorded a total 

of fifteen environmental incidents, of which there 

were twelve Category 1 incidents and three 

Category 2 incidents (Appendix 3). The Category 1 

incidents included small hydrocarbon spills, leaking 

water pipes and stock wandering into stock 

exclusion areas. 

In accordance with WCPL’s statutory obligations, 

the DECCW were informed of two of the Category 

2 incidents discussed below. No penalties or fines 

had been issued by the DECCW in relation to these 

incidents. 

Category 2 – Overpressure exceedance 

On the 14 August 2009 the Harris blast monitor 

(located on Wambo Coal owned land) had recorded 

an overpressure measurement of 122.1 dBL for a 

blast which occurred at approximately 4.32pm. 

In accordance with Wambo Coal’s statutory 

obligations, the DECCW was informed via the 

DECCW Environmental Pollution Hotline at 6.01pm. 

A detailed investigation and report was completed 

and sent to the DECCW on 18 August 2009. 

Analysis of the video of the blast found that a hole 

ejected through the face on the south eastern side 

of the blast pattern due to lack of confinement. 

Analysis of the wave trace from the Harris monitor 

confirms the face burst to be responsible for the 

overpressure reading with the peak overpressure 

occurring early in the trace with only one sharp peak 

exceeding the 120 dBL level. Future preventative 

actions include: 

• Drill and Blast Engineer to be trained in full 

capability of drill & blast software; 

• All Wambo interburden cast blasts to have face 

holes analysed in 3D; and 

• Blast design sign-off to include reference to 

adequacy of face burden in design. 

approximately 20 cm above the creek. It is 

estimated that less than 10,000 litres of mine water 

was discharged into North Wambo Creek. 

Upon discovering the discharge, the operators 

immediately returned to South Dam, stopped and 

isolated the pump, and opened appropriate valves 

to allow water to drain away from the point of failure 

back towards South Dam. The polypipe failure was 

determined to be caused by age and normal 

wearing. The discharge was detected during a 

routine start-up inspection of the line. Once the 

discharge was discovered, the WPCL incident 

response procedure was followed by all staff and 

contractors involved. The discharge water was 

contained and recovered, and the incident reported 

via the organisational reporting chain, to the 

DECCW. Mitigation measures (sample analysis 

and water recovery) were initiated as soon as 

practical following the reporting of the incident. The 

section of polypipe where it crosses North Wambo 

Creek is being replaced by a double-skinned length 

of pipe. Monthly water infrastructure inspections are 

being modified to include both points where mine 

water lines cross natural water courses. 

On the 30 July 2010, WCPL received a warning 

letter from DECCW in response to the incident. 

Category 2 – Fumes from blasting 

On the 17 May 2010 a scheduled blast in South 

Bates Pit at 3.15pm caused an orange plume. The 

fumes are believed to be the result of higher ground 

moisture content then usual. Due to low cloud cover 

and low wind speed the plume did not dissipate 

immediately. 

Excessive fumes from blasting at Wambo are rare. 

Wambo has requested that Downer EDI Mining 

(Wambo’s Open Cut contractor) review / modify 

their procedure to notify Wambo personnel 

immediately if blasting results in excessive fumes. 

This will allow Wambo to notify adjacent landholders 

in advance of any plume. A review of the blast 

results concluded there were no overpressure and 

vibration exceedances. 

Category 2 – Saline discharge 

On 10 May 2010, WPCL self reported to DECCW a 

pipeline leak which occurred across a section of 

North Wambo Creek. The polypipe had split 

Page 67


4.0 Community Relations 

4.1 Employment Status 

There were approximately 703 personnel, including 

contractors, employed at WCPL at the end of the 

reporting period. This is an overall increase of 

approximately 20% from the previous reporting 

period and the result of additional contract 

personnel employed in the Open Cut. Downer EDI, 

who are contracted by WCPL to undertake the 

Open Cut mining, employed a total of 333 

personnel, an increase of approximately 47% 

compared with the previous reporting period. The 

increase of Open Cut contractors was in response 

to increasing production requirements. The total 

number of WCPL employees, including contractors, 

was 370 at 30 June 2010. The breakdown of 

employee numbers is presented in Table 4.1. 

4.2 Environmental Complaints 

WCPL received a total of eighteen community 

complaints. Nine community complaints were from 

the one community member during the 2009-2010 

reporting period, of which four of the complaints 

were registered through WCPL complaints hotline. 

Another five complaints were from another 

community member, with three anonymous 

complaints via the DECCW Hotline. A number of 

the community complaints related to noise enquiries 

(Figure 4.1), particularly during the construction 

phase and the operation of pumps associated with 

the new South Dam. Results from the real time 

noise monitoring at N21 (approximately 1000m to 

the south of the dam) during the reporting period 

concluded that, although audible, noise associated 

with this project did not exceed WCPL criteria noise 

limits. 

The community complaints were managed in 

accordance with WCPL’s Community Complaints 

Procedure. 

A comparison between the numbers of complaints 

received this year with those received in previous 

years is presented in Table 4.2. The number of 

complaints received increased from the previous 

reporting period by approximately 83%. . 

A register of complaints and the company’s 

response to resolve any issues are presented in 

Appendix 4. 

Table 4.1 – WCPL Employment Status (end of June 2010) 

WCPL 

Admin 

Open 

Cut 

CH&PP Underground Total 

Staff/Supervisors 27 2 11 58 98 

Production/Mineworkers 5 76 81 

Fitters 5 32 37 

Electricians 8 24 32 

WCPL Employees 27 2 29 190 248 

Contractors - Other 5 31 86 122 

Total WCPL 32 2 60 276 370 

Downer EDI 

Employees 36 175 211 

Contractors 122 122 

Total Downer EDI 36 297 333 

Total (All) 68 299 60 276 703 

Page 68


Table 4.2 – WCPL Historical Complaints 


Complaints Received 

2009 - 2010 18 

2008 - 2009 3 

2007 - 2008 26 

2006 - 2007 29 

2005 - 2006 32 

2004 - 2005 12 

2003 - 2004 28 

2002 - 2003 20 

2001 - 2002 4 

No. of complaints 

10 

9 

8 

7 

6 

5 

4 

3 

2 

1 

0 

Community Complaints 

Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun 

20 

15 

10 

5 

0 

No. (cumulative) 

Dust Dust - Blasting Noise 

Fumes - Blasting Lighting Coal Spillage 

Other Cumulative 08 - 09 2009-2010 Total 

Figure 4.1 – 2009-2010 Breakdown of Community Complaints by Issue 

Page 69


4.3 Community Liaison 

4.3.1 Community Consultation 

During the reporting period WCPL held three 

Community Consultative Committee (CCC) 

meetings. These meetings were conducted on; 

• 29 July 2009; 

• 18 November 2009; and 

• 24 March 2010 

Community representatives act as the point of 

contact between the mine and the community. The 

committee is made up of residents from the Jerry’s 

Plains, Warkworth and South Wambo areas, 

representatives of SSC and WCPL and is chaired 

by an independent person. The DoP endorsed the 

composition of the committee in December 2005. 

There were three publications of the Wambo Coal 

Environment and Community Newsletter during the 

reporting period. These where distributed to 

households, the CCC and the workforce in August 

2009, December 2009 and February 2010. The 

newsletter is intended to keep the community 

informed about WCPL activities. 

4.3.2 Community Contributions 

As part of our commitment to the local community, 

WCPL provided financial assistance for a number of 

community activities. Projects and groups 

sponsored included: 

• Singleton Legacy 

• Sydney to Wollongong Charity Ride for 

Multiple Sclerosis 

• Singleton Retired Mineworkers 

• Singleton Hall of Fame 

• Jerry’s Plains Colts Cricket Club 

• Giggle Ball – Camp Quality 

• Oxfam 

• Wildlife Aid Inc. 

• NAIDOC Family Fun Day; and 

• NSW Streetsmart Handbook. 

4.3.3 Community Programs 

Language Program 

WCPL continued support through the language 

program for Jerrys Plains Public School. The 

language program was developed in consultation 

with the schools Principal and teaching staff during 

the second half of 2008. After securing a highly 

qualified speech pathologist to work with the 23 

students at Jerrys Plains Public School, the 

implementation of the program commenced during 

Term 1 of 2009. 

The language program operates in the school for 

nine hours each Tuesday. The program involved a 

speech and language assessment for each of the 

23 students. The assessment process is 

comprehensive, taking several hours for each 

student. 

In collaboration with the school Principal, two 

meetings were organised so that interested parents 

could learn about the program and how to best 

assist their children with respect to speech and 

language skills at home. The language program has 

been well received and is set to continue during the 

next reporting period. 

Bush Tucker Garden 

WCPL has entered into a partnership with Singleton 

Public School to enhance the school grounds and 

gardens through a native vegetation landscaping 

program. This program is proposed as the initial 

stage of a more widely scoped environmental 

education program to be developed in consultation 

with the wider school community. 

The first phase of the program involved the 

establishment of a native bush tucker garden that 

the children will be responsible for. The planting 

commenced during May 2010, with WCPL 

personnel present to assist the children. 

• Jerry’s Plains Public School 

• Westpac Rescue Helicopter 

• Singleton Council Scholarship Awards 

Program 

• Singleton Archery Society 

Page 70


Singleton Public School Busher Tucker Garden 

Singleton Hall of Fame 

Wambo Coal is the proud sponsor of the Wambo 

Coal Singleton Hall of Fame. In 2009, WCPL 

welcomed the opportunity to be involved in the 

project which celebrates local achievements and 

builds community spirit. 

Wambo Coal’s Environment and Community 

Manager is a member of the Wambo Coal Singleton 

Hall of Fame committee that implemented the 

initiative. 

The committee's role is to decide which 

nominated individuals, families and 

organisations will be inducted into the Wambo Coal 

Singleton Hall of Fame. 

Wambo Coal Singleton Hall of Fame committee 

Page 71


5.0 Rehabilitation 

Table 5.1 provides a summary of the rehabilitation 

undertaken at WCPL during the 2009-2010 

reporting period. Appendix 5 provides the annual 

rehabilitation plan for WCPL. Table 5.2 shows the 

maintenance activities conducted during 2009-2010 

on previously rehabilitated land. 

Table 5.1 – Rehabilitation Summary 

Area Affected/Rehabilitated (hectares) 

Current 

2008-2009 

AEMR 

Next Report 

(estimated) 

A: MINE LEASE AREA 

A1 Mine Lease(s) Area 7050 7050 7050 

B: DISTURBED AREAS 

B1 Infrastructure area (other disturbed areas 

to be rehabilitated at closure including facilities, 

roads) 

B2 Active Mining Area (excluding items B3- 

B5 below) 

B3 Waste Emplacements 

(active/unshaped/in or out-of-pit) 

B4 Tailings Emplacements 

(active/unshaped/uncapped) 

B5 Shaped Waste Emplacement (awaits 

final vegetation) 

204.64 217 217 

96.12 98.07 104 

576.54 546.05 564.32 

40.39 40.39 40.39 

81.12 35.27 64.9 

ALL DISTURBED AREAS 998.82 938.78 990.61 

C1 Planned Rehabilitated Area 84.4 82 76.2 

C2 Total Rehabilitated Area (except for 

maintenance) 

263.8 179.40 340 

D1 10 to 18 degrees 4.3 4.3 4.3 

D2 Greater than 18 degrees 0.0 0.0 5.3 

E1 Pasture and grasses 220.91 150.40 271.3 

E2 Native forest/ecosystems 49.43 29 75.3 

E3 Plantations and crops 0.0 0.0 0.0 

E4 Other (include non vegetative outcomes) 0.0 0.0 0.0 

Page 72


Table 5.2 – Maintenance Activities on Previously Rehabilitated Land 

Nature of Treatment 

Additional erosion control 

works (drains re-contouring, rock 

protection) 

Area Treated (ha) 

Report 

Period 

Next 

Period 

1.2 NIL 

Comment/Control Strategies/Treatment 

Detail 

WCPL completed repairs to several rock drop 

structures and contour drains as follows; 

• Drop Structure A 

• Drop Structure B 

• Wombat Drain Channel 

Soil Treatment (detail – fertiliser, 

lime, gypsum etc) 

Treatment/ Management (detail 

– grazing, cropping, slashing etc) 

NIL 

NIL 

NIL 

NIL 

Re-seeding/ Replanting (detail – 

species density, season etc) 36.6 NIL 

After re-applying soil ameliorants to an approximate 

area of 36.6, WCPL re-seeded these areas primarily 

with pasture. 

Repairs to subsidence induced 

cracking 

20 16.6 Minor works are still required on Sarah Marie dump 

Adversely Affected by Weeds 

(detail – type and treatment) 

36 

As 

required 

Selective weed control for weed species on 

rehabilitated areas using appropriate chemicals, 

scalping, burial and smothering techniques were 

applied, in addition to weed control measures on 

other WCPL owned land 

Feral animal control (detail – 

additional fencing, trapping, 

baiting etc) 

NIL 

NIL 

While no work is proposed directly on rehabilitated 

areas work will be conducted on other WCPL owned 

land 

5.1 Rehabilitation of Disturbed 

Land 

5.1.1 Open Cut 

Landform reshaping consists of re-contouring 

overburden dumps to the designed shape for final 

rehabilitation. The bulk shaping of overburden is 

undertaken using bulldozers. Reshaping results in 

a stable landform incorporating slopes and drainage 

which blend in with the surrounding natural 

topography. Slope stability is integral to 

rehabilitation design and the objective during 

rehabilitation planning is to design all slopes to a 

gradient of ten degrees or less. Slopes steeper than 

ten degrees may be necessary in some locations to 

ensure rehabilitation merges seamlessly with 

adjacent undisturbed land. 

Once bulk reshaping is completed, the landform is 

deep-ripped to approximately 300mm, and then the 

final trim and rock raking are undertaken. The 

ripping loosens up any near surface strata within the 

landform that have been compacted during 

placement, aiding root penetration during vegetation 

establishment. 

The final trim smooths out any wash-outs, rough 

edges, temporary access tracks, local steep 

topography and prepares the surface for 

revegetation. Rock-raking removes exposed 

surface rock greater than 200 mm in diameter. This 

raking is usually done along the contour, leaving a 

textured surface that assists with erosion 

minimisation until vegetation can be established. 

Ameliorants, if required, are applied to the trimmed 

overburden surface prior to topsoil spreading. 

Topsoil stripped ahead of mining will be applied to 

the reshaped surface in an even layer generally not 

less than 100mm. Topsoil is placed using rear 

dump haul trucks and spread with dozers or 

graders. Once spread, the topsoil surface will be 

disc or chisel cultivated to create a textured surface 

which assists in trapping surface runoff, provides 

seed entrapments and creates microclimates 

favourable for seed germination. Where biosolids 

are used, cultivation also integrates the topdressing 

material, which is a requirement of the EPA 

biosolids guidelines. 

Page 73


Following surface preparation, vegetation 

establishment across the rehabilitated area is 

commenced. The aim of revegetation is to minimise 

erosion and facilitate the development of the postmining 

land-use, be it agricultural production or 

habitat/ecosystem enhancement. 

5.1.2 Rehabilitation Performance 

During the reporting period a new Open Cut MOP 

was approved for the period of 2010-2016. The new 

Open Cut MOP covers all aspects of the Open Cut 

operations including mining, rehabilitation and 

tailings management. 

The total hectares of disturbance and rehabilitation 

at the commencement of the new MOP period (July 

2010) was 998.8ha and 270.3ha, respectively. 

Rehabilitated areas include the Whynot, Low-wall 

and Ridge Dump areas, RL160 Dump, Charlies 

Hole, Wombat Hill, and Radio Shack in the current 

Open Cut plus older rehabilitation from previous 

Open Cuts. 

During the reporting period approximately 84.4ha 

was rehabilitated within the Open Cut, with 

approximately 37ha of existing rehabilitation under 

remediation works. These rehabilitation works 

included applying weed control measures, redoing 

poorly vegetated areas and addressing erosion 

control issues. 

The planned rehabilitation for next year is 76.2ha. 

The areas planned for work include Rug Dump, 

Ridge Dump and the south eastern part of the 

Sarah Maree Dump. 

All disused tailings dams are rehabilitated with the 

exception of the North East Tailings Dam, which is 

currently being rehabilitated (see Section 5.1.1.1). 

There were a number of rehabilitation maintenance 

projects, including a redesign of several major water 

management structures and other sediment and 

erosion control structures for specific areas in the 

Wombat Bench and RL160 Dump. 

was discontinued as an active disposal site in 2004 

following Department Approval under Section 127, 

has been the subject of a number of studies since 

that time in order to identify a safe and viable 

method of capping the relatively weak surface. 

WCPL have been working together with Australian 

Tailings Consultants and a specialist tailings 

contractor to develop a capping plan utilising 

reinforced geogrid and controlled layers of fill placed 

by specialist low ground pressure equipment. 

The scope of the Project is to rehabilitate the NETD 

which is approximately 1220m long by an average 

200m wide decommissioned tailings storage facility. 

WCPL have investigated and evaluated the placed 

capping method utilising purpose built low ground 

pressure equipment sourced from Western 

Australian tailings rehabilitation projects in 

conjunction with Geotextile reinforcement. 

Extensive design works have been undertaken to 

develop the concept and provide engineered 

solutions to work on the weak surface. The design 

has considered the strength of the current crust 

(verified through Shear Vane Testing), the 

equipment to be used and the capping material to 

determine the reinforcement and the placement 

method required to ensure the safety of this 

operation. 

At the end of the reporting period approximately 

55% of the dam surface is covered by Geotextile 

reinforcement. Approximately 5.5 hectares is 

covered with rejects, with an estimated 18 hectares 

remaining to be covered. Completion of the NETD 

rehabilitation project is scheduled for completion 

during Q3 of 2011. 

Placement of the initial rejects layer has continued 

with additional small dozers sourced. Progress has 

been slow due to the weak surface with the crust rewetting 

as the equipment traverses, however a 

repeatable process has now been demonstrated 

and productivity is improving. 

On the 29 January 2010, the DII inspected the 

progress of WCPL rehabilitation program and other 

remediation strategies within the Open Cut and was 

satisfied with the progress being made by WCPL. 

5.1.2.1 North East Tailings Dam 

The rehabilitation of the area known as the North 

East Tailings Dam (NETD) has been established as 

a stand alone project within Peabody’s Wambo Coal 

Operation. Initial works commenced at the NETD 

during the last reporting period. The dam, which 

NETD Rehabilitation Status as of June 2010 

Page 74


of soil ameliorants, followed by reseeding to 

enhance these rehabilitated areas. 

5.1.3 Rail Line 

Rehabilitation has been carried out progressively on 

the WRD following the completion of construction 

activities along the alignment. The primary aims of 

rehabilitation are to allow the regeneration of native 

flora species on the site, maintain the structural 

stability of the land, prevent erosion and sediment 

entrainment and provide natural screening, where 

possible, to maintain the visual amenity of the WRD. 

NETD Rehabilitation works in progress 

During previous reporting periods a number of trees 

had to be replaced. Monthly watering and weed 

control continued as required during this reporting 

period. 

Continued monitoring of the rehabilitation and tree 

maintenance works will continue throughout 2010- 

2011reporting period. 

5.1.4 NWC Diversion 

NETD Rehabilitation works using low ground pressure 

equipment 

5.1.2.2 Rehabilitation Audit 

In consultation with the DII, WCPL engaged a 

rehabilitation specialist to undertake an audit of the 

rehabilitated areas within the Open Cut during the 

previous reporting period (2008/2009). 

The rehabilitated areas were divided into the 

following four precincts for assessment: 

• The Whynot and Tail Pipe Rehabilitated Areas; 

• ROM and Charlie’s Hole West Rehabilitation 

Areas; 

• Sarah Maree Rehabilitation Area; and 

• RL160 Dump, Wombat Bench and Radio Shack 

Rehabilitation Areas. 

To address the actions from the audit, WCPL 

commenced a number of remediation strategies 

during 2009-2010 that included redesigning several 

major water management structures in the Wombat 

Bench and RL160 Dump areas, other erosion and 

sediment control works, continued implementation 

of WCPL weed management programs, application 

In response to the DII requests and several 

remedial recommendations within two consultants 

reports, the NCW Discharge Report (Gilberts & 

Associates - September 2009) and NCW Remedial 

Works (GSSE - October 2009), WCPL has prepared 

a draft North Wambo Creek Diversion Stage 2 

Maintenance Program. The conceptual NWC 

Diversion maintenance program is due for 

completion, early in the next reporting period. 

Implementation of remedial works is expected to be 

undertaken during spring 2010, after the completion 

of tenders being issued and contracts being 

awarded for the work. 

5.2 Rehabilitation Trials and 

Research 

During the reporting period WCPL commenced 

incorporating biosoilds into the Open Cut 

rehabilitation program. A number of previously 

rehabilitated areas have been identified for potential 

biosoild application. In May 2009 a number of soil 

samples were taken from the area known as RL160 

for analysis. An environmental management plan 

has also been prepared for the storage and use of 

biosoilds at WCPL. WCPL propose a 15 ha biosoild 

trial area within the rehabilitated area known as 

RL160. The application of biosoilds is expected to 

occur during the second quarter of the next 

reporting period. An update on the biosoild 

application will be provided in the next AEMR. 

Page 75


6.0 Summary of other 

Projects during the 


season or the true landscape characteristics of the 

transects. 

6.1.1 Ecosystem Function Analysis 

During the reporting period a program of works 

associated with the monitoring of revegetated 

disturbed riparian lands utilising the CSIRO 

developed Ecosystem Function Analysis (EFA) 

monitoring tool was undertaken. A separate survey 

and report has been prepared for the monitoring of 

rehabilitated areas associated with the Open Cut 

areas. 

The data that has been derived from the monitoring 

program provides a scientifically robust platform 

against which the effectiveness of rehabilitation 

techniques can be assessed and where applicable 

amended, with a view to achieving sustainable 

vegetation communities on disturbed landscapes. 

The purpose of the assessment is to determine 

whether rehabilitated areas are on a trajectory 

toward self sustainability and functionality. 

The riparian areas surveyed included South Wambo 

Creek and North Wambo Creek downstream of the 

Open Cut offices. The second component of the 

riparian monitoring program commenced in 2008 

and focused on the North Wambo Creek Diversion 

rehabilitation works. 

6.1.1.1 Ecosystem Function Analysis 

Summary 

In late 2009, Ecosystem Function Analysis (EFA) 

monitoring of 12 previously established riparian EFA 

transects, monitoring rehabilitation along the North 

Wambo Creek Diversion (NWCD). 

Many of the rehabilitation transects recorded 

Landscape Function Analysis (LFA, a component of 

EFA monitoring) parameters comparable or better 

than the analogue transect primarily as a result of 

the good season for grass growth. Transects 

recording LFA parameters comparable to the 

analogue transect in good seasons should not be 

considered successful rehabilitation, as successful 

monitoring can only be determined by monitoring 

over an extended period that includes both good 

and poor seasons. As this is the second year of 

monitoring, further monitoring will be required to 

determine if the LFA values of some of the 

rehabilitation transects are a result of the good 

Page 76


7.0 Activities Proposed 

for the Next AEMR 

Period 

7.1 Wambo’s Key Activities for 

2010-2011 

Key activities for WCPL in the next reporting period 

include: 

• Completion of LW3 and commencement of 

LW4; and 

• Continued Environmental Assessments for the 

proposed new Montrose Underground 

Operation. 

7.2 Objectives and Targets for 

2010-2011 Reporting 

Period 

WCPL’s proposed objectives and targets for the 

2010-2011 reporting period are outlined in Table 

6.1. 

Table 6.1 – Objectives and Targets for 2010-2011 


Objective and Targets 2010 - 2011 

Land rehabilitated (hectares) 76.22 

Land disturbed (hectares) 68.4 

Number of significant 

environmental incidents 

0 

Average % of waste recycled 70 

Number of regulatory 

penalties 

Number of environmental 

newsletters distributed 

0 

4 

Page 77

Wambo Coal AEMR 2009-2010 - Peabody Energy

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