Boggabri Coal Operations Pty Ltd Boggabri Coal Mine 2017 ... · 7.4 Workforce Profile 112 BCOPL Employees 112 Mining Contractor 112 8. REHABILITATION 113 ... BTM Complex Boggabri

Boggabri Coal Operations Pty Ltd

Boggabri Coal Mine

2017 Annual Review 31 March 2018

Annual Review 2017

BCOPL Page i

Revision Control Chart

Rev No Original 1 2 3 4

Revision Date 31 March 2018

Prepared by J McDonough

Reviewed by D Martin / H Russell

Approved by R Balks

Signature

Distribution Control

Company Position

BCOPL Environment Superintendent

Division of Resources and Geoscience Regional Environment Officer

Department of Planning and Environment Senior Planning Officer

Department of Primary Industry – Land and Natural Resources Area Manager North West

Department of Planning Infrastructure – Water Water Regulation Officer

Environment Protection Authority Regional Operations Officer Armidale

NSW Forests Forestry Occupancy Supervisor

Community Consultative Committee Chairman

BGC Contracting Project Manager

Annual Review Title Block

Name of Operation Boggabri Coal Mine

Name of Operator Boggabri Coal Operations Pty Ltd

Development Consent / Project Approval # 09_0182

Name of Holder of Project Approval Boggabri Coal Pty Limited (now trading as Boggabri Coal Operations Pty Limited)

Mining Lease # CL 368

Name of holder of mining lease Boggabri Coal Pty Limited (now trading as Boggabri Coal Operations Pty Limited)

Water Licence # see page 3 below for details

Name of holder of water access licences Boggabri Coal Pty Limited (now trading as Boggabri Coal Operations Pty Limited)

MOP Commencement Date 19 December 2017

MOP Completion Date 31 December 2021

Annual Review Commencement Date 1 January 2017

Annual Review Completion Date 31 December 2017

I, Ray Balks, certify that this audit report is a true and accurate record of the compliance status of Boggabri Coal Mine for the period 1 January 2017 to 31 December 2017 and that I am authorised to make this statement on behalf of Boggabri Coal Operations Pty Limited.

Name of authorized reporting officer Ray Balks

Title of authorized reporting officer General Manager Operations

Signature of authorized reporting officer

Date 31/03/2018 (Rev O)

Annual Review 2017

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Contents Page Number

1. STATEMENT OF COMPLIANCE 1

2. INTRODUCTION 9

2.1 Mine Contacts 9

2.2 Approvals, Licences and Mining Leases 9

2.3 Mine Operation Introduction and History 11

2.4 Purpose and Scope of Report 12

2.5 Actions from 2016 Annual Review 14

3. SUMMARY OF OPERATIONS 17

3.1 Mining Preparation 17

Saline or Potentially Acid Forming Materials 17

3.2 Mining Operations 17

Equipment 17

Activities 18

Pit Progression 18

Production Waste 18

3.3 Production Statistics 19

3.4 Exploration 20

3.5 Construction Activities during 2017 23

3.6 Construction Activities Proposed for 2018 23

4. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AND PERFORMANCE 24

4.1 Meteorology 25

Environmental Management 25

Environmental Performance 26

Improvements and Initiatives 30

4.2 Air Quality 30




4.3 Operational Noise 35




4.4 Blasting 43

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4.5 Surface Water 46




4.6 Groundwater 54




4.7 Biodiversity 70




4.8 Hazardous Materials 80



4.9 Waste Management 82



4.10 Spontaneous Combustion 86



4.11 Heritage 86




4.12 Greenhouse Gases 89




4.13 Public Safety 90



4.14 Traffic 92


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4.15 Socio-economic 93

Socio-economic Management 93


5. INCIDENTS AND NON-COMPLIANCES 101

5.1 Notices, Warnings and Other Compliance-Related Correspondence 104

6. AUDITS 107

6.1 Independent Environmental Compliance Audit 107

Scope of audit 107

Audit Outcomes 107

DPE Review 107

Status of Audit Recommendations 107

7. COMMUNITY 108

7.1 Community Programs and Investment 108

7.2 Community Consultative Committee 109

7.3 Complaints 110

Management of Complaints 110

Registered Environmental Complaints 110

7.4 Workforce Profile 112

BCOPL Employees 112

Mining Contractor 112

8. REHABILITATION 113

8.1 Rehabilitation Methodology 113

8.2 Rehabilitation Progress 113

Summary of Land Rehabilitation 113

2017 Plantings 114

Rehabilitation Status 114

8.3 Rehabilitation Biodiversity Monitoring 116

Photographic Monitoring 116

Summary of Findings 118

8.4 Growth Performance 119

Growth Medium Suitability 119

8.5 Rehabilitation in 2018 120

9. ACTIVITIES PROPOSED FOR NEXT ANNUAL REVIEW PERIOD 121

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10. REFERENCES 122

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List of tables Table 1-1 Statement of compliance 1 Table 1-2 Non-compliances during the reporting period 2 Table 2-1 BCM Mine Contacts 9 Table 2-2 Key Approvals, Consents, Mining Leases and Licences 9 Table 2-3 Annual Review requirements 13 Table 2-4 Issues from 2016 AEMR to be addressed in 2017 Annual Review 14 Table 3-1 Equipment fleet as at December 2017 18 Table 3-2 Production and Waste Rock Summary 19 Table 3-3 Compliance with Project Approval Conditions 19 Table 3-4 BCM Exploration Drilling 20 Table 3-5 Summary of Construction Activities during the Reporting Period 23 Table 4-1 Key EMPs 24 Table 4-2 MET Monitoring Parameters 25 Table 4-3 Air Quality Monitoring Sites 31 Table 4-4 Depositional Dust – Annual Average Results 32 Table 4-5 Current Noise Monitoring Locations 36 Table 4-6 Noise Limits 36 Table 4-7 Summary of Attended Noise Monitoring Results - dB(A) LAeq (15 minutes) & L1 (1 min) 38 Table 4-8 Summary of 2017 sound power screening results 40 Table 4-9 Surface Water Quality Monitoring Regime 48 Table 4-10 Surface Water Quality Testing Parameters 49 Table 4-11 Summary of Frequency Based Monitoring Results 50 Table 4-12 Water Take 51 Table 4-13 Predicted Water Demand 51 Table 4-14 Water Storage Summary 53 Table 4-15 Construction Details of Monitoring Bores 55 Table 4-16 Groundwater Quality Testing Parameters 56 Table 4-17 Minimum Measured Water Levels 57 Table 4-18 Groundwater Quality Trigger Values 61 Table 4-19 Results Summary for In Situ Water Quality Measurements 64 Table 4-20 Results Summary for Analysis of Major Ions 65 Table 4-21 Results Summary for Analysis of Metals 66 Table 4-22 Results Summary for Analysis of Nutrients 67 Table 4-23 Animal Groups Encountered during Clearing Operations 72 Table 4-24 Threatened Species Encountered during Clearing Operations 73 Table 4-25 Explosives and Hazardous Materials Licence / Notification Holders 81 Table 4-26 Diesel Fuel Consumption 81 Table 4-27 Summary of Mining Operation Waste Disposal 83 Table 4-28 Summary of Bioremediation Areas 85 Table 4-29 BCOPL GHG and Energy Statistics 89 Table 4-30 Social Impact Monitoring Summary 93 Table 4-31 Approval Rates for New Dwellings in Gunnedah and Narrabri 2010 - 2013 96 Table 4-32 Local School Enrolments 2011 - 2016 98 Table 4-33 Key Crime Statistics 2011 - 2017 99 Table 5-1 Non-compliances during the reporting period 101 Table 5-1 Notices and warnings received during the reporting period 105 Table 7-1 BCOPL Community Funding 2017 108 Table 7-2 Complaint Summary 111 Table 7-3 Residential Locality of BCOPL Employees 112 Table 8-1 Rehabilitation Status 114 Table 8-2 Survey Locations for Rehabilitation Sites at BCM 116 Table 9-1 Activities Proposed for next Annual Review Period 121

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List of figures Figure 2-1 Locality Map 16 Figure 3-1 Extent of 2017 Exploration Drilling 22 Figure 4-1 Monthly Temperature Records 26 Figure 4-2 Monthly Rainfall 27 Figure 4-3 Comparison of 2016 and 2017 Rainfall 27 Figure 4-4 Monthly Wind Rose Summary January – April 2017 28 Figure 4-5 Monthly Wind Rose Summary May – August 2017 29 Figure 4-6 Monthly Wind Rose Summary September – December 2017 30 Figure 4-7 Merriown PM10 Monitoring Results 33 Figure 4-8 Roma PM10 Monitoring Results 34 Figure 4-9 Summary of Peak Vibration Monitoring Results 44 Figure 4-10 Blast Overpressure Results 45 Figure 4-11 Monthly Dust Suppression Water Usage 52 Figure 4-12 Long Term Groundwater Levels for all Bores 57 Figure 4-13 Alluvium and Boggabri Volcanics Hydrograph and CDFM Curve 59 Figure 4-14 Maules Creek Formation Hydrographs 60 Figure 4-15 Groundwater Trends in Temperature 62 Figure 4-16 Groundwater Trends in pH 63 Figure 4-17 Groundwater Trends in Electrical Conductivity 63 Figure 4-18 Artefact located in the Tree Clearing Area 2017 87 Figure 4-19 Sources of BCM Scope 1 and Scope 2 Emissions 90 Figure 4-20 New Dwelling Commencements in Gunnedah and Narrabri 2011 – 2013 97 Figure 4-21 Employment Land Availability Gunnedah LGA 2011 - 2013 97 Figure 4-22 Employment Land Availability Narrabri LGA 2011 - 2013 98 Figure 7-1 Complaints Received 111 Figure 8-1 Extent of Mining and Rehabilitation at the end of the 2017 Reporting Period 115 Figure 8-2 2008 Rehabilitation (nine years old) 117 Figure 8-3 2010 Rehabilitation (seven years old) 117 Figure 8-4 2011 Rehabilitation (six years old) 118

List of appendices Appendix A Environmental Monitoring Location Plan Appendix B Biodiversity Monitoring Maps Appendix C Independent Environmental Audit Action Plan

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Glossary

Abbreviations Terms

AR Annual Review

AEMR Annual Environmental Management Report

AHCS Aboriginal Heritage Conservation Strategy

AQMS Air Quality Management Strategy

AQGHGMP Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Management Plan

ARI Average Recurrence Interval

ASCF Aboriginal Stakeholder Consultative Forum

BCOPL Boggabri Coal Operations Pty Limited

BCM Boggabri Coal Mine

BCT Boggabri Coal Terminal

BFMP Blast Fume Management Protocol

BIA Biodiversity Impact Assessment

BLMP Blast Management Plan

BLMS Blast Management Strategy

BMP Biodiversity Management Plan

BOA Biodiversity Offset Area

BOS Biodiversity Offset Strategy

BTM Complex Boggabri-Tarrawonga-Maules Creek Complex

CCC Community Consultative Committee

CDFM Cumulative Deviation From Mean Rainfall

CHMP Cultural Heritage Management Plan

CHPP Coal Handling and Preparation Plant

DoEE Department of Environment and Energy (Cth)

DPE Department of Planning and Environment

DPI Department of Primary Industries

DRE NSW Division of Resources and Energy

EA Environmental Assessment

EMP Environmental Management Plan

EMS Environmental Management System

EPA Environment Protection Authority

EP&A Act Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (NSW)

EPBC Act Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth)

EPL Environment Protection Licence

GHG Greenhouse Gas

GWMP Groundwater Management Plan

HVAS High Volume Air Sampler

IAR Idemitsu Australia Resources Group

MIA Mine Infrastructure Area

MET Station Meteorological Monitoring Station

MOP Mining Operations Plan

Mtpa Million Tonnes Per Annum

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Abbreviations Terms

MWD Mine Water Dam

NGER National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting

NGER Act National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Act 2007(Cth)

NPI National Pollutant Inventory

NSC Narrabri Shire Council

OEH NSW Office of Environment and Heritage

PA Project Approval 09_0182

PAC NSW Planning and Assessment Commission

PAF Potential Acid Forming

PIRMP Pollution Incident Response Management Plan

PM2.5 Particulate matter < 2.5 µm

PM10 Particulate matter < 10 µm

POEO Act Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997(NSW)

RAP Registered Aboriginal Parties

ROM Run of Mine

SCMP Spontaneous Combustion Management Plan

SEWPaC Commonwealth Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Populations and Communities (now Commonwealth Department of the Environment and Energy)

SIMP Social Impact Management Plan

SMP Soil Management Protocol

SWB Site Water Balance

SWMP Surface Water Management Plan

TARP Trigger Action Response Plan

TEOM Tapered Element Oscillating Microbalance

TLO Train Load-out Facility

TMP Traffic Management Plan

TSC Act Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 (NSW)

WAL Water Access Licence

WMP Water Management Plan

WMS BTM Complex Water Management Strategy

http://www.comlaw.gov.au/Series/C2007A00175http://www.comlaw.gov.au/Series/C2007A00175

Annual Review 2017

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1. STATEMENT OF COMPLIANCE

In accordance with the requirements of the Post-approval requirements for State significant mining

developments – Annual Review Guideline (NSW Government, 2015), a statement of compliance has

been prepared to document the status of compliance with BCM's Project Approval 09_0182 (including

Statement of Commitments), mining leases and other relevant approvals as at the end of the 2017

reporting period. Table 1-1 identifies whether or not non-compliances occurred during the reporting period

for each statutory approval. Where non-compliances are identified, further details are provided in

Table 1-2. Non-compliances have been colour-coded in that table, in accordance with the descriptions

provided in the Annual Review Guideline.

Table 1-1 Statement of compliance

Approval Were all conditions of the relevant approval(s) complied with during the reporting period?

Project Approval 09_0182 (incl. Statement of Commitments) No

Coal Lease 368 Yes

Mining Lease 1755 Yes

Authorisation 355 Yes

Authorisation 339 Yes

EPL 12407 No

EPL 20404 Yes

WAL 12691 Yes

WAL12767 Yes

WAL14483 Yes

WAL15037 Yes

WAL24103 Yes

WAL29473 Yes

WAL29562 Yes

WAL2571 Yes

WAL2572 Yes

WAL2595 Yes

WAL2596 Yes

WAL31084 Yes

WAL14495 Yes

WAL36547 Yes

WAL31096 Yes

http://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/~/media/3AA21D35168042FE813DD0FB92E00E58.ashxhttp://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/~/media/3AA21D35168042FE813DD0FB92E00E58.ashx

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Table 1-2 Non-compliances during the reporting period

Relevant approval

Ref. Condition description Compliance status*

Comment BCOPL response Where addressed in the Annual Review

PA 09_0182 (incl. Statement of Commitments)

Sch 3, C12(b)

The Proponent shall: operate a comprehensive noise management system on site that uses a combination of predictive meteorological forecasting and real-time noise monitoring data to guide the day to day planning of mining operations and the implementation of both proactive and reactive noise mitigation measures to ensure compliance with the relevant conditions of this approval…

Non-compliance (low risk)

The non-compliance was identified during the Independent Environmental Audit. The auditor’s comments were: Sentinex-real-time monitoring-daily monitoring data provided to key BCOPL staff and contractors via email. Evidence of triggers for real time noise monitoring outlined in the Noise MP. Minimal evidence provided for reviewing/changing operations based on real-time noise monitoring results (implementation of triggers). The auditors recommendations were: 1. Further liaison with the DPE

regarding approval of the June 2017 version of the Noise Management Plan.

2. Implementation of the real time monitoring program and recording of reviewing/changing operations in site documentation (including OCE reports).

3. Additional information should be provided in the AEMR relating to activities for reviewing/changing operations based on real time noise monitoring.

BCOPL will continue to proactively manage noise impacts in line with the approved Noise Management Plan. BCOPL has implemented recommendations 1 and 2. For recommendation no. 3, BCOPL will continue to prepare AEMRs/Annual Reviews in accordance with the Annual Review Guideline (DPE, 2015) and to the satisfaction of DPE.

Section 4.3 and Section 5

Sch 3, C13(f)

The Proponent shall prepare and implement a Noise Management Plan for the project to the satisfaction of the Secretary. This plan must: include a monitoring program that: - uses a combination of real time and supplementary attended monitoring to evaluate the performance of the project;


The non-compliance was identified during the Independent Environmental Audit. The auditor’s comments were: Noise monitoring - non compliant relating to the implementation of the real-time noise monitoring program (sub condition f). Minimal evidence provided for reviewing/changing operations based on real-time noise monitoring results (implementation of triggers).

As above Section 4.3 and Section 5

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Relevant approval



- evaluates and reports on the effectiveness of the noise management system on site…

The auditor’s recommendations were as per those outlined above for Sch3, cl12(b).

Sch 3, C38(b)

The Proponent shall prepare and implement a Surface Water Management Plan, which includes: …

a detailed description of the water management system on site, including the:

clean water diversion systems;

erosion and sediment controls (dirty water system);

mine water management systems including irrigation areas;

discharge limits in accordance with EPL requirements;

water storages;

haul road and Boggabri Rail Spur Line and bridge flood and water diversions;

performance criteria for the following, including trigger levels for investigating any potentially adverse impacts associated with the project:

the water management system;

soils within the irrigation area;

downstream surface water quality;


The non-compliance was identified during Independent Environmental Audit. The auditor’s comments were: Currently clean water is being captured in a dam (road built across) and clean water from a large section of the catchment does not leave site. This is not as per the Water Management Plan (July 2017 - unapproved) and the MOP. SLR understands this dam was only built recently in the month prior to the site visit however the site is not licenced to collect water from this dam, with the original design to divert the clean water around the site. Field inspection noted the incorrect clean/dirty water management in the area around the ‘clean water diversion drain’. Currently clean water is being captured in a dam (road built across) and clean water from a large section of the catchment does not leave site. The auditor’s recommendations were: 1. Improvements required for

clean/dirty water management in the area around the ‘clean water diversion drain’. Pursue options for ensuring that clean water diversions shown on MOP, in Water Management Plan, align with what is constructed on site and all necessary licences are in place for the solution. Undertake consultation with government agencies as required.

2. SD11 – adjacent to rail load out. Rilling across dam. Pipeline has

BCOPL will implement recommendations 1, 2 and 3 by 16 April 2018. For recommendation 4, BCOPL will continue to manage the capacity of SD6 in accordance with the approved Surface Water Management Plan.

Section 5 and Appendix C

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Relevant approval



downstream flooding impacts, including flood impacts due to the construction and operation of the Boggabri Rail Spur Line and rail bridge; and

stream and riparian vegetation health, including the Namoi River;

a program to monitor:

the effectiveness of the water management system;

soils within the irrigation area; and

surface water flows and quality in the watercourses that could be affected by the project;

downstream flooding impacts; and

a plan to respond to any exceedances of the performance criteria, and mitigate and/or offset any adverse surface water impacts of the project;…

caused erosion and if not treated could affect dam integrity. Recommend moving pipeline location closer to the water or additional rocks placed around the eroded area to reduce erosion.

3. Completion of monitoring for stream and riparian monitoring for Nagero Creek and the Namoi River as per the Water Management Plan.

4. Tarrawonga Drainage Area - protocol. Develop a protocol to review the capacity of SD6 if the Tarrawonga drain is close to discharging (Tarrawonga drain flows to SD6). BCOPL should obtain samples of surface water when water enters the Boggabri site from the Tarrawonga Drainage Area.

Sch3, C38(c)

The Proponent shall prepare and implement a Groundwater Management Plan, which includes:

the monitoring and testing requirements specified in the PAC recommendations for groundwater


The non-compliance was identified during the Independent Environmental Audit. The auditor’s comments were: There were occasions during the audit period where monitoring was unable to be undertaken at some groundwater locations. These were outlined in the EPL Annual Returns. The reason for these bores not being

BCOPL will continue to liaise with DPI Water for relevant licensing matters on an ‘as required’ basis. Redundant groundwater monitoring bores have been removed from the revised Groundwater

Section 4.6 and Section 5

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Relevant approval



management as set out in Appendix 6;

a program to monitor and assess:

groundwater inflows to the open cut mining operations;

the seepage/leachate from water storages, backfilled voids and the final void;

interconnectivity between the alluvial and bedrock aquifers;

background changes in groundwater yield/quality against mine-induced changes;

the impacts of the project on: o regional and local

(including alluvial) aquifers;

o groundwater supply of potentially affected landowners;

o aquifers potentially affected by the mine irrigation area;

o groundwater dependent ecosystems (including potential impacts on stygo-fauna)

monitored include 'monitoring bore casing damaged due to ground movement, preventing a pump or bailer from being placed in the bore to obtain a groundwater sample. SLR understands additional bores will be installed (following approval from the DPI Water) to offset the loss of bores. The auditor’s recommendations were:

1. Further liaison with DPI Water regarding licencing of bores.

2. Updates to the Water Management Plan if required for most up to date monitoring locations.

Management Plan, which was approved by the DPE in May 2017. An application to remove these redundant monitoring points from EPL 12407 was lodged with NSW EPA during the reporting period. The application is currently being processed.

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Relevant approval



and riparian vegetation…

Sch3, C49(e)(v)

The Proponent shall prepare and implement a Biodiversity Management Plan for the project to the satisfaction of the Secretary. This plan must: …(e) include a detailed description of the measures that would be implemented including the procedures to be implemented for: …(v) minimising the impacts on fauna on site, including undertaking pre-clearance surveys;…


According to BCOPL’s tree clearing procedure, which is an appendix to the BMP, vegetation clearing is to cease if ambient temperatures exceed 35oC. On 18 February 2017, BCOPL continued clearing vegetation for a period of approximately 10 minutes after temperatures had exceeded 35oC. The failure to cease clearing activities was attributed to BCOPL’s third-party-provided automatic SMS temperature alert system failing and BCOPL’s clearing supervisor subsequently not being advised that temperatures had exceeded 35oC. BCOPL received an Official Caution from DPE for the incident. DPE asserted that the clearing activities during temperatures in excess of 35oC contravened Schedule 3, Condition 49 as BCOPL had failed to implement the BMP.

BCOPL has installed a secondary temperature monitoring unit as a back-up system should the primary automated SMS temperature alert system fail. Temperature SMS updates are also now issued to relevant personnel every 15 minutes during tree clearing activities. These actions were completed in 2017.

Section 5

Sch3, C57(c)

The Proponent shall prepare and implement an Archaeological Salvage Program that must: (c) incorporate methodology including:

sub-surface testing;

staged salvage, based on anticipated mine planning;

pre-disturbance monitoring;

site assessment and reporting protocols;


The non-compliance was identified during the Independent Environmental Audit. The auditor made a number of comments regarding content that they believed should be included within the CHMP. They asserted that the absence of this content constituted a non-compliance with this condition. The auditor made six recommendations for improvements. Further details regarding the auditors comments and recommendations are

BCOPL has committed to implement five of the six recommendations. The sixth recommendation was to include within the CHMP, an outline of the progress made toward the establishment of a long-term Keeping Place in consultation with registered Aboriginal parties. BCOPL has

Section 5 and Appendix C

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Relevant approval



research objectives to inform knowledge of Aboriginal occupation;

protection, storage and management of salvaged Aboriginal objects;

addressing relevant statutory requirements under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974; and

proposed long-term plan for protection of salvaged

Aboriginal objects.

contained in the Audit Action Plan contained in Appendix C.

elected to keep such records on site EMS rather than including them in the CHMP. This is due to the document requiring continual review at each update and the fact that it would not improve the management system in any way. Further details are contained in the Audit Action Plan in Appendix C.

Sch5, C13

The Proponent shall ensure that the noise and air quality risk/response matrices required to be developed in the Noise and Air Quality Management Plans and validated real time monitoring data are available online and includes: (a) timely publication of validated monitoring data in a clearly understandable form; (b) identification of mine operational responses to monitoring data and weather forecasts;


The non-compliance was identified during the Independent Environmental Audit. The auditor’s comments were:

1. Evidence sighted of real-time air quality monitoring - PM10. No evidence of real-time noise monitoring available online.

2. No evidence online of mine responses.

The auditor’s recommendations were: 1. Ensure real-time noise monitoring

is available on the website as real-time air is available.

2. Additional information should be provided in the AEMR regarding real time noise and air monitoring including responses to triggers.

BCOPL provided the following responses to the auditor’s recommendations: 1. The condition does

not require the real-time noise monitoring data to be available online in real-time. It requires validated real-time monitoring data to be available online. Validated real-time monitoring data is currently available online. No action is proposed.

2. All previous AEMRs/Annual Reviews have been prepared to the satisfaction of DPE. BCOPL will continue to prepare AEMRs/Annual Reviews in

Section 5

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Relevant approval



accordance with the Annual Review Guideline (DPE, 2015) and to the satisfaction of DPE. No action is proposed.

EPL 12407 P 1.3 Surface water monitoring & groundwater monitoring


A monitoring point was not monitored in all instances due to accessibility restrictions

BCOPL is seeking a variation to the EPL to remove redundant or unsafe monitoring locations.

Section 5

Monitoring points were not monitored in all instances as some have been mined through, collapsed or are inaccessible


Section 5

M 2.3 Surface water monitoring & groundwater monitoring


A monitoring point was not monitored in all instances due to accessibility restrictions


Section 5

Monitoring points were not monitored in all instances as some have been mined through, collapsed or are inaccessible


Section 5

*non-compliances listed in the table relate to those deemed to have occurred during the reporting period. Refer to Appendix C for a complete list of non-compliances identified

during the Independent Environmental Audit, which covered the period from July 2014 to July 2017.

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2. INTRODUCTION

2.1 Mine Contacts

Table 2-1 BCM Mine Contacts

General Manager Operations:

Company:

Address:

Phone:

Fax:

Ray Balks

Boggabri Coal Operations Pty Limited

386 Leard Forest Rd, Boggabri, NSW, 2382

02 6749 6013

02 6743 4496

Health Safety and Environment Manager:

Company:

Address:

Phone:

Fax:

Peter Forbes



02 6749 6038

02 6743 4496

Environmental Superintendent:

Company:

Address:

Phone:

Fax:

Daniel Martin



02 6749 6013

02 6743 4496

2.2 Approvals, Licences and Mining Leases

Table 2-2 summarises the key mining leases and approvals currently held by BCOPL which are relevant

to the operations at BCM.

Table 2-2 Key Approvals, Consents, Mining Leases and Licences

Description Date granted/ commencement date

Expiry/duration

Project Approvals

Project Approval 09_0182 18 July 2012 31 December 2033

09_0182 Mod 2 17 February 2015 31 December 2033

09_0182 Mod 3 17 March 2014 31 December 2033

09_0182 Mod 4 23 March 2015 31 December 2033

09_0182 Mod 5 30 August 2016 31 December 2033

09_0182 Mod 6 7 July 2017 31 December 2033

EPBC Act Approval 11 February 2013 31 December 2053

Coal Leases

Coal Lease CL 368 15 November 1990 14 November 2032

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Expiry/duration

Mining Leases / Authorisations

Authorisation A 355 19 July 1984 11 April 2018

Authorisation A 339 11 April 1984 11 April 2022

Mining Lease ML 1755 30 June 2017 30 June 2038

Environmental Protection Licences

EPL 12407 11 January 2006 In perpetuity (Anniversary 11 January) until surrendered

EPL 20404 19 May 2014 In perpetuity (Anniversary 19 May) until surrendered

Water Licences

WAL 12691 27 July 2012 In perpetuity

WAL12767 8 April 2014 In perpetuity

WAL14483 27 July 2012 In perpetuity

WAL15037 12 December 2013 In perpetuity

WAL24103 1 September 2011 In perpetuity






WAL2596 25 September 2013 In perpetuity

WAL31084 22 August 2013 In perpetuity

WAL14495 3 February 2014 In perpetuity

WAL36547 6 February 2014 In perpetuity

WAL31096 25 November 2014 In perpetuity

90FW833717 21 September 2015 4 April 2020

90FW834023 21 September 2015 4 June 2020

90FW834016 21 September 2015 28 October 2018

Mining Operations Plans

Current MOP 19 December 2017 31 December 2021

Radiation Licences

Licence No. 5083602 14 June 2017 14 June 2018

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Expiry/duration

Council Approvals

CC 04-04-2012 Mod1 22 October 2012 In perpetuity

CC 02-03-2012 6 June 2012 In perpetuity

CC 10-01-2012 Mod1 1 June 2012 In perpetuity

OC 09-10-2013 19 November 2013 In perpetuity

OC 02-04-2013 9 April 2013 In perpetuity

OC 01-03-2013 28 March 2013 In perpetuity

C6 – Approval to Operate a System of Sewage Management

20 February 2012 13 May 2024

Part 5 Determination –Goonbri Road Upgrade 28 March 2014 In perpetuity

Forestry Corporation Permits

Authorisation to Undertake Environmental Monitoring Activities

15 February 2016 30 June 2017

Forestry Compensation Agreement 23 January 2006 14 November 2032

Crown Lands Licences

RI 507102 12 November 2012 14 November 2032

RI 533986 5 June 2014 14 November 2032

2.3 Mine Operation Introduction and History

Boggabri Coal Mine (BCM) is an open cut coal mine located 15 km north-east of the township of Boggabri

in north-western New South Wales (NSW). BCM is managed by Boggabri Coal Operations Pty Ltd

(BCOPL) which is majority owned by Idemitsu Australia Resources Group (IAR), a subsidiary of

Japanese company Idemitsu Kosan Pty Ltd.

Environmental assessments first commenced at BCM in 1976 followed by grant of approval for the project

in 1989, and the commencement of operations in 2006. Truck and excavator operations produce a

crushed and screened export quality thermal coal and pulverised coal injection product, which is

transported from the mine via rail to the Port of Newcastle, for export to overseas markets. In the 2017

calendar year BCM produced 6.9 million tonnes (Mt) of product coal.

In 2009, BCOPL lodged a major project application under the now-repealed Part 3A of the Environmental

Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act). This project approval (Project Approval 09_0182) (PA),

was granted by the NSW Planning Assessment Commission (PAC) in June 2012, allowing for extraction

of up to 8.6 Mtpa of run of mine (ROM) coal from BCM until the end of year 2033 (the Project).

Under the PA, a new rail load-out facility and rail spur was constructed. Operation of this infrastructure

commenced in December 2014. This has eliminated routine road transport of product coal between the

mine infrastructure area (MIA) and the Boggabri Coal Terminal (BCT). All product coal is currently

transported from site via rail. A new Coal Handling and Preparation Plant (CHPP) was commissioned in

mid-2015, enabling further processing of ROM coal required for the mine to reach the full production rate.

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The PA also provides for the upgrade of the overburden and coal haulage fleet and other ancillary

infrastructure, as well as the option of a dragline.

Six modifications to the PA have been lodged since granting of the original PA. One of these

modifications (Mod 1) was subsequently withdrawn. The latest modification (Mod 6) was lodged for

assessment under the EP&A Act in June 2017 and approved in July 2017. The modification involved a

minor administrative amendment to Schedule 2, Condition 12 of the PA to address the underutilisation of

the Boggabri Rail Spur Line. The modification made provision for BCOPL to transport up to 10 million

tonnes of product coal via the Boggabri Rail Spur Line in any calendar year. The modification did not

relate to any corresponding change in the approved maximum rate of production for the BCM, which

remained at 8.6 Mtpa ROM.

In NSW, mining operations and certain mining purposes must be carried out in accordance with a Mining

Operations Plan (MOP) that has been approved by the NSW Department of Planning and Environment –

Division of Resources and Energy (DRE). This obligation derives from a condition of authorisation issued

under the Mining Act 1992. BCOPL is currently operating under an approved MOP that applies to

activities at the BCM between 2015 and 2019. The latest amendment to the MOP (Amendment C) was

approved in February 2017.

2.4 Purpose and Scope of Report

This Annual Review discusses the environmental performance of BCOPL and its contractors, in relation

to compliance with the conditions of the PA, and other relevant leases, licences and approvals. It provides

a summary of actual operational and environmental management activities undertaken at the BCM during

the reporting period (1 January to 31 December 2017) and provides a review against planned works, as

described in the MOP, and predicted impacts documented in the Continuation of Boggabri Coal Mine

Environmental Assessment (EA) (Hansen Bailey, 2010). The Annual Review also covers community

relations and addresses mine development and rehabilitation undertaken during the reporting period.

The Annual Review has been prepared to satisfy the conditions of the PA (in particular Condition 4 of

Schedule 5) and CL 368. Key requirements of these approvals are described in Table 2-3. A map

illustrating the mine locality and project boundary is provided in Figure 2-1 while relevant monitoring

points and land ownership are shown in Appendix A. Offset properties for BCM are identified on the

figures provided in Appendix B.

This document has been prepared generally in accordance with the Post-approval requirements for State

significant mining developments – Annual Review Guideline (NSW Government, 2015), where

practicable, as well as the relevant BCOPL reporting framework.

http://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/~/media/3AA21D35168042FE813DD0FB92E00E58.ashxhttp://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/~/media/3AA21D35168042FE813DD0FB92E00E58.ashx

Annual Review 2017

BCOPL Page 13

Table 2-3 Annual Review requirements

Licence, Approval or Guideline

Section Reference

Requirement Reference in this report

CL 368 Condition 4 (a) The lease holder must lodge Environmental Management Reports (EMR) with the Director-General annually or at dates otherwise directed by the Director-General.

(b) The EMR must:

i. Report against compliance with the MOP

ii. Report on progress in respect of rehabilitation completion criteria

iii. Report on the extent of compliance with regulatory requirements; and

iv. Have regard to any relevant guidelines adopted by the Director-General

Whole document

Project Approval 09_0182

Schedule 5, Condition 4

Annual Review

By the end of March each year, the Proponent shall review the environmental performance of the project for the previous calendar year to the satisfaction of the Secretary. This review must:

(a) describe the development (including any rehabilitation) that was carried out in the past calendar year, and the development that is proposed to be carried out over the current calendar year;

Section 8

(b) include a comprehensive review of the monitoring results and complaints records of the project over the past year, which includes a comparison of these results against the:

relevant statutory requirements, limits or performance measures / criteria;

monitoring results of previous years; and

relevant predictions in the EA

Section 4, Section 7.3

(c) identify any non-compliance over the last year, and describe what actions were (or are being) taken to ensure compliance;

Section 4, Section 4.15.2.1

(d) identify any trends in the monitoring data over the life of the project;

Section 4

(e) identify any discrepancies between the predicted and actual impacts of the project, and analyse the potential cause of any significant discrepancies; and

Section 4

(f) describe what measures will be implemented over the next year to improve the environmental performance of the project.

Section 9


The Proponent shall:

(a) conduct an annual testing program of the attenuated plant on site to ensure that the attenuation remains effective;

(b) restore the effectiveness of any attenuation if it is found to be defective; and

(c) report on the results of any testing and/or attenuation work within the Annual Review.

Section 4.3.2.2

Annual Review 2017

BCOPL Page 14

Licence, Approval or Guideline

Section Reference

Requirement Reference in this report

Schedule 3, Condition

12

The proponent shall …

(i) use its best endeavours to achieve the long term intrusive noise goals for the project in Table 5, where this is reasonable and feasible, and report on the progress towards achieving these

goals in the annual review; and

Section 0

Schedule 3, Condition

68

The Proponent shall:

(a) implement all reasonable and feasible measures to minimise the waste (including coal reject) generated by the project;

(b) ensure that the waste generated by the project is appropriately stored, handled and disposed of;

(c) monitor and report on the effectiveness of the waste minimisation and management measures in the Annual Review.

Section 4.9


The proponent shall prepare and implement a Social Impact Management Plan (which will)…

(h) include a monitoring program, incorporating key performance indicators and a review and reporting protocol, including

reporting in the annual review.

Section 7

Boggabri Coal Project EA

Section 8 BCOPL will prepare an Annual Review (which summarises monitoring results and reviews performance) and distribute it to the relevant regulatory authorities and the Boggabri CCC.

Whole document

2.5 Actions from 2016 Annual Review

The 2016 Annual Review (previously termed Annual Environmental Management Report (AEMR)) was

provided to DRE, NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) – Agriculture, NSW Environment

Protection Authority (EPA) and Department of Planning and Environment (DPE) in March 2017.

BCOPL received confirmation on 5 May 2017 that the 2016 AEMR generally satisfied DPE’s Annual

Review requirements. No written feedback was received from any other regulatory agencies.

A total of five comments were received from DPE regarding actions to be addressed in the 2017 Annual

Review. These comments and a reference to where each one is addressed in this document are

presented in Table 2-4.

Table 2-4 Issues from 2016 AEMR to be addressed in 2017 Annual Review

Action required from previous AEMR Action taken by the Operator Section Addressed

a) Section 2 Introduction – please

include the operational disturbance

footprint, mining lease boundaries

and offset areas on Figure 2-1

Figure 2-1 has been updated to include the elements requested by DPE.

Figure 2-1

Annual Review 2017

BCOPL Page 15

Action required from previous AEMR Action taken by the Operator Section Addressed

b) Section 2.5 Actions Required from

previous AR review – please include

comments from other regulatory

agencies. If no feedback provided,

please state in this section

Section 2.5 has been updated to state that no feedback on the 2016 Annual Review was received from any other agencies.

Section 2.5

c) Section 4.3 – Operational Noise –

please provide details of the joint rail

noise assessment and evidence of

compliance with Schedule 3

Condition 11

Details of the joint rail noise assessment and evidence of compliance with Schedule 3, Condition 11 has been provided in Section 4.3.2.4.

Section 4.3.2.4

d) Section 5 Incidents and Non-

Compliance – please include a

summary of any warning letters,

official cautions, penalty notices or

prosecution proceedings by any

regulatory agency, and a summary

of the operator’s response to any

official cautions or warning letters,

penalty notices or prosecution

proceedings, as per Section 11 of

the Annual Review Guideline

(October 2015).

A summary of any warning letters, official cautions, penalty notices or prosecution proceedings by any regulatory agency, and a summary of BCOPL’s responses has been provided in Section 5.

Section 5

e) Section 9 Activities proposed for

next reporting period – please

include a timeline for implementation

of measures to be completed in the

next reporting period, as per Section

12 of the Annual Review Guideline

(October 2015)

A timeline for implementation of measures to be completed in the next reporting period has been provided in Section 9.

Section 9

Projection: Transverse MercatorCoordinate System: GDA 1994 MGA Zone 56

© WSP Australia Pty Ltd ("WSP") Copyright in the drawings, information and data recorded ("the information") is the property of WSP. This document and the information are solely for the use of the authorised recipient and this document may not be used, copied or reproduced in whole or part for any purpose other than that which it was supplied by WSP. WSP makes no representation, undertakes no duty and accepts no responsibility to any third party who may use or rely upon this document or the information.NCSI Certified Quality System to ISO 9001. © APPROVED FOR AND ON BEHALF OF WSP Australia Pty LtdIdemitsu Australia Resources Pty Ltd DRAWING. \\APNTLFPS01\proj\B\Boggabri_Coal\2171706A_Boggabri_Coal_GIS_services\10_GIS\Projects\_Drawings_Figures_Sketches\Environment\AEMR\2267037B_GIS_AEMR002_A1.mxd

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DOCUMENT 2267037B_GIS_AEMR002_A1

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Annual Review 2017

BCOPL Page 17

3. SUMMARY OF OPERATIONS

3.1 Mining Preparation

Vegetation is cleared in advance of mining activities in accordance with the following documents:

Clearing and Fauna Management Protocol, which forms Appendix B of the approved Biodiversity

Management Plan (BMP)

Cultural Heritage Management Plan (CHMP).

The adopted clearing protocol follows a two-stage clearing process to minimise impacts on native

biodiversity. Prior to removal of vegetation, trained ecologists survey the areas proposed for clearing

(refer to Section 4.7.2.2). Archaeological salvage is also undertaken as part of the clearing process to

identify and potentially recover artefacts (refer to Section 4.11.2.1).

Sampling is undertaken prior to stripping of topsoils and subsoils to identify the soil resource, inform the

preparation of a soil inventory to assist with rehabilitation planning, and to determine soil amelioration

requirements.

Topsoil is then stripped in accordance with the approved Soil Management Protocol (SMP) and BMP, and

where possible, hauled directly to re-profiled rehabilitation areas. Where re-profiled areas are not ready to

receive topsoil, the topsoil is hauled to a temporary stockpile location where it is stored for future transport

to rehabilitation locations.

126,540 m3 of topsoil recovery was undertaken during the 2017 reporting period. Of this, 37,310 m3 was

spread over a 42 ha rehabilitation area in readiness for revegetation. At the end of December 2017, there

was a total of 1,812,900 m3 of topsoil material stockpiled across the BCM.

Saline or Potentially Acid Forming Materials

Most of the strata are devoid of acid producing pyrite. A small proportion of the potential coal reject

materials located near the Braymont Seam have a relatively high total sulphur content and negligible

buffering capacity and are classified as Potentially Acid Forming – High Capacity (PAF). However, most

overburden materials are likely to be non-acid forming and have a high factor of safety with respect to

potential acid generation. The overburden is therefore regarded as a non-acid forming unit.

Based on these outcomes, the risk of acid mine drainage at BCM is considered low. During the reporting

period, BCOPL implemented an established process to manage PAF materials. The process involves

annual sampling of reject material to identify any material that could be classified as PAF. If, following

completion of sampling, material is identified as PAF, it is subject to deep in-pit burial. Sampling and

analysis undertaken during the reporting period did not identify any PAF material.

No PAF material has been identified at the BCM to date.

3.2 Mining Operations

Equipment

Truck and excavator operations will continue to be undertaken as approved through the MOP term (2017-2021). The mining equipment fleet as at December 2017 is listed in Table 3-1.

Annual Review 2017

BCOPL Page 18

Table 3-1 Equipment fleet as at December 2017

Equipment Number in fleet

Haul trucks 45

Excavators 10

Front end loaders 7

Dozers 13

Graders 4

Water carts 8

Service trucks 4

Drills 5

Total 96

Activities

A summary of mining activities undertaken at BCM during the reporting period is as follows:

Drilling and blasting of overburden

Overburden removal by large hydraulic excavators, front-end loaders, shovels and dozers

Haulage of waste to in-pit and out-of-pit emplacement areas

Extraction of coal using large hydraulic excavators, front-end loaders, dozers and various Komatsu,

Caterpillar and Hitachi rear dump trucks

Movement of coal directly to a bypass crusher as product coal or stockpiled on ROM pads for further

blending and crushing

Coal Processing through the CHPP.

Mining activities were compliant with the requirements of the PA including not clearing within 250 m of

Maules Creek Mine mining lease boundary.

Pit Progression

Coal is mined from eight coal seams including the Herndale, Onavale, Teston, Thornfield, Braymont,

Bollol Creek, Jeralong and basal Merriown seams.

During the reporting period, pit development progressed in two directions. These were to the north-west

and the east (refer to Figure 8-1).

Production Waste

Waste emplacement areas have been created through the clearing of designated out-of-pit areas and by

in–pit emplacement in mined-out sections of the mine. The main emplacement areas are immediately to

the west and south of the active mining area (refer to Figure 8-1).

During the reporting period, out-of-pit dumping continued on the western overburden emplacement area

in accordance with the MOP, to a maximum RL of 395 m. The pit void was also progressively backfilled

with overburden.

Annual Review 2017

BCOPL Page 19

3.3 Production Statistics

From January to November 2017, mine production at BCM was carried out by mining contractor Downer Mining. From December onwards, mine production was carried out by Boggabri Coal Operations and

BGC Contracting. Mining was undertaken in accordance with the approved MOP and site work standards

and procedures, which have been developed to ensure ongoing compliance with the approved

management plans and MOP.

A summary of production figures for the 2016 and 2017 calendar years is provided in Table 3-2 below.

Also shown are the predicted production figures for the 2018 calendar year.

Table 3-2 Production and Waste Rock Summary

Material Project

Approval Limit

Reporting Period (Calendar Year)

2016 (actual) 2017 (actual) 2018 (predicted)

Waste Rock / Overburden (Mbcm3)

N/A 50.0 52.0 54.1

ROM Coal (Mt) 8.6 7.8 8.0 8.0

Reject Material (Mt) N/A 1.5 1.5 1.3

Stripped Topsoil (kbcm3)

N/A 208.3 126.5 144.2

Saleable Product (Mt)

8.6 (by rail) 6.9 6.9 7.1

Mining operations within the 2017 calendar year remained below the limits specified in the PA. Specific

conditions from Schedule 2 of the PA are presented in Table 3-3 with responses on the compliance of

each also provided.

Table 3-3 Compliance with Project Approval Conditions

Project Approval Condition No. and Description Compliance Response

8. The Proponent shall not extract more than 3.5 million tonnes of ROM coalfrom the site in any calendar year (on a pro rata monthly basis) while ever coalis being transported along the private haul road to the coal loader, unless aroad safety audit at the intersections of Leard Forest Road and Therribri Roadhas been completed in consultation with Council and RMS, and anyrecommended actions implemented to the satisfaction of the Secretary.

Compliant – coal was transported via the rail spur during 2017

9. The Proponent shall not extract more than 4.5 million tonnes of ROM coalfrom the site in any calendar year (on a pro rata monthly basis) or undertakemining operations outside the disturbance area approved under DA36/88MOD 2, unless the Biodiversity Management Plan required under condition 49of Schedule 3 has been approved by the Secretary.

Compliant –The BMP has been approved.

10. The Proponent shall not extract more than 8.6 million tonnes of ROM coalfrom the site in any calendar year.

Compliant – 8.0 Mt of ROM Coal was extracted in 2017

11. The Proponent may process up to 4.2 million tonnes of ROM coal in theCHPP in any calendar year.

Compliant – 4.0 Mt of ROM coal was processed in the Coal Processing Plant during 2017

Annual Review 2017

BCOPL Page 20

Project Approval Condition No. and Description Compliance Response

11A. The Proponent shall not process any coal from the Tarrawonga coal mine unless it has demonstrated that adequate water license are held to account for the required water use associated with processing this coal, to the satisfaction of the Secretary.

Compliant – no coal was processed for Tarrawonga Coal

Mine in 2017

12. The Proponent may transport up to 10 million tonnes of product coal viathe Boggabri Rail Spur Line in any calendar year; comprising:

(a) 8.6 million tonnes of product coal from the Boggabri coal mine in anycalendar year; and

(b) 3 million tonnes of product coal from the Tarrawonga coal mine in anycalendar year.

Compliant – 6.9 Mt of product coal from the Boggabri coal mine was transported in 2017. No coal from the Tarrawonga coal mine was transported in 2017.

13. The Proponent may only transport coal from the site by road for 22 monthsfollowing the date of this approval, or for such additional period as may resultfrom delays in construction of the Boggabri Rail Spur Line as agreed by theSecretary. Following expiry of this period, all coal is to be transported from thesite via the Boggabri Rail Spur Line unless in exceptional circumstances asagreed with RMS, the Council and approved by the Secretary.

Compliant – transport of coal by road was ceased following completion of the Boggabri Rail Spur Line. The Boggabri Rail Spur Line was operational throughout 2017.

3.4 Exploration

Exploration drilling was undertaken in 2017 by BCOPL, for the purpose of determining coal quality and

structure for modelling through the installation of infill drill holes.

A total of 47 exploration holes were drilled by BCOPL during the reporting period, as detailed in

Table 3-4. All holes were completed for the purpose of structure and coal quality testing and greenhouse

gas emission estimates. Figure 3-1 indicates the location of the boreholes drilled during the 2017

calendar year.

Nineteen boreholes have been sealed and the balance have been left open to be used for geophysical

testing in advance of mining.

Table 3-4 BCM Exploration Drilling

Hole MGA

Easting

MGA

Northing

RL (m) Total

Depth (m)

Drill

Start

Drill

Finish

Purpose

BC2288 229849.81 6610961.97 351.78 175 5/06/2017 6/06/2017 Structure

BC2289 229777.95 6611754.51 358.6 211 7/06/2017 8/06/2017 Structure

BC2290 229768.33 6611709.51 353.46 205 8/06/2017 9/06/2017 Structure

BC2291 228825.44 6612394.15 338.69 169 9/06/2017 10/06/2017 Structure

BC2292 228630.42 6612290.52 330.91 163 10/06/2017 11/06/2017 Structure

BC2293 228502.95 6612196.93 326.44 151 11/06/2017 11/06/2017 Structure

BC2294 228329.31 6612108.5 325.49 151 11/06/2017 12/06/2017 Structure

BC2295 228575.67 6612064.77 324.1 140 12/06/2017 13/06/2017 Structure

BC2296 228620.76 6612199.26 329.15 151 12/06/2017 13/06/2017 Structure

BC2297 229645.68 6611732.12 354.24 205 20/06/2017 20/06/2017 Structure

BC2298 229690.87 6611713.69 350.7 199 21/06/2017 21/06/2017 Structure

BC2299 229746.7 6610865.67 341.62 163 22/06/2017 22/06/2017 Structure

BC2300 229905.32 6610892.74 349.2 169 22/06/2017 23/06/2017 Structure

Annual Review 2017

BCOPL Page 21

Hole MGA

Easting

MGA

Northing

RL (m) Total

Depth (m)

Drill

Start

Drill

Finish

Purpose

BC2301 229650.46 6611779.08 360.73 217 23/06/2017 24/06/2017 Structure

BC2302 228757.47 6612161.9 339.79 163 25/06/2017 25/06/2017 Structure

BC2303 229058.27 6612228.41 364.55 187 26/06/2017 27/06/2017 Structure

BC2304 228963.16 6612397.57 344.16 169 27/06/2017 4/07/2017 Structure

BC2305 229219.3 6612313.58 367.93 199 4/07/2017 5/07/2017 Structure

BC2306 229133.89 6612481.77 352.99 181 5/07/2017 6/07/2017 Structure

BC2307 229096.4 6612358.89 352.75 181 6/07/2017 7/07/2017 Structure

BC2308 228891.22 6612129.78 345.11 163 7/07/2017 7/07/2017 Structure

BC2309 228929.95 6612264.88 345.74 169 8/07/2017 8/07/2017 Structure

BC2310 228719.3 6612023.77 328.18 148 9/07/2017 9/07/2017 Structure

BC2311 228793.89 6612296.24 337.07 163 10/07/2017 10/07/2017 Structure

BC2312 226092.27 6611910.63 340.57 256 11/07/2017 12/07/2017 Coal Quality

BC2313 229749.3 6610962.1 344.71 165.22 21/07/2017 26/07/2017 Coal Quality

BC2314 229751.9 6611361.15 343.15 183.1 27/07/2017 5/08/2017 Coal Quality

BC2315 229759.16 6611663.03 353.91 201.1 5/08/2017 10/08/2017 Coal Quality

BC2316 226447.12 6611408.11 318.66 132.16 10/08/2017 19/08/2017 Gas

BC2317 228630.47 6611978.06 322.48 135.16 20/08/2017 24/08/2017 Coal Quality

BC2318 228073 6611968.37 315.39 171.42 25/08/2017 27/08/2017 Gas

BC2319 229847.19 6610859.98 344.21 162.11 6/09/2017 11/09/2017 Coal Quality

BC2320 228781.94 6612375.29 336.62 246 3/08/2017 6/08/2017 Coal Quality

BC2321 227091.49 6611286.92 306.78 337 16/08/2017 18/08/2017 Coal Quality

BC2322 227721.43 6611768.78 310.49 313 14/07/2017 11/08/2017 Coal Quality

BC2323 229833.2 6611070.53 355.78 183.11 11/09/2017 22/09/2017 Coal Quality

BC2324 229749.6 6611160.99 344.33 171.16 23/09/2017 2/10/2017 Coal Quality

BC2325 229766.8 6611542.59 347.89 195.01 3/10/2017 8/10/2017 Coal Quality

BC2326 228232.23 6611932.98 317.89 129.12 9/10/2017 17/10/2017 Coal Quality

BC2327 228803 6612074 337.1 153.28 17/10/2017 23/10/2017 Coal Quality

BC2328 228100.68 6611847.86 312.91 112.67 24/10/2017 26/10/2017 Coal Quality

BC2329 227936.52 6611891.72 313.72 114.06 1/11/2017 3/11/2017 Coal Quality

BC2330 229851.2 6611261.12 351.7 180.33 4/11/2017 9/11/2017 Coal Quality

BC2331 229853.41 6611461.3 352.64 192.11 9/11/2017 24/11/2017 Coal Quality

BC2332 229155.48 6612269.5 367.02 189.16 26/11/2017 29/11/2017 Coal Quality

BC2333 228406.88 6612158.81 326.39 155.93 5/12/2017 9/12/2017 Coal Quality

BC2334 228973.53 6612182.01 351.57 168.17 9/12/2017 15/12/2017 Coal Quality

Annual Review 2017

BCOPL Page 22

Figure 3-1 Extent of 2017 Exploration Drilling

Annual Review 2017

BCOPL Page 23

3.5 Construction Activities during 2017

A summary of construction activities undertaken during the reporting period and their completion status is

provided in Table 3-5.

Table 3-5 Summary of Construction Activities during the Reporting Period

Infrastructure Commencement Date Completion Date

Mine Infrastructure Area (MIA)

Eight drive-in concrete sumps January 2017 September 2017

New main administration building and changes to location of CHPP offices

September 2017 December 2017

Access road from Train Load Out (TLO) to carpark

October 2017 January 2018

Other

New ROM Haul Road January 2016 March 2017

Internal Water Reticulation Upgrade July 2016 Ongoing

ROM 6 (in-pit ROM) October 2016 February 2017

Access Road 2 rectification works January 2017 March 2017

Modifications to the rejects loop within the MIA

January 2017 July 2017

Installation of two productions bores and ancillary infrastructure (power lines, access tracks and water transfer pipelines)

January 2017 December 2017

Spur Line Rectification Works January 2016 June 2017

New rail crossing infrastructure on mine access road from Kamilaroi Highway

March 2017 November 2017

3.6 Construction Activities Proposed for 2018

Activities during the 2018 reporting period will involve construction of a new 2 GL capacity mine water

dam (MW5) and the extension of the awning over the tyre bay in the maintenance area.

Annual Review 2017

BCOPL Page 24

4. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AND PERFORMANCE

The Environment Management Strategy (EMS) provides the strategic framework for environmental

management at BCM. The EMS:

Outlines all relevant statutory leases, licences and approvals that apply to BCM

Details key plans, procedures, management plans and other documents that will be implemented to

ensure compliance with all relevant leases, licences and approvals

Describes the key processes that will be implemented to:

o Communicate with community and government stakeholders

o Manage community complaints

o Resolve disputes

o Respond to non-compliance incidents and emergencies

Outlines BCM’s monitoring, reporting and auditing requirements

Outlines relevant roles, responsibilities and accountabilities relevant to environment management for

all BCOPL employees and contractors.

A suite of environmental management plans (EMPs) have been developed to guide environmental

management at BCM. They have been developed in accordance with the EMS, the PA and other

statutory requirements. The revision status of approved key EMPs, as required by the PA, is summarised

in Table 4-1.

Table 4-1 Key EMPs

Management Plan Status

BMP Rev 9 October 2015 – revised currently awaiting approval

Blast Management Plan (BLMP) Rev 1 June 2013 - revised currently awaiting approval

Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Management Plan (AQGHGMP)

Rev 3 January 2015 – revised currently awaiting approval

Traffic Management Plan (TMP) Rev 3 October 2013 – revised currently awaiting approval

Cultural Heritage Management Plan (CHMP) Revision 7 Approved February 2017

Environment Management Strategy Rev Original November 2012 – revised currently awaiting approval

Noise Management Plan (NMP) Rev 9 Approved March 2016 – revised currently awaiting approval

Water Management Plan (WMP)

Surface Water Management Plan (SWMP)

Groundwater Management Plan (GWMP)

Site Water Balance (SWB)

Rev 6 May 2017

Social Impact Management Plan (SIMP) Rev 4 November 2013 – revised currently awaiting approval

Rehabilitation Management Plan (RMP) Incorporated into the 2017-21 Mining Operations Plan (MOP) for the project, at the request of the Department. The MOP was approved 19 December 2017.

Annual Review 2017

BCOPL Page 25

Management Plan Status

Pollution Incident Response Management Plan (PIRMP)

Rev R - revised February 2017

The PIRMP listed in Table 4-1 applies to all activities that have the potential to generate pollution

incidents at BCM. These include, but are not limited to, water discharge events, hazardous spills resulting

in land or water pollution, and fire hazards.

The PIRMP provides an overarching procedure to respond to pollution incidents at BCM including:

outlining the response and notification requirements in the event of a pollution incident at BCM

providing clear definition of the roles and responsibilities for pollution incident responses at BCM

facilitating compliance with the requirements of the POEO Act and associated regulations

4.1 Meteorology

Environmental Management

The PA (Schedule 3, Condition 32) requires a permanent meteorological station to be installed and

maintained for the life of the BCM. The station must comply with the requirements of the Approved

Methods for Sampling of Air Pollutants in New South Wales Guideline and be capable of determining the

temperature lapse rate.

As such, a meteorological monitoring station (MET) has been established to continuously measure and

record wind speed, wind direction, temperature, solar radiation and rainfall at BCM. The location of the

BCM MET station is shown on the Environmental Monitoring Location Plan in Appendix A.

The MET station provides real-time data to BCOPL employees and contractors. Meteorological data is

used for assessing compliance, proactive dust and noise management, and for investigative and

reporting requirements.

The parameters recorded by the BCM MET monitoring station and the method are outlined in Table 4-2.

Table 4-2 MET Monitoring Parameters

Parameter Units Frequency Averaging period

Temperature at 2m ºC Continuous 15 minute

Temperature at 10m ºC Continuous 15 minute

Wind direction at 10m º Continuous 15 minute

Sigma theta at 10m º Continuous 15 minute

Rainfall mm/hr. Continuous 1 hour

Solar radiation W/m2 Continuous 15 minute

Additional requirements: – Siting & Measurement

n/a n/a n/a

Annual Review 2017

BCOPL Page 26

Environmental Performance

4.1.2.1 Temperature

Maximum, minimum and average temperatures are calculated daily from the 15min recordings. Figure

4-1 shows average monthly temperature records for the reporting period (10m MET recordings).

Compared to the previous reporting period, the average minimum and maximum temperatures are

notably higher in summer.

Figure 4-1 Monthly Temperature Records

4.1.2.2 Rainfall

Rainfall is measured using an RG5 type flow-through monitor, with a 15-minute recording interval.

Monthly rainfall totals for the reporting period are presented in Figure 4-2.

A comparison of 2016 and 2017 rainfall is shown in Figure 4-3.

0.0

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rees

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minimum maximum average

Annual Review 2017

BCOPL Page 27

Figure 4-2 Monthly Rainfall

Figure 4-3 Comparison of 2016 and 2017 Rainfall

4.1.2.3 Wind

Wind speed and direction are important parameters for preparation of blasting activities, investigating

noise and dust complaints, and assessing cumulative impacts as a result of other coal mines operating in

the region. Wind data for 2017 are presented in the wind roses provided in Figure 4-4, Figure 4-5 and

Figure 4-6. Wind speed values are displayed as metres per second.

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Annual Review 2017

BCOPL Page 28

Analysis of data reveals that prevailing winds during the 2017 reporting period were predominantly from

the south-east from January through April and from the north-west and east from May through December.

The prevailing wind conditions during this reporting period were relatively consistent with the historical

data as presented in the 2010 EA. Average wind speeds were notably higher in January, March, October

and November and were notably lower in February, June, July and September than the previous

reporting period.

The MET data identified that average monthly wind speed did not exceed 3 m/s in 2016.

January 2017

February 2017

March 2017

April 2017

Figure 4-4 Monthly Wind Rose Summary January – April 2017

Annual Review 2017

BCOPL Page 29

May 2017

June 2017

July 2017

August 2017

Figure 4-5 Monthly Wind Rose Summary May – August 2017

September 2017

October 2017

Annual Review 2017

BCOPL Page 30

November 2017

December 2017

Figure 4-6 Monthly Wind Rose Summary September – December 2017

Improvements and Initiatives

Building on the work completed during the 2016 reporting period, BCOPL continued to implement and

refine the real-time air quality management system at the BCM. This included ongoing utilisation of real-

time meteorological data and weather forecasting software to guide the day-to-day implementation of

reactive and proactive mitigation measures.

4.2 Air Quality


Air quality management at BCM is undertaken in accordance with the AQGHGMP. Through

implementation of the AQGHGMP, BCOPL execute a range of mitigation measures for air quality that

have proved to be effective at managing dust impacts, demonstrated by maintaining compliance with

criteria specified in the PA. During the reporting period, mitigation measures included the following:

Dust suppression with bulk water trucks using dust suppression additives ’Avenger Coal’ and ‘Boost X’

in mining areas, construction areas and haul roads

Visual assessments of mining and coal transport areas to identify dust sources and modify operations

as required

Progressive rehabilitation of waste emplacements

Revegetating disturbed areas of the rail corridor

Implementation of product coal handling controls to minimise dust generation

Maintaining unsealed surfaces and trafficable areas in good condition

Installation and maintenance of dust suppression equipment on drill rigs

Implementing good practice blast design to minimise dust and plan blasting to suit meteorological

conditions

Monitoring meteorological conditions to plan and modify operations as required

These mitigation measures will continue to be employed throughout 2018.

Annual Review 2017

BCOPL Page 31

BCOPL implements a dust monitoring program to measure concentrations of depositional dust, PM10 and

PM2.5 in the vicinity of the BCM. Depositional dust monitoring provides an indication of levels of dust in the

atmosphere measured in g/m²/month of insoluble matter. PM10 measures the concentration of particulate

matter less than 10 microns in diameter, whilst PM2.5 monitoring measures the concentration of

particulate matter less than 2.5 microns in diameter. PM10 monitoring utilises a High Volume Air Sampler

(HVAS) and tapered element oscillating microbalance (TEOM), whilst PM2.5 is measured only use a

TEOM.

The current dust monitoring program includes 3 depositional dust gauges, two HVAS and one TEOM,

details of which are provided in Table 4-3. A figure showing the location of each air quality monitoring site

is provided in Appendix A.

Table 4-3 Air Quality Monitoring Sites

Site ID To be used for compliance monitoring?

Type Units Frequency

D4 Yes Deposited dust gauge g/m2/month Monthly



Roma

Merriown

Yes

Yes

HVAS (PM10)

HVAS (PM10)

µg/m3

µg/m3 Every 6 days

Every 6 days

Tarrawonga No TEOM (PM10 & PM2.5) µg/m3 Continuous

Environmental Performance

4.2.2.1 Depositional Dust

BCM’s depositional dust monitoring is undertaken on a monthly basis at three monitoring sites: D4, D5

and D6 (refer to Appendix A). D5 is located on land owned by BCOPL, while D4 and D6 are located on

land owned by Whitehaven Coal Pty Limited.

In accordance with the PA (Schedule 3, Condition 27), the annual average depositional dust must not

exceed the limit of 4 g/m2/month at any residence on privately owned land, or on more than 25 percent of

any privately-owned land. Given that there are no criteria specified for non-privately owned land, the

results have been assessed against these criteria for consistency, despite land being mine-owned.

Sampling and analysis is undertaken in accordance with AS/NZS 3580.10.1:2003: Methods for Sampling

and Analysis of Ambient Air – Determination of Particulate Matter – Deposited Matter – Gravimetric

Method.

Results

Depositional dust samples were subject to visual analysis by a NATA accredited laboratory to determine

sample contamination by naturally occurring impurities. Table 4-4 presents the corrected results following

visual analysis of the three dust monitors.

The results indicate that all depositional dust gauges remained below the criterion for the annual average

during 2017.

Annual Review 2017

BCOPL Page 32

Table 4-4 Depositional Dust – Annual Average Results

Monitoring Point Limit

(g/m2/month)

Corrected annual average* (g/m2/month)

D4 4 2.6

D5 4 1.6

D6 4 1.5

* Total adjusted after visual analysis. Annual average applies to 2017 calendar year.

Depositional dust systems are often subject to contamination by naturally occurring impurities such as

bird droppings, insects and vegetation. On eighteen occasions over the reporting period, samples were

observed to be contaminated and were therefore not analysed by the laboratory. This included samples

from January (D4 and D6), February (D4 and D6), March (D4), April (D4 and D5), May (D4), June (D4

and D6), July (D6), August (D5 and D6), September (D6), October (D5 and D6), November (D6), and

December (D4).

The result for D4 and D5 are above the predicted levels documented in the EA (1.1 and 0.6 g/m2/month)

for the closest corresponding year of operations (Year 5). D6 is located outside the area assessed in the

EA and no predictions were provided. All dust gauge results remain below the criteria specified in the PA.

Depositional dust levels within gauge D4

Between 2014 and 2015, the rolling annual average of all gauges was on a downward trend. During

2015, the trend stabilised and then began trending upwards in 2016, before stabilising in 2017.

Depositional dust levels recorded during the 2017 reporting period remain within the range of historical

results.

4.2.2.2 PM10

BCM monitors PM10 dust through two HVAS units. The BCM HVAS is located on the Merriown property

approximately 1 km west of the BCM. The second HVAS, Roma PM10 is located on the Roma property

and commenced operation on the 1 July 2015. Sampling is undertaken for a period of 24 hours every 6

days. PM10 monitoring is ongoing from previous reporting periods. Results for both samplers have been

provided in this report and will continue to be monitored throughout 2018.

Results

The PM10 monitoring results for Merriown HVAS and Roma HVAS over the 12 month period are provided

in Figure 4-7 and Figure 4-8, respectively. Both figures also include BCM’s rolling average over the

reporting period.

In accordance with the PA, the short-term concentration limit for PM10 over each 24-hour period is 50

µg/m3 while the long-term concentration limit for the annual average is 30 µg/m3.

The average PM10 concentrations at the Merriown HVAS and Roma HVAS monitors over the reporting

period were 12.0 µg/m3 and 12.5 µg/m3 per month, respectively. In comparison, the average

concentrations at the Merriown HVAS and Roma HVAS monitors during the 2016 reporting period were

10.4 µg/m3 and 9.9 µg/m3 per month respectively. The annual average PM10 levels are below the PM10

levels (14µg/m3) predicted in the EA.

Annual Review 2017

BCOPL Page 33

One exceedance of the short-term PM10 criterion was recorded at the Merriown HVAS monitor during the

reporting period. The Roma HVAS monitor also recorded two results that were higher than the short-term

criterion, however these are not considered exceedances as the monitoring location is not used as a

compliance measurement tool. Neither monitors recorded results that exceeded the long-term PM10

criterion.

The short-term PM10 results for the 2017 reporting period are generally consistent with the 2015 and 2016

reporting periods with the exception of the individual exceedance of the short-term criterion recorded at

the Merriown HVAS monitor and the two elevated results at the Roma HVAS monitor. Disc ploughing was

observed in nearby paddocks at the time the single exceedance of the short-term criterion was recorded

at the Merriown HVAS monitor. While Merriown HVAS was not included in the EA as a receiver in the air

quality model due to it being owned by BCOPL, interpolation of the PM10 air quality contours in the EA

indicate PM10 concentrations of between 20 to 30 µg/m3 were predicted to occur at the property during the

reporting period. The short-term PM10 levels recorded at Merriown HVAS were generally below the levels

predicted in the EA. The 2017 PM10 levels indicated the trend is generally stable.

Figure 4-7 Merriown PM10 Monitoring Results

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Merriown - PM10 Current annual average PM10 24hr Criterion PM10 Annual Criterion

Annual Review 2017

BCOPL Page 34

Figure 4-8 Roma PM10 Monitoring Results

4.2.2.3 Total Suspended Particulates

The ambient air quality criterion for TSP quoted in Table 9 of the PA (annual average 90µg/m3) is based on

a value derived by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) in 1996. There is an

established relationship between TSP concentration and the concentration of PM10. In areas where coal

mining is a significant component of the local particulate emission inventory, PM10 typically comprises ~40%

of the TSP (SPCC, 1986 and others).

As prior studies have confirmed that the long-term average PM10 to TSP ratio is close to 0.4:1, that is, 40%

of TSP is comprised of PM10, inversely, the relationship between TSP and PM10 can be written as:

TSP = PM10 x 2.5. Due to the nature of the relationship between TSP and PM10 levels, the TSP criterion of

90 µg/m3 (annual average) will always be satisfied when the long-term PM10 criterion of 30 µg/m3 is satisfied.

As discussed above in Section 4.2.2.2, Boggabri Coal currently monitor PM10 at two locations within the

vicinity of the operation; the ‘Merriown HVAS’ and ‘Roma HVAS’ monitors.

In consideration of the historical PM10 monitoring undertaken for the BCM (i.e. results have historically been

significantly below the PM10 annual average criteria) and the above relationship between PM10 and TSP,

BCOPL consider that compliance with the long-term TSP criteria can be demonstrated via the application

of the known relationship between PM10 and TSP. This can be achieved by calculating annual average TSP

results from the PM10 monitoring using the above calculation for the locations in the vicinity of the operation.

The calculation of TSP is based on the available data at the Merriown HVAS and Roma HVAS monitoring

locations.

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Roma- PM10 Current annual average PM10 24hr Criterion PM10 Annual Criterion

Annual Review 2017

BCOPL Page 35

The results indicate the annual average TSP at Merriown (30.1 ug/m3) and Roma (31.1 µg/m3) are below

the air quality criterion in the PA. Similarly, the results indicate the level of TSP at Roma is below the TSP

levels predicted in the EA (35µg/m3) for the reporting period.

Improvements and Initiatives

BCOPL installed an additional TEOM at the mine-owned ‘Wilberoi East’ property during the reporting

period. The Wilberoi TEOM will be linked up with the ‘Sentinex’ real-time air quality management system

and be utilised as an additional tool to guide the day-to-day management of air quality at the BCM.

4.3 Operational Noise


Operational noise is managed by BCOPL in accordance with the approved NMP. The NMP covers all

operational activities with the potential to ge

Documents

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