WILPINJONG COAL MINE 2014 ANNUAL REVIEW ENVIRONMENTAL ... · 2.7 WASTE MANAGEMENT 20 2.7.1 Mining Waste 20 2.7.2 Non-Mining Waste 20 2.8 PRODUCT COAL STOCKPILES 21 2.9 WATER MANAGEMENT

WILPINJONG COAL MINE

2014 ANNUAL REVIEW &

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT REPORT

31 March 2015

Prepared by

Wilpinjong Coal Pty Ltd

b

AR&EMR SUMMARY The following summarises the environmental performance of Wilpinjong Coal Pty Ltd (WCPL) for 2014 with respect to:

1. Project Approval (PA05-0021);

2. Environment Protection Licence 12425; and

3. Mining Lease 1573.

Production

WCPL produced a total of 15,423,778 tonnes of run-of-mine (ROM) coal and 12,433,434 tonnes of product coal during 2014. This was in accordance with the Project Approval production limits.

Complaints

WCPL received a total of 131 complaints for 2014, which was decrease of 7 complaints from 2013. Although odour complaints were lower, noise complaints had increased.

Incidents

There were six incidents reported in 2014. The details of each incident and actions taken to prevent further occurrences is provided in Section 1.8

Air Quality

The annual average deposited dust levels for 2014 were slightly higher when compared to previous levels recorded in 2013 (Table 19 & Chart 4), although decreases to the annual average were noted at DG9.

PM10 and TSP data recorded in 2014 was slightly less than 2013 and also generally consistent with levels recorded in earlier years. The higher PM10 and TSP results in January 2014 were influenced by regional bushfire smoke. Development and submission of the Air Quality Management Plan

Erosion & Sediment Control

One (1) incident reported during 2014 in relation to erosion and sedimentation control. WCPL responded to the incident by reviewing the relevant erosion and sedimentation controls and also engaging an ecologist to assess Cumbo Creek. The assessment concluded that the rain storm event resulted in the movement of a small amount of sedimentation into Cumbo Creek, however no significant impact to riparian habitat or the aquatic ecosystem occurred.

Surface Water

Surface water quality monitoring data collected during the 2014 were generally in within baseline ranges across all surface water monitoring sites. When compared to 2013 results:

1. EC results were consistent; however

2. several higher results were recorded for pH and turbidity.

.

Groundwater

Monitoring results from bores in the alluvium and coal measures indicated several exceedences with pH and EC groundwater triggers. A review of the groundwater data in 2014 was undertaken by HydroSimulations. The review concluded….Some alluvial sites have very high salinities and very large fluctuations that bear no apparent relationship with rainfall or mining. The salinities in the coal holes are consistently stable.

WCPL is progressively expanding the current groundwater monitoring network in 2013 & 2014, with an additional 23 piezometers installed.

Biodiversity

Habitat tree mapping and inspection of felled trees continued in 2014 prior to clearance activities. Strategies were implemented to minimise impacts on fauna during the felling of habitat trees. All felled habitat trees were inspected for evidence of trapped or injured animals, and any animals located were either extracted from the hollows and taken into care with a wildlife rescue organisation, or released. No threatened fauna species were recovered during the 2014 Reporting Period.

WCPL added two additional Biodiversity Offset Areas as a consequence of Modification 5 approval.

WCPL developed and is awaiting approval on the WCPL Biodiversity Management Plan.

Noise

WCM measures and records noise using real-time as well as attended noise monitoring. Attended noise monitoring during 2014 determined that WCPL complied with its noise consent limits at all private monitoring locations. Quarterly assessments were also carried out on the recorded real-time noise data, which indicated that WCPL complied with its noise level limits. Additional Correlation Monitoring was undertaken at the request of the Wollar Progress Association at 2 locations nominated by DP& E. Results indicate that mining noise levels at Sentinex Unit 33 were within 1 to 2 dB of the mining noise levels measured at 914 Barigan Street, and were equal to those measured at 953 Barigan Street.

Blasting

A total of 144 blast events occurred during the 2014 reporting period. There were no exceedences of the overpressure or ground vibration impact criteria.

c

Spontaneous combustion of coal (including odour)

WCPL continued to manage odour and fume from the spontaneous combustion of coal. Activities undertaken in 2014 included:

1. Development of the Keylah Dump Removal Management Plan in consultation with EPA & DP&E

2. Development and submission of the Spontaneous Combustion Management Plan

3. Development and submission of the Waste Management Plan

4. Carrying out extensive ambient air monitoring in the local community for a range of ambient air pollutants (oxides of nitrogen, sulphur dioxide, hydrogen sulphide, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and volatile organic compounds). To date the ambient concentrations of the above pollutants have been measured in concentrations well below relevant health assessment criteria.

5. Undertook Propensity Testing for coal and partings within Pit 4.

Cultural Heritage

During 2014 the archaeological salvage programme continued to be implemented. Representatives from three Aboriginal community groups (MLALC, MGATSIC, and WNTAC) and the Native Title holder (NEWco) were involved in salvage work including test excavations and grader scrapes as well as removal of a scarred tree and the declassification of another. Due Diligence programs were also undertaken for 2014 WEP Drilling Program. Continued monitoring and management of rock art sites also occurred during 2014. Dust deposition and ground vibration levels recorded at all rock art sites were below trigger levels. An updated ACHMP has been prepared.

Weeds and Animal Pests

During 2014 the control of St John’s Wart, Blackberry, Tree of Heaven, Briar Rose and Willow remained a priority on the mine site as well as other Peabody owned property. Spot spraying for Blackberry also continued in ECA areas and Cumbo Valley. WCPL also:

1. provided financial assistance to the Wild Dog Destruction Board for aerial baiting; and

2. placed dog and fox baits along sections of Wilpinjong Creek.

Rehabilitation

During the 2014 reporting period approximately 41ha of land was rehabilitated. As at December 2014 approximately 221ha of completed landforms have been rehabilitated. Rehabilitated areas were

also subject to application of OGM prior to seeding to assist in pasture establishment.

Wilpinjong Coal Mine 2014 Annual Review and Environmental Management Report

Name of Mine: WILPINJONG COAL MINE

Titles/Mining Leases: ML 1573

MOP Commencement Date: 30 APRIL 2014

MOP Completion Date: 29 APRIL 2019

AEMR Commencement Date: 1 JANUARY 2014

AEMR End Date: 31 DECEMBER 2014

Name of Leaseholder: WILPINJONG COAL PTY LIMITED

Name of Mine Operator (if different):

Reporting Officer: KIEREN BENNETTS

Title: ENVIRONMENT & COMMUNITY MANAGER

Signature:

Date: 31 March 2015


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TABLE OF CONTENTS SECTION Page

AR&EMR SUMMARY B 1 INTRODUCTION 1

1.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE 6 1.2 STRUCTURE OF THE AR&EMR 7 1.3 APPROVALS, LEASES AND LICENCES 7

1.3.1 Current List of Approvals, Leases and Licences 7 1.3.2 Approval Variations 10

1.4 MINE CONTACTS 12 1.5 ACTIONS REQUIRED FROM LAST REPORTING PERIOD 12

2 OPERATIONS DURING THE REPORTING PERIOD 15 2.1 EXPLORATION 15 2.2 LAND PREPARATION 15 2.3 CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES 16 2.4 MINING ACTIVITIES 17 2.5 PROCESSING ACTIVITIES 18

2.5.1 Saleable Production 18 2.6 TRANSPORT ACTIVITIES 19 2.7 WASTE MANAGEMENT 20

2.7.1 Mining Waste 20 2.7.2 Non-Mining Waste 20

2.8 PRODUCT COAL STOCKPILES 21 2.9 WATER MANAGEMENT 21 2.10 HAZARDOUS MATERIALS MANAGEMENT 26

2.10.1 Status of Licences 27 2.10.2 Inventory of Materials Management 27

3 REVIEW OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AND PERFORMANCE 28 3.1 ENVIRONMENTAL RISK IDENTIFICATION 28

3.2.1 Pollution Incident Response Management Plan 28 3.3 METEOROLOGICAL MONITORING 29

3.3.1 Rainfall 29 3.3.2 Temperature 30 3.3.3 Wind Speed and Direction 31

3.4 AIR QUALITY 33 3.4.1 Background 33 3.4.2 Monitoring 33 3.4.3 Assessment of Environmental Performance 37 3.4.4 Management and Mitigation Measures 44 3.4.5 Further Initiatives 45

3.5 GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS 45 3.5.1 Background 45 3.5.2 Monitoring 45 3.5.3 Assessment of Environmental Performance 45 3.5.4 Management Measures 45 3.5.5 Further Initiatives 46

3.6 EROSION AND SEDIMENT 46 3.6.1 Background 46 3.6.2 Monitoring 46 3.6.3 Assessment of Environmental Performance 46 3.6.4 Management and Mitigation Measures 47 3.6.5 Further Initiatives 48

3.7 SURFACE WATER 48


TABLE OF CONTENTS (Continued)

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3.7.1 Background 48 3.7.2 Monitoring 48 3.7.3 Assessment of Environmental Performance 52

3.8 GROUNDWATER 59 3.8.1 Background 59 3.8.3 Assessment of Environmental Performance 62 3.8.4 Management and Mitigation Measures 65 3.8.5 Further Initiatives 65

3.9 BLASTING 66 3.9.1 Background 66 3.9.2 Monitoring 66 3.9.3 Assessment of Environmental Performance 67 3.9.4 Management and Mitigation Measures 71 3.9.5 Further Initiatives 72

3.10 NOISE 73 3.10.1 Background 73 3.10.2 Monitoring 73 3.10.3 Assessment of Environmental Performance 77 3.10.4 Management Measures 87 3.10.5 Further Initiatives 88

3.11 ABORIGINAL HERITAGE 89 3.11.1 Background 89 3.11.2 Environmental Management 89 3.11.3 Assessment of Environmental Performance 89 3.11.4 Management and Mitigation Measures 90 3.11.5 Further Initiatives 90

3.12 NON-ABORIGINAL HERITAGE 90 3.13 SPONTANEOUS COMBUSTION 91

3.13.1 Management and Mitigation Measures 92 3.14 THREATENED SPECIES 96

3.14.1 Background 96 3.14.2 Monitoring 96 3.14.3 Assessment of Environmental Performance 96 3.14.4 Management and Mitigation Measures 97 3.14.5 Further Initiatives 97

3.15 WEEDS AND ANIMAL PESTS 97 3.15.1 Background 97 3.15.2 Monitoring 97 3.15.3 Assessment of Environmental Performance 97 3.15.4 Management and Mitigation Measures 97 3.15.5 Further Initiatives 98

3.16 ROAD TRANSPORT 99 3.16.1 Background 99 3.16.2 Assessment of Environmental Performance 99 3.16.3 Management and Mitigation Measures 99 3.16.4 Further Initiatives 99

4 OTHER APPROVAL CONDITIONS 100 5 COMMUNITY RELATIONS 101

5.1 ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLAINTS 101 5.2 COMMUNITY LIAISON 102

5.2.1 Community Consultative Committee 102 5.2.2 Cultural Heritage Liaison Sub Committee 103 5.2.3 Local Community 103 5.2.4 Community Support Program 103



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5.2.5 Newsletter 104 5.2.10 Access to Information 105 5.2.11 Corporate Social Involvement 106

5.3 EMPLOYMENT STATUS 106 6 REHABILITATION 107

6.1.1 Rehabilitation Areas 107 6.1.2 Research and Trial 108 6.1.3 Rehabilitation Phases 110 6.1.4 Rehabilitation Maintenance 119

7 BIODIVERSITY 120 7.1.1 Offset Strategy 120 Background 120

8 WORKS PROPOSED IN THE NEXT REVIEW PERIOD 131 9 REFERENCES 132 LIST OF TABLES Table 1 Mine Approvals, Leases and Licences ........................................................................... 7

Table 2 Summary of Reporting Requirements of Project Approval (05-0021) ............................. 8

Table 3 Summary of Reporting Requirements of ML 1573 .......................................................... 9

Table 4 Summary of Water Licences ........................................................................................... 9

Table 5 WCPL Mine Contacts ................................................................................................... 12

Table 6 Actions form 2013 AR&EMR Review ............................................................................ 12

Table 7 Land Preparation Summary .......................................................................................... 15

Table 8 Mining Production Schedule ......................................................................................... 17

Table 9 Open Cut Mining Fleet ................................................................................................. 17

Table 10 Cumulative Production ................................................................................................ 19

Table 11 Monthly Waste Management Summary ...................................................................... 24

Table 12 Volume of Water Held in Water Storages ................................................................... 26

Table 13 Summary of Rainfall Data ........................................................................................... 30

Table 14 Summary of Temperature Data .................................................................................. 31

Table 15 Monthly Wind Speeds for 2014 ................................................................................... 32

Table 16 Summary of Air Quality Monitoring Programme ......................................................... 37

Table 17 Air Quality Impact Assessment Criteria ...................................................................... 37

Table 18 Air Quality Land Acquisition Criteria ........................................................................... 37

Table 19 Summary of Annual Average Dust Deposition ............................................................ 38

Table 20 Predicted Dust Deposition Against 2014 Results ....................................................... 40

Table 21 Summary of TSP and PM10 Results .......................................................................... 40

Table 22 MOD 3 Predicted PM10 & TSP Against 2014 Results ................................................ 43

Table 23 Best Practice Dust Mitigation Measures ..................................................................... 44

Table 24 Estimated Wilpinjong Coal Mine Greenhouse Gas Emissions .................................... 45

Table 25 Summary of Surface Water Monitoring Programme ................................................... 48

Table 26 Water Quality Impact Assessment Criteria ................................................................. 52

Table 27 Baseline Surface Water Quality Ranges for Local Watercourses ............................... 52

Table 28 Summary of 2014 Results of Surface Water Monitoring ............................................. 53



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Table 29 Summary of 2013 Results of Surface Water Monitoring ............................................. 53

Table 30 Assessment of 2014 Surface Water Results against Triggers .................................... 54

Table 31 Assessment of 2014 Surface Water Results against Baseline Triggers ..................... 54

Table 32 Flow Meters Installed .................................................................................................. 59

Table 33 Summary of the Groundwater Monitoring ................................................................... 60

Table 34 Typical Baseline EC and pH Values by Aquifer Types ............................................... 62

Table 35 Summary of 2014 Groundwater Monitoring Data ....................................................... 62

Table 36 Summary of 2013 Groundwater Monitoring Data ....................................................... 63

Table 37 Summary of Groundwater Monitoring Data – Water Quality Parameters ................... 64

Table 38 Additional Groundwater Monitoring Locations ............................................................ 65

Table 39 Summary of the Blasting and Vibration Monitoring Program ...................................... 67

Table 40 Blasting Impact Assessment Criteria .......................................................................... 67

Table 41 Peak Particle Velocity Damage Criteria – Public Infrastructure .................................. 70

Table 42 Summary of Blast Monitoring Results ......................................................................... 70

Table 43 Summary of Noise Monitoring Program ...................................................................... 73

Table 44 Noise Impact Assessment Criteria (dBA) .................................................................... 77

Table 45 Noise Land Acquisition Criteria (dBA)......................................................................... 77

Table 46 Attended Noise Monitoring Results – January/February 2014 .................................... 79

Table 47 Attended Noise Monitoring Results – March/April 2014.............................................. 80

Table 48 Attended Noise Monitoring Results – May/June 2014 ................................................ 81

Table 49 Attended Noise Monitoring Results – August 2014 .................................................... 82

Table 50 Attended Noise Monitoring Results – September 2014 .............................................. 83

Table 51 Attended Noise Monitoring Results – October 2014 ................................................... 84

Table 52 Attended Noise Monitoring Results – November 2014 ............................................... 85

Table 53 Attended Noise Monitoring Results – December 2014 ............................................... 86

Table 54 CCC Members for the 2014 ...................................................................................... 102

Table 55 CCC Meeting Summary ............................................................................................ 103

Table 56 Cumulative Rehabilitation Areas ............................................................................... 107

Table 57 Rehabilitation Summary ............................................................................................ 108

Table 58: Geochemical classification and salinity ranking for coal rejects from the different Project seams and plies. ................................................................................................................................. 112

Table 59 : Summary of the pH, EC and acid forming characteristics of the different Project overburden and interburden material types. ............................................................................................... 113

Table 60 : Species and application rates ................................................................................. 117

Table 61 : Maintenance Activities on Rehabilitated Land ........................................................ 120

Table 62 : Current Biodiversity Offset Strategy........................................................................ 121

Table 63 Proposed Biodiversity Monitoring Program ............................................................... 129

LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1 Regional Location ............................................................................................................................................ 3

Figure 2 General Arrangement and Approved Wilpinjong Coal Mine ............................................................................ 4

Figure 3 Major Infrastructure at the Wilpinjong Coal Mine ............................................................................................. 5

Figure 4 Wilpinjong Coal Mine’s Water Management System ..................................................................................... 23



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Figure 5 Annual Windrose 2014 .................................................................................................................................. 32

Figure 6 Seasonal Windroses 2014 ............................................................................................................................. 33

Figure 7 Air Quality Monitoring Locations .................................................................................................................... 35

Figure 8 Air Quality Monitoring Locations “Wollar” ...................................................................................................... 36

Figure 9 Surface Water Monitoring Sites ..................................................................................................................... 50

Figure 10 Channel Stability and Stream Health Monitoring Locations ......................................................................... 51

Figure 11 Groundwater Monitoring Network ................................................................................................................ 61

Figure 12 Blast Monitoring Locations .......................................................................................................................... 68

Figure 13 Blast Monitoring Locations Wollar ............................................................................................................... 69

Figure 14 Noise Monitoring Locations ......................................................................................................................... 75

Figure 15 Noise Monitoring Locations “Wollar” ............................................................................................................ 76

Figure 16 Location of the Keylah Dump ...................................................................................................................... 92

Figure 17 Spontaneous Combustion Factsheet........................................................................................................... 93

Figure 18 2014 Have a Chat Dates ........................................................................................................................... 105 LIST OF CHARTS Chart 1 Summary of Daily Train Movements over the 2014 Review Period ................................................................ 19

Chart 2 Monthly Rainfall Totals 2006 – 2014 ............................................................................................................... 30

Chart 3 Average Temperature Compassions .............................................................................................................. 31

Chart 4 Annual Average Dust Deposition Results 2011-2014 ..................................................................................... 39

Chart 5 Annual Average Dust Deposition Results 2006-2014 ..................................................................................... 39

Chart 6 24-hour PM10 Concentrations for TEOM3 and TEOM4 ................................................................................. 41

Chart 7 Annual Average PM10 Concentrations for HV1, HV2 and HV4 from 2006 – 2014 ......................................... 42

Chart 8 Annual Average TSP Concentration for HV3 from 2006 – 2014 ..................................................................... 42

Chart 9 Upstream Wilpinjong Creek Daily Flow vs Electrical Conductivity .................................................................. 55

Chart 10 Downstream Wilpinjong Creek Daily Flow vs Electrical Conductivity ............................................................ 55

Chart 11 Cumbo Creek Daily Flow vs Electrical Conductivity ...................................................................................... 56

Chart 12 RO Plant Daily Discharge Data ..................................................................................................................... 57

Chart 13 RO Plant – Daily EC and pH Results ........................................................................................................... 57

Chart 14 Blast Results at Wollar Public School ........................................................................................................... 71

Chart 15 Summary of Community Complaints and Issues Raised by Complainants 2006 – 2014 ............................ 101

Chart 16 Community Complaint by Issue .................................................................................................................. 102

LIST OF PLANS

Plan 1 Proposed Land Preparation Plan 2 Proposed Mining Activities Plan 3 Proposed Rehabilitation

LIST OF APPENDICES

Appendix A Attended Noise Monitoring Reports Appendix B Real Time Noise Monitoring Reports Appendix C Habitat Tree Register Summary



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Appendix D Summary of Exploration Drilling Appendix E Air Quality Monitoring Results Appendix F Surface Water Monitoring Results Appendix G Wilpinjong and Cumbo Creek Stability Assessment Appendix H Groundwater Reports Appendix I Blast Monitoring Results Appendix J Cultural Heritage Clearance Forms Appendix K Wilpinjong Coal Mine Complaints Register Summary Appendix L Correspondence Appendix M BBRA Appendix N Figures Appendix O Plans Appendix P 2014 Independent Environmental Audit Appendix Q Community Factsheets/Newsletters Appendix R Land Management Appendix S Resilience method and analysis Appendix T Resilience Mapping


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1 INTRODUCTION The Wilpinjong Coal Mine (the Mine) is owned by Wilpinjong Coal Pty Limited (WCPL), a wholly owned subsidiary of Peabody Energy Australia Pty Ltd (Peabody Energy). The Mine is operated by WCPL.

The Mine is located approximately 40 kilometres (km) north-east of Mudgee, near the village of Wollar, within the Mid-Western Regional Local Government Area, in central New South Wales (NSW) (Figure 1).

In December 2003, the then Minister for Mineral Resources granted Exploration Licence (EL) 6169 to WCPL under the NSW Mining Act, 1992. Project Approval (05-0021) was granted by the Minister for Planning under Part 3A of the NSW Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, 1979 on 1 February 2006, following submission of the Wilpinjong Coal Project Environmental Impact Statement (herein referred to as the EIS [WCPL, 2005]) in May 2005. A copy of the Project Approval is available on the Peabody website (http://www.peabodyenergy.com.au).

Mining Lease (ML) 1573 was subsequently granted by the Minister for Primary Industries on 8 February 2006. Construction of the Mine commenced in February 2006, with mining commencing in September 2006.

The Mine includes an open cut mining operation, coal handling and preparation plant (CHPP), associated raw and product coal handling facilities and a rail load-out facility. An aerial photograph of the Mine in December 2014 is presented on Appendix N.

Approved run-of-mine (ROM) coal production at the Mine is 16 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa). ROM coal is either washed at the Coal Handling and Preparation Plant (CHPP), or where in specification, by-passed to the product stockpile, and then loaded onto trains via the train loading infrastructure. All product coal is transported offsite by rail for domestic power generation (i.e. to Bayswater and Liddell Power Stations) and to the Port of Newcastle for export markets

Since the original Project Approval (05-0021) in February 2006, the conditions of approval have been modified on five occasions1:

1. In November 2007, Project Approval (05-0021) was modified (MOD 1) to allow: • an increase in blasting frequency from one to two blasts per day; and

• a change in the primary access route to the Mine, from Wollar Road to Ulan-Wollar Road (via Ulan Road).

2. In August 2010, Project Approval (05-0021) was modified (MOD 3) to allow: • an increase in ROM coal extraction from 13 to 15 Mtpa;

• an increase in average number of laden trains leaving the site from four to five per day; and

• an expansion of the mining fleet.

3. In August 2012, Project Approval (05-0021) was modified (MOD 4) to allow: • an increase of the maximum coal production rates from 12 to 12.5 Mtpa;

• an increase of the average number of laden coal trains leaving the site from 5 to 6 per day;

• an increase of the maximum number of laden coal trains leaving the Mine from 6 to 10 per day; and

• the installation and operation of a Reverse Osmosis (RO) plant on-site to treat excess Mine water prior to approved discharge in accordance with Environment Protection Licence (EPL) 12425.

4. In February 2014, Project Approval (05-0021) was modified (MOD 5) to allow: • development of incremental extensions to the existing open cut pits

• higher rates of annual waste rock production

• minor coal handling and preparation plant upgrades

• upgrade of the existing reverse osmosis plant to a water treatment facility

• amendment of the waste emplacement strategy to include:

− development of an elevated waste rock emplacement landform − disposal of some inert building and demolition waste − co-disposal of fine coal reject material; and − operation of a light vehicle servicing workshop at an existing farm shed

1 MOD 2 was in the planning stages, however was withdrawn prior to lodgement.

http://www.peabodyenergy.com.au/


2

5. In November 2014, Project Approval (05-0021) was modified (MOD6) to allow:

• An increase in the upper rate of run-of-mine coal production (from 15 million tonnes per annum to approximately 16 million tonnes per annum – an increase of approximately 7 %).

• A minor increase in the upper annual rate of waste rock production (from 33.3 million bank cubic metres to approximately 34.1 million bank cubic metres - an increase of approximately 2 %).

• Mine sequencing revisions associated with updated geological modelling/mine planning.

In accordance with Condition 2, Schedule 2 of Project Approval (05-0021), the Mine operations were carried out generally in accordance with the EIS (WCPL, 2005), MOD 1, MOD 3, MOD 4, MOD 5 and MOD 6, the Statement of Commitments and the Project Approval conditions.

Mining operations may be undertaken on the site until 8 February 2027, in accordance with Condition 5, Schedule 2 of Project Approval (05-0021).

WCPL implements all reasonable and feasible measures to prevent and/or minimise any material harm to the environment that may result from the construction, operation or rehabilitation of the Mine in accordance with Condition 1, Schedule 2 of Project Approval (05-0021). These measures are discussed in Sections 3, 4 and 6 of this document.

In this Report, the term ‘Annual Review and Environmental Management Report (AR&EMR)’ shall mean:

• The Annual Review required by Condition 3, Schedule 5 of the Project Approval (05-0021); and

• The Environmental Management Report required by Conditions 28 and 29 of ML 1573.


3

Figure 1 Regional Location


4

Figure 2 General Arrangement and Approved Wilpinjong Coal Mine


5

Figure 3 Major Infrastructure at the Wilpinjong Coal Mine


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1.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE

Condition 3, Schedule 5 of Project Approval (05-0021) requires the preparation of an Annual Review, as follows:

Annual Review

3. By the end of March each year and annually thereafter, the Proponent shall review the environmental performance of the project to the satisfaction of the Director-General. This review must:

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

(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;

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

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

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

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

This 2014 Annual Review and Environmental Management Report (this Report) presents environmental monitoring data for the past year (i.e. the 2014 review period) from 1 January 2014 to 31 December 2014, and has been prepared in accordance with the extract from Guidelines to the Mining, Rehabilitation and Environmental Management Process (EDG03) (MREMP Guidelines) prepared by the Division of Resources and Energy (DRE) within the NSW Department of Trade and Investment, Regional Infrastructure and Services (DTIRIS).

Copies of this Report will be provided to the following stakeholders:

• NSW Department of Planning and Environment (DP&E);

• NSW Trade and Investment – Division of Resources and Energy (DRE);

• NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA).

• NSW Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH);

• Mid-Western Regional Council (MWRC); and

• the Mine’s Community Consultative Committee (CCC);

In addition, a copy will be made publicly available on the Peabody website (www.peabodyenergy.com.au) in accordance with Condition 11(a), Schedule 5 of Project Approval (05-0021).



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1.2 STRUCTURE OF THE AR&EMR

The remainder of this Report is structured as follows:

Section 1: Provides details of current mine operations and mine contacts, relevant approvals leases and licences, and summarises the actions required as a result of the Annual Review and Environmental Management Report (AR&EMR) meeting.

Section 2: Summaries the operations carried out during the 2014 review period.

Section 3: Provides a review of the environmental management and performance of mining activities at the Mine during the 2014 review period;

Section 4: Describes the environmental performance of mining activities against other Project Approval (05-0021) requirements.

Section 5: Provides a summary of community consultation including a review of the environmental complaints received during the 2014 review period.

Section 6: Provides a summary of the rehabilitation strategies and measures implemented at the Mine.

Section 7: Outlines the works proposed to be carried out in the next review period (i.e. 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2015).

Section 8: Lists the references cited in this report.

1.3 APPROVALS, LEASES AND LICENCES

1.3.1 Current List of Approvals, Leases and Licences

Table 1 presents the current approvals, leases and licences that the Mine operates under.

Table 1 Mine Approvals, Leases and Licences

Relevant Authority Instrument Approval/Licence No. Expiry Date

DP&E Project Approval Project Approval (05-0021)

• (MOD1) Modified November 2007 • (MOD 3) Modified August 2010 • (MOD 4) Modified August 2012 • (MOD 5) Modified February 2014 • (MOD 6) Modified November 2014

21 years from commencement of Project Approval (i.e. 2027)

DRE-DTIRIS Mining Lease ML 1573 February 2027

Exploration Licence EL 6169 28/11/2017

EL 7091 Renewal submitted 24/2/2014

Mine within Wilpinjong B Notification Area

ML 1573 Endorsed DSC 19 February 2013 Approved 24 January 2014

Mining Operations Plan (MOP)

Approved 11 June 2014 MOP Amendment A (21/10/2014) MOP Amendment B (26/11/ 2014)

29 April 2019

Tailings Emplacement Section 100 – TD1 and TD2 (approv. No. 07/1226)

February 2006 (facility decommissioned)

Tailings Emplacement Section 100 – TD3 and TD4 (approv. No, 08/9006)

December 2011 (facility decommissioned)

Tailings Emplacement Section 100 – TD5 (approv. No. 08/9006)

December 2013 (facility decommissioned)

Tailings Emplacement Section 100 – TD6 (approv. No. 08/9006)

31 January 2016

Tailings Emplacement Section 101 - Decommission TD2 29 April 2009


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Relevant Authority Instrument Approval/Licence No. Expiry Date

(approv. No. 09/2396) (facility decommissioned)

Tailings Emplacement Section 101 - Decommission TD1 (approv. No. 09/2396)

28 October 2011 (facility decommissioned)

EPA Environment Protection Licence (EPL)

EPL 12425 Until the licence is surrendered, suspended or revoked. The licence is subject to review every 3 years.

NSW Radiation Control Act 1990 Registration

Licence Number 5061384* 02 January 2016^

WorkCover NSW

Explosives Licence NSW Explosives Act 2003 Part 3 Licence (Licence Number XSTR200024)

24 March 2018

Note: Copies of the Project Approval (05-0021), EPL 12425 and ML 1573 are available on the Peabody website (http://www.peabodyenergy.com.au). * Licence number 5061384 consolidated several existing Radiation Registrations into a single licence during 2014. ^ Renewal application submitted.

Project Approval

As discussed in Section 1.1, this Report has been prepared in accordance with Condition 3, Schedule 5 of Project Approval (05-0021). The relevant sections of this Report which address Condition 3, Schedule 5 of Project Approval (05-0021) are outlined in Table 2.

Table 2 Summary of Reporting Requirements of Project Approval (05-0021)

Condition 3, Schedule 5 of Project Approval (05-0021) Annual Review and

Environmental Management Report

Section By the end of March each year and annually thereafter, the Proponent shall review the environmental performance of the project to the satisfaction of the Director-General. This review must:

This document

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

Section 2

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;

Sections 3 and 5.1

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

Section 3

(d) identify any trends in the monitoring data over the life of the project; Section 3

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

Section 3

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

Section 3

Mining Lease

This Report has been prepared in accordance with Conditions 28 and 29 of Mining Lease (ML) ML 1573 and the requirements of the MREMP Guidelines2. The relevant sections of this Report which address Conditions 28 and 29 of ML 1573 are outlined in Table 3.

2



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Table 3 Summary of Reporting Requirements of ML 1573

Conditions 28 and 29 of ML 1573 Annual Review and

Environmental Management Report

Section

28. The lease holder must lodge Environmental Management Reports (EMR) with the Director-General annually or at dates otherwise directed by the DG.

This document

29. The EMR must:

- report against compliance with the MOP; Section 6

- report on progress in respect of rehabilitation completion criteria; Section 6.6

- report on the extent of compliance with regulatory requirements; and Table 2

- have regard to any relevant guidelines adopted by the Director-General; This document

Mining Operations Plan

The 2014 review period was partly covered by an interim Mining Operations Plan (MOP), approved by the DRE on 4 February 2013, covering mining activities until the end of the April 20143. A new MOP4 was prepared and submitted by WCPL in March 2014 and approved by the DRE. The MOP was modified on two occasions during the reporting period, including:

• MOP Amendment A:

o This amendment in September 2014 was sought to align sequence of mining and rehabilitation Plans 3A to 3C with regards to recent modifications to the mining scheduled.

• MOP Amendment B:

o This amendment in November 2014 was sought to align with MOD6 i.e. minor amendments to the material production schedule during the MOP term (Section 1.0).

Water Licences

Table 4 lists the water licences held by WCPL and provides the current status.

Table 4 Summary of Water Licences

Licence Number Description Valid to Extraction Limits

Licences under the Water Management Act, 2000 (Alluvial Aquifer)

WAL 214991 Alluvial Aquifer Licence Current 474 units2

Licences under the Water Act, 1912 (Porous Rock Aquifer)

20BL173517 Pit 1 Licence 10 June 2015 1 ML/annum





20BL170147 Dewatering 30 March 2016 110 ML/annum




3 WCPL sought and was granted an extension to the MOP expiry date until the 30 April 2014. 4 The new MOP was prepared and submitted by WCPL in March 2014, in accordance with the ESG3: Mining Operations Plan (MOP) Guidelines (September 2013).


10

Licence Number Description Valid to Extraction Limits

Licences under the Water Management Act, 2000 (Alluvial Aquifer)




20BL170063 Water Supply Bore (GWs10) 18 December 2016 110 ML/annum





Source: Heritage Computing (2013) now HydroSolutions.

Notes: 1 Assigned to the Wollar Creek Water Source. 2 One unit is currently equivalent to 1.0 ML as per the Available Water Determination Order for Various NSW Unregulated and Alluvial Water Sources (No. 1) 2013. 3WCPL is in consultation with NOW regarding the renewal of these licences.

1.3.2 Approval Variations

Project Approval

An application to modify (MOD6) Project Approval 05-0021 under section 75W of the EP&A Act was approved by the DP&E on 21 November 2014. The application to modify PA05-0021 was sought following a review of mine planning, more detailed coal quality data and the range of ash contents required in potential product specifications indicates higher rates of run-of-mine coal production will be required at times to achieve equivalent product coal targets (i.e. some increased washing of run-of-mine coal may be required to achieve the same product specifications, and this would result in additional coal being mined to meet the equivalent product output rate). WCPL identified that a number of minor alterations to the approved Wilpinjong Coal Mine are required were including:

• An increase in the upper rate of run-of-mine coal production (from 15 million tonnes per annum to approximately 16 million tonnes per annum – an increase of approximately 7 percent).

• A minor increase in the upper annual rate of waste rock production (from 33.3 million bank cubic metres to approximately 34.1 million bank cubic metres - an increase of approximately 2 percent).

• Mine sequencing revisions associated with updated geological modelling/mine planning.

Note: Project Approval is available at http://www.peabodyenergy.com/content/427/australia-mining/new-south-wales/wilpinjong-mine/approvals-plans-and-reports-wilpinjong-mine

The Wilpinjong Extension Project

WCPL are seeking development consent to extend the Wilpinjong Coal Mine. The Wilpinjong Extension Project involves a seven year extension to the life of the Wilpinjong Coal Mine and associated open cut extensions, infrastructure relocations and supporting ancillary development.

At the end of 2014 WCPL had submitted a Project Summary and Preliminary Environmental Assessment to request the Secretary’s Environmental Assessment Requirements (SEARs) in accordance with Clause 3 of Schedule 2 of the NSW Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation, 2000 (EP&A Regulation). Further information regarding the Wilpinjong Extension Project will be provided in subsequent AR&EMR’s.

Environment Protection Licence

WCPL operate under Environment Protection Licence (EPL) 12425. The EPL is at a minimum subject to review every three years. All monitoring results, community complaints and environmental incidents required for reporting by EPL 12425 are reported annually to the NSW Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) as part of the EPL Annual Return.

There were three EPL variations made during the 2014 review period, including:

• A variation on 10 February 2014 (Notice 1518174);

o The following variations were made to EPL 12425 including:

http://www.peabodyenergy.com/content/427/australia-mining/new-south-wales/wilpinjong-mine/approvals-plans-and-reports-wilpinjong-mine

http://www.peabodyenergy.com/content/427/australia-mining/new-south-wales/wilpinjong-mine/approvals-plans-and-reports-wilpinjong-mine


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The addition of a special condition requiring the licensee to continue air monitoring within the village of Wollar such that a full twelve months of valid data has been collected with reporting requirements;

The addition of a special condition requiring the licensee to collect near source air monitoring data with reporting requirements;

The modification to the wording of the premises description in A2.1 to align it with that provided in the Project Approval (05_0021, 1 February 2006).

Modifications to the location and monitoring frequency requirements for surface water discharges via Licence Discharge Point 24

• A second variation on 21 August 2014 (Notice 1524208);

o The following variations have been made to EPL 12425 including:

A change to condition L5.1 to align noise limit conditions with Project Approval 05_0021 MOD 5;

Changes to condition L6.6 to align blasting conditions with Project Approval 05_0021 MOD 5;

Amend the street address of the premises;

Changes to condition L2.4 to remove 'Particulates - Deposited Matter' limit for Point 4;

Changes to condition L4.1 to allow for the receipt of specific off-site waste at the premises; and

The removal of the redundant condition R1.8.

• A third variation on 24 October 2014 (Notice 1525523);

o The following variations have been made to EPL 12425 including:

Inclusion of special conditions E1.1 i.e. The licensee must undertake continuous monitoring of the following pollutants at the Barigan Street, Wollar air monitoring unit:

- Oxides of nitrogen;

- Sulphur dioxide;

- Hydrogen Sulphide;

- Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) including, benzene, toluene and xylene; and

- Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)

Inclusion of special conditions E1.2 i.e. The licensee must undertake near source air monitoring at appropriate locations adjacent to the 'Keylah' and 'Noise Bund' overburden stockpiles. The monitoring must be undertaken:

- at least twice, from either stockpile, during the period up to 30 June 2014;

- for a sufficient length of time in order to collect a representative sample;

- at a time when a spontaneous combustion event is occurring from the respective stockpile; and

- such that the samples are analysed for NOx, SO2, H2S, PAHs and VOCs.


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1.4 MINE CONTACTS

Contact details for the key WCPL personnel responsible for environmental management of operations at the Mine are provided in Table 5.

Table 5 WCPL Mine Contacts

Name Position Contact Details

Blair Jackson General Manager Wilpinjong Coal Pty Limited

Work: 02 63702500 Email: [email protected]

Peter Grosvenor Mine Manager Wilpinjong Coal Pty Limited


Nick Collings Technical Services Manager Wilpinjong Coal Pty Limited


Kieren Bennetts Environment & Community Manager Wilpinjong Coal Pty Limited


Clark Potter Senior Environmental Advisor Wilpinjong Coal Pty Limited


Karin Fogarty Environmental Advisor Wilpinjong Coal Pty Limited


The street and postal address for the Mine are as follows:

Street Address Postal Address

1343 Ulan-Wollar Road Locked Bag 2005

WOLLAR NSW 2850 MUDGEE NSW 2850

1.5 ACTIONS REQUIRED FROM LAST REPORTING PERIOD

The 2013 Annual Review and Environmental Management Report was submitted to the relevant government and community stakeholders as required by the Guidelines and Condition 3, Schedule 5 of Project Approval (05-0021). A joint agency meeting was held at WCPL on the 3 June 2014 to undertake a site inspection of the Mine.

Both the DRE and DP&E where satisfied the 2013 AR&EMR had adequately addressed the requirements under the Project Approval (PA05-0021) and ML1578, subject to further information and actions to be addressed in the 2014 AR&EMR (Table 6). Correspondence from the DRE and DP&E regarding the 2013 AR&EMR is provided in Appendix N.

Table 6 Actions form 2013 AR&EMR Review

Authority Issue/Action Section Addressed

Completion Status (Y/N)

DRE The next AEMR should provide the following information for each generation of re-vegetation (i.e. ecosystem establishment phase and onwards), including: Year of establishment, area, final land use, completion criteria meet for relinquishment, monitoring undertaken in the year, intervention/maintenance during the year, monitoring supported report on trajectory to meeting completion criteria, identification of future interventions/maintenance and timetable for undertaking interventions/maintenance.

Section 6 Y

WCPL prepare and maintain a list of action items from this and future AEMR/EMRs. Progress towards completing actions should be included in following reports.

This Table Y

DP&E The Department notes that complaints relating to odour have more than doubled in the past year. Following a review of the

Section 3.13 Y

mailto:[email protected]







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Authority Issue/Action Section Addressed

Completion Status (Y/N)

complaints register it appears that complaints relate to odour associated with spontaneous combustion. You are requested to review procedure to minimise, identify and manage spontaneous combustion on site and include this findings of the review in the next Annual Review

1.6 INDEPENDENT ENVIRONMENTAL AUDIT

On the 15 December 2014, an Independent Environmental Audit (IEA) was undertaken in accordance with Condition 9, Schedule 5 of Project Approval (05-0021). The IEA was carried out by AECOM Australia and included a team of specialist to review the Mine’s performance.

The IEA was undertaken generally in accordance with AS/NZS ISO 19011:2003 – Guidelines for quality and/or environmental management systems auditing. The IEA covered the period between January 2012 and December 2014, and included:

• Comments on WCPL’s compliance against the conditions of DA-05-0021 (as modified), EPL 12425 and other environmental approvals and management plans;

• An assessment of WCPL’s environmental management and performance as well as the adequacy of the management strategy and monitoring programme; and

• A list of recommendations flowing from the findings of this audit.

The audit consisted of a detailed desktop review of documentation, interviews with key WCPL staff and included a three day site visit of WCPL operations. Additional desktop reviews were conducted prior to and following the site inspections.

In summary over 1,154 conditions and commitments were audited, with a total of 39 non-compliances. Many of the non-compliances noted in the IEA will be alleviated following the implementation of the revised plans submitted in 2014 as a result of MOD55.

The IEA noted that whilst the 2014 plans have not been reviewed in detail as part of the IEA, they appear to be more comprehensive and better reflect current operations and procedures being implemented on site. The non-compliances identified in the IEA have been provided with recommendations for improvement outlined in the Wilpinjong Independent Environmental Audit (IEA Report) (Appendix P). At the time of preparing this AR&EMR the draft responses to the IEA outcomes had not been finalised, however the responses will be provided in the 2015 AR&EMR. During the IEA interviews and site inspections the lead auditor noted that all WCPL staff demonstrated a good working knowledge of the site. In particular there was an observed commitment from the mine’s General Manager and environment team towards improved environmental performance.

1.7 PLANNING AGREEMENT

In accordance with Condition 12 and 12A, Schedule 2 of the Project Approval (05-0021), WCPL has entered into a Voluntary Planning Agreement (VPA) with Mid-Western Regional Council (MWRC) to establish an agreement to pay annual community infrastructure and amenity contributions.

Under agreement with MWRC a community infrastructure and amenity contribution equivalent to 522 permanent employees was made in 2014.

Under agreement with MWRC a contribution was made with the original intent of supporting the upgrade of Ulan-Wollar Road.

As required by Condition 51, Schedule 3 of PA05-0021 the Ulan Road Strategy (URS) was formalised during the reporting period on the 19 August 2014. The purpose of the URS is to work with MWRC and the owners of the Moolarben Coal Mine and Ulan Coal Mine to develop a detailed plan for the implementation of the URS and make financial contributions towards the implementation of the strategy.

5 As a result of MOD 5, several monitoring programs and management plans have been removed and replaced with new management plan requirements during the audit period (submitted for approval to in 2014).


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1.8 REPORTABLE INCIDENTS

There were six reportable incidents6 during the 2014 AR&EMR period including:

• January 2014: Exceedence of the 50 µg/m3 short-term impact assessment criterion for TEOM 3 and TEOM 4 (Section 3.4.2 for further details);

• March 2014: A breach of the Erosion and Sediment Control Management Plan (Section 3.6.3 for further details);

• June 2014: DRE alleged WCPL constructed and operated an overburden emplacement without the required approval (Section 2.4 for further details);

• July 2014: Pollution Incident Response Management Plan (PIRMP) triggered as a result of a Blast Fume Event. After a review of the fume event it was considered a non-reportable (Section 3.9.3 for further details);

• October 2014: Encroachment of the MOP extraction boundary (Section 2.4 for further details); and

• November 2014: Exceedence of the 50 µg/m3 short-term impact assessment criterion for TEOM 4 (Section 3.4.2 for further details);

There were two reportable incidents in the 2013 AR&EMR period, with follow up correspondence and penalties provided in the 2014 period, including:

• Exceedence of the ROM coal processing limit to beneficiate no more than 8.5Mt/year of ROM coal through the CHPP; and

A Penalty Notice was issued to WCPL on the 27 June 2014 for the amount of $3000.00 by the DP&E for beneficiating more than 8.5million tonnes of ROM coal at the CHPP in a calendar year. As reported in the 2013 AR&EMR, WCPL processed through the CHPP approximately 9,166,508t of ROM coal. The Penalty Notice also included failure to report the incident in accordance with Condition 7, Schedule 5 of PA05-0021. As a result of MOD5 the 8.5million tonne limit for processing ROM through the CHPP in a calendar year has now been removed.

• Over production of ROM limit in 2013;

A Warning Letter was issued by the DP&E on the 25 June 2014 in regards to an exceedence of the 2013 ROM limit (Table 8). As reported in the 2013 AR&EMR, WCPL produced 15,068,268t of ROM coal. The increase ROM coal amount above the limit was a result of a manual write up following a final stockpile survey at the end of the reporting year. The annual ROM limit for 2013 was 15Mtpa. As a result of MOD 6 the revised annual ROM limit was adjusted to16Mtpa. The Warning Letter also noted a failure to report the incident in accordance with Condition 7, Schedule 5 of PA05-0021.

6 Condition 7, Schedule 5 of PA05-0021 states that WCPL shall notify the Director-General and any other agencies of an incident associated with the project as soon as practicable after WCPL becomes aware of the incident.


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2 OPERATIONS DURING THE REPORTING PERIOD The following sections outline the operations and activities undertaken at the Mine during the 2014 review period.

2.1 EXPLORATION

Appendix F provides a summary of the exploration, drilling and other geology-related activities undertaken at the Mine during the 2014 review period.

A total of forty eight boreholes were drilled during the 2014 review period. Of these, thirty three were drilled within ML 1573 for the purpose of coal quality analysis, intrusion investigation and structural definition. The remaining fifteen holes drilled were located on WCPL exploration tenements (i.e. EL 6169 and EL 7091), to allow coal quality sampling and analysis and piezometer installation.

During the 2014 review period a ground magnetic and radiometric survey was conducted in Slate Gully. The purpose of the survey was to identify and define any igneous activity within the boundary of EL7091. The survey consisted of approximately 345 kilometers of magnetics and 232 kilometers of radiometrics.

In accordance with Condition 7 of ML 1573, an exploration report has been prepared by WCPL and has been lodged with the Director-General of the DRE-DTIRIS. Annual reporting for EL 6169 and EL 7091 was also completed in line with the exploration licence conditions.

2.2 LAND PREPARATION

Land preparation activities undertaken during the 2014 review period relating to vegetation clearance, threatened species management and Aboriginal cultural heritage management. These preparation activities were implemented in accordance with the MOP, Rehabilitation Management Plan (RMP)7 and Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Management Plan (ACHMP).

At the end of the 2014 review period, approximately 232,688m3 of topsoil was stockpiled. During the 2014 review period approximately 103,000m3 of topsoil was placed on reshaped mine landforms in preparation for seeding (Table 7 as shown on Plan 3 in Appendix O).

Table 7 Land Preparation Summary

Year Topsoil Stockpiled (m3) Topsoil Placed (m3)

2014 232,688 103,000

Proposed land preparation activities to be undertaken during the next review period (including topsoil placement) are presented on Plan 3.

Ground Disturbance Permit (GDP)

A vegetation clearance protocol and a Ground Disturbance Permit (GDP) procedure and checklist are implemented at WCPL. The GDP requires the approval of the WCPL Environmental Manager prior to any land clearing activities taking place. The vegetation clearance protocol and GDP aim to:

• minimise environmental impacts of clearing activities; • minimising the area required for disturbance for drill sites and access tracks; • identifying environmental issues such as Aboriginal and European heritage sites; • identify sensitive flora and fauna communities; • outline erosion and sediment control measures; • provide topsoil management and limiting soil disturbance measures; • avoiding threatened species; and • the identification of any seed or timber resources that can be salvaged.

In accordance with the GDP process, follow up inspections are completed by WCPL’s Environmental Department to ensure the GDP is complied with and each drill site is rehabilitated to the appropriate standard

Additionally, an Exploration Site Preparation Procedure has been established to detail the standard required when completing exploration site preparation. An Exploration Site Rehabilitation Procedure details the standard required when completing exploration site rehabilitation at WCPL. The standard is applicable to both exploration on the Mining Lease and Exploration Licences.

7 Preparation of the 2014 MOP also addresses the obligations of the RMP as required by Condition 58, Schedule 3 of PA05-0021.


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Groundwater Modeling and Monitoring Plan

A Groundwater Modeling and Monitoring Plan was developed in accordance with Condition 12 of EL 7091. This plan was prepared in consultation with NSW Office of Water and approved by DRE prior to the commencement of exploration activities.

2.3 CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES

During the 2014 review period a number of significant construction activities were undertaken at the Mine. These activities included:

• Commencement construction of a Belt Press Filter (BPF) and associated transfer conveyors to allow co-disposal of tailings with coarse reject. The BPF will provide improved recovery of water from tailings commenced in August 2014 (Plate 1). A summary of works include:

o Site preparation earthworks to set up the site and excavate for the building, conveyor structure and pipe rack concrete foundations;

o Earthworks to provide integrated drainage from the site to join into the existing operational drainage areas; and

o Structural steel erection and installation of mechanical and electrical equipment, including above ground and buried cabling.

Continued construction activities for the BPF Project, scheduled in 2015 include:

o Construction of the new Belt Press Filter Plant by end March 2015, including commissioning;

o Remaining pavement, concreting and drainage to be completed; and

o All construction waste and excess materials and temporary buildings, containers and facilities will be removed and/or disposed of to meet Site environmental requirements, prior to or during de-mobilisation.

• Works associated with the Mine Infrastructure Area (MIA) included:

o Bitumen sealing the MIA access road.

No other significant construction activities were undertaken at the Mine during the 2014 review period.

Plate 1 Construction Progress of the Belt Press Filter

August 2014

February 2015


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2.4 MINING ACTIVITIES

A summary of the mining production schedule for the period 2009 to 2014 is provided in Table 8. Approximately 15.4 million tonnes (Mt) of ROM coal was mined (below the 16Mtpa8 limit) during the 2014 review period.

The mining operation used bulk push dozers and hydraulic excavators to mine coal and overburden in a strip mining configuration, operating 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Steady state mining consists of a combination of truck and excavator mining and dozer bulk pushing of blasted overburden into the previous strip void, followed by the removal of coal and interburden. The number of each equipment type used during the 2014 review period is presented in Table 9.

Table 8 Mining Production Schedule

Year

Mine Waste Rock

(Overburden) Removed

(bcm)

ROM Coal Mined

(t)

ROM Coal Crushed

(t)

Total ROM Coal

Processed (CHPP Feed)

(t)

Rejects (CHPP)

(t)

Tailings (CHPP)

(t)

Product Coal (t)

Product Coal

including Bypass

Coal (t)

2009 15,887,667 10,301,147 9,923,220 5,202,035 1,487,851 371,963 3,342,221 8,063,406

2010 17,304,139 11,279,474 10,808386 5,655,708 1,615,244 403,811 3,636,653 8,789,331

2011 18,786,228 12,579,891 11,216,769 6,059,262 1,785,841 446,460 3,826,961 8,984,468

2012 23,900,506 14,743,790 13,400,590 8,241,880 2,370,339 592,585 5,278,956 10,437,666

2013 31,057,987 15,068,286 15,876,650 9,166,508 2,615,440 549,990 6,001,078 12,698,130

2014 27,634,183 15,423,778 14,604,639 8,471,970 1,677,463 508,300 6,286,207 12,433,434

Notes: t = tonnes bcm = bank cubic meters

At the end of the 2014 review period, open cut mining operations were located in Pit 3, Pit 4, Pit 5 and Pit 79 as identified in Plan 3A of the MOP. The proposed mining sequence for the next review period is presented on Plan 3B of the MOP and Plan 4 (Appendix O) of this AR&EMR.

Approximately 41.2 hectares of progressive rehabilitation was completed in 2014. Rehabilitation operations during the reporting period are reported in Section 6.

Table 9 Open Cut Mining Fleet

Mining Equipment Description Make and Model Number of Fleet

Excavator (overburden/coal) R9350 4

R9400 1

Haul Trucks (overburden/coal) CAT 789 19

Dozers (open cut pit/product stockpile) Cat D10 7

Cat D11 12

Front End Loader CAT 993K 1

CAT 994K 1

Grader CAT 16M 5

Water Trucks Haulmax 3900 3

Volvo Water Cart 1

Drill Rig ROCD65 2

PitViper235 2

Tyre Handler MHT10180T 2

8 As a result of MOD6 the annual ROM limit must not exceed 16Mtpa. 9 Pit 7 is an internal name used by WCPL in reference to the southern portion of Pit 3.


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Reportable Incidents

A Penalty Notice was issued on the 6 November 2014 from the Compliance & Enforcement Branch of the DRE in regards to an observation made during a site visit in June 2014. During the site visit the DRE observed and alleged WCPL constructed and operated an overburden emplacement without the required approval. On 6 November 2014 the DRE determined that WCPL constructed and operated the overburden emplacement without the required approval from the Department i.e. at the time of the alleged breach the DRE had not approved the new MOP containing the overburden emplacement area in question.

One Warning Letter was pending at the end of the reporting period from the Compliance & Enforcement Branch of the DRE in regards to a reportable incident on the 1 October 2014 when the DRE were advised by WCPL of encroachment on the MOP extraction boundary.

On 28 September 2014 a small volume of overburden (approximately 2,973m3) and coal (approximately 755.2m3) was extracted beyond the extraction boundary as defined by the mine operations plan (MOP) for the Wilpinjong Coal mine. The area of disturbance was wholly within the boundaries of mining lease ML 1573.

Since identifying and reporting the encroachment WCPL has:

• confirmed that there are no other encroachments of the MOP extraction limit; and

• have completed a review of the events leading up to the encroachment to ensure such disturbances do not occur in the future.

2.5 PROCESSING ACTIVITIES

The Mine produces both unwashed (bypass) and washed product coal. The coal handling and processing infrastructure has been established to accommodate the processing of ROM coal, the handling of ROM and washed product coal, and the stockpiling and train loading of product coal. The ROM coal stockpiles located in the Mine infrastructure area were used to stockpile raw coal excavated from the mining pits.

A primary crusher crushes the coal for the secondary crushers to further crush and size the coal. The resultant product is either raw product coal (bypass) or raw feed for the processing plant. Approximately 14.6 Mt of ROM coal was crushed during the reporting period (Table 8). Approximately 8.5 Mt of ROM coal was processed during the reporting period at the CHPP.

Coal stockpile areas are separated into ROM (unprocessed) and product (processed) stockpiles. Four product stockpiles with a combined capacity of approximately 500,000 t are used to stockpile washed and unwashed coal products prior to reclaim and loading to trains for transport off-site. A series of four feeder valves located beneath the product stockpiles are used to supply the train load out conveyor. The raw feed stockpile supplies the processing plant with product for washing via a feeder valve and conveyor on which the stockpile sits.

Process water is obtained from the raw water dam located within the rail loop, and any necessary makeup water is obtained via recycled water from the tailings dams and/or Pit 2 dam (Figure 4).

A train loading facility capable of loading coal at a rate of 4,000 tonnes per hour is located at the head of the rail loop within the Mine infrastructure area and receives product coal via a product feed conveyor running the length of the product coal stockpile area. Train loading is available to load trains on a continuous basis, 24 hours a day and 7 days a week, with no more than 10 trains per day and a maximum of six trains per 24 hour period on average over the calendar year, in accordance with Conditions 7(b) and 7(c), Schedule 2 of Project Approval (PA05-0021).

The CHPP is capable of producing multiple washed coal products for both export and domestic sales which are stockpiled on two stockpiles, one adjacent to the wash plant and the other remotely located to the east of the original stockpiles. The CHPP has approval to operate up to 24 hours per day, seven days per week.

2.5.1 Saleable Production

Total product coal for the 2014 review period was 12,433,434 tonnes. Table 10 provides an overview of the production schedule for 2014.


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Table 10 Cumulative Production

Cumulative Production

Unit 2013 Review Period

2014 Review Period

2015 Review Period

(Forecast)

Topsoil Stripped bcm 1,119,826* 232,688m3 260,000m3

Topsoil Used/Spread bcm 123,600* 103,000m3 99,000m3

Overburden Moved bcm 31,057,987* 27,634,183m3 26,782,000m3

ROM Coal Mined t 15,068,286 15,423,778 13,627,000

Processing t 9,166,508 8,471,970 8,136,000

Product t 12,698,130^ 12,433,434^ 12,286,000^

t = tonnes *= bcm ^Product coal including By-pass coal

2.6 TRANSPORT ACTIVITIES

In accordance with Condition 50, Schedule 3 of Project Approval (05-0021), WCPL maintains records of the amount of coal transported from the site each year, and the number of coal haulage train movements generated by the Mine on a daily basis.

Approximately 12.4 Mt of product coal was transported from the Mine via rail during the 2014 review period (Table 10) and involved an average of approximately four train movements per day to the end of the 2014 (Chart 1).

Chart 1 Summary of Daily Train Movements over the 2014 Review Period

Train loading is available to load trains on a continuous basis, 24 hours a day and 7 days per week, with a maximum of 10 laden coal trains leaving the site per 24 hour period and an average of four train movements per day when calculated over one calendar year (Condition 7, Schedule 2 of Project Approval (PA05-0021)).

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

No.

of D

aily

Tra

ins

Daily Train MovementsDaily Maximum Train Movement Limit


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2.7 WASTE MANAGEMENT

The Mine has developed and implemented a Waste Management Plan10 is to ensure that waste at the Mine is minimised and effectively managed. The Waste Management Plan was developed, but not limited to:

• Address the relevant requirements of WCPL’s Project Approval and Environmental Protection Licence (EPL);

• Identify waste streams and detail waste monitoring and tracking procedures;

• To ensure the generation of waste is minimised from all sources and the reuse and recycling of waste is maximised where practicable as per the waste management hierarchy.

2.7.1 Mining Waste

Approximately 27.63 million cubic metres of mine waste rock (overburden) was handled, and approximately 1.7 Mt of coarse rejects and 0.5 Mt of tailings were produced from the CHPP during the 2014 review period (Table 10).

The coarse coal reject material from the CHPP during the 2014 review period was hauled back to the mining operation and deposited below the natural surface in the mined-out voids. Coarse reject material is dispersed throughout the overburden within the mine waste rock emplacements to manage its geochemical characteristics.

The tailings produced from the CHPP consist of fine rejects and slimes from the thickener. CHPP tailings were pumped as a slurry and deposited in purpose built tailings dam TD6 during the 2014 review period.

In 2015 the operation of the Belt Press Filter (BPF) will commence at the CHPP. The BPF and associated transfer conveyor will allow co-disposal of tailings with coarse reject and improved recovery of water from tailings. The processing details of the BFP will be provided in the 2015 AR&EMR.

No overburden material was supplied (or requested) to regional infrastructure projects11 in the vicinity of the Mine.

2.7.2 Non-Mining Waste

Sewage Treatment and Disposal

The facilities at the Mine include five aerated sewage and pumping systems that discharge via an irrigation sprinkler system to within the rail loop, and the rehabilitation areas near remote crib hut and/or CHPP. These facilities are serviced regularly by a licensed contractor and as required. This is undertaken in accordance with Condition O4 of EPL 12425.

In accordance with Condition 56(d), Schedule 3 of Project Approval (05-0021), irrigation of treated wastewater at the Mine is undertaken in accordance with the Environmental Guidelines: Use of Effluent by Irrigation (NSW Department of Environment and Conservation [DEC], 2004).

Oil and Grease Disposal

An oil/water separator is in the Main Infrastructure Area (MIA) at the Mine and a manually operated oil/water separator is located at the vehicle washdown bay area.

Oil separators were maintained by WCPL personnel and/or qualified contractors. Any sediment trapped in the oil water separator sump is removed and placed in the site bioremediation area for rehabilitation. All waste hydrocarbons collected via the separators are disposed of via a licensed waste disposal company on a monthly, or as needed, basis.

Waste Disposal

During the 2014 review period, new site employees and contractors received training during site inductions on appropriate waste management practices and the importance of minimising resource consumption. Wastes were segregated according to type including recyclable material such as paper and cardboard. Air filters were also re-used. Lids on waste and recyclable skips were also kept closed to prevent the scattering of materials by wind and vermin.

On-site waste is managed in accordance with the principles of waste mitigation. In accordance with the Environmental Monitoring Programme, WCPL has maintained a record of the amount of waste oil and general

10 Condition 57, Schedule 3 of PA05-0021. The Waste Management Plan was revised, updated and re-submitted in 2014 in accordance with PA05-0021 as a result of MOD5 and is currently awaiting approval. 11 Condition 13, Schedule 2 of PA05-0021 the supply of any material to regional infrastructure projects must have the approval from the Director-General.


21

waste material generated by the Mine (including scrap metal). A comparison of the waste figures for the 2014 review period and the 2013 review period are presented in Table 11.

EPL 12425 Condition L4.1 provides that the total volume of tyres disposed of at the premises must not exceed 350 t per annum. During the 2014 review period, approximately 78t of tyres were buried within Pit 5 in accordance with the Waste Management Plan12.

RO Brine

Pit 1 Water Storage is a remnant void located at the southern end of the Pit 1 area. The main purpose of this water storage is to store RO Plant brine (Figure 5) as identified in the Waste Management Plan. Pit 1 water storage has an estimated capacity of 535 ML. The open cut pit development will see this storage intersected by the Pit 1 open cut in approximately 2025. In the final year of mining it is currently planned that RO Plant brine would be discharged to Pit 2 West.

Demolition and Onsite Disposal of Inert Waste

In accordance with Appendix 8 WCPL’s Project Approval, allowance is given for the disposal of waste materials generated by building and demolition works on Peabody Energy owned lands. This approval is correlated with WCPL’s EPL 12425. During the reporting period no demolition and onsite disposal of inert waste was undertaken during the 2014 reporting period.

2.8 PRODUCT COAL STOCKPILES

The product stockpiles had a total capacity ranging between 230,000 and 650,000 t during the reporting period. A large radial stacker manages the stockpiling of sized coal across a product stockpile with a capacity of approximately 250,000 t. The product stockpiles are separated into various unwashed and washed product stockpiles, with different coal qualities, to ensure railed product coal quality is appropriately managed.

The radial stacker is also capable of stockpiling approximately 60,000 t of ROM coal feed for the processing plant. A product stockpile belt with an attached slinger belt is used to stockpile the washed product coal, with a capacity of 80,000 t on the southern end of the product stockpile pad.

2.9 WATER MANAGEMENT

Water management activities were undertaken during the 2014 review period in accordance with the Mine Water Management System outlined in the MOP and in the Site Water Management Plan13 (SWMP). In summary, the water management strategy for the Mine is based on the containment and re-use of mine water as well as the control of sediment that may be potentially carried with runoff from disturbed areas. The key components of the strategy are:

• Separation of undisturbed and disturbed area runoff using upslope diversions. This includes both passive and pumping options to maintain clean water flow around disturbed areas.

• Collection and re-use of surface runoff from disturbed areas.

• Capture and on-site containment of mine water, comprising groundwater inflows and incident rainfall-runoff to operational areas.

• Re-use of contained mine water for dust suppression over active surfaces (e.g. haul roads).

• Recycling of mine water associated with the CHPP and tailings disposal areas.

• Consumption of contained waters in the Mine water supply system.

• Management of treated sewage effluent in accordance with the OEH’s Environmental Guidelines for the Utilisation of Treated Effluent.

• Discharge of treated water via a RO Plant for discharge to Wilpinjong Creek in accordance with EPL 12425.

As described the mine water management system is based on the collection, storage and use of water collected from areas used for the mining and handling of coal and mine waste rock. The mine water management system is shown in schematic form on Figure 4 and will be progressively developed as water management requirements for open cut pit development and rehabilitation change over time.

12 13 The Site Water Management Plan was revised, updated and re-submitted in 2014 in accordance with PA05-0021 as a result of MOD5.


22

Several recent reviews of the Mine’s water balance, averaged over the remaining mine life was completed by Gilbert & Associates in July 2013 for the Wilpinjong Coal Mine 2013 Modification Environmental Assessment (MOD 5) and Wilpinjong Coal Mine 2014 Modification Environmental Assessment (MOD 6)

The ability of the water management system to achieve its operational objectives was assessed by simulating the dynamic behaviour of its water balance over the entire mine life under the variable climatic conditions that may be encountered. The water balance model developed for the Mine simulates all the inflows, outflows, transfers and changes in storage of water on-site on a continuous basis from the beginning of 2013 to the end of 2026 (the end of mining). The general components and linkages of the water management system simulated by the model are shown in schematic form on Figure 4.

Predicted average inflows total 2,082 ML/annum without the tailings Belt Press Filter (BPF) and 1,982 ML/annum with the BPF14. Average predicted outflows total 2,218 ML/ annum without the tailings BPF and 2,077 ML/annum with the tailings BPF. The difference between the inflows and outflows represents change in storage at the Wilpinjong Coal Mine between the start of the prediction period (2013) and the end of mining (2026).

The key findings of the Surface Water Assessment in MOD6 were water management measures were consistent with the existing design objectives of the water management system implemented, the Modification would not pose any additional environmental risks with respect to surface water management of the approved mine, as:

• There would be no change to the approved disturbance of natural catchments;

• There would continue to be a low risk of water supply shortfalls occurring over the remaining life;

• It is expected that there would be sufficient containment capacity within existing and proposed water management storages on site to contain mine water and other potentially contaminated water on site;

• There would be no expected material change to the rates of licensed discharge to Wilpinjong Creek for the median rainfall sequence;

• There would be no change to the catchment area reporting to the final voids and hence no change to the final void water balance; and

• There would be no additional implications with respect to flood management and mitigation.

A summary of surface water and groundwater management activities undertaken on-site during the 2014 review period is provided in Section 3.7 and Section 3.8 respectively.

A comparison of the volumes of water held in water storages at the start and end of the 2014 review period and the 2013 review period is provided in Table 11. The total volume of water held in all water storages across the Mine during the 2014 review period were below storage capacity.

14 To improve coal yield and water efficiency the construction of the new Belt Press Filter plant and associated transfer conveyor will allow co-disposal of tailings with coarse reject and improved recovery of water from tailings. WCPL expect the Belt Press Filter plant to be operational by Q2 2015.


23

Figure 4 Wilpinjong Coal Mine’s Water Management System


24

Table 11 Monthly Waste Management Summary

Wilpinjong Jan-14

Feb-14

Mar-14 Apr-14 May-

14 Jun-14 Jul-14 Aug-

14 Sep-14 Oct-14

Nov-14

Dec-14 FYTD

Chemical Anchors 0 Medical Waste 0 0 0 1,000 0 1,000 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Oily Rags 24

3 200 222 156 139 266 77 328 35 706 Hydrocarbon Sludge / Soil 0 Chemicals 139 139 0 278 Hazardous Off-site Disposal 24

3 200 222 1,000 156 1,139 266 0 216 139 328 35 984 Hydraulic Hose 2,809 1,508 1,566 2,526 2,526

General Waste 14,800

13,750

52,360 11,600 19,6

00 10,10

0 17,49

0 12,66

7 17,690 23,015 5,028 15,73

3 91,623

Non-Hazardous Disposal 14,800

13,750

55,169 13,108 19,6

00 11,66

6 20,01

6 12,66

7 17,690 23,015 5,028 15,73

3 94,149

Total Disposal 15,043

13,950

55,391 14,108 19,7

56 12,80

5 20,28

2 12,66

7 17,906 23,154 5,356 15,76

8 95,133

% 15.16%

11.97%

33.64%

13.96%

19.07%

8.71%

18.86%

13.26% 22.61%

13.33%

10.65%

15.47%

Aerosols 0 Acid Liquids 0 Oil Filters 5,0

73 1,769 2,978 2,653 2,152 3,586 2,827 2,199 2,6

18 2,713 10,357

Oily Water 20,300 0 1,50

0 0 4,000 4,000 Empty Oil Drums 154 45 255 129 225 70 679 Recycle 205ltr drum grease 0 Contaminated Soil 0 Recycle Waste Coolant 840 840 Pallecons 12

0 126 0

Contaminated grease 1,295 1,151 426 832 435 1,817 37 3,584 423 6,296


25

Recycle fluroescent light tubes 0 Hazardous Recycle / Reuse 6,4

88 22,06

9 4,409 3,124 4,484 3,586 8,357 4,016 166 2,6

18 6,522 493 22,172 Air Filters 0 Effluent 8,6

00 21,40

0 20,00

0 25,500 16,800

26,000

18,500

19,600 16,000 66,

000 0 18,000

138,100

Comingled Recycling 3,285 2,110 2,070 2,210 1,60

0 1,000 2,790 645 2,497 3,559 2,435 3,284 15,210

Confidential Documents 387 68 68

Non-Hazardous Recycle / Reuse 11,885 23,510 22,070 27,710 18,787 27,000 21,290 20,245 18,56

5 69,559 2,435 21,284 153,378

Waste Batteries 3,474 1,007 315 3,580 4,902 E-Recycle 0 Tyre Recycling 0 Pallets/Timber Recycling 0

Scrap Metal 16,840 36,980 13,800 5,660 24,080 70,180 14,620 3,820 25,56

0 27,340 13,880 7,380 92,600

Waste Oil 49,000 20,000 69,000 47,000 36,500 33,500 42,000 54,500 17,00

0 51,000 18,500

57,000 240,000

Other Recycle / Reuse 65,840 56,980 82,800 56,134 60,580

103,680 57,627 58,635 42,56

0 78,340 35,960

64,380 337,502

Total Recycle / Reuse 84,213 102,559

109,279 86,968 83,85

1 134,26

6 87,274 82,896 61,291

150,517

44,917

86,157 513,052

% 84.84% 88.03%

66.36% 86.04% 80.93

% 91.29

% 81.14

% 86.74% 77.39%

86.67%

89.35%

84.53% 84.30%

Total Volume 99,256 116,509

164,670 101,076 103,6

07 147,07

1 107,55

6 95,563 79,197

173,671

50,273

101,925 608,185


26

Table 12 Volume of Water Held in Water Storages

Water Storage# Year Total at Start of Review Period (ML)

Total at End of Review Period (ML)

Storage Capacity (ML)

Clean Water Dam

2011 47 39

50 2012 39 45

2013 45 44

2014 44 41

Pit 2

2011 1,928 2,853

3,470 2012 2,853 2,449

2013 2,499 1,975

2014 1975 1940

Ed’s Lake

2011 53 43

80 2012 43 20

2013 20 18

2014 18 0

Recycled Water Dam

2011 323 283

450 2012 283 299

2013 299 272

2014 272 278

Notes: ML = megalitres. # Refer to Figure 2.

2.10 HAZARDOUS MATERIALS MANAGEMENT

Hazardous materials used and stored on-site during the reporting period included explosives, diesel, water treatment chemicals and other hydrocarbons such as oil.

Two 28,000 L self-bunded double-skinned hydrocarbon (oil) storage tanks, one multi-compartment 110,000 L self-bunded double-skinned hydrocarbon (oil and coolant) storage tank, one 110,000 L bunded and two bunded 88,000 L diesel tanks were operated in accordance with Australian Standard (AS) 1940:2004 The Storage and Handling of Flammable and Combustible Liquids and the NSW Work Healthy and Safety Regulation, 2011. Two shipping containers are used for the storage of grease pods and flammable paints were stored on a containment pallet and in a locked cabinet inside the workshop.

WCPL operate ChemAlert, a comprehensive tracking, storage and chemical information management system. No chemical or hazardous material is permitted on-site unless a copy of the appropriate Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is available. All chemicals brought on-site are recorded in a register which will identify the type of product, dangerous goods class, liquid class, hazardous chemical class and the quantity held on-site. The inventory register will also identify the compatibility of materials and the emergency response procedures in the event of a spill.

Chemical storages are provided within the workshop and storage buildings and will be separated according to chemical type and storage requirements. Notifications, placarding and preparation of safety plans are in accordance with the WorkCover Guideline for Dangerous Goods.

Waste hydrocarbons are collected, stored and removed by licensed waste transporters. All waste streams are captured by the site’s Total Waste Management System. The workshop infrastructure includes waste oil extraction equipment for efficient removal of waste oil during machinery servicing. Runoff from the workshop floor and apron, refuelling pads and truck washdown area pass through a purpose built oil/water separator system which is inspected and maintained on a regular basis. Oily water from the oil/water separator is removed from site by WCPL licensed waste contractor.


27

2.10.1 Status of Licences

WCPL currently holds a licence granted under Part 3 of the NSW Explosives Act, 2003, for the possession and storage of explosives. Licence number XSTR200024 is valid until 24 March 2018.

WCPL currently hold a Radiation Registration under the NSW Radiation Control Act, 1990 for diagnostic imaging apparatus and fixed radiation gauges. Licence number 5061384 is valid until 02 January 201515 for the sale and/or the possession of radioactive substances or items containing radioactive substances. Licence number 5061384 consolidated several existing Radiation Registrations into a single licence during 2014.

2.10.2 Inventory of Materials Management

An inventory of all goods and materials, including hazardous materials contained on-site, is maintained by WCPL. Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for all materials is maintained on site. These sheets provide all critical information for the safe use and handling of substances brought on to the Mine site. The Mine also uses ChemAlert, an online computer-based chemicals management and data system.

15 Renewed annually


28

3 REVIEW OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AND PERFORMANCE Environmental management measures undertaken during the 2014 review period have been conducted in accordance with the MOP and management plans and monitoring programs developed for the Mine in accordance with Project Approval (PA 05-0021). Monitoring was undertaken throughout the 2014 review period at the locations shown on in each relevant figure.

3.1 ENVIRONMENTAL RISK IDENTIFICATION

WCPL have developed an environment & community (E&C) risk register. The development of the risk register was in accordance with the Australian Standard AS/NZS ISO 31000:2009 Risk Management – Principles and Guidelines, the Peabody Hazard Identification and Risk Management Standard (PEA-S&H-STD-001.3).

The risk register provides a number of potential environmental and community risks to the existing approved mining operation. Appendix O provides a summary of key environmental and community risks that were identified. WCPL have developed environmental management plans as required by the PA05-0021, that have been prepared to incorporate the potential environmental and community risks identified through the BBRA and the necessary controls to manage risks.

3.2 MANAGEMENT PLANS AND MONITORING PROGRAMMES

An Environmental Management Strategy (EMS) has been developed in accordance with the Project Approval (05-0021). Environmental management at the Mine also encompasses a range of management plans and monitoring systems which have been developed in consultation with various agencies and to the satisfaction of the Director-General of the DP&E.

Environmental management plans prepared in accordance with the Project Approval (PA05-0021) conditions detail monitoring programmes and control strategies for identified environmental and community risks. Monitoring programmes have also been developed in accordance with the Project Approval (PA05-0021) and are documented in the relevant environmental management plans as well as the EMP.

As a result of MOD5, several monitoring programs and management plans have been replaced with new management plan requirements. The revised management plans were developed in consultation with relevant government agencies and other stakeholders, and submitted throughout 2014 for approval by the Director-General of the DP&E. The revised management plans submitted in 2014 included;

• Waste Management Plan (WMP); • Air Quality Management Plan (AQMP); • Biodiversity Management Plan (BMP); • Blast Management Plan (BMgtP); • Noise Management Plan (NMP); • Surface Water Management Plan (SWMP), including:

o Site Water Balance (SWB); o Erosion and Sediment Control Plan (ESCP); o Surface Water Management and Monitoring Programme (SWMMP); o Groundwater Monitoring Programme (GMP); and o Surface and Groundwater Response Plan (SGWRP).

• Environmental Management Strategy (EMS); • Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Management Plan (ACHMP); • Spontaneous Combustion Management Plan (SCMP);

At the time of preparing this 2014 AR&EMR and the IEA16, approval for the management plans listed above were pending.

3.2.1 Pollution Incident Response Management Plan

A Pollution Incident Response Management Plan (PIRMP) has been prepared by WCPL, as holder of Environment Protection Licence No.12425 (EPL 12425) in accordance with Part 5.7A of the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 (POEO Act) and Part 3A of the Protection of the Environment Operations (General) Regulation 2009 (Regulation).

16 In addition, within three months of augmentation of the PA05-0021 to incorporate MOD6 and the IEA, existing environmental management plans required by PA05-0021 will be reviewed and, if necessary to incorporate the latest Modification during 2015, in consultation with the DP&E and other relevant stakeholders.


29

The PIRMP has been implemented by WCPL, including education of employees and contractors, in the event of a pollution incident at WCPL. In particular the PIRMP provides information regarding procedures for:

• the identification of a pollution incident;

• notification of pollution incidents in certain circumstances; and

• responses to pollution incidents by WCPL including all of its employees and contractors.

If a pollution incident occurs in the course of an activity at the premises so that material harm to the environment is caused or threatened (i.e. likely to be caused), Wilpinjong Coal will immediately implement this PIRMP.

Copies of the above management plans and monitoring programs are publically available on the Peabody website (www.peabodyenergy.com).

The Pollution Incident Response Management Plan (PIRMP) was prepared and implemented in accordance with the NSW Protection of the Environment Operations Act, 1997. The PIRMP provides information regarding pollution incidents and the appropriate response and reporting procedures.

There was one occasion during the reporting period on the 30 July 2014, where the PIRMP was triggered in relation to a blast fume as a result from a blasting event. For further details refer to Section 3.6.

Following this event, the plan was tested and updated as required by POEO Act and Regulation requirements.

3.3 METEOROLOGICAL MONITORING

In accordance with Condition 22, Schedule 3 of Project Approval (05-0021), on-site meteorological monitoring was conducted during the 2014 review period, in a manner that complies with the requirements set out in the Approved Methods for the Sampling and Analysis of Air Pollutants in New South Wales guideline (DEC, 2007).

The location of the meteorological station is shown on Figure 6. The meteorological station is maintained by a WCPL contractor, Advitech Pty Limited (Advitech), and calibration checks are routinely conducted by appropriately accredited technicians to ensure the maintenance of accurate measurements and calibration.

The meteorological station monitors the following parameters:

• rainfall;

• relative humidity;

• temperature – measured at 2, 10 and 60 metres (m) above ground level;

• wind speed – horizontal and vertical;

• wind direction – measured at 10 m above ground level;

• sigma theta;

• pasquil stability classification;

• solar radiation; and

• temperature lapse rate.

During the 2014 review period, the temperature probes at 2 m, 10 m and 60 m were calibrated and/or replaced during maintenance17 works carried out in accordance with Condition M4.1 of EPL 12425.

3.3.1 Rainfall

A comparison of the rainfall data recorded during the 2014 review period at the on-site meteorological station is provided in Table 13.

17 During the 2014 review period visual and mechanical testing of tri-truss guyed mast tower (GMT) was undertaken, including the inspection of rigging components, protection systems (to meet AS/NSZ 1891) and weather monitoring equipment. The 60m temperature probe was replaced and the 2 and 10m probes calibrated. These works were undertaken to ensure general compliance with Condition M4.1 of EPL 12425.

http://www.peabodyenergy.com/


30

Table 13 Summary of Rainfall Data

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

Rainfall (mm) 2014 21.6 101.8 133.2 48.8 16.8 30.2 32.6 35.6 23.2 20 44.2 190.2

Cumulative Rainfall (mm) 2014 21.6 123.4 256.6 305.4 322.2 352.4 385 420.6 443.8 463.8 508 698.2

Source: Peabody (2014). Note: Recorded using on-site Automatic Weather Station. mm = millimetres.

The month with the highest total rainfall recorded during the 2014 review period was December with 190.2 mm of rainfall being recorded (Table 13). The total cumulative annual rainfall recorded for the year (approximately 698.2 mm) (Table 12) was slightly above the average inferred long-term cumulative annual average rainfall of approximately 653 mm and approximately 202mm more than the rainfall recorded during 2013.

Chart 2 presents a comparison of monthly rainfall data from the on-site meteorological station over recent years (i.e. 2006 to 2014). Generally lower rainfall were recorded in January, May, April, September and during the 2014 review period, when compared to monthly averages. The average rainfall and warmer temperatures (Table 14) was consistent with data from the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) for 2014 (Bureau of Meteorology [BoM]).

Chart 2 also presents the long-term average rainfall from 1994 to 2014 for the BoM Mudgee Airport Automatic Weather Station. Rainfall in the last quarter of 2014 was comparable to both the recent average and long-term average rainfall trends (Chart 2).

Chart 2 Monthly Rainfall Totals 2006 – 2014

Notes: BOM 2014 data source http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/averages/tables/cw_062101.shtml

3.3.2 Temperature

A summary of the temperature data recorded during the 2014 reporting period at the on-site meteorological station is provided in Table 14.

0

50

100

150

200

250

Rain

fall

(mm

)

2007 2008 20092010 2011 20122013 2014 Monthly Average (mm)BOM Long-term Ave (1994 - 2014)

http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/averages/tables/cw_062101.shtml


31

Table 14 Summary of Temperature Data

Month (2014) Air Temperature (oC at 2 m) Air Temperature (oC at 10 m)

Min Max Mean Min Max Mean

January 12.5 41.8 24.8 12.9 41.7 24.8

February 19.2 20.9 30.4 10.7 38.0 23.3

March 7.5 29.6 20.1 7.8 29.8 20.2

April 3.6 30.0 16.9 4.4 29.6 17.0

May 1.2 26.3 12.2 2.1 25.7 12.5

June -0.9 19.6 9.9 0.1 18.8 10.1

July -3.7 21.3 8.0 -3.0 20.9 8.4

August -3.1 20.6 9.8 -2.2 20.2 10.0

September -0.2 29.7 13.6 1.1 29.5 13.8

October 1.6 35.9 18.8 2.8 35.2 18.8

November 6.9 41.9 22.7 8.1 40.7 22.6

December 11.1 35.0 22.6 12.1 34.5 22.6

Notes:.oC = degrees Celsius. .

The highest recorded temperature was 41.9oC (at 2 m) recorded in November (Table 14). The lowest recorded temperature was -3.7oC (at 2 m) recorded in July (Table 14). The average temperature during the review period was generally higher in summer/spring and lower in winter than the previous review period of 2013 (Chart 3).

Chart 3 Average Temperature Compassions

3.3.3 Wind Speed and Direction

The annual wind rose data from the on-site meteorological station is shown on Figure 5. Over the 2014 review period, the wind was predominately from an east direction, with the exception of winter where the wind was predominately from the west-northwest (Figure 5).

Wind speed recorded during the 2014 review period showed an average monthly wind speed range between approximately 1.2 metres per second (m/s) and approximately 2.4 m/s. Maximum recorded wind speed recorded

-10

0

10

20

30

40

50

Degr

ees

0 C

2013 Min

2014 Min

2013 Max

2014 Max

2013 Mean

2014 Mean


32

from the on-site meteorological station occurred in October 2014 (14.4 m/s). Monthly wind speed results are presented in Table 15.

Table 15 Monthly Wind Speeds for 2014

Month Average Wind Speed (m/s) Maximum Wind Speed (m/s)

January 2.3 10.3 February 2.4 10.5

March 1.8 14.2 April 1.5 6.6 May 1.2 9.6 June 1.8 11.6 July 1.6 9.6

August 1.8 10.0 September 1.9 8.3

October 1.8 14.4 November 1.8 11.7 December 2.3 9.5

Source: Peabody (2013).

Note: All wind speed data recorded at meteorological station M4.

Figure 5 Annual Windrose 2014


33

Figure 6 Seasonal Windroses 2014

3.4 AIR QUALITY

3.4.1 Background

Air quality management and mitigation measures were undertaken in accordance with the AQGHGMP (approved by the Director-General of the Department of Planning in February 2006) in accordance with Condition 21, Schedule 3 of Project Approval (05-0021). Since then, the AQGHGMP has undergone periodic revisions, the latest being approved by the DP&E in September 2011. In accordance with the recent modification (MOD5) to Project Approval (PA05-0021), WCPL have prepared and submitted an Air Quality Management Plan (AQMP)18 for the operation. Once approved, the AQMP will supersede the current approved AQGHGMP with respect to air quality management and mitigation measures.

As outlined in Section 9.1 of the AQGHGMP, a Standard Protocol has been designed to facilitate the day-to-day management of dust emissions arising from activities at the Mine. Operations at the Mine during the 2014 review period were carried out in accordance with the MOP and Condition 16 of the ML 1573. Air quality monitoring results for 2014 are provided in Appendix G.

3.4.2 Monitoring

During the 2014 review period, air quality monitoring was carried out using dust deposition gauges and high volume air sampling equipment to monitor suspended particulates. There were no changes to the air quality monitoring network during 2014. The relevant air quality parameters recorded during the reporting period include the following:

• Deposited dust; and

• Total suspended particulate (TSP) matter;

18 Condition 20, Schedule 3 of PA05-0021

Autumn Winter

Spring Summer


34

• Particulate matter less than 10 micrometres (PM10).

In accordance with the AQGHGMP, the WCPL air quality monitoring network consists of the following components:

Dust Depositional Gauges

During the 2013 reporting period DG7 was decommissioned and re-established as DG15 at a site along Araluen Road, Wollar (Figures 6 & 7). WCPL operate nine dust deposition gauges to measure deposited dust fall out, including;

• Internal19:

DG12 – Rock art site 72

DG13 – Rock art site 153

DG14 – Rock art sites152

• External20:

• DG4 – Wollar Road

• DG5 – Wollar Village (St Laurence Church)

• DG8 – Ulan-Wollar Road

• DG10 – Slate Gully21

• DG11 – Wilpinjong Creek

• DG15 – Araluen Lane

High Volume Air Samplers (HVAS)

During the 2013 reporting period HV2 was decommissioned and re-established as HV5 at a site along Araluen Road, Wollar (Figures 6 & 7). WCPL operate three high volume air samplers (HVAS) to measure 24-hour average PM10 concentrations on a continuous six day cycle and one HVAS to monitor TSP concentrations on a continuous six day cycle, including:

• HV1 (PM10) – Wollar Village (St Laurence Church)

• HV3 (TSP) – Slate Gully10

• HV4 (PM10) – Wollar Road

• HV5 (PM10) – Araluen Lane

Tapered Element Oscillating Microbalances (TEOM)

WCPL operate three Tapered Element Oscillating Microbalances (TEOM) to measure 24-hour real time PM10 concentrations continuously and One Automatic Weather Station. During the 2013 reporting period TEOM2 was decommissioned. Two new sites were established i.e. TEOM 3 in Wollar was commissioned on the 9/01/2013 and TEOM 4 along Araluen Road was commissioned on the 10/01/2013 (Figures 6 & 7). The operating TEOM’s include:

• TEOM 1 – Slate Gully10

• TEOM 3 - Wollar Village (St Laurence Church)

• TEOM 4 - Araluen Lane

Figure 6 presents the air quality monitoring locations within and surrounding the Mine. Figure 7 presents the air quality monitoring locations within Wollar. A summary of the air quality monitoring program is presented in Table 16.

19 Management of rock art sites within ML1573 20 Outside ML1573 21 Data from DG10, HV3 and TEOM1 is not for compliance, but utilised for management purposes only.


Figure 7 Air Quality Monitoring Locations


Figure 8 Air Quality Monitoring Locations “Wollar”


37

Table 16 Summary of Air Quality Monitoring Programme

Monitoring Parameter Monitoring Locations# Frequency

Dust Deposition DG4, DG5, DG8, DG10^, DG11 & DG15. Monthly

DG12, DG13 and DG14 (Aboriginal rock art sites) Monthly (when mining < 1 km of the site)

High-Volume Air Sampling HV1, HV4 & HV5 Continuous six day cycle

TSP HV3^ Continuous six day cycle

TEOM (PM10) TEOM 1^, TEOM 3 & TEOM 4 Continuous (24 hour average)

Notes: # Refer to Figures 6 & 7. ^ Data from DG10, DG15, HV3 and TEOM1 is not for compliance but utilised for management purposes only.

3.4.3 Assessment of Environmental Performance

Impact Assessment Criteria

Condition 17, Schedule 3 of Project Approval (05-0021) stipulates the criteria for deposited dust, PM10 and TSP, as presented in Table 17.

Table 17 Air Quality Impact Assessment Criteria

Pollutant Averaging Period Maximum Increase (from the Mine)

d Criterion

c Deposited dust Annual b 2 g/m2/month a4 g/m2/month

PM10 Annual - a30 µg/m3

PM10 24 hour - a50 µg/m3

TSP Annual - a90 µg/m3

Notes: g/m2/month = grams per square metre per month. µg/m3 = micrograms per cubic metre.

a Total impact (i.e. incremental increase in concentrations due to the development plus background concentrations due to all other sources); b Incremental impact (i.e. incremental increase in concentrations due to the development on its own); c Deposited dust is to be assessed as insoluble solids as defined by Standards Australia, AS/NZS 3580.10.1:2003: Methods for Sampling and Analysis of Ambient Air - Determination of Particulate Matter - Deposited Matter - Gravimetric Method; and d Excludes extraordinary events such as bushfires, prescribed burning, dust storms, fire incidents or any other activity agreed by the Director-General.

Condition 18, Schedule 3 of Project Approval (05-0021) outlines land acquisition criteria relevant to the Mine, as presented in Table 18.

Table 18 Air Quality Land Acquisition Criteria

Pollutant Averaging Period Maximum Increase (from the Mine)

d Criterion

c Deposited dust Annual b 2 g/m2/month a4 g/m2/month

PM10 Annual - a30 µg/m3

PM10 24 hour - a50 µg/m3*

24 hour - b150 µg/m3

TSP Annual - a90 µg/m3

Notes: g/m2/month = grams per square metre per month. µg/m3 = micrograms per cubic metre.

a Total impact (i.e. incremental increase in concentrations due to the development plus background concentrations due to all other sources); b Incremental impact (i.e. incremental increase in concentrations due to the development on its own); c Deposited dust is to be assessed as insoluble solids as defined by Standards Australia, AS/NZS 3580.10.1:2003: Methods for Sampling and Analysis of Ambient Air - Determination of Particulate Matter - Deposited Matter - Gravimetric Method; and d Excludes extraordinary events such as bushfires, prescribed burning, dust storms, fire incidents or any other activity agreed by the Director-General.


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Deposited Dust

Annual average dust deposition data for the 2014 review period and historical dust deposition data from previous review periods are summarised in Table 19.

Table 19 Summary of Annual Average Dust Deposition

EPL 12425 ID No. 3 4 - 6 - 9 10 11 12 26 Monitoring ID No. DG4 DG5* DG7** DG8 DG10 DG11 DG12 DG13 DG14 DG15 2011 Annual Average Total Insoluble Matter (g/m2/month) 0.90 1.13 1.22 0.94 3.02 1.30 3.73 1.95 1.88 -

2012 Annual Average Total Insoluble Matter (g/m2/month) 1.05 0.73 1.52 1.03 1.19 1.41 6.52 2.38 2.18 -

2013 Annual Average Total Insoluble Matter (g/m2/month) 0.87 0.60 - 1.43 2.04 2.1 3.26 1.94 1.04 0.8

2014 Annual Average Total Insoluble Matter (g/m2/month) 1.68 0.83 - 1.48 3.31 1.28 3.28 2.81 1.43 0.85

Notes: Shaded cells indicated internal dust depositional monitoring sites. * The 4 g/m2/month limit only applies to DG5, the limit has been removed from all other dust gauges by the EPA. **At the end of the 2012 reporting period DG7 was relocated from the Mittaville Property to Araluen Road. Araluen Road is situated to the north east of Wollar Village. The new dust gauge is identified as DG15.

Dust deposition results for DG4, DG5, DG8, DG10, DG11, DG14 and DG15 during the 2014 review period were below Project Approval (PA05-0021) long-term impact assessment criteria for annual maximum total deposited dust levels of 4 g/m2/month (averaged over a 12 month period) (Table 19). Accordingly, the dust deposition results for DG5 are also below the long term land acquisition criteria. In addition, the dust deposition levels recorded at DG4, DG5, DG8, DG11, DG14 and DG15 were also below the WCPL performance indicator of 3 g/m2/month (Table 19).

The 4 g/m²/month dust deposition limit no longer applies to monitoring sites DG4, DG7, DG8, DG10 and DG11. These limits were removed by the EPA as the gauges are now situated on mine-owned land and no longer represent sensitive locations. The 4 g/m²/month dust depositional limit has also been removed by the EPA from DG12, DG13 and DG14 monitoring locations. These limits were removed as the gauges monitor impacts on Aboriginal art sites not human health. DG5 still has the 4 g/m²/month dust depositional limit as this gauge is located in the village of Wollar.

The Wilpinjong Coal Mine Mining Rate Modification Environmental Assessment (WCPL, 2010) concluded that the annual average background dust deposition rate is 1.5 g/m2/month. A comparison of the deposited dust deposition results for the 2014 review period against the pre-mining dust deposition rate, indicated that the Mine is complying with Project Approval (05-0021) criteria of a maximum increase of 2 g/m2/month from the Mine (when considering those monitoring sites that are for compliance purposes).

Comparison with Data from Previous Years

The annual average deposited dust levels for 2014 were slightly higher when compared to previous levels recorded in 2013 (Table 19 & Chart 4), although decreases to the annual average were noted at DG11 (EPL Point 9).

Chart 5 presents the monthly dust deposition data for the dust monitoring sites from June 2006 to the end of the 2014 period. From the data it is apparent that the deposited dust levels at compliance site DG5 have been generally consistent and historically below the Mine criteria of 4 g/m2/month (as an annual average).


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Chart 4 Annual Average Dust Deposition Results 2011-2014

Chart 5 Annual Average Dust Deposition Results 2006-2014

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Comparison with Data from Project EA Predictions

The results WCPL’s external deposited dust gauges including DG5 and DG15 (i.e. at relevant private landholders) were compared to the predicted annual average dust deposition levels (i.e. Project and other sources) for Year 9 and Year 10 of the project (Table 20), as provided in Wilpinjong Coal Mine Mining Rate Modification Environmental Assessment (MOD3) (WCPL, 2010) and the Wilpinjong Coal Mine Modification Environmental Assessment (MOD6) (WCPL, 2014) respectively.

Table 20 Predicted Dust Deposition Against 2014 Results

Dust Depositional

Gauge

Receptor ID*

Year 9 Predicted Annual Av. Dust

Deposition (MOD3)

Year 10 Predicted Annual Av. Dust

Deposition (MOD6)

2014 Annual Average Dust Deposition

Results DG5 900 & 942 & 150 1.6 g/m2/month 1.2 - 1.3 g/m2/month 0.83 g/m2/month

DG15 146 & 129 & 135 1.6 g/m2/month 1.2 g/m2/month 0.85 g/m2/month

Note: * Nearest private receptor ID to dust depositional gauge.

The 2014 annual average dust deposition results when compared to MOD 3 and MOD 6 predicted results remained well below their respective predictions. In addition both DG5 and DG15 were also well below the applicable 4 g/m2/month criterion.

PM10 and TSP

Four HVASs and three TEOMs were utilised to monitor particulate matter during the reporting period. The results are summarised in Table 21.

Table 21 Summary of TSP and PM10 Results

Monitoring Locations#

EPL 12425 ID No. 13 19 20 27 - 25 28 Monitoring ID No. HV1 HV3 HV4 HV5 TEOM1^ TEOM3 TEOM4

2012 Results PM10 (µg/m3) recorded range* 2.8 – 21.7 - 12.0 –

21.8 ** 3.4 - 60.3 ** **

PM10 (µg/m3) annual average 9.1 - 9.7 ** 9.7 ** **

TSP (µg/m3) recorded range* - 1.9 – 47.0 - - - - -

TSP (µg/m3) annual average - 18.8 - - - - -

2013 Results PM10 (µg/m3) recorded range* 1.2 – 43.7 - 2 – 55.1 1.8 – 49.8 3.0 – 82.5 2.4 – 55.6 0.7 – 68.9

PM10 (µg/m3) annual average 10.84 - 12.4 15.71 18.5 13.1 16.8



2014 Results PM10 (µg/m3) recorded range*

1.70 - 41.20 - 1.80 – 37.70 2.80 – 47.80 2.65 – 59.12 1.18 – 53.96

PM10 (µg/m3) annual average 11.15 - 11.95 14.58 17.3 13.2 15.3



Notes: * Data presented is the range of minimum and maximum 24 hour averages. ^ Data recorded at these sites is not for compliance, but for management purposes only. # Refer to Figure 7 & 8.


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The measured maximum 24-hour average PM10 concentrations at all compliance sites TEOM 3 and TEOM 4 did exceed the 50 µg/m3 short-term impact assessment criterion for particulate matter on the following occasions during the reporting period (Chart 6), including:

• TEOM 3 exceeded the 50 µg/m3 short-term impact assessment criterion on the:

12th, 14th and 18th January 2014 with 24hr concentrations of 59.1µg/m3, 56.6g/m3 and 51.4µg/m3 respectively; and

15th November with a with 24hr concentration of 50.5µg/m3

• TEOM 4 exceeded the 50 µg/m3 short-term impact assessment criterion on the:

12th, 14th and 19th January 2014 with 24hr concentrations of 53.7µg/m3, 54.0g/m3 and 53.7µg/m3 respectively.

An investigation of the 50 µg/m3 short-term impact assessment criterion exceedences are provided below.

The average annual PM10 concentrations recorded at HV1 (11.15 µg/m3), HV4 (11.95 µg/m3), HV5 (14.58 µg/m3), TEOM1 (17.3 µg/m3), TEOM 3 (13.2 µg/m3) and TEOM4 (15.3 µg/m3) were below the criteria limit of 30 µg/m3 for average annual PM10 concentrations (Table 21).

The average annual TSP concentrations recorded at HV3 (23.09 µg/m3) were below the criteria limit of 90 µg/m3 for average annual TSP concentrations (Table 21).

The average 24-hour PM10 concentrations and their rolling annual average concentrations recorded at the TEOMs during the 2014 period are presented on Chart 6 below. The TEOM1 data is only for internal WCPL management and not for compliance purposes.

Chart 6 24-hour PM10 Concentrations for TEOM3 and TEOM4


Chart 7 presents the annual average PM10 concentrations for HV1, HV2 and HV4 for the period from 2006 to 2014. Chart 8 presents the annual average TSP concentration for HV3 for the period from 2006 to 2014.

When considering the long-term trends, the annual average PM10 data collected during the 2014 period is generally consistent with levels recorded in 2013. Similarly, the annual average TSP concentration recorded at HV3 during the 2014 review period were slightly lower than that recorded during the 2013 period, but also relatively consistent with levels recorded in earlier years. The annual average criteria for PM10 and TSP was also achieved (Chart 7 and Chart 8 respectively) for the 2014 review period.


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Chart 7 Annual Average PM10 Concentrations for HV1, HV2 and HV4 from 2006 – 2014

Chart 8 Annual Average TSP Concentration for HV3 from 2006 – 2014

Comparison with Data from Project EA Predictions

Monitoring sites HV1 and HV5 correspond to receiver locations 900 (St Laurence O’Toole Catholic Church) and site 128 (Pongratz property) respectively (i.e. at relevant private landholders). Both HV1 and HV5 were compared to the predicted annual average dust deposition levels (i.e. Project and other sources) for Year 9 and Year 10 of the project (Table 22), as provided in Wilpinjong Coal Mine Mining Rate Modification Environmental Assessment (MOD3) (WCPL, 2010) and the Wilpinjong Coal Mine Modification Environmental Assessment (MOD6) (WCPL, 2014) respectively.


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Table 22 MOD 3 Predicted PM10 & TSP Against 2014 Results

PM10 /TSP Monitor

Receptor ID*

Yr 9 Predicted Annual Average (MOD 3) (µg/m3)

Yr 10 Predicted Annual Average (MOD 6) (µg/m3)

2014 Annual Average PM10 Results (µg/m3)

PM10 TSP PM10 TSP PM10 TSP

HV1 TEOM3

900 14 - 14.2 24.0 13.2 11.15

HV5 TEOM4

128 &129 16 - 14.7 24.9 15.3 14.58

Note: * Nearest receptor ID to PM10/TSP monitoring site.

Annual average PM10 concentrations were predicted at these receiver locations in the MOD 3 and MOD 6. The monitoring data recorded for 2014 indicates that annual PM10 concentrations were slightly above those predicted for year 2014 in MOD 3 and MOD 6.

The annual average PM10 concentration of TEOM 3 was below MOD 3 predictions, but 0.8µg/m3 above MOD 6 predicted concentrations. The annual average PM10 concentration of TEOM 4 was above both MOD 3 and MOD 6 predictions, i.e. 1.3µg/m3 and 0.7 µg/m3respectively.


As required by Schedule 5, Condition 7 of PA 05-0021, WCPL reported the exceedences of TEOM 3 and TEOM 4 to the relevant government agencies (DP&E and EPA). The investigation of the exceedences determined a number of external influences that contributed to the higher PM10 concentrations recorded by the TEOMs, including:

• The exceedences in January 2014 at both TEOM 3 and TEOM 4 were influenced by bush fire smoke. Visible smoke haze from regional bushfires was prevalent during the 10th to 21st of January 2014. The prevailing wind was from the south, the likely source of the bushfire smoke. This view is supported by the ‘spike’ in the average PM10 dust levels recorded at both Bathurst and Merriwa on and around that time.

• The exceedence on the 15th November 2014 at TEOM 3. In correspondence to the EPA on the 17 November 2014, the likely cause of the reading was increased bushfire activity and the weather conditions on that day. This view is supported by the ‘spike’ in the average PM10 dust levels recorded at both Bathurst and Merriwa on and around that time.

Source: http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/AQMS/search.htm

Odour

Condition 16, Schedule 3 of Project Approval (05-0021) requires WCPL to ensure that no offensive odours are emitted from the site, as defined under the Protection of the Environment Operations Act, 1997.

The perceived source of odours is the spontaneous combustion of coal at the Mine. The Spontaneous Combustion Management Plan22 (SCMP) has been developed and implemented to prevent and reduce the potential impacts associated with spontaneous combustion (Section 3.13).

In response to community complaints WCPL has implemented a monitoring program to measure the ambient concentrations of a range of pollutants at two locations between March 2013 and July 2014. The ambient air monitoring programme examined the following pollutants that can be released during spontaneous combustion events, including:

• Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx)

• Sulfur Dioxide (SO2)

• Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S)

• Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs)

• Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs).

Monitoring was completed at Wollar Village between March and July 2014. The air quality monitoring was completed by Pacific Environmental Limited. For further information refer to Section 3.13.

22 WCPL have prepared the Waste Management Plan (WMP) as required by Condition 57, Schedule 3 of PA05-0021 as a result of MOD5. The WMP will replace the existing SCMP once approved.

http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/AQMS/search.htm


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A community factsheet was prepared by WCPL and issued in October 2014 providing information in regards to spontaneous combustion (Appendix Q). Details of the factsheet is provided in Section 3.13.

Environmental Complaints

A total of 22 community complaints were received during the 2014 review period in relation to odour and 9 community complaints in relation to dust. As discussed in Section 5.1, all community complaints were responded to in accordance with the WCPL Complaints Management Procedure.

3.4.4 Management and Mitigation Measures

During the reporting period WCPL developed the Keylah Dump Removal Management Plan (KDRMP) to address historical spontaneous combustion issues with Keylah Dump. The KDRMP was submitted to the relevant government agencies for comment and approval and communicated with WCPL Community Consultative Committee (CCC), prior to commencing removal of the dump in October 2014. For more information about the KDRMP refer to Section 3.13.1.

In addition Table 23 lists the mine activities that generate dust and the associated management measures which have been used to manage potential air quality impacts where relevant.

Table 23 Best Practice Dust Mitigation Measures

Activity Management Measures

Scrapers on topsoil and Bulldozers on overburden and rehabilitation

• Manage according to dust alarms

Hauling on unsealed roads • Watering haul roads • Use the largest practical truck size • Road edges to be clearly defined with marker post or equivalent

to control locations • Obsolete roads will be ripped and re-vegetated as soon as

practical

Drilling (overburden and coal) • Water curtains

Blasting (overburden and coal) • Meteorological conditions assessed prior to blasting • Adequate stemming

Bulldozers on coal • Manage according to dust alarms

Loading/unloading coal • Water sprays on ROM bin

Effectiveness of the Control Strategies

Dust control measures were implemented during the reporting period in accordance with the MOP and AQMP23. All active haul roads and traffic areas were watered on an appropriate basis using water carts. Water sprays were utilised on the ROM coal bins, and recently stripped areas. All these methods were utilised to minimise the generation of dust, in accordance with Conditions O3.1 and O3.2 of EPL 12425.

In addition, the area disturbed by active mining was minimised as far as practicable. These controls were adequate to control dust generation from the Mine during the 2014 review period.

WCPL rehabilitated approximately 41ha of mine overburden areas during 2014.

Results from the wheel generated dust24 findings concluded that dust control effectiveness was calculated at 80% on 18th December 2013, 87% on April 2014 and 95% on 6th June 2014.

During the 2014 review period, a total of 53.6 hours machine operating hours were lost as a result of air quality triggers.

23 WCPL have prepared and submitted an Air Quality Management Plan (AQMP) as required by Condition 20, Schedule 3 of PA05-0021 as a result of MOD5. The AQMP will replace the AQGHGMP once approved. 24 EPL12425 requires that WCPL develop and implement Pollution Reduction Programs (PRPs). PRP Condition U1: Particulate Matter Control Best Practice Implementation - Wheel Generated Dust requires Wilpinjong Coal to achieve and maintain a dust control efficiency of 80% or more on all active haul roads.


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3.4.5 Further Initiatives

In accordance with Condition 4, Schedule 5 of Project Approval (05-0021), WCPL will review, and if necessary revise, the AQMP within three months of the submission of this Annual Review and Environmental Management Report.

Once approved the revised Air Quality Management Plan will be implemented.

3.5 GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS

3.5.1 Background

Greenhouse gas management measures were carried out in accordance with the AQGHGMP (approved by the Director-General of the Department of Planning in February 2006) prepared consistent with the requirements of Condition 21, Schedule 3 of Project Approval (05-0021). Since then, the AQGHGMP has undergone multiple revisions, the latest being approved by the DP&E in September 2011. As a result of MOD 5, greenhouse gas management will be in accordance with the new AQMP when approved.

3.5.2 Monitoring

In accordance with the Environmental Monitoring Program, diesel and electricity usage was recorded during the 2014 review period, which allows for the calculation of carbon dioxide (CO2) equivalent emissions.


The primary source (approximately 80%) of greenhouse gas emissions at the Mine is due to the release of carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) during the combustion of diesel fuel during mining operations. Fugitive emissions of CH4 and CO2 from the coal seam as the coal is mined and CO2 released during the use of explosives make up approximately 20% of greenhouse gas emissions at the Mine. Greenhouse gas emission estimates for the 2014 review period is presented in Table 24.

Table 24 Estimated Wilpinjong Coal Mine Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Year ROM Coal (Mt)

Electricity Consumed

(kWh)

Diesel Consumed

(kL)

CO2-e

Electricity Usage (t)

CO2-e

Diesel Usage (t)

CO2-e

Fugitive Emissions (t)

Total CO2-e

Emissions (t)

Total CO2-e Emissions (t)

Predicted (MOD3)

2012 14.48 26,328,000 30,202 23,432 80,673 651,633* 755,738 120,978

2013 14.9 32,730,368 39,444.3 29,130 105,360 6702.3** 141,193 120,978

2014 15.4 31,580,001 33,194 27,318 89,049 10,747 127,114 150,000

Note: kWh = kilowatt hours and kL = kilolitre. * A NSW default factor was used to calculate these values. ** The change in tonnes CO2e estimated for 2013 at Wilpinjong results from moving to Open Cut Emissions Method 2/3 (a measurement of seam gas contents, followed by model development and then emission calculation) in line with ACARP Methodology C20005, from NGER Open Cut Emissions Method 1 (default measurement factors for NSW * ROM tonnes).

3.5.4 Management Measures

Greenhouse gas emissions at the Mine are minimised through the efficient use of diesel by the mobile fleet. Diesel use is minimised by:

• Optimising the design of haul roads to minimise the distance travelled between the pit and the CHPP;

• Minimising the re-handling of material (i.e. coal, overburden and topsoil); and

• Maintaining the fleet in good operating order.

Greenhouse gas emissions from the Wilpinjong Coal Mine would continue to be monitored and reported annually in accordance with Peabody Energy’s obligations under the Commonwealth Government National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting System (Section 5.1.3). Peabody Energy and WCPL will also comply with any obligations under the Commonwealth Clean Energy Act, 2011.


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In accordance with Condition 4, Schedule 5 of Project Approval (PA 05-0021), WCPL will review, and if necessary revise, the AQMP within three months of the submission of this Annual Review and Environmental Management Report.

In addition to the diesel minimisation strategies above, WCPL has also recently implemented a number of mining efficiency improvement projects, including:

• Optimisation of dozer pushing i.e. increasing the amount of material moved by dozers;

• Increasing the bucket size on excavators to move more material with each bucket load; and

• Introduction of new, more efficient equipment to site e.g. mobile equipment fleet upgrade;

A recent drilling program undertaken across the Mine to test methane levels in the coal seams confirmed that the Mine is a low gas pit.

3.6 EROSION AND SEDIMENT

3.6.1 Background

Erosion and sediment control measures have been implemented in accordance with the ESCP25 (approved by the Director-General of the Department of Planning in February 2006). The ESCP was developed in accordance with Condition 31, Schedule 3 of Project Approval (05-0021). Measures to minimise soil erosion and the potential for the migration of sediment to downstream systems are provided in the ESCP.

A number of general principles26 underpin the approach to erosion and sediment controls for the Mine site including minimising surface disturbance, progressive rehabilitation, separation of runoff from disturbed areas, management of the mine water management system and construction of suitable erosion and sediment controls i.e. drains and sediment dams.

3.6.2 Monitoring

Routine inspections of sediment control structures as well as inspections following rainfall events of 20 mm or more in a 24 hour period are conducted by Mine personnel. During these inspections, sediment control structures are inspected for capacity, structural integrity and effectiveness.


In accordance with the MOP and ESCP, installation of erosion and sediment control works were undertaken during the reporting period, including the installation of permanent structures for infrastructure components and temporary structures for other disturbance areas and applying bitumen spray (with pasture species) to stabilise bund walls around Pit 3 (Plate 2).

WCPL reviewed and made changes to its erosion and sedimentation controls which included a levy bund constructed around Pit 3 area to capture storm water flowing over disturbed ground.

25 As a result of MOD5, the ESCP was revised and re-submitted during 2014. At the time of submitting this AR&EMR the revised ESCP was pending approval. 26 The above principles take into account the general recommendations for site drainage works presented in “Managing Urban Stormwater – Soils and Construction Volume 1” (Landcom, 2004).


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Plate 2 Bitumen Spray Applied Pit 3 Bund Levy


There was an incident on the 26/03/2014 after a localised storm event. At approximately 16:00 on the 26 March 2014 surface water was observed overtopping the two sedimentation fences installed to the west of Pit 3. This was observed during a non-routine rainfall related inspection of the mine by the Open Cut Examiner (OCE).

In response to this incident the EPA issued the Mine with an Official Caution for the alleged offence i.e. a breach of condition 64(1) of the POEO Act 1997 by failing to adequately implement its sediment and erosion control plan.

Since this incident a complete review of the Site Water Management Plan, including the Erosion and Sediment Control Plan was completed. In addition, Richard Good (Soil Conservation Services, Dept. of Primary Industries) conducted three training sessions to key WCPL employees and staff based on the Blue Book (Vol 1, 4th Edition, March 2004). Topics covered include:

• the theory of soil erosion; • effective methods of erosion control; • effective methods of sediment control; and • practical experience preparing a soil and water management plan.


In accordance with the ESCP, the following erosion and sediment control measures were implemented during the 2014 review period:

• Completion of Ground Disturbance Permits prior to surface disturbance works being undertaken;

• Construction of diversions upslope of areas to be disturbed to divert clean water runoff away from disturbed areas where practical;

• Interception of runoff from disturbed catchments areas;

• Construction of sediment dams;

• Construction of temporary sediment control devices (e.g. sediment fences);

• Construction of graded banks over final reshaped overburden areas to minimise erosion and re-direct runoff to catch drains;

• Inspection of all significant controls on a monthly basis and immediately after significant rainfall events (i.e. 20mm in 24 hours) to ensure controls are performing satisfactorily;

• Revegetation of stockpiles (e.g. direct seeding or using hydromulch), and disturbed areas (where practical) as soon as practical; and


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• Maintenance, repair or redesign of erosion and sediment controls that are deemed inadequate.

The erosion and sediment control strategies currently in place at the Mine were considered adequate to manage erosion and sediment-related risks associated with operational activities during the 2014 period (with the exception of the incident on the 26 March 2014). A review of these strategies will nonetheless be undertaken in 2015 as part of the annual Erosion and Sedimentation Management Plan review.


In accordance with Condition 4, Schedule 5 of Project Approval (05-0021), WCPL will review, and if necessary revise, the ESCP within three months of the submission of this Annual Review and Environmental Management Report.

As identified by ESCP a number of clean water diversions structures, including sediment dams, sediment fencing, drainage lines and other associated water management structures will be required during the life of the Mine. The final locations and form of upslope water management structures would continue to be subject to progressive detailed design in accordance with the revised ESCP, once approved.

Flood bunds may be constructed along some sections of the down slope (northern) end of the open cut voids to mitigate against inflows from major flooding in Wilpinjong Creek and backflow up tributary drainages (e.g. Cumbo Creek). The final design and location of the flood bunds are subject to further design and investigations during the next reporting period.

3.7 SURFACE WATER

3.7.1 Background

Surface water management and mitigation measures were undertaken in accordance with SWMP27, approved by the Director-General of the Department of Planning in March 2006. The SWMP was developed in accordance with Condition 32, Schedule 3 of Project Approval (05-0021). WCPL also continued to operate in accordance with the SGWRP, which outlines surface water monitoring triggers, and the SWMMP.

3.7.2 Monitoring

A summary of the revised surface water monitoring programme is presented in Table 25. The locations of these monitoring sites are presented on Figure 8.

Table 25 Summary of Surface Water Monitoring Programme

Monitoring Locations Frequency Parameters1

Wilpinjong Creek

Licenced Discharge Point No. 24

Continuous (during discharge) Volume of water discharged6, EC and pH

Weekly (during discharge) Oil & Grease and TSS7

WIL-U, WIL-U2, WIL-PC, WIL-NC, WIL-D and WIL-D22

Monthly Field pH and EC, turbidity3, and SO4

Quarterly Copper, Zinc, Iron, Aluminium, Nickel, Manganese, Barium, Strontium, Lead, Arsenic and Selenium

WILGSU and WILGSD (gauging stations)2

Continuous Flow rate, pH, EC and temperature8


Following significant rainfall events4 pH, EC, TDS, TSS and sulphate

WC1, WC2, WC3, WC4, WC5, WC6, WC7, WC85 Annually Stream health monitoring

Forty-nine survey points along Wilpinjong Creek5 Annually Channel stability monitoring (photo-

points, description, stability)

Cumbo Creek CC1, CC2 and CC32



CC32 Following significant rainfall events4 pH, EC, TDS, TSS and sulphate

27 As a result of MOD5, the SWMMP was review and submitted during 2014. At the time of submitting this AR&EMR the revised SWMP was pending approval.


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Monitoring Locations Frequency Parameters1

CCGSU and CCGSD (gauging station)2

Continuous Flow rate, pH, EC and temperature8

monthly Field pH and EC, turbidity3, and SO4

Following significant rainfall events3 pH, EC, TDS, TSS and sulphate

CC1, CC25 Annually Stream health monitoring

Nine survey points along Cumbo Creek5 Annually Channel stability monitoring

Wollar Creek WOL 1 and WOL 22

Monthly Field pH and EC, turbidity, and SO4


WO1, WO2, WO35 Annually Stream health monitoring

Slate Gully Creek

SGC_12

Monthly Field pH and EC, turbidity, and SO4


Notes:

1) Parameters will be analysed provided water samples can be collected.

2) Monitoring locations are illustrated on Figure 8.

3) Turbidity indicates the potential downstream water quality effects caused by suspended solids.

4) Greater than 20 millimetres (mm) in 24 hours.

5) Monitoring locations are illustrated on Figure 9.

6) Volume monitored using flow meter and continuous logger.

7) Grab samples.

8) Gauging stations are maintained on a monthly basis and the data is reviewed periodically. If equipment failure is observed, the gauging station is repaired as soon as practicable.


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Figure 9 Surface Water Monitoring Sites


51

Figure 10 Channel Stability and Stream Health Monitoring Locations


52



The revised SWMMP presents the baseline surface water quality ranges for local watercourses in the vicinity of the Mine. Site specific triggers have been developed based on the baseline surface water quality data contained in the SWMMP. Table 26 summarises the proposed water quality impact assessment criteria28 as provided in the revised SWMMP, while Table 27 provides the baseline ranges.

It is anticipated once the revised SWMMP is approved, the water quality impact assessment criteria in Table 26 will supersede the former baseline surface water quality ranges as provided in Table 27.

Table 26 Water Quality Impact Assessment Criteria

Creek Monitoring Site

Parameter Trigger1

Wilpinjong Creek (Downstream)

WIL_NC, WIL_D2, WIL_D, WIL_2

EC If recorded value at the monitoring site is greater than 5,166 µS/cm for 3 consecutive readings

Turbidity If recorded value at the monitoring site is greater than 24 NTU for 3 consecutive readings

pH (lower) If recorded value at the monitoring site is less than 6.9 pH for 3 consecutive readings

pH (upper) If recorded value at the monitoring site is greater than 7.7 pH for 3 consecutive readings

Cumbo Creek (Downstream)

CC1 EC If recorded value at the monitoring site is greater than 7,510 µS/cm for 3 consecutive readings

Turbidity If recorded value at the monitoring site is greater than 77 NTU for 3 consecutive readings



Note: 1 Trigger is only triggered if the recorded value at monitoring site is greater than (or less than for lower pH Trigger) all values from the upstream monitoring sites sampled on the same day. In the event that a single result is recorded above/below the 80th/20th percentile value, WCPL will undertake a preliminary investigation to ascertain whether the result was caused by an obvious anomaly or whether further testing is required

Table 27 Baseline Surface Water Quality Ranges for Local Watercourses

Parameter Baseline#

Minimum Maximum EC (µS/cm) 120 12,000

pH 5.8 9.1

SO4 (mg/L) 7 2,900

Turbidity (NTU) 2 780

Note:# Based on baseline range monitoring results specified in the SWMMP.

pH, EC, Turbidity and SO4

Table 28 provides a summary of the results of the surface water monitoring program (i.e. minimum and maximum values). A full set of the water quality monitoring results for the 2014 review period are provided in Appendix F.

Table 29 provides a summary of the 2013 results of the surface water monitoring program for comparative purposes.

28 Adopted triggers from revised SWMMP.


53

Table 28 Summary of 2014 Results of Surface Water Monitoring

SW Monitoring

Point

2104 Results EC (µS/cm)

2104 Results pH

2104 Results SO4 (mg/L)

2104 Results Turbidity (NTU)

Min Max Ave Min Max Ave Min Max Ave Min Max Ave

CC1 610.0 5430.0 2055.7 7.10 9.20 8.00 120.0 1880.0 785.0 2.3 352.0 91.3

CC2 160.0 6590.0 4944.0 6.90 7.80 7.44 85.0 2520.0 1733.5 0.2 151.0 16.4

CC3 400.0 5260.0 3522.5 7.60 8.00 7.80 23.0 2100.0 1380.8 1.1 346.0 96.0

WIL (U) 980.0 1540.0 1260.0 6.00 7.10 6.55 70.0 174.0 122.0 3.2 30.0 16.6

WIL (U2) 1340.0 5970.0 2886.0 6.30 7.40 6.78 10.0 110.0 50.1 4.5 290.0 50.1

WIL (PC)* - - - - - - - - - - - -

WIL (NC) 310.0 790.0 445.0 7.00 7.40 7.25 6.0 96.0 27.0 1.8 2410.0 664.4

WIL (D) 1520.0 6010.0 3728.3 6.90 8.40 7.68 205.0 1680.0 634.8 1.0 26.8 6.6

WIL (D2) 780.0 7550.0 3756.0 7.00 8.70 8.02 120.0 1670.0 932.4 0.8 42.7 11.7

WOL1 1870.0 3680.0 2582.5 7.00 8.90 8.13 434.0 1120.0 635.6 1.2 18.6 3.8

WOL2 1670.0 4060.0 2779.2 7.20 7.80 7.46 452.0 842.0 589.9 0.6 69.7 16.1

Notes: For a full set of water quality monitoring results for the reporting period refer in Appendix F. Monitoring locations are shown on Figure 8. mg/L = micrograms per litre. mS/cm= microSiemens per centimetre. NTU = nephelometric turbidity units. * Indicates no sample available during the schedule monitoring programme.

Table 29 Summary of 2013 Results of Surface Water Monitoring

SW Monitoring

Point

2103 Results EC (µS/cm)

2103 Results pH

2103 Results SO4 (mg/L)

2103 Results Turbidity (NTU)

Min Max Ave Min Max Ave Min Max Ave Min Max Ave

CC1 3150.0 5710.0 4568.5 6.9 8.2 7.9 828.0 3160.0 1647.0 0.4 1770 169.6

CC2 4380.0 6070.0 5040.0 7.4 8.1 7.7 1610.0 3110.0 2040.0 0.2 2.6 0.9

CC3 225.0 4890.0 3130.6 7.8 8.2 8.0 94.0 2270.0 1454.1 0.8 360.0 59.4

WIL (U) 448.0 1390.0 1065.0 6.5 7.0 6.8 7.0 63.0 38.1 1.5 74.5 26.5

WIL (U2) 413.0 4620.0 2165.5 6.3 7.6 6.7 4.0 89.0 47.4 6.1 473.0 62.8

WIL (PC) 395.0 1730.0 1158.0 6.7 7.1 6.9 31.0 186.0 93.8 5.2 148.0 47.6

WIL (NC) 340.0 930.0 510.0 7.4 7.9 7.7 5.0 140.0 59.6 2.2 4000 941.5

WIL (D) 1656.0 4200.0 2942.6 7.8 8.8 8.1 216.0 822.0 475.2 1.4 59.1 9.3

WIL (D2) 1500.0 4950.0 3051.6 7.8 8.1 7.9 217.0 1360.0 646.7 1.2 21.8 7.0

WOL1 1180.0 2710.0 1982.3 8.1 8.7 8.4 326.0 675.0 464.8 0.6 8.9 3.0

WOL2 1460.0 3150.0 2153.9 7.3 8.3 7.9 286.0 793.0 487.7 0.6 14.9 6.0

An assessment of both the water quality impact assessment criteria (Table 26) and baselines ranges (Table 27) was undertaken. The results of the assessments are provided in Table 30 and Table 31.


54

Table 30 Assessment of 2014 Surface Water Results against Triggers

Creek Monitoring Site

Parameter Trigger Assessment of 2014 Results against Triggers

Wilpinjong Creek (Downstream)

WIL_NC, WIL_D2, WIL_D, WIL_2

EC (µS/cm)

If recorded value at the monitoring site is greater than 5,166 µS/cm for 3 consecutive readings

Triggered at WIL D2 from April to July (Max 7,550 µS/cm July)^

Turbidity (NTU)

If recorded value at the monitoring site is greater than 24 NTU for 3 consecutive readings

Triggered at WILU2 from January to May (Max. 290 NTU in January)^^


Triggered at WILU2 from May to August (Min pH 6.3 in July)#


Triggered at WIL D from September to November (Max pH 8.0 in September)# Triggered at WIL D2 from April to June & September to December (Max 8.7 in November)#

Cumbo Creek (Downstream)

CC1 EC (µS/cm)

If recorded value at the monitoring site is greater than 7,510 µS/cm for 3 consecutive readings

Not triggered

Turbidity (NTU)

If recorded value at the monitoring site is greater than 77 NTU for 3 consecutive readings

Not triggered


Not triggered


Not triggered

Notes: ^The higher EC readings were recorded during low flows in the creek systems (Chart 9 and Chart 10). ^^ the higher NTU was recorded on the 22 January 2014 after 10.08mm of rain was recorded on the 9 January 2014. # pH variably during low flows is consistent with previous years.

Table 31 Assessment of 2014 Surface Water Results against Baseline Triggers

Parameters Baseline Range

Baseline Surface Water Quality Ranges for Local Watercourses

CC1 CC2 CC3 WIL (U)

WIL (U2)

WIL (PC)

WIL (NC)

WIL (D)

WIL (D2)

WOL 1

WOL 2

EC (µS/cm) 120-12,000 *

pH 5.8 – 9.1 1 *

SO4 (mg/L) 7 – 2,900 *

Turbidity (NTU) 2 - 780 2 3 * 4 5 6 7

Notes: Within Baseline Ranges * No flow at time of sampling 1CC1 pH reading pH 9.2 in September, 2 NTU reading <2 from April to August and December, 3 NTU reading <2 in August and December, 4 NTU reading >780 in February and December (the high result in February was attributed to a rainfall event on the 19th , 2 days before sampling, where 33.6mm of rainfall was recorded. The high result in December was attributed to 157mm of rainfall recorded in the week prior to sampling), 5 NTU reading <2 from April to July, 6 NTU reading <2 from May to August, 7

NTU reading <2 in May, June, July, August and September.


55

Flow Rate and EC

WCPL operated three stream gauging stations throughout the 2014 review period. The stations are located upstream and downstream of ML 1573 on Wilpinjong Creek and on Cumbo Creek upstream of the confluence with Wilpinjong Creek (Figure 8).

The gauging stations monitor stream flow, EC and pH on a daily basis. Charts 9 to 11 demonstrate a strong relationship between reductions in EC levels following flow events (after significant rainfall) throughout the 2014 review period.

Chart 9 Upstream Wilpinjong Creek Daily Flow vs Electrical Conductivity

Note: Gaps in the data generally as a result of senor failure and/or cease to flow events. ML/d = megalitres per day.

Chart 10 Downstream Wilpinjong Creek Daily Flow vs Electrical Conductivity


.

0

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56

Chart 11 Cumbo Creek Daily Flow vs Electrical Conductivity


RO Plant Release Monitoring

Construction of the RO Plant was completed in June 2012, and approved water releases commenced on 16 June 2012. The total water discharged over the 2014 review period was approximately 83.79 ML. Chart 12 presents the daily discharge (in ML/day) from the RO plant during the 2014 review period. The RO Plant did not discharge water during the months of February, March, April, May and June.

WCPL are approved to discharge RO treated water from LDP24, in accordance with EPL 12455. The maximum volume of water discharge shall not exceed 5ML/day. Concentration limits (i.e. 100 percentile concentration limit) for LDP24 include:

• EC not to exceed 500*

• Oil and grease not to exceed 10mg/L

• pH range of 6.5 to 8.5*

• TSS not to exceed 50mg/L

Note: * Water volume, EC and pH are monitoring continuously.

During the reporting period, WCPL did not exceed the volume maximum of 5ML/day. The TSS and Oil/Grease criteria were also achieve with a maximum of <5mg/L and <5mg/L respectively. However, there were several occasions when the EC and pH criteria (Chart 13) were not achieved, on the following days:

• EC above 500uS/cm on 03/01/2014 and 16/01/2014

• pH below 6.5 (no exceedences)

• pH above 8.5 on 03/01/2014, 04/01/2014, 16/01/2014 and 29/01/2014:

Investigations into the cause of the non-compliances concluded:

Conductivity is measured before treated water from the Reverse Osmosis (RO) Plant flows past a valve (divert valve) that either directs the water to Wilpinjong Creek or to an on-site storage dam. When the conductivity of the treated water is within the EPL limit then the divert valve remains open and allows the treated water to flow to Wilpinjong Creek. Alternatively, if conductivity is outside the EPL limit then the divert valve closes and redirects the treated water to an on-site storage dam. It takes no more than 5 seconds for the divert valve to close once a high conductivity level is recorded. The conductivity levels reported were recorded while the divert valve was closing. It is therefore very likely that this water would have mixed with, and so been diluted by, the treated water on the other side of the divert valve. On this basis an actual exceedence of the conductivity level is unlikely to

0

500

1000

1500

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4000

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1400

1600

KL/D

ay

Elec

tric

al C

ondu

ctiv

ity (u

S/cm

)


Total Flow Total (Kl)


57

have occurred. Another conductivity probe was installed after the divert valve. The divert valve was also re-designed to close quicker.

pH is measured before treated water from the RO Plant flows past a valve (divert valve) that either directs the water to Wilpinjong Creek or to an on-site storage dam. When the pH of the treated water is within the EPL limits then the divert valve remains open and allows the treated water to flow to Wilpinjong Creek. Alternatively, if the pH level is outside the EPL limits then the divert valve closes and redirects the treated water to an on-site storage dam. It takes no more than 5 seconds for the divert valve to close once a low pH level is recorded. The pH level reported was recorded while the divert valve was closing. It is therefore very likely that this water would have mixed with, and so been diluted by, the treated water on the other side of the divert valve. On this basis an actual exceedence of the pH level is unlikely to have occurred. Another pH probe was installed after the divert valve. The divert valve was also re-designed to close quicker.

As required by EPL 12425, all exceedences of the concentration limits were reported in the EPL Annual Return

Chart 12 RO Plant Daily Discharge Data

Chart 13 RO Plant – Daily EC and pH Results

0.00

0.50

1.00

1.50

2.00

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Day

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EPL Volume Limit (5ML/Day) Dialy Discharge (ML/Day)

0.0000

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ondu

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C) u

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EPL Max Limit EPL pH Min Limit EPL pH Max LimitDischarge EC Max Discharge pH Min Discharge pH Max


58

Stream Health Monitoring

Stream health monitoring was not undertaken in 2014. Stream health monitoring will resume in accordance with the SWMP and Condition 32(d), Schedule 3 of Project Approval (05-0021) in 2015.

Channel Stability Monitoring

In accordance with the SWMMP and Condition 32(e), Schedule 3 of Project Approval (05-0021), channel stability monitoring is undertaken along Wilpinjong and Cumbo Creeks on a yearly basis.

Creek bank stability during low flow is in areas continuing to improve along much of the Wilpinjong Creek. Destocking along much of the creek as well as fencing out riparian areas continues to allow for natural regeneration to occur. However there still remain areas of visual erosion along the creek, although ground cover was noted as improving.

Creek bank stability along Cumbo Creek remains stable for the length of the creek surveyed. No sites were assessed as being within unstable classification.

A copy of the 2014 channel stability monitoring report is provided in Appendix G.

Water Supply

In accordance with Condition 23, Schedule 3 of Project Approval (PA05-0021) and with the Site Water Balance29 (prepared in accordance with Condition 30, Schedule 3 of Project Approval [05-0021]), sufficient water was available for the Mine during the 2014 review period (i.e. no external water supply sources were required).

As discussed in the revised Site Water Balance, a predictive model of the performance of the Mine water supply system has been developed (Section 2.9). The model predicted a very low predicted risk of CHPP water supply shortfall prior to 2018 – mainly due to the significant volume of water currently stored on site.

There is a slightly increased predicted risk of supply shortfall between 2018 and 2022. As stored water volume falls, WCPL may need to implement sourcing of water from licensed water supply bores to maintain a storage “reserve” and supply reliability in line with the above predictions. Ongoing reviews of the mine water balance will provide updated information on future supply reliability, which is inherently highly influenced by site rainfall.

Cumbo Creek Relocation

In accordance with Condition 29 of Schedule 3 of PA05-0021, WCPL is preparing a Cumbo Creek Relocation Plan (CCRP) that outlines the vision for the approved creek relocation, hydrological and ecological baseline conditions, geotechnical and design specifications, a construction programme, as well as revegetation, performance and completion criteria and associated environmental monitoring. WCPL’s current conceptual (but not yet final) location for the realignment corridor of Cumbo Creek is under review.

The review of the Cumbo Creek relocation in 2014 has considered several options including relocation to Pit 4, whilst considering the viability of mining in close proximity to the existing Cumbo Creek. A further update regarding the CCRP will be provided in the next AR&EMR. The CCRP is subject to approval by the DP&E and other relevant agencies prior to the commencement of these activities.


With the exception of the breach of erosion and sediment controls in March 2014 (Section 3.6.3), there were no other environmental incidents reported in relation to surface water management at the Mine during the 2014 review period. As required by EPL 12425, all exceedences of the concentration limits in regards to water released from the RO plant were reported in the EPL Annual Return.


There were no environmental complaints reported in relation to surface water management at the Mine during the 2014 review period.


In accordance with the MOP and the SWMMP, surface water control structures, works and procedures were implemented during the reporting period. Areas disturbed by active mining were minimised and runoff from catchment areas was isolated and diverted around disturbance areas through the construction of water diversion bunds. Runoff from construction and operation areas was diverted to sediment retention storages across the Mine site. Erosion and sediment control measures were also implemented as described in Section 3.6.4. 29 As a result of MOD5, the SWB was revised and submitted during 2014. At the time of submitting this AR&EMR the revised SWB was pending approval.


59

The following surface water control strategies were in place at the Mine during the 2014 review period:

• dirty water management system containing sediment retention dams, diversion drains, pumping and water pipe infrastructure;

• water holding dams/voids for storage of dirty water or surface water runoff from roads, hardstand and stockpile areas or collected in-pit;

• water treatment facilities including the operation of an RO plant for the treatment of mine water;

• tanks and pipe line infrastructure for the storage and management of potable water; and

• upslope diversions to separate undisturbed and disturbed runoff.

These surface water control strategies were considered adequate to manage surface water-related risks associated with operational activities during the 2014 review period.

During 2014, WCPL installed (Ultrasonic Bulk Water Meters) to measure accurately extracted water volumes at specific locations (Table 32). Each flow meter type is consistent with NSW Interim Water Meter Standards provided by NSW Office of Water — Scientific and Technical Operating Procedure, October 2009.

Table 32 Flow Meters Installed

Flow Meters Date Installed

Main Truck Refill 26 November 2014

Pit 2 Truck Refill 17 July 2014

Pit 5 Truck Refill 15 July 2014

Pit 5 (Legra) 29 July 2014

Pit 5 (NW Ramp) 29 July 2014

Pit 4 (A) 17 July 2014

Pit 4 (B) 24 July 2014

Pit 3 (A) 1 August 2014

Pit 3 (B) 4 August 2014

RO Plant Bypass 28 July 2014


WCPL will continue to investigate the potential for improvements to the surface water management system over the 2015 review period.

In accordance with Condition 4, Schedule 5 of Project Approval (05-0021), WCPL will review and, if necessary, revise the SWMMP30 and SGWRP within three months of the submission of this Annual Review and Environmental Management Report. Implementation of the revised SWMP and other associated water management plans once approved.

3.8 GROUNDWATER

3.8.1 Background

Groundwater management and mitigation measures were undertaken during the 2014 review period in accordance with the Groundwater Monitoring Program (GWMP). The GWMP was prepared in accordance with Condition 33, Schedule 3 of Project Approval (05-0021), and was approved by the Director-General of the Department of Planning in March 2006.

3.8.2 Monitoring

Table 33 outlines the groundwater monitoring parameters, monitoring locations and frequency of monitoring for the Mine in accordance with the GWMP. Groundwater monitoring locations (existing and proposed) are shown on Figure 11.

30 As a result of MOD5, the SWMMP, SGWRP and GWMP were reviewed and submitted for approval in 2014.


60

Table 33 Summary of the Groundwater Monitoring

Monitoring Parameter Monitoring Sites1 Frequency

Water level, field pH, EC and volume of water extracted

• Open Cut Operations – Main pit sump(s).

• Open Cut Operations – Dewatering Bores.

• Water Supply Bores – GWs1 to GWs19.

Monthly.

Sodium (Na), Potassium (K), Magnesium (Mg), Calcium (Ca), Chlorine (Cl), Hydrogen Carbondate (HCO3), SO4, Total Iron (Fe)

• Wilpinjong Creek – GWa1 to GWa4, GWa7 (Alluvium), GWc1 and GWc2 (Coal Measures).

• Cumbo Creek – GWa5 and GWa6 (Alluvium) and GWc3 (Coal Measure).

• Wollar Creek – GWc4 (Coal Measures).

• Wollar Village – GWa8 (Alluvium) and GWc5 (Coal Measures).

Every six months.

Water level, field pH and EC

• Wilpinjong Creek – GWa1 to GWa4 and GWa7 (Alluvium) and GWc1 and GWc2 (Coal Measures).

• Cumbo Creek – Gwa5 and GWa6 (Alluvium) and GWc3 (Coal Measure).

Monthly.

• Wollar Creek – GWc4 (Coal Measures).

• Wollar Village – GWa8 (Alluvium) and GWc5 (Coal Measures).

Quarterly.

Water level, field pH and EC, Na, K, Mg, Ca, Cl, HCO3, SO4, and Total Fe

• Landholder bores, wells and waterholes. In consultation with individual landholders.

Notes: 1 Monitoring locations are shown on Figure 11


61

Figure 11 Groundwater Monitoring Network


62



Typical baseline EC and pH values are included in the GMP and the SWGRP, and are presented in Table 34.

Table 34 Typical Baseline EC and pH Values by Aquifer Types

Aquifer Type EC (µS/cm) pH

Average Maximum Minimum Maximum

Alluvium ~2,350 4,100 6.9 8.4

Illawarra Coal Measures ~3,200 6,176 5.6 8.3

Source: WCPL (2006a).

Performance Outcomes

A summary of the groundwater monitoring results for the reporting period is provided in Table 35 and Table 37. Table 36 provides a summary of the 2013 results of the groundwater monitoring program for comparative purposes.

A complete set of the groundwater monitoring results for the reporting period is provided in Appendix H. Monthly EC, pH and groundwater level results for the alluvial and coal measure aquifer monitoring bores (e.g. GWa1 to GWa8, GWa10 to GWa15, GWc1 to GWc5 and GWc10 to GWc15) are also provided in Appendix H.

Table 35 Summary of 2014 Groundwater Monitoring Data

Site Water Level (mbgl) pH EC (uS/cm)

Min Max Ave Min Max Ave Min Max Ave

GWa1 4.75 5.20 4.93 6.90 7.20 7.01 11450.00 15120.00 12915.71

GWa2 3.23 3.84 3.55 6.60 6.90 6.68 1200.00 1390.00 1266.00

GWa3 4.44 5.23 4.93 6.60 7.10 6.88 2260.00 2970.00 2428.89

GWa4 2.80 3.84 3.35 6.60 7.20 6.85 2300.00 3610.00 2565.00

GWa5 2.85 3.65 3.17 6.60 7.20 6.81 9530.00 13270.00 11197.00

GWa6 2.41 2.81 2.69 7.10 7.30 7.20 8040.00 9250.00 8716.67

GWa7 4.66 4.99 4.78 6.60 7.10 6.82 9800.00 14360.00 11154.00

GWa8 1.43 2.50 1.79 6.60 7.00 6.84 1620.00 2570.00 2223.00

GWa10 9.53 10.48 9.89 6.70 7.20 6.98 1900.00 2550.00 2093.00

GWa11 3.64 4.17 3.94 7.10 7.40 7.28 4350.00 9590.00 6294.44

GWa12 5.05 5.85 5.50 6.80 7.10 7.01 1980.00 2140.00 2050.00

GWa14 4.97 5.02 4.98 ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^

GWa15 3.12 3.53 3.39 7.20 7.40 7.29 1520.00 2920.00 2682.73

GWc1 9.53 10.48 9.89 6.70 7.20 6.98 1900.00 2550.00 2093.00

GWc2 10.19 13.31 12.30 6.80 7.30 7.06 1010.00 1240.00 3175.20

GWc3 7.29 10.90 9.39 6.50 6.80 6.64 3940.00 5140.00 4593.64

GWc4 13.03 13.55 13.26 6.40 6.70 6.48 1850.00 2480.00 2359.09

GWc5 5.36 6.12 5.82 6.40 6.60 6.50 5030.00 5720.00 5474.55

GWc10 3.93 5.30 4.46 7.00 7.40 7.19 3140.00 3630.00 2914.26

GWc11 11.85 14.07 12.91 5.70 6.10 5.93 1490.00 3790.00 3246.00

GWc12 20.02 26.52 24.74 6.90 7.60 7.21 1020.00 1360.00 1262.00

GWc14 20.77 21.08 21.01 7.00 7.20 7.15 1090.00 1160.00 1131.67

GWc15 14.94 16.30 15.53 6.40 6.60 6.50 3250.00 3320.00 3285.00


63

Table 36 Summary of 2013 Groundwater Monitoring Data

Site Water Level (mbgl) pH EC (uS/cm)

Min Max Ave Min Max Ave Min Max Ave

GWa1 3.94 4.71 4.37 7.00 7.70 7.23 2140.0 11370.0 8545.5

GWa2 1.96 2.73 2.30 6.50 7.60 6.79 1010.0 1170.0 1074.5

GWa3 3.95 4.34 4.13 6.60 7.00 6.76 1650.0 2440.0 2048.2

GWa4 1.92 2.30 2.13 6.60 7.40 6.89 1090.0 2630.0 2327.3

GWa5 1.39 2.62 1.75 6.10 6.90 6.55 5630.0 11070.0 9241.8

GWa6 1.35 2.22 1.64 7.00 7.60 7.24 2220.0 13220.0 6537.3

GWa7 4.08 4.64 4.37 6.50 6.90 6.77 6600.0 10630.0 9724.2

GWa8 1.35 1.93 1.55 6.70 7.10 6.91 1550.0 1900.0 1787.3

GWa10 3.24 3.56 3.39 6.40 7.00 6.75 2930.0 3320.0 3188.8

GWa11 3.55 4.40 4.09 7.10 7.60 7.33 2410.0 6100.0 4702.5

GWa12 3.70 5.00 4.53 7.00 7.30 7.18 1700.0 2080.0 1925.0

GWa14 4.56 5.01 4.91 7.2 7.2 7.2 2060.0 2060.0 2060.0

GWa15 2.96 3.10 3.02 7.00 7.60 7.31 2470.0 2730.0 2597.5

GWc1 5.10 7.84 5.79 6.70 7.40 7.05 1490.0 3420.0 2570.9

GWc2 0.00 8.62 3.09 7.10 7.80 7.45 920.0 1190.0 1026.4

GWc3 1.86 6.28 3.15 6.60 7.20 6.91 3110.0 4530.0 3818.2

GWc4 12.56 12.88 12.68 6.40 6.70 6.51 1940.0 2470.0 2362.7

GWc5 4.93 6.02 5.37 6.40 6.70 6.49 3860.0 5840.0 5192.7

GWc10 2.79 4.50 3.55 6.90 7.50 7.16 3170.0 3690.0 3456.3

GWc11 8.46 12.27 10.87 5.90 6.30 6.10 3130.0 3640.0 3467.5

GWc12 0.00 19.37 9.97 6.90 8.00 7.44 1270.0 2870.0 1852.5

GWc14 0.00 0.00 0.00 7.30 7.40 7.37 1360.0 1800.0 1526.7

GWc15 0.00 0.00 0.00 6.60 6.70 6.63 3030.0 3270.0 3136.7

Notes: a = denotes Alluvium. c = Coal Measure


64

Table 37 Summary of Groundwater Monitoring Data – Water Quality Parameters

Sample Location Sampling Date

Cal

cium

mg/

L

Chl

orid

e m

g/L

Elec

tric

al

Con

duct

ivity

(Non

C

ompe

nsat

ed)

µS/c

m

Iron

mg/

L

Mag

nesi

um m

g/L

pH

Pota

ssiu

m m

g/L

Sodi

um m

g/L

Sulfa

te m

g/L

Tota

l Alk

alin

ity a

s C

aCO

3 m

g/L

GWa1 March 2014 364 4250 15120 63.4 430 7 52 2920 947 1740 GWa2 March 2014 24 283 1240 254 35 6.6 8 155 68 110 GWa3 March 2014 50 416 2410 20.6 43 6.8 12 373 228 361 GWa4 March 2014 140 389 2440 21.3 78 6.7 28 213 260 428 GWa5 March 2014 638 1880 10600 1.78 611 6.6 47 1230 3670 422 GWa6 March 2014 GWa7 March 2014 499 1530 10310 8.64 544 6.7 42 1570 2830 959 GWa8 March 2014 90 251 1870 9.29 84 6.8 13 193 422 228 GWc1 March 2014 62 384 2060 3.94 56 6.8 12 239 187 267 GWc2 March 2014 52 88 1090 2.25 19 7 24 146 14 420 GWc3 March 2014 104 644 4290 318 120 6.6 40 618 718 607 GWc4 March 2014 178 310 2380 3.21 76 6.4 54 194 252 576 GWc5 March 2014 263 487 5450 23.5 142 6.4 79 740 389 2060 GWa1 September 2014 GWa2 September 2014 23 265 1240 91.8 34 6.7 7 166 47 132 GWa3 September 2014 GWa4 September 2014 119 368 2430 14.8 84 7.2 28 248 240 498 GWa5 September 2014 755 2560 13270 4.2 796 7.2 39 1580 3880 513 GWa6 September 2014 GWa7 September 2014 448 1650 11140 9.44 562 7.1 38 1450 3020 1030 GWa8 September 2014 145 289 2570 33.9 135 7 14 221 691 229 GWc1 September 2014 62 378 2170 6.41 62 7.2 15 299 184 301 GWc2 September 2014 42 101 1220 1.88 23 7.2 27 173 19 491 GWc3 September 2014 132 685 4730 135 144 6.8 42 696 745 678 GWc4 September 2014 146 311 2480 6.19 78 6.7 49 220 244 654 GWc5 September 2014 207 476 5670 3.15 153 6.6 81 853 284 2280

Refer to Table J-1 in Appendix J for water levels.

Note: Carbonate recorded as CaCO3.


65

Monitoring results from bores in the alluvium (i.e. GWa1 – Gwa15) during the period indicate an exceedance of the relevant groundwater triggers for EC at GWa1, GWa5 ,GWa6, GWa7 and GWa11.

Monitoring results from bores in the alluvium (i.e. GWa1 – Gwa15) during the period indicate an exceedance of the relevant groundwater triggers for pH at GWa2, GWa3, GWa4, GWa5,GWa7, GWa8, GWa10, GWa14 and GWa15.

As required by the Groundwater Monitoring and Contingency Plan, WCPL continued monitoring to assess groundwater data, establish trends as they relate to pumping regimes and climatic data.

A review of the groundwater data in 2014 was undertaken by HydroSimulations in the Review of Hydrogeological Data for Wilpinjong Licensing Audit (Appendix H), which stated:

…Temporal variations in groundwater salinity are illustrated in Attachment A (Figure A-20 for alluvium and Figure A-21 for coal) and are compared with rainfall residual mass and pit commencements. Some alluvial sites have very high salinities and very large fluctuations that bear no apparent relationship with rainfall or mining. The salinities in the coal holes are consistently stable. The different signatures for shallow and deep waters reflect dynamic evapotranspiration acting preferentially on shallow groundwater.

Recorded groundwater levels for the alluvial and coal measure aquifer monitoring bores are also presented in in Appendix H. There were no requests for monitoring to be undertaken at any landholder bores, wells or waterholes during the reporting period.


No environmental incidents were reported relating to groundwater at the Mine during the 2014 review period.


As described in Section 3.8.3 above, a groundwater impact investigation was commenced during the 2014 review period to investigate the elevated EC and pH results recorded. WCPL will continue to undertake monitoring and review of the monitoring results against the impact assessment criteria, in accordance with the GMP.


WCPL is progressively expanding the current groundwater monitoring network. In 2013 and 2014 an additional 23 groundwater piezometers were installed. The locations and bore type are included in Table 38 and Figure 11. For further details regarding the expansion program, refer to Appendix J.

Table 38 Additional Groundwater Monitoring Locations

Location New Bore ID Easting1 Northing1 Rationale Installed

Wilpinjong Coal Mine

GWc17 768493.5 6420994 North-west of Pit 5 (in Pit 6). Adjacent mining in 2013-2014. Screened in coal.

Q4 2013

GWc182 767945.9 6420508 West of Pit 5 (in Pit 6). Adjacent mining in 2014. Screened in coal.

Q4 2013

GWc19 767254 6418729 South-west of Pit 5. Adjacent mining in 2016. Screened in coal.

2014

GWc20 768146 6417589 In southern Pit 5. To be mined in 2017-2018. Screened in coal.

2014

GWc212 771483 6416987 South of Pit 2. Adjacent mining in 2014. Screened in coal.

Q4 2013

GWc22 772768 6419236 In Pit 4. To be mined in 2016-2017. Located on the edge of the Cumbo Creek alluvium.

Screened in coal.

Q4 2013

GWa22 772910.7 6419210 In Pit 4. To be mined in 2016-2017. Screened in alluvium.

Q4 2013

GWc232 773995 6418003 In Pit 3. To be mined in 2018. Screened in coal.

Q4 2013

EL 6169 and Surrounds

GWa16 769658.6 6421172 Between Pit 5 and Wilpinjong Creek. Will respond to mining moving northwards

towards the creek. Screened in alluvium.

Q4 2013 (existing borehole)

GWc16 769612.9 6421037 Between Pit 5 and Wilpinjong Creek. Will respond to mining moving northwards towards the creek. Screened in coal.

Q4 2013

GWc24 774481.1 6416006 In Pit 3. Screened in coal. Q4 2013

GWc25 767330.4 6415897 South of Pit 5. Screened in coal. Q4 2013


66

Location New Bore ID Easting1 Northing1 Rationale Installed

GWc26 768499.1 6422995 North of Pit 6 and Wilpinjong Creek. Screened in coal.

Q4 2013

GWc27 770885.8 6415943 South of Pit 2. Screened in coal. Q4 2013

GWc33 767022 6422990 North west of Pit 6. Screened in alluvium. 2014

GWc35 766991 6417956 South west of Pit 5 and 6. Screened in coal. 2014

EL 7091 and Surrounds

GWc28 775364 6420004 In Slate Gully. Screened in coal. 2014




GWC32 777764 6417867 In Slate Gully. Screened in coal. 2014

GWa333 777480 6412507 Approximately 3.3km south of Wollar Village on Wollar Creek at Barigan. Screened in

alluvium.

2014

GWc343 777480 6412507 Approximately 3.3km south of Wollar Village on Wollar Creek at Barigan. Screened in

coal.

2014

In accordance with Condition 4, Schedule 5 of Project Approval (05-0021), WCPL will review, and if necessary revise, the relevant strategies, plans and programmes within three months of the submission of this Annual Review and Environmental Management Report.

3.9 BLASTING

3.9.1 Background

Blast management measures were undertaken during the 2014 review period in accordance with the current BMP31. The BMP was prepared in accordance with Condition 15, Schedule 3 of Project Approval (05-0021), and was approved by the Director-General of the DP&E in September 2011. The BMP has also been prepared in consultation with stakeholders such as the Australian Rail Track Corporation Ltd (ARTC), MWRC and the OEH.

In accordance with Condition 9, Schedule 3 of Project Approval (05-0021) and Condition L6.5 of EPL 12425, WCPL undertakes blasting at the Mine between the hours of 9.00 am and 5.00 pm Monday to Saturday inclusive. No blasting is undertaken on Sundays, public holidays or at any other time without the written approval of the Director-General of the DP&E.

Any private landholder within 2km of the Wilpinjong Coal Mine that registers an interest in being informed of the blasting schedule shall be notified via either telephone or e-mail, or as otherwise agreed between the parties. Initiation of misfires will be separately advised if more than one hour has elapsed since the blast that resulted in the misfire, or the misfire is more than 30% of the original blast.

In order to keep the local community informed of the blasting activities at the Mine, a free-call Blasting Hotline is operated to provide information on the daily and proposed weekly blasting schedule. The Blasting Hotline is updated as soon as any change to the program becomes known.

The Blasting Hotline will operate for the life of the Mine and the contact number will be advertised in local newspapers at least quarterly, via the Wilpinjong Community Newsletter and on the Wilpinjong Coal Mine website (www.peabodyenergy.com). The Blasting Hotline number is 1800 649 783.

The objective of the blast monitoring is to obtain assurance that amenity overpressure and vibration limits are being achieved at privately-owned residences and that damage criteria are being achieved for public infrastructure and rock art sites, safety of mine employees and where necessary the blast MIC would be adjusted to achieve the relevant criteria.

3.9.2 Monitoring

Table 39 outlines the blasting parameters, blast monitoring sites and frequency of monitoring for the Mine in accordance with the BMP. The existing blast monitoring program developed for the Mine includes monitoring of airblast overpressure and ground vibration for all blasts at privately-owned residences within 3 km of the blast and selected public infrastructure and Aboriginal heritage sites. Blast monitoring locations are shown in Appendix I.

31 As a result of MOD5, WCPL revised and re-submitted the BMP in 2014. At the time of preparing this AR&EMR approval for the BMP was pending.



67

Table 39 Summary of the Blasting and Vibration Monitoring Program

Monitoring Parameter Monitoring Sites1 Frequency

Ground vibration V1, V2 and V3 (Aboriginal rock art sites). Every blast within 1 km of sites.

• Power poles.

• Railway culverts.

• Railway bridge.

Every blast within 350 m of sites.

Ground vibration and airblast overpressure

Private residences. All blasts within 3 km of residences.

Notes: 1 Monitoring sites are shown on Figure 12 and Figure 13.

In accordance with Condition M8.1 of EPL 12425, airblast overpressure and ground vibration levels are measured and recorded for all blasts at the Wollar Public School. Monitoring at the Mine is undertaken in accordance with Condition M8.1(b) of EPL 12425. During the 2014 review period, blast monitoring was undertaken at the following locations:

• Wollar Public School (EPL 12425);

• Aboriginal rock art (sites 152 and 153);

• Pit 4 Culvert;

• Cumbo Culvert (Pit 3);

• Tailings Dam 6 (TD6).



Condition 6, Schedule 3 of PA05-0021 (Table 40) and Conditions L6.1 to L6.4 of EPL 12425, outline the blast impact assessment criteria relevant to the Mine.

Table 40 Blasting Impact Assessment Criteria32

Location Airblast overpressure (dB(Lin Peak))1

Ground vibration (mm/s)2

Allowable exceedance

Residence on privately owned land3

115 5 5% of the total number of blasts over a period of 12

months

120 10 0%

All public infrastructure4 - 50 0%

Tailings Dams5 - 50 -

Notes: 1 dB (Lin Peak) = decibel linear in peak. 2 mm/s = millimetres per second. 3 These criteria do not apply if WCPL has a written agreement with the relevant owner to exceed these criteria, and has advised the DP&E in writing of the terms of this agreement. 4 The ground vibration criteria is 50 mm/s or a limit determined by the structural design methodology in AS2187.2-2006, or its latest version, or other alternative limit for public infrastructure, to the satisfaction of the Director-General)).5 The criterion applies at any point on the dams. A minimum requirement is that monitoring of blast vibration occurs on the crest of TD2N, TD2S, TD2SS and TD6

32 However, these criteria do not apply if WCPL has a written agreement with the relevant owner to exceed these criteria, and has advised the Department in writing of the terms of this agreement.


68

Figure 12 Blast Monitoring Locations


69

Figure 13 Blast Monitoring Locations Wollar


70

Blasting Frequency

Condition 10, Schedule 3 of Project Approval (05-0021) and Condition L6.6 of EPL 12425 outline the following compliance requirements for blasting frequency:

10. The Proponent shall comply with the following blasting restrictions on site:

(a) a maximum of 2 blasts per day;

(b) a maximum of 5 blasts per week, averaged over any 12 month period;

(c) a maximum of 2 blasts per week where the maximum instantaneous charge (MIC) is greater than 400kg; and

(d) a maximum of 1 blast per week where the MIC is greater than 400kg, when averaged over any 12 month period.

However, the Director-General of the DP&E may approve minor variations to these restrictions for short periods of time.

Other Blast Criteria

The BMP also specifies damage criteria for public infrastructure, which are summarised in Table 41.

Table 41 Peak Particle Velocity Damage Criteria – Public Infrastructure

Infrastructure Peak Particle Vibration Limit (mm/s)*

Concrete power poles 50

Railway culverts/bridges 80

Railway lines 200

Archaeological Structures 460

Notes: * These are not compliance requirements and are for management purposes only.

Performance Outcomes

A summary of the blast monitoring results is provided in Table 42. A complete set of the blast monitoring results is presented in Appendix I.

Table 42 Summary of Blast Monitoring Results

Wollar Public School

EPA Compliance

Point

Rock Art (Site 152)

Pit 5 South (Southern Site)

Rock Art (Site 153)

Pit 5 South (Northern Site)

Main Rail Culvert Pit 4

Cumbo Culvert Pit 3 TD6

Ove

rpre

ssur

e

(dB

L)

Vib

ratio

n (m

m/s

)

Ove

rpre

ssur

e

(dB

L)

Vib

ratio

n (m

m/s

)

Ove

rpre

ssur

e

(dB

L)

Vib

ratio

n (m

m/s

)

Ove

rpre

ssur

e

(dB

L)

Vib

ratio

n (m

m/s

)

Ove

rpre

ssur

e

(dB

L)

Vib

ratio

n (m

m/s

)

Ove

rpre

ssur

e

(dB

L)

Vib

ratio

n (m

m/s

)

Max 112.93 0.83 126.40 3.89 129.47 9.26 124.68 4.63 133.98 43.99 133.98 32.54

Min 73.09 0.02 71.98 0.02 72.56 0.01 115.24 1.12 122.06 32.61 133.98 32.54

Ave 89.85 0.12 100.35 0.46 102.05 0.77 119.75 2.79 128.02 38.30 133.98 32.54

At total of 144 blast events during the 2014 reporting period. There were no exceedances of the airblast overpressure or ground vibration impact assessment criteria at the relevant blast monitoring sites or the peak particle velocity damage criteria for public infrastructure recorded during the 2014 review period. The only sensitive receptor monitoring location is at the Wollar Public School, and the levels recorded at this site were well below the impact assessment criteria (Table 40 and Chart 14).


71

Chart 14 Blast Results at Wollar Public School

Blasting was carried out in accordance with Conditions 10(a), 10(b) and 10(d), Schedule 3 of Project Approval (05-0021). During the 2014 review period, blasting was undertaken within 500 m of the Gulgong-Sandy Hollow Railway and within 500 m of Ulan-Wollar Road. Accordingly, notifications were made to the ARTC and the MWRC in accordance with the BMP and Condition 14, Schedule 3 of Project Approval (05-0021). Road closures are required when blasting is undertaken within 500 m of Ulan-Wollar Road.

In accordance with Condition 13(b), Schedule 3 of Project Approval (05-0021), temporary blasting-related road closures were limited to one per day.


One environmental incident was reported relating to blasting at the Mine during the 2014 review period. On the 30 July 2014 a shot was fired at approximately 3.30pm in Pit 3 that resulted in a fume event, which triggered the PIRMP. Investigations into the incident concluded an unplanned reaction of the Dyno Nobel Titan 2017G emulsion product that caused the fume. A review of blasting procedures was also completed. The EPA advised that no further action in relation to this incident, however the EPA reiterated the Mine undertake the recommendations provided by Dyno Nobel and QMR Blasting Analysis.


A total of 14 complaints were received in relation to blasting. This is a decrease in the number of complaints compared to 2013 review periods.

It is noted that in all complaint cases, blasting was undertaken well within compliance levels, and accordingly no further action was taken.

As discussed in Section 5.1, all complaints were responded to in accordance with the Complaints Management Procedure.


In accordance with Condition 13(c), Schedule 3 of Project Approval (05-0021), WCPL co-ordinates the timing of blasting on-site with the timing of blasting at the adjoining Moolarben and Ulan Coal Mines to minimise the potential cumulative blasting impacts of the three mines.

WCPL is committed to implementing best practice blast management procedures and monitoring programmes in accordance with Condition 13(a), Schedule 3 and Appendix 8 of Project Approval (05-0021).

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

18

20

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

Vibr

atio

n (m

m/s

)

Ove

rpre

ssur

e (d

BL)

Overpressure Max. Limit (dBL) Overpressure Limit 5% Total Blasts (dBL)

Wollar Public SchoolEPA Compliance Point Overpressure (dBL)

Wollar Public SchoolEPA Compliance PointVibration (mm/s)

Vibration Max. Limit (mm/s) Vibration Limit 5% Total Blasts (mm/s)


72

In accordance with the BMP and Condition 13(d), Schedule 3 of Project Approval (05-0021), WCPL maintains a free-call Blasting Hotline to provide information on the daily and proposed weekly blasting schedule. The Blasting Hotline is updated as soon as any change to the programme becomes known.

In addition, the Blasting Hotline number is advertised in the local newspapers quarterly, via the Wilpinjong Community Newsletter and on the Peabody website. The Blasting Hotline number is 1800 649 783.

Road closure notification boards are maintained on the Ulan-Wollar Road and will reflect the most current blasting programme. A register is maintained of private residence to be notified of blasting times.

Effectiveness of Control Strategies

In accordance with the MOP, the BMP and Condition 13(a), Schedule 3 of Project Approval (05-0021), the following control strategies are implemented at the Mine in order to minimise the potential for exceedances of the relevant blasting criteria:

• training all relevant personnel on environmental obligations and safe handling of explosives;

• inspections and preparation of proposed blast areas to ensure all soft, loose or blast damaged material is removed prior to drilling;

• designing blasts to ensure that ground vibration and airblast overpressure limits are met, and there is no damage to life or property from flyrock, including consideration of wind speed, direction and other meteorological factors prior to blasting to minimise impacts on neighbours;

• notification of blasting times to private residents within 2 km of the Mine on request and maintenance of a free-call Blasting Hotline;

• use of adequate stemming, a delay detonation system, and careful drilling and hole loading to ensure that the required blast design is implemented;

• assessment of wind speed and direction immediately prior to each blast to minimise the potential for dust emissions from blasting to adversely impact on neighbouring private residencies;

• monitoring of blasts at the closest private residences to determine whether airblast and ground vibration limits are met;

• completion of the Blast Controller Checklist (as amended from time to time);

• review of monitoring results and modification of the blast design, if necessary;

• documentation of the date and time of the blast, location of blast holes and quantity of explosive used in each blast; and

• periodic review of blast management practices to evaluate performance and identify responsive action, if required.

In accordance with the MOP and the BMP, these control strategies were implemented and considered adequate to manage blast related risks associated with operations during the 2014 review period.


In accordance with Condition 4, Schedule 5 of Project Approval (05-0021), WCPL will review, and if necessary revise, the relevant strategies, plans and programmes within three months of the submission of this Annual Review and Environmental Management Report.

During 2014 WCPL continued to refine its blasting techniques, with emphasis on;

• Cast blasting - increasing the horizontal throw of blasted material and reducing the amount of material to be moved by mechanical means.

• Through seam blasting – shooting both the coal and parting layers together in the one blast, previously coal and parting layers have been blasted separately.

• On beach loading – reducing machinery and machinery movements associated with the loading of blasts by providing bulk mobile product storage at the blast site.


73

3.10 NOISE

3.10.1 Background

Noise management and mitigation measures were undertaken during the 2014 review period in accordance with the Noise Management Plan (NMP)33, which was prepared in accordance with Condition 7, Schedule 3 of Project Approval (05-0021) and approved by the Director-General of the DP&E in September 2011.

3.10.2 Monitoring

Table 43 below outlines the noise monitoring program, as proposed in the draft NMP, and presents the noise monitoring parameters and sites and frequency for the Mine in accordance with the NMP. Noise monitoring sites are shown on Figure 14 and Figure 15. Noise monitoring for the Mine consisted of both unattended (real time) and attended noise monitoring.

Table 43 Summary of Noise Monitoring Program

Location Site Parameter Easting1 Northing1 Justification

St Laurence O’Toole Church N6 Attended

Noise 777299.9 6415716.9 Location based on the nearest community structure to the East of the Mine

Coonaroo N13 Attended Noise 763758.9 6413471.9 Location based on the nearest community structure

to the West of the Mine

Tichular N14 Attended Noise 778791.9 6408624.7 Location based on the nearest community structure

to the South of the Mine

Wollar Village N15 Attended Noise 777452.0 6416158.9 Location based on the nearest community structure

to the South-East of the Mine

Araluen Rd N16 Attended Noise 778787.4 6417418.7 Location based on the nearest community structure

to the East of the Mine

Mogo Rd N17 Attended Noise 780771.0 6420641.0 Location based on the nearest community structure

to the North-East of the Mine

Barrigan Valley2 N18 Attended Noise 780033.3 6398618.1 DP&E Recommendation (MOD5) – Location

approximately 20 km to the south of the Mine WCPL Rail

Loop Meteorology & Inversion 770630.9 6418085.1 Location based on consideration of prevailing

meteorological conditions Wollar Village Real-Time

Noise - Fixed 777608.9 6415996.8 Location based on the nearest non-mine owned residence to the South-East of the Mine

Araluen Rd Real-Time Noise - Fixed 778856.4 6417401.3 Location based on the nearest non-mine owned

residence to the East of the Mine

Wandoona3 Real-Time Noise - Mobile 777684.4 6414786.2 Location based on the nearest non-mine owned

residence to the South-East of the Mine Notes: 1 MGA94, Zone 55. 2 Monitoring will be undertaken at this location until it can be demonstrated that the noise contribution from the Mine is negligible. At this point, WCPL will notify DP&E and EPA of the results of this monitoring and advise if and when the monitoring at this location will be scaled back or discontinued. 3 The real-time noise monitor at Wandoona may be relocated in response to a complaint or identified noise issue at another location.

Attended Noise Monitoring

The attended noise monitoring was conducted every 2 months, until August 2014 when the attended noise monitoring frequency changed to monthly (in accordance with the revised NMP). The attended noise monitoring programme is carried out by an independent expert. Monitoring is conducted in accordance with AS 1055:1997 Acoustics – Description and Measurement of Environmental Noise and the NSW Industrial Noise Policy (INP) (EPA, 2000).

The NMP requires the attended noise monitoring program to be conducted at sites that provide good coverage in all directions from the Mine, and are a combination of mine-owned sites, compliance sites and population centers. These locations are presented in Table 43.

33 As a result of MOD5, WCPL revised and re-submitted the BMP in 2014. At the time of preparing this AR&EMR approval for the NMP was pending.


74

In accordance with the NMP, attended noise monitoring was conducted for a 15 minute period during the evening and night-time periods. The monitoring was carried out on two consecutive evenings and nights resulting in at least two 15 minute samples for each monitoring period every 2 months.

Real time Noise Monitoring

Real time monitoring is used as an internal WCPL noise management tool and not for compliance purposes, and involves the use of noise investigation triggers for ongoing performance and assessment.

The noise monitoring system (including a Type 1 sound level meter) records the following parameters:

• 15 minute statistical data (LA1, LA10, and LA90);

• (LAeq) LAeq,15minute and LAeq,period noise levels;

• LAeq,1minute in 1/3 octave;

• LAeq,15minute in the 20 to 630 Hz range (LAeq,LF);

• digital audio recording 24 hours per day; and

• wind direction, wind speed, temperature, humidity and rainfall.

Each monitor is set up to record noise levels 24 hours a day 7 days per week, and a graphical summary of the previous 24 hour period of noise is sent to mine staff via email on a daily basis.

The continuous recording also includes an audio function which allows the monitor to record audio of the noise signal. This audio information can be downloaded in order to determine whether the noise source is related to the Mine. There are numerous other potential noise sources apart from Mine noise, including frogs, insects, local vehicles, domestic activities and meteorological conditions which may influence monitoring results. The monitoring systems were located at the following properties:

• SentineX 31- Wandoona monitoring location;

• SentineX 30 – Araluen Lane; and

• SentineX 33 - Central Wollar.

Attended noise monitoring will be used for determining compliance against the Noise Criteria in Table 44.


75

Figure 14 Noise Monitoring Locations


76

Figure 15 Noise Monitoring Locations “Wollar”


77



Condition 2, Schedule 3 of Project Approval (05-0021) outlines the noise impact assessment criteria applicable to the Mine. Under the Project Approval, WCPL must ensure that the noise generated by the Mine does not exceed the criteria in Table 38 at any residence on privately-owned land, or on more than 25% of any privately owned land.

During the 2014 review period the Project Approval (05-0021) was updated. Table 44 includes the various criteria that applied during the 2014 period (in accordance with the revised NMP).

Table 44 Noise Impact Assessment Criteria (dBA)

Notes: 1To interpret the locations referred to in Table 43; refer to Figure 14 and Figure 15. 2 Day is defined as the period from 7 am to 6 pm Monday to Saturday and 8 am to 6 pm Sunday and Public Holidays. 3 Evening is defined as the period 6 pm to 10 pm. 4 Night is defined as the period from 10 pm to 7 am Monday to Saturday and 10 pm to 8 am Sunday and Public Holidays. 5 Noise levels to be assessed at the most affected point at the boundary of the Goulburn River National Park/ Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve. 6 EPL daytime limit is currently 35dBA(Leq). The Noise Criteria in Table 44 apply under all meteorological conditions except for the following:

• During periods of rain or hail; • Average wind speed at microphone height exceeds 5 m/s; • Wind speeds greater than 3 m/s measured at 10 m above ground level; or • Temperature inversion conditions greater than 5.5°C/100 m.

The Noise Criteria in Table 44 do not apply if WCPL has a written agreement with the relevant landowner/s to generate higher noise levels, and WCPL has advised the DP&E in writing of the terms of this agreement

Condition 3, Schedule 3 of Project Approval (05-0021) outlines the noise land acquisition criteria applicable to the Mine, and is presented in Table 39 below. Under the Project Approval, WCPL must ensure that the noise generated by the Mine does not exceed the criteria in Table 45 at any residence on privately-owned land, or on more than 25% of any privately owned land.

Table 45 Noise Land Acquisition Criteria (dBA)

Day Evening Night Land Number

LAeq(15 minute) LAeq(15 minute)

LAeq(15 minute)

40 40 40 All privately owned land

Location1

Day2 Evening3 Night4

LAeq (15 minute)

LAeq (15 minute)

LAeq (15 minute)

LAeq (1 minute)

135 38 38 38 45

129 and 137 37 37 37 45

69 36 36 36 45

Wollar Village – Residential6 36 35 35 45

All other privately owned land 35 35 35 45

901 - Wollar School 35 (internal), 45 (external) When in use

-

150A - St Luke’s Anglican Church 40 (internal) When in use

-

900 - St Laurence O’Toole Catholic Church

Goulburn River National Park/ Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve5

50 When in use

-


78

Attended Noise Monitoring

Attended noise monitoring was undertaken every 2 months at five locations until August 2014 when two additional sites (i.e. N17 and N18) were added and the frequency of the attended noise monitoring programme was changed to monthly.

The noise monitoring results for the 2014 review period (i.e. Intrusive Evening and Night-time LAeq (15 minute) Noise Levels) are summarised in Tables 46 to Table 53. For the complete attended noise monitoring reports, including Intrusive Night-time LA1 (1 minute) Noise Levels for each monitoring period, refer to Appendix A.


79

Table 46 Attended Noise Monitoring Results – January/February 2014


80

Table 47 Attended Noise Monitoring Results – March/April 2014


81

Table 48 Attended Noise Monitoring Results – May/June 2014


82

Table 49 Attended Noise Monitoring Results – August 2014


83

Table 50 Attended Noise Monitoring Results – September 2014


84

Table 51 Attended Noise Monitoring Results – October 2014


85

Table 52 Attended Noise Monitoring Results – November 2014


86

Table 53 Attended Noise Monitoring Results – December 2014


87

Attended monitoring at these locations indicated that the mine complied with noise consent limits at all private monitoring locations during the 2014 review period, and accordingly did not exceed the noise land acquisition criteria. It is noted that wind speed and/or estimated temperature inversion conditions result in Project Approval criteria not always being applicable.

Due to recent property acquisitions, WCPL owns many private landholdings where monitoring has previously been undertaken. Appendix A provides the complete attended noise monitoring reports for the 2014 review period.

Real Time Noise Monitoring

Three remote continuous noise monitors were utilised throughout the reporting period (Section 3.10.2) (Figure 14 & Figure 15).

The continuous noise monitors were installed to continually record noise levels adjacent to the Mine for noise management. These monitors do not discriminate between mine-related noise and other noise sources such as birds, dogs, road traffic, wind, rain, etc.

The continuous noise data is filtered and analysed on a quarterly basis. In the NMP, real time noise data has been utilised to develop data exclusion rules for noise investigation triggers, which are designed to exclude extraneous noise sources. The data exclusion rules are contained in the NMP which can be viewed at www.peabodyenergy.com.au/nsw/wilpinjong-documents.html

While the real time data is not collected for the purposes of compliance monitoring, the data is analyzed (subject to the limitations of unattended data) and used to assess performance. This assessment was carried out on quarterly basis during the 2014 Reporting period. The quarterly assessments conducted on the real-time monitoring data recorded at Wandoona, Araluen and Central Wollar monitoring locations indicate that WCM complied with the noise level criteria prescribed in EPL 12425 and Project Approval 05-0021. The reports containing this analysis are provided in Appendix C.


As discussed above, attended noise monitoring during the 2014 review period complied with noise consent limits at all provide monitoring locations.


No environmental incidents were reported relating to noise at the Mine during the 2014 review period.


A total of 46 complaints were received during the 2014 review period in relation to noise and vibration. As discussed in Section 5.1, all complaints were responded to in accordance with the Complaints Management Procedure.

3.10.4 Management Measures

In accordance with Condition 6(a), Schedule 3 of Project Approval (05-0021) WCPL implements the following noise management measures:

• During operational activities, fixed plant and mobile equipment was commissioned and maintained in a manner consistent with the manufacturer’s recommendations.

• Noise investigation protocol and other additional noise management measures were implemented upon exceedances of the relevant criteria.

WCPL regularly assesses the real time noise monitors and meteorological forecasting data and ensures that operations on-site are relocated, modified and/or ceased to comply with the relevant impact assessment criteria, in accordance with Condition 6(b), Schedule 3 of Project Approval (05-0021).

In accordance with Condition 6(c), Schedule 3 of Project Approval (05-0021), WCPL regularly investigates ways to reduce operational, low frequency rail and road traffic noise generated by the Mine. Feasible projects identified and progressed during the 2014 review period include the car pooling scheme (Section 3.16.3) and the management of shift changes on-site (Section 3.16.2).

In accordance with Condition 6A(a), Schedule 3 of Project Approval (05-0021), during the 2014 period, the rail loop at the Mine was accessed by locomotives approved to operate on the NSW rail network in accordance with

http://www.peabodyenergy.com.au/nsw/wilpinjong-documents.html


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noise limits L6.1 to L6.4 in RailCorp’s EPL (No. 12208) and ARTC’s EPL (No. 3142), and any Pollution Control Approvals issued under the former Pollution Control Act, 1970.

It is understood that there was no noise abatement programme initiated by RailCorp, the ARTC or any rail operators relevant to the Mine during the 2014 review period. (Condition 6A[b], Schedule 3 of Project Approval (05-0021)).


As specified in the MOP and NMP, control strategies were implemented during the 2014 review period to minimise noise emissions from operation of the Mine.

During the 2014 review period, a total of 454 hours was lost because equipment was stood down to control environmental noise levels

Investigations were undertaken during previous reporting periods in regard to the potential for further noise attenuation at the Mine. It was concluded however, that no further feasible or reasonable measures were currently available and efforts were therefore focused on managing noise impacts through operational modifications, refinement of monitoring and management procedures and written agreements with landowners.

In accordance with the MOP and the NMP, these control strategies were implemented and considered adequate to manage noise related risks associated with operations during the 2014 review period.

Correlation Noise Monitoring conducted between 10th – 12th September 2014

Following concerns raised by the Wollar Progress Association, noise monitoring was undertaken by Global Acoustics at two monitoring locations nominated by Department of Planning & Environment (DP&E) in the Wollar village to validate whether the noise levels measured by the Sentinex unit are representative of the broader village area.

WCPL mining noise levels determined during concurrent attended monitoring at the Sentinex and receptor locations indicated that mining noise levels at Sentinex unit 33 were within 1 to 2 dB of the mining noise levels measured at 914 Barigan Street, and were equal to those measured at 953 Barigan Street.

The Sentinex unit is considered to be generally representative of the noise environment in the Wollar area, as demonstrated by measurements at 914 and 953 Barigan Street, during meteorological conditions occurring during the correlation monitoring.

These occasional variations in noise level are not expected to be perceptible, based on the principle that 3 dB is the change in loudness where the difference is just perceptible to the normal ear (Bies and Hansen, 1988).


WCPL has revised the NMP in relation to land ownership changes and mine advances, to ensure that the attended and real time noise monitoring locations better reflect the requirements of EPL 12425 and Project Approval conditions.

In accordance with Condition 6(c), Schedule 3 of Project Approval (05-0021), WCPL will continue to investigate ways to reduce the operational, low frequency, rail and road traffic noise generated by the Mine where these are reasonable and feasible.

In accordance with Condition 4, Schedule 5 of Project Approval (05-0021), WCPL will review and, if necessary, revise the NMP within three months of the submission of this Annual Review and Environmental Management Report.


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3.11 ABORIGINAL HERITAGE

3.11.1 Background

An Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Management Plan (ACHMP)34 has been prepared for the Mine in accordance with Condition 48, Schedule 3 of Project Approval (05-0021), and was approved by the Director-General in February 2008. Control measures for managing and monitoring Aboriginal Heritage were implemented in accordance with the MOP and ACHMP during the 2014 review period and were considered to be effective.

3.11.2 Environmental Management

In accordance with Conditions 45 to 47, Schedule 3 of Project Approval (05-0021), an archaeological salvage programme continued to be implemented (i.e. Sites WCP1, 65 and 237) during the 2014 reporting period. The Aboriginal community was involved in salvage work including test excavations

Monitoring and management of rock art sites continued to occur throughout the 2014 review period, and included dust deposition and ground vibration monitoring (Sections 3.4 and 3.9). Four Cultural Heritage meetings were undertaken on 12 February, 14 May, 13 August and 1 December 2014.


Surface Salvage Activities

WCPL had identified areas east of Pit 3 designated as 'Cleared for Site Disturbance' following processes established in Section 4.2 of the ACHMP. Three Aboriginal sites are located in these areas: WCP1, WCP65 and WCP237.

Salvage of sites WCP1, WCP65 and WCP237 was conducted by qualified archaeologists from South East Archaeology and representatives of the registered Aboriginal parties for the Wilpinjong Modification and Extension Projects over 26 days between 20 January and 25 February 2014.

Other works during the reporting period included:

• March: Due Diligence Program – Survey of 2014 WEP Drilling Program.

• April: Surface salvage (WCP2 & WCP447), Sub surface investigation - Cumbo Creek Gauging Station, removal of scarred tree (WCP122) and re-classiciaftion of WCP124 as non-aboriginal scarring.

• May: Inspection of bone material along Cumbo Creek.

• September: Peer review of ‘Wilpinjong Coal Mine: Aboriginal Archaeological Excavation Report WCP126, WCP214 and WCP216’.

• December: Inspection of Aboriginal rock art sites WCP72, WCP 152 and WCP153.

The three rock art sites were visited and comprehensively visually inspected. The following is a summary of the condition and impact assessment of each site, relative to the 2006 baseline recordings. WCP72: Those rock surfaces throughout the rock shelter subject to dust accumulation appear to be darker in colour and hue. This is apparently due to the presence of dust material which is darker than that present during the 2006 baseline recording. The cause of the darker appearance had not been determined. WCP152: New cracks to some rock panel surfaces/edges, due to natural and pre-existing processes. WCP153: No significant changes to rock art panels or rock shelter; and A tree situated just outside of and leaning across the shelter entrance has died since 2006.

The report recommendations included the following.

• The removal of the stock fence from the front of Site 72.

• The removal of timber debris from the front of Sites 152 and 153.

• The analysis of the dark material on the walls of Site 72.

Future works for 2015 include:

• Rock shelter assessment WCP 72, 152 and 153;

34 As a result of MOD5 the ACHMP was revised in consultation with WCPL Aboriginal groups and re-submitted in 2014. At the time of preparing this AR&EMR the approval for the ACHMP was pending.


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• Removal of scar trees from Pit 3 South;

• Due diligence works in Offset Areas D & E (preparing for supplementing tree planting)


There were no reportable incidents in relation to Aboriginal Heritage during the 2014 review period.


The ACHMP details various management measures that are implemented at the Mine to manage the impacts of mining operations on items of Aboriginal heritage, including the following:

• General protocol for the management of Aboriginal cultural heritage in ancillary disturbance areas including the ancillary disturbance area protocol.

• General protection measures where necessary to minimise the risk of accidental site disturbance including fencing, signposting and temporary flagging.

• Archaeological salvage programme which allows for the recovery of a sample of surface and subsurface artefactual material in selected areas for the purpose of either re-placing the artefacts onto the rehabilitated post-mining landscape in the future, or otherwise providing for their long-term curation.

• Maintenance of an appropriate Keeping Place for salvaged Aboriginal artefacts located at the WCPL administrative complex.

• Artefact placement programme for the replacement of artefacts onto the rehabilitated landform if that is the wish of the Aboriginal community.

• Monitoring and management protocol for human skeletal remains.

• Additional escarpment area surveys.

• Monitoring and management of rock art sites including the following:

− completion of base-line recording of the site and its rock art prior to mining within 1 km of those sites;

− monitoring of ground vibration levels (Section 3.9.2);

− monitoring of dust deposition levels (Section 3.4.2); and

− fencing installation to exclude stock animals from rock art sites.

• Restriction of public access to the ML areas and Enhancement and Conservation Areas (ECAs).

• Education of employees and contractors regarding the potential for incidental damage to Aboriginal cultural heritage sites during land disturbance activities and to minimise disturbance areas as part of the Cultural Heritage Employee and Contractor Training Programme.

• Exclusion of domestic stock from parts of the ECAs and regeneration areas.

• Restriction of mobile vehicles to existing access tracks where practicable.

• Management of dryland salinity, exclusion of stock, regeneration and planting of riparian rehabilitation to stabilise erosion which can cause the destruction of sites in gullies and creek lines.

In accordance with Condition 49, Schedule 3 of Project Approval (05-0021), WCPL prepared and maintained an archival record of the remaining heritage sites prior to any Mine activity with the potential to disturb such sites.


In accordance with the EIS (WCPL, 2005) commitments, the ACHMP and the Native Title Agreement the Aboriginal community will continue to be involved in the management of Aboriginal cultural heritage over the life of the Mine. In accordance with Condition 4, Schedule 5 of Project Approval (05-0021), WCPL will review and, if necessary, revise the ACHMP within three months of the submission of this Annual Review and Environmental Management Report.

3.12 NON-ABORIGINAL HERITAGE

Nine non-Aboriginal heritage items of local heritage significance were identified in the Mine area. No sites of higher (regional or state) heritage significance have been identified. One site of local significance, a rock


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retaining wall, is to be demarcated for protection. All other sites in the Mine disturbance area have been recorded and will be destroyed in accordance with PA 05-0021. No activities or monitoring relevant to non-Aboriginal heritage occurred during the 2014 review period.

3.13 SPONTANEOUS COMBUSTION

A SCMP35 has been prepared in accordance with Condition 4 of the MOP approval issued by the then DPI-MR on 7 March 2006 (WCPL, 2006b). In accordance with Condition 20(a), Schedule 3 of Project Approval (05-0021), WCPL are required to implement all practicable measures to minimise the odour and fume emissions generated by any spontaneous combustion at the Mine.

As a result of MOD6, WCPL have prepared and submitted a Spontaneous Combustion Management Plan for approval in 2014. This Management Plan was developed to:

• Address the relevant requirements of WCPL’s Project Approval (PA) 05-0021 and Environment Protection Licence (EPL) 12425 (Appendix 1);

• Identify and characterise all plies, seams and interburden which carry a risk of generating spontaneous combustion;

• Identify all areas (including stockpiles and waste emplacement) at risk of spontaneous combustion events;

• Outline protocols for the ongoing monitoring and management of areas at risk of spontaneous combustion events;

• Outline protocols for the management of on-site heating and spontaneous combustion events; • Outline protocols for any spontaneous combustion related non-compliance or complaints; • Describe and assign responsibilities relating to spontaneous combustion management at the Mine; and • Describe how this Management Plan will be reviewed and updated

As a result of MOD5, WCPL have prepared and submitted a Waste Management Plan for approval in 2014. Some management strategies for spontaneous combustion are also contained within the new Waste Management Plan. A summary of the management measures is provided in Section 13.1.1.

35 As a result of MOD5, WCPL are currently preparing a Waste Management Plan (WMP) as required by Condition 57, Schedule 3 of PA05-0021 which will describe the management measures to be impellent for spontaneous combustion events.


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The Keylah Dump Removal Management Plan

During the reporting period WCPL developed the Keylah Dump Removal Management Plan (KDRMP) to address historical spontaneous combustion issues with Keylah Dump (Figure 16). The KDRMP was submitted to the relevant government agencies for comment and approval, prior to commencing removal of the dump in October 2014.

The KDRMP has been prepared to address Condition E2 of Environment Protection Licence (EPL) 12425 and comments received from the NSW Department of Planning and Environment (DP&E). The KDRMP provides a mining strategy to facilitate the removal and disposal of Keylah Dump material in a manner that minimises off-site odour and/or dust emissions.

Figure 16 Location of the Keylah Dump

In accordance with commitments made within Mod 6 of PA 05-0021, WCPL has committed to remove Keylah Dump (Plate 3) as part of a remediation strategy which will see the removal and emplacement of high risk areas by re-mining and deposition of the material in mine voids, or encapsulation by the end of 2015. As such, WCPL are proposing to relocate the remaining 1.3M bcm of material in Keylah Dump throughout 2014 and 2015.

Propensity Testing

Wilpinjong is also currently conducting a review of spontaneous combustion propensity characteristics throughout the coal seam (including partings). This includes undertaking R70 testing and analysis of 45 samples from Pit 3, 4, 7 and 5 to understand the intrinsic coal reactivity to coal at the Mine. The program commenced in August 2014 with samples progressing with the mine sequencing. To date, G coal and all partings from Pit 4 N have been sampled. Results indicate a low propensity for spontaneous combustion and would suggest that more extrinsic factors influence current spontaneous events at Wilpinjong. Results however from the program will guide any improvements to carbonaceous material management and inform on mitigation measures. These learnings will also be applied to the design, construction and monitoring of the Elevated Waste Rock Emplacement to be developed in Pit 2.


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Plate 3 Keylah Dump Removal November 2014

Community Newsletter/Factsheet

WCPL developed and issues the Spontaneous Combustion Factsheet in October 2014 to coordinate with the commencement of the Keylah Dump Removal Management Plan. The factsheet provided information regarding the cause, health risks and management measures associated with spontaneous combustion of coal.

Figure 17 Spontaneous Combustion Factsheet


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Inspections

The OCE will undertake regular (i.e. at least daily) inspections of the work area during the Keylah Dump removal works to ensure dust, noise and odour/gas emissions are minimised and controlled as well as ensuring any runoff from Keylah Dump is contained to the Mine Water System.

WCPL has also identified four inspection “sites” that will be inspected by the OCE (or delegate) when the TARPs in the KDRMP are triggered.

Management Controls

WCPL’s strategy towards spontaneous combustion management is one of prevention however WCPL recognises that management controls are required in the event of spontaneous combustion outbreaks.

WCPL’s preventative measures include:

• Undertaking of propensity testing of coal seams and carbonaceous partings;

• Placing high risk partings and coarse reject as low as practical in the spoil profile;

• Conducting annual reviews and inspections of the process and emplacement areas;

• Selective handling and placement of inert material over carbonaceous material;

• Track rolling final dumps to form low angle batters and covering with inert material as soon as practicable, where this is not possible temporary mitigation measures may include backfilling over exposed high walls with either overburden or water (where applicable i.e. P2 Dam);

• Avoiding placement of carbonaceous material against the high wall unless shown to not pose a risk of future spontaneous combustion;

• Exposing carbonaceous material in the low wall for the minimum period practical. Where exposed, this material will be visually monitored;

• Undertaking thermal imaging surveys at least biennially of the entire site for long term monitoring (& calibration of short term monitoring) and using the drone for thermal imaging and thermal guns for short term periods where signs of spontaneous combustion is evident (i.e. Keylah Dump);

• Managing tailings in accordance with the LOM Tailings Strategy (Appendix 5); and

• Inspecting spoil emplacements, stockpiles and tailings emplacement areas;

Maintaining the “Weekly Stockpile Plan”. This plan is a weekly plan which is reviewed and updated daily as an operational coal stockpile management plan.


There were no reportable environmental incident reported as uncontrolled emissions into the atmosphere during the 2014 review period as a result of spontaneous combustion.


A total of 22 environmental complaints were received during the 2014 review period in relation to odour that may have been attributed to spontaneous combustion. As discussed in Section 5.1, all complaints were responded to in accordance with the Complaints Management Procedure.

Further Initiatives

In accordance with Condition 4, Schedule 5 of Project Approval (05-0021), WCPL will review and, if necessary, revise the SCMP36 within three months of the submission of this Annual Review and Environmental Management Report.

Ambient Air Monitoring Report 2014

36 The Waste Management Plan (WMP) as required by Condition 57, Schedule 3 of PA05-0021 which will describe the management measures to be impellent for spontaneous combustion events is due for submission in June 2014.


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To address community concern about odour from spontaneous combustion, WCPL implemented an extensive monitoring program in 2014 to measure the ambient concentrations of a range of pollutants at Wollar Village and Cooks Gap. The pollutants being measured are:

• Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx);

• Sulfur Dioxide (SO2);

• Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S);

• Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs); and

• Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs).

To date the ambient concentrations of the above pollutants have been measured well below relevant assessment criteria. Attachment E contains a copy of the initial ambient air monitoring report. Monitoring at Wollar Village and Cooks Gap is continuing and a further report will be prepared in 2015.

Waste Rock Management

A Life of Mine (LOM) Tailings Strategy (in the revised Waste Management Plan) has been developed for the Mine which details strategies for future tailings management on site, including the design, operation, water balance, decommissioning and rehabilitation of tailings storage facilities.

When the CHPP BFP is commissioned the LOM tailings disposal strategy will change from slurry transport of tailings and disposal into tailings dams constructed in mining voids, to trucking of the filtered tailings with the coarse rejects from the CHPP, and co-disposal of the combined rejects in the mine voids. From time to time a small percentage of the tailings may be directed into a tailings dam when the BFP is undergoing commissioning and maintenance. Further information on the placement and management of coal rejects is provided in the LOM Tailings Strategy Is present in the Waste Management Plan.

In addition to the general spontaneous combustion management measures outlined previously, to minimise the risk of spontaneous combustion occurring in the proposed elevated waste rock emplacement (South of Pit 2), as described in MOD5, prior to final rehabilitation, a number of additional measures would be employed by WCPL, including:

• The emplacement would be designed and constructed with designated carbonaceous material zones to avoid future exposure of the carbonaceous material (i.e. to maintain a minimum of 5 m of compacted inert material coverage over the carbonaceous material, including following final land forming);

• The emplacement would be constructed with diversion drains, lined drains and armoured drop structures to minimise erosion that could expose carbonaceous materials prior to final land forming; and

• The emplacement outer batters would be temporarily rehabilitated to minimise erosion prior to the emplacement being fully rehabilitated at the end of the mine life.


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3.14 THREATENED SPECIES

3.14.1 Background

The current management of threatened species is detailed in the RMP, which has been developed by WCPL in accordance with Condition 40, Schedule 2 of Project Approval (05-0021). Further detail on the RMP is provided in Section 6.

WCPL have prepared and submitted a Biodiversity Management Plan (BMP) to satisfy PA05-0021. The BMP outlines strategies for the management of flora and fauna, threatened species, rehabilitated areas, regeneration areas, biodiversity offset areas and the Enhancement and Conservation Areas (ECA’s). The monitoring component of the BMP will assess the performance of WCPL management measures and will outline methodologies and ecological management strategies to minimise the Mine’s impact on remnant vegetation and native fauna. The BMP will facilitate implementation of threatened species management strategies to minimise potential impacts on threatened flora and fauna species.

Detailed information on rehabilitation management and completion criteria is contained in the MOP, which has also been revised to meet the requirements of Schedule 3, Condition 61 of the Project Approval (Rehabilitation Management Plan). The ecological monitoring program for the rehabilitation areas is described below.

3.14.2 Monitoring

A review of WCPL’s existing monitoring program was undertaken by an ecologist during the development of the BMP. Monitoring at the Mine was originally undertaken to establish baseline conditions for the EIS (WCPL, 2006). Additional sites had been subsequently added as rehabilitation progressed however there was no clear correlation between the monitoring program and the performance criteria established in the MOP. There was also no clear performance criterion for ECA’s or Regeneration Areas, hence the monitoring program was essentially ineffective in measuring the success of any management measures implemented in these areas to improve biodiversity values.

WCPL's proposed Biodiversity Monitoring Program includes monitoring of flora and fauna, and a range of landscape function indicators. This monitoring program will be used to evaluate ecosystem function and performance and the success of specific management actions implemented across the various Management Domains. Reference sites will be established during the first round of biodiversity monitoring and will also be established in areas of equivalent habitat type adjacent to the Management Domains.

The strategic objective of the monitoring is to obtain assurance that WCPL’s biodiversity management program is ensuring the Mine is progressing towards its Completion Criteria. WCPL’s monitoring program includes recognised methods to assess native vegetation and habitat complexity (BioMetric), landscape stability (LFA), and faunal diversity.


Threatened species management measures were undertaken during the 2014 review period, in accordance with the MOP. The control measures for managing and monitoring threatened species were implemented and considered to be effective during the 2014 review period. These measures included implementation of a Vegetation Clearance Protocol (VCP) and specific fauna management strategies including a Threatened Species Management Protocol which is initiated in the event that a threatened species is identified in the mine area or immediate surrounds.

The VCP included delineation of areas to be cleared of remnant vegetation, pre-clearance surveys, management of impacts on fauna, and restrictions on clearing times for fauna breeding seasons.

Habitat tree mapping and inspection of felled trees was undertaken in 2014 prior to clearance activities predominately in Pit 3. Management strategies were implemented to minimise impacts on fauna during the felling of habitat trees. All felled habitat trees were inspected for evidence of trapped or injured individuals, and any individuals located were either extracted from the hollows and taken into care with a wildlife rescue organisation, or released. Appendix C provides the habitat tree register summary results

No threatened fauna species were recovered from the felled habitat trees and therefore implementation of the Threatened Species Management Protocol was not required.


No environmental incidents were reported relating to threatened species at the Mine during the 2014 review period.


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Other specific fauna management strategies implemented during the 2014 review period included the identification and monitoring of Wombat (Vombatus ursinus) burrows, followed by trapping and relocation of individuals prior to vegetation clearance and land disturbance. Appendix C provides the habitat tree register summary results. As discussed in Section 6 proposed changes to flora and fauna monitoring are to be triggered by the approval of the BMP. Additionally, 94ha was surveyed for habitat tree identification within Pit 3 by an engaged ecologist.


Implementation of the BMP, once approved in the 2015 reporting period.

3.15 WEEDS AND ANIMAL PESTS

3.15.1 Background

The management of weeds and animal pests is detailed in the MOP and the new BMP. Further details regarding land management activities are provided below.

3.15.2 Monitoring

During the 2014 period, monitoring was undertaken regularly on WCPL-owned lands by a consultant and mine personnel to identify areas requiring follow-up treatment for weed species and the presence of feral animals.


During the 2014 review period the control of St John’s Wart remained a priority. Weed spraying was undertaken along council roads and in ECA areas. Spot spraying for Blackberry and Tree of Heaven continued during the 2014 review period in ECA areas and Cumbo Valley.

WCPL also provided financial assistance to the Wild Dog Destruction Board for aerial baiting in May of 2014, whose role is to initiate actions aimed at the eradication of dingoes and wild dogs. WCPL also placed dog and fox baits during 2014 along sections of Wilpinjong Creek.

Operational procedures included the maintenance of a clean rubbish-free environment to discourage scavenging and reduce the potential for colonisation of these areas by non-endemic fauna such as rodents and birds. Lids on waste and recyclable skips were also kept closed to prevent scattering of materials by vermin.


Weed and animal pest management and mitigation measures were undertaken in accordance with the MOP during the reporting period.

Weed Control

Ongoing monitoring and control of weeds on WCPL-owned land was undertaken as part of general land management practices and included:

• ongoing surveys of WCPL-owned lands to identify areas requiring follow-up herbicide treatment or any new areas requiring treatment;

• implementation of weed management measures including mechanical removal and application of approved herbicides (in accordance with the NSW Pesticides Act, 1999) in authorised areas when conditions are favourable;

• follow-up herbicide treatment of noxious weeds such as Blackberry in ECAs; and

• limiting the potential for the establishment of new weeds on ECAs by minimising the transport of weed species to and from ECAs (e.g. limiting vehicle access and minimising stock access through fencing).

During 2014, control of Willow species along the Goulburn River on Peabody owned land was carried out. The aim of the control works was to reduce the number of Willows along the Goulburn River without causing erosion to banks. Other species targeted included Briar Rose and Blackberry.


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Animal/Pest Control

Feral animal control strategies undertaken during the 2014 review period included the following:

• use of poison baits, trapping and feral animal habitat removal to control populations of rabbits and foxes;

• the prohibition of domestic pets on-site; and

• the maintenance of a clean rubbish-free environment to discourage scavenging and reduce the potential for colonisation by non-endemic fauna (e.g. introduced rodents, birds).


The above weed and animal/pest control strategies implemented during the 2014 review period were considered adequate to manage weed and animal pest-related risks associated with operations during the 2014 review period.


No environmental incidents were reported relating to weed and animal pest control at the Mine during the 2014 review period.


Implementation of the BMP, once approved in the 2015 reporting period.


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3.16 ROAD TRANSPORT

3.16.1 Background

The management of traffic and road transport is undertaken in accordance with Condition 53, Schedule 3 of the Project Approval (Section 3.16.3).


In accordance with Condition 51, Schedule 3 of Project Approval (05-0021), the Ulan Road Strategy was agreed to and signed on 19 August 2014 (Section 1.7).

In accordance with Condition 53, Schedule 3 and Condition 6, Schedule 5 of Project Approval (05-0021), during the 2014 review period, WCPL believes it has implemented all reasonable and feasible measures to reduce mine related traffic on Ulan Road including the scheduling of shift changes on-site to occur outside school bus hours, and the co-ordination of the shift changes with those of the adjoining Moolarben and Ulan Coal Mines to minimise the potential cumulative traffic impacts of the three mines.

WCPL consulted with the DP&E, Ulan Coal Mines and Moolarben Coal Mine in June 2014 when rescheduling night shift to finish earlier.


No reportable environmental incidents were reported relating to road transport the Mine during the 2014 review period.


Three environmental complaints was received relating to traffic during the 2014 review period. For further details see Section 5.1.


WCPL encourages staff car pooling by offering financial incentives to Mine employees who engage in the car pooling programme. The Car Pool Reimbursement Scheme was available to WCPL staff in order to supplement the costs associated with general car expenses (e.g. registration, insurance and fuel) (WCPL, 2013).

WCPL also reduces the impact of the Mine on local road users by generally scheduling the delivery of large equipment outside of the school beginning and ending hours and associated bus times, unless specifically scheduled in this period due to NSW Police requirements.

Appendix 8 of Project Approval (05-0021) provides a statement of commitments relating to traffic and public safety, road safety and road surface performance strategy.


WCPL will continue to engage in consultation with Ulan and Moolarben Mines in regard to shift timing arrangements.


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4 OTHER APPROVAL CONDITIONS The Project Approval (05-0021) includes a number of additional conditions that are not specifically addressed in the WCPL management plans or monitoring programmes. There are discussed below.

Structural Adequacy

Condition 8, Schedule 2 of Project Approval (05-0021) requires WCPL to ensure that all new buildings and structures, and any alterations or additions to existing buildings and structures, are constructed in accordance with the relevant requirements of the Building Code of Australia.

Building construction activities during the 2014 review period are discussed in Section 2.3. Building Code of Australia requirements were stipulated for all buildings.

Demolition

In accordance with Condition 9, Schedule 2 of Project Approval (05-0021), WCPL is required to ensure that all demolition work is carried out in accordance with AS 2601-2001: The Demolition of Structures, or its latest version.

No demolition of buildings occurred in the 2014 review period.

Operation of Plant and Equipment

WCPL is required to ensure that all plant and equipment used at the site is maintained in a proper and efficient condition and operated in a proper and efficient manner in accordance with Condition 10, Schedule 2 of Project Approval (05-0021) and Condition O2.1 of EPL 12425.

All plant and equipment in use at WCPL is regularly serviced in accordance with the relevant DRE-DTIRIS NSW Mining Design Guidelines and OEM Guidelines to ensure plant and equipment is maintained in proper and efficient condition. All plant and equipment are operated in a proper and efficient manner.

Visual Impact

Visual Amenity

In accordance with Condition 54, Schedule 3 of Project Approval (05-0021), WCPL is required to minimise the visual impacts of the Mine. The initial design and construction of surface infrastructure was undertaken in a manner that minimises visual contrasts where such infrastructure is potentially visible from private residences or public vantage points.

Visual bunds were constructed along the northern section of Pit 5 during the 2014 reporting period.

To comply with a commitment of Modification 5, a tree screen was planted along the east-west section of Wollar Road. Approximately 1100 trees were planted using species outlined below. This would limit potential views of the Mine from Wollar Road, once established. More tree seedlings were also planted along the mine access road (approx. 200) to provide visual amenity mitigation to those entering the mine site.

Lighting Emissions

WCPL has taken all reasonable practicable measures to mitigate off-site lighting impacts from the Mine including the direction of night-lighting towards mining areas, in accordance with Condition 55, Schedule 3 of Project Approval (05-0021).

A lighting audit was completed in December 2014 .The audit was prepared at the request of Peabody Energy to ascertain the extent to which the mine complies with Australian Standard AS4282:1997, Control of the Obtrusive Effects of Outside Lighting. All fixed external lights were inspected during the audit. Light fitting model details and GPS locations for major lighting sources were noted and included in the lighting register. The audit did not find any non-conformances with these lights.


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5 COMMUNITY RELATIONS 5.1 ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLAINTS

A protocol for the management and reporting of community complaints has been developed as a component of the Mine EMS.

In accordance with Condition M6.1 of EPL 12425, a dedicated telephone number (ph.: 1300 606 625) for the provision of comments or complaints is maintained by WCPL. In addition, a separate hotline for blasting information is also maintained by WCPL (ph.: 1800 649 783).

In accordance with Condition M6.2 of EPL 12425, these telephone lines are advertised in local newspapers quarterly, via the Wilpinjong Community Newsletter and on the Peabody website: (www.peabodyenergy.com)

WCPL records and responds to all complaints and maintains a complaints register on its website. The complaints are managed in accordance with the WCPL Complaints Management Procedure. The Complaints Management Procedure outlines WCPL reporting requirements as follows:

• A summary of complaints received is reported monthly on the Peabody website;

• A summary of complaints received and actions taken is presented to the WCPL CCC as part of the operational performance review;

• A summary of complaints received and actions taken is included in the Annual Review and Environmental Management Report and the Annual Return to the EPA.

During the 2014 review period, 131 environmental-related complaints were received by WCPL (Appendix K). This was a decrease by 7 environmental–related complaints recorded by WCPL in the previous 2013 reporting period.

Chart 15 presents a comparison of the environmental complaints received by WCPL over the period 2006 to 2014. In particular, it is noted that WCPL received fewer odour, dust and blasting related complaints and fewer road use related complaints during the 2014 review period than in 2013. However, WCPL received more noise related complaints in 2014 than in previous 2013 reporting period, however, most of these complaints were raised by the one household.

Chart 15 Summary of Community Complaints and Issues Raised by Complainants 2006 – 2014

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

Dust Noise Odour Blast (noise &vibration)

Road Use Other (non-specific)

Num

ber o

f Iss

ues

Nature of Issues

2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014



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Chart 16 Community Complaint by Issue

A copy of the complete complaints register is provided in Appendix M, including actions taken by WCPL to address the complaints received during 2014.

5.2 COMMUNITY LIAISON

5.2.1 Community Consultative Committee

In accordance with Condition 5, Schedule 5 of Project Approval (05-0021) the Community Consultative Committee (CCC) continued to meet during the 2014 review period. The CCC for the Mine is operated in general accordance with the Guidelines for Establishing and Operating Community Consultative Committees for Mining Projects (Department of Planning, 2007). Consistent with the requirements of the Guidelines for Establishing and Operating Community Consultative Committees for Mining Projects, the CCC is comprised of one independent chairperson, and representatives of the MWRC, WCPL and members of the general community.

Consultation regarding the Modification 5 (MOD5) was undertaken at the Community Consultative Committee meetings in November 2012, March 2013 and June 2013. WCPL has undertaken individual consultation with private landholders and lessees that reside in the vicinity of the mine to discuss the ongoing development of the Wilpinjong Coal Mine and the Modification (Section 5.2.3).

Table 54 CCC Members for the 2014

Name Organisation

John Webb/Max Walker Mid Western Regional Council (Councillor)

Lisa Andrews CCC Chair Person

Colin Bailey Community Representative

Scott Lillis Community Representative

Brian McDermott Community Representative

Bev Smiles Community Representative and Mudgee District Environmental Group Representative

Bruce Hughes Community Representative

Col Bailey Community Representative

Kim Peach Community Representative

During 2014, WCPL completed four CCC meetings. Table 55 provides a summary of the CCC meetings held during the 2014 review period.

Dust 7%

Noise 61%

Odour 17%

Blast (noise & vibration)

11%

Road Use 2% Other (non-specific)

2%

Prcentage (%) Breakdown of Community Complaints "by issue" in 2014


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Table 55 CCC Meeting Summary

Date Meeting Type

Key Outcomes

17 March 2014

CCC

Environmental monitoring results, Environmental update & S75 modification update (MOD 5) and Extension Project, reviewed complaints since last CCC, discussed incidents, discussed MOP submission and management plans, odour and dust issues and status of Cumbo Creek alignment.

23 June 2014

CCC

Environmental monitoring results, Environmental update & S75 modification update (MOD 6) and Extension Project, reviewed complaints since last CCC, discussed incidents, discussed MOP submission and management plans, odour and dust issues and status of Cumbo Creek alignment. Invited Guests: Tony Wellbourne (TW) – Global Acoustics Ben Harrison (BeH) – Department Planning and Environment

23 September 2014

CCC

Environmental monitoring results, Environmental update & S75 modification update (MOD 6) and Extension Project, reviewed complaints since last CCC, discussed incidents, discussed management plans, odour and dust issues and status of Cumbo Creek alignment. Invited Guests: Wayne Jones (WJ) – Senior Compliance Officer, Department of Planning & Environment

8 December 2014

CCC

Environmental monitoring results, Environmental update & S75 modification update (MOD 6) and Extension Project, Keylah Dump removal, reviewed complaints since last CCC, discussed incidents, discussed management plans, odour and dust issues .

In accordance with Condition 11, Schedule 5 of Project Approval (05-0021), the minutes from these CCC meetings are publically available on the Peabody website (www.peabodyenergy.com )

5.2.2 Cultural Heritage Liaison Sub Committee

Consultation with the Aboriginal community regarding the MOD5 was conducted in accordance with the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Consultation Requirements for Proponents 2010 (Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water [DECCW], 2010a).

Four Cultural Heritage meetings were undertaken on 12 February, 14 May, 13 August and 1 December 2014.

Key environmental issues that were raised during consultation included dust, spontaneous combustion (odour), blasting, traffic and management of Aboriginal heritage, including report on cultural works undertaken, forecast works & site cultural heritage management, progress and consultation with the ACHMP.

5.2.3 Local Community

As part of the consultation for MOD 6, WCPL undertook individual consultation with a number of private landholders and lessees that reside in the vicinity of the mine to discuss the Modification.

In 2014, WCPL maintained regular “Have a Chat” drop in session on the first Thursday of every month at the Wollar General Store.

At the drop in sessions, members of the local community can meet with representatives of WCPL and discuss any concerns or issues. Modifications 5 & 6 were the subject of a number of discussions at these monthly sessions.

5.2.4 Community Support Program

During the 2014 reporting period, WCPL continued its support of local community groups and sporting associations, schools and charitable organisations (total amount in 2014 was approximately $104,429.56), including:

• Can Assist – Mudgee and District • Local Lands Services • Mudgee Readers Festival • Cooyal Bushfire Brigade



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• Cooyal Parents Association • Clock Awards • Mudgee Relay for Life • Cudgegong Learning Committee • Local Schools • Mudgee PCYC • University of Wollongong • Mudgee Scouts • Gulgong Folk Club • Rylstone Street Feast • Lifeskills Plus • Wollar Progress Association • Cooks Gap Fire Brigade • Henry Lawson Festival Gulgong • Prince of Wales Eisteddfod • Greatest Shave • Mudgee Max Potential • Mudgee Show • Rotary Club of Mudgee – Christmas Carols

5.2.5 Newsletter

In October 2914, WCPL disturbed a community newsletter (or Factsheet) to provide information regarding spontaneous combustion. A copy of the October 2014 Factsheet newsletter is provided in Appendix M.

.2.9 Have a Chat Meeting

WCPL also provided information newsletter regarding upcoming ‘have a chat’ sessions, held at the Wollar Store 1st Thursday of the month from 1:30pm to 4:30pm. The initiative aims at providing the community a casual setting to ask questions or raise concerns relation to the Mine’s operations. A list of Have a Chat dates was provided at CCC meetings (Figure 18).


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Figure 18 2014 Have a Chat Dates

5.2.10 Access to Information

Condition 11, Schedule 5 of Project Approval (05-0021) details the requirements for access to information applicable to the Mine, and outlines the documents required by the Project Approval to be made publicly available on the Peabody website (www.peabodyenergy.com).

Information required by the Project Approval that is currently available on the website includes the following documents:

• a copy of all statutory approvals relevant to the Mine;

• copies of all site management strategies, plans and programs;

• environmental monitoring reports;

• complaints register updated on a monthly basis;

• CCC meeting minutes; and



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• a copy of the Independent Environmental Audit.

Other information available on the website includes the following:

• EPL 12425 monitoring data on a monthly basis; and

• copies of relevant licences.

5.2.11 Corporate Social Involvement

WCPL has been widely recognised for its Native Title Agreement which includes the establishment and joint administration of a business trust for Native Title Claimants.

WCPL also maintains a donations budget for the Mine which is used to support a diverse range of local community-based organisations and activities.

5.3 EMPLOYMENT STATUS

At the end of the 2014 reporting period there were 498 full time equivalent employees at WCPL (i.e. 400 employees and 81 contractors). A decrease of 24 full time equivalent employees when compared to the end of the 2013 reporting period.


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6 REHABILITATION In accordance with Condition 61, Schedule 3 of Project Approval (05-0021), WCPL considers the submission and approval of the Wilpinjong Coal Project Open Cut Operations Mining Operations Plan (2014-2019) (MOP) to replace the pre-existing approved RMP. The MOP provides details on the process for monitoring and managing progression towards successful rehabilitation outcomes. Additionally, the Wilpinjong Coal Biodiversity Management Plan (BMP) has been developed in accordance with Condition 38, Schedule 3 of Project Approval (05-0021) as a result of approval of Modification 5. The purpose of this Management Plan is to describe the management strategies, procedures, controls and monitoring programs required to manage flora and fauna within the Enhancement and Conservation Areas (ECA), Biodiversity Offset Areas (BOA), Regeneration and Rehabilitation Areas in accordance with the Project Approval. Currently this plan is awaiting approval from DP&E. It is anticipated that once the BMP is approved, the requirement to resubmit an amendment to the MOP will be required due to a proposed changes to monitoring methodologies and updating of completion criteria.

6.1.1 Rehabilitation Areas

To minimise the area of disturbance at any one time, rehabilitation occurs progressively at the Mine as ancillary disturbance areas and final mine landforms become available for revegetation, The mine waste rock emplacements behind the advancing open cut are constructed to approximate the pre-mining topography or the final landform approved by PA 05-0021.

Revegetation of completed landforms has been progressively undertaken since 2008 and has included establishing both woodland and mixed woodland/grazing, consistent with the Project’s rehabilitation objectives and post-mining land use contained within the MOP 2014-2019. Disturbance activities associated with land preparation for mining operations took place across 116ha during the reporting period, totaling 1043.7ha disturbed by WCPL to date. Approximately 41 ha of mine was rock emplacement was seeded whilst an additional 40ha was topsoiled (seeding to occur Autumn 2015) during the reporting period. All areas consists of both grazing and habitat corridor reconstruction. As at December 2014 approximately 221ha of completed landforms have been rehabilitated with an additional 40ha to be seeded in Autumn 2015. The cumulative area of rehabilitation since 2008 is provided in Table 56.

Table 56 Cumulative Rehabilitation Areas

Year Rehabilitated Area (ha) Final Land Use Cumulative Area (ha) Success Criteria

2008 10 Grazing/wildlife corridors 10 As per MOP




2012 43 Grazing/wildlife corridors 180* As per MOP

2013 41** Grazing/wildlife corridors 221 As per MOP

2014 40# Grazing/wildlife corridors 261 As per MOP





* In 2012 approximately 25ha of rehabilitation (as reported in 2012) was removed for operational requirements :** - Seeded in 2014 # Seeding due in Q2 2015


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Rehabilitation activities included:

• Re-shaping portions of mine waste rock emplacement areas to final landform in Pit 5;

• Completion of topsoiling and seeding of a previously disturbed rehabilitation area in Pit 1;

• Applying organic growth medium (OGM) as a soil conditioner prior to seeding in Pit 5 & Pit 1 areas;

• Seeding of topsoiled portions of mine waste rock emplacement areas and ROM stockpile area to final landform in Pit 1; and

• Topsoiling and seeding to final landform of TD1;

WCPL are scheduled to ameliorate the reshaped and topsoiled mine waste rock emplacement areas to final landform in Pit 5 with seeding scheduled for Autumn 2014 (approx. 40ha).

In accordance with the former MREMP Guidelines, Table 57 provides a summary of the rehabilitation at the Mine at the end of 2014, including an estimate for the next review period (i.e. 2015).

Table 57 Rehabilitation Summary Area Affected/Rehabilitated (ha)

Current Report Last Report Next Report (Estimated)

A MINE LEASE AREA

A1 Mine Lease Area 2,857.34 2,857.34 2,857.34

B DISTURBED AREA

B1 Infrastructure Area1 361.6 361.6 361.6

B2 Active Mining Area2 386.802 433.8

B3 Waste Rock Emplacements 92.9 92.9 -

B4 Tailings Emplacements 39.4 39.4 34.74

B5 Shaped Waste Rock Emplacement 0 0 -

ALL DISTURBED AREAS 880.7 927.7

C REHABILITATION

C1 Total Rehabilitation Area 261 221 300

D REHABILITATION ON SLOPES

D1 10 – 18 Degrees 40 0 -

D2 Greater than 18 Degrees 0 0 0

E SURFACE OF REHABILITATED LAND

E1 Pasture and Grasses 40 0 39

E2 Native Forest/Ecosystems 0 41 0

E3 Plantations and Crops 0 0 0

E4 Other 0 0 0 1 The footprint of infrastructure area has remained unchanged however, rearrangement of services within this footprint have occurred (i.e tyre bay relocated, BFP installed at CHPP) 2 The active mining area total does include a void left open for possible additional tailings dam (TD7 – approx. 11ha).

6.1.2 Research and Trial

During 2014, Wilpinjong participated in a project undertaken by a student of University of Queensland completing Master Mineral Resources – Environment. The project objective was to undertake a review of existing local and regional mine rehabilitation knowledge. The review aimed to address what knowledge already exists on the natural landscapes, ecosystems, post mine land uses and mine rehabilitation undertaken regionally. The project included a rehabilitation a synopsis and discussion of current publically available rehabilitation knowledge at Ulan, Moolarben and Wilpinjong Coal Mines. All three mines have undertaken rehabilitation activities of their open pit areas over the six years which can be compared and discussed in relation to rehabilitation strategy, landform design specifications, vegetation species selection, trials undertaken, operational practices and


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monitoring programs. Additionally, to provide further broadening of rehabilitation knowledge, references to ACARP studies undertaken within the Hunter Valley were also discussed where relevant.

The project also included the development of Wilpinjong Rehabilitation Knowledge Base documents which consists of the following:

• The reference system for collating reports and relevant documents into one reference (including monitoring, results of trials, surveys and studies);

• A summary of the rehabilitation commitments and obligations (stakeholders, regulatory, Peabody); • Current rehabilitation regulatory requirements and legal obligations which relate to rehabilitation and/or

closure requirements for Wilpinjong Coal Mine; and • A summary of rehabilitation efforts (yearly efforts including methodologies, processes and any trials)

undertaken at Wilpinjong Coal Mine to date.

The process undertaken to identify the relevant input requirements for the development the Wilpinjong Rehabilitation Knowledge base has included:

1. The creation of the following components: a. Rehabilitation Commitment and Obligations register - summary of commitments and

obligations specific to rehabilitation b. Rehabilitation Database – details how, when, where rehabilitation has been undertaken on

site c. GIS - layers with reference to rehabilitation database which provides spatial reference as well

as details rehabilitation efforts undertaken for that area d. Rehabilitation Monitoring Database – compilation of reference sites and monitoring data e. Risk Register – extrapolation of relevant rehabilitation risk identified in various documents and

collated into one 2. Searching of all electronic files and paper reports and collation of specific rehabilitation information in a

centralized repository as to optimise information collection, organisation and retrieval of information.

Other trials undertaken during 2014 are detailed under the following Rehabilitation Phases below.

During 2015, Wilpinjong is participating within a Master student from UNSW Australia research project called “Identifying alternate response models of endangered box gum grassy woodland following livestock exclusion.” The aim of the study is to:

1. Identify alternate response models of Box Gum Grassy Woodland and Derived Native Grassland following the exclusion of livestock grazing over a twenty year time frame;

2. Assess whether trajectories are progressing towards desired states (reference sties); and 3. Describe site conditions that mediate different response pathways.

The study proposes to test the following hypotheses;

1. Legacies from prior livestock grazing favour undesirable vegetation trajectories that contribute little to conservation/restoration goals;

2. Native species germination and establishment increase as time since grazing exclusion increases. 3. Site conditions (soil nutrients and soil surface condition) of ungrazed sites progress towards reference

site condition over time.


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Wilpinjong has one site suitable for inclusion in this study and will form one of four lower order study sites with less than 5 years of livestock grazing exclusion. Field work is to be completed by March 2015 with the final report expected by June 2015.

6.1.3 Rehabilitation Phases

As discussed above, WCPL have addressed the requirements of Condition 61, Schedule 3 of Project Approval (05-0021), and considers the submission and approval of the Wilpinjong Coal Project Open Cut Operations Mining Operations Plan (2014-2019) (MOP) to replace the pre-existing approved RMP. The MOP provides details on the process for rehabilitation strategies implemented on site including monitoring and managing progression towards successful rehabilitation outcomes. In relevance with the rehabilitation phases identified with the MOP, comment on the activities undertaken during 2014 is discussed below.

Stage 1: Decommissioning There were no decommissioning activities undertaken at the Mine in 2014. All properties located on Peabody owned property was investigated during 2014 by an engaged consultant to identify the presence of asbestos. This resulted in updating of the WCPL Asbestos Register which will better inform on better waste management strategies and effective safety mitigation.

During 2014, the Wilpinjong Coal Waste Management Plan (WMP) was developed and submitted to DP & E for approval. This Management Plan has been prepared to fulfil the requirements of the Project Approval (as modified) and EPL. WCPL will implement all reasonable and feasible measures to prevent and/or minimise any material harm to the environment that may result from the construction, operation, or rehabilitation of the project. This will include the disposal of inert building and demolition material in pit. As such the WCPL Inert Building & Demolition Material Disposal Task Guideline was developed to define the process that shall be followed by all personnel who are involved in the disposal of inert (non-hazardous) waste generated during the demolition of disused and dilapidated buildings/structures across the mining operation and local Peabody owned properties.

Stage 2: Landform Establishment

All 2014 rehabilitation landforms (40ha) were designed in accordance with Wilpinjong Final Technical Standards. All rehabilitation areas were developed with carbonaceous material being progressively placed back in-pit once the coal has been mined before a minimum of 2m of encapsulation using inert material.

Mine waste dumps were constructed using existing mine equipment including truck dumped material before being shaped using the Mine dozer fleet using APS technology to design. Overburden and interburden material was progressively placed back into mined out voids. This included coarse reject material from the CHPP being hauled back into the mine and deposited below the natural surface in the mined-out voids as close to the pit floor as practically possible. Coarse reject material is dispersed throughout the overburden within the mine waste rock emplacements to manage its geochemical characteristics.

During 2014, Wilpinjong developed the LOM Tailing Strategy which provides management guidance for the future tailings, coarse rejects and future wastes produced through the Belt Press Filters being commissioned at the CHPP in 2015. This strategy aims to address all aspects of LOM tailings (coal waste) management, including design, operation, water balance, decommissioning and rehabilitation and considers potential risks to landform establishment in respect to ARD, salinity & spontaneous combustion. .

Where possible, coarse reject material would not be placed within 5m of the final landform surface so there is sufficient coverage by overburden to reduce oxygen movement through the rehabilitated profile, which also assists to minimise spontaneous combustion potential within the rehabilitated waste rock emplacement landform. The reject material will be covered with overburden material and then at least 2m of inert cover when creating the final landform surface. All FSL-2m areas were surveyed prior to inert material placement.

Additionally, during the reporting period, the Keylah Dump Removal Plan was developed in consultation with the EPA & DP & E. This Plan relates to the excavation and disposal of waste material identified as being prone to spontaneous combustion from WCPL’s Keylah Dump. This plan provides guidance to ensure that the material is disposed in such a manner that prevents future heating and mitigate future risks to final landform and rehabilitation works. As identified, hot material was placed in identified voids in P5 & P1 in layers of 2.5m (average) thickness. These layers were then capped with 3m of inert material and track rolled prior to the next layer of hot material being placed. This process will continue to be monitored by surveyor pickups and OCE (or


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delegate) inspections until the material reaches 5m below the final surface level. During 2014, these dumps have not reached final landform however the dump locations have been captured in the WCPL Spontaneous Combustion Management Plan for future reference.

Wilpinjong is also currently conducting a review of spontaneous combustion propensity characteristics throughout the coal seam (including partings). This includes undertaking R70 testing and analysis of 45 samples from Pit 3, 4, 7 and 5 to understand the intrinsic coal reactivity to coal at the Mine. The program commenced in August 2014 with samples progressing with the mine sequencing. To date, G coal and all partings from Pit 4 N have been sampled. Results indicate a low propensity for spontaneous combustion and would suggest that more extrinsic factors influence current spontaneous events at Wilpinjong. Results however from the program will guide any improvements to carbonaceous material management and inform on mitigation measures. These learnings will also be applied to the design, construction and monitoring of the Elevated Waste Rock Emplacement to be developed in Pit 2.

All rehabilitated slopes constructed during the reporting period were shaped to no greater than 1:6 (10 degrees or 17%) across areas.

The surface of mine waste rock emplacements were constructed to approximate (where practicable) the existing topographic form of the shallow valleys which drain the Mine area. Mine waste rock emplacement surfaces are expected to be deep ripped to a depth of approx. 150 - 300mm to ensure the topsoil was bound with the underlying inert material and allow infiltration of water into the constructed landform. During 2014, 40ha of final landform was completed in preparation of topsoil placement, ripping and seeding. Due to unforeseen contractor management issues, this ripping and seeding of this area is scheduled to be completed in Autumn 2014.

No graded banks were constructed within rehabilitated areas due to the areas landform characteristics. The Pit 5 center rehabilitation to be completed in Autumn 2015 will contain flow path features comparable to the pre-mine regime.

Also in 2014 saw additional capping and topsoil placed on TSF 1. This was required to ensure a more favourable landform design was achieved to include minimal risk to uncontrolled discharge from site. This process included adding further capping the tailings dam with 2m of inert material placed over the tailings using a similar methodology and process to TSF 2. Initial placement included placing 1m of material in small increments to confirm no displacement of the tailings below before adding another 1m layer of material until full coverage was obtained. Topsoil has been added with OGM also scheduled to be applied before seeding with a grazing pasture seed species selection.

During 2015, 39ha of FSL is scheduled to be completed prior to topsoil placement.

Geochemical Testing and Monitoring As an extension to previous geochemical investigations undertaken as part the Environmental Assessment in 2005, WCPL has completed further environmental geochemistry assessment as part of the Wilpinjong Extension Project EIS during 2014. The investigation was conducted in two stages. Stage 1 involved a review of the Project along with the relevant site data and previous geochemical investigations, and the selection of samples for the geochemical assessment program. Stage 2 involved geochemical characterisation testing, and evaluation and reporting of the results. The specific objectives of the study include the following: Stage 1

1. Review the test work and findings of the geochemical investigations conducted by Environmental Geochemistry International Pty Ltd (EGi) (2005) for the Wilpinjong Coal Project Environmental Impact Statement (WCPL, 2005) and EGi (2006; 2008) for the nearby Moolarben Coal Complex.

2. Review the surface water quality monitoring data presented in Gilbert & Associates (2013) for the Wilpinjong Coal Mine Modification 5 Environmental Assessment (WCPL, 2013).

3. Review the available geological mapping and drill logs for the Project mining areas and liaise with relevant site personnel, as required.

4. Selection of representative samples of the overburden and interburden, including the coal seam partings, that would be encountered during the Project, to be obtained from the available drill core (2013 and 2014 programs) for inclusion in the geochemical testing program.

5. Selection of representative samples of coal rejects (coarse reject and tailings) for inclusion in the geochemical testing program.


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6. Selection of test work parameters and suitable analytical laboratories to be utilised to assess the acid forming potential and salinity, sodicity and element enrichment and/or solubility of the samples selected in Items 4 and 5, above.

Stage 2

1. Coordination of the sample preparation and testing programs identified in Item 6 of Stage 1.

2. Prepare a geochemistry assessment report which summarises the results of the previous test work, and describes in detail the sampling and testing program for the current study (Items 1 to 6 of Stage 1). The report evaluates the acid forming potential, salinity, sodicity and metal enrichment and/or solubility of the materials that would be encountered, identifies any implications for environmental management of the Project and provides recommendations for waste rock and coal rejects management and ongoing monitoring/testing requirements.

A total of 92 overburden and interburden samples were collected from 10 drill-holes distributed throughout the Project extension areas for Pits 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6, and the new pit (Pit 8) proposed for the Slate Gully area. A total of 10 composite coal reject samples were prepared, including the target Ulan Seam plies and the Moolarben Seam, M4 ply. Although not scheduled for mining, composite samples of the coal rejects from the Goulburn and Turill Seams were also prepared for inclusion in the testing program. Eighteen of the overburden and interburden samples representing the range of fresh and weathered material types were selected for multi-element analyses. Results indicate that arsenic (As) and selenium (Se) are significantly enriched (i.e. GAI of 3) in some of the fresh samples, including in particular the carbonaceous materials and the mixed lithology samples, and that As is slightly to significantly enriched (GAI of 2 to 3) in all of the weathered samples. Multi-element scans were performed on the water extracts from the fresh and weathered samples submitted for solids multi-element analyses in order to provide an indication of relative element solubility under the existing pH conditions of these materials. Results indicate that most of the contained metals are relatively insoluble under the prevailing quasi-neutral to slightly alkaline pH conditions. However, molybdenum (Mo) and Se were found to be readily soluble in all of the different fresh overburden and interburden material types, apart from the conglomerate and tuff samples. Lead (Pb) was also found to be highly soluble in one of the weathered gravel samples. This is unexpected under the slightly alkaline pH of this sample (pH 8.1) and may be due to contamination from an external source.

The concentration ranges of Mo and Se were compared to ANZECC livestock drinking water quality guidelines (ANZECC, 2000) in order to provide an indication of the relative solubility of these elements. These results indicate that the dissolved Mo concentrations are below the guideline value for all but one of the samples and that the dissolved Se concentrations typically exceed the guideline value.

Table 58: Geochemical classification and salinity ranking for coal rejects from the different Project seams and plies.

Seam/Ply Geochemical Classification

Salinity Ranking

Goulburn Seam* PAF Non-Saline

Turill Seam*

PAF/LC Non-Saline

Moolarben Seam NAF Non-Saline

Ulan Seam A1 Seam/A12 Ply PAF Non-Saline

B Seam/B1 Ply PAF/LC Non-Saline

B Seam/B2 Ply NAF Slightly Saline

B Seam/B3 Ply PAF/LC Non-Saline

E Seam/E12:E22 Ply PAF/LC Slightly Saline

G Seam/G1 Ply PAF Slightly Saline

G Seam/G1:G22 Ply PAF Non-Saline


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Table 59 : Summary of the pH, EC and acid forming characteristics of the different Project overburden

and interburden material types.

Material Type *pH1:2 EC1:2 Total S MPA ANC NAPP *NAGpH

(dS/m) (%S) (kg H2SO4/t) All Samples min. 5.1 0.072 0.02 1 0 -247 3.8

max. 9.0 1.723 0.33 10 249 6 10.8 (92 samples) aver. 7.7 0.373 0.06 2 16 -14 7.4 Alluvium min. 7.4 0.658 0.03 1 1 -2 6.9

max. 8.2 1.104 0.03 1 3 0 7.1 (3 samples) aver. 7.6 0.873 0.03 1 2 -1 7.0 Weathered Material min. 5.1 0.072 0.02 1 0 -64 3.8

max. 8.7 1.723 0.11 3 65 2 9.8 (16 samples) aver. 7.5 0.704 0.04 1 7 -6 7.1 Conglomerate min. 7.6 0.120 0.02 1 1 -63 5.6

max. 8.8 0.379 0.12 4 64 1 8.9 (6 samples) aver. 8.5 0.244 0.05 2 24 -23 8.0 Sandstone min. 6.6 0.139 0.02 1 1 -98 7.2

max. 9.0 0.548 0.04 1 99 0 9.8 (12 samples) aver. 8.2 0.253 0.03 1 30 -30 8.3 Siltstone min. 5.9 0.094 0.04 1 0 -10 6.4

max. 8.1 0.922 0.10 3 13 2 8.4 (5 samples) aver. 7.5 0.455 0.07 2 5 -3 7.2 Carb. Siltstone min. 6.4 0.154 0.05 2 1 -6 4.4

max. 7.9 0.197 0.24 7 11 6 7.9 (4 samples) aver. 7.7 0.177 0.15 5 4 0 6.0 Carb. Mudstone min. 6.2 0.143 0.11 3 3 -11 4.3

max. 7.6 0.889 0.20 6 15 2 6.9 (5 samples) aver. 6.5 0.537 0.15 5 6 -2 6.3 Tuff min. 5.4 0.087 0.05 2 4 -26 7.3

max. 8.3 0.529 0.33 10 31 -1 8.6 (10 samples) aver. 7.2 0.239 0.13 4 12 -8 7.9 Sandstone, Siltstone min. 6.6 0.078 0.02 1 1 -46 6.6

max. 8.9 0.339 0.06 2 47 0 9.5 (10 samples) aver. 8.0 0.198 0.03 1 13 -12 7.4 Sandstone, Mudstone min. 7.7 0.087 0.06 2 1 -29 4.2

max. 8.2 0.254 0.15 5 31 4 8.6 (2 samples) aver. 8.0 0.171 0.11 3 16 -13 6.4 Sandstone, Siltstone, Mudstone

min. 6.5 0.085 0.03 1 0 -51 6.9 max. 8.5 0.310 0.06 2 53 1 8.8

(8 samples) aver. 7.8 0.186 0.04 1 17 -13 8.3 Siltstone, Mudstone min. 7.0 0.139 0.03 1 4 -20 6.7

max. 8.5 0.776 0.11 3 22 -3 8.5 (6 samples) aver. 7.4 0.358 0.06 2 9 -7 7.3 Carb. Siltstone, Carb. Mudstone

min. 8.2 0.226 0.05 2 4 -47 7.0 max. 8.6 0.332 0.14 4 52 -2 8.7

(2 samples) aver. 8.4 0.279 0.10 3 28 -25 7.9 Carb. Claystone 6.9 0.596 0.11 3 7 -3 6.5 Sandstone, Carb. Mudstone 6.9 0.335 0.04 1 2 -1 7.3 Siltstone, Claystone 7.9 0.403 0.05 2 249 -247 10.8 * The median value is used for the average pH rather than the mean due the pH being a log-scale.


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The geochemical test for the coal reject samples included pH and EC, acid forming characteristics, element enrichment and solubility. Acid forming characteristics and salinity of the coal reject samples from the different seams are provided on Table 58.

Four of the coal reject samples were selected for multi-element analysis including the individual Goulburn, Turill and Moolarben seam coal reject samples and a composited sample of the Ulan Seam coal reject samples. Results show that As is significantly enriched in the Goulburn and Turill coal reject seam samples, and that Se is significantly enriched in the Goulburn and Ulan seam samples.

The results of multi-element scans performed on the water extracts provide similar results to the overburden and interburden samples, and typical of coal deposits in the region, Mo and Se are found to be readily soluble in some of the coal reject samples. The dissolved Mo and Se concentrations are compared to the ANZECC livestock drinking water quality guidelines. These results indicate that the dissolved Mo concentrations are below the guideline value for all of the coal reject samples, and that the dissolved Se concentrations exceed the guideline value in the Goulburn, Moolarben and Ulan seam coal reject samples, but do not exceed it in the Turill seam coal reject sample.

Stage 3: Growth Medium Development Topsoil placement involved utilising dozers to spread to the desired depth, as well as direct placement by scrapers. Topsoil is to be placed on top of the final landform to act as germination medium for vegetation and as a seed source from the natural seed bank present at the time of topsoil stripping. Topsoil placement shall only proceed once the final landform and major drainage works (i.e. graded banks, drainage channels and rock waterways if required) have been completed. During 2014, 40ha of topsoil placement occur has been applied to all available areas at an application rate of a maximum of 300 mm. Plate 4 shows topsoil being applied above inert material. All topsoil was sourced from existing topsoil stockpiles from previously stripped locations.

Plate 4 Topsoil applied being applied above inert layer


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Figure 19 OGM application areas

Soil Treatment In consideration for ameliorates required for rehabilitation areas, a specialist agronomist was engaged. Topsoil sampling was undertaken across all proposed rehabilitation area with results indicating the requirement for ameliorates in all areas. Results indicate a deficiency in P, K, CA, B, Cu, Zn, Cl and organic matter. Appropriate recommendations have been received including the application of lime, organic matter and fertiliser.

During 2014, WCPL undertook a trial to investigate the effect of Organic Growth Medium (OGM) in revegetation efforts. The primary aim was to add organics to the poor soils present at the Mine as previous research indicated that OGM had not been used previously at any mine within the Mudgee Mining Complex. OGM is a pasteurized soil conditioner that contains nutrients and organic matter which have been recycled from the urban waste stream. It was added as a soil amendment to see if pasture establishment could be improved through the assistance of providing additional organic carbon levels, nutrient improvement and water retention. Unfortunately, a planned trial to determine if OGM could be used as a topsoil substitute for pasture improvement failed due to contamination of the proposed area by upslope topsoil through a series of large rainfall events.

An external contracting company was engaged to undertake the application of the OGM, rip topsoil, apply lime and seeding. Broadcast Ag lime was application rate 1.5t/ha for areas with the majority of areas received an estimated application rate of 70t/ha whilst TSF1 received 100t/ha of OGM. Areas where OGM was applied during 2014 is shown in Figure 19. OGM Delivery, stockpiling and application are shown in Plate 5-7.

OGM was also applied to existing topsoil stockpiles in Pit 5 prior to ripping & seeding activities.

The application of OGM was undertaken in accordance with the Protection of the Environment Operations (Waste) Regulation 2005 – General Exemption under Part 6, Clause 51 and 51A – The organic outputs derived from mixed waste exemption 2011.

During 2015, Wilpinjong is proposing to trial feedlot cow manure at an application rate of approximately 2t/ha – 5t/ha to again understand if it presents as a suitable medium to improve organic levels within the poor soils present at Wilpinjong. It is anticipated that 40ha will received some level of cow manure application in addition to broadcast lime and soluble fertilizers. An additional 39ha is also expected to require some form of amelioration once topsoil testing is undertaken after topsoil is placed.


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Plate 5 OGM Delivery

Plate 6 OGM Stockpiles

Plate 7 OGM Application


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Stage 4: Ecosystem Establishment

Species to be planted in the rehabilitated landforms will be a mixture of native and introduced locally successful tree, grass and legume species selected to enhance seed banks stocks contained within topsoil resources. WCPL has implemented a native seed collection and propagation program, to ensure that the genetic integrity, structure and composition of local vegetation types are maintained throughout the broader landscape. The collection and propagation of locally native seed was carried out by a suitably qualified, licensed provider, who is trained in plant identification, seed collection, data recording, seed storage techniques and propagation. WCPL’s seed collection provider followed best practice principles for seed collection. During 2014, local seeds were collected from Peabody owned lands surrounding the Mine ML by an engaged contractor. Current species collected and stored within the seed bank are Allocasurarina verticillata, Angophora floribunda, Callitris endlicheri, Cassinia arcuata, E. albens, E blakelyi, E. crebra, E. melliodora, E. Punctat, Gahnia aspera, Themeda triandra.

During 2014, a total of 41ha was seeded with pasture species with species and application rates displayed in Table 60. As shown, no tree or shrub species were applied to firstly, understand if seed banks within the topsoil stockpiles contained viable tree & shrub seed and secondly, if deemed no trees or shrubs are established via natural processes, the areas will be substituted with tree stock at an acceptable rate suitable to meeting closure criteria. This will provide an opportunity to cost and evaluate different approaches and methodologies to undertaking rehabilitation at the Mine.

After completion of the WCPL Rehabilitation Knowledge Base, records would indicate that Jap Millet used as a cover crop had not been utilized previously on site at Wilpinjong. Interim observations indicate that it has proven to be successful with assisting with landform stabilisation through effective initial ground coverage due to favorable rainfall after seeding and OGM application. Die back of the Millet will also provide mulch protection before contributing to much needed organics back into the soil. Refer to Plate 8 for photos after establishment of vegetation.

It is anticipated once the BMP is approved, some minor changes will occur to the proposed species selection within the MOP. These changes are to reflect proposed new completion criteria for the Mine based on benchmark condition states for the two dominant vegetation classes found across the Mine – Western Slopes Dry Sclerophyll Forest and Coastal Valley Grassy Woodlands.

During 2015, 79ha of seeding will be undertaken including 40ha of areas to occur by Q2 2015 and 39ha scheduled to be completed by November 2015.

Table 60 : Species and application rates Jap Millet 5kg/ha Couch 3kg/ha Consol Love Grass 1kg/ha Tall Wheatgrass 3kg/ha Prairie Grass 3.5kg/ha Premier digit 3kg/ha Phalaris 2kg/ha Prairie Grass 3.5kg/ha Weeping grass 0.5kg/ha Yellow Serradella 1.5kg/ha Biserrula 1.5kg/ha Dalkeith Sub Clover 2kg/ha


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Plate 8 Photos of rehabilitation of vegetation establishment

Stage 5: Ecosystem Development

Monitoring and maintenance activities are ongoing with the results assessed and used to refine rehabilitation techniques. As mentioned previously, Wilpinjong has developed a Biodiversity Management Plan during 2014 which is currently awaiting approval. WCPL has developed measurable, quantitative Completion Criteria that will support the agreed final land use for the Mine. Interim Performance Targets have been developed to ensure that the Mine is progressing towards the Completion Criteria and overall mine closure objectives. A rigorous monitoring framework will be implemented to monitor the Mine’s progress against the Interim Performance Targets and Completion Criteria. Once the BMP is approved, updating of the Completion Criteria of rehabilitation areas, within the MOP will be completed.

WCPL’s Completion Criteria and monitoring program has been developed based on Landscape Function Analysis (LFA) will be used for assessing rehabilitation progress and success (Tongway & Hindley 2004). The proposed completion criteria are a significant change from the current monitoring methodologies employed. Due to these changes, monitoring activities have been suspended until the BMP approval process is completed. As


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such, no monitoring activities were undertaken during 2014 against current criteria used in previous monitoring activities. It is noted however, Niche Environment and Heritage undertook resilience analysis during 2014 to categorise the condition within these management domains using methodology as outlined in Appendix xx Resilience method and analysis. Map unit classifications used include:

• Good resilience; • Moderate resilience; • Poor resilience; and • No resilience.

Resilience mapping has been used to better understand the management implications prevailing within each of the management domains. Refer to Appendix xx Resilience Mapping which details the results of the resilience analysis. Stage 6: Relinquished Land Currently, mining activities at WCPL at the Mine has an approved 21 year mine life until the year 2027. In this reporting period, there are no areas subject for lease relinquishment.

6.1.4 Rehabilitation Maintenance

In accordance with the MREMP Guidelines, Table 61 provides a summary of the maintenance activities undertaken on rehabilitated land during the 2014 review period, and an estimate for the next review period (i.e. 2015).


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Table 61 : Maintenance Activities on Rehabilitated Land

Nature of Treatment Area Treated (ha)

Comment/Control Strategies/Treatment Detail Current Report

Next Report

Additional erosion control works (e.g. drains re-contouring, rock protection) 0 0

Erosion control works carried out within the ML 1573. Temporary rehabilitation on Pit 2 Dump and Duffy Dump.

Re-covering (e.g. further topsoil, subsoil sealing, etc.) 12.4 0

Approx 7ha of previously rehabilitation area was reapplied with topsoil, ameliorated with lime and further conditioned with OGM before being re-seeded. This area included previously disturbed rehabilitation used for operational reasons in Pit 1 as well as fringing sections which abutted roads in Pit 1. Approx 5.4ha of re-topsoiling TSF1 occurred due re-contouring the surface. Due to no monitoring being undertaken in 2014, there are no current works planned.

Soil treatment (e.g. fertiliser, lime, gypsum, etc.) 0 - Due to no monitoring being undertaken in 2014, there

are no current works planned.

Treatment/Management (e.g. grazing, cropping, slashing, etc.) 0 0 No treatment management occurred within the ML 1573

during 2014 and none is proposed in 2015.

Re-seeding/Replanting (e.g. species density, season, etc.) 12.4 0 See comments above – “Re-covering”.

Adversely Affected by Weeds (e.g. type and treatment) 5 10

Within the ML 1573, small areas containing Paterson’s Curse, Bathurst Burr, St John’s Wart and Blackberry were identified and sprayed. On WCPL-owned lands control activities were carried out for: Blackberry, St John’s Wart, Tree of Heaven, Willow and Blue heliotrope.

Feral Animal control (detail – additional fencing, trapping, baiting, etc.) 2,857.34 2,857.34

Feral animal control activities were undertaken within ML 1573 and on all WCPL-owned lands during the reporting period. Activities included fox and rabbit baiting and financial assistance was provided to the Wild Dog Destruction Board to assist eradication of dingoes and wild dogs.

2015 Key Tasks

• Development of appropriate trial of the use of cow manure for pasture establishment for woodland/pasture areas

• Development of appropriate Completion Criteria of rehabilitation areas within MOP in accordance with BMP requirements

• Complete seeding of 40ha by Q2 2015 and 39ha by Q4 2015 • Development of an internal rehabilitation sign off process to ensure planning and scheduling, actions,

responsibilities, and inspections are systematically approached and documented

7 BIODIVERSITY 7.1.1 Offset Strategy

Background During 2014, Modification 5 was approved. The biodiversity offset for Modification 5 comprises of two parcels of freehold land owned by Peabody, approximately 3km east and 12km north-east of ML 1573 (Figure 26). The biodiversity offset (approximately 211ha) comprises approximatey 193 ha of existing forest/woodland, 14 ha of shrubby regeneration and 4ha of derived native grasslands. The current Biodiversity Offset Strategy is shown in Table 62.


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Conditions 36, 37 and 38, Schedule 3 of the Project Approval (05-0021) outline conditions relating to the offset strategy for the Mine. The offset strategy includes the BOAs, ECAs and the Regeneration Areas outlined above.

Table 62 : Current Biodiversity Offset Strategy

Area Size

Enhancement and Conservation Areas 480ha Biodiversity Offset Area D & E 211ha Conservation Agreement In accordance with Condition 37, Schedule 3 of Project Approval (05-0021), a Conservation Agreement has been implemented between WCPL and the Minister administering the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Act, 1974. This agreement provides for the long-term security of the ECAs. In accordance with Condition 38, Schedule 3 of Project Approval (05-0021), this conservation agreement also provides for the security of areas containing Yellow Box White Box Blakely’s Red Gum Woodlands EEC. WCPL intends to reach an agreement with the NSW Government so that the BOAs can be permanently added to the adjoining Goulburn River National Park. WCPL recognises that the formal process of incorporating the area into the National Park may take some time, and as a result an interim conservation arrangement could be made to ensure protection and management of the biodiversity offset (eg a voluntary conservation agreement with the NSW Minister for the Environment). Biodiversity Management Plan During 2014, the Wilpinjong Coal Biodiversity Management Plan (BMP) has been developed in accordance with Condition 38, Schedule 3 of Project Approval (05-0021) as a result of approval of Modification 5. The purpose of this Management Plan is to describe the management strategies, procedures, controls and monitoring programs required to manage flora and fauna within the Enhancement and Conservation Areas (ECA), Biodiversity Offset Areas (BOA), Regeneration and Rehabilitation Areas in accordance with the Project Approval. The plan was developed in accordance with the Best Practice Guidelines for Biodiversity Offset Areas (2014). Consultation occurred with OEH on the development of this plan in September 2014. Currently this plan is awaiting approval from DP&E. The overall objectives of the BMP are to:

• Identify the land that will be required to be managed in accordance with this Management Plan; • Provide a framework suitable for the management of biodiversity in the Enhancement and ECAs, BOAs

and Regeneration Areas where White Box-Yellow Box-Blakely’s Redgum Woodland endangered ecological community (Box Gum Woodland EEC) are protected;

• Provide a clear, concise set of management actions and a schedule for the coordinated and effective delivery of biodiversity enhancement;

• Define realistic Completion Criteria and Interim Performance Targets for ECAs, BOAs and Regeneration Areas that can be quantitatively evaluated through a seasonally based monitoring program;

• Define the short, medium and long term management actions that will support achievement of WCPL’s Completion Criteria;

• Identify key environmental and regulatory risks to the implementation of this Management Plan; • Define a seasonally based monitoring program suitable for determining management success or

otherwise); • Provide suitable contingency measures and associated trigger action response plans (TARP) that

adequately address any deviation from the Completion Criteria or Interim Performance Targets; and • Define the responsibilities for implementing, reviewing and reporting on the Management Plan.


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The plan is modeled on management of domains which consists of BOAs, ECAs and Regenerations areas as shown in Figure 26. Niche Environment and Heritage undertook resilience analysis during 2014 to categorise the condition within these management domains. Map unit classifications used include:


Resilience mapping has been used to better understand the management implications prevailing within each of the management domains. The BMP also provides for a 3 year Management Schedule which will guide management actions of within all Domains (BOAs, ECAs and Regeneration Areas). Such actions include fencing, weed management, pest control, revegetation requirements, infrastructure removal and maintenance activities. The revegetation actions are prioritised in accordance with the map unit classifications with areas of no resilience or poor resilience receiving some form of treatment first. Regeneration Areas Regeneration areas, which predominantly comprise cleared agricultural land, have been established on areas of WCPL-owned land situated proximal to the Rehabilitation Areas (Plan 4). WCPL will continue to establish woodland vegetation in the Regeneration Areas through natural regeneration and selective planting if required. Section 5 of the EIS (WCPL, 2005) discusses the Regeneration Areas and their role in the successful rehabilitation of the Mine in detail. Specific rehabilitation objectives for the Regeneration Areas include: • To establish woodland vegetation in the Regeneration Areas (including the banks of Wilpinjong and Cumbo

Creeks) through natural regeneration and selective planting if required (i.e. in areas where natural regeneration is unsuccessful).

• To increase the continuity of woodland vegetation in the region. This will be done by providing woodland corridors between Goulburn River National Park and the remnant to the east as well as between an ECA and remnant vegetation adjoining the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve.

Key actions for 2015 include undertaking tree planting along Cumbo Creek in Rehabilitation Area 2 as shown in Figure 26 above.

Enhancement and Conservation Areas (ECA) ECAs have been established on areas of WCPL-owned land containing remnant vegetation and grazing land (Plan 4). Section 5 of the EIS (WCPL, 2005) discusses the ECAs and their role in the successful rehabilitation of the mine in detail. Rehabilitation objectives for the ECAs include: • Enhancement through the implementation of the land management practices such as the exclusion of

livestock to encourage natural regeneration and selective planting if required.

• Conservation through establishment of a voluntary conservation agreement which has rezoned the land associated with the ECAs for the purpose of protecting the land for conservation.

Approximately 2300 trees were also planted along Cumbo Creek within ECA A as shown below in Plate 9 and Figure 21. An inspection undertaken in January 2015 showed that there was a high success rate of the plantings. This was probably a consequence of favourable rainfall during summer months as well as undertaking supplementary watering during the early establishment phase. In accordance with a commitment of Modification 5, a tree screen was planted along the east-west section of Wollar Road in close proximity to ECA A. Approximately 1100 trees were planted using species outlined below. This will limit potential views of the Mine from Wollar Road, once established. More tree seedlings were also planted along the mine access road (approx. 200) to provide visual amenity mitigation. All tree species were grown using seeds drawn from Wilpinjong’s Seed Bank where applicable. Species planted include:


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• Bracchychiton populneus

• Acacia implexa

• Acacia ixiophylla

• Acacia paradoxa

• Angophora floribunda

• Kunzea ambigua

• Dodonaea cuneata

• Euc. albens

• Euc. blakelyi

• Euc. crebra

• Euc. melliodora

• Euc. moluccana

• Euc. punctata

• Melaleuca thymifolia

• Callitris endlicherii

• Melaleuca erubscens

• Callistemon pinifolious

• Leptospermum poly

• Acacia decora


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Plate 9 Tree Planting ECA-A


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Figure 20 Biodiversity Management Plan Domains


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Figure 21 – 2014 Tree planting areas within ECA A

Monitoring ECA and Regeneration Areas As discussed above, Wilpinjong has developed a Biodiversity Management Plan during 2014 which is currently awaiting approval. As part of the development of this Management Plan, WCPL engaged Niche to develop appropriate Completion Criteria for the various Management Domains across the Mine and to develop an appropriate biodiversity monitoring program to monitor the Mine’s progress towards its Completion Criteria and mine closure objectives. Niche developed Completion Criteria for the Mine based on benchmark condition states for the two dominant vegetation classes found across the Mine – Western Slopes Dry Sclerophyll Forest and Coastal Valley Grassy Woodlands. Interim Performance Targets and a new monitoring program have also been developed to monitor the Mine’s progress towards the Completion Criteria (see Figure 22 and Table 63). In order to develop site-specific Completion Criteria, baseline data will need to be collected as part of the first round of the new monitoring program. This baseline data will be collated and included in the next version of this Management Plan. WCPL’s Completion Criteria and monitoring program has been developed based on the Biometric methodology for assessing ecosystem function (Gibbons et al 2009). The BioMetric assessment method has been adopted for the purposes of measuring and comparing native vegetation and habitat complexity against the quantitative completion criteria and Interim Performance Targets. The BioMetric methodology is a standardised, repeatable and recognised approach to biodiversity assessment in NSW. WCPL propose to adopt the BioMetric assessment process and have undertaken a rapid assessment process to determine the most likely and suitable monitoring locations including those reference sites that will used to develop site specific benchmark vegetation types and conditions. Monitoring locations have been selected based on their representativeness as either reference or treatment sites. Treatment sites, being those selected from the various management domains across the Mine. A number of these treatment sites will be located in the riparian zones of Wilpinjong and Cumbo Creeks. WCPL propose to refine the monitoring sites during the first round of BioMetric monitoring. Additionally fauna monitoring will be used to qualitatively validate BioMetric and LFA monitoring results (i.e. self-sustaining stable landforms and vegetation structure have been successfully recreated or reintroduced and are being inhabited or frequented by local fauna).


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Terrestrial fauna surveys will be conducted to sample fauna species diversity and abundance in each Management Domain. Systematic surveys sites will monitor amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals (including bats) at a selection of representative sites already established for Biometric monitoring. Corresponding survey sites will also be established in areas of equivalent habitat type adjacent to the Management Domains to provide reference sites. Reference sites will provide comparative data so that the long-term progress of the Management Domains can be determined. The proposed completion criteria are a significant change from the current monitoring methodologies employed. Due to these changes, monitoring activities have been suspended until the BMP approval process is completed. As such, no monitoring activities were undertaken during 2014 against the current criteria used in previous monitoring activities. It is noted however, Niche Environment and Heritage undertook resilience analysis during 2014 to categorise the condition within these management domains using methodology as outlined in Appendix S. Resilience method and analysis. Map unit classifications used include:


Resilience mapping has been used to better understand the management implications prevailing within each of the management domains. Refer to Appendix T. Resilience Mapping which details the results of the resilience analysis. 2015 Key Tasks

• Approval of proposed Biodiversity Management Plan • 2015 tasks as outlined within the 3-year Schedule of the BMP • Make suitable arrangements to protect the Enhancement and Conservation Areas and Biodiversity

Offset Areas in Table 11 of Project Approval 05-0021


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Figure 22 Proposed Biodiversity Monitoring Locations


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Table 63 Proposed Biodiversity Monitoring Program

Area Site Coordinates

Management Zone Vegetation Class Monitoring Method

Easting Northing BioMetric LFA Fauna Bats

BOA-D

D_100* 784857 6427722 Native vegetation (good resilience) Western Slopes Dry Sclerophyll Forest

X X

D_101* 784306 6427422 Native vegetation (good resilience) X X

D_102 784563 6427262 Regeneration (moderate resilience) Western Slopes Grassy Woodland X

D_103 784083 6427173 Regeneration (moderate resilience) Western Slopes Dry Sclerophyll Forest X X X

BOA-E

E_100* 778299 6419408 Native vegetation (good resilience) Western Slopes Dry Sclerophyll Forest

X X

E_101 778761 6419564 Regeneration (moderate resilience) X

E_102 779053 6419319 Regeneration (moderate resilience)

Western Slopes Grassy Woodland

X

E_104* 779148 6419734 Native vegetation (good resilience) X X X

E_105 779002 6419978 Regeneration (poor resilience) X X

E_106* 778854 6420399 Native vegetation (good resilience) X X

ECA-A

A_100 771861 6416276 Regeneration (poor resilience)

Western Slopes Grassy Woodland

X X X

A_102 772926 6417078 Regeneration (moderate resilience) X X

A_103* 773154 6417587 Native vegetation (good resilience) X

A_104* 773695 6416293 Native vegetation (good resilience) X X X

ECA-B

B_100* 770111 6420997 Native vegetation (good resilience) Western Slopes Grassy Woodland

X X

B_101 770542 6420592 Regeneration (moderate resilience) X X X

B_103* 771072 6420157 Native vegetation (good resilience) Western Slopes Dry Sclerophyll Forest

X X

B_105 773141 6420468 Regeneration (moderate resilience) X X

B_106 771571 6420001 Regeneration (no resilience) Western Slopes Grassy Woodland X X

ECA-C

C_100* 768682 6418083 Native vegetation (good resilience) Western Slopes Dry Sclerophyll Forest

X X X

C_101 768377 6416929 Regeneration (moderate resilience) X X

C_102* 768940 6417281 Native vegetation (good resilience) Western Slopes Grassy Woodland X X

Regeneration Area 1 R1_100 774228 6420095 Regeneration (no resilience)

Western Slopes Grassy Woodland X X

R1_101 774053 6419239 Regeneration (moderate resilience) X X

Regeneration Area 2 R2_101 772639 6418355 Regeneration (moderate resilience) Western Slopes Grassy Woodland X

Regeneration Area 3 R3_100 770500 6415898 Regeneration (moderate resilience) Western Slopes Dry Sclerophyll Forest X X


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Area Site Coordinates

Management Zone Vegetation Class Monitoring Method

Easting Northing BioMetric LFA Fauna Bats

Regeneration Area 4 R4_100 770347 6420268 Regeneration (no resilience) Western Slopes Grassy Woodland X X X

Regeneration Area 5 R5_100 769191 6421422 Regeneration (moderate resilience) Western Slopes Grassy Woodland X X

R5_101 769500 6421595 Regeneration (moderate resilience) Western Slopes Dry Sclerophyll Forest X X

Regeneration Area 6 R6_101 767406 6420303 Regeneration (no resilience) Western Slopes Grassy Woodland X X X

Regeneration Area 7 R7_100 767907 6416557 Regeneration (moderate resilience) Western Slopes Grassy Woodland X X X

R7_101 767446 6415726 Regeneration (moderate resilience) Western Slopes Dry Sclerophyll Forest X X

Regeneration Area 8 R8_100 767739 6417107 Regeneration (moderate resilience) Western Slopes Dry Sclerophyll Forest X

Regeneration Area 9 R9_100 768975 6422067 Regeneration (moderate resilience) Western Slopes Dry Sclerophyll Forest X

R9_101 768828 6422230 Regeneration (poor resilience) Western Slopes Grassy Woodland X

Rehabilitation

R5 770234 6419256 Rehabilitation - Woodland

Western Slopes Dry Sclerophyll Forest

X X

R6 769562 6419517 Rehabilitation - Woodland X X X

R8 770231 6418596 Rehabilitation - Grassland X

R9 769118 6418973 Rehabilitation - Woodland Western Slopes Dry Sclerophyll Forest X X X

R10 768433 6419301 Rehabilitation - Grassland Western Slopes Grassy Woodland/Native Grassland

X



Reference Site*

5 sites TBD* TBD TBD Native vegetation Western Slopes Dry Sclerophyll Forest X X (1

site) 5 sites TBD* TBD TBD Native vegetation Western Slopes Grassy Woodland X

5 site TBD TBD TBD Regeneration - moderate resilience Western Slopes Dry Sclerophyll Forest X X

5 site TBD TBD TBD Regeneration - poor resilience Western Slopes Grassy Woodland X X X

5 site TBD TBD TBD Regeneration - moderate resilience Western Slopes Grassy Woodland X X


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8 WORKS PROPOSED IN THE NEXT REVIEW PERIOD Activities proposed to be carried out by WCPL at the Mine during the 2015 review period (i.e. 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2015) include the following:

• Continued exploration activities in EL 6169 and EL 7091.

• Continued exploration drilling within ML 1573 (including both infill drilling and lower density drilling).

• Continuation of rehabilitation works in completed mined areas.

• Inspection and review of rehabilitation areas to assess maintenance requirements.

• Continued weed and animal pest control across WCPL-owned land.

• Continued stock exclusion in the ECAs to promote regeneration.

• Continued consultation with surrounding landholders.

• Ongoing CCC meetings, including continued publication of the meeting minutes on the Peabody website.

• Finalise the Cumbo Creek Relocation Plan.

• Complete the Groundwater monitoring expansion program.

• Install a real time surface water flow meter system throughout the mine.

• Undertake geochemical analysis through the geological profile.

• Continue the Spontaneous Combustion Propensity testing regime.

• Investigate chemical options of dust and spon com suppression.

• Finalise approval of the Biodiveristy Management Plan • Undertake tasks outlined within 3-year Schedule of the BMP

• Make suitable arrangements to protect the Enhancement and Conservation Areas and Biodiversity Offset Areas in Table 11 of Project Approval 05-0021

• Development of appropriate trial of the use of cow manure for pasture establishment for woodland/pasture areas

• Development of appropriate Completion Criteria of rehabilitation areas within MOP in accordance with BMP requirements

• Complete seeding of 40ha by Q2 2015 and 39ha by Q4 2015

• Development of an internal rehabilitation sign off process to ensure planning and scheduling, actions, responsibilities, and inspections are systematically approached and documented

In accordance with Condition 4, Schedule 5 of Project Approval (05-0021), WCPL will review, and if necessary, revise the strategies, plans and programmes required under the Project Approval within three months following submission of this Annual Review and Environmental Management Report or as otherwise specified in the Project Approval.


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9 REFERENCES

AECOM (2012) Wilpinjong Coal Mine Independent Environmental Audit. Report prepared for Wilpinjong Coal Pty Limited. 6 March 2012.

Bureau of Meteorology (2013a) NSW in 2012: A cool, wet start and warm, dry finish. Website: http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/current/annual/nsw/summary.shtml Date Accessed: February 2013.

Bureau of Meteorology (2013b) Climate statistics for Australian locations. Website: http://www.bom.gov.au/jsp/ncc/cdio/cvg/av?p_stn_num=062101&p_prim_element_index=18&p_display_type=statGraph&period_of_avg=ALL&normals_years=allYearOfData&staticPage

Date Accessed: February 2013.

Department of Environment and Conservation (2004) Environmental Guidelines: Use of Effluent by Irrigation.

Department of Environment and Conservation (2007) Approved Methods for the Sampling and Analysis of Air Pollutants in New South Wales.

Department of Land and Water Conservation (2003) Rehabilitation of Open Cut Coal Mines using Native Grasses: Management Guidelines.

Department of Planning (2007) Guidelines for Establishing and Operating Community Consultative Committees for Mining Projects. June 2007.

Environment Protection Authority (2000) NSW Industrial Noise Policy.

Heritage Computing (2013) Wilipinjong Coal Mine – Groundwater Licensing.

Landcom (2004) Managing Urban Stormwater: Soils & Construction Volume 1. 4th Edition, March.

Landline Consulting (2012) Wilpinjong Coal Mine Stream Health Aquatic Macroinvertebrate Survey. November 2012.

McCullough Robertson Lawyers (2012) Peabody New South Wales Water Rights Audit – March 2012.

National Health and Medical Research Council (2011) Australian Drinking Water Guidelines.

Thiess Pty Ltd (2012) Wilpinjong Environmental Risk Matrix.

Turak. E, and Waddell. N, (2002) Australia-Wide Assessment of River Health: New South Wales AusRivAS Samping and Processing Manual. Monitoring River Health Initiative Technical Report Number 13. Department f Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities, Canberra.

Wilpinjong Coal Pty Limited (2005) Wilpinjong Coal Project Environmental Impact Statement.

Wilpinjong Coal Pty Limited (2006a) Wilpinjong Coal Project Surface Water Management and Monitoring Plan.

Wilpinjong Coal Pty Limited (2006b) Wilpinjong Coal Project Spontaneous Combustion Management Plan. May 2006.

Wilpinjong Coal Pty Limited (2010) Wilpinjong Coal Mine Mining Rate Modification Environmental Assessment. May 2010.

Wilpinjong Coal Pty Limited (2011a) Wilpinjong Coal Mine Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Management Plan. September 2011.

Wilpinjong Coal Pty Limited (2011b) Wilpinjong Coal Mine Rehabilitation Management Plan. September 2011.

Wilpinjong Coal Pty Limited (2013) Wilpinjong Site Personnel Car Pool Reimbursement Memo. 25 February 2013.

http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/current/annual/nsw/summary.shtml

http://www.bom.gov.au/jsp/ncc/cdio/cvg/av?p_stn_num=062101&p_prim_element_index=18&p_display_type=statGraph&period_of_avg=ALL&normals_years=allYearOfData&staticPage

http://www.bom.gov.au/jsp/ncc/cdio/cvg/av?p_stn_num=062101&p_prim_element_index=18&p_display_type=statGraph&period_of_avg=ALL&normals_years=allYearOfData&staticPage


APPENDIX A

ATTENDED NOISE MONITORING


APPENDIX B

REAL TIME MONITORING REPORTS


APPENDIX C

HABITAT TREE REGISTER SUMMARY


APPENDIX D

SUMMARY OF EXPLORATION DRILLING


APPENDIX E

AIR QUALITY MONITORING RESULTS


APPENDIX F

SURFACE WATER MONITORING RESULTS


APPENDIX G

WILPINJONG AND CUMBO CREEK

CREEK STABILITY ASSESSMENT


APPENDIX H

GROUNDWATER MONITORING RESULTS


APPENDIX I

BLAST MONITORING RESULTS


APPENDIX J

CULTURAL HERITAGE CLEARANCE


2014_Annual Review and Environmental Management Report_FINAL with table update.docx

APPENDIX K

WILPINJONG COAL MINE

COMPLAINTS REGISTER SUMMARY


APPENDIX L

CORRESPONDENCE


APPENDIX M

BBRA


APPENDIX N

FIGURES


APPENDIX O

PLANS


APPENDIX P

2014 INDEPENDENT ENVIRONMENTAL AUDIT


APPENDIX Q

COMMUNITY FACTSHEET


APPENDIX R

LAND MANAGEMENT


APPENDIX S

RESILIENCE METHOD & ANALYSIS


APPENDIX T

RESILIENCE MAPPING