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Wambo Coal Mine and

Rail Spur

_____________________________________________

Quarter 3, 2013

Environmental Noise Monitoring

Prepared for

Wambo Coal Pty Limited

_____________________________________

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Wambo Coal Mine and Rail Spur

Quarter 3, 2013

Environmental Noise Monitoring

Reference: 13248_R01.doc

Report date: 20 November 2013

Prepared for

Wambo Coal Pty Limited

PMB 1

Singleton NSW 2330

Prepared by

Global Acoustics Pty Ltd

PO Box 3115

Thornton NSW 2322

Prepared: Joel Curran

Chemical Engineer (Acoustics)

QA Review: Katie Weekes

Environmental Scientist

Global Acoustics Pty Ltd ~ Environmental noise modelling and impact assessment ~ Sound power testing ~

Noise control advice ~ Noise and vibration monitoring ~ OHS noise monitoring and advice ~ Expert evidence in

Land and Environment and Compensation Courts ~ Architectural acoustics ~ Blasting assessments and

monitoring ~ Noise management plans (NMP) ~ Sound level meter and noise logger sales and hire

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Global Acoustics were engaged by Wambo Coal (WC) to conduct a noise survey around the

Wambo Coal Mine (WCM), and the Wambo Coal Rail Spur (WCRS).

A noise survey around both the WCM and the WCRS is required quarterly as a condition of

their current development consents (relevant extracts from both are provided in the following

report sections).

Environmental noise monitoring described in this report was undertaken on 11/12 June, 1/2

August and 4/5 September 2013.

Attended noise monitoring was conducted at a total of four locations for WCM and the

WCRS (see Figure 1) during Quarter 3, 2013.

The survey purpose is to quantify and describe the existing acoustic environment around the

WCM and WCRS and compare results with relevant development consent conditions or

modelled EIS noise levels.

Attended monitoring was conducted during the night period in accordance with the EPA

‘Industrial Noise Policy’ (INP) guidelines and Australian Standard AS 1055 ‘Acoustics,

Description and Measurement of Environmental Noise’. The duration of each measurement

was 15 minutes. Monitoring was not conducted during the evening period, as evening

consent noise limits are the same as for the night period, and it is considered that night is a

more conservative period in which to monitor.

Noise levels from WCM and WCRS complied with the LAeq,15 minute and LA1,1 minute

development consent criteria at all monitoring locations during the Quarter 3 2013 survey.

It is noted that wind speeds and/or temperature inversion conditions were at levels greater

than which development consent conditions would apply for WCM and WCRS activities in

some instances.

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Table of Contents

1 INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1

1.1 Background ................................................................................................................................1 1.2 Monitoring Locations and Frequency ........................................................................................2 1.3 Terminology...............................................................................................................................4 1.4 Wambo Coal Mine Development Consent and EPL..................................................................5 1.5 Wambo Coal Rail Spur Development Consent ..........................................................................6 1.6 Low Frequency Criteria .............................................................................................................7

2 METHODOLOGY..........................................................................................................................8

2.1 Assessment Method ...................................................................................................................8 2.1.1 Overview .............................................................................................................................8 2.1.2 Attended Noise Monitoring .................................................................................................9

3 RESULTS.......................................................................................................................................11

3.1 Monitoring Locations...............................................................................................................11 3.2 Plant Locations.........................................................................................................................11 3.3 Attended Noise Monitoring......................................................................................................14

3.3.1 Wambo Coal Mine Noise ..................................................................................................15 3.3.2 Low Frequency Assessment...............................................................................................17

3.4 Atmospheric Conditions...........................................................................................................18

4 DISCUSSION ................................................................................................................................19

4.1 Noted Noise Sources ................................................................................................................19 4.1.1 N01, 11 July 2013 .............................................................................................................21 4.1.2 N03, 11 July 2013 .............................................................................................................22 4.1.3 N16, 11 July 2013 .............................................................................................................23 4.1.4 N23, 11 July 2013 .............................................................................................................24 4.1.5 N01, 1 August 2013...........................................................................................................25 4.1.6 N03, 1 August 2013...........................................................................................................26 4.1.7 N16, 1 August 2013...........................................................................................................27 4.1.8 N23, 1 August 2013...........................................................................................................28 4.1.9 N01, 4 September 2013 .....................................................................................................29 4.1.10 N03, 4 September 2013..................................................................................................30 4.1.11 N16, 4 September 2013..................................................................................................31 4.1.12 N23, 4 September 2013..................................................................................................32

5 SUMMARY....................................................................................................................................33

5.1 Summary ..................................................................................................................................33

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Appendices

A. DEVELOPMENT CONSENT................................................................................................A.1

B. CALIBRATION CERTIFICATES........................................................................................ B.1

C. METEOROLOGICAL DATA ...............................................................................................C.1

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1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background

Global Acoustics were engaged by Wambo Coal (WC) to conduct a noise survey around the

Wambo Coal Mine (WCM), and the Wambo Coal Rail Spur (WCRS). The mine and spur

operate under separate development consents and have been monitored separately.

Reporting, however, has been combined in this document.

Wambo Coal operates both open cut and underground mining operations from their mine at

Warkworth, NSW. The open cut operations include use of heavy mobile equipment in open

cut pits, on haul roads and on waste rock emplacements. The underground operations have

surface facilities. Both operations utilise a coal handling and preparation plant (CHPP)

including conveyors, bins and other material-handling infrastructure.

The WCRS is located between Mt Thorley and Warkworth Village, New South Wales (as

shown in Figure 1) and includes the following components:

� a product coal stockpile and reclaim area, product coal conveyer, train loadout bin, rail loop and a rail spur from the Wambo Coal Mine to Mount Thorley;

� rail transport of product coal to the market, an intermittent activity that can take place at anytime; and

� a locomotive refuelling facility.

A noise survey around both the WCM and the WCRS is required quarterly as detailed in the

Noise Management Plan (NMP).

Environmental noise monitoring described in this report was undertaken on the nights of

11/12 June, 1/2 August and 4/5 September 2013.

The survey purpose is to quantify and describe the existing acoustic environment around

WCM and WCRS and compare results with relevant limits.

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1.2 Monitoring Locations and Frequency

Attended noise monitoring was conducted at a total of four locations for WCM and the

WCRS. Table 1.1 outlines the monitor type and frequency for the noise monitoring locations

shown in Figure 1.

Table 1.1 WAMBO COAL MONITORING LOCATIONS AND FREQUENCY1

Site Reference Site Location2 Monitor Type Consent Requirement Frequency

N01 Lambkin Residence Attended Mine Development Consent Quarterly

N03 Kelly Residence Real-time &

Attended

Mine and Rail Spur

Development Consents

Continuous & Quarterly

N16 Muller Residence Real-time &

Attended

Mine Development Consent Continuous & Quarterly

N20 Thelander

Residence

Real-time Mine Development Consent Continuous

N21 Wambo South

Residence

Real-time Mine Development Consent Continuous

N23 Redmanvale Road Attended Mine Development Consent Quarterly

Notes: 1. Sourced from the Draft Wambo Coal Noise Monitoring Program – EMP011, May 2012; and

2. Quarterly attended monitoring locations are shown in italics.

While previous monitoring was undertaken on one day and night per quarter, it has been

decided to adopt the new draft noise monitoring programme that specifies monitoring on

three nights per quarter (once per month). This is a far more rigorous monitoring program

than was previously undertaken.

Attended monitoring of the WCRS train refuelling facility is required at the nearest privately

owned receptor (N03) one night per quarter as outlined in the draft noise monitoring

programme, and the Wambo Rail Spur Development Consent (February 2012).

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Source: Google Maps

Figure 1 Monitoring Locations

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1.3 Terminology

Some definitions of terminology, which may be used in this report, are provided in Table 1.2.

Table 1.2 TERMINOLOGY

Descriptor Definition

LA The A-weighted root mean squared (RMS) noise level at any instant

LA10 The noise level which is exceeded for 10 per cent of the time, which is

approximately the average of the maximum noise levels

LA90 The level exceeded for 90 per cent of the time, which is approximately the

average of the minimum noise levels. The LA90 level is often referred to as the

“background” noise level and is commonly used to determine noise criteria for

assessment purposes

LAeq The average noise energy during a measurement period

dB(A) Noise level measurement units are decibels (dB). The “A” weighting scale is

used to describe human response to noise

SPL Sound pressure level (SPL), fluctuations in pressure measured as 10 times a

logarithmic scale, the reference pressure being 20 micropascals

Hertz (Hz) Cycles per second, the frequency of fluctuations in pressure, sound is usually a

combination of many frequencies together

ABL Assessment background level (ABL), the 10th percentile background noise level

for a single period (day, evening or night) of a 24 hour monitoring period

RBL Rating background level (RBL), the background noise level for a period (day,

evening or night) determined from ABL data

Day This is the period 7:00am to 6:00pm

Evening This is the period 6:00pm to 10:00pm

Night This is the period 10:00pm to 7:00am

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1.4 Wambo Coal Mine Development Consent and EPL

WCM was granted consent (DA 305-7-2003) in February 2004, which enables the extension of

current open cut and underground mining operations. The latest modification to this consent

was approved in February 2011. The relevant sections of this modification are reproduced in

Appendix A.

The Wambo Coal Environmental Management System, Noise Monitoring Programme (Document

Draft, EMP011, May 2012) was prepared in accordance with Schedule 4. The Noise Monitoring

Programme indicates that monitoring will be conducted for WCM activities, and the noise

levels to be used for assessment. Monitoring for noise from mining activities is undertaken at

the properties numbered N01, N03, N16 and N23.

It should be noted that properties N01, and N03 are subject to acquisition upon request, as

detailed in Schedule 4, Condition 1 of DA 305-7-2003. As such, there are no operational noise

goals that apply directly to these properties.

Environment protection licence (EPL) number 529 applies to the site and the noise section of

the most recent version is reproduced in Appendix A.

Table 1.3 summarises relevant noise assessment criteria for WCM.

Table 1.3 WAMBO COAL MINE NOISE GOALS

Location LAeq,15minute Day (dB) LAeq,15minute Evening

and Night (dB)

LA1,1minute Night (dB)

N01 2 NA NA NA

N03 2 NA NA NA

N16 1 35 40 50

N23 1 35 38 50

Notes: 1. Criteria from modified development consent DA 305-7-2003; and

2. N01 and N03 are acquisition upon request and criteria are NA ‘not applicable’.

In accordance with the consent and EPL, the noise limits identified in Table 1.3 apply under

meteorological conditions of:

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

� temperature inversion conditions of up to 3ºC/100m, and wind speeds of up to 2 m/s at 10 metres above ground level.

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1.5 Wambo Coal Rail Spur Development Consent

The WCRS consists of two Development Applications (DA’s):

� The Wambo Rail Loop (DA 177-8-2004), modified in February 2012 to include a rail refuelling facility; and

� The Wambo Rail Line (DA 235/97).

The Wambo Coal Environmental Management System, Noise Monitoring Programme (Document

Draft, EMP011, May 2012) was prepared in accordance with Schedule 4. The Noise Monitoring

Programme indicates that monitoring will be conducted for WCRS activities, and the noise

levels to be used for assessment. The relevant section of the consent is reproduced in

Appendix A.

Monitoring for noise from rail activities has previously been undertaken at properties

numbered N01, N22 and N24 each quarter and at N25 every fifth quarter for rail pass-by

noise. An adjacent coal mine has purchased N22 and monitoring is no longer undertaken

here. Locations N24 and N25 have been removed from the monitoring program following

long-term demonstrated compliance. Monitoring is still undertaken at N01 as part of the

mine consent, however, monitoring of the rail activities is no longer required. As detailed in

the Draft NMP, monitoring at these locations will recommence following any complaints or if

there is a change in rolling stock.

It should be noted that properties N01 are subject to acquisition upon request, as detailed in

Schedule 4, Condition 1 of DA 305-7-2003. As such, there are no operational noise goals that

apply directly to this property.

Following the modification to DA 177-8-2004 to include a rail refuelling facility, monitoring of

this activity was assessed at the nearest privately owned residence (N03). Sound power

measurements were undertaken on the night of 26 February 2013 to ascertain refuelling noise

levels. Calculations were then made which estimate a received noise level of LAeq 24 dB(A)

at N03. This estimated received noise level is considered accurate regardless of

meteorological conditions due to the refuelling facility’s proximity to N03. Regular

monitoring is no longer undertaken at N03, as it is unlikely that the received noise level will

vary significantly. Should anything change with the procedure for refuelling, further

monitoring will be undertaken to determine changes to received noise levels.

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1.6 Low Frequency Criteria

As detailed in L4.3 of the EPL:

The modification factors in Section 4 of the NSW Industrial Noise Policy shall also be applied to

the measured noise levels where applicable.

As defined in the Industrial Noise Policy:

Low frequency noise contains major components within the low frequency range (20 Hz to 250

Hz) of the frequency spectrum.

As detailed in Chapter 4 of the INP, low frequency noise should be assessed by measuring the

C-weighted and A-weighted level over the same time period. The correction/penalty of 5 dB

is to be applied if the difference between the two levels is 15 dB or more.

Low frequency noise can also be assessed against criteria specified in the paper "A Simple

Method for Low Frequency Noise Emission Assessment ”(Broner JLFNV Vol29-1 pp1-14

2010). If the total predicted C–weighted noise level at a receptor exceeds the relevant

criterion, a 5 dB penalty (modifying factor) is added to predicted levels.

Low frequency assessment methods and criteria are detailed in Table 1.4.

Table 1.4 LOW FREQUENCY ASSESSMENT METHODS

Method Calculation Method Night-time Criterion Daytime Criterion

Broner, 2010 LCeq to 250 Hz 60 65

INP, total Total LCeq minus LAeq 15 15

The EPA is currently undertaking a review of the assessment of low frequency noise. While a

practice note is not yet available, low frequency noise results from WCM have been compared

to both criteria presented above.

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2 METHODOLOGY

2.1 Assessment Method

2.1.1 Overview

Noise monitoring was conducted at the nearest residences in accordance with the

Environment Protection Authority (EPA) ‘Industrial Noise Policy’ (INP) guidelines and

Australian Standard AS 1055 ‘Acoustics, Description and Measurement of Environmental

Noise’. WCM was in operation for all monitoring.

A measurement of LA1,1 minute corresponds to the highest noise level generated for 0.6

second during one minute. In practical terms this is the highest noise level emitted from the

Wambo Coal noise source during the entire measurement period (i.e. the highest level of the

worst minute during the 15-minute measurement).

As indicated in the consent conditions, the LA1,1 minute measurement should be undertaken

at 1 metre from the dwelling façade and the LAeq,15 minute measurement within 30 metres of

the dwelling. However, the direct measurement of noise at 1 metre from the façade is not

practical during monitoring for this project. In most cases, monitoring near the residence is

impractical due to barking dogs or issues with obtaining access. In all cases, measurements

for this survey were undertaken at a suitable and representative location.

Weather forecasts of predicted wind speeds and rainfall are always previewed prior to

commencement of monitoring. Approval to undertake monitoring is then sought from our

client. This procedure gives the best chance of monitoring during suitable atmospheric

conditions. However, forecasts are computer models generated for a general area based on a

number of atmospheric variables. These models are often generated 12 to 24 hours prior to

commencement of monitoring and are only as accurate as the model inputs.

Ryan Bruniges and Jesse Tribby conducted attended monitoring.

Meteorological data was obtained from the Wambo Coal Mine meteorological station. This

allowed correlation of atmospheric parameters and measured noise levels. Ground level

atmospheric condition measurement was also undertaken during attended monitoring.

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2.1.2 Attended Noise Monitoring

Attended noise monitoring was conducted at all sites during night hours. Monitoring was

not conducted in the evening period, as consent limits are the same for evening and night

periods, and night time monitoring is considered a more suitable time to measure the source

of interest. The duration of all measurements was 15 minutes.

Attended monitoring is preferred to the use of loggers when determining compliance with

prescribed limits; it allows an accurate determination of the contribution, if any, to measured

noise levels by the source of interest (in this case WCM).

The terms “Inaudible” (IA) and “Not Measurable” (NM) may be used in this report. When

site noise is noted as IA then there was no site noise at the monitoring location.

However, if site noise is noted as NM, this means some noise was audible but could not be

quantified. This means that noise from the site was either very low, or, being masked by

other noise that was relatively loud. In the former case (very low site levels) we consider it

not necessary to attempt to accurately quantify site noise as it would be significantly less than

any criterion and most unlikely to cause annoyance (and in many cases, to be even noticed).

If site noise were NM due to masking then we would employ methods as per the Industrial

Noise Policy (e.g. measure closer and back calculate) to determine a value for reporting if

deemed necessary. All site NM in this report are due to low absolute values.

Weather conditions were recorded at each location during each noise level measurement.

Although the consent is not specific as to where the meteorological data should be sourced,

information from WCM has been used as it is measured with an elevated anemometer as is

required by the consent. The anemometer at WCM is not overly distant from the monitoring

locations and is considered to be representative of the general area. Wind speeds measured

at 10 metres above ground are usually higher than those measured closer to ground level. In

accordance with consent conditions, noise criteria only apply in wind speeds up to 3 metres

per second.

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Table 2.1 shows the Beaufort Wind Scale and the corresponding wind speed in metres per

second.

Table 2.1 BEAUFORT WIND SCALE

Scale Description Observable Effects Wind Speed

(km/h)

Wind Speed

(m/s)

0 Calm Smoke rises vertically < 1.6 < 0.4

1 Light Air smoke drifts slightly 1.6 – 5 0.4 – 1.4

2 Light breeze Leaves rustle gently 6 – 11 1.7 – 3.1

3 Gentle breeze Leaves and small twigs

move

13 – 20 3.6 – 5.6

4 Moderate breeze Small branches move,

paper blown around

20 – 30 5.6 – 8.3

5 Fresh breeze Smaller trees sway 30 – 40 8.3 – 11.1

6 Strong breeze Large branches sway 40 – 50 11.1 – 13.9

7 Moderate gale Trees start to sway 50 – 60 13.9 – 16.7

8 Fresh gale Twigs/small branches

broken, walking difficult

60 – 75 16.7 – 20.8

9 Strong gale Loose exterior fixtures

damaged

75 – 85 20.8 – 23.6

10 Whole gale Trees blown down,

significant damage v

85 – 100 23.6 – 27.8

11 Storm Much damage 100 – 120 27.8

12 Hurricane Major natural disaster 120+ 33.3+

Source: Bush and Alpine Resources.

In Table 2.1, number 2 on the scale is approximately the upper limit for the application of

noise criteria under this consent. As this describes, up to 3 metres per second is a light breeze

where leaves rustle gently. In the Hunter Valley during daytime hours it is unusual

(especially during certain months of the year) for such light breezes to occur, particularly

where meteorological stations are situated.

The equipment used to measure environmental noise levels are listed in Table 2.2.

Calibration certificates are provided in Appendix B.

Table 2.2 MONITORING EQUIPMENT

Model Serial Number Calibration Due Date

Rion NA-28 sound level analyser 00370304 21/05/2015



Larson Davis 150 acoustic calibrator 3333 25/07/2014

Rion NC-73 acoustic calibrator 11248306 19/03/2015

Pulsar 106 acoustic calibrator 57413 09/10/2014

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3 RESULTS

3.1 Monitoring Locations

There were a total of four monitoring locations during this survey as listed in Table 3.1 and

shown on Figure 1.

Table 3.1 MONITORING LOCATIONS

Descriptor Monitoring Location

N01 367 Wambo Road, Bulga

N03 1071 Jerrys Plains Road, Warkworth

N16 Rear of ‘Kilburnie’, Golden Hwy, Jerrys Plains

N23 207 Redmanvale Road, Jerrys Plains

3.2 Plant Locations

WCM confirmed full or partial operations were in progress during the survey period.

Equipment in operation during night monitoring on 11/12 June, 1/2 August and 4/5

September 2013 are detailed in Figure 2, Figure 3 and Figure 4 respectively.

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Figure 2 Plant List – 11/12 July 2013, Night Shift

Figure 3 Plant List – 1/2 August 2013, Night Shift

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Figure 4 Plant List – 4/5 September 2013, Night Shift

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3.3 Attended Noise Monitoring

Noise levels measured at each location during attended 15 minute surveys are provided in

Table 3.2; discussion as to the noise sources responsible for these measured levels is provided

in Chapter 4 of this report.

Table 3.2 MEASURED NOISE LEVELS - QUARTER 3, 2013

Location Start Date and

Time

LA1 dB LA10 dB LAeq dB LA90 dB

N01 11/07/2013 23:30 45 44 42 41

N03 11/07/2013 22:57 64 55 53 46

N16 11/07/2013 22:27 61 53 50 40

N23 11/07/2013 22:00 42 39 37 35

N01 01/08/2013 23:42 45 43 42 40

N03 01/08/2013 23:09 60 51 49 43

N16 01/08/2013 22:36 48 43 41 37

N23 01/08/2013 22:07 43 38 36 34

N01 04/09/2013 23:31 42 39 37 35

N03 04/09/2013 22:54 43 41 40 38

N16 04/09/2013 22:25 43 41 40 37

N23 04/09/2013 22:00 41 39 37 35

Notes: 1. Levels in this table are not necessarily the result of activity at WCM or WCRS.

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3.3.1 Wambo Coal Mine Noise

Noise levels generated by activity at Wambo mine are shown in Table 3.3 and Table 3.4,

where comparison of measured LAeq,15 minute and LA1,1 minute levels for WCM is made with

relevant noise goals.

Table 3.3 LAeq,15 minute GENERATED BY WCM AGAINST NOISE GOALS - QUARTER 3, 2013


Time

Wind Speed

m/s VTG7

0C/100m

Criterion

LAeq,15min

dB1

Criterion

Applies? 3

WCM

LAeq,15min

dB 4,5

Exceedance 6,8

N012 11/07/2013 23:30 0.8 3.0 NA No NM NA

N032 11/07/2013 22:57 0.6 0.5 NA No 48 NA

N16 11/07/2013 22:27 0.3 4.1 40 No IA NA

N23 11/07/2013 22:00 0.3 4.1 38 No 30 NA

N012 01/08/2013 23:42 0.2 4.1 NA No IA NA

N032 01/08/2013 23:09 0.5 4.1 NA No 45 NA

N16 01/08/2013 22:36 0.7 0.5 40 Yes IA Nil

N23 01/08/2013 22:07 0.5 4.1 38 No NM NA

N012 04/09/2013 23:31 0.9 3.0 NA No 31 NA

N032 04/09/2013 22:54 0.8 4.1 NA No 38 NA

N16 04/09/2013 22:25 1.1 4.1 40 No NM NA

N23 04/09/2013 22:00 0.8 0.5 38 Yes IA Nil

Notes: 1. Development consent criterion;

2. Monitoring location is within Zone of Affectation, criterion not applicable (NA);

3. The noise emission limits identified in the above table apply under meteorological conditions of:

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

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

ground level.

4. Estimated or measured LAeq dB attributed to WCM;

5. NM denotes WCM audible but not measurable, IA denotes inaudible;

6. NA in exceedance column means atmospheric conditions outside conditions specified in development consent and

so criterion is not applicable;

7. Vertical temperature gradient (VTG) calculated using sigma theta values according to INP procedures; and

8. Bold and red text indicate an exceedance of relevant criterion.

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Table 3.4 LA1,1 minute GENERATED BY WCM AGAINST NOISE GOALS - QUARTER 3, 2013


Time

Wind

Speed

m/s

VTG7 0C/100m

Criterion

LA1,1min

dB1

Criterion

Applies? 3

WCM

LA1,1min

dB 4,5

Exceedance 6,8

N012 11/07/2013 23:30 0.8 3.0 NA No NM NA

N032 11/07/2013 22:57 0.6 0.5 NA No 54 NA

N16 11/07/2013 22:27 0.3 4.1 40 No IA NA

N23 11/07/2013 22:00 0.3 4.1 38 No IA NA

N012 01/08/2013 23:42 0.2 4.1 NA No IA NA

N032 01/08/2013 23:09 0.5 4.1 NA No 47 NA

N16 01/08/2013 22:36 0.7 0.5 40 Yes IA Nil

N23 01/08/2013 22:07 0.5 4.1 38 No NM NA

N012 04/09/2013 23:31 0.9 3.0 NA No 39 NA

N032 04/09/2013 22:54 0.8 4.1 NA No 42 NA

N16 04/09/2013 22:25 1.1 4.1 40 No NM NA

N23 04/09/2013 22:00 0.8 0.5 38 Yes IA Nil

Notes: 1. Development consent criterion;

2. Monitoring location is within Zone of Affectation, criterion not applicable (NA);

3. The noise emission limits identified in the above table apply under meteorological conditions of:

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

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

ground level.

4. Estimated or measured LA1,1minute dB attributed to WCM;

5. NM denotes WCM audible but not measurable, IA denotes inaudible “-” denotes no criterion;

6. NA in exceedance column means atmospheric conditions outside conditions specified in development consent and

so criterion is not applicable, or, there is no applicable criterion;

7. Vertical temperature gradient (VTG) calculated using sigma theta values according to INP procedures; and

8. Bold and red text indicate an exceedance of relevant criterion.

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3.3.2 Low Frequency Assessment

Table 3.5 provides statistics for attended noise monitoring undertaken around WCM during

Quarter 3, 2013.

Table 3.5 ATTENDED MEASUREMENT STATISTICS FOR WCM – QUARTER 3, 2013

Conditions Total for Quarter 3, 2013

Number of measurements 12

Number of measurements where WCM was

measurable and criterion applied

0

None of the 12 measurements occurred during which WCM was measurable (not “inaudible”

or “not measurable”) and where meteorological conditions resulted in criteria applying (in

accordance with the EPL). As there are no other identified low frequency exceedances as

detailed in Table 3.5, no further action is required.

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3.4 Atmospheric Conditions

Atmospheric condition data measured at each location are shown in Table 3.6. Data obtained

concurrently by the meteorological station is provided in Appendix C.

Table 3.6 MEASURED ATMOSPHERIC CONDITIONS1


Time

Temperature

degrees

Wind Speed

m/s

Wind

Direction 0MN

Cloud Cover

eighths

N01 11/07/2013 23:30 7 0.0 - 0

N03 11/07/2013 22:57 10 0.0 - 0

N16 11/07/2013 22:27 13 0.0 - 2

N23 11/07/2013 22:00 14 0.0 - 2

N01 01/08/2013 23:42 6 0.0 - 0

N03 01/08/2013 23:09 9 0.0 - 0

N16 01/08/2013 22:36 11 0.0 - 0

N23 01/08/2013 22:07 11 0.4 300 0

N01 04/09/2013 23:31 9 0.0 - 0

N03 04/09/2013 22:54 11 0.0 - 0

N16 04/09/2013 22:25 15 0.5 200 0

N23 04/09/2013 22:00 17 0.0 - 0

Notes: 1. Wind speed and direction measured at 1.8 metres.

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4 DISCUSSION

4.1 Noted Noise Sources

Table 3.2 presents data gathered during attended monitoring. These noise levels are the

result of many sounds reaching the sound level meter microphone during monitoring.

Received levels from various noise sources were noted during attended monitoring and

particular attention was paid to the contribution of WCM, if any, to measured levels. At each

receptor location, the LAeq and LA1 (night-time only) for the WCM (in the absence of any

other noise) was, where possible, measured directly, or, determined by frequency analysis.

These levels are summarised in Table 3.3 and Table 3.4. Time variations of noise sources in

each measurement, their temporal characteristics, are taken into account via statistical

descriptors.

From these observations summaries have been derived for each location. The following

chapter sections provide these summaries. Statistical 1/3 octave band analysis of

environmental noise was undertaken, and Figure 6 to Figure 17 display the frequency ranges

for various noise sources at each location for LA1, LA10, LA90, and LAeq. These figures also

provide, graphically, statistical information for these noise levels.

An example is provided as Figure 5 where it can be seen that frogs and insects are generating

noise at frequencies above 1000 Hz; mining noise is at frequencies less than 1000 Hz (this is

typical). Adding levels at frequencies that relate to mining only allows separate statistical

results to be calculated. This analysis cannot always be performed if there are significant

levels of other noise at the same frequencies as mining; this can be dogs, cows, or, most

commonly, road traffic.

It should be noted that the method of summing statistical values up to a cut-off frequency can

overstate the LA1result by a small margin but is entirely accurate for LAeq.

13248_R01.doc

Page 20

Figure 5 Sample Graph

Environmental Noise Levels20 March 2004, 0306 hours

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

55

60

65

70

50 63 80 100

125

160

200

250

315

400

500

630

800

1000

1250

1600

2000

2500

3150

4000

5000

6300

8000

1000

0

Tot

al

Frequency (Hz)

dB(A

)

TotL1 TotL10 TotLeq TotL90 L1 L10 Leq L90

Measured Noise LevelsLA1 39 dBLA10 37 dBLAeq 35 dBLA90 32 dB

Site Only Noise Levels LA10 34 dBLAeq 32 dB

All statistics are 15minunless noted otherwise

Insects

Frogs

Mine dragline fans, bucket noise, rear dump truck engine and transmission noise

13248_R01.doc

Page 21

4.1.1 N01, 11 July 2013

Figure 6 Environmental Noise Levels, N01 - Lambkin

Brief, low-level transmission, fan, exhaust and engine noise from WCM was audible during

the measurement, however these levels were not measurable.

A continuum and dozer tracks from another mine combined with frogs to generate measured

levels.

Dogs and birds were also noted.

Environmental Noise Levels At N0111 July 2013, 2330 hours

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

55

60

65

70

25

31.5 40 50 63 80 100

125

160

200

250

315

400

500

630

800

1000

1250

1600

2000

2500

3150

4000

5000

6300

8000

1000

0

Tot

al

Frequency (Hz)

dB(A

)

TotalLA1 TotalLA10 TotalLAeq TotalLA90 LA1 LA10 LAeq LA90

Measured Noise LevelsLAmax: 48 dBLA1: 45 dBLA10: 44 dBLA50: 42 dBLAeq: 42 dBLA90: 41 dBLAmin: 37 dB

Site Only Noise LevelsLA1,1min: Not MeasurableLAeq: Not Measurable

All statistics are 15minunless noted otherwisein report

Other mine exhaust continuum, WCM

exhaust noise Other mine engine, fan and dozer tracks

WCM engine, fan and transmission noise Frogs

13248_R01.doc

Page 22

4.1.2 N03, 11 July 2013

Figure 7 Environmental Noise Levels, N03 - Kelly

A continuum from the WCM CHPP was audible during the measurement and generated the

site only LAeq of 48 dB and the site only LA1,1minute of 54 dB. This continuum was a minor

contributor to the measured LA10, and LAeq and was primarily responsible for the measured

LA90.

Road traffic was primarily responsible for the measured LA1, LA10, and LAeq.

Engine noise from another mine was briefly audible twice.


20

25

30

35

40

45

50

55

60

65

70

25

31.5 40 50 63 80 100

125

160

200

250

315

400

500

630

800

1000

1250

1600

2000

2500

3150

4000

5000

6300

8000

1000

0

Tot

al

Frequency (Hz)

dB(A

)



Site Only Noise LevelsLA1,1min: 54 dBLAeq: 48 dB


WCM CHPP continuum,Road traffic exhaust noise

Road traffic tyre noise, WCM CHPP continuum

13248_R01.doc

Page 23

4.1.3 N16, 11 July 2013

Figure 8 Environmental Noise Levels, N16 - Muller

WCM was inaudible.

Road traffic noise generated the measured LA1, LA10 and LAeq. A continuum from another

mine was responsible for the measured LA90.

Frogs were also noted.


20

25

30

35

40

45

50

55

60

65

70

25

31.5 40 50 63 80 100

125

160

200

250

315

400

500

630

800

1000

1250

1600

2000

2500

3150

4000

5000

6300

8000

1000

0

Tot

al

Frequency (Hz)

dB(A

)



Site Only Noise LevelsLA1,1min: InaudibleLAeq: Inaudible


Other mine exhaust continuum,

Road traffic exhaust noise

Road traffic tyre noise,Other mine engine/fan

continuum

Frogs

13248_R01.doc

Page 24

4.1.4 N23, 11 July 2013

Figure 9 Environmental Noise Levels, N23 - Carter

WCM was inaudible.

A continuum from another mine was responsible for all measured levels.

Frogs, distant road traffic and an aircraft were also noted.


20

25

30

35

40

45

50

55

60

65

70

25

31.5 40 50 63 80 100

125

160

200

250

315

400

500

630

800

1000

1250

1600

2000

2500

3150

4000

5000

6300

8000

1000

0

Tot

al

Frequency (Hz)

dB(A

)





Other mine exhaust continuum

Other mine engine/fan continuum

Road traffic tyre noise

13248_R01.doc

Page 25

4.1.5 N01, 1 August 2013

Figure 10 Environmental Noise Levels, N01 - Lambkin

WCM was inaudible.

A continuum from another mine generated all measured levels. Impact noise from the other

mine was also noted.

Cows and frogs were also noted.

Environmental Noise Levels At N011 Aug 2013, 2342 hours

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

55

60

65

70

25

31.5 40 50 63 80 100

125

160

200

250

315

400

500

630

800

1000

1250

1600

2000

2500

3150

4000

5000

6300

8000

1000

0

Tot

al

Frequency (Hz)

dB(A

)





Other mine exhaust continuum Other mine engine/fan

continuum and cows

Frogs

13248_R01.doc

Page 26

4.1.6 N03, 1 August 2013

Figure 11 Environmental Noise Levels, N03 – Kelly

A continuum from WCM CHPP contributed to all measured levels, and generated the site

only LAeq of 45 dB and site only LA1,1min of 47 dB. WCM was responsible for the measured

LA90 and was a minor contributor to the measured LA10 and LAeq.

Road traffic was primarily responsible for the measured LA1, LA10 and LAeq.

A low-level continuum from another mine was also noted.


20

25

30

35

40

45

50

55

60

65

70

25

31.5 40 50 63 80 100

125

160

200

250

315

400

500

630

800

1000

1250

1600

2000

2500

3150

4000

5000

6300

8000

1000

0

Tot

al

Frequency (Hz)

dB(A

)





WCM CHPP continuum,Road traffic exhaust noise,

Other mine continuum

Road traffic tyre noise, WCM CHPP continuum

13248_R01.doc

Page 27

4.1.7 N16, 1 August 2013


WCM was inaudible.

Road traffic noise generated the measured LA1 and contributed to the measured LA10 and

LAeq. A continuum from another mine contributed to the measured LA10 and LAeq and was

responsible for the measured LA90.


20

25

30

35

40

45

50

55

60

65

70

25

31.5 40 50 63 80 100

125

160

200

250

315

400

500

630

800

1000

1250

1600

2000

2500

3150

4000

5000

6300

8000

1000

0

Tot

al

Frequency (Hz)

dB(A

)






Road traffic exhaust noise

Other mine engine/fan continuum,


Frogs

13248_R01.doc

Page 28

4.1.8 N23, 1 August 2013


Low-level engine noise was briefly audible from WCM twice, however these levels were not

measurable.

Frogs and insects were responsible for the measured LA1 and were a minor contributor to the

measured LAeq. A continuum from another mine generated the measured LA10 and LA90

and was primarily responsible for the measured LAeq.

Dogs and distant road traffic were also noted.


20

25

30

35

40

45

50

55

60

65

70

25

31.5 40 50 63 80 100

125

160

200

250

315

400

500

630

800

1000

1250

1600

2000

2500

3150

4000

5000

6300

8000

1000

0

Tot

al

Frequency (Hz)

dB(A

)






Other mine engine/fan continuum,

Distant road traffic tyre noise

Insects and frogs

13248_R01.doc

Page 29

4.1.9 N01, 4 September 2013

Figure 14 Environmental Noise Levels, N01 – Lambkin

A continuum from WCM was audible and generated the site only LAeq of 31 dB and

LA1,1minute of 39 dB.

A continuum and dragline bucket noise from another mine was primarily responsible for

measured levels. The continuum from WCM was a minor contributor to the measured LA10,

LAeq and LA90.

Frogs were also noted.

Environmental Noise Levels At N014 Sep 2013, 2331 hours

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

55

60

65

70

25

31.5 40 50 63 80 100

125

160

200

250

315

400

500

630

800

1000

1250

1600

2000

2500

3150

4000

5000

6300

8000

1000

0

Tot

al

Frequency (Hz)

dB(A

)






WCM exhaust noise

Other mine continuum and dragline bucket noise,

WCM engine/fan noise

Frogs

13248_R01.doc

Page 30

4.1.10 N03, 4 September 2013

Figure 15 Environmental Noise Levels, N03 - Kelly

A continuum from WCM CHPP generated the site only LAeq of 38 dB and LA1,1minute of

42 dB. Exhaust, engine and fan noise was also noted.

WCO combined with a continuum from another mine to generate all measured levels. Dozer

tracks and reverse alarms from the other mine were also noted.

Frogs were also noted at low levels.


20

25

30

35

40

45

50

55

60

65

70

25

31.5 40 50 63 80 100

125

160

200

250

315

400

500

630

800

1000

1250

1600

2000

2500

3150

4000

5000

6300

8000

1000

0

Tot

al

Frequency (Hz)

dB(A

)





WCM CHPP continuum ,Other mine exhaust

continuumWCM CHPP continuum,


Frogs

13248_R01.doc

Page 31

4.1.11 N16, 4 September 2013


WCM was briefly audible for low level dozer track and fan noise, however these levels were

not measurable.

A continuum from another mine generated all measured levels.

Frogs and bats were noted at low levels.


20

25

30

35

40

45

50

55

60

65

70

25

31.5 40 50 63 80 100

125

160

200

250

315

400

500

630

800

1000

1250

1600

2000

2500

3150

4000

5000

6300

8000

1000

0

Tot

al

Frequency (Hz)

dB(A

)







Frogs

13248_R01.doc

Page 32

4.1.12 N23, 4 September 2013


WCM was inaudible.

A continuum from another mine was primarily responsible for measured levels. Frogs

contributed to the LA1.

Dogs and distant road traffic were also noted.


20

25

30

35

40

45

50

55

60

65

70

25

31.5 40 50 63 80 100

125

160

200

250

315

400

500

630

800

1000

1250

1600

2000

2500

3150

4000

5000

6300

8000

1000

0

Tot

al

Frequency (Hz)

dB(A

)





Other mine exhaust continuum Other mine engine/fan

continuum


Frogs

13248_R01.doc

Page 33

5 SUMMARY

5.1 Summary

Environmental noise monitoring described in this report was undertaken during the nights of

11/12 June 1/2 August and 4/5 September 2013.

Noise levels from WCM complied with the LAeq,15 minute and LA1,1 minute development

consent criteria at all monitoring locations during the Quarter 3 2013 survey.

It is noted that wind speeds and/or temperature inversion conditions were at levels greater

than which development consent conditions would apply for WCM activities in some

instances.

13248_R01.doc

Page A.1

A P P E N D I X

A . D EV EL O P M EN T C O N S EN T

13248_R01.doc

Page A.2

A.1A.1A.1A.1 WAMBO COAL MINE DEVELOPMENT CONSENTWAMBO COAL MINE DEVELOPMENT CONSENTWAMBO COAL MINE DEVELOPMENT CONSENTWAMBO COAL MINE DEVELOPMENT CONSENT

A.1.1A.1.1A.1.1A.1.1 Relevant Wambo Coal Mine Development Consent ConditionsRelevant Wambo Coal Mine Development Consent ConditionsRelevant Wambo Coal Mine Development Consent ConditionsRelevant Wambo Coal Mine Development Consent Conditions

The relevant sections of the February 2011 modified conditions are reproduced below:

13248_R01.doc

Page A.3

13248_R01.doc

Page A.4

A.2A.2A.2A.2 WAMBO RAIL SPUR DEVELOPMENT CONSENTWAMBO RAIL SPUR DEVELOPMENT CONSENTWAMBO RAIL SPUR DEVELOPMENT CONSENTWAMBO RAIL SPUR DEVELOPMENT CONSENT

The relevant sections of the February 2012 modified conditions for the rail spur are

reproduced below:

13248_R01.doc

Page A.5

A.3A.3A.3A.3 WAMBO RAIL LINE DEVELOPMENT CONSENTWAMBO RAIL LINE DEVELOPMENT CONSENTWAMBO RAIL LINE DEVELOPMENT CONSENTWAMBO RAIL LINE DEVELOPMENT CONSENT

The relevant sections of the 1998 conditions for the rail line are reproduced below:

13248_R01.doc

Page A.6

A.4A.4A.4A.4 WAMBO ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION LICENCE NUMBER 529WAMBO ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION LICENCE NUMBER 529WAMBO ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION LICENCE NUMBER 529WAMBO ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION LICENCE NUMBER 529

The relevant sections of the EPL are reproduced below:

13248_R01.doc

Page A.7

13248_R01.doc

Page B.1

A P P E N D I X

B . C A L I B R A T I O N C ER T I F I C A T ES

13248_R01.doc

Page B.2

13248_R01.doc

Page B.3

13248_R01.doc

Page B.4

13248_R01.doc

Page B.5

13248_R01.doc

Page B.6

13248_R01.doc

Page B.7

13248_R01.doc

Page B.8

13248_R01.doc

Page C.1

A P P E N D I X

C . M ET EO R O L O G I C A L D A T A

13248_R01.doc

Page C.2

Table C.1 WAMBO COAL METEOROLOGICAL STATION DATA

End Date and Time Wind Speed Average

m/s

Wind Direction Average

Degrees

Sigma Theta

11/07/2013 22:00 0.4 181 0.14

11/07/2013 22:15 0.3 181 0.27

11/07/2013 22:30 0.4 180 0.36

11/07/2013 22:45 0.3 180 0.00

11/07/2013 23:00 0.5 181 0.71

11/07/2013 23:15 0.6 186 4.23

11/07/2013 23:30 0.5 190 0.04

11/07/2013 23:45 0.8 219 19.26

12/07/2013 00:00 0.2 216 -

12/07/2013 00:15 0.0 90 -

12/07/2013 00:30 0.4 216 0.17

1/08/2013 22:00 0.7 183 0.31

1/08/2013 22:15 0.5 183 0.23

1/08/2013 22:30 0.3 183 0.11

1/08/2013 22:45 0.7 197 13.07

1/08/2013 23:00 0.5 208 0.66

1/08/2013 23:15 0.5 207 0.20

1/08/2013 23:30 0.5 208 0.47

1/08/2013 23:45 0.0 208 -

2/08/2013 00:00 0.2 208 0.21

2/08/2013 00:15 0.3 208 -

2/08/2013 00:30 0.4 208 0.12

4/09/2013 22:00 1.0 176 10.02

4/09/2013 22:15 0.8 183 6.78

4/09/2013 22:30 1.0 191 3.68

4/09/2013 22:45 1.1 197 1.66

4/09/2013 23:00 1.1 197 2.97

4/09/2013 23:15 0.8 195 2.05

4/09/2013 23:30 0.9 189 4.58

4/09/2013 23:45 0.9 196 3.17

5/09/2013 00:00 0.7 205 6.40

5/09/2013 00:15 0.4 218 4.93

5/09/2013 00:30 0.2 208 5.83

Notes: Some data not available from weather station.

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