Westside Environmental Management Plan - Glencore · OCAL has developed an Environmental Management...

Westside

Environmental Management Plan

WSC SD PLN 0016

Westside Environmental Management Plan

Status: Approved

Version: 6.0

Effective: 15/07/2016

Review: 15/07/2019

Page 1 of 67

THIS DOCUMENT IS UNCONTROLLED UNLESS VIEWED ON THE INTRANET

WESTSIDE ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN

Westside


WSC SD PLN 0016

Westside Environmental Management Plan Status: Approved

Version: 6.0


Review: 15/07/2019

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1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background

Westside Mine is a former open cut coal mine located approximately 20 kilometres southwest of

Newcastle, in the Lake Macquarie local government area (LGA), New South Wales (refer to Figure 1).

The mine commenced operating in 1992 and ceased coaling activities in March 2012. The former open cut

site is currently managed by Oceanic Coal Australia Limited (OCAL) on behalf of the Macquarie Coal

Joint Venture (MCJV). OCAL is wholly owned by Glencore Plc.

Westside Mine was granted development consent (DA 125-5-2002) on 23 January 2003 by the Minister for

Planning to construct and operate the Westside Mine Southern Extension. This development consent

allowed open cut operations to continue for a further 7 to 12 years. The cessation of mining occurred in

March 2012.

1.2 Scope

The purpose of this Environmental Management Plan (EMP) is to define environmental management

objectives for the site, and provide a framework for effective environmental management of the activities

at Westside Mine during its closure phase.

This will incorporate the following but is not limited to:

Materials Management Plan

Noise Management Plan

Soil and Water Management Plan

Landscape and Revegetation Plan

Flora and Fauna Management Plan

Dust Management Plan

Archaeology and Cultural Management Plan

Environmental Management Strategy

Westside Closure MOP (where relevant)

This plan does not intend to replace the following approved management plans:

Voluntary Conservation Agreement(VCA) Management Plan

Final Void Management Plan

This plan does not intend to address the following management plans, due to the non applicability to the

Westside site during closure phase:

Lighting Management Plan

Blasting and Vibration Management Plan

Road Closure Management Plan

1.21 Environmental Protection Licence (EPL) Rationalisation

Following a meeting held at Westside on 26 August 2013 between the Environmental Protection

Authority (EPA) and Westside Mine staff, an EPL Rationalisation strategy was determined.

In summary, Westside Mine sought the following variations to EPL 4033:

Removal of Dam D from the licence.

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Rationalisation of the air quality monitoring network (Removal of Depositional Dust Gauges –

EPA pts 7,8,9,10,11,12,17);

Removal of the noise monitoring condition;

Modification to the meteorological station location; and

Update to the monitoring locations plan.

These amendments were approved on 29 November 2013 and have subsequently been incorporated into

this management plan.

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Westside


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Glencore Group Environment Policy

Coal Assets Australia Guidelines and

Annexures

OCAL Environmental Management System (EMS)

(inc

EMS Framework, Management Plans,

Procedures and Forms)

West Wallsend Colliery (WWC) Environmental

Management Plan

(incl. Framework, Management Plans,


Macquarie Coal Preparation Plant (MCPP)

Environmental Management Manual



Westside (WST) Environmental

Management Plan (EMP)



1.3 Management System Structure

OCAL has developed an Environmental Management System (EMS) for the management of environment

and community aspects and impacts that are common across the Oceanic Coal complex. The OCAL EMS

includes an environmental management framework and a range of management plans and procedures

which are applicable to all operations (e.g. Social Involvement Plan). As Westside is a component of the

OCAL Complex, the Westside EMP and this Strategy fit under the umbrella of the OCAL EMS.

An overview of the OCAL and Westside environmental management systems is provided in Figure 2.

Figure 2: Environmental Management System

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1.4 Environmental Objectives and Targets

Westside Mine sets objectives and targets in order to meet the commitments of the Glencore Group

Environment Policy, and to measure the performance of the OCAL EMS and Westside EMP.

The environmental and ecological objectives and targets for the site were reviewed following the

cessation of mining activities at the site. These updated objectives and targets for the site during the

closure phase include:

minimise and manage environmental impacts associated with the site;

operate within legislative, statutory, approval and commitment requirements;

return disturbed areas to sustainable ecosystems that are consistent with the proposed final land use,

the approved closure criteria and the surrounding environment;

return the site to a sustainable landform that is consistent with the surrounding landscape; and

systematically monitor, report and review environmental performance and compliance.

1.5 Community Consultation, Complaints and Conflict Resolution

During the operational phase of the mine, a Community Consultative Community (CCC) was established

to keep the local community informed of the environment, community and operational issues at Westside

Mine. Following the cessation of coaling and the completion of rehabilitation activities in 2012, Westside

Mine obtained approval from the NSW Department of Planning &Infrastructure (DP&I) and the CCC

members to absolve the committee. As the adjacent West Wallsend Colliery had also established its own

CCC, The Department of Planning and Infrastructure (DP&I) and the committee members agreed to

discuss any ongoing issues relating the rehabilitation and closure of Westside at the West Wallsend

Colliery CCC.

Complaints relating to the environment and community management of Westside are to be managed in

accordance with the OCAL Community Complaint and Environmental Incident Management Procedure

(WWC SD PRO 0036). This includes recording the complaint on the Westside incident report form, which

is to be forwarded to the OCAL Environment and Community Manager to facilitate corrective actions

and their subsequent implementation as well as circulate to the relevant personnel.

In the event of a disagreement between Westside and a member of the community, the OCAL

Environment and Community Manager will undertake the necessary liaison and communication to reach

a resolution. If a resolution cannot be reached, the matter is to be referred to the Director-General of DP&I

for resolution.

1.6 Environmental Incidents

OCAL has developed an environmental incident management procedure (WWC SD PRO 0036) to:

manage SD hazards and incidents to minimise damage to people, environment, community and

other assets;

facilitate reporting of environmental incidents; and

identify factors that contributed to incidents through an investigation process and to learn from those

events to prevent reoccurrences.

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All environmental incidents will be investigated to a level commensurate with their risk level in

consultation with the OCAL Environment and Community Manager. All significant and/or reportable

environmental incidents will be reported as required and in accordance with Environment Protection

Licence (EPL) 4033 and the Westside Pollution Incident Response Management Plan (P.I.R.M.P) where

relevant.

1.7 Westside Approvals Monitoring and Compliance

The Environmental Management Plan has been developed for Westside in accordance with the relevant/

applicable sections of the development consent and Environment Protection Licence (EPL 4033), which

include environmental monitoring programs. The monitoring programs outlined within this plan are

developed based on regulatory requirements and also include a protocol for assessing compliance with

the relevant development consent or EPL criteria.

1.71 Environmental Inspections

Environmental inspections are undertaken to determine compliance with legislation, standards, codes

and other internal and external requirements. Inspections are conducted by the OCAL Environment and

Community department and are recorded on a site specific inspection report form. Completed inspection

forms are distributed to the Site Environmental Supervisor for actioning where required. The frequency

of these inspections is generally monthly, however they are undertaken as required, which can be at

shorter or longer intervals determined by the current associated risk.

In the event a non-compliance (against EPL, Development Consent) is identified during an inspection or

a regulatory authority non compliance is issued, corrective and/or preventative actions are developed in

accordance with system and relevant government requirements. The completion and effectiveness of the

corrective and/or preventative action is to be assessed post-implementation.

1.8 Roles and Responsibilities

The following table, Table 1 outlines the roles and responsibilities of personnel at Westside Mine in

accordance with Section 3.2 (b)(ii) of the Westside Development Consent.

Table 1: Roles and Responsibilities

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Role Accountabilities for this document

OCAL Environment and Community Manager

development, maintenance and implementation of the OCAL EMS and Westside EMP;

conducting monthly environmental inspections and forwarding the results of the inspection and any recommendations to the Site Environmental Supervisor for actioning;

providing ongoing environmental management advice to the site when required, including environmental risk assessment, and environment management requirements for new or altered works;

coordinating the implementation of environmental monitoring programs required by the sites environmental management plan and the development consent;

liaising with government departments and the local community on behalf of Westside;

ensuring site compliance with environmental legislative requirements

ensuring that commitments made during the life of the operation are incorporated into the closure phase where applicable,

undertaking all relevant environmental reporting for Westside Mine including Annual Returns, National Pollution Inventory (NPI), National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting (NGER’s) and AEMR’s;

developing and delivering appropriate environmental training programs for the site; and

conducting investigations into environmental incidents and community complaints, and developing remedial actions as required.

Westside Mine Site Environmental Supervisor

ensuring that the environmental control systems are being operated in a proper and efficient condition (eg. water management);

coordinating contractors on site undertaking environmental works;

undertaking environmental inspections as required by the Westside EMP and OCAL Environment and Community Manager; and

completing environmental monitoring as required by the Westside EMP.

All employees and contractors

complying with the requirements of the OCAL EMS and Westside EMP; and

reporting environmental incidents and/or community complaints to their supervisor immediately.

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1.9 Development Consent

In accordance with the Westside Mine Development Consent (DA 125-5-2002), this Environmental

Management Plan will address the following:

Materials Management Plan,

Noise Management Plan,

Soil and Water Management Plan,

Landscape and Revegetation Plan,

Flora and Fauna Management Plan,

Dust Management Plan,

Archaeology and Cultural Management Plan,

Environmental Management Strategy, and

Westside Closure MOP (where relevant).

For further information on the development consent criteria addressed within the Environmental

Management Plan, please refer to Appendix 1.

2. MATERIALS MANAGEMENT

2.1 Identification and Classification of Waste Streams

Under the POEO Act, a waste generator must properly classify their waste to ensure that appropriate

management practices are employed in the storage, handling and disposal of waste. The first step in

classifying waste is to identify the waste types generated from Westside.

The classification of waste streams, in accordance with the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage

(OEH) Waste Guidelines (2009), is as follows:

special waste;

liquid waste;

hazardous waste;

restricted solid waste;

general solid waste (putrescible); and

general solid waste (non-putrescible)

If a particular waste stream has not already been classified as a waste type, then it is the responsibility of

the waste producer to classify the waste in accordance with the OEH Waste Guidelines (DECCW, 2009).

A list of each waste streams generated and associated classifications, estimated volumes, waste codes and

management requirements are included in Appendix 2 for all major waste streams generated at

Westside. Any additional waste streams that are not listed in Appendix 2 must be classified and

managed in accordance with the OEH Waste Guidelines.

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2.2 Waste Disposal, Storing and Tracking

Non-licensed waste activities are required to comply with the Protection of the Environment (Waste)

Regulation 2005 (POEO Waste Regulation) which outlines the management of special, hazardous and

restricted wastes. These requirements are discussed in Sections 2.2.1 to 2.2.4. Westside’s waste is also

managed in accordance with EPL 4033 where applicable.

2.21 Management of Classified Waste

Certain wastes require specific transportation and disposal management practices under the POEO Act

and the POEO Waste Regulation. These wastes are listed under Schedule 1 of the regulation.

Wastes listed in Schedule 1 of the regulation are subject to specific waste tracking requirements under the

POEO Waste Regulation, and therefore, these wastes are segregated from other waste streams at

Westside. Details of the disposal requirements for the different types of wastes produced at Westside are

summarised in Table 2 below.

Table 2 – Legislative Requirements for Classified Waste Streams

Waste Classification

Westside Waste Streams Legislative Requirements

General Solid

Waste (non-

putrescible)

Building and demolition waste (bricks,

concrete, paper, plastics, glass, metal

and timber)

Paper and cardboard

Tyres (<5000 t/yr and <50t storage at any

time)

Small batteries

Metal drums

Mechanically crushed oil filters

Oil absorbent material / Oily rags (not

containing free liquids)

no waste facility licence required if

disposed on mine site from which

waste was generated; or

disposed of off-site to a licensed

waste facility

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General Solid

Waste (non-

putrescible)

Virgin excavated natural material

(VENM)

Excavated Natural Material (ENM)

Comply to EPA relevant

requirement for beneficial use of

VENM and ENM

General Solid

Waste

(putrescible)

Office waste to be disposed of at a licensed

landfill facility.

Special Waste Asbestos waste activities must be licensed,

subject to exemptions

licensed transporter must be used

for liquid and non-liquid waste in

loads greater than 200 kg in

quantity

waste tracking required; subject to

exemptions

disposed of off-site to Industrial

Waste Landfill

Hazardous Used car and truck batteries

Grease and oil drums

Oil and fuel filters

Solvents

Waste oil drums

waste activities must be licensed,





quantity

waste tracking required, subject to

exemptions

Liquid Waste Oily water

Engine Coolant

Parts washers liquid waste

Waste oil

waste activities must be licensed,





quantity

waste tracking required, subject to

exemptions

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Sewage

Dredged sediment

no requirements as waste is

disposed of on-site

2.22 Requirements Relating to the Storage of Waste Generally

A person who stores waste on premises (whether or not) the waste was produced on the premises) must

ensure that it is stored in an environmentally safe manner. The failure to do so may result in prosecution

under the Protection of the Environment (Penalty Notices) Regulation 2004.

2.23 Obligations of Westside Relating to the Transport of Hazardous Waste

In the event that a licensed contractor is engaged to remove hazardous waste from the site, Westside

personnel are to facilitate that the following occurs:

Westside holds a consignment authorisation for the removal of the waste;

Westside obtains a waste transport certificate for the waste and that relevant sections of the certificate

have been completed by authorised Westside personnel;

the waste transport certificate has been given to the waste contractor;

the waste contractor is appropriately licensed; and

the waste facility which is to accept the waste is legally able to accept the waste.

Wastes to which these waste tracking requirements apply are listed in Schedule 1 of the POEO Waste

Regulation. Westside must retain waste transport certificates for a period of at least four years.

2.24 Exemptions That Apply to Waste Tracking

An exemption from the above mentioned obligations for waste tracking may be administered by OEH.

An application for such an exemption must:

be in the approved form;

be accompanied by a fee as determined by OEH; and

be accompanied by information and documentation requested by OEH for determining whether the

exemption should be granted.

Waste which is not listed in Schedule 1 of the POEO Waste Regulation does not require waste tracking

and therefore does not require an exemption from OEH.

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2.3 Waste Management Strategies

2.31 Waste Separation, Reuse and Recycling

There are numerous benefits to separating waste streams. These include:

reducing the potential for contamination of general waste streams;

improving the ease of waste storage, handling, disposal and tracking;

potentially generating an income from recyclable waste streams; and

reducing the potential disposal costs for some items.

At Westside, recyclable waste streams are separated (where practicable) from other wastes at the point at

which they are produced and placed in designated storage bins. Where possible, waste material is reused

in other applications or recycled. This includes separation of paper and cardboard, scrap metal, waste oil

and grease and wastewater. Green waste generated at Westside may be utilised for landscaping

purposes. Further reuse and recycling options will continue to be explored in relation to the activities at

Westside.

Other waste streams which are separated at the point of production includes batteries, gas cylinders,

grease, metal drums, oil and fuel filters, parts, washers and tyres. These wastes are collected by licensed

contractors for appropriate disposal.

2.32 Waste Storage

Secure areas are allocated on site for the storage of waste materials, which have the potential to cause

environmental harm (e.g. special, hazardous or restricted wastes). Adequate containment (bunding) is

provided to minimise the potential for spillage or leaching which could affect surface water quality or

cause soil contamination. Bunded areas are constructed in accordance with relevant standards and

guidelines at the time of construction. Particular waste streams, such as waste oil, are also managed to

provide that they are safe from likely ignition sources to minimise the risk of fire.

2.4 Green Waste

Where practical, green waste generated on the site is either mulched or placed whole to enhance the

habitat value of rehabilitated areas.

3. NOISE MANAGEMENT

As detailed in Section 1, Westside Mine has ceased coaling activities and only minor rehabilitation care

and maintenance activities are proposed to be undertaken. However, Westside will continue to

implement the following control measures to ensure noise emissions from the site comply with the

relevant noise criteria when required:

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All future activities that may generate significant noise will be undertaken during the day; and

All equipment and machinery used on site will be maintained in good working condition.

In the event there are any changes to the scope of operations at Westside, other than closure and

decommissioning activities, Westside will undertake an assessment of the potential noise emissions from

the activities and revise this section of the Environmental Management Plan to include the proposed

noise management measures.

In addition, if Westside receives a community complaint, a detailed review of conditions and activities at

the time of the incident occurrence will be undertaken and management/ mitigation measures

implemented. If noise monitoring is required to be undertaken, it will be done in accordance with the

relevant Australian Standards and associated Development Consent. Any complaints will be addressed

in accordance with Section 1.5.

4. SOIL AND WATER MANAGEMENT

4.1 Overview of Water Management System

The Westside water management system comprises a series of catch drains, diversion drains,

interconnected dams and sumps that allow for the storage, transfer, treatment and discharge of water

from the site (refer to Figure 3). The existing system collects and treats, surface runoff from disturbed,

reshaped and rehabilitated areas of North Pit and South Pit and surface runoff from the former coal

crushing and stockpiling areas, haul roads, workshop area and the offices. The existing sedimentation

dams (including Dam K which has a storage capacity of approximately 15 Mega litres (ML)) have a

combined storage capacity in excess of 80 ML. Treated surplus water from the mine site is discharged to

Cockle Creek and Burkes Creek in accordance with EPL 4033.

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Figure 3 – Westside Mine Water Management System

The current water management system will remain in place for the duration of the mine closure phase

until the rehabilitation has stabilised and runoff is considered clean. Water management infrastructure

associated with the office complex and main haul road will remain in place whilst it continues to be

utilised as part of OCAL’s ongoing operations. Water management associated with the final void will

also continue in accordance with the existing systems.

Westside currently holds licence 20BL168704 to extract groundwater from the open cut mine final void.

Westside also holds licence 20BL168748 for monitoring bores N2175, N2176 and N2178. The requirement

for these licences will be reviewed on a regular basis, and if required, Westside will apply to have these

licences relinquished in accordance with Condition 4.1 (b)(xi) of the Westside Mine development consent.

Westside holds a Waste Water Treatment Licence issued by Lake Macquarie City Council, referred to as

OSSM/351/2003 which currently expires on 18 June 2016.

4.2 General Erosion and Sediment Controls

Westside will implement a range of general erosion and sediment controls in accordance with Managing

Urban Stormwater: Soils and Construction Volume 1 (Landcom, 2004) and Volumes 2A, 2C, 2D and 2E (DECC,

2008) (the Blue Book). These general controls have been designed to control and manage erosion and

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sediment that may result from the mine closure and rehabilitation. The measures that will be

implemented may include the following:

installation of erosion and sediment control measures as the first step in the process for land

disturbance (even though most of the mine site is rehabilitated and no further disturbance forecast);

minimising all disturbed areas and stabilisation by rehabilitation;

utilisation of diversion banks upslope of disturbed areas to direct clean water runoff away from the

site. The diversion banks will be designed to ensure effective segregation of sediment-laden runoff

and allow clean surface water to return to natural watercourses;

utilisation of catch drains to capture runoff from disturbed areas and direct runoff into sediment

dams;

utilisation of sediment dams to capture runoff from infrastructure areas (Section 3.2);

adding flocculant to dams, where required, to aid the settlement of entrained sediment

placement of geotextile liners and rock check dams in drains as required to reduce water velocities

and prevent scouring;

construction of graded banks over final reshaped areas to minimise erosion and re-direct runoff to

catch drains and water storage areas;

regular maintenance of controls and inspection of works immediately after storm events to ensure

erosion and sediment controls are performing adequately;

revegetation of final stable landforms and disturbed areas; and

repair or redesign of erosion and sediment controls that are not performing adequately, as identified

in field inspections.

As all infrastructure and disturbed areas are already serviced by an existing sediment dam, it is unlikely

that any additional dams will be required during the mine closure phase of the mine. However, in the

event new sediment dams are required, they will be designed and constructed in accordance with the

Blue Book.

Similarly, as mining has ceased, topsoil retrieval has been completed, and any topsoil that still remains

stockpiled around the site may be utilised in the rehabilitation that is left to be completed. Should there

be a need for further topsoil, or alike Virgin Excavated Natural Material (VENM) or Excavated Natural

Material (ENM) material from offsite during rehabilitation of remaining areas, the above listed erosion

and sediment controls will be implemented as required.

The provision of aforementioned erosion and sediment controls will be applied during the disposal of

overburden/VENM/ENM in shafts at specified locations.

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4.3 Management of Runoff and Surplus Water

A series of diversion drains have been established to convey clean runoff away from disturbed areas. A

series of catch drains have also been established to convey runoff from disturbed areas to sedimentation

dams. Both catch drains and diversion drains have been designed to convey peak discharges from

critical duration storms up to the 1 in 10 Year ARI storm event and are designed to provide a minimum of

0.5 metres freeboard.

The location of the catch drains and diversion drains for the mine closure are provided in Figure 3. All

water captured within the remaining final void area will be managed using the existing mine water

management system and if required, pumped to Dam E for either treatment and discharge or direct

discharge via a licensed discharge point (EPL Point 4). Drainage structures within rehabilitation areas

have been designed to convey all captured water to sediment dams for settling/treatment prior to offsite

discharge. The sediment dam sizes have been checked in accordance with the requirements of Managing

Urban Stormwater – Soils and Construction (the Blue Book) (Landcom, 2004) based on topsoil and

overburden characteristics of the mining area and the final landform catchment area of each dam. The

location and layout of these dams and the relevant catchments are shown on Figure 3.

Catchment areas and required storage volumes for each of the dams proposed to service runoff from the

final landform are provided in Table 3.

Table 3 – Design Sedimentation Dam Capacity

Catchment

Name

Catchment

Area (Ha)

Settling Zone

Volume (m3)

Sediment

Storage Zone

(m3)1

Total Design

Volume (m3)

Actual

Volume

(m3)

E 27 3,227 1,613 4,840 10,300

F 34.6 4,135 2,067 6,202 6,600

C 10.5 2.0 0.5 2.5 5

Total 61.6 - - 11,042 16,900

1 Based on 50% of Settling Zone Volume

Dam E and Dam F currently receive runoff and mine water from South Pit rehabilitation areas. Both

dams are twin cell dams that enable water to be treated and then discharged in a controlled manner once

suitable water quality is achieved. Both dams are currently treated to reduce the TSS concentration of the

discharge water to below 50 mg/L, where required. A licence exemption is in place for when greater than

50mm of rainfall is recorded over a consecutive 5 day period.

4.4 Groundwater Monitoring

Given that Westside Mine finished mining coal in March 2012, no further groundwater extraction bores

or monitoring bores are planned to be installed. Should this requirement change, consultation with the

NSW Office of Water will occur where required (including site visits if deemed necessary) and all bores

will be installed in accordance with relevant standards by licenced contractors.

Groundwater monitoring of monitoring bores N2175, N2176 and N2178 is proposed to be undertaken on

a six monthly basis and if no significant changes in water quality or water levels are detected, which

could be considered to be due to Westside, then it is proposed that the bores will be decommissioned in

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January 2015 in consultation with The Department of Planning and Infrastructure. If the Westside void is

used for reject emplacement then the bores will be kept in place during this period.

4.5 Identified Impacts

Should any adverse impacts be detected through surface water or ground water monitoring in

accordance with EPL 4033, the relevant agencies will be notified and an investigation undertaken in

accordance with the Westside Pollution Incident Response Management Plan (WSC SD PLN 0013).

5. LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT

5.1 Predicted Visual Impacts

Due to the cessation of mining activities, decommissioning, removal of the majority of infrastructure and

completion of rehabilitation works, there is now limited potential for visual effects from Westside

activities.

Whilst the rehabilitation age varies between the north and south pit from 20 years to approximately 3

years in age respectively, all areas are still predominantly well established. The most visible of the least

mature area (South Pit) is the elevated area in the northern section of the former South Pit (around 5

years) and the main ridgeline at the south of the site (approximately 3 years). Due to its age, this

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rehabilitation is more distinguished from the surrounding vegetation, but is well established and is not a

significant visual impact.

There are no further lighting impacts due to the cessation of mining.

5.2 Landscaping

Landscaping around the perimeter of the site (including the infrastructure area and carparks) will be

maintained until the site is relinquished and/or sold. This will ensure there will be no visual impacts for

vehicles passing the sites entrance on Wakefield Road.

There are no further plans for additional landscaping works.

5.3 Vegetation Screening and Bunding Treatments

Native vegetation screens are well established along Wakefield Road so that there are no views into the

former mining areas. All vegetation screens were planted using local native tree and understorey species

as specified in Condition 3.4.3(d) of the development consent to provide long term fauna habitat and

movement corridors between areas of existing vegetation.

5.4 Rehabilitation and Care and Maintenance

Since the completion of mining, all remaining disturbed mining areas have been shaped and seeded,

including the final void in the East Pit. Since the commencement of operations at Westside,

approximately 120 hectares of disturbed land has been rehabilitated.

Rehabilitation works have utilised a range of locally indigenous species from all vegetative strata, in

order to recreate the vegetation communities that were present on site before mining. When required,

follow up care and maintenance works will be undertaken to achieve successful rehabilitation.

The requirement for care and maintenance will be assessed on an ongoing basis through environmental

inspections and annual rehabilitation walkover inspections. Any care or maintenance works that need to

occur will be managed in accordance with this plan.

5.41 Identified rehabilitation to occur in late 2014/ 2015

In early 2014, it was identified through the aforementioned ongoing assessments that the area previously

known as the ‘High Ash Stockpile’ (Figure 7) adjacent to the previously operating ROM pad/ crushing

plant would need follow up care and maintenance activities due to a lower than expected success rate of

seed/ rehabilitation.

To aid in the success of the follow up rehabilitation works described within, soil testing was undertaken

and has subsequently identified that the limited topsoil depth and other properties were most likely

attributable to the limited germination. This has resulted in a modified rehabilitation method for the area

which includes: the spreading of VENM or alike material to aid in the establishment of an effective

rehabilitation soil profile / properties; and the engagement of hydro-mulching contractors to better

spread the seed in conjunction with organic compost, gypsum and lime.

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It is anticipated that the VENM required for this follow up rehabilitation will be sourced from the water

management system upgrade and maintenance activities due to occur at West Wallsend Colliery (a

neighbouring Glencore owned operation) in late 2014. This is anticipated to be approximately 15,000

cubic metres. Any remaining VENM not required is to be placed directly in the final void at the

approximate location displayed in Figure 7 below.

The transport and subsequent spreading of the aforementioned VENM will be undertaken using various

types of tipping trucks, and yet to be determined earthmoving equipment (e.g. small excavator or a D6

Dozer). The VENM material will be transported via an internal sealed haul road between the two

operations.

This care and maintenance activity will be managed in accordance with this document, more specifically

Section 7.13, with a pre- work risk assessment to be undertaken. Any controls outlined within the EMP

or as identified in the pre-work risk assessment will be implemented as required.

These activities will be reported in the AEMR in accordance with Section 9.0.

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6. FLORA AND FAUNA MANAGEMENT

6.1 Pre- Mining Vegetation

Vegetation communities were described and mapped by Ecotone Ecological Consultants in the Flora and

Fauna Survey and Threatened Species Assessment, Proposed Westside Mine Southern Extension and Adjacent

Transportation Routes, Wakefield Road, Killingworth (Ecotone Ecological Consultants 2002). Four broad

vegetation types occur within the subject site, namely dry sclerophyll open forest/woodland; swamp

forest (inc. soak vegetation/riparian areas); modified grassland; and regenerating shrub land. These

associations can be further divided into communities based on the dominant flora species in the upper

strata. A total of five naturally-occurring vegetation communities (Smooth – barked Apple/ Red

Bloodwood/ Mahogany Association; Scribbly Gum/Stringybark/ Smooth-barked Apple Association;

Sydney Peppermint/ Stringybark Association; Swamp Mahogany/ Paperbark Association; and Swamp

Mahogany/Cabbage Gum/ Paperbark Association), or regenerating derivatives of such, occur within the

study site, as shown in Figure 4. The remaining communities (Moist Soak; Modified Grassland/Pasture;

and Regeneration area- previously mined) are artificial communities.

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6.2 Threatened Flora and Endangered Ecological Communities

One flora species, Tetratheca juncea, is listed on Schedule 2 of the TSC Act was recorded during the

surveys completed for the EIS. The location of the Tetratheca juncea recorded during these surveys is

shown on Figure 4. Additionally, the Swamp Mahogany (Eucalyptus robusta) dominated forest recorded

within specific portions of the site is listed as an EEC on Part 3 of Schedule 1 of the TSC Act (SSFCF). The

management and conservation of Tetratheca juncea and the EEC are outlined in the Westside Mine

Voluntary Conservation Area Management Plan (WSC SD PLN 0014). The extent of the EEC is also

shown on Figure 4. No other flora species regarded as Threatened in the TSC Act were recorded within

the subject site during field surveys. Another threatened flora species was suspected to be identified

through biodiversity monitoring that has occurred at Westside Mine since 2005 (Umwelt 2005b, 2006,

2007, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012) which was the Charmhaven Apple. Whilst this is suspected to occur within

Westside, as per the Umwelt reports, confirmation from its fruit has not yet occurred due to being unable

to find fruit on various occasions.

6.3 Fauna Species Present

Fauna surveys and assessment were undertaken by Ecotone Ecological Consultants, as documented in

the Flora and Fauna Survey and Threatened Species Assessment, Proposed Westside Mine Southern Extension and

Adjacent Transportation Routes, Wakefield Road, Killingworth (Ecotone Ecological Consultants 2002), as part

of the Westside Mine Southern Extension Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). These fauna field

surveys identified the presence of eleven native non-flying mammal species, eight flying mammal

species, nine reptile species, nine frog species and forty-nine species of birds.

Further assessments of the presence of fauna species have been undertaken as part of the Westside Mine

Biodiversity Monitoring Program which have further identified species and these are reported in the

Annual Environmental Management Report (AEMR) where applicable.

6.4 Threatened Fauna

Four threatened fauna species( Squirrel Glider; Grey-Headed Flying Fox; Threatened Cave Roosting Bats

(8 included); and Owls ( Masked and Powerful species) were recorded in the Southern Extension area, in

the locations shown on Figure 4, during surveys conducted as part of the EIS. Further threatened fauna

species have been identified through biodiversity monitoring that has occurred at Westside Mine since

2005 (Umwelt 2005b, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012).

6.5 Flora and Fauna Impacts

As mining operations have now ceased (March, 2012), and the former mining area has been rehabilitated,

there are limited potential impacts on flora and fauna remaining at Westside Mine. The only potential

impacts from future activities include disturbance to mine rehabilitation as part of ongoing care and

maintenance works. The management measures to be implemented to control these activities and limit

impacts are described in the sections below.

The current vegetation communities on site, including rehabilitated land are shown on Figure 5 below.

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6.6 Management Measures

6.61 Remnant Vegetation

As mining activities have now ceased, there is no further clearing of remnant vegetation required.

Remnant vegetation will continue to be monitored as detailed below.

6.62 Feral Animals

Land owned by Westside may support pigs, foxes, dogs and feral cats. Rabbits and hares are also known

to occur on the site (Ecotone Ecological Consultants 2002). The need for programs to control feral animals

and vermin will be determined during regular environmental inspections and biodiversity monitoring. If

required, determination of the appropriate control practice will be undertaken and implemented.

However, in the twenty year life of Westside Mine there has never been a need to undertake feral animal

control.

6.63 Weed Control

A number of species of noxious weeds are known to exist within Westside land. To ensure that the

presence of these weeds is kept to a minimum, an annual Weed Action Plan is developed to control and

eradicate noxious weeds as required under the Noxious Weeds Act 1993. Weed control specifically targets

rehabilitation areas and the interface of the former mining areas and remnant vegetation, where weed

infestation is noted to be most common.

The status of weed management activities will be documented as required in the AEMR.

6.64 Hazard Reduction

Westside is managed to minimise the potential for fire to enter or leave the site. Bushfire hazard

reduction is undertaken, as required, in accordance with the OCAL Bushfire Management Plan, and in

consultation with the appropriate regulatory authorities.

Hazard reduction will not be undertaken in conservation areas and will take into consideration of

threatened flora species and EEC’s recorded in the area.

6.65 Retention of Fauna Microhabitats

Arboreal habitat is maintained through the establishment of nest boxes. In accordance with development

consent conditions, nest boxes have been used to replace nesting and roosting habitat for bat, mammal

and avifauna species. Over 200 nest boxes have been installed in remnant vegetation and rehabilitated

areas at Westside. The numbers and specific type of nest boxes installed was determined based on the

size of the hollows impacted and the number of hollows lost during clearing.

6.66 Rehabilitation

The section of Rhondda Road that was closed following the Wakefield Road relocation is planned to be

revegetated when it is no longer required. The road is currently used as an access road for a water

pipeline.

Should any works need to occur, due diligence will be undertaken and erosion and sediment control

implemented where appropriate. For further information, please refer to Section 5.4 above.

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6.7 Biodiversity Monitoring

6.71 Remnant Areas

Four broad fauna habitats and five vegetation associations were identified in the area prior to the

Southern Extension. A biodiversity monitoring point was located within each fauna habitat, and within

three of the existing vegetation communities. At each vegetation community monitoring point, a

permanent 20 x 20 metre quadrat was established to monitor vegetation species and condition. Photo

monitoring was also conducted at the corner of each quadrat.

The monitoring of fauna habitats included the following:

two hours of spotlighting, involving two persons, on two separate nights;

one hour diurnal bird survey;

one owl call playback survey featuring six threatened nocturnal species;

one hour herpetological survey; and

two one hour Anabat surveys.

In addition, a diurnal bird survey specifically targeting winter flowering eucalypts was undertaken to

determine the use of the site by the Regent Honeyeater and Swift Parrot. These fauna surveys also

incorporated specific targeted searches for threatened species previously recorded in the areas and also

those species considered likely to occur.

As this monitoring has been conducted over many years, sufficient data has been gathered to assess the

condition of these remnant monitoring points and determine that there has been no impact as a result of

Westside Mine’s operations. Sufficient data has also been gathered to develop criteria for the successful

establishment of rehabilitation, based on the remnant vegetation. Subsequently, the monitoring of these

remnant areas has been discontinued.

In the event environmental inspections identify possible impacts on these communities, the biodiversity

monitoring in the remnant areas will be re-commenced as appropriate.

6.72 Rehabilitation Monitoring

In addition to the remnant vegetation monitoring plots, Westside Mine has established a number of

monitoring locations within rehabilitated areas to assess the effectiveness of the rehabilitation and

determine the need for any remedial works. The rehabilitation monitoring is undertaken by a suitably

qualified ecologist and utilises the same methodology as the remnant vegetation monitoring.

The rehabilitation monitoring also includes a Landscape Function Analysis (LFA) assessment to assist

with monitoring the health of the established ecosystems. In the North Pit area, there are currently two

flora (including LFA) monitoring points and two fauna monitoring points. Currently within the South

Pit, there are three flora (including LFA) points and one fauna monitoring point. The requirement for

additional monitoring points will be assessed on an ongoing basis as a component of the monitoring

report.

The results of the biodiversity monitoring will be utilised, in conjunction with the Annual Rehabilitation

Walkover (Section 6.7.3), to determine if the rehabilitated areas have met the completion criteria for the

site, or if further care and maintenance activities are required to meet the criteria.

It is planned that the monitoring of plots will be undertaken biennially until they have reached the

closure criteria.

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6.73 Annual Walkover Inspection

Westside Mine undertakes an annual rehabilitation walkover inspection to evaluate how successful the

rehabilitation on site has been and review the trajectory of the rehabilitation towards the sites completion

criteria. The inspection is undertaken by a suitably qualified and experienced person.

It is proposed that this walkover continue to be undertaken annually until 2015, at which point it will be

undertaken biennially.

6.74 Summary Report

In accordance with condition 3.4.3 (d) (iv) a report summarising the progress towards original diversity

in the final composition of the revegetated areas shall be submitted to the satisfaction of the Director-

General and NPWS every two years. This will continue to occur until 2015 in accordance with the

development consent. After this point, unless results indicate significant cause for concern Westside will,

in consultation with relevant stakeholders, submit a final summary report to the Director –General of the

NSW Department of Planning and Infrastructure for approval, which will seek to monitor the areas

through its environmental inspections.

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7. DUST MANAGEMENT

Westside Mine has been undertaking dust monitoring for many years in accordance with the

requirements of the previous management plan (EMP- WO-ECP-002), the development consent and the

EPL (4033). This included a network of eight depositional dust gauges, one high volume air sampler

measuring PM10 and one high volume air sampler measuring TSP.

As outlined in Section 1.21 Westside submitted an EPL variation in early October 2013(which was

approved in November, 2013) after consultation with the EPA to remove all depositional dust gauge

monitoring requirements, due to the cessation of mining in March 2012.

7.1 Operational Controls

7.11 Unsealed Roads

Westside Mine has or will implement the following management controls to reduce dust emissions from

unsealed roads:

all obsolete roads have been ripped and revegetated;

roads that are still required have been reduced in width where possible and the batters ripped and

revegetated;

the use of wind breaks to prevent wind erosion from unsealed roads; and

remaining unsealed roads with high traffic volumes will be sealed, chemically stabilised or regularly

watered as required.

7.12 Exposed Areas

As Westside Mine has now ceased mining operations, all former mining operations areas have been

rehabilitated. The only remaining disturbed areas on site include access tracks and a clay stockpile area

within the South Pit.

The remaining clay stockpile area in the South Pit is proposed to be used as a borrow pit for rehabilitation

works at Teralba Colliery, WWC and MCPP. Due to shielding and the nature of the material, this area

does not present a risk for wind erosion.

7.13 Care and Maintenance Activities

The only proposed ongoing activities at Westside are care and maintenance of existing rehabilitated

areas. This may require the use of small earthmoving machinery to repair eroded areas or spread VENM

or ENM and re-rip areas for supplementary seeding. In the event this is required, additional dust

management controls will be assessed as part of the pre-work risk assessment. These may include:

Temporary use of a water cart to water access roads; and

Limiting activities during windy periods.

7.14 Environmental Risk Register

Westside Mine documents dust mitigation measures to control sources and activities which have the

potential to result in air quality impacts as part of the Environmental Risk Register.

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7.15 Continuous Improvement

Where possible, Westside will attempt to implement all reasonable and feasible air quality mitigation

measures. The basis for continuous improvement of air quality mitigation measures will be through the

ongoing monitoring of dust impacts, the review of the Westside Mine Environmental Risk Register and

the corrective/preventative action process. Through the development of corrective/preventative actions,

Westside Mine will investigate ways to reduce the air quality impacts generated by the operation.

7.16 Training

To ensure the effective implementation of this Plan, Westside Mine personnel and contractors will be

advised of air quality management requirements, where applicable, through the Westside Mine

Induction.

7.17 Complaints

Should a complaint be received it will be managed in accordance with Section 1.5.

7.2 Dust Monitoring

Relevant EPA criteria for dust concentration are defined in terms of two measures of dust concentration,

Total Suspended Particulate matter (TSP) and PM10. TSP relates to all suspended particles, which are

usually in the size range of zero to 50 micrometres ( m). Particle sizes larger than 50 m are measured in

dust deposition levels. PM10 refers to particulate matter with a diameter less than 10 m. TSP

measurements include PM10 particles.

The development consent for Westside Mine places air quality criteria on the operation for both the short-

term (24-hour average) and long term (annual mean). These criteria are summarised below in Table 4.

Table 4 – Air Quality Criteria for Particulate Matter Concentrations

Pollutant Averaging Period Standard/Goal

TSP Annual

90 g/m3

PM10 Annual 30 g/m3

24 hour average 50 g/m3

Westside has removed the Depositional Dust Gauge monitoring from this Environmental Management

Plan, following consultation with the EPA. Following further consultation with the Department of

Planning and Infrastructure and the EPA, Westside is now seeking(through an EPL variation and this

EMP) to remove TSP and PM10 monitoring from its Environmental Protection Licence (EPL 4033) due to

the ceasing of operations in early 2012 and the site being majority rehabilitated.

.

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In the event of a community complaint or significant operational modifications in relation to dust at

Westside, Westside will undertake and investigate/ review the EMP as required (this may include reject

emplacement in the Final Void). The investigation will involve an assessment of Westside’s likely

contribution to any identified exceedances of air quality criteria. If deemed required by the Department

of Planning and Infrastructure, Westside will recommence Depositional dust, TSP and PM10 monitoring

Figure 6 below displays the WWC Meteorological Station.

All monitoring data will be published on the Westside Mine website within 14 days of receiving the

results.

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7.3 Meteorological Monitoring

Meteorological data (wind speed and direction, sigma theta, air temperature and rainfall) is continuously

monitored at the nearby West Wallsend Colliery meteorological station (Figure 6), with the data collected

on a monthly basis for analysis. The monitoring equipment is maintained in good working order, with

calibrations carried out according to the relevant Australian Standards.

7.4 Materials Management

As discussed in Sections 4.2, 5.4 and 7.13, VENM or ENM may be received to aid in the care and

maintenance activities during Westside’s closure phase. The disposal of overburden/VENM/ENM from

Westside may be required while undertaking remediation activities and shaft filling at specified locations

across OCAL, should this occur, it will be managed in accordance with controls identified within this

plan. Any VENM or ENM disposed of or received will be reported in the AEMR as outlined in Section 9.

Consultation has been undertaken with Lake Macquarie City Council (LMCC) outlining the scope of

work and management controls that will be implemented. LMCC requires advanced warning signs

(VMS) on The Broadway for both approaches advising of truck activity.

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8. ARCHAEOLOGY AND CULTURAL HERITAGE MANAGEMENT

As discussed above, Westside ceased mining in March, 2012. As such, no further major ground

disturbance works are planned at Westside outside of already disturbed areas. Any areas that will be

disturbed will follow the appropriate due diligence guidelines and associated legislative requirements at

that point in time and where required, consult with the relevant stakeholders. Should consultation with

the Aboriginal stakeholders be required, the Registered Aboriginal Parties used for the West Wallsend

Colliery Project Approval will be utilised in the first instance

All reasonable costs associated with any archaeological works will be borne by Westside, should they

need to occur.

It should be noted that there are no known sites within the Westside Development Consent Boundary.

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9. REPORTING AND REVIEW

The above results of areas contained within the Environmental Management Plan (EMP) and those

required under the development consent such as water monitoring, water volumes pumped, landscaping

and revegetation activities, waste disposal, noise limits etc will be reported where required and relevant

in the AEMR and made publicly available via the AEMR provided to Lake Macquarie City Council

(LMCC). In addition, any complaints relating to environmental management areas contained within the

EMP and the response actions taken, will be reported in the AEMR. The AEMR will cease being

developed in accordance with the Development Consent in 2015, unless otherwise advised by the

Director General.

9.1 EPL Exceedance Reporting

If Westside identifies results that indicate an exceedance of the limits specified in the EPL, the exceedance

is to be reported to the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA). A report regarding the exceedance is

to be forwarded to EPA and is to include the following:

date, time and nature of the exceedance;

the cause (or likely cause);

actions taken to date; and

proposed measures to address the exceedance and to prevent a reoccurrence.

9.2 Review

The Environmental Management Plan is to be reviewed at least every five years, or as otherwise

approved by the Director-General of DP&I, or prior to significant changes to the management of surface

and groundwater at Westside Mine (e.g. reject emplacement in the final void). The review process is to be

conducted in consultation with the relevant government agencies and should reflect changes in

environmental requirements, technology or operational procedures.

A summary of changes made during past reviews of this document are listed in Table 6 .

Table 6 – Environmental Management Plan Revisions

Revision

Number

Date Summary of Changes

Original 2013

Drafting of original document – to consolidate and rationalise

management plans as Westside Mine moves into closure

phase.

1 2014 Revised document following submission to DOP&I and

subsequent comments. Incorporated into new template.

2 2014

Updated Section 4.2, 5.4, 5.41, 7.13, 7.4 and Appendix 1 (7.1.3

(b)) to include wording around environmental management/

receipt of VENM or ENM at Westside during care and

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maintenance activities.

3 2014 Actually version 4- minor revision following Department of

Planning and Environment consultation.

5 2016

Updated Sections 4.2, 7.4 and Appendix 1 (7.1.3 (a) and (c)

and Appendix 2 to include the provision for the disposal of

overburden/VENM/ENM in shafts at specified locations and

the requirement by LMCC for advanced traffic signs (VMS).

10. REFERENCES

10.1 Legislation

Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997

Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979

Dams Safety Act 1978

10.2 Australian Standards

AS/NZS 5667.1:1998. Water Quality – Sampling – Guidance on the Design of Sampling Programs,

Sampling Techniques and the Preservation and Handling of Samples.

AS/NZS 5667.10:1998 Water Quality – Sampling – Guidance on Sampling of Waste Waters.

Australian and New Zealand Guidelines for Fresh and Marine Water Quality (ANZECC 2000);

Managing Urban Stormwater – Soils and Construction, Volume 1 (Blue Book) (Landcom, 2004); and

Managing Urban Stormwater – Soils and Construction, Volume 2E Mines and Quarries (Landcom,

DECC).

Australian Standard 1055, Acoustics - Description and Measurement of Environmental Noise. Standards

Australia, Sydney, NSW.

10.3 Regional Coal Assets

Measurement and Reporting Annexure (XCN SD ANN 0050)

Pipeline Management Annexure (XCN SD ANN 10.3)

Environment, Biodiversity and Landscape Functions (XCN SD GDL 0010)

Incident Management (XCN SD GDL 15.0)

10.4 Westside Mine

WSC SD PLN 0013 Pollution Incident Response Management Plan

10.5 External

Ecotone Ecological Consultants Pty Ltd (2002). Flora and Fauna Survey and Threatened Species

Assessment, Proposed Westside Mine Southern Extension and Adjacent Transportation Routes,

Wakefield Road, Killingworth. Report prepared for Umwelt (Australia) Pty Limited.

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Umwelt (Australia) Pty Ltd (2002). Westside Mine Southern Extension Environmental Impact

Assessment. Prepared for Oceanic Coal Australia Limited, May 2002.

NSW EPA (2007). Approved methods for the sampling and analysis of air pollutants in NSW.

Published in NSW Government Gazette on 5 January 2007, p. 32.

Umwelt (Australia) Pty Ltd (2002). Westside Mine Southern Extension Environmental Impact

Assessment. Prepared for Oceanic Coal Australia Limited, May 2002.

Clouston, 1997, Lake Macquarie Recreation and Open Space Plan – Scenic Quality Plan. Prepared for

Lake Macquarie City Council.

Lake Macquarie City Council (2004). Scenic Quality Guidelines. Revised and edited by LMC

Consulting Group, March 2004.

Environment Protection Authority, 2000, Industrial Noise Policy – Environmental Noise Management.

EPA, Chatswood, NSW.

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11. APPENDICES

11.1 Appendix 1—Consent Conditions

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Development Consent Condition Section of Document

2013 EMS Closure Review

7. Waste, Spoil and Hazardous Material Management

7.1 General

(a) Within 6 months of development consent, the Applicant shall prepare and implement a Materials Management Plan (MMP) for the DA area in consultation with LMCC and EPA and to the satisfaction of the Director-General. The Plan shall include, but not be limited to:

Section 2.0 The Materials Management Plan (MMP) requirements have been incorporated

into this management plan.

(i) details of measures to facilitate waste management on site; 2.2 +

Appendix 2 Included – waste generated onsite is

generally from office activities.

(ii) details of compliance with the Applicant’s obligations under the Protection of the Environment Operations Act (1997);

2.0 Compliance is managed under EPL 4033 + POEO Act 1997.

(iii) identification of all types and quantities of waste materials produced at the mine site during construction, operation and rehabilitation;

2.3 + Appendix 2

Included

(iv) programs aimed at minimising the production of waste at the mine site through the implementation of operational and management measures;

Not Applicable (NA)

Not applicable in closure phase.

(v) details of the potential reuse and recycling avenues for waste materials produced at the mine site, including collection and handling procedures;

2.31 Not applicable in closure phase. Office waste covered within strategy.

(vi) details of appropriate disposal routes in the event that reuse and recycling avenues are not available or are not practicable; and

N/A Not applicable in closure phase.

(vii) programs for involving and encouraging employees and contractors to minimise waste production at the mine site and reuse/recycling where appropriate.

N/A Not applicable in closure phase. Minimal contractors – two site staff.

(b) The Applicant shall not cause, permit or allow any waste generated outside the premises to be received at the premises for storage, treatment, processing, reprocessing or disposal or any waste generated at the premises to be disposed of at the premises, except as expressly permitted by a licence under the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997.

2.2 Compliance is managed under EPL 4033.

(c) The Applicant shall dispose of all solid waste and putrescible matter from the site to the satisfaction of LMCC or EPA, as relevant.

2.2

Licenced waste contractor used and Compliance is managed under EPL 4033.

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7.1.1 Storage of materials including spoil and hazardous materials

(a) The Applicant shall undertake measures, as far as practical, to prevent spontaneous combustion from occurring on the site.

2.21 Included. Minimal amounts of hazardous materials onsite. Considered very

unlikely. Exposed coal seams have been covered with inert material.

(b) The Applicant shall ensure that any liquid and/or non-liquid waste generated and/or stored at the premises is assessed and classified in accordance with EPA Environmental Guidelines: Assessment, Classification and Management of Liquid and Non-Liquid Waste, in force as at July 1999.

2.2 Included. Compliance is managed under EPL 4033.

(c) All liquid chemicals, fuels and oils shall be stored in containers inside a suitable bund(s)

2.32 Included. Minimal activities during closure phase.

(d) The Applicant shall ensure that the bund(s) are designed, constructed and maintained in accordance with EPA Technical Guideline Bunding and Spill Management.

2.32 Included. No significant storage of fuels or other hazardous materials onsite.

7.1.2 Receipt of spoil from external sources

(a) At least one year prior to the receipt of the first tailings/rejects/waste materials from an external source including the Macquarie Coal Preparation Plant, the Applicant shall complete, as part of the Materials Management Plan (MMP), an addendum to the MMP for this material in consultation with the EPA and to the satisfaction of the Director-General.

N/A At this point in time, Not applicable- should this activity need to occur, the plan will be reviewed and resubmitted

for approval

(b) This addendum shall include but not be limited to the following:


for approval

(i) appropriate licences for transfer and storage of waste;


for approval

(ii) date of receipt of material, source and composition of material received;


for approval

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(iii) location of any temporary and permanent storages in relation to drainage lines; and


for approval

(iv) measures to minimise leachate to ground and surface waters.


for approval

(c) As part of the MMP, waste transfer logs shall be maintained for the duration of the receipt of this material. The log shall be maintained in a legible and easily accessible form and be updated on receipt of material. Information maintained shall include and not be limited to the information required in (b) above. This information shall be summarised in the AEMR and shall be supplied in full on request from the Director-General.


for approval

7.1.3 Storage, removal and acceptance of materials from/to the DA area

(a) Material stockpiles/storage areas of material for sale, exchange or free removal shall be maintained at all times to minimise loss to air and to ground areas outside the stockpile.

4.2, 7.4 + 7.13

The provision for the disposal of overburden/VENM/ENM in shafts at

specified locations.

(b) All loading and unloading of materials shall be undertaken to minimise any loss to air and surrounding ground areas.

4.2+ 5.41 + 7.13, 7.4

Included. VENM or ENM material may be received to further aid care and

maintenance activities of rehabilitated areas, prior to reseeding.

(c) For sale, exchange or free removal of materials other than coal, a log shall be maintained and reported incorporating requirements of Condition 7.1(a)(i) to (iii) and Condition 7.1(c). The location to which material will be ultimately removed, prior to processing into product, shall be provided.

4.2, 7.4 + 7.13

The provision for the disposal of overburden/VENM/ENM in shafts at

specified locations.

(d) Measures to achieve subclauses (a) and (b) shall be provided as part of the MMP.


for approval


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5.3.3 Noise Management Plan (a) Within six months of development consent, the Applicant shall prepare, or

review and update, and finalise a Noise Management Plan to the satisfaction of the Director-General for implementation during the relevant phase of construction, operation and post-construction. The Plan shall include, but not be limited to the following matters:

Section 3.0 No mining activities on site. Only small plant is used infrequently for

rehabilitation maintenance. Work is done in daylight hours.

i) compliance standards;

N/A At this point in time, Not applicable- EPL variation to remove noise monitoring due to the cessation of mining in Feb

2012 is pending.

ii) community consultation;


2012 is pending.

iii) monitoring protocol including Australian Standards used and a program consistent with Condition 5.3.4 below. The protocol shall ensure that prior to monitoring, all monitoring equipment shall be checked and calibrated to ensure it is in full working order. If monitoring equipment is not in full working order, noisy works shall not be undertaken until the monitoring equipment has been demonstrated to meet requirements;

3.0 Included.

iv) complaints handling monitoring/system including a protocol for handling noise complaints that includes recording, reporting and responding to complaints, particularly where it is demonstrated that noise levels are in excess of the criteria contained in this consent;

1.5 Included– one overarching system

v) details of the methods to be used for the continuous monitoring of noise to evaluate, assess and report the L Aeq (15 minute) (“FAST” response) and provide data for periods directly comparable with the noise criteria set out in Condition 5.3.1 for the following:


2012 is pending.

works identified as noisy through estimated cumulative noise characteristics; and


2012 is pending.

work during which complaints were previously received.


2012 is pending.

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vi) the design and orientation of the proposed mitigation methods demonstrating best practice and not limited to:


2012 is pending.

an outline of proactive/predictive and reactive mitigation measures to be employed on the site to limit noise emissions;


2012 is pending.

an outline of measures to reduce the impact of intermittent, low frequency and tonal noise (including truck reversing alarms);


2012 is pending.

longer term strategies directed towards mitigating noise levels that exceed the noise target levels in Condition 5.4.1 above.


2012 is pending.

details of management measures where the target criteria in Condition 5.3.1 above of this consent are predicted to be exceeded, or are exceeded during construction and mining operations.


2012 is pending.

vii) methods (including noise monitoring) for the management of construction, operation, post-construction, and transport noises both on and off site.


2012 is pending.

(b) Except where there is a written agreement with the relevant landowner, road noise from the Wakefield Road relocation shall not exceed L Aeq (1hr) 55dB(A) for the hours 7 am to 10 pm and L Aeq(1hr) 50dB(A) for the hours 10 pm to 7 am at any residence and/or where the criteria are exceeded, mitigation shall be applied to, where feasible, reduce the exceedance to below these criteria.


2012 is pending.

(c) The relocated road shall be designed so as not to increase L Aeq(1hr) by more than 2 dB.

N/A Works completed – Not applicable.

(d) Where noise mitigation cannot be successfully applied to limit noise below an increase in L Aeq(1hr) of 2dB, the Applicant shall offer to acquire or exchange the property as outlined in Condition 11.

N/A At this point in time, Not applicable – Cessation of mining occurred in Feb

2012

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(e) The Applicant shall make copies of the Noise Management Plans available to the EPA, LMCC and CCC within fourteen days of the Director-General’s approval, or as otherwise agreed to be the Director-General.

N/A Not Applicable- The NMP is being incorporated into the EMP and will be

made available to the relevant agencies.


4. Water Management and Monitoring

4.1 Management

(a) The Applicant shall prepare or review and update the existing Soil and Water Management Plans (SWMP) in consultation with the DLWC and LMCC. The Plan shall be prepared in accordance with the Department of Housing’s Manual Managing Urban Stormwater (1998) and taking account of the DLWC Draft Guideline for Establishment of Stable Drainage Areas on Rehabilitated Mine Sites or its latest version, and to the satisfaction of the Director-General and DLWC. For the construction and operation stages, the Plans shall be developed prior to the commencement of any activities associated with that stage and finalised within 6 months of the commencement of those activities or as otherwise approved by the Director-General. For the receipt of material for void filling from outside the DA area and other purposes, the revision of the SWMP for this section shall be provided at least one year prior to the commencement of receipt. All works required prior to the finalisation of the SWMP shall be undertaken in accordance with the SWMP as if it had been finalised.

Section 4.0 Not Applicable- The S&WMP is being incorporated into the EMP and will be

made available to the relevant agencies.

(b) The SWMPs shall include but not be limited to:

i. details of sediment and erosion control systems to be used during both mine construction, operation and rehabilitation;

ii. measures that will be employed to minimise soil erosion and the discharge of sediment and other pollutants to lands and/or waters at any time;

iii. details of the proposed measures to maximise the retrieval of topsoil for subsequent use in the rehabilitation program;

iv. measures to manage erosion and sedimentation of surface watercourses/waterbodies, including all creek lines within the DA area;

4.2

4.2, 4.3

4.2

4.2, 4.3

Incorporated excluding (xii) which is complete with the Groundwater Monitoring being undertaken in

accordance with Section 4.1 and 4.4

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v. measures to manage stormwater and general surface runoff diversion to ensure separate effective management of clean and dirty water;

vi. a program for reporting on the effectiveness of the sediment and erosion control systems and groundwater quality. Reporting shall be provided as part of the AEMR unless otherwise agreed by the Director-General;

vii. contingency plans for managing adverse impacts of the development on surface and groundwater quality;

viii. details of any water pumped to or from Rhondda Colliery or other sites. The volume of any such water transfers is to be documented in the AEMR;

ix. details of a strategy for the decommissioning of water management structures, including dirty water dams and clean water diversion dams;

x. details of any licensing requirements for extraction, storage, or other construction on the site;

xi. provision for prompt notification to the DLWC of the permanent cessation of its operations by which groundwater is abstracted directly or indirectly from the area. Upon such notification the Licence Holder shall:

provide evidence that all areas affected by dewatering (and any associated activity) have been rehabilitated/restored to pre-mining or otherwise agreed condition; and

undertake further rehabilitation work based on the findings of any investigation into the performance of the licence holder’s cessation obligations or as required by DLWC.

4.3

9.0

4.5

9.0

4.1

4.0

N/A

(c) The Applicant shall obtain a licence from DLWC under Part 5 of the Water Act 1912 for monitoring and production bores for the proposal and pumping and containment works for the extraction of ground waters and other works which intercept the groundwater table, including open cut and underground workings;

4.1 Included - Condition met – relevant licences obtained.

(d) Any work associated with the Project shall not commence until a formal licence has been issued by DLWC as required under section 112 of the Water Act 1912.

4.1 Included - Condition met – relevant licences obtained.

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(e) Except as may be expressly provided by a licence under the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 in relation to the development, section 120 of the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 shall be complied with in and in connection with the carrying out of the development.

Section 4.0 Managed in accordance with EPL 4033

(f) The works associated with the proposal shall not damage or interfere in any way with:

(i) vegetation outside the area of operation in the DA area other than that required for mine clearing;

(ii) the stability of adjacent or nearby streams including Cockle Creek; or

(iii) the quality of water discharged from the site remaining below the water quality limits identified in Condition 4.4.1 at all times.

4.2 Managed in accordance with EPL 4033.

(g) drainage associated with the realigned section of Wakefield Road, construction of box culverts on Diega Creek, clearing along the creek channel upstream of Culvert 3 and scour protection in the form of embankments downstream of Culvert on Diega Creek shall be designed to minimise afflux for the 1:50 and 1:100 year Average Recurrence Interval (ARI) floods to the satisfaction of DLWC.

N/A Not Applicable. Works completed- Addressed in previous revisions and

compliance audits

(h) Any works associated with construction in the vicinity of creeks and drainage lines shall minimise disturbance to vegetation and prevent scouring and erosion.

4.2 Included – However, no works planned.

(i) All reasonable measures shall be undertaken to protect all other vegetation on the site and on adjoining lands from damage during construction. Such measures shall include but not be limited to:

- clearly marking trees to be retained;

- avoiding compaction of ground around trees to be retained;

- clearly delineating the area of disturbance, and keeping all vehicles, construction materials and refuse within that area; and

- limiting the number of access points.

4.2 Included – However, no works planned.

4.1.1 Council Road Requirements

(a) As part of the SWMP, works on Council roads associated with this development shall be undertaken in accordance with the appropriate requirements set out in Consent Condition 4.1 and in accordance with LMCC’s

N/A Not applicable - Works completed- none further planned –Addressed in previous

revisions and compliance audits

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Erosion and Sediment Control Policy (Appendix ‘K’ of Council’s Subdivision Code).

(b) The construction/operation SWMPs shall be submitted and approved prior to the issue of LMCC’s Construction Certificate. All site works shall be carried out in accordance with the approved Plan(s) and no work shall commence on site until the erosion and sediment control works specified in the Plan are in place and their placement has been approved by the Principal Certifying Authority. No works shall commence prior to the issue of a Construction Certificate and all works shall be completed prior to the issue of a Compliance Certificate/Subdivision Certificate.

(c) The Applicant shall construct silt traps and all necessary runoff diversion works and sediment trapping devices to prevent top soil, road base or other material from entering any drainage easements, drainage system, natural watercourses downstream of the site or Lake Macquarie during construction works. Plans and calculations for such erosion controls shall be submitted prior to the issue of a Construction Certificate and the works shall be completed as part of the initial construction work in the first stage of the development. Minor additional works may be approved by the Principal Certifying Authority during construction works.

(d) The Applicant shall arrange for the design and construction of stormwater drainage works in accordance with the requirements of the publications and standards identified in this consent.

(e) The Applicant shall submit to LMCC a Compliance Certificate or certification from a suitably qualified Geotechnical Consultant verifying that the filling required is supplied and placed in accordance with the requirements of Australian Standard 3798 - 1990.

(f) Trees and other vegetation shall only be removed from the site of road, drainage and regrading works as approved in the Construction Certificate. An application shall be made to Council in accordance with Council's Tree Preservation Policy for the removal of any other trees.

4.2 Groundwater

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(a) The Applicant shall permit DLWC or any person authorised by it, full and free access to the mine site and works during construction, operation and rehabilitation, for the purpose of carrying out any inspection or test of the works for protection of the quality and prevention from pollution or contamination of sub-surface water. Any inspections of the site by DLWC shall be carried out in consultation with the mine operator and meet the mine’s reasonable safety requirements.

(b) The Applicant shall install an appliance(s) to measure the quantity of water extracted from the works such that the location, type, and construction of the appliance are to the satisfaction of DLWC. The appliance(s) shall consist of either a measuring weir or weirs with automatic recorder, or meter or means of measurement as may be approved by DLWC. The appliance(s) shall be maintained in good working order and condition. A record of all water extracted from the works shall be kept and supplied to DLWC upon request. The Applicant, when requested, shall provide a test certificate as to the accuracy of the appliance(s) furnished either by the manufacturer or by some person or authority duly qualified.

(c) An application shall be lodged for a licence to sink a bore under Part 5 of the Water Act 1912 in accordance with the Water (Part 5) General Regulation 1995 with details as required by the DLWC.

(d) Any bore driller engaged to construct any work associated with the mine extension shall be licensed pursuant to section 118A of the Water Act 1912.

(e) Water shall not be discharged into any watercourse or source of groundwater unless it meets the requirements of the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 to the satisfaction of the EPA.

(f) Works used for the purpose of conveying, distributing or storing water from the work authorised by a DLWC licence shall not obstruct the free passage of floodwaters.

(g) The Applicant shall, at its cost, prepare for submission to DLWC, a groundwater assessment report and management strategy which:

4.4

4.1, 4.4

N/A

N/A

4.0

4.0

Submitted with original SWMP. N/A

Included in EMP and managed in accordance with EPL 4033

Licences obtained

Bores constructed

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(i) reviews the impacts that the construction and mining operations have on any aquifer and any water resources in the area;

(ii) outlines a methodology and rationale demonstrating how construction and mining operations do/will not cause the quality of the groundwater or any connected surface water systems in the area to deteriorate below acceptable water quality limits in the medium to long term; and

(iii) demonstrates the barrier distance to the alluvial fringe to Diega Creek provides adequate protection to groundwater flux and groundwater dependent ecosystems.

(h) To maintain groundwater regimes in their current form, the following shall be implemented: (i) The existing intact riparian buffer to Diega Creek shall be maintained.

This area shall be delineated along the vegetation community of Sydney Coastal Estuary Swamp Forest Complex. Marker species for shallow groundwater dependent ecosystems include members of the Swamp Open Forest and moist soaks mapped in Appendix 6 of the EIS. Unless otherwise varied by these Conditions, the relevant recommendations of EIS Appendix 6, Sections 4.2 and 5 shall be implemented;

(ii) with respect to Cockle Creek, repairs and enlargement of the crossing over Cockle Creek shall be kept below a width of 10 metres through the vegetation community;

(iii) drainage controls to the haulage road and sediment basins shall be kept outside the riparian vegetation corridor with the exception of drainage and sediment controls related to the bridge and entry ramps leading to the crossing; and

(iv) should the groundwater regime deteriorate below limits as defined by DLWC for the SCESFC as a result of mining induced changes to groundwater regime, a remediation strategy shall be implemented, which is aimed at protection of the groundwater dependent ecosystem of the SCESFC to the satisfaction of DLWC.

As above

As above

Figure 3

4.4

4.0

No further impact due to the cessation of mining – Not applicable

(a) As part of the SWMP, the Applicant shall prepare and implement a Groundwater Monitoring Program to the satisfaction of the DLWC to monitor the effects of the operational and post-operational impacts on groundwater, connected surface water sources and any groundwater-dependent ecosystems.

(b) The Program shall be provided to DLWC at least 1 month prior to the

4.4

N/A

Annual monitoring program included in the plan.

NOW will be consulted with monitoring

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commencement of works in the vicinity of the monitoring points or as otherwise approved by the Director-General in consultation with DLWC and shall include, but not be limited to: (i) locations of monitoring bores both up gradient and down gradient of the

operations; (ii) parameters/analytes to be monitored, including procedures and protocols

for sampling and testing; (iii) periodic monitoring of groundwater quality, at a frequency of no less

than once every 6 months; (iv) details of a baseline survey to establish groundwater quality prior to the

commencement of operations;

(v) details of groundwater quality limits that would indicate contamination from the operations; and

(vi) a contingency plan in the event that contamination occurs.

(c) The monitoring program shall focus on mining induced changes to local groundwater regimes in the buffer to the SCESFC and Diega Creek and the hard rock barrier to the mine pit.

(d) The Applicant shall submit an Annual Report to the satisfaction of DLWC which shall include: (i) the annual monitoring undertaken including where the activity has

resulted in water quality impacts; and (ii) compliance with licence conditions.

(e) The monitoring program shall be incorporated in the Soil and Water Management Plan and shall include the duration (pre, during and post mining), sites to be sampled, frequency of sampling, the parameters to be measured, the need for any contingency plans, the reporting procedure and determination of appropriate cut-off criteria for monitoring purposes determined in consultation with DLWC. The monitoring program for post-mining shall be prepared by year 6 of mine operations.

(f) The results of monitoring shall be provided in the AEMR. Information provided shall include but not be limited to: (i) a basic review of the results for the previous year against the baseline

data from the same bore;

(ii) an interpretation of the water quality results and changes in time for

N/A

9.0

4.4

9.0

program- however, no works will be occurring and therefore Not Applicable.

Not Applicable – Cessation of mining occurred in Feb 2012

Included.

Monitoring program included in EMP, however cessation of mining occurred in

Feb 2012.

Included.

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water quality and water levels (supported with graphs, contour plots showing changes in aquifer pressure levels) as appropriate; and

(iii) an interpretation of the water balance identifying the volume and make up of mine pit inflows as compared to Part V licence (required under Part V of the Water Act 1912), and predictions made in the previous AEMR.

4.3 Surface Water

(a) A waste water management system shall be constructed and operated to manage the collection, storage, treatment, use and disposal of mine water and other wastewater.

4.1 Reference to OSSM approval and updated plan in the EMP

Development Consent Condition Section of

Document

3.6 Visual Amenity and Landscaping (d) A Landscape and Revegetation Management Plan shall be prepared

by the Applicant and approved by the Director-General within 6 months of development consent. The Plan shall be prepared in consultation with the LMCC. The Plan shall include, but not limited to, the following:

Section 5.0 Included in the EMP.

(i) An on-site landscaping strategy detailing design and proposed planting of trees and shrubs and the construction of mounding or bunding:

5.0 Final Landform is complete – maintenance programs and monitoring

will be included in the EMP.

1) around water storage dams visible from Wakefield or Wakefield Road;

5.2,5.3, 5.4 As above

2) in areas of the present alignment of Wakefield Road which are redundant to mining and transport requirements;

5.2,5.3, 5.4 As above

3) the overburden emplacements; and 5.2,5.3, 5.4 As above

4) at any other areas identified as necessary by LMCC for the maintenance of satisfactory visual amenity, and as agreed by the Director-General.

5.2,5.3, 5.4 As above

(ii) screening for adjacent non-mined owned properties. Screening shall be provided in consultation with the relevant landowners;

5.2,5.3, 5.4 As above

(iii) appropriate erosion and sediment control practices for earthworks associated with the landscaping.

4.0 As above

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(iv) the process of incorporating vegetation screening and fauna protection corridors into the proposed visual and landscaping works; and

5.0 As above

(v) use of indigenous species as identified in Condition 3.4.3(d); 5.3 As above


3.4.3 Flora and Fauna Management

(b) The Flora and Fauna Management Plan (FFMP) shall be developed in consultation with LMCC and the Department of Planning and developed prior to construction and finalised within 12 months of the development consent or as otherwise approved by the Director-General and to the satisfaction of the Director-General. The Plan shall be prepared by an appropriately qualified and experienced ecologist and shall include but not be limited to measures to minimise potential impacts on threatened and protected species. The ecologist shall be responsible for providing advice to minimise potential impacts upon threatened and protected fauna species that may utilise the site and to provide expert advice on the regeneration and reconstruction of flora and fauna habitat on mined areas. The Applicant shall make final copies of the FFMP available to NPWS, DLWC, LMCC and CCC within 14 days of approval by the Director-General.


(c) The Flora and Fauna Management Plan shall include but not be limited to:

(i) the clear definition of the mine extension boundaries and associated roadworks. To ensure on site definition, these boundaries shall be flagged or fenced to retain the adjacent habitats before clearing commences;

N/A Plan of mining boundary included. No clearing or extension planned due to

cessation of mining in Feb 2012.

(ii) a vegetation map delineating major vegetation communities, threatened flora species and communities, topographic features and the location of threatened species habitats including nest and roost trees;

Figure 4 and 5 Included.

(iii) details of measures to manage the impacts of the development, including:

management of invasive weed species including on stockpile

6.6 No development occurring – cessation of mining occurred in Feb 2012- Relevant

sections ie weed control included in EMP.

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areas, feral animals and introduced species including Mosquito Fish;

establishment of an appropriate hazard reduction regime in keeping with the ecological values of the area;

6.64 As above.

pre-clearing surveys and the welfare of fauna affected by clearing including protection during trapping and releasing of fauna that may be impacted by construction activities;

6.66 As above.

staged clearing whereby non-habitat trees and under scrub are removed first;

N/A As above.

protection of areas of remnant vegetation within the DA area that are outside the mine impact area;

6.71 As above.

prevention and rehabilitation of land degradation; 6.0 As above.

protection of areas from hydrological changes and runoff; and 6.0 As above.

revegetation and the provision of compensatory areas of equivalent ecological and habitat value where necessary.

N/A Addressed in approved VCA management Plan.

(iv) details of measures to manage the impacts of environmental management on flora and fauna, including the impact of erosion and sediment control measures and hazard reduction burning;

4.0, 6.6 Cessation of mining occurred in Feb 2012- details in relation to impact

management and monitoring included in EMP.

(v) priorities for action and a timetable for all works outlined in the Plan; N/A Not applicable.

(vi) a program to monitor flora and fauna impacts on disturbed and undisturbed portions of the mining lease area and downstream environments. The program shall extend from the commencement of clearing for the life of the mine extension and for a period thereafter as approved by the Director-General, and shall include:

6.7 Biodiversity Monitoring and Walkover inspections included in the EMP.

justification for monitoring intervals and locations; 6.7 Included.

monitoring of the presence and persistence of native flora and fauna species over time, particularly threatened species;

6.7 As above.

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monitoring the progress of revegetation with native species and the progression to final species diversity;

6.7 As above.

monitoring and measures to ensure environmental flows in Cockle Creek are not adversely impacted; and

N/A Not applicable- cessation of mining 2012

monitoring the effectiveness of management measures including revegetation measures during and following mining activities to assess the success of ameliorative measures.

6.7 Included.

(vii) evidence of licences held from NPWS in relation to handling and monitoring threatened species. The Applicant shall ensure that personnel are suitably licensed under the provisions of the National Parks and Wildlife Act and Threatened Species Conservation Act, as relevant to the proposed activities;

N/A No proposed activities.

(viii) implementation of a feedback/review mechanism to ensure land management adapts to changing site and environmental conditions; and

6.7 Biodiversity / Annual Walkover

(ix) as part of the Plan, the Applicant shall ensure that:

immediately following the construction of culverts, cover for fauna shall be provided in cleared areas associated with the culvert construction to provide cover across cleared land to vegetated areas;

N/A

at least one area of sufficiently tall trees for glider crossings shall be retained close to the road on either side of the road crossing to enable glider crossing;

N/A

revegetation shall be undertaken on those areas, including the section of disused Rhondda Road within six months of cessation of use of that section of Rhondda Road;

N/A

any changes to the hydrological regime of Cockle Creek shall be minimised;

N/A

clearing of any native vegetation is minimised; N/A

hollow-bearing tree resources including roosts for bats, Squirrel Gliders and other arboreal fauna are maintained in size, number, height and direction within the DA area either through preservation in situ, relocation or provision of boxes. These shall be provided prior to clearing. Monitoring of use of nest boxes shall be

N/A

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undertaken on a seasonal basis and reported through the monitoring report to the satisfaction of the Director-General.

(d) The Flora and Fauna Management Plan shall include but not be limited to details of the measures to be undertaken to progressively rehabilitate disturbed areas of the mine to be similar to the original vegetation cover that existed before mining occurred. The Applicant shall be responsible for the management and monitoring of the rehabilitated mine site until such time as the Director-General agrees that restoration has been successful. The revegetation shall include the following:

(i) Seeds of locally indigenous native species shall be collected prior to the commencement of construction to provide seed stock for revegetation purposes by a qualified bushland regeneration officer as identified by the Australian Association of Bushland Regenerators as appropriate to the site. Topsoil and leaf mulch shall be stripped and stored for placement back in the area undergoing rehabilitation, subject to Condition of Consent 3.4.3(c)(iii);

N/A

(ii) plantings/revegetation shall ensure vegetation listed in the Hunter Regional Organisation of Councils (HROC) 1750 Pre-settlement Extant Vegetation, the Lower Hunter Central Coast Regional Environmental Management Strategy (REMS) and Lake Macquarie City Council (1998) Lake Macquarie City Wide Vegetation, Fauna Habitat and Biodiversity Mapping Project for the site and adjacent areas are re-established, as appropriate in consultation with NPWS and to the satisfaction of the Director-General;

N/A

(iii) weed infested topsoil, as identified by a qualified ecologist, shall not be used in the rehabilitation works unless it is sterilised or treated in an appropriate manner;

N/A

(iv) a report summarising the progress towards original diversity in the final composition of the revegetated areas shall be submitted to the satisfaction of the Director-General and NPWS every two years;

6.7.4 Included.

(v) the Applicant shall monitor and maintain all proposed vegetation plantings for a minimum of three years after the completion of mining and shall undertake measures to control weeds; and

6.7.4 Included.

(vi) cleared vegetation shall be reused or recycled to the greatest extent practicable. Reuse options shall include providing native animal refuges, mulching and chipping unusable vegetation waste for on site

N/A

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use.


5.1.2 Dust Management Plan

(a) The Applicant shall, within 3 months of development consent, prepare or review and update the existing Dust Management Plan. The Plan shall be prepared in consultation with the EPA and LMCC and to the satisfaction of the Director-General. The Plan shall include, but not be limited to, details of:


(i) the identification of properties which are likely to be affected by dust generated by the mine in accordance with the criteria identified in condition 5.1.1;

N/A Cessation of mining in Feb 2012

(ii) a procedure for notifying property owners and occupiers identified, either in the EIS or through monitoring, as likely to be affected by dust generated by the mine in excess of criteria identified in condition 5.1.1;

1.5, 7.1.7

(iii) mitigation measures to minimise dust emissions during both the construction and operation phases;

N/A Cessation of mining in Feb 2012

(iv) appropriate mechanisms for community consultation;

1.5 Not applicable- CCC dissolved in Dec 2012. Cessation of mining occurred in Feb 2012. Information update via West

Wallsend CCC and community newsletter

(v) the establishment of a protocol for handling dust complaints that includes recording, reporting and acting on complaints;

1.5

(vi) methods and frequency of making dust monitoring data publicly available, such as the placement of monitoring details and results on the internet; and

7.2

(vii) a program to undertake ambient monitoring of TSP and PM10 concentrations and dust deposition rates at nearest sensitive receptors determined in consultation with the EPA and to the satisfaction of the Director-General.

7.0 Cessation of Mining occurred in Feb 2012, TSP and PM10 monitoring at EPA

Point 13 and 18 respectively in accordance with EPL 4033. EPL

Rationalisation application submitted.

(b) The Plan shall include a procedure to address potential particulate matter impacts on residential tenants that is prepared in consultation with EPA, NSW Health and landowners of affected residences in Table 7 and any other

N/A Cessation of mining occurred in Feb 2012. No longer applicable. Complaints/ enquires procedure included in Section

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property which is identified through monitoring:

Table 7. Properties at which a procedure shall be developed to address health concerns of tenants

* at date of development consent being granted

1.5 of the EMP.

The procedure shall:

(i) ensure that all existing and potential tenants of identified properties are advised in writing of the increase in particulate levels likely to occur at those locations during the operational life of the mine and that these increases are likely to result in exceedances of the criteria in Condition 5.1.1. Information shall also be provided to the residents on the available research relating to the health effects of fine particulate matter;

N/A As above

(ii) ensure that the advice provided to current and future tenants is based on current knowledge of ambient air quality monitoring, dispersion modelling results and air quality criteria; and

N/A As above

(iii) provide a mechanism for providing ambient air quality, dispersion modelling results and air quality criteria to the residents of these affected residences.

N/A As above

(c) The Dust Management Plan shall be implemented in a timely manner to the satisfaction of the Director-General.

N/A EMP will be implemented upon approval.


3.2 Environmental Management Strategies and Plans (a) The Applicant shall prepare an Environmental Management Strategy

providing a strategic context for the Environmental Management Plans (Condition 3.2(d)). The Environmental Management Strategy shall be prepared following consultation with the NPWS, DLWC, EPA, DMR, LMCC, Department of Planning and the Community Consultative Committee (CCC)

Entire Document

EMS now EMP in consultation with relevant government agencies.

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(refer Condition 10.1) and to the satisfaction of the Director-General. The strategy shall be provided to the Director-General at the same time the first Environmental Management Plan under sub-clause (d) below is submitted.

(b) The Environmental Management Strategy shall include, but not be limited to:

(i) statutory and other obligations which the Applicant is required to fulfil during construction and operation, including all approvals and consultations and agreements required from authorities and other stakeholders, and key legislation and policies;

Entire Document

Construction and Operation no longer occurring. Relevant legislation included

in EMP.

(ii) definition of the role, responsibility, authority, accountability and reporting of personnel relevant to environmental management, including the Environmental Officer(s);

1.8 Included

(iii) overall environmental management objectives and performance outcomes, during construction, operation and decommissioning of the mine, for each of the key environmental elements for which management plans are required under this consent;

1.4 Included

iv) overall ecological and community objectives for the project, and a strategy for the restoration and management of the areas affected by construction and mining operations, including elements such as wetlands and other habitat areas, creek lines and drainage channels, within the context of those objectives;

1.4

1.5

6.0

Mining cessation occurred in Feb 2012 – Rehabilitation works to be completed/ objectives for these works included in

the EMP.

(v) identification of cumulative environmental impacts and procedures for dealing with these at each stage of the development;

N/A Development no longer occurring – Not applicable

(vi) overall objectives and strategies to promote economic productivity within the area affected by mining;

N/A

(vii) steps to be taken to ensure that all approvals, plans, and procedures are being complied with;

1.7 Included

(viii) processes for conflict resolution in relation to the environmental management of the project; and

1.5

1.8

Included

(ix) documentation of the results of consultations undertaken in the development of the Environmental Management Strategy.

N/A Will be appendixed to EMP

(c) The Applicant shall make copies of the Environmental Management Strategy available to LMCC, EPA, DLWC, NPWS, DMR, MSB and the CCC within fourteen days of approval by the Director-General.

N/A CCC No longer applicable. Not included in document. Will be undertaken.

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3.3 Heritage Assessment, Management and Monitoring

(a) The Applicant shall prepare an Archaeology and Cultural Management Plan to address Aboriginal cultural heritage issues. The Plan shall be prepared in consultation with the Koompahtoo Local Aboriginal Land Council (LALC) and NPWS to the satisfaction of the Director-General. The Plan shall include and not be limited to:

N/A Section included in EMP. Cessation of mining occurred in Feb 2012. No known sites in Development Consent Boundary.

No major ground disturbance works planned

(i) details of consultation undertaken with the Koompahtoo LALC in the preparation of this Plan; N/A As above

(ii) a protocol to ensure: _ adequate notification of the opportunities to assess the potential for indigenous heritage sites/items prior to the commencement of clearing within areas of archaeological potential identified on Figure 5.2 of Appendix 9 and in the recommendations of Appendix 9 (in the EIS) and for the presence of a LALC representative(s) during clearing; and _ consistentency with NPWS requirements, should an Aboriginal heritage site/item be discovered;

N/A As above

(iii) provision of management strategies for Aboriginal heritage sites for all parts of the DA area not affected by mining;

Section 8.0

(iv) identification of any future salvage, excavation (including test pitting) and monitoring programs for any heritage/archaeological sites within the DA area, prior to and during development; and

N/A Cessation of mining occurred in Feb 2012. No known sites in Development Consent Boundary. No major ground

disturbance works planned.

(v) management procedures and protocols for issues relating to Aboriginal heritage for all stages of the development (training of field crews, staging of works, salvage etc).

Section 8.0

(b) All reasonable costs associated with site monitoring by the LALC shall be borne by the Applicant.

Section 8.0

Monitoring (c) The Applicant shall monitor the effectiveness of the measures outlined in the Archaeology and Cultural Management Plan (Condition 3.3(a)). A summary of the monitoring results shall be included in the AEMR.

Section 9.0

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11.2 Appendix 2 – Westside Mine Waste Streams

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Waste

Stream Description Waste Classification Management of Waste

Batteries

Small batteries e.g. AAA’s, 9

volts, D etc in non-

commercial quantities.

General solid waste (non-

putrescible)

Part of municipal waste, disposed on in general waste

bins.

Used car and truck batteries.

Computer wet cell batteries

Hazardous Waste - Lead Acid or

Nickel Cadmium

1. Authorised contractor to transport waste to licensed

facility for recycling and disposal; and

2. Maintain receipts from authorised transporter for 4

years.

Building and

Demolition

Waste

Bricks, concrete, paper, glass,

metal, timber.

General Waste (Non-

putrescible)

1. Segregate materials for recycling (e.g. steel, iron

sheeting, aluminium, copper, brass etc);

2. Bury remaining material within open cut where

practical; or

3. Dispose of waste to licensed landfill if burial on site is

not practical.

Dredged

sediment

From surface sediment dams,

sumps etc.

Liquid waste. If dewatered

classified as general solid waste

(non-putrescible)

Incorporate material into open cut.

Engine

Coolant

Drained from radiators

during servicing Liquid Waste

1. Drain into in a storage tank in contained area;

2. Authorised contractor to dispose of waste to a

licensed waste facility (aqueous treatment plant); and

3. Comply with waste tracking requirements.

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Waste


Gas

Cylinders To be collected for re-filling Not applicable

Empty cylinders are stored onsite and exchanged when

full cylinders are received from the supplier.

Grease and

Oil Drums

Not cleaned and containing

hydrocarbon residues. Hazardous Waste

1. Drain excess oil into waste oil tank.

2. Store drums within contained area (under cover);

3. Authorised contractor to transport drums to licensed

facility for triple rinsing before being sent for

recycling or disposal to licensed landfill; and


Metal Drums Not containing free liquids

(flammable)

General Solid Waste (non-

putrescible)

Collected and stored within designated bin for collection

by metal recycler

Municipal

Waste Office domestic waste.

General Solid Waste

(Putrescible)

To be disposed of within general waste bins on site for

collection by a general waste contractor for disposal at

licensed landfill facility.

Oil

Absorbent

Material

Not containing free liquids General solid waste (non-

putrescible)

Placed within plastic bags and disposed of within general

waste bins for collection by general waste contractor for

disposal at licensed landfill facility.

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Waste


Oil and Fuel

Filters Contains free oil Liquid waste

1. Store within designated bin on site;

2. Authorised contractor to transport filters to licensed

facility for draining and shredding before being sent

for recycling or disposal to licensed landfill; and


Oily Rags Not containing free liquids General solid waste (non-

putrescible)

1. Store within designated bin on site;

2. Authorised contractor to transport oily rags to

licensed facility for sorting for reuse or incineration;

and


Oily Water/

Hydrocarbon

Spillages

Oily water from wash down

bay, workshop floors & lube

bay floor.

Liquid waste

1. Wash-down water drained to oily water separator;

2. Effluent water from oil water separator discharged to

Dam G for reuse through crusher;

3. Waste oil is collected into storage tank;

4. Transported off-site by authorised contractor;

5. Recycled as a burner fuel. Therefore waste tracking is

not required.

Paper &

cardboard paper & cardboard


putrescible)

1. Placed into designated storage bin

2. Collected by cardboard and paper recycling

contractor

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Waste


Parts

Washers

Liquid Waste

Parts Washers Liquid Waste Liquid waste

1. Stored onsite in designated drums;

2. Collected by an authorised contractor;

3. Disposal of waste to a licensed waste facility (aqueous

treatment plant); and


Saline water

discharge

Mine water / surface water

discharge Liquid Waste

1. If necessary, treat to amend pH or reduce sediment

concentration;

2. Discharge off-site in accordance with Environment

Protection License No.4033.

Scrap Metal Scrap Metal General solid waste (non-

putrescible)

Scrap metal is placed in the Waste Steel Skip, which is

collected for recycling.

Sewage Waste generated from the

bathhouse and office toilets. Liquid waste

1. Waste water treated via Enviro-cycle system on site;

2. Sludge material collected by authorised contractor as

required for disposal off-site to licensed waste facility;

3. Effluent spray irrigated on site; and

4. Comply with waste tracking requirements for sludge

disposal.

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Waste


Tyres

Used, rejected or unwanted

tyres (including shredded

tyres or tyre pieces)

Special Waste

1. Where possible, supplier to collect used tyres for

recycling (licensed transporter required for loads

exceeding 2 tonnes);

2. Where recycling is not an option, dispose of tyres

within open-cut in quantities less than 5000

tonnes/year; and

3. Waste tyres not are stored in stockpiles greater than

50 tonnes at any one time.

Virgin

Excavated

Natural

Material

(VENM) and

Excavated

Natural

Material

(ENM)

Clay, gravel, sand, soil and

rock not mixed with any other

waste


putrescible)

Buried on-site and utilised in rehabilitation.

Disposal off overburden/VENM/ENM in shafts at

specified locations. For specific filling of Shaft 2, LMCC

requires advanced warning signs (VMS) on both

approaches to the Broadway advising of truck activity.

Selected overburden General solid waste (non-

putrescible)

Following separation, to be sold and removed off-site to

the tile manufacturer.

Disposal off overburden/VENM/ENM in shafts at

specified locations. For specific filling of Shaft 2, LMCC

requires advanced warning signs (VMS) on both

approaches to the Broadway advising of truck activity.

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Waste


Waste Oil

Black Oil – mixture of a range

of oils including hydraulic,

gear, engine etc.

Liquid Waste

1. Waste oil is collected into storage tank;

2. Transported off-site by authorised contractor;

3. Recycled as a burner fuel. Therefore waste tracking is

not required. Maintain receipts from authorised

transporter for 4 years.

Westside


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Status: Approved

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Review: 15/07/2019

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12. CONTROL AND REVISION HISTORY

12.1 Document information

Property Value

Approved by

Document Owner A Gray

Effective Date 15/07/2016

Keywords

EMP; Environmental Management Plan; Westside; Flora and Fauna Management; Dust Management; Soil and Water Management; Environmental Management Strategy; Noise Management

For a complete list of document properties, select View Properties from the document’s context

menu on the intranet.

12.2 Revisions

Update

Date

reviewed

Review team

(consultation) Nature of the amendment

1 07/02/2014 E & C Team Amended to incorporate comments from the

Department of Planning and Infrastructure

2 20/10/2014 E & C Team Added (Section 5.41 and Figure 7) to incorporate

comments from the Department of Planning and

Environment following October 2014 revision.

3 21/10/2014 E & C Team Actually version 4- minor revision following Department

of Planning and Environment consultation.

5 05/07/16 E & C Team Amended to incorporate the provision for the disposal

of overburden/VENM/ENM in shaft filling at specified

locations.

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