Appendix AG - newhopegroup.com.au · The West Surat Rail link from the mine to the Surat Basin Railway and all associated factors will be addressed in a separate report. The purpose

Document Name i Insert Month/Year

Appendix AG Elimatta Project Noise Impact Assessment

ASK Consulting Engineers Pty Ltd

ABN: 55 622 586 522 - ACN: 128 491 967 PO Box 3901, South Brisbane. QLD. 4101. P: 07-3255-3355 F: 07-3844-7180 W: www.askconsulting.com.au E: [email protected]

Elimatta Coal Mine

Wandoan, Queensland

Noise Impact Assessment 4242R01V03.docx

17/03/14

Prepared for

Taroom Coal Pty Ltd

4242R01V03.docx Page i

Document Control

W:\6700\6719 - Elimatta EIS liaison\ASKout NV 4242 continued\4242R01V03.docx

Revision No Date of Issue Method of Issue

Status Prepared by Reviewed by

4242R01V01_draft 25/11/11 Email Draft BB SP 4242R01V01_draft2 19/01/12 Email Draft2 BB GA

4242R01V01 15/11/12 Email Final BB & SP SP 4242R01V02_draft 25/11/13 Email Draft Revision SP SP 4242R01V02_draft2 04/02/14 Email Draft2 Revision SP SP 4242R01V02_draft3 07/03/14 Email Draft3 Revision SP SP

4242R01V02 13/03/14 Email Final SP SP 4242R01V03 17/03/14 Email Revision SP SP

Disclaimer: This document and associated tasks were undertaken in accordance with the ASK Consulting Engineers Quality Assurance System, which is based on Australian Standard / NZS ISO 9001:2008. This document is issued subject to review and authorisation by a Senior Consultant noted in the above table. If the table is incomplete, this document shall be considered as preliminary or draft only and no reliance shall be placed upon it other than for information to be verified later.

This document is prepared for our Client's particular requirements which are based on a specific brief with limitations as agreed to with the Client. It is not intended for and should not be relied upon by a third party and no responsibility is undertaken to any third party without prior consent provided by ASK Consulting Engineers. The information herein should not be reproduced, presented or reviewed except in full. Prior to passing on to a third party, the Client is to fully inform the third party of the specific brief and limitations associated with the commission.

The information contained herein is for the identified purpose of acoustics only. No claims are made and no liability is accepted in respect of design and construction issues falling outside of the specialist field of acoustics engineering including and not limited to structural integrity, fire rating, architectural buildability and fit-for-purpose, waterproofing, safety design and the like. Supplementary professional advice should be sought in respect of these issues.

Copyright: This report and the copyright thereof are the property of ASK Consulting Engineers Pty Ltd (ABN 55 622 586 522). It must not be copied in whole or in part without the written permission of ASK Consulting Engineers Pty Ltd. This report has been produced specifically for the Client and project nominated herein and must not be used or retained for any other purpose. www.askconsulting.com.au

4242R01V03.docx Page ii

Table of Contents

1 Introduction .......................................................................................................................................................................... 1

2 Project Description .......................................................................................................................................................... 5

2.1 Project Description .............................................................................................................................................. 5

2.2 Sensitive Receivers ............................................................................................................................................... 6

3 Existing Noise Environment ........................................................................................................................................ 7

3.1 Noise Monitoring Equipment and Locations ....................................................................................... 7

3.2 Noise Monitoring Results ................................................................................................................................ 7

3.3 Background Noise Levels................................................................................................................................. 9

3.4 Seasonal Variation ................................................................................................................................................ 9

4 Noise and Vibration Environmental Values .................................................................................................... 10

4.1 Overview ................................................................................................................................................................ 10

4.2 Environmental Protection Act 1994 ...................................................................................................... 10

4.3 Environmental Protection (Noise) Policy 2008 ............................................................................... 10

4.3.1 Overview ............................................................................................................................................... 10

4.3.2 Background Creep ........................................................................................................................... 11

4.3.3 Acoustic Quality Objectives ...................................................................................................... 11

4.4 EcoAccess Noise Guidelines ...................................................................................................................... 12

4.4.1 EcoAccess – Planning for Noise Control ........................................................................... 12

4.4.1.1 Control and Prevention of Background Creep .............................................................. 12

4.4.1.2 Sleep Disturbance Criteria .......................................................................................................... 17

4.5 Proposed Overall Noise Criteria ............................................................................................................. 18

4.6 Low Frequency Noise .................................................................................................................................... 19

4.7 EcoAccess – Noise & Vibration from Blasting ................................................................................. 20

5 Noise & Vibration Modelling ................................................................................................................................... 21

5.1 Model Description ............................................................................................................................................ 21

5.2 Meteorology ......................................................................................................................................................... 21

5.2.1 General ................................................................................................................................................... 21

5.2.2 Effect of Climate Change ............................................................................................................. 21

5.3 Noise Sources ..................................................................................................................................................... 22

5.4 Modelling Scenarios .......................................................................................................................................... 23

5.5 Predicted Noise Levels .................................................................................................................................. 23

5.6 Cumulative Impacts (Background Creep) ........................................................................................... 28

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5.7 Blasting ..................................................................................................................................................................... 30

5.7.1 Overview ............................................................................................................................................... 30

5.7.2 Ground Vibration ............................................................................................................................. 31

5.7.3 Airblasts .................................................................................................................................................. 32

6 Noise and Vibration Assessment .......................................................................................................................... 33

6.1 Mining Year 2 ....................................................................................................................................................... 33

6.2 Mining Year 10 .................................................................................................................................................... 33

6.3 Mining Year 20 .................................................................................................................................................... 33

6.4 Mining Year 27 .................................................................................................................................................... 33

6.5 Low Frequency Noise .................................................................................................................................... 34

6.6 Cumulative Impact ............................................................................................................................................ 34

6.7 Blasting ..................................................................................................................................................................... 34

7 Recommendations ......................................................................................................................................................... 35

8 Conclusions ........................................................................................................................................................................ 37

9 References .......................................................................................................................................................................... 38

Appendix A Proposed Project Infrastructure .......................................................................................................... 39

Appendix B Noise Sensitive Receiver .......................................................................................................................... 40

Appendix C Acoustic Terminology ............................................................................................................................... 44

Appendix D Graphs of Noise Monitoring Results ............................................................................................... 47

Appendix E Predicted Mining Noise Results (Standard Equipment) ........................................................ 57

Appendix F Predicted Mining Noise Results (Attenuated Equipment) ................................................... 64

Elimatta Coal Mine 4242R01V03.docxWandoan, Queensland Page 1

1 Introduction

ASK Consulting Engineers was commissioned by AARC on behalf of Taroom Coal Pty Ltd to carry out a noise and vibration assessment for the construction and operation of the proposed Elimatta Coal Mine.

The proposed operation is located approximately 35km west of the township of Wandoan, as shown on Figure 1.1. The West Surat Rail link from the mine to the Surat Basin Railway and all associated factors will be addressed in a separate report.

The purpose of this report is as follows:

Present background noise level data provided to ASK. Determine appropriate noise and vibration criteria for the project. Determine the noise emission levels of the proposed fixed and mobile plant. Determine vibration levels due to blasting operations. Assess operational and construction noise and vibration levels in accordance with the

nominated noise and vibration criteria. Assess cumulative impacts from Elimatta and other mine/s. Provide recommendations for inclusion in the EIS.

This report has been amended following comments received from Department of Environment and Heritage Protection (EHP). A summary of those comments is provided in Table 1.1 along with a cross-reference to the sections of this report that have been amended to address each issue.


Figure 1.1 Location of Elimatta Mine


Table 1.1 Summary of Comments and Responses

Stake-holder

Summary of Comment Brief Response Sections Discussed

EHP (N1) The measurement locations are not shown on Figure B.I.

Figure B.1 is amended to show monitoring locations A to E.

Figure B.1

EHP (N2) Noise data has not taken into account seasonal variation.

Noise monitoring was conducted in summer and thus includes insect noise representative of that period of the year. During winter it would be expected that background noise level would be significantly lower due to the lower levels of insect noise and thus background noise levels have been assumed to be at the minimum level prescribed by EHP (i.e. 25 dBA)

Section 3.4

EHP (N3) Update sound power level information.

Noise model data and software has been updated in this revised report. Data is provided for standard and attenuated equipment.

Section 5.3

Table 5.1

Table 5.2

EHP (N4) Receiver 1 (Lot 33 on AB128) should be considered a sensitive receiver unless permanently unoccupied.

This receiver is reassessed as per Section 7 of the report.

Section 7

EHP (N5) Figure D.3 - Plot of Noise Monitoring Results at Location C – refers to the LA05 noise descriptor instead of LA10.

The caption has been corrected. Figure D.3

EHP (N6) As per (N5) except graph located in EIS document

As per comment (N5), the caption has been corrected in this report.

Figure D.3

EHP (N7) Figure showing Location of Nearest Sensitive Receivers, is too small to show clearly the location of sensitive receivers.

The figure has been expanded at a higher resolution.

Figure B.1

EHP (N8) There are noticeable trends in data for the background noise measurement, yet no comment or assessment is provided in the EIS.

The monitoring results are discussed in Section 3.2

Section 3.2


Stake-holder

Summary of Comment Brief Response Sections Discussed

Xstrata (N9) Sensitive receiver 4 is dismissed as a receiver because it is within the proposed Wandoan Project, Note that although the sensitive receiver is associated with XCQ mining tenements, the receiver may not be assumed as "unoccupied" in the timeframes anticipated by Taroom Coal. Discussion with the landowner and XCQ is recommended.

This receiver is reassessed as per Section 7 of the report.

Section 7

It is noted that the revisions to the noise modelling included using an alternative noise modelling package, i.e. SoundPLAN.


2 Project Description

2.1 Project Description

Taroom Coal Pty Ltd wishes to mine the Elimatta coal deposit in central Queensland, approximately 35 kilometres west of Wandoan.

The proposed maximum annual Run of Mine (ROM) coal processed is 8.2 Mt of coal. Based on a current assessment of the available resource, the expected production life of the Project is in excess of 32 years. Including construction through to decommissioning and shutdown, the whole of project life is near to 40 years.

Mining and crushing will operate 7 days a week, 24 hours a day at peak production. Mining will be open pit using conventional truck and excavator methodology. The initial proposed project infrastructure for years 1, 10 and 20 are shown in Appendix A. All drawings have been provided by The Minserve Group Pty Ltd c/- AARC. As the coal mine covers an area of 2,775 hectares (ha) the impact of the changes in the site layout would be significant with respect to the predicted noise levels at the nominated sensitive receivers. Therefore a range of scenarios will be used to evaluate the noise impact from the mining site.

Excavators will load material from the pits into dump trucks for transport to the ROM stockpiles. Hauling from the pits to the waste and ROM stockpiles will be conducted using dump trucks. ROM coal transported from the pit area will be directly dumped into a 500 tonne ROM hopper at the coal handling and processing plant (CHPP) or stockpiled in 3 x 20,000 tonne dumps depending on CHPP availability. The ROM bin has been designed to accept rear dumping from CAT 793 trucks and complementary feeding by CAT 994 FEL on the adjacent side. To enable the recovery of the product coal from the stockpiles for train loading, one coal valve will be located under the discharge of each of the product stacking conveyors.

Service vehicles and water trucks will operate on the haul roads. All these sources are included in the model.

The onsite operation can be described as:

Mining 24 hours a day. Crushing 24 hours a day. Base fleet.

Blasting will be required and is to be carried out on a regular basis with the following typical characteristics for each blast:

Blast area of 50,000m2 with 64 holes. Blast hole width of 0.250m and a maximum depth of 10m. Stemming Height of 5.0-6.0m. MIC 500 kg.


2.2 Sensitive Receivers

The nearest sensitive receivers are summarised in Table B.1 in Appendix B including the northing and easting locations. A figure showing the receiver locations is included in Figure B.1 in Appendix B. The closest receiver is approximately 1000m away from the mining operation.


3 Existing Noise Environment

3.1 Noise Monitoring Equipment and Locations

The existing noise environment was monitored by AARC under the direction of ASK Consulting Engineers using un-attended measurements. Environmental noise logging was conducted using one ARL EL315 and four Rion NL22 Sound Level Meters. A glossary of acoustic terminology is included in Appendix C.

The monitoring was conducted with the ARL EL315 and Rion NL22 noise loggers at the following five (5) sites (refer Figure B.1 for location of sensitive receivers A to E):

Location A: Located at Lot 131 & 132 on SP121742 (Sensitive receiver 7). Noise logging was undertaken with an ARL EL315 (#423) noise logger. The coordinates for this site was: (GDA 94) 0764842.3, 7123340.5.

Location B: Located on Lot 33 on AB128 (Sensitive receiver 1). Noise logging was undertaken with a Rion NL22 (#274) noise logger. The coordinates for this site was: (GDA 94) 0761702.9, 7111239.0.

Location C: Located on Lot 37 on AB180 (Sensitive receiver 5). Noise logging was undertaken with a Rion NL22 (#349) noise logger. The coordinates for this site was: (GDA 94) 0757252.0, 7117455.8.

Location D: Located on Lot 38 on AB188 (Sensitive receiver 4). Noise logging was undertaken with a Rion NL22 (#884) noise logger. The coordinates for this site was: (GDA 94) 0766233.6, 7119035.1.

Location E: Located on Lot 1 on SP103977 (Sensitive receiver 3). Noise logging was undertaken with a Rion NL22 (#886) noise logger. The coordinates for this site was: (GDA 94) 0758999.1, 7110581.3.

Noise monitoring was conducted from the 19/02/08 to the 25/02/08. The instruments were setup for 15 minute intervals as per the Queensland EPA Noise Measurement Manual.

3.2 Noise Monitoring Results

Plots of the noise levels are included in Appendix D as Figures D.1, D.2, D.3, D.4 and D.5. The noise levels are expressed in terms of the Leq, L10, and L90. The L10 and L90 are respectively the A-weighted noise levels exceeded 10%, and 90% of the time. The Leq is the A-weighted energy average noise level containing the same acoustic energy as the actual fluctuating noise level.

Plots of the L90 noise levels, by time of day, are shown in Appendix D as Figures D.6, D.7, D.8, D.9 and D.10.

The average Leq, average L10, and min LA90 noise levels for each measured period (day, evening and night) are listed in Table 3.1, in keeping with the EcoAccess requirements. It should be noted that only complete measurement periods have been included within the analysis.


Table 3.1 Summary of Measured Noise Levels

Location Statistic L10, dBA L90, dBA Leq, dBA

Day Even Night Day Even Night Day Even Night

A

max 66 66 59 63 63 55 65 65 57 min 35 55 46 27 52 36 33 54 44 90% 62 65 56 58 61 51 61 63 54 10% 39 58 49 31 54 40 37 56 47

Average 47 61 53 40 57 45 45 59 50

B

max 56 56 54 43 54 51 58 55 52 min 36 37 29 29 33 26 34 36 27 90% 51 53 52 38 50 48 50 52 50 10% 39 45 40 31 39 31 37 42 37

Average 44 49 46 34 45 38 43 48 44

C

max 59 65 65 42 63 59 54 64 61 min 40 42 43 30 38 36 37 40 41 90% 48 62 59 40 57 53 46 60 56 10% 42 45 45 36 39 39 40 42 42

Average 45 54 51 38 48 44 42 51 49

D

max 62 71 68 43 69 65 61 70 67 min 30 42 37 22 36 28 29 40 35 90% 46 66 63 38 63 60 45 65 62 10% 36 45 40 27 41 33 34 44 38

Average 41 57 51 32 53 45 40 55 49

E

max 60 59 58 46 57 55 60 58 57 min 38 44 42 27 39 34 36 42 40 90% 54 58 54 42 56 51 50 57 53 10% 42 47 44 34 43 37 41 46 42

Average 48 53 49 38 50 43 45 52 47

The monitoring results show some interesting trends in the noise data and these are discussed as follows:

The background noise levels at Location A, tend to peak around 5pm to 8pm, and gradually reduce from then onwards to the following afternoon period. This pattern of noise levels is not representative of man made noises (e.g. road traffic, residential and rural activities) but is likely due to natural noises, particularly insects and frogs.

The background noise levels at Locations B to E, tend to peak at night, particularly around 7pm to 3am, and are approximately 10 to 30 dBA quieter at other periods of the day. The causes for this pattern are likely as noted for Location A, i.e. insects and frogs.

Occasionally, the daytime background noise levels drops as low as 26 to 27 dBA L90 at Location A, B & E, as low as 30 dBA L90 at Location C, and as low as 22 dBA L90 at Location D.


Overall, the monitoring results appear significantly influenced by insects, and potentially other natural noises. Thus the data is likely typical of the summer noise environment.

3.3 Background Noise Levels

The background noise levels (minL90) are calculated using the ‘lowest 10th percentile’ of the L90 levels in each period of the day. This ‘lowest 10th percentile’ method is defined in the EPA EcoAccess guidelines and differs from ‘bottom 10%’ shown in Table 3.1, and are summarised in Table 3.2.

Table 3.2: Measured Background Noise Levels

Location Background Noise Level, minL90, dBA

Day Evening Night A 29 53 37 B 31 40 31 C 36 39 39 D 27 41 33 E 35 42 38

From Table 3.2 it can be seen that the background noise levels are lowest in the daytime at Location A and Location D.

3.4 Seasonal Variation

Based on ASK’s experience with noise logging in similar rural areas it is considered that these background noise levels are higher than typically expected, and are therefore likely dominated by natural noises, particularly insects.

As insect noise varies significantly during the year and tends to be noisiest in summer, i.e. when these measurements were taken, the background noise data is not likely representative of cooler periods of the year, with less insect noise.

Based on the minimum measured background noise level of 22 to 30 dBA L90 in the daytime and ASK’s experience at monitoring at other rural locations, it is probable that the background noise level during the day, evening and night would be 25 dBA minL90 or less in the absence of seasonal insect noise, i.e. during winter.

It is proposed to use the EcoAccess minimum background noise level of 25 dBA minL90 for day, evening and night periods, as generally occurs in rural areas during cooler months.


4 Noise and Vibration Environmental Values

4.1 Overview

Noise and vibration criteria for the project need to address a number of potential noise impacts on existing and future residential receivers.

The assessment was undertaken in accordance with relevant legislation and criteria from the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection (EHP) as follows:

Environmental Protection Act 1994. Environmental Protection (Noise) Policy 2008. EcoAccess Guideline “Planning For Noise Control”. EcoAccess Guideline “Assessment of Low Frequency Noise”. EcoAccess Guideline “Noise & Vibration from Blasting”.

4.2 Environmental Protection Act 1994

In Queensland, the environment is protected under the Environmental Protection Act 1994. The object of the Act is to protect Queensland’s environment while allowing for development that improves the total quality of life, both now and in the future, in a way that maintains the ecological processes on which life depends (ecologically sustainable development).

The Act states a person must not carry out any activity that causes, or is likely to cause, environmental harm, unless the person takes all reasonable and practicable measures to prevent or minimise the harm. This is termed the ‘general environmental duty’. Environmental harm is defined as any adverse effect, or potential adverse effect (whether temporary or permanent and of whatever magnitude, duration or frequency) on an environmental value, and includes environmental nuisance. Environmental nuisance is unreasonable interference or likely interference with an environmental value caused by noise or vibration.

The Act describes a number of offences relating to noise standards, including building work, regulated devices (e.g. power tools), pumps, air-conditioning equipment, refrigeration equipment, indoor venues, outdoor events, amplifier devices other than at indoor venue or open-air events, power boat sports in waterways, operating power boat engines at premises, blasting, and outdoor shooting ranges.

The following noise sources are excluded from the Act – audible traffic signals, warning signals for railway crossings, safety signals from reversing vehicle, operating a ship, aircraft, public and state controlled roads, busway, light rail, rail, and non-domestic animals.

This Act refers to the Environmental Protection Policy as being subordinate legislation to the Act.

4.3 Environmental Protection (Noise) Policy 2008

4.3.1 Overview

In respect of the acoustic environment, the object of the Act is achieved by the Environmental Protection (Noise) Policy 2008 (EPP (Noise)). This policy identifies environmental values to be enhanced or protected, states acoustic quality objectives, and provides a framework for making decisions about the acoustic environment.


4.3.2 Background Creep

The EPP(Noise) contains noise criteria for controlling background creep, which are to be applied “for an activity involving noise”. The criteria are as follows:

To the extent that it is reasonable to do so, noise from an activity must not be—

a) for noise that is continuous noise measured by LA90,T—more than nil dBA greater than the existing acoustic environment measured by LA90,T; or

b) for noise that varies over time measured by LAeq,adj,T—more than 5dBA greater than the existing acoustic environment measured by LA90,T.

The EPP(Noise) does not define “continuous noise”, but by definition, “continuous noise” would be required to occur for at least 90% of a measurement period (typically 15 minutes or 60 minutes). Thus this criterion could apply for equipment such as mechanical plant.

The criterion for “noise that varies over time” is appropriate for noise sources operating for less than 90% of a measurement period, and could apply to intermittent events (e.g. vehicles) or mechanical plant that does not run continuously (e.g. air-conditioning).

4.3.3 Acoustic Quality Objectives

The EPP(Noise) contains a range of acoustic quality objectives for a range of receivers. The objectives are in the form of noise levels, and are defined for various periods of the day, and use a number of acoustic parameters.

Schedule 1 of the EPP(Noise) includes the following acoustic quality objectives to be met at residential dwellings:

Outdoors o Daytime and Evening: 50 dBA LAeq,adj,1hr, 55 dBA LA10,adj,1hr and 65 dBA LA1,adj,1hr

Indoors o Daytime and Evening: 35 dBA LAeq,adj,1hr, 40 dBA LA10,adj,1hr and 45 dBA LA1,adj,1hr o Night: 30 dBA LAeq,adj,1hr, 35 dBA LA10,adj,1hr and 40 dBA LA1,adj,1hr

In the EHP EcoAccess Guideline “Planning For Noise Control” documentation, it is proposed that the noise reduction provided by a typical residential building façade is 5 to 10 dBA assuming open windows. That is, with an external noise source, a 5 to 10 dBA reduction in noise levels from outside a house to inside a house is expected when windows are fully open. Thus the indoor noise objectives noted above could be considered as the following external objectives (with windows open):

Daytime and Evening: 40 to 45 dBA LAeq,adj,1hr, 45 to 50 dBA LA10,adj,1hr and 50 to 55 dBA LA1,adj,1hr

Night: 35 to 40 dBA LAeq,adj,1hr, 40 to 45 dBA LA10,adj,1hr and 45 to 50 dBA LA1,adj,1hr

A sensitive receiver is defined as “an area or place where noise is measured”.


The EPP(Noise) states that the objectives are intended to be progressively achieved over the long term. However, as this project involves the introduction of new noise sources it would seem reasonable that the acoustic quality objectives are achieved upon commencement of operation of the project, and this may be the intent of the policy. Therefore, consideration of achieving these acoustic quality objectives will be included in the design noise limits for the project.

The acoustic quality objectives do not take into consideration of the existing noise environment and therefore, it is considered that they do not necessarily protect or enhance the acoustic amenity of the area surrounding the site as required by the EPP(Noise). Therefore, it is considered that the objectives should not be used as the sole noise limits for a development, and reference should also be made to noise limits which are determined with consideration for the existing noise environment.

4.4 EcoAccess Noise Guidelines

EHP has a number of EcoAccess guidelines relevant to the assessment of noise and vibration. These are summarised as follows.

4.4.1 EcoAccess – Planning for Noise Control

EHP EcoAccess Guideline “Planning For Noise Control” contains procedures and methods that are applicable for setting conditions relating to noise emitted from industrial premises for planning purposes. The guideline is applicable to noise from all sources, individually and in combination, which contribute to the total noise from a site.

4.4.1.1 Control and Prevention of Background Creep

The procedure takes into account three factors: firstly, the control and prevention of background noise creep in the case of a steady noise level from equipment such as that caused by ventilation fans and other continuously operating machinery; secondly, the containment of variable noise levels and short-term noise events such as those caused by forklifts and isolated hand tools to an acceptable level above the background noise level; thirdly, the setting of noise limits that should not be exceeded to avoid sleep disturbance.

To prevent background noise levels from progressively creeping higher and higher over time with the establishment of new developments in an area, it is recommended than the minLA90,1hour outdoor background noise planning levels given in Table 4.1 not be exceeded.


Table 4.1 Recommended Outdoor background noise planning levels

Receiver Land Use

Receiver Area Dominant Land Use (description of neighbourhood) Note 1

Background noise level, minL90,1hour dBA Note 2

Time Period

Day Evening Night

Purely residential Very rural 35 30 25 Rural residential, church, hospital 40 35 30

Shop or commercial office 45 40 35 Light industry 50 45 40

Residential area on a busy road or near an industrial

area or commercial area

Residential, church, hospital, school 45 40 35 Shop or commercial office 50 45 40

Light industry 55 50 45

Industrial areas Residential, church, hospital school 50 45 40 Shop or commercial office 55 50 45 Factory office or factory 60 60 60

Passive recreation area

Picnic grounds, public beaches, bush walks, public gardens, etc.

35 35 35

Note: The dominant land use is defined by a radius of 200 m from the receiver location under consideration.

minLA90 is defined as the rating background noise level

The next step is to measure the existing minLA90 and compare this with the recommended background noise level. If the measured minLA90 varies from the recommended minLA90, then the guideline recommends a planning minLA90. Table 4.2 shows the planning minLA90.


Table 4.2 Recommended Noise Imission Planning Levels (LA90, 1 hour) for Developments

Existing background noise level at the most sensitive point in an affected residential area

Recommended LA90, 1 hour maximum noise level contribution for planning approval purposes, at that point as a result of a

proposed new source

Background noise level is above relevant recommended level (Table 4.1)

Preferably, set maximum planning level 10 dBA or more below relevant recommended level (Table 4.1). At least set maximum planning level 10 dBA below the existing background level.

Background noise level is equal to recommended level Set maximum planning level relevant recommended level (Table 4.1)

Background noise level is below recommended level by

1 dBA

2 dBA

3 dBA

4 dBA

5 dBA

6 dBA

Set maximum planning level:

9 dBA below recommended level





5 dBA above background level

Note: It may not be possible to maintain background noise levels in very rural areas below 25 dBA as developments

occur. In such cases a threshold background noise level of 25 dBA is to be used.

The Guideline recommends that the Leq noise descriptor be used to define the long-term noise criteria. For this purpose it is termed the ‘rating level’ of the noise source under consideration and designated LAr, Tr. The estimated maximum hourly values of planning noise levels (PNL) for different areas containing residences are given in Table 4.3. Table 4.3 is used as a guideline.


Table 4.3 Estimated Maximum Values of Planning Noise Levels (PNL) for Proposed Noise Sources for Different Areas Containing Residences

Noise Area

Category

Description of Neighbourhood Maximum hourly sound Pressure Level, LAeq,1hour (PNL)

Monday to Saturday Sunday/Public Holidays

Day Evening Night

Z1 Very rural, purely residential, Less than 40 vehicles per hour

40 35 30

Z2 Negligible transportation. Less than 80 vehicles per hour

50 45 40

Z3 Low-density transportation. Less than 200 vehicles per hour

55 50 45

Z4 Medium-density transportation. Less than 600 vehicles per hour

60 55 50

Z5 Dense transportation. Less than 1400 vehicles per hour or some commerce or industry

65 60 55

Z6 Very dense transportation. Less than 3000 vehicles per hour or in commercial or bordering industry districts

70 65 60

Z7 Extremely dense transportation. Less than 3000 vehicles per hour or in commercial or bordering industry districts

75 70 65

Notes:

1. Some industrial and commercial sites are not predominantly sources of high ambient noise levels; 2. Where transportation noise is present, the minimum of the hourly LAeq values for transportation noise in the

appropriate time period is taken or the corresponding value from Table 4.3, whichever is the greater. 3. The criteria should not be exceeded in any hour of the appropriate time period. 4. Planning noise levels (PNL) apply at a location 4.0 m from the façade of a building 5. Time periods are as follows:

Daytime 7am to 6pm Evening 6pm to 10pm Night-time 10pm to 7am


Where the existing noise level from specific noise sources is close to the maximum planning noise level (PNL) the noise level from any new source(s) must be controlled to preserve the amenity of an area. If the total noise level from specific noise sources already exceeds the maximum planning level for the area in question, the LAeq, 1 hour noise level from any new source should not be greater than:

10 dBA below the maximum planning level (Table 4.3) if there is a possibility that the existing levels will be reduced in the future.

10 dBA below the existing noise level if there is no such possibility that the existing levels will fall and no significant changes to the land use are expected.

Table 4.4 sets out the implications of this requirement for noise from new sources. The specific noise level or component noise level criterion for a new development is:

LAeq, 1 hour = minLA90, 1 hour + 3

Table 4.4 Modification to Recommended Maximum Planning Noise Level (PNL) to Account for Existing Level of Specific Noise

Total existing noise level from specific sources, LAeq dBA

Maximum Planning noise level for noise from new sources alone LAeq dBA

>= PNL+2 If existing noise level is likely to decrease in the future PNL – 10

If existing noise level is unlikely to decrease in the future Existing Level - 10

PNL + 1 PNL - 9 PNL PNL - 8

PNL - 1 PNL - 6 PNL - 2 PNL - 4 PNL - 3 PNL - 3 PNL - 4 PNL - 2 PNL - 5 PNL - 2 PNL - 6 PNL - 1

< PNL - 6 PNL

The EcoAccess noise guideline levels at the noise monitoring locations A to E have been determined. The guidelines levels are based on an assumed minimum background noise level of 25 dBA L90 in day, evening and night periods as discussed in Section 3. The existing LAeq levels have been taken as the lowest average measured levels. The locations are considered to be in a very rural area.


Table 4.5 Calculation of Noise Guideline Levels for Residential Receivers

Locations A to E

# Description D E N

1 Initial survey LA90 (Table 3.1) 27-36 39-53 31-39

2 Acceptable (measured) LA90 25 25 25

3 Recommended LA90 (Table 4.1) 35 30 25

4 Differences (Table 4.2) (equals #2 - #3) -10 -5 0

5 Adjustments to background (Table 4.2) 5 -2 -10

6 Maximum planning level, LA90 (Table 4.2) 30 28 25

7 Existing LAeq (Table 3.1) 40 48 44

8 PNL LAeq,1hour (Table 4.3, Cat Z1) 40 35 30

9 Differences (equals #7 - #8) 0 -13 -14

10 Max PNL LAeq,1hour (Table 4.4) 32 38 34

11 NOISE GUIDELINE LEVELS - Specific Level

(lower of equals #6 plus 3 dBA and #10) 32 31 28

The Leq noise level guidelines for the daytime, evening and night periods are 32 dBA, 31 dBA and 28 dBA respectively.

4.4.1.2 Sleep Disturbance Criteria

The World Health Organization (WHO) issued its “Guidelines for Community Noise” in April 1999. The WHO guideline states the following in regard to sleep disturbance from continuous noise from activities such as mining operations:

“Where noise is continuous, the equivalent sound pressure level should not exceed 30 dBA indoors, if negative effects on sleep are to be avoided. When noise is composed of a large proportion of low-frequency sounds a still lower guideline value is recommended, because low-frequency noise (e.g. from a ventilation system) can disturb rest and sleep even at low sound pressure levels.”

The EcoAccess Guideline “Planning for Noise Control”, in referring to the World Health Organisation guidelines, makes the following general recommendation regarding short term transient noise events:


“As a rule in planning for short-term or transient noise events, for good sleep over eight hours, the indoor sound pressure level measured as a maximum instantaneous value should not exceed approximately 45 dBA maxLpA more than 10 to 15 times per night.”

For less regular night events, the allowable internal noise level is higher, as follows:

Approximately 3 events per night: 50 dBA Lmax. Approximately 1 event per night: 65 dBA Lmax.

Note: For the purpose of this assessment the maxLpA level is defined using the Lmax descriptor.

The WHO guideline states the following in regard to annoyance response to community noise:

“Annoyance to community noise varies with the type of activity producing the noise. During the daytime few people are seriously annoyed by activities with LAeq levels below 55 dBA; or moderately annoyed by LAeq levels below 50 dBA. Sound pressure levels during the evening and night should be 5 – 10 dBA lower than during the day. Noise with low frequency components requires even lower levels.”

As noted previously, EHP propose that the noise reduction provided by a typical residential building façade is 5 to 10 dBA assuming open windows. Thus the indoor noise objectives noted above could be converted to external objectives (with windows open) with the appropriate correction.

The criteria are summarised in Table 4.6.

Table 4.6 Summary of WHO Sleep Disturbance and Annoyance Criteria

Descriptor Number of Noise Events

Indoor Criterion in dBA

Outdoor Criterion, dBA

Sleep Disturbance (Short Duration Events)

10 – 15 Lmax 45 Lmax 50 to 55 3 Lmax 50 Lmax 55 to 60 1 Lmax 55 Lmax 60 to 65

Sleep Disturbance (Continuous Noise)

Continuous Leq 30 Leq 35 to 40

Annoyance (Night Time) Continuous Leq 35 Leq 40 to 45

Note: The outdoor criteria are based on a EHP EcoAccess nominated outdoor-to-indoor noise reduction of 5 to 10 dBA for open windows.

4.5 Proposed Overall Noise Criteria

In keeping with other recent similar mining projects and discussions with EHP, it is proposed that a night-time noise limit of 35 dBA Leq,adj,T is applied to the project. This limit is based on achieving an internal sleep disturbance criterion of 30 dBA, assuming a minimal 5 dBA reduction through a light-weight building façade with open windows.


A limit of 40 dBA Leq,adj,T is recommended for the daytime and evening, as this would be expected to achieve the EHP acoustic quality objective of 35 dBA inside a dwelling.

The proposed noise limits are shown in Table 4.7.

Table 4.7 Proposed Noise Limits

Recommended Noise Limits

Leq,adj,T (T= 15 minutes to 1 hour), dBA*

Daytime Evening Nighttime

40 40 35

Notes: * To be achieved under the majority of adverse meteorological conditions.

Daytime = (7am to 6pm), Evening = (6pm to 10pm), Nighttime = (10pm to 7am).

From ASK's experience the difference between the average Lmax noise events and the Leq from open cut coal mines are typically 5 dBA to 8 dBA. Therefore, in complying with the 35 dBA Leq criteria, it is predicted that the 50 dBA Lmax sleep disturbance limit will be met.

4.6 Low Frequency Noise

EHP Ecoaccess Guideline “Assessment of Low Frequency Noise” contains methods and procedures that are applicable to low frequency noise emitted from industrial premises and mining operations for planning purposes. Items such as boilers, pumps, transformers, cooling fans, compressors, oil and gas burners, foundries, wind farms, electrical installations, diesel engines, ventilation and air-conditioning equipment, wind turbulence and large chimney resonance are sources of high level noise having frequency content less than 200 Hz.

These sources exhibit a spectrum that characteristically shows a general increase in sound pressure level with decrease in frequency. Annoyance due to low frequency noise can be high even though the dBA level measured is relatively low. Typically, annoyance is experienced in the otherwise quiet environments of residences, offices and factories adjacent to or near low frequency noise sources. Generally, low level/low frequency noises become annoying when the masking effect of higher frequencies is absent. This loss of high frequency components may occur as a result of transmission through the fabric of a building, or in propagation over long distances.

Where a noise imission occurs exhibiting an unbalanced frequency spectrum, the overall sound pressure level inside residences should not exceed 50 dB(Linear) to avoid complaints of low frequency noise annoyance.


4.7 EcoAccess – Noise & Vibration from Blasting

EHP EcoAccess Guideline “Noise and vibration from blasting” contains criteria and procedures that are applicable to noise and vibration emitted from blasting. It applies to activities such as mining, quarries, construction and other operations which involve the use of explosives for fragmenting rock.

The criteria address human comfort and are below typical limits for prevention of structural damage. The criteria apply at residential and commercial receivers. The criteria are presented in Table 4.7.

Table 4.7 Blasting Vibration and Airblast Criteria

Issue Criteria

Airblast Air blast overpressure of 115 dB (linear peak) for nine (9) out of ten (10) consecutive blasts initiated and not greater than 120 dB (linear peak) at any time.

Vibration 5 mm/s peak particle velocity (PPV) for nine (9) out of ten (10) consecutive blasts and not greater than 10 mm/s PPV at any time.


5 Noise & Vibration Modelling

5.1 Model Description

Noise modelling was carried out using the SoundPLAN computer program. It is a digital terrain noise model (i.e. the calculations of the propagation are ground aware).

The noise modelling for this project employed the CONCAWE algorithms as approved by EHP.

Modelling has included the receivers shown on Figure B.1, which includes the sensitive receivers closest to the proposed Elimatta mine site, and those located adjacent the proposed rail and services corridor. Many of the receivers adjacent the proposed rail and services corridor are a significant distance from the proposed Elimatta mine site (i.e. greater than 10 kilometres) but are included for completeness. The noise impacts of the proposed rail and services corridor are addressed in a separate report.

5.2 Meteorology

5.2.1 General

The mining noise levels at residential receivers can vary significantly depending upon the meteorology and the mining activities. Meteorology has a significant effect on the noise levels, particularly due to wind speed and direction, and vertical temperature gradients, which include temperature inversions.

It is possible to measure noise variations of the order of 15 to 20 dBA due to changes in meteorology. This needs to be carefully considered, as compliance with noise limits needs to be achieved under ‘most’ conditions. There is no strict definition for ‘most’ conditions, but we would expect that designing to achieve EHP noise limits for adverse night meteorological conditions is an acceptable target.

The SoundPLAN model has been setup to run with a meteorological file with neutral and adverse (temperature inversion) conditions. The conditions are set as follows:

Neutral o Pasquill Stability Class: D o Temperature: 25 Degrees Celsius o Wind Speed: 0 m/s o Relative Humidity: 40%

Adverse (Temperature Inversion) o Pasquill Stability Class: F o Temperature: 10 Degrees Celsius o Wind Speed: 2m/s o Relative Humidity: 70%

5.2.2 Effect of Climate Change

ASK has extracted information on future climate changes effects on the local meteorology, from the document CSIRO 2007: Climate Change in Australia – Observed Changes and Projections.


CSIRO and Australian Bureau of Meteorology. CSIRO Climate Change in Australia Technical Report, 2007. The information from that document is summarised as follows:

By 2050 annual warming over the whole of Australia is predicted to be 0.8 to 1.8°C and by 2070 this warming change increases to 1.0 to 2.5°C with inland Australia in the upper part of these ranges. An increase in the frequency of hot days and warm nights is predicted to accompany this shift in mean temperatures.

Best estimates suggest a possible 2 - 5% increase in spring time mean 10m wind speeds in eastern Queensland by 2030. The annual mean 10m wind speed is estimated to increase by the same degree by 2070.

In terms of future noise levels, the changes to temperature, wind and other parameters, are unlikely to produce a significant change in the noise levels from the proposed mining operations.

5.3 Noise Sources

The noise impact from plant and mobile equipment has been considered. Table 5.1 lists the standard sound power level for the plant and mobile equipment associated with the mine operations.

Table 5.1 Source Sound Power Levels

Source

Octave Sound Power Levels, dBA, Leq,1hr Overall dBZ

Overall dBA 63 125 250 500 1k 2k 4k 8k

Hitachi EX5500 96 110 106 109 109 108 103 94 128 116 Hitachi EX2500 85 104 103 110 105 102 96 89 122 113

Cat 994F 78 102 107 104 106 106 99 93 121 113 Cat 793D 89 109 111 115 113 112 105 95 127 120 Cat789C 89 109 111 115 113 113 105 95 127 119 Cat D11T 85 103 108 116 113 115 106 92 124 120 Cat D10T 85 103 108 116 113 115 106 92 124 120 Cat 16M 82 99 103 101 104 103 99 89 118 110 Cat 777F 84 96 101 108 111 110 102 95 118 115 Cat 824H 86 104 109 117 114 116 107 93 125 121 Cat 345D 88 99 94 103 97 98 96 94 118 107

CHPP 99 102 105 110 110 108 103 92 127 115 Stacker 50 70 85 95 100 98 92 81 104 103

Reclaimer 86 92 99 108 106 103 101 98 117 112 Transfer Station 83 93 101 109 102 102 95 87 117 111 Rail Loadout Bin 79 86 95 102 105 108 105 94 113 112

To minimise noise emissions from the mine, selected items of equipment have also been modelled in an attenuated configuration and these are listed in Table 5.2.


Table 5.2 Source Sound Power Levels (Attenuated)

Source

Octave Sound Power Levels, dBA, Leq,1hr Overall dBZ

Overall dBA 63 125 250 500 1k 2k 4k 8k

Cat 994F 75 92 102 104 107 103 97 91 115 111 Cat 793D 85 105 107 111 109 108 101 91 123 116 Cat789C 85 105 107 111 109 109 101 91 123 115 Cat D11T 80 90 97 108 109 111 103 91 116 115 Cat D10T 80 90 97 108 109 111 103 91 116 115 Cat 824H 82 100 105 113 110 112 103 89 121 117

The attenuated sound power levels in Table 5.2 are 2 to 5 dBA lower than the un-attenuated sound power levels in Table 5.1. The attenuation is to be achieved by a variety of measures including:

Off-the-shelf sound suppression packages provided by the suppliers. Custom made attenuation measures including attenuators for radiators, additional engine

bay panels and upgraded mufflers. Restriction of equipment operations (e.g. tracked dozers only operating in low speed when

in reverse).

The data in Tables 5.1 and 5.2 is collated from ASK’s noise source database. These sound power levels have been determined from ASK noise measurements on mines in Queensland, tested sound power level data provided by potential equipment suppliers, and utilising data from other similar projects.

5.4 Modelling Scenarios

The modelling scenarios used to predict noise level emissions from the proposed mine include:

Year 2 mining operations. Year 10 mining operations. Year 20 mining operations. Year 27 mining operations.

The models have been run for standard and attenuated equipment scenarios.

5.5 Predicted Noise Levels

Noise levels have been provided for both standard and attenuated and standard fleets to demonstrate the reduction in noise levels due to the Client’s proposal to reduce noise emissions where practicably possible.


The calculated noise levels with standard equipment are listed in Table E.1 to E.4 in Appendix E, due to the proposed mine operation for mining years 2, 10, 20 and 27 respectively. Similarly, the results with attenuated equipment are included in Table F.1 to F.4 in Appendix F.

The noise contours for each predicted mining operation year with standard and attenuated equipment, under adverse and neutral meteorological conditions, are shown in Appendices E and F as follows:

Standard Equipment o Figure E.1 Year 2 – Adverse meteorological conditions o Figure E.2 Year 2 – Neutral meteorological conditions o Figure E.3 Year 10 – Adverse meteorological conditions o Figure E.4 Year 10 – Neutral meteorological conditions o Figure E.5 Year 20 – Adverse meteorological conditions o Figure E.6 Year 20 – Neutral meteorological conditions o Figure E.7 Year 27 – Adverse meteorological conditions o Figure E.8 Year 27 – Neutral meteorological conditions

Attenuated Equipment o Figure F.1 Year 2 – Adverse meteorological conditions o Figure F.2 Year 2 – Neutral meteorological conditions o Figure F.3 Year 10 – Adverse meteorological conditions o Figure F.4 Year 10 – Neutral meteorological conditions o Figure F.5 Year 20 – Adverse meteorological conditions o Figure F.6 Year 20 – Neutral meteorological conditions o Figure F.7 Year 27 – Adverse meteorological conditions o Figure F.8 Year 27 – Neutral meteorological conditions

A summary of the receivers subject to noise levels exceeding the criteria are included in Table 5.3. Similarly, Tables 5.4 show a summary of the receivers with an attenuated equipment fleet. Results which exceed the nominated criteria are highlighted.

Table 5.3 Receivers Subject to Excessive Noise Levels (Standard Equipment)

Year

Receiver

(Descending Order by Noise Level Under Adverse Conditions)

Noise Level, Leq,1hr, dBA

Day

(Limit 40 dBA)

Night

(Limit 35 dBA)

Neutral Neutral Adverse

2 6 Lot 1, 41 & 42 on AB241 49 49 55 7 Lot 131 & 132 on SP121742 48 48 54 5 Lot 37 on AB180 32 32 40 4 Lot 38 on AB188 31 31 38


Year

Receiver



Day

(Limit 40 dBA)

Night

(Limit 35 dBA)

41 Lot 24 SP174422 29 29 37 10 6 Lot 1, 41 & 42 on AB241 54 54 59

7 Lot 131 & 132 on SP121742 49 49 55 41 Lot 24 SP174422 31 31 39 4 Lot 38 on AB188 32 32 39 5 Lot 37 on AB180 31 31 38 1 Lot 33 on AB128 30 30 37

20 7 Lot 131 & 132 on SP121742 50 50 56 6 Lot 1, 41 & 42 on AB241 51 51 55 4 Lot 38 on AB188 32 32 40 41 Lot 24 SP174422 32 32 39 3 Lot 1 on SP103977 31 31 39 5 Lot 37 on AB180 31 31 39 1 Lot 33 on AB128 30 30 38

27 7 Lot 131 & 132 on SP121742 50 50 56 6 Lot 1, 41 & 42 on AB241 49 49 54 1 Lot 33 on AB128 41 41 48 59 Lot 34 SP106737 33 33 40 3 Lot 1 on SP103977 33 33 40 4 Lot 38 on AB188 32 32 40 5 Lot 37 on AB180 32 32 39 60 Lot 39 on AB215 31 31 39 41 Lot 24 SP174422 31 31 39 40 Lot 40 on AB226 30 30 37 58 Lot 34 SP106737 29 29 36 39 Lot 34 SP106737 28 28 36


Table 5.4 Receivers Subject to Excessive Noise Levels (Attenuated Equipment)

Year

Receiver



Day

Night

(Limit 35 dBA) (Limit 40

dBA)

Neutral Neutral Adverse

2 7 Lot 131 & 132 on SP121742 47 47 53

6 Lot 1, 41 & 42 on AB241 45 45 51

5 Lot 37 on AB180 28 28 36 10 6 Lot 1, 41 & 42 on AB241 50 50 55

7 Lot 131 & 132 on SP121742 48 48 53

41 Lot 24 SP174422 28 28 36

4 Lot 38 on AB188 28 28 36 20 7 Lot 131 & 132 on SP121742 48 48 54

6 Lot 1, 41 & 42 on AB241 47 47 51

4 Lot 38 on AB188 29 29 36

41 Lot 24 SP174422 28 28 36 27 7 Lot 131 & 132 on SP121742 48 48 54

6 Lot 1, 41 & 42 on AB241 46 46 51

1 Lot 33 on AB128 36 36 44

4 Lot 38 on AB188 29 29 36

3 Lot 1 on SP103977 28 28 36

41 Lot 24 SP174422 28 28 36

59 Lot 34 SP106737 28 28 36

From Table 5.3 it can be seen that twelve (12) sensitive receivers are subject to excessive noise levels. When attenuated equipment is in place, it can be seen from Tables 5.4 that this is reduced to eight (8) sensitive receivers being subject to excessive noise levels. Only 3 (three) of these 8 sensitive receivers are predicted to be subject to exceedances of greater than 1 dBA, being receivers 1, 6 and 7.

The un-weighted (linear) noise levels have been predicted under adverse meteorological conditions for each of the mining scenarios. The low frequency noise criteria is a limit of 55 dBZ combined with a difference between linear and A-weighted level of 15 dB. The results are shown in Table 5.5 for the standard equipment and Table 5.6 for the attenuated equipment. Results which exceed the 55 dBZ part of the criteria are bolded in Table 5.5 and Table 5.6.


Table 5.5: Predicted Linear Noise Levels - Worst Affected Receivers (Standard Equipment)

Location

Linear Noise Level and (Difference between Linear and A-Weighted Noise Level) Leq,1hr, dBZ

Adverse Meteorological Conditions

Year 2 Year 10 Year 20 Year 27

6 Lot 1, 41 & 42 on AB241 63 (8) 68 (8) 65 (10) 64 (10)

7 Lot 131 & 132 on SP121742 62 (9) 64 (8) 64 (8) 64 (8)

1 Lot 33 on AB128 45 (12) 49 (11) 48 (11) 57 (9)

3 Lot 1 on SP103977 45 (11) 47 (12) 50 (11) 51 (11)

4 Lot 38 on AB188 50 (11) 51 (11) 51 (11) 51 (11)

59 Lot 34 SP106737 43 (13) 46 (13) 45 (12) 50 (10)

60 Lot 39 on AB215 42 (14) 45 (13) 45 (13) 50 (11)

5 Lot 37 on AB180 50 (10) 50 (12) 50 (11) 50 (11)

41 Lot 24 SP174422 48 (11) 50 (10) 50 (11) 49 (10)

40 Lot 40 on AB226 42 (14) 45 (13) 45 (13) 49 (11)

58 Lot 34 SP106737 42 (14) 44 (14) 44 (13) 48 (11)

39 Lot 34 SP106737 41 (14) 43 (14) 44 (13) 47 (12)

35 Lot 45 on FT426 43 (12) 45 (12) 45 (12) 45 (12)

36 Lot 45 on FT426 43 (12) 45 (12) 45 (12) 45 (12)

46 Lot 4 on FT758 42 (14) 44 (15) 43 (14) 44 (14)

Table 5.6 Predicted Linear Noise Levels - Worst Affected Receivers (Attenuated Equipment)

Location




7 Lot 131 & 132 on SP121742 62 (9) 63 (9) 62 (9) 62 (9)

6 Lot 1, 41 & 42 on AB241 60 (9) 64 (8) 61 (10) 61 (10)

1 Lot 33 on AB128 42 (12) 45 (12) 45 (11) 53 (9)

4 Lot 38 on AB188 47 (12) 48 (12) 47 (11) 47 (11)

3 Lot 1 on SP103977 41 (11) 43 (13) 46 (11) 47 (11)

41 Lot 24 SP174422 46 (11) 47 (11) 47 (11) 46 (11)

59 Lot 34 SP106737 39 (14) 42 (13) 42 (13) 46 (10)

5 Lot 37 on AB180 46 (11) 47 (12) 46 (12) 46 (11)


Location




60 Lot 39 on AB215 39 (14) 41 (14) 41 (13) 46 (11)

40 Lot 40 on AB226 38 (14) 41 (14) 41 (13) 44 (11)

58 Lot 34 SP106737 38 (15) 41 (14) 40 (13) 44 (12)

39 Lot 34 SP106737 38 (15) 40 (14) 40 (14) 43 (12)

35 Lot 45 on FT426 42 (12) 43 (12) 43 (12) 43 (12)

36 Lot 45 on FT426 41 (12) 42 (13) 42 (12) 42 (12)

46 Lot 4 on FT758 39 (15) 41 (15) 40 (15) 41 (14)

Table 5.5 and Table 5.6 show that up to 3 receivers (1, 6 and 7) are predicted to exceed the proposed external low frequency noise limit of 55 dBZ, but none of these are expected to have a difference between linear and A-weighted levels of greater than 15 dB. Therefore, no exceedances of the low frequency noise criteria are predicted.

5.6 Cumulative Impacts (Background Creep)

Due to the proximity of Elimatta to other coal mines, the cumulative impact of all mines needs to be assessed to demonstrate compliance at all sensitive receiver significantly affected by the Project.

Wandoan Coal Mine is approved to be located immediately east of the Elimatta mine and therefore has been considered. There are also two underground coal mines (Bundi and Norwood) which are proposed, however they EIS reports have not been lodged and accepted, and therefore they have not been considered.

The properties that have been identified as potentially adversely impacted by both Wandoan and Elimatta include receivers 4, 7, 9, 35, 36, 39, 47, 48, 49, 56 & 58. Receivers 35 and 36 are considered together due to their relative proximity, and similarly for Receivers 39 and 58.

Mining noise levels have been considered for Year 10 for each mine, and Year 20 for each mine. For the purpose of this assessment it is assumed that the mine commence simultaneously, though if that wasn’t the case, the overall outcome would likely be similar.

The predicted noise levels at the receivers from Elimatta mine (standard equipment) and Wandoan mine are shown in Table 5.7 for Year 10 and Year 20. The predicted noise levels using attenuated equipment at Elimatta are shown in Table 5.8. The predicted noise levels are then assessed based on the daytime limit of 40 dBA Leq and night limit of 35 dBA Leq, as proposed in this report.


Table 5.7 Cumulative Impacts onto Sensitive Receivers (Standard Equipment)

Receiver Predicted Noise Level Leq dBA

Elimatta Wandoan Combined Assessment

Elimatta Receiver

Wandoan Receiver

Year 10

Year 20

Year 10

Year 20

Day

(40 dBA Limit)

Night

(35 dBA Limit)

4 MLA-595 32-39 32-40 35-40 22-29 Acceptable Exceedance due to Elimatta

& Wandoan 7 MLA-728 49-55 50-56 27-31 15-19 Exceedance

due to Elimatta Exceedance

due to Elimatta9 MLA-720 23-30 23-30 28-36 22-28 Acceptable Possible

exceedance due to

Wandoan 35 & 36 N/A 25-33 25-34 20-25 <20 Acceptable Acceptable 39 & 58 N/A 23-30 23-31 <20 <20 Acceptable Acceptable

47 MLA-50 21-27 21-27 23-28 24-30 Acceptable Acceptable 48 MLA-404 17-23 17-23 20-24 21-28 Acceptable Acceptable 49 MLA-459 17-23 17-23 20-24 24-30 Acceptable Acceptable 56 N/A 20-27 21-27 20-25 <20 Acceptable Acceptable

Notes: Wandoan noise levels are understood to be under adverse meteorological conditions. The lower end of the range in Wandoan noise levels includes attenuated mining equipment, whereas the upper end of the range represents non-attenuated mining equipment.

The Elimatta noise levels show a range where the lower end represents neutral conditions, and the upper end of the range represents adverse conditions. There is no attenuated equipment in the Elimatta noise levels.

Table 5.8 Cumulative Impacts onto Sensitive Receivers (Attenuated Equipment)



Elimatta Receiver

Wandoan Receiver

Year 10

Year 20

Year 10

Year 20

Day

(40 dBA Limit)

Night

(35 dBA Limit)

4 MLA-595 28-36 29-36 35-40 22-29 Acceptable Exceedance due to Elimatta

& Wandoan 7 MLA-728 48-53 48-54 27-31 15-19 Exceedance due

to Elimatta Exceedance

due to Elimatta 9 MLA-720 20-27 19-27 28-36 22-28 Acceptable Minor




Elimatta Receiver

Wandoan Receiver

Year 10

Year 20

Year 10

Year 20

Day

(40 dBA Limit)

Night

(35 dBA Limit)

exceedance due to

Wandoan 35 & 36 N/A 22-30 22-31 20-25 <20 Acceptable Acceptable 39 & 58 N/A 19-27 19-27 <20 <20 Acceptable Acceptable

47 MLA-50 18-24 17-23 23-28 24-30 Acceptable Acceptable 48 MLA-404 14-20 13-19 20-24 21-28 Acceptable Acceptable 49 MLA-459 14-20 14-20 20-24 24-30 Acceptable Acceptable 56 N/A 18-24 18-24 20-25 <20 Acceptable Acceptable

Notes: Wandoan noise levels are understood to be under adverse meteorological conditions. The lower end of the range in Wandoan noise levels includes attenuated mining equipment, whereas the upper end of the range represents non-attenuated mining equipment.

The Elimatta noise levels show a range where the lower end represents neutral conditions, and the upper end of the range represents adverse conditions. There is attenuated equipment in the Elimatta noise levels.

Based on the assessment in Table 5.7 and Table 5.8 the results are as follows:

An exceedance is expected at Receiver 4 during the night period, and this is likely to be minor under neutral conditions and potentially more evident under adverse meteorological conditions. The exceedance could be due to Elimatta or Wandoan mines, depending on wind direction and mining operations.

An exceedance is expected at Receiver 7 and this is considered to be solely due to Elimatta. This receiver is located on the Elimatta MLA.

An exceedance is possible at Receiver 9 during the night and this is most likely to be caused by Wandoan mining operations due to its closer proximity and higher noise contribution.

Cumulative noise levels at other receivers are likely to be acceptable.

5.7 Blasting

5.7.1 Overview

Prior to commencing mining, the existing vibration levels around the mine site will generally be negligible, except close to roads, rail lines, near major items of fixed plant, and near existing mines. The vibration levels would be well below vibration criteria at nearby residences except potentially those near existing mines.

With the operation of the proposed mine, the only vibration source of significance at nearby residences would be blasting. Both ground vibration and airblast from blasting activities have been assessed.


Ground vibration and airblast levels caused by blasting activities have been predicted based on the formulas and methodology of Australian Standard AS2187.2 Explosives - Storage Transport and Use - Use of Explosives, which predicts the peak particles velocity (PPV) in mm/s and the airblast over pressure (peak pressure) in dB.

5.7.2 Ground Vibration

Ground vibration levels are to achieve 5mm/s (PPV) for nine out of ten blasts and not greater than 10mm/s (PPV) at any time. Ground vibration can be calculated at various distances from a blast using the following formula from AS2187.2:

V = K (R / Q1/2)-B

where: V = ground vibration as peak particle velocity (mm/s)

K = site constant

R = distance between charge and point of measurement (m)

Q = effective charge mass per delay or maximum instantaneous charge (kg)

B = site exponent or attenuation rate

Ground vibration from blasting generally increases with an increase in charge mass and reduces with distance.

A site exponent (-B) (attenuation rate) of –1.6, and site constant (K) in the range 800 to 1600, have been assumed for the site based on parameters in AS2187.2 and other similar coal projects.

Based on advice from the Client and other similar projects the following typical characteristics for each blast have been assumed:

Blast hole diameter of 250mm. Stemming Height of 6.0m. MIC 500 kg.

Table 5.9 contains the separation distances required to achieve the ground vibration levels (mm/s) nominated.

Table 5.9 Separation Distances to Achieve Nominated Ground Vibration Levels

PPV (mm/s) Separation Distance from Mine (km) K = 800 K = 1600

10.0 0.3 0.5 5.0 0.5 0.8 2.0 0.9 1.5 1.0 1.5 2.2 0.5 2.2 3.5


Table 5.9 shows that the 5 mm/s peak particle velocity criterion would be achieved at distances greater than 800m from the blast. The nearest sensitive receiver to the proposed pits is approximately 1.0 km from the pit, thus the vibration levels are predicted to be compliant with the nominated blast parameters throughout the mine life.

5.7.3 Airblasts

Airblast pressure levels are to achieve 115dB for four out of five blasts and not greater than 120dB at any time.

For blasting in an open-cut mine, the distance to the 120 dB Lpeak contour line from the blast can be calculated using the following formula:

D120 = (k * h / maximum(B,S))2.5 * m1/3

where: D120 = distance to the 120 dB Lpeak contour (m)

k = a site constant determined from the ratio S/B and S/h requires local calibration

h = hole diameter (mm)

B = burden (mm)

S = stemming height (mm)

m = charge mass (kg)

The site constant, k, has been assumed to be equal to 180 based on other mining projects.

The following indicative blast information was provided to ASK by the Client:

h = 250 mm S = 6000 mm m = 500 kg

The distance to the 120 dB(Lin) contour line is calculated to be 1.2km. The distance to the 115 dB(Lin) contour line can be calculated using the attenuation rate of 9 dB(Lin) per doubling of distance. Therefore, the 115 dB(Lin) airblast criteria would be achieved at a distance of approximately 1.8km.

The nearest sensitive receiver to the proposed pits is approximately 1.0 km from the nearest pit, thus the 120 dB(Lin) and 115 dB(Lin) airblast limit may be exceeded at some receivers with the above blast data. The impact on these residences will need to be addressed prior to the commencement of blasting, and the blast parameters designed accordingly.


6 Noise and Vibration Assessment

To minimise environmental impacts, the proponent proposes to undertake mining activities with attenuated equipment and hence the results in Table 5.4 are assessed.

It is noted that receivers 6 and 7 are both located on the proposed Elimatta Mining Lease area.

6.1 Mining Year 2

An assessment summary of the predicted noise levels in Year 2 is as follows:

Under adverse meteorological conditions, it is predicted that the night time noise limit will be exceeded at receivers 5 to 7. It is noted that the exceedance at receiver 5 is only 1 dBA, which although a technical exceedance is relatively insignificant.

Under neutral meteorological conditions, it is predicted that the night time noise limit will be exceeded at receivers 6 and 7.

6.2 Mining Year 10


Under adverse meteorological conditions, it is predicted that the night time noise limit will be exceeded at receivers 4, 6, 7 & 41. It is noted that the exceedance at receivers 4 & 41 is only 1 dBA, which although a technical exceedance is relatively insignificant.


6.3 Mining Year 20


Under adverse meteorological conditions, it is predicted that the night time noise limit will be exceeded at receivers 4, 6, 7 & 41. It is noted that the exceedance at receivers 4 & 41 is only 1 dBA, which although a technical exceedance is relatively insignificant.


6.4 Mining Year 27


Under adverse meteorological conditions, it is predicted that the night time noise limit will be exceeded at receivers 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 41 & 59. It is noted that the exceedance at receivers 3, 4, 41 & 59 is only 1 dBA, which although a technical exceedance is relatively insignificant.

Under neutral meteorological conditions, it is predicted that the night time noise limit will be exceeded at receivers 1, 6 and 7 at night, and only 6 and 7 in the day.


6.5 Low Frequency Noise

The predicted linear noise levels under adverse meteorological conditions are shown in Table 5.6. Two receivers (6 and 7) are predicted to exceed the proposed external low frequency noise limit of 55 dBZ, but none of these are expected to have a difference between linear and A-weighted levels of greater than 15 dB. Therefore, no exceedances of the low frequency noise criteria are predicted.

6.6 Cumulative Impact

The predicted combined noise levels from Elimatta and Wandoan coal mines have been predicted and are presented in Table 5.8. Exceedances are predicted to be possible at receivers 4, 7, and 9. Receivers 4 and 7 were already predicted to be subject to exceedances, and so only Receiver 9 could be subject to an exceedance due to the potentially significant contribution of Wandoan.

6.7 Blasting

Based on the blasting calculations in Section 5.7, the ground vibration levels are predicted to be acceptable at the nearest receivers. However, the airblast levels have the potential to exceed the 115 dB(Lin) limit, and therefore blast parameters will need to be reviewed over the initial few blasts, and potentially changed such that airblast levels are modified to comply with the longer term limit of 115 dB(Lin). Calculations indicate that compliance can be achieved by reducing the charge or increasing the stemming height, but should be determined in consultation with a Blast Engineer.


7 Recommendations

From the analysis in Section 6, it is apparent that the predicted noise levels exceed the proposed noise criteria in Table 4.7 under certain meteorological conditions and at various stages throughout the mine life as follows:

Standard Equipment: Receivers 1, 3 to 7, 39 to 41 and 58 to 60 (total of 12 receivers). Attenuated Equipment: Receivers 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 41 & 59 (total of 8 receivers). However,

five of the eight receivers are subject to a predicted exceedance of a relatively minor 1 dBA. Only receivers 1, 6 & 7 are predicted to be subject to exceedances of greater than 1 dBA.

Given the reduced impacts with attenuated equipment, it is proposed to provide attenuation measures to the specified equipment, being Cat 994F wheel loader, Cat 793D and Cat 789C trucks, Cat D11T and Cat D10T track dozers, and Cat 824H wheel dozer. Typical noise attenuation measures are presented in Section 5.3.

Additional to the above predicted exceedances due solely to the Elimatta mine, Receiver 9 may be subject to an exceedance due to the more significant contribution of Wandoan mine.

A brief description of the receivers and their location relative to the relevant mining lease areas in the region are detailed below:

1 - Receiver is currently unoccupied, but could be occupied in the future and therefore it shall be considered in noise mitigation planning as a sensitive receiver.

3, 40, 59, 60 - Receivers are likely to be within boundary of future Metro Project. Receivers shall be considered in noise mitigation planning as sensitive receivers until a time when or if no longer occupied due to the future Metro Project.

4, 5, 39, 41 & 58 – Receivers are located outside the MLA and should be considered in noise mitigation planning as a sensitive receiver.

6 and 7 - Receivers are within the proposed mining lease area and will be owned by the mine and unoccupied, therefore shall not be considered sensitive receivers.

To assist in mitigation of noise and vibration impacts at sensitive receivers, the following recommendations are made:

It is recommended that noise monitoring is conducted periodically at the worst affected sensitive receivers throughout the mine life. The sites and equipment should be selected in consultation with an acoustic consultant. The monitoring equipment is to record one-third octave band noise levels using the A-weighted Leq parameter of duration 15 to 60 minutes. Initial monitoring should be conducted prior to commencement of the mine to ensure noise levels due to nearby existing mining operations are quantified. Measurement results should be recorded in conjunction with weather data and compared with the nominated noise criteria.

If noise complaints are received from nearby residents as a result of mining activities, then additional attended noise monitoring should be conducted, with results from this and the periodic monitoring compared against the noise limits in the Environmental Authority. As noted above, noise measurements should be conducted using a one-third octave band sound level meter. Care should be taken to ensure that measurement levels are


representative of mining noise, and are not dominated by extraneous noise (e.g. wind rustling leaves in trees, rain, animals etc) or other mining operations. Measurement results should be reported in conjunction with weather data.

If noise complaints are received and the noise limits exceeded, then noise mitigation measures are to be investigated. Noise mitigation measures are likely to be focussed on the restriction and further attenuation of mobile equipment, particularly operating within the pit. Noise mitigation measures should be selected in consultation with an acoustic consultant.

Conduct vibration and airblast monitoring during initial blasts to ensure that blast parameters result in compliant levels. Blast parameters should be revised if exceedances are recorded.


8 Conclusions

Noise levels from the Elimatta mine operations in the mining years 2, 10, 20 and 27 were predicted at the nearest noise sensitive receivers for different meteorological conditions. The noise and vibration predictions for the project were assessed against a number of criteria, with the following results:

Exceedances were predicted at 12 receiver locations with standard equipment, reducing to 8 receivers with attenuated equipment (note: only 3 receivers exceeding by more than 1 dBA). Therefore it is proposed to operate the mine with attenuated equipment.

The exceedances under neutral meteorological conditions with attenuated equipment are summarised as follows (noting that Receivers 6 and 7 are on the mining lease):

o Year 2: Receivers 6 and 7 o Year 10: Receivers 6 and 7 o Year 20: Receivers 6 and 7 o Year 27: Receivers 1, 6 and 7

The exceedances under adverse meteorological conditions with attenuated equipment are summarised as follows:

o Year 2: Receivers 5 to 7. o Year 10: Receivers 4, 6, 7 and 41 o Year 20: Receivers 4, 6, 7 and 41 o Year 27: Receivers 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 41 and 59

No receivers are predicted to exceed the low frequency criteria limit during the mine life. It is predicted that only Receiver 9 could be sufficiently affected by the combined emissions

from Elimatta and Wandoan mines that it could result in an exceedance not predicted by Elimatta mine alone.

Based on the blasting calculations in Section 5.7, the ground vibration levels are predicted to be acceptable at the nearest receivers.

Based on the blasting calculations in Section 5.7, airblast levels have the potential to exceed the 115 dB(Lin) limit, and therefore blast parameters will need to be reviewed over the initial few blasts, and potentially adjusted such that airblast levels are modified to comply with the longer term limit of 115 dB(Lin).

A number of noise and vibration management recommendations have been proposed in Section 7.

Yours faithfully

ASK Consulting Engineers Pty Ltd

Stephen Pugh

Director


9 References

EPA (1994), Environmental Protection Act, Environmental Protection Agency, Queensland.

EPA (2008), Environmental Protection (Noise) Policy, Environmental Protection Agency, Queensland.

EPA (2002), Assessment of Low Frequency Noise. Environmental Protection Agency, Queensland.

EPA (2004), Planning For Noise Control. Environmental Protection Agency, Queensland.

World Health Organization (1999), Guidelines for Community Noise. World Health Organization, Geneva.


Appendix A Proposed Project Infrastructure

Table A.1 Indicative Mine Fleet

Mine Fleet for Elimatta Mining Year

Type Year 1 Year 10 Year 20

Excavators Hitachi EX5500 2 3 4 Hitachi EX2500 1 2 2

HL Wheel Loader Cat 994F 1 1 1 Trucks Cat 793D 10 16 21

Cat789C 4 10 10 Dozer Cat D11T 2 3 3

Cat D10T 2 3 4 Grader Cat 16M 1 2 3

Water Truck Cat 777F 1 2 3 Wheel Dozer Cat 824H 1 2 2

Cat 345D 1 1 1


Appendix B Noise Sensitive Receiver

Table B.1 List of Noise Sensitive Receiver

Receiver Lot on Plan and Landholder Easting Northing

1 Lot 33 on AB128, BS & VM WILSON 763158 7111510 3 Lot 1 on SP103977, LW, SF & CI GOLDEN 759029 7110384 4 Lot 38 on AB188, RH THOMAS ANDERSON 766256 7118858 5 Lot 37 on AB180, ML, RS & AS MOFFATT 757162 7117471 6 Lot 1, 41 & 42 on AB241, BL & BJ THORNTON 761725 7119140 7 Lot 131 & 132 on SP121742, D CAMPBELL & JM CONWAY 764926 7123403 9 Lot 72 on FT590, JG, BA & JR SPEED, AT RADEL 770504 7124435 10 Lot 58 on FT556, DC AND JM CONWAY 771878 7122290 12 Lot 39 on FT503, MA AND TM BAHNISCH 775301 7124530 13 Lot 40 on FT503, JM AND AJ DANN 776850 7124203 14 Lot 41 on CP857459, RD & SM HAY & TW & JA EDMONDS 777796 7123581 15 Lot 42 on FT505, JRJ AND KJ BRUGGEMANN 780074 7123279 16 Lot 43 on FT506, PG AND JM THORNTON 782480 7122718 17 Lot 52 on FT830, AB POSTLE 782136 7119231 18 Lot 44 on FT507, RE PORTER 783074 7122870 19 Lot 51 on FT507, SM AND RD HAY 784205 7118854

20 Lot 45 on FT507, SE HAWKINS AND CINDERGROVE PTY LTD 786233 7120146

21 Lot 50 on FT508, CA AND KJ POWELL 788367 7118255 23 Lot 49 on FT453, TR AND SL BRADSHAW 789699 7118929 25 Lot 2 on SP177963, M RONALD & DH FRASER 791137 7120771 26 Lot 67 on FT873, PJ AND GA STANFORD 791478 7117041 27 Lot 66 on FT521, GG FITZPATRICK 792177 7117262 28 Lot 1 on RP204781, AT AND NJ SLATTERY 791660 7120618 29 Lot 58 on FT520, HJ AND WJ RICHARDSON 794234 7120285 30 Lot 69 on SP137906, SL AND GP HATHERALL 796310 7116402 31 Lot 59 on FT820, SC AND WP PRESHO 797862 7118207 32 Lot 40 on FT329, RB AND LM BOOTH 800034 7118433 33 Lot 22 on FT746, GM AND JC WORSFOLD 796202 7115646

35 Lot 45 on FT426, Lot 46 FT64, Lot 37, 44 FT67, HO AND RL PERRETT 766841 7127539

36 Lot 45 on FT426, Lot 46 FT64, Lot 37, 44 FT67, HO AND RL PERRETT 766902 7127651

37 Lot 78 on FT580, THE STATE OF QLD (THE DEP. OF EDUCATION AND THE ARTS) 780649 7123727

38 Lot 79 on FT613, AG LITTLE 780736 7123781 39 Lot 34 SP106737, LD AND JC LINDSAY 767269 7111214 40 Lot 40 on AB226, JRJ, HJ, MB, KJ BRUGGEMANN 762023 7108957


Receiver Lot on Plan and Landholder Easting Northing

41 Lot 24 SP174422, D E GOLDEN 759830 7123267 42 Lot 60 on FT904, JL AND CG WELSH 797460 7119442 43 Lot 60 on FT904, JL AND CG WELSH 797562 7119559 44 Lot 68 on SP137906, GP AND SL HATHERALL 791934 7115369 45 Lot 30 on FT491, ROBERT WESLEY SANDS 788104 7116413 46 Lot 4 on FT758, XSTRATA COAL QUEENSLAND PTY LTD 770477 7117446 47 Lot 15 on SP180948, NEG HOLDINGS PTY LTD (TTE) 770725 7113816

48 Lot 28 ON FT467, JANICE ANNE AND RODGER JOHN WILSON 773098 7112361

49 Lot 15 on SP180948, NEG HOLDINGS PTY LTD (TTE) 772636 7112160

50 Lot 6 on AB112 & Lot 3 on AB41, ALASTAIR D AND JUDITH L BASSINGTHWAIGHTE 748286 7111558

51 Lot 7 on RP868228, ANGELA GABRIEL AND BRUCE HARCOURT GOLDEN, ROSEMARY JANE ANDERSON 750581 7116416

52 Lot 4 on AB121, MARGARET JOYCE WHIP AND JOYCE KATHLEEN HODGKINSON 754262 7121309

53 Lot 3 on AB121, WILLIAM RALPH AND KAY ELIZABETH GEDDES 753825 7125378

54 Lot 18 on SP152687, HARRY SIBUN PERRETT 761879 7131605

55

Lot 6 on SP195959, BILL ALEXANDER, JAMES RICHARD, AND JOHN GRAHAM SPEED (PR), ANNEMARIE THYRA RADEL (PR) 754565 7130700

56 Lot 71 FT590, PETER JOHN AND HELEN LUCY MCLENNAN 770515 7127024

57 Lot 70 FT590, RODNEY J AND BETTY C PHILLIPS 773560 7125575 58 Lot 34 SP106737, LD AND JC LINDSAY 767106 7111433 59 Lot 34 SP106737, LD AND JC LINDSAY 764304 7110388 60 Lot 39 on AB215, ARTHUR T VERSACE 763139 7109437


Figure B.1 Map of Noise Sensitive Receivers and Monitoring Locations A to E

(Note: This figure is current at the time of preparation of the report and is subject to change.)



Appendix C Acoustic Terminology

Parameter or Term

Description

Frequency The number of vibrations, or complete cycles, that take place in one second. Measured in hertz (Hz), where one Hz equals one cycle per second. A young person with normal hearing will be able to perceive frequencies between approximately 20 and 20,000 Hz. With increasing age, the upper frequency limit tends to decrease.

dB The decibel (dB) is the unit measure of sound. Most noises occur in a range of 20 dB (quiet rural area at night) to 120 dB (nightclub dance floor or concert).

dBA Noise levels are most commonly expressed in terms of the ‘A' weighted decibel scale, dBA. This scale closely approximates the response of the human ear, thus providing a measure of the subjective loudness of noise and enabling the intensity of noises with different frequency characteristics (e.g. pitch and tone) to be compared.

dB(lin), dB(linear) OR dBZ

Noise levels are sometimes expressed in terms of the linear, Z or un-weighted decibel scale – they all take the same meaning. The value has no weighting applied to it and is the same as the dB level.

dBC Noise levels are sometimes expressed in terms of the ‘C' weighted decibel scale, dBC. This scale is very similar to the dB, dB(lin), dB(linear), dBZ un-weighted scale. The difference being that some negative weighting is applied below 250Hz and above 1kHz. The magnitude of the weighting is significantly less than the dBA scale.

Octave band Ranges of frequencies where the highest frequency of the band is double the lowest frequency of the band. The band is usually specified by the centre frequency, i.e., 31.5, 63, 125, 250, 500 Hz, etc.

Day The period between 7am and 6pm.

Evening The period between 6pm and 10pm.

Night The period between 10pm and 7am.

Free-field The description of a noise receiver or source location which is away from any significantly reflective objects (e.g. buildings, walls).

Reverberant field

The description of a noise receiver or source location which is in a room or near significant reflective objects (e.g. surrounded by walls).


Parameter or Term

Description

Noise sensitive receiver OR Noise sensitive receptor

The definition can vary depending on the project type or location, but generally defines a building or land area which is sensitive to noise. Generally it includes residential dwellings (e.g. houses, units, caravans, marina), medical buildings (e.g. hospitals, health clinics, medical centres), educational facilities (e.g. schools, universities, colleges),

Lp The instantaneous noise level, which is noted during a noise event.

LpA As for Lp except the frequency weighting is defined as being the ‘A’ weighted decibel scale. Often the ‘A’ is not included in the subscript if the level is reported as being dBA.

L1 The noise level exceeded for 1% of the measurement period.

L10 The noise level exceeded for 10% of the measurement period. It is sometimes referred to as the average maximum noise level.

L90 The noise level exceeded for 90% of the measurement period. This is commonly referred to as the background noise level.

minL90 The background noise levels calculated using the ‘lowest 10th percentile’ of the L90 levels in each period of the day. This ‘lowest 10th percentile’ method is defined in the Queensland Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM) guidelines.

minL90,1hour As for minL90 except the measurement intervals are defined as 1 hour duration.

Leq The equivalent continuous sound level, which is the constant sound level over a given time period, which is equivalent in total sound energy to the time-varying sound level, measured over the same time period.

Leq,1hour As for Leq except the measurement intervals are defined as 1 hour duration.

LAmax OR maxLpA

Maximum A-weighted sound pressure level.

LAmax,T Average maximum A-weighted sound pressure level.

LAmax,adj,T Adjusted average maximum A-weighted sound pressure level.

Leq(24 hour) The average Leq noise level over the 24-hour period from midnight to midnight.


Parameter or Term

Description

LAr,Tr The rating noise level, as used by the Queensland Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM) EcoAccess “Planning for Noise Control” guideline document.

PNL The planning noise level, as used by the Queensland Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM) EcoAccess “Planning for Noise Control” guideline document.

Low frequency noise

Noise that occurs in the 10 Hz to 200 Hz frequency range, as defined in the Queensland Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM) EcoAccess “Assessment of Low Frequency Noise” draft guideline document.


Appendix D Graphs of Noise Monitoring Results

Figure D.1 Plot of Noise Monitoring Results at Location A


Figure D.2 Plot of Noise Monitoring Results at Location B


Figure D.3 Plot of Noise Monitoring Results at Location C


Figure D.4 Plot of Noise Monitoring Results at Location D


Figure D.5 Plot of Noise Monitoring Results at Location E


Figure D.6 Plot of Background Noise Monitoring Results at Location A


Figure D.7 Plot of Background Noise Monitoring Results at Location B


Figure D.8 Plot of Background Noise Monitoring Results at Location C


Figure D.9 Plot of Background Noise Monitoring Results at Location D


Figure D.10 Plot of Background Noise Monitoring Results at Location E


Appendix E Predicted Mining Noise Results (Standard Equipment)

Table E.1 Predicted Noise Levels – Neutral Meteorological Conditions

Table E.2 Predicted Noise Levels – Adverse Meteorological Conditions

Table E.3 Predicted Linear Noise Levels – Adverse Meteorological Conditions

Figure E.1 Year 2 – Adverse Meteorological Conditions

Figure E.2 Year 2 – Neutral Meteorological Conditions








Table E.1 Predicted Noise Levels – Neutral Meteorological Conditions

Location

Predicted Noise Level Leq(1 hour) dBA, Neutral Conditions


1 Lot 33 on AB128 26 30 30 41 3 Lot 1 on SP103977 27 28 31 33 4 Lot 38 on AB188 31 32 32 32 5 Lot 37 on AB180 32 31 31 32 6 Lot 1, 41 & 42 on AB241 49 54 51 49 7 Lot 131 & 132 on SP121742 48 49 50 50 9 Lot 72 on FT590 20 23 23 22 10 Lot 58 on FT556 18 20 20 20 12 Lot 39 on FT503 14 16 16 16 13 Lot 40 on FT503 13 15 14 14 14 Lot 41 on CP857459 12 14 13 14 15 Lot 42 on FT505 11 12 11 12 16 Lot 43 on FT506 8 10 9 10 17 Lot 52 on FT830 9 11 10 11 18 Lot 44 on FT507 8 10 9 10 19 Lot 51 on FT507 7 9 8 10 20 Lot 45 on FT507 6 8 7 8 21 Lot 50 on FT508 4 6 5 7 23 Lot 49 on FT453 3 5 4 6 25 Lot 2 on SP177963 2 4 3 5 26 Lot 67 on FT873 2 4 3 5 27 Lot 66 on FT521 2 3 3 4 28 Lot 1 on RP204781 2 4 3 4 29 Lot 58 on FT520 0 2 1 3 30 Lot 69 on SP137906 -1 1 0 2 31 Lot 59 on FT820 -2 0 -1 1 32 Lot 40 on FT329 -3 -2 -2 -1 33 Lot 22 on FT746 -1 1 0 2 35 Lot 45 on FT426 23 25 26 26 36 Lot 45 on FT426 23 25 25 25 37 Lot 78 on FT580 10 11 11 11 38 Lot 79 on FT613 10 11 11 11 39 Lot 34 SP106737 21 23 23 28 40 Lot 40 on AB226 22 25 25 30 41 Lot 24 SP174422 29 31 32 31 42 Lot 60 on FT904 -2 0 -1 1 43 Lot 60 on FT904 -2 0 -1 1


Location



44 Lot 68 on SP137906 2 3 3 4 45 Lot 30 on FT491 4 6 6 7 46 Lot 4 on FT758 21 23 22 23 47 Lot 15 on SP180948 19 21 21 23 48 Lot 28 ON FT467 15 17 17 19 49 Lot 15 on SP180948 15 17 17 20 50 Lot 6 on AB112 & Lot 3 on AB41 14 15 16 16 51 Lot 7 on RP868228 18 19 19 19 52 Lot 4 on AB121 22 22 22 22 53 Lot 3 on AB121 18 18 19 19 54 Lot 18 on SP152687 16 18 19 18 55 Lot 6 on SP195959 14 15 16 15 56 Lot 71 FT590 18 20 21 20 57 Lot 70 FT590 15 18 17 17 58 Lot 34 SP106737 21 23 24 29 59 Lot 34 SP106737 23 26 26 33 60 Lot 39 on AB215 22 25 25 31


Table E.2 Predicted Noise Levels – Adverse Meteorological Conditions

Location

Predicted Noise Level Leq(1 hour) dBA, Adverse Conditions


1 Lot 33 on AB128 33 37 38 48 3 Lot 1 on SP103977 35 35 39 40 4 Lot 38 on AB188 38 39 40 40 5 Lot 37 on AB180 40 38 39 39 6 Lot 1, 41 & 42 on AB241 55 59 55 54 7 Lot 131 & 132 on SP121742 54 55 56 56 9 Lot 72 on FT590 27 30 30 29 10 Lot 58 on FT556 25 27 27 27 12 Lot 39 on FT503 20 22 22 22 13 Lot 40 on FT503 19 21 20 20 14 Lot 41 on CP857459 19 20 19 20 15 Lot 42 on FT505 17 18 18 18 16 Lot 43 on FT506 15 16 16 16 17 Lot 52 on FT830 15 17 16 18 18 Lot 44 on FT507 15 16 16 16 19 Lot 51 on FT507 14 16 15 16 20 Lot 45 on FT507 13 15 14 15 21 Lot 50 on FT508 11 13 12 14 23 Lot 49 on FT453 11 12 12 13 25 Lot 2 on SP177963 10 12 11 12 26 Lot 67 on FT873 10 11 11 12 27 Lot 66 on FT521 9 11 10 12 28 Lot 1 on RP204781 10 12 11 12 29 Lot 58 on FT520 8 10 9 11 30 Lot 69 on SP137906 7 9 8 10 31 Lot 59 on FT820 6 8 8 9 32 Lot 40 on FT329 5 7 6 8 33 Lot 22 on FT746 7 9 8 10 35 Lot 45 on FT426 31 33 34 33 36 Lot 45 on FT426 31 33 33 33 37 Lot 78 on FT580 17 18 17 18 38 Lot 79 on FT613 16 18 17 18 39 Lot 34 SP106737 27 29 30 36 40 Lot 40 on AB226 28 31 32 37 41 Lot 24 SP174422 37 39 39 39 42 Lot 60 on FT904 7 9 8 9 43 Lot 60 on FT904 7 8 8 9


Location





Table E.3 Predicted Linear Noise Levels – Adverse Meteorological Conditions

Location

Predicted Noise Level Leq(1 hour) dB, Adverse conditions


1 Lot 33 on AB128 45 49 48 57 3 Lot 1 on SP103977 45 47 50 51 4 Lot 38 on AB188 50 51 51 51 5 Lot 37 on AB180 50 50 50 50 6 Lot 1, 41 & 42 on AB241 63 68 65 64 7 Lot 131 & 132 on SP121742 62 64 64 64 9 Lot 72 on FT590 41 43 43 43 10 Lot 58 on FT556 40 41 41 41 12 Lot 39 on FT503 37 38 38 38 13 Lot 40 on FT503 35 37 36 37 14 Lot 41 on CP857459 35 36 36 36 15 Lot 42 on FT505 34 35 34 35 16 Lot 43 on FT506 31 33 32 33 17 Lot 52 on FT830 32 34 33 34 18 Lot 44 on FT507 31 33 32 33 19 Lot 51 on FT507 31 32 31 33 20 Lot 45 on FT507 29 31 30 31 21 Lot 50 on FT508 28 30 29 30 23 Lot 49 on FT453 27 29 28 30 25 Lot 2 on SP177963 27 29 27 29 26 Lot 67 on FT873 26 28 28 29 27 Lot 66 on FT521 26 28 27 28 28 Lot 1 on RP204781 26 28 27 28 29 Lot 58 on FT520 25 27 26 27 30 Lot 69 on SP137906 24 26 25 26 31 Lot 59 on FT820 23 25 24 26 32 Lot 40 on FT329 22 24 23 25 33 Lot 22 on FT746 24 26 25 26 35 Lot 45 on FT426 43 45 45 45 36 Lot 45 on FT426 43 45 45 45 37 Lot 78 on FT580 33 34 34 34 38 Lot 79 on FT613 33 34 33 34 39 Lot 34 SP106737 41 43 44 47 40 Lot 40 on AB226 42 45 45 49 41 Lot 24 SP174422 48 50 50 49 42 Lot 60 on FT904 23 25 24 26 43 Lot 60 on FT904 23 25 24 26


Location





Appendix F Predicted Mining Noise Results (Attenuated Equipment)

Table F1 Predicted Noise Levels – Neutral Meteorological Conditions

Table F.2 Predicted Noise Levels – Adverse Meteorological Conditions

Table F.3 Predicted Linear Noise Levels – Adverse Meteorological Conditions

Figure F.1 Year 2 – Adverse Meteorological Conditions

Figure F.2 Year 2 – Neutral Meteorological Conditions








Table F.1 Predicted Noise Levels (Attenuated Equipment) – Neutral Meteorological Conditions

Location



1 Lot 33 on AB128 22 26 26 36 3 Lot 1 on SP103977 23 24 27 28 4 Lot 38 on AB188 28 28 29 29 5 Lot 37 on AB180 28 28 27 28 6 Lot 1, 41 & 42 on AB241 45 50 47 46 7 Lot 131 & 132 on SP121742 47 48 48 48 9 Lot 72 on FT590 18 20 19 19 10 Lot 58 on FT556 16 17 17 17 12 Lot 39 on FT503 12 13 12 12 13 Lot 40 on FT503 10 11 10 11 14 Lot 41 on CP857459 10 11 10 10 15 Lot 42 on FT505 8 9 8 8 16 Lot 43 on FT506 5 7 6 6 17 Lot 52 on FT830 5 8 6 7 18 Lot 44 on FT507 5 7 5 6 19 Lot 51 on FT507 4 6 5 6 20 Lot 45 on FT507 2 5 3 4 21 Lot 50 on FT508 1 3 2 3 23 Lot 49 on FT453 0 2 1 2 25 Lot 2 on SP177963 -1 1 0 1 26 Lot 67 on FT873 -1 1 0 1 27 Lot 66 on FT521 -2 0 -1 0 28 Lot 1 on RP204781 -1 1 -1 1 29 Lot 58 on FT520 -3 -1 -2 -1 30 Lot 69 on SP137906 -5 -2 -3 -2 31 Lot 59 on FT820 -5 -3 -4 -3 32 Lot 40 on FT329 -7 -5 -6 -5 33 Lot 22 on FT746 -5 -2 -3 -2 35 Lot 45 on FT426 22 23 23 23 36 Lot 45 on FT426 21 22 22 22 37 Lot 78 on FT580 7 8 7 8 38 Lot 79 on FT613 7 8 7 8 39 Lot 34 SP106737 17 19 19 24 40 Lot 40 on AB226 18 20 21 26 41 Lot 24 SP174422 27 28 28 28 42 Lot 60 on FT904 -5 -3 -4 -3


Location



43 Lot 60 on FT904 -5 -3 -4 -3 44 Lot 68 on SP137906 -2 0 -1 0 45 Lot 30 on FT491 1 3 2 3 46 Lot 4 on FT758 18 20 19 20 47 Lot 15 on SP180948 15 18 17 19 48 Lot 28 ON FT467 12 14 13 15 49 Lot 15 on SP180948 12 14 14 15 50 Lot 6 on AB112 & Lot 3 on AB41 10 12 12 12 51 Lot 7 on RP868228 14 16 15 15 52 Lot 4 on AB121 18 19 19 18 53 Lot 3 on AB121 15 15 15 15 54 Lot 18 on SP152687 14 15 15 15 55 Lot 6 on SP195959 11 11 12 11 56 Lot 71 FT590 16 18 18 17 57 Lot 70 FT590 13 15 14 14 58 Lot 34 SP106737 17 20 20 24 59 Lot 34 SP106737 19 22 22 28 60 Lot 39 on AB215 18 21 21 27


Table F.2 Predicted Noise Levels (Attenuated Equipment) – Adverse Meteorological Conditions

Location



1 Lot 33 on AB128 29 33 34 44 3 Lot 1 on SP103977 31 31 35 36 4 Lot 38 on AB188 35 36 36 36 5 Lot 37 on AB180 36 35 35 35 6 Lot 1, 41 & 42 on AB241 51 55 51 51 7 Lot 131 & 132 on SP121742 53 53 54 54 9 Lot 72 on FT590 25 27 27 26 10 Lot 58 on FT556 22 24 24 24 12 Lot 39 on FT503 18 19 19 18 13 Lot 40 on FT503 16 18 17 17 14 Lot 41 on CP857459 16 17 16 16 15 Lot 42 on FT505 14 15 14 15 16 Lot 43 on FT506 12 13 12 13 17 Lot 52 on FT830 12 14 13 14 18 Lot 44 on FT507 12 13 12 13 19 Lot 51 on FT507 11 13 11 12 20 Lot 45 on FT507 9 12 10 11 21 Lot 50 on FT508 8 10 9 10 23 Lot 49 on FT453 7 9 8 9 25 Lot 2 on SP177963 7 9 7 8 26 Lot 67 on FT873 6 8 7 8 27 Lot 66 on FT521 6 8 7 8 28 Lot 1 on RP204781 6 9 7 8 29 Lot 58 on FT520 5 7 6 7 30 Lot 69 on SP137906 4 6 5 6 31 Lot 59 on FT820 3 5 4 5 32 Lot 40 on FT329 2 4 3 4 33 Lot 22 on FT746 4 6 5 6 35 Lot 45 on FT426 30 30 31 31 36 Lot 45 on FT426 29 30 30 30 37 Lot 78 on FT580 14 15 14 14 38 Lot 79 on FT613 14 15 13 14 39 Lot 34 SP106737 23 26 26 31 40 Lot 40 on AB226 24 27 28 33 41 Lot 24 SP174422 35 36 36 36 42 Lot 60 on FT904 3 5 4 5


Location



43 Lot 60 on FT904 3 5 4 5 44 Lot 68 on SP137906 6 8 7 8 45 Lot 30 on FT491 8 10 9 10 46 Lot 4 on FT758 24 26 25 26 47 Lot 15 on SP180948 21 24 23 25 48 Lot 28 ON FT467 18 20 19 21 49 Lot 15 on SP180948 18 20 20 22 50 Lot 6 on AB112 & Lot 3 on AB41 16 18 18 18 51 Lot 7 on RP868228 20 22 22 21 52 Lot 4 on AB121 25 25 25 24 53 Lot 3 on AB121 21 21 22 21 54 Lot 18 on SP152687 20 22 22 22 55 Lot 6 on SP195959 17 17 18 18 56 Lot 71 FT590 23 24 24 24 57 Lot 70 FT590 19 21 20 20 58 Lot 34 SP106737 24 27 27 32 59 Lot 34 SP106737 25 29 29 36 60 Lot 39 on AB215 25 28 28 35


Table F.3 Predicted Linear Noise Levels (Attenuated Equipment) – Adverse Meteorological Conditions

Location



1 Lot 33 on AB128 42 45 45 53 3 Lot 1 on SP103977 41 43 46 47 4 Lot 38 on AB188 47 48 47 47 5 Lot 37 on AB180 46 47 46 46 6 Lot 1, 41 & 42 on AB241 60 64 61 61 7 Lot 131 & 132 on SP121742 62 63 62 62 9 Lot 72 on FT590 39 41 40 40 10 Lot 58 on FT556 37 38 38 38 12 Lot 39 on FT503 34 35 35 35 13 Lot 40 on FT503 33 34 33 33 14 Lot 41 on CP857459 33 34 32 33 15 Lot 42 on FT505 31 32 31 31 16 Lot 43 on FT506 29 30 29 29 17 Lot 52 on FT830 29 31 29 30 18 Lot 44 on FT507 28 30 29 29 19 Lot 51 on FT507 27 30 28 29 20 Lot 45 on FT507 26 28 27 28 21 Lot 50 on FT508 25 27 26 27 23 Lot 49 on FT453 24 26 25 26 25 Lot 2 on SP177963 24 26 24 25 26 Lot 67 on FT873 23 25 24 25 27 Lot 66 on FT521 23 25 24 25 28 Lot 1 on RP204781 23 25 24 25 29 Lot 58 on FT520 22 24 23 24 30 Lot 69 on SP137906 21 23 22 23 31 Lot 59 on FT820 20 22 21 22 32 Lot 40 on FT329 19 21 20 21 33 Lot 22 on FT746 21 23 22 23 35 Lot 45 on FT426 42 43 43 43 36 Lot 45 on FT426 41 42 42 42 37 Lot 78 on FT580 31 32 30 31 38 Lot 79 on FT613 31 31 30 31 39 Lot 34 SP106737 38 40 40 43 40 Lot 40 on AB226 38 41 41 44 41 Lot 24 SP174422 46 47 47 46 42 Lot 60 on FT904 20 22 21 22


Location



43 Lot 60 on FT904 20 22 21 22 44 Lot 68 on SP137906 23 25 24 25 45 Lot 30 on FT491 25 27 26 27 46 Lot 4 on FT758 39 41 40 41 47 Lot 15 on SP180948 37 39 38 40 48 Lot 28 ON FT467 34 36 35 37 49 Lot 15 on SP180948 34 36 35 37 50 Lot 6 on AB112 & Lot 3 on AB41 32 34 34 34 51 Lot 7 on RP868228 35 38 37 36 52 Lot 4 on AB121 39 40 40 39 53 Lot 3 on AB121 37 37 37 37 54 Lot 18 on SP152687 36 37 37 37 55 Lot 6 on SP195959 33 34 35 34 56 Lot 71 FT590 38 39 39 39 57 Lot 70 FT590 36 37 36 36 58 Lot 34 SP106737 38 41 40 44 59 Lot 34 SP106737 39 42 42 46 60 Lot 39 on AB215 39 41 41 46

Documents

Appendix AG - newhopegroup.com.au · The West Surat Rail link from the mine to the Surat Basin Railway and all associated factors will be addressed in a separate report. The purpose