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APPENDIX E
NOISE BUND
FIGURE 2 – NOISE BUND (3D VIEW)
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FIGURE 3 – NOISE BUND A (ROM)
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FIGURE 4 – NOISE BUND B (EX
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Talison Lithium Pty Ltd SITE MANAGEMENT PLAN
GREENBUSHES OPERATIONS
Environmental
ENV 1000
Noise Management Plan
Issue No: 9 Page: 2 of 24 Issue Date: 12/18
This Noise Management Plan is developed in accordance with the Clause 8 of the Environmental Protection (Talison Lithium Australia Greenbushes Operation Noise Emissions ) Approval 2015 and the Environmental Protection (Global Advanced Metals Greenbushes Operation Noise Emissions ) Approval 2015.
This Plan Describes:
The site noise monitoring program; Objectives for minimising noise and noise characteristics; Noise complaint responding procedure; Community information programme; and Reporting requirements and processes.
This Plan is used by: TLA & GAMG Staff Manager Mining Operations Manager Global Advanced Metals Environmental Superintendent Environmental Coordinator Environmental Officer Drill & Blast Engineer
Drill & Blast Contractor
Issue No Issue Date Document Author Issue Amendments 1 to 5 Issued for and adapted for the Environmental
Protection (Talison Greenbushes Operation Noise Emissions ) Approval 2009
6 05/15 R Hoes Updated to satisfy new approvals issued to TLA & GAMG on 27 February 2015.Submitted to DER with 2014-15 Noise report
7 3/16 R Hoes Annual review and update status of actions Submitted to DER with 2015-16 Noise report
8 3/17 R Hoes Annual review and update status of actions Submitted to DER with 2015-16 Noise report
9b (draft) 12/18 S Green To address change due to Mine expansion 9c( draft 02/19 S Green To address change due to Mine expansion
(implementation subject to DWER approval) Reviewed By Date Authorised By Date
Issue No: 9 Page: 3 of 24 Issue Date: 12/18
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................... 4
1.1 Details of Approvals .......................................................................................... 5 1.2 Term of Approval .............................................................................................. 7 1.3 Conditions of Approval ...................................................................................... 7
2. DEFINITIONS ......................................................................................................... 10 3. NOISE MANAGEMENT PLAN OBJECTIVES TARGETS & ACTION PLANS ...... 12
3.1 Noise Monitoring Program .............................................................................. 12 3.2 Weather Monitoring Program .......................................................................... 15 3.3 Blast Monitoring Program ............................................................................... 16 3.4 Community Information Program .................................................................... 18 3.5 Response to Noise or Airblast Emissions Complaints .................................... 19 3.6 Minimisation of Mining Noise Emissions ......................................................... 20 3.7 Minimisation of Tonality, Modulation & Impulsiveness .................................... 20 3.8 Minimisation of Noise Emissions from Mining Equipment ............................... 21 3.9 Minimisation of Blast Overpressure ................................................................ 21 3.10 Noise Modeling & Verification ......................................................................... 22 3.11 Review of TLA & GAMG Joint Noise Management Plan................................. 23 3.12 Annual Reporting ............................................................................................ 23 3.13 Application for a Further Approval .................................................................. 25
Issue No: 9 Page: 4 of 24 Issue Date: 12/18
1. INTRODUCTION
Talison Lithium Australia Pty Ltd (TLA) and Global Advanced Metals Greenbushes Pty Ltd (GAMG) (each, a Company, and collectively, the Companies) undertake mining and minerals processing activities at the Greenbushes Mine Site in accordance with an environmental management system that is designed to effectively address environmental issues including noise emissions. The system is currently accredited to international standards ISO 14001: 2015 and ISO 9001: 2015.
A Noise Management Plan was developed in 2009 to address the specific requirements of the Environmental Protection (Talison Greenbushes Noise Emissions) Approval 2009 granted to Talison Greenbushes on 25 April 2009 (2009 Approval). During the term of that approval the business was split into two separate businesses, based on mined commodity: lithium (TLA) and tantalum and other minerals (GAMG). At the end of the term of the 2009 Approval, the two companies reassessed their ability to comply with the standards and applied to the Minister for a new approval under regulation 17 of the Environmental Protection (Noise) Regulations 1997 (Noise Regulations) to allow noise emissions to exceed the prescribed standards.
The applications were assessed by the Department of Environment Regulation (DER), which recommended that separate variations to the prescribed standard in the noise regulations be granted to TLA & GAMG (see Noise Regulation 17 Application for Greenbushes Mining Operations: Assessment Outcomes, Regulation 17 Report 26, 20 August 2014).
On 27 February 2015, the Minister granted separate approvals to TLA & GAMG (WA Government Gazette, 27 February 2015, No. 31):
• Environmental Protection (Talison Lithium Australia Greenbushes Operation Noise Emissions ) Approval 2015; and
• Environmental Protection (Global Advanced Metals Greenbushes Operation Noise Emissions ) Approval 2015,
(each an Approval, and collectively, the Approvals).
The Companies have agreed to jointly manage noise emissions from the site to enable both parties to meet the requirements of their respective Approvals. This document sets out their Joint Noise Management Plan.
Issue No: 9 Page: 5 of 24 Issue Date: 12/18
In developing the Joint Noise Management Plan to meet the requirements of the Approvals, appropriate consideration was given to:
• TLA and GAMG’s environmental policies;
• the Greenbushes Operations Application for Variation to Prescribed Noise Standards (Regulation 17) June 2003;
• the environmental risk register for the mine site;
• the incident databases in iSystain (TLA) and MYOSH (GAMG);
• community feedback;
• input from the site’s Environmental Committee;
• the environmental objectives of each Company’s business plan; and
• resources available through the annual budgeting processes of each Company.
• Changes to the site operations
TLA provides environmental services to GAMG pursuant to a Shared Services Agreement between TLA and GAMG dated 6 December 2012, which environmental services include monitoring of compliance with this Noise Management Plan on behalf of TLA and GAMG.
1.1 Details of Approvals
The terms of each Approval are identical.
Approval is granted to each Company to allow the level of noise emitted from the mine site to exceed the standards prescribed under regulations 7 and 11(4)(a)(i) and (6)(a)(i) if —
(a) for noise emissions other than those resulting from blasting, the level of noise emitted from the mine site when received at a premises of a type referred to in column 1 in the Table in Schedule 1, at a time of day referred to in column 2 opposite those premises does not exceed the LA 10 approved level referred to in column 3 or the LA max approved level set out in column 4 for those premises at that time; and
(b) for noise emissions resulting from blasting, the airblast level, when received at a sensitive site, does not exceed the approved airblast level referred to in column 3 or 4 in the Table in Schedule 2 at a time of day referred to in column 2.
Issue No: 9 Page: 6 of 24 Issue Date: 12/18
Schedule 1 — Noise emissions other than blasting
Type of premises receiving noise
Time of day LA 10 approved level (dB)
LA max approved level (dB)
A highly sensitive area
0700 to 1900 hours all days
53 71
1900 to 2200 hours all days
51 69
2200 to 0700 hours all days
50 68
Type of premises receiving noise
Time of day LA 10 approved level (dB)
LA max approved level (dB)
A noise sensitive premises other than a highly sensitive
area
All hours 60 80
Commercial premises
All hours 60 80
Industrial and utility premises
All hours 65 90
Schedule 2 — Noise emissions for blasting
Type of premises receiving noise
Time of day Approved airblast level (dB LZ peak)
Approved airblast level (dB LZ peak) not to be exceeded for 9 in any 10 consecutive blasts
Sensitive site 0700 to 1800 Monday to Saturday
125 120
0700 to 1800 Sunday or a
public holiday
120 115
Issue No: 9 Page: 7 of 24 Issue Date: 12/18
1.2 Term of Approval
Each Approval has effect for:
(a) 10 years from the start day (i.e. 27 February 2015 to 26 February 2025); or
(b) if a Company applies for a further approval under Regulation 17(1) in relation to noise emissions from the mine site within the first 9 years in which the Approval has effect, then that Company’s Approval will continue to operate until the Minister grants, or refuses to grant, the further approval.
1.3 Conditions of Approval
Each Approval is subject to compliance with the following conditions:
Minimisation of noise emissions and impact of noise
The Company to which the Approval is granted, being TLA or GAMG as the case may be, (Approved Company) is to take all reasonable measures to reduce noise emissions from the mine site.
The Approved Company is to utilise best practices for blasting to minimise airblast levels.
Submission of a Noise Management Plant
The Approved Company is to submit a noise management plan to the CEO of the DER (the CEO) within 3 months of the start day. The plan is to include:
(a) details of a noise and airblast level monitoring programme;
(b) a programme to monitor weather conditions relevant to the assessment of:
(i) noise emissions from the mine site; and
(ii) airblast levels emitted from the mine site;
(c) details of a programme for provision of information to the community about noise emissions from the mine site and airblast levels emitted from the mine site;
(d) procedures to be adopted by the Approved Company in responding to complaints about noise emissions;
(e) procedures to be adopted by the Approved Company to identify major noise emission sources;
(f) procedures to be adopted by the Approved Company for adjusting mining operations or blasting to reduce noise emissions:
(i) based on the noise monitoring programme referred to in paragraph (a); or
(ii) based on responses to complaints about noise emissions;
Issue No: 9 Page: 8 of 24 Issue Date: 12/18
(g) procedures to be adopted by the Approved Company to minimise tonality, modulation and impulsiveness in noise emissions;
(h) procedures to be adopted by the Approved Company to minimise noise emissions from mining equipment operating at the mine site;
(i) procedures to be adopted by the Approved Company to minimise airblast levels emitted from the mine site;
(j) procedures to be used by the Approved Company for recording details of blasting practices utilised for any blast that exceeds the airblast level set out in Regulation 11; and
(k) any other matter that the CEO may require.
After receiving a noise management plan, the CEO may, by notice in writing, require the Company to provide a revised noise management plan including details of any matter specified in the notice. The revised noise management plan is to be provided within 14 days from the date of the notice or by such other time as the CEO specifies in the notice.
Conduct Noise Monitoring
The Approved Company is to record levels of noise emitted from the mine site and by plant items on the mine site in accordance with the latest revision of the noise management plan submitted to the CEO.
The Approved Company is to record airblast levels emitted from blasting on the mine site in accordance with the latest revision of the noise management plan submitted to the CEO.
The Approved Company is to keep the records of monitoring for at least 2 years.
Issue No: 9 Page: 9 of 24 Issue Date: 12/18
Submission of Annual Report
The Approved Company is to prepare a written report (Annual Report) for:
(a) the year beginning on the start day; and
(b) each year that begins on the anniversary of that day.
The Annual Report is to provide:
(a) a summary of the levels of noise and blasting recorded; and
(b) a summary of the progress of the implementation of the noise management plan.
The report for a year is to be submitted to the CEO within one month after the end of the year, or by such other time as the CEO approves in writing.
On the request of the CEO, the Company is to give the CEO any assistance or other information necessary to enable the report to be understood by members of the public.
Issue No: 9 Page: 10 of 24 Issue Date: 12/18
2. DEFINITIONS In this Joint Noise Management Plan, the following definitions apply:
dB(A) The level of sound, measured in decibels, A-weighted.
A-weighted An A-weighted sound level includes the “A” frequency weighting in the measurement of a sound, to approximate the frequency response of the normal human ear.
LA 10 The highest sound level that, measured as an LA Slow value, is exceeded for 10% of a specific period.
LA max The peak sound level, measured as an LA Slow value, during a specific period.
LZ peak The peak sound pressure level in decibels (dB) obtained using the “Z” frequency weighting characteristic as specified in AS IEC 61672.1-2004 Electroacoustics-Sound level meters Part 1: Specifications, with sound measuring equipment that complies with the requirements of Schedule 4 of the Noise Regulations.
LA Slow value The reading in decibels (dB) obtained using the “A” frequency weighting characteristic and the “S” time weighting characteristic, as specified in AS IEC 61672.1-2004 Electroacoustics-Sound level meters Part 1: Specifications, for class 1 and class 2 meters, with sound measuring equipment that complies with the requirements of Schedule 4 of the Noise Regulations.
Attenuation Factor An adjustment of 12 dB (A) applied to noise data recorded at the noise monitoring station to model the attenuated noise levels which would be recorded at the closest modelled location within the Greenbushes Town site. ie. LA10(Greenbushes Town Location 1) ≤ LA10 (Noise Monitoring Station) - 12dB(A) (Attenuation Factor)
Trigger Levels Four critical trigger levels have been identified:
• Primary LA10 Trigger, and Primary Sensitive Site dBLZ peak Air blast Limit for continuous improvement; and
• Secondary LA 10 Trigger and Secondary Sensitive site dB Lz Peak airblast limits for compliance with the approved levels.
Levels are based on the existing time brackets specified in the Noise Regulations. The trigger levels are based on the approved levels, historical monitoring data and modelling. The time basis for data review and analysis is monthly with the trigger based on the proportion of hours exceeding a selected noise level. The selected noise levels and proportions are based upon:
• exceeding the primary response trigger approximately 6 times per year; and
• only exceeding the approved levels in exceptional circumstances.
LA max Trigger Peak noise events at the noise monitoring station on the sound wall. These levels correspond to the approved levels + 12dB Attenuation Factor. The LA max triggers are as follows:
0700-1900 Hours 83 dB
1900-2200 Hours 81 dB
Issue No: 9 Page: 11 of 24 Issue Date: 12/18
2200-0700 Hours 80 dB
Primary LA10 Trigger The primary response is triggered by noise levels at the noise monitoring station exceeding the selected levels in greater than 20% of hours for that time period; i.e. 80% of hours will have levels less than the selected value. These levels correspond to a noise level 4dB below the approved levels + 12dB Attenuation Factor.
0700-1900 Hours 61 dB
1900-2200 Hours 59 dB
2200-0700 Hours 58 dB
Secondary LA 10 Trigger Noise levels at the noise monitoring station exceeding the selected levels in greater than 2% of that time period will trigger the secondary response; i.e. 98% of hours will have noise levels less than the selected level. These levels correspond to the approved levels + 12dB Attenuation Factor.
0700-1900 Hours 65 dB
1900-2200 Hours 63 dB
2200-0700 Hours 62 dB
Primary Sensitive Site dBLZ peak Air blast Limit
Approved airblast level (dB Lz Peak) not to be exceed 115dB
Secondary Sensitive site dB Lz Peak air blast limits
Approved airblast level (dB Lz Peak) not to be exceeded
0700-1800 Mon-Sat 125 dB
0700-1800 Sun & Pubic Holidays 120 dB
Approved airblast level (dB Lz Peak) not to be exceeded for 9 in any 10 consecutive blasts
0700-1800 Mon-Sat 120 dB
0700-1800 Sun & Pubic Holidays 115 dB
Blast Schedule Winter : Between the hours of 12:00-12:30 and 16:45 and 17:15
Summer: Between the hours of 12:00-12:30 and 16:45 and 17:15
Start Day (date of Ministerial approval)
27 February 2015
Talison Lithium Pty Ltd SITE MANAGEMENT PLAN
GREENBUSHES OPERATIONS
Environmental
ENV 1000
Noise Management Plan
Issue No: 9 Page: 12 of 24 Issue Date: 12/18
3. NOISE MANAGEMENT PLAN OBJECTIVES TARGETS & ACTION PLANS General objectives have been established for key noise issues, consistent with the requirements of the Approvals. Specific detailed objectives, targets and action plans, designed to achieve the general objectives, are given below.
3.1 Noise Monitoring Program OBJECTIVES
To monitor noise emitted from the mine site to minimise potential impacts on the community and to ensure adequate reliable noise data is recorded to enable accurate modelling of site noise for both the current & future requirements of the operation.
Action By Whom Target Date Operate a full time, continuous class 1 environmental noise monitoring system on the mine site, comprising:
Conduct two yearly external calibrations of monitoring equipment to international standard IEC 61672.1.2014 and monthly calibration checks using a Sound Level Meter Calibrator.
Review equipment and upgrade as necessary.
Environmental Coordinator
Ongoing
Maintain a database recording all sound events that exceed 60 dB(A) for greater than 10 seconds duration for at least 5 years .
Environmental Coordinator
Ongoing
Maintain a database of raw noise data for at least 5 years duration.
Environmental Coordinator
Ongoing
Review raw noise data weekly for abnormal events. Review any 60 dB(A) level triggers of greater than 10 seconds duration as follows:
• review recorded sound to identify source(s) of noise;
• at the Company’s discretion, investigate the cause of elevated noise;
• prepare and implement remedial measures as applicable; and
• document the above through site incident reporting system.
Environmental Coordinator
Weekly
Issue No: 9 Page: 13 of 24 Issue Date: 12/18
Action By Whom Target Date
Maintain a log of abnormal noise events including:
• any noise events exceeding LA max Trigger on logger data;
• a description of noise events exceeding 60dB(A) for more than 10 seconds based on recorded samples; and
• notes of known events which impact noise levels such as storms, blast warning siren, road construction, etc.
Environmental Coordinator
Weekly
Exclude from calculations any noise data collected while wind speed exceeds 3 metres/second between the hours of 07:00 and 22:00 and 4 meters/second between the hours of 22:00 & 0700.
(Also see section 3.2)
Environmental Coordinator
Monthly
Review hourly LA 10 noise data on a monthly basis to determine if any breaches of Primary LA 10 Trigger or Secondary LA 10 Trigger have occurred.
Environmental Coordinator
Monthly
Respond to Primary LA 10 Trigger as follows:
• review recorded sound to identify source(s) of noise;
• investigate cause of elevated noise;
• prepare and implement remedial measures as applicable; and
• document the above through site incident reporting system.
Environmental Coordinator
Monthly
Respond to Secondary LA 10 Trigger as follows:
• communicate the event to DWER;
• review recorded sound to identify source(s) of noise;
• investigate cause of elevated noise;
• prepare and implement remedial measures as applicable in consultation with the DWER; and
• document the above through site incident reporting system.
NB. This level of management response is consistent with the treatment of a notifiable incident under each Company’s environmental licence. .
Manager Environment
Environmental Coordinator
Manager Environment
Manager Environment
Environmental Coordinator
Monthly
Issue No: 9 Page: 14 of 24 Issue Date: 12/18
Action By Whom Target Date
Respond to LA max Trigger as follows:
• review timing of noise events to eliminate blasting related noise, weather events, logger calibration or maintenance as a cause;
• review recorded sound to identify source(s) of noise in close proximity to the noise logging equipment that may be reasonably eliminated;
• communicate identifiable mine site noise events to the DWER;
• investigate cause of identifiable mine site noise events;
• prepare and implement remedial measures as applicable in consultation with the DWER; and
• document the above through site incident reporting system.
NB. This level of management response is consistent with the treatment of a notifiable incident under each Company’s environmental licence.
Environmental Coordinator
Environmental Coordinator
Manager Environment
Manager Environment
Manager Environment
Environmental Coordinator
Weekly
Report monthly noise compliance to Manager Environment in Environmental Period Report, covering:
• performance against Primary LA 10 Tigger, Secondary LA 10 Trigger and LA max Trigger criteria;
• commentary on recorded sound triggers as required; and
• any maintenance issues with noise logging equipment.
Environmental Coordinator
Monthly
Review of noise compliance by management during quarterly Environmental Management Review Meeting, covering:
• performance against Primary LA 10 Trigger, Secondary LA 10 Trigger and LA max Trigger criteria;
• commentary on recorded sound triggers as required; and
• Any maintenance issues with noise logging equipment
Environmental Coordinator & Manager Environment
Quarterly
Report noise compliance to the DWER and Department of Mines Industry Regulation & Safety (DMIRS) in the Annual Monitoring Report and Annual Environmental Report, covering:
• a description of monitoring strategy;
• performance against LA 10 and LA max Trigger criteria;
• commentary on recorded sound triggers as required; and
• any maintenance issues with noise logging equipment
Environmental Coordinator
Annual
Issue No: 9 Page: 15 of 24 Issue Date: 12/18
Action By Whom Target Date
Respond to failures of noise logging equipment or integrated weather station by:
• maintaining a log of all failures of noise logging equipment; and
• communicating details of any failure of logging equipment that exceeds 24 hours in any month to the DWER if an alternate logging device has not been activated..
Environmental Coordinator
As required
3.2 Weather Monitoring Program OBJECTIVES To monitor weather conditions relevant to the assessment of mining noise
levels emitted from the mine site
Action 0BBy Whom Target Date
Operate an integrated wind sensor, measuring and logging wind direction and wind speed at the noise monitoring location.
Environmental Coordinator
Continuously
Operate an alternate weather station on the mine site, recording rainfall and confirming wind speed and direction
Environmental Coordinator
Continuously
Exclude from calculations any noise data collected where wind speed exceeds 3 metres/ second between the hours of 07:00 and 22:00 and 4 meters/second between the hours of 22:00 and 0700.
Environmental Coordinator
Weekly
Review LA max Trigger events that may reasonably be excluded due to weather conditions such as strong winds, heavy rainfall, thunder, etc.
Environmental Coordinator
Weekly
Issue No: 9 Page: 16 of 24 Issue Date: 12/18
3.3 Blast Monitoring Program OBJECTIVES To monitor airblast overpressure emissions
Action 1BBy Whom Target Date
Monitor 90% of all blasts using a blast monitoring system located in the Greenbushes townsite, comprising:
• a TEXCEL ETM blast monitor with triaxial geophone and linear weighted microphone; and
• direct and remote retrieval system allowing for uninterrupted monitoring.
Conduct two yearly calibrations of blast monitor to international standard IEC 61672.1.2014.
Review and upgrade equipment as necessary.
Manager Mining As per blasting schedule
Review air overpressure measurements and video recording after each blast:
• identify data below threshold triggers (i.e. <0.15mm/sec vibration and <100dBp);
• review times vs microphone outputs to rule our interference from other sources; and
• log any alterations made to data based on interferences.
Senior Mine Surveyor
Drill & Blast Engineer
Ongoing
Maintain a comprehensive record of blast measurements and related data for at least 2 years.
Senior Mine Surveyor
Drill & Blast Engineer
Ongoing
Respond if approved air overpressure level is exceeded more than once in any 10 consecutive blasts as follows:
• review airblast data;
• investigate cause of elevated airblast measurement;
• prepare and implement remedial measures as applicable;
• document the above through site incident reporting system;
• communicate details to DWER; and
• review results from consecutive blasts to ensure that there is no further exceedance.
NB. This level of management response is consistent with the treatment of a notifiable incident under each Company’s environmental licence.
Drill & Blast Engineer
Senior Mine Surveyor
Manager Mining
Environmental Coordinator
Senior Mine Surveyor
As required
Respond to exceedance of approved air overpressure level as follows:
• review air overpressure data;
• investigate cause of elevated airblast measurement;
Drill & Blast Engineer
Senior Mine Surveyor
As required
Issue No: 9 Page: 17 of 24 Issue Date: 12/18
Action 1BBy Whom Target Date
• prepare and implement remedial measures as applicable;
• document the above through site incident reporting system;
• communicate details to the DWER; and
• review results from consecutive blasts to ensure that there is no further exceedance.
NB. This level of management response is consistent with the treatment a notifiable incident under each Company’s environmental licence.
Manager Mining
Environmental Coordinator
Senior Mine Surveyor
Report monthly blast compliance to management in Environmental Period Report, covering:
• performance against airblast approved levels; and
• any maintenance issues with blast logging equipment.
Environmental Coordinator
Monthly
Review of blast compliance by management during quarterly Environmental Management Review Meeting, covering:
• performance against air overpressure approved levels; and
• any maintenance issues with noise logging equipment.
Environmental Coordinator
Manager Environment
Quarterly
Report noise and blast compliance to the DWER and DMIRS in the Annual Monitoring Report and the Annual Environmental Report, covering:
• description of monitoring strategy;
• performance against approved levels; and
• any maintenance issues with blast logging equipment.
Environmental Coordinator
Annual
Respond to failures of blast logging equipment:
• maintain a log of all failures of noise logging equipment (iSystain);
• communicate details of failure of logging equipment to the DWER.
Drill & Blast Engineer
Senior Mine Surveyor
Environmental Coordinator
As required
Issue No: 9 Page: 18 of 24 Issue Date: 12/18
3.4 Community Information Program OBJECTIVES Develop a program for provision of information to the community about
noise and air overpressure from the mine site.
Action By Whom Target Date Operate a blast warning siren 15 minutes prior to every blast.
Manager Mining
As per blasting schedule
To ensure that blasts only occur within routine timeframes, blasts are to be carried out in accordance with a seasonal blasting schedule. Ensure that the community is notified of schedule and any changes thereto.
Manager Mining
As per blasting schedule
If Company expects that, due to adverse geological, atmospheric conditions or other impacts, a blast may exceed approved airblast levels, notifies the community via posters in local businesses and the DWER via email.
Manager Mining
As required
Publish a monthly bulletin (information sheet) on mine site noticeboards with information in relation to mine site operations and environmental issues. Table the bulletin at the Grow Greenbushes meeting. Include in the monthly bulletin details of operational changes that may impact on noise or airblast emissions for the local community as required.
GM Operations
Monthly
Representatives from the Site Management to attend monthly Grow Greenbushes meeting – a public forum specific to the local community – and provide information to the forum about changes to mining operations that may impact on noise or airblast emissions as required and answer any questions from the community about mining operations which pertain to noise or airblast emissions.
GM Operations
Monthly
Contribute information to Mine News column in the Monthly Greenbushes-Balingup Newsletter, which is mailed out to all residents in Greenbushes, Balingup and Mullalyup town sites. Include information about changes to mining operations that may impact on noise or airblast emissions as required.
GM Operations
Monthly
Provide a summary of the Annual Report and the Annual Environmental Report to Grow Greenbushes.
Manager Environment
Annual
Issue No: 9 Page: 19 of 24 Issue Date: 12/18
3.5 Response to Noise or blast Emissions Complaints OBJECTIVES Adopt procedures for responding to complaints about noise or air
overpressure.
Action By Whom Target Date Log the complaint according to existing site procedure for Stakeholder Contacts (GEN1001).
Responder As required
Investigate the complaint, which may include:
• reviewing by management of complaint at daily production meetings;
• reviewing noise or airblast data, audio and/or video recordings;
• reviewing logged commentary to recorded sound triggers;
• reviewing of meteorological conditions;
• reviewing of operational activities;
• documenting the above through site incident reporting system (iSystain); and
• assigning actions to site personnel,
as appropriate.
Manager Environment
Environmental Coordinator / Senior Mine Surveyor
Manager Environment
As required
Ensure stake holders are updated on investigations as required.
Manager Environment
As required
Report noise and / or blast complaints monthly to Manager Environment in Environmental Period Report.
Environmental Coordinator
Monthly
Review of noise and / or blast complaints by management during quarterly Environmental Management Review Meeting.
Environmental Coordinator, Manager Environment
Quarterly
Report noise and / or blast complaints to the DER and DMP in the Annual Report, Annual Monitoring Report and Annual Environmental Report.
Environmental Coordinator, Manager Environment
Annually
Issue No: 9 Page: 20 of 24 Issue Date: 12/18
3.6 Minimisation of Mining Noise Emissions OBJECTIVES Adopt procedures to adapt mining operations to minimise mining noise
emissions
Action By Whom Target Date TLA & GAMG to coordinate operations and works programs so that their cumulative noise emissions do not exceed the levels allowed by their Approvals.
Each Company will ensure its emissions do not exceed a value which is 3dB below the assigned level at the noise sensitive recipients unless they have made arrangements with the other Company to ensure the cumulative noise is below the approved level.
Ops Manager GAMG
Mining Manager TLA
Ongoing
Maintain an earth noise bund at the northern end of the ROM pad. Review and implement changes to western end of the mine sound barrier or ROM pad barrier to control noise emission from site.
Mining Manager
June 2019
Mining in the North Cornwall area is not to occur until the eastern extension of the Sound barrier is built. This does not include operation of auxiliary equipment such as water carts for dust management.
Mining Manager
Mining is this area is currently on hold.
A management zone will be implemented based on the noise model predicted exceedance area. When there is a risk of noise exceeding the specified limits, waste dumping will not be undertaken within the management zone
Mining Manager
Manager WHSEC
June 2019
Consider potential noise transfer to Greenbushes when designing haul roads.
Mining Manager
Ongoing
Maintain contract terms and conditions to stipulate maximum sound power levels for Contractor equipment.
Admin Manager
As required
Include topic on environmental noise and Approval requirements in site safety and environment incentive scheme.
Environmental Coordinator
Annually
3.7 Minimisation of Tonality, Modulation & Impulsiveness OBJECTIVES Adopt procedures to minimise tonality, modulation and impulsiveness in
mining noise emissions.
Action By Whom Target Date
Operate rock breaking equipment between 06:00 and 18:00 hours only.
Mining Manager
Ongoing
Issue No: 9 Page: 21 of 24 Issue Date: 12/18
3.8 Minimisation of Noise Emissions from Mining Equipment OBJECTIVES Adopt Procedures to minimise emissions from mining equipment operating
at the mine site
Action By Whom Target Date Maintain and modify mining equipment (e.g. crusher feed bin) to ensure noise emissions are kept to a minimum.
Production Manager
Ongoing
Carry out an annual survey of mining equipment to monitor for major changes/increases in noise emissions from:
• drill rigs;
• trucks;
• excavator(s); and
• dozers.
Environmental Coordinator
March Annually
Based on output from noise modelling of site emissions, install additional sound barrier to reduce noise levels at sensitive receivers.
Manager Environment
When required.
3.9 Minimisation of Blast Overpressure OBJECTIVES Adopt Procedures to minimise emissions from blasting
Action By Whom Target Date
Drill & blast activities to be carried out by reputable contractor(s).
Mining
Manager
Ongoing
Set maximum blast hole charge mass the drill and blast contractor may use based on noise modelling and design parameters.
Drill & Blast Engineer
Senior Mine Surveyor
Ongoing
Special techniques to be adopted for production blasts including:
• increased stem lengths;
• use of crushed aggregates of particle size 8-12% of blast hole diameter for stemming; and
• detailed practices for loading face holes so as to avoid face burst and cautious loading of any oversize blast.
Drill & Blast Engineer
Drill & Blast Contractor
Ongoing
Set panels size, uncharged collar length, interpanel delay, initiation point/panel sequence and maximum number of presplit blast holes that the drill and blast contractor may fire in one initiation, based on noise modelling and design parameters.
Drill & Blast Engineer
Senior Mine Surveyor
Ongoing
Issue No: 9 Page: 22 of 24 Issue Date: 12/18
Action By Whom Target Date
Special techniques to be adopted for presplit blasting including:
• Drill to 20 meter depth
• Use customised product with built in detonation cord.
• Cover initiation holes only with sand.
• Set initiation point at closest presplit hole to sensitive site
• In-hole electronic initiation
• Timing delay between every 3 presplit holes
Drill & Blast Engineer
Drill & Blast Contractor
Ongoing
Initiate a simulated blast sequence ahead of each blast and modify blast pattern to target a maximum instantaneous charge (MIC) of <300 (Subject to hole diameter).
Drill & Blast Engineer
Senior Mine Surveyor
Electronic initiation system to be used for all blast detonations.
Mining Manager
Ongoing
Review current “best practice” in blasting techniques annually for opportunities to reduce airblast emissions.
March Annually
3.10 Noise Modeling & Verification
OBJECTIVES Define programs to be used for noise modelling and verification
Action By Whom Target Date
Confirm that Trigger Levels are not being exceeded within the Greenbushes townsite and at other sensitive receivers located near the mine site as follows:
• monitor noise levels during a mining cycle at -noise sensitive locations within Greenbushes town site and at surrounding rural sensitive receivers. , using class 1 Monitoring equipment (NB: February to March are the best months for this monitoring to occur in Townsite, as meteorological conditions favour emissions of noise to the town at this time);
• use windspeed data collected at the NMT3639 to correct the data collected on the SLM 2238 for windspeed;
• compare night time LA 10 noise levels logged at the site noise monitoring station with the night time noise levels collected at sites monitored;
• log the results of tests;
• review the need for further modelling in response to any issues raised by this process; and
• document the above in the Annual Report.
Environmental Coordinator
Quarterly
Report modelling tests performed to Manager Environment in Environmental Period Report, covering:
Environmental
Coordinator
Quarterly
Issue No: 9 Page: 23 of 24 Issue Date: 12/18
Action By Whom Target Date
• Monitored sites performance against LA 10 noise data from the noise monitoring station; and.
• Commentary as required.
Review of any tests performed during Environmental Management Review Meeting, covering:
• Sites monitored performance against LA 10 noise data from the noise monitoring station; and
• Commentary as required.
Environmental
Coordinator, Management
Quarterly
Carry out noise monitoring in town prior to and after any major changes in site operations. Ie Plant expansion or major change in Mining fleet or dump location
As required
3.11 Review of TLA & GAMG Joint Noise Management Plan OBJECTIVES Requirements for Review of the Noise Management Plan.
Action By Whom Target Date
Review status and currency of the Joint Noise Management Plan and actions at quarterly Environmental Management Review Meetings.
Environmental Superintendent
Quarterly
Submit any proposed revisions of the Joint Noise Management Plan to the CEO for approval if significant operational changes occur which may require internal review of the Joint Noise Management Plan.
Environmental Superintendent
As requested
Revise the Joint Noise Management Plan as the CEO may require by notice in writing.
Environmental Superintendent
As requested
Submit the revised Joint Noise Management Plan to the CEO within 14 days or by other such time as the CEO specifies.
Environmental Superintendent
As requested by specified date.
s
3.12 Annual Reporting OBJECTIVES Submission of joint Annual Report to the CEO of Environmental Regulation
Division, Department of Environmental Regulation
Action By Whom Target Date
Prepare joint Annual Report for each year beginning on the start day for submission to the CEO, including:
• a summary of recorded noise level data for the year as described in section 3.1 (Noise Monitoring) above;
• a summary of recorded airblast data for the year as described in section 3.2 (Blast Monitoring) above; and
Prior to 27th March each year.
Issue No: 9 Page: 24 of 24 Issue Date: 12/18
• a summary of the progress of the implementation of the Joint Noise Management Plan.
The report is to be submitted within 1 month after the end of the reporting year, or by such other time as approved in writing by the CEO.
Provide the CEO with assistance or information to clarify the Annual Report as required.
Management As requested
Provide the CEO with a report for any period of the reporting year as may be requested by the CEO by notice in writing.
Environmental Coordinator, Environmental Superintendent
Within 14 days of notice in writing.
Issue No: 9 Page: 25 of 24 Issue Date: 12/18
3.13 Application for a Further Approval OBJECTIVES Submission of an application requesting further approvals under regulation
17.
Action By Whom Target Date Prepare and submit a new application for further approval under Regulation 17 prior to 9 years from the start day to the CEO of Environmental Regulation Division, Department of Environmental Regulation.
Environmental Coordinator, Environmental Superintendent
Prior to February 2024