mcarthur river mining borroloola and devils spring stations · (mrm) ambient air monitoring...

Accredited for

compliance with

ISO/IEC 17025.

Accreditation

No. 14184.

McArthur River Mining

Borroloola and Devils Spring Stations

Ambient Air Quality Monitoring

Validated Report

17th June 2015 – 30th June 2015

Report No.: DAT9691

Report issue date: 28th July 2015

Maintenance contract: MC1100, MC1101

ECOTECH PTY LTD. ABN: 32005752081

1492 Ferntree Gully Rd, Knoxfield VIC. 3180. AUSTRALIA

Tel No: 1300 364 946 Fax No: 1300 668 763

Email [email protected] WEB www.ecotech.com

This document shall not be reproduced except for in full, without the written approval of Ecotech Pty Ltd.

mailto:[email protected]


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Table of Contents Customer Details ....................................................................................................................................... 2

Revision History ........................................................................................................................................ 2

Table of Contents ...................................................................................................................................... 3

List of Figures ............................................................................................................................................ 4

List of Tables ............................................................................................................................................. 4

Executive Summary ....................................................................................................................................... 6

1.0 Introduction ...................................................................................................................................... 7

2.0 Monitoring and Data Collection ........................................................................................................ 7

2.1. Siting Details.................................................................................................................................. 7

2.2. Monitored Parameters ................................................................................................................. 8

2.3. Data Collection Methods .............................................................................................................. 9

2.3.1. NATA Endorsement and Compliance with Standards ......................................................... 10

2.3.2. Data Acquisition .................................................................................................................. 10

2.4. Data Validation and Reporting .................................................................................................... 10

2.4.1. Validation ............................................................................................................................ 10

2.4.2. Reporting ............................................................................................................................. 11

3.0 Air Quality Goals ............................................................................................................................. 11

4.0 Calibrations and Maintenance ........................................................................................................ 12

4.1. Units and Uncertainties .............................................................................................................. 12

4.2. Maintenance ................................................................................................................................... 13

4.2.1. Calibration & Maintenance Summary Tables ......................................................................... 13

4.2.2. Maintenance Notes ................................................................................................................. 13


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5.0 Results ............................................................................................................................................. 14

5.1. Data Capture ............................................................................................................................... 14

5.2. Air Quality Summary ................................................................................................................... 15

5.3. Data Summary Tables ................................................................................................................. 15

5.4 Graphic Representations ............................................................................................................ 17

6.0 Valid Data Exception Tables ............................................................................................................ 23

7.0 Report Summary ............................................................................................................................. 25

Appendix 1 - Definitions & Abbreviations ................................................................................................... 26

Appendix 2 - Explanation of Exception Table ............................................................................................. 27

List of Figures Figure 1: MRM Monitoring Stations Locations ............................................................................................. 8

Figure 2: Borroloola Station SO2 1 Hour Averages for June 2015 ............................................................... 17

Figure 3: Borroloola station SO2 24 Hour Averages for June 2015 ............................................................. 18

Figure 4: Borroloola Station Windrose for June 2015 ................................................................................ 19

Figure 5: Devils Spring SO2 1 Hour Averages for June 2015 ........................................................................ 20

Figure 6: Devils Spring SO2 24 Hour Averages for June 2015...................................................................... 21

Figure 7: Devils Spring Station Windrose June 2015 .................................................................................. 22

List of Tables Table 1: MRM monitoring station locations ................................................................................................. 7

Table 2: Parameters measured at the MRM Borroloola and Devils Spring monitoring stations ................. 9

Table 3: Data Collection Methods................................................................................................................. 9

Table 4: NEPM Air Quality Goals for Borroloola and Devils Spring monitoring stations ............................ 11


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Table 5: Units and Uncertainties ................................................................................................................. 12

Table 6: MRM Borroloola Maintenance Table June 2015 .......................................................................... 13

Table 7: MRM Devils Spring Maintenance Table June 2015 ....................................................................... 13

Table 8: Monthly Data Capture for MRM Borroloola Station for June 2015 .............................................. 14

Table 9: Monthly Data Capture for MRM Devils Spring Station for June 2015 .......................................... 14

Table 10: Exceedances recorded for June 2015 ......................................................................................... 15

Table 11: SO2 5 Minute Data Summary Table ............................................................................................. 15

Table 12: SO2 1 Hour Data Summary Table ................................................................................................ 16

Table 13: SO2 24 Hour Data Summary Table .............................................................................................. 16

Table 13: MRM Borroloola Valid Data Exception Table .............................................................................. 23

Table 14: MRM Devils Spring Valid Data Exception Table .......................................................................... 24


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Executive Summary

McArthur River Mining is one of the world’s largest providers of zinc in bulk concentrate form1. The

mine is located in the Northern Territory approximately 970km south-east from Darwin and 60km

south-west of Borroloola 2

Ecotech PTY LTD is providing air monitoring and data collection from two McArthur River Mining

(MRM) ambient air monitoring stations at two sites: Borroloola and Devils Spring. Both stations are

equipped to monitor SO2, wind speed, and wind direction.

This report presents the data collected at the Borroloola station from 17th to 30th June and Devils

Spring station between from 24th – 30th June 2015.

Data captures for this report are calculated from the date of commissioning and data collection at

the stations to the end of the reporting month. Data capture for June 2015 was 95% for Devils

Spring station and 84% for Borroloola station.

There were no recorded exceedances over the SO2 air quality goals for either station during June

2015.

1 Glencore McArthur River Mining Website http://www.mcarthurrivermine.com.au/EN/Pages/default.aspx

2 Release of Independent Monitor Report - MRM, 23/10/2014

http://www.mcarthurrivermine.com.au/EN/Media/Documents/Independent%20Monitor%20Report.pdf


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1.0 Introduction Ecotech Pty Ltd has been commissioned by MRM to provide monitoring and data reporting for the

two ambient air quality monitoring stations, located as detailed in Table 1. Ecotech commenced

data collection from MRM Borroloola station on the 17th June, and Devils Spring station on the 20th

June 2015.

Data for Devils Spring station is presented in this report from the 23rd June. Data collected before

this time was recorded in 3 minute data intervals and is available on request. The information

presented in this report is based on 5 minute data.

The data presented in this report:

Describes air quality measurements;

Compares monitoring results;

Has been quality assured;

Complies with NATA accreditation requirements, where applicable.

2.0 Monitoring and Data Collection

2.1. Siting Details The site consists of two one ambient air quality monitoring stations. The stations’ location and siting

details are described below.

Table 1: MRM monitoring station locations

Site Name Geographical Coordinates Height Above Sea Level (m)

Borroloola 16° 5'19"S, 136°30'40"E 21m

Devils Spring 16° 9'27"S, 136° 5'51"E 70m

Siting audits to assess for compliance with AS/NZS 3580.1.1:2007 have not yet been completed. The

audits will be completed at the next suitable maintenance visit.


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Figure 1: MRM Monitoring Stations Locations

2.2. Monitored Parameters Table 2 below details the parameters monitored and the instruments used at the Borroloola and

Devils Springs monitoring stations. Appendix 1 defines any abbreviated parameter names used

throughout the report.

For meteorological sensors, the elevation given in the table below is the height above ground level

at the monitoring station.


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Table 2: Parameters measured at the MRM Borroloola and Devils Spring monitoring stations

Station Parameter Measured Instrument and Measurement Technique

Borroloola SO2 Ecotech ML9850 – fluorescence

Wind Speed (horizontal,

elevation 10m)

Vaisala WS425 – ultrasonic

Wind Direction (elevation

10m)

Vaisala WS425 – ultrasonic

Sigma Calculation (Yamartino method)

Devils Spring SO2 Ecotech EC9850B – fluorescence

Wind Speed (horizontal,

elevation 10m)

Gil Windsonic OP3 – ultrasonic

Wind Direction (elevation

10m)

Gil Windsonic OP3 – ultrasonic

Sigma Calculation (Yamartino method)

2.3. Data Collection Methods Table 3 below outlines the methods used for data collection. Any deviations from the stated

methods are detailed in section 2.3.1.

Table 3: Data Collection Methods

Parameter

Measured

Data Collection

Methods Used Description of Method

SO2

AS 3580.4.1 - 2008 Methods for sampling and analysis of ambient air. Method 4.1:

Determination of sulfur dioxide – Direct reading instrumental method

Ecotech Laboratory

Manual In-house method 6.2 Sulfur dioxide by fluorescence

Vector Wind Speed

(Horizontal)

AS 3580.14 2011

Methods for sampling and analysis of ambient air. Method 14:

Meteorological monitoring for ambient air quality monitoring

applications

Ecotech Laboratory

Manual In-house method 8.1 Wind speed (Horizontal) by anemometer


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Parameter

Measured

Data Collection

Methods Used Description of Method

Vector Wind

Direction

AS 3580.14 2011



applications

Ecotech Laboratory

Manual In-house method 8.3 Wind direction by anemometer

Sigma

AS 3580.14 2011



applications

Ecotech Laboratory

Manual In-house method 8.3 Wind direction by anemometer

2.3.1. NATA Endorsement and Compliance with Standards

Unless stated below, parameters are monitored at the MRM Borroloola and Devils Spring Stations

according to the methods detailed in Table 3 above.

The wind sensor at Devils Spring has not been operated and maintained according to AS

3580.14 2011 and is not covered by Ecotech’s NATA scope of accreditation.

2.3.2. Data Acquisition

Data acquisition is performed using a PC based WinAQMS logger (using WinAQMS Version 2.3)

situated at each of the monitoring sites. Each logger is equipped with a 3G modem for remote data

collection. The recorded data is remotely collected from the AQMS loggers on a daily basis (using

AirodisTM version 5.1) and stored at Ecotech’s Environmental Reporting Services (ERS) department in

Melbourne, Australia. Data samples are logged in 5 minute intervals.

2.4. Data Validation and Reporting

2.4.1. Validation

The Ecotech ERS department perform daily data checks to ensure maximum data capture rates are

maintained. Any equipment failures are communicated to the responsible field engineers for urgent

rectification. Ecotech ERS maintains two distinct databases containing non-validated and validated

data respectively.

The validated database is created by duplicating the non-validated database and then flagging data

affected by instrument faults, calibrations and other maintenance activities. The data validation


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software requires the analyst to supply a valid reason (e.g. backed by maintenance notes, calibration

sheets etc) in the database for flagging any data as invalid. Details of all invalid or missing data are

recorded in the Valid Data Exception Tables in section 6.

Validation is performed by the analyst, and the validation is reviewed. Graphs and tables are

generated based on the validated 5 minute data.

2.4.2. Reporting

The reported data is in two Microsoft Excel format files named “MRM Borroloola Validated Data

Report 17th to 30th June 2015.xls” and “MRM Devils Spring Validated Data Report 23rd to 30th June

2015”

The Excel files consist of 5 Excel worksheets:

1. Cover

2. 5 Minute Data

3. 1 Hour Data

4. 24 Hour Data

5. Valid Data Exception Table

The data contained in this report is based on Australian Eastern Standard Time.

Averaging periods of eight hours or less are reported for the end of the period, i.e. the hourly

average 02:00am is for the data collected from 1:00am to 2:00am. One hour averages are calculated

based on a clock hour. One day averages are calculated based on calendar days.

3.0 Air Quality Goals The air quality goals for SO2 monitored at the Borroloola and Devils Spring monitoring stations are

based on the Australian National Environmental Council (NEPC) Ambient Air Quality NEPM. The air

quality goals are shown in Table 4 below.

Table 4: NEPM Air Quality Goals for Borroloola and Devils Spring monitoring stations

Parameter Time Period Exceedance Level Maximum allowable

exceedances

SO2 1 hour 200ppb

(0.2ppm) 1 day a year

SO2 1 Day 80ppb

(0.08ppm) 1 day a year


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4.0 Calibrations and Maintenance

4.1. Units and Uncertainties The uncertainties for each parameter have been determined by the manufacturer’s tolerance limits

of the equipment’s parameters, and by the data collection standard method.

The reported uncertainties are expanded uncertainties, calculated using coverage factors which give

a level of confidence of approximately 95%.

Table 5: Units and Uncertainties

Parameter Units Resolution Uncertainty Measurement

Range3

SO2 (ML9850

and EC9850B) ppb 1 ppb

± 14 ppb

K factor of 2.01 0 ppb to 500 ppb

Vector Wind

Speed m/s 0.1 m/s

0.22 m/s or 3.0% of reading, whichever is greater

K factor of 1.96 0m/s to 15 m/s

Vector Wind

Direction Deg 1 deg

4 deg

K factor of 2.11

0 deg to 360 deg

Starting threshold:

0 m/s

3 Uncertainties may not be calculated based on the full measurement range. Uncertainty for SO2 by ML9850 and

EC9850B is calculated based on a measurement range of 0-125 ppb.


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4.2. Maintenance

4.2.1. Calibration & Maintenance Summary Tables The last calibrations for the following parameters were performed on the indicated dates. Data

supplied after this time is subject to further validation, to be performed at the next calibration cycle.

Note: Maintenance and calibration dates may differ, as calibrations may be less frequent than

scheduled maintenance visits.

4.2.2. Maintenance Notes The wind sensor at Devils Spring has not been maintained according to AS 3580.14 2011 and

is not covered by Ecotech’s NATA scope of accreditation. The calibration of the wind sensor is

yet to be performed.

Tables 6 and 7 indicate when the gas and meteorological equipment were last maintained.

Table 6: MRM Borroloola Maintenance Table June 2015

Parameter Date of Last

Maintenance Maintenance Type

Date of Last

Calibration

Calibration

Cycle

SO2 17/06/2015 Commissioning 29/06/2015 Monthly

Wind Speed 17/06/2015 Commissioning 09/07/2014 2 Yearly

Wind Direction 17/06/2015 Commissioning 09/07/2014 2 Yearly

Table 7: MRM Devils Spring Maintenance Table June 2015

Parameter Date of Last

Maintenance Maintenance Type

Date of Last

Calibration

Calibration

Cycle

SO2 18/06/2015 Commissioning 21/06/2015 Monthly

Wind Speed 18/06/2015 Commissioning To be performed 2 Yearly

Wind Direction 18/06/2015 Commissioning To be performed 2 Yearly


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5.0 Results

5.1. Data Capture Data capture is based on 1 hour averages, calculated from 5 minute data, and refers to the amount

of available data collected during the report period.

The percentage of data captured is calculated using the following equation:

Data capture = (Reported air quality data / Total data) x 100%

Where:

Reported air quality data = Number of instrument readings which have been validated through a

quality assured process and excludes all data errors, zero data collection due to calibration,

failures and planned and unplanned maintenance.

Total data = Total number of instrument readings since the start of the term assuming no

maintenance, errors, loss of data or calibration.

Tables 8 and 9 below displays data capture statistics for June 2015. Bold values in the table indicate

data capture below 95%. Details of all invalid or missing data affecting data affecting data capture

are included in the Valid Data Exception Tables in section 6 of this report.

Note: Data is available from 17th of June for the Borroloola station and from 23rd June Devils Spring

when the stations were commissioned and data collection commenced.

Table 8: Monthly Data Capture for MRM Borroloola Station for June 2015

Parameter Data Capture

SO2 84

WS, WD, Sigma 99

Table 9: Monthly Data Capture for MRM Devils Spring Station for June 2015

Parameter Data Capture

SO2 95

WS, WD, Sigma 100


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5.2. Air Quality Summary

Table 10 records the number of exceedances for SO2 measured at the Borroloola and Devils Spring

station.

Table 10: Exceedances recorded for June 2015

Parameter Time Period Value of

Exceedance

Date of

Exceedance

SO2 1 hour none none

5.3. Data Summary Tables Tables 11 to 13 provide statistical summaries for the SO2 5 minute, 1 hour and 24 hour data at the

Borroloola and Devils Spring stations.

Table 11: SO2 5 Minute Data Summary Table

SO2 Borroloola Devils Spring

Maximum (ppb) 18 8

Minimum (ppb) 0 0

Average (ppb) 0 0

Time of Maximum 28/06/2015 08:15 26/06/2015 06:45

Time of Minimum 19/06/2015 21:55 23/06/2015 23:05

99.9th Percentile 18 8

99th Percentile 12 5

90th Percentile 0 1

Capture Percent (%) 84 95

*Note: any negative values have been presented as 0.


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Table 12: SO2 1 Hour Data Summary Table


Maximum (ppb) 16 6

Minimum (ppb) 0 0

Average (ppb) 0 0

Time of Maximum 28/06/2015 09:00 26/06/2015 08:00

Time of Minimum 25/06/2015 22:00 24/06/2015 00:00

No. of readings >200ppb

0 0


99th Percentile 13 6

90th Percentile 0 1



Table 13: SO2 24 Hour Data Summary Table


Maximum (ppb) 1 1

Minimum (ppb) 0 0

Average (ppb) 0 0

Date of Maximum 21/06/2015 26/06/2015

Date of Minimum 24/06/2015 25/06/2015

No. of readings > 80 ppb

0 0


99th Percentile 1 1

90th Percentile 1 1




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5.4 . Graphic Representations Validated 5 minute data for all parameters were used to construct the following monthly graphic

representations.

Figure 2: Borroloola Station SO2 1 Hour Averages for June 2015


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Figure 3: Borroloola station SO2 24 Hour Averages for June 2015


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Figure 4: Borroloola Station Windrose for June 2015

Note: percentage valid data calculated from 1st – 30th June


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Figure 5: Devils Spring SO2 1 Hour Averages for June 2015


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Figure 6: Devils Spring SO2 24 Hour Averages for June 2015


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Figure 7: Devils Spring Station Windrose June 2015

Note: percentage valid data calculated from 1st – 30th June


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6.0 Valid Data Exception Tables The tables below detail all changes made to the raw data set during the validation process. An

explanation of reasons given in the table can be found in Appendix 2.

Table 14: MRM Borroloola Valid Data Exception Table

Start Date End Date Reason Change

Details

User

Name

Change

Date

17/06/2015 15:45 17/06/2015 16:55 Station commissioning Al channels CK 20/07/15

17/06/2015 23:35 20/06/2015 23:20 Internal reference checks occurring

every night between23:05 and 23:20 SO2 CK 20/07/15

18/06/2015 1:00 30/06/2015 1:35 Automatic calibration checks occurring

between 01:00 and 01:35 every night SO2 CK 20/07/15

18/06/2015 2:20 30/06/2015 11:00 Intermittent data transmission errors WS, WD,

Sigma CK 20/07/15

18/06/2015 10:40 18/06/2015 13:00 Installation and commissioning

maintenance SO2 CK 20/07/15

18/06/2015 13:00 19/06/2015 10:05 Automatic calibration check out of

tolerance SO2 CK 20/07/15

19/06/2015 10:05 19/06/2015 11:55 Non scheduled maintenance - remote

calibration SO2 CK 20/07/15

21/06/2015 09:10 21/06/2015 09:10 Data transmission error Al channels CK 20/07/15

21/06/2015 23:50 30/06/2015 23:55 Internal reference checks occurring

every night between 23:50 and 23:55 SO2 CK 20/07/15

22/06/2015 1:25 29/06/2015 0:55

Linear multiplier A:1.00 B:0.94 applied

to data to correct for linear drift and

span out of tolerance

SO2 CK 20/07/15

28/06/2015 10:00 29/06/2015 10:25 Non scheduled maintenance - remote

calibration SO2 CK 20/07/15


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Table 15: MRM Devils Spring Valid Data Exception Table

Start Date End Date Reason Change

Details

User

Name

Change

Date

18/06/2015 12:00 23/06/2015 11:00 Commissioning All channels CK 20/07/15

24/06/2015 1:00 30/06/2015 1:50 Automatic calibration checks occurring

every night between 01:00 and 01:50 SO2 CK 20/07/15

24/06/2015 23:50 30/06/2015 23:55

Automatic internal reference checks

occurring every night between 23:50

and 23:55

SO2 CK 20/07/15

26/06/2015 10:05 26/06/2015 10:05 Data transmission error All channels CK 20/07/15


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7.0 Report Summary Data capture for June 2015 was 95% for Devils Spring station and 84% for Borroloola station.

Data capture was below the 95% capture goal at Borroloola station due to an out of

tolerance span for SO2 between 18th and 19th June.

Data captures for this report have been calculated from the date of commissioning and

data collection at the stations to the end of the reporting month.

There were no recorded readings over the air quality goals for SO2 at either the Borroloola

or Devils Spring stations.

------------------------------------------------END OF REPORT-------------------------------------


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Appendix 1 - Definitions & Abbreviations deg Degrees (True North)

m/s Metres per second

ppb Parts per billion

Sigma

Sigma Theta is the standard deviation of the horizontal wind direction fluctuations

over the averaging period.

SO2 Sulfur dioxide

WD Vector Wind Direction

WS Vector Wind Speed


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Appendix 2 - Explanation of Exception Table Automatic background check refers to when analyser samples zero air and measures the level of

the concentration voltage. This voltage is taken as the zero signal level and this value is subtracted

from any subsequent readings as an active zero compensation. This is the analyser’s fine zero

measurement.

Calibration check outside tolerance refers to when the calibration values are outside the tolerance

limits set for the precision check.

Calibration correction factor applied to data refers to an offset or multiplier applied to the data.

This operation may be performed for a number of reasons including: (a) when a clear trend / drift

outside the tolerance limit can be demonstrated by repeated operation precision checks, (b) when a

correction is required on previously logged data due to a calibration check being outside the

allowable tolerance

Commissioning refers to the initial setup and calibration of the instrument when it is first installed.

For some instruments there may be a stabilisation period before normal operation commences.

Data affected by environmental conditions – wind speed / wind speed gust spike refers to when a

one-off high reading occurs due to a natural occurrence such as a bird sitting on the wind sensor, or

some other event causing the readings to spike.

Data transmission error refers to a period of time when the instrument could not transmit data.

This may be due to interference, or a problem with the phone line or modem.

Equipment malfunction/instrument fault refers to a period of time when the instrument was not in

the normal operating mode and did not measure a representative value of the existing conditions.

Gap in data/data not available refers to a period of time when either data has been lost or could

not be collected.

Instrument Alarm refers to an alarm produced by the instrument. A range of alarms can be

produced depending on how operation of the instrument is being affected.

Instrument out of service refers to a lack of data due to an instrument being shut down for repair,

maintenance, or factory calibration.

Linear offset or multiplier refers to when an offset or multiplier has been applied between two

points where the values of the offset or multiplier are different and the correction is interpolated

between the two points.


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Logger error refers to when an error occurs and instrument readings are not correctly recorded by

the logger.

Maintenance refers to a period of time when the logger / instrument was switched off due to

maintenance.

Overnight span/zero out of tolerance refers to when the span/zero reading measured by the

analyser during an automatic precision check falls outside of the expected concentration limits.

Overnight zero out of tolerance refers to when the automatic zero reading measured by the

analyser falls outside the expected limits.

Power Interruption refers to no power to the station therefore no data was collected at this time.

Remote Calibration refers to when a technician remotely connects to the station and manually

performs a span check.

Static offset or multiplier refers to when a single offset or multiplier has been applied to the data

between two points either to increase or decrease the measured value.

Warm up after power interruption refers to the startup period of an instrument after power has

been restored.