midwest corporation ltd tilley siding stockpile … · loading and transport facility assessment on...

Midwest Corporation Ltd

TILLEY SIDING STOCKPILE LOADING AND TRANSPORT FACILITY

ASSESSMENT ON REFERRAL INFORMATION

1025 Wellington Street WEST PERTH WA 6005 � phone: 9322 1944 � fax: 9322 1599 � ACN 088 821 425 � ABN 63 088 821 425

www.ecologia.com.au

16 October 2007

MIDWEST CORPORATION LIMITED

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION FOR ASSESSMENT ON REFERRAL

INFORMATIONTILLEY SIDING STOCKPILE LOADING AND

TRANSPORT FACILITY

October 2007

Midwest Corporation Limited

Tilley Siding Stockpile Transport and Loading Facility

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Document Status Approved for Issue Rev

No. Author Reviewer/s Date

Name Distributed To

Date

Final R Gabbitus C McLennan

John Kelly 12 October 07

Garry Connell John Kelly 12October 07

Peter Walkington

ecologia Environment (2007). Reproduction of this report in whole or in part by electronic, mechanical or chemical means including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval system, in any language, is strictly prohibited without the express approval of Midwest Corporation Limited and/or ecologia Environment. Restrictions on Use This report has been prepared specifically for Midwest Corporation Limited. Neither the report nor its contents may be referred to or quoted in any statement, study, report, application, prospectus, loan, or other agreement document, without the express approval of Midwest Corporation Limited and/or ecologia Environment. ecologia Environment 1025 Wellington Street WEST PERTH WA 6005 Phone: 08 9322 1944 Fax: 08 9322 1599 Email: [email protected]

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mailto:[email protected]




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Summary and Commitments Midwest Corporation Limited (Midwest) is seeking approval for the construction of a new rail siding, Tilley Siding Stockpile Loading and Transport Facility (Tilley Siding), on General Purpose Leases 70/221 and 70/213.

Midwest is currently transporting iron ore stockpiled from previous mining operations at Koolanooka mine site along existing roads to Geraldton Port. Approval was obtained under Notice of Intent (NOI) 4888. In addition to the transportation of stockpiled ore, Midwest is developing the DSO Project to mine and process up to 2 mtpa of direct shipping grade iron ore for export from Koolanooka and Blue Hills. The DSO Project is being formally assessed by the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) at the level of Public Environmental Review (PER). It is proposed that once this project is operational Tilley Siding will continue to be utilised to transport the processed ore to the Geraldton Port.

The Minister for Planning and Infrastructure has recently introduced a requirement in the Mid West to transport iron ore by rail where an existing rail line is within 100 km. As a result of this requirement Midwest proposes to transport the iron ore by road train from Koolanooka via the bitumen sealed Munckton and Morawa-Yalgoo Roads to the proposed new Tilley Siding. Tilley Siding will be constructed adjacent to the northern town boundary of Morawa and will be used as a stockpile and train loading facility.

The ore will be transported by rail to Geraldton Port from Tilley Siding. The transportation of the remaining stockpiled ore is expected to take approximately 12 months, and be completed by the first quarter of 2008. The commitments contained in the project approvals under NOI 4888 remain unchanged.

Immediate approval for Tilley Siding is being sought to enable Midwest to comply with the requirements of the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure to utilize rail transport.

The proposed Tilley Siding will be located on cleared land currently under cultivation. The nearest residential properties to Tilley Siding are located approximately, 2km to the West, 2.2 km to the North West and 4 km to the East of the Siding. The Town of Morawa is located approximately 2 km to the south.

Clearing of vegetation for the proposed Tilley Siding will be minimised and restricted to approximately 0.26 ha for rail connections on and off the existing main railway line and for access tracks on the eastern side of the rail line and at the southern end of General Purpose Lease 70/221.

The transportation of the stockpiled ore will be conducted in such a way to ensure that the environmental impacts of the project are minimised, and in compliance with all relevant environmental criteria. The project has been designed and will be operated in accordance with Midwest's commitment to "Environmental Best Practice".

The loading facility will be located on General Purpose Leases 70/221 and 70/213 and abuts the northern edge of the Yalgoo-Morawa road and the eastern edge of the rail easement.

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Initially it is planned to load one train per day expanding to two trains per day by 2008.

The impact of noise and dust on residences to the West and North-West of the loading facility at Tilley Siding has been modelled and recommendations from this modelling will be implemented to ensure compliance with the Environmental Protection (Noise) Regulations 1997 and the National Environment Protection Measures (NEPM) for PM10.

There are no registered Aboriginal or European heritage sites at Tilley Siding.

This Project is submitted to comply with Condition 2 of General Purpose Lease 70/213 and in accordance with the Environmental Protection Agency’s General Guide for Referral of Proposals to the EPA Under section 38(1) of the Environmental Protection Act 1986 (EP Act 1986).

SUMMARY OF COMMITMENTS

In addition to the commitments contained in NOI 4888 the following additional commitments cover Tilley Siding:

Land Clearing

1. Develop and Implement an Environmental Management Plan that sets out clearing procedures to prevent any unnecessary clearing of vegetation, and the rehabilitation procedures to be followed.

Dust

2. Dust control will be managed in accordance with the Environmental Management Plan.

Noise

3. Midwest will ensure that noise levels generated at Tilley Siding comply with the Environmental Protection (Noise) Regulations 1997.

Environmental Management Plan

4. Develop and Implement an Environmental Management Plan that includes management measures for noise, dust, surface water, groundwater, solid and liquid wastes, personnel inductions, dangerous goods and hazardous substances.

Environmental Management System

5. Design and Implement an Environmental Management System in accordance with the size and nature of the operations, and will include realistic and achievable objectives and targets.

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Complaints

6. Midwest has an existing complaints management system. A phone number for the site and head office will be available from the Morawa Shire and at the mine site.

Post Loading Land Use and Rehabilitation

7. Develop a Closure Plan for Tilley Siding prior to the completion of operations. The Closure Plan will meet the requirements of the landowner and the Transport Authority. The Plan will contain the following:

• description of closure activities;

• maps showing locations of significance;

• photographic record;

• outcomes of Rehabilitation Plan (incorporating baseline monitoring); and

• ultimate landforms.

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Midwest Corporation Limited Tilley Siding Stockpile Transport and Loading Facility

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Table S-1 Key Characteristics Table.

Key Aspect Description

Proposed operation commencement First quarter 2008.

Life of Project 4 years.

Anticipated year of decommissioning 2012.

Proposed location Tilley Siding, latitude 29° 11’S and 116° 0’E.

Total estimated area of project A total area of 28 ha, of which: • 27.74 ha is previously cleared agricultural land; and • 0.26 ha of bushland.

Major project components Rail siding, stockpiling of ore and loading of ore.

Length of turnout 1,610 meters.

Road train arrivals 2 trucks/hr for 24 hours/day.

Train makeup 64 wagons with two 2000 HP (Westrail Class R) or similar.

Front end loader 2 front end loaders will be utilised.

Stockpiles 2 running in parallel along the siding.

Power source Portable power generator.

Associated infrastructure 1 chemical toilet.

Waste materials Negligible, will be removed from site.

Anticipated Water Requirement 180 kL/day.

Water Source Existing water in the bottom of Koolanooka pit and blended with groundwater obtained from local bores. Current estimates of water available: 80,000 kL of pit water and 120,000 kL of bore entitlement annually.

Water Salinity TDS level of between 3,000 and 5,000 ppm.



Table S-2 Environmental Factors and Management.

Environmental Factor

Environmental Management Objectives

Potential Impacts Environmental Management

Applicable Standards Predicted Outcome

Land Clearing • Maintain the integrity, ecological function and environmental factors associated with the Morawa area.

• Avoid adverse impacts on biological diversity, comprising flora and fauna and the ecosystems they form, at the levels of genetic, species, and ecosystem diversity.

• Significant species, communities or habitats could occur within the Siding footprint and be impacted by land clearing, construction or operational activities.

• Clearing of a total area of 28 ha, of which:

• 27.74 ha is previously cleared agricultural land; and • 0.26 ha of bushland.

• Disturbance to vegetation will be restricted to the minimum required for the construction of the Siding.

• Topsoil will be stockpiled during construction for future use in rehabilitation works.

• Topsoil will be removed and stockpiled for future rehabilitation.

• Topsoil will be managed in accordance with the Environmental Management Plan.

• National Strategy for Ecologically Sustainable Development (Commonwealth, 1993).

• Position Statement No. 6 Towards Sustainability (EPA, 2004).

• Guidance Statement No. 55 Implementing Best Practice in proposals submitted to the EIA process (EPA, 2003).

• Position Statement No. 3: Terrestrial Biological Surveys as an element of Biodiversity Protection (EPA, 2002).

• An ecologically sustainable operation.

• No significant loss of biodiversity.

Surface and Groundwater Hydrology

• Minimise impacts to surface & groundwater resources during operations.

• Maintain the quality and quantity of surface & groundwater so that existing and potential environmental values, including ecosystem

• Potential impacts of the Siding to disruption of surface waters are likely to be minimal.

• Tilley Siding has minimal potential to impact on groundwater quality through spillages of liquid chemicals from the onsite toilet, hydraulic oils and diesel.

• There will be no abstraction of groundwater at Tilley Siding.

• Wherever possible existing access tracks or roads will be used rather than creating new ones.

• Where practicable natural drainage lines will not be blocked.

• Approaches to drainage centres will be constructed to minimise gully erosion

• Environmental Water Provisions for Western Australia; Statewide Policy No. 5 (WRC, 2000).

• EPA Guidance No. 33 Environmental Guidance for Planning and Development (EPA, 2005).

• Potential impacts of the Siding on surface and ground waters are likely to be negligible.

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maintenance, are protected.

and interference with drainage.

• Should there be a need for use of “dangerous goods” at Tilley Siding, all aspects of storage, handling and transportation of hazardous and dangerous goods will be conducted in accordance with applicable requirements including the Dangerous Explosives and Dangerous Goods Act, 1961.

• Dust suppression water will be obtained from the pit and bore field at Koolanooka and trucked to Tilley Siding. Abstraction of water at Koolanooka is managed by the existing licence (GWL 159255(1)).

• Guidance No. 40 Management of Mosquitoes by Land Developers (EPA, 2000).

• Erosion and Sediment Control Guidelines (IEAust (Qld), 1996).

• NSW Department of Conservation and Land Management Urban Erosion and Sediment Control (NSW Department of Land and Water Conservation, 1992).

Vegetation and Flora

To maintain the abundance, diversity, geographic distribution and productivity of flora at species and ecosystem levels through the avoidance or management of adverse impacts and improvement in knowledge.

• Clearing of native vegetation. • Clearing of a total area of 28 ha, of

which: • 27.74 ha is previously cleared

agricultural land; and • 0.26 ha of bushland.

• A flora and vegetation assessment has been conducted to determine the Siding’s local and regional impacts on vegetation units and flora species.

• The Siding design will incorporate the principles of avoiding and minimising clearing of flora and vegetation units.

• Dust suppression measures

• EPA Position Statement No. 2 Environmental Protection of Native Vegetation in WA (EPA, 2000).

• EPA Position Statement No. 3. Terrestrial Biological Surveys as an Element of Biodiversity Protection (EPA,

• A loss of 0.26 ha of bushland.

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will be implemented at the site.

• Topsoil will be stockpiled during construction for future use in rehabilitation works.

• Dust control measures will be implemented during the unloading and loading of ore at Tilley Siding, with water sprayed as required from water carts to minimise dust during the loading operations.

2002). • EPA Guidance

Statement No. 51. Terrestrial Flora and Vegetation Surveys Environmental Impact Assessment in WA (EPA, 2004).

• CALM Policy Statement No 9, Conserving Threatened Species and Ecological Communities (CALM, 1999).

Fauna

• Maintain the abundance, diversity, geographic distribution and productivity of fauna at species and ecosystem levels through the avoidance or management of adverse impacts and improvement in knowledge.

• Minimise the impact to fauna.

• Loss and degradation of fauna habitat and disturbance to fauna activity patterns through the removal of previously undisturbed and re-growth vegetation.

• Minimise clearing of vegetation (0.26 ha) required to establish the loading facility.

• Vehicles and machinery will be parked in designated areas (cleared areas) to minimise habitat damage.

• General workforce training and induction will be undertaken to ensure that the workforce understands their potential impact on the fauna in the region. This will include the prohibition of: firearms on-site; off road use of recreational vehicles; pets on site; and any

• EPA Position Statement No. 3. Terrestrial Biological Surveys as an Element of Biodiversity Protection (EPA, 2002).

• EPA Guidance Statement No. 56. Terrestrial Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment in WA (EPA, 2004)

• No loss of fauna species.

• Egernia stokesii is not reported in the Siding area and thus will not be impacted.

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unnecessary disturbance of habitat and the capture of fauna.

Domestic and Industrial Waste Products

• Reduce the volume of waste through product selection, reuse and recycling.

• Ensure that waste is contained and isolated from groundwater and surface water, and that storage, treatment or collection does not result in long term impacts on the surrounding environment.

• Minimise the environmental impacts of hydrocarbons, chemicals (solvents, cleaning fluids etc.) and explosives through appropriate storage, handling and disposal.

• The construction and operation of the Siding will generate a variety of waste materials including solid waste, hydrocarbons and chemicals and sewage.

• Inappropriate management of solid waste, hydrocarbons and chemicals and sewage, could result in contamination of soils, ground or surface water bodies.

• Waste generated at Tilley Siding will be disposed of at the Morawa Shire landfill and in accordance with the Environmental Management Plan which will include recycling and appropriate disposal of items that cannot be disposed of locally.

• All hydrocarbons on site will be managed to ensure that there is no impact on the environment.

• The Environmental Management Plan details the management of Hydrocarbons.

• All hazardous materials used in the transportation process will be transported, stored and handled in accordance with the requirements of the Explosives and Dangerous Goods Act, 1961.

• The Environmental Management Plan details the management of dangerous goods and hazardous substances.

• Water Quality Protection

• Australian Standard 1940-2004: The storage and handling of flammable and combustible liquids.


• .Guidance Note S301, Storage of Dangerous Goods Licensing and Exemptions (DoIR, 2004).

• Dangerous Goods (Transport) (Road and Rail) Regulations 1999 (Government of Western Australia).

• Australian Code for the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road and Rail (National Road Transport Commission and ACTDG, 2005).

• Negligible waste generate at the siding site, all waste will be removed.

• There will be no storage of hydrocarbons on site.

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Dust and Particulates

• Ensure that emissions do not adversely affect environmental values or the health, welfare and amenity of people and land uses.

• Minimise dust associated with the construction and operation of the mines.

• Minimise exposed surfaces through clearing minimisation, staged clearing and progressive rehabilitation.

• Dust generated from activities may affect vegetation communities through accumulation on leaf surfaces inhibiting respiration and limiting plant growth.

• The degree of dust generated will depend on the moisture content of the ground surface during preparation and the climatic conditions.

• Visual impact to the surrounding communities.

• Dust control measures will be implemented to ensure that the NEPM standard is met at all sensitive receptors.

• Based on the experience of other operators, it is not expected that dust will be generated during the transportation of iron ore by rail. Loads will be treated as required with water to ensure dust generated from the rail transportation of ore is kept to a minimum.

• The following key management practices will be adopted as per the Environmental Management Plan to ensure that dust generated from operations at Tilley Siding does not exceed the NEPM standard for PM10 at the nearest sensitive receptors:

• Dust suppression and/or minimisation techniques to be applied at Tilley Siding, including but not limited to, water application to stockpiles and unpaved surfaces.

• EPA Guidance Statement No. 18 Prevention of Air Quality Impacts from Land Development Sites (EPA, 2000);

• EPA Guidance No. 33 Environmental Guidance for Planning and Development (EPA, 2005); and

• Air Quality and Air Pollution Modelling Guidance Notes (Department of Environmental Protection WA, 2000).

• National Environment Protection Measures levels.

• No adverse impact to vegetation and flora at Tilley Siding.

• Through management it is deemed that visual impact will be negligible.

• NEPM standards will be met.

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• Implement visual inspection process to determine effectiveness of dust suppression techniques.

• Manage dust complaints in accordance with the dust complaints process.

Noise • Minimise the noise and vibration associated with the construction and operation of the proposal.

• Protect the amenity of nearby residents from noise and vibration impacts resulting from activities associated with the proposal by ensuring the noise and vibration levels meet statutory requirements and acceptable levels.

• Possible noise impacts to three surrounding sensitive receptors.

• Requirements for Guidance Statement No 14 Road and Rail Transport Noise are not met for the rail line to Geraldton.

• Construction activities will be limited to between the hours of 0700 - 1900 Mondays to Fridays. Work will be carried out in accordance with Section 6 of AS2436-1981: Guide to Noise Control on Construction, Maintenance and Demolition Sites. The noise control practices specified in this Standard are in summary as follows:

Control noise at source by: • Use of broad band

reversing beepers that will reduce the tonality and the effective noise by 5 dB over 500 m.

• Exhaust mufflers will be retrofitted to the CAT 980H which are quoted to provide a noise reduction of 10 dB.

• Environmental Protection (Noise) Regulations 1997 (Western Australian Government).

• Guidance Statement No 14 Road and Rail Transport Noise (EPA 2001)


• Statement of Planning Policy Road and Rail Transport Noise (WAPC, 2005).

• Set noise levels will be achieved.

• Guidance Statement No 14 Road and Rail Transport Noise will be met for sensitive premises 150 meters from the rail centre line.

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• Use and siting of equipment. Regular and effective maintenance of equipment.

• All on road licensed equipment operated on the site will comply with Australian Design Rule (ADR) 28/01. Earthmoving equipment will be required not to exceed a sound power level of 120 dB (A) wherever practicable.

• The equipment used on site will be the quietest reasonably available.

• Occupiers of the nearest noise sensitive premises will be notified that earthworks and construction are about to commence at least 24 hours prior to the commencement.

• A Complaints Register will be maintained during the construction phase of the project that will record any complaints received, date, nature and resolution action undertaken.

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Operation of Rail Loading Facility The following management practices will be adopted as needed to ensure the operations at Tilley Siding complies with the Environmental Protection (Noise) Regulations 1997:

• Undertake acoustic treatment of the front-end loader, including use of broad band reversing beepers that will reduce the tonality and the effective noise by 5 dB over 500 m and modify noisy equipment with silencers, for example silencers on mufflers and exhausts.

• The design of the transfer facility will minimise the need for the shunting of rail wagons with the loaders moving progressively along the length of the train, rather than the rail wagons being moved.

• Onsite noise monitoring of the front-end loader to determine the actual noise level and treatment required.

• Where and if required

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double glaze the windows of affected residences.

• Alignment with the Environmental Management Plan.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions

• Ensure that emissions do not adversely affect environmental values or the health, welfare and amenity of people and land uses by meeting statutory requirements and acceptable standards.

• Minimise emissions to levels as low as practicable on an on-going basis.

• Release of greenhouse gases through combustion of diesel fuel used in equipment, vehicles provision of the Siding’s power requirements.

• Energy efficient technology will be selected where practicable and energy consumption will be considered as a criterion in equipment selection.

• Vegetation clearing will be minimised where practicable, thereby assisting to minimise greenhouse gas emissions from the Project.

• Progressive rehabilitation of open areas will result in partial offsets of emissions over the life of the Project.

• EPA Guidance Statement No. 12. Guidance Statement for Minimising Greenhouse Gas Emissions (EPA, 2002).

• EPA Guidance Statement No. 18 Prevention of Air Quality Impacts from Land Development Sites (EPA, 2000).


• Australian Methodology for the Estimation of Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks 2002 Series, Australian Greenhouse Office.

• The Siding will generate minimal greenhouse gases. Amounts produced are below reporting thresholds.

Social & Cultural Environment

• Avoid disturbance to cultural and heritage sites.

• There are no heritage sites at Tilley Siding.

• Midwest will ensure staff and contractors are aware of their obligations to

• EPA Guidance Statement No. 41. Assessment of

• There are no heritage sites at Tilley Siding.

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• Ensure compliance with relevant legislation including the Heritage of Western Australia Act 1990 and the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972.

• Respect the rights of all land owners.

report any additional archaeological sites encountered during the development to their supervisor, to enable reporting as required under Section 15 of the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972.

Aboriginal Heritage (EPA, 2004).

• Guidelines for Consultation with Indigenous People by Mineral Explorers (DoIR, 2004).

Visual Amenity • Minimise The Siding impacts to community use and access to significant environmental features.

• Ensure landscape values are considered and measures are adopted to reduce the visual impacts of the Siding.

• The Siding will not result in an unacceptable degree of change or degradation to the broader natural environment and ecological processes of which it is a part.

• Visual dust impacts.

• At closure, infrastructure will be removed and all disturbed areas rehabilitated to provide for final land use requirements.

• Dust management practices, as described above will be implemented.


• WA Planning Commission Statement of Planning Policy No. 2, Environment and Natural Resource Policy (WAPC, 2004).

• There will be no impact to the visual amenity of the Tilley Siding area.



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Table of Contents

1.0 BACKGROUND INFORMATION....................................................................5 1.1 Ownership .................................................................................................................5 1.2 Project Objectives......................................................................................................5 1.3 Location .....................................................................................................................6 1.4 History .....................................................................................................................13 1.5 Existing Facilities .....................................................................................................13 2.0 EXISITING ENVIRONMENT .........................................................................15 2.1 Regional Setting ......................................................................................................15 2.2 Soil and Soil Profiles................................................................................................15 2.3 Hydrology ................................................................................................................15 2.4 Climate ....................................................................................................................15 2.5 Flora and Fauna ......................................................................................................19 2.6 Social Environment..................................................................................................20 3.0 STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT ................................................................21 3.1 Stakeholder Consultation Program..........................................................................21 4.0 PROJECT JUSTIFICATION .........................................................................27 4.1 No Development Option ..........................................................................................27 4.2 Evaluation of Alternatives ........................................................................................27 5.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION............................................................................33 5.1 Area of Disturbance Table.......................................................................................33 5.2 Operations (Loading and Transportation of Ore).....................................................33 5.3 Project Water Requirements ...................................................................................34 5.4 Support Facilities .....................................................................................................35 5.5 Workforce ................................................................................................................35 5.6 Transportation Corridors..........................................................................................35 6.0 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MANAGEMENT..................................36 6.1 Land Clearing ..........................................................................................................36 6.2 Surface Water..........................................................................................................36 6.3 Groundwater............................................................................................................37 6.4 Flora and Vegetation ...............................................................................................38 6.5 Vertebrate Fauna.....................................................................................................38 6.6 Domestic and Industrial Waste Products.................................................................39 6.7 Hydrocarbon Management ......................................................................................39 6.8 Dangerous Goods and Hazardous Substances ......................................................39 6.9 Dust .........................................................................................................................40 6.10 Gaseous Emissions.................................................................................................41 6.11 Noise .......................................................................................................................43 7.0 SOCIAL IMPACTS........................................................................................52



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7.1 Heritage ...................................................................................................................52 7.2 Land Use and Community .......................................................................................52 7.3 Social Environment..................................................................................................52 7.4 Workforce Induction and Training............................................................................52 8.0 CLOSURE.....................................................................................................53 8.1 Post Rail Land Use..................................................................................................53 8.2 Rehabilitation...........................................................................................................53 8.3 Strategic Framework for Closure.............................................................................54 9.0 CONCLUSION ..............................................................................................55 APPENDIX 1: DECLARED RARE FLORA ASSESSMENT, ECOLOGIA, SEPTEMBER

2006 .............................................................................................................57 APPENDIX 2: FAUNA REPORT, ECOLOGIA, 2007 ..........................................................57 APPENDIX 3: CORRESPONDENCE FROM LANDOWNER REGARDING

REHABILITATION OF LAND AT TILLEY SIDING .......................................57 APPENDIX 4: ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN.................................................57 APPENDIX 5: TILLEY SIDING DUST MODELLING AND IMPACT ASSESSMENT, SKM

2006. ............................................................................................................57 APPENDIX 6A: ACOUSTIC ASSESSMENT FOR TILLEY SIDING, VIPAC 2007..............57 APPENDIX 6B: ACOUSTIC ASSESSMENT FOR TILLEY SIDING - REMODELLING

VIPAC MARCH 2007....................................................................................57 APPENDIX 7: NOISE BARRIER MODELLING, VIPAC, 2007............................................57 All appendices are included in digital format on the attached CD.

Tables Table S-1 Key Characteristics Table. ............................................................................. vii Table S-2 Environmental Factors and Management. .....................................................viii Table 1-1 Ownership Details Tilley Siding Project. ..........................................................5 Table 3-1 Tilley Siding Landholder Consultation............................................................22 Table 3-2 Tilley Siding Consultation. .............................................................................25 Table 4-1 Pros and Cons of the Three Siding Options for Tilley Siding.........................31 Table 5-1 Area of Disturbance. ......................................................................................33 Table 5-2 Water Availability and Requirements for Tilley Siding...................................34 Table 6-1 Assigned Noise Level at House (H1, H2 and H3) as Defined in the

Environmental Protection (Noise) Regulations 1997. ....................................44 Table 6-2 Typical A Weighted Sound Levels for Equipment..........................................44 Table 6-3 Estimated max. LA10 Noise Levels at Houses H1 to H3 against the

Environmental Protection (Noise) Regulations 1997. ....................................44 Table 6-4 Estimated LA10 Noise Levels at Houses H1 to H3 against EPA Guidance

Statement No.14 Noise Increase Criterion. ...................................................45 Table 6-5 Road estimated LA10 Noise Levels at Houses H1 to H3 against EPA Guidance

Statement No.14 Noise Increase Criterion. ...................................................45 Table 6-6 Recommendations and Further Work. ...........................................................47 Table 6-7 Noise Matrix for Minimum Bund Height. ........................................................49



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Figures Figure 1-1 Regional Location............................................................................................7 Figure 1-2 Lease Arrangement, Native Vegetation and Surrounding Land Use. .............9 Figure 1-3 Rail Siding Layout. ........................................................................................11 Figure 2-1 Rainfall and Temperature for Morawa...........................................................17 Figure 2-2 Wind Regime for Morawa..............................................................................18 Figure 6-1 Residence Locations in Relation to Tilley Siding...........................................43

Plates Plate 2.1 Degraded Northern end of Tilley Siding ...............................................................19

Plate 2.2 Northern end of Tilley Siding ................................................................................19

Plate 2.3 Northern end of Tilley Siding ................................................................................19

Plate 2.4 Scattered mallees at southern end of Tilley Siding .............................................19



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1.0 BACKGROUND INFORMATION

1.1 Ownership

Midwest Corporation Limited (Midwest) has applied for General Purpose leases in the area covering Tilley Siding G 70/210, G 70/211, G 70/213 and has an application pending for G 70/221. Midwest is presently finalising agreements with the owners of the freehold underlying G 70/221 with the objective of having secure access to the land for a period of up to 20 years, less one day. Rail Easement RCL90 is leased from the Crown by Western Rail and Lot 30 is owned by the Crown and controlled by the Public Transport Authority.

Table 1-1 Ownership Details Tilley Siding Project.

Lease Location Holder Area (ha) Date Granted

G 70/213 Tilley Siding Midwest Corporation Ltd 7 7 February 2005G 70/221 Tilley Siding Midwest Corporation Ltd 16 PENDING Rail Easement Tilley Siding Leased from the crown by

Western Rail NA

Lot 30 Tilley Siding Public Transport Authority

5 PENDING

Midwest Corporation contact details are:

Project Manager John Kelly

Address Midwest Corporation Limited Suite 2, 32 Kings Park Road WEST PERTH 6005

Telephone (08) 9226 2033

Facsimile (08) 9226 3388

1.2 Project Objectives

Midwest is currently transporting the iron ore stockpiled from previous mining activities at Koolanooka via road train to Geraldton Port under Notice of Intent (NOI) 4888 entitled Transportation of Stockpiled Fines from Koolanooka Iron Ore Mine to Geraldton Port. This NOI was submitted in support of the approvals of this project.

Midwest proposes to transport iron ore by road/rail via a purpose built rail siding at Tilley Siding to Geraldton Port. Construction of the project is scheduled to commence upon Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) approval of this Project and be completed within three months.

Once the transportation of the stockpiled ore has been completed it is proposed to continue to utilise Tilley Siding to transport ore processed as part of the Koolanooka Blue Hills Direct Shipping Iron Ore (DSO) Project, which is being separately assessed under a Public Environmental Review (PER).



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Midwest seeks approval for the construction of Tilley Siding and all associated infrastructure and for the operations, as described by Section 5.2 of this document.

1.3 Location

The Tilley Siding will be located on G 70/221 and G70/213 adjacent to the town boundary of Morawa at latitude 29 o 11’S and 116o 0’E. The regional location is shown in Figure 1-1. Figure 1-2 shows the ownership arrangement and the site layout is shown in Figure 1-3.

Rail access at the northern end of the facility has been designed and located to incorporate to the greatest extent possible the existing rail formation on Lot 30. This lot is owned by the Public Transport Authority (PTA) that endorses this approach. An agreement with the PTA is being finalised.



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Figure 1-1 Regional Location.



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Figure 1-2 Lease Arrangement, Native Vegetation and Surrounding Land Use.



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11

Figure 1-3 Rail Siding Layout.



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1.4 History

The Koolanooka orebody was mined from 1966 to 1972. Mining was by conventional drill and blast open pit methods. Mining of high grade haematitic DSO concluded in 1972. High grade DSO material was also mined from the nearby Blue Hills Mungada deposits.

Ore was transported to Geraldton by train. At that time and up until 1974 a rail line connected the mine site to the north-south line at Morawa (Tilley Siding) and exported through the Port of Geraldton to Japan. The last ore was railed to Geraldton by the Geraldton Operations Joint Venture (GOJV) in 1974 and the railway spur line was subsequently removed.

The GOJV participants relinquished their mining licence in 1991. The Koolanooka Iron Ore mine was part of the Mid West Iron and Steel Project proposed by Kingstream Resources NL (subsequently Kingstream Steel). An NOI was lodged with the Department of Minerals and Energy for the Koolanooka Iron Ore Mine in 1996. The NOI was subsequently withdrawn in light of the pending State Agreement Act between Kingstream Steel and the Western Australian Government. Kingstream Steel entered into voluntary administration on the 21st of November 2001. The creditors of Kingstream Steel executed a Deed of Company Arrangement as an alternative to liquidation. The company was recapitalised as Midwest Corporation Limited (Midwest) and reinstated on the Australian Stock Exchange.

Midwest commenced operations of the Fines Project in January 2006 and exported its first shipment in February 2006.

1.5 Existing Facilities

There are no existing facilities at the proposed site. Tilley Siding is accessed by a good quality all weather road and is adjacent to the Morawa-Mullewa railway line.

The railway line runs from South of Morawa to Mullewa and North to the Port of Geraldton with an easement and formation for a railway spur line between Tilley Siding, located North of Morawa, and the mine site. The track along the rail spur was removed after the mine closed in 1974.



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2.0 EXISITING ENVIRONMENT

2.1 Regional Setting

Tilley Siding is located to the East of the existing rail line and is adjacent to the northern Boundary of the Town of Morawa in the Mid West Region of the Geraldton District. The Shire of Morawa is situated in the North Midlands area due North of Perth and East-South-East of Geraldton. Morawa town site is approximately 370 km by road North of Perth (via Three Springs) and 180 km from Geraldton. The Shire of Morawa is joined by the Shires of Mullewa to the North, Perenjori to the South, Mingenew and Three Springs to the West and Yalgoo to the East.

The land surrounding Tilley Siding is used predominantly for agriculture. The region has a semi arid climate, with most drainage systems only having intermittent flow several days per year.

2.2 Soil and Soil Profiles

The area surrounding Tilley Siding has been surveyed and classified by the Department of Agriculture based on the underlying geology, landforms and soils, geomorphology and vegetation that characterise the area. The major land systems in close proximity are the Koolanooka and Noolagabbi land systems. Small amounts of the Morawa and Mount Nunn land systems also occur in the area (Rogers, 1996).

The Noolagabbi land system is extensively level to very gently inclined flats and lower slopes found at the base of broad valleys. Extensively cleared for agriculture, the Noolagabbi system comprises quaternary alluvial and colluvial material forming valley infill on broad mature valleys often associated with saline drainage network. Soils are relict red sands, loams and clays over a red-brown hardpan.

The Morawa land system consists of gently undulating low rises and ridges with red sandy loams, stony sands on granite and minor areas of yellow sand over ironstone gravel.

2.3 Hydrology

There are no permanent fresh water streams. The regional ground water level generally occurs at around 255 m AHD. The level of the surrounding plains is approximately 300 m AHD. Some minor subsurface recharge does occur during intense rainfall events.

2.4 Climate

The Tilley Siding climatic setting is semi arid with mild wet winters and hot dry summers.

The average annual rainfall is 335 mm (measured at Morawa), with the average monthly rainfall ranging from 9 mm in December to 57 mm in June. There are two wet periods during the year, during summer from January to March and in winter from May to August. The more significant winter rains are generally associated with frontal systems from the South West, which weaken considerably by the time they reach the Morawa district.



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Summer rains are associated with isolated thunderstorms with falls of up to 30-40 mm, tropical lows with falls of up to 100 mm occurring in 5-10 year intervals and rare cyclonic disturbances (100 mm plus) with a return period of several decades.

Rainfall in this semi-arid region either infiltrates into the substrate or evaporates. High temperatures and high evaporation rates associated with summer conditions ensure a much drier climate during the summer months. The average monthly maximum temperatures range from 18.1oC in July to 36.7oC in January.

Figure 2-1 shows the rainfall distribution and temperature range at Morawa. Figure 2-2 shows the wind regime for Morawa.

Prevailing summer and winter wind conditions vary seasonally and diurnally. During summer, morning wind speeds of 11 km/hr to 30 km/hr from the north-east and south-east prevail, shifting to the south and south-west in the afternoon. During the winter months, winds abate to generally less than 10 km/hr, with less distinctive wind patterns. The combination of high wind speeds and high temperatures during summer produces elevated evaporation rates. Ambient dust levels are maximised in these conditions.



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Figure 2-1 Rainfall and Temperature for Morawa.



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Figure 2-2 Wind Regime for Morawa.



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2.5 Flora and Fauna

2.5.1 Vegetation and Flora Tilley Siding has little natural vegetation because the area has been cleared for agriculture. The majority of the existing vegetation is along the fence line running north to south along the boundary of G70/221 and the rail easement (RCL 90).

In the Interim Biogeographic Regionalisation for Australia (IBRA) classification, Tilley Siding occurs in the Western sub-region of the Avon Wheatbelt bioregion, found within the South-West Botanical Province (FloraBase, 2006). A Declared Rare and Priority species survey was undertaken by ecologia on 28 September 2006 (Appendix 1).

The vegetation at the northern end of Tilley Siding shows evidence of degradation through previous clearing where the vegetation is sparse mixed shrubs over chenopods. Further south but still at the northern end of the siding, the vegetation changes to moderately dense closed tall shrubland of Acacia sibina/Melaleuca atroviridis tall shrubs (Plates 2.2 & 2.3). At the southern end of the Tilley Siding there is a change from a tall shrubland of Senna charlesiana shrubs, over Acacia acuminata tall shrubs, to scattered mallees of Eucalyptus loxophleba subsp. supralaevis, over scattered Acacia acuminata tall shrubs (Plate 3.4).

Plate 2.1 Degraded Northern End of Tilley Siding.

Plate 2.4 Scattered Mallees at Southern End of Tilley Siding.

Plate 2.2 Northern End of Tilley Siding.

Plate 2.3 Northern End of Tilley Siding.



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Twenty five families, 52 genera and 65 taxa were recorded during the Tilley Siding survey. Of these taxa, one was identified to family level only. Eight alien (weed) species were recorded during the survey.

No Priority Flora or Declared Rare flora taxon was recorded during the Tilley Siding survey.

2.5.2 Fauna Rare and significant fauna are unlikely to occur at Tilley Siding because of the degraded nature of the habitat and the lack of habitat suitable for specific species. Egernia stokesii badia is listed as ‘Endangered’ under the provisions of the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act). This species is sometimes present in York Gum Eucalyptus loxophleba woodland which has experienced low intensity grazing. A field survey completed by ecologia in 2007 reported that no populations or individual Egernia stokesii were observed at the Siding. The full report is detailed in Appendix 2.

The Malleefowl, Leipoa ocellata, is listed as ‘Vulnerable’ under the EPBC Act. During the flora and vegetation survey, no Malleefowl mounds were encountered suggesting that this species is not present at Tilley Siding. Additionally, the vegetation present is unlikely to provide significant support to any Carnaby’s Black-Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus latirostris) populations, which is listed as ‘Vulnerable’ under the EPBC Act.

2.6 Social Environment

2.6.1 Aboriginal Archaeological and Anthropological Sites

There are no registered aboriginal sites located within the Tilley Siding project area.

2.6.2 European History

There are no known sites of European significance on or near the Tilley Siding project area.

2.6.3 Land Use

Tilley Siding is located adjacent to the northern boundary of the Town of Morawa separated by the Morawa Yalgoo Road. The primary land use to the north, west and east of the siding is agriculture. To the south there is an airport, golf course and other recreational facilities that service the Town of Morawa.



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3.0 STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT

3.1 Stakeholder Consultation Program

Midwest has been in consultation with key regulatory groups, non-government agencies and the Morawa community since the beginning of feasibility studies. Concerns raised during consultation have been taken into consideration in this document.

3.1.1 Public Consultation

Two consultation meetings have been held, one in Morawa on 6 December 2006, and one in Perenjori on 7 December 2006. During these consultation meetings Project information was presented to the communities and the public were given an opportunity to raise queries or concerns. Details of the Morawa and Perenjori meetings were advertised in the local papers (the Morawa Community Scene and the Perenjori and District Bush Telegraph) which were distributed to the Morawa and Perenjori areas. In addition, a Project brochure with a comment sheet was mail dropped to post office boxes in the town areas prior to the public meetings.

The public meeting held in Morawa on 6 December 2006 was attended by 24 people. A power point presentation of the Project scope was given by Midwest and ecologia. Issues raised at the meeting were centred on dust, noise and rehabilitation management. There was no public attendance to the Perenjori public meeting.

In response Midwest has developed the Dust Management Plan, Appendix 4, and the Tilley Siding Environmental Management Plan, Appendix 5, to address dust and noise impacts. These management plans will be publicly available on the Midwest website.

Midwest forwarded the Management Plans to the Shire of Morawa on 3rd August 2007 for review.

Midwest has also undertaken ongoing consultation and liaison with the Shires of Morawa and Perenjori. Two local council special sessions were held on 6 and 7 December 2006 respectively, to discuss the Project scope.

3.1.2 Landowner Consultation

Midwest has undertaken ongoing consultation with the landowners in the vicinity of Tilley Siding, dates of consultation are detailed in Table 3-1. Issues raised relate to management of noise, dust, safety, closure requirements and rehabilitation of the site.



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Table 3-1 Tilley Siding Landholder Consultation.

Date Landowner Issues Raised Midwest Response 6 / 12 / 2006 The James Family Primarily noise, dust

and safety concerns for the family.

Midwest has developed the Dust Management Plan and the Tilley Siding Environmental Management Plan, to manage operational dust and noise impacts of the Siding.

2 / 2 / 2007 The James Family As above As above. 13 / 2 / 2007 The James Family As above As above. 3/8 / 2007 The James Family As above As above. Midwest has forwarded the plans

to the James family advisors on the 3rd August 2007.

In all meetings with the James’ it was apparent that their main concerns regarding the proposed Tilley Siding were the possible impact of noise and dust from the operation of the siding. Midwest assured the James’ that the operation of the siding would comply with relevant noise and dust standards. Midwest has developed the Dust Management Plan and the Tilley Siding Environmental Management Plan to manage operational dust and noise impacts to these standards. Midwest has forwarded the management plans to the James’ on 3rd August 2007 to outline the administration and management actions proposed by Midwest.

There has been further communication with the James via their advisors concerning other possible alternatives.

In relation to other issues raised by the landowners - management of surface water runoff and continuity of water supplies as well as noise and dust impacts, Midwest has committed to ensuring that any changes in surface water runoff resulting from Tilley Siding will not adversely impact surrounding land, and that should there be any impact on water supplies, the company will make good the impact. Management proposed by Midwest is outlined in the Tilley Siding Environmental Management Plan and in Section 5.2 of this document.

Midwest have reached an understanding with the landowner on whose land the siding will be constructed regarding the rehabilitation of the siding, his acceptance of Midwest’s plan is noted in Appendix 3.

3.1.3 Regulator Consultation

Briefings, meetings and discussions have been held with a range of state and regional agencies and advisory bodies. Discussions have been held with:

• Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC Perth);

• Department of Industry and Resources (DoIR, Perth); and

• Environmental Protection Authority Services Unit (EPASU, Perth).

These agencies have been involved in project discussions and invited to comment on relevant aspects of the scope and adequacy of investigation methodologies. Accordingly, Midwest has refined and expanded the scope of environmental investigations.



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Specific consultation undertaken with agencies and individuals is set out in Table 3-2. The main issues raised during this process were to express concern about the stakeholder consultation and dust and noise management. Midwest believes that through management proposed within this document and supporting management plans these issues can be addressed.


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Table 3-2 Tilley Siding Consultation.

Stakeholder Group Date Stakeholder Contact Issues raised Midwest Response Shire of Morawa 6/12/2006

7/12/2006 CEO and President of the Shire of Morawa

Surface water, dust Management and Noise Management. Noise modelling has been reviewed by the Noise Modelling.

Midwest has developed the Dust Management Plan and the Tilley Siding Environmental Management Plan, to manage operational dust and noise impacts of the Siding. The plans are attached in Appendix 4 and 5.

Public Meeting - Morawa

6/12/2006 24 attendees Dust Management and Noise Management issues


DEC Midwest Region Various Danielle Eyres

Discussions on the flora and fauna species of the region, flora and fauna surveys undertaken and conservation significant species present.

Midwest has developed fauna and flora management outlined in the Tilley Siding Environmental Management Plan, Appendix 5.

DoIR November 2006

Ana Mesquita and Eugene Bouhuis

Dust Management and Noise Management issues.


DEC EPASU 27/4/2007 Peter Walkington Stakeholder consultation details as listed in the ARI report, dust and noise management issues.

Midwest has sought to develop the stakeholder consultation section of this report in line with the EPA suggestions. Midwest has developed the Dust Management Plan and the Tilley Siding Environmental Management Plan, to manage operational dust and noise impacts of the Siding. The plans are attached in Appendix 4 and 5.

DEC Air Quality Branch

22/5/2007 Adrian Blockley and Peter Walkington

Discussions held on dust modelling, dust impacts and management options.

Midwest has developed the Dust Management Plan to manage operational dust impacts of the Siding. The plan is attached in Appendix 4.

DEC Noise Branch 24/5/2007 John Macpherson and Peter Walkington

Discussions held on noise modelling, noise impacts and management options.


Native Title Claimant and other Indigenous stakeholders

19-21/3/ 2007 3/4/2007

The Widi Mob Amangu Mob.

None raised

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4.0 PROJECT JUSTIFICATION

4.1 No Development Option

The consequence of not proceeding with the proposed Tilley Siding is that Midwest will not meet the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure recently introduced requirement that in the Mid West iron ore must be transported by rail where an existing rail line is within 100 km.

4.2 Evaluation of Alternatives

Midwest has embraced the concept of sustainable development as part of engineering and design phases of this proposal. As such, Midwest is evaluating the key social, environmental and economic impacts of the proposal. The proposal endeavours to provide positive impacts wherever feasible, and strives to reduce its negative impacts to as low as reasonably practicable.

Impact avoidance and reduction opportunities that are being implemented include:

• Engineering and design of infrastructure to reduce dust and noise impacts.

• Engineering and design of infrastructure to reduce impact to flora and fauna.

Where impacts are unavoidable, Midwest seeks to:

• Prevent impacts of conservation significance.

• Prevent development of new contamination.

• Reduce emissions and waste to as low as practicable.

Consideration of alternative designs aligned with this approach of sustainable development is discussed in the following sections.

4.2.1 Alternatives

Two alternative sites were considered in the development of Tilley Siding, central option and eastern option, Figure 4-1.

In assessing the sites, issues factored into the design alignment and the placement of the Siding included flora, fauna, topography of the land, proximity to the nearest sensitive premises and engineering design (proximity to existing rail line formation).

Table 4-1 shows the pros and cons of the three siding options considered by Midwest. Sites were considered against the above-mentioned issues. Tilley Siding rated the favourable site, with noise and dust considered the biggest impacts of this site.

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Figure 4-1 Alternative sites for Tilley Siding.

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Table 4-1 Pros and Cons of the Three Siding Options for Tilley Siding.

Option 1 – Tilley Siding Option 2 – Central Siding Option 3 – Eastern Siding

Pros Cons Pros Cons Pros Cons Fauna No fauna of

significance noted on site.

- - Will impact on E.stokesii.

No fauna of significance noted on site.

-

Flora Bushland is previously disturbed and degraded.

Removal of 0.26 ha of bushland.

- Removal of eucalyptus bushland, important habitat of E.stokesii.

- Removal of remnant vegetation.

Rail reinstatement

Rail infrastructure is pre-existing. Possibility of working in conjunction with other proponents of the region

- Possibility of working in conjunction with other proponents of the region.

• Rail infrastructure will need to be reinstated.

• Other proponents in the region will not be seeking siding development for another 12 to 14 months.

• To reinstate rail removal of eucalyptus bushland important habitat of E.stokesii will need to be removed.

Possibility of working in conjunction with other proponents of the region.

• Rail infrastructure will need to be reinstated.

• Other proponents in the region will not be seeking siding development for another 12 to 14 months.

• To reinstate rail removal of eucalyptus bushland important habitat of E.stokesii will need to be removed.

Noise Noise levels are below EPA Guidance 14 levels.

Closest resident 1500m from siding.

No residential sensitive premises within siding location.

- - • Closest resident 650 m from siding.

• Noise modelling has not been conducted.

Dust Dust levels will be below NEPM standards.

Potential visual dust emissions on wost case scenario days. These emissions will be below NEPM levels.

Dust levels will be below NEPM standards.


Dust levels will be below NEPM standards.


Rating* 4 2 3

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Option 1 – Tilley Siding Option 2 – Central Siding Option 3 – Eastern Siding

Fauna X

Flora X

Rail reinstatement

X X

Noise X X

Dust .

Rating* 4 2 3



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5.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION

5.1 Area of Disturbance Table

Table 5-1 Area of Disturbance.

Lease Number: G70/213 G70/221 Lot 30 RCL 90 Description of Disturbances

Area (ha) Area (ha) Area (ha) Area (ha)

Access tracks 1.2 Hardstand areas 3.9 11.14 Rail Line 0.9 Undisturbed land 3.1 4.86 4.1 Total (should equal lease/land area)

7 16 5

Lease/land area 7 16 5 NA*

* NA = not available

5.2 Operations (Loading and Transportation of Ore)

Midwest is currently transporting iron ore stockpiled from previous mining operations at Koolanooka mine site along existing roads to Geraldton Port. Approval was obtained under Notice of Intent (NOI) 4888. In addition to the transportation of stockpiled ore, Midwest is developing the DSO Project to mine and process up to 2 mtpa of direct shipping grade iron ore for export from Koolanooka and Blue Hills. The DSO Project is being formally assessed by the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) at the level of Public Environmental Review (PER). It is proposed that once this project is operational Tilley Siding will continue to be utilised to transport the processed ore to the Geraldton Port.

Ore will be loaded by front end loaders into 3-trailer road trains at the minesite and transported to Tilley Siding. These road trains will be licensed for public roads in accordance with Main Roads WA requirements.

Road trains will travel along Munckton Road from Koolanooka to the intersection of Munckton Road and the Morawa-Yalgoo Road and then along Morawa-Yalgoo Road to Tilley Siding.

Road trains will arrive at Tilley Siding at approximately 30 minute intervals (2 road trains per hour, every hour, for 24 hours/day). Ore will be side tipped onto prepared pads and pushed up by front-end loaders to a height of 3 m. The stockpiles will be the length of the trains to minimise the requirement for shunting during loading operations. The ore stockpiles will be sprayed with intermittent sprays from mobile water carts to minimise dust.

At Tilley Siding, ore will be loaded by two front end loaders onto rail cars for transportation to Geraldton. It is envisaged that trains will be turned around in two hours.



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The rail siding from turn in to turn out will be 1,610 m long.

Trains will consist of up to 64 wagons with two 2000 HP (Westrail Class R) or similar operational locomotives. Communication between front end loaders and locomotive operators will be via a dedicated radio frequency during loading operations.

The trains will transport the ore by the existing rail network to the Geraldton Port. Once at Geraldton Port, the ore will be stockpiled inside the existing shed constructed by Midwest on land adjacent to Berth 4. Operations at Geraldton Port are managed by Geraldton Port Authority as part of their Environmental Licence issued under Part V of the EP Act 1986.

All transport of ore from Koolanooka to Geraldton Port except the transfer of ore from road train to rail at Tilley, is approved under NOI 4888.

5.3 Project Water Requirements

Approximately 180 kl/day will be required for dust suppression at Tilley Siding. Water will be trucked from Koolanooka as needed. Water will be obtained from the existing water in the bottom of Koolanooka pit and blended with groundwater obtained from local bores in the fractured BIF and quartzite strata flanking the Koolanooka Hills to achieve a TDS level of between 3000 and 5000 ppm. There are 7 bores all licensed by the Department of Water under licence GWL159255(1) which gives an annual water entitlement of 12000kL.

Bore water will be drawn in accordance to the 5C licence GWL159255 (1) issued under the Rights in Water and Irrigation Act 1917 held by Midwest.

Table 5-2 outlines estimated water availability and consumption requirements.

Table 5-2: Water Availability and Requirements for Tilley Siding.

Source Estimate Volume Available (kL)

Timing

Koolanooka Pit 80,000 kL One-off, with low rates of inflow Koolanooka Bore Field

120,000 kL Annual licensed entitlement

Total 200,000 kL Annually Destination Estimate Volume

Required (kL) Timing

180 kL Daily Tilley Siding

65,000 kL Annually 280 kL Daily

Koolanooka 102,000 kL Annually

Total 167,000 kL Annually

At present, sufficient water is available for dust suppression at Tilley Siding. Once the Koolanooka mine site is operational, additional bores may be required in order to meet water needs, as re-charge rates for the Koolanooka pit are estimated to be low (Rockwater, 2006).

Midwest is exploring for additional groundwater bores that will yield water for dust suppression at both Koolanooka and Tilley Siding. Groundwater entitlement has not been



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fully allocated within the catchment. Midwest proposes to drill additional bores and apply for an increase in allocation on existing water licences in order to meet water requirements for the mine site and Tilley Siding.

5.4 Support Facilities

Electrical power for the facilities at Tilley Siding will be obtained from portable generators if needed.

Facilities for operations at Tilley Siding will consist of a chemical toilet.

5.5 Workforce

Construction for the Tilley Siding project will require a workforce of approximately 25 to 30 people for 3 months. The employees will be housed in Morawa and will travel to site daily.

The change from road to rail transport will reduce the number of employees by 30 due to a reduction from 12 to 2 in the number of road trains required. This will not be offset by the additional loader drivers (6) and train crew (6).

5.6 Transportation Corridors

Transportation of ore from Koolanooka mine site will be by three-trailer road trains along the unsealed mine access track then along Munckton Road to the Morawa-Yalgoo Road intersection, then along the Morawa-Yalgoo Road to Tilley Siding. Both Munckton and Morawa-Yalgoo Road are vested with the Morawa Shire. Midwest has permission from the Morawa Shire to use the roads for the transport of ore. Once at Tilley Siding, the ore will be transported via rail to the Geraldton Port for export shipping.



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6.0 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MANAGEMENT

6.1 Land Clearing

6.1.1 Potential Impact

An estimated 28 ha of land will be required to be disturbed to establish the loading facility. The vast majority of this land is currently being cropped. Clearing of native vegetation will be limited to approximately 0.26 ha at the rail entrance and exit and the road train entrance on the Morawa-Yalgoo Road.

6.1.2 Management

Disturbance to vegetation will be restricted to the minimum required for the construction of the Siding. Topsoil will be stockpiled during construction for future use in rehabilitation works. In situ material will be conditioned to provide the hardstand working surface on G70/221 and G70/213.

Topsoil will be removed and stockpiled for future rehabilitation. No soil characterisation or regolith profile analysis has been undertaken for this proposal due to the limited surface impact proposed.

Topsoil will be managed in accordance with the Environmental Management Plan.

6.1.3 Commitments

Develop and Implement an Environmental Management Plan that sets out clearing procedures to prevent any unnecessary clearing of vegetation, and the rehabilitation procedures to be followed.

6.2 Surface Water


There will be a negligible impact on surface water as a result of this proposal.

At Tilley Siding the general fall of land on the east side of the railway is from south to north.

Suitably designed pipe culverts will be installed under each end of the siding, parallel to the main line and approximately 15 m east of the main line with appropriate spoon drains to direct water to and from these culverts.

6.2.2 Management

Erosion will be managed in accordance with the Environmental Management Plan. Erosion control will utilise the following methodologies:

• Wherever possible existing access tracks or roads will be used rather than creating new ones.



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• Where practicable natural drainage lines will not be blocked.

• Approaches to drainage centres will be constructed to minimise gully erosion and interference with drainage.

• Adequate erosion control structures will be provided on sloping ground such as spur drains or contour banks at suitable intervals.

6.2.3 Commitments

Implement surface water management as per the Environmental Management Plan.

6.3 Groundwater


The project has minimal potential to impact on groundwater quality through spillages of liquid chemicals from the onsite toilet, hydraulic oils and diesel.

There will be no abstraction of groundwater at Tilley Siding. There are no plans to use dangerous chemicals at Tilley Siding. Diesel powered equipment will be used.

Dust suppression water will be obtained from the pit and bore field at Koolanooka and trucked to Tilley Siding. Abstraction of water at Koolanooka is managed by the existing licence (GWL 159255(1)).

6.3.2 Management

Should there be a need for use of “dangerous goods” at Tilley Siding, all aspects of storage, handling and transportation of hazardous and dangerous goods will be conducted in accordance with applicable requirements including the Explosives and Dangerous Goods Act 1961. In particular, any potentially hazardous solid or liquid product or raw material will be stored within suitably bunded areas to prevent leakage of contaminants into the groundwater. Staff will be trained and required to implement appropriate handling procedures for chemicals and be proficient in managing any spills in accordance with appropriate Spill Response procedures for the range of chemicals handled.

6.3.3 Commitments

Midwest will implement the Groundwater Management as per the Environmental Management Plan. Groundwater management will utilise the following methodologies:

• Prevent contamination of groundwater through responsible handling and correct storage of hydrocarbons.

• Ensure continuity of water supplies for farming operations, through engineering design of surface water drainage.

• Establish monitoring and reporting requirements.



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• Blend pit water and bore water to be used for dust suppression to achieve a TDS level of below5000 ppm.

• Midwest will maintain the continuity of farm water supplies if changes in groundwater levels caused by the project adversely affect farming activities. Measures will be taken as appropriate and to the satisfaction of the land owners to minimise the effects of obtaining groundwater for Midwest’s operations.

6.4 Flora and Vegetation


Approximately 0.26 ha of native vegetation will be cleared on the construction area consisting of mature trees and shrubs at the fence lines and some regrowth in the paddock.

An increase in dust generated as a result of the activities at the siding may impact on surrounding vegetation.

6.4.2 Management

Dust control measures will be implemented during the unloading and loading of ore at Tilley Siding, with water sprayed as required from water carts to minimise dust during the loading operations.

Procedures will be implemented to ensure that clearing is restricted only to the amount required for the construction and operation of Tilley Siding.

6.4.3 Commitments

• The Environmental Management Plan details procedures to minimise impact to the existing vegetation at Tilley Siding.

6.5 Vertebrate Fauna


This mining proposal should have no additional impact on vertebrate fauna than already exists. The loading facility is adjacent to an existing and operating railway corridor and public roads and on private land that is mostly cleared and used for agricultural purposes.

6.5.2 Management

Minimise clearing of vegetation (0.26 ha) required to establish the loading facility.

Vehicles and machinery will be parked in designated areas (cleared areas) to minimise habitat damage.

General workforce training and induction will be undertaken to ensure that the workforce understands their potential impact on the fauna in the region. This will include the



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prohibition of: firearms on-site; off road use of recreational vehicles; pets on site; and any unnecessary disturbance of habitat and the capture of fauna.

6.5.3 Commitments

Align fauna management with the Environmental Management Plan.

6.6 Domestic and Industrial Waste Products


The construction and operation of the Project will generate the following types of wastes:

• waste oils, greases and lubricants;

• organic debris;

• general refuse including waste metal, cardboard and packaging;

• sewage; and

• inert waste including excess fill.

6.6.2 Management

Waste generated at Tilley Siding will be disposed of at the Morawa Shire landfill and in accordance with the Environmental Management Plan which will include recycling and appropriate disposal of items that cannot be disposed of locally.

6.6.3 Commitments

To manage waste in accordance with the Environmental Management Plan.

6.7 Hydrocarbon Management

All hydrocarbons on site will be managed to ensure that there is no impact on the environment.

The Environmental Management Plan details the management of Hydrocarbons.

6.8 Dangerous Goods and Hazardous Substances

All hazardous materials used in the transportation process will be transported, stored and handled in accordance with the requirements of the Explosives and Dangerous Goods Act, 1961.

The Environmental Management Plan details the management of dangerous goods and hazardous substances.



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6.9 Dust


The Mid West, in common with many areas in rural Western Australia, may on occasion be subject to high ambient dust levels due to climatic conditions and existing land uses.

Dust may be generated at Tilley Siding from the stockpiles and the movement of vehicles and loading operations. The main access road, lay down and loading areas will be unsealed and subject to dust lift off when dry. The degree of dust generated will depend on climatic conditions and the moisture content of the ground surface during preparation. The nearest residences to Tilley Siding are located 2 km to the west, 2.2 km to the north-west and 4 km to the east. The Morawa racetrack and northern extent of the town site is approximately 1.5 km to the south.

An assessment of the predicted dispersion of dust from the proposed ore handling operations at Tilley Siding was undertaken by Sinclair Knight Merz 2007 (Appendix 6) using the AUSPLUME computer dispersion model. A one year period was used in the assessment, based on predicted operations at the nearby Koolanooka Iron Ore Mine.

The AUSPLUME modelling represents, as near as possible, the maximum forecasted ore handling at Tilley Siding and therefore the maximum dust emission conditions that could be expected to occur. The results represent the maximum potential change in the ground level PM10 concentrations that would occur as a result of the ore handling operations at Tilley Siding.

The model is based on dry weather conditions and assumes that no dust control measures are undertaken at Tilley Siding. This ensures that dust concentration estimates are not conservative.

Based on modelling results it is predicted that the ore handling operations at Tilley Siding in the absence of management regimes will result in an increase in PM10 concentrations in the surrounding area. Dispersion of PM10 emissions will be reduced to acceptable levels by dust control measures implemented at the site as detailed below and in the Dust Management Plan.



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6.9.2 Management

Dust control measures will be implemented to ensure that the NEPM standard is met at all sensitive receptors.

The following key management practices will be adopted as per the Environmental Management Plan to ensure that dust generated from operations at Tilley Siding does not exceed the NEPM standard for PM10 at the nearest sensitive receptors and that short term nuisance dust events do not occur.

• Dust suppression and/or minimisation techniques to be applied at Tilley Siding, including but not limited to, water application to stockpiles and unpaved surfaces.

• Environmentally friendly chemical dust suppressant such as Lignin will be applied to stockpiles and unpaved surfaces if required.

• Visual inspections will be undertaken from the commencement of operations for a defined period of time to determine the effectiveness of dust suppression techniques in accordance with the Environmental Management Plan.

• Complaints will be managed in accordance with the Environmental Management Plan.

Based on the experience of other operators, it is not expected that dust will be generated during the transportation of iron ore by rail. Loads will be treated as required with water to ensure dust generated from the rail transportation of ore is kept to a minimum.

6.9.3 Commitments

Dust control will be managed in accordance with the Environmental Management Plan.

6.10 Gaseous Emissions


Emissions from haulage of iron ore materials form Koolanooka to Geraldton are currently approved by road train under NOI 4888.

Greenhouse gases in the Earth’s atmosphere play a role maintaining global temperature by absorbing infra-red radiation. The International Panel on Climate Change has determined that it is likely that increases in greenhouse gas in the Earth’s atmosphere are implicated in the observed changes in the Earth’s climate. Australia, with 0.3% of the world’s population contributed 1.4% of global greenhouse gases in 1995 (Government of Western Australia, 1997; Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, 1997 and Government of Western Australia, 1998). WA contributed around 11% of national emissions in 1990 and approximately 12% in 1995 (Bond, 2007).

The six greenhouse gases specifically covered by the Kyoto Protocol are carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), perfluorocarbons (CFx), hydrofluorocarbons (HFC), sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) and nitrous oxide (N20). To give a common base for considering the impact of the various gases, they are usually expressed in terms of carbon dioxide



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equivalents, where the potential of each to lead to heating in the atmosphere is expressed as a multiple of the heating potential of carbon dioxide.

Tilley Siding operations will release greenhouse gases, predominantly carbon dioxide directly from fossil fuel consumption. Direct contributions include combustion of diesel fuel from:

• 2 front end loaders;

• 1 water cart (continual use); and

• 1 mobile diesel generator.

The aim of this project is to enable Midwest to comply with the requirement under the Transport Coordination Act to transport iron ore by rail where an existing rail line is within 100 km.

Given the small number of equipment utilised at the siding along with the change in haulage type, Tilley Siding will generate negligible gaseous emissions requiring licensing or conditions of approval.

6.10.2 Management • Energy efficient technology will be selected where practicable and energy

consumption will be considered as a criterion in equipment selection.

• Vegetation clearing will be minimised where practicable, thereby assisting to minimise greenhouse gas emissions from the Project.

• Progressive rehabilitation of open areas will result in partial offsets of emissions over the life of the Project.



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6.11 Noise


Noise likely to be generated at Tilley Siding was modelled using the computer program, Environmental Noise Model and assessed against the Environmental Protection (Noise) Regulations 1997 and Guidance Statement No 14 Road and Rail Transport Noise (EPA 2001) (Appendix 7A and B). Factors such as distance, atmospheric attenuation and worst case meteorological conditions were taken into account to estimate the noise levels at the receivers. The three receivers, residential housing, are shown in Figure 6-1.

Figure 6-1 Residence Locations in Relation to Tilley Siding.

The report considered two different aspects of the Environmental Protection (Noise) Regulations 1997. The first relates to noise emissions from activity within the boundary of the plant (e.g. train loading and road trains driving on private roads inside compound) and are assessed against the Environmental Protection (Noise) Regulations 1997 with reference to the nearest noise sensitive premises. The second relates to the noise impact from the increase in traffic from ore movement on rail and roads and are assessed against Guidance Statement No 14 Road and Rail Transport Noise Assessment (EPA 2001).

Table 6-2 Typical A Weighted Sound Levels for Equipment.

shows the assigned noise levels at the three nearest residences assuming an influencing factor of 0.

Table 6-2 shows the sound levels used in this assessment.

Noise modelling found that the requirements of the Guidance Statement No 14 Road and Rail Transport Noise Assessment (EPA 2001) are met for any noise sensitive premises more than 150 m away from the centre of the railway line. Modelling was conducted assuming



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the train drives by at a speed over 40 km/hr and that there are two trains passing by per time period (e.g. day time, 07:00 to 22:00). Calculations are displayed in Table 6-3.

Table 6-1 Assigned Noise Level at House (H1, H2 and H3) as Defined in the Environmental Protection (Noise) Regulations 1997.

Assigned level (dB) Time of Day LA10 LA1 LAmax

0700 to 1900 hours Monday to Sunday 45 55 65 0900 to 1900 hours Sunday and public holidays 40 50 65 1900 to 2200 hours all days 40 50 55 2200 hrs on any day to 0700 hrs Monday to Sunday 2200 hrs any day to 0900 hrs Sunday and public holidays

35 45 55

Table 6-2 Typical A Weighted Sound Levels for Equipment.

Description Sound Power Level dB(A) Sound Pressure Level dB(A) Road Train Pass-by - 87.7 at 7.5 metres

Loco, 2500 HP “P” class Stationary - 88 at 7.5 metres

Moving at speed above 40km/hr

- 88 at 15 metres

Wagons Moving at speed 60 km/hr 105 (per 10 meter) -

CAT 980 (237 kW) 112 - CAT 950F (guidance only) (98) 92 at 1 metre

In assessing against Guidance Statement No 14 Road and Rail Transport Noise (EPA 2001) it was assumed that there is a current Noise Amenity Rating of N0, ie they have the following noise levels;

• For day time (7:00 to 22:00), LAeqT less than 50dB

• For night time (22:00 to 7:00), LAeqT less than 40dB

Then, the acceptable noise level increase is 4 dB(A) maximum, or the top of the N0 rating.

Table 6-3 presents a summary of the modelled maximum estimated LA10 noise levels at the houses against the noise criterion for the time period considered as defined in the Environmental Protection (Noise) Regulations 1997:

Table 6-3 Estimated max. LA10 Noise Levels at Houses H1 to H3 against the Environmental Protection (Noise) Regulations 1997.

Time of Day Criteria House 1 House 2 House 3 0700 to 1900 hrs Monday to Saturday 45 30.9 39.8 <30 0900 to 1900 hrs Sunday and public holidays 40 30.9 39.8 <30 1900 to 2200 hrs all days 40 30.9 39.8 <30 2200 hrs on any day to 0700 hrs Monday to Saturday 2200 hrs any day to 0900 hrs Sunday and public holidays

35 - - -



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Table 6-4 presents a summary of the worst case scenario LAeq noise levels at the houses over the time period considered for rail transport increase.

Table 6-4 Rail Estimated LAeq Noise Levels at Houses H1 to H3 against EPA Guidance Statement No.14 Noise Increase Criterion.

Time of Day Criteria House 1 House 2 House 3 0700 to 2200 hrs (any days) 50 44.4 45.7 - 2200 hrs on any day to 0700hrs (any days) 40 - - -

Table 6-5 presents a summary of the worst case scenario LAeq at the houses over the time period considered for road transport increase.

Table 6-5 Road estimated LAeq Noise Levels at Houses H1 to H3 against EPA Guidance Statement No.14 Noise Increase Criterion.

Time of Day Criteria House 1 House 2 House 3 0700 to 2200 hrs (any days) 50 - <30 38.7 (36.9) 2200 hrs on any day to 0700hrs (any days) 40 - <30 38.7 (36.9)

From the noise modelling it was determined that the front-end loaders generate the most noise with reference to all three houses, which explains the high LA10 noise levels.

MODELLING ASSUMPTIONS

Noise modelling made the following assumptions:

• Trucking will occur 24 hours a day on a 48 round trips at regular intervals. • Loading activities will occur over a 1.5 hour period between 7:00 and 8:30 and use

two CAT 980 loaders. • Noise data as per Table 6-2. • Two ‘P’ class locomotives with 60 wagons will be utilised, overall length 640 m. • The source of noise from the front-end loaders was a single point source of specified

power level as per manufactures production datasheet. The point source was located near the exhaust outlet at 2 m above the ground and no further than 20 m away from the bund.

• Both FEL’s to be kept at least 300 m away from each other at all times. • FEL are retrofitted with an exhaust muffler which provides at least 10 dB noise

attenuation. • For the bund height matrix sources of noise included:

• 07:00–19:00 - 2 FEL, Train and road train dumping. • 19:00-22:00 - 2 FEL, Train and road train dumping. • Night time - road train dumping only.

• Factors such as distance attenuation, ground reflection and worst case atmospheric conditions (CONCAWE category 6) were used in modelling.


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RECOMMENDATIONS AND FURTHER WORK:

Table 6-6 reviews the recommendations of the VIPAC (2006) report and address what further work Midwest completed and proposed management actions.

Table 6-6 Recommendations and Further Work.

Recommendation Further work / Modelling Management Proposed

The nosiest activity should be re-scheduled to start after 7 am (9am Sunday and public holidays) in order to avoid the night time penalty. The Environmental Protection (Noise) Regulations 1997 night time noise level criteria would then be satisfied with reference to House 3.

None. Environmental Management Plan to contain the following commitments:

• Construction activities will be limited, where possible, to between the hours of 0700 - 1900 on any day except Sundays and Public Holidays. Work will be carried out in accordance with Section 6 of AS2436-1981.

• When two front end loaders are operating at the same time they must be kept 300 m apart.

• Activities, such as front end loading activities, train loading, train arrival, idling and trucking shall be scheduled to day time periods.

The dominant noise is from the front-end loaders therefore their noise levels should be controlled. They will have to be reduced by at least 7 dB (or 4 dB for each loader) to satisfy the daytime criterion. This could be achieved by fitting improved exhaust

Midwest to investigate ways to reduce noise levels of the front-end loaders. This will include, sourcing front-end loaders with silencers on

• Midwest has carried out further noise modelling of bund height. Results are detailed below.

• Midwest will source equipment that has silencers on mufflers.



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silencers. Using only one loader would reduce noise by 3 dB.

mufflers.

Midwest will also investigate reducing tonality of equipment, especially the utilisation of broadband beepers on front-end loaders.

• Exhaust mufflers can be retrofitted to the CAT 980H that are quoted, by the manufacture, to provide a noise reduction of 15 to 18 dB. VIPAC suggest that this reduction relates to exhaust noise only and therefore must be cautions and assume that exhaust noise is not necessarily dominating the overall noise level by this amount. VIPAC suggest that this can translate to an overall reduction of 10 dB.

• Midwest will commit to using broadband sound alarms on front-end loaders. Midwest will research further companies to source and pricing of equipment. For further information see below.

The assessments were performed based on estimated noise levels and might therefore over estimate the noise impact on the neighbouring residences. A noise survey, particularly on front-end loaders, would allow VIPAC to refine this assessment.

Noise monitoring will be conducted during the operations. Midwest prefers to be conservative and over estimate values.

See noise monitoring section of the Tilley Siding Environmental Management Plan.



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NOISE BARRIERS:

The reduction of noise emissions from front-end loaders was modelled to determine most appropriate stockpile bund height to ensure compliance with the Environmental Protection (Noise) Regulations 1997 (Report in Appendix 8).

The report considered front-end loader noise emissions, where the noise source was assumed as a point located near the exhaust outlet at two metres above the ground and no further than 20 m away from the bund. For road trains, it was assumed that the noise source was a point located near the exhaust outlet at two metres above the ground and no further than two metres away from the bund. The noise matrix is displayed in Table 6-7.

Table 6-7 Noise Matrix for Minimum Bund Height.

House 2 House 1 Bund

Height (metres)

07:00 to 19:00

19:00 to 22:00 or 9:00

to 19:00 (Sunday and

public holidays)

Night Time 07:00 to 19:00

19:00 to 22:00 or 9:00

to 19:00 (Sunday and

public holidays)

Night Time

Criteria 45 40 35 45 40 35 3 39.8 39.8 <30 30.9 30.9 <30

2.5 40.8 40.8 <30 31.9 31.9 <30 2 41.8 41.8 <30 32.9 32.9 <30

*07:00 to 19:00 – Included noise from front-end loaders, trains and road trains

*19:00 to 22:00 or 9:00 to 19:00 - Included noise from front-end loaders, trains and road train.

*Night Time – Noise from road train only

REVERSING BEEPERS:

Kalgoorlie Consolidated Gold Mines are currently trialling broadband sound alarms and smart beepers as an alternative to the normal reversing beepers found on mine sites. The broadband beepers sound a ‘shh…shh…shh’ sound compared with the ‘beep beep’ of normal beepers. This change in sound ensures a lower tonality. From discussions with KCGM environmental officers (M. Berryman, Per. comm.) the trial suggests that the tonality of the beepers is reduced and noise travels less far. Testing has shown that over a distance of 500 m the following results are observed:

Normal reversing beeper: 53 dB

Smart alarm beepers: 50dB

Broadband beeper (Heavy duty): 48dB

The use of broadband beepers on front-end loaders will reduce the tonality noise output of each front-end loader by 5 dB, thus meeting the recommendations of VIPAC.



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6.11.2 Management

CONSTRUCTION OF THE RAIL LOADING FACILITY

Construction activities will be limited to between the hours of 0700 - 1900 except Sundays and Public Holidays. Work will be carried out in accordance with Section 6 of AS2436-1981: Guide to Noise Control on Construction, Maintenance and Demolition Sites. The noise control practices specified in this Standard are in summary as follows:

(i) Control noise at source by:

• Use of broad band reversing beepers that will reduce the tonality and the effective noise by 5 dB over 500 m.

• Exhaust mufflers will be retrofitted to the CAT 980H which are quoted to provide a noise reduction of 10 dB.

• Use and siting of equipment. Regular and effective maintenance of equipment.

(ii) All on road licensed equipment operated on the site will comply with Australian Design Rule (ADR) 28/01. Earthmoving equipment will be required not to exceed a sound power level of 120 dB(A) wherever practicable.

(iii) The equipment used on site will be the quietest reasonably available.

(iv) Occupiers of the nearest noise sensitive premises will be notified that earthworks and construction are about to commence at least 24 hours prior to the commencement.

A Complaints Register will be maintained during the construction phase of the project that will record any complaints received, date, nature and resolution action undertaken.

OPERATION OF RAIL LOADING FACILITY

The following management practices will be adopted as needed to ensure the operations at Tilley Siding complies with the Environmental Protection (Noise) Regulations 1997:

• Design and layout of the facility, including noise bunds (if required) to a minimum of three metres and strategic placement of stockpiles to create barriers between mobile plant noise and nearby residences for night-time operation.

• Undertake acoustic treatment of the front-end loader, including use of broad band reversing beepers that will reduce the tonality and the effective noise by 5 dB over 500 m and modify noisy equipment with silencers, for example silencers on mufflers and exhausts.

• The design of the transfer facility will minimise the need for the shunting of rail wagons with the loaders moving progressively along the length of the train, rather than the rail wagons being moved.



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• Onsite noise monitoring of the front-end loader to determine the actual noise level and treatment required.

• Onsite and offsite noise monitoring of the operations to determine compliance with the Environmental Protection (Noise) Regulations 1997 will be undertaken prior to commencing night time operations.

• Where and if required double glaze the windows of affected residences.

• Alignment with the Environmental Management Plan.

6.11.3 Commitments

Midwest will ensure that noise levels generated at Tilley Siding comply with the Environmental Protection (Noise) Regulations 1997.



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7.0 SOCIAL IMPACTS

7.1 Heritage

There are no heritage sites associated with Tilley Siding.

7.1.1 Commitments

Midwest will ensure staff and contractors are aware of their obligations to report any additional archaeological sites encountered during the development to their supervisor, to enable reporting as required under Section 15 of the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972.

7.2 Land Use and Community

Surrounding land use is predominantly sheep and wheat farming.

The Town of Morawa is immediately South of the siding.

7.3 Social Environment

A public meeting was held in Morawa on 6 December 2006 and was attended by 24 people. There was general community support for the project. Some concern was raised by the owner of the closest residence regarding noise and dust emissions.

Issues raised by the landowners related to management of surface water runoff as well as noise and dust impacts. Midwest has committed to ensuring that any changes in surface water runoff resulting from the project will not adversely impact surrounding land. Midwest has also committed to ensure their operations comply with all relevant Guidelines and Regulations.

7.4 Workforce Induction and Training

All employees will undergo induction and training in accordance with the Environmental Management System that is being developed.



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8.0 CLOSURE

8.1 Post Rail Land Use

A final Closure Plan will be developed prior to the cessation of activities at Tilley Siding. The Closure Plan will meet the requirements of the landowner and the Transport Authority and will include a description of closure activities, maps showing locations of significance, photographic record, outcomes of the rehabilitation plan and ultimate landforms.

8.2 Rehabilitation

Midwest will lease the freehold land adjoining the rail easement at Tilley Siding for its iron ore stockpile and loading facility. The landowner has requested that, following its use for iron ore stockpiles, the land be rehabilitated with suitable trees with the objective of managing salt/groundwater levels. Landowner acceptance is noted in Appendix 3.

The rail easement at Tilley Siding will be rehabilitated in accordance with the requirements of the Transport Authority and any decision making authority.

8.2.1 Management

Rehabilitation Management will be addressed in the Environmental Management Plan and be developed for the rehabilitation of the Rail Loading Facility and the stockpile area at Tilley Siding. The rehabilitation plan will address the requirements of the Transport Authority and the landowner of freehold land leased to Midwest.

The objective of the rehabilitation at Tilley Siding will be the management of groundwater levels and associated dryland salinity through revegetation with appropriate species.

Topsoil will be removed from Tilley Siding and placed in a designated area, identified by appropriate signage. Topsoil stockpiles will be as low as possible (maximum height of 3 m).

Topsoil will be re-spread to a minimum depth of 100 mm following deep ripping (approximately 1 m) on the contour. Shallow ripping will be undertaken as appropriate. The area will be planted/seeded with tree and shrub species to manage groundwater levels and control salinity.

Permanent monitoring points will be established for rehabilitation areas where a planting schedule has been implemented. Photographic records, taken prior to disturbance of the area, will be used as baseline data for comparative purposes. These records will be updated annually (at the same time each year eg. spring) to monitor the progress of the rehabilitation program.

8.2.2 Commitments

Rehabilitation management will be in accordance with the Environmental Management Plan. The Environmental Management Plan includes the Rail Loading Facility and Stockpile area at Tilley Siding and the ore stockpile area at Koolanooka Mine site and prescribes management measures to ensure that the land is returned to a sustainable end use. These measures will include: implementation of rehabilitation methods and procedures for



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topsoil management, species selection, weed eradication, erosion control and surface water diversion. The Plan will comply with the requirements of the Transport Authority, private landowner and tenement or licence conditions as applicable.

8.3 Strategic Framework for Closure

A Closure Plan will be developed as part of the DSO PER and will cover Tilley Siding. The Plan will be in accordance with the Australian and New Zealand Minerals and Energy Council (ANZMEC) and the Minerals Council of Australia’s strategic framework for mine closure.



9.0 CONCLUSION Midwest is seeking approval for the construction of a new rail siding, Tilley Siding, on General Purpose Leases 70/221 and 70/213.

In summary:

• The construction of Tilley Siding will assist Midwest to comply with the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure requirement in the Mid West to transport iron ore by rail where an existing rail line is within 100 km.

• The Tilley Siding site has been selected to minimise the disturbance to native vegetation while maximising utilisation of current infrastructure.

• Dust and noise impacts are the main concerns with the project.

• The main impacts that have been identified through consultation and the EIA process relate to dust and noise.

• Midwest commit to ‘Environmental best practice’ for the design and operation of Tilley Siding.

• Midwest has developed an environmental management plan to address dust and noise impacts during operations. Modelling indicates that these management plans will allow the project to comply with air quality and noise standards.

• Onsite and offsite noise monitoring of the operations to determine compliance with the Environmental Protection (Noise) Regulations 1997 will be undertaken prior to commencing night time operations.

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8.0 REFERENCES ATA Environmental (2004) Notice of Intent Transportation of Stockpiled Fines from Koolanooka Iron Ore Mine to Geraldton Port.

Bond, K (2007) Greenhouse Gas Assessment. Koolanooka/Blue Hills Remnant Direct Shipping Iron Ore (DSO) Mining Project. Prepared for ecologia Environment.

Ecologia Environment (2006) Midwest Corporation Limited Clearing Permit Investigation.

Rockwater, 2006. Results of Groundwater Exploration Drilling at Koolanooka and Blue Hills. Rockwater, October 2006.

Sinclair Knight Merz (2006) Tilley Siding Dust Modelling and Impact Assessment.

Vipac (2006) Acoustic Assessment for Tilley Siding.

VIPAC (2007) Bund height Noise Matrix for Tilley Siding.

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See attached CD for the following Appendices:

APPENDIX 1: DECLARED RARE FLORA ASSESSMENT, ECOLOGIA, SEPTEMBER 2006

APPENDIX 2: FAUNA REPORT, ECOLOGIA, 2007

APPENDIX 3: CORRESPONDENCE FROM LANDOWNER REGARDING REHABILITATION OF LAND AT TILLEY SIDING

APPENDIX 4: ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN.

APPENDIX 5: TILLEY SIDING DUST MODELLING AND IMPACT ASSESSMENT, SKM 2006.

APPENDIX 6A: ACOUSTIC ASSESSMENT FOR TILLEY SIDING, VIPAC 2007.

APPENDIX 6B: ACOUSTIC ASSESSMENT FOR TILLEY SIDING - REMODELLING VIPAC MARCH 2007.

APPENDIX 7: NOISE BARRIER MODELLING, VIPAC, 2007.

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