Bulga Coal Development Consent SSD 4960 modification application

BULGACOAL

Bulga Open Cut is currently preparing an application to modify our development consent (SSD 4960) for the Eastern Emplacement Area. The proposed modification includes slightly changed overburden emplacement areas and in pit tailing emplacement. It does not include changed mining areas or annual extraction rates. The modification reduces the infrastructure required to operate the Bulga Open cut with very similar environmental impacts including reduced dust emissions.

With the completion of the realignment of Broke Road and road and rail overpasses, we are now able to place overburden in the Eastern Emplacement Area. The overburden will come from the East Pit which is the area that will mine through the old Broke Road.

Bulga Coal has reached an agreement with the Mushroom Composters to place overburden behind their facility. The material that was going to be dumped in the northern emplacement area (marked on the figure overleaf as Relinquished Eastern Emplacement Area) would be placed in the new area (marked on the figure as Proposed Eastern Emplacement Area).

It will remove the need for a haul road overpass over the mushroom composter access. The mushroom facility will remain where it is and continue to operate as usual. Noise, air quality, ecological and visual impact assessments have been undertaken and are largely the same as the currently approved Project.

Tailings EmplacementWith the hiatus of mining of the Bulga Underground towards the end of 2017 using the underground workings to store tailings is problematic. As such Bulga Coal is now seeking approval to store tailings in additional areas within the open cut pit as shown on the figure over the page. The proposed tailings emplacement will ultimately be covered by the final landform.

TimeframeEnvironmental studies and the corresponding Statement of Environmental Effects is planned to be submitted to Department of Planning & Environment in May 2016.

For more information please contact Ralph Northey, Environment & Community Manager, Bulga Coal (02) 6570 2539 or Ralph.Northey@glencore.com.au

ASSESSMENTS:NoiseNoise modelling for the proposed Eastern Emplacement Area indicates that any change in noise emissions from the currently approved emplacement area will be minor and not exceed any relevant criteria.

Air Quality Modelling of air quality impacts has found predicted maximum 24-hour PM10 to be below limits in the current Development Consent, and below predictions in the original Environmental Assessment. In some locations, a reduction of up to 30% is predicted.

Ecology Bulga Coal has worked hard throughout the preparation of the Eastern Emplacement Area modification to ensure that a not net loss scenario for endangered ecological communities is achieved. To that end the proposed overburden emplacement area does not change the area of the critically endangered ecological communities cleared than is currently approved.

Archaeology Three heritage sites will need to be salvaged in consultation with Registered Aboriginal Groups prior to construction of the Eastern Emplacement Area. These sites include two previously recorded site complexes and one new isolated find.

SoilsA Biophysical Strategic Agricultural Land Assessment (BSAL) was undertaken on the area. The assessment found that the area did not meet the NSW Government definition of BSAL.

Visual ImpactA visual impact assessment has not identified any increased visual exposure along the Mitchel Line Road and slightly reduce visual exposure from Broke Road adjacent to proposed relinquished overburden emplacement area.

Bulga Open Cut – Eastern Emplacement Area Modification