Woodlawn Mine Site Environmental Monitoring Plan...2019/01/30 · Environmental Monitoring Plan. 2...

Heron Resources Limited Woodlawn Zinc – Copper Project

Copyright 2018 Heron Resources Limited. All rights reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced by any means or in any form without the express permission in writing of Heron Res ources Limited.

Woodlawn Mine Site Environmental Monitoring Plan

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Document Owner: Jeffrey Lewis Authorised By: Brian Hearne

Doc. ID: TOP-SSE-MAN-0052 Rev No: 0 Date Issued: 30/01/2019 Date Printed: 31/01/2019 of 29

TABLE OF CONTENT

1 PURPOSE ................................................................................................................................ 4

1.1 Management Plans associated with the EMS .............................................................................. 4

2 SCOPE ..................................................................................................................................... 5

3 APPROVALS, LICENCES, PERMITS AND LEASES ....................................................................... 5

4 AUDIT, INSPECTION, REPORT AND REVIEW SCHEDULES ........................................................ 6

5 METEORLOGICAL .................................................................................................................... 6

5.1 Weather station .......................................................................................................................... 6

5.2 Weather reporting requirements ................................................................................................ 7

6 WATER RESOURCES ................................................................................................................ 7

6.1 Ground Water ............................................................................................................................. 7

6.1.1 Groundwater monitoring sites ........................................................................................................... 7 6.1.2 Groundwater monitoring pollutants – compliance monitoring ........................................................... 8 6.1.3 Groundwater monitoring– additional monitoring sites ....................................................................... 9 6.1.4 Groundwater sample collection method ............................................................................................ 9 6.1.5 Sample bottle labelling requirement ................................................................................................ 10 6.1.6 Additional across-site groundwater collection points ....................................................................... 10 6.1.7 Data recording.and reporting .......................................................................................................... 11

6.2 Surface Water ........................................................................................................................... 11

6.2.1 Surface water parameters to be tested ............................................................................................ 12 6.2.2 Surface water sample collection method ......................................................................................... 12 6.2.3 Data recording.and reporting .......................................................................................................... 13

7 NOISE MONITORING ............................................................................................................ 13

7.1 Noise assessment Criteria ......................................................................................................... 13

7.2 Noise monitoring locations ....................................................................................................... 14

7.2.1 Data recording.and reporting .......................................................................................................... 14

8 BLASTING OVERPRESSURE/GROUND VIBRATION MONITORING ......................................... 15


9 AIR QUALITY ......................................................................................................................... 15

9.1 Depositional Dust ...................................................................................................................... 16

9.2 High volume air sampler ........................................................................................................... 16


10 LAND MANAGEMENT ........................................................................................................... 17

10.1 Flora management .................................................................................................................... 18

10.2 Fauna management .................................................................................................................. 18

10.3 Erosion and sediment control ................................................................................................... 19

10.4 Invasive plant species management .......................................................................................... 19

10.5 Invasive animal species management ........................................................................................ 19

11 REFERENCES ......................................................................................................................... 20

11.1 External documents or legislative .............................................................................................. 20

11.2 Related Heron Environmental Management Plans .................................................................... 21

12 READ AND UNDERSTOOD DOCUMENT REQUIREMENTS ...................................................... 22

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13 APPENDICES ......................................................................................................................... 23

Appendix 1 – Definitions .................................................................................................................... 24

Appendix 2 – Roles and Responsibilities ............................................................................................. 25

Appendix 3 – Example COC ................................................................................................................ 26

Appendix 4 – Groundwater Field Data Sheet ...................................................................................... 27

Appendix 5 – Surface water field data sheet ...................................................................................... 28

Appendix 6 – Noise monitoring field data sheet ................................................................................. 29

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1. Sample bottles to be used for groundwater sampling ........................................................ 10

LIST OF TABLES Table 1. Environmental monitoring program ...................................................................................... 5

Table 2. List of compliance audit, inspections and reporting schedules ............................................... 6

Table 3. Meteorological station data .................................................................................................. 6

Table 4. Groundwater monitoring sites .............................................................................................. 8

Table 5. Groundwater parameters to be tested quarterly ................................................................... 8

Table 6. Groundwater parameters to be tested annually .................................................................... 8

Table 7. Additional groundwater monitoring sites .............................................................................. 9

Table 8. Parameters for additional groundwater monitoring points.................................................... 9

Table 9. Veolia compliance monitoring - groundwater sites.............................................................. 11

Table 10. Surface water collection points ......................................................................................... 12

Table 11. Surface water laboratory testing parameters .................................................................... 12

Table 12: Noise Criteria dB(A) .......................................................................................................... 13

Table 13: Applicable Meteorological Conditions ............................................................................... 13

Table 14: Noise Monitoring Locations .............................................................................................. 14

Table 15. Objectives and Key Performance Indicators for Air Quality Management .......................... 15

Table 16. Deposited dust criteria ...................................................................................................... 16

Table 17. Long term criteria for particulate matter ........................................................................... 16

Table 18. Short term criteria for particulate matter .......................................................................... 16

Table 19. Locations of LFA monitoring sites. ..................................................................................... 17

Table 20. Sediment control monitoring regime ................................................................................ 19

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1 PURPOSE The Woodlawn mine site is operated by Heron Resources Limited (Heron). Project Approval 07-0143 was issued on 4 July 2013. Subsequent modifications have been received on 22 April 2016 and 6 July 2017. The Project Approval (PA) is subject to the following Conditions:

Prevent, minimize, and/or offset adverse environmental impacts;

Set standards and performance measures for acceptable environmental performance;

Require regular monitoring and reporting; and

Provide for the ongoing environmental management of the project.

Condition 1 of Schedule 6 of the Project Approval (07_0143) requires that an Environmental Management Strategy (EMS) be implemented within 12 months of the approval. In August 2018 the EMS was updated. The purpose of the EMS is to:

Provide the strategic framework for the environmental management of the project;

Identify the statutory approvals that apply to the project;

Describe the role, responsibility, authority and accountability of all key personnel involved in the environmental management of the project;

Describe the procedures that would be implemented to: o Keep the local community and relevant agencies informed about the operation and

environmental performance of the project; o Receive, handle, respond to, and record complaints; o Resolve any disputes that may arise during the course of the project; o Respond to any non-compliance; o Respond to emergencies; and Include o Copies of any strategies, plans and programs approved under the conditions of this approval;

and o A clear plan depicting all the monitoring required to be carried out under the conditions of this

approval.

The Woodlawn Mine – Environmental Management Strategy provides the strategic framework for the environmental management of the Woodlawn Mine project. This Environmental Monitoring Plan details the documented procedures for monitoring and measuring the environmental impact of the Project.

1.1 Management Plans associated with the EMS

The Woodlawn Mine operates alongside a suite of operational management plans which provide the overarching framework for the management of Woodlawn Mine.

These include:

Construction Environmental Management Plan;

Community Engagement Plan;

Pollution Incident Response Management Plan

Extraction Plan;

Noise and Blasting Management Plan;

Air Quality Management Plan;

Water Management Plan, including: Site Water Balance, Surface Water Management Plan, Groundwater Management Plan, Surface and Groundwater Response Plan;

Vegetation and Rehabilitation Management Plan (incorporating the Tailings Management Strategy, Vegetation Management Plan and Rehabilitation Management Plan);

Heritage Management Plan;

Transport Management Plan, including Road Transport Protocol;

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Paste Fill Management Plan;

Waste Rock Management Plan; and

Environmental Monitoring Plan.

2 SCOPE The Woodlawn Mine - Environmental Monitoring Plan details the program of environmental monitoring to be undertaken to achieve compliance with the Project Approval Conditions and Schedules. Key elements of the Plan are summarised in Table 1. The monitoring detailed in each section meets the minimum requirements for compliance with the Project Approval and EPL Licence. Where applicable, details of additional monitoring undertaken by TOP for the management of the mine operation are also indicated in this Plan. Table 1. Environmental monitoring program

Parameter Construction Operational Post Closure Section

Meteorological ✔ ✔ 5

Water 6

Groundwater ✔ ✔ 6.1

Surface water ✔ ✔ 0

Noise ✔ ✔ 7

Vibration and overpressure

✔ 8

Air Quality ✔ ✔ ✔ 9

Land management ✔ ✔ 10

Flora ✔ ✔ 10.1

Fauna 10.2

Erosion and sediment control

✔ ✔ ✔ 10.3

Weed control ✔ ✔ Error! Reference

source not found.

Pest control ✔ ✔ Error! Reference

source not found.

Bushfire management

✔ ✔ ✔ 12.5

3 APPROVALS, LICENCES, PERMITS AND LEASES The following approvals and licences have been obtained for the operation of Woodlawn Mine:

Project Approval 07_0153 Modification 2, July 2017

Environmental Protection Licence No. 20821 version date 18 January 2019 (anniversary date 29 March)

Special (Crown and Private Lands) Lease 20 (Act 1969) – Approved 15 August 2013, Expiry 16 November 2029

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4 AUDIT, INSPECTION, REPORT AND REVIEW SCHEDULES The key audit, inspection, reporting and review schedules essential for compliance criteria set in the Project Approval 07_0153 Modification 2, and Environmental Protection Licence No. 20821 are summarised in Table 2.

Table 2. List of compliance audit, inspections and reporting schedules

Audit/inspection/report Frequency Next due Responsibility

Dam Surveillance Report Every 2 ½ years Nov 2020 Qualified dams safety consultant

Dam surveillance inspections

Annually June each year

Qualified dams safety consultant

Dam monitoring Monthly/Weekly (based on trigger points

Each month Environmental Officer

EPA Annual Return Annually May each year

Environmental Officer

Annual Review –Department of Planning and Environment

Annually 1st September each year

Environmental Manager/Environmental Officer

Independent Environmental Audit

Every 3 years September 2021

Independent Auditor

Monthly environmental report posted on Heron Web Site

Monthly Each month Environmental Officer

Rehabilitation Report NSW Department of Planning and Environment, Resource Regulator

Annually Nov each year


5 METEORLOGICAL

5.1 Weather station

Access to meteorological data is provided by Veolia who operate a meteorological station on the EPL 11436 premises at location E734922 N6117469. The weather station records the parameters listed in Table 3.

Table 3. Meteorological station data

Parameter Unit of measure Averaging period Frequency

Average wind speed m/s 1 hour Continuous

Average wind direction Deg 1 hour Continuous

Temperature at 10m Kelvin and oC 1 hour Continuous

Temperature at 2 m Kelvin and oC 1 hour Continuous

Solar radiation W/m2 1 hour Continuous

Rainfall mm 24 hours Continuous

Barometric pressure Hpa 1 hour Continuous

Evapotranspiration mm 1 hour Continuous

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5.2 Weather reporting requirements

Weather is reported as follows:

The Summary of Environmental Monitoring Data that is reported monthly and available on the HR website http://www.heronresources.com.au/woodlawn-environment-monitoring.php

EPL Annual Return

Annual Review prepared in accordance with Condition 4 of Schedule 6 of the Project Approval

6 WATER RESOURCES Water monitoring is undertaken to monitor potential impacts of the Project on the environment. The Project Approval requires that all ground and surface water resources be monitored periodically. Schedule 4, Condition 4 of the Project Approval requires the proponent to prepare and implement a Water Management Plan. The Woodlawn Mine - Water Management Plan (2017) and the EPA licence number 20821 contain specific details of the water monitoring requirements.

6.1 Ground Water

The Woodlawn Mine - Water Management Plan revised August 2017 details the criteria for ground water monitoring as follows:

Baseline data of all groundwater levels, yield and quality of any privately-owned groundwater bores that could be affected by the project;

Groundwater assessment criteria;

Definition of areas of existing groundwater contamination;

A program to monitor: o Existing groundwater contamination identified on the site; o Impacts on the groundwater supply of potentially affected landowners; o The volume of groundwater inflow into the underground workings; o Regional groundwater levels and quality in potentially affected aquifers; o Potential groundwater quality impacts from paste fill operations; o Potential acid rock drainage; o Potential seepage from tailings and evaporation dams; o The effectiveness of the seepage collection, treatment and storage system associated with the

tailings dams, waste rock dumps, evaporation dams and all other water storages that receive contaminated or salt-laden water; and

o Reporting procedures for the results of the monitoring program.

6.1.1 Groundwater monitoring sites

The Woodlawn mine has a network of over 50 monitoring bores and piezometers which monitor the tailings dams, evaporation dams, waste rock dump and plant / processing / administration areas. In accordance with the requirements detailed in EPL 20821 a number of groundwater monitoring sites are required to be tested for the purpose of monitoring and/or the setting of limits for discharges of pollutants to water from the point. The groundwater monitoring points are listed in Table 4.

http://www.heronresources.com.au/woodlawn-environment-monitoring.php

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Table 4. Groundwater monitoring sites

EPA site Identification number

Location description Frequency

11 MB4 - East side of void, Near DG22 Quarterly

12 MB5 - South face of waste rock dump Quarterly

13 MB6 – Adjacent to mine entry Quarterly

14 MB8 – Adjacent to Collector Road and downstream of proposed processing plant site

Quarterly

15 MB12 – Below ED2 dam wall Quarterly

16 MB13 – Western premises boundary Quarterly

17 MB14 – Background ground water Quarterly 18 MB15 – To measure seepage from

rehabilitated waste rock dump Quarterly

21 MB11 – Below ED2 dam wall Quarterly

22 MB16 – To measure seepage from rehabilitated waste rock dump

Quarterly

23 MB17 – To measure seepage from rehabilitated waste rock dump

Quarterly

6.1.2 Groundwater monitoring pollutants – compliance monitoring

Groundwater parameters detailed in EPL 20821 to be tested each quarter using samples of groundwater are listed in Table 5.

Table 5. Groundwater parameters to be tested quarterly

Pollutant Unit of measurement Comments

Alkalinity (as CaCO3) Milligrams per litre

Total Al, As, Ba, Cd, Ca, Cl, Co, Cr, Cu, F, Pb, Mg, Mn, Hg, K, Na, S, Zn

Milligrams per litre Total metals

Nitrate, Nitrite, Nitrogen (ammonia) Milligrams per litre pH Electrical Conductivity (EC) Total dissolved solids (TDS) Total organic carbon (TOC)

pH Microsiemens per centimetre Milligrams per litre milligrams per litre

Standing water level metre In situ

Groundwater parameters detailed in EPL 20821 to be tested annually are listed in Table 6.

Table 6. Groundwater parameters to be tested annually


Chromium (hexavalent) Millligrams per litre

Benzene, Ethyl Benzene, Toluene, Xylene (BTEXN)

Milligrams per litre

Organochlorine pesticides (OCP), Organophosphate pesticides (OPP), Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPH), Total Phenolics

Milligrams per litre

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6.1.3 Groundwater monitoring– additional monitoring sites

In addition to the groundwater sample collection points detailed in EPL 20821, Heron Resources also monitors the standing water level and water quality in additional bores located across the Site as summarised in Table 7.

Table 7. Additional groundwater monitoring sites

Site identification Site description Frequency

NTP2 North Tailings Dam East wall Bi-annually

SP3C North Tailings Dam East wall Bi-annually

ETP8 North Tailings Dam East wall Bi-annually SP11B North Tailings Dam East Wall Bi-annually

E3 South Tailings Dam South Wall Bi-annually

F1 South Tailings Dam South Wall Bi-annually

F7 South Tailings Dam South Wall Bi-annually

X1 South Tailings Dam East Wall Bi-annually

X2 South Tailings Dam East Wall Bi-annually

Y1 South Tailings Dam East Wall Bi-annually

Z1 South Tailings Dam South Wall Bi-annually

MB21D East of South Tailing Dam Quarterly

MB22S East of South Tailing Dam Quarterly

MB19 West of Evaporation Dam 2 Quarterly

MB20 West of Evaporation Dam 2 Quarterly

Parameters to be tested for the additional groundwater monitoring sites (paragraph 6.1.3) are detailed in Table 8.

Table 8. Parameters for additional groundwater monitoring points


Alkalinity (as CaCO3) Milligrams per litre

Total Al, As, Ba, Cd, Ca, Cl, Co, Cr, Cu, F, Pb, Mg, Mn, Hg, K, Na, S, Zn

Milligrams per litre Total metals

Nitrate, Nitrite, Nitrogen (ammonia) Milligrams per litre

pH Electrical Conductivity (EC) Total dissolved solids (TDS) Total organic carbon (TOC)

pH Microsiemens per centimetre Milligrams per litre milligrams per litre

Standing water level metre In situ

6.1.4 Groundwater sample collection method

The method used for collecting ground water samples for the annual suite of parameters (Table 6) is as follows:

(1.) Measure height of water in stand pipe;

(2.) Measure depth to base of monitoring bore;

(3.) Calculate volume of water to purge;

(4.) Purge the bore (slow recharge bores to be purged and left to recharge over night until

sufficient volume is extracted);

(5.) Extract water sample;

(6.) Undertake field analysis for each bucket of water obtained for pH, EC, DO, ORP, Temperature.

Record for each bucket full of water obtained;

(7.) Collect samples in the ALS sample bottles as indicated in Figure 1;

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Figure 1. Sample bottles to be used for groundwater sampling

(8.) Store in cooler box with ice blocks until stored in a purpose dedicated fridge; and

(9.) Prepare a COC to be transported with sample(s) to the Laboratory (example COC at Appendix

3).

6.1.5 Sample bottle labelling requirement

Sample bottles are to be labelled as follows:

Client/Reference: Heron Resources

Sampled by: Sampler (s) initials

Sample ID: HR_SML_site id_YYMMDD

Date/Time: Date and time sample is collected

Details on the sample label are to be the same as the field data sheet and COC documentation.

6.1.6 Additional across-site groundwater collection points

Veolia operate under the provisions of EPL 11436 and are required to monitor a number of groundwater monitoring points. The Veolia groundwater points providing information important to HR and commonly reported in the HR AR are detailed in Table 9. Veolia provide monitoring results as required. Frequency of sampling details are contained in EPL 11436 with some parameters monitored annually and others quarterly.

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Table 9. Veolia compliance monitoring - groundwater sites

Site ID Location Frequency

MB1 Near bore field water tank Annually/Quarterly

MB2 Woodlawn farm entrance Annually/Quarterly

MB3 Woodlawn farm behind yards Annually/Quarterly

MB7 Between core shed and MBTF Annually/Quarterly

MB10 ED1 below dam wall Annually/Quarterly

ED3B ED3 Annually/Quarterly

WM1 Top of void Annually/Quarterly

WM5 Above Woodlawn Dam Annually/Quarterly

WM6 Near pond 4 evaporators Annually/Quarterly

MW8S Between ED1 and ED3 Annually/Quarterly

MW8D East of ED3 Annually/Quarterly

MW9S Between ED1 and ED3 Annually/Quarterly

MW10S SE of ED1 Annually/Quarterly

6.1.7 Data recording.and reporting

For each sample, field data and observations are recorded on a field data sheet (appendix 3). The field data sheet includes:

Sample date, time;

Depth to water, bore base and calculation for volume of water to be removed from a bore;

Field measurements for pH, conductivity, DO, ORP, Temp and comments;

Field data reports are filed together with hard copies of the lab reports. Electronic copies of reports are also retained.

Groundwater results are reported as follows:

EPA Annual Return, and

Annual Review prepared in accordance with Condition 4 of Schedule 6 of the Woodlawn Project Approval.

6.2 Surface Water

The Woodlawn Mine - Water Management Plan (August 2017) details the management strategy for surface water. The surface water monitoring requirements contained in the PA for the operational phase of the projects are as follows:

Baseline data on surface water flow and quality in natural waterbodies that could be affected by the project;

a program to monitor: o the effectiveness of the water management system; o surface water flows, quality and impacts on other water users; o potential acid rock drainage from the waste rock dumps; and o potential seepage from tailings and evaporation dams.

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The surface water sample collection points detailed in EPL 20821 are listed in Table 10

Table 10. Surface water collection points

EPA site ID No Location description Frequency

6 Site 115 - Allianoyonyiga Ck Quarterly

7 Site 105 - Crisps Creek Quarterly

8 Site 100 – Woodlawn/Willaroo boundary South, (below waste rock dam)

Quarterly

9 Site 109 – Pylara Boundary below South Tailings Dam

Quarterly

10 Site 300 – Processing plant pollution control dam – Final dam below new processing facility

Quarterly

19 Evaporation Dam 2 (ED2) Quarterly

20 Tailings Storage Facility 4 (TSF 4) Quarterly

24 Mine water monitoring at the discharge point into the holding dam being used at the time of monitoring

Monthly

6.2.1 Surface water parameters to be tested

Parameters detailed in EPL 20821 to be analysed each quarter using grab samples of surface water listed in Table 11.

Table 11. Surface water laboratory testing parameters

Pollutant Unit of measurement

BOD Milligrams per litre

pH pH

Electrical Conductivity Microsiemens per centimeter

Dissolved Oxygen Millligrams per litre

Nitrogen (ammonia) Milligrams per litre

Potassium Milligrams per litre

Redox potential Milligrams per litre Total dissolved solids (TDS) Milligrams per litre

Total organic carbon (TOC), Milligrams per litre

6.2.2 Surface water sample collection method

Samples are obtained using a clean plastic container attached to an extension pole and collected into a clean bucket. Field analysis for pH, EC, DO, ORP, Temperature using a multi parameter meter and a visual assessment of the water quality is to be recorded on a field data sheet (Appendix 5). The water sample is to be decanted into two clearly labelled one litre plastic bottle (Figure 1). Whilst in the field, the bottles are to be kept cool in a cooler box with ice blocks. If longer term storage is necessary samples should be stored in a refrigerator. During transport to the laboratory the samples are to be carried in a cooler box with ice-blocks. A Chain of Custody (COC) document is to be raised for delivery with the samples (Appendix 3).

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For each surface water sample, field data and observations are recorded on a field data sheet (appendix 5). The field data sheet includes:

Sample date, time;

Weather conditions;

Field measurements for pH, electrical conductivity, DO, ORP, Temp and comments; and

Field data reports are filed together with hard copies of the laboratory reports. Electronic copies of reports are also retained.

Groundwater results are reported as follows:

EPA Annual Return, and

Annual Review prepared in accordance with Condition 4 of Schedule 6 of the Woodlawn Project Approval.

7 NOISE MONITORING Schedule 4, Condition 7 of the PA requires that a noise and blast management plan (NBMP) be developed. The Woodlawn Mine – Noise and Blasting Management Plan was issued by Heron in August 2017.

7.1 Noise assessment Criteria

Schedule 4, Condition 5 of the PA requires the Proponent to ensure that noise generated by the Project does not exceed the criteria at any residence on privately-owned land. The criteria are reproduced in Table 12. Table 12: Noise Criteria dB(A)

Receivers Day/Evening/Night (LAeq(15-minute))

Night (LA1(max))

All residential Receivers 35 45

Note: After the first review of any EPL granted for this project under Section 78 of the POEO Act, nothing in this approval prevents the EPA from imposing stricter noise limits on the mining operations on site under the EPL.

The meteorological conditions under which the nose conditions apply are detailed in Conditions 1 and 2 of Appendix 5 of the PA. The meteorological conditions are reproduced in Table 13. Table 13: Applicable Meteorological Conditions

1. The noise criteria in Table 3 of the conditions are to apply under all meteorological conditions except the following:

(a) During periods of rain or hail; (b) Average wind speed at microphone height exceeds 5 m/s; (c) Wind speeds greater than 3 m/s measured at 10 m above ground level; or (d) Temperature inversion conditions greater than 3oC/100m.

2. Except for wind speed at microphone height, the data to be used for determining meteorological conditions shall be that recorded by the meteorological station located on the site.

Condition 3 of Appendix 5 of the Project Approval states that monthly attended monitoring is to be used to evaluate compliance with the relevant conditions of the Project Approval.

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Condition 4 to Appendix 5 of the Project Approval requires that monitoring be carried out in accordance with the NSW Industrial Noise Policy (as amended from time to time), in particular the requirements relating to:

(a) Monitoring locations for the collection of representative noise data;

(b) Meteorological conditions during which collection of noise data is not appropriate;

(c) Equipment used to collect noise data, and conformity with Australian Standards relevant to such

equipment; and

(d) Modifications to noise data collected, including for the exclusion of extraneous noise and/or penalties

for modifying factors apart from adjustments for duration.

Attended noise measurements are undertaken and recorded using a calibrated Type 1, Castle Group Ltd dBAir

environmental monitor. Noise monitoring is carried out using two measurement profiles:

Measurement 1 – Frequency weighting A, time weighting F

Measurement 2 – Frequency weighting C, time weighting F.

Real time meteorological conditions are obtained at each location using a BL-300 Anemo-thermometer and

hygrometer and validated using the authorised Woodlawn on-site weather station. Readings are routinely

taken at the Pylara, Woodlawn and the Cowley Hills residences. All locations represent the nearest receptors

and are owned by Veolia. The results show that the construction activities have little noise impact on any of

the receptor locations.

7.2 Noise monitoring locations

The following noise monitoring program has been developed to satisfy the Project Approval. During mining operations monthly operator-attended short-term noise monitoring will be conducted, as a minimum, at the locations listed in Table 14.

Table 14: Noise Monitoring Locations

Location Approximate distance from Project site (km)

Woodlawn Farm 1.4

Cowley Hills 0.7

Pylara 3.2

The results of the monitoring are reviewed on a quarterly basis.


For each sample, field data and observations are recorded on a field data sheet (appendix 6). The field data sheet includes:

Location

Recording date, start time and end time

Meteorological conditions (Wind speed m/s, Wind direction, Air temperature, relative humidity, barometric pressure

Sound level and cause/source of noise peaks

The noise monitor also records the noise parameters during the recording period and provides a summary of noise as LAeq.

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8 BLASTING OVERPRESSURE/GROUND VIBRATION MONITORING Blasting overpressure and vibration criteria is detailed in Condition 8 of Schedule 4 of the Project Approval. The maximum level of airblast overpressure allowed at any residence on privately owned land during operations is not to exceed 115 dB (Lin Peak). These criteria may be exceeded up to 5% of the total number of blasts over a 12 month period. The maximum level shall not exceed 120 dB (Lin Peak).

The maximum ground vibration level recorded at any residence on privately owned land during operations is 5 mm/s peak particle velocity. However, this level may be exceeded no more than 5% of the total number of blasts over a 12 months period. The maximum level shall not exceed 10 mm/s.

Overpressure and vibration monitoring is undertaken continuously. Monitoring is undertaken using an Instantel micromate monitor. The monitor is regularly relocated at various positions, depending on operational requirements on the site boundary or at locations within Site. It will also be located at nearby residences to monitor the effects of blasting. The monitor is set to trigger with thresholds set at 0.21 mm/s and 110 dB (Lin Peak).


Monitoring results are downloaded onto a portable data storage media and uploaded for interpretation and review using proprietary software.

Results are summarised in the monthly environmental monitoring report.

9 AIR QUALITY The Air Quality Management Plan (AQMP) has been prepared in accordance with Schedule 4, Condition 17(a) of PA 07_0143. Air quality is monitored across the site using 5 Deposited Dust Gauges and two high volume air samplers (HVAS).

The objectives and key performance outcomes for air quality are detailed in Table 15.

Table 15. Objectives and Key Performance Indicators for Air Quality Management

Objectives Key performance indicators

1. Implement the commitments made in the Environmental Assessment including specific conditions of approval and the Statement of Commitments

2. Ensure compliance with relevant environmental legislation

3. Manage air quality risks associated with the Woodlawn Project

Provide for continuous improvement in dust control performance

Provide a mechanism to identify and correct areas of non-compliance

i. Air quality management achieved within the limits detailed in the Project Approval.

ii. Maintain a network of air quality monitoring stations for continuous assessment of operational performance

iii. Monitoring is consistent with the Air Quality Management Plan and in accordance with Australian Standards

iv. Air quality results are reported in the Annual Report

v. Complaints are managed in accordance with the Community Complaints section of the AQMP

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9.1 Depositional Dust

Four deposited dust gauges are shared with Veolia as listed in EPL 11436. The fifth is monitored by Heron Resources.

Deposited air quality criteria as specified in Schedule 4, Condition 15 is shown in Table 16.

Table 16. Deposited dust criteria

Pollutant Averaging period Maximum increase in deposited dust level

Maximum total deposited dust level

cDeposited dust Annual b2 g/m2/month a4 g/m2/month

Deposited dust is collected on a monthly basis. The results for deposited dust are recorded in the monthly environmental monitoring report that is publicly available on the Heron Resources Web site.

9.2 High volume air sampler

The HVAS receivers collect PM10 and Total suspended particulate (TSP) matter. Schedule 4, Condition 15 of the Project Approval set the criteria for particulate matter emissions as shown in Table 17 and Table 18.

Table 17. Long term criteria for particulate matter

Pollutant Averaging period Averaging period Maximum total deposited dust level

Total suspended particulate (TSP) matter Annual 90µg/m3

Particulate matter <10 µm (PM10) Annual 30 µg/m3

Table 18. Short term criteria for particulate matter

Pollutant Averaging period Averaging period Maximum total deposited dust level

Particulate matter <10 µm (PM10) 24 hour 50µg/m3


High volume air samples are collected every 6 days. The results for HVAS air sampling are recorded in the monthly environmental monitoring report that is publicly available on the Heron Resources Web site.

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10 LAND MANAGEMENT Condition 20 of Schedule 4 of the Project Approval requires that a vegetation management plan be implemented. Three documents refer:

1. Vegetation and rehabilitation management plan ,

2. Environmental management strategy

3. Mine operation plan

As detailed in the Vegetation and Rehabilitation Management Plan (VRMP), a program of verification and adaptive management for vegetation and rehabilitation management will be implemented incorporating the Landscape Function Analysis (LFA) visual assessment tool (Tongway and Hindley, 2004). LFA uses visual assessment to rapidly quantify temporal and spatial changes to soil physical, chemical and biological properties that are useful to monitor changes and/or improvements to landscape functionality following disturbance or rehabilitation. The method uses 11 soil surface assessment indicators that relate to specific soil properties and processes.

The 11 indicators are then used to derive three integrative indices as follows:

Soil stability; being the soil’s ability to resist erosion and reform after disturbance,

Infiltration; the soils capacity to retain rainfall and plant-available water,

Nutrient cycling; how efficiently organic matter is cycled back into the soil.

Permanent LFA monitoring sites incorporating transects and photographic references will be established at key rehabilitation and analogue (baseline and target reference) sites. Permanent LFA sites will be established on the Rehabilitated Waste Rock Dump, within the Vegetation Offset area and eventually on the rehabilitated tailings dams. The LFA assessment will be undertaken quarterly and assessment scores reported. LFA transects will be established on newly rehabilitated sites as necessary.

Table 19. Locations of LFA monitoring sites.

Location Analogue or rehabilitated Frequency

Waste rock dump 12 Rehabilitated locations – 6 grassy and 6 shrub

Quarterly

Vegetation offset area (78 ha) 12 Revegetated locations -6 grassy and 6 shrubs

Quarterly

Vegetation offset with mature natural regrowth

4 Analogue sites within Quarterly

Rehabilitated tailings dams TBA

Results of LFA can be used to identify sites that require rehabilitation, those where rehabilitation has been successful, and cases where rehabilitation or analogue sites need remedial action. Results from LFA are also useful to determine the impact of native fauna and drought on the vegetation across site.

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10.1 Flora management

The Woodlawn mine site and the region generally has experienced extensive clearing for agriculture since European settlement. Hence there are no threatened ecological communities on site. The Woodlawn site is located within the South Eastern Highlands Bioregion. Prior to European settlement the area would have been predominantly Western Tablelands dry sclerophyll forest. Two regrowth vegetation communities are present on site:

Hickory wattle low open forest, comprising

o Acacia falciformis

o Eucalyptus mannifera

o Eucalyptus dives, and

o Sparse understory species

Black she-oak low open forest

o Allocasurina littoralis

o Eucalyptus dives

Monitoring the health of remnant flora will be incorporated into the LFA program.

10.2 Fauna management

Although Woodlawn mine site is highly disturbed, with only sparse areas of remaining natural habitat remaining, through strategic revegetation it is feasible that some threatened fauna may utilise the planted and regenerating vegetation on site. Indeed, Condition 20d of Schedule 4 of the Project Approval requires that native vegetation and fauna habitat on the revegetated area be focused on targeted establishment and maintenance of fauna habitat features for the Eastern Bent-wing bat and yellow bellied sheathtail bat.

Fauna monitoring activities include observation and reporting to the environmental team on site of encounters with wildlife. All employees are encouraged to report wildlife interactions, particularly if they are unusual sightings. All wildlife are provided a wide berth and disturbance to habitat is minimal. Any nesting sites are left alone and not disturbed.

Fauna commonly encountered on site include:

Eastern grey kangaroo (Macropus giganteus),

Common wombat (Vombatiformes),

Echidna (Tachyglossidae),

Reptiles:

including tiger snake, eastern brown snake, red belly black snake. Snakes that are encountered at operational areas on site are either given opportunity to move on undisturbed or are relocated by licenced snake handlers to alternate locations on Site,

Various lizards,

Long neck turtle,

Birds

o Wedgtail eagle,

o Black swan,

o Grey teal,

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o Wood duck,

o Australasian darter.

10.3 Erosion and sediment control Erosion and sediment control structures have been installed around site. These include pollution control ponds, evaporation dams and sediment fencing. The management strategy for erosion and sediment control is detailed in the Mining Operations Plan.

Monitoring of erosion is undertaken via visual inspection, especially following rainfall. Typical indicators of erosion on site include rilling, gullying and sediment transfer.

The monitoring regime for sediment control is detailed in Table 20.

Table 20. Sediment control monitoring regime

Monitoring regime Location Frequency

Visual inspection Surface erosion, drains, ditches, road culverts Following heavy rainfall Visual inspection Gabion structures, batters and bench stability Following heavy rainfall

Visual inspection Sediment fencing Following heavy rainfall, and periodically for native animal damage

Water quality - TDS Surface monitoring points 115, 105, 100, 109 Following heavy rainfall

10.4 Invasive plant species management

Woodlawn mine site has few invasive plant species of concern. Weed management particularly for serrated tussock (Nassella Trichotoma), blackberry (Rubus fruticosus) and scotch thistle (Onopordum acanthium) is carried out annually.

Monitoring for invasive plant species is an ongoing. Monitoring for invasive flora species is ongoing. Additionally, all employees are encouraged to report sightings of the weeds of concern to the Environmental team.

10.5 Invasive animal species management

A number of invasive animal species inhabit the Woodlawn mine site including deer, rabbits, foxes, and feral cats. The populations of these invasive species is monitored by the environmental officers carrying out specific field observations and employee reports.

Management of feral animals is carried out as recommended in the South East Regional Strategic Pest Animal Plan 2018-2023 (NSW South East Local Land Services). In particular, feral animals will be controlled as follows:

Deer, will be managed by progressively excluding them from areas across the Woodlawn site using exclusion fencing;

Rabbit and fox baiting will carried out when required, and

Feral cats will be trapped and euthanised

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11 REFERENCES

11.1 External documents or legislative

DOC ID TITLE

Protection of the Environment Operations Act, 1997 (POEO Act)

Australian Standard 3580.9.3 - 2003

Methods For Sampling and Analysis of Ambient Air – Determination of Suspended Particulate Matter – Total Suspended Particulate Matter (TSP) – High Volume Sampler Gravimetric Method

Australian Standard 3580.9.6 – 2003

Methods For Sampling and Analysis of Ambient Air – Determination of Suspended Particulate Matter – PM (sub) 10 High Volume Sampler With Size Selective Inlet – Gravimetric Method

Australian Standard 3580.10.1 – 2003

Methods For Sampling and Analysis of Ambient Air – Determination of Particulate Matter – Deposited Matter – Gravimetric Method

Australian Standard 5667.1 – 1998

Water quality - Sampling - Guidance on the design of sampling programs, sampling techniques and the preservation and handling of samples


Water quality - Sampling - Guidance on sampling of rivers and streams


Water quality - Sampling - Guidance on sampling of groundwater

Australian Standard 1269

Occupational noise management:

Part 0: Overview and general requirements Part 1: Measurement and assessment of noise emission and exposure Part 2: Noise control management Part 3: Hearing protector program

Australian Standard 4482.1-2005

Guide to the investigation and sampling of sites with potentially contaminated soil Part 1: Non-volatile and semi-volatile compounds

Australian Standard 14001:2004

Environmental management systems – Requirements with guidance for use

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11.2 Related Heron Environmental Management Plans

DOC ID TITLE

TOP-SSE_MAN-0039 Environmental Management Strategy

TOP-SSE_MAN-0040 Construction Environmental Management Strategy

TOP-SSE_MAN-0041 Community Engagement Plan

TOP-SSE_MAN-0042 Pollution Incident Response Management Plan

TOP-SSE_MAN-0043 Extraction Plan

TOP-SSE_MAN-0044 Waste Rock Management Plan

TOP-SSE_MAN-0045 Paste Fill Management Plan

TOP-SSE_MAN-0046 Noise Blasting Management Plan

TOP-SSE_MAN-0047 Air Quality Management Plan

TOP-SSE_MAN-0048 Water Management Plan

TOP-SSE_MAN-0049 Vegetation and Rehabilitation Management Plan

TOP-SSE_MAN-0050 Heritage Management Plan

TOP-SSE_MAN-0051 Transport Management Plan

TOP-SSE_MAN-0052 Environmental Monitoring Plan

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12 READ AND UNDERSTOOD DOCUMENT REQUIREMENTS All employees have a legal obligation to follow safe work practices and procedures when carrying out

any work task. Following the requirements of this document and other documents applicable to the

task being performed is critical in protecting the safety of all operators, co-workers and visitors to the

site.

All employees must strictly adhere to these requirements. Failure to do so could result in a serious

safety breach with consequences as part of the Code of Conduct. You are signing this

acknowledgement sheet agreeing to work to this procedure and have either read the document

personally or had the document read and explained to you and, have clearly understood the

requirements.

You also acknowledge that at any time you may not be sure of the requirements and the contents

contained within this and/or any other documents, you are to ask for a copy so that you are familiarised

again with the contents and requirements allowing you to operate this equipment and perform your

work safely.

Print Full Name: Full Signature: Date:

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13 APPENDICES Appendix 1 – Definitions

Appendix 2 – Roles and Responsibilities

Appendix 3 – Example COC

Appendix 4 – Groundwater field data sheet

Appendix 5 – Surface water field data sheet

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Appendix 1 – Definitions

TERM DEFINITION

Company Heron Resources Limited - Tarago Operations Pty Limited

AQMP Air Quality Management Plan

AR Annual Report

EMS Environmental Management Strategy

EPL Environment Protection Licence

LFA Landscape Function Analysis

PA Project Approval

TOP Tarago Operations

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Appendix 2 – Roles and Responsibilities

The following outlines the responsibilities in relation to the compliance to this document.

Position Personnel Company Responsibility Contact Details

Managing Director Wayne Taylor Heron Overall responsibility for the construction and operation of the Woodlawn Project

02 9119 8111

Chief Operating Officer

Andrew Lawry Heron Responsible for project delivery and operations

02 4816 6341

General Manager Brian Hearne Heron Conduct of mining operations

02 4816 6344

Mine Manager Simon Fitzgerald Heron Mine Planning and Design

02 4816 6323

General Manager – Exploration and Geology

David von Perger Heron Resource evaluation

08 6500 9205

Site Services Manager

Jeffrey Lewis Heron Site Services 02 4816 6300


Dr Zoe Read

Kat McGilp

Heron

On site environmental management

02 4816 6335

Environmental Consultant

Robert Byrnes IEC Conduct of environmental management and compliance

02 4878 5502

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Appendix 3 – Example COC

FO

R L

AB

US

E O

NLY

CO

OLE

R S

EA

L

No …

…

Inta

ct

…..

CO

OLE

R T

EM

P:

deg.C

MA

TR

IXD

ATE

TIM

ETY

PE

& P

RE

SE

RV

ATIV

E

CH

AIN

OF

CU

ST

OD

Y D

OC

UM

EN

TA

TIO

N

He

ron

Re

sou

rce

s li

mit

ed

LA

BO

RA

TO

RY

BA

TC

H N

O.:

SA

MP

LE

R(S

)):

(

Ple

ase c

onta

ct

sam

ple

r in

the e

vent

of

any

pro

ble

ms)

SE

ND

RE

PO

RT A

TTN

:S

EN

D IN

VO

ICE

ATTN

: P

HO

NE

:

FA

X:

EM

AIL

:

Date

:R

EP

OR

T N

EE

DE

D B

Y:

PL

EA

SE

PR

OV

IDE

RE

PO

RT

VIA

EM

AIL

(M

on

Pro

, p

df.

& E

xce

l) T

HA

NK

YO

U

PR

OJE

CT ID

: Q

UO

TE

NO

.:

AN

AL

YS

IS R

EQ

UIR

ED

P.O

. N

O.:

C

OM

ME

NTS

/SP

EC

IAL H

AN

DLIN

G/S

TO

RA

GE

OR

DIS

PO

SA

L:

SA

MP

LE

ID

# b

ott

les

Yes …

...

Bro

ken …

…

SA

MP

LE

DA

TA

* CO

NTA

INE

R D

ATA

Of:

Tim

e:

RE

LIN

QU

ISH

ED

BY

:R

EC

EIV

ED

BY

*Wate

r sam

ple

conta

iner

type a

nd P

reserv

ative

Codes:

P =

Neutr

al P

lastic;

N =

Nitric A

cid

Pre

serv

ed;

C =

Sodiu

m H

ydro

xid

e P

reserv

ed;

S =

Solv

ent

Washed A

cid

Rin

sed G

lass B

ott

le;

VC

= H

ydro

chlo

ric A

cid

Pre

serv

ed V

ial; V

S =

Sulp

huric A

cid

Pre

serv

ed V

ial; B

S =

S

ulp

huric A

cid

Pre

serv

ed

Gla

ss B

ott

le;

Z =

Zin

c A

ceta

te P

reserv

ed B

ott

le;

E =

ED

TA

Pre

serv

ed B

ott

les;

ST =

Ste

rile

Bott

le;

O =

Oth

er.

Nam

e:

Date

: N

am

e:

Date

:

Of:

Tim

e:

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Appendix 4 – Groundwater Field Data Sheet

Da

te:

__

__

_ / _

__

__

/ _

__

__

Dip

To

Wa

ter

(DT

W):

_

__

__

__

Sa

mp

led

By:

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

Dip

To

Ba

se

(D

TB

): _

__

__

__

Fie

ld A

na

lys

is:

Tim

e

Vo

lum

e

Re

mo

ved

(L)

pH

EC

(uS

/cm

)

DO

(mg

/L)

OR

P

T

(de

g. C

)

Wo

od

law

n B

iore

ac

tor

La

nd

fill &

He

ron

Re

so

urc

es

Gro

un

dw

ate

r S

am

plin

g D

ata

Sh

ee

t

Bo

re V

olu

me

To

Purg

e [B

ore

Vo

lum

e *

3]: _

__

__

__

__

_

Bo

re N

o. _

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

Co

mm

en

ts

Bo

re V

olu

me

[(D

TB

- D

TW

) *

2]: _

__

__

__

__

_

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Appendix 5 – Surface water field data sheet

Da

te:

_

__

__

_ / _

__

__

_ / _

__

__

_ S

am

ple

d b

y:

Fie

ld A

na

lys

is:

We

ath

er

co

nd

itio

ns

: _

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

_

Tim

eS

am

ple

Poin

tpH

EC

(uS

/cm

)T (

deg.

C)

DO

(m

g/L

)O

RP

Photo

(Y

/N)

Com

ments

Su

rfa

ce

Wa

ter

S

am

plin

g D

ata

Sh

ee

t: W

oo

dla

wn B

iore

acto

r , C

risp

s

Cre

ek I

nte

rmo

dal F

acili

ty, W

MB

T, H

ero

n R

eso

urc

es a

nd

SM

L

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Appendix 6 – Noise monitoring field data sheet

Heron Resources Noise Survey Worksheet Location__________________

Date________________ Start time__________ Finish time___________

Sound level to be stored down each column

Atmospheric conditions Air temperature (oC)

Wind speed (m/s) Relative humidity (%)

Wind direction Barametric pressure (hPa)

Woodlawn Mine Site Environmental Monitoring Plan...2019/01/30 · Environmental Monitoring Plan. 2...

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