MINING OPERATIONS PLAN AMENDMENT 2 FOR … · Mining Operations Plan Integra Coal Operations Pty Ltd MINING OPERATIONS PLAN AMENDMENT 2 FOR THE INTEGRA NORTH OPEN CUT …

Mining Operations Plan

Integra Coal Operations Pty Ltd

MINING OPERATIONS PLAN AMENDMENT 2 FOR THE INTEGRA NORTH OPEN CUT COAL MINE

Doc No: NOC_MOP_0001 Doc Owner:

Approval: Signed: Date:

Revision Issue Date Originator Reviewed Approved

V1 17/04/2012 EMGA Mitchell McLennan John Trotter Jason Thomas

Andrew Betts

Mining Operations Plan Integra North Open Cut Mine Amendment 2

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Name of mine Integra North Open Cut Coal Mine

Mining Titles/Leases CL382, CL357, ML1437, ML1518, ML1551, ML1630

MOP Commencement Date 30/03/2009 MOP Completion date (nominal) 31/12/2012

Name of leaseholder See table below

Name of mine operator (if different) Integra Coal Operations Pty Ltd

Reporting Officer Andrew Betts

Title General Manager, Integra Coal Operations Pty Ltd

Signature ………………………………………………

Date ………………………………………………

Lease Holders

Mining Title Holder

CL382 VALE Australia (GC) Pty Ltd, JFE Steel Australia (GC) Pty Ltd, JS Glennies Creek Pty Ltd, NS Glennies Creek Pty Limited, POS-GC Pty Ltd and Maitland Main Collieries Pty Limited

CL357 Camberwell Coal Pty Limited

ML1437 VALE Australia (GC) Pty Ltd, JFE Steel Australia (GC) Pty Ltd, JS Glennies Creek Pty Ltd, NS Glennies Creek Pty Limited, POS-GC Pty Ltd and Maitland Main Collieries Pty Limited





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Table of Contents Page

1. INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................... 11

1.1 HISTORY OF OPERATIONS ......................................................................................... 11 1.1.1 Introduction ................................................................................................ 11 1.1.2 The Operating Company ........................................................................... 11 1.1.3 Integra Underground Coal Mine ................................................................ 11 1.1.4 Integra Open Cut ....................................................................................... 12 1.1.5 North Open Cut ......................................................................................... 14 1.1.6 Integra Mine Complex ............................................................................... 14 1.1.7 Coal Handling and Preparation Plant ........................................................ 15

1.2 PROPOSED OPERATIONS .......................................................................................... 15

1.3 CONSENTS, LEASES AND LICENCES ........................................................................ 16 1.3.1 Consents ................................................................................................... 16 1.3.2 Leases ....................................................................................................... 17 1.3.3 Licences .................................................................................................... 18

1.4 MINE SITE ...................................................................................................................... 21

1.5 MINE CONTACTS .......................................................................................................... 21

1.6 MINE GEOLOGY ............................................................................................................ 21 1.6.1 Regional Geology ...................................................................................... 21 1.6.2 Geology ..................................................................................................... 22 1.6.3 Resources and Reserves .......................................................................... 24

1.7 LANDOWNERSHIP ........................................................................................................ 25

1.8 CONSULTATION ........................................................................................................... 28

1.9 DOCUMENT PREPARATION ........................................................................................ 29 1.9.1 Overview .................................................................................................... 29 1.9.2 Related Management Plans ...................................................................... 29

2. PRE MOP ENVIRONMENT ........................................................................................................... 31

2.1 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................ 31

2.2 TOPOGRAPHY .............................................................................................................. 31 2.2.1 Regional Topography ................................................................................ 31 2.2.2 Mine Site Topography ............................................................................... 31

2.3 CLIMATE AND METEOROLOGY .................................................................................. 33 2.3.1 Introduction ................................................................................................ 33 2.3.2 Temperature and Humidity ........................................................................ 33 2.3.3 Rainfall ....................................................................................................... 33 2.3.4 Wind ........................................................................................................... 33

2.4 AIR QUALITY ................................................................................................................. 34

2.5 NOISE ............................................................................................................................ 36

2.6 BIODIVERSITY .............................................................................................................. 40 2.6.1 Introduction ................................................................................................ 40 2.6.2 Flora ........................................................................................................... 41

2.6.2.1 Vegetation Communities ............................................................ 41


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2.6.2.2 Noxious Weeds .......................................................................... 43

2.6.2.3 Threatened Flora Species .......................................................... 43

2.6.2.4 Endangered Ecological Communities ........................................ 43

2.6.2.5 Endangered Flora Populations ................................................... 44

2.6.2.6 Conservation Value of Recorded Species .................................. 44

2.6.3 Fauna......................................................................................................... 44 2.6.4 Biodiversity Offsets .................................................................................... 44

2.7 ABORIGINAL HERITAGE .............................................................................................. 45

2.8 SOILS AND LAND CAPABILITY .................................................................................... 45

2.9 SURFACE WATER RESOURCES ................................................................................ 47 2.9.1 Introduction ................................................................................................ 47 2.9.2 Regional and Local Catchments ............................................................... 47 2.9.3 Regional and Local Surface Water Quality ............................................... 49 2.9.4 Mine Site Catchments ............................................................................... 50 2.9.5 Mine Site Water Storage Dams ................................................................. 51

2.10 GROUNDWATER RESOURCES ................................................................................... 51 2.10.1 Mine Site and Local Aquifers ..................................................................... 51 2.10.2 Groundwater Quality .................................................................................. 52 2.10.3 Groundwater Usage .................................................................................. 52 2.10.4 Buildings, Infrastructure and Services ....................................................... 52

3. PROPOSED MINING ACTIVITIES ................................................................................................ 55

3.1 EXPLORATION .............................................................................................................. 55

3.2 LAND PREPARATION ................................................................................................... 55 3.2.1 Introduction ................................................................................................ 55 3.2.2 Vegetation Clearing ................................................................................... 55

3.2.2.1 Extent of Clearing ....................................................................... 55

3.2.2.2 Clearing Procedures ................................................................... 56

3.2.2.3 Workforce Awareness and Responsibility .................................. 57

3.2.3 Soil Removal ............................................................................................. 57 3.2.3.1 Soil Stripping Methods ................................................................ 57

3.2.3.2 Trial Soil Stripping – Rehabilitated Areas ................................... 58

3.2.3.3 Soil Stockpiling Methods ............................................................ 59

3.2.3.4 Soil Inventory .............................................................................. 59

3.2.3.5 Workforce Awareness and Responsibility .................................. 60

3.3 CONSTRUCTION ........................................................................................................... 61 3.3.1 Introduction ................................................................................................ 61 3.3.2 Amenity Bund ............................................................................................ 61 3.3.3 Internal Haul Roads ................................................................................... 62 3.3.4 Water Management Structures ................................................................. 63

3.4 MINING ........................................................................................................................... 64 3.4.1 Mine Layout and Design Criteria ............................................................... 64 3.4.2 Mining Sequence ....................................................................................... 64


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3.4.2.1 Introduction ................................................................................. 64

3.4.2.2 Open Cut Area ............................................................................ 64

3.4.2.3 Waste Rock Emplacement Areas ............................................... 65

3.5 MINING METHODS AND PROCEDURES .................................................................... 66 3.5.1 Open Cut Mining Operations ..................................................................... 66 3.5.2 Blasting ...................................................................................................... 67

3.5.2.1 Introduction ................................................................................. 67

3.5.2.2 Blasting Criteria .......................................................................... 68

3.5.2.3 Blasting Controls and Safeguards .............................................. 68

3.5.2.4 Blast Notification and Inspections .............................................. 70

3.5.2.5 Blast Monitoring and Inspections ............................................... 70

3.5.3 Equipment ................................................................................................. 71 3.5.4 Hours of Operations .................................................................................. 72 3.5.5 Workforce Awareness and Responsibility ................................................. 72

3.6 MINERAL PROCESSING .............................................................................................. 73

3.7 WASTE MANAGEMENT ................................................................................................ 73 3.7.1 Introduction ................................................................................................ 73 3.7.2 Waste Rock ............................................................................................... 74 3.7.3 Non-production Wastes ............................................................................. 74

3.7.3.1 General Wastes .......................................................................... 74

3.7.3.2 Oil and Grease ........................................................................... 75

3.7.3.3 Sewage ....................................................................................... 75

3.7.3.4 Scrap Metal and Steel ................................................................ 75

3.8 ROM AND PRODUCT COAL STOCKPILES ................................................................. 75

3.9 WATER MANAGEMENT ................................................................................................ 76 3.9.1 Introduction ................................................................................................ 76 3.9.2 Management Objectives ............................................................................ 76 To achieve the above management objectives, Integra will

implement the water management controls specified in Section 7.3.2. .......................................................................................................... 77

3.9.3 Dams ......................................................................................................... 77

3.10 HAZARDOUS MATERIALS ........................................................................................... 77 4. PROPOSED REHABILITATION ACTIVITIES DURING THE MOP TERM ................................... 79

4.1 STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATION ............................................................................... 79

4.2 REHABILITATION STATUS AT MOP COMMENCEMENT ........................................... 80

4.3 PROPOSED REHABILITATION STATUS AT MOP FINISH ......................................... 80

4.4 BUILDINGS .................................................................................................................... 81

4.5 REHABILITATION OF DISTURBED LAND ................................................................... 81 4.5.1 Introduction ................................................................................................ 81 4.5.2 Rehabilitation Procedures ......................................................................... 81

4.5.2.1 Waste Rock Emplacements ....................................................... 81

4.5.2.2 Water Management Structures .................................................. 83


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4.5.2.3 Other Disturbed Areas ................................................................ 83

4.5.3 Summary of Proposed Rehabilitation ........................................................ 83

4.6 WATER MANAGEMENT (REHABILITATED LAND) ..................................................... 84

4.7 OTHER INFRASTRUCTURE ......................................................................................... 85

4.8 REHABILITATION MONITORING AND MAINTENANCE ............................................. 85

4.9 REHABILITATION TRIALS AND RESEARCH .............................................................. 86 5. REPORTING AND REVIEW .......................................................................................................... 87

5.1 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................ 87

5.2 REHABILITATED AREAS AND FEATURES ................................................................. 87

5.3 REMAINING FEATURES ............................................................................................... 87 5.3.1 Final Landform ........................................................................................... 87 5.3.2 Final Land Use .......................................................................................... 88

5.4 REHABILITATION PLANNING CRITERIA..................................................................... 88 6. ENVIRONMENTAL AND REHABILITATION RISK IDENTIFICATION ......................................... 93 7. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT CONTROLS ........................................................................ 95

7.1 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................ 95

7.2 AIR POLLUTION ............................................................................................................ 95 7.2.1 Introduction ................................................................................................ 95 7.2.2 Environmental Management Controls ....................................................... 95 7.2.3 Corrective Measures ................................................................................. 97 7.2.4 Monitoring .................................................................................................. 97 7.2.5 Greenhouse gas ........................................................................................ 98

7.3 WATER MANAGEMENT ................................................................................................ 99 7.3.1 Introduction ................................................................................................ 99 7.3.2 Environmental Management Controls ....................................................... 99 7.3.3 Corrective Measures ............................................................................... 101 7.3.4 Monitoring ................................................................................................ 102 7.3.5 Groundwater monitoring .......................................................................... 103

7.3.5.1 Overview ................................................................................... 103

7.3.5.2 Standing Water Levels ............................................................. 104

7.3.5.3 Monitoring Groundwater Quality ............................................... 105

7.4 CONTAMINATED POLLUTED LAND .......................................................................... 106

7.5 BIODIVERSITY ............................................................................................................ 106 7.5.1 Introduction .............................................................................................. 106 7.5.2 Environmental Management Controls ..................................................... 106 7.5.3 Monitoring ................................................................................................ 107

7.6 WEEDS ........................................................................................................................ 108 7.6.1 Introduction .............................................................................................. 108 7.6.2 Environmental Management Controls ..................................................... 108 7.6.3 Monitoring ................................................................................................ 108

7.7 BLASTING .................................................................................................................... 108 7.7.1 Introduction .............................................................................................. 108 7.7.2 Environmental Management Controls ..................................................... 108


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7.7.3 Monitoring ................................................................................................ 110

7.8 OPERATIONAL NOISE ................................................................................................ 111 7.8.1 Introduction .............................................................................................. 111 7.8.2 Environmental Management Controls ..................................................... 111 7.8.3 Monitoring ................................................................................................ 112

7.9 VISUAL, STRAY LIGHT ............................................................................................... 115 7.9.1 Introduction .............................................................................................. 115 7.9.2 Environmental Management Controls ..................................................... 115 7.9.3 Monitoring ................................................................................................ 116

7.10 HERITAGE ................................................................................................................... 116 7.10.1 Introduction .............................................................................................. 116 7.10.2 Environmental Management Controls ..................................................... 116

7.11 SPONTANEOUS COMBUSTION ................................................................................ 117 7.11.1 Introduction .............................................................................................. 117 7.11.2 Environmental Management Controls ..................................................... 117

7.12 BUSHFIRE ................................................................................................................... 118

7.13 HYDROCARBON CONTAMINATION .......................................................................... 118 7.13.1 Introduction .............................................................................................. 118 7.13.2 Environmental Management Controls ..................................................... 119 7.13.3 Monitoring ................................................................................................ 119

7.14 METHANE DRAINAGE / VENTILATION ..................................................................... 119

7.15 PUBLIC SAFETY .......................................................................................................... 119 7.15.1 Introduction .............................................................................................. 119 7.15.2 Environmental Management Controls ..................................................... 119 7.15.3 Monitoring ................................................................................................ 120

8. REFERENCES ............................................................................................................................ 121 9. PLANS ......................................................................................................................................... 123

Table of Contents FIGURES Figure 1.1 Stratigraphy and Coal Seams (Amended) ........................................................................... 23 Figure 1.2 Indicative Geological Cross Section .................................................................................... 24 Figure 2.1 Regional Topography (Amended) ....................................................................................... 32 Figure 2.2 Annual and Seasonal Wind Roses ...................................................................................... 35 Figure 2.3 Noise Assessment Group Locations ................................................................................... 37 Figure 2.4 Glennies Creek Catchment (Amended) .............................................................................. 48 Figure 2.5 Glennies Creek Water Quality ............................................................................................. 49 Figure 2.6 Mine Site Catchments (Amended)....................................................................................... 50

TABLES Table 1.1 Development Consents and Project Approvals ................................................................... 16 Table 1.3 Licences ............................................................................................................................... 18 Table 1.4 Plies to be Extracted ............................................................................................................ 22


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Table 1.5 Description of Coal Seams within the Pit Shell ................................................................... 24 Table 1.6 Land ownership details ....................................................................................................... 25 Table 1.7 Required Management Plans and Monitoring Programs .................................................... 30 Table 2.2 Mean and Maximum Composite Monthly Rainfall Data ...................................................... 33 Table 2.3 Annual Average Deposited Dust ......................................................................................... 34 Table 2.6 Noise Impact Criteria ........................................................................................................... 38 Table 2.7 Fauna Species Recorded within the Mine Site Fauna Survey Area ................................... 44 Table 2.8 Biodiversity Offset Strategy for the Integra Mine Complex ................................................. 45 Table 2.10 Soil Mapping Unit Descriptions ............................................................................................ 47 Table 3.1 Vegetation Communities to be Cleared ............................................................................... 56 Table 3.2 Accountable Positions and Tasks (Vegetation Clearing) .................................................... 57 Table 3.3 Soil Stripping Suitability and Procedures ............................................................................ 58 Table 3.4 Soil Balance ......................................................................................................................... 60 Table 3.5 Accountable Positions and Tasks (Soil Stripping and Stockpiling) ..................................... 61 Table 3.6 Diversion Channel Specifications ................................................................................... 63 Table 3.7 Estimated Waste Rock Placement Volumes ...................................................................... 66 Table 3.8 Indicative Overburden Blast Design Parameters ................................................................ 67 Table 3.9 Blasting Criteria ................................................................................................................... 68 Table 3.10 Blast Monitoring ................................................................................................................... 71 Table 3.11 Typical Mining Equipment ................................................................................................... 71 Table 3.12 Hours of Operation .............................................................................................................. 72 Table 3.13 Accountable Positions and Tasks ....................................................................................... 73 Table 3.14 Provisional Production and Waste Schedule ..................................................................... 76 Table 4.1 Tree and Shrub Species ...................................................................................................... 83 Table 4.2 Summary of Proposed Rehabilitation .................................................................................. 83 Table 6.1 Risk Identification Matrix for Mine Site Activities ................................................................ 94 Table 7.1 Air Quality Corrective Measures .......................................................................................... 97 Table 7.2 Surface Water Corrective Measures ................................................................................. 101 Table 7.3 Glennies Creek Monitoring Frequency and Method .................................................... 102 Table 7.4 Water Monitoring Parameter Suites .................................................................................. 103 Table 7.5 Dam Water Discharge Criteria ........................................................................................... 103 Table 7.6 Ground Water Monitoring Program ................................................................................... 104 Table 7.7 Groundwater Level Monitoring Method and Frequency .................................................... 105 Table 7.8 Groundwater Quality Monitoring Parameters – Open Standpipe Piezometers ................. 105 Table 7.9 Groundwater Quality Monitoring Method and Frequency ................................................. 106 Table 7.10 Blast Monitoring Locations ................................................................................................ 110 Table 7.11 Blast Impact Assessment Criteria ...................................................................................... 111 Table 7.12 Noise Monitoring Locations ............................................................................................... 113 Table 7.14 Bushfire Hazard – Activities and Controls ......................................................................... 118


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FOREWORD TO THE SECOND AMENDMENT

This document has been amended to incorporate a minor modification to the operation of the Integra North Open Cut and an extension of the North Open Cut Mining Operations Plan period. Specifically:

• Extension of the North Open Cut out-of-pit emplacement to the east and south;

• An increase in height from 135m AHD to 141m AHD;

• Relocation of the Crib Hut within the North Open Cut out-of-pit emplacement; and

• The North Open Cut Mining Operations Plan finish date has been extended from 31 March 2012 to 31 December 2012.

This is the second time the North Open Cut Mining Operations Plan has been amended. Major amendments are underlined and coloured blue for ease of reference.


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1. I n t r o d u c t i o n

1.1 History of Operations

1.1.1 INTRODUCTION The Integra North Open Cut Coal Mine (“North Open Cut”) (formally referred to as the Glennies Creek Open Cut Coal Mine) is located adjacent to the Integra Underground Coal Mine (“Integra Underground”) (formally the Glennies Creek Underground Coal Mine) and immediately north of the Integra Open Cut. The Integra Open Cut, formerly referred to as the Camberwell Coal Mine, comprises two open cut areas, as follows (see Plan1 in Chapter 9).

• The former North Pit – mining within the North Pit ceased in 1999 and the pit has been largely backfilled with waste rock. The remaining available areas are undergoing rehabilitation.

• The active South Pit - a westerly extension of the South Pit was approved in 2010 under Part 3A of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.

The North Open Cut, in part, abuts the northern boundary of the former North Pit.

Coal from each of the operating coal mines, namely the Integra Underground and the South Pit, together with that from the North Open Cut, are processed at the Integra Coal Handling and Preparation Plant (“CHPP") from which it is loaded into railway wagons for transportation to Newcastle for export using the Integra Rail Load-out Facility (Plan 1).

1.1.2 THE OPERATING COMPANY Prior to August 2006, the Integra Underground was operated by Glennies Creek Coal Management Pty Ltd and the Integra Open Cut and CHPP by Camberwell Coal Pty Ltd. Each of these Companies are wholly owned by the parties to the Glennies Creek Coal Joint Venture and the Camberwell Coal Joint Venture respectively.

In August 2006, those parties agreed to merge the operations of the Camberwell and Glennies Creek Collieries, with the combined operation to be managed by a new Company wholly owned by the parties to the Integra Coal Joint Venture. As a result, the North Open Cut, Integra Open Cut and Integra Underground Coal Mine are currently managed by Integra Coal Operations Pty Limited (“Integra”).

1.1.3 INTEGRA UNDERGROUND COAL MINE Major interest in the development of the coal resource in the vicinity of the Integra Underground commenced in the mid 1970s with the extensive exploration culminating in the lodgement of a development application for an underground mine in August 1990. Following a Commission of Inquiry in mid 1991, development consent was granted in November 1991.

Initial mining operations commenced in October 1996 with major on-site activities commencing in December 1998. Underground mine development commenced in May 1999. Since that time, the Integra Underground Coal Mine has been developed in four stages.

• Stage 1 – Development of three entries in the Middle Liddell seam from the highwall of the Camberwell North Pit (May 1999 to April 2000).


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• Stage 2 – Development of the five heading Northwest Mains to prove mining conditions, and the installation of the initial longwall gateroads (June 2000 to date).

• Stage 3 – Installation and operation of a longwall unit with a maximum face width to date of 250m and associated development workings (August 2002 to date).

• Stage 4 – Development of entries to the Barrett seam from the existing Mains development and the installation of the initial longwall gateroads (Nov 2010 to date).

The surface facilities, located adjacent to the former Oak Park School House, were primarily established during Stages 1 and 2 (Plan 1).

An application to extend the mining activities at Integra Underground was lodged with the then Department of Planning (now Department of Planning and Infrastructure (DP&I)) under Part 3A of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act). Project Approval 08_0101 was granted for the application on 26 November 2010. Project Approval 08_0101 was combined with the Project Approval 08_0102 for an application to extend the Open Cut operations, see Section 1.1.4, into a single document.

Plates 1.1 and 1.2 display the current components of the existing operations associated with the Integra Underground Coal Mine.

Mining operations at the Integra Underground Coal Mine produce a high quality, semi-hard coking coal for the export market, with the current approved coal production level set at 4.5 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) Run-of-Mine (ROM) coal.

1.1.4 INTEGRA OPEN CUT Operations at the Camberwell Coal Mine, as it was then known, commenced in 1991. Since that time, mining operations have been undertaken within the North Pit and the South Pit. Mining ceased in the Camberwell North Pit in 1999 and the bulk of the open cut was backfilled, leaving a small section in the northwestern corner only partially backfilled to enable access to the Integra Underground via portals in the former highwall.

Mining commenced in the South Pit in 1997. An application for extension of the South Pit to the west was lodged with the then Department of Planning under Part 3A of the EP&A Act. Project Approval 08_0102 was granted for the application on 26 November 2010. As mentioned previously, Project Approvals 08_0101 and 08_0102 were combined in a single document.

That operation is approved to extract up to 4.5Mtpa ROM coal by open cut methods. Views of the largely backfilled Camberwell North Pit and activities in the South Pit are presented in Plates 1.3 and 1.4.


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Plate 1.1: An oblique aerial view to the southeast across the Integra Underground Pit Top Facilities in the foreground and Integra CHPP in the middle distance. (Ref: E642-F128)

Plate 1.2: An oblique aerial view to the

northwest towards the Integra Underground Portal Area and Pit Top Facilities. (Ref: E642-F019)

Plate 1.3: View to the west across the

rehabilitated northern slopes of the North Pit. (Ref. E642-F085)

Plate 1.4: View to the north across the South

Pit. (Ref. E642-F118)


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1.1.5 NORTH OPEN CUT Project approval for operation of the North Open Cut was originally granted for a period of 10 years by the Minister for Planning on 2 December 2008 (Project Approval 06_0073). The approval was based on the Glennies Creek Coal Mine Open Cut Environmental Assessment prepared by R.W. Corkery & Co. Pty Limited in 2007. The approval included the following:

• Extraction of coal by open cut mining methods from within a pit shell covering approximately 90ha and from three principal coal seams, namely the Middle / Lower Liddell, the Barrett and the Hebden seams.

• Transportation of ROM coal to the CHPP via a combination of internal haul routes.

• Stockpiling of ROM coal at temporary ROM coal stockpile areas located at the top of the active open cut ramp or within the existing RL100 Stockpile Area, with subsequent transportation to the CHPP.

• Highwall / auger mining from the northern highwall for a maximum length of approximately 300m using either highwall or auger mining methods to extract coal that would not be amenable to extraction by open cut mining methods.

• Programmed placement of waste rock materials into out-of-pit waste rock emplacement, with subsequent placement out-of-pit as well as in-pit.

• Progressive construction of surface water control structures, including three sediment dams.

• Storage and washing of ROM coal and despatch of product coal from the CHPP and placement of fine tailings material within the existing tailings dams.

• Progressive reshaping and rehabilitation of all areas of mining-related disturbance.

A Mining Operations Plan was prepared for the Integra North Open Cut and approved by the then Department of Primary Industry on 29 April 2009.

The above activities were incorporated into the Project Approvals 08_0101 and 08_0102 and the approval time period extended until 31 December 2022.

A modification application to Project Approvals 08_0101 and 08_0102 was lodged with DP&I on 5 December 2011. This application was accompanied by an Environmental Assessment (EMGA Mitchell McLennan 2011) and sought approval for the following:

• Extension of the North Open Cut out-of-pit emplacement by 31 hectares.

• Increase of the maximum height of emplacements within the North Open Cut from 135 m AHD (Australian Height Datum) to 141 m AHD.

• Relocation of the North Open Cut crib hut approximately 600 m west.

• Capping of Tailings Dam 3.

• Extension to timeframes stipulated in Conditions 42, 43 and 48 of the Project Approvals 08_0101 and 08_0102.

The modification application (Modification 1) was approved on 19 March 2012.

Those features identified above that are relevant to this MOP are presented on Plan 3 in Chapter 9.

1.1.6 INTEGRA MINE COMPLEX Project Approvals 08_0101 and 08_0102 consolidated the North Open Cut, Open Cut and Underground operations into a single mining operation known as the Integra Mine Complex. Project


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Approvals 08_0101 and 08_0102 required the surrender of all previous development consents, including 06_0073 for the North Open Cut.

1.1.7 COAL HANDLING AND PREPARATION PLANT The CHPP currently has approval to process coal from the Integra Mine Complex until 31 December 2022 for open cut operations and 31 December 2035 for underground mining operations. Plate 1.5 displays the CHPP and Plate 1.6 shows Tailings Dam TD2, the tailings dam currently used to store tailings from the CHPP.

Plate 1.5: View to northwest across Integra

CHPP. (Ref. E642-F140)

Plate 1.6: View to the southwest across the

Tailings Storage Dam TD2. (Ref. E642-F106)

1.2 Proposed Operations The proposed mining operations at the North Open Cut will continue to be undertaken generally in accordance with those identified within the Environmental Assessments that accompanied the application for project approval and Modification 1 to Project Approvals 08_0101 and 08_0102 (Corkery 2007; EMM 2011).

This document has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the relevant mining titles and is the second amendment to the initial Mining Operations Plan (MOP) prepared for the North Open Cut. The term of this MOP is nine months from the commencement date, namely until 31 December 2012. It is envisaged that a consolidated MOP for all open cut operations at the Integra Mine Complex will be prepared prior to the completion of that period.

In summary, the proposed operations during the term of this MOP will be as follows:


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• Vegetation removal and soil stripping (and stockpiling) from the footprint of the out-of-pit waste rock emplacement, the section of the open cut pit shell that will be disturbed during the term of the MOP and areas required for infrastructure development.

• Extraction of waste rock and coal from within the open cut pit shell.

• Placement of waste rock, initially within the out-of-pit waste rock emplacement and then within the out-of-pit and in-pit waste rock emplacements.

• Transportation of ROM coal, either directly or via stockpiles within or adjacent to the open cut pit shell or at the RL 100 Stockpiling Area, to the CHPP.

• Progressive rehabilitation of areas of disturbance no longer required for mining related purposes.

1.3 Consents, Leases and Licences

1.3.1 CONSENTS Table 1.1 presents the development consents and project approvals held by Integra or related Companies at the time of preparation of this MOP. Note that only those items marked with * relate to the North Open Cut.

Table 1.1 Development Consents and Project Approvals

Issuing / Responsible Authority

Consent/ Approval Number Date of Issue Expiry Comments

Minister for Planning PA 08_0101 26/11/2010 31/12/2035 Project approval to operate underground mining operations.

Minister for Planning PA 08_0102 26/11/2010 31/12/2022 Project approval to operate open cut mining operations.

Minister for Planning PA 06_0073 02/12/2008 01/12/2018 Project approval to operate the North Open Cut.

Minister for Planning PA 06_0213 25/06/2008 25/06/2023 Project Approval for the extraction of coal from the Middle Liddell Seam within the Integra Underground.

Minister for Planning PA 06_0057 30/01/2007 01/01/2027 Project Approval for the Integra Underground Coal Mine Surface Facilities and related activities.

Minister for Planning S96(2) modification 105/90/M4

20/10/2006 11/11/2012 Increase coal production from 3.0Mtpa to 4.5Mtpa, installation of additional facilities and infrastructure

Singleton Shire Council Approval to Occupy Temporary Structure

06/01/2006 06.01.2008 Replacement for Bathhouse 2

Singleton Shire Council DC 07/12/2005 N/A Hydrocarbon Storage Shed Singleton Shire Council DC 12/09/2005 N/A Control Room Singleton Shire Council Approval to Occupy

Temporary Structure21/07/2005 21.07.2010 Conveyor Gantry

Singleton Shire Council Approval to use a Council Road

01/07/2005 Nil For use of Forest Road to access and service the Forest Road Ventilation Shaft Area


02/06/2005 01.06.2010 Office 1


02/06/2005 01.06.2010 Office 2


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Issuing / Responsible Authority

Consent/ Approval Number Date of Issue Expiry Comments


02/06/2005 01.06.2010 Office 3


01/06/2005 31.05.2010 Bathhouse 2


01/06/2005 31.05.2010 Office 4


01/06/2005 31.05.2010 Induction Room


01/06/2005 31.05.2010 Office 4

Singleton Shire Council Approval to Demolish Existing Dwelling and

Shed

13/04/2005 Nil Dwelling and shed located at Lot 93 DP 752442 Middle Falbrook Road

Minister for Planning S96(1A) modification 16/02/2005 11/11/2012 Upgrading of portal facilities. Singleton Shire Council Approval to use a

Council Road 12/05/2004 Nil For Glennies Creek to Ashton Water

Pipeline Singleton Shire Council DC 719/2003 13/02/2004 Nil specified For Glennies Creek to Ashton Water

Pipeline Minister for Planning S96(2) modification

105/90/M3 28/06/2002 11/11/2012 Construction of Forest Road

ventilation shaft and provision of power to the shaft

Minister for Planning S96(2) modification 105/90/M2

18/12/2001 11/11/2012 Continued use of underground entries off the North Pit, use of CHPP and rail loader.

Singleton Shire Council DC 90/2001 (Mod) 13/06/2001 Nil Alteration / additions to transportable office building

Singleton Shire Council DC 90/2001 05/04/2001 Nil For new offices and bathhouse Singleton Shire Council BA 1/99 26/03/1999 - Construction of awning within Integra

Underground Muster Area. Singleton Shire Council BA 2/99 26/03/1999 Nil Bathroom / office complex Minister for Planning S96(2) modification

105/90/M1 16/11/1998 11/11/2012 Development of underground entries

off the North Pit, use of CHPP and rail loader

Minister for Planning DA 105/90 01/11/1991 11/11/2012 Consent for the operation of the Integra Underground Coal Mine. This consent has been modified five times since it was first granted to allow for minor modifications/upgrades to the overall mining operation.

All of the consents listed in Table 1.1 above, other than Project Approval 08_0101, Project Approval 08_0101, DC 719/2003 and any construction or occupation certificates, are to be surrendered in June 2012 in accordance with Schedule 2 Condition 12 of Project Approvals 08_0101 and 08_0102.

1.3.2 LEASES Plan 1 and Table 1.2 present the mineral authorities held by Integra or related Companies.


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Table 1.2 Mineral Authorities

Mineral Authority Grant Date Expiry Date Holder

CL382 12 Nov 1991 11 Nov 2012 VALE Australia (GC) Pty Ltd, JFE Steel Australia (GC) Pty Ltd, JS Glennies Creek Pty Ltd, NS Glennies Creek Pty Limited, POS-GC Pty Ltd and Maitland Main Collieries Pty Limited

CL357 27 Mar 1990 27 Mar 2011 Camberwell Coal Pty Limited

ML1437 28 Apr 1999 27 Mar 2011 VALE Australia (GC) Pty Ltd, JFE Steel Australia (GC) Pty Ltd, JS Glennies Creek Pty Ltd, NS Glennies Creek Pty Limited, POS-GC Pty Ltd and Maitland Main Collieries Pty Limited

ML1518 14 Jun 2004 27 Mar 2011 VALE Australia (GC) Pty Ltd, JFE Steel Australia (GC) Pty Ltd, JS Glennies Creek Pty Ltd, NS Glennies Creek Pty Limited, POS-GC Pty Ltd and Maitland Main Collieries Pty Limited

ML1551 10 Jan 2006 27 Mar 2011 VALE Australia (GC) Pty Ltd, JFE Steel Australia (GC) Pty Ltd, JS Glennies Creek Pty Ltd, NS Glennies Creek Pty Limited, POS-GC Pty Ltd and Maitland Main Collieries Pty Limited

ML1630 16 March 2009 16 Mar 2030 VALE Australia (GC) Pty Ltd, JFE Steel Australia (GC) Pty Ltd, JS Glennies Creek Pty Ltd, NS Glennies Creek Pty Limited, POS-GC Pty Ltd and Maitland Main Collieries Pty Limited

1.3.3 LICENCES Table 1.3 presents the licences held by Integra in relation to the operation of the existing Integra Open Cut and North Open Cut, the Integra Underground Coal Mine and the CHPP and associated infrastructure. Note that only those licences marked with * relate to the North Open Cut.

Table 1.3 Licences

Issued By Number Grant Date Expiry/ Renewal/ Anniversary Date Comment

Environment Protection Licence

Office of Environment and

Heritage

EPL3390* 27/07/2000 31 August For coal mining and processing at the Camberwell Coal Mine, on a scale of 2 million tpa to 3.5 million tpa saleable coal produced and >5 million tonnes of coal products loaded.

Dangerous Goods Licences

Work Cover 07-100149-001

02/01/2008 08/03/2009 For magazines for explosives, detonators & on-site diesel storage.

Work Cover 35/034651* 09/03/2005 09/03/2006 For magazines of explosives and detonators and on-site diesel storage.

Water Access Licences

NSW Office of Water 485 01/07/2004 Perpetuity

Dewatering of the underground mine workings.

960 01/07/2004 Perpetuity

961 01/07/2004 Perpetuity

1172 01/07/2004 Perpetuity

1173 01/07/2004 Perpetuity


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1242 01/07/2004 Perpetuity

10095 01/07/2004 Perpetuity

Department of Primary Industries

WAL874 (240 GS) 31/3/2005 -

Extraction licences

WAL672 (102 GS) 23/3/2005 -

WAL833 (54 GS) 31/3/2005 -

WAL797 (12 GS) 1/11/2006 -

WAL1273 (1.2 SS) 1/11/2006 -

WAL 10095 (230HS) 11/09/2006 -

Bore Licences NSW Office of Water ( and predecessors)

20AL 200530 1/07/2004

-

Groundwater monitoring.

20AL 200940 1/07/2004

-

20AL 201041 1/07/2004

-

20AL 201231 1/07/2004

-

20BL 167917

15/08/2000 -

20BL 169571

7/03/2005 -

20BL 169573

7/03/2005 -

20BL 169574

7/03/2005 -

20BL 169628 17/08/2007

-

20BL 169629 17/08/2007

-

20BL 169630 17/08/2007

-

20BL 169631 17/08/2007

-

20BL 169632 17/08/2007

-

20BL 169862

26/09/2005 -

20BL 169864

26/09/2005 -

20BL 171507 3/09/2007

-

20BL 171705

17/08/2007 -

20BL 171707

17/08/2007 -


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20BL 171708

17/08/2007 -

20BL 171710

17/08/2007 -

20BL 171720

16/02/2008 -

20BL 171721

16/02/2008 -

20BL 171722

16/02/2008 -

20BL 171813 3/04/2008

-

20BL 171814 3/04/2008

-

20BL 171869 15/05/2008 14/05/2013 20BL

171870 15/05/2008 14/05/2013 20BL

171878 5/06/2008 4/06/2013

20BL 171879

5/06/2008 4/06/2013

20BL 171880

5/06/2008 4/06/2013

20BL 171881

5/06/2008 4/06/2013

20BL 009051 20/04/1959

-

20BL 012970 10/12/1962

-

20BL 169513

28/02/2005 28/02/2010

20BL 171814

3/04/2008

20CA 201232 4/07/2004

30/06/2017

20CA 200531

1/07/2004 25/02/2018

20CA 200941

1/07/2004 1/11/2008

20CA 201042

1/07/2004 30/06/2017

Radiation Licences Work Cover 10121 9/10/2006 20/10/2008

Density gauges

10120 9/10/2006 20/10/2008 10119 9/10/2006 20/10/2008 7561 20/06/2006 10/07/2012 684 20/06/2006 10/07/2012 683 20/06/2006 10/07/2012 685 20/06/2006 10/07/2012


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1.4 Mine Site Plan 1, located in Chapter 9, identifies the area covered by this MOP (referred to hereafter as “the Mine Site”). The boundaries of the Mine Site are as follows.

• Southern boundary – the southern extent of the out-of pit emplacement.

• Eastern and northeastern boundary – Stony Creek Road.

• Northwestern boundary – Middle Fallbrook Road.

• Western boundary – highwall of the former Camberwell North Pit and eastern boundary of the RL100 Stockpile Area.

It is noted that all surface disturbing activities associated with the North Open Cut will be undertaken within the Mine Site. It is also noted that the RL100 Area and Haul Route E, where ROM coal from the North Open Cut is stockpiled and transported, are not included in the Mine Site. Management of these areas and activities will be undertaken in accordance with the Integra Open Cut and Underground water management systems and MOPs.

1.5 Mine Contacts Personnel responsible for operational and environmental performance at the North Open Cut are as follows.

• Integra Operations Manager Open Cut – Grant Clouten.

• Technical Services Manager – Jason Thomas.

• Environmental Superintendent – John Trotter.

• Sustainability Manager – Kieran Plasto.

• Environmental Advisor – Sam Taylor/Kate Brickhill.

In addition, Carbon Based Environmental Pty Limited has a continuing presence on site in an advisory and resource role in the form of Colin Davies.

The relevant contact phone number for all of the above individuals is (02) 6570 2111.

1.6 Mine Geology

1.6.1 REGIONAL GEOLOGY The Hunter Coalfield comprises Permian sediments overlain in the west by Triassic sediments and overthrust in the east by Carboniferous strata. The Permian sediments have been folded into a series of generally north-south structures formed by compression of the depositional basin by the New England Fold Belt. Some of these structures were synsedimentary and active into the Triassic but the major stresses were taken up by the Hunter Thrust Fault, a continental scale structure. Deposition was largely controlled by cyclic periods of marine transgression and regression, although syn-depositional faulting and folding had some influence.

Two major coal measure sequences are present in the Hunter Coalfield. These are, in ascending order, the Greta Coal Measures and the Singleton Super Group. These coal measures are separated


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by a marine sequence referred to as the Maitland Group. The Singleton Super Group is subdivided into the Wittingham Coal Measures and the Newcastle Coal Measures which are separated by marine strata of the Denman Formation. The lower part of the Wittingham Coal Measures is known as the Vane Subgroup (Figure 1.1).

The Vane Subgroup is subdivided into two formations, namely the coal-bearing Foybrook Formation and the overlying Bulga Formation. The Foybrook Formation contains up to six potentially minable coal seams. These are, in ascending order, the Hebden, Barrett, Liddell, Arties, Pikes Gully and Lemington seams. The coal seams frequently split. Interseam lithologies include siltstone, lithic sandstone and conglomerate.

1.6.2 GEOLOGY Of the six coal seams within the Foybrook Formation, three occur within the North Open Cut, namely the Liddell, Barrett and Hebden seams (Figure 1.2). Within the open cut, these seams are split into multiple coal plies. These plies are described in Table 1.4.

Table 1.4 Plies to be Extracted

Coal Seam Ply1

Middle Liddell 190, 180, 170

Lower Middle Liddell 160

Lower Liddell 140,130

Upper Barrett 120

Lower Barrett 105

Upper Hebden 75

Lower Hebden (if recoverable) 60/55 Note 1: Nomenclature consistent with Integra Open Cut nomenclature

The North Open Cut lies on the eastern limb of the generally north-south trending Rixs Creek Syncline, but the local dip direction is generally to the north and northwest. Collectively, approximately 9.5m thickness of coal is present within the open cut pit shell. The depth of overburden varies from approximately 10m at the southern subcrop to approximately 100m along the northern perimeter of the pit shell. Unconsolidated surface material is generally less than 5m thick. Weathering depths range from 7m to 20m, with some areas of unweathered material at surface.

Both normal and reverse faults associated with a dyke system, referred to as the Camberwell Horst, have been recorded in the adjacent Camberwell North Pit and a ground magnetic survey showed the Camberwell Horst to continue into CL382. Displacements of 1m to 2m were recorded in the Camberwell North Pit parallel to the dyke and en-echelon normal faults truncated by a bedding plane thrust were observed in the Barrett seam only.


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Figure 1.1 Stratigraphy and Coal Seams (Amended)


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Figure 1.2 Indicative Geological Cross Section

1.6.3 RESOURCES AND RESERVES Resource and Reserve Statements for the North Open Cut have been prepared by Coxhead (2006) and Australian Mine Design and Development Pty Ltd (2007) respectively. Minarco-Mineconsult prepared a revised statement as at 1st July 2009, dated January 2010. The details of each coal seam within the proposed open cut are presented in Table 1.5.

Table 1.5 Description of Coal Seams within the Pit Shell

Coal Seam

Approximate Reserve (5.7Mt Pit Shell)

Estimated Thickness Average Depth Below Surface

Liddell 1.19 Mt Middle Liddell 0.65m to 2.1m and thickens to the southeast Lower Liddell 0.22m to 0.50m

32m

Barrett 2.76 Mt Upper Barrett <1.0m to 1.7m thinning to the east Barrett 0.5m to 1.5m

52m

Hebden 1.76 Mt <0.2m to 1.1m 62m Source: Coxhead (2006) and Australian Mine Design and Development Pty Ltd (2007)


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1.7 Landownership Plan 1 presents the landownership status and location of residences in the vicinity of the North Open Cut. Land indicated as “Project related” is owned by Integra or a related entity. It should be noted that the following classes of land are excluded from requirements to achieve the identified noise and air quality criteria under Project Approvals 08_0101 and 08_0102.

• Project-related land and residences.

• Land and residences owned by other mining companies.

• Land and residences owned by Government authorities.

The land ownership details of residences in the vicinity are provided in Table 1.6.

Table 1.6 Land ownership details

Landowner Reference

Lot and DP Land Owner Name

1 1/125071 Leonard Cox

2 1332/813851 Darren Philip Cox

3 100//752455 Leonard Cox

4 1331//813851 Wayne Geoffrey Cox

5 93/752455 Dwight Knox Geelan

6 832/564662 INTEGRA COAL OPERATIONS PTY LIMITED

7 1/706905 Frank Ferraro


9 911/794486 LINUS JOHN HOGGAN & MAREE ELVA HOGGAN

10 130/752455 Graham Bruce Barnett & Jennifer Barnett

11 4/1057222 Alan Harold Lambkin

12 2/1057222 Wendy May Cooper

13 5/1057222 Wendy May Cooper & Gregory Francis Copper

14 1/603548 Andrew Garvie

15 75/752450 SCOTT HAMILTON ANDREWS


17 3//195598 Glendell Tenements Pty Limited

18 1/775509 Graham Edward Lambkin

19 381/856227 STEVEN KEITH MCDONALD & LEANNE CARALE MCDONALD

20 101/1124459 Gary David Hamilton

21 383/856227 Anthony John Cox

22 385/856227 DANIEL JAMES COPE & MELISSA AMY FRASER

23 103/1124459 David Arthur Hackett & Pamela Gail Hackett

24 382/856227 JASON CHARLES THOMAS

25 384/856227 CHRISTINE JENSEN

26 384/856227 CHRISTINE JENSEN

27 2//609159 INTEGRA COAL OPERATIONS PTY LIMITED


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Landowner Reference


28 20/602363 RODNEY ERROL GARDNER & WILMA JOOY GARDNER

29 4/1065800 PAUL KENNETH LONG & RACHEL ADELL CRAWFORD

30 52/587711 Helen Leila May Castledine

31 51/587711 Dean Thomas Nolan


33 8/246434 Rodney George Hall & Doreen Ann Hall

34 2//810309 RHA Pastoral Company Pty Limited

35 79/1161577 William Edwin Gardner and Anne Mary Gardner


37 2/600327 Brian William Cherry & Roselea Ann Cherry

38 1/600327 John Henry Moore & Margaret Rose Moore

39 621/1097524 JUSTIN RICHARD MOLES & AMANDA JEAN NEWTON

40 65/752499 Graeme William Cheetham & Kay Heather Cheetham



43 64/752499 Darrell Robert Bridge & Maralyn Kaye Bridge

44 2/810452 Bruce Moran & Janet Mary Moran

45 2/810452 Bruce Moran & Janet Mary Moran

46 1/79387 John Russell Burton & Patricia Dorothy Burton

47 510/1033291 David Neville Bynon & Lynne Agatha Bynon

48 2/626880 Gillian Louise Holmes

49 531/788015 XSTRATA MT OWEN PTY LIMITED

50 511/1033291 Vicki Margaret Conroy

51 No Lot or DP available.

52 103/804053 Hunter Valley Open Cut Examiners PTY Limited




56 7//851867 XSTRATA MT OWEN PTY LIMITED


58 8//851867 David Martin Moran

59 4//851867 Graham Stanley Watson & Marilyn Jan Watson

60 1/701939 RHA Pastoral Company Pty Limited




64 1//781057 Gregory James Donnellan

65 1//781057 Gregory James Donnellan


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Landowner Reference


66 1/998045 Glendell Tenements Pty Limited


68 1//655758 Glendell Tenements Pty Limited



71 1/745211 Bruce Howard Richards & Rosalie Ellen Richards




75 2//851867 INTEGRA COAL OPERATIONS PTY LIMITED

76 3//851867 MARK ANDREW WATSON & DONNA LOUISE WATSON

77 3/787186 Errol David Upward & Jennifer Upward

78 2/787186 Errol David Upward & Jennifer Upward

79 1/787186 Morris Anthony Porter & Robyn Patricia Porter

80 99/752499 Helen Maria Upward or a Life Estate, Frederick Walter Upward of an estate in Remainder


106 122/1067863 ROBERT NOEL BELL & KIM BELL

113 124/1067863 Michael Colin Langdon

100 94/752455 Neil Joseph Smith

101 92/752455 Wayne Charles Garland

103 1/1057222 Alan Harold Lambkin

104 17/752450 RHA Pastoral Company Pty Limited






111 2/775509 MICHAEL NEIL SARGENT & JANELLE ELIZABETH SARGENT

112 121/1067863 Graham James Nightingale & Carol Ann Nightingale

114 120/1067863 Kenneth Patrick Roots & Mary Louise Roots

115 7001//1050706 Crown Land

115 271//823710 Crown Land

116 1/1164492 2/1164492 3/1164492

David Joseph Hamilton Christopher Martin Howard & Melanie Elizabeth Seagroth Gary David Hamilton & Marion Lee Gersbach

117 1/609159 THOMAS ALBERT BREEN & GEOFFREY ALAN BREEN

118 3/1065800 Nell John Carroll & Albert David Castledine

119 1/810452 Matthew Charles Boyce & Samantha Fay Boyce


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Landowner Reference


120 3/810452 Colin Alvin Meyn & Kerry Lindsay Meyn



123 1/851867 William Edwin Gardner & Anne Mary Gardner

124 13/6830 William Edwin Gardner & Anne Mary Gardner














138 5//851867 Errol Thomas Foster & Dianne Gayle Foster

139 560/1104561 Kevin John Badior & Javell Pearl Badior

140 239/829334 Four Mile PTY Limited

1.8 Consultation Integra and/or its representatives have undertaken consultation with the following listed government agencies in relation to the North Open Cut prior to and during the preparation of the MOP and/or associated environmental management/monitoring plans. It is noted that the required environmental management/monitoring plans are in various stages of preparation.

• Department of Primary Industries - Mineral Resources (now NSW Trade and Investment (DTIRIS)).

• Department of Environment and Climate Change (now Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH)).

• Department of Water and Energy (now NSW Office of Water (NOW)).

• Mr and Mrs Evans (former owners of Property 32 on Plan 1).

• Mrs Payne (former owner of Property 36 on Plan 1).

• Mr and Mrs Cheetham (owners of Properties 39 to 42, inclusive, on Plan 1).

• Mr and Mrs Cherry (owners of Property 37 on Plan 1).

• Mr and Mrs Moore (owners of Property 38 on Plan 1).


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• Mr and Mrs Gardner (owners of Property 35 on Plan 1).

In addition, the members of Integra's Community Consultative Committee were kept informed of the status of the application for project approval and the preparation of this document.

1.9 Document Preparation

1.9.1 OVERVIEW The original document was prepared by Mr Mitchell Bland (BSc (Hons), MEconGeol), Principal Environmental Consultant with R.W. Corkery & Co. Pty. Limited. Peer review was undertaken by Mr Rob Corkery (BSc (Hons), M App Sc) of the same Company. Mr Bland prepared the first amended document.

The second amended document was prepared by Rachael Russell (BSc, MEnvP), Environmental Planner with EMGA Mitchell McLennan Pty Limited. Peer review was undertaken by Luke Stewart (BAppSc (Hons)) and Brett McLennan (BTP (Hons)) of the same Company.

Mine planning and operational information was provided for the amended document on behalf of Integra by the following individuals.

• Mr Jason Thomas -Technical Services Superintendent – Integra Coal Operations Pty Ltd

• Mr Sam Taylor and Ms Kate Brickhill - Environmental Advisors - Integra Coal Operations Pty Ltd

• Mr Daniel Cherry -Senior Mine Planning Engineer - Integra Coal Operations Pty Ltd

In addition to the above, the following undertook a review of the document prior to finalisation.

• Mr Andrew Betts – General Manager - Integra Coal Operations Pty Ltd

• Mr John Trotter - Environmental Superintendent - Integra Coal Operations Pty Ltd

1.9.2 RELATED MANAGEMENT PLANS

The conditions of Project Approvals 08_0101 and 08_0102 require the preparation of the management plans identified in Table 1.6. Copies of these management plans will be provided to DTIRIS as they are finalised and approved by DP&I in accordance with the requirements of Project Approvals 08_0101 and 08_0102. Table 1.6 also identifies companies responsible for report preparation of the management plans. It is noted that, where available, a summary of the management measures identified in the documents listed in Table 1.6 have been included in this document.


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Table 1.7 Required Management Plans and Monitoring Programs

Document Condition Number

By When By Whom

Noise Management Plan 3(10) End of May 2012 Global Acoustics Blast Management Plan 3(19) End of May 2012 Terrock Consulting Air Quality & Greenhouse Gas Management Plan 3(26) End of May 2012 PAE Holmes Water Management Plan 3(40) End of March 2012 EMM Biodiversity Management Plan 3(44) End of December

2011 ERM

Heritage Management Plan 3(47) End of March 2011 Integra Waste Management Plan 3(54) End of March 2012 EMM Rehabilitation Management Plan 3(58) End of March 2012 EMM Safety Management Plan App. 10 N/A Integra

Drafts of the above plans have been submitted to DP&I by the dates nominated in Project Approvals 08_0101 and 08_0102 and are in the process of being finalised based on feedback received from DP&I and other stakeholders (where applicable) and to include changes resulting from Modification 1 to the Project Approvals.


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2. P r e M O P E n v i r o n m e n t

2.1 Introduction The following sub-sections describe elements of the existing environment within and surrounding the Mine Site. Particular emphasis is placed on those elements that will be affected during the life of the North Open Cut. Plan 2 and Figures 2.1 to 2.7 presents the pre MOP environment, ie. the status of the Mine Site at the commencement of the MOP.

2.2 Topography

2.2.1 REGIONAL TOPOGRAPHY Figure 2.1 indicates the topography surrounding the Mine Site. The landforms in this area are dominated by undulating topography and gently sloping river flats along Glennies Creek, with elevations ranging from 80m AHD to 140m AHD. The most notable topographic feature in the local area is a prominent ridge which runs in a north-northwest / south-southeast direction 6km north of the Mine Site. Elevations along this ridge reach 272m AHD at Mount Surprise. Average slopes on the undulating topography are 1:25 (V:H). Maximum slopes on Mount Surprise are 1:1 (V:H).

Immediately to the north of the Mine Site, on the northern and western side of Glennies Creek, is a northeast-oriented ridgeline with maximum elevations of approximately 110m to 120m AHD.

The topography within CL357 and areas to the south has been substantially modified by open cut coal mining activities at the Integra Open Cut (Camberwell) and Rixs Creek Coal Mines. The waste rock emplacements associated with the North Pit range from approximately 40m AHD within the sump retained in the North Pit, to a maximum height of 146m AHD, rising approximately 25m to 35m above the adjacent natural landform. The North Pit and associated in-pit waste rock emplacement is partially filled with water, with the water level in the sump adjacent to the portals to the Integra Underground currently at approximately 47m AHD. This water level rises and falls depending on the magnitude of preceding rainfall events and the demand for water for the Integra Open Cut and CHPP, Ashton Coal Mine etc. The local topography continues to fall south of the Camberwell and Rix’s Creek Coal Mines to the flood plain of the Hunter River near Singleton.

2.2.2 MINE SITE TOPOGRAPHY The Mine Site topography in areas unaffected by prior open cut mining activities is gently undulating (Plan 2). An open northwest-trending valley dominates the northwestern section of the Mine Site whilst another open northeastern-trending valley dominates the eastern part of the Mine Site. Possum Skin Dam occurs within part of the northwest-trending valley. The middle section of the Mine Site is dominated by the active pit and waste rock emplacement. The southern section of the Mine Site is dominated by the North Pit waste rock emplacement.

Elevations across the Mine Site range from approximately 80m AHD at the eastern and western extremities, to more than 141m AHD on the waste rock emplacement near the Southern Mine Site boundary. Natural slopes within the Mine Site are typically approximately 1:25 (V:H), with maximum slopes of approximately 1:5 (V:H). Slopes on the waste rock emplacements vary from approximately 1:28 (V:H) to 1:5 (V:H).


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Figure 2.1 Regional Topography (Amended)


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2.3 Climate and Meteorology

2.3.1 INTRODUCTION Meteorological data has been continuously recorded at the Camberwell Coal Meteorological Station since 2002 (Figure 2.1). Longer term data is available from the Bureau of Meteorology Singleton Water Board Station, located 11km south-southeast of the Mine Site.

2.3.2 TEMPERATURE AND HUMIDITY Table 2.1 presents recent average, maximum and minimum monthly temperature and humidity data from the Singleton Water Board Meteorological Station collected in 2011. In 2011 the average monthly temperature was highest in January with an average of 22.8°C and lowest in July with an average of 8.3°C. Spring was the least humid season in 2011, while Summer was the most humid.

Table 2.1 Average Monthly Temperatures and Humidity

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Temperature °C

Average 22.8 22.7 19.5 14.8 10.5 9.4 8.3 10.1 13.0 14.5 19.4 16.6

Maximum 42.3 40.3 35.0 27.0 22.1 19.2 18.6 23.2 29.2 28.1 33.6 27.9

Minimum 10.1 10.2 9.8 6.1 -0.7 1.1 0.1 1.6 2.6 3.7 7.7 6.6

Relative Humidity %

Average 66.2 65.0 71.6 74.3 72.6 74.1 69.0 73.7 62.9 72.6 72.2 75.2

Maximum 95.0 96.1 96.8 97.9 98.4 98.5 98.8 98.9 100.0 99.0 100.0 100.0

Minimum 9.3 14.7 23.1 25.3 14.8 26.0 29.4 22.8 11.0 18.0 25.0 25.0 Source: Integra Annual Return 2011

2.3.3 RAINFALL Table 2.2 provides a compilation of rainfall data from 13 Bureau of Meteorology stations in the vicinity of the Mine Site during 2011. In 2011, June was the wettest month, with a total of 160.4mm rainfall, and August was the driest month, with a total of 4.2mm rainfall.

Table 2.2 Mean and Maximum Composite Monthly Rainfall Data

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Total 23.2 36.0 77.4 71.0 89.4 160.4 21.2 4.2 91.2 57.8 152.6 31.0

Average 0.7 1.3 2.5 2.4 2.9 5.3 0.7 0.1 3.0 1.9 5.1 1.0 Source: Integra Annual Return 2011

2.3.4 WIND Wind direction and speed data have been collected since 2002 at the Camberwell Meteorological Station (Figure 2.1), with the data collected at 5 second intervals and averaged for each 10 minute


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interval. The most complete set of annual data is from 2003, where a total of 8 735 hours, or 99.7% of the potentially available data, was recorded.

Figure 2.2 presents the annual and seasonal wind roses for the Mine Site. The data show two principal wind directions, with winds from the southeast dominant in Summer and Autumn, and winds from the northwest dominant in Winter and Spring. The data also indicates that moderate wind strengths are common, with mean wind speeds of 3.4m/s (12.2km/h). Calm wind conditions occur between 5.1% of the time during Summer and 18.1% of the time during Spring.

2.4 Air Quality Plan 1 presents the locations of the existing and proposed dust monitoring stations in the vicinity of the Mine Site. Table 2.3 presents a summary of dust deposition data for the period July 1999 to June 2008 for deposited dust gauges D2 to D11 and July 2009 to June 2011 for gauges D12 to D14. Results from all sampling locations, with the exception of gauge D7 and one result for D11, indicate average annual deposited dust levels between 1.2 g/m2/month and 3.9 g/m2/month. Typically rural areas in NSW, without any influence from mining activities, would experience deposited dust levels of between 1 g/m2/month and 2 g/m2/month.

Dust gauge D7 lies within 0.7km of the South Pit, within the Zone of Affectation of the Integra Mine Complex and high dust levels recorded reflect the nearby activities underway at the South Pit. D11 is also within the Zone of Affection and the high results in July 2009 to June 2010 are likely to be a result of mining activities in the vicinity. There were also a number of contaminated samples at D11 which resulted in a non-result for July 2008 to June 2009 (which had 12 contaminated samples) and a high result in July 2009 to June 2010 (which was based on only two samples over the 12 month period).

Table 2.3 Annual Average Deposited Dust

D2 D3 D4 D5 D6 D7 D8 D9 D10 D11 D12 D13 D14July 1999 to June 2000 2.2 1.3 2.2 1.2 1.9 4.7 1.6 1.6 2.0 3.3 - - -

July 2000 to June 2001 2.6 1.9 2.8 1.8 1.7 4.7 1.7 1.8 2.1 2.7 - - -

July 2001 to June 2002 2.2 2.8 2.2 1.9 1.8 4.3 2.2 2.4 2.2 3.0 - - -

July 2002 to June 2003 1.9 1.9 2.5 1.5 1.6 4.1 2.3 2.3 2.6 2.8 - - -

July 2003 to June 2004 1.7 3.8 2.4 1.7 1.6 3.6 2.1 2.1 2.6 3.1 - - -

July 2004 to June 2005 1.9 1.6 1.9 1.2 1.4 2.7 2.3 1.9 2.0 2.6 - - -

July 2005 to June 2006 2.4 1.5 1.6 1.9 1.8 3.0 2.7 2.3 2.1 3.5 - - -

July 2006 to June 2007 2.6 1.8 1.4 1.8 2.0 3.5 2.6 2.6 2.0 3.5 - - -

July 2007 to June 2008 2.6 2.9 1.3 1.2 2.4 4.4 1.8 2.5 2.2 3.9 - - -

July 2008 to June 2009 2.0 2.0 1.6 1.8 1.4 5.7 2.3 3.1 2.8 - - - -

July 2009 to June 2010 2.7 2.7 1.8 1.6 1.8 6.1 2.6 3.6 2.7 8.1 2.3 2.4 2.9

July 2010 to June 2011 2.8 2.3 1.7 1.6 1.6 3.5 2.5 2.8 2.7 3.0 1.9 2.1 2.5 Note: Excludes Contaminated Samples Bold indicates where the OEH air quality goal of 4g/m2/month was exceeded.

Units = g/m2/month


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Figure 2.2 Annual and Seasonal Wind Roses

N N NNENNE

NE NE

ENEENE

E E

ESEESE

SE SE

SSESSES S

SSWSSW

SW SW

WSWWSW

W W

WNWWNW

NW NW

NNWNNW

5% 10% 15% 20% 25%

N N NNENNE

NE NE

ENEENE

E E

ESEESE

SE SE

SSESSES S

SSWSSW

SW SW

WSWWSW

W W

WNWWNW

NW NW

NNWNNW

10% 20% 30% 40%

N N NNENNE

NE NE

ENEENE

E E

ESEESE

SE SE

SSESSES S

SSWSSW

SW SW

WSWWSW

W W

WNWWNW

NW NW

NNWNNW

5% 10% 15% 20% 25%

N N NNENNE

NE NE

ENEENE

E E

ESEESE

SE SE

SSESSES S

SSWSSW

SW SW

WSWWSW

W W

WNWWNW

NW NW

NNWNNW

10% 20% 30%

N N NNENNE

NE NE

ENEENE

E E

ESEESE

SE SE

SSESSES S

SSWSSW

SW SW

WSWWSW

W W

WNWWNW

NW NW

NNWNNW

4% 8% 12% 16% 20%Wind speed (m/s)

>0.5 - 1.5

>1.5 - 3

>3 - 4.5

>4.5 - 6

>6 - 7.5

>7.5

Annual and seasonal windroses forCamberwell Meteorological Station (2003)

SpringWinter

AutumnSummer

AnnualCalms = 13.8%

Calms = 5.1% Calms = 15.6%

Calms = 16.2% Calms = 18.1%

Source: Holmes Air Sciences (2007) –


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Total Suspended Particulate (TSP) concentrations have been recorded at locations HV1, HV2 and HV3 since 2001, with PM10 concentrations recorded at HV1 and HV3 since August 2005 (Plan 1). Average annual concentrations of TSP and PM10 at these locations are presented in Table 2.4.

Table 2.4 Average Annual PM10 and TSP Concentrations

Calendar Year

HV1 HV2 HV3 PM10 TSP PM10 TSP PM10 TSP

2001 - 35 - 88 - 56

2002 - 49 - 96 - 74

2003 - 45 - 88 - 56

2004 - 44 - 91 - 50

2005 231. 48 - 89 231. 47

2006 19 35 - 84 21 51

2007 21 42 - 111 25 64

2008 21 48 - 128 22 63

2009 22 55 - 124 37 73

2010 16 47 - 89 20 66

2011 17 42 - 72 21 67 Note 1: PM10 average from August to December 2005 Bold indicates where the OEH air quality goal of 30 μg/m3 for PM10 and 90 μg/m3 for TSP

Units = μg/m3

2.5 Noise Noise levels in the vicinity of the Mine Site are influenced by a range of sources including various mining operations and related activities, traffic on local roads, agricultural equipment, stock, wind in trees, insects and birds.

During the noise assessment undertaken to support application 08_0101 for project approval of the South Pit western extension, Heggies Pty Ltd identified 18 noise assessment groups in which noise levels are likely to be similar because of the proximity of residences in each area to the various noise sources and the topographic setting (Figure 2.3). The noise environment within each area was established using both attended and unattended noise monitoring.

In 2005 and 2007, automatic noise loggers were positioned at a representative location within the noise assessment groups (Figure 2.3). The data was subsequently processed in accordance with the requirements of the Industrial Noise Policy (OEH 2000) to derive the Monday to Sunday ambient noise levels or rating background level (RBL) presented in Table 2.5.


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Figure 2.3 Noise Assessment Group Locations


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Table 2.5 Ambient Noise Environment - March 20051, 2

Noise Assessment Group

Location Rating Background Level All Noise Sources

LAeq(period) All Noise Sources

Calculated LAeq(period) Industrial Noise

Amenity Day Evening Night Day Evening Night Day Evening Night

1 80 30 33 34 50 45 45 46-47 43-45 43-47

2 84 31 34 34 63 62 62 46-54 42-45 42-54

3 87 33 35 35 56 45 48 44-45 41-42 41-42

4 95 34 43 32 49 49 47 45-46 41-42 40-41

5 114 45 41 37 60 56 56 42-54 40-54 38-52

6 131 34 36 33 51 44 43 42-45 38-41 36-40

7 110 40 37 34 64 44 44 44-45 41-42 40-45

8 142 37 37 30 49 44 50 40-40 37-37 35-35

9 143 32 36 34 54 54 51 41-41 38-39 37-37

10 8 31 36 32 46 44 44 41-42 38-39 37-39

11 16 33 38 35 51 49 48 41-43 38-39 36-38

12 54 30 34 30 44 46 46 46-48 41-44 40-42

A 31 31 34 31 53 52 46 43-47 38-45 37-45

B 45 30 32 30 48 47 42 45-45 40-41 40-41

C 64 38 40 41 53 53 46 45-46 41-42 40-41

D 408 32 36 33 54 57 43 45-45 41-41 39-40

F 73 34 35 35 55 49 43 46-51 42-50 41-50

G 82 33 39 35 47 64 48 47 43 43 Note 1: Measured noise levels less than 31dB(A) may have a signal to noise ratio less than 5dB(A). Note 2: Daytime 7:00am to 6:00pm, Evening 6:00pm to 10:00pm and Night-time 10:00pm to 7:00am

Source: Heggies (2009) – Table 17 * Units = (dB(A) re 20μPa)

Table 2.6 presents the noise impact criteria specified in Schedule 3, Condition 2 of Project Approvals 08_0101 and 08_0102 which were determined in accordance with the Industrial Noise Policy (OEH 2000).

Table 2.6 Noise Impact Criteria

Noise Assessment

Group

Location Day Evening Night Night

Units LAeq(15 minute) LAeq(15 minute) LAeq(15 minute) LA1(1 minute)

1 All 38 38 36 46

2 All 39 39 37 47

3 All 40 40 39 49

4 99,100 39 39 39 47

88,91,95 40 40 40 47

105,161 41 41 41 47

All others 42 42 37 47

5 104 35 35 35 52


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Noise Assessment

Group



139 36 36 36 52

103 37 37 37 52

121 40 40 40 52

118,154 43 43 43 52

112 45 45 45 52

111 47 47 47 52


6 137 35 35 35 48

133 37 37 37 48

132 38 38 38 48


7 All 45 42 39 49

8 142 35 35 35 45


9 146, 148, 149 35 35 35 48

143, 144, 145, 147, 150, 151,

152 36 36 36 48

2 37 37 37 48

3, 4 39 39 39 48


10 5 40 40 40 47

6, 11 41 41 41 47

8 42 42 42 49


11 18 35 35 35 45

20, 21 37 37 36 49

19 37 37 37 49

17 38 38 38 49

7 39 39 39 49

12, 15 40 40 40 49

14,16 42 42 42 49


12 52, 55 35 35 35 45

51, 56 37 37 37 45

53, 57 38 38 38 45

50, 54 39 39 39 45

62 40 40 40 45



Page 40 of 129

Noise Assessment

Group



A 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40,

41

35 35 35 46

31 36 36 35 46

42,43 36 36 36 46

32 37 37 35 46

22, 23 37 37 37 46

34 39 39 36 46

35 39 39 35 46


B All 37 37 35 45

C 47 39 39 39 45

63 40 40 40 45


D 44, 48 36 36 36 48

49 39 39 39 48


F 65, 66 39 39 39 50

67 40 40 40 50

68 42 42 42 50


G All 41 41 39 50

Other All 35 35 35 45

2.6 Biodiversity

2.6.1 INTRODUCTION The flora assessment for the Mine Site was undertaken for the Glennies Creek Environmental Assessment (Corkery 2007) by Geoff Cunningham Natural Resource Consultants Pty Ltd. The results of the assessment were presented as Parts 4a and 4b of the Specialist Consultants Studies Compendium which accompanied the Glennies Creek Environmental Assessment (Corkery 2007) and are referred to hereafter as "GCNRC (2007a)" and "GCNRC (2007b)".

The fauna assessment for the Glennies Creek Environmental Assessment (Corkery 2007) was undertaken by Countrywide Ecological Service (CES). The results of that assessment were presented as Part 3 of the Specialist Consultants Studies Compendium and are referred to hereafter as "CES (2007)".


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A biodiversity assessment was also undertaken for the South Pit western extension Environmental Assessment by URS Australia in 2009 and was presented as Appendix E of the Environmental Assessment.

2.6.2 FLORA

2.6.2.1 VEGETATION COMMUNITIES The flora surveys in GCNRC (2007a)" and "GCNRC (2007b) identified the following eight communities within the Mine Site (Plan 2).

Tussock Grassland Community

This community occupies approximately 9ha within the Mine Site and is generally dominated by (or generally comprises) open grassland with scattered areas of Narrow-leaf Ironbark, Grey Box, Bull Oak and Broad-leaf Ironbark regeneration. Shrub species are dominated by Eastern Cottonbush. Native groundcover species include Wiregrass, Red Grass, Rock Fern, Barbed Wire Grass, Spreading Flax-lily, Cotton Panic and Native Flax. Exotic ground-cover species include Scarlet Pimpernel, Onion Grass and Fireweed.

Regenerating Native Woodland / Shrubland Community

This community occupies approximately 29ha within the Mine Site. Since removal of domestic stock from sections of the Mine Site by the Proponent, areas previously classified as Tussock Grassland Community have experienced significant regeneration of native tree and shrub species. As a result, during the July 2007 field surveys, the areas previously classified as Tussock Grassland Community were re-evaluated and re-classified as Regenerating Native Woodland / Shrubland.

Tree species within this community principally comprise Narrow-leaf Ironbark, Grey Box, Bull Oak and Forest Red Gum. The density of regeneration is generally greatest in the vicinity of existing, larger trees.

Shrub species within this community include Broom Bitter-pea, Gorse Bitter-pea, Fan Wattle, Acacia falcata, Hakea decurrens, Western Boobialla, Pultenaea sp. and Eastern Cottonbush. The spacing between shrubs varies from between 5m to 10m to less than 1m in places, and in some sections of the Mine Site, shrubs make the area impenetrable. The heights of shrubs within this community vary from approximately 80cm to 4m.

Native ground-cover species within this community include Wiregrass, Red Grass, Rock Fern, Barbed Wire Grass, Panic Grass, Spreading Flax-lily, Cotton Panic, Matrush and Native Flax. Exotic ground-cover species include Scarlet Pimpernel, Onion Grass and Fireweed.

Narrow-leaf Ironbark – Spotted Gum – Forest Red Gum Community

The Narrow-leaf Ironbark – Spotted Gum – Forest Red Gum Community (Narrow-leaf Ironbark Community) community occupies approximately 122ha within the Mine Site and is dominated by Narrow-leaf Ironbark, Spotted Gum, Grey Box and Forest Red Gum trees, with lesser numbers of Blakely's Red Gum, Bull Oak and Rough-barked Apple. Tree spacing generally varies from less than 1m to around 20m.


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Shrub species within this community include Butterbush, Broom Bitter-pea, False Sarsaparilla, Peach Heath, Silver-stemmed Wattle, Amulla, Coil-pod Wattle, African Boxthorn, Native Olive, Western Boobialla, Chinese Shrub, Western Golden Wattle and Thyme Spurge.

Common native ground-cover species within this community include Wiregrass, Rock Fern, Tall Chloris, Yellow Buttons, Barbed Wire Grass, Slender Tick-trefoil, Spreading Flax-lily, Kidney Weed, Fringe Rush, Native Flax, Matrush, Pomax, Kangaroo Grass and Golden Everlastings. Exotic ground-cover species within this community include Spear Thistle, Flax-leaf Fleabane, Red-flowered Mallow, Fireweed, Prickly Pear and Paddy's Lucerne,

This community is considered a representative of the Central Hunter Ironbark – Spotted Gum – Grey Box Forest as defined by Peake (2006).

Rehabilitated Disturbed Land Community

This community occupies approximately 106ha of the Mine Site and comprises land that has been rehabilitated following disturbance and land used for topsoil storage. With the exception of seedlings and saplings that have been planted, and occasional Narrow-leaf Ironbark and Forest Red Gum trees and saplings, there are very few trees within this community. Shrub species include Amulla, Broom Bitter-pea and Eastern Cottonbush.

Bull Oak Community

This community occupies approximately 21ha of the Mine Site and is dominated by close-spaced Bull Oak trees, as well as Narrow-leaf Ironbark, Rough-barked Apple and Grey Box in places.

Shrub species within this community include Silver-stemmed Wattle, Kangaroo Thorn, Cough Bush, Chinese Shrub, Coil-pod Wattle and Western Boobialla.

Native ground-cover species include Wiregrass, Rock Fern, Yellow Buttons, Barbed Wire Grass, Spreading Flax-lily and Brown’s Lovegrass.

Disturbed Land

This community includes all areas of currently disturbed land and occupies approximately 57.3ha of the Mine Site. Areas of current disturbance were not sampled.

In addition to the flora communities identified within the Mine Site, the flora survey identified two further communities within the biodiversity offset areas as follows.

Swamp Oak Community

This community occupies approximately 33.4ha of the biodiversity offset areas and is generally restricted to lower-lying locations along drainage lines and creeks. The closely spaced Swamp Oak dominates this community, with occasional Rough-barked Apple and Grey Box trees present.

Shrubs of Eastern Cottonbush are present where the tree cover is less dense than elsewhere.

Native ground-cover species include Slender Bamboo Grass, Climbing Saltbush, Kidney Weed, Solanum sp., Red Grass, Purple Wiregrass, Barbed-wire Grass, Oxalis sp., Rock Fern, Ratstail Grass, Curly Windmill Grass, Yellow Buttons, Common Reed and Saw-sedge.


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River Oak Community

This community occupies approximately 1.5ha of the biodiversity offset areas and is dominated by a gallery of River Oak adjacent to and within Glennies Creek.

Occasional Acacia shrubs have been observed within the community and native ground-cover species include Umbrella Grass, Curly Windmill Grass, Rock Fern and Cobbler’s Pegs.

The community is heavily invaded by exotic species including Willows, Olive, Green Cestrum Madeira Vine, African Boxthorn, Prickly Pear, Ribwort, Fennel, Paspalum, Kikuyu Grass, Fireweed, Chicory, Wild Stattice, Spear Thistle and Flaxleaf Fleabane.

2.6.2.2 NOXIOUS WEEDS Five species of noxious weeds were noted within the Mine Site in GCNRC (2007a)" and "GCNRC (2007b), namely:

• African Boxthorn (Lycium ferocissimum);

• Green Cestrum (Cestrum parqui);

• Mother-of-Millions (Bryophyllum delagoense);

• Onion Grass (Romulea rosea); and

• Prickly Pear (Opuntia stricta).

2.6.2.3 THREATENED FLORA SPECIES The desktop literature review by URS (2009) identified five threatened species recorded or predicted to occur within the locality. In addition, the OEH website indicates that a further 20 threatened species have been recorded within the Singleton LGA. None of these species were recorded within the areas surveyed during the flora surveys.

2.6.2.4 ENDANGERED ECOLOGICAL COMMUNITIES The desktop literature review by URS (2009) identified 11 Endangered Ecological Communities that may occur within the locality. Three EECs were assessed as potentially occurring in the vicinity of the Mine Site namely:

• Hunter Lowland Redgum Forest in the Sydney Basin and NSW North Coast Bioregions;

• White Box-Yellow Box-Blakely’s Red Gum Woodland (Box-Gum Woodland EEC); and

• Lower Hunter Spotted Gum-Ironbark Forest.

None of these communities occur within the Mine Site. However, one community identified by the NPWS Atlas of NSW Wildlife database as endangered, namely the Lower Hunter Spotted Gum - Ironbark Forest, is closely related to the Central Hunter Ironbark – Spotted Gum – Grey Box Forest Community. The Narrow-leaf Ironbark – Spotted Gum – Forest Red Gum Community is considered to be equivalent to the Central Hunter Ironbark – Spotted Gum – Grey Box Forest Community. Common species within the endangered Lower Hunter Spotted Gum - Ironbark Forest include Spotted Gum, Broad-leaf Ironbark and the shrub Melaleuca nodosa. Narrow-leaf Ironbark trees are only a minor component of this community.

By contrast, in the Central Hunter Ironbark – Spotted Gum – Grey Box Forest Community, Narrow-leaf Ironbark is very common, Broad-leaf Ironbark is less common and Melaleuca nodosa is absent.


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As a result, the Narrow-leaf Iron Bark – Spotted Gum – Forest Red Gum Community found within the Mine Site is not regarded as being representative of the endangered Lower Hunter Spotted Gum – Grey Box Forest ecological community.

2.6.2.5 ENDANGERED FLORA POPULATIONS The desktop literature review by URS (2009) identified three endangered flora populations noted to occur within the Hunter Valley, namely Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Acacia pendula and Cymbidium canaliculatum. None of these populations were observed or are predicted to occur in the vicinity of the Mine Site.

2.6.2.6 CONSERVATION VALUE OF RECORDED SPECIES The Hunter Bushland Resource Kit (HCMT, 2003) identifies 18 flora species as being of conservation significance. One shrub species, Acacia decora (Western Golden Wattle), occurs within the Mine Site and is designated within the Kit as being threatened.

2.6.3 FAUNA Table 2.8 identifies the number of fauna species recorded during the fauna surveys of the Mine Site, and lists all the threatened fauna species identified. A complete list of species observed is presented in Section 5 of CES (2007).

Table 2.7 Fauna Species Recorded within the Mine Site Fauna Survey Area

Number of Species

Threatened Species Native Exotic Total

Amphibians 9 0 9 Nil

Birds 602 1 61 Grey-crowned Babbler (Pomatostomus temporalis)

Mammals, incl. bats

19 61 25 Eastern Freetail-bat (Mormopterus norfolkensis) Eastern Bentwing-bat (Miniopterus schreibersii oceanesis) Brush-tailed Phascogale (Phascogale tapoatafa) Grey-headed Flying-fox (Pteropus poliocephalus)

Reptiles 11 0 11 Nil Note 1: Three exotic species, the European Red Fox, the European Rabbit and Feral Cat, are also listed as Key Threatening

Processes in the TSC Act. Note 2: This Figure includes the White-bellied Sea-Eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster), an EPBC Act listed migratory species. Source: Modified after CES (2007) – Section 5.

2.6.4 BIODIVERSITY OFFSETS

In accordance with Schedule 3 Condition 41 of the Project Approvals 08_0101 and 08_0102, a Biodiversity Offset Strategy is in place for the Integra Mine Complex. The Strategy includes five Biodiversity Offset Areas (BOAs), three of which are located within the Mine Site. The Five BOAs and the vegetation communities contained within are specified in Table 2.8.


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Table 2.8 Biodiversity Offset Strategy for the Integra Mine Complex

Biodiversity Offset Areas (BOA)

Vegetation Community Area (Ha) Total BOA Size

Tussock Grassland

Regenerating Native Woodland/ Shrubland

Narrow-leaf Ironbark, Spotted Gum, Forrest Red Gum

Bull Oak

Disturbed Land

Swamp Oak

River Oak

Northern BOA 28.4 30.9 26.9 0 0 33.4 1.5 121.1

Southern BOA 0 0 27.8 11.1 0 0 0 38.9

Western BOA 10.2 43.1 30.8 9.8 0.4 0 0 94.3 Supplementary BOA

5.8 0 27.6 0 0 0 0 33.4

Bridgman BOA 3 0 35 0 0 9 0 47 Total 47.4 74 148.1 20.9 0.4 42.4 1.5 334.7

2.7 Aboriginal Heritage The Aboriginal heritage assessment for the Glennies Creek Environmental Assessment (Corkery 2007) was undertaken by HLA Envirosciences Pty Ltd. The results of that assessment were presented as part 5 of the Specialist Consultants Studies Compendium prepared to support the Environmental Assessment which is and are referred to hereafter as "HLA (2007)."

A total of 19 sites were identified as containing, or having the potential to contain, archaeological deposits. In addition, one previously recorded site was also relocated. The locations of these sites are shown on Plan 2 and a summary of each site is presented in Table 2.9.

In summary, the archaeological sites are predominantly isolated or low density artefact scatters, consisting mostly of flakes which are interpreted to have primarily been debitage and unlikely to have been used. Most artefacts were located in disturbed or highly disturbed areas and HLA Envirosciences (2007) state that the assemblage is typical of the Hunter Valley and is not unique.

2.8 Soils and Land Capability The Soils and Land Capability assessment for the Glennies Creek Environmental Assessment was undertaken by Geoff Cunningham Natural Resource Consultants Pty Ltd. The results of that assessment were presented as part 6 of the Specialist Consultants Studies Compendium prepared to support the Environmental Assessment which is and are referred to hereafter as "GCNRC (2007c)."

Two Soil Mapping Units (SMUs) were identified within those sections of the Mine Site to be disturbed by the planned mining activities (Plan 2). Soils of SMU1 are largely associated with elevated ridges, with minor occurrences in other areas. SMU2 soils are found on mid to lower slopes and drainage depressions. A general description of each SMU is provided in Table 2.10.


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Table 2.9 Summary of Sites Containing Archaeological Deposits

Site Number*

Site Type Site Content Site Size (m)

Site Condition

GC1 Artefact Scatter 2 red silcrete flakes and 2 red silcrete flakes 50x50 Highly disturbed

GC2 Artefact Scatter 1 red brown tuff core and 1 grey mudstone flake 40x40 NR

GC3 Isolated Artefact Orange brown FGS broken flake - Highly Disturbed

GC4 Artefact Scatter 6 tuff flakes of various colours, 1 brown mudstone flake and 1 red silcrete flake

15x15 Highly Disturbed

GC5 Artefact Scatter 1 red/pink silcrete flake and 1 pink grey tuff flake

NR Highly Disturbed

GC6 Artefact Scatter 1 red brown FGS core and 1 red brown tuff pebble core tool

NR Disturbed

GC7 Artefact Scatter 1 red FGS flake and 1 chalcedony microlith. NR Highly Disturbed

GC8 Artefact Scatter 2 yellow mudstone flakes, 1 brown mudstone flake and 1 red tuff broken flake.

100x100 Highly Disturbed

GC9 Isolated Artefact 1 yellow/grey silcrete flake. - Highly Disturbed

GC10 Isolated Artefact 1 flake. - Disturbed

GC11 Isolated Artefact 1 red flake. - NR

GC12 Artefact Scatter 7 mudstone flakes of various colours, 1 brown mudstone core, 1 yellow mudstone blade, 2 tuff flakes and 1 yellow silcrete flake.

150 elongate Highly Disturbed

GC13 Artefact Scatter 1 brown mudstone microlith, 1 red/brown flake and 1 red silcrete flake.

NR Highly Disturbed

GC14 Artefact Scatter 3 mudstone flakes of various colours. 20x20 Highly Disturbed

GC15 Isolated Artefact 1 grey FGS flake. - NR

GC16 Isolated Artefact 1 red brown mudstone flake. - Highly Disturbed

GC17 Artefact Scatter 17 mudstone flakes of various colours, 2 flakes of unknown composition, 1 pink FGS core, 1 pink FGS flake and 1 red brown tuff flake.

200 elongate Highly Disturbed

GC18 Isolated Artefact 1 grey tuff flake - Highly Disturbed

GC19 Isolated Artefact 1 yellow mudstone flake - Highly Disturbed Note NR = Not recorded * See Plan 2 Source: HLA Envirosciences (2007) – modified from Section 4.4 FGS = Fine Grained Siliceous


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Table 2.10 Soil Mapping Unit Descriptions

SMU1 SMU2 Profile To 210cm deep. Firm to hardsetting surface. To 247cm deep; firm to hardsetting surface.

Topsoil 10 to 35cm deep. Sandy clay loam, silty clay loam, sometimes loam or silty clay; usually many roots; no lime or manganese present; pH 5.0 to 6.0; gravel and stones absent, or some rounded or angular gravel present, 1-3cm in size; not mottled; sometimes bleached A2 horizon present; massive or highly structured.

5-30cm deep. Usually silty clay or silty clay loam, sometimes loam, clay loam or light to medium clay textured; many roots, occasionally few; no lime or manganese present; pH 5.0 - 6.0; angular and rounded gravel to 3cm present, sometimes stones to 20cm present, or gravel and stone absent, gravel layers sometimes discontinuous and sometimes in lenses; not mottled; usually not bleached; highly pedal.

Subsoil Up to four subsoil horizons identified; subsoil generally comprised clay textured material that is sometimes gritty; occasionally more sandy horizons present at the base of the profile; pH usually within the 4.0 to 7.0 range; usually highly structured.

Up to four horizons of generally medium to heavy clay textured material; pH levels reach 9.0 deep in the subsoil material.

Source: GCNRC (2007c) – amended from Section 5.2

The land capability assessment suggests that the land within the Mine Site is currently predominantly Class V land, with areas disturbed by mining having a land capability of Class M. Class V land is land not capable of being regularly cultivated, but is suitable for grazing with occasional cultivation. Class M land is land disturbed by mining.

2.9 Surface Water Resources

2.9.1 INTRODUCTION Schedule 3, Condition 40 of Project Approvals 08_0101 and 08_0102 requires that a Water Management Plan be prepared in consultation with the OEH, NOW and DTIRIS and submitted for approval to DP&I by June 2011. A draft plan was submitted to DP&I in June 2011 and a second draft in February 2012 in response to comments received on the first draft. A copy of the final plan will be provided to DTIRIS once approved. This section provides a brief description of the surface water resources in the vicinity of the Mine Site.

2.9.2 REGIONAL AND LOCAL CATCHMENTS The Mine Site lies wholly within the Glennies Creek Catchment. Glennies Creek (also known as FalBrook) is a tributary to the Hunter River which joins the Hunter River near Maison Dieu to the west of Singleton (Figure 2.4). Glennies Creek is dammed to the north of the Project Site, with Lake St Clair formed behind the dam.


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Figure 2.4 Glennies Creek Catchment (Amended)


Page 49 of 129

Water flows within Glennies Creek were measured prior to the construction of Lake St Clair from 1944 to 1963 at The Rocks Gauging Station, approximately 12.3km to the northeast of the Mine Site exhibited a mean daily flow of 166ML, with a maximum recorded daily flow volume of 33, 273ML.

There are 21 licensed water extraction points from Glennies Creek between the Middle Falbrook Road Bridge and Nobles Crossing (Figure 2.4).

Reedy Creek (Figure 2.1) is located to the north of the Mine Site and flows to the north-west into Glennies Creek approximately 700m upstream of the Middle Falbrook Road Bridge (Figure 2.4). Reedy Creek is currently unaffected by mining although its headwaters lie within land owned by Integra. The creek is ephemeral and is predominantly dry after extended periods without rain. Farm dams in the creek are currently close to full due to rains in the area since approximately June 2007.

2.9.3 REGIONAL AND LOCAL SURFACE WATER QUALITY Surface water quality within Glennies Creek has been monitored since September 2002 by Integra (and its predecessors). In addition, NOW also monitors stream flows and water quality in Glennies Creek at the Middle Falbrook Road Bridge. Figure 2.5 presents the results of surface water monitoring undertaken for Integra by Geoterra Pty Ltd at locations GC1 (Middle Falbrook Road Bridge) and GC2 (Nobles Crossing) (Plan 4).

Figure 2.5 Glennies Creek Water Quality

0100200300400500600700800900

1000

24/5/02 20/3/03 14/1/04 9/11/04 5/9/05 2/7/06 28/4/07 22/2/08 18/12/08 14/10/09 10/8/10 6/6/11 1/4/12

EC (u

S/cm

)

GC1 GC2 / W4 / GCSW08 GC3

5.5

6

6.5

7

7.5

8

8.5

9

9.5

10

24/5/02 20/3/03 14/1/04 9/11/04 5/9/05 2/7/06 28/4/07 22/2/08 18/12/08 14/10/09 10/8/10 6/6/11 1/4/12

pH

GC1 GC2 / W4 / GCSW08 GC3


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Figure 2.5 indicates that salinity rises in sympathy with increased stream flow. This trend is particularly evident following the heavier rains that occurred during and since June 2007. Since September 2002, the pH of surface waters within Glennies Creek has ranged from approximately 6.2 to approximately 9.7.

2.9.4 MINE SITE CATCHMENTS Three catchments occur within in the Mine Site as indicated on Figure 2.6. Each of these drain to Glennies Creek as follows.

• Catchments AA and BB drain to the northeast across Stony Creek Road to Reedy Creek and then to Glennies Creek.

• Catchment CC drains to the north and northwest and is diverted around Possum Skin Dam before draining to Glennies Creek via a poorly defined drainage line across the floodplain to the northwest of the Mine Site.

It is noted that Catchments BB and CC include areas of the Camberwell North Pit waste rock emplacement within the catchment headwaters.

Figure 2.6 Mine Site Catchments (Amended)


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2.9.5 MINE SITE WATER STORAGE DAMS The principal water storage facilities within and adjacent to the Mine Site are the Portal Sump located within the largely backfilled North Pit, and Possum Skin Dam. Mine water is also stored in the adjacent D1, D2 and TD2 dams and these dams will be preferentially used for mine water storage over the life of the North Open Cut.

The Portal Sump is in direct hydraulic connection with the void space within the waste rock placed within the former North Pit. As a result, the height of water in the Portal Sump represents the standing water level within the backfilled void. The Portal Sump and backfilled North Pit is the principal water storage facility for each of the operations within the Integra Complex and is the repository for mine water.

Possum Skin Dam is linked to the Portal Sump via a pump and pipe network. The dam provides mine water storage and evaporation during periods when mine water usage is less than mine water inflows. In addition, the dam may receive mine water flows from sections of the North Open Cut in-pit waste rock emplacement. If mine water inflows are directed to Possum Skin Dam, the maximum filling level of the dam will be reduced from 89m AHD to 87.5m AHD to ensure that the dam retains sufficient capacity to contain a 1:100 Annual Recurrence Interval (ARI) rainfall event. Possum Skin Dam is located in an upland valley and a clean water diversion channel designed to carry upland clean water runoff around the dam is in place. This will be modified during the life of this MOP. The embankment and spillway have been designed according to NSW Dams Safety Committee requirements to withstand a probable maximum flood (PMF).

In addition to these storages, a number of farm dams are located within the Mine Site, with all dams constructed with earthen walls in drainage lines that are “Schedule 1 gullies” and are small to moderate size.

2.10 Groundwater Resources

2.10.1 MINE SITE AND LOCAL AQUIFERS Two aquifer systems exist within and in the vicinity of the Mine Site as follows.

• Alluvial Aquifer - This aquifer consists of unconsolidated sediments, particularly gravel and sand, associated with Glennies Creek. The aquifer generally contains lower groundwater quality and yields along the periphery of the alluvial material and better groundwater quality and yields closer to the main creek channel. The maximum thickness of unconsolidated alluvium is approximately 13m.

• Permian-aged Aquifer(s) - These aquifers comprise the Permian-aged coal seams and are made up of a sequence of aquicludes (mudstones and shales), aquitards (sandstones) and aquifers (coal seams). Permeability of the Permian age coal seams is around 50 to 100 times that of the associated interburden and overburden materials. Water quality within these aquifers is of a higher salinity and lower yields than the alluvial aquifers.

Neither the Alluvial or Permian aged-aquifers are listed as vulnerable aquifers under the current Aquifer Risk Assessment Report (DLWC, 1998).

With the exception of a thin (<5m deep) section of very low permeability clayey alluvium associated with overbank deposits from Glennies Creek, the Alluvial Aquifer does not occur within the Mine Site.


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2.10.2 GROUNDWATER QUALITY Monitoring of standing water levels and water quality within both the alluvial and Permian-aged aquifers has been undertaken since 2005. The results of this monitoring are presented in Figures 2.7 and 2.8.

Groundwater quality within the Permian-aged aquifers is poor, with electrical conductivity values of up to 13,500uS/cm and a pH range between 7 and 8.5.

Groundwater quality within the alluvial aquifer is variable with conductivity values varying between 500µS/cm and 16 850µS/cm and a pH range from 6.7 to 7.5.

The water quality in both the basement coal measures and the alluvial aquifers is not suitable for potable use, with the exception of groundwater immediately adjacent to the channel of Glennies Creek.

2.10.3 GROUNDWATER USAGE Groundwater within the alluvial aquifer is primarily used for stock, dairy and domestic purposes. Groundwater within the Permian-aged aquifers is primarily sourced from mine dewatering activities. Inflows into the Integra Underground are approximately 0.8ML/day to 1.2ML/day.

No groundwater dependent ecosystems were identified within the vicinity of the Mine Site.

2.10.4 BUILDINGS, INFRASTRUCTURE AND SERVICES The following infrastructure and services exist within the Mine Site.

• One 66kVA transmission line from the CHPP to the Integra Underground Surface Facilities Area.

• Possum Skin Dam which forms part of the integrated Integra water management system.

• Two former road reserves.

• Various agricultural fences, gates and small dams.

No buildings occur within the Mine Site. Portable crib hut buildings are located within the out-of-pit emplacement area. These buildings are to be relocated just west of the out-of-pit emplacement area, as approved under Modification 1 to the Project Approvals 08_0101 and 08_0102.


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Figure 2.7 Basement Groundwater Monitoring Results

0

2000

4000

6000

8000

10000

12000

14000

16000

5/9/05 24/3/06 10/10/06 28/4/07 14/11/07 1/6/08 18/12/08 6/7/09 22/1/10 10/8/10 26/2/11 14/9/11 1/4/12

EC (u

S/cm

)

1 6 7 8 13 14 15 16 24 TB

3.5

4.5

5.5

6.5

7.5

8.5

9.5

5/9/05 24/3/06 10/10/06 28/4/07 14/11/07 1/6/08 18/12/08 6/7/09 22/1/10 10/8/10 26/2/11 14/9/11 1/4/12

pH

1 6 7 8 13 14 15 16 24 TB

-65

-60

-55

-50

-45

-40

-35

-30

-25

-20

-15

17/2/05 25/10/05 2/7/06 9/3/07 14/11/07 21/7/08 28/3/09 3/12/09 10/8/10 17/4/11 23/12/11 29/8/12

SWL

(mbg

l)

P1 P2 P5 P6 P7 P8 P13 P14 P15 P16 P24 TB


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Figure 2.8 Alluvial Groundwater Monitoring Results

0

500

1000

1500

2000

2500

3000

3500

24/3/06 10/10/06 28/4/07 14/11/07 1/6/08 18/12/08 6/7/09 22/1/10 10/8/10 26/2/11 14/9/11 1/4/12

EC (u

S/.c

m)

GCP10 GCP19 GCP21 GW67291

6.6

6.8

7

7.2

7.4

7.6

7.8

8

16/08/06 15/09/07 14/02/08 9/07/08 2/05/09 2/09/09 27//11/09 19/03/10 16/07/10 24/11/10 29/03/11 4/08/11

pH

GCP10 GCP19 GCP21 GCP22 GCP23 GW67291

-10.0

-9.0

-8.0

-7.0

-6.0

-5.0

-4.0

-3.0

-2.0

21/8/06 28/4/07 3/1/08 9/9/08 17/5/09 22/1/10 29/9/10 6/6/11 11/2/12

Wat

er D

epth

(mbg

l)

GCP9 GCP10 GCP18 GCP19 GCP21 GCP22 GCP23 GW67291


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3. P r o p o s e d M i n i n g A c t i v i t i e s

3.1 Exploration Four exploration holes are planned to be drilled within the Mine Site area for fault identification and ground water monitoring to enable consent to be obtained from the Dams Safety Committee for mining within the Possum Skin dam footprint.

3.2 Land Preparation

3.2.1 INTRODUCTION Land preparation refers to the sequential clearing of vegetation and stripping of soil prior to the removal of overburden and interburden.

Plan 3 presents the extent of land preparation during the term of this MOP.

3.2.2 VEGETATION CLEARING

3.2.2.1 EXTENT OF CLEARING Initial vegetation clearing, namely the removal of trees and large shrubs, to be undertaken during the site establishment phase will include:

• clearing of the footprint of the vegetation and soil stockpiling areas (only those that will be required initially);

• clearing of the box cut area;

• clearing of those sections of the footprint of the amenity bund that will be required initially;

• clearing of the eastern section of the out-of-pit waste rock emplacement footprint to the edge of the current tailings dams emplacements; and

• clearing of area required for the walls of the sediment dams.

Following the initial clearing operations, annual (or more frequent) clearing campaigns will be undertaken. These campaigns will involve the clearance of approximately 13ha of area and will, where practicable, be designed to enable clearing to be undertaken at a time when potential impacts on fauna are minimised.

Table 3.1 presents the projected areas of each vegetation community to be cleared during the term of this MOP and over the life of the Mine.


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Table 3.1 Vegetation Communities to be Cleared

Community Area to be Disturbed Area that will not be disturbed

Total Area

This MOP Life of Mine

Tussock Grassland Community 3.1ha 6.0ha 6.1ha 12.1 ha

Regenerating Native Woodland / Shrubland Community 0.8ha 0.8ha 26.8 ha 27.6 ha

Narrow-leaf Ironbark Community 61.2ha 69.1ha 53.3 ha 122.4 ha

Rehabilitated Disturbed Land Community 88.0ha 93.0ha 23.4ha 116.4 ha

Bull Oak Community nil nil 21.2 ha 21.2 ha

Disturbed Land 6.5ha 9.8ha 52.5 ha 62.3 ha

Total 159.6ha 179.2ha 183.3ha 362.5 ha

3.2.2.2 CLEARING PROCEDURES Approximately 65.1ha of vegetation will be removed during the term of this MOP, with a further 88ha of previously rehabilitated land to be disturbed. Vegetation to be cleared will be generally cleared in the following manner. These procedures are consistent with the procedures identified in GCNRC (2007c) and the Species Management Plan prepared by Kendall and Kendall for the Brush-tailed Phascogale and Grey-crowned Babbler.

• All areas to be cleared will be clearly defined and marked prior to clearing.

• Hollow-bearing trees will be identified and clearly marked.

• Clearing operations will generally be undertaken during late Spring and early Autumn, where practical, to minimise potential impacts on any fauna frequenting the area of disturbance.

• Any vegetation suitable for commercial timber, if present, will be felled and removed prior to the commencement of the main phase of vegetation clearing.

• Trees, with the exception of hollow-bearing trees, will be initially felled using a bulldozer or similar, with the blade positioned just above the ground to minimise soil disturbance and retain the groundcover.

• Hollow-bearing trees will be allowed to remain for at least two days following removal of non-hollow bearing trees to allow nesting or roosting fauna to leave the area to be cleared.

• A qualified personnel will be present during tree felling of hollow-bearing trees to capture any displaced fauna and to inspect all hollows post-felling to identify and capture any remaining fauna. A relocation strategy will be in place prior to tree felling to ensure any fauna captured will be appropriately relocated. .

• Smaller vegetation (primarily groundcover) will be scraped up with the topsoil to ensure the retention of the seed bank and nutrients, as well as to minimise opportunities for erosion and dust creation between clearing and soil stripping.

• Once felled, logs and branches will be cut or broken into manageable lengths and:

o placed in areas undergoing progressive rehabilitation; and/or

o stockpiled within the Vegetation Stockpile Area (Plan 3); and/or

o mulched for incorporation into the topsoil for subsequent use during rehabilitation operations; and/or

o placed within the biodiversity offset areas. No vegetation, with the exception of timber suitable for commercial purposes and vegetation placed within the biodiversity offset areas, will be removed from the Mine Site.


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• Appropriate surface water management, erosion and sediment control structures will be installed around the area that has been cleared to minimise erosion and sedimentation prior to soil stripping operations commencing.

• Appropriate bushfire management procedures, including fire breaks and removal of trees adjacent to the vegetation stockpile area will be implemented to protect stockpiled vegetation or mulch from bushfire.

3.2.2.3 WORKFORCE AWARENESS AND RESPONSIBILITY All relevant members of the workforce will be informed of the vegetation clearing procedures through toolbox meetings and inductions. The responsibility for the clearing procedures rests with the Integra Operations Manager Open Cut. Table 3.2 outlines the accountable positions and tasks for vegetation clearing.

Table 3.2 Accountable Positions and Tasks (Vegetation Clearing)

Position Accountable Task

Operations Manager Open Cut - Ensure compliance with Integra Coal Open Cut Safety Management System and conditions of consent including compliance with the statement of commitments contained within the Environmental Assessment.

Environmental Advisor - Ensure limit of vegetation clearing is clearly and accurately marked. - Organise pre-clearance survey by a suitably qualified or trained fauna

expert. - Ensure appropriate surface water controls are in place prior to clearing. - Inform bulldozer operator / mining contractor of requirements in relation to

native fauna. - Inspect area prior to and following clearing operations. - Manage any actions required in the event that native fauna is identified

within the area to be cleared.

Bulldozer Operator / Mine Development Contractor

- Ensure vegetation clearing is undertaken with a raised blade to retain groundcover.

- Ensure vegetation clearing is undertaken only within the designated area(s).- Ensure felled timber is stockpiled, mulched and incorporated into topsoil or

directly replaced on rehabilitated areas.

3.2.3 SOIL REMOVAL

3.2.3.1 SOIL STRIPPING METHODS Section 2.9 identifies the soil mapping units within the Mine Site to be disturbed during the planned mining activities. In summary, two soil mapping units (SMUs) were identified during the soils assessment (GCNRC, 2007c), namely SMU 1 which occurs on more elevated rises and SMU 2 which occurs within the remainder of the soil survey area.

The soil stripping suitability and procedures that will be implemented in areas that have not been previously disturbed are presented in Table 3.3.


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Table 3.3 Soil Stripping Suitability and Procedures

Layer (Thickness) Material Stripping Suitability Area Soil Stripping Procedures

SMU1

0 – 20cm (20cm)

Topsoil Suitable – although there is texture variation, all SMU1 topsoils can be mixed and stored in the same stockpiles.

All areas to be disturbed including any soil stockpile areas.

- Clearly identify the area for stripping.- Strip soils in identified area to

specified depth and stockpile. - Do not strip soils when too moist.

20 – 70cm (50cm)

Subsoil Suitable – although there is texture variation, all SMU1 subsoils can be mixed and stored in the same stockpiles.

Pit shell and out-of-pit waste rock emplacement. *1

- Clearly mark area to be stripped. - Strip soils in marked area to

specified depth (less if bedrock is encountered).

- Do not strip soils when too moist. - Stabilise stockpiles as soon as

possible after forming.

SMU2

0 – 10cm (10cm)

Topsoil Suitable – although there are some textural variations, all SMU2 topsoils can be mixed and stored in the same stockpiles.

All areas to be disturbed including soil stockpile areas.

- Clearly identify the area for stripping.- Strip soils identified area to specified

depth and stockpile. - Do not strip soils when too moist.

10 – 70cm (60cm)

Subsoil Suitable – although there are textural variations, subsoils from all parts of SMU2 can be mixed and stockpiled together.

Pit shell and out-of-pit waste rock emplacement. *2

- Clearly mark area to be stripped. - Strip soils in marked area to

specified depth (less if bedrock is encountered).

- Do not strip soils when too moist. - Stabilise stockpiles as soon as

possible after forming. Note 1: Excluding former Camberwell waste rock emplacement. Note 2: Excluding former Camberwell waste rock emplacement and areas of disturbance around Possum Skin Dam.

Source: Compiled from GCNRC (2007c) – Sections 7 and 8.

In addition to the procedures identified in Table 3.3, the following soil stripping procedures will be implemented during the term of the MOP.

• Areas requiring soil stripping will be clearly identified and marked following vegetation clearing.

• Topsoil and subsoil will be stripped/removed using open bowl-scrapers or bulldozers, excavators and trucks.

• Topsoil and subsoil will be stripped to the depth identified in Table 3.3.

• Topsoil and subsoil stripping operations will not be undertaken when the soil is too wet in order to minimise the risk of destroying the soil structure.

3.2.3.2 TRIAL SOIL STRIPPING – REHABILITATED AREAS Following a trial soil stripping program in areas of previous rehabilitation, it was determined that material that was selectively stripped would be suitable for subsequent use during rehabilitation operations of areas with low slopes. Other areas were inspected and found to be too rocky and ‘bony’, with thin and poor ‘soil’ covering, and as a consequence, were determined to be unsuitable for future rehabilitation.


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3.2.3.3 SOIL STOCKPILING METHODS The indicative soil stockpile location within the Mine Site is shown on Plan 3 in Chapter 9 and is located on the existing waste rock emplacement in the south-eastern sections of the Mine Site. This stockpile area is approximately 5.8ha in size.

The identified stockpile areas will provide sufficient stockpiling capacity for the topsoil and subsoil volumes identified in Section 3.2.3.4.

The location of soil stockpiles remaining in place at the completion of the term of this MOP and to be developed in any subsequent MOP period will be identified in those documents. However, future stockpiles will be likely to be located on a shaped section of the North Open Cut in-pit waste rock emplacement.

The following soil stockpiling procedures will be implemented during the term of this MOP:

• Stripped topsoil and subsoil will, where ever practicable, be directly replaced on completed sections of the final landform. Alternatively, stripped topsoil and subsoil will be placed within soil stockpiles in the Soil Stockpiling Area (Plan 3 in Chapter 9).

• Soil stripped from areas of previous rehabilitation will only be placed as subsoil in areas of the final landform within the Integra Open Cut identified as areas to be used for grazing operations.

• Topsoil and subsoils of each SMU will be stockpiled separately. In addition, soil material extracted from areas of previous disturbance will also be stockpiled separately, if required.

• Soil stockpile areas will be clearly identified and signposted with the SMU and class of soil, i.e. topsoil or subsoil.

• Topsoil stockpiles (with or without incorporated mulched vegetation) will, where practicable, not exceed 2m in height.

• Subsoil stockpiles will not exceed 3m in height.

• Stockpiles of soil material recovered from areas of prior disturbance will not exceed 3m in height.

• All stockpiles will be seeded following construction using a non-persistent cover crop to reduce erosion potential and assist in the maintenance of the biological viability of the soil resource.

• The stockpile surfaces will be left with a ‘rough’ surface to assist in runoff control, seed retention and germination.

• The soil stockpiles will be located in a manner that minimises the potential for overland and/or concentrated surface water flows that may exacerbate stockpile erosion. Where required, upslope protective earthworks such as contour banks or straw bale protection will be installed.

• Where required, silt-stop fencing or similar protection will be placed immediately down slope of stockpiles and retained until such time as the stockpiles develop a stable cover of vegetation.

• Following establishment, soil stockpiles will be signposted to prevent operation of machinery on the stockpiles and further disturbance of the structure of the stockpiled soil.

• Soils within areas of prior disturbance will be stripped in accordance with the procedures identified in Section 3.2.3.3.

3.2.3.4 SOIL INVENTORY During the term of this MOP, it is anticipated that an area of approximately 75ha previously undisturbed land will be stripped of soil to yield an estimated 87,000m3 of topsoil and 443,800m3 of subsoil. Table 3.4 presents the anticipated soil balance over the 3 years of this MOP.


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Table 3.4 Soil Balance

Item Unit Period (year)

1 2 3 Stripping

Area ha 49.6 16.5 8.2

Topsoil SMU1 m3 31 200 - 2 800

SMU2 m3 36 500 16 500 6 800

Subsoil SMU1 m3 78 000 - 7 000

SMU2 m3 219 000 99 000 40 800

Placement

Topsoil SMU1 m3 - - -

SMU2 m3 - 5 250 5 775

Subsoil SMU1 m3 - - -

SMU2 m3 - 21 000 23 100

Stockpile Balance

Topsoil SMU1 m3 31 200 31 200 34 000

SMU2 m3 36 500 47 750 48 775

Subsoil SMU1 m3 78 000 78 000 85 000

SMU2 m3 219 000 297 000 214 700 Note 1: Assumed nominal replacement thickness, eg topsoil – 75mm; subsoil 300mm.

The Soil Stockpile Area will provide sufficient storage capacity for approximately 380,000m3 of soil material.

3.2.3.5 WORKFORCE AWARENESS AND RESPONSIBILITY All relevant members of the workforce will be informed of the soil stripping and stockpiling procedures through toolbox meetings and inductions.

Table 3.5 outlines the accountable positions and tasks for soil stripping and stockpiling operations, although it is noted that the overall responsibility for ensuring the soil stripping and stockpiling procedures are followed rests with the Integra Operations Manager Open Cut.


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Table 3.5 Accountable Positions and Tasks (Soil Stripping and Stockpiling)

Position Accountable Task Operations Manager Open Cut

- Ensure compliance with Integra Coal Open Cut Safety Management System and conditions of consent including compliance with the statement of commitments contained within the Environmental Assessment.

Environmental Advisor

- Ensure the limit of soil removal and the soil stockpile areas or replacement areas are clearly marked.

- Inspect cleared areas and ensure soil stripping is not undertaken when soil moisture is too high.

- Ensure the destination of stripped soils is clearly identified and the relevant machinery operator(s) informed.

- Ensure a non-persistent cover crop is sown over soil stockpiles retained for more than of 3 months.

- Ensure adequate erosion and sediment control management structures are constructed.

- Implement weed control strategy (if required).

Bulldozer / excavator Operator / Mine Development Contractor

- Ensure soil stripping occurs only within the defined limits (both in area and depth).

- Ensure the location of stripped soil placement is understood and complied with. - Ensure topsoil stockpiles are no higher than 2m, subsoil stockpiles are not higher

than 3m and the batters do not exceed 1:2 (V:H). - Minimise soil handling and compaction.

3.3 Construction

3.3.1 INTRODUCTION Construction activities planned during the term of this MOP are presented on Plan 3 and include the following.

• Construction of the Amenity Bund.

• Construction of the internal haul roads.

• Construction of the water management structures required to ensure no discharge of potentially sediment-laden water from the Mine Site.

• Relocation of the crib hut site located within the out-of-pit emplacement area. One of the crib huts and ablution blocks will also be replaced. A second 5,000L water tank and a 45 kVa diesel electric generator will also be installed at the new site.

3.3.2 AMENITY BUND The Amenity Bund will be constructed using approximately 17,200m3 of weathered overburden material removed during mining operations within the open cut area. During the initial 3 months of Year 1, the Amenity Bund will be constructed along the northeastern margin of the open cut, set back approximately 20m from the southern side of Stony Creek Road (Plan 4).

This component of the bund will be approximately 550m long and will be constructed with a 1m wide crest width, an outer batter slope of up to 15º for stability and will be approximately 4m high.


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Ultimately, this bund will become the toe of a portion of the in-pit waste rock emplacement. As a result, the inner slope of the bund will be retained at approximately 30° to 35°. The outer face will be shaped and spread with subsoil and topsoil and initially vegetated with a non-persistent cover crop. Native vegetation will then be established to stabilise the bund in the long term.

Following construction of the section of the Amenity Bund along Stony Creek Road, the bund will be extended progressively to the west, parallel to the planned open cut highwall, using pre-stripped overburden. This section of the bund will be of similar dimensions to the section adjacent to Stony Creek, and the outer toe will be positioned no more than 60m from the highwall of the open cut so as not to impinge on the biodiversity offset areas. The outer face of this section of the Amenity Bund will initially be stabilised with a non-persistent cover crop or artificial cover to manage erosion and sedimentation.

During shaping of the in-pit waste rock emplacement, the adjacent section of the bund will be used as the toe of the 10º to 14º final rehabilitated emplacement slope

3.3.3 INTERNAL HAUL ROADS Internal Haul Roads A and D identified in the Environmental Assessment will be constructed during the MOP period (Plans 2 and 4 in Chapter 9).

Haul Road A will be constructed as indicated on Plans 2 and 4 in Chapter 9. This will be the permanent haul road and will be located to the southeast of and at a lower elevation than the crest of the out-of-pit waste rock emplacement, thereby shielding residents to the northwest of the Mine Site from coal haulage operations.

Haul Route D, which extends from the southern end of the current active pit to the CHPP will be constructed. A temporary haul road will be constructed between those sections of the Amenity Bund that are not adjacent to Stony Creek Road and the highwall of the open cut. This haul road will allow transportation of overburden material from the western section of the active mining area to the in-pit waste rock emplacement without requiring the haul trucks to descend into the open cut, thereby considerably reducing the distance required to be travelled. This haul road will be constructed when the in-pit waste rock emplacement has been extended to a point where it may be accessed from the highwall. The haul road will be progressively incorporated into the waste rock emplacement.

The internal haul roads, including temporary haul roads with the footprint of the waste rock emplacement, will be constructed and maintained in accordance with the following parameters.

• The width of the road will be a minimum of three and one half times the width of the largest haul truck, namely approximately 30m wide.

• A safety bund, a minimum of half the wheel height of the largest vehicle likely to travel the road or approximately 1.5m high, will be positioned on the down slope side of all haul roads where the haul roads are located adjacent to, or traverse, steep slopes.

• The gradient of the haul roads will typically be no more than 10% to 12%.

• The surfaces of the haul roads will be sheeted with suitable waste rock materials to enable all weather access.

• The haul roads will be routinely maintained and watered to suppress the generation of dust.

• All haul roads will be constructed to avoid excessive erosion during rain events. Surface runoff from Haul Roads A and D and all temporary haul roads will be contained as part of the site water management system. Surface water runoff from Haul Road D will be managed as part of the Integra Open Cut and CHPP surface water management system.


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3.3.4 WATER MANAGEMENT STRUCTURES Prior to the commencement of land preparation activities, appropriate water management structures will be constructed to ensure no potentially sediment-laden surface water is permitted to be discharged from the Mine Site during rainfall events of an intensity less than a 50 year ARI. Plan 5 shows the location and names of these structures at the end of the MOP term and Plan 4 shows how they will be progressively constructed during the term of the MOP. These structures will include the following.

• Sediment Dams 1, 2 and 3 and associated infrastructure, including a pump and pipe line. Pump and pipeline will be installed on Sediment Dam 3 and potentially sediment-laden water in Sediment Dams 1 and 2 will be released using syphons, to flow to Sediment Dam 3 as required, from where it will be pumped preferentially to Tailings Dam 2 (TD2), Tailings Dam 3 (TD3) or Dirty Water Dam 1 (D1). In addition, water may be pumped to Possum Skin Dam.

• A clean water diversion channel CW Div 1 to the east of the out-of-pit Waste Rock Emplacement to divert clean water around Sediment Dams 1 and 2.

• A clean water diversion channel CW Div 2 to the southeast of the open cut to divert clean water around the Sediment Dam 3.

• A clean water diversion channel CW Div 4 to the west of the developing open cut and Possum Skin Dam to divert clean water around those structures. Note that this structure will incorporate some sections of an existing clean water diversion.

Each of the surface water diversion channels described above will be constructed in accordance with the document Managing Urban Stormwater prepared by Landcom in 2004. Figure 3.2 presents a schematic cross section through a diversion channel and Table 3.6 presents the construction parameters that will be implemented by the Company during construction of the channels.

Table 3.6 Diversion Channel Specifications

Structure ID1

Catchment Area (ha)

Channel Top Width

(a)2 (m)

Channel Depth (b)2

(m)

Channel Bottom Width

(c) 2 (m)

Bank Height (d) 2

(m)

Bank Top Width

(e) 2 (m)

Channel Grade

(%) CW Div 1 42.5 8.5 0.60 4.0 0.90 1.5 1.3

CW Div 2 3.2 2.9 0.30 0.5 0.65 1.5 3.0

CW Div 4 8.6 4.6 0.45 1.0 0.75 1.5 1.4

Note 1: See Plan 5 Note 2: See Figure 3.2.


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Figure 3.1 Surface Water Diversion Design Features

3.4 Mining

3.4.1 MINE LAYOUT AND DESIGN CRITERIA Plan 4 presents the progressive development of the open cut and waste rock emplacements during the term of this MOP. The design of the mine layout has been based on maximising the recovery of the coal whilst:

• avoiding unnecessary disturbance to native vegetation;

• satisfying various environmental criteria, especially those associated with noise generated by the mine; and

• ensuring the geotechnical stability of the open cut highwall during the period from commencement of mining operations to the completion of waste rock placement within each section of the open cut.

3.4.2 MINING SEQUENCE

3.4.2.1 INTRODUCTION The sequence of open cut mining and waste rock emplacement has been designed to:

• minimise the delay between the commencement of mining operations and removal of initial coal within each section of the open cut;

• maintain a consistent stripping ratio for the life of the mine; and

• optimise the haulage distance for the ROM coal and in-pit waste rock to the CHPP and waste rock emplacement respectively.

3.4.2.2 OPEN CUT AREA The planned sequence of coal mining within the open cut area during the term of this MOP is identified on Plan 4. Plan 5 presents further detail on the progressive rehabilitation of the open cut area and waste rock emplacement.

Runoff

Bank Bottom Width(f)

Bank Top WidthDimension (e)

Bank HeightDimension (d)

Channel Depth(b)

Channel Top Width(a)

Channel Bottom Width(c)


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The mining sequence presented in Plan 4 is based on a production rate of up to 1.5Mtpa. Should the annual rate of mining and production fail to reach this level, the sequence of mining will not alter, rather it will simply result in the presented development stages being reached over a longer time frame.

Mining will continue to progressively move to the west, with removal of overburden material, followed by extraction of coal. Multiple coal seams will be exposed concurrently.

3.4.2.3 WASTE ROCK EMPLACEMENT AREAS Plan 4 presents the annual development of the out-of-pit and in-pit waste rock emplacements. Minor adjustments to the design or sequence presented on Plan 4 may arise as Integra endeavours to maximise the amount of overburden and interburden placed in the in-pit emplacement.

At the end of the term of this MOP, the out-of-pit and in-pit components of waste rock emplacements will have footprints of approximately 88ha and 14ha respectively, with the shaped areas exhibiting final slopes of approximately 10° or less. The out-of-pit component of the waste rock emplacement will be ‘keyed in’ to the existing waste rock emplacement to the south of the Mine Site at an elevation of approximately 141m AHD. The upper surface of the emplacement will be gently undulating, with a gentle slope to the north of approximately 1:60 (V:H) to 1:30 (V:H) or 1° to 2°. The emplacements will, as far as practicable, be constructed in a manner which minimises the projection of noise from overburden and interburden transportation and disposal activities towards the residences to the north and east of the Mine Site, as well as enabling the earliest possible re-profiling and revegetation of the external batter slopes.

Out-of-pit Waste Rock Emplacement

The out-of-pit component of waste rock emplacement will be developed using overburden and interburden from the development of the open cut box cut and mining operations. An extension to the out-of-pit emplacement was approved under Modification 1 to the Project Approvals 08_0101 and 08_01012. The extension area is approximately 31ha and is to be located towards the south and southwest of the approved out-of-pit emplacement.

Operational controls such as those listed below will, where practicable, be implemented during the construction of the out-of-pit waste rock emplacement to minimise the propagation of noise towards residences surrounding the Mine Site.

• Placement of waste rock material within the out-of-pit waste rock emplacement will commence with construction of a perimeter barrier along the eastern margin of the emplacement. This barrier will be progressively raised as the emplacement is constructed and will serve to shield overburden dumping operations from residents to the east of the Mine Site.

• Waste rock material will preferentially be placed on the margins of the waste rock emplacement during the day (7:00am to 6:00pm), with placement of waste rock in the centre of the emplacement during the evening (6:00pm to 10:00pm).

• Where practicable, weathered overburden material will be placed on the exposed final outer batters of the emplacement to provide a more suitable substrate for rehabilitation than the blasted waste rock.

In-pit Waste Rock Emplacement

The following operational controls will, where practicable, be implemented during the construction of the in-pit component of the waste rock emplacement.


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• The in-pit waste rock emplacement will be progressively constructed from the eastern section of the open cut area.

• Waste rock material will placed within the emplacement by load and haul or by throw blasting techniques (see Section 3.6.2).

• Waste rock material will be preferentially placed on the upper sections of the emplacement during the day (7:00am to 6:00pm) and in the deeper sections of the emplacement during the evening (6:00pm to 10:00pm).

• Waste rock material will be transported to the in-pit waste rock emplacement using temporary haul roads located in the face of the in-pit waste rock emplacement.

• The emplacement will be blended into the out-of-pit component of waste rock emplacement to create the final landform.

• Where practicable, weathered overburden material will be placed on the outer batters of the emplacement to provide a more suitable substrate for rehabilitation that the blasted waste rock above the natural ground level.

A majority of the waste rock placement during the MOP period will be within the out-of-pit waste rock emplacement. Placement of waste rock into the in-pit waste rock emplacement will occur as soon as sufficient pit floor space becomes available. The in-pit waste rock emplacement will be constructed commencing on the highwall or northern and northwestern side of the open cut to provide a stable buttress for the emplacement, taking into account the slope of the floor of the open cut (Boyd Mining 2008). The amount of material that will be placed out-of-pit and in-pit during the term of this MOP will be approximately 15 and 2 million loose cubic metres respectively.

Table 3.7 Estimated Waste Rock Placement Volumes

Location Year1

1 2 3 Out-of-pit waste rock emplacement 7.2 4.8 2.4

In-pit waste rock emplacement 0 0.0 1.8

Total 7.2 4.80 4.2 Note 1: Units = million loose cubic metres

3.5 Mining Methods and Procedures

3.5.1 OPEN CUT MINING OPERATIONS Coal mining will be undertaken using open cut mining methods. Following the removal of vegetation and soil material, overburden and coal will be removed using a bulldozer, excavator and / or a front-end-loader to a depth where overburden material becomes too competent to be removed using these methods. Based on drill hole data and experience in the former North Pit, the transition from friable to non-friable material will occur at depth of between 2m and 10m below the surface.

Once the friable overburden materials are removed, blasting will be required to fragment the waste rock prior to excavation. Mining methods of the non-friable material will be undertaken as follows.

• Holes will be drilled into the overburden, loaded with explosives and blasted to fragment the rock and to expose the underlying coal seams. Table 3.8 presents the initial blasting parameters to be


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adopted at the mine1. A more detailed description of blasting operations is provided in Section 3.5.2.

• Following blasting, the overburden will be loaded by excavator or loader into haul trucks and transported to the active waste rock emplacement area.

• Where the interburden thickness is more than 0.7m, it will be blasted and removed in a similar fashion to that described above. Interburden layers between 0.1m and 0.7m thick will be ripped and pushed into piles (if required to optimise load-out productivity) by bulldozer before loading to haul trucks. 0.1m generally represents the practical limit to the separate mining of these layers.

• In order to remove the coal, benches will be developed along, and generally perpendicular to, the length of coal seams exposed through blasting and overburden/interburden removal. As sufficient coal is exposed, it will be cleaned off, ripped, pushed down slope by bulldozer or excavated and loaded to haul trucks for transportation to the CHPP either directly, or indirectly via a temporary ROM coal stockpile or the RL100 ROM Coal Stockpile Area.

Table 3.8 Indicative Overburden Blast Design Parameters

Parameter Typical Quantity or Range

Blasthole Diameter 127 mm to 229 mm

Blasthole Depth 0.7 m to 15m

Blasthole Burden x Spacing 4 m x 5.6 m to 6 m x 6.5 m

Depth of Stemming 6.2m

Bulk Explosive Type ANFO

Powder Factor 0.5 kg/bcm to 0.6 kg/bcm

Maximum Instantaneous Charge (MIC) 500kg

Maximum Charge per Hole 40 kg to 500 kg

Initiation System Nonel or Electronic

3.5.2 BLASTING

3.5.2.1 INTRODUCTION The number of blasts will be minimised by maximising blast size whilst complying with the environmental criteria. Typically up to five blasts will be initiated per week, with a maximum of one blast initiated on any one day.

Blast design will be undertaken by a blasting engineer with loading and firing undertaken by a suitably qualified and experienced shot firer holding a “Blasting Explosives User’s Licence” issued by WorkCover NSW and endorsed by DTIRIS. Each blast will be designed to provide an adequate level of fragmentation with acceptable environmental impact.

Schedule 3, Condition 19 of Project Approvals 08_0101 and 08_0102 requires the preparation of a Blast Management Plan to be prepared in consultation with OEH. This plan is currently being finalised, based on feedback received from DP&I on the draft, and will be submitted to DP&I for approval in May 2012. A copy of the plan will be provided to DTIRIS following approval.

1 The nominated blast design parameters have been determined using conservative predictive formulae. However, given blast design is an evolving outcome-oriented process, refinements to blast designs will be implemented on the basis of monitoring results and the achievement of specific blasting objectives.


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3.5.2.2 BLASTING CRITERIA

Annoyance Criteria

Integra will ensure the airblast overpressure and ground vibration impacts comply with the blasting criteria set out in Schedule 3, Condition 11 of Project Approvals 08_0101 and 08_0102 and detailed in Table 3.9.

Table 3.9 Blasting Criteria

Receiver Airblast Overpressure (dB(Lin Peak))

Ground Vibration (ppv(mm/s))

Allowable Exceedance

Residence on privately-owned land

115 5 5% of the total number of blasts over a period of 12 months

120 10 0%

Main Northern Railway culverts and bridges

- 25 0%

All public infrastructure - 50 0%

Blasting will be carried out between the hours of 9:00am to 5:00pm Monday to Saturday in accordance with Schedule 3, Condition 12 of Project Approvals 08_0101 and 08_0102. Blasting will not occur outside these hours except with the written permission of the Director General of Planning and Infrastructure.

In accordance with Schedule 3, Condition 13 of Project Approvals 08_0101 and 08_0102, Integra will not carry out more than one blast per day on the Mine Site unless an additional blast is required following a blast misfire. Integra will also not carry out more than 10 blasts a week, averaged over any 12 month period, within the Integra Mine Complex.

Safety Criteria

Blasting, by its nature, requires rocks to be broken and propelled away from the site of the blast. The area in which blasted rock should normally fall is referred to as the blast envelope and any rock propelled beyond the blast envelope is referred to as fly rock. From a safety perspective, a distance of 500m from a blast in a coal mine is typically identified as a safe distance beyond which fly rock is unlikely to be propelled. This distance is not site specific and consequently is recognised to be conservative.

Blasting controls described in Section 3.5.2.3 designed to manage fly rock-related risks will be implemented within 500m of the boundaries of each blast.

3.5.2.3 BLASTING CONTROLS AND SAFEGUARDS The following operational controls and safeguards will be implemented by Integra to ensure that blasting-related safety and environmental risks are minimised and appropriately managed.

• The Integra Open Cut Explosives Hazard Management plan will be further developed to include the Integra North Open Cut. This plan will be designed to:

o manage safety and environmental risks associated with blasting operations, and

o ensure that inconvenience to users of Stony Creek Road is minimised.


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• All blasts will be designed and implemented by a suitably qualified blasting engineer and experienced shot-firer.

• Blast hole spacing, burden distance and stemming length will be carefully selected and implemented precisely.

• Appropriate materials, such as <20mm aggregates, will be used for stemming.

• Blast design will ensure that charges detonate in the correct sequence and with inter-row delays that provide for good progressive release of burden.

• The maximum weight of explosive detonated in a given delay period (the maximum instantaneous charge) will be limited to conservative and proven levels. Initial blast designs will be in accordance with the indicative parameters identified in Table 3.8.

• Blasting mitigation measures will be refined and operating procedures amended to ensure all environmental criteria are achieved and fragmentation of the blasted material is optimised.

• A Blast notice board will be erected adjacent to the active internal access road.

• An exclusion zone at least 500m from the boundary of all blasts will be established and people will be excluded from that zone during the initiation of blasts. This will include closing of Stony Creek Road when blasting operations are occurring within 500m of the road. In accordance with Schedule 3, Condition 17 of Project Approvals 08_0101 and 08_0102, approval from Council will be sought for blasting within 500m of Stony Creek Road. Control measures relating to the closure of Stony Creek Road are identified below.

In addition to the operational controls and safeguards that will be implemented to manage safety and environmental risks, the following operational controls and safeguards will be implemented to ensure inconvenience to users of Stony Creek Road as a result of blasting-related road closures is minimised.

• Appropriate signage will be erected along Stony Creek Road advising of the date and time of the next blast, nominally 24 hours prior to each blast.

• On the same day as each blast, generally in the morning, an automated Short Message Service (SMS) text message will be sent to the mobile phones of residents who register interest in receiving such messages advising of blast times.

• Where residents are notified via phone of the expected time and size of blast on the day, the Integra Open Cut Blast notification procedure will be utilised. All residents within 2km of the mine will be given the opportunity to be included in the notification phone list.

• Integra will maintain an up to date blasting schedule on its website identifying the anticipated dates and times of future blasts.

• Stony Creek Road will only be closed immediately prior to the blast being initiated and will be reopened as soon as the all clear has been given by the shot-firer.

• Blasts will be timed to avoid peak traffic periods and interference to school bus timetables.

• Blasting times will as far as practicable, be planned in conjunction with those by Ashton Coal Operations Pty Ltd to ensure that both Glennies Creek and Stony Creek Roads are not closed during at the same time.

• Traffic controllers will be able to request the short-term suspension of a blast to allow emergency vehicles to pass.

• Preparation of a Road Closure Management Plan to the satisfaction of Council and DTIRIS.

In accordance with Schedule 3, Conditions 17 and 18 of Project Approvals 08_0101 and 08_0102, Integra will not undertake blasting within 500m of:

• Middle Falbrook road or Stony Creek Road without the approval of Council;

• The New England Highway without the approval of the Roads and Marine Services;


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• The Main Northern Railway without the approval of the Australian Rail Track Corporation; and

• of any privately-owned land or land not owned by Integra unless:

o a written agreement with the land owner to allow blasting has been established and DP&I advised; or

o demonstrated to the Director-General that blasting can be carried out without comprising the safety or people or livestock or damaging buildings/structures and the Blast Management Plan has been updated to include specific measures that would be implemented.

3.5.2.4 BLAST NOTIFICATION AND INSPECTIONS At least 3 months prior to the commencement of blasting, Integra will advise the owners of all residences within 2km of the Mine Site boundary of Integra’s intention to commence blasting operations and their right to have an independent structural inspection of their property; ie. as required by Schedule 3, Conditions 14 and 15 of Project Approvals 08_0101 and 08_0102.

Should a written request be received, a suitably qualified person will be commissioned to inspect the condition of any building or structure that is the subject of the request. The landowners or residents will be provided with a copy of the report which will also include blasting impact mitigation measures.

Integra operates a blasting notification procedure, such that residents who request notification are provided with up-to-date information on blasting operations at the mine by phone on the day of the blast.

3.5.2.5 BLAST MONITORING AND INSPECTIONS Airblast overpressure and ground vibration will be monitored at the following locations identified in Plan 1 in accordance with the specifications presented in Table 3.10.

• Lambkin residence;

• Noble residence;

• Cherry Residence;

• Langdon Residence;

• Watling residence;

• Cheetham Residence;

• Jensen Residence;

• Bridge Residence;

• Dulwich;

• Main Northern Railway Line;

• Tailings Dam 2 (TD2); and

• Possum Skin Dam (PSD).


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Table 3.10 Blast Monitoring

Parameter Units of Measure Frequency Sampling Method Measurement Location Airblast overpressure

dB(Lin Peak) Every blast AS2187.2-1993 Not less than 3.5m from a building or structure

Peak particle velocity

mm/s Every blast AS2187.2-1993 Not more than 30m from a building or structure

In the event a landowner or resident within 2km of the Mine Site claims that buildings and/or structures on his/her land have been damaged as a result of Integra’s blasting activities, Integra will, within 2 months of receiving the claim, commission an investigation into the claim by a suitably qualified person whose appointment is approved by the Director-General of DP&I. A copy of the investigation report will be provided to the landowner or resident. If the investigation report confirms the landowner’s claim, and both parties agree with these findings, then Integra will repair the damages to the satisfaction of the Director-General of DP&I. If either Integra or the landowner disagrees with the findings of the report then, under the terms of Schedule 3, Condition 15 of Project Approvals 08_0101 and 08_0102 either party may refer the matter to the Director-General of DP&I for resolution.

3.5.3 EQUIPMENT Table 3.11presents an indicative list of the typical types and numbers of items of earthmoving and mining equipment which will be used during the term of this MOP, together with their hours of operation.

Table 3.11 Typical Mining Equipment

Equipment Use Proposed Hours of Operation Major Equipment – Open Cut Mine

Up to 2 x Excavators Waste rock and coal excavation 7:00am to 10:00pm, 7 days per week, 52 weeks per year

2 x Cat 994 front end loaders

Coal, waste rock extraction and loading

7:00am to 10:00pm, 7 days per week, 52 weeks per year

Up to 10 x Cat 789 Rear Dump Trucks

Coal, waste rock transportation 7:00am to 10:00pm, 7 days per week, 52 weeks per year

Support Equipment

Up to 3 x D11 Dozer Ripping and preparation of coal seams, coal and waste rock bench clean up, drill preparation, shaping of waste rock emplacement, road works, general site maintenance

7:00am to 10:00pm, 7 days per week, 52 weeks per year

Up to 2 x D10 Dozer 7:00am to 10:00pm, 7 days per week, 52 weeks per year

Up to 3x D75 drill rigs or equivalent

Drilling blast holes 7:00am to 10:00pm, 7 days per week, 52 weeks per year

2 x Cat 16H Grader General site and haul road maintenance

Campaign basis - 7:00am to 10:00pm, 7 days per week, 52 weeks per year

2 x Water Truck Cat 773 or 789

Dust suppression and refilling drilling rigs


1 x Scraper Cat 637 Topsoil and subsoil stripping and Campaign basis - 7:00am to 10:00pm,


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Equipment Use Proposed Hours of Operation rehabilitation works 7 days per week, 52 weeks per year

1 x 50T Excavator or equivalent Front End Loader

Topsoil and subsoil stripping and rehabilitation works


Up to 6 x 30T rear dump trucks

Topsoil and subsoil stripping and rehabilitation works


Diesel Generators Pump sump, mobile lighting towers, The proposed hours of operation will be as per the campaign requiring generator support, soil stripping, overburden removal, coal extraction (7:00am to 10:00pm, 7 days per week)

3.5.4 HOURS OF OPERATIONS Hours of operation for site development and operations on the Mine Site are shown in Table 3.11. Hours of operation for individual items of equipment are identified in Table 3.10 above.

Table 3.12 Hours of Operation

Activity Days of Operation Hours of Operation Vegetation clearing and topsoil stripping 5 days a week, during each campaign 7:00am to 10.00pm

Open cut mining (including waste rock and coal mining) Monday to Saturday 7:00am to 10:00pm

Sunday and Public Holidays 8:00am to 10:00pm

Rehabilitation Works 7 days a week 7:00am to 10.00pm

Blasting Up to 10 blasts per week, Monday to Saturday 9:00am to 5:00pm1,2

Transportation of ROM coal 7 days a week 7:00am to 10:00pm

Note 1: Unless required for blast misfire, emergency or safety reasons. Note 2: 10 blasts per week limit is for entire Integra Mine Complex.

3.5.5 WORKFORCE AWARENESS AND RESPONSIBILITY All members of the workforce will be made aware of the mining methods and relevant procedures through toolbox meetings and inductions.

Table 3.12 outlines the accountable positions and tasks for mining, although it is noted that the ultimate responsibility and accountability for ensuring the mining procedures, sequence and design specifications are followed rests with the Integra Operations Manager Open Cut.


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Table 3.13 Accountable Positions and Tasks

Position Accountable Task Operations Manager Open Cut

- Ensure compliance with Integra Coal Open Cut Safety Management System and conditions of consent including compliance with the statement of commitments contained within the Environmental Assessment.

- Ensure that mining remains within approved footprint and production limits. - Ensure all operations are performed in a safe manner and appropriate safety training and equipment is

available to all personnel.

Mining Superintendent

- Ensure that all disturbance remains within the approved limits. - Ensure all personnel are informed of their responsibilities in relation to mining. - Ensure all personnel are inducted and have appropriate qualifications / clearances for work undertaken at

the mine. - Ensure all water management structures including the water storage dams, diversion banks and drains are

appropriately placed, constructed and maintained. - Ensure management plans and procedures appended to the MOP and outlined in Section 7 of this report

are up-to-date and readily available.

Equipment Operators

- Undertake site inductions and ensure familiarisation with site-specific requirements such as disturbance limits, sensitive environmental features and approved mining methods.

- Ensure mining undertaken as presented on Plans 4 and 5 of this MOP, or updated mining plans held on-site.

- Follow all specific instructions provided by the Manager Mining Engineering or supervisory staff. - Cease work immediately if unsure as to instructions or object of potential archaeological sensitivity

identified. - Wear appropriate safety equipment at all times.


- Inspect surface water controls prior to commencement of mining activities. - Ensure all personnel are aware of any environmentally sensitive items or areas on the site. - Ensure management plans and procedures appended to the MOP and outlined in Section 7 of this report

are up-to-date and readily available.

3.6 Mineral Processing Integra’s CHPP and rail loading facilities are not within the North Open Cut Mine Site. As a result, operation of these facilities does not form a component of this MOP. These facilities are operated under the MOP for the existing Integra Open Cut.

3.7 Waste Management

3.7.1 INTRODUCTION The principal wastes that will be generated by the development of the North Open Cut can be categorised as non-production and production wastes.

Production wastes comprise waste rock from the development of the open cut mine and reject material from the CHPP. Reject material will be handled and stored in accordance with the MOP for the existing Integra Open Cut and is not described further in this document.


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3.7.2 WASTE ROCK Following blasting (or ripping), the overburden / interburden materials will be loaded by excavator or front end loader into haul trucks and transported to the active waste rock emplacement (“load and haul”). Load and haul placement of waste rock material will be supplemented by throw blasting and carry dozing wherever possible. Throw blasting is designed to project the blasted materials into the lower areas of the mine void, thereby minimising the volume of material to be loaded and transported by haul truck. The blasted waste material will then be pushed into its final location by bulldozer or carry dozer, ie. a bulldozer with a larger than standard, purpose-built blade enabling the interburden to be lifted and pushed in a reduced friction environment.

The general progression of waste rock placement was described previously in Section 3.4.2.3.

During the term of this MOP, approximately 13.5 million bank cubic metres (Mbcm) (16.2 million loose cubic metres (Mlcm)) of overburden and interburden material will be mined. Of this material, approximately 89% or 14.4Mlcm will be placed out-of-pit and 11% or 1.8Mlcm will be placed in-pit. Approximately 0.1Mbcm of the out-of-pit material will be used in the construction of haul roads and the amenity bund.

Table 3.13 in Section 3.8 identifies the amount of waste rock material that will be produced annually, and where it will be placed during the term of this MOP.

Where practicable, weathered waste rock will be placed over the blasted waste rock, minimising the potential for rock exposure on the surface of the rehabilitated landform and providing a “soil” profile more closely reflecting the pre-mining situation and amenable to the establishment of deep rooting species. The weathered waste rock will also exhibit a greater moisture holding capacity than the blasted waste rock.

3.7.3 NON-PRODUCTION WASTES Non-production wastes will include:

• general wastes, including food scraps, and routine maintenance consumables;

• waste oils and greases;

• sewage;

• scrap steel and metal; and

• other recyclables.

It is noted that the approved North Open Cut Facilities Area will not be constructed during the term of this MOP. All facilities required for operation of the North Open Cut will be provided by the existing Integra Open Cut. As a result, the majority of non-production wastes will be generated outside of the Mine Site and will be covered by the Integra Open Cut MOP. Notwithstanding this, however, a brief description of how non-production wastes will be managed both within and outside the Mine Site is presented below.

3.7.3.1 GENERAL WASTES All paper and general wastes, together with routine maintenance consumables from the daily servicing of equipment, such as grease cartridges, will be disposed of in 205L drums and 240L mobile garbage bins located adjacent to the various buildings. Industrial waste collection will be undertaken as required by a licensed contractor.


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Paper and cardboard recyclables will be collected separately and despatched from the site at regular intervals by an appropriate contractor.

3.7.3.2 OIL AND GREASE Routine maintenance of mining and earthmoving equipment will generally be undertaken in the maintenance workshop within the existing Integra Open Cut facilities area, or at equipment maintenance facilities away from the mine. Within the maintenance workshop, waste oil and grease will be collected and pumped to bulk storage tanks by oil evacuation pumps.

Waste oil and grease will be stored in a bunded area adjacent to the maintenance workshop and collected by a licensed waste recycling contractor as required for recycling.

Drainage from the washdown bay will report to an oil separator, with separated oil collected in a separate storage tank and subsequently collected by a licensed contractor.

3.7.3.3 SEWAGE Adequate shower, toilet and hand washing facilities are available within the Integra Open Cut Facilities Area for the use by the North Open Cut workforce, contractors and visitors. These facilities incorporate a septic sewage system approved by Singleton Council with the effluent irrigated within a designated waste water utilisation area adjacent to the Facilities Area. These facilities will be serviced by a licensed waste collection and disposal contractor as required.

A mobile ablutions facility incorporating toilet and hand washing facilities will be included within the relocated crib hut site. This will allow personnel to use these facilities without the need to return to the central Integra Open Cut Facilities Area. This facility will incorporate chemical toilet facilities which will be serviced regularly by a licensed contractor.

3.7.3.4 SCRAP METAL AND STEEL Scrap metal and steel will be placed within bins located adjacent to the workshop or other areas where scrap metal is likely to be generated and removed from the site to a metal recycling facility as required.

3.8 ROM and Product Coal Stockpiles Mined coal will be preferentially hauled directly from the North Open Cut to the CHPP. At the CHPP it will be direct fed into the plant or stockpiled as identified in the Integra Open Cut MOP.

Alternatively, where required for operational reasons, ROM coal may be stockpiled in temporary stockpiles within the active open cut area. The location of these stockpiles will vary as mining operations progress. However, the stockpiles will be less than 1ha in area and less than 10m high. Surface water management controls will be designed to ensure any runoff from the temporary ROM coal stockpile will be contained within the open cut.

Finally, where required, ROM coal may be stockpiled within the RL 100 Stockpile Area which lies within the area covered by the Integra Underground (Glennies Creek Underground) MOP and will be managed in accordance with that document. The RL 100 Stockpile Area has adequate capacity for the temporary storage of approximately 500 000t of ROM coal.


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Product coal will be stockpiled within the Product Coal Stockpile Area and will be managed in accordance with the Integra Open Cut MOP.

Table 3.13 presents the production and waste schedule for the term of the MOP.

Table 3.14 Provisional Production and Waste Schedule

ITEM Unit Provisional Cumulative Production During MOP Term SOIL

Stripped Topsoil m3 75000

WASTE ROCK

out-of-pit Mlcm 14.4

in-pit Mlcm 1.8

COAL

ROM Coal Mt 2.09

Product Coal Mt 1.17

3.9 Water Management

3.9.1 INTRODUCTION Schedule 3, Condition 40 of Project Approvals 08_0101 and 08_0102 requires that a Water Management Plan be prepared for the Integra Mine Complex. This section provides an overview of the water management objectives and procedures that will be employed to manage water resources within and surrounding the Mine Site during the term of the MOP. Additional details will be presented in the Water Management Plan. A copy of the plan will be provided to DTIRIS following approval by DP&I.

Sections 2.10 and 2.11 describe the existing water resources within and in the vicinity of the Mine Site. In addition, Section 3.3.4 describes the water management structures that will be constructed during the life of the MOP.

3.9.2 MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES For management purposes, the water within the Mine Site has been divided into four classes as follows.

• Clean water – clean water is runoff from areas that are either undisturbed by mining or fully rehabilitated.

• Sediment Laden water – water containing sediment from disturbed ground (not mining).

• Mine water – runoff from areas disturbed by mining activities and potentially containing high sediment loads.

• Contaminated water – water that could potentially contain hydrocarbons, such as wash-down water from workshop areas. Contaminated water is collected in a sump and treated by an oil/water separator. Hydrocarbons are collected and transferred offsite by an appropriately licensed waste management contractor.

The principal objectives of site water management are as follows.


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• Compliance with legislative requirements.

• Support procedures to manage and monitor surface and groundwater associated with the Complex.

• Encourage water reuse and recycling on site.

• Provide management mechanisms to minimise the potential for surface water on the Complex to cause offsite impacts and ensure clean water is diverted about active mining areas where possible.

• Provide management mechanisms to minimise the potential for the Complex operations to impact upon the hydraulic and chemical properties of the groundwater in the coal measures and alluvium in the vicinity of the operational pits.

• Ensure clean water is diverted away from the mining area wherever possible.

• Ensure sediment laden water is captured and transferred back within the mine water system or if it exceeds the capacity of the system, is treated to meet the required criteria prior to releasing off site.

• Ensure that water captured within the mine water management system (stormwater runoff and groundwater) or water transferred into this system is managed efficiently and appropriately.

To achieve the above management objectives, Integra will implement the water management controls specified in Section 7.3.2.

3.9.3 DAMS There are three sediment dams within the North Open Cut. The capacity of each dam is as follows.

• Sediment Dam 1 – 8.7ML.



Possum Skin Dam is a large evaporative dam located north of the North Open Cut. The dam can store up to 1500 ML of water pumped out from the North Open Cut or mine water from the Underground operations. Water from the dam is used for dust suppression and in the CHPP.

There are two tailings dams (TD1 and TD2) located to the south of the North Open Cut out-of-pit emplacement. A third tailings dam (TD3) will be capped and incorporated in the out-of-pit emplacement as part of the emplacement extension that was approved under Modification 1 to the Project Approvals 08_0101 and 08_0102.

3.10 Hazardous Materials Integra Coal uses the NONEL or electronic detonator shotfiring systems to blast overburden and partings. Explosive materials used are Anfo, Heavy Anfo and waterproof explosives. Explosive components will be delivered separately to the existing storage and magazine area on Integra Open Cut land to the south of the North Open Cut. Trucks carrying explosives will then be loaded and dispatched to either operation dependent upon blasting priorities. No explosives will be stored other than in facilities under existing Integra Coal Operations WorkCover approvals.

Materials Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) will be retained on-site for all hazardous materials, independent of the quantity held. Additionally, all contractors will be required to supply MSDS sheets for any hazardous goods they propose to bring onto the Mine Site.


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4. P r o p o s e d R e h a b i l i t a t i o n A c t i v i t i e s d u r i n g t h e M O P Te r m

4.1 Stakeholder Consultation Stakeholders in the rehabilitation of the Mine Site include:

• Integra Coal Operations Pty Ltd;

• surrounding and future landowners;

• Singleton Council;

• DTIRIS; and

• other relevant State government agencies including OEH, NOW and DP&I.

In addition, a number of Aboriginal Community Groups expressed interest in the North Open Cut during the Aboriginal heritage assessment prepared to support the Glennies Creek Environmental Assessment (Corkery 2007). Details of consultation regarding the rehabilitation of the North Open Cut are presented in Part C of that document. In summary, consultation forums which included discussions regarding rehabilitation and the final landform included the following.

• A Planning Focus Meeting held on 5 December 2004 with the following government agencies in attendance.

o The former Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources (DIPNR) (now – DP&I).

o Department of Primary Industries - Agriculture (now DTIRIS).

o Department of Primary Industries - Mineral Resources (now DTIRIS).

o Singleton Council.

o Department of Environment and Conservation (Environment Protection Authority) (now OEH).

o Hunter – Central Rivers Catchment Management Authority.

At the Planning Focus Meeting, a detailed description of the North Open Cut was provided and feedback in relation to the final landform was sought.

• An initial community newsletter describing the North Open Cut and the proposed rehabilitation in which feedback from the community was sought.

• Community information sessions held on 22 March 2005 and 2 May 2006 where further details of the Project were provided and additional feedback was sought.

• Briefings of the Glennies Creek Community Consultative Committee (as it was then) where feedback was sought from the committee. The progress of the North Open Cut will continue to be a regular subject of discussion at these meetings.


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• A meeting held with the then Department of Environment and Climate Change (now OEH) in relation to the Biodiversity Offset Strategy on 15 November 2007 where the offset strategy and final rehabilitation of the North Open Cut was discussed.

In addition to the consultation that was undertaken during preparation of the Glennies Creek Environmental Assessment, the following agencies have been, and will continue to be, consulted in relation to the various management plans required by the conditions of Project Approvals 08_0101 and 08_0102:.

• OEH.

• NOW.

• DTIRIS.

4.2 Rehabilitation Status at MOP Commencement Rehabilitated areas within the Mine Site are currently limited to the northern batters of the former North Pit waste rock emplacement. This section of the emplacement has been shaped, surface water controls installed, clay subsoil spread (in the absence of adequate topsoil) and sections of the emplacement revegetated.

The majority of the northern face of the North Pit waste rock emplacement will be disturbed by the North Open Cut out-of-pit Waste Rock Emplacement.

4.3 Proposed Rehabilitation Status at MOP Finish Plan 5 presents the proposed rehabilitation status at the completion of the term of the MOP (and includes:

• areas of active mining and overburden emplacement;

• land under rehabilitation, including areas classified as either:

o “shaped and covered;” or

o “rehabilitated and under maintenance;” and

• water management and control structures.

Plan 5 identifies that, with the exception of the outer face of the amenity bund, no final slopes on the landform constructed as part of the North Open Cut development exceed approximately 10°.

The major rehabilitation activities undertaken during this MOP will include the following:

• Construction, profiling, topsoiling and completion of revegetation activities of the outer face of the north-east section of the amenity bund (Year 1).

• Construction, profiling, topsoiling and completion of revegetation activates on the upper level south-western batters of the waste rock emplacement from an elevation of 141m AHD to 120m AHD (Year 3).

• Construction of contour banks on the profiled slopes of the waste rock emplacement. The contour bank will direct surface waters off the overburden emplacement and into the clean water management system.


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• Establishment of a non-persistent cover crop on any long-term soil stockpiles, ie. any stockpile retained for in excess of 3 months (ongoing).

Rehabilitation activities will continue beyond the term of this MOP to produce the final landform conceptually described in Section 5 and shown on Plan 6. As a result, a more definitive plan will be provided in a MOP and/or Mine Closure Plan to be prepared closer to the cessation of mining.

4.4 Buildings No permanent buildings will be constructed or installed within the Mine Site during the term of the MOP and none will require removal. However, transportable buildings will be installed as part of the crib hut site relocation. These buildings will include chemical toilet facilities which will be serviced regularly by a licensed contractor. These buildings will be removed following completion of mining operations.

4.5 Rehabilitation of Disturbed Land

4.5.1 INTRODUCTION

The area of land within the Mine Site that will be disturbed during the term of this MOP will be approximately 160ha, or approximately 74% of all areas to be disturbed over the life of the North Open Cut. However, of this approximately 100ha comprises previously disturbed land.

Progressive rehabilitation will be undertaken immediately in areas no longer required for mining-related purposes and will involve shaping of the final landform, construction of surface water management structures, spreading of soil and revegetation.

This sub-section identifies the rehabilitation procedures that will be adopted during the term of the MOP, rehabilitation monitoring and maintenance activities, and a summary of the proposed rehabilitation activities.

4.5.2 REHABILITATION PROCEDURES

4.5.2.1 WASTE ROCK EMPLACEMENTS

Progressive rehabilitation of the waste rock emplacements will be undertaken in the following four stages.

Stage 1: Waste Rock Placement and Shaping

• If geological conditions indicate that overburden or interburden materials may be potentially acid forming, the suspect material will be tested for chemical characteristics to confirm that the material is non-acid generating. In the unlikely event that any such potentially acid forming materials are identified, specific management procedures will be developed.

• The waste rock emplacement will be progressively shaped by one or more bulldozers to blend with the existing landforms (including the existing North Pit emplacement) with undulating slopes of approximately 1:5 to 1:25 (V:H) (Plan 5). A surveyor will confirm these gradients prior to the placement of soil and revegetation.


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• Preference will be given to placing weathered to partly weathered waste rock on the surface of the shaped landform to avoid exposure of large rocks at the surface and improve the moisture holding capacity near the emplacement surface.

Stage 2: Subsoil and Topsoil Replacement

• Subsoil and topsoil will be placed on the shaped landform in the reverse order to stripping, ie. subsoil then topsoil, with the materials being preferentially sourced from active stripping areas or, if no such activity is being undertaken at the time, from previously established stockpiles.

• Placed subsoil will be approximately 300mm thick and placed topsoil will be between 75mm and 125mm thick. These thicknesses may be varied slightly if the actual volume of subsoil and topsoil stripped varies from the volumes identified in Table 3.4 and to reflect the bulking effect of mulched vegetation incorporated into the topsoil.

• The surface of the shaped landform will be even but roughened, with contour lines ripped and compacted and/or smooth surfaces broken up. This will assist in maintaining soil stability and will minimise erosion.

• Vegetation, including tree trunks and branches not mulched and set aside during vegetation clearing activities will be spread over the areas to be rehabilitated following soil placement or mulched and incorporated within the topsoil.

Stage 3: Drainage Installation

• Contour banks will be progressively installed on the rehabilitated landform as required. The heights (effective depths) and cross-sectional areas of the individual banks are identified in Section 3.3.4.

Stage 4: Revegetation

• The topsoiled surfaces will be initially stabilised with a non-persistent cover crop.

• Depending on the extent of natural species regeneration from the topsoil, a selection of locally occurring tree and shrub species sourced, where possible, from seed collected in the vicinity of the Mine Site, will be established by direct seeding, planting of tube stock or a combination of both. It is noted that seed from native species surrounding the Mine Site has not been available for a number of years, presumably as a result of ongoing drought conditions.

• Table 4.1 presents a list of the tree and shrub species that will be targeted when re-establishing native woodland on areas to be rehabilitated. The species used may vary depending on the availability of the seed/seedlings different species and the success/failure of particular species. Details related to the actual species planted, the success or otherwise of each species and the proposed species lists for future revegetation programs will be presented in each Annual Environmental Management Report.

• Subject to the extent of natural regeneration from replaced topsoil, seed of other locally occurring shrub species will, if required, also be broadcast to encourage the re-establishment of a shrub layer.

• All rehabilitated areas will be protected from stock.


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Table 4.1 Tree and Shrub Species

Common Name Scientific Name

Western Golden Wattle Acacia decora

Narrow-leaved Ironbark Eucalyptus crebra

Spotted Gum Corymbia maculata

Forest Red Gum Eucalyptus tereticornis

Bull Oak Allocasuarina luehmannii

River Oak Casuarina cunninghamiana

Swamp Oak Casuarina glauca

4.5.2.2 WATER MANAGEMENT STRUCTURES

Rehabilitation of the water management structures will be implemented immediately following construction and shaping of the structures. Rehabilitation will include the following.

• Shaping of the structures to ensure that they meet the required width, height and gradient. In addition, banks and side slopes will be constructed to ensure that the structures are stable in the long term. Such slopes will be less than 18º and, where required, would be protected by natural or artificial covers.

• Subsoil and topsoil will be spread as described previously.

• Seed or tube stock of the appropriate species will be spread or planted.

4.5.2.3 OTHER DISTURBED AREAS

At the completion of the MOP term, the North Open Cut will have approximately 3 to 5 years of coal reserves remaining. As a result, other disturbed areas such as haul roads and stockpile areas will continue to be required for mining-related purposes. However, should any disturbed areas no longer be required for mining purposes during the term of this MOP, they will be rehabilitated in accordance with the procedures identified previously.

4.5.3 SUMMARY OF PROPOSED REHABILITATION

Table 4.2 presents a summary of the total area of disturbance at the start and end of this MOP term.

Table 4.2 Summary of Proposed Rehabilitation

Area Affected / Rehabilitated (hectares) Total Area,

start of MOP Total Area, end of MOP

At mine closure (anticipated)

A: MINE LEASE AREA A1 Mine Site Area 320 320 320 B: DISTURBED AREAS B1 Infrastructure area (other disturbed areas to

be rehabilitated at closure including facilities, roads)

Nil Nil

B2 Active Mining Area (excluding items B3 – B5 below)

Nil 49.2


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Area Affected / Rehabilitated (hectares) Total Area,

start of MOP Total Area, end of MOP

At mine closure (anticipated)

B3 Waste emplacements, (active / unshaped / in or out-of-pit)

2.4 72.6

B4 Tailings emplacements (active / unshaped / uncapped)

Nil Nil

B5 Shaped waste emplacement (awaits final vegetation)

Nil26.0 0

ALL DISTURBED AREAS 28.4 121.8 C REHABILITATION C1 Total Rehabilitated area1

(except for maintenance) 0 29.1 242

D REHABILITATION ON SLOPES D1 10 to 18 degrees NA 4.0 129

D2 Greater than 18 degrees NA Nil 5.0

E SURFACE OF REHABILITATED LAND E1 Pasture and grasses 0 25.1 108

E2 Native forest / ecosystems NA 4.0 100

E3 Plantations and crops NA Nil Nil

E4 Other (include non-vegetative outcomes) NA Nil Nil

Note 1: Includes areas previously rehabilitated as part of the Integra North Pit operations. Note 2: Waste rock emplacement associated with the former Integra North Pit.

The values reflect the areas of active disturbance and various stages of rehabilitation presented on Plan 5 defined as follows.

• Active Mining Area - refers to those sections of the open cut where coal recovery or waste rock removal is occurring.

• Active Overburden Emplacement Area - refers to areas of the out-of-pit and in-pit waste rock emplacements where waste rock placement is occurring and the emplacement has not been shaped.

• Shaped and Covered (with topsoil) - refers to those sections of disturbance where waste rock placement, shaping and soil replacement activities have been completed.

• Rehabilitated and Under Maintenance - refers to sections of the final landform where revegetation activities have been completed but are being monitored for success of establishment.

• Rehabilitation Complete - refers to the sections of the final landform where revegetation has been achieved.

4.6 Water Management (rehabilitated land) Management of surface water and groundwater within the Mine Site will be undertaken in accordance with the Water Management Plan. In summary, water management structures such as contour banks


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and drains will be constructed with longitudinal gradients which permit the transfer of water at non-erosive velocities. Consequently, specialised rehabilitation treatments will generally not be required. Similarly, flumes constructed on the slopes of the waste rock emplacement will be retained and allowed to revegetate naturally. However, in the event that unacceptable levels of erosion are observed, fast growing species identified as having a particular soil conservation application and/or specialised treatments such as bitumen/jute meshing or rock lining will be implemented.

The sediment dams may provide valuable habitat following completion of mining-related activities. As a result, a decision as to whether these dams will be retained following completion of mining operations will be made during preparation of the Mine Closure Plan which will be included in the final MOP for the North Open Cut. Options for rehabilitation of these dams include:

• complete removal of the dam walls and rehabilitation of the footprint of each;

• breaching of the dam walls to restore natural flow, leaving the bulk of the revegetated dam walls in place;

• lowering of the spillway of each dam to create water storages with reduced volumes; and

• retention of the sediment dams as constructed.

The planting of trees and other vegetation around the various water management structures will enhance the filtration ability of these structures and surrounding areas and minimise the potential for erosion and sedimentation, as well as encouraging their use by native fauna.

4.7 Other Infrastructure On completion of all mining-related and associated activities within an area of the Mine Site, Integra will undertake the following.

• Remove, rip or otherwise rehabilitate on-site roads not required for the ongoing management of the final landform. This may include ripping and reducing the width of the various haul roads and rehabilitating those sections of the haul roads no longer required.

• Rip any hardstand areas or areas compacted through other mining-related activity.

• Shape, install appropriate drainage controls, spread subsoil and topsoil and revegetate.

4.8 Rehabilitation Monitoring and Maintenance Integra’s commitment to effective rehabilitation will include an ongoing monitoring and maintenance program throughout and beyond the term of the MOP and life of the North Open Cut. Areas being rehabilitated will be regularly inspected and assessed against the short and long term rehabilitation objectives outlined in the Glennies Creek Environmental Assessment (Corkery 2007). During regular inspections, the following will be monitored:

• Excessive erosion or sedimentation from areas with establishing vegetation cover.

• Success of initial cover crop or grass cover establishment.

• Success of tree and shrub plantings.

• Extent of natural regeneration of native species.


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• Adequacy of drainage controls.

• General stability of the progressive or final rehabilitation areas.

It is noted that both the Underground and Open Cut western extension will continue to operate beyond the completion of the North Open Cut. This will ensure that personnel are available on-site to undertake and manage post mining rehabilitation and maintenance activities, including but not limited to the following:

• Where rehabilitation success appears limited, maintenance activities will be initiated. These may include re-seeding and where necessary, re-topsoiling and applying specialised treatments such as composted mulch to areas with poor vegetation establishment. Tree guards will be placed around planted seedlings should grazing by native animals be excessive.

• If drainage controls are found to be inadequate for their intended purpose, or compromised by wildlife or vegetation, these will be repaired or replaced.

• Temporary fences designed to exclude native fauna will be installed within the areas undergoing rehabilitation will be installed if grazing appears to be excessive. These fences will be additional to the perimeter fences which will be constructed to exclude domestic stock such as cattle and sheep.

• In the event that areas of excessive erosion and sedimentation are identified, remedial works such as importation of additional fill, subsoil or topsoil material, or redesigning of water management structures will be undertaken.

Integra will take the necessary precautions to prevent the excessive development of weeds within the rehabilitated areas. Where appropriate, this will include campaign weed spraying prior to the stripping of topsoil. Appropriate noxious weed control or eradication methods and programs will be undertaken in consultation with DTIRIS (Agriculture) and / or the local Noxious Weeds Inspector.

The licence holder anticipates that post-mining rehabilitation monitoring and maintenance will be required for a period of five years following completion of mining operations. Notwithstanding this however, if required, maintenance will continue until such time as the objectives outlined in Part B15.2 of the Glennies Creek Environmental Assessment (Corkery 2007) are met to the satisfaction of the relevant government agencies.

4.9 Rehabilitation Trials and Research During the term of the MOP, Integra will continue to undertake progressive rehabilitation of the waste rock emplacements. Following each rehabilitation campaign, the areas rehabilitated will be monitored to identify what improvements to the rehabilitation procedures could be implemented to maximise the level of success for subsequent rehabilitation programs. The results of these reviews of rehabilitation procedures and success will be presented in each Annual Review.


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5. R e p o r t i n g a n d R e v i e w

5.1 Introduction The life of the North Open Cut is anticipated to be up to 8 years with a maximum annual permissible production rate of 1.5Mt of ROM coal. However, should the annual production rate be less than the maximum, the life of the North Open Cut would be extended. As the term of this MOP will be three years and nine months, this document does not include a detailed Mine Closure Plan. Rather, the mine closure and final rehabilitation commitments made in the Glennies Creek Environmental Assessment (Corkery 2007) are reproduced.

5.2 Rehabilitated Areas and Features The rehabilitation of the final landform features beyond the term of this MOP will represent an extension of the rehabilitation procedures and philosophy outlined in Section 4 of this document, as refined by monitoring. Longer-term objectives, ie. those to be achieved prior to lease relinquishment include the following:

• Provision of a low maintenance, geotechnically stable and safe landform which blends with surrounding landforms and provides land suitable for the final nature conservation land use.

• A final landform which blends with the surrounding topography such that the visual impact of the post-mining landform is minimised.

• Re-establishment of approximately 213ha of land suitable for nature conservation over the areas disturbed by the mine.

• Management measures in place for the biodiversity offset areas:

o to ensure the long term enhancement of their biodiversity value for native species; and

o to increase the area of high quality, native vegetation and provide biodiversity linkages with other rehabilitated and protected areas associated with the Mt Owen, Glendell, Ravensworth East and Ashton mines to ensure there is a comprehensive strategic framework for the restoration and enhancement of the landscape over time.

Plan 6 presents the conceptual plan for rehabilitation at lease relinquishment. The information contained in Plan 6 and this section of the MOP is largely conceptual, with greater detail to be provided in subsequent MOP(s) and the Mine Closure Plan.

5.3 Remaining Features

5.3.1 FINAL LANDFORM The conceptual final landform on lease relinquishment as presented in the Glennies Creek Environmental Assessment that supported the application for Project Approval 06_0073 for the North Open Cut included a backfilled and rehabilitated open cut area and a re-profiled out-of-pit waste rock emplacement (see Plan 6 in Chapter 9). However, it is noted that the Environmental Assessment that supported the application for project approval 08_0101 for the Integra Underground (ERM 2009) identifies that the final north Open Cut void would be used to access the Barrett and Hebden Seams. As previously mentioned Project Approvals 08_0101 and 08_0102, granted in November 2010, supersede other consents applicable to the land including Project Approval 06_0073.


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The major features of the final landform as presented on Plan 6 include the following.

• An elevated north-northwest orientated with ridgeline gently undulating upper surface with elevations from approximately 60m AHD to 141m AHD.

• A sloped area either side of the ridgeline with maximum slopes of approximately 1:5 (V:H).

• A gently sloped, northwest draining valley in the central section of the in-pit waste rock emplacement. The upper slopes of the valley will have maximum slopes of approximately 1:5 (V:H).

• As indicated previously, Integra may potentially use the open cut void to access the Barrett Seam for underground mining operations, for water storage or for reject disposal. If this is the case, the final rehabilitation / final landform may vary from that shown in Plan 6. This issue will be addressed in a subsequent MOP or Mine Closure Plan.

As indicated previously in Section 4.6, sediment dams 1, 2 and 3 may provide valuable habitat for threatened species following completion of mining-related activities. As a result, a decision as to whether these dams will be retained, modified or removed following completion of mining operations will be made during preparation of the Mine Closure Plan.

The final landform will also incorporate contour / graded banks installed progressively as part of the water management and rehabilitation programs. The spacing and ultimate dimensions of these structures is presented in the Water Management Plan.

5.3.2 FINAL LAND USE The final land use for those areas disturbed by mining related activities within the Mine Site will be nature conservation.

5.4 Rehabilitation Planning Criteria Rehabilitation planning criteria for the Mine Site as presented in this section have been taken from Strategic Framework for Mine Closure (ANZMEC, 2000) to ensure the most appropriate and efficient rehabilitation techniques are applied. During the preparation of the Mine Closure Plan, advice will also be sought from representatives of DTIRIS, DP&I, NOW, OEH and specialist consultants regarding any additional actions that need to be adopted to ensure the continued success of the rehabilitation program.

An integral part of Integra’s rehabilitation planning and management will be the application of the recommendations and procedures set out in the various management plans and monitoring programs. These plans and programs will, where appropriate, be used to establish the criteria for the final rehabilitation of the site. The criteria will be presented in greater detail in subsequent MOP(s) and the Mine Closure Plan.

The rehabilitation planning criteria identified by ANZMEC (2000) are presented below along with reference to how each will be addressed during the term of this MOP.

1. Rehabilitation and rehabilitation outcomes consistent with the EIS (Glennies Creek Environmental Assessment).

The planned rehabilitation presented in Sections 4 and 5 of this MOP has been based on the concepts and designs initially presented in the Glennies Creek Environmental Assessment. The development of specific rehabilitation objectives and targets, and measurement of performance of the


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mine are included in the Rehabilitation Management Plan prepared for the Integra Mine Complex in accordance with Schedule 3, Condition 58 of Project Approvals 08_0101 and 08_0102.

2. Based on mine closure criteria and rehabilitation outcomes developed through stakeholder consultation.

A Mine Closure Plan will be developed based on the final landform and land use objectives identified in the Glennies Creek Environmental Assessment, and specific rehabilitation objectives and targets developed as part of the Rehabilitation Management Plan. The Mine Closure Plan will be developed following consultation with the local community and government agencies, and the most up-to-date mine closure criteria produced by DTIRIS or other State or Federal government agencies.

3. Integrates rehabilitated native vegetation with undisturbed native vegetation to provide larger areas and wildlife corridors.

Approximately 214ha of the rehabilitated areas of the Mine Site will be revegetated with native species to recreate and extend the locally occurring community types. In addition, Integra will provide for the long-term security of a further 278ha of remnant native vegetation and habitat corridors through the implementation of the biodiversity offset strategy. Notably, the offset strategy provides for the linkage of areas of rehabilitated land within the Mine Site with areas of undisturbed and enhanced vegetation in the surrounding areas, including vegetation in the vicinity of Reedy and Glennies Creeks, and with the rehabilitation and offset areas at the Mt Owen, Glendell, Ravensworth East and Ashton mines.

In addition the offset strategy is consistent with the Synoptic Plan: Integrated Landscapes for Coal Mine Rehabilitation in the Hunter Valley and the Glennies Creek Catchment – Total Catchment Management Study – Management Strategy.

4. Suitable for an agreed subsequent land use as far as possible compatible with the surrounding land fabric and land use requirements.

The subsequent land use within the Mine Site will be nature conservation. The rehabilitated areas, together with the biodiversity offset areas, will provide an important area of native vegetation and habitat for threatened species, including the Grey-crowned Babbler and the Brush-tailed Phascogale. This final land use has been agreed with OEH and the surrounding community.

5. Addresses limitations on the use of rehabilitated land.

The land capability class of those sections of the Mine Site that will be disturbed by mining operations will be approximately equal areas of Class V land and Class VII land. In addition, a covenant or other restriction will be placed over those areas of the Mine Site included within the biodiversity offset areas, to identify and limit the uses of the land to those consistent with nature conservation.

6. Sustainable in terms of that land use.

GCNRC (2007c) indicated that the response of the soils of the rehabilitated final landform to grazing will be uncertain. As a result, the licence holder, in accordance with the recommendation of GCNRC (2007c), will ensure that the rehabilitated areas be used only for nature conservation. According to GCNRC (2007c), this will be a long-term sustainable land use.

7. Stable and permanent landforms, with soils, hydrology, and ecosystems with maintenance needs no greater than those of surrounding land (may include waste emplacements, voids, pits and water-bodies providing that they are part of the accepted final outcome).


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The final landform has been designed with slopes generally no greater than (1:5) (V:H). Slopes of 10º are generally considered suitable for rehabilitated final landforms, provided they are well protected from erosion and sedimentation by water management structure and vegetation.

The rehabilitated areas will be integrated with the surrounding biodiversity offset areas and, once rehabilitation is complete, will have land management requirements no greater than those areas.

Surface water structures within the rehabilitated areas will be constructed and revegetated in a manner that will ensure that water will flow at non-erosive velocities and these structures will be regularly inspected to ensure that they are performing adequately and that they do not require maintenance that is greater than the maintenance of the surrounding undisturbed land.

8. Securely and safely contain waste substances that have the potential to affect land use or result in pollution.

No such materials have been identified within the Mine Site. However, should ongoing analysis of overburden/interburden identify any such materials, they will be managed appropriately.

9. Not present a hazard to persons, stock or native fauna.

The final landform will be created with moderate and stable slopes and as such will not present a greater than normal risk to persons, stock or native fauna when compared to elements of the existing landform.

10. Addresses threatened species issues.

A Biodiversity Management Plan has been prepared for the Mine Site in accordance with Schedule 3, Condition 44 of Project Approvals 08_0101 and 08_0101. The plan considers the ongoing protection and management of threatened species identified as using the Mine Site (or as having the potential to utilize the Mine Site), in particular the Brush-tailed Phascogale and the Grey-crowned Babbler. The long-term conservation of 278ha of native vegetation within the biodiversity offset areas, in conjunction with the rehabilitation of 214ha of native vegetation vicinity of the Mine Site will contribute to preservation of these species.

11. Addresses heritage issues.

Fifteen Aboriginal heritage sites will be disturbed as a result of mining operations. The artefacts contained within these sites will be managed in accordance with the Heritage Management Plan, prepared in accordance with Schedule 3, Condition 47 of Project Approvals 08_0101 and 08_0101 and in consultation with local Aboriginal stakeholders. All other identified sites will be managed to ensure these are not damaged.

12. Clean and tidy, and free of rubbish, metal and derelict equipment/structures, except for heritage and other agreed features.

All non-production waste materials generated by the mine and associated activities will be disposed of off-site by waste contractors licensed for this function. All infrastructure not required for ongoing mining operations will be removed and rehabilitated prior to lease relinquishment.

13. Free from unacceptable air and water pollution, and other environmental effects outside the disturbed area.

The mine will continue to operate in accordance with conditions imposed by Project Approvals 08_0101 and 08_0101 and the relevant Environment Protection Licence (EPL). Monitoring programs


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for air quality, noise, blasting, surface water and groundwater will continue to be implemented with results reported in the Annual Review and website, Additional monitoring initiatives included within the management plans. The plans will be provided to the DTIRIS when approved by DP&I. Monitoring will continue to be implemented to verify compliance with consent and EPL conditions.


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6. E n v i r o n m e n t a l a n d R e h a b i l i t a t i o n R i s k I d e n t i f i c a t i o n

Table 6.1 presents an Environmental and Rehabilitation Risk Analysis Matrix for Mine Site activities which identifies the potential for environmental impacts from the various activities to be undertaken during the term of this MOP, an assessment of the severity of risk from these activities in the absence of controls and consequently, the extent of control strategy required to prevent or mitigate those impacts.

In determining the level of risk and the potential impact of an event, consideration was given to the guidelines for the preparation of a MOP. The level of impact from each of these has, in turn, been assigned a level of severity based on a scale of 1 to 3, with a grade of 1 corresponding to a low level of impact in the event of undue circumstances, up to a grade 3 for a severe to catastrophic impact.

The assessed severity levels are by their nature arbitrary. However, in their determination, consideration has been given to factors such as the duration or extent of the activity (area), the proximity to neighbours, sensitivity of the surrounding landscape, current and final landform, geological stability of the environs and the extent and reliance upon regional groundwater by other users. Consideration has also been given to the likely type of contaminants and potential pollutants that may arise from an emergency or accidental situation, as well as the potential quantity involved and the likely duration of the incident.

Some elements of the matrix have been denoted “na” to indicate they are not applicable for this particular site or for the process carried out. This has also been extended to incorporate issues that relate to precedence. For example, the impact of mine development has been assessed as “na” to Threatened flora protection given the surface footprint will be stripped of vegetation, topsoil and subsoil prior to mining commencing. Consequently, the higher risk assessment has been assigned to the preceding land preparation activity. Table 6.1 identifies the greatest risks as being associated with land preparation and rehabilitation activities at the site. These risks will be reduced by the application of management controls as nominated in Section 7.

It can be seen from Table 6.1 that, in the absence of appropriate management procedures, the potential highest risks are associated with:

• land preparation, vegetation and topsoil stripping; and

• construction activities including earthmoving.

With the implementation of the nominated management procedures, the risk(s) identified in Table 6.1 will be reduced.


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Table 6.1

Risk Identification Matrix for Mine Site Activities

Issue Expl

orat

ion

Land

pre

para

tion,

veg

etat

ion

and

tops

oil s

trip

ping

All

cons

truc

tion

activ

ities

in

clud

ing

eart

hmov

ing

Min

e de

velo

pmen

t and

min

ing,

su

rfac

e an

d un

derg

roun

d

Use

/ m

aint

enan

ce o

f roa

ds, t

rack

an

d eq

uipm

ent

Was

te ro

ck e

mpl

acem

ent

man

agem

ent

Min

eral

pro

cess

ing

faci

litie

s an

d in

fras

truc

ture

Ore

/pro

duct

sto

ckpi

ling

and

hand

ling

Taili

ngs

impo

undm

ent

man

agem

ent

Wat

er m

anag

emen

t inc

ludi

ng

stor

age

even

t con

tinge

ncie

s

Haz

ardo

us m

ater

ials

and

fuel

, ha

ndlin

g / s

pills

man

agem

ent

Sew

erag

e

Rub

bish

dis

posa

l

Reh

abili

tatio

n ac

tiviti

es

Reh

abili

tate

d la

nd a

nd re

mai

ning

fe

atur

es

air pollution, dust / other na 2 2 2 2 2 na 2 na 1 1 na na 2 2

erosion / sediment minimisation na 2 2 1 2 2 na 1 na 2 1 na na 2 2

surface water pollution na 2 2 1 2 2 na 1 na 2 2 2 1 2 2

ground water pollution na 1 1 2 1 1 na 1 na 1 1 1 na 1 1

contaminated or polluted land na 1 1 1 1 1 na 1 na 1 2 1 1 1 1

threatened flora protection na 1 1 1 1 1 na 1 na 1 1 na na na na

threatened fauna protection na 2 2 1 1 1 na 1 na 2 1 na na na na

weed control and management na 2 2 1 1 1 na 1 na 1 1 na na 2 2

operational noise na 2 2 2 2 2 na 2 na 1 1 na na 2 1

vibration and air blast na na na 2 na na na na na na na na na na na

visual amenity, stray light na 2 2 2 2 2 na 1 na 1 na na na 1 1

Aboriginal heritage na 2 1 1 1 1 na 1 na 1 1 1 1 1 1

natural heritage conservation na na na na na na na na na na na na na na na

spontaneous combustion na 1 1 1 1 1 na 1 na na na na na na na

bushfire na 2 2 1 2 1 na 1 na 1 2 na na 2 2

mine subsidence na na na na na na na na na na na na na na na

hydrocarbon contamination na 2 2 2 2 1 na 1 na 2 2 na na 1 1

methane drainage / venting na na na na na na na na na na na na na na na

public safety na 2 2 2 2 1 na 1 na 1 1 na na 1 1 Note: 1 = Low Impact 2 = Moderate Impact 3 = Catastrophic impact na = not applicable


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7. E n v i r o n m e n t a l M a n a g e m e n t C o n t r o l s

7.1 Introduction The environmental management controls that will continue to be implemented during the term of the MOP are described below. These have been drawn from:

• the final Statement of Commitments as presented in Appendix 10 of Project Approvals 08_0101 and 08_0102;

• the conditions associated with Project Approvals 08_0101 and 08_0102; and

• accepted industry/operating standards.

This section addresses each of the potential environmental impacts listed in Table 6.1, to the extent necessary to reduce the risk of each to an acceptable level. Where an Environmental Management Plan or Monitoring Program has been or will be prepared for a particular environmental risk, reference is made to the relevant plan or program. A number of the Management Plans mentioned in this Chapter have not yet been finalised and are currently with DP&I for approval. If required, the Consolidated MOP to be prepared for the Open Cut in December 2012 will incorporate any changes made to these plans.

This section also describes the monitoring that would be undertaken during the term of the MOP. It is noted, however, that a number of the proposed monitoring locations occur on private land. As a result, or for other operational reasons, Integra may be required to modify the location of the nominated monitoring locations. Where the monitoring locations are identified in an approval or licence, Integra would seek the agreement of the relevant government agency prior to relocating the monitoring location. In all cases, the reason and justification for the relocation would be presented in the Annual Review.

7.2 Air pollution

7.2.1 INTRODUCTION An Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Management Plan was submitted to DP&I in accordance with Schedule 3, 26 of Project Approvals 08_0101 and 08_0102. The plan is currently being revised in consultation with DP&I and OEH and will be resubmitted to DP&I before the end of May 2012. A copy of the plan will be provided to DTIRIS once approved by DP&I.

7.2.2 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT CONTROLS The draft Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Management Plan includes the following preventative management controls, categorised by activity.

Vegetation Clearing

• Ensure limit of vegetation clearing is clearly and accurately marked.

• Ensure appropriate surface water controls are in place prior to clearing.


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• Ensure the clearing of vegetation is undertaken with a raised blade to retain groundcover.

• Ensure the clearing of vegetation is undertaken only within the designated area(s).

• Ensure felled timber is stockpiled, mulched and incorporated into topsoil or directly replaced on rehabilitated areas.

Soil Stripping

• Ensure tracks used by topsoil stripping equipment during the loading and unloading cycle are watered.

• Ensure the limit of soil removal and the soil stockpile areas are clearly marked.

• Inspect cleared areas and ensure soil stripping is not undertaken when soil moisture is too low or high.

• Ensure the destination of stripped soils is clearly identified and the relevant machinery operator(s) informed.

• Ensure a non-persistent cover crop is sown over soil stockpiles retained for more than 3 months.

• Ensure adequate erosion and sediment management structures are constructed.

• Implement weed control strategy (if required).

• Ensure soil stripping occurs only within the defined limits (both in area and depth).

• Ensure the location of stripped soil placement is understood and complied with.

• Ensure topsoil stockpiles are no higher than 2m, subsoil stockpiles are not higher than 3m, and the batters do not exceed 1:2 (V:H).

• Minimise soil handling and compaction.

Overburden and emplacement areas • Spray with watercart up to turn around point.

• Select emplacement area for use based on visual observation of wind and weather (e.g. highest emplacement area is not to be used in high winds).

Rehabilitation Areas

• Reshape and seed groundcover.

• Water until groundcover is established.

Coal Handling Facilities • Maintain unsealed coal handing areas in a moist condition using water carts to minimise wind-

blown and traffic-generated dust.

Haul Roads • Clearly define all haul roads, especially were they cross overburden emplacement areas.

• Routinely maintain and water haul roads to suppress the generation of dust.

• Rip and re-vegetate obsolete haul roads.

• Inform water cart operators of active working areas.

• Visual check of haul road dust.

Minor Roads • Minor road development will be limited and locations clearly defined.

• Watering of minor roads Minor roads used regularly for access etc, to suppress the generation of dust.


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• Rip and re-vegetate obsolete roads.

Drilling and Blasting Activities

• Use of water injection during drilling operations.

• Use of adequate stemming during blasting.

• Ensure no blasting when weather conditions are likely to result in unacceptable blasting impacts upon receivers.

Loading of Overburden • Minimise the drop heights between excavator buckets and trucks carrying overburden materials.

Loading and Unloading of Coal

• Ensure automatic water sprays and wind shields in use.

7.2.3 CORRECTIVE MEASURES Integra will implement the following corrective measures described in Table 7.1 to ensure the risk of air quality-related issues are managed during the life of this MOP.

Table 7.1 Air Quality Corrective Measures

Timing/Trigger Measure

Visible dust from haul roads Relocate water cart operations to control haul road dust

High winds Relocate overburden emplacement operations away from elevated levels

Dust emissions above wheel arches of haul trucks

Increase watering of haul roads

Dust emissions are >1½ times above the truck height while being loaded

Increase material moisture

Dust emissions are above the truck cabin roof during overburden dumping

Increase material moisture/move to lower emplacement areas

Dust emissions are above the drill height of drilling rig

Ensure water application is adequate

Excessive dust generation from exposed material stockpiles or other exposed areas

Increase watering

Excessive/prolonged generation of exhaust fumes

Turn equipment engines off when not required

7.2.4 MONITORING In summary, Integra will implement the following air quality monitoring during the term of this MOP.

• Continued operation of the existing Meteorological Station;

• Continued operation of the existing two high volume TSP monitors (HV1 and HV3);

• Continued operation of the existing three high volume PM10 monitors (HV2, HV4 and HV6)


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• Continued operation of the existing two TEOM PM10 monitors (TE1 and TE2); and

• Continued operation of the current network of 13 dust deposition gauges.

Plan 1 presents the location of each of the monitoring locations.

The Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Management Plan includes a number of operational response measures to the air quality monitoring program described above:

• Operate in accordance with the Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Management Plan and implement procedures contained within this management plan.

• Ensure the air quality and meteorological monitoring equipment is maintained and results are routinely analysed.

• Receive report and respond to any complaints in relation to air quality through the 24-hour complaints line.

• In the event of an Air Quality Alarm:

o report the results to the Open Cut Examiner

o investigate the source

o ensure corrective measures identified in this plan are completed

• Evaluate the prevailing weather conditions to ensure that wind speed and wind direction will not result in excess dust emissions leaving the site

• Report the results if any air quality monitoring in accordance with the Conditions of Consent.

• Ensure that all relevant employees and contractors are given adequate training in environmental awareness, legal responsibilities, and air quality control methods.

• Investigate the source of any problem dust emissions and implement the appropriate mitigation and control measures, or modify operation, as appropriate.

• Record any corrective action and report to the Environmental Superintendant who is to maintain a record of all significant reactive and proactive actions.

• Report all complaints to the Environmental Superintendant who must record the complaint in addition to the response and actions taken.

• Report significant reactive and proactive actions taken to minimise on-site dust generation on website.

• Investigate the any relationship between short-term dust episodes and the frequency of dust-related community/employee complaints. Report results on website.

The results from the dust monitoring program will be regularly reviewed to ensure the data being collected is meaningful. Where appropriate, the program will be adjusted in consultation with the OEH. Operating/management measures will be modified on the basis of this monitoring, where appropriate.

7.2.5 GREENHOUSE GAS No GHG monitoring is proposed. However, as per the requirements of the draft Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Management Plan, Integra will maintain records of diesel usage and product coal shipments from which GHG emissions may be calculated. The following management measures are included within the draft Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Management Plan:


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• Install a modular mining system. Modular Mining monitors machine locations, minimises truck wait time, maximises production by machine utilisation, cycle times, loading times; and links the production and maintenance systems.

• Develop a system to ensure dump trucks are fully loaded for each load prior to hauling to maximise productivity and efficiency with regard to the amount of fuel used per unit of material moved.

• Install a Historian System Database to enable electronic data to be captured and used efficiently and effectively. Installation of a wireless network to assist in data transfer of the network of monitoring equipment.

• Investigate biodiesel use where possible, including procurement (sustainable agriculture), transport, onsite storage and OEM suitability.

• Review haul road maintenance and materials used in main haul roads to reduce rolling resistance and decrease fuel consumption.

• Manage operation such that greenhouse gas emissions on the environment are minimised.

• Implement energy and greenhouse gas emission reduction initiatives throughout the life of the development.

• Consider the efficiency of all new and upgraded mobile and fixed equipment during procurement for fuel powered equipment.

• Ensure equipment will be maintained to retain high levels of energy efficiency.

• Report emissions and abatement strategies annually as part of the internal environmental reporting and National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting obligations and in the Annual Review.

7.3 Water Management

7.3.1 INTRODUCTION In accordance with Schedule 3 Condition 40 of Project Approvals 08_0101 and 08_0102, a Water Management Plan was prepared in consultation with DECCW, NOW and DTIRIS and provided to DP&I for approval before the end of June 2011. The plan was revised in consultation with DP&I and OEH and resubmitted to DP&I for approval in February 2012. A copy of the plan will be provided to DTIRIS once approved.

7.3.2 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT CONTROLS Integra will implement the following management objectives to ensure the risk of potential erosion and sediment-related issues are managed during the life of this MOP.

• Ensure the segregation of mine or potentially sediment-laden surface water from clean surface water or water flowing from undisturbed sections of the Mine Site and surrounding areas.

• Ensure on-site containment of all mine water to an ARI rainfall event of 1 in 50 years (ARI 50).

• Ensure that clean water is permitted to flow around disturbed sections of the Mine Site to natural drainage

These objectives will be achieved through implementation of the following management controls. These controls have been divided into existing, design and operational controls.

Existing Controls


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• Continued operation of the existing surface water management structures, including the following structures.

o Diversion of clean water from the upper reaches of Martins and Blackwell Creeks to Station Creek and then Glennies Creek via a clean water channel through the site.

o Retention and evaporation of mine water in the following dams:

D1.

Tailings Dams TD1.

Possum Skin Dam.

the Portal Sump within the North Pit.

It is noted that these structures are primarily associated with the Integra Open Cut or Underground and, as a result, are covered by the MOPs for those operations.

• Preferential use of mine water for mining-related purposes or export to surrounding mining operations.

• Once diversion of surface water from the areas of disturbance associated with the North Open Cut are diverted to Possum Skin Dam, maintenance of the water within the dam at near the maximum operating or filling level of 87.5m AHD to maximise evaporative losses, where required.

• Use of clean water diversions to divert clean water away from disturbed areas and Sediment Dams 1, 2 and 3. This includes diversion of the drainage line to the east of the out-of-pit emplacement.

• Mine water diversions have been constructed to collect runoff from disturbed areas of the southern and upper eastern slopes of the waste rock emplacements into Sediment Dams 1 and 2. Flows from the lower south-eastern slopes of the out-of-pit waste rock emplacement and eastern in-pit waste rock emplacement will be diverted to Sediment Dam 3.

• Runoff from the northern and western slopes of the in-pit and out-of-pit waste rock emplacement is directed to either the North Open Cut or Possum Skin Dam.

Design Controls

• Construction of clean water diversion channels to divert clean water away from disturbed sections of the Mine Site. These will be constructed to divert clean water around the Sediment Dams and Possum Skin Dam (see Plans 4 and 6).

• Construction of dirty water catch drains to collect potentially sediment-laden runoff from areas disturbed by mining-related activities prior to the completion of rehabilitation. These will be progressively constructed on completed sections of the waste rock emplacement as shaping operations are completed.

• Construction of all containment and diversion structures, including spillway and discharge points, to the standards identified in The Blue Book - Managing Urban Stormwater (MUS): Soils and Construction published by Landcom in 2004.

Operational Controls

• Construct all required sediment and erosion control structures prior to commencing ground disturbing work.

• Maintain the Sediment Dams in an empty state during dry periods.

• Inspect and maintain all surface water management structures monthly and following rainfall events of more than 25mm in 24 hours to identify signs of potential erosion or sedimentation and determine the remaining sediment storage capacity.

• Remove accumulated sediment from within sediment containment structures when 20% of the capacity of the structure has been lost.


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• Pump water within the Sediment Dams following rainfall to Tailings Dam TD1, Possum Skin Dam, or other dirty water storages.

• Reduce the maximum operating level of Possum Skin Dam by 1.5m to 87.5m AHD once water has been diverted from disturbed areas associated with the North Open Cut to account for the increased catchment.

• Pump rainfall water that collects in the active sump within the North Open Cut to either the North Pit Sump or Possum Skin Dam.

• Progressively rehabilitate the waste rock emplacements, followed by removal of dirty water diversion structures once rehabilitation is complete.

7.3.3 CORRECTIVE MEASURES Integra will implement the following corrective measures described in Table 7.2 to ensure the risk of potential erosion and sediment-related issues are managed during the life of this MOP.

Table 7.2 Surface Water Corrective Measures

Timing/Trigger Measure Surface water quality trigger activated Sample and analyse discharge water and assess against relevant

guidelines

Storm water flow exceeds drain or dam design capacity

Increase the capacity of the drain or dam to accommodate the observed flow

A discharge of sediment laden water occurs

Assess the cause(s) of the discharge and take appropriate measures to correct any deficiencies in the design or operation of the system

A discharge of saline water occurs Assess the cause(s) of the discharge and take appropriate measures to correct any deficiencies in the design or operation of the system

Inflows to sediment containment dams exceed design capacity

Allow the dams to discharge via their spillways

Disturbed catchments have been observed that require rehabilitation

Restore the affected areas following preparation of a post mining rehabilitation plan

Changes to catchment areas/yields occur in comparison with the pre-mining regime

Restore pre-mining run-off characteristics in the natural water courses

Surface cracking and injury to people, stock or native animals occur

Remediate the affected area(s)

There are observed adverse effects on overland surface drainage and ponding

Carry out additional work if required

Adverse impacts on stream bed and bank stability / erosion are observed

Remediate, as follows, if required: • grade back unstable unconsolidated banks to their angle of

repose and revegetate • apply the appropriate revegetation technique to subsidence

cracks • revegetate denuded areas • rectify subsidence effects on fencing and deny cattle access

Mine spoil dumping is proposed to encroach on the Station Creek diversion channel

Consult with NOW and obtain approval before any dumping occurs


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7.3.4 MONITORING Integra will implement the monitoring program presented in Table 7.3 during the term of this MOP. The parameters that will be monitored at each monitoring location are presented in Table 7.4.

Table 7.3 Glennies Creek Monitoring Frequency and Method

Site Site Identifier Monitoring Suite1

Monitoring Frequency

Method

Glennies Creek Monitoring Locations

Middle Falbrook Rd Bridge

GC1 Suite 3 / Flow Monthly Field sample of water

Middle Falbrook Rd Bridge

DWE Stn 210044 (GC1)

Suite 3 / Flow Daily water level logger/ meters

Nobles Crossing GC2 / GCSW08 Monthly Field sample of water

Mine Site and Integra Open Cut and Underground Locations

Portal Sump GCSW02 Water Depth Weekly Water level monitoring staff or gauge

Portal Sump GCSW02 Suites 4 & 5 Monthly Field sample of water

Possum Skin Dam GCSW03 Water Depth Weekly Water level monitoring staff or gauge

Possum Skin Dam GCSW03 Suite 3 Monthly Field sample of water

Possum Skin Dam Seepage Collector

GCSW04 Volume + Suite 3 Monthly Visual / field sample of water

Possum Skin Dam Sediment Pond

GCSW05 Water Depth + Suite 3

Monthly or as required

staff /gauge + field sample of water

Potable Water Supply GCSW07 Water Flow + Suite 6

Monthly flow meter + field sample of water

Sediment Dam 1 SD1 Water Depth + Suite 3

Monthly staff /gauge + field sample of water





Water supply to North Open Cut

- Water Volume Daily flow meter

Discharge from Portal Sump

- Water Volume Daily flow meter

Off-site supply to other mines

- Water Volume as required flow meter

Farm Dams various Water depth + Suite 1

Six Monthly visual + field sample of water

Note 1: See Table 7.2.


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Table 7.4 Water Monitoring Parameter Suites

Suite Analytes 1 Conductivity and pH (field measurements)

2 (Suite 1) + Total Dissolved Solids, Alkalinity, CaCO3 Saturation Index, Ca, Cl, Mg, Na, K, SiO2, Fe, Sodium Adsorption Ratio, Total N, Total P

3 (Suite 1) + Total Dissolved Solids, Na, K, Ca, Mg, F, Cl, SO4, HCO3, NO3, Total N, Total P, Cu, Pb, Zn, Ni, Fe, Mn, As, Se, Cd, Cr (Totals)

4 (Suite 2) + Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons

5 (Suite 1) + Biological Oxygen Demand, E Coli, Streptococci, Faecal Coliforms

6 (Suite 1) + E Coli

Water Depth To be measured by survey or by fixed water depth posts.

Water Volume To be measured by in-line meters.

Table 7.5 presents the indicative criteria that will be used to determine surface water impacts associated with any discharge of surface waters from the Mine Site. These criteria, and any additional criteria will be adjusted to ensure that they are consistent with the Environment Protection Licence and any other licence or approval that is issued in relation to the North Open Cut. The recorded values for all other parameters will be plotted to identify any trends and the results summarised in the Annual Review.

Table 7.5 Dam Water Discharge Criteria

Parameter 50th Percentile 70th percentile limit 100th percentile limit pH - - 6.5 to 8.5

Total Suspended Solids (mg/L) 35 50 120

Turbidity (ntu) - - 50

Salinity - as EC (uS/cm)1 - - 800

Grease and Oil (mg/L) - - 10 Note 1: salinity value derived from ANZECC (2000) limit for irrigation

7.3.5 GROUNDWATER MONITORING

7.3.5.1 OVERVIEW The groundwater monitoring program has been designed to monitor groundwater impacts and to provide data that enable comparison of the actual impacts of the Complex with those predicted in the Glennies Creek Environmental Assessment (Corkery 2007).


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Table 7.6 Ground Water Monitoring Program

Timing/Trigger Measure Responsibility

Monitoring activities will be undertaken in accordance with the frequency/timing indicated in the text below and in Tables 7.7, 7.8 and 7.9.

The groundwater monitoring program specifically provides for the collection of information relating to: • Impacts on groundwater levels on neighbouring

properties and any beneficial groundwater users; • Impacts on groundwater dependent ecosystems

associated with the alluvial aquifers of Glennies Creek, Station Creek, Bettys Creek and Main Creek; and

• Impacts of the developments on groundwater quality.

The current and proposed groundwater monitoring program will continue with ongoing review and possible modification of the program as further data are obtained and interpreted.


7.3.5.2 STANDING WATER LEVELS Piezometers, bores and private wells included in the groundwater monitoring program include the Foybrook Formation basement coal measures as well as the Glennies Creek, Station Creek, Bettys Creek and Main Creek alluvium groups as shown in Table 7.7 and Plan 1.

Water level transducers and loggers provide twice daily monitor water levels in the following piezometers:

• North Open Cut / Integra Underground Glennies Ck Alluvium in GCP9, 10, 19, 21 and 22; • North Open Cut basement coal measures in GCP6 and 8;

In addition, multi level vibrating wire piezometers are installed and sealed in boreholes, with a minimum of twice daily measurement of water head pressure in:

• GCP35, GCP37, SGD 644 and SGD 645 in the Open Cut Project Area.

Downloading and re-initiation of the open standpipe loggers is conducted bi-monthly (every 2 months) with manual water level measurement, whilst the vibrating wire piezometer loggers will be downloaded annually.

It should be noted that piezometers GCP1, 2, 7, 13, 14, 15 and GCP TB are within the proposed area of disturbance or within the pit outline of the North Open Cut and may be removed in the process of mining. Piezometer GCP16 has already been mined through and no longer exists. As a result, each piezometer will be removed from the monitoring suite as and when they are decommissioned.


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Table 7.7 Groundwater Level Monitoring Method and Frequency

Monitoring Site Sampling Method Frequency Units

GCP6, 8, 9, 10, 21, 22 Water level logger / dip meter Twice daily / bi-monthly

mbgl

GCP1, 2, 5, 7, 13, 14, 15, 19, 20, 23, TB

Dip meter Bi-monthly mbgl

Well GW67291 Dip meter Bi-monthly mbgl

GCP25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 34, 36

Water level logger / dip meter Twice daily / bi-monthly

mbgl

GCP24, 27, 28, 32, 38 Dip meter Bi-monthly mbgl

GCP 35, GCP 37, SGD644, SGD645

Vibrating wire piezometer array Twice daily / annual download

pressure (m head)

Richards Bore Dip meter Bi-monthly mbgl NOTES: - mbgl = metres below ground level

- Missing bore numbers are either not drilled or not used (GCP3, 4, 33) or have been removed/destroyed - Private Wells GW49285 and GW11543 no longer exist and have not been included in this WMP - Where they are required, any new bores will be installed by suitably licensed drillers after obtaining the relevant licence from NOW. -Bimonthly is every 2 months

7.3.5.3 MONITORING GROUNDWATER QUALITY Table 7.8 presents the parameters to be measured, their units and frequency of monitoring for the groundwater quality monitoring program in all open standpipe piezometers.

Groundwater samples will be collected annually from selected piezometers and analysed at a NATA registered laboratory for major ions and selected metals.

Monitoring will continue for 3 years following cessation of mining or longer if required by OEH, DTIRIS and NOW.

Table 7.8 Groundwater Quality Monitoring Parameters – Open Standpipe Piezometers

Analytes Units Frequency

EC, pH µS/cm, pH units Bi-Monthly

(EC, pH) + TDS, Na, K, Ca, Mg, F, Cl, SO4, HCO3, NO3, Total N, Total P, hardness, Cu, Pb, Zn, Ni, Fe, Mn, As, Se, Cd, Cr (Totals)

µS/cm, pH units + mg/L Annually

The frequency of monitoring will be reassessed after mining of specific areas is complete as it may be possible, depending on results, to reduce the sampling frequency.

Groundwater locations in the monitoring program are shown in Table 7.9 with the sampling method and frequency.


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Table 7.9 Groundwater Quality Monitoring Method and Frequency

Monitoring Site Sampling Method Frequency GCP1, 2, 3s, 3d, 4s, 4d, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, 15, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 34, 36, 38, 39, 40, GCPTB, GW67291, Richards Bore

Pumped or bailed sample Every 2 months

GCP1, 2, 3s, 3d, 4s, 4d, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, 15, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 34, 36, 38, 39, 40, GCPTB, GW67291, Richards Bore

Pumped or bailed sample Annually

7.4 Contaminated Polluted Land No contaminated or polluted land has been identified within the Mine Site and as such no specific management controls or monitoring procedures are required. The greatest risk for the contamination or pollution of land as a result of the planned mining activities is associated with the potential for fuel or oil spills or leaks. Section 7.14 documents the management controls to be implemented by Integra in the event of a hydrocarbon spill or leak.

7.5 Biodiversity

7.5.1 INTRODUCTION In accordance with Schedule 3 Condition 44 of Project Approvals 08_0101 and 08_0102, a Biodiversity Management Plan was prepared in consultation with OEH and submitted to DP&I for approval before the end of December 2011. A copy of the plan will be provided to DTIRIS once approved.

7.5.2 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT CONTROLS Integra will implement the following management objectives, categorised by activity, to ensure the risks to biodiversity are managed during the life of this MOP.

General

• Prepare and implement the Biodiversity Management Plan in accordance with Project Approvals 08_0101 and 08_0102 (currently with DP&I for approval) and the Species Management Plans for the Brush-tailed Phascogale and the Grey-crowned Babbler, as identified in the Glennies Creek Environmental Assessment (Corkery 2007).

Vegetation Clearing and Soil Stripping

• Clearly define and mark areas to be cleared.

• Restrict the removal of native vegetation to those areas required for operational purposes during the next twelve month period.

• Preferentially clear vegetation in early autumn to avoid impacts on nesting fauna and over wintering bats and threatened fauna within the Mine Site.

• Inspect hollow-bearing trees for arboreal mammals, nesting birds and roosting bats prior to removal of the trees. When located, individuals will be relocated to an appropriate location within the biodiversity offset areas.


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• Install plastic tubing around the trunks of trees or other mechanism to prevent reoccupation following inspection of the hollow-bearing trees between the time of the visual inspection and the commencement of tree clearing operations.

• Clear the larger vegetation by bulldozer with the blade positioned just above the ground. Remove remaining vegetation with the topsoil.

• Relocate suitable cleared vegetation, where practicable, to undisturbed areas or areas undergoing rehabilitation. Alternatively, stockpile vegetation material for later use during rehabilitation operations or mulch vegetation for incorporation into stockpiled topsoil.

• Where/when feasible and warranted, spray areas where topsoil is to be stripped to reduce the subsequent occurrence of weeds in rehabilitated areas.

Land Preparation and Mining Operations

• Erect appropriate fences to exclude domestic stock from the biodiversity offset areas and areas undergoing rehabilitation and prevent access by fauna to active mining areas and areas undergoing rehabilitation.

• Provide a means whereby Brush-tailed Phascogales nesting in trees within the footprint of the Sediment Dams have free access to the area surrounding the dam should the trees become surrounded by water.

Land Management Operations

• Continue pest and weed control programs within the Mine Site and the biodiversity offset areas, targeting in particular European Red Fox, European Rabbit, feral cat and noxious weeds.

Rehabilitation and Biodiversity Offset Operations

• Develop and implement an Offset Revegetation and Rehabilitation Plan to ensure appropriate staged rehabilitation for the BOAs;

• Ensure progressive rehabilitation of disturbed mine areas is carried out in accordance with final landform design.

• Rehabilitate disturbed areas with seed or seedlings of the species listed in Table 4.1.

• Preferentially utilise locally collected seed for use during rehabilitation.

• Remove cattle and other livestock from the BOAs, and extinguish any livestock leases on these Areas.

• Erect nesting boxes suitable for the Brush-tailed Phascogale in trees adjacent to Glennies Creek in accordance with the procedures identified in the Species Management Plan.

• Erect roosting tubes suitable for microbats in trees within the biodiversity offset areas.

• Exclude stock from the BOAs and areas undergoing rehabilitation.

• Engage a suitably qualified revegetation and rehabilitation contractor to undertake enhancement of the BOAs, including establishment of vegetation in an area of approximately 10ha adjacent to Glennies Creek, within the Northern and Supplementary Biodiversity Offset Areas and revegetation of a 20m wide corridor on the southern side of and adjacent to Stony Creek Road.

• Develop and implement a Weed and Pest Management Plan for the BOAs.

• Install and maintain fencing around remnant vegetation and habitat.

7.5.3 MONITORING Ongoing monitoring of revegetation within the BOAs will be undertaken to inform revisions to the management plans and any required alterations to management practices in accordance with the Biodiversity Management Plan. Monitoring is to be undertaken by a suitably qualified contractor.


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A Species Management Plan, for the management of the threatened Brush-tailed Phascogale and Grey-crowned Babbler, is included within the Biodiversity Management Plan.

An annual faunal survey will be undertaken, including the following.

• Inspection and observation of hollow-bearing trees or nesting boxes for use by Brush-tailed Phascogales or honey-bees.

• Inspection of known nests of the Grey-crowned Babbler to determine if they are in use.

• Undertaking transect searches for the Grey-crowned Babbler.

• Recording random observation of the Grey-crowned Babbler on the Mine Project Site.

• Use of sand plot surveys and infrared cameras to determine the use of the subject site by feral predators.

7.6 Weeds

7.6.1 INTRODUCTION

Weed management at the North Open Cut will be undertaken in accordance with the Glennies Creek Environmental Assessment (Corkery 2007) and the Statement of Commitments in Appendix 10 of the Project Approvals 08_0101 and 08_01012.

7.6.2 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT CONTROLS The appropriate noxious weed control methods and programs will be undertaken in consultation with the DTIRIS (Agriculture) and/or the local Noxious Weed Inspector. This program of inspection and eradication will continue as part of the post-mine ongoing maintenance program.

7.6.3 MONITORING Integra will continue to implement an annual weed inspection program which will be undertaken by a suitably licensed and experienced weed control contractor. This program will be followed by implementation of a planned weed removal program.

7.7 Blasting

7.7.1 INTRODUCTION In accordance with Schedule 3 Condition 19 of Project Approvals 08_0101 and 08_0102, a Blast Management Plan was submitted to DP&I. The plan is currently being revised in consultation with DP&I and OEH and will be resubmitted to DP&I before the end of May 2012. A copy of the plan will be provided to DTIRIS once approved.

7.7.2 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT CONTROLS Integra will implement the following management objectives, categorised by activity, to ensure blasting activities are managed during the life of this MOP.


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• Implementation of the Blast Management Plan to ensure the safety of employees and the public and adherence with Project Approvals 08_0101 and 08_0102.

• Restrict blasting between the hours of 9.00am and 5.00pm Monday to Saturday unless blasts outside this time are required for misfire re-blast, emergency or safety reasons.

• Undertake blast design and implementation by a suitably qualified blasting engineer and experienced shot-firer to ensure ANZECC Guidelines met at all non-project related residences surrounding the Mine Site.

• Monitor each at the locations identified in Section 3.5.2.5.

• All blasts will be designed and implemented by a suitably qualified blasting engineer and experienced shot-firer.

• Blast hole spacing, burden distance and stemming length will be carefully selected and implemented precisely.

• Appropriate materials, such as <20mm aggregates, will be used for stemming.

• Blast design will ensure that charges detonate in the correct sequence and with inter-row delays that provide for good progressive release of burden.

• The maximum weight of explosive detonated in a given delay period (the maximum instantaneous charge) will be limited to conservative and proven levels. Initial blast designs will be in accordance with the indicative parameters identified in Table 3.8.

• Blasting mitigation measures will be refined and operating procedures amended to ensure all environmental criteria are achieved and fragmentation of the blasted material is optimised.

• A Blast notice board will be erected adjacent to the active internal access road.

• An exclusion zone at least 500m from the boundary of all blasts will be established and people will be excluded from that zone during the initiation of blasts. This will include closing of Stony Creek Road when blasting operations are occurring within 500m of the road. Control measures relating to the closure of Stony Creek Road are identified below.

In addition to the operational controls and safeguards that will be implemented to manage safety and environmental risks, the following operational controls and safeguards will be implemented to ensure inconvenience to users of Stony Creek Road as a result of blasting-related road closures is minimised.

• Appropriate signage will be erected along Stony Creek Road advising of the date and time of the next blast, nominally at least 24 hours prior to each blast.

• An automated Short Message Service (SMS) text message will be sent to the mobile phones of residents who register interest in receiving such messages advising of blast times.

• Where residents are notified via phone of the expected time and size of blast on the day, the Integra Open Cut Blast notification procedure will be utilised. All residents within 2km of the mine will be given the opportunity to be included in the notification phone list.

• Integra will maintain an up to date blasting schedule on its website identifying the anticipated dates and times of future blasts.

• Stony Creek Road will only be closed immediately prior to the blast being initiated and will be reopened as soon as the all clear has been given by the shot-firer.

• Blasts will be timed to avoid peak traffic periods and interference to school bus timetables.

• Blasting times will as far as practicable, be planned in conjunction with those by Ashton Coal Operations Pty Ltd to ensure that both Glennies Creek and Stony Creek Roads are not closed during at the same time.

• Traffic controllers will be able to request the short-term suspension of a blast to allow emergency vehicles to pass.


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• Implementation of the Road Closure Management Plan to the satisfaction of Council and DTIRIS.

7.7.3 MONITORING

The airblast and ground vibration from all blasts are monitored with an automatic triggering system at the locations identified in Table 7.10 and Plan 1. The locations were chosen to reflect the closest or potentially most affected residences. Monitoring at each of these residences will be subject to landholder agreement. If such agreement cannot be obtained, monitoring will be undertaken at a nearby residence. In the event that any identified monitoring location becomes project-related, monitoring would be undertaken at a nearby residence, subject to landholder approval.

Table 7.10 Blast Monitoring Locations

Residence/Monitoring Location1 Approximate Minimum Distance to Open Cut Pit Shell

11 1200m (Lambkin)

33 1700m (Hall)

37 1250m (Cherry)

62 1600m (Noble)

113 1500m (Langdon)

Possum Skin Dam (PSD) 600m

Tailings Dam 2 (TD2) 600m

-2 (Watling) Note 1: see Plan 1 Note 2: Existing Integra Open Cut Monitoring location. Does not appear on Plan 1.

The wave traces of the measurements recorded are inspected to ensure they are of a blast event and not due to a false trigger such as wind velocity, person/animal movement or stray electric currents. The peak values measured of blast events are compared to the airblast overpressure and ground vibration impact assessment criteria presented in Table 7.11.


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Table 7.11 Blast Impact Assessment Criteria

Parameter Allowable Exceedance Air-blast Overpressure

Air-blast Overpressure Level (dB(Lin Peak))

115 5% of the total number of blasts in a 12 month period

120 0%

Ground Vibration

Peak particle velocity (mm/s)

5 5% of the total number of blasts in a 12 month period

10 0%

In addition to monitoring the ground vibration and air overpressure of each blast at the locations nominated in Table 7.10, Integra will also:

• observe flyrock/blast rock distribution for each blast; and

• video each blast to assist in the interpretation of results.

The blast monitoring procedures identified above will be implemented for all blasts for the term of this MOP.

7.8 Operational Noise

7.8.1 INTRODUCTION In accordance with Schedule 3 Condition 10 of Project Approvals 08_0101 and 08_0102, a Noise Management Plan was submitted to DP&I. The plan is currently being revised in consultation with DP&I and OEH and will be resubmitted to DP&I before the end of May 2012. A copy of the plan will be provided to DTIRIS once approved.

7.8.2 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT CONTROLS

Integra will implement a range of noise control and management measures to reduce operational related noise emissions. This section outlines the noise control and management measures that will be implemented as well as commitments already in place.

Current Noise Control Measures in Place • Use of broadband reversing alarms on existing and future equipment adjusted to meet

occupational health and safety (OHS) requirements.

• Replacement of and acquisition of new plant and equipment with low noise performance, where possible.

• Correct and efficient operation of all machinery working in the Major Surface Facilities Area.

• Regular servicing and maintenance of all machinery.

• Education of all drivers hauling materials (deliveries) on the public road network through nearby residential areas.

• Continual awareness of improvement and noise reduction opportunities.


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• Registering all noise related complaints to identify actions that may be necessary to further reduce noise emissions from the site.

Continuous Noise Improvement for Future Developments

In addition to the management measures described above there may be opportunity to implement a continuous noise improvement program involving an Acoustical Design, Procurement, Construction and Commissioning process for all future significant upgrades and replacements including:

• Noise limits and acoustical specifications:

o best available technology noise limits for each stage of development; and

o environmental and OHS acoustical specifications for all equipment types.

• Desktop design validation and supplier shop testing:

o equipment suppliers must demonstrate acoustical conformance during tender phase; and

o environmental and OHS acoustical shop testing during procurement phase.

• In situ acceptance testing:

o environmental and OHS acoustical field testing during plant commissioning; and

o refitting and or replacement in the event of non-compliance.

• Computer-based acoustical modelling:

o acoustical modelling of installed plant using actual achieved SWLs; and

o preparation of detailed acoustical compliance report for each Stage of development.

• Noise emission monitoring and reporting:

o on-site and off-site operator-attended noise surveillance measurements of acoustically significant plant.

• In the event of community concerns:

o prompt response and targeted noise monitoring where required; and

o refinement of on-site noise operating procedures where practicable.

7.8.3 MONITORING A Noise Monitoring Program has been prepared in accordance with Schedule 3 Condition 10 of Project Approvals 08_0101 and 08_0102 and is included within the Noise Management Plan.

Noise monitoring comprises the following components.

• Real-time noise monitoring.

• Quarterly attended noise monitoring.

Real-time Noise Monitoring

Real-time noise monitoring is used as an internal noise management tool for Integra operators. A real-time monitor is located at Residence 33 (See Plan 1) and monitoring is undertaken 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. The real-time noise monitor is programmed to record noise levels and a graphical summary of the previous 24 hours of noise sent to mine staff via email on a daily basis. Real-time noise monitoring includes an ‘alarm’ function whereby noise data is processed and compared against trigger levels. The noise investigation trigger will be initiated when LAeq(15 minute), exceeds>2 dBA.


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The protocol for responding to noise investigation triggers includes:

• Examination by the Environment and Community Advisor, or delegate, of the noise levels and the audio to determine whether the noise is related to the operations, following notification of the activation of a noise investigation trigger.

• Investigation by Integra into the possible causes and potential solutions for high operational related noise events.

• Review of real-time monitoring data by the Environment and Community Advisor to check the effectiveness of response to noise investigation triggers.

Real-time monitoring will be managed by onsite personnel who have been trained in the operation of the real-time monitor and should the need arise, measurement will be analysed by a suitable qualified acoustical consultant.

Attended Noise Monitoring

Attended noise measurements and recordings will be conducted quarterly to quantify the intrusive noise emissions from the Complex, including processing and transportation operations as well as the overall level of ambient noise. Attended measurements will be performed and analysed by a suitably qualified acoustical consultant directly engaged by Integra.

Attended monitoring will be conducted for 15 minute periods during the daytime, evening and night-time periods at sites representative of the residences identified in Table 7.12 and Figure 2.3.

Table 7.12 Noise Monitoring Locations

Noise Assessment Group Residence/Monitoring Location1

1 80

3 87

4 105

5 139

7 109

9 2

10 10

11 16

A 2

C 47

F 73 Note 1: See Figure 2.3.

The operator shall quantify and characterise the maximum (LAmax and LA1(1minute)) and the average (LAeq(15minute)) intrusive noise level from operations and transportation (on site) over a 15 minute measurement period. In addition, the operator shall quantify and characterise the overall levels of ambient noise (i.e. LAmax, LA90) over the 15 minute measurement interval.

The monitoring results will be used to assess the operations against the performance indicators and performance criteria detailed in Table 2.6.


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All noise measurements will be accompanied by both a qualitative description (including cloud cover) and quantitative measurements of prevailing local weather conditions throughout the survey period drawn from the on-site weather station. Meteorological measurements will be guided by the requirements of AS 2923-1987 Ambient Air-Guide for Measurements of Horizontal Wind for Air Quality Applications and OEH. The nearby Integra Meteorological Station is programmed to continuously record the meteorological parameters as shown in Table 7.13.

Table 7.13 Meteorological Measurement Parameters

Measured Parameter Unit Sample Interval Mean wind speed km/hr 15 minute

Mean wind direction Degrees 15 minute

Aggregate rainfall mm 15 minute

Mean air temperature oC 15 minute

The attended monitoring procedures will be conducted generally in accordance with the following:

1 Monitoring will be carried out by an independent expert accredited by the Association of Australian Acoustical Consultants (ie not by Integra staff) and will be conducted quarterly.

2 Monitoring will be conducted in accordance with Australian Standard (AS) 1055:1997 Acoustics – Description and Measurement of Environmental Noise and the INP (OEH 2000).

3 All acoustic instrumentation employed throughout the monitoring program shall be designed to comply with the requirements of AS IEC 61672.1:2004 Electroacoustics - Sound level meters - Specifications and carry current National Association of Testing Authorities or manufacturer calibration certificates.

4 The instrument will be set to A-weighting, “fast” response and measurements of LAeq(15 minute) will be taken at each location identified in Table 7.9. Each measurement will be stored at a sampling rate of no greater than 5 seconds for further analysis.

5 Instrument calibration will be checked before and after each measurement survey, with the variation in calibrated levels not to exceed ±0.5 dBA.

6 The monitoring will be carried out in campaigns of approximately one week’s duration and will include at least two 15 minute samples during each period at each location per campaign.

7 Field notes will be taken during each measurement period recording the time and duration of noise events, noise sources, instantaneous noise levels and the frequency range of identified site noise sources. Where an obvious noise exceedance is detected, the consultant will notify the Environmental Advisor or OCE, if outside normal working hours, of the exceedance immediately and obtain relevant information as to the possible source of the exceedance, ie. malfunctioning equipment, additional activity contributing to noise levels, etc. to ensure appropriate reporting and action on the exceedance.

8 Extraneous noise sources will be filtered from the measured signal and the LAeq(15-minute) level attributable to the mine activities will be identified and compared with the relevant criteria.

9 Details regarding plant configuration, survey interval, weather conditions, extraneous noise sources, monitoring locations and times of measurement will be recorded for inclusion in the noise monitoring report.

10 During the period of attended noise monitoring, the data collected by the real-time monitoring described above, will also be recorded for comparative purposes.


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Contingency Plan

In the event that a noise criteria detailed in Table 2.6 is considered to have been exceeded, either through results of the monitoring, program or where additional monitoring has been requested by a potentially affected resident, Integra will implement the following Contingency Plan:

• The exceedance of the noise criteria will be reported to the Environmental Superintendant within 24 hours of assessment completion.

• The Environmental Superintendant will report the likely exceedance to the Manager Mining Engineering as soon as practicable after becoming aware of the exceedance.

• Integra will report the exceedance of the noise criteria to OEH and DP&I as soon as practicable after Integra becomes aware of the exceedance.

• Integra will identify an appropriate course of action with respect to the identified impact(s), in consultation with specialists and OEH, as necessary. For example:

o proposed contingency measures; and

o a program to review the effectiveness of the contingency measures.

Contingency measures will be developed in consideration of the specific circumstances of the exceedance and the assessment of environmental consequences and may include the following:

• Noise Acquisition Criteria exceedance:

o Integra would acquire land where noise emissions exceed the criteria in Schedule 3, Condition 3 of the Project Approvals 08_0101 and 08_0102, upon receiving a written request from the landowner.

• Cumulative Noise Acquisition Criteria exceedance :

o Integra would acquire land where cumulative noise emissions (noise from the Integra project combined with noise generated by other mines in the area) exceed the criteria in Schedule 3, Condition 5 of the Project Approvals 08_0101 and 08_0102, upon receiving a written request from the landowner.

• Additional Noise Management Measures Criteria exceedance:

o Integra would implement reasonable and feasible noise mitigation at residences where noise emissions exceed the criteria in Schedule 3, Condition 6 of the Project Approvals 08_0101 and 08_0102, upon receiving a written request from the landowner.

7.9 Visual, Stray Light

7.9.1 INTRODUCTION

Management of visual amenity and stray light associated with the North Open Cut will be undertaken in accordance with the Glennies Creek Environmental Assessment (Corkery 2007) and the Statement of Commitments in Appendix 10 of the Project Approvals 08_0101 and 08_01012.

7.9.2 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT CONTROLS The following controls will be implemented to manage visual amenity and impacts related to stray light:

• Progressively rehabilitate the Mine Site such that the area of cleared or non-vegetated areas will be minimised.


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• Sow a non-persistent cover crop over areas to be rehabilitated prior to the establishment of native vegetation and soil stockpiles to be retained for more than 3 months.

• Construct the amenity bund along Stony Creek Road during development of the initial box cut.

• Extend the amenity bund parallel to the highwall of the open cut as the area disturbed by mining-related activities increases.

• Ensure that the shaped overburden emplacements are constructed in accordance with the final landform identified in Plan 6 and, to the extent practicable, mimic the existing topographic features.

• Minimise the extent of land disturbance / clearing to that required for the subsequent twelve months of mining operations.

• Undertake progressive rehabilitation of all disturbed areas within the Mine Site.

• Maintain the Mine Site and associated areas of disturbance in a clean and tidy condition at all times.

• Position floodlights to minimise emission of stray light and use only when required. Where the use of floodlights is required, they will be directed away from adjacent residences.

• Construct haul routes as far as practicable such that headlights from haul trucks are not directed towards residences.

7.9.3 MONITORING No visual or stray light monitoring is proposed.

7.10 Heritage

7.10.1 INTRODUCTION A Heritage Management Plan has been prepared in accordance with Schedule Condition 47 of Project Approvals 08_0101 and 08_0102 in consultation with OEH, the Aboriginal community, the Heritage Branch, Council, local historical organisations and any relevant landowners. The plan is currently with DP&I for approval. A copy of the plan will be provided to the DTIRIS once approved.

7.10.2 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT CONTROLS The Indigenous Heritage Assessment that was undertaken to support the Glennies Creek Environmental Assessment (Corkery 2007) identified 19 sites of Indigenous heritage significance within and surrounding the Mine Site. In addition, one previously registered site, namely AHIMS # 37-2-0803, is recorded within the Mine Site boundary. Integra anticipates that approximately 17 of these sites will be disturbed by the North Open Cut.

Integra, in consultation with the local Aboriginal community, will implement the following management controls to manage the risks associated with the development of the North Open Cut:

• Artefacts associated with all identified sites, with the exception of Sites GC11 GC10 and AHIMS # 37-2-0803 will be document and salvaged by the local Aboriginal community, with the assistance of an archaeologist. The collection process will involve visually searching the area in direct proximity of the recorded GPS coordinates for each site. Each artefact location will be staked with flagging tape. Subsequently, individual artefacts will be photographed, measured, their


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precise location recorded using a digital GPS (± 1 m) and each artefact numbered. Artefacts will then be collected and retained in an appropriate “keeping place”.

• The collected artefacts will be placed within a ‘keeping place’ in a section of the Mine Site that will not be disturbed by future mining operations. The artefacts will be placed on the surface of the soil at an identifiable location and the GPS coordinates recorded. Integra will erect a fence around the ‘keeping place’ to ensure it is adequately protected from unanticipated activities.

In addition, Aboriginal skeletal remains are highly significant and are protected under State legislation. Should remains be found, work will cease immediately and consultation with the OEH, NSW Police, NSW Coroners Office and the Aboriginal communities will be undertaken immediately to decide on the best course of action. If Aboriginal remains are discovered, these actions will include either:

1 the preservation of the remains in situ; or

2 the detailed recording and recovery of the remains by qualified personnel in conjunction with the Aboriginal communities.

Negotiations with the Aboriginal community will address the issues of appropriate temporary storage and eventual reburial.

7.11 Spontaneous Combustion

7.11.1 INTRODUCTION

Management of spontaneous combustion at the North Open Cut will be undertaken in accordance with the Glennies Creek Environmental Assessment (Corkery 2007) and the Statement of Commitments in Appendix 10 of the Project Approvals 08_0101 and 08_01012.

7.11.2 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT CONTROLS Testing of coal within the seams to be mined indicates that the coal has low to medium propensity for spontaneous combustion. However, as there have been no identified incidents of spontaneous combustion with the Integra Underground and Open Cut Operations since production commenced, the risk of spontaneous combustion of the exposed coal from the North Open Cut is considered to be low.

Notwithstanding the above, Integra will implement the following management measures to minimise the risk of spontaneous combustion within the Mine Site:

• Minimising the length of time coal is held in stockpiles.

• Monitoring coal stockpiles for signs of spontaneous combustion.

• Immediately reporting incidents.

• Extinguishment by excavation, spreading and saturation with water.

Management of risks associated with spontaneous combustion within the ROM and product coal stockpiles at the CHPP and product loading facility is and will continue to be managed in accordance with the MOP for the South Open Cut.


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7.12 Bushfire Integra’s activities within and in the vicinity of the Mine Site that may increase the risk of fire, and the controls proposed to limit the risk posed by these are presented in Table 7.14.

Table 7.14 Bushfire Hazard – Activities and Controls

Activity Possible Ignition Source Safeguards and/or Controls Blasting - Coal dust

- Ejected Shot

- Remove all coal from the vicinity of the area to be blasted.

- Clear vegetation away from blast (>20m). - Blast design to be undertaken by qualified personnel. - Inspection of blast conducted prior to initiation. - Blast Management Protocol to be prepared and

followed. - Water truck to be available following each blast to

douse any smouldering vegetation etc.

Refuelling - Spilt fuel ignited by spark - Where practicable, use diesel rather than petrol-powered equipment.

- Refuelling undertaken within designated refuelling areas or other designated areas within the Mine Site.

- Vehicles to be turned off during refuelling. - No smoking policy to be enforced within and adjacent

to refuelling areas. - Fire extinguishers maintained within site vehicles and

at the refuelling areas.

Product Stockpiling

- Spontaneous Combustion - The coal has a low to moderate propensity for spontaneous combustion.

- Stockpiles to be regularly inspected and watered. - Stockpile height and volume to be controlled to limit

the duration that coal is retained in stockpiles.

General Activities

- Cigarette disposal - Rubbish, eg. glass, metal.

- No smoking policy to be enforced in designated areas of the Mine Site.

- Focus on housekeeping to be maintained by mine management.

- Water cart available to assist in extinguishing any fire ignited.

- All site vehicles to carry a fire extinguisher.

7.13 Hydrocarbon Contamination

7.13.1 INTRODUCTION

Management of hydrocarbon contamination associated with the North Open Cut will be undertaken in accordance with the Glennies Creek Environmental Assessment (Corkery 2007) and the Statement of Commitments in Appendix 10 of the Project Approvals 08_0101 and 08_01012.


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7.13.2 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT CONTROLS As noted previously, the approved North Open Cut Facilities Area will not be developed during the term of this MOP. Rather, Integra will utilise the existing Facilities Area at the Integra Open Cut. As a result, no hydrocarbons will be stored within the Mine Site and most mobile equipment will be refuelled within the Integra Open Cut Facilities Area. However, larger and less mobile pieces of equipment such as the excavators, bulldozers and drill rigs will be refuelled in place within the Mine Site. As a result, the following environmental management controls will be implemented within the Mine Site by Integra.

• Mobile equipment will be refuelled within a cleared level section of the Mine Site using properly designed fuel transportation vehicle(s).

• Equipment to manage a hydrocarbon spill will be available during all refuelling operations, whether fixed or mobile.

• Refuelling operators will be trained in appropriate refuelling and spill management procedures to ensure the risk of hydrocarbon spills or contamination is minimised.

• The refuelling truck will be equipped with appropriate hydrocarbon spill management equipment.

7.13.3 MONITORING In the event of a hydrocarbon spill, the affected area will be regularly inspected to ensure there is no on-going effect on the land that will prevent it from being successfully rehabilitated.

7.14 Methane Drainage / Ventilation As an open cut mine, no gas ventilation controls are necessary for the North Open Cut.

7.15 Public Safety

7.15.1 INTRODUCTION

Management of public safety in and around the North Open Cut will be undertaken in accordance with the Glennies Creek Environmental Assessment (Corkery 2007) and the Statement of Commitments in Appendix 10 of the Project Approvals 08_0101 and 08_01012.

7.15.2 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT CONTROLS The following environmental management controls will be implemented to minimise the potential for impacts on public safety:

• Maintenance of existing fencing around those sections of the perimeter of the Mine Site that are accessible to the public.

• Position security/warning signs at strategic locations (particularly along Stony Creek and Middle Falbrook Roads) around or within the Mine Site indicating the presence of earthmoving and mining equipment, deep excavations and steep slopes. The positioning of signs will depend on the location of the mining activities at any one time.

• Signs identifying blasting procedures and times will be installed adjacent to internal haul roads that allow access to the Mine Site, as well as on Stony Creek and Middle Falbrook Roads. The


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signs will be positioned to alert employees/visitors entering the Mine Site and passing motorists of the proposed time of blasts on at least 24 hours prior to a blast being initiated.

• Employee induction in safe working practices and regular follow-up safety meetings and reviews.

• Where internal haul roads are adjacent to steep slopes, installation of bunds along the downslope margins of these haul roads to a minimum half the wheel height of the largest item of mobile equipment on-site.

• Implement appropriate controls with respect to the use of explosives to ensure compliance with statutory requirements at all times.

• Ensuring that the blasting contractor utilises correct blasting procedures to contain the fragmented rock within the design blast envelope and to minimise the generation of excessive ground and air vibrations.

• Ensure all earthmoving equipment complies with the Mine Design Guideline (MDG) 15 and is fitted with appropriate safety equipment, eg. rollover protection structures and seatbelts, an operating reversing alarm (or other approved warning device) and an approved location and method of operation for the fire suppression system, all of which will be maintained in a good condition and operated safely at all times.

• Strictly complying with all mining lease, project approval and licence conditions.

7.15.3 MONITORING None is required or has been proposed.


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8. R e f e r e n c e s

ANZECC, 2000. Strategic Framework for Mine Closure, Australian and New Zealand Environment and Conservation Council, Canberra.

Australian Mine Design and Development Pty Ltd, 2007. Coal Reserves – Integra North Open Cut.

Boyd Mining, 2008. Report R01 Barrier Pillar Design Review V9_W2003 0612008.

Countrywide Ecological Service (CES), 2007. Fauna Assessment, prepared on behalf of the Integra Coal Operations Pty Ltd (Volume 2 - Part 8 of the Specialist Consultant Studies Compendium).

Coxhead, 2006. Geological Summary and Statement of Coal Resources – Integra North Open Cut Coal Project.

Department of Land and Water Conservation, 1998. Aquifer Risk Assessment Report.

Geoff Cunningham Natural Resource Consultants Pty Ltd (GCNRC), 2007a. Flora Assessment, prepared on behalf of the Integra Coal Operations Pty Ltd (Part 4a of the Specialist Consultant Studies Compendium).

Geoff Cunningham Natural Resource Consultants (GCNRC), 2007b. Biodiversity Offset Assessment (focusing on the Vegetation Communities), prepared on behalf of the Integra Coal Operations Pty Ltd (Part 4b of the Specialist Consultant Studies Compendium).

Geoff Cunningham Natural Resource Consultants (GCNRC), 2007c. Soils Survey and Land Capability Assessment, prepared on behalf of the Integra Coal Operations Pty Ltd (Part 6 of the Specialist Consultant Studies Compendium).

Environment Resources Management Australia Pty Ltd (ERM), 2009, Proposed Integra Underground Coal Project Environmental Assessment, prepared on behalf of the Integra Coal Operations Pty Ltd.

Hunter Catchment Management Trust, 2003. Hunter Bushland Resource Kit. A Guide to Managing Vegetation on Private Land in the Hunter Catchment. Hunter Catchment Management Trust, Tocal.

Heggies, 2007. Noise Assessment, prepared on behalf of the Integra Coal Operations Pty Ltd (Volume 2 - Part 6 of the Specialist Consultant Studies Compendium).

HLA Envirosciences Pty Ltd, 2001. Coal Handling and Preparation Plant Upgrade – Camberwell Mine – Statement of Environmental Effects.

HLA Envirosciences Pty Ltd, 2007. Aboriginal Heritage Assessment, prepared on behalf of the Integra Coal Operations Pty Ltd (Volume 2 - Part 9 of the Specialist Consultant Studies Compendium).

Holmes Air Sciences, 2007. Air Quality Assessment, prepared on behalf of the Integra Coal Operations Pty Ltd (Volume 1 - Part 5 of the Specialist Consultant Studies Compendium).

Landom, 2004. Managing Urban Stormwater, Soils & Construction, Volume 1.

Office of Environment and Heritage, 2000. Industrial Noise Policy.

Peake, T.C., 2006. The Vegetation of the Central Hunter Valley, New South Wales. A Report on the Findings of the Hunter Remnant Vegetation Project. Volumes 1 and 2. Hunter – Central Rivers Catchment Management Authority, Paterson.


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PSM Australia Pty Ltd, 2007. Surface Water Assessment, prepared on behalf of the Integra Coal Operations Pty Ltd (Volume 1 - Part 7 of the Specialist Consultant Studies Compendium).


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9. P l a n s

Documents

MINING OPERATIONS PLAN AMENDMENT 2 FOR … · Mining Operations Plan Integra Coal Operations Pty Ltd MINING OPERATIONS PLAN AMENDMENT 2 FOR THE INTEGRA NORTH OPEN CUT …