ravensthorpe nickel operations tamarine quarry dust
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Ravensthorpe Nickel Operations
Tamarine Quarry Dust Management Plan
RNO-ENV-PLN-0021
January 2014
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APPROVAL RECORD
FQM Document Number: RNO-ENV-PLN-0020 Document Owner: Environment Manager
Date of
issue
Revision Description Prepared
by
Checked
by
Approved
by
A Issued for internal review DL LC TP
B Issued for internal update and review
0 Issued for use
10/02/2014 1.0 Update to formating TP TP TP
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Contents
Page Number
1. Dust Management Plan 5
1.1 Background 5
2. Objectives of the Management Plan 8
3. Sources and Impacts 8
3.1 Dust Sources 8
3.2 Potential Impacts 9
4. Obligations and Statutory Requirements 9
5. Standards and Performance Criteria 10
6. Development Rationale 10
6.1 Operational Controls 11
7. Mitigation Tasks 11
7.1 Contingency Plan 11
7.2 Monitoring 11
7.3 Reporting 11
7.4 Dust Complaint Management Procedure 12
7.1 Community Consultation 12
8. Commitments Table 12
9. References 14
Tables in Text
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Table 1 DDG Results June 2008 – December 2013 ........................................................................ 8
Figures
Figure 1 - 12 month Wind Rose from RNO weather Station ............................................................ 6
Figure 2 Tamarine Quarry Dust Monitor Locations .......................................................................... 7
Figure 3 Dust Management Contingency Plan ............................................................................... 13
Appendices
Appendix A Commitments Table ................................................................................................... 15
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1. Dust Management Plan
1.1 Background
In September 2013, Operating Licence L8660/2012/1 was issued for Tamarine Quarry; as a
prescribed premises (Category 12, Screening), under the Environmental Protection Act 1986 (WA).
This Management Plan has been developed to guide operations at Tamarine Quarry in regard to
dust.
Tamarine Quarry is located 12km to the south west of the processing plant for Ravensthorpe Nickel
Operation (RNO). The surrounding area has been heavily cleared for agriculture, and is therefore
subject to elevated ambient dust levels (SKM, 2003). These elevated levels result from agricultural
activities during dry and windy periods when groundcovers have been reduced (e.g. harvesting of
crops) as well as travel on unsealed roads.
Ravensthorpe Nickel Operation (RNO) has been conducting dust sampling using four Dust
Deposition Gauges (DDG’s) located near Tamarine Quarry since April 2008.
The standard of 4mg/m²/month for particulate matter was adopted as appropriate for the RNO site
following a study (SKM, 2003) and is contained in the Operating Licence for RNO (L8008).
Table 1 graphically represents DDG results from monitoring since commencement in July 2008
until December 2013.
All exceedances of the 4mg/m²/month limit have correlated with agricultural activities (such as
spraying, seeding and cropping) from surrounding farm lands, and have not been attributed to
quarry operations.
Figure 1 shows the yearly wind rose from RNO’s weather station, and is indicative of past yearly
wind roses. Seasonal winds are quite distinct, with
summer winds being predominately easterly,
Autumn winds from the North West, through north to south easterly,
Winter winds north westerly and
Spring winds are westerly and south easterly. (SKM, 2003).
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Since commencement of operations at Tamarine Quarry, no complaints regarding dust from have
been received.
Figure 1 - 12 month Wind Rose from RNO weather Station 1
1
The strong wind (40-50m/s) reading from the South East was recorded in October 2012, and was due to
calibrations after a 15 day outage of the wind sensor.
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Figure 2 Tamarine Quarry Dust Monitor Locations
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2. Objectives of the Management Plan
The objective of the Tamarine Quarry Dust Management Plan is:
‘To ensure that dust levels generated by the operations at Tamarine Quarry meet all statutory
requirements and do not adversely impact on ecological function or the health and amenity of the
community’
3. Sources and Impacts
3.1 Dust Sources
Monitoring by dust deposition gauges will detect dust from adjacent regional sources as well as
dust from quarry operations. Sources of dust identified are:
The seasonal movement of agricultural equipment during dry soil conditions on land where ground cover is greatly reduced,
Blasting,
Extraction and handling of limestone, and
Truck and vehicle movements on unsealed roads.
It was noted in an earlier study (SKM, 2003).that both the NSW limit of 4mg/m²/month (NSW EPA,
August 2001) and the National limit of 50 µg/m³ (NEPC, 2003) are exceeded within the district.
Table 1 DDG Results June 2008 – December 2013
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
Jun
e 2
00
7
Oct
ob
er
20
07
Feb
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y 2
00
8
Jun
e 2
00
8
Oct
ob
er
20
08
Feb
ruar
y 2
00
9
Jun
e 2
00
9
Oct
ob
er
20
09
Feb
ruar
y 2
01
0
Jun
e 2
01
0
Oct
ob
er
20
10
Feb
ruar
y 2
01
1
Jun
e 2
01
1
Oct
ob
er
20
11
Feb
ruar
y 2
01
2
Jun
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01
2
Oct
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12
Feb
ruar
y 2
01
3
Jun
e 2
01
3
Oct
ob
er
20
13
Limit g/m2/month
DDG13 g/m2/month
DDG14 g/m2/month
DDG15 g/m2/month
DDG16 g/m2/month
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3.2 Potential Impacts
Potential impacts of elevated dust emissions include:
Nuisance to nearby Sensitive Receptors (farm residences),
Smothering of Flora,
Reduction of visual amenity, and
Risk to human health.
The nearest receptors for dust are shown in Figure 2. No complaints of dust generated from
Tamarine Quarry have been received by RNO since the commencement of operations.
There have been limited studies on the impact of particulates on vegetation health, particularly the
impact on vegetation in the South West of Western Australia; however noted impacts include the
smothering of foliage, changes to soil chemistry and blocking of stomata. Particulates of
calcareous origin (i.e. limestone) are known to cause extensive problems for vegetation by altering
the pH of the soil/substrate conditions and water that may occur on leaves (SKM, 2003)(section
4.5.3). However, due to the limited amount of remnant vegetation, and the fact that such
vegetation is established upon a calcareous substrate, the likely impact of limestone on such
vegetation is seen as insignificant.
Generation of dust from pit operations is mitigated by the use of a water cart for dust suppression.
The water cart pre-wets areas prior to blasting; irrigates the pit, stockpile and unsealed haul roads
on the property. A small stockpile of limestone product is kept at Tamarine, with the bulk of
material stored at RNO.
4. Obligations and Statutory Requirements
The following obligations and statutory requirements are relevant:
Occupational Health and Safety Act 1984, (WA Government, 1984),
Mines Safety and Inspection Act 1994, (WA Government, 1994)
Mining Act 1978, (WA Government, 1978)
Environmental Protection Act 1986, (WA Government, 1986)
Mining Proposal 5642, (Golder Associates, 2007)
Operating License L8660/2012/1, (Department of Environmental Regulation, September 2013)
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5. Standards and Performance Criteria
The following standards and performance criteria are relevant:
Guideline for managing the impacts of dust and associated contaminants from land development sites, contaminated sites remediation and other related activities, (Department of Environment and Conservation, March 2011)
Land development sites and impacts on air quality: A guideline for the prevention of dust and smoke pollution from land development sites in Western Australia (Department of Environmental Protection, November 1996)
No complaints logged in InControl (Site Incident Reporting Register)
Minimal visible dust crossing the site boundary as a result of quarrying activities, and
Compliance to dust control strategies.
AS/NZS 3580.1.1:2007 Methods for sampling and analysis of ambient air Part 1.1:guide to siting air monitoring equipment,
AS4323.1:1995 Stationary source emissions, Method 1: selection of sampling positions,
AS/NZS3580.10.1:2003 Methods for sampling and analysis of ambient air, Method 10.1 Determination of particulate matter – Deposited matter – Gravimetric method.
AS/NZS358.9.9 Determination of suspended particulate matter –PM10 low volume sampler - gravimetric method
RNO will report internally to the Environmental Manager any exceedance of 4g/mg²/month during
monthly Dust Deposition Gauge monitoring. This report will include the results of the
investigation(s) and, where practicable, the cause of the exceedance. Investigations will consider
wind speed and direction for the month, and local activities (both quarrying and agricultural) that
may have contributed to the exceedance.
6. Development Rationale
The on-going development of the Tamarine Quarry Limestone Deposit will be staged to reduce
undue clearing to minimise any environmental impacts as far as practicable. Development of the
Limestone Quarry is governed by:
RNO’s Mine Closure Plan, (FQM Australia Nickel, October 2012)
Rehabilitation and Preliminary Closure Plan, (BHPBilliton, 2006)
Land Disturbance Procedures
Due to the soil and vegetation of Tamarine Quarry not supporting Dieback (Phytopthora
cinnamomii) and transport to and from site being on sealed roads, the risk of Dieback is considered
negligible (Glevan Consulting, 2013)
Water for dust suppression via water cart will use bore water sourced from RNO, due to the
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restricted water resource at Tamarine Quarry.
6.1 Operational Controls
This Tamarine Quarry Dust Management Plan is an overall guideline document that sets the
objectives and criteria on how dust should be managed on site. A number of operation controls
have been developed to provide personnel with directives for the effective implementation of the
mitigation tasks provided in this plan. Mitigation of risk will be in the form of Engineering Design,
Standard Operating Procedures and Standards.
Procedures and Standards will describe the processes in which certain activities must be
undertaken to achieve the management objectives of this Plan.
7. Mitigation Tasks
7.1 Contingency Plan
A Dust Contingency Plan is provided Figure 3 as a reference guide for managing dust and potential
exceedance during operation of the quarry.
7.2 Monitoring
During Operations, several monitoring Tasks will be implemented to verify the performance of Dust
Suppression measures and to quantify any potential impacts. Proposed monitoring tasks are listed
in the commitments table, in section D.
Four (4) Dust Deposition Gauges are installed on the boundary of Tamarine Quarry (Figure 2) and
will be monitored monthly. Dust Deposition Gauge Monitoring will be in accordance with the
standards outlined in Section 5. Samples will be sent to an independent NATA accredited
laboratory. Results will be analysed and referred against performance criteria developed in section
5, and reported in internal monthly Corporate Reporting and Annual Environmental Reports (AER)
to regulators.
7.3 Reporting
Non-compliance against objectives will be investigated and reported as described in section 5.
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Evaluation of the Dust Management Plan will be included in internal reporting and summarised
annually for reporting to regulatory authorities in the AER.
7.4 Dust Complaint Management Procedure
Compliant Management commitments are outlined in the commitments table (Appendix A).
Reporting of complaints is entered into RNO’s InControl Incident Reporting System. Complaints
will be investigated and a report provided to the Environmental Manager. This report will include
the results of the investigation and, where practicable, the cause of the complaint. Investigations
will consider wind speed and direction, and activities (both quarrying and agricultural) that may
have contributed to the complaint.
Complaints will also be included in reporting to regulatory authorities in the AER.
7.1 Community Consultation
RNO liaises regularly with community groups, stakeholders and neighbours. The Jerdacuttup RNO
Working Group (JRWG) is comprised of neighbouring landholders, stakeholders and RNO
management, and meets quarterly. The JRWG is a commitment undertaken as part of Ministerial
Statement 633, and includes an independent Environmental Consultant to advise the JRWG
members of technical data provided.
8. Commitments Table
The commitments table is attached as Appendix A
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Figure 3 Dust Management Contingency Plan
Dust Suppression
Vegetation
Clearing
Earthworks,
Blasting and
Drilling
Material
handling Traffic Wind Action
Temporarily stop dust generating activity and engage water
cart or other water application method to reduce dust
generation
Adhere to site speed
limits
Determine source of wind-blown dust.
Engage water cart or alternative water
application method to dampen area.
Problem
Rectified?
?
Problem
Rectified?
?
Problem
Rectified?
?
Continue with activity when visible dust has been suppressed.
Engage water cart or
alternative water application
method to dampen area Apply alternative dust
suppression measures e.g.
soil stabiliser, mulch, erect
dust control fence, employ
road sweeper to remove
spilled debris from roads,
minimise exposed surfaces
with the use of covers etc.
Apply alternative dust suppression
measures. E.g. soil stabiliser, mulch,
erect dust control fence, employ road
sweeper to removed debris from roads
etc.
Problem
Rectified?
?
YES
YES
YES No
No
No No
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9. References
BHPBilliton. (2006). Rehabilitation and Preliminary Closure Management Plan. Ravensthorpe:
BHPBIlliton.
Department of Environment and Conservation. (March 2011). A guideline for managing the impacts
of dust and associated contaminants from land development sites, contaminated sites
remediation and other related activities. Perth: WA Government.
Department of Environmental Protection. (November 1996). Land development sites and impacts
on air qulity: a guideline for the prevention of dust and smoke pollution from land
development sites in Western Australia. Perth: WA Government.
Department of Environmental Regulation. (September 2013). Operating Licence L8660/2012/1.
Perth: WA Government.
FQM Australia Nickel. (October 2012). Mineral Field 74 Mine Closure Plan. Ravensthorpe: FQM
Australia Nickel.
Glevan Consulting. (2013). First Quantum Minerals RNO Phytopthora Dieback Occurrence
Assessment. Glevan Consulting.
Golder Associates. (2007). Mining Proposal Tamarine Limestone Quarry M74/220. Perth: Golder
Associates.
NEPC. (2003). National Environmnent Portection (Ambient Air Quality) Measure. Canberra: Office
of Legislative Drafting, Attorney Generals department.
NSW EPA. (August 2001). Approved Methods and Guidance - For the Modelling and Assessment
of Air Pollutants in New South Wales. Sydney: NSW EPA.
SKM. (2003). Ravensthorpe Nickel Operations Air Quality Assessment. Perth: Sinclair Knight Merz.
WA DER. (1986). Environmental Protection Act 1986. Perth: WA Government.
WA Government. (1978). Mining Act. Perth: State law Publisher.
WA Government. (1984). Occupation Safety and Health Act . Perth: WA Government.
WA Government. (1986). Environmental Protection Act. Perth: State Law Publisher.
WA Government. (1994). Mines Safety and Inspection Act. Perth: WA Government.
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Appendix A Commitments Table
Commitments Register – Dust Management Plan Name Description Responsibility Reference
Operations
TQdu001 Develop and provide operation procedures and standards for relevant site personnel. For example, develop standard operating procedures for water cart operators, including aspects of over-watering or over-spray
Quarry Contractor
TQdu002 Regular watering of unsealed roads and exposed surfaces will be undertaken by water
tankers/carts Quarry Contractor
TQdu003 Minimise drop distances when loading and handling limestone to reduce dust generation Quarry Contractor
TQdu004 Assess the potential for use of a soil-binding water additive to minimise water use for dust suppression
Quarry Contractor
TQdu005 Assess the requirement for dust suppression measures for disturbed areas and implement identified measures
Quarry Contractor
TQdu006 Stabilise temporarily disturbed land as soon as practicable (i.e. spreading of aggregate, hydro mulching or other material)
Quarry Contractor
TQdu007 Adhere to site speed limits to minimise dust emissions Quarry Contractor
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Commitments Register – Dust Management Plan Name Description Responsibility Reference
TQdu008 Site traffic will be restricted to designated internal access ways to prevent disturbance of vegetated or natural areas
Quarry Contractor
TQdu009 Rip and re-vegetate obsolete roads to minimise the exposure of unpaved surfaces Quarry Contractor
TQdu010 Restrict access to cleared areas during and after clearing of vegetation to minimise unnecessary disturbance and generation of dust
Quarry Contractor
TQdu011 Topsoil that is recovered from cleared areas (pits, waste dumps) will be stored in designated storage areas and where practicable will be abutted adjacent to vegetation stockpiles
Environmental Department
TQdu012 Stockpile top soils from infrastructure area and undertake seeding to stabilise for storage until required reapplication in the future to support closure objectives
Environmental Department
TQdu013 General housekeeping practices will be undertaken to ensure there is no accumulation of waste materials, within the lease area, that may generate dust
Quarry Contractor
TQdu014 Implement the Dust Contingency Plan if unacceptable dust levels arise Quarry Contractor
TQd015 Mark Haul Road edges with marker posts or equivalent to minimise unnecessary disturbance and generation of dust
Quarry Contractor
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Commitments Register – Dust Management Plan Name Description Responsibility Reference
TQdu016 Undertake blasting in accordance with the blasting management plan which will include specific measures to minimise dust
Quarry Contractor
TQdu017 Application of water to haul roads through the use of spray bars, or other suitable means, is to reduce the potential for overspray
Quarry Contractor
TQdu018 Maintain an acceptable moisture content for ore stockpiles that minimised wind erodibility where practicable
Quarry Contractor
TQdu019 Apply dust aprons and dust extraction cyclones during drilling, if required Quarry Contractor
TQdu020 Undertake progressive rehabilitation of mined landforms as soon as practicable Environmental Department
TQdu021 Areas with the potential to generate dust should be minimised as much as practicable Mining Department
Monitoring and Consultation
TQdu022 The performance of the dust control strategies will be monitored and maintained through visual inspections and monitoring equipment
Environmental Department
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Commitments Register – Dust Management Plan Name Description Responsibility Reference
TQdu023 Maintain the operation of the current Dust Deposition Gauge Monitoring Program Environmental Department
TQdu024 Analyse data from dust monitoring, and investigate and report to the Environmental Manager/Mining Manager any exceedance within 28 days. Any required actions are to be entered into InControl.
Environmental Department / Mining Manager
TQdu025 Visually monitor dust emanating from the quarry operations Quarry Contractor
TQdu026 Evaluate corrective actions and implement actions where practicable Quarry Contractor
TQdu027 Refer dust complaints to the Environmental Manager as soon as practicable Quarry Contractor
TQdu028 Investigate any complaints and report to the Environmental Manager within 28 days. Any required actions are to be entered into InControl.
Environmental Department
TQdu029 Provide feedback and response to complainant as soon as practicable Environmental Department
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