forward mining rogetta project mining ltd... · environmental management plan (dpemp) for the...

Guidelines for the preparation of a

Development Proposal and

Environmental Management Plan (DPEMP)

for

Forward Mining Rogetta Project

(Forward Mining Ltd)

7 km south-east of Hampshire, Northern Tasmania

Board of the Environment Protection Authority

January 2013

DPEMP Guidelines – Rogetta Mine Project – January 2013 2

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS ............................................................................................................................................... 2

GENERAL INFORMATION ........................................................................................................................................ 3

Purpose of these guidelines ..................................................................................................................................... 3

Objectives and content of the DPEMP .................................................................................................................... 3

Environmental approval ......................................................................................................................................... 4

Submission of draft and final documents ................................................................................................................ 4

Key issues to be addressed ...................................................................................................................................... 5

CONTENTS OF THE DPEMP ..................................................................................................................................... 7

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .......................................................................................................................................... 7

TABLE OF CONTENTS ............................................................................................................................................. 7

1. INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................................................. 7

2. PROPOSAL DESCRIPTION ............................................................................................................................. 8

2.1 Proposal outline ............................................................................................................................................ 8

2.2 Off-site infrastructure .................................................................................................................................. 10

2.3 Site information ........................................................................................................................................... 10

3. COMMUNITY AND STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATION ............................................................................................ 12

4. SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT CONSIDERATIONS ............................................................................................... 13

5. PROJECT ALTERNATIVES .................................................................................................................................... 13

6. EXISTING ENVIRONMENT, POTENTIAL EFFECTS AND MANAGEMENT .................................................................. 14

6.1 Key issue 1: Acid Mine Drainage ................................................................................................................ 15

6.2 Key issue 2: Surface water .......................................................................................................................... 17

6.3 Key issue 3: Groundwater ........................................................................................................................... 17

6.4 Key issue 4: Flora & ecological communities ............................................................................................. 18

6.5 Key issue 5: Fauna ...................................................................................................................................... 21

6.6 Key issue 6: Geo-conservation .................................................................................................................... 22

6.7 Air emissions ............................................................................................................................................... 22

6.8 Noise emissions ........................................................................................................................................... 23

6.9 Solid and controlled waste management ..................................................................................................... 23

6.10 Environmentally hazardous materials .................................................................................................... 24

6.11 Environmental hazard analysis and risk assessment .............................................................................. 24

6.12 Environmental management systems ...................................................................................................... 24

6.13 Greenhouse gas emissions ...................................................................................................................... 25

6.14 Heritage .................................................................................................................................................. 25

6.15 Land use and development ...................................................................................................................... 26

6.16 Visual effects ........................................................................................................................................... 27

6.17 Traffic impacts ........................................................................................................................................ 27

6.18 Health and safety issues .......................................................................................................................... 28

6.19 Fire management .................................................................................................................................... 28

6.20 Cumulative and interactive effects .......................................................................................................... 29

7. EPBC ACT REQUIREMENTS........................................................................................................................ 29

7.1 Matters of National Environmental Significance ............................................................................................ 29

7.2 Avoidance, mitigation, management and compensatory measures ................................................................. 30

8. MONITORING, REVIEW, AND ADAPTIVE MANAGEMENT .................................................................. 31

9. DECOMMISSIONING AND REHABILITATION (MINE CLOSURE) .............................................................. 32

10. SUMMARY OF MANAGEMENT COMMITMENTS ................................................................................... 32

11. CONCLUSION ................................................................................................................................................ 33

12. REFERENCES ................................................................................................................................................. 33

13. APPENDICES .................................................................................................................................................. 33

GLOSSARY .................................................................................................................................................................. 33


GENERAL INFORMATION

Purpose of these guidelines

The Environmental Management and Pollution Control Act 1994 (EMPC Act) requires the Board of the Environment Protection Authority (‘the Board’) to provide guidance to the proponent about what should be included in the case for assessment.

These guidelines provide specific information on preparing a Development Proposal and Environmental Management Plan (DPEMP) for the proposed Forward Mining Ltd Rogetta Project, being assessed under the EMPC Act, and under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) (EPBC 2012/6552), through a bilateral agreement between the State and the Australian Government.

The DPEMP also supports the development application process undertaken by Burnie City Council.

Objectives and content of the DPEMP

The objectives of the DPEMP document are that it will provide:

• A source of information from which individuals and groups may gain an understanding of the proposal, the need for the proposal, the alternatives, the environment that it could affect, the effects that may occur and the measures that will be taken to minimise any adverse effects, including specific management commitments.

• A basis for public consultation and informed comment on the proposal.

• A framework against which decision makers (the Board, local Council, and the Commonwealth Minister) can consider the proposal and determine the conditions under which any approval would be given.

While it is recognised that many construction and operational details may not have been finalised at the time the DPEMP is submitted for assessment, the information presented in the document should be as up-to-date as possible.

The following points should be considered when writing the DPEMP:

• The main text of the DPEMP should be written in a clear and concise style that is easily understood by the general reader.

• Technical terminology should be avoided as far as possible. The detailed technical data and supplementary reports necessary to support the main text should be included in appendices.

• All sources of information should be referenced. An indication should also be given of the currency of the information used and how the reliability of the information was tested. In particular, the degree of confidence attached to any predictions should be indicated.

• It is recommended that as much information as possible be presented on maps, diagrams and site plans to enhance the level of understanding.

• Where information is unavailable or details have not yet been finalised, estimates and the range of alternative options should be provided. It should be noted, however, that sufficient technical detail must be provided to enable an appropriate level of assessment to be undertaken.

• Where sensitive information needs to be provided (e.g. information on production processes, or sites or areas of conservation, scientific, archaeological and cultural heritage or other special significance), this information should be provided in a separate,


confidential appendix. A comment should be provided in the DPEMP to the effect that the information has been so provided.

• Specific management commitments must be clearly identified in the text and included in the commitments table referred to in Section 8 of these guidelines.

• Where appropriate, refer to information provided in other sections to minimise duplication.

• The DPEMP Executive Summary should contain a summary table showing compliance with these guidelines.

When writing the DPEMP, attention should be paid to demonstrating that the proposal is consistent with sustainable development objectives as required by the relevant Tasmanian statutes and policies, including the Tasmanian Resource Management and Planning System, and the Environmental Management and Pollution Control System, Schedule 1 of the EMPC Act.

Environmental approval

Environmental aspects of the proposal will be assessed by the Board in accordance with the EMPC Act, while planning aspects of the proposal will be assessed by the relevant planning authority (Council). The Board has authorised the EPA Division to undertake the administrative tasks and establish the information base to inform decision-making on the behalf of Council.

The project has been determined to be a “controlled action” under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) (EPBC 2012/6552) and will require assessment and approval under the EPBC Act, in addition to Tasmanian State and Local government requirements. It was determined that the proposed action will have, or is likely to have, a significant impact on the following matters of national environmental significance, protected under Part 3 of the EPBC Act:

• Listed threatened species and communities (sections 18 and 18A); and

• Listed migratory species (sections 20 and 20A).

The Australian and Tasmanian Governments have signed a bilateral agreement relating to impact assessment under section 45 of the EPBC Act which effectively accredits the State assessment process, defined under section 24, section 25, or section 27 of the EMPC Act.

The proposal will be assessed in accordance with the bilateral agreement. Section 7 of these guidelines will assist the proponent in preparing relevant information for the purposes of this agreement.

Submission of draft and final documents

It is recommended that the proponent submit a draft DPEMP to both Council and the EPA Division for review prior to its finalisation. Please note that draft documents may be rejected without detailed review if they are incomplete, contain significant formatting or typographical errors or do not comply with these guidelines. More than one draft may be necessary before the document is considered suitable for public release.

Close consultation with the EPA Division and the relevant planning authority during the preparation of the DPEMP is highly recommended.

The final DPEMP (when ready for public consultation) is to be submitted in a printed format and in electronic format for use with a word processor (such as Microsoft Word), and suitable for publishing on the internet (preferably PDF format). The Board will inform the proponent of the number of copies (and format) required.

Copies are to be made available to the public upon request at no charge or for a nominal fee, in either printed or electronic format (CD ROM). Arrangements to display the DPEMP on the internet (whether on the proponent’s or the EPA’s web site) will also need to be put in place.


Documents should be able to be downloaded over slower internet connections. Images within the document should be optimised for the internet and font choices should be restricted to those most commonly used. Being judicious about the number of images and/or design elements can avoid unnecessarily adding to the file size. Large files should be broken into multiple documents.

Following the public consultation phase, the DPEMP may require amendment as a result of consideration of public and government agency submissions. This generally takes the form of a supplement to the DPEMP.

Key issues to be addressed

While the DPEMP should evaluate all potential effects of the proposal, it should be principally focused on the key issues identified in the table below. The level of detail provided on other issues should be appropriate to the level of significance of that issue for the proposal.

The key issues listed below relate to potential effects of construction, operation and decommissioning of the proposed mine site and associated infrastructure, including any power connection corridor.

Key issues Section

1 Acid Mine Drainage 6.1

2 Surface water, including water quality and alterations to flow regime 6.2

3 Groundwater quality and pathways 6.3

4 Threatened flora species and vegetation communities 6.4

5 Threatened fauna species 6.5

6 Geo-conservation sites, including the listed Western Tasmanian Blanket Bogs and any karst systems that maybe impacted by the activity

6.6

The minimum survey requirements and studies required in relation to these key issues are provided in the relevant sections of these guidelines.

It should be noted that other matters deemed to be significant or matters that emerge as significant from environmental studies, public comments or otherwise during the course of the preparation of the DPEMP, should not be excluded from consideration.

The following guidelines may be of particular use in helping to prepare the DPEMP:

• Australian Government, Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism, Leading Practice Sustainable Development Program for the Mining Industry series.

o A guide to leading practice sustainable development in mining (2011)

o Biodiversity management (2007)

o Tailings management (2007)

o Water management (2008)

o Managing acid and metalliferous drainage (2007)

o Mine rehabilitation (2006)


o Mine closure and completion (2009) The guidelines maybe downloaded from the following website: http://www.ret.gov.au/resources/resources_programs/lpsdpmining/handbooks/handbooks-English/Pages/English.aspx


CONTENTS OF THE DPEMP

The following sections of the guidelines provide a basis for the recommended structure and proposed content for the DPEMP.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

An executive summary of the DPEMP is to be provided to give a clear and concise overview of the proposal and its environmental implications. It should also briefly outline the assessment and approvals process and explain the function of the DPEMP in this process. It should also contain a summary table demonstrating compliance of the DPEMP document with these guidelines.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

The DPEMP should contain a table of the contents of the report with reference to the relevant page numbers. It should also contain a list of figures, tables, and appendices.

1. INTRODUCTION

This section should provide information on the following:

a) Title of the proposal.

b) Name and address of the proponent and general background, such as relevant development or operational experience. Where the proponent is a registered company, its Australian Company Number and Registered Office address should be included.

c) Relevant background information on the proposal, including the current status of the proposal, a general overview of the principal components of the proposal and the proposal location, the rationale and need for the proposal, anticipated establishment costs, likely markets for the product, and the possibilities for future expansion.

d) An examination of how the proposal relates to any other proposals that have been or are being developed or that have been approved in the region affected by the proposal.

e) Environmental legislation, standards and guidelines that will be applicable (such as policies, regulations and industry codes of practice).

f) Other relevant Commonwealth, State and Local Government policies, strategies and management plans with which the proposal would be expected to comply.

g) Details of any proceedings against the proponent under a Commonwealth, State or Territory law for the protection of the environment or the conservation or sustainable use of natural resources.

h) A description of any approval that has been obtained from a State, Territory or Commonwealth agency or authority in respect of this proposal. If appropriate a statement identifying any additional approvals that may be required.


2. PROPOSAL DESCRIPTION

This section should provide a full description of the proposal, including the construction, commissioning, operational and decommissioning phases, as well as any infrastructure and off-site ancillary facilities required for the proposal.

2.1 Proposal outline

This section should provide a detailed description of key physical components of the proposal, including their function, composition, size, capacity, operational life, technical and performance requirements, inter-relationships and methods of construction, operation and maintenance.

The following information should typically be provided:

2.1.1 General project information

a) Description of the major mine elements and infrastructure, including mine pit, waste rock storage, processing plant, tailings storage facility, water storage and associated facilities, and on-site mine infrastructure.

b) A description of the mineral resource.

c) Description of the major items of equipment (for example excavation and haulage equipment, pollution control equipment, processing plant equipment etc.) and on-site facilities (for example offices, car parks, workshops, fuel stores, refuelling areas, sewage treatment facilities etc.). Detailed technical information on major items of equipment may be included in appendices.

d) Details of production capacity and production rates including both peak rates and daily average rates. Include proposed annual production rates.

e) The raw materials required for the proposal (e.g. water, sand, clay, aggregate, fill etc.). Estimated quantities, characteristics and their likely sources (on- or off-site).

f) Operational life of the mine.

g) Energy requirements for the mine, including a description of any proposed power line corridor, method of power delivery, details of any operational easements, and requirements for access and any restrictions.

2.1.2 Pre-construction and construction phases

a) A step-by-step description and timetable for significant activities during the construction phase of the proposal. Indicative timeframes for the completion of major steps (e.g. of mine elements, power transmission corridor, and key facilities), and the likely sequencing of steps.

b) Details on any pre-construction works, including site preparation works, and any temporary or permanent removal of vegetation including, stockpiling of vegetation, erosion control measures and the potential transport of pollutants (e.g. suspended solids) from areas of disturbance during construction.

c) Details on any pre-clearance surveys and sampling to be carried out prior to commencement of construction, including dam geotechnical studies.

d) Details of the nature, capacity and location of any temporary construction equipment required on site (such as cranes, concrete batch plants, rock crushers, construction camps etc.).

e) Details of the expected volume, composition, origin, and route for vehicle movements associated with construction.


f) Information on the number of construction workers required in the various stages of construction, sources of labour, transport of workers to and from the site, accommodation, and support servicing requirements.

g) The proposed hours per day and days per week of construction activities.

h) Measures designed to prevent the introduction or spread of introduced plant species, weeds, pests and diseases (such as Phytophthora cinnamomi) during construction works.

i) Details of any forest harvesting management arrangements to recover timber.

2.1.3 Mine development

a) A staged plan and indicative timeframes for development of the mine pit, and where appropriate the waste rock dump and tailings storage facility over the course of the mine life.

2.1.4 Operational phase

a) The hours of operation of the mine (hours per day and days per week)

b) All mine processes (e.g. extraction process including equipment, direction of works, bench heights and means of extraction; haulage; description of processing; stockpiling and overburden management etc) should be described in a step-by-step manner using explanatory diagrams and flow charts where appropriate to augment text. Note, it should be demonstrate how the resource will be extracted in a systematic manner that will minimise the area of disturbance and allow for progressive rehabilitation of the site.

c) A description of types and quantities of materials to be extracted, including overburden.

a) All sources of non-mining waste (liquid, atmospheric emissions or solid). All point source atmospheric discharge points must be identified. All major sources of noise must be identified.

b) Facilities to collect and treat wastes should be described together with the resultant concentrations and mass loads of pollutants to be emitted after treatment.

c) Description and quantitative analysis of the water balance, including details of all water storage facilities, water requirements for each mine element, freshwater input requirements, water transfer and drainage routes, discharge/decant points (storm related or otherwise), and receiving environment. The analysis should consider groundwater recharge into the mine pit, and variations in precipitation and natural flow, accounting for extended dry periods and periods of excessive rainfall.

d) Description of any stream diversions, drainage works, discharge controls (e.g. runoff collection basins).

e) Management and description of sewage and waste water treatment facilities.

f) The volume, composition, origin, destination and route for vehicle movements (including road, rail, shipping and air) likely to be generated during the operational phase, including a break-down for over-dimension and heavy road vehicles.

g) A description of progressive rehabilitation of the mine site during operation.

h) Proposed waste rock storage location, dimensions, and final landform.

i) Description of waste rock types and waste rock dump and disposal practices, including details on any proposed lining, capping, segregation, blending, and management measures to minimise acid rock drainage formation and erosion, and ensure long term geotechnical stability of the dump. Consideration should be given to minimisation of the mine footprint through management activities such as back fill into the mine pit and re-use of any non-acid forming waste rock types for construction or other purposes.


j) Description of the tailings dam and method of tailings delivery. This should include dam design and construction, spillways, management of tails and tailings dam, dam lifts, and closure strategy taking into account potential for acid generation.

Note, where a development application involves dam works that are exempted by section 137 of the Water Management Act 1999 (WM Act) (e.g. tailings dams), section 165F of the WM Act requires the relevant authority, usually Council, to refer the application to the Assessment Committee for Dam Construction (ACDC) for assessment. In order to facilitate the assessment process, ACDC have advised that any geotechnical assessments, stability analyses, design drawings and specifications relevant to ‘dam works’ aspects of the development be included within, or as appendices to, the DPEMP.

2.1.6 Decommissioning and closure phase

A description of the key decommissioning and closure activities should be provided in this section. Note, a preliminary mine closure plan must be provided in the DPEMP (see section 9 of these guidelines for information on requirements).

2.2 Off-site infrastructure

Any infrastructure or off-site ancillary facilities, or realignments to existing infrastructure, required to allow the proposal to proceed should be described (for example port, rail or road infrastructure, loading and storage facilities).

Note, the power connection corridor is considered a part of the proposed activity and hence is not regarded as an off-site ancillary feature.

2.3 Site information

This section should include details of salient features of the existing environment and, where appropriate, include maps, plans, photographs, diagrams or other descriptive detail.

2.3.1 General location map

A general location map (e.g. 1:25,000 scale) which identifies the following is required:

a) The location of the proposal site.

b) Topographical features.

c) Road access to and from the site.

d) Location of waterways (permanent/ephemeral, artificial/natural, flowing/standing).

e) The distance(s) to any nearby sensitive uses (such as residences).

f) Existing electricity transmission lines and sub-stations.

g) Boundaries of the properties on which the proposal is located.

h) Surrounding land tenure.

i) Surrounding land use (including areas of conservation (geo-conservation and biological) and areas of recreational significance).


2.3.2 Site plan

Site plans are required which identify the proposal site and which include the following1 (where relevant):

a) The boundary of the proposal site (including mining lease boundaries).

b) Location of historical workings which may affect mine planning.

c) Mine pit, including mining direction & haulage roads.

d) A plan of the processing plant showing the location of all major items of equipment and facilities and their position relative to property boundaries.

e) Location of waste rock & overburden dumps, ore/product storage areas, topsoil stockpiles.

f) Location of tailings storage facility.

g) Location of water supply dams and associated infrastructure, including, proposed stream diversions, drainage and piping works, pump stations, and spillways.

h) The location of stormwater collection systems and details of drainage control measures such as cut-off drains and sediment settling ponds, including location of all discharge points (stormwater or other).

i) Proposed sanitary and sewage treatment facilities.

j) The location of site office, change rooms, workshop, hard stand areas, car parks and other significant structures/facilities on site.

k) The location of temporary and permanent storage areas for fuels, oils, explosives, and other hazardous goods or chemicals.

l) Location of any borrow pits.

m) Location of all point source emissions and major sources of noise.

n) The route of any pipelines, tracks, conveyors or similar means of transporting on-site materials.

o) Location of proposed mixing zones, if required.

p) Route and extent of power corridor zone, including extent of any easements.

2.3.4 Planning and land tenure

The following information should be provided in relation to planning issues (with reference to general location maps and site plans above):

a) Information on land tenure and property boundaries of the proposal site, with title details.

b) Land zonings for the proposal site and surrounding areas, and any by-laws or special planning controls that may apply to the site and surrounding areas.

c) Any rights of way, easements and covenants affecting the proposal site (including the power corridor zone).

d) Land use and planning history of the proposal site, including the potential for site contamination2, and the present uses of the site.

e) A description of land use and ownership in the vicinity of the proposal site (within 2 kilometres) and those areas which may be affected by the proposal. This may include:

1 When providing maps or referring to spatial databases, the coordinate reference system being used should be

specified (i.e. Australian Geodetic Datum (AGD) or GDA (Geocentric Datum of Australia)

2 Information on potentially contaminating activities and contaminated site assessment can be found online at

http://epa.tas.gov.au/epa under ‘Land Contamination’.


• The location and nature of industrial facilities;

• the location of individual residences, schools, hospitals, caravan parks and similar sensitive uses;

• the location of any tourist or recreation facilities or routes (such as camping areas, picnic areas, walking tracks, historic routes, etc); and

• any proposed or potential sensitive users within this distance of the proposal site, which have been or are likely to be granted approval under the local planning scheme, should also be considered. This should include consideration of any imminent planning scheme changes.

2.3.5 Environmental aspects of the proposed site

The following information should be provided in relation to the environmental aspects of the proposed site:

a) A description of the general physical characteristics of the proposal site and surrounding area, including climate, topography, geology, geomorphology, soils (including erodibility), vegetation, fauna, groundwater and surface water drainage (including rivers, streams, lakes, wetlands, coastal areas etc.). This information should be displayed on maps where appropriate.

b) Information regarding any sites of significant Aboriginal and/or European cultural heritage (please note that specific locational details regarding sensitive sites should be kept confidential).

c) A description of natural processes of particular importance for the maintenance of the existing environment (e.g. fire, flooding, etc).

d) An assessment of the vulnerability of the site to natural hazards (e.g. flooding, seismic activity, fire, landslips or strong winds).

e) Any high quality wilderness areas identified in the Tasmanian Regional Forest Agreement located on or within twenty kilometres of the proposal site.

f) Brief outline of the species, sites, environments or areas of landscape (aesthetic, wilderness, scientific or otherwise) of conservation significance which may be affected by the proposal. Relevant information resources include the LIST (www.thelist.tas.gov.au) and the Natural Values Atlas (www.naturalvaluesatlas.dpiw.tas.gov.au).

3. COMMUNITY AND STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATION

It is strongly recommended that the local community and other stakeholders be consulted with in regards to the proposed project.

The following information should be provided in the DPEMP:

a) Details on community and stakeholder consultation already undertaken (in early planning stages).

b) The outcomes of consultation undertaken thus far (e.g. surveys, public meetings, liaison/discussions with interested groups), clearly identifying input provided by community and stakeholders and any resultant changes made to the proposal as a result of consultation process.

c) A description of community and stakeholder attitudes in relation to the planned project.

d) Details of plans for on-going engagement with the community and stakeholders throughout the assessment process and throughout the life of the project.


4. SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT CONSIDERATIONS This section should take into account the wider economic and social implications of the proposed development. It should present a balanced broad summary of the existing social and economic environment that may be affected by the proposal, and describe the impact of the proposal on local, regional and Tasmanian economies in terms of direct effects on employment, income and production.

The following information should be provided in relation to socio-economic aspects:

a) A summary of the characteristics of the local and regional economy, including employment trends.

b) A summary of the social/demographic characteristics of the population living in the vicinity of the proposal site.

c) Effects on local, regional, and State economies taking into account:

• An estimate of total capital investment for the proposal.

• Estimated quantity and value of production/exports.

• The anticipated effects on local and State labour markets for both the construction and operational phases of the proposal, identifying skills and training opportunities.

• The effects on upstream/downstream industries and business, both locally and for the State.

• The extent to which raw materials and services will be sourced locally and or regionally.

• Provision of additional community services or facilities, including recreational, cultural, health and sporting facilities.

• Effects on land values, and demand for land and housing.

5. PROJECT ALTERNATIVES This section should describe the main alternatives considered by the proponent during the planning of the proposed mine, taking into account environmental, social, economic and or technical aspects of the project, detailing reasons for the selection and rejection of particular options.

This should include the following:

a) Description of the processing plant, waste rock dump and tailings dam site selection process.

b) Description and assessment of alternative sites that were considered, providing a justification for the preferred site.

c) Description of waste rock and tailings management alternatives that were considered, e.g. backfill into pit etc.

d) Description and assessment of power connection corridor alternatives and justification for the preferred route.

e) Description of alternative technologies, design options or management practices, with particular reference to the mine pit, waste rock dump, tailings dam and processing plant.


It should be demonstrated by comparative analysis of national and international experiences and trends that the project will use a combination of technology and management practices that will ensure that the environmental performance of the project is consistent with best practice environmental management.

6. EXISTING ENVIRONMENT, POTENTIAL EFFECTS AND MANAGEMENT

General guidance for preparation of this section

The DPEMP should evaluate all potential effects of the proposal.

It should principally focus on the key issues identified on Page 5 of these guidelines. Guidance for the assessment of these key issues is described in detail in the following sub-sections, 6.1 – 6.6.

Guidance for the assessment of other issues that may relate to the proposal is described in sub-sections, 6.7 – 6.20.

For each sub-section, the assessment of effects should be presented in the format described below.

Predictions and evaluations should be based on scientifically supportable data. Assumptions, simplifications and scientific judgements should be clearly stated, and the nature and magnitude of uncertainties clearly defined, along with the extent to which any limitations of available information may influence conclusions.

A. Existing conditions Provide an outline of the existing conditions. The level of detail provided should be appropriate to the level of significance of that issue for the proposal. A detailed evaluation of the existing environment by an independent specialist may be necessary for key or complex issues. Evaluations should provide sufficient baseline data to enable the assessment of likely significant effects on the issues of concern.

B. Description of potential effects

Provide a description of all potential environmental effects (positive and negative) of the proposal during construction, operation and decommissioning relevant to the particular issue of concern, in the absence of any special control/mitigation measures.

C. Assessment of effects

Provide an evaluation of the significance of the effects identified above. The evaluation should account for plausible worst-case consequences, the vulnerability of the affected environment, and the reversibility of the effects. Any net benefits likely to result from the proposal should also be identified. Where effects are not quantifiable, they should be adequately described.

The representation of information on maps, diagrams, site plans and photographs is recommended.

Unsupported assertions and statements will not be considered adequate

D. Performance requirements

Performance requirements should be identified for each environmental effect and evidence provided to demonstrate that these can be complied with. These may be standards or requirements specified in legislation, codes of practice, state policies, national guidelines or as determined by agreement with the assessing agencies. Industry best practice standards should be referred to where appropriate.

E. Avoidance and mitigation measures


Provide a description and list of the measures proposed to avoid or mitigate potential adverse effects in order to achieve environmental performance requirements. Where there are clear, alternative avoidance or mitigation measures for a particular adverse environmental effect, the alternatives should be reviewed and the preferred option justified.

Where adverse environmental effects are unavoidable, the proposed measures to reduce the effects should be described in detail. The extent to which they will overcome the anticipated effects must be specified.

Unsupported assertions that performance requirements will be achieved will not be considered adequate.

F. Residual effects

Where adverse environmental effects are unavoidable, the proposed measures can be employed to reduce the effects.

Provide a description of residual effects, the final effect which occurs after the proposed mitigation measures have been implemented (positive and negative). Any Predictions and evaluations of residual effects should be based on scientifically supportable data.

Unsupported assertions, statements and assumptions will not be considered adequate

If adverse residual environmental effects from the proposal are considered unavoidable despite the adoption of best practice environmental management avoidance and mitigation measures, then, as appropriate, proposals to offset such effects should be detailed. Any offset actions proposed must be demonstrated to be ‘real’ actions. That is, the offset actions must have a measurable and relevant benefit which would otherwise not have occurred.

Any compensatory actions proposed for unavoidable residual adverse effects should be identified.

G. Management commitments

Commitments must be unambiguous statements of intent for avoiding, minimising and managing the potential environmental impacts of the proposal.

Each commitment should be numbered sequentially and then consolidated in a table in Section 8 of the DPEMP.

The commitments will provide a basis for the preparation of conditions of approval, should approval be granted.

H. Monitoring, review, and adaptive management

Outline proposed monitoring to be undertaken.

All proposed monitoring, reviewing, and reporting should be consolidated and presented in Section 6 of the DPEMP.

6.1 Key issue 1: Acid Mine Drainage

6.1.1 Waste Rock The Notice of Intent states that it is anticipated that the waste rock will be Non-Acid Forming (NAF). It further states that this will be subject to testing. Sufficient geochemical test work must be undertaken in order to clearly demonstrate the acid forming or non-acid forming potential of the waste rock. Detailed geochemical assessment and analysis must be undertaken and presented in the DPEMP, including sample selection methodology.


Details of waste rock characteristics and management practices must be described in the DPEMP, and should include the following:

a) Waste rock types and their mineralogy, grain sizes and geochemical characteristics, including an assessment of their acid generating (or neutralising) potential and estimated quantities and production rates of potentially acid forming (PAF) waste rock, non-acid forming (NAF) waste rock and acid consuming (ACM) waste rock.

b) If waste rock is identified as having acid generation potential, results and analysis from kinetic testing must be presented.

c) Description of waste rock dump and waste rock disposal practices including details on any proposed lining, capping, segregation, blending, and best practice environmental management measures to minimise potential for acid rock drainage formation if ARD potential is identified.

d) As appropriate, detection and remediation/treatment plans for potential ARD waste rock dump seepage.

6.1.2 Tailings The Notice of Intent states that it is anticipated that the tailings are expected to be low in sulphide minerals. Sufficient geochemical test work must be undertaken in order to clearly demonstrate the acid forming or non-acid forming potential of tailings. Geochemical assessment and analysis must be undertaken and presented in the DPEMP, including sample selection methodology. General details of tailings characteristics and management practises must be described in the DPEMP, and should include the following:

a) Tailings mineralogy and geochemical characteristics, including an assessment of their acid generating (or neutralising) potential and estimated quantities and production rates.

b) If tailings are identified as having acid generation potential, results and analysis from kinetic testing must be presented.

c) Description of the tailings dam and method of tailings delivery.

d) Tailings dam closure strategy.

6.1.3 Study requirements

a) Geochemical test work (acid-base accounting) and modelling to quantify the acid generating potential of waste rock (i.e. PAF, NAF, ACM), the distribution of potential acid forming rock types / zones, and production rates including variability over time.

b) If PAF waste rock is identified, undertake kinetic studies to determine potential time to acid generation.

c) Quantify the acid generating potential of ore and tailings. If there is potential for tailings to be acid forming, undertake kinetic studies to determine potential time to acid generation.

d) Identify metals and other chemical elements or ions of environmental concern and assess the potential for leaching of elements to the receiving environment from waste rock and tailings.


6.2 Key issue 2: Surface water

6.2.1 Key legislative and policy requirements

It must be demonstrated that the proposal is consistent with the objectives and requirements of relevant water management policies and legislation, including the Water Management Act 1999, State Policy on Water Quality Management 1997 (Water Policy), the Inland Fisheries Act 1995.

In particular, it must be demonstrated that the proposal will not prejudice the achievement of any water quality objectives set for water bodies under the State Policy on Water Quality Management (see http://epa.tas.gov.au/policy/water-quality-policy). Where water quality objectives have not yet been set, the EPA Division should be consulted to identify the baseline water quality data required to enable the water quality objectives to be determined.

6.2.2 General issues to consider

The following issues must be addressed (where relevant):

a) Discussion of the potential for acid mine drainage formation, including potential sources (e.g. waste rock dump, tailings dam, mine pit), pathways off site (e.g. seepage, decant water, pumping discharge) and volumes.

b) Assessment of the potential for acid mine drainage to impact on water quality. The assessment should include expected quality of all emitted water, with attention given to Holloway Creek, Blythe River and tributaries likely to be impacted by the mine.

c) Description of acid mine drainage best practice environmental management mitigation measures (as relevant), including those; 1) to prevent and mitigate the formation of acid mine drainage, and 2) for the collection and treatment of acid mine drainage which cannot be prevented from occurring.

d) Assessment of the potential for sediment to enter and impact on natural drainage lines and water courses through storm water run-off. Include details of mitigation measures and management strategies to prevent the sourcing and mobilisation of sediment (e.g. erosion control measures), and transport of sediment off-site. This should include contingencies for failure of control measures, such as during heavy rainfall or flooding.

e) Management of stormwater on site, including a consideration of tailings storage dam catchment area and spillway requirements.

f) Assessment of the potential impact of hardstand stormwater run-off (e.g. car park, workshop, mill site, etc), and sewage and domestic wastewater effluent on receiving waters, including a description of mitigation measures and management strategies to prevent, mitigate or reduce pollution potential from these sources.

g) Assessment of the potential changes to the hydrology of Holloway Creek and Blythe River, including potential impact on environmental flows and existing off-takes.

6.2.3 Survey and study requirements

a) Ambient water quality survey. The survey must be designed to provide an adequate description of the baseline environment, incorporating sites that will also form part of an on-going monitoring program.

b) Identify all PEVs.

c) Estimates of seasonal stream and catchment flows of waterways that may be affected by the proposal, and an assessment of the effects of the operation on their hydrology.

6.3 Key issue 3: Groundwater


6.3.1 Key Legislative and policy requirements

It must be demonstrated that the proposal is consistent with the objectives and requirements of relevant water management policies and legislation, including the Water Management Act 1999 and State Policy on Water Quality Management 1997 (Water Quality Policy).

In particular, it must be demonstrated that the proposal will not prejudice the achievement of any water quality objectives set for water bodies under the State Policy on Water Quality Management (see http://epa.tas.gov.au/policy/water-quality-policy). Where water quality objectives have not yet been set, the EPA Division should be consulted to identify the baseline water quality data required to enable the water quality objectives to be determined.


a) Existing groundwater conditions.

b) The potential effect of the proposal on groundwater quality and quantity (including flow pathways). This should include the development of a conceptual hydrogeological model for the site, including description of underlying stratigraphy, hydrogeological description, groundwater levels, expected directions of groundwater flow, and potential drawdown zones.

c) Measures to avoid and mitigate any possible adverse effects on groundwater, including effects on surface water that may receive groundwater discharge.

6.3.3 Survey requirements

a) Ambient groundwater survey. The survey must be designed to provide an adequate description of the baseline environment, incorporating sites that will also form part of an on-going monitoring program.

6.4 Key issue 4: Flora & ecological communities


In addition to relevant legislation and policy, regard should be given to the National Strategy for the Conservation of Australia’s Biological Diversity, the draft Tasmania’s Nature Conservation Strategy and the Threatened Species Strategy for Tasmania. Consideration of each species must have regard to any recovery plan prepared by the Commonwealth, Tasmanian or other state government, in relation to the species, and any publicly available policy statement or conservation advice prepared by the Commonwealth in relation to the species or community.


The following issues should be considered when addressing this section:

a) The Policy Conservation and Assessment Branch (PCAB), DPIPWE noted that additional surveys are planned, as outlined in section 9 of the NOI. PCAB supports these additional surveys and recommends that any additional flora surveys be undertaken in late spring/early summer to increase the likelihood of detecting key species.

b) Effects on flora, vegetation communities and habitat, with particular reference to rare and threatened species, communities and habitats, including those listed under the Commonwealth EPBC Act and the Tasmanian Threatened Species Protection Act 1995. See Sections 5 for specific information requirements in relation to Commonwealth listed species and communities.

c) Effects on existing formal or informal conservation reserves which may be affected by the proposal, with reference to the management objectives of the reserve(s) and the reserve management plan(s) (if any).


d) Extent of native vegetation and habitat clearing associated with the construction and maintenance of the proposal and the impact of any clearing on sites, species or ecological communities of special conservation significance, including any impact on the comprehensive, adequate and representative reserve system identified as part of the Tasmanian RFA, on wildlife habitat strips under the Tasmanian Forest Practices Code 1995 and on non-forest bioregional forest communities.

e) Effects on any high quality wilderness areas identified in the Tasmanian Regional Forest Agreement (Tasmanian RFA) which may be affected by the proposal.

f) The potential for migration and/or introduction of pests, weeds and plant and animal diseases as a result of the proposal, with particular reference to the plant pathogen Phytophthora cinnamomi , including a discussion of the potential impacts on species and communities arising from pest species and disease outbreaks generated by the proposed action. Note, the Policy Conservation and Assessment Branch, DPIPWE, identified that the frog chytrid fungus should also be considered in any discussion, as various frog species are likely to occur within and adjacent to the proposed site.

g) Rehabilitation of disturbed areas following the completion of construction activities and cessation of the activity, including any proposed seed collection and progressive rehabilitation program.

Note: In the event that impacts to listed threatened flora species are unavoidable during any phase of the project, the proponent must apply for a permit under the Tasmanian Threatened Species Protection Act 1995 (TSPA) and the Commonwealth EPBC Act as necessary.

6.4.3 Weed and Hygiene Management Plans

The Preliminary Botanical Survey & Fauna Habitat Assessment (PBSFHA) identifies the possibility that Phytophthora cinnamomi occurs on the proposed mine site. The PBSFHA also identifies the weed species Ulex europaeus (gorse) as being present on site, and makes comment that there is potential for other weeds species to establish.

Given the nature of the proposed operation, it is recommended that a weed management plan and hygiene plan be developed that minimises the transportation of weeds and disease to and from the site, and manages weeds and diseases onsite in accordance with their respective statutory management plan(s). The Tasmanian Washdown Guidelines for Weed and Disease Control: Machinery, Vehicles & Equipment, Edition 1, should be referenced.

Note, the Policy Conservation and Assessment Branch, DPIPWE, recommends that the frog chytrid fungus should also be considered, as various frog species are likely to occur within and adjacent to the proposed site.

Weed Management Plan

A weed management plan should cover all relevant aspects of the control and management of declared weeds and weeds that are considered to have significant impacts on agriculture and natural values. A weed management plan should cover, but not be limited to:

• Overarching set of objectives and the context in which they are to be achieved;

• An accurate assessment of the distribution of declared weeds and significant environmental weeds;

• Declared weeds and significant weed distributions should be clearly and accurately mapped;

• Priorities developed and management and control of weeds, both in the short term as well as long term;

• An assessment of the potential impact of those weeds, including immediate and adjacent areas which are free of particular declared weeds;


• Strategies for managing weeds within the development and associated work areas, including their eradication;

• Strategies for on-going monitoring and control of weeds within the development and associated work areas; and

• Identification of appropriate herbicides for control and how they are to be used.

Note, the gorse statutory management plan should be taken into consideration, with particular reference to the municipal management strategy for the Burnie area.

Hygiene Plan

A hygiene plan should be developed to ensure the development and associated work areas do not result in the introduction of new declared weed species into the area, translocation of weeds within the development footprint or the export of existing declared weeds out of the area. The hygiene plan should consider in particular, Phytophthora cinnamomi, including its potential to occur and relevant management protocols. The hygiene plan should cover, but not be limited to:

• Vehicle, machinery and equipment hygiene including the washdown protocols when traveling between clean and contaminated areas within the development footprint and also vehicles entering or leaving the site;

• The location and management of washdown areas and facilities, including management of effluent;

• Maintaining logbooks detailing adherence to hygiene protocols;

• Material hygiene (soils, gravel, plant material etc), ensuring that no materials contaminated with weed propagules (seed, propagative vegetative material) are either imported into the development footprint or exported out of those areas; and

• Hygiene management must be relevant to the nature of the operation.

It is important that the management and control measures and operational protocols developed in a weed management plan and hygiene plan are provided to and understood by contractors involved in site works and the transport of machinery and materials into and off site. This will require regular communication of the protocols established by the plans, training and easily accessed information.


a) Surveys must be undertaken of the proposed mine site and proposed power corridor zone which include, but are not be restricted to, species and ecological communities listed under the relevant Schedules of the Commonwealth EPBC Act and the Tasmanian Threatened Species Protection Act 1995 that may be effected by the proposal.

b) Any flora surveys must, as a minimum, comply with the requirements of the document Guidelines for Natural Values Assessments published by the Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment (DPIPWE), and with regard to any relevant publicly-available guidance issued by the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Populations, and Communities (DSEWPaC). The methodology for surveys should be developed in consultation with DPIPWE and DSEWPaC.

c) The survey area must include all potential areas of disturbance associated with the proposed mine site and power corridor zone.

d) It is noted in the NOI that the weed species Ulex europaeus (gorse), declared under the Tasmanian Weed Management Act 1999 and also listed as a Weed of National Significance, was recorded at various locations throughout the study area. Flora surveys conducted onsite should also incorporate weed observations.


6.5 Key issue 5: Fauna


In addition to relevant legislation and policy, regard should be given to the National Strategy for the Conservation of Australia’s Biological Diversity, the draft Tasmania’s Nature Conservation Strategy and the Threatened Species Strategy for Tasmania. Consideration of each species must have regard to any recovery plan prepared by the Commonwealth, Tasmanian or other state government, in relation to the species, and any publicly available policy statement or conservation advice prepared by the Commonwealth in relation to the species.


The following issues should be addressed in relation to the proposed mine:

a) Effects on fauna, including effects on species, communities and habitats, with particular reference to rare and threatened species, migratory species, communities and habitats, including those listed under the Commonwealth EPBC Act and the Tasmanian Threatened Species Protection Act 1995 (TSPA). See Section 7 for specific information requirements in relation to Commonwealth listed species and communities.

b) The Policy Conservation and Assessment Branch (PCAB), DPIPWE, noted that the wedge-tailed eagle Aquila audax fleayi (listed as endangered under the TSPA and EPBC Act), grey goshawk Accipiter novaehollandiae (listed as endangered under the TSPA), and masked owl Tyto novaehollandiae castanops (listed as endangered under the TSPA and vulnerable under the EPBC Act) are known, or likely to occur within the impact footprint. PCAB supports the targeted surveys for each of these species, as outlined in the NOI. Surveys for the grey goshawk should be conducted during the breeding season (December-January inclusive). It should also be noted that the species can occur across a range of vegetation types rather than just the ‘closed’ forest types described in the PBSFH assessment report. In regards to surveying for masked owls, PCAB recommends a survey of potential nest trees be undertaken.

c) PCAB also note that the Tasmanian devil Sarcophilus harrisii (listed as endangered under the TSPA and the EPBC Act) and the spotted tailed quoll Dasyurus maculatus maculatus (listed as rare under the TSPA and vulnerable under the EPBC Act) are likely to occur within the impact footprint. PCAB are aware that additional surveys are being taken, and will provide further comment regarding these surveys as required.

d) Effects on identified areas or habitats of conservation significance, including designated conservation areas, areas relating to the requirements of international treaties (e.g. Japan-Australia, China-Australia, and Republic of Korea-Australia Migratory Bird Agreements (JAMBA/CAMBA/ROKAMBA) and Ramsar (wetlands) Convention), or wetlands listed in A Directory of Important Wetlands in Australia.

e) Discussion of the potential impacts on species arising from pest species, disease and fire outbreaks generated by the proposed action.

f) Identify any freshwater ecosystems of high conservation management priority using the Conservation of Freshwater Ecosystem Values (CFEV) database (accessible on the internet under water.dpiw.tas.gov.au/wist/). The scope of investigation should encompass the vicinity of the proposed development where there is likelihood of alteration to the existing environment. The specific CFEV information used for DPEMPs should be Conservation Management Priority-Potential which is appropriate for Development Proposals.

g) Reference should be made to potential effects of vehicle movements on wildlife as a result of the proposal, and to proposed mitigation measures for any wildlife priority areas.



a) Surveys must be undertaken of the proposed mine site and proposed power corridor zone which include, but are not be restricted to, species listed under the relevant Schedules of the Commonwealth EPBC Act and the Tasmanian Threatened Species Protection Act 1995 that may be effected by the proposal.

b) Baseline aquatic ecosystem survey of the immediate and downstream environment likely to be impacted by the proposal. The survey must include reference sites upstream of the proposed mine.

c) Assessment of the potential impact of the proposal on aquatic ecosystems as a result of changes in hydrology and or water quality.

d) Any fauna surveys must, as a minimum, comply with the requirements of the document Guidelines for Natural Values Assessments published by the Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment (DPIPWE), and have regard to any relevant publicly available guidance issued by DSEWPaC. The methodology for surveys should be developed in consultation with DPIPWE and DSEWPaC.

6.6 Key issue 6: Geo-conservation

6.6.1 Key Legislative and policy requirements It must be demonstrated that the proposal is consistent with the objectives and requirements of relevant policies and legislation, such as the Tasmanian Regional Forest Agreement (Land Classification) Act 1998.


a) Potential effect of the proposal on sites of geo-conservation significance and natural processes, including the listed Western Tasmanian Blanket Bogs.

b) Potential effect of the proposal on karst systems.

Other Potential Impacts

While the DPEMP should be principally focused on the key issues described above, it should evaluate all potential effects of the proposal.

The following sub-sections outline other issues that could be affected by the proposal.

The assessment of each issue should be appropriate to the level of significance of that issue for the proposal.

6.7 Air emissions

6.7.1 Legislative and policy requirements

Consideration should be given to the requirements of the Tasmanian Environment Protection Policy (Air Quality) (see http://epa.tas.gov.au/policy/air-quality-epp).


a) The location of all emission points should be specified and mapped.

b) Potential sources of fugitive emissions (including odour and dust that may arise from loading, unloading and transport) should be described.


c) Identify any potential effects of the proposal on the local, regional and global air environment, taking into account the potential for emissions to cause environmental and health effects.

6.8 Noise emissions

This section should identify existing conditions, performance requirements, potential effects of the proposal on ambient (surrounding) noise levels (during both the construction and operational phases), and identify measures to avoid and mitigate any possible adverse effects, and assess the overall effects on ambient noise levels following implementation of the proposed avoidance and mitigation measures.


a) All major sources of noise must be identified and described.

b) The potential for noise emissions (during both the construction and operational phases) to cause nuisance for nearby land users should be considered and any proposed measures to mitigate noise impacts should be described.

c) The potential for noise emissions to affect terrestrial, marine and freshwater wildlife and livestock.

6.8.2 Noise and vibration from blasting

a) Blasting description.

b) Notional vibration and air-blast overpressure levels at the nearest residence.

6.9 Solid and controlled waste management

This section should demonstrate that all reasonable and practicable measures have been taken to avoid producing each type of solid waste or controlled waste and in particular to reduce the amount of waste requiring disposal, having regard to best practice environmental management.

The measures must be in accordance with the hierarchy of waste management, arranged in decreasing order of desirability:

a) waste avoidance;

b) waste recycling/reclamation;

c) waste re-use;

d) waste treatment to reduce potentially adverse effects; and

e) waste disposal.

Controlled waste is defined in the EMPC Act and associated regulations. A non-exhaustive listing of categories of Controlled waste can be found on the internet at http://epa.tas.gov.au/regulation/identify-a-material-as-a-controlled-waste.

The section should focus on non-mining waste. Waste rock and tailings should be discussed in Section 2.


a) The source, nature and quantities of all solid wastes, including controlled waste and general refuse, likely to be generated.

b) Methods proposed to collect, store, reuse, treat or dispose of each solid waste, including controlled waste.


6.10 Environmentally hazardous materials

This section should evaluate that potential for environmentally hazardous materials that may be used during the construction, operation and decommissioning of the proposed activity to impact the environment.


a) The nature, quantity and storage location of all environmentally hazardous materials including fuels, oils and chemical reagents that will be used during the construction and operation of the proposal, including maintenance activities.

b) Potential effects from the transport, storage and usage of environmentally hazardous materials associated with the proposal.

c) The mitigation measures (such as storage of such materials within bunded areas or spill trays) to be adopted to prevent or control any accidental releases of environmentally hazardous materials.

d) Contingency plans for when control measures/equipment breakdowns or accidental releases to the environment occur, including proposed emergency and clean-up measures and notification procedures.

6.11 Environmental hazard analysis and risk assessment

A risk assessment incorporating the requirements of Australian/New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 4360:1995 Risk management, or equivalent, should be conducted, to identify all credible risks to the environment associated with specific major environmental hazard events identified through a hazard analysis (e.g. failure of tailings and water storage dams, collapse of pit walls etc).

The risk assessment should identify measures to avoid and mitigate potential adverse environmental effects.


a) Consideration should be given to risks associated with malfunctions, accidents or fires, in addition to those posed by natural disasters such as storms, floods and wild fires.

b) For each hazard event, estimate the likely frequency and potential impact on the environment, including implications arising from the direct effects of an event, e.g. effect of fire on flora and fauna, and indirect effects such as the release of pollutants into the environment.

c) Identify high risk locations and facilities.

d) Describe technical and management safeguards to be employed to assess and minimise the likely occurrence and consequences of identified hazard events.

e) Define the objectives and management principles to be adopted for the preparation of a detailed emergency plan, including emergency response, recovery/clean-up procedures and consultation with relevant emergency services.

6.12 Environmental management systems

This section should provide information on strategic matters relating to environmental management of the proposal, including a description of the following.

a) Environmental management systems or environmental policies implemented or proposed by the proponent, which are relevant to the environmental management of the proposal.


b) Organisational structure and environmental responsibility within that structure for the proposal.

c) Procedures and instructions to employees (including contractors) on minimising adverse environmental effects of activities, as well as employee induction and education programs to ensure an appropriate response to operational environmental concerns should be included in relevant sections.

6.13 Greenhouse gas emissions

This section should identify the main sources of greenhouse gas emissions associated with the proposal and provide a brief discussion regarding the overall greenhouse gas implications of the proposal.

Proponents will need to determine whether they are required to report to the Commonwealth under the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Act 2007.

6.13.1 Implementing greenhouse best practice

It should be demonstrated that the development will implement cost-effective greenhouse best practice measures to achieve on-going minimisation of greenhouse gas emissions.

Details of any feasible alternative ways of providing energy for the proposal, transporting materials to and from the proposal, design and construction of components or otherwise implementing the proposal so as to have a lesser carbon footprint should be provided. Where less greenhouse gas intensive alternatives are not adopted, justification should be provided and/or mechanisms to offset greenhouse gas emissions should be put forward.

6.13.2 Ozone depleting substances

Any generation or use of ozone depleting substances in the proposal (such as in refrigeration or fire-fighting) must be identified and justified.

6.14 Heritage

This section focuses on Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal cultural heritage sites and areas.

6.14.1 Legislative and policy requirements

The advice of the Aboriginal Heritage Tasmania should be sought to establish regulatory requirements for Aboriginal heritage values, places and landscapes. Any Aboriginal heritage material identified must be reported to the Director of National Parks and Wildlife and dealt with in accordance with the Aboriginal Relics Act 1975. Where a request is made to seek to disturb, destroy or otherwise deal with an Aboriginal relic as per Section 14 (1) of the Aboriginal Relics Act 1975, information relevant to a permit under that Act will be required. The status of existing or pending permit applications should be provided in the DPEMP.

The advice of the Heritage Tasmania should be sought with regard to effects on places listed on the Tasmanian Heritage Register and to establish regulatory requirements for heritage values, places and landscapes. Any approvals required under the Historic Cultural Heritage Act 1995 should be identified.


Potential effects on the following should be addressed (where relevant):

a) Declared World Heritage Area properties and values.

b) Any places listed on the National Heritage List and values.

c) Any places listed or interim listed on the Register of the National Estate and values.


d) Any places listed on the Tasmanian Heritage Register (maintained by the Tasmanian Heritage Council), including consideration of cultural landscapes.

e) Any places on the Tasmanian Historic Places Inventory (maintained by Heritage Tasmania).

f) Any places on the Tasmanian Aboriginal Site Index (maintained by Aboriginal Heritage Tasmania), including consideration of cultural landscapes.

g) Local government planning scheme heritage schedules.

h) Any other places of heritage significance.

6.14.3 Surveys and studies

a) Aboriginal Heritage Tasmania (AHT) has completed a search of the Tasmanian Aboriginal Site Index (TASI) regarding the proposed ‘Rogetta Project’ south of Hampshire and can advise that there are a number of Aboriginal heritage sites recorded within or close to the property, including isolated artefacts and artefact scatters. An Aboriginal heritage investigation is therefore required to identify whether the proposed project or related infrastructure will impact on any Aboriginal heritage and to offer mitigation advice. This investigation must be undertaken by a suitably qualified Consulting Archaeologist.

b) Please be aware that all Aboriginal heritage investigations throughout Tasmania must meet AHT’s Standards and Guidelines, as described in Standards and Guidelines Package for Consulting Archaeologists. The standards and guidelines packages that apply to Aboriginal Heritage Officers and Consulting Archaeologists are available at http://www.aboriginalheritage.tas.gov.au/.

c) Before engaging a consultant for an assessment of Aboriginal Heritage, Aboriginal Heritage Tasmania should be contacted for advice. Note: Information about the precise location of Aboriginal sites may be confidential. Confidentiality requirements should be discussed with Aboriginal Heritage Tasmania and confidential information should not be included in the DPEMP.

d) Once the Aboriginal heritage investigation has been completed a copy of the report must be forwarded to AHT for review/comment.

e) No ground disturbance works should be carried out on site until the Aboriginal heritage investigation report has been accepted by Aboriginal Heritage Tasmania.

f) Consultation with the Aboriginal Heritage Council, Aboriginal Heritage Tasmania, as well as with Aboriginal communities, should occur after any survey of potential sites to establish regulatory requirements for heritage values, places and landscapes.

g) Guidelines for assessing historic heritage sites can be found at www.heritage.tas.gov.au/guidelines.html

6.14.5 Commonwealth Government requirements

The requirements of the Commonwealth Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act 1984 should also be considered where there is a threat of injury or desecration to an area which is significant as part of Aboriginal tradition, and potential impacts identified, assessed and managed in consultation with the traditional owners, Native Title claimants and any other indigenous people with rights and interests in the area.

6.15 Land use and development

This section should identify any potential effects of the proposal in terms of constraints or benefits it may place on the current or future use of land within the proposal site and surrounding area.



a) Effects on local and regional tourism, including effects existing or proposed tourist or recreation activities, such as camping areas, picnic areas, walking tracks, horse riding tracks, heritage trails etc.

b) Effects on residential, industrial, forestry, agricultural and other commercial activities, including any requirement of the State Policy for the Protection of Agricultural Land (2007) - (see http://www.dpac.tas.gov.au/divisions/policy/state_policies).

The following comments were received from Forestry Tasmania in relation to the proposed project:

a) The proposed tailings dam site is located over a section of an existing hardwood plantation. Compensation to Forestry Tasmania will be required for the loss of existing trees.

b) An access licence will be required for the company to use Rogetta Rd and/or Blythe Rd, which are both owned and maintained by Forestry Tasmania.

c) Forestry Tasmania would like to ensure they have continued access along Blythe Rd to access other areas of State forest production coupes, east and south of the proposed mine. This would include access for the purpose of harvesting timber.

Note, different sections Rogetta Rd and Blythe Rd are owned and maintained by Forestry Tasmania and Burnie City Council. The DPEMP must clearly identify the ownership and authority responsible for maintenance of all sections of road/highway that will be used during the construction and operation of the proposed project.

6.16 Visual effects

This section should outline the existing visual setting within which the proposal infrastructure will be located and assess the capacity of the landscape to absorb any visual changes to the landscape as a result of the proposal.

The assessment should also take account of the appearance of the proposal from significant vantage points. These should include points both inside and outside the site and should include viewpoints likely to be visited by tourists or recreational users. Presentation of ‘artists impressions’, photomontages or visual modelling is recommended. The methodology used and assumptions made in the assessment should be clearly identified.

Measures to avoid and mitigate potential adverse visual effects should be identified, such as minimising vegetation clearance, facility height, size, design, colour, separation and post-construction re-vegetation.

6.17 Traffic impacts

This section should identify roads to be used by vehicles associated with the proposal (both during construction and operation) and the likely volume and nature of traffic and timing of traffic flows, including details of the current usage of these roads.

Impacts associated with altered traffic flows should be discussed (such as impacts on other road users and residences adjacent to roads) and any road or intersection modifications required for transportation of material and equipment during construction, and transportation of product during operation.

Consideration should also be given to the potential for traffic noise nuisance.

The following comments were received from the Roads and Traffic Division, Department of Infrastructure, Energy and Resources, in relation to potential truck and vehicle movements associated with the proposed project. The eastern side of the Natone Road and Rogetta Road


junction appears to have substandard sight distance. Consequently, mitigation works would be required to improve sight distance to the east of the junction. Note: Truck Ahead warning signs could be installed along Natone Road, east of the Rogetta Road junction, for westbound traffic. However, it is preferred that sight distance mitigation works be undertaken before Truck Warning signs are considered. Given that Natone Road and Rogetta Road (part of) are Burnie City Council (BCC) roads, BCC should be consulted in relation to any proposed works within the Natone Road and Rogetta Road reservations.

In relation to the Ridgley Highway and Natone Road junction, the predominant movements relating to the proposed mine will be to and from the north. In this regard, the predominant turns at the junction would be left turns from Ridgley Highway into Natone Road and right turns from Natone Road into Ridgley Highway. Consequently, there will be no significant traffic safety or operational issues expected at the junction due to the proposed development.

6.18 Health and safety issues

This section should review any health and safety issues relating to employees, site visitors and the public.

It must be demonstrated that occupational health and safety issues have been taken into account during the planning of the proposal, including an analysis of alternatives. It should be demonstrated that compliance with the Workplace Health and Safety Act 1995 and the Workplace Health and Safety Regulations 1998 will be achieved. Safety management systems to be used during construction and operational phases should be described.


i) Construction phase safety issues, including traffic movement and volume, access to the site, and operational hours of construction workers. These should be addressed in the context of health and safety for both workers, and nearby residents.

j) Security arrangements to prevent unauthorised access to the proposal site during construction.

k) Identify any safety issues and management requirements for the protection of human health and safety affecting the community.

l) The nature, quantity and storage location of all Dangerous Goods (as defined in the Australian Code for the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road and Rail) that will be used during the construction and operation of the proposal, including maintenance activities.

m) Potential effects from the transport, storage and usage of dangerous goods associated with the proposal.

n) The mitigation measures to be adopted to prevent or control any accidental releases of dangerous goods, including contingency plans for when control measures/equipment breakdowns or accidental releases to occur, including proposed emergency clean-up and notification procedures.

6.19 Fire management

The proponent should demonstrate compliance with the relevant requirements of the Fire Services Act 1979 and the Workplace Health and Safety Act 1995.

The potential fire risk associated with the proposal must be considered, and include consideration of fire within the site, fire escaping the site and the effect of wildfire originating from outside the development.

In consultation with relevant authorities, the proponents will need to determine whether a fire response plan is required.


The fire response plan should be fully integrated with all relevant documents, for example Tasmania Fire Service Local Area Fire Management Plan, Forestry Tasmania Fire Management Plan, and Parks and Wildlife Service Fire Action Plan for relevant districts.

6.20 Cumulative and interactive effects

Where relevant, this section should contain an assessment of the potential cumulative effects of the proposal, based on existing and other formally proposed developments in the region, which have not been addressed in previous sections. Interactions between biophysical, socio-economic and cultural effects of the proposal should be discussed.

Potential cumulative effects also need to be addressed. Interactions between biophysical, socio-economic and cultural effects should be identified.

7. EPBC ACT REQUIREMENTS

This section of the DPEMP must address the matters specified in Schedule 4 of the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Regulations 2000 and provide enough information about the project and its relevant impacts to allow the Commonwealth Minister to make an informed decision on whether to approve the proposal under Part 9 of the EPBC Act.

This section must include a summary table which demonstrates how and where each matter in Schedule 4, as well as, those matters which are discussed below, have been addressed in the DPEMP. Schedule 4 of the EPBC Regulations can be found at http://www.comlaw.gov.au/Series/F2000B00190. Where such matters have not already been addressed elsewhere in the DPEMP, they must be included within this section.

7.1 Matters of National Environmental Significance

Specific matters the DPEMP must address include an analysis of the potential impacts of the action upon EPBC Act listed threatened species, ecological communities, and listed migratory species. Such species and/or communities must include (but need not be limited to) those which have been identified in the field survey(s) and those which are listed below:

Listed threatened species & ecological communities:

Fauna:

• Tasmanian devil, Sarcophilus harrisii (endangered)

• wedge-tailed eagle (Tasmanian), Aquila audax fleayi (endangered)

• spotted-tail quoll (Tasmanian population), Dasyurus maculatus maculatus (vulnerable)

• masked owl (Tasmanian), Tyto novaehollandiae castanops (vulnerable)

• Tasmanian azure kingfisher, Ceyx azureus diemenensis (endangered)

• eastern barred bandicoot (Tasmania), Perameles gunnii gunnii (vulnerable)

• giant freshwater crayfish, Astacopsis gouldi (vulnerable)

• Australian grayling, Prototroctes maraena (vulnerable)

• Burnie burrowing crayfish, Engaeus yabbimunna (vulnerable)

Flora:

• riverbed wintercress, Barbarea australis (critically endangered)

• South Esk heath, Epacris exserta (endangered)

• Snug greenhood, Pterostylis atriola (endangered)

• grassland greenhood, Pterostylis ziegeleri (vulnerable)

• hoary sunray, Leucochrysum albicans var. tricolor (endangered)

Vegetation communities:


• alpine sphagnum bogs and associated fens (endangered)

• lowland native grasslands of Tasmania (critically endangered)

Listed Migratory Species:

• white-bellied sea-eagle, Haliaeetus leucogaster

• great egret, white egret, Ardea alba

• white-throated needletail, Hirundapus caudacutus

• Latham's snipe, Japanese snipe, Gallinago hardwickii

For the avoidance of doubt, potential impacts include: direct, indirect, and consequential impacts. Potential impacts must also be considered for any offsite or ancillary infrastructure required as a result of the action, including transmission lines or road upgrades. Operational impacts associated with the proposal must also be considered. For example, the DPEMP must detail the potential for road kill to EPBC Act listed fauna (such as the Tasmanian devil, or the wedge-tailed eagle) to occur as a result of the proposal (specifically, from vehicles transporting iron ore from on site to Burnie).

Where appropriate, details of the quantification of impacts must be accompanied by maps and figures. This includes, such impacts as the degradation of habitat as a result of changes to the hydrological regime of the surrounding catchment, or contamination of local waterways associated with toxic/acidic discharge from the mine site where these have the potential to impact upon EPBC Act listed threatened species and communities, migratory species or their habitats. A map of the proposed transportation route between the project site and Burnie must also be provided.

Any uncertainties in the information provided regarding impacts must be identified and where possible quantified. The information provided on these matters should have regard to any relevant publicly available guidance documents or listing advice provided by the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities (including but not necessarily limited to, information provided on the department's Species Profile and Threats Database (SPRAT), which can be found at the following link: http://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/sprat/public/sprat.pl). Any consideration of indirect impacts and offsite impacts must also have regard to the definitions provided in the department's Significant Impact Guidelines 1.1: Matters of National Environmental Significance (2009) (found at: http://www.environment.gov.au/epbc/publications/nes-guidelines.html) .

Any surveys required to assess potential impacts must be consistent with the relevant Commonwealth survey guidelines for nationally threatened mammals and birds found at: http://www.environment.gov.au/epbc/guidelines-policies.html#threatened. The DPEMP must demonstrate how all surveys are consistent with these guidelines or, where surveys diverge from these, provide reasonable justification for the methodologies employed. For the avoidance of doubt, field surveys are required for all areas where there is currently insufficient information to inform an assessment, and the area has the potential to be impacted by the proposal (either directly, indirectly or offsite) and falls within the habitat distribution of a matter of national environmental significance (NES).

7.2 Avoidance, mitigation, management and compensatory measures

The DPEMP must include any proposed avoidance, mitigation and management measures which address potential impacts to matters of NES. Sufficient information must be provided to allow an informed evaluation of the adequacy of the proposed measures including: details of the methodology or design parameters, whether the measures have any statutory or policy basis, an indication of implementation costs, the likelihood of success and proposed performance measures, as well as, any associated monitoring programs and adaptive management protocols.


Whilst the DPEMP should not be limited to the following measures, it must include further details on the measures proposed in the EPBC Act referral documentation, including:

• proposed restrictions on vehicle speed / movement;

• mapped locations of the proposed fauna crossings;

• timing / staging of the proposed rehabilitation of disturbed areas (which afford habitat for EPBC Act listed species or communities) and further details around the type of measures to be employed;

Again, whilst the DPEMP should not be limited to proposing the following measures, it should also give consideration to the following:

• the removal of carrion I road-kill to discourage EPBC Act listed fauna from foraging along road sides and minimise the risk of vehicle strike;

• implementation of pre-clearance fauna surveys to allow EPBC Act listed fauna to disperse ahead of the construction front, and to lower the risk of mortality to individuals; and

• providing a suite of protocols to be implemented if dens are found to be occupied by devils or quolls during pre-clearance surveys.

An outline of any proposed environmental plans or frameworks that will be implemented to give effect to proposed mitigation, management or monitoring strategies for the relevant impacts during all phases of the action, including any provisions for independent environmental auditing must also be provided.

Where adverse impacts to matters of NES as a result of the proposal are 'likely' to occur (as defined in the department's Significant Impact Guidelines 1. 1: Matters of National Environmental Significance (2009)) despite the application of management and mitigation measures, the DPEMP must also consider proposing compensatory measures to offset these residual impacts. Such measures must be consistent with the department's most current offset guidance policies, which can be found at: http://www.environment.gov.au/epbc/publications/environmental-offsets-policy.html.

Where the issues raised in this section have been substantially addressed elsewhere in the DPEMP, a summary supported by appropriate cross referencing may suffice.

8. MONITORING, REVIEW, AND ADAPTIVE MANAGEMENT

This section should provide an outline of the monitoring to take place, as proposed in the relevant sections of the DPEMP. It should provide information on a review and reporting program for each relevant issue. The program should be designed to meet the following objectives:

a) Monitoring of compliance with emission standards and other performance requirements identified in the DPEMP.

b) Assessing the effectiveness of the performance requirements and environmental safeguards in achieving environmental quality objectives.

c) Assessing the extent to which the predictions of environmental effects in the DPEMP have eventuated.

d) Assessing compliance with commitments made in the DPEMP.

The monitoring program should include details of any pre-commissioning monitoring and or studies, proposed sites to be sampled, sampling procedures, parameters to be analysed, the frequency of sampling, and the format and frequency of reporting. A monitoring program summary table and a site plan showing sampling locations (where relevant) should be provided. The reporting program should include discussion of results and adaptive management options.

NB: Pre-construction water quality and biological condition monitoring will be required to establish reference condition sites and test areas that may potentially be affected by the proposal.


9. DECOMMISSIONING AND REHABILITATION (MINE CLOSURE)

Due to the finite nature of mining operations and their susceptibility to external economic influences, mine closure planning should commence before the operation commences. The DPEMP should contain sufficient detail to enable a bond to be established to protect the Crown from future liabilities in the event of unforeseen mine closure or company failure.

The DPEMP therefore must contain the following:

a) A preliminary mine closure plan for end-of-mine life providing a framework for regular review/development of concepts as development of the mine occurs. To this end the preliminary mine closure plan will be a ‘living’ document. The preliminary mine closure plan should consider, as a minimum, the following:

• Identification and prioritisation of risks;

• Premature mine closure;

• Long term stability (i.e. post closure);

• Potential for acid mine drainage (AMD), including sources, pathways to water environment and estimated volumes in the long term (i.e. post closure), and mitigation measures, including maintenance requirements for any on-going AMD;

• Tailings dam, waste rock dump and mine pit closure and final landform;

• Management of the water system post closure (i.e. drains, pipes, pump stations, water retention dams, stream diversions etc.), including any restoration of natural drainage features.

• The proposed method of rehabilitation of disturbed areas, including the replacement of stockpiled topsoil and re-vegetation techniques (i.e. use of local provenance species) to be applied and contingencies to achieve satisfactory rehabilitation, should the operation cease during the life of the DPEMP for Project;

• Post closure monitoring programs; and

• Management strategies for any site decontamination.

b) Determination of a cost estimate, based on the closure (including decommissioning and rehabilitation) concepts correlated to the proposed level of development/disturbance associated with the project. It is envisaged that with future revisions of the closure plan, revision of the closure cost estimate will also be undertaken to more accurately reflect the true cost of mine closure and decommissioning and rehabilitation of the site.

Study requirements

a) Through geochemical test work, assess the long term acid generating capacity of the mine site after closure.

b) Provide details of expected levels (and volumes) of contaminated material to be managed at closure.

10. SUMMARY OF MANAGEMENT COMMITMENTS

Provide a summary table of all management commitments proposed in the previous sections of the DPEMP. The commitments should be sequentially numbered and should specify when each commitment is to be implemented, who is responsible for implementing the action, and should cross-reference the appropriate section of the DPEMP.


11. CONCLUSION

This section should briefly describe the proposal and draw together the critical environmental effects of the proposal, both positive and negative. It should present a balanced overview of the net environmental effects of the proposal, and the extent to which any adverse effects on the environment can be satisfactorily avoided, mitigated, remediated or compensated. The conclusion should also describe how the proposal meets the objectives of relevant Commonwealth and State assessment and planning policies and legislation.

12. REFERENCES

This section should provide details of authorities consulted, reference documents etc.

13. APPENDICES

As a means of improving readability of the DPEMP document, detailed technical information which supports the DPEMP should be included in appendices. The salient features of the appendices should be included in the main body of the DPEMP. Care should be taken to avoid inconsistencies between technical content of Appendices and the DPEMP itself, unless carefully explained.

GLOSSARY

DPEMP – Development Proposal and Environmental Management Plan

DPIPWE - Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and the Environment

DSEWPaC – Department of sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities

EMPC Act – Environmental Management and Pollution Control Act 1994

EPBC Regulations – Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Regulations 2000 (Cth)

EPA – Environment Protection Authority

EPBC Act - Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth)

JAMBA/CAMBA/ROKAMBA - Japan-Australia, China-Australia, and Republic of Korea-Australia Migratory Bird Agreements

NOI – Notice of Intent

PCAB – Policy and Conservation Assessment Branch (DPIPWE)

PEVs – Protected Environmental Values

Tasmanian RFA - Tasmanian Regional Forest Agreement

TSPA – Tasmanian Threatened Species Protection Act 1995