bhp billiton iron ore pty ltd...bhp billiton iron ore pty ltd (bhp) currently operates the port...
TRANSCRIPT
BHP Billiton Iron Ore Pty Ltd Port Hedland Port Operations - 330Mtpa Licence Application
Air Quality Assessment
May 2020
GHD | Report for BHP Billiton Iron Ore Pty Ltd-Port Hedland Port Operations - 330Mtpa Licence Application, 12526305 | i
Executive summary Project description
This report has been produced to support a proposed amendment to the existing operating
licence (L4513/1969/18) of BHP Billiton Iron Ore (BHP) Port Hedland Port Operations. The
existing licence is issued under Part V of the Environmental Protection Act 1986. This licence
amendment application seeks to increase nominated throughput capacity up to 330 million
tonnes per annum (Mtpa).
This study adopts consistent methodology in line with the previous 290Mtpa licence
amendment, that is AERMOD modelling using meteorological and background data from 2013
(PEL, 2016). Modelling of cumulative emissions is also undertaken as part of this assessment.
Emissions from the Pilbara Ports Authority Eastern and Utah Point operations, operations at
Anderson Point by Fortescue Metals Group, Roy Hill operations and North West Iron Ore
Alliance operations are also included.
Overview of the assessment
The criteria used for this study have been derived from The WA Government endorsed Port Hedland Dust Management Taskforce recommendation, that the current interim guideline of 24-
hour PM10 of 70 μg/m3 continues to apply to residential areas of Port Hedland and that
measures should be introduced to cap (and if possible, reduce) the number of permanent
residents in dust affected areas of Port Hedland.
Furthermore in 2018, the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER) and the
Department of Health (DoH) released the Industry Regulation Fact Sheet: Managing Dust in Port Hedland (DWER and DoH, 2018) in response to the WA Government endorsement of the
Taskforce recommendations. This included the following guidance from DWER on its interim
regulatory approach for Port Hedland:
Applicants will be encouraged to demonstrate no net increase to dust emissions in Port Hedland from port related activities. Where this isn’t demonstrated, DWER will consider further controls that may in part serve to offset any increase in dust emissions.
For the purposes of this assessment the modelling results have been compared against the
interim guideline of 24-hour PM10 of 70 μg/m3 and the annual average PM10 concentrations at
the regulatory monitoring location at Taplin Street in Port Hedland.
Air quality impacts from the currently approved throughput capacity and the expansion
scenarios have been modelled using the US EPA AERMOD dispersion model. All modelling
was conducted using the setup detailed in the Air Quality Assessment – 290Mtpa (PEL, 2016).
Key outcomes
Modelling of the proposed throughput capacity of 330Mtpa (BHP without background) indicates
that:
This scenario does not result in any exceedances of the interim criteria (24-hour PM10 of
70 μg/m3) at Taplin Street.
BHP’s Port Operations annual average predicted PM10 concentrations at the regulatory
monitoring location (Taplin Street) are predicted to decrease by 0.9 µg/m3 from the base
case (290Mtpa) for the 330Mtpa expansion scenario.
The extensive dust control package included with BHP’s 330Mtpa expansion scenario, is
predicted to deliver a reduction in BHP’s contribution to dust concentrations, whilst allowing
GHD | Report for BHP Billiton Iron Ore Pty Ltd-Port Hedland Port Operations - 330Mtpa Licence Application, 12526305 | ii
for an increase in Port throughput capacity of 40Mtpa. Such reduction is not only observed
at the Taplin Street receptor, the model also predicts a reduction in dust concentrations
across all other Port Hedland receptors, as shown in the Figure A.
Figure A Reduction in modelled annual average PM10 contribution (BHP only) at receptors in Port Hedland (290Mtpa vs 330Mtpa)
This report is subject to, and must be read in conjunction with, the limitations set out in
Section 1.4 and the assumptions and qualifications contained throughout the report.
GHD | Report for BHP Billiton Iron Ore Pty Ltd-Port Hedland Port Operations - 330Mtpa Licence Application, 12526305 | iii
Table of contents 1. Introduction .................................................................................................................................... 1
1.1 Background .......................................................................................................................... 1
1.2 Purpose of this report........................................................................................................... 1
1.3 Scope ................................................................................................................................... 1
1.4 Limitations ............................................................................................................................ 1
1.5 Assumptions ........................................................................................................................ 2
2. Project description .......................................................................................................................... 3
3. Air quality assessment criteria ....................................................................................................... 6
3.1 Dust ...................................................................................................................................... 6
3.2 Port Hedland Dust Management Taskforce ........................................................................ 6
4. Existing environment ...................................................................................................................... 7
4.1 Climate ................................................................................................................................. 7
4.2 Existing air quality ................................................................................................................ 9
4.3 Land use ............................................................................................................................ 10
4.4 Local receptors .................................................................................................................. 11
5. Emission estimation ..................................................................................................................... 13
5.1 Emission estimation process ............................................................................................. 13
5.2 290Mtpa base case dust abatement .................................................................................. 13
5.3 330Mtpa expansion dust abatement .................................................................................. 14
5.4 Emission estimates for BHP Port Operations .................................................................... 21
6. Modelling methodology ................................................................................................................ 25
6.1 AERMOD modelling ........................................................................................................... 25
6.2 Meteorological file .............................................................................................................. 25
6.3 Grid system ........................................................................................................................ 25
6.4 Sources .............................................................................................................................. 25
7. Model results ................................................................................................................................ 28
7.1 Base case – 290Mtpa BHP in isolation and cumulative .................................................... 28
7.2 Expansion - 330Mtpa BHP in isolation and cumulative ..................................................... 33
8. Conclusion ................................................................................................................................... 40
8.1 Air quality assessment criteria ........................................................................................... 40
8.2 Dust abatement .................................................................................................................. 40
8.3 Model results ...................................................................................................................... 42
References ............................................................................................................................................. 43
GHD | Report for BHP Billiton Iron Ore Pty Ltd-Port Hedland Port Operations - 330Mtpa Licence Application, 12526305 | iv
Table index Table 4-1 Local receptors .................................................................................................................. 11
Table 5-1 Schedule for sealing of open areas ................................................................................... 18
Table 7-1 Predicted 24-hour PM10 ground level concentrations at Taplin Street for
modelled 290Mtpa base case (µg/m3) ............................................................................... 29
Table 7-2 Statistics for predicted 24-hour PM10 ground level concentrations at Taplin
Street for modelled 330Mtpa expansion (µg/m3) ............................................................... 34
Table 7-3 Summary of predicted model statistics for PM10 ground level concentrations at
Taplin Street (µg/m3) – 290Mtpa base case vs 330Mtpa scenario .................................... 39
Figure index
Figure 2-1 Finucane Island – 330Mtpa route upgrade .......................................................................... 4
Figure 2-2 Nelson Point – 330Mtpa route upgrade and major works ................................................... 5
Figure 4-1 Port Hedland climate data ................................................................................................... 7
Figure 4-2 Annual PHIC BoM monitoring site wind rose ....................................................................... 8
Figure 4-3 Season PHIC BoM monitoring site wind rose ...................................................................... 9
Figure 4-4 24-hour PM10 background concentration for 2013 (μg/m3) ................................................ 10
Figure 4-5 Model receptor locations .................................................................................................... 12
Figure 5-1 Finucane Island dust controls ............................................................................................ 16
Figure 5-2 Nelson Point dust controls ................................................................................................. 17
Figure 5-3 Open area sealing – Phases 1 and 2 ................................................................................ 20
Figure 5-4 Estimated average PM10 emission rates for top 20 sources for 290Mtpa base
case ................................................................................................................................... 22
Figure 5-5 Estimated average PM10 emissio rates for top 20 sources for 330Mtpa
expansion ........................................................................................................................... 23
Figure 5-6 Estimated average PM10 emission rates with dust abatement for stockyards,
stackers and reclaimers for 290Mtpa and 330Mtpa, showing percentage change
in average emission rate .................................................................................................... 24
Figure 6-1 BHP Port Operations model sources ................................................................................. 26
Figure 6-2 PHIC CAM cumulative sources at Port Hedland ............................................................... 27
Figure 7-1 Maximum predicted 24-hour PM10 concentrations for 290Mtpa scenario (BHP
without background)........................................................................................................... 30
Figure 7-2 Maximum predicted 24-hour PM10 concentrations for 290Mtpa scenario (BHP
and PHIC CAM cumulative with background) ................................................................... 31
Figure 7-3 Annual average predicted PM10 concentrations for the 290Mtpa scenario (BHP
and PHIC CAM cumulative with background) ................................................................... 32
GHD | Report for BHP Billiton Iron Ore Pty Ltd-Port Hedland Port Operations - 330Mtpa Licence Application, 12526305 | v
Figure 7-4 Maximum predicted 24-hour PM10 concentrations for 330Mtpa scenario (BHP
without background)........................................................................................................... 35
Figure 7-5 Maximum predicted 24-hour PM10 concentrations for 330Mtpa scenario (BHP
with PHIC CAM cumulative and background) ................................................................... 36
Figure 7-6 Annual average predicted PM10 concentrations for 330Mtpa scenario (BHP with
PHIC CAM cumulative and background) ........................................................................... 37
Figure 7-7 Reduction in modelled annual average PM10 contribution (BHP only) at
receptors in Port Hedland (290Mtpa vs 330Mtpa) ............................................................. 38
Appendices Appendix A – Dust abatement (330Mtpa)
Appendix B – Wind fence wind speed reduction
Appendix C – Variable emissions file (330Mtpa)
Appendix D – AERMOD source parameters (330Mtpa)
GHD | Report for BHP Billiton Iron Ore Pty Ltd-Port Hedland Port Operations - 330Mtpa Licence Application, 12526305 | vi
Abbreviated terms Abbreviation Description BHP BHP Billiton Iron Ore Pty Ltd BoM Bureau of Meteorology BWS Belt wash station CD Car dumper DEM Dust Extinction Moisture DoH Department of Health
DJTSI Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation
DSO Direct shipped ore
DWER Department of Water and Environmental Regulation
EET Emission estimation technique EP Act Environmental Protection Act 1986 FMG Fortescue Metals Group GHD GHD Pty Ltd GLC Ground level concentration HRA Health risk assessment LRP Lump rescreening plant Mtpa Million tonnes per annum NPI National Pollutant Inventory NWIOA North West Iron Ore Alliance PHIC Port Hedland Industries Council
PHIC CAM Port Hedland Industries Council Cumulative Air Model
PM Particulate matter
PM10 Particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of 10 microns or less
PM2.5 Particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of 2.5 microns or less
PPA Pilbara Ports Authority RHIO Roy Hill Iron Ore RRU Reclaimer Route Upgrade SKM Sinclair Knight Merz SYE South Yard Extension TSG The Simulation Group US EPA United States Environmental Protection Agency WAPC Western Australian Planning Commission
GHD | Report for BHP Billiton Iron Ore Pty Ltd-Port Hedland Port Operations - 330Mtpa Licence Application, 12526305 | 1
1. Introduction 1.1 Background
BHP Billiton Iron Ore Pty Ltd (BHP) currently operates the Port Hedland Port Operations (Port
Operations) at Nelson Point and Finucane Island to support the export of iron ore products from
mines located within the Pilbara region of Western Australia.
The current approved export capacity of BHP’s Port Operations is 290 million tonnes per annum
(Mtpa).
BHP is applying for a licence amendment to increase the nominated shipping capacity
(Category 58) on the current Licence (L4513/1969/18) from 290Mtpa to 330Mtpa. A number of
route upgrades and major works are proposed to support the proposed increase in throughput
capacity.
1.2 Purpose of this report
This report outlines the methodology for the emission estimation and the atmospheric modelling
of the predicted dust impacts associated with the proposed increase in throughput capacity up
to 330Mtpa. The report also presents the predicted ground level concentrations of dust with the
proposed changes, and makes comparisons to the relevant dust performance criteria.
Modelling of cumulative emissions was also undertaken as part of this assessment. Emissions
from the Pilbara Ports Authority (PPA) Eastern and Utah Point operations, operations at
Anderson Point by Fortescue Metals Group (FMG), Roy Hill Iron Ore (RHIO) operations at
South West Creek and North West Iron Ore Alliance (NWIOA) operations also at South West
Creek were assessed along with BHP’s existing Port Operations and the proposed 330Mtpa
scenario.
1.3 Scope
The scope of works are as follows:
Update the AERMOD dispersion model with emission abatement and model refinements
proposed for the 330Mtpa licence amendment.
Conduct air dispersion modelling to predict impacts for:
– BHP Port Hedland Port Operations with a throughput capacity of 290Mtpa (current
licence) and 330Mtpa (licence amendment application)
– Cumulative scenarios with BHP 290Mtpa and 330Mtpa throughput capacity and third
party operations, which include:
o FMG operations at Anderson Point at 175Mtpa
o PPA operations at Eastern and Utah Point at 21Mtpa
o RHIO operations in South West Creek at 60Mtpa
o NWIOA operations in South West Creek at 50Mtpa
1.4 Limitations
This report has been prepared by GHD for BHP Billiton Iron Ore Pty Ltd and may only be used
and relied on by BHP Billiton Iron Ore Pty Ltd for the purpose agreed between GHD and BHP
Billiton Iron Ore Pty Ltd as set out in Section 1.3 of this report.
GHD | Report for BHP Billiton Iron Ore Pty Ltd-Port Hedland Port Operations - 330Mtpa Licence Application, 12526305 | 2
GHD otherwise disclaims responsibility to any person other than BHP Billiton Iron Ore Pty Ltd
arising in connection with this report. GHD also excludes implied warranties and conditions, to
the extent legally permissible.
The services undertaken by GHD in connection with preparing this report were limited to those
specifically detailed in the report and are subject to the scope limitations set out in the report.
The opinions, conclusions and any recommendations in this report are based on conditions
encountered and information reviewed at the date of preparation of the report. GHD has no
responsibility or obligation to update this report to account for events or changes occurring
subsequent to the date that the report was prepared.
The opinions, conclusions and any recommendations in this report are based on assumptions
made by GHD described in this report (refer Section 1.5 of this report). GHD disclaims liability
arising from any of the assumptions being incorrect.
GHD has prepared this report on the basis of information provided by BHP Billiton Iron Ore Pty
Ltd and others who provided information to GHD (including Government authorities), which
GHD has not independently verified or checked beyond the agreed scope of work. GHD does
not accept liability in connection with such unverified information, including errors and omissions
in the report which were caused by errors or omissions in that information.
1.5 Assumptions
For the purposes of this report, it is assumed that:
Any information provided to GHD by BHP is correct, and that this information is current at
the time of submission of the report.
Any data or information collected by parties other than GHD and used in this report is
correct.
GHD | Report for BHP Billiton Iron Ore Pty Ltd-Port Hedland Port Operations - 330Mtpa Licence Application, 12526305 | 3
2. Project description BHP is proposing to increase the approved throughput capacity of its Port Operations from
290Mtpa under the current operating licence to 330Mtpa. BHP proposes to undertake upgrades
to existing equipment at Finucane Island and Nelson Point to increase the production rates of
existing infrastructure (productivity upgrades) and install new infrastructure (major works) at
Nelson Point.
The proposed upgrades for Finucane Island include the Reclaimer Route Upgrade (RRU) /
Productivity projects, as shown in Figure 2-1.
The proposed upgrades for Nelson Point include:
RRU / Productivity projects
South Yard Expansion Stage 1 (SYE1)
South Yard Expansion Stage 2 (SYE2)
Car Dumper 6 (CD6) project
The proposed upgrades for Nelson Point are shown in Figure 2-2.
GHD | Report for BHP Billiton Iron Ore Pty Ltd-Port Hedland Port Operations - 330Mtpa Licence Application, 12526305 | 4
Figure 2-1 Finucane Island – 330Mtpa route upgrade
GHD | Report for BHP Billiton Iron Ore Pty Ltd-Port Hedland Port Operations - 330Mtpa Licence Application, 12526305 | 5
Figure 2-2 Nelson Point – 330Mtpa route upgrade and major works
GHD | Report for BHP Billiton Iron Ore Pty Ltd-Port Hedland Port Operations - 330Mtpa Licence Application, 12526305 | 6
3. Air quality assessment criteria 3.1 Dust
Suspended solids or liquids in air are referred to as particulate matter (PM). Dust is a term often
used as a substitute for PM, although it is more accurately applied to particles derived from the
mechanical breakdown of rock, soil and biota. Concentrations of particles suspended in air are
classified by an aerodynamic diameter, which describes the behaviour of the particle in the air
based on its size and shape. This assessment considers only PM10. PM10 refers to the total of
suspended particulate matter less than 10 μm in aerodynamic diameter.
3.2 Port Hedland Dust Management Taskforce
The WA Department of Health (DoH) released a health risk assessment (HRA) report on the air
quality in Port Hedland in January 2016 (DoH, 2016).
In response to the HRA report, Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DJTSI)
released the Port Hedland Dust Management Taskforce Report to Government (DJTSI, 2016)
(Taskforce Report) for public comment on 9 August 2017.
The criteria used for this study have been derived from The WA Government endorsed Port
Hedland Dust Management Taskforce recommendation, that the current interim guideline of 24-
hour PM10 of 70 μg/m3 continues to apply to residential areas of Port Hedland and that
measures should be introduced to cap (and if possible, reduce) the number of permanent
residents in dust affected areas of Port Hedland.
Furthermore in 2018, the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER) and the
Department of Health (DoH) released the Industry Regulation Fact Sheet: Managing Dust in Port Hedland (DWER and DoH, 2018) in response to the WA Government endorsement of the
Taskforce Recommendations. This included the following guidance from DWER on its interim
regulatory approach for Port Hedland:
Applicants will be encouraged to demonstrate no net increase to dust emissions in Port Hedland from port related activities. Where this isn’t demonstrated, DWER will consider further controls that may in part serve to offset any increase in dust emissions.
For the purposes of this assessment the modelling results have been compared against the
interim guideline of 24-hour PM10 of 70 μg/m3 and the annual average PM10 concentrations at
the regulatory monitoring location Taplin Street in Port Hedland.
GHD | Report for BHP Billiton Iron Ore Pty Ltd-Port Hedland Port Operations - 330Mtpa Licence Application, 12526305 | 7
4. Existing environment This section provides a contextual summary of the existing environmental aspects relevant to
the air quality assessment. It includes consideration of topography, land use (including
receptors), meteorology, and existing (background) ambient air quality in the vicinity of the study
area. The climate and meteorological characteristics of the region control the dispersion,
transformation and removal (or deposition) of pollutants from the atmosphere (i.e. ambient air
quality).
4.1 Climate
Port Hedland is located along the north coast of Western Australia in the Pilbara region and
experiences a semi-arid climate. Port Hedland is warm to hot all year round, experiences large
variations in rainfall and seasonal cyclonic activity. Although the cyclone season and most
storms are generally restricted to the summer months, the regional coast experiences the
greatest cyclonic activity in Australia (BoM, 2020).
Data collected from the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) station at Port Hedland Airport (station
number 4032) is available dating back to 1942, including temperature, rainfall and relative
humidity (Figure 4-1, BoM, 2020). Mean monthly temperatures range from a maximum of 36 °C
for the majority of the year (January to April and October to December) to a minimum of 27 °C
in July. Rainfall is variable throughout the year, peaking in February with 89 mm, and dropping
to less than five mm per month in August to November. The majority of rainfall occurs during
cyclone and thunderstorm events. Mean monthly relative humidity is variable and follows a
similar pattern to rainfall. Both mean 9:00 am and 3:00 pm relative humidity peak in February at
60 percent and 53 percent respectively. Minimum 9:00 am and 3:00 pm humidity occur in
September at 31 percent and 32 percent, respectively.
Figure 4-1 Port Hedland climate data
GHD | Report for BHP Billiton Iron Ore Pty Ltd-Port Hedland Port Operations - 330Mtpa Licence Application, 12526305 | 8
A graphical summary (in the form of wind roses) of the 10-minute average meteorological data
collected at the Port Hedland Industry Council (PHIC) BoM monitoring site is presented for July
2018 to June 2019 (i.e. financial year 2018-2019) in Figure 4-2 (annual (PHIC, 2020)) and
Figure 4-3 (seasonal (PHIC, 2020)). Wind speeds (metres per second) are grouped based on
the data range (for each site) and wind directions are grouped into sixteen 22.5-degree sectors
that represent all possible wind directions (PHIC, 2020).
The wind roses indicate the following:
The distribution of winds shown in Figure 4-2 and Figure 4-3 are typical of the Port Hedland
region and its location on the WA coastline.
The predominant wind direction at BoM is the north-west quadrant (west to north-west).
The site also shows frequent winds from the south-east quadrant. Winds from the south-
west and north-east quadrants are less common but do occur on occasion.
Wind speeds measured at BoM are relatively strong with annual average wind speed of
5.3 m/s. Wind speeds are most often between 4 m/s and 8 m/s, but can reach speeds of up
to 20 m/s in the predominant directions. Calm wind speeds are not generally observed at
the BoM site.
The seasonal distribution of winds is characterised by the climate drivers in Port Hedland.
During spring and summer (wet season) the winds are generally from the north-west
quadrant. During autumn and winter (dry season), the winds are predominately from the
south-east quadrant.
Figure 4-2 Annual PHIC BoM monitoring site wind rose
GHD | Report for BHP Billiton Iron Ore Pty Ltd-Port Hedland Port Operations - 330Mtpa Licence Application, 12526305 | 9
Figure 4-3 Season PHIC BoM monitoring site wind rose
In addition to the climate trends discussed above, Port Hedland also experiences particular
meteorological phenomenon, which have the ability to affect local weather conditions, as well as
the dispersion of dust. These include the following:
Tropical cyclones accompanied by damaging winds, storm surge and flooding.
Strong easterly winds in winter caused by development and intensification of anti-cyclones
over southern Western Australia or South Australia.
Major cloud bands that develop in winter and extend from the north-west coast across the
continent, bringing rain to the north-west and the interior of the continent.
4.2 Existing air quality
Port Hedland is an inherently dusty environment. The semi-arid climate lends itself to large
amounts of wind-blown dust during the drier months, significantly contributing to ambient
concentrations of dust. This is demonstrated in a study conducted in 2000 by Sinclair Knight
Merz (SKM), which focused on aggregate emissions in the Pilbara region (SKM, 2003). The
study found that the Pilbara region emitted approximately 170,000 tonnes of windblown
particulate matter in the 1998/1999 financial year. Higher dust levels were found to coincide with
the summer months.
GHD | Report for BHP Billiton Iron Ore Pty Ltd-Port Hedland Port Operations - 330Mtpa Licence Application, 12526305 | 10
Background concentrations are used in this assessment in order to demonstrate cumulative
concentrations of PM10 (PM10 concentrations associated with operations at Port Hedland plus
background levels of ambient PM10). The background concentrations were taken from the Port
Hedland Industries Council Cumulative Air Model (PHIC CAM) (PEL, 2015). PHIC CAM was
developed as a single, regional air dispersion model for Port Hedland. It includes emissions
from all key sources in the region, which were estimated using either site-specific information or
emission estimation techniques (EET) as described in the National Pollutant Inventory (NPI).
A complete description of the methodology used to estimate background concentrations is
provided in PEL, 2015. Figure 4-4 presents the 24-hour PM10 background concentration used in
this assessment.
Particular considerations for the use of PHIC CAM when assessing background results are that:
There is a high probability that not all fugitive (non-industrial) sources have been accounted
for in the background file.
The 2013 model year has one of the lowest background concentrations in the previous 10-
years of monitoring.
The ambient monitoring data indicates large annual variations in the background air
concentrations in the regions (PEL, 2015). Of particular note is the potential contribution of
emissions from the spoil bank at the Taplin Street monitor not being accounted for in the
background file. This may lead to an under-estimate of background impacts at Taplin
Street.
Figure 4-4 24-hour PM10 background concentration for 2013 (μg/m3)
4.3 Land use
4.3.1 Overview
The land use at Port Hedland is predominantly urban encompassing two townships (Port
Hedland and South Hedland). Other land uses range from industry (including BHP Port Hedland
GHD | Report for BHP Billiton Iron Ore Pty Ltd-Port Hedland Port Operations - 330Mtpa Licence Application, 12526305 | 11
Port operations, PPA Eastern and Utah Point operations, operations at Anderson Point by FMG,
RHIO operations, NWIOA operations and Dampier Salt operations and other strategic industrial
areas, e.g. Wedgefield) to rural land for cattle grazing. A significant area of Port Hedland is
characterised by tidal channels connecting to the Indian Ocean and surrounding intertidal flats,
transitioning to supratidal flats.
4.4 Local receptors
Model predicted ground level concentrations (GLCs) were assessed at a number of local
receptors. These receptors were chosen based on the existing PHIC monitoring network.
However, the main receptor of interest is the Taplin Street monitoring location, as this is the
regulatory monitor according to conditions in the Port’s Licence (L4513/1969/18) and is
considered representative of the wider Port Hedland Township.
The receptors included in this assessment are shown in Table 4-1 and Figure 4-5.
Table 4-1 Local receptors
Receptor X coordinate (m UTM) Y coordinate (m UTM)
Richardson Street 664,763 7,753,402
Kingsmill Street 665,508 7,753,450
Hospital 665,870 7,753,420
Taplin Street 667,030 7,753,435
Neptune Place 669,441 7,754,077
South Hedland 666,600 7,743,439
Wedgefield 665,526 7,747,107
Map Projection: Transverse MercatorHorizontal Datum: GDA 1994
Grid GDA 1994 MGA Zone 50K FIGURE 4-5
Richardson St
Kingsmill St
Hospital
Taplin St
Neptune Pl
South Hedland
Wedgefield
658000 660000 662000 664000 666000 668000 670000
GHD | Report for BHP Billiton Iron Ore Pty Ltd-Port Hedland Port Operations - 330Mtpa Licence Application, 12526305 | 13
5. Emission estimation This assessment includes emission estimation for the modelled 290Mtpa base case scenario
along with the expansion scenario at 330Mtpa, both using 2013 meteorology. The methodology
for emission estimations used for the 290Mtpa base case scenario model has been detailed in
the BHP 290Mtpa Baseline Model - Basis of Emission Estimation report (GHD, 2020). As such,
this report refers to GHD, 2020, in order to provide further detail.
5.1 Emission estimation process
Emissions from BHP’s Port Operations have been estimated using a three stage process, using
operational information supplied by BHP. The process to estimate emissions is as follows:
1. Separate tonnages per product type and material handling activity from a process flow file,
supplied by BHP.
2. Generate moisture distribution and dustiness index from data supplied by BHP.
3. Calculate emissions inventory using pre-determined empirical relationships from previous
dust assessments.
Stockpile emission estimates (Ramboll, 2020) and open area source emission estimates
(Katestone, 2018), are also incorporated into the model, along with onsite vehicle wheel
generated dust emission estimates.
After the process above, the site emission estimates are collated in an emission inventory and
converted into a variable emission input file for AERMOD, and used to conduct dust dispersion
modelling for BHP’s Port Operations.
5.2 290Mtpa base case dust abatement
BHP is committed to reducing the potential for emissions of particulate matter from its
operations to meet the ambient targets. To assist in accomplishing this objective, BHP has
implemented numerous dust mitigation practices as standard into its operations.
System level controls
A high proportion of ore is shipped directly after unloading i.e. it is not sent to the stockyard.
This is a significant dust control as it prevents double handling of ore. BHP is world leading
in this control.
Moisture content of ore is managed through supply chain (pit to port).
Car dumpers
Car dumpers are fully enclosed and fitted with dust extraction systems. Negative pressure
is maintained during unloading of ore to maximise dust extraction.
Moisture analysers operate in real time, determining the moisture content in ore relative to
the DEM. Where required, water sprays are activated.
Conveyor and transfer points
Over 80 belt wash stations are installed on site on conveyors systems.
Conveyors are fitted with belt scrapers and/or plough to prevent the carry back of dust.
Bulk ore conditioning (BOC) sprays installed along the conveyor system use spray nozzles
to add moisture to the ore.
GHD | Report for BHP Billiton Iron Ore Pty Ltd-Port Hedland Port Operations - 330Mtpa Licence Application, 12526305 | 14
Transfer chutes are enclosed and selected transfer stations are fitted with a dust extraction
system or fogging system.
An integrated control system prevents overloading of conveyors and minimises spillage.
Rubber skirts are installed at ore transfer points to minimise dust emissions.
Screens
Lump rescreening plants (LRPs) are fitted with dust extraction systems and are either fully
or partially enclosed.
Stockpiles
Live stockyards are fitted with stockyard water cannons.
Chemical suppressants are applied to static stockpiles.
Stackers, reclaimers and shiploaders
Stackers, reclaimers and shiploaders are fitted with boom water sprays.
Boom luff height is actively managed to minimise drop height.
Roads
Appropriate speed limits are enforced at site.
All major roads are sealed and regularly cleaned.
Chemical dust suppressant is applied on open areas and low traffic roads as required.
Availability of dust controls
Minimum of 90% availability of wet scrubbers at car dumpers, LRPs and transfer stations.
Minimum of 90% availability of water sprays on stackers, reclaimers and shiploaders.
Minimum of 90% availability of belt wash stations and internal fogging systems.
A list of all the current dust controls currently in use by the BHP for the 290Mtpa base case,
together with their location, model group and basis of reduction is presented in Appendix B of
GHD, 2020).
5.3 330Mtpa expansion dust abatement
BHP is committed to continuing to reduce the potential for emissions of particulate matter from
its operations to meet the relevant dust performance criteria, with the proposed increase in Port
throughput capacity by 40Mtpa (to 330Mtpa). BHP has developed an extensive dust control
package, as follows.
Belt wash stations on all existing and new conveyors in South Yard and on the new car
dumper 6.
Fogging units on the exit tunnel conveyors leaving car dumpers 1, 2, 3 and 6.
Finucane Island wind fence
South Yard (Nelson Point) wind fence
Sealing of open areas - Phases 1 and 2
Vehicle emission reductions due to reduction in site traffic
Further details on each of the above abatements is provided below. The location of current and
new dust controls proposed as part of 330Mtpa licence are shown in Figure 5-1 for Finucane
Island and Figure 5-2 for Nelson Point.
GHD | Report for BHP Billiton Iron Ore Pty Ltd-Port Hedland Port Operations - 330Mtpa Licence Application, 12526305 | 15
A list of all the current dust controls proposed for the 330Mtpa expansion, together with their
location, model group and basis of reduction is presented in Appendix A.
5.3.1 Belt wash stations
Belt wash stations are to be installed at all existing and new South Yard conveyors as follows:
Car dumper 6 (P236) Stacker 6 (P503) Stacker 7 (P505)
Reclaimer 11 (P773) Stacker 14 (P770) TS501 (P503)
TS503 (P505)
5.3.2 Fogging units
In addition to belt wash stations on car dumpers 1, 2, 3 and 6 conveyors, fogging units are to be
installed on exit tunnel conveyor belts for the following car dumpers:
Car dumper 1 (P2) Car dumper 2 (P201) Car dumper 3 (P350)
Car dumper 6 (P236)
GHD | Report for BHP Billiton Iron Ore Pty Ltd-Port Hedland Port Operations - 330Mtpa Licence Application, 12526305 | 16
Figure 5-1 Finucane Island dust controls
GHD | Report for BHP Billiton Iron Ore Pty Ltd-Port Hedland Port Operations - 330Mtpa Licence Application, 12526305 | 17
Figure 5-2 Nelson Point dust controls
GHD | Report for BHP Billiton Iron Ore Pty Ltd-Port Hedland Port Operations - 330Mtpa Licence Application, 12526305 | 18
5.3.3 Finucane Island wind fence
The Finucane Island wind fence reduces the potential for dust emissions from stockpiles located
downwind and other wind dependent sources, by reducing the wind speed downwind of the
wind fence. BHP provided, based on computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modelling, predicted
wind speed reductions for a series of wind arcs. The resultant wind speed reduction for each
wind arc as applied in the model are provided in Appendix B.
The Finucane Island wind fences reduce the potential for emissions from downwind stockpile
sources, located at West Yard and East Yard and several wind-dependent sources located as
follows:
West Yard area – Stacker 9, stacker 10, reclaimer 7, reclaimer 10, transfer station 801,
transfer station 807, transfer station 981 and stockpile groups M, L and K
East Yard area – Stacker 11, stacker 12, reclaimer 8 and stockpile groups S and R
Wharf area – Shiploader 3, shiploader 4, transfer station 810 and transfer station 811
5.3.4 South Yard (Nelson Point) wind fence
The South Yard (Nelson Point) wind fence reduces the potential for dust emissions from
stockpiles located downwind and other wind dependent sources, by reducing the wind speed
downwind of the wind fence. The resultant wind speed reduction for each wind arc as applied in
the model are provided in Appendix B.
The South Yard wind fence, at Nelson Point, reduces the potential for emissions from downwind
stockpile sources, located at South Yard and Extension and several wind-dependent sources
located as follows:
Existing South Yard area – Stacker 7, reclaimer 6 and stockpile groups G and H
Proposed Extension area – Stacker 6, stacker 14, reclaimer 11 and stockpile groups F and
X
5.3.5 Sealing of open areas (Phases 1 and 2)
Sealing open areas will reduce the potential for dust emissions due to both wind erosion and
also from vehicle traffic. Sealing reduces the potential for dust from wind erosion completely
(100 percent reduction), whilst trafficable areas would need maintenance such as sweeping
and/or washing (to prevent resuspension of deposited dust) to achieve complete mitigation. As
such, an 85 percent reduction has been applied to estimated vehicle emissions for open areas
which have been sealed.
Phases for open area sealing as provided by BHP are described in Table 5-1, with locations
shown on Figure 5-3. Phase 1 and 2 sealing have been incorporated into the 330Mtpa
expansion scenario.
Table 5-1 Schedule for sealing of open areas
Source ID Description Project code
Finucane Island - Phase 1
FI06 Reclaimer 8 Maintenance Pad ROA1
FI07 Car Dumper 5 ROA2
FI08 North End of West Yard ROA3
Finucane Island – Phase 2
FI02 LRP2 ROA8
FI12 P702 ROA9
GHD | Report for BHP Billiton Iron Ore Pty Ltd-Port Hedland Port Operations - 330Mtpa Licence Application, 12526305 | 19
Source ID Description Project code
FI04 Goldsworthy, Stk12 Maintenance Area ROA10 and ROA11
Nelson Point – Phase 1
NP08 North Yard - East Side of LOHS ROA4
NP11 North Yard - Across from Rail Laydown ROA5
NP17 South Yard - Sample Station 501/510 ROA6
Nelson Point – Phase 2
NP04 North Yard - NP Gate 9 ROA12
NP06 North Yard - South Side of P620 ROA13
NP07 North Yard - Tank Across from Fuel Bowser ROA14
NP09 North Yard - Site Services Laydown Area ROA15
NP12 North Yard – VMWS ROA16
GHD | Report for BHP Billiton Iron Ore Pty Ltd-Port Hedland Port Operations - 330Mtpa Licence Application, 12526305 | 20
Figure 5-3 Open area sealing – Phases 1 and 2
GHD | Report for BHP Billiton Iron Ore Pty Ltd-Port Hedland Port Operations - 330Mtpa Licence Application, 12526305 | 21
5.3.6 Vehicle reductions
Due to the decommissioning of workshops and relevant infrastructure at the north yard, the
volume of vehicle movement to these areas has been significantly reduced. Therefore, during
2017, the vehicles emissions inventory was updated and revised dispersion modelling
conducted. The updated vehicles emissions inventory was based on vehicle count data
provided by BHP. The field campaign was undertaken for 35 days from 2 August to
5 September 2017. The vehicle count covered both weekdays (Monday to Friday) and
weekends (Saturday and Sunday). Vehicle counts were conducted at seven locations. Two-way
traffic was monitored and the combined vehicle count was used as the input to the updated
emissions inventory and associated dispersion modelling (GHD, 2018). The updated vehicle
modelling has been incorporated into the 330Mtpa expansion scenario assessment.
5.4 Emission estimates for BHP Port Operations
5.4.1 290Mtpa base case
The emission estimation process used is identical to that outlined in Section 5 and detailed in
GHD, 2020.
The top 20 sources (by average estimated emission rate) for the 290Mtpa base case are
presented in Figure 5-4. The results indicate that estimated emissions from stockpile wind
erosion contribute the most to the estimated hourly PM10 emission rate.
Note that the emission estimates for the base case 290Mtpa scenario vary from that previously
modelled (PEL, 2016) and this variation results from updating the moisture distribution and dust
extinction moisture (DEM), stockpile and open area source emissions estimation and dust
abatement, as detailed in GHD, 2020.
5.4.2 330Mtpa expansion
The emission estimation process used is identical to that outlined in Section 5 and detailed in
GHD, 2020. The estimated emission statistics of each source relevant to the 330Mtpa
expansion scenario are presented in Appendix C.
The top 20 sources (by average estimated emission rate) for the 330Mtpa expansion are
presented in Figure 5-5. The results indicate that estimated emissions from stockpile wind
erosion are a large contribution to the estimated hourly PM10 emission rate.
Figure 5-6 shows the estimated average PM10 emission rates for stockyards, stackers and
reclaimers for 290Mtpa and 330Mtpa, showing percentage change in average emission rate.
Significant reduction in average estimated emissions is demonstrated for stockpiles, stackers
and reclaimers.
The wind fences are designed to target the reduction in PM10 emissions that could potentially be
directed towards the West End of Port Hedland. Figure 5-4, Figure 5-5 and Figure 5-6 (below)
indicate total predicted emissions (all wind directions), not only emissions that could potentially
be directed towards the West End of Port Hedland.
Potential stockpile lift-off that could be directed towards the town, is predicted to be reduced
with the installation of wind fences. Potential emissions from specific equipment (previously
identified in Sections 5.3.3 and 5.3.4), are also predicted to reduce with the introduction of wind
fences.
GHD | Report for BHP Billiton Iron Ore Pty Ltd-Port Hedland Port Operations - 330Mtpa Licence Application, 12526305 | 22
Figure 5-4 Estimated average PM10 emission rates for top 20 sources for 290Mtpa base case
GHD | Report for BHP Billiton Iron Ore Pty Ltd-Port Hedland Port Operations - 330Mtpa Licence Application, 12526305 | 23
Figure 5-5 Estimated average PM10 emissio rates for top 20 sources for 330Mtpa expansion
GHD | Report for BHP Billiton Iron Ore Pty Ltd-Port Hedland Port Operations - 330Mtpa Licence Application, 12526305 | 24
Figure 5-6 Estimated average PM10 emission rates with dust abatement for stockyards, stackers and reclaimers for 290Mtpa and 330Mtpa, showing percentage change in average emission rate
GHD | Report for BHP Billiton Iron Ore Pty Ltd-Port Hedland Port Operations - 330Mtpa Licence Application, 12526305 | 25
6. Modelling methodology This section describes the model used to predict ground level concentrations from the 290Mtpa
base case and 330Mtpa expansion scenarios based on derived emission rates and
meteorological data.
6.1 AERMOD modelling
AERMOD is the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s (US EPA) approved model
for estimating the impacts of emissions to air by industry. AERMOD is an advanced Gaussian
plume model and extends on the Pasquill-Gifford atmospheric stability categorisation by
modelling the turbulence using micro-meteorological parameters to calculate the Monin-Obukov
length. This provides a continuously varying measure of atmospheric turbulence from one hour
to the next.
AERMOD (v 9.5.0) was used for the air dispersion modelling for this assessment, along with site
representative meteorological data for the year 2013, to predict the dispersion of PM10 at
representative receptors within the region.
The model options and assumptions used are consistent with the AERMOD model configuration
used for Port Hedland in PHIC CAM (PEL, 2015).
As noted in the PHIC CAM report (PEL, 2015) there are some constraints that need to be
considered when using the PHIC CAM (AERMOD) including:
The model may over-predict concentrations at Richardson Street.
At the Kingsmill Street and Taplin Street receptors the model results are considered to be
reasonable reflections of actual monitored air quality.
The number of excursions of the interim target at Taplin Street are considered to be
reasonable reflections.
The emission source parameters for all modelled BHP sources are presented in Appendix D.
6.2 Meteorological file
The AERMOD modelling used in this assessment incorporated the meteorological file
developed as part of the PHIC CAM project which is accepted for use by DWER.
A summary of the stability and mixing heights of the PHIC CAM meteorological file is provided in
Appendix G, PEL, 2016.
6.3 Grid system
AERMOD can calculate concentrations both on a set grid (Cartesian) or at specified locations
(discrete receptors). The model was configured to predict the ground level concentrations on a
rectangular grid spaced at 500 m intervals. This grid approach was chosen to restrict the
duration of model runs while using the particle deposition algorithms (PEL, 2016).
6.4 Sources
The location of the sources for BHP Port Operations at Finucane Island and Nelson Point are
presented in Figure 6-1. The coordinates for each BHP source is presented in Appendix C
(330Mtpa).
The location of the cumulative sources are presented in Figure 6-2 (PEL, 2016), including PPA
Utah Point and Nelson Point (orange), NWIOA (red), RHIO (blue), and FMG (green).
GHD | Report for BHP Billiton Iron Ore Pty Ltd-Port Hedland Port Operations - 330Mtpa Licence Application, 12526305 | 26
Figure 6-1 BHP Port Operations model sources
GHD | Report for BHP Billiton Iron Ore Pty Ltd-Port Hedland Port Operations - 330Mtpa Licence Application, 12526305 | 27
Figure 6-2 PHIC CAM cumulative sources at Port Hedland
GHD | Report for BHP Billiton Iron Ore Pty Ltd-Port Hedland Port Operations - 330Mtpa Licence Application, 12526305 | 28
7. Model results This assessment has used the PHIC CAM (AERMOD) to estimate the air quality impacts
associated with the BHP’s Port Operations. Particles, as PM10 were modelled (24-hour average)
with tabulated results presented for the listed receptor location, and contours across the model
domain.
For this assessment, the following scenarios were modelled:
Base case – 290Mtpa (BHP) in isolation and cumulative
Expansion scenario – 330Mtpa (BHP) in isolation and cumulative
For each of these scenarios the results were presented:
Standalone without background air quality (2013 PHIC CAM background file)
With the PHIC CAM cumulative (FMG, RHIO, NWIOA and PPA) with background
It is noted that the 290Mtpa scenario represents the base case (existing) and is presented to
provide comparison against proposed changes (330Mtpa expansion scenario). It should be
noted that this assessment is using the approved PHIC CAM and contains updated variable
emissions files as outlined in GHD, 2020. This will result in variations to model outcomes and
the results cannot be compared to previously modelled assessments (i.e. BHP’s previous
290Mtpa scenario presented in the 290Mtpa licence amendment application).
The predicted ground level concentrations of particles as PM10 at key receptor locations are
presented for each case and scenario. The modelled concentration statistics (i.e. maximum, 99th
percentile, 95th percentile, 90th percentile and 70th percentile) are tabulated for each case and
scenario. Contour maps showing the modelled ground level concentration of PM10 are also
presented.
7.1 Base case – 290Mtpa BHP in isolation and cumulative
Predicted 24-hour PM10 statistics for the modelled 290Mtpa scenario at Taplin Street, both in
isolation and cumulatively with PHIC CAM and background concentrations, are displayed in
Table 7-1. Table 7-1 also contains the statistics of the background concentration file used in the
assessment.
Predicted results for the modelled 290Mtpa scenario (BHP without background) demonstrates
this scenario does not result in any exceedances of the interim guideline at Taplin Street.
Predicted results for the modelled 290Mtpa cumulative scenario (BHP and PHIC CAM with
background) demonstrates this scenario results in nine excursions of the interim guideline at
Taplin Street.
Contour plots of the maximum 24-hour PM10 concentrations that are predicted to occur as a
result of the 290Mtpa scenario as a standalone operation (BHP without background) and with
PHIC cumulative and background air quality, are presented in Figure 7-1 and Figure 7-2,
respectively. The annual average PM10 concentrations that are predicted to occur as a result of
the 290Mtpa scenario with PHIC cumulative and background air quality are presented in
Figure 7-3.
GHD | Report for BHP Billiton Iron Ore Pty Ltd-Port Hedland Port Operations - 330Mtpa Licence Application, 12526305 | 29
Table 7-1 Predicted 24-hour PM10 ground level concentrations at Taplin Street for modelled 290Mtpa base case (µg/m3)
Receptor Maximum 99th percentile 95th percentile 90th percentile 70th percentile Annual average
Days > 70 µg/m3
Taplin Street
BHP without background
68 18 12 11 8 5.8 0
Cumulative (BHP and PHIC CAM with background)
202 80 63 53 45 36.5 9
Background
183 53 36 32 25 21.9 1
Map Projection: Transverse MercatorHorizontal Datum: GDA 1994
Grid GDA 1994 MGA Zone 50K FIGURE 7-1
70
658000 660000 662000 664000 666000 668000 670000
Map Projection: Transverse MercatorHorizontal Datum: GDA 1994
Grid GDA 1994 MGA Zone 50K FIGURE 7-2
250
250
658000 660000 662000 664000 666000 668000 670000
Map Projection: Transverse MercatorHorizontal Datum: GDA 1994
Grid GDA 1994 MGA Zone 50K FIGURE 7-3
24
24
40
50
658000 660000 662000 664000 666000 668000 670000
GHD | Report for BHP Billiton Iron Ore Pty Ltd-Port Hedland Port Operations - 330Mtpa Licence Application, 12526305 | 33
7.2 Expansion - 330Mtpa BHP in isolation and cumulative
Predicted 24-hour PM10 statistics for the modelled 330Mtpa scenario at Taplin Street, both in
isolation and cumulatively with PHIC CAM and background concentrations, are displayed in
Table 7-2. Table 7-2 also contains the statistics of the background concentration file used in the
assessment.
Predicted results for the modelled 330Mtpa scenario (BHP without background) demonstrate
this scenario does not result in any exceedances of the interim guideline at Taplin Street.
Predicted results for the modelled 330Mtpa scenario (BHP and PHIC CAM with background)
demonstrates this scenario results in seven excursions of the interim guideline at Taplin Street.
Contour plots of the maximum 24-hour PM10 concentrations that are predicted to occur as a
result of the 330Mtpa scenario as a standalone operation (BHP without background) and with
PHIC CAM cumulative and background concentration file are presented in Figure 7-4 and
Figure 7-5, respectively.
The annual average PM10 concentrations that are predicted to occur as a result of the 330Mtpa
scenario with PHIC CAM cumulative and background air quality are presented in Figure 7-6.
GHD | Report for BHP Billiton Iron Ore Pty Ltd-Port Hedland Port Operations - 330Mtpa Licence Application, 12526305 | 34
Table 7-2 Statistics for predicted 24-hour PM10 ground level concentrations at Taplin Street for modelled 330Mtpa expansion (µg/m3)
Receptor Maximum 99th percentile 95th percentile 90th percentile 70th percentile Annual average
Days > 70 µg/m3
Taplin Street
BHP no background
52 14 11 9 6 4.9 0
Cumulative (BHP and PHIC CAM with background)
202 77 62 52 43 35.5 7
Background
183 53 36 32 25 21.9 1
Map Projection: Transverse MercatorHorizontal Datum: GDA 1994
Grid GDA 1994 MGA Zone 50K FIGURE 7-4
5
5
658000 660000 662000 664000 666000 668000 670000
Map Projection: Transverse MercatorHorizontal Datum: GDA 1994
Grid GDA 1994 MGA Zone 50K FIGURE 7-5
658000 660000 662000 664000 666000 668000 670000
Map Projection: Transverse MercatorHorizontal Datum: GDA 1994
Grid GDA 1994 MGA Zone 50K FIGURE 7-6
2525
40
50
658000 660000 662000 664000 666000 668000 670000
GHD | Report for BHP Billiton Iron Ore Pty Ltd-Port Hedland Port Operations - 330Mtpa Licence Application, 12526305 | 38
Comparison of the 330Mtpa scenario (expansion) model results with the model results predicted
for the 290Mtpa scenario (base case) are presented in Table 7-3 for Taplin Street. From
Table 7-3, it is evident that there is a reduction in predicted dust concentrations for the BHP
330Mtpa expansion scenario when compared against the 290Mtpa base case.
BHP’s Port Operations annual average predicted PM10 concentrations at the regulatory
monitoring location (Taplin Street) are predicted to decrease by 0.9 µg/m3 from the base case
(290Mtpa) for the 330Mtpa expansion scenario.
The extensive dust control package included as part of BHP’s 330Mtpa expansion scenario is
predicted to deliver a reduction in BHP’s potential contribution to dust concentrations across all
receptors in Port Hedland, as shown in Figure 7-7.
Figure 7-7 Reduction in modelled annual average PM10 contribution (BHP only) at receptors in Port Hedland (290Mtpa vs 330Mtpa)
GHD | Report for BHP Billiton Iron Ore Pty Ltd-Port Hedland Port Operations - 330Mtpa Licence Application, 12526305 | 39
Table 7-3 Summary of predicted model statistics for PM10 ground level concentrations at Taplin Street (µg/m3) – 290Mtpa base case vs 330Mtpa scenario
Receptor 290Mtpa base case 330Mtpa expansion
Maximum 70th percentile
Annual average
Exceedances of 70 µg/m3
Maximum 70th percentile
Annual average
Days > 70 µg/m3
Taplin Street Without background
68 8 5.8 0 52 6 4.9 0
Cumulative (BHP and PHIC CAM with background)
202 45 36.5 9 202 43 35.5 7
GHD | Report for BHP Billiton Iron Ore Pty Ltd-Port Hedland Port Operations - 330Mtpa Licence Application, 12526305 | 40
8. Conclusion This report has been produced to support a proposed amendment to the existing operating
licence (L4513/1969/18) of BHP’s Port Operations. The existing licence is issued under Part V
of the Environmental Protection Act 1986. This licence amendment application seeks to
increase nominated throughput capacity up to 330 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa).
This study adopts consistent methodology in line with the previous 290Mtpa licence
amendment, that is AERMOD modelling using meteorological and background data from 2013
(PEL, 2016). Modelling of cumulative emissions is also undertaken as part of this assessment.
Emissions from the Pilbara Ports Authority Eastern and Utah Point operations, operations at
Anderson Point by Fortescue Metals Group, Roy Hill operations and North West Iron Ore
Alliance operations are also included.
8.1 Air quality assessment criteria
The criteria used for this study have been derived from The WA Government endorsed Port Hedland Dust Management Taskforce recommendation that the current interim guideline of 24-
hour PM10 of 70 μg/m3 continues to apply to residential areas of Port Hedland and that
measures should be introduced to cap (and if possible, reduce) the number of permanent
residents in dust affected areas of Port Hedland.
Furthermore in 2018, the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER) and the
Department of Health (DoH) released the Industry Regulation Fact Sheet: Managing Dust in Port Hedland (DWER and DoH, 2018) in response to the WA Government endorsement of the
Taskforce Recommendations. This included the following guidance from DWER on its interim
regulatory approach for Port Hedland:
Applicants will be encouraged to demonstrate no net increase to dust emissions in Port Hedland from port related activities. Where this isn’t demonstrated, DWER will consider further controls that may in part serve to offset any increase in dust emissions.
For the purposes of this assessment the modelling results have been compared against the
interim guideline of 24-hour PM10 of 70 μg/m3 and the annual average PM10 concentrations at
the regulatory monitoring location at Taplin Street in Port Hedland.
Air quality impacts from the currently approved throughput capacity and the expansion
scenarios have been modelled using the US EPA AERMOD dispersion model. All modelling
was conducted using the setup detailed in the Air Quality Assessment – 290Mtpa (PEL, 2016).
8.2 Dust abatement
BHP is committed to reducing emissions of particulate matter from its operations to meet the
ambient targets. To assist in accomplishing this objective, BHP has implemented numerous
dust mitigation practices as standard into its operations.
System level controls
A high proportion of ore is shipped directly after unloading i.e. it is not sent to the stockyard.
This is a significant dust control as it prevents double handling of ore. BHP is world leading
in this control.
Moisture content of ore is managed through supply chain (pit to port).
GHD | Report for BHP Billiton Iron Ore Pty Ltd-Port Hedland Port Operations - 330Mtpa Licence Application, 12526305 | 41
Car dumpers
Car dumpers are fully enclosed and fitted with dust extraction systems. Negative pressure
is maintained during unloading of ore to maximise dust extraction.
Moisture analysers operate in real time, determining the moisture content in ore relative to
the DEM. Where required, water sprays are activated.
Conveyor and transfer points
Over 80 belt wash stations are installed on site on conveyors systems.
Conveyors are fitted with belt scrapers and/or plough to prevent the carry back of dust.
Bulk ore conditioning (BOC) sprays installed along the conveyor system use spray nozzles
to add moisture to the ore.
Transfer chutes are enclosed and selected transfer stations are fitted with a dust extraction
system or fogging system.
An integrated control system prevents overloading of conveyors and minimises spillage.
Rubber skirts are installed at ore transfer points to minimise dust emissions.
Screens
Lump rescreening plants (LRPs) are fitted with dust extraction systems and are either fully
or partially enclosed.
Stockpiles
Live stockyards are fitted with stockyard water cannons.
Chemical suppressants are applied to static stockpiles.
Stackers, reclaimers and shiploaders
Stackers, reclaimers and shiploaders are fitted with boom water sprays.
Boom luff height is actively managed to minimise drop height.
Roads
Appropriate speed limits are enforced at site.
All major roads are sealed and regularly cleaned.
Chemical dust suppressant is applied on open areas and low traffic roads as required.
Availability of dust controls
Minimum of 90% availability of wet scrubbers at car dumpers, LRPs and transfer stations.
Minimum of 90% availability of water sprays on stackers, reclaimers and shiploaders.
Minimum of 90% availability of belt wash stations and internal fogging systems.
These controls are already utilised at the existing facilities in Port Hedland (Finucane Island and
Nelson Point) and have been incorporated in the 290Mtpa base case scenario.
Additional dust abatement for the 330Mtpa expansion scenario includes:
Belt wash stations on all existing and new conveyors in South Yard and on the new car
dumper 6.
Fogging units on the exit tunnel conveyors leaving car dumpers 1, 2, 3 and 6.
Finucane Island wind fence
GHD | Report for BHP Billiton Iron Ore Pty Ltd-Port Hedland Port Operations - 330Mtpa Licence Application, 12526305 | 42
South Yard (Nelson Point) wind fence
Sealing of open areas - Phases 1 and 2
Vehicle emission reductions due to reduction in site traffic
8.3 Model results
Modelling of the proposed throughput capacity of 330Mtpa (BHP without background) indicates
that:
This scenario does not result in any exceedances of the interim criteria (24-hour PM10 of
70 μg/m3) at Taplin Street.
BHP’s Port Operations annual average PM10 concentrations at the regulatory monitoring
location (Taplin Street) are predicted to decrease by 0.9 µg/m3 from the base case
(290Mtpa) for the 330Mtpa expansion scenario.
The extensive dust control package included with BHP’s 330Mtpa expansion scenario, is
predicted to deliver a reduction in BHP’s contribution to dust concentrations, whilst allowing
for an increase in Port throughput capacity of 40Mtpa. Such reduction is not only observed
at the Taplin Street receptor, the model also predicts a reduction in dust concentrations
across all other Port Hedland receptors.
GHD | Report for BHP Billiton Iron Ore Pty Ltd-Port Hedland Port Operations - 330Mtpa Licence Application, 12526305 | 43
References Bureau of Meteorology (BoM), 2020. Climate Statistics for Australian Locations: Summary
Statistics for Port Hedland Airport. Accessed 24 March 2020 at
http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/averages/tables/cw_004032.shtml.
Department of Health (DoH), 2016. Port Hedland Air Quality Health Risk Assessment for Particulate Matter. Environmental Health Directorate, January 2016.
Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DJTSI), 2016. Port Hedland Dust Management Taskforce Report to Government. August 2016.
Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER) and DoH, 2018. Industry Regulation Fact Sheet -2018. Managing Dust in Port Hedland.
GHD, 2020. BHP 290Mtpa Baseline Model - Basis of Emission Estimation. 28 April 2020.
GHD, 2018. BHP Vehicle Movements Analysis. 17 January 2018.
Katestone, 2018. Port Hedland Exposed Areas Modelling. 12 October 2018.
Port Hedland Industries Council (PHIC), 2020. Annual Report – FY 2018/19 Port Hedland Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Program. April 2020.
Pacific Environment Limited 2015, Port Hedland Cumulative Air Model – Model Comparison. May 2015.
Pacific Environment Limited, 2016. Final Report Air Quality Assessment – 290 Mtpa, BHP Billiton Iron Ore Port Operations. September 2016.
Sinclair Knight Merz (SKM), 2003. Aggregated Emissions Inventory for the Pilbara Airshed. 1999/2000. Emissions Inventory Report. Revision 2 - June 2003. Available at
http://www.npi.gov.au/publications/
Ramboll, 2020. BHP Port Hedland Windblown Dust Calculations. 14 February 2020.
United States Environmental Protection Agency 2004, User’s Guide for the AERMOD Meteorological Preprocessor (AERMET), Office of Air Quality Palling and Standards, Emissions, Monitoring and Analysis Divisions, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, November 2004.