eis table of contents - south galilee · south galilee coal project eis table of contents iv 5.6.1....

South Galilee Coal Project EIS Table of Contents

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EIS TABLE OF CONTENTS

GLOSSARY OF TERMS ............................................................................................................................ GL-1 Glossary and Abbreviations ................................................................................................................. GL-1 Units ........................................................................................................................................................ GL-14

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ............................................................................................................................ ES-1 INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................................................... ES-1 PROJECT PROPONENTS ........................................................................................................................... ES-1 LOCATION ................................................................................................................................................. ES-1 PROJECT DESCRIPTION ............................................................................................................................ ES-3 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT .................................................................................................. ES-4 PROJECT RATIONALE ............................................................................................................................... ES-5

SGCP Benefits and Opportunities ..................................................................................................... ES-5 Relationship to Other Projects ........................................................................................................... ES-6

PROJECT ALTERNATIVES .......................................................................................................................... ES-7 Mine Location ...................................................................................................................................... ES-7 Coal Export and Infrastructure Location ......................................................................................... ES-7 Accommodation ................................................................................................................................ ES-7 Conceptual and Technological Alternatives ................................................................................ ES-7 Co-location Opportunities ................................................................................................................. ES-8 Consequences of Not Proceeding .................................................................................................. ES-9

ENVIRONMENTAL VALUES, POTENTIAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES .............................. ES-9 Climate .................................................................................................................................................. ES-9 Land ....................................................................................................................................................... ES-9 Nature Conservation ........................................................................................................................ ES-14 Water Resources ................................................................................................................................ ES-19 Air Quality ...........................................................................................................................................ES-23 Greenhouse Gas Emissions .............................................................................................................. ES-24 Noise and Vibration .......................................................................................................................... ES-26 Waste Management ........................................................................................................................ ES-27 Transport..............................................................................................................................................ES-28 Cultural Heritage ............................................................................................................................... ES-29 Social Environment ............................................................................................................................ ES-30 Cultural Heritage ............................................................................................................................... ES-29 Economics ..........................................................................................................................................ES-31 Hazard and Risk ................................................................................................................................. ES-32 Management Plans .......................................................................................................................... ES-33

1. INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................... 1-1 1.1. PROJECT PROPONENT ................................................................................................................ 1-1

1.1.1. AMCI (Alpha) Pty Ltd ....................................................................................................... 1-1 1.1.2. Alpha Coal Pty Ltd ........................................................................................................... 1-1

1.2. PROJECT DESCRIPTION ............................................................................................................... 1-2 1.3. RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER PROJECTS ......................................................................................... 1-9 1.4. THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT PROCESS ........................................................ 1-11

1.4.1. Objectives and Structure of the EIS ............................................................................ 1-11 1.4.2. Methodology of the EIS ................................................................................................ 1-12 1.4.3. Submissions ...................................................................................................................... 1-13


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1.5. PUBLIC CONSULTATION PROCESS ............................................................................................1-14

2. PROJECT RATIONALE AND ALTERNATIVES ..................................................................................... 2-1 2.1. PROJECT RATIONALE ................................................................................................................... 2-1

2.1.1. Economic Benefits ............................................................................................................ 2-2 2.1.2. Social Benefits .................................................................................................................... 2-2 2.1.3. Environmental Implications ............................................................................................. 2-3 2.1.4. Technical Feasibility and Commercial Viability ........................................................... 2-3

2.2. PROJECT ALTERNATIVES .............................................................................................................. 2-3 2.2.1. Locality Alternatives ......................................................................................................... 2-3 2.2.2. Conceptual/Technological Alternatives ...................................................................... 2-5 2.2.3. Co-Location Opportunities ........................................................................................... 2-14 2.2.4. Consequences of Not Proceeding with the SGCP .................................................. 2-15

2.3. ECOLOGICALLY SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT ......................................................................2-16 2.3.1. Integration of Economic, Environmental, Social and Equitable

Considerations................................................................................................................. 2-17 2.3.2. Precautionary Principle .................................................................................................. 2-18 2.3.3. Inter-generational and Intra-generational Equity ..................................................... 2-18 2.3.4. Biodiversity Conservation .............................................................................................. 2-19 2.3.5. Valuation Mechanisms .................................................................................................. 2-19

3. PROJECT APPROVALS ..................................................................................................................... 3-1 3.1. INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................. 3-1 3.2. RELEVANT LEGISLATION AND APPROVALS ............................................................................... 3-3

3.2.1. Commonwealth Legislation ............................................................................................ 3-3 3.2.2. State Legislation ................................................................................................................ 3-6 3.2.3. Local Government Legislation ..................................................................................... 3-26 3.2.4. Commonwealth Obligations ........................................................................................ 3-28 3.2.5. Relevant Plans ................................................................................................................. 3-30 3.2.6. Accredited Process for Controlled Actions under Australian

Government Legislation ................................................................................................ 3-35

4. PROJECT DESCRIPTION ................................................................................................................... 4-1 4.1. LOCATION ..................................................................................................................................... 4-1

4.1.1 Regional Context .............................................................................................................. 4-1 4.1.2. Local Context .................................................................................................................... 4-1 4.1.3. Tenements and Tenures ................................................................................................... 4-1

4.2. RESOURCE BASE AND MINE LIFE ...............................................................................................4-29 4.3. PROJECT TIMING .........................................................................................................................4-31 4.4. CONSTRUCTION ..........................................................................................................................4-31

4.4.1. Pre-Construction ............................................................................................................. 4-34 4.5. OPERATIONS ................................................................................................................................4-35

4.5.1. Geotechnical Assessment ............................................................................................ 4-35 4.5.2. Mine Sequencing ............................................................................................................ 4-35 4.5.3. Open Cut Operations .................................................................................................... 4-38 4.5.4. Underground Mining Operations ................................................................................. 4-40 4.5.5. Coal Reclaim and Preparation .................................................................................... 4-44 4.5.6. Product Handling ............................................................................................................ 4-48

4.6. TRANSPORT ..................................................................................................................................4-48 4.6.1. Road .................................................................................................................................. 4-48


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4.6.2. Rail .................................................................................................................................... 4-49 4.6.3. Air ...................................................................................................................................... 4-52 4.6.4. Ship ................................................................................................................................... 4-52

4.7. WASTE MANAGEMENT .............................................................................................................. 4-52 4.7.1. Air Emissions ..................................................................................................................... 4-52 4.7.2. Waste Rock ..................................................................................................................... 4-53 4.7.3. Coal Rejects .................................................................................................................... 4-53 4.7.4. Solid and Liquid Waste Disposal .................................................................................. 4-54

4.8. ACCOMMODATION.................................................................................................................. 4-54 4.9. POWER SUPPLY AND DISTRIBUTION ......................................................................................... 4-55

4.9.1. Construction Power ....................................................................................................... 4-55 4.9.2. Operations Power .......................................................................................................... 4-55

4.10. WATER MANAGEMENT .............................................................................................................. 4-56 4.10.1. Water Management System ........................................................................................ 4-56 4.10.2. Water Consumption and Supply ................................................................................. 4-59

4.11. ASSOCIATED INFRASTRUCTURE ................................................................................................ 4-60 4.11.1. Mine Industrial Area ....................................................................................................... 4-60 4.11.2. Underground Services Area ......................................................................................... 4-61 4.11.3. Sewage and Waste Water ........................................................................................... 4-61 4.11.4. Explosives Storage Facility ............................................................................................ 4-62 4.11.5. Quarry .............................................................................................................................. 4-62 4.11.6. Fuel Storage .................................................................................................................... 4-62 4.11.7. Telecommunications ..................................................................................................... 4-63 4.11.8. Compressed Air Distribution ......................................................................................... 4-63 4.11.9. Other Buildings/Facilities ............................................................................................... 4-64

4.12. EMPLOYMENT ARRANGEMENTS .............................................................................................. 4-64 4.12.1. Construction ................................................................................................................... 4-64 4.12.2. Operations ...................................................................................................................... 4-65 4.12.3. Decommissioning ........................................................................................................... 4-66

4.13. ONGOING EXPLORATION AND EVALUATION ACTIVITIES .................................................... 4-66 4.14. REHABILITATION AND DECOMMISSIONING ........................................................................... 4-66

4.14.1. Rehabilitation .................................................................................................................. 4-66 4.14.2. Decommissioning ........................................................................................................... 4-68

5. REHABILITATION AND DECOMMISSIONING .................................................................................. 5-1 5.1. ENVIRONMENTAL VALUES .......................................................................................................... 5-1 5.2. GUIDELINES AND OBJECTIVES .................................................................................................... 5-1 5.3. MINING PROCESSES .................................................................................................................... 5-2

5.3.1. Land Disturbance and Clearing ................................................................................... 5-3 5.3.2. Topsoil Salvage ................................................................................................................. 5-3 5.3.3. Mining Operations ........................................................................................................... 5-4 5.3.4. Waste Rock Characteristics ........................................................................................... 5-4 5.3.5. Coal Reject Characteristics ........................................................................................... 5-5 5.3.6. Waste Rock Emplacements ........................................................................................... 5-6 5.3.7. Geotechnical Assessment .............................................................................................. 5-7

5.4. POTENTIAL IMPACTS ON ENVIRONMENTAL VALUES ............................................................... 5-8 5.5. REHABILITATION PROCESSES ...................................................................................................... 5-8

5.5.1. Design Criteria .................................................................................................................. 5-8 5.6. PROGRESSIVE REHABILITATION .................................................................................................. 5-9


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5.6.1. Progressive Rehabilitation Plan – Year 1 ..................................................................... 5-10 5.6.2. Progressive Rehabilitation Plan – Year 2 ..................................................................... 5-11 5.6.3. Progressive Rehabilitation Plan – Year 3 ..................................................................... 5-11 5.6.4. Progressive Rehabilitation Plan – Year 4 ..................................................................... 5-11 5.6.5. Progressive Rehabilitation Plan – Year 5 ..................................................................... 5-11 5.6.6. Progressive Rehabilitation Plan – Year 10 ................................................................... 5-11 5.6.7. Progressive Rehabilitation Plan – Year 15 ................................................................... 5-11 5.6.8. Progressive Rehabilitation Plan – Year 20 ................................................................... 5-12 5.6.9. Progressive Rehabilitation Plan – Year 25 ................................................................... 5-12 5.6.10. Progressive Rehabilitation Plan – Year 30 ................................................................... 5-12 5.6.11. Progressive Rehabilitation Plan – Year 33 ................................................................... 5-12

5.7. STANDARD REHABILITATION PROCESSES ................................................................................5-35 5.7.1. Shaping and Contouring ............................................................................................... 5-35 5.7.2. Topsoil Stripping ............................................................................................................... 5-35 5.7.3. Handling and Storage of Topsoil .................................................................................. 5-36 5.7.4. Erosion and Stability ........................................................................................................ 5-37 5.7.5. Topsoil Spreading ............................................................................................................ 5-39 5.7.6. Seeding ............................................................................................................................. 5-39

5.8. SPECIFIC REHABILITATION PROCESSES ....................................................................................5-40 5.8.1. Sediment Control and Erosion ...................................................................................... 5-40 5.8.2. Flood Mitigation .............................................................................................................. 5-41 5.8.3. Geotechnical Stability ................................................................................................... 5-41 5.8.4. Subsidence ...................................................................................................................... 5-42

5.9. DECOMMISSIONING ..................................................................................................................5-42 5.9.1. Exploration Areas ............................................................................................................ 5-43 5.9.2. Waste Rock Emplacements .......................................................................................... 5-43 5.9.3. Final Low Wall, Void and Ramps .................................................................................. 5-43 5.9.4. Water Management Structures ................................................................................... 5-44 5.9.5. Diversion Drains ............................................................................................................... 5-44 5.9.6. Access/Haul Roads ........................................................................................................ 5-44 5.9.7. Overhead Powerlines ..................................................................................................... 5-44 5.9.8. Infrastructure .................................................................................................................... 5-44 5.9.9. Waste Disposal ................................................................................................................ 5-45

5.10. MONITORING AND SUCCESS CRITERIA ...................................................................................5-45 5.10.1. Native Bushland .............................................................................................................. 5-46 5.10.2. Grassland Suitable for Grazing ..................................................................................... 5-46

5.11. POST-MINE LAND USE .................................................................................................................5-48

6. CLIMATE, NATURAL HAZARDS AND CLIMATE CHANGE ................................................................ 6-1 6.1. CLIMATE ......................................................................................................................................... 6-1

6.1.1. Temperature ...................................................................................................................... 6-2 6.1.2. Rainfall ................................................................................................................................ 6-4 6.1.3. Wind Speed and Direction.............................................................................................. 6-5 6.1.4. Relative Humidity .............................................................................................................. 6-7 6.1.5. Evaporation ....................................................................................................................... 6-7

6.2. EXTREME EVENTS ........................................................................................................................... 6-8 6.2.1. Flooding/Cyclones ........................................................................................................... 6-8 6.2.2. Bushfires .............................................................................................................................. 6-9 6.2.3. Landslides ......................................................................................................................... 6-10


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6.2.4. Earthquakes .................................................................................................................... 6-11 6.3. CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACT ASSESSMENT ............................................................................... 6-11

7. LAND ................................................................................................................................................ 7-1 7.1. LEGISLATION/GUIDELINES ........................................................................................................... 7-1 7.2. EXISTING ENVIRONMENT ............................................................................................................. 7-1

7.2.1. Land Use and Tenure ...................................................................................................... 7-1 7.2.2. Topography ...................................................................................................................... 7-9 7.2.3. Geology ............................................................................................................................. 7-9 7.2.4. Soils ................................................................................................................................... 7-23 7.2.5. Land Contamination ..................................................................................................... 7-31 7.2.6. Scenic Amenity and Lighting ....................................................................................... 7-31

7.3. POTENTIAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES ............................................................... 7-39 7.3.1. Land Use and Tenure .................................................................................................... 7-39 7.3.2. Topography .................................................................................................................... 7-41 7.3.3. Geology ........................................................................................................................... 7-42 7.3.4. Soils ................................................................................................................................... 7-48 7.3.5. Land Contamination ..................................................................................................... 7-52 7.3.6. Scenic Amenity and Lighting ....................................................................................... 7-53 7.3.7. Cumulative Impacts ...................................................................................................... 7-75

Annexure A – Queensland Contaminated Land Register and Environmental Management Register Search Results ....................................................................... 7-76

8. NATURE CONSERVATION ................................................................................................................ 8-1 8.1. INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................ 8-1

8.1.1. Legislation .......................................................................................................................... 8-1 8.2. TERRESTRIAL FLORA ...................................................................................................................... 8-2

8.2.1. Study Area ......................................................................................................................... 8-2 8.2.2. Methodology .................................................................................................................... 8-7 8.2.3. Vegetation Communities ............................................................................................... 8-9 8.2.4. Flora Species ................................................................................................................... 8-28

8.3. TERRESTRIAL FAUNA ................................................................................................................... 8-35 8.3.1. Methodology .................................................................................................................. 8-35 8.3.2. Habitat Features within the SGCP Area ..................................................................... 8-39 8.3.3. Fauna Species ................................................................................................................ 8-44 8.3.4. Migratory Species .......................................................................................................... 8-51

8.4. SURFACE AQUATIC ECOLOGY ................................................................................................ 8-54 8.4.1. Study Area ....................................................................................................................... 8-55 8.4.2. Methodology .................................................................................................................. 8-55 8.4.3. Existing Environment ...................................................................................................... 8-59

8.5. SUBTERRANEAN FAUNA ............................................................................................................ 8-65 8.5.1. Methodology .................................................................................................................. 8-65 8.5.2. Existing Environment ...................................................................................................... 8-72

8.6. POTENTIAL IMPACTS .................................................................................................................. 8-77 8.6.1. Potential Impacts on Terrestrial Flora .......................................................................... 8-77 8.6.2. Potential Impacts on Terrestrial Fauna ....................................................................... 8-89 8.6.3. Potential Impacts on Surface Aquatic Ecology ....................................................... 8-99 8.6.4. Potential Impacts on Subterranean Fauna ............................................................. 8-103

8.7. MITIGATION MEASURES ........................................................................................................... 8-105


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8.7.1. Terrestrial Flora and Fauna ......................................................................................... 8-105 8.7.2. Surface Aquatic Ecology ........................................................................................... 8-112 8.7.3. Subterranean Fauna ................................................................................................... 8-116

9. WATER RESOURCES .......................................................................................................................... 9-1 9.1. INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................. 9-1 9.2. METHODOLOGY ........................................................................................................................... 9-1

9.2.1. Surface Water Assessment .............................................................................................. 9-1 9.2.2. Groundwater Assessment ............................................................................................... 9-2 9.2.3. Subsidence Assessment ................................................................................................... 9-4

9.3. LEGISLATIVE FRAMEWORK ........................................................................................................... 9-4 9.3.1. Water Act 2000 .................................................................................................................. 9-4 9.3.2. Water Regulation 2002 .................................................................................................... 9-5 9.3.3. Environmental Protection Act 1994 ............................................................................... 9-5 9.3.4. Environmental Protection (Water) Policy 2009 ............................................................ 9-6 9.3.5. Water Supply (Safety and Reliability) Act 2008 ........................................................... 9-7 9.3.6. Water Resource (Burdekin Basin) Plan 2007 ................................................................. 9-7 9.3.7. Burdekin Basin Resource Operations Plan 2009 .......................................................... 9-8 9.3.8. Water Resources (Great Artesian Basin) Plan 2006 .................................................... 9-9 9.3.9. Sustainable Planning Act 2009 ....................................................................................... 9-9 9.3.10. Fisheries Act 1994 .............................................................................................................. 9-9 9.3.11. Australian and New Zealand Guidelines for Fresh and Marine Water

Quality (ANZECC & ARMCANZ, 2000) ........................................................................... 9-9 9.3.12. National Water Quality Management Strategy ........................................................ 9-10 9.3.13. Queensland Water Quality Guidelines 2009 (DERM, 2009) ..................................... 9-10 9.3.14. Guideline: Establishing draft environmental values and water quality

objectives (DERM, 2011) ................................................................................................ 9-10 9.3.15. Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (NHMRC, 2011) .............................................. 9-10 9.3.16. Groundwater Flow Modelling Guidelines ................................................................... 9-10

9.4. EXISTING SURFACE WATER ENVIRONMENT .............................................................................9-11 9.4.1. Environmental Values .................................................................................................... 9-11 9.4.2. Catchment Context ....................................................................................................... 9-12 9.4.3. Hydrology ......................................................................................................................... 9-19 9.4.4. Geomorphic Stream Conditions .................................................................................. 9-23 9.4.5. Baseline Water Quality ................................................................................................... 9-26

9.5. EXISTING GROUNDWATER ENVIRONMENT ..............................................................................9-29 9.5.1. Environmental Values .................................................................................................... 9-30 9.5.2. Geological Setting .......................................................................................................... 9-31 9.5.3. Previous Groundwater Investigations .......................................................................... 9-36 9.5.4. Groundwater Occurrence ............................................................................................ 9-37 9.5.5. Groundwater Users ......................................................................................................... 9-41 9.5.6. Baseline Groundwater Quality ..................................................................................... 9-45 9.5.7. Groundwater Recharge and Discharge .................................................................... 9-49

9.6. POTENTIAL SURFACE WATER IMPACTS ....................................................................................9-53 9.6.1. Hydrology ......................................................................................................................... 9-53 9.6.2. Water Quality .................................................................................................................. 9-62 9.6.3. Impact on Existing Water Users ..................................................................................... 9-64 9.6.4. Stream Diversions ............................................................................................................ 9-64 9.6.5. Flood Levels ..................................................................................................................... 9-66


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9.6.6. Subsidence ...................................................................................................................... 9-68 9.6.7. Ecology ............................................................................................................................ 9-71 9.6.8. Final Void ......................................................................................................................... 9-72 9.6.9. Climate Change ............................................................................................................ 9-73 9.6.10. Potential Cumulative Impacts ..................................................................................... 9-74

9.7. POTENTIAL GROUNDWATER IMPACTS .................................................................................... 9-74 9.7.1. Dewatering ..................................................................................................................... 9-76 9.7.2. Existing Groundwater Users .......................................................................................... 9-78 9.7.3. Subsidence ...................................................................................................................... 9-84 9.7.4. Groundwater Recharge and Discharge ................................................................... 9-86 9.7.5. Mine Waste and Water Infrastructure ........................................................................ 9-86 9.7.6. Ecology ............................................................................................................................ 9-88 9.7.7. Great Artesian Basin ...................................................................................................... 9-88 9.7.8. Induced Flow .................................................................................................................. 9-88 9.7.9. Groundwater Quality .................................................................................................... 9-89 9.7.10. Post Mining ...................................................................................................................... 9-89 9.7.11. Final Void ......................................................................................................................... 9-91 9.7.12. Cumulative Impacts ...................................................................................................... 9-92

9.8. SURFACE WATER MANAGEMENT AND MITIGATION MEASURES ......................................... 9-92 9.8.1. Supply and Storage ....................................................................................................... 9-93 9.8.2. Mine Water Management System .............................................................................. 9-94 9.8.3. Clean Water Management ......................................................................................... 9-99 9.8.4. Referable Dams ........................................................................................................... 9-105 9.8.5. Site Water Balance Model ......................................................................................... 9-105 9.8.6. Water Quality ................................................................................................................ 9-108 9.8.7. Stream Diversions ......................................................................................................... 9-112 9.8.8. Mine Flood Protection ................................................................................................. 9-119 9.8.9. Flood Plain Management ........................................................................................... 9-123 9.8.10. Subsidence Mitigation ................................................................................................ 9-124 9.8.11. Ecological Impact Mitigation .................................................................................... 9-126 9.8.12. Final Void Surface Water Interaction Mitigation .................................................... 9-126 9.8.13. Long-term Change Mitigation ................................................................................... 9-126 9.8.14. Monitoring Programs ................................................................................................... 9-126 9.8.15. Post Mining .................................................................................................................... 9-134 9.8.16. Cumulative Impact Mitigation .................................................................................. 9-134

9.9. GROUNDWATER MANAGEMENT AND MITIGATION MEASURES ....................................... 9-134 9.9.1. Dewatering Impacts Mitigation................................................................................. 9-135 9.9.2. Subsidence Mitigation ................................................................................................ 9-136 9.9.3. Mitigation of Groundwater Recharge and Discharge Impacts .......................... 9-136 9.9.4. Mine Waste and Water Infrastructure Mitigation ................................................... 9-136 9.9.5. Ecological Impact Mitigation .................................................................................... 9-137 9.9.6. Great Artesian Basin Impacts Mitigation ................................................................. 9-137 9.9.7. Induced Flow Mitigation ............................................................................................. 9-137 9.9.8. Final Void Groundwater Interaction Mitigation ...................................................... 9-137 9.9.9. Groundwater Monitoring Programs .......................................................................... 9-138 9.9.10. Cumulative Impact Mitigation .................................................................................. 9-141

Annexure A – Queensland Quarry material allocation notice Search Results ............................. 9-142


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10. AIR QUALITY ................................................................................................................................... 10-1 10.1. LEGISLATION AND GUIDELINES .................................................................................................10-1

10.1.1. Environmental Protection (Air) Policy (2008) .............................................................. 10-1 10.1.2. EPA License and Permits – Guideline 8 ....................................................................... 10-2 10.1.3. National Environmental Protection Measure ............................................................. 10-3 10.1.4. Project Specific Air Quality Criteria .............................................................................. 10-3

10.2. DESCRIPTION OF ENVIRONMENTAL VALUES...........................................................................10-3 10.2.1. Climate ............................................................................................................................. 10-4 10.2.2. Sensitive Receptors ......................................................................................................... 10-5 10.2.3. Background Levels of Particulate Matter and Dust Deposition ............................. 10-7

10.3. AIR QUALITY MODELLING METHODOLOGY ........................................................................ 10-10 10.3.1. Particulate Criteria ....................................................................................................... 10-11 10.3.2. Preparation of Meteorological Data ....................................................................... 10-11 10.3.3. Project Emission Sources ............................................................................................. 10-12 10.3.4. Development of an Emissions Database ................................................................ 10-13 10.3.5. Air Pollution Modelling ................................................................................................ 10-16

10.4. MODELLING RESULTS ............................................................................................................... 10-17 10.4.1. Dust levels at Sensitive Receptors ............................................................................. 10-30 10.4.2. Railway Modelling Results .......................................................................................... 10-31

10.5. AIR QUALITY IMPACTS ............................................................................................................. 10-33 10.5.1. Case 1 – Year 3 (2017) ................................................................................................ 10-33 10.5.2. Case 2 – Year 26 (2040) .............................................................................................. 10-33 10.5.3. Cumulative Impacts .................................................................................................... 10-34 10.5.4. Impacts Summary ........................................................................................................ 10-35

10.6. MITIGATION MEASURES ........................................................................................................... 10-35 10.6.1. Long-term Dust Monitoring ......................................................................................... 10-36 10.6.2. Meteorological Monitoring ........................................................................................ 10-36 10.6.3. Dust Deposition Monitoring ........................................................................................ 10-36 10.6.4. Dust Management Plan ............................................................................................. 10-37

11. GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS ..................................................................................................... 11-1 11.1. CAUSES OF CLIMATE CHANGE .................................................................................................11-1 11.2. FEDERAL LEGISLATION AND PROTOCOLS ...............................................................................11-1

11.2.1. Kyoto Protocol ................................................................................................................. 11-1 11.2.2. Climate Change Policy ................................................................................................. 11-1 11.2.3. Clean Energy Bill 2011 (Carbon Tax) ........................................................................... 11-1 11.2.4. National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Act 2007 (NGER Act) ..................... 11-2 11.2.5. Energy Efficiency Opportunities Act 2006 (EEO Act) ................................................ 11-2

11.3. QUEENSLAND INITIATIVES ..........................................................................................................11-2 11.4. GREENHOUSE INVENTORY .........................................................................................................11-2

11.4.1. Inventory Boundaries ..................................................................................................... 11-2 11.4.2. Factors .............................................................................................................................. 11-3 11.4.3. Estimated Greenhouse Gas Emissions ......................................................................... 11-3

11.5. EMISSION DISCUSSION ...............................................................................................................11-8 11.6. ABATEMENT MEASURES ..............................................................................................................11-8

11.6.1. Electrical Efficiency ........................................................................................................ 11-8 11.6.2. Diesel Efficiency .............................................................................................................. 11-8 11.6.3. Fugitive Emissions ............................................................................................................ 11-9

11.7. CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION .......................................................................................... 11-10


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11.7.1. Methodology ................................................................................................................ 11-10 11.7.2. Background .................................................................................................................. 11-10 11.7.3. Predicted Impacts ....................................................................................................... 11-11 11.7.4. Queensland Government Predictions ..................................................................... 11-12

11.8. CLIMATE CHANGE RISK ASSESSMENT .................................................................................... 11-13 11.8.1. Evaluation ...................................................................................................................... 11-13 11.8.2. Climate Change Adaption ........................................................................................ 11-17 11.8.3. Conclusion .................................................................................................................... 11-17

12. NOISE AND VIBRATION ................................................................................................................. 12-1 12.1. LEGISLATION AND GUIDELINES ................................................................................................ 12-1

12.1.1. Environmental Protection (Noise) Policy 2008 .......................................................... 12-1 12.1.2. DEHP Ecoaccess Guideline – Planning for Noise Control ....................................... 12-3 12.1.3. DEHP Ecoaccess Guideline – Low Frequency Noise ............................................... 12-5 12.1.4. Road Traffic Noise Goals .............................................................................................. 12-6 12.1.5. Railway Noise Goals ...................................................................................................... 12-6

12.2. DESCRIPTION OF ENVIRONMENTAL VALUES .......................................................................... 12-7 12.2.1. Climate ............................................................................................................................ 12-7 12.2.2. Noise Sensitive Receptors ............................................................................................. 12-7

12.3. NOISE MODELLING METHODOLOGY .................................................................................... 12-11 12.4. NOISE MODELLING RESULTS ................................................................................................... 12-19 12.5. IMPACT ASSESSMENT ............................................................................................................... 12-32

12.5.1. EPP (Noise) Acoustic Quality Objectives ................................................................. 12-32 12.5.2. EPP (Noise) Sleep Disturbances ................................................................................. 12-32 12.5.3. EPP (Noise) Background Creep ................................................................................. 12-32 12.5.4. DEHP Low Frequency Noise ....................................................................................... 12-33 12.5.5. DEHP Blasting Noise and Vibration ........................................................................... 12-33 12.5.6. Road Traffic Noise ........................................................................................................ 12-33 12.5.7. Railway Noise ................................................................................................................ 12-34

12.6. MITIGATION MEASURES ........................................................................................................... 12-34 12.6.1. EPP (Noise) Acoustic Quality Objectives ................................................................. 12-34 12.6.2. EPP (Noise) Sleep Disturbance .................................................................................. 12-34 12.6.3. EPP (Noise) Background Creep ................................................................................. 12-35 12.6.4. DEHP Low Frequency Noise ....................................................................................... 12-35 12.6.5. DEHP Blasting Noise and Vibration ........................................................................... 12-35 12.6.6. Road Traffic Noise ........................................................................................................ 12-36 12.6.7. Railway Noise ................................................................................................................ 12-36

13. WASTE MANAGEMENT .................................................................................................................. 13-1 13.1. INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................................... 13-1 13.2. WASTE MANAGEMENT LEGISLATION AND REGULATIONS ................................................... 13-1

13.2.1. Waste Definition ............................................................................................................. 13-1 13.2.2. Waste Management Principles ................................................................................... 13-2

13.3. DESCRIPTION OF ENVIRONMENTAL VALUES .......................................................................... 13-3 13.4. WASTE MANAGEMENT STRATEGY ........................................................................................... 13-4

13.4.1. Natural Resource Efficiency ......................................................................................... 13-4 13.4.2. Cleaner Production ....................................................................................................... 13-5 13.4.3. Regulated Wastes .......................................................................................................... 13-6 13.4.4. Spill Containment and Remediation .......................................................................... 13-7


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13.4.5. Waste Tracking ................................................................................................................ 13-7 13.4.6. Monitoring Program ....................................................................................................... 13-8 13.4.7. Waste Reporting ............................................................................................................. 13-9

13.5. POTENTIAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES ................................................................13-9 13.5.1. Waste Inventory ........................................................................................................... 13-10 13.5.2. Construction Wastes ................................................................................................... 13-11 13.5.3. Operational Wastes ..................................................................................................... 13-15 13.5.4. Decommissioning Wastes ........................................................................................... 13-26

13.6. ON-SITE LANDFILL FACILITY ..................................................................................................... 13-27 13.7. CUMULATIVE IMPACTS ............................................................................................................ 13-28

14. TRANSPORT .................................................................................................................................... 14-1 14.1. INTRODUCTION ...........................................................................................................................14-1

14.1.1. Environmental Values .................................................................................................... 14-1 14.1.2. Relevant Legislation and Approvals ........................................................................... 14-2

14.2. EXISTING CONDITIONS ...............................................................................................................14-6 14.2.1. Road Network ................................................................................................................. 14-6 14.2.2. Rail .................................................................................................................................. 14-17 14.2.3. Air .................................................................................................................................... 14-18 14.2.4. Port ................................................................................................................................. 14-19

14.3. TRANSPORT GENERATED BY SGCP ........................................................................................ 14-19 14.3.1. Road ............................................................................................................................... 14-19 14.3.2. Rail .................................................................................................................................. 14-32 14.3.3. Air .................................................................................................................................... 14-32 14.3.4. Port ................................................................................................................................. 14-33

14.4. POTENTIAL IMPACTS ................................................................................................................ 14-34 14.4.1. Road ............................................................................................................................... 14-34 14.4.2. Rail .................................................................................................................................. 14-36 14.4.3. Air .................................................................................................................................... 14-36 14.4.4. Port ................................................................................................................................. 14-37

14.5. POTENTIAL MITIGATION MEASURES ....................................................................................... 14-37 14.5.1. Road ............................................................................................................................... 14-37 14.5.2. Rail .................................................................................................................................. 14-37 14.5.3. Air .................................................................................................................................... 14-38 14.5.4. Port ................................................................................................................................. 14-38 14.5.5. Impacts to other Transportation Networks .............................................................. 14-38

14.6. CUMULATIVE IMPACTS ............................................................................................................ 14-38

15. INDIGENOUS CULTURAL HERITAGE ............................................................................................... 15-1 15.1. LEGISLATION ................................................................................................................................15-1

15.1.1. Commonwealth Legislation .......................................................................................... 15-1 15.1.2. State Legislation .............................................................................................................. 15-2

15.2. DESCRIPTION OF INDIGENOUS CULTURAL HERITAGE VALUES .............................................15-3 15.2.1. Previous Cultural Heritage Assessments ...................................................................... 15-3 15.2.2. Aboriginal Party Identification ...................................................................................... 15-3 15.2.3. Heritage Register Search ............................................................................................... 15-5 15.2.4. SGCP Field Survey ........................................................................................................... 15-5

15.3. CULTURAL HERITAGE SIGNIFICANCE .......................................................................................15-7 15.3.1. Scientific (Archaeological) Significance .................................................................... 15-8


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15.3.2. Social (Cultural) Significance ....................................................................................... 15-8 15.4. POTENTIAL IMPACTS .................................................................................................................. 15-9 15.5. MITIGATION AND MANAGEMENT MEASURES ........................................................................ 15-9

15.5.1. General Mitigation and Management Measures .................................................... 15-9 15.5.2. Cultural Heritage Management Plan ....................................................................... 15-10

16. NON-INDIGENOUS CULTURAL HERITAGE ..................................................................................... 16-1 16.1. LEGISLATION ............................................................................................................................... 16-1

16.1.1. Commonwealth Legislation ......................................................................................... 16-1 16.1.2. State Legislation ............................................................................................................. 16-1 16.1.3. Local Legislation ............................................................................................................. 16-2

16.2. DESCRIPTION OF NON-INDIGENOUS CULTURAL HERITAGE VALUES .................................. 16-2 16.2.1. Previous Cultural Heritage Assessments ..................................................................... 16-2 16.2.2. Heritage Register Search .............................................................................................. 16-3 16.2.3. Liaison with Community Groups/Organisations ....................................................... 16-4 16.2.4. SGCP Non-Indigenous Cultural Heritage Field Survey ............................................ 16-4

16.3. CULTURAL HERITAGE SIGNIFICANCE ...................................................................................... 16-5 16.4. POTENTIAL IMPACTS ................................................................................................................ 16-10 16.5. MITIGATION MEASURES ........................................................................................................... 16-10

16.5.1. General Mitigation and Management Measures .................................................. 16-10 16.5.2. Specific Mitigation and Management Measures .................................................. 16-11

17. SOCIAL........................................................................................................................................... 17-1 17.1. GUIDELINES ................................................................................................................................. 17-2 17.2. METHODOLOGY ........................................................................................................................ 17-2

17.2.1. Local Study Area ............................................................................................................ 17-3 17.2.2. Regional Study Area ...................................................................................................... 17-3 17.2.3. Baseline Assessment ...................................................................................................... 17-7 17.2.4. Community Engagement ............................................................................................. 17-7

17.3. EXISTING SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT AND VALUES .................................................................... 17-9 17.3.1. Demographics ................................................................................................................ 17-9 17.3.2. Education and Training ................................................................................................. 17-9 17.3.3. Economy, Employment and Income ....................................................................... 17-10 17.3.4. Infrastructure and Services ......................................................................................... 17-10 17.3.5. Housing and Accommodation ................................................................................. 17-11 17.3.6. Community Health and Safety .................................................................................. 17-11 17.3.7. Culture and Community ............................................................................................. 17-12

17.4. WORKFORCE PROFILE ............................................................................................................. 17-12 17.5. POTENTIAL IMPACTS ................................................................................................................ 17-14

17.5.1. Demographics .............................................................................................................. 17-14 17.5.2. Education and Training ............................................................................................... 17-15 17.5.3. Economics, Employment and Income .................................................................... 17-16 17.5.4. Infrastructure and Services ......................................................................................... 17-17 17.5.5. Housing and Accommodation ................................................................................. 17-18 17.5.6. Community Health and Safety .................................................................................. 17-19 17.5.7. Culture and Community ............................................................................................. 17-20

17.6. CUMULATIVE IMPACTS ............................................................................................................ 17-21 17.7. MITIGATION AND MANAGEMENT ......................................................................................... 17-23

17.7.1. Community Engagement Program .......................................................................... 17-23


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17.7.2. Workforce Management Plan .................................................................................. 17-23 17.7.3. Local Industry Participation Plan ............................................................................... 17-24 17.7.4. Housing and Accommodation Plan ........................................................................ 17-24 17.7.5. Cooperation and Regional Development Agreement for the Galilee

Basin ............................................................................................................................... 17-24 17.7.6. Collaboration with Other Mining Proponents ......................................................... 17-24 17.7.7. Community Partnership Program .............................................................................. 17-25 17.7.8. Social Infrastructure Working Group......................................................................... 17-25 17.7.9. Landholder Management Plan ................................................................................ 17-26 17.7.10. Grievance and Dispute Resolution Procedure ...................................................... 17-26

17.8. MONITORING AND REPORTING ............................................................................................ 17-26

18. ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT ......................................................................................................... 18-1 18.1. INTRODUCTION ...........................................................................................................................18-1 18.2. DESCRIPTION OF ENVIRONMENTAL VALUES...........................................................................18-1 18.3. ECONOMIC ASSESSMENT METHOD .........................................................................................18-1 18.4. EXISTING ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT .....................................................................................18-2

18.4.1. Study Area ....................................................................................................................... 18-2 18.4.2. Gross Regional Product ................................................................................................. 18-2 18.4.3. Population Demographics ............................................................................................ 18-6 18.4.4. Key Regional Markets .................................................................................................... 18-7 18.4.5. Expected Future Growth and Competitive Advantage ...................................... 18-12 18.4.6. Key Regional Industries ............................................................................................... 18-13 18.4.7. Current Input Costs ...................................................................................................... 18-16

18.5. POTENTIAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES ............................................................. 18-18 18.5.1. Industry Impacts ........................................................................................................... 18-18 18.5.2. Employment .................................................................................................................. 18-21 18.5.3. Housing .......................................................................................................................... 18-22 18.5.4. Implications for Future Development ....................................................................... 18-24 18.5.5. Distributional Effects and Impacts on Disadvantaged Groups ........................... 18-24

18.6. OTHER BENEFITS TO THE STATE AND NATIONAL ECONOMIES ........................................... 18-24 18.6.1. Balance of Payments .................................................................................................. 18-24 18.6.2. Local Government ...................................................................................................... 18-26 18.6.3. State Government Revenues .................................................................................... 18-26 18.6.4. Australian Government Revenues ............................................................................ 18-27

18.7. EXTRACTIVE RESOURCE AVAILABILITY .................................................................................. 18-28 18.8. SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT ................................................................................................. 18-28

18.8.1. National Strategy for Ecologically Sustainable Development ............................ 18-28 18.8.2. Legislation ..................................................................................................................... 18-29 18.8.3. Application of ESD Principles and Objectives ........................................................ 18-29

19. HAZARD AND RISK ......................................................................................................................... 19-1 19.1. OVERVIEW ...................................................................................................................................19-1 19.2. LEGISLATION AND GUIDANCE ..................................................................................................19-2 19.3. POTENTIAL HAZARDS AND RISKS ..............................................................................................19-3

19.3.1. Risk Assessment Methodology ...................................................................................... 19-3 19.3.2. Preliminary Risk Assessment ........................................................................................... 19-3

19.4. PROJECT SPECIFIC RISKS ......................................................................................................... 19-11


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19.4.1. Transport, Storage and Use of Dangerous Goods and Hazardous Substances .................................................................................................................... 19-11

19.4.2. Traffic .............................................................................................................................. 19-22 19.4.3. Rail Corridor ................................................................................................................... 19-22 19.4.4. Climate Change .......................................................................................................... 19-23 19.4.5. Natural Hazards ............................................................................................................ 19-23 19.4.6. Fire .................................................................................................................................. 19-23 19.4.7. Bushfire ........................................................................................................................... 19-24

19.5. EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AND RESPONSE PLAN .......................................................... 19-25 19.6. RISK MANAGEMENT PLAN ...................................................................................................... 19-28

19.6.1. The Framework for Managing Risk ............................................................................ 19-29 19.6.2. Risk Management Process ......................................................................................... 19-32

19.7. PRELIMINARY RISK ASSESSMENT – CONCLUSION ................................................................ 19-35 19.8. HEALTH AND SAFETY ................................................................................................................ 19-35

19.8.1. Legislation ...................................................................................................................... 19-35 19.8.2. Existing Values ............................................................................................................... 19-37 19.8.3. Construction and Operations .................................................................................... 19-38 19.8.4. Construction and Operational Health and Safety Management ...................... 19-44 19.8.5. Decommissioning and Rehabilitation ...................................................................... 19-48 19.8.6. Cumulative Health and Safety Risks ......................................................................... 19-49 19.8.7. Potential Impacts and Mitigation Measures ........................................................... 19-49 19.8.8. Monitoring and Auditing ............................................................................................. 19-50

20. MATTERS OF NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL SIGNIFICANCE ........................................................ 20-1 20.1. INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................................... 20-1

20.1.1. Project Background ....................................................................................................... 20-1 20.1.2. Relationship to Other Projects ..................................................................................... 20-1 20.1.3. Public Consultation ........................................................................................................ 20-1 20.1.4. Environmental Impact Statement Study Team ........................................................ 20-2 20.1.5. Environmental Record of Proponents ........................................................................ 20-2

20.2. RELEVANT MATTERS OF NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL SIGNIFICANCE ............................... 20-3 20.2.1. Listed Threatened Species ........................................................................................... 20-3 20.2.2. Listed Threatened Ecological Communities ........................................................... 20-60 20.2.3. Listed Migratory Species ............................................................................................. 20-65

20.3. RELEVANT POTENTIAL IMPACTS ............................................................................................. 20-77 20.3.1. Land Clearing ............................................................................................................... 20-80 20.3.2. Subsidence Impacts .................................................................................................... 20-81 20.3.3. Water Resources .......................................................................................................... 20-99 20.3.4. Weeds and Pest Fauna ............................................................................................. 20-101 20.3.5. Artificial Lighting ......................................................................................................... 20-102 20.3.6. Noise and Air Quality ................................................................................................. 20-103 20.3.7. Direct Mortality from Vehicles .................................................................................. 20-103 20.3.8. Changed Fire Regimes ............................................................................................. 20-104 20.3.9. Potential Impacts to Threatened Species ............................................................. 20-105 20.3.10. Potential Impacts to Threatened Ecological Communities ............................... 20-116 20.3.11. Potential Impacts to Migratory Species ................................................................. 20-118

20.4. AVOIDANCE AND MITIGATION MEASURES TO REDUCE THE IMPACTS TO MNES ........................................................................................................................................ 20-122

20.4.1. Avoidance .................................................................................................................. 20-122


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20.4.2. Mitigation Measures .................................................................................................. 20-122 20.4.3. Revegetation and Rehabilitation ........................................................................... 20-146

20.5. PROPOSED OFFSETS FOR RESIDUAL IMPACTS ................................................................... 20-147 20.6. MONITORING AND REPORTING .......................................................................................... 20-149

Annexure A – Assessments of Significant Impact Criteria ................................................................ 20-151

21. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN ...................................................................................... 21-1 21.1. INTRODUCTION ...........................................................................................................................21-1

21.1.1. Background ..................................................................................................................... 21-1 21.1.2. The Project ....................................................................................................................... 21-2 21.1.3. Location ........................................................................................................................... 21-3 21.1.4. Project Proponent ........................................................................................................... 21-5 21.1.5. Land Use and Tenure ..................................................................................................... 21-5 21.1.6. Stakeholders .................................................................................................................... 21-6 21.1.7. Standard Environmental Conditions ........................................................................... 21-7

21.2. PROJECT DESCRIPTION ..............................................................................................................21-7 21.2.1. Coal Mine ......................................................................................................................... 21-7 21.2.2. CHPP and Mine Infrastructure ...................................................................................... 21-8

21.3. ENVIRONMENTAL VALUES, IMPACTS, COMMITMENTS, AND DRAFT CONDITIONS ................................................................................................................................21-9

21.3.1. EM Plan Development Methodology ......................................................................... 21-9 21.3.2. General Conditions ..................................................................................................... 21-10 21.3.3. Air Quality ...................................................................................................................... 21-14 21.3.4. Water Resources .......................................................................................................... 21-20 21.3.5. Noise and Vibration ..................................................................................................... 21-51 21.3.6. Waste Management ................................................................................................... 21-59 21.3.7. Rehabilitation and Decommissioning ...................................................................... 21-72 21.3.8. Land Resources ............................................................................................................ 21-80 21.3.9. Cultural Heritage .......................................................................................................... 21-90 21.3.10. Social .............................................................................................................................. 21-95 21.3.11. Nature Conservation ................................................................................................... 21-98 21.3.12. Transport ...................................................................................................................... 21-106 21.3.13. Environmental Management .................................................................................. 21-109

22. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ................................................................................. 22-1 22.1. REHABILITATION AND DECOMMISSIONING ............................................................................22-1 22.2. CLIMATE, NATURAL HAZARDS AND CLIMATE CHANGE........................................................22-2 22.3. LAND .............................................................................................................................................22-2 22.4. NATURE CONSERVATION ...........................................................................................................22-4

22.4.1. Terrestrial Flora and Fauna ............................................................................................ 22-5 22.4.2. Aquatic and Subterranean Ecology ........................................................................... 22-6

22.5. WATER RESOURCES ....................................................................................................................22-6 22.5.1. Surface Water Impacts .................................................................................................. 22-8 22.5.2. Groundwater Impacts ................................................................................................... 22-9 22.5.3. Surface Water Management ....................................................................................... 22-9 22.5.4. Groundwater Management ...................................................................................... 22-10

22.6. AIR QUALITY .............................................................................................................................. 22-10 22.7. GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS .............................................................................................. 22-13 22.8. NOISE AND VIBRATION ........................................................................................................... 22-14


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22.9. WASTE ........................................................................................................................................ 22-15 22.10. TRANSPORT .................................................................

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