central victorian livestock exchange (cvlx) · 8.1 risk assessment of non-routine operations and...

Central Victorian Livestock Exchange (CVLX) Works Approval Application

August 2014

Central Victorian Livestock Exchange

Works Approval Application

This report has been prepared by the office of Spiire Level 2 10 Moorabool Street PO Box 4032 Geelong Victoria 3220 Australia

Acknowledgements and Recognition

Marshall Day Acoustics Pty Ltd

The Odour Unit Pty Ltd

Geolyse Pty Ltd

Douglas Partners Pty Ltd

Issue Date Revision No. Author Checked Approved

August 2014 Rev A Anthony Wansink Matthew Payne Matthew Payne

© Spiire

The information contained in this document is intended solely for the use of the client named for the purpose for which it has been prepared and no representation is made or is to be implied as being made to any third party. Other than for the exclusive use of the named client, no part of this report may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying or otherwise, without the prior written permission of Spiire.



Contents

1. Introduction ............................................................................................................................ 1

1.1 Company Details ...................................................................................................................... 1

1.2 Contact Details ......................................................................................................................... 1

1.3 Premises Details ...................................................................................................................... 1

2. Proposed Use ......................................................................................................................... 3

2.1 Project Description ................................................................................................................... 3

2.2 Cost of Works and Application Fee ......................................................................................... 5

2.3 Proposed Dates ....................................................................................................................... 5

3. Approvals................................................................................................................................ 6

3.1 Need for a Works Approval ...................................................................................................... 6

3.2 Planning and Other Approvals ................................................................................................. 8

4. Environment and Community ............................................................................................. 10

4.1 Track Record.......................................................................................................................... 10

4.2 Key Environmental Considerations ........................................................................................ 10

4.3 Community Engagement ....................................................................................................... 11

5. Process and Best Practice .................................................................................................. 13

5.1 Process and technology ......................................................................................................... 13

5.2 Environmental Best-Practice .................................................................................................. 14

5.3 Integrated Environmental Assessment .................................................................................. 14

5.4 Choice of Process and Technology ....................................................................................... 14

5.5 Choice of Location and Layout .............................................................................................. 14

6. Resources ............................................................................................................................. 15

6.1 Carbon ................................................................................................................................... 15

6.2 Water Use .............................................................................................................................. 15

6.3 Solid Waste ............................................................................................................................ 15

6.4 Prescribed Industrial Wastes ................................................................................................. 15



7. Emissions ............................................................................................................................. 16

7.1 Air emissions .......................................................................................................................... 16

7.2 Discharge to Surface Water ................................................................................................... 16

7.3 Discharge to Land .................................................................................................................. 17

7.4 Noise ...................................................................................................................................... 18

7.5 Greenhouse Gas Emissions .................................................................................................. 18

8. Environmental Management ............................................................................................... 19

8.1 Risk Assessment of non-routine operations and climate change impacts. ........................... 19

8.2 Separation Distances ............................................................................................................. 19

8.3 Management System ............................................................................................................. 19

8.4 Construction ........................................................................................................................... 19

E. Air Emissions (Odour) ......................................................................................................... 21

E.1 Air Emissions ......................................................................................................................... 21

E.2 Best practice air emissions management .............................................................................. 22

E.3 Impact on Air Quality .............................................................................................................. 23

G. Land and Groundwater ........................................................................................................ 25

G.1 Discharge or Deposit to Land ................................................................................................ 25

G.2 Best Practice Land and Groundwater Management .............................................................. 25

G.3 Impact on Land and Groundwater ......................................................................................... 25

H. Noise emissions ................................................................................................................... 26

H.1 Noise Emissions .................................................................................................................... 26

H.2 Best Practice Noise Management ......................................................................................... 27

H.3 Noise Impact .......................................................................................................................... 27

I. Environmental Management ............................................................................................... 28

I.1 Non-routine operations .......................................................................................................... 28

I.2 Variability in climate ............................................................................................................... 28

I.3 Monitoring .............................................................................................................................. 28



Page 3

2. Proposed Use

The purpose of this section is to outline the proposed development, including the project rationale and proposed facilities.

2.1 Project Description

Project Description

The project seeks to establish a livestock exchange

(saleyard) that is designed to have a throughput of

approximately 1.6 Million sheep and 70,000 cattle per

annum.

RLX IC proposes to relocate the Central Victorian Livestock Exchange (CVLX) from its existing site in central Ballarat (1020 LaTrobe Street, Ballarat) to a new purpose-built state-of-the-art livestock marketing and selling complex on the north-west perimeter of the city at the intersection of the Western Highway and Sunraysia Highway.

The facility has been proposed to accommodate 70,000 cattle and 1.6M sheep annually. The proposed site facilities required to accommodate this capacity includes the following:

12,800 m2 (approx.) of roofed sheep yards;

19,800 m2 (approx.) of external sheep yards;

4,200 m2 (approx.) of roofed cattle yards;

6,800 m2 (approx.) of external cattle yards;

Truck wash down area able to cater for 4 trucks (24 hour / 7 day access);

3,800 m2 (approx.) of truck parking area;

216 car parking spaces for vehicles;

An office and administrative complex covering approx. 1,400m2.

A water storage dam able to capture 5ML of irrigation water;

A series of water treatment ponds designed to capture and treat all water runoff from the operational area of the site;

Night lighting and CCTV camera security;

A maintenance and hay shed; and

Numerous specialty loading and unloading ramps.

The balance of the site will be used as irrigated grazing land. The Concept Plan for the site layout is provided in Figure 2.

It is anticipated that the site will cater for 17 staff, 48 agent personnel, 6 livestock contractors, 12 drovers, and up to 100 patrons on peak event days. Amenity and cafeteria facilities have been provided for the expected patronage and staff.

It is scheduled to host 48 prime cattle sales per year (Weekly - Monday), 51 sheep sales per year (Weekly - Tuesday) and 13 store cattle per year (Monthly – Fridays). Twenty-four hour, seven day a week access to the facility will be provided to retain the access to truck washdown facilities and satisfy pick-up / drop off requirements.

Closed Circuit Television and Video (CCTV) surveillance will be installed at the entry of the site, central facility buildings, truck wash, key yard areas and facility buildings.



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3. Approvals

Three main legislative mechanisms are applicable to this project as follows:

Environment Protection Act 1970 (Works Approval and Licence)

Planning and Environment Act 1987 (Planning Scheme Amendment)

Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 (Cultural Heritage Management Plan)

This Works Approval Application relates to the requirements under the Environment Protection

Act 1970.

It is noted that provisions within the Planning and Environment Act 1987 and Environment

Protection Act 1970 allow for the joint processing and assessment of Planning Scheme

Amendments and Works Approval Applications. This project seeks to use these provisions

with the intended process shown on the following page.

3.1 Need for a Works Approval

Section 19A of the Environment Protection Act 1970 states the following in relation to the need

for a Works Approval:

(1) The occupier of a scheduled premises must not do any act or thing, including the

commencement of any construction, installation or modification of plant,

equipment or process or any subsequent step in relation thereto, which is likely to

cause:

(a) an increase or alteration in the waste discharged or emitted

from, deposited to, or produced at, the premises; or

(b) an increase or alteration in the waste which is, or substances which are a

danger or potential danger to the quality of the environment or

any segment of the environment which are, reprocessed, treated, stored,

contained, disposed of or handled, at the premises; or

(c) a change in any method or equipment used at the premises for the

reprocessing, treatment, storage, containment, disposal or handling

of waste, or of substances which are a danger or potential danger to the

quality of the environment or any segment of the environment; or

(d) a significant increase in the emission of noise; or

(e) a state of potential danger to the quality of the environment or

any segment of the environment

except in accordance with a works approval or a licence or a requirement

specified in a notice given by the Authority as the case may be unless the

act or thing is only in the course of and for the purpose of general

maintenance.

This project requires a Works Approval. The Environment Protection (Scheduled Premises

and Exemptions) Regulations 2007 provides the following exemption from Section 20(1) of the

Environment Protection Act 1970 for saleyards:

Premises discharging or depositing waste solely to land are exempt from

licensing under section 20(1) of the Act.

http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/vic/consol_act/epa1970284/s4.html#occupier

http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/vic/consol_act/epa1970284/s4.html#scheduled_premises

http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/vic/consol_act/epa1970284/s4.html#waste

http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/vic/consol_act/epa1970284/s4.html#deposit

http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/vic/consol_act/epa1970284/s4.html#premises


http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/vic/consol_act/epa1970284/s4.html#environment

http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/vic/consol_act/epa1970284/s4.html#segment








http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/vic/consol_act/epa1970284/s4.html#noise




http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/vic/consol_act/epa1970284/s4.html#works_approval

http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/vic/consol_act/epa1970284/s4.html#licence

http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/vic/consol_act/epa1970284/s4.html#authority



Page 7

Environment Protection Act 1970Planning and Environment Act 1978

Pre-lodgement

discussions with Council

and DTPLI

Pre-lodgement

discussions with Council

and DTPLI

Prepare Planning Scheme

Amendment

documentation

Prepare Works Approval

documentation

EPA determination to

accept Works Approval

application

Council resolution to

seek authorisation

Joint Advertising


request Panel hearing

EPA to determine 20(B)

consultation process

Conduct 20(B)

consultation session (if

required)

Terms of Reference / Panel Hearing / Panel Report


request Panel hearing

EPA to determine 20(B)

consultation process

Prepare documentation



Page 8

3.2 Planning and Other Approvals

As stated above there are two additional legislative mechanisms applicable to this project in

addition to the Environment Protection Act 1970.

Planning and Environment Act 1987

A request to amend the Ballarat Planning Scheme has been lodged concurrently with this

Works Approval Application to the Ballarat City Council. The amendment request seeks to

change the land from a Farming Zone (FZ) to a Special Use Zone (proposed SUZ15), in order

to facilitate the establishment of a regional livestock saleyard.

This amendment request also seeks to introduce the ‘Central Victorian Livestock Exchange, Ballarat (August 2014) Incorporated Document’ into the Schedule to Clause 81.01. This Incorporated Document seeks to exclude the project from particular provisions contained

within the Scheme in order to facilitate the ongoing use and development of the land for a

livestock exchange.

An amendment is required to accurately reflect the regional significance, nature and scope of

activities involved in the establishment of a regional scale livestock saleyard.

The use of existing controls within the Farming Zone facilitate the development of the site for a

saleyard; however, given the regional significance, nature and scope of the activities proposed

it is considered that a tailored zoning is applied to recognise the use and development of the

land for the specific purpose of the Central Victorian Livestock Exchange.

Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006

The project site contains several sites of Aboriginal cultural heritage significance, many of

which occur within the proposed construction or operational footprint. A Cultural Heritage

Management Plan (CHMP) has been prepared in consultation with the RAP in accordance

with the requirements of the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006.

The CHMP documents the specific measures, including salvage protocols, required to

appropriately manage Aboriginal cultural heritage likely to be affected by ground disturbance

during the construction and operational phases of the projects. Importantly, it includes

arrangements for the custody and long-term storage of collected artefacts and an ‘interpretive garden’ to be created onsite.

Other Legislation

There are a number of additional legislative mechanisms that are potentially applicable to this

project as follows:

Legislative Mechanism Requirements Applicability

Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988

A licence for activities on public land which might kill, injure or disturb protected native plants. Works on public lands include the creation of site access arrangements and

Flora and fauna surveys have not identified species or communities listed under this Act within the public road reserves.

Further surveys may be required once servicing requirements are finalised.



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Legislative Mechanism Requirements Applicability

Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

Approval from the Commonwealth Government is required for actions that are likely to impact upon matters of National Environmental Significance (NES).

No species or communities listed as matters of NES have been found on site. Accordingly, approvals are not required under this Act

Environment Effects Act 1978

Where proposed works have the potential for significant environmental effects, a proponent or decision-maker may refer the proposal to the Victorian Minister for Planning for a determination on whether an Environment Effects Statement (EES) should be prepared to inform decisions on relevant statutory approvals.

Based on the finding of field studies and technical investigations, the proposal is not considered to trigger the criteria specified in the Ministerial Guidelines for Assessment of Environment Effects (2006) and referral to the Minister for Planning is therefore not warranted.



Page 10

4. Environment and Community

RLX IC has been formed to develop a network of modern regional livestock exchanges throughout Australia with six projects currently in operation, including the existing Central Victorian Livestock Exchange that is proposed to be relocated as part of this project.

4.1 Track Record

RLX IC has an established series of operating procedures to ensure compliance with all relevant legislative controls while seeking to operate in accordance with best-practice. RLX IC has no offences to report and has not been subject to any enforcement proceedings.

The establishment of state-of-the-art facilities usually involves the relocation of dated facilities that are unable to comply with all legislative controls or industry best-practice.

4.2 Key Environmental Considerations

An Assessment Plan was prepared in consultation with EPA in early 2014. This Assessment

Plan identified four key environmental considerations that require assessment as part of the

Works Approval process. These are as follows:

Issue Relevant considerations

Air Emissions (specifically odour)

Potential sources of odour include the wastewater / effluent ponds, stockpiled solids, and soft flooring of the saleyard pens.

Land and Groundwater (focussing on water balance and land capability)

Demand and supply implications, surface and liquid water management, and potential impacts of onsite re-use (irrigation) on soil chemistry and physical attributes.

Noise Emissions Noise nuisance may be associated with vehicle movements into and out of the site, truck washing, cattle loading/unloading including stock bellowing, and loudspeaker systems.

Environmental Management

An Environmental Management Plan will be prepared to respond to the detailed technical assessment required for the above mentions considerations and to address non-standard processes.

These four key environmental considerations are addressed as part of this Work Approval Application documentation.

Note that a number of other environmental considerations relevant to the project are considered under the other legislative mechanisms including flora and fauna, traffic and noise (offsite) within the Planning and Environment Act 1987 process and cultural heritage under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006.



Page 11

4.3 Community Engagement

The process of selecting a suitable location for the relocation of the Central Victorian Livestock

Exchange commenced over a decade ago when the City of Ballarat identified a site near

Cardigan in 2003. Consultation from the Ballarat City Council occurred between 2003 and

2010 which generally aligned with the following process steps:

The City of Ballarat identified a site near Cardigan in 2003. This site was determined to

be too small for a regional scale operation and an alternative site at Learmonth was

identified. The community was informed of these two locations.

Planning approval was sought by the City of Ballarat for the use of the Learmonth site

between 2004 and 2006 with the approvals and assessment process recommending that

the use was unsuitable in the proposed location. Formal consultation as part of the Works

Approval and Planning Scheme Amendment was undertaken at this time.

Following the recommendation from the Planning Panel to abandon the Learmonth

location, the City of Ballarat undertook a strategic assessment of alternate sites within the

boundaries of the City of Ballarat which identified a number of potential sites. These sites

were reduced to two locations following further analysis and consultation with the

community including workshops (see photo).

Above: Photo from Community Consultation session held be Ballarat City Council



Page 12

In 2010, an agreement was reached with RLX Investment Company Pty Ltd to operate

the existing facility and ultimately relocate the facility to an alternate location (subject to

statutory approvals).

RLX Investment Company Pty Ltd undertook an independent review of the potential sites

with the boundaries of the City of Ballarat for the relocation of the Central Victorian

Livestock Exchange. This assessment confirmed that the Miners Rest location presented

a potentially suitable location for the livestock exchange. A decision was made by the

RLX Investment Company to pursue statutory approvals for the operation of a livestock

exchange on this site.

Consultation undertaken as part of the process for obtaining statutory approvals has

included a public meeting held in April 2013, monthly updates to Councillors at the

Ballarat City Council and the publication of community newsletters since mid-2014.

A formal consultation process will occur as part of the Planning Scheme Amendment and

Works Approval process.

RLX IC have identified that the majority of concerns have come from the Miners Rest township

and relate to potential amenity impacts (noise, odour, traffic) and the site selection process

following the long history of relocating the livestock exchange (prior to RLX IC involvement).

A Community Consultation Plan has been prepared and implemented by RLC IC with actions

including the creation of a website, regular emails, milestone media releases and direct

engagement (where appropriate). This Community Engagement Plan accompanies this

Works Approval.



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5. Process and Best Practice

The process involved with a livestock exchange facility generally involves the following:

Livestock delivery, holding and collection;

Livestock sales;

Administrative activities;

Truck washdown activities;

Saleyard and holding pens washdown;

General maintenance activities; and

General agricultural activities.

The facilities is proposed to accommodate 1.6 Million head of sheep per annum and 70,000

cattle with the 85th percentile (i.e. average numbers that occur 85% of the time) and maximum

sales numbers anticipated as follows:

Sheep: 85th percentile sale of 36,806 sheep, maximum sale of 58,561 sheep;

Prime cattle: 85th percentile sale of 470 cattle, maximum sale of 795 cattle; and

Store cattle: 85th percentile sale of 3,771 cattle, maximum sale of 4,806 cattle.

It is scheduled to host 48 prime cattle sales per year (weekly – Monday), 51 sheep sales per

year (weekly – Tuesday) and 13 store cattle sales per year (monthly – Friday).

Twenty-four hour, seven day a week access to the facility will be provided to retain the access

to truck washdown facilities and satisfy pick-up / drop-off requirements.

The key processes relevant to this Works Approval are the activities that generate noise,

odour and waste with process steps relevant including loading / unloading of livestock, holding

livestock, truck washdown, site washdown and site clean.

5.1 Process and Technology

The following inputs, outputs and controls are relevant to the key process steps outlined

above.

Key process steps: Key Inputs Key outputs Key controls

Livestock loading / unloading

N/A N/A N/A

Holding livestock N/A N/A Acoustic controls (i.e. bunding etc) if required.

Truck washdown Water Waste water and solids

Waste water treatment facility

Site washdown Water Waste water and solids

Waste water treatment facility

Site Clean N/A Used ‘soft’ floor material

N/A



Page 14

5.2 Environmental Best-Practice

RLX IC, and the associated RLX Operating Company, are a leading operator of livestock

exchanges within Australia and operate state-of-the art facilities deigned to be in accordance

with industry best-practice.

RLX IC operated six livestock exchanges with no uncontrolled environmental impacts.

5.3 Integrated Environmental Assessment

The proposed facility does not contain any competing considerations that need to be balanced

to achieve the net best environmental outcome.

The potential environmental impacts of the key process steps can be considered

independently.

5.4 Choice of Process and Technology

The process involved with a livestock exchange facility generally involves the following:

Livestock delivery, holding and collection;

Livestock sales;

Administrative activities;

Truck washdown activities;

Saleyard and holding pens washdown;

General maintenance activities; and

General agricultural activities.

The process steps for a livestock exchange do not have readily available and viable

technology or process alternatives that would alter the environmental outcome.

5.5 Choice of Location and Layout

The facility has been located in order to respond to the natural and physical features of the

sites and surrounds.

The layout of the facility avoids areas of remnant native vegetation, and makes use of the

natural slope to best serve the onsite water and waste management system. Further, the

infrastructure and proposed landscaping has been sited to reduce wind, minimise dust and

provide sound attenuation.

The facility has been centrally located within the site boundary to provide visual separation

between the roadway and the facility, and to allow for complementary screening to be planted

within the setback (to soften the built form).

The facility has been strategically sited towards in the central portion of the site to maximise

the separation distance from the rural residential properties. All proposed buildings are more

than 700m from the closet residential dwelling.



Page 15

6. Resources

6.1 Carbon

Greenhouse gas generation associated with the operation and lighting of the facility is expected to be within a similar range to a warehouse operation or supermarket, while generation associated with vehicle movements on site are limited to several operational vehicles.

Generation associated with vehicles deliveries are not expected to be increased as a result of this project given its central location to the major transport connections and the proximity to the existing facility.

6.2 Water Use

The facility will use approximately 51 ML of water per annum, with approximately 25 ML to be provided via water recycled or captured onsite. Potable water will be provided via an extension to the existing water mains within Miners Rest.

Further information on water use is provided within the Water Balance Assessment prepared by Geolyse Pty Ltd (dated August 2014) which accompanies this Works Approval.

6.3 Solid Waste

There are four main sources of solid waste generated during the operation of the site; namely, solids from the truck wash, general waste from staff, stock mortalities and waste soft-floor material. None of these sources are anticipated to generate significant amounts of waste with the following off-site disposal methods proposed.

Type / Source Management

Truck wash Collected in interceptor trap and disposed to off-site licenced waste facility.

General waste Collected in various bins and stockpiled until disposal to off-site licenced waste facility.

Stock mortalities Collected in designated area and disposed to off-site licenced waste facility.

Soft-floor material Collected in designated area and disposed to off-site licenced waste facility or composting facility.

Management of waste will be undertaken in accordance with an Environment Improvement Plan to be prepared following consideration of the Works Approval. A draft Environment Improvement Plan accompanies this Works Approval application.

6.4 Prescribed Industrial Wastes

The site is not anticipated to generate any prescribed industrial waste.

Should any waste generated on the site be classified as prescribed industrial waste then appropriate processes will be established in accordance with Environment Protection (Industrial Waste Resource) Regulations 2009 and disposed off-site at an appropriately licensed facility.



Page 16

7. Emissions

The operation of a livestock exchange emits odour, dust, noise and waste.

7.1 Air emissions

The proposal will not emit any Class 1. 2 or 3 indicators as listed under the State Environment Protection Policy (Air Quality Management).

Section 10(1)(d) of State Environment Protection Policy (Air Quality Management) provides for ‘unclassified indicators’ with the following definition:

Unclassified indicators: indicators of the beneficial uses of local amenity and aesthetic enjoyment, namely odour and total suspended particles (nuisance dust).

The proposal has the potential to emit odour and dust.

Odour:

The design criteria for odour is a maximum of 1 odour unit (OU) with a 3 minute averaging time. The State Environment Protection Policy (Air Quality Management) provides an integrated set of criteria which may be applied to ensure beneficial uses are protected near intensive animal husbandry. This provides that odour from intensive agriculture does not exceed five times the odour detection threshold at or beyond the site boundary.

An assessment of the odour impacts accompanies this Works Approval application which demonstrates that the proposal complies with the 5 OU criteria within the site boundary.

Further information on odour is provided within the Odour Assessment prepared by The Odour Unit (dated August 2014) which accompanies this Works Approval along with Section E of this Works Approval application.

Dust:

A design criteria for dust is specified for a point source only within the State Environment Protection Policy (Air Quality Management); however, guidance for area sources are designated within relevant industry Protocol for Environmental Management (PEM). No PEM exists for the livestock industry.

Dust impacts relate to vehicle movements and are expected to be readily managed on site. Management of dust will be undertaken in accordance with an Environment Improvement Plan to be prepared following consideration of the Works Approval. A draft Environment Improvement Plan accompanies this Works Approval application.

Further information on water use is provided within the Water Balance Assessment prepared by Geolyse Pty Ltd (dated August 2014) which accompanies this Works Approval along with Section G of this Works Approval application.

7.2 Discharge to Surface Water

This site will not discharge to surface water.

Further information on water use is provided within the Water Balance Assessment prepared by Geolyse Pty Ltd (dated August 2014) which accompanies this Works Approval.

The site has been designed to avoid locating operational facilities within the floodplain.



Page 17

7.3 Discharge to Land

Waste will be discharged to land via the irrigation of waste water. The rate of discharge will be managed in consideration of hydraulic, nutrient and organic loading and will be undertaken in accordance with EPA Publication 464.2 – Use of Reclaimed Water.

The Environment Protection (Scheduled Premises and Exemptions) Regulations 2007 states that ‘livestock saleyards or holding pens which are designed to have a throughput of at least 10,000 animal units per year’ are exempt from obtaining a License under 20(1) of the Environment Protection Act 1970 provided waste is solely discharged to land. This project will deposit waste solely to land.

Further information on water discharge to land is provided within the Water Balance Assessment prepared by Geolyse Pty Ltd (dated August 2014) which accompanies this Works Approval along with Section G.



Page 18

7.4 Noise

The two main sources of noise associated with the proposal area as follows:

Livestock; and

Truck Movements.

Noise from livestock is exempt from consideration under both State Environment Protection Policy (SEPP) N-1 and Noise in Regional Victoria (NIRV). Discussions with EPA have indicated that noise from livestock should be considered within the assessment. The accompanying Noise Impact Assessment prepared by Marshall Day Acoustics, dated August 2014, considered livestock noise as part of the assessment. However, we re-iterate that noise impacts from livestock are exempt from the relevant policy guidance in Victoria.

Additional sources of noise include:

Compressor for cattle yards air-operated gates;

Pumps for the truck wash and wash down of the yards;

Storm pump to shift effluent to ponds;

Irrigation pump for temporary storage paddocks;

Aeration pump for effluent ponds;

Motors on adjustable ramps;

Air-conditioning units on buildings;

Maintenance equipment including:

Grinders, saws, drills used in maintenance shed;

Generator welder, grinder and drill used in yards;

Compressor in maintenance shed;

Bobcat;

All-terrain vehicle;

Standby generators(s); and

Public address system.

The proposal does not have any equipment that will be louder than 80dBA and under Part 3, Section 9 of the Environment Protection (Scheduled Premises and Exemptions) Regulations 2007, it is considered that this proposal is exempt from the Works Approval requirements due to noise.

Further information on noise is provided within the Noise Impact Assessment prepared by Marshall Day Acoustics (dated August 2014) which accompanies this Works Approval in addition to Section H.

7.5 Greenhouse Gas Emissions

As stated in Section 6.1 of this form, this project is unlikely to result in an increase to greenhouse gas emissions (including direct / indirect or cumulative).



Page 19

8. Environmental Management

8.1 Risk Assessment of non-routine operations and climate change impacts.

RLX IC operate their sites in accordance with an Occupational Health and Safety Management System. This system provides for a site specific risk register to be established and maintain on the site. This site specific risk register will provide the ongoing mechanism for reporting, recording and responding to environmental risks.

Four preliminary risks that could cause environmental impacts have been identified, namely power failure, spills and leaks, heavy rainfall and fire. Management of these risk will be undertaken in accordance with an Environment Improvement Plan to be prepared following consideration of the Works Approval. A draft Environment Improvement Plan accompanies this Works Approval application.

8.2 Separation Distances

EPA publication 1518 - Recommended Separation Distances for Industrial Residual Air Emissions provides a recommended separation distance of 500 m for a stock saleyard.

This proposal complies with this recommended separation distance. The prescribed Method 2 is the appropriate calculation method for this project as the site is not-within an urban area or township and is greater than 0.4 hectares. Method 2 is calculated in accordance with the following diagram (sources from EPA Publication 1518):

This proposal complies with the relevant distances in all directions and further consideration of separation distances will not be undertaken in the Works Approval application.

8.3 Management System

RLX IC operate their sites in accordance with an Occupational Health and Safety Management System and an Operations Manual. The Operations Manual provides for an Environmental Compliance System.

Environmental Management of this project will be undertaken in accordance with Occupational Health and Safety Management System, Operations Manual and an Environment Improvement Plan for specific matters relevant to the Works Approval.

A draft Environment Improvement Plan accompanies this Works Approval application.



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8.4 Construction

The construction of the proposal will not lead to any significant environmental risks (above and beyond those commonly associated with civil construction (i.e. noise, dust, etc). These will be readily managed via the development of a Construction Environment Management Plan prepared in consideration EPA Publication 275 – Construction Techniques for sediment and pollution control and EPA Publication 480 – Environmental Guidelines for Major Construction Sites.

Above: Construction of the Northern Victorian Livestock Exchange (August 2014).

Above: Construction of the Northern Victorian Livestock Exchange (August 2014).



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E. Air Emissions (Odour)

This section addresses the air emissions relating to odour. Impacts associated with dust can be readily controlled and managed on site.

E.1 Air Emissions

The Odour Assessment undertaken by The Odour Unit (dated August 2014) does not identify any sources of background odour that would contribute to the impacts from the proposal.

Background levels would be influenced by the existing rural uses along with any odour generated by passing vehicles. The background levels are considered insignificant for the assessment of odour.

The following components of the proposal are likely to produce mixed, unclassified odour emissions: Cattle saleyard;

Sheep saleyard;

Truck washdown area; and

Waste water treatment ponds;

First flush pond;

Anaerobic ponds; and

Aerobic pond.

The livestock saleyards are considered to be the primary source of odour with the other odour sources being less significant to the overall magnitude. The total magnitude of odour emissions are expected to reflect livestock numbers and rates of delivery, which will cycle throughout the week and / or month depending on the timing and number of sales.

The remaining operational areas are considered to be insignificant odour sources. These include the treated effluent pond, irrigation pond, rainwater pond and wetland provided they remain fully aerobic. Irrigation of effluent treated to Class C quality (in accordance with EPA Publication 464.2 – Use of Reclaimed Water) should also not be of significant concern.

The proposal will not result in any Class 1,2 or 3 emissions as listed in Schedule A within State Environment Protection Policy (Air Quality Management). Odour is listed as an ‘Unclassified Indicator’ within the policy.

Likely rates of emissions are based on quantitative testing undertaken at a representative facility operating by RLX IC at Carcoar, NSW.

Further information on the assessment methodology is provided within The Odour Assessment prepared by The Odour Unit (dated August 2014) which accompanies this Works Approval application.



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The anticipated rate of emissions is summarised as follows:.

Operational component (process step) Mean SOER1

(ou.m3/m2.s)

Cattle Pen (Dry) 0.046

Cattle Pen (Wet) 0.132

Sheep Pen (Dry) 0.152

Sheep Pen (Wet) 0.442

Anaerobic Pond 0.039

Manure stockpile (Cattle pen) 0.110

Manure stockpile (Truck wash)

The Odour Assessment prepared by The Odour Unit (dated August 2014) states the following:

The modelling found that the Odour Design Criterion of 5 on (99.9 percentile, 3 minute average) should not exceed beyond the CVLX site boundary. It has been projected that ground level odour concentration would not be exceeded beyond the CVLX boundary. It has been projects that the ground level odour concentration would not exceed 0.5 odour units at the nearest dwelling off-site.

Based upon the above findings it can be concluded that no adverse odour impacts are expected to be experienced by nearby existing and future sensitive receptors as a result of an industry best practice designed, operated and managed CVLX saleyard facility.

E.2 Best Practice Air Emissions Management

Best practice for saleyard facilities to manage impacts from odour relate to site selection, design and management. The primary source of odour (animal waste) is unable to be minimised or avoided in the operation of a saleyard.

Site selection and layout: The site has been selected and the layout has been designed to provide an appropriate separation to sensitive receptors and be central to the site to allow impacts to be contained within the site boundary.

Design: The facility has been designed to include roof structures (which minimise wind and rain dispersion of waste). A comprehensive waste treatment facility that will convert waste into Class C water for on-site irrigation is also provided (i.e. treatment ponds).

Management: The site will be managed by RLX IC whom have the appropriate knowledge and resources to appropriately manage the site to prevent a build-up of waste.

Specific management activities could include:

Ensure odour mitigation methods (i.e. pumps, etc) for management of the anaerobic pond are functioning correctly;

Ensure saleyard pen surfaces are kept as dry as possible via controlling and cleaning up leaks and spills;

Managing stockpiles of solids to minimise odour potential (i.e. minimise height); and

Progressive replacement of soft flooring over the course of each year and/or replacement during routine cleaning event.

1 A Specific Odour Emission Rate (SOER) is an emission rate per unit area: odour units per square metre per second.



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E.3 Impact on Air Quality

Impacts on ground level air quality have been assessed using the AERMOD modelling methodology.

The model represents a worst-case scenario and is inherently conservative as it is based on peak odour emissions across all hours of the year (steady-state emissions), which in practice will only occur over short periods. No allowance has been made for varying livestock numbers or indeed times when there will be a total absence of livestock on site. Such a variation would further reduce the modelled impact.

As stated previously, the general odour performance design criterion for mixed odorants as described by the State Environmental Protection Policy – Air Quality Management Schedule A ‘Unclassified Indicators’(2001) is a maximum of 1 odour unit (OU) with 3-minute averaging applied at and beyond the property boundary. For industries involving intensive animal husbandry, the acceptable limits are raised such that the predicted maximum odour levels must not exceed 5 OU with 3-minute averaging applied at and beyond the property boundary.

The proposal comfortably complies with both the general and intensive animal industry-specific design criteria with the 5 OU contour contained completely within the site boundary (shown as the red line on the attached plan).

Further, it has been projected that ground level odour concentration would not to exceed 0.5 OU at the nearest dwellings off-site, as summarised below (individual locations shown as white numbers on the following plan).

Dwelling No. Design criteria

(OU)

Predicted max. concentration

(OU)

1 1 0.3

2 1 0.5

3 1 0.5

4 1 0.5

5 1 0.5

6 1 0.4

7 1 0.3

8 1 0.5



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G. Land and Groundwater

This section addressed the potential impacts on land and groundwater due to the disposal of waste to land via irrigation of treated (Class C) effluent.

G.1 Discharge or Deposit to Land

The proposal will discharge waste to land in the form of treated (Class) irrigated on the site. The irrigated pasture will be used for stock grazing.

Truck wash effluent and wash down from the scales will be treated and reused (irrigated) on the site. An average of 42 ML/ year will be irrigated. The proposed effluent irrigation will be a full reuse scheme that will balance the hydraulic load so that there is no discharge to surface water.

Further information on the discharge or waste to land is provided within the Water Balance Assessment prepared by Geolyse Pty Ltd (dated August 2014) which accompanies this Works Approval.

G.2 Best Practice Land and Groundwater Management

Best practice for saleyard facilities manage impacts for land and groundwater management relate to site selection, site features, irrigation design and management / monitoring.

Site Selection: The subject site has been selected to ensure that an appropriate separation distance is provided to natural water bodies (i.e. Burrumbeet Creek), domestic and agricultural bores, and declared water supply catchments.

Site Features: The site topography and soil composition support the proposed irrigation of the site. The Land Capability Assessment has been prepared by Douglas Partners Pty Ltd (dated August 2014) supports the position that the site is suitable for irrigation of waste water.

The site features an area that will be inundated during peak (1 in 100 year event). This area has been excluded from the allocated area for waste discharge via the irrigation of treated (Class C) waste water.

Irrigation Design: The irrigation design has taken into consideration the suggested buffer distances within EPA Publication 464.2 and provides an appropriate buffer via the use of a landscaped perimeter planting and the capture or surface water flows within the site.

Irrigation Management: The site will be managed by RLX IC whom have the appropriate knowledge and resources to appropriately manage the site, to manage the irrigation process to prevent land or groundwater impacts.

G.3 Impact on Land and Groundwater

The accompanying Land Capability Assessment has been prepared by Douglas Partners Pty Ltd (dated August 2014) and the Water Balance Assessment prepared by Geolyse Pty Ltd (dated August 2014) indicate that your proposal is sustainable, will maintain soil quality and will not contaminate the land or affect its salinity.

The irrigation of treated effluent from a livestock exchange is an appropriate and well-recognized approach to waste treatment.



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H. Noise emissions

This section addresses the potential impacts from noise emissions.

H.1 Noise Emissions

As stated previously, the two main sources of noise associated with the proposal area as follows:

Livestock; and

Truck Movements.

Noise from livestock is exempt from consideration under both State Environment Protection Policy (SEPP) N-1 and Noise in Regional Victoria (NIRV). Discussions with EPA have indicated that noise from livestock should be considered within the assessment. The accompanying Noise Impact Assessment prepared by Marshall Day Acoustics, dated August 2014, considered livestock noise as part of the assessment. However, we re-iterate that noise impacts from livestock are exempt from the relevant policy guidance in Victoria.

Additional sources of noise include:

Compressor for cattle yards air-operated gates;

Pumps for the truck wash and wash down of the yards;

Storm pump to shift effluent to ponds;

Irrigation pump for temporary storage paddocks;

Aeration pump for effluent ponss;

Motors on adjustable ramps;

Air-conditioning units on buildings;

Maintenance equipment including:

Grinders, saws, drills used in maintenance shed;

Generator welder, grinder and drill used in yards;

Compressor in maintenance shed;

Bobcat;

All-terrain vehicle;

Standby generators(s); and

Public address system.

Twelve operational scenarios were considered as part of the assessment and provided the following results:

Predicted noise levels comply with EPA Publication 1411 Noise from Industry in Regional Victoria (NIRV) in all cases.

Noise from livestock is not assessed under NIRV. However, predicted noise levels are less than the NIRV criteria even when noise from livestock is included.

The proposal does not have any equipment that will be louder than 80dBA and under Part 3, Section 9 of the Environment Protection (Scheduled Premises and Exemptions) Regulations 2007, it is considered that this proposal is expect from the Works Approval requirements due to noise.

Further information on noise is provided within the Noise Impact Assessment prepared by Marshall Day Acoustics (dated August 2014) which accompanies this Works Approval along with Section H.



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H.2 Best Practice Noise Management

Best practice for saleyard facilities manage impacts associated with noise to ensure best-practice involve site selection, maintenance and management as follows

Site Selection: The subject site has been selected to ensure that an appropriate separation distance can be provided to sensitive uses.

Maintenance of Equipment: Machinery will be maintained in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications to ensure correct and efficient machinery use which will reduce potential noise impacts.

Management: The site will be managed by RLX IC whom have the appropriate knowledge and resources to appropriately manage the minimise noise including the following:

Livestock treatment including measures for the humane treatment of livestock to minimise noise from street or distress of the animals.

Broadband reversing alarms fitted to operational equipment which emit a hissing sound opposed to a beep.

Selecting low-noise plant where available.

Use excess fill (if available) to provide earth bunbds for acoustic and visual screening.

H.3 Noise Impact

Noise impacts have been considered in relation to noise from on-site activities, noise from trucks while on-site and sleep disturbance from activity on-site at night.

Noise from on-site activities:

Twelve operational scenarios have been considered with the following results:

Predicted noise levels comply with NIRV in all cases.

Noise from livestock is not assessed under NIRV. However, predicted noise levels are less than the NIRV criteria even when noise from livestock is included.

Noise from trucks while on-site:

There are not regulations, guidelines or legislation in Victorian that set criuteria for noise from off-site truck traffic.

However, a comparison of predicted maximum noise levels due to trucks travelling to and from the relocated site and existing noise levels has been undertaken. Predicted maximum noise levels at the facades of dwellings on Learmonth-Sulky Road are camparable to the current measured maximum noise levels during the night and the addition of noise from trucks travelling to and from the subject site will not materially alter the night-time noise environment.

Sleep disturbance from on-site activity at night:

Predicted maximum noise levels for a range of activities on the subject site did not exceed the recommended criteria for sleep disturbance. The risk of sleep disturbance is minimal.

Further information on noise is provided within the Noise Impact Assessment prepared by Marshall Day Acoustics (dated August 2014) which accompanies this Works Approval along with Section H.



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I. Environmental Management

I.1 Non-routine operations

As stated previously, RLX IC operate their sites in accordance with an Occupational Health and Safety Management System and an established Operational Manual. This system provides for a site specific risk register to be established and maintain on the site. This site specific risk register will provide the ongoing mechanismed for reporting, recording and responding to environmental risks.

Four preliminary risks that could cause environmental impacts have been identified, namely power failure, spills and leaks, heavy rainfall and fire.

Management of these risk will be undertaken in accordance with an Environment Improvement Plan to be prepared following consideration of the Works Approval. A draft Environment Improvement Plan accompanies this Works Approval application.

I.2 Variability in Climate

Potential impacts resulting from a variability in climate, including above average rainfall, storm events, fire, will be addressed via the existing Occupational Health and Safety Management System and an established Operational Manual. These controls are established to address all safety and environmental risks including those associated with variability in climate

I.3 Monitoring

The development of facility will involve initial monitoring to ensure the facility is operating in compliance with all regulatory requirements. This may involve noise, water quality, waste water quality and soil testing.

In addition, a number of physical indicators will be monitored as a quick method for early problem identification associated with the irrigation of waste water, as follows:

Signs Problems Effect

Water remains on soil surface, reduced growth of pasture or crop, growth of undesirable plant species.

Water logging due to run-on, poor soil drainage, soil clogging, excessive irrigation.

Reduced yield.

Change in pasture composition and reduced growth, bare patches of soil, plants dead despite moist soil.

Salinity and / or sodicity due to high saline water table or irrigation with saline wastewater.

Reduced productivity, increased erosion hazard.

Yellowing and browning of vegetation.

Toxicants in the wastewater, pH of wastewater, nutrient deficiencies, etc.

Reduced productivity and irrigation requirement, possible animal health problems.

central victorian livestock exchange (cvlx) · 8.1 risk assessment of non-routine operations and...

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