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Executive Summary

Executive Summary

HANSEN BAILEY

CONTENTS

Executive Summary 1 Introduction 1

The Proponent 1 Background to the Project 1 Project Need 1

Project Approvals 2

Key Project Approvals 2 Queensland Environmental Protection Act 2

Project Description 3

Project Setting 3 Project Activities 3 Rehabilitation 4 Management of Rejects and Tailings Material 4 Mine Water Management 4 Project Scheduling 5

Environmental Impacts 5

Groundwater 5 Surface Water 6 Terrestrial Ecology 7 Aquatic Ecology 8 Air Quality 8 Noise and Vibration 9 Visual Amenity 10 Cultural Heritage 10 Soils and Land Suitability 10 Non-Mining Waste Management 11

Amendments to the Environmental Authority 11

Executive Summary

HANSEN BAILEY Isaac Plains East Project

Environmental Assessment Report 1

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

INTRODUCTION

Hansen Bailey has prepared this Environmental Assessment Report (EAR) on behalf of Stanmore IP Coal Pty Ltd for the Isaac Plains East Project (the project).

The project involves an extension of the existing Isaac Plains Mine into an adjoining new mining lease area to the east. It will be necessary to amend the Isaac Plains Mine Environmental Authority (EA) to enable the development of the project. This EAR has been prepared in support of the EA amendment application. It has been prepared to comply with Section 226 of the Environmental Protection Act 1994 (EP Act) which describes the requirements for EA amendment applications.

The Proponent

The project proponent is Stanmore IP Coal Pty Ltd. The proponent owns and operates the existing Isaac Plains Mine and has a number of additional Queensland coal projects in the Bowen and Surat Basins.

Background to the Project

The Isaac Plains Mine is an operating open cut coal mine located approximately 5 km north-east of Moranbah township in Central Queensland (Figure 1). The Isaac Plains Mine commenced operation in 2006 and produces export coking coal. The mine has approval to produce up to 4 Million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) of Run of Mine (ROM) coal which equates to approximately 2.8 Mtpa of product coal.

The Isaac Plains Mine was acquired by the proponent in late 2015 and recommenced open cut mining operations in early 2016 after a period of approximately 12 months on care and maintenance. The open cut mining operations are currently scheduled to cease in late 2018. Current mining operations include removal of overburden by dragline with truck and shovel pre-stripping. ROM coal is hauled by truck from the open cut pits to an on-site Coal Handling and Preparation Plant (CHPP) for washing and processing (Figure 2). Product coal is loaded to trains for transport from site via an on-site rail loop and train loading facility.

The project involves the development of open cut pits in an adjoining area to the east of the existing Isaac Plains mining lease (Figure 2). A new mining lease will be required for this area. The project will be operated as an extension of the Isaac Plains Mine. The project will utilise the existing Isaac Plains Mine infrastructure, mining equipment and workforce. It will extend the life of the Isaac Plains Mine by approximately 7 years.

An amendment to the Isaac Plains Mine EA is being sought to provide approval for the project mining activities under the EP Act.

Project Need

The project will provide access to an additional 8.3 Mt of high quality coking coal and will extend the life of the Isaac Plains Mine by approximately 7 years. Without the project, open cut mining operations at Isaac Plains Mine will cease in 2018. The Isaac Plains Mine provides significant economic benefits to the local region, Queensland and Australia. A workforce of approximately 150 people are employed at the mine and the mine generates additional indirect employment in the region and throughout Queensland. The Australian Government receives significant direct and indirect tax revenue from the mine, and the Queensland Government obtains significant royalties from the mine. The project will secure the longer term future of the Isaac Plains Mine and extend the associated employment and economic benefits.

Section0| Executive Summary

2 Isaac Plains East Project Environmental Assessment Report HANSEN BAILEY

PROJECT APPROVALS

Key Project Approvals

The following key approvals are required for the project:

Mining lease under the Mineral Resources Act 1989;

EA under the EP Act; and

Approval under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth) (EPBC Act).

A new mining lease is required for the project. One or more mining lease applications for the project site will be lodged with the Department of Natural Resources and Mines (DNRM) under the Mineral Resources Act 1989. The project requires an amendment of the Isaac Plains Mine EA under the EP Act for the activities within the new mining lease area.

The EPBC Act provides a mechanism for national environmental protection and biodiversity conservation. Projects that are considered likely to have a significant impact on Matters of National Environmental Significance prescribed under the EPBC Act require approval from the Commonwealth Department of the Environment and Energy (DotEE). Matters of National Environmental Significance include, amongst others, listed threatened species and communities, migratory species, and significant impacts on water resources due to coal mining or coal seam gas development.

An EPBC Act referral was lodged for the Isaac Plains Mine in May 2005 (EPBC 2005/2070). The referral decision was that the mine was not a controlled action and therefore it did not require approval under the EPBC Act. This referral decision relates to the approved mining activities within the existing Isaac Plains mining lease and does not relate to the project. The project will potentially impact listed threatened species and water resources due to coal mining. A referral to DotEE will be made for the project. The EPBC Act assessment process will be independent of the EA amendment process.

Queensland Environmental Protection Act

The proponent has a current EA (EPML00932713) that authorises mining activities at the Isaac Plains Mine. An amendment to the EA is required to provide approval for the project mining activities.

Part 7 of Division 1 of the EP Act classifies EA amendment applications as either minor or major, depending on the scale of the activities and the extent to which they will increase environmental harm. In some instances, major amendments require the preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to support the EA amendment application. The EP Act requires the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection (EHP) to decide whether an EIS is required to support an application to amend an EA.

This EAR presents an assessment of the project in relation to the criteria relevant to the decision of whether a major or minor EA is required and also describes the EIS triggers in relation to the project. The assessment concludes that a major EA amendment, supported by an EAR (rather than an EIS), is the appropriate level of assessment for the project. This conclusion is consistent with the informal advice provided by senior officers of the EHP in pre-lodgement meetings held on 19 January and 15 July 2016. A formal decision on the required level of assessment can only be obtained once the EA amendment application has been submitted.

Executive Summary



PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Project Setting

The existing Isaac Plains Mine is located approximately 4.6 km north-east of the township of Moranbah. The project site adjoins the eastern boundary of the Isaac Plains Mine and is located approximately 7.3 km north-east of Moranbah (Figure 2).

The project site (defined as the area within the proposed mining lease) covers an area of approximately 1,243 ha. The Isaac Plains Mine and the project site are in the Isaac Regional Council (IRC) area.

The project site is within three privately owned freehold grazing properties. Three easements traverse the northern end of the project site and contain a powerline and water pipeline. An IRC road reserve also traverses the northern section of the project site. The proponent is proposing to enter agreements with the landholders in relation to gaining access to the land for the project.

The predominant land uses in the region are cattle grazing and coal mining. The project site is surrounded by grazing land to the east and south (Figure 2). The Peak Downs Highway runs adjacent to the southern boundary of the project site and the Goonyella Rail Line runs adjacent to the northern boundary. The Burton Mine rail spur, rail loop and train loading facility are located to the north of the project site.

The project site is located in the Smoky Creek and Billy’s Gully sub-catchments of the Isaac River catchment. The project site drains to the south-west and is traversed by Smoky Creek and Billy’s Gully. Both creeks are highly ephemeral and flow through the Isaac Plains Mine site before joining the Isaac River approximately 10 km downstream of the project site (Figure 2).

The topography of the project site is characterised by the gently sloping valleys of Smoky Creek and Billy’s Gully. Much of the study area has been cleared in the past for grazing, although some scattered patches of remnant vegetation remain, comprising woodland to open forest communities (Figure 2).

Project Activities

The project open cut mining operations will be similar to the existing Isaac Plains Mine with overburden removal by dragline and/or dozer, with truck and shovel pre-stripping. The project involves the development of up to five open cut pits (Figure 2). Mining will commence at the western extent of the open cut pits and will progress down-dip from west to east. Initial overburden will be stored in out-of-pit overburden emplacement areas to the west of the open cut pits. Once the open cut pits are developed, overburden will be placed in-pit. When fully developed, the open cut pits will be up to approximately 250 m wide and up to approximately 85 m deep. The overburden emplacements will be rehabilitated progressively over the life of the project using similar methods to the existing Isaac Plains Mine.

The mine layout has been specifically designed so that the open cut pits and overburden emplacements do not encroach on the floodplains of Smoky Creek and Billy’s Gully. The project therefore does not require any creek diversions or mine flood protection levees.

The Leichhardt seam is the target coal seam in the project open cut pits. This seam is also mined at the existing Isaac Plains Mine. The project mining operations will have a peak ROM coal production of approximately 2 Mtpa corresponding to approximately 1.6 Mtpa of product coal. Coal mined from the open cut pits will be transported to the existing Isaac Plains CHPP ROM coal stockpile area by haul truck.

The project will make use of the existing infrastructure at Isaac Plains Mine including the CHPP, rail loop and train loading facility, mine industrial area, administration office area, water management infrastructure, haul roads and access roads (Figure 2). No upgrades to the existing Isaac Plains Mine infrastructure are required for the project. Haul road connections will be constructed to connect the existing Isaac Plains Mine haul roads to the project site.



New infrastructure for the project will be limited to haul roads, ROM coal stockpile areas at the top of the open cut pit ramps (including vehicle parking areas and mobile crib huts), a reload pad, powerline extension and substation, and stormwater drains, pit water pipelines and sediment control works.

Rehabilitation

The project open cut mining areas will be progressively rehabilitated over the life of the project. The project mining methods, open cut mine landforms and overburden geochemistry will be similar to Isaac Plains Mine. The established Isaac Plains Mine rehabilitation procedures and management plans will therefore be applied to the project. The Isaac Plains Mine uses conventional overburden emplacement rehabilitation methods that include 15% external slopes, contour drainage, topsoiling, and reseeding with grass and trees.

The Isaac Plains Mine has an established rehabilitation monitoring program that involves annual monitoring of establishing overburden emplacement rehabilitation and comparison against the Isaac Plains Mine EA landform criteria and verification of success. Annual monitoring reports also identify any rehabilitation areas requiring maintenance or additional works. The existing rehabilitation management plans and monitoring program will be revised, as necessary, to address project rehabilitation activities.

Management of Rejects and Tailings Material

The existing Isaac Plains Mine washplant generates a combined coarse reject and dewatered fine rejects (tailings) waste stream. The fine rejects is dewatered at the washplant using belt press filters. Geochemical testing and operational experience indicate that the combined rejects have limited potential for acid generation. Regular sampling and geochemical testing of rejects generated at the washplant is conducted to detect any variation in the nature of the reject material.

Combined rejects are hauled from the washplant by truck to active overburden emplacement areas for disposal. The combined rejects are buried within the overburden emplacements with a minimum of 10 m cover from the final surface of the overburden emplacement. Geochemical characterisation and operational experience over the last ten years indicate that overburden materials have significant excess buffering capacity and there is therefore a low risk of acid mine drainage from the combined rejects following burial within the overburden emplacement areas.

The project involves mining the Leichhardt seam that is also mined at the existing Isaac Plains Mine. The geochemistry of the rejects generated by the project is therefore expected to be similar to the existing Isaac Plains Mine rejects. The existing Isaac Plains Mine rejects management system is therefore suitable for the rejects generated by the project.

Mine Water Management

The existing mine water management at Isaac Plains Mine involves collection and storage of mine affected water in dams and open cut pit storages for reuse as dust suppression water supply. Pit water is transferred to S3 Pit which is a dedicated in-pit water storage with an operating storage capacity of approximately 5.7 GL. The S3 Pit storage is the priority supply for mine dust suppression demands. The mine also has an established release system for the controlled discharge of any excess mine affected water in accordance with the Isaac Plains Mine EA conditions.

Isaac Plains Mine has a raw water allocation from the Eungella water pipeline of 920 Megalitres per annum. The allocation is used to supply the CHPP, vehicle washdown and dust suppression demands.

The project will utilise the existing Isaac Plains Mine water management system. All mine-affected water generated by the project will report to the project open cut pits. Project pit water will be transferred to the S3 Pit storage at Isaac Plains Mine for storage or re-use as dust suppression water supply. Water balance modelling for the project indicates that S3 Pit has sufficient capacity to store all pit water generated by the project without the need for discharge.

Executive Summary



The Isaac Plains Mine water management system is operated in accordance with the Isaac Plains Mine Water Management Plan, prepared as a requirement of the Isaac Plains Mine EA. The Isaac Plains Mine Water Management Plan will be updated to include the project, prior to the commencement of mining.

Project Scheduling

The open cut mining operations at Isaac Plains Mine are currently scheduled to cease in late 2018. The project will extend the life of the mine by approximately 7 years. The initial construction phase of the project is likely to take approximately 6 months up to the commencement of open cut mining. The completion of mining at Isaac Plains and the commencement of mining in the project site are expected to overlap in the initial year of the project. However, the transition to open cut mining in the project area is subject to optimisation following the securing of the necessary project approvals. This EAR has included the consideration of an overlap to ensure that the potential worst case environmental impacts have been considered.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS

An overview of the key environmental assessments conducted for the project is provided in the following sections.

Groundwater

A groundwater assessment was undertaken, which included:

Reviewing relevant published reports;

Reviewing hydrogeological data including the project geological model, DNRM groundwater bore database and a groundwater bore census conducted in the area surrounding the project site;

Groundwater site investigation including the installation of six dedicated monitoring bores;

Developing a conceptual groundwater model; and

Undertaking 3D numerical groundwater modelling to determine the effects of mining on groundwater levels.

The following key hydrogeological units occur within the project area in descending order:

Quaternary alluvium, which is restricted to localised deposits associated with Smoky Creek in the northern part of the project site. The alluvium is typically dry and unsaturated, although it is saturated in localised areas where it intersects the regional groundwater table. Groundwater in the alluvium is typically moderately to highly saline.

Tertiary sediments, which are widely distributed across the project site and typically located above the regional groundwater table and are therefore generally dry and unsaturated in the project site. These sediments are saturated in the low lying southern part of the project site in the vicinity of the Tertiary basalt, where the Tertiary sediments extend below the water table. Groundwater quality is typically moderately to highly saline.

Tertiary basalt, which exhibits highly variable aquifer properties and occurs in a localised paleo-channel to the east of the project site, with limbs extending into the northern and southern parts of the project site. The weathered and fresh massive basalt exhibit very low permeability, but the fractured zones within the fresh basalt can form productive aquifers. Groundwater quality is typically moderately saline.

Triassic Rewan Group, which is present along the eastern portion of the project site and is uniformly saturated at depth. This unit is a recognised regional aquitard and is faulted in the north of the project site and to the east. Water quality is moderately saline.



Permian coal measures, which include the target Leichhardt seam and are uniformly saturated at depth. The coal measures comprise of hydraulically tight sandstone and siltstone interburden/overburden units and low to moderately permeable coal seams which are the primary water bearing strata within the coal measures. The coal measures are fault bound to the east and west of the project open cut mining areas. Groundwater quality is moderately saline to saline.

The groundwater assessment considered the impacts on groundwater from open cut mining during the operations post mining phases. Key conclusions of the groundwater assessment are as follows:

Mining activities will give rise to depressurisation of the coal measures and the overlying Rewan Group, Tertiary basalt, Tertiary sediments and alluvium (where these are saturated) in the vicinity of the project site. Conservative modelling of the post mining phase indicates that lakes will form in the final voids and groundwater levels will recover below the level of the lakes. Above the lakes the zone of depressurisation may expand, however, the extent of depressurisation will be limited by variations in the permeability of the surrounding geology.

There are three water supply bores within 5 km of the project site that could potentially be impacted by depressurisation due to the project mining activities. None of these bores are currently in use. The proponent is proposing to enter agreements with the bore owners in relation to the monitoring of the bores and management of potential impacts, as necessary.

Groundwater depressurisation is not predicted to give rise to impacts on surface water drainages including Smoky’s Creek and Billy’s Gully, given that groundwater does not provide a baseflow to surface waters in the vicinity of the project site.

A conservative assessment of the project’s potential cumulative impacts with existing and approved future mines and coal seam gas projects was undertaken. Predicted cumulative depressurisation effects may occur in the post mining phase and are concentrated in the area to the east of the project site. There are no water supply bores or other features within the zone of potential cumulative impact and there are therefore no adverse cumulative impacts predicted.

The groundwater study also included an assessment of the potential impacts of the project on groundwater quality including consideration of seepage of water from the final void lakes, rejects storage areas and oil and chemical storage. The assessment concluded that the project is not likely to adversely impact groundwater quality.

The Isaac Plains Mine has an established groundwater monitoring program, as per the requirements of the Isaac Plains Mine EA. The existing monitoring program will be expanded to include the monitoring bores installed for the project. The proponent will consult with the DNRM in relation to its obligations under the Water Act 2000 and will comply with the relevant requirements for groundwater take, including any licensing requirements.

Surface Water

The project site is traversed by Smoky Creek and Billy’s Gully. Both are watercourses and ephemeral tributaries of the Isaac River. Flood modelling was conducted as part of the EAR in order to determine the extents of the floodplains of these watercourses across the project site. The project mine layout has been specifically designed so that the open cut pits and overburden emplacements do not encroach on the floodplains of Smoky Creek and Billy’s Gully, as defined by the 1,000 year Average Recurrence Interval flood event. The project therefore does not require any creek diversions or mine flood protection levees.

The project involves two low level haul road crossings of the watercourses on the project site. Flood modelling was also used to assess the impacts of the low level crossings on flood flows. The low level crossings will have a localised affect on flood levels and flow velocities but are not predicted to have an adverse impact on the watercourses.

Mine affected water generated by the project will be directed to the project open cut pits and will be contained within the Isaac Plains Mine water management system. Runoff from other areas disturbed by project construction and mining activities may contain elevated levels of suspended sediment. Runoff from these areas will be

Executive Summary



captured in collection drains and directed through sediment traps and sediment dams for control of suspended sediment prior to passive release to natural surface water drainage. Sediment collected in sediment dams will be excavated at regular intervals. Diversion drains will be installed to divert overland flow from upstream areas around disturbed areas. Isaac Plains Mine has an Erosion and Sediment Control Plan that has been prepared in accordance with the Isaac Plains Mine EA. The existing Isaac Plains Mine Erosion and Sediment Control Plan will be updated prior to commencement of construction to address erosion and the control of suspended sediment in drainage from the project site.

The mine layout has been designed so that the project site will be free draining in the post mining phase, with the exception of the final voids. Flood modelling conducted for the project indicates that the decommissioned site has a suitable drainage arrangements and the final voids will have immunity from the Probable Maximum Flood. Modelling of the final voids also indicates that the final void lake levels will be well below the spill point of the voids and overflows from the final voids are not likely.

Terrestrial Ecology

A terrestrial ecology assessment was undertaken for the project which included multi-season field surveys. Much of the project area has been cleared in the past for cattle grazing, although some scattered patches of remnant vegetation remain, comprising woodland to open forest communities.

The project area includes three Of Concern regional ecosystems listed under the Queensland Vegetation Management Act 1999 (VM Act) covering a total area of approximately 10.2 ha. Seven Least Concern regional ecosystems encompassing approximately 335 ha, were also found in the project area. The project area does not contain any endangered regional ecosystems listed under the VM Act or threatened ecological communities listed under the Commonwealth EPBC Act.

Overall, the majority of the fauna recorded within the project area are common and widespread. A number of listed species were recorded during field surveys, including:

Ornamental Snake (listed as Vulnerable under the Nature Conservation Act 1994 (NC Act) and EPBC Act);

Squatter Pigeon (Southern) (listed as Vulnerable under the NC Act and EPBC Act);

Short-beaked Echidna (listed as Special Least Concern under the NC Act);

Greater Glider (listed as Vulnerable under the EPBC Act);

Black-faced Monarch (listed as Migratory under the EPBC Act); and

Rufous Fantail (listed as Migratory under the EPBC Act).

Although not recorded during field surveys, the Koala (listed as Vulnerable under the NC Act and EPBC Act) is also considered to potentially occur within the project area.

Four broad habitat types occur across the project area, providing varying degrees of habitat value. These habitat types include woodlands to open woodlands, Lancewood with emergent gums, riparian vegetation, and non-remnant vegetation. The project area also contains areas that have been entirely cleared of vegetation, and which do not provide any significant habitat values. The project area is not considered to be of particular importance for values such as high biodiversity, important feeding areas, high endemism, unusual fauna assemblages, or unique habitat types.

An assessment of the potential impacts of the project was undertaken. The assessment considered direct impacts from vegetation clearing; and indirect impacts such as the potential introduction or spread of invasive species, erosion and sedimentation, vehicle strike, noise and vibration, lighting and dust. The assessment also considered the various management and mitigation measures that are currently in place for the Isaac Plains Mine, and that will be applied to the project, such as vegetation clearing protocols, and weed and pest animal management measures.



The project will be referred to DotEE under the EPBC Act for consideration of the potential impacts on threatened species listed under the EPBC Act. In addition, the assessment concluded that, due to the direct impacts from vegetation clearing, the project is likely to give rise to significant residual impacts on approximately 4.4 ha of regional ecosystems that are listed as Matters of State Environmental Significance. Offsets are proposed to be provided for these impacts under the Environmental Offsets Act 2014.

Aquatic Ecology

An aquatic ecology assessment was undertaken for the project which included an aquatic field survey at the end of the 2015-16 wet season and less than one month after significant rainfall. The field survey included survey sites across the project area including locations along Smoky Creek, Billy’s Gully and a farm dam, as well as upstream and downstream sections of the creeks. The assessment also considered the results of downstream aquatic surveys conducted as part of the Isaac Plains Mine Receiving Environment Monitoring Program (REMP).

The creeks traversing the project site exhibit highly ephemeral, short duration, surface water flows that are typically restricted to the wet season (i.e. November to April). In the dry season, the creeks typically comprise mostly dry creek beds with occasional disconnected pools present in Smoky Creek. Any pools that are present tend to be shallow and typically dry out as the dry season progresses.

No threatened aquatic species, habitats, populations or communities listed under the NC Act have been recorded in the project area. No threatened turtles are considered likely to occur as the project site is beyond the known distribution limit of any threatened turtle species. Similarly, no threatened fish species have been recorded or are considered likely to occur, and the fish species recorded in the area are common, widespread species.

The following potential impacts were assessed:

Disturbance of the creeks during the construction of two low level haul road crossings. The proponent will implement a range of mitigation measures to minimise the potential impacts of the construction of the haul road crossings in the riparian zone, and consequently no significant impacts on the creeks and their ecological values are predicted. Mitigation measures will include construction during the dry season, limiting the clearing width and implementing clearing protocols, erosion and sediment control and stabilisation works.

Removal of four farm dams for open cut mining. The dams have limited aquatic habitat value due to the effects of stock watering and their removal is therefore not expected to significantly impact the aquatic ecological values of the catchments.

Release of mine affected water. The project will not change the overall operation of the Isaac Plains Mine water management system and any discharges of mine affected water would be in accordance with the established discharge system that is operated in accordance with the Isaac Plains Mine EA conditions.

The potential for project activities to spread weeds. The Isaac Plains Mine has existing procedures in place for weed and feral animal control and these are also applicable to areas of riparian vegetation and aquatic habitat.

The potential for erosion and sedimentation of waterways. The proponent will implement erosion and sediment control measures in accordance with an Erosion and Sediment Control Plan. These measures will be specifically designed to prevent the sedimentation of downstream waterways.

Air Quality

There are two sensitive receptors within 10 km of the project site. The eastern limit of the Moranbah township residential area is approximately 4.6 km south-west of the existing Isaac Plains Mine and 6.7 km south-west of the western boundary of the project site. The Morambah Homestead is an isolated rural residence located approximately 2.5 km south-west of the existing Isaac Plains Mine and 4.6 km south-west of the project site (Figure 2).

An air quality assessment was conducted for the project. It included consideration of available dust monitoring data from the Moranbah area including daily dust monitoring data over the last five years from the Department of

Executive Summary



Science, Information Technology and Innovation (DSITI) Moranbah dust monitoring station. This monitoring station is located at the eastern limit of the Moranbah residential area, which is closest to the Isaac Plains Mine and the project site (Figure 2). The air quality assessment also included modelling of dust emissions from the project and comparison of predicted dust levels with the relevant air quality goals and Isaac Plains Mine EA dust limits.

The assessment concluded that predicted dust levels from the project at the closest sensitive receptors are low and, even including an allowance for background levels, are well within the relevant air quality limits at the sensitive receptors. The modelling results are consistent with the monitored daily dust levels from the DSITI Moranbah dust monitoring station over the last five years. The monitored dust levels indicate that cumulative dust levels in the Moranbah area are within the relevant air quality goals and that previous mining operations at Isaac Plains Mine have not resulted in significant dust impacts on the town. Overall, the project will result in the Isaac Plains mining activities moving to the east and further away from the sensitive receptors in the area. This will reduce the level of dust impacts compared to previous Isaac Plains mining operations.

The Isaac Plains Mine EA requires the proponent to conduct dust monitoring in response to dust complaints or when requested by the EHP. In the unlikely event that such monitoring confirms an exceedance of the dust criteria due to project mining operations the proponent would be required to implement further dust mitigation measures to achieve compliance. As discussed above, the existing DSITI Moranbah dust monitoring station is ideally located to monitor the impacts of the project at the closest sensitive receptors.

Greenhouse gases will be produced by the project as a result of electricity and fuel consumption and the emission of coal seam gas. The Isaac Plains Mine currently triggers the reporting thresholds under the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Act 2007. In accordance with the Act, the Isaac Plains Mine will continue to report its greenhouse gas emissions, energy production and energy consumption annually to the Commonwealth government. The project will address all mandatory energy efficiency performance standards, where applicable. Beyond this, the proponent has identified practical measures related to energy efficiency that will be adopted for the project.

Noise and Vibration

A noise and vibration assessment was conducted for the project. It included modelling of noise and vibration levels from the project and comparison of predicted levels with relevant noise criteria and the Isaac Plains Mine EA noise and vibration limits.

The assessment concluded that predicted noise and vibration from the project are generally within the relevant limits at the sensitive receptors. The only exception is a predicted minor 1 dBA exceedance of the EA night-time noise limit at the Morambah Homestead. The proponent is proposing to consult with the owner of the Morambah Homestead in relation to the potential noise impacts of the project on the homestead and, if necessary, the management of noise impacts on this homestead will be addressed in an agreement between the proponent and the owner.

The project involves an extension of the existing Isaac Plains Mine with the proposed mining areas located east of the existing Isaac Plains Mine mining areas and further from the closest sensitive receptors. With no substantial change to mining methods or equipment, the additional distance between the project mining areas and receptors is expected to reduce mining noise levels at the receptors compared to previous mining at Isaac Plains Mine. In the absence of noise related complaints or other environmental noise issues associated with Isaac Plains Mine to date, no issues are anticipated in relation to noise from the project.

The Isaac Plains Mine EA requires the proponent to conduct noise monitoring when requested by the EHP and in response to complaints. In the event that such monitoring confirms an exceedance of the EA noise limits, the proponent would be required to implement further mitigation measures to achieve compliance.

The EAR also considered the potential impacts of blasting on neighbouring land uses and infrastructure from a safety perspective and due to potential damage from ground vibration. The EAR identifies potentially affected properties and infrastructure.



The proponent will develop procedures for establishing blast exclusion zones beyond the project mining lease boundary in consultation with the affected neighbouring landholders and infrastructure owners. The procedures will be in accordance with the relevant mine safety regulations and, in conjunction with the blast design and shot firing procedures, will ensure that there is no safety risk to people or damage to infrastructure as a result of fly rock. The proponent will also develop blast management plans for infrastructure in proximity to the project site in consultation with the infrastructure owners. The development of the management plans will include detailed blast impact assessments for the specific infrastructure potentially impacted to ensure that, where necessary, blasts are designed to avoid potential damage to sensitive infrastructure. The management plans will also include any necessary monitoring of ground vibration or infrastructure to confirm that no damage has occurred and processes for notification of infrastructure owners and users prior to any blasts. These procedures and management plans will be developed prior to any blasting.

Visual Amenity

An assessment of the potential visual impacts of the project, including night lighting, was conducted. It included identification of potential visual receptors within the visual catchment of the project and assessment of potential visual impacts based on site inspections and line of sight assessments.

The assessment concluded that the project will not have any significant adverse visual impacts on sensitive visual receptors. This is primarily due to the long range viewing distances from sensitive receptors and the significant screening of views to the project site from receptor locations due to intervening topography and vegetation, and the rehabilitated overburden emplacement at the existing Isaac Plains Mine.

Cultural Heritage

The Barada Barna People have been identified as the Aboriginal party for the project in accordance with the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2003 (ACH Act). The proponent signed a Deed of Assignment and Assumption in relation to the existing Cultural Heritage Management Plan (CHMP) for the Isaac Plains Mine with the Barada Barna People on 27 November 2015. The scope of the CHMP includes the Isaac Plains Mine and associated mine expansions. The CHMP was prepared in accordance with the ACH Act. Aboriginal cultural heritage at Isaac Plains Mine is managed in accordance with the CHMP. Aboriginal cultural heritage on the project site is proposed to be managed in accordance with the existing CHMP.

A non-Aboriginal cultural heritage assessment was undertaken for the project. The assessment methodology included review of relevant literature and previous heritage assessments conducted in the area; online searches of various heritage registers; review of local council information in relation to non-Aboriginal cultural heritage; and review of high resolution aerial photography. The assessment did not identify any sites of significant non-Aboriginal cultural heritage value within the project site and consequently no impacts on non-Aboriginal heritage are anticipated to occur as a result of project activities. Nevertheless, as per current practice at the Isaac Plains Mine, staff involved in ground disturbance activities for the project will be trained in the management of unexpected non-Aboriginal cultural heritage as part of their induction and training process.

Soils and Land Suitability

A soils and land suitability assessment was undertaken for the project. It included the identification and mapping of soil types and land suitability in the project site based on government mapping, soil surveys, laboratory analysis of soils sampled from the project site and detailed review of high resolution aerial photography. The soils and land suitability assessment concluded that the majority of the project area is Land Suitability Class 3 Grazing Land, with some areas of Class 2 and Class 4 Grazing Land. The soil types were determined to not be suitable for Rainfed Broadacre Cropping. There is no strategic cropping land within the project area.

The proponent will manage topsoil resources on the project site in accordance with the existing Isaac Plains Mine Topsoil Management Plan that has been prepared in accordance with the Isaac Plains Mine EA. The plan includes management measures for topsoil stripping and stockpiling, and replacing topsoil on rehabilitated areas.

Executive Summary



The key land disturbance types associated with the project are the open cut mine pits and overburden emplacement areas and the construction of minor infrastructure. The final landform on the project site will comprise rehabilitated overburden emplacements and final voids that will be Class 5 Grazing Land and Agricultural land class D. The land suitability of other areas of the project site will not change as a result of the project.

Non-Mining Waste Management

The EAR presents estimated annual waste quantities generated by the project, and describes the source of the waste and the waste management strategies.

The proponent will continue to maintain an inventory of all waste types and quantities produced at the Isaac Plains Mine and their applicable disposal method in accordance with the existing Isaac Plains Mine waste management system and applicable legislation. The proponent will also submit annual National Pollution Inventory reports in accordance with the National Pollutant Inventory and associated manuals, as required.

The project does not involve any Notifiable Activities that are additional to those currently undertaken at the Isaac Plains Mine, nor will the project alter the way in which Notifiable Activities are currently undertaken.

AMENDMENTS TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL AUTHORITY

A number of amendments to the conditions of the existing Isaac Plains Mine EA are required as a result of the project. These are discussed within the relevant sections of the EAR and a full list of proposed amendments is provided in Proposed Amendments to the Environmental Authority (Appendix A).

FIGURES

I S A A C P L A I N S E A S T P R O J E C T

FIGURE 1

Project Location

PACIFICOCEAN

Hay Point

Abbot Point

Galilee

Basin

Bowen

Basin

MACKAY

BOWEN

ROCKHAMPTONEMERALD BLACKWATER

CHARTERS TOWERS

TOWNSVILLE

Sarina

BaralabaSpringsure

Biloela

Collinsville

Middlemount

Alpha

Clermont

Ayr

Ingham

CoppabellaMoranbah

Dysart

NeboIsaac Plains East Project

Isaac Plains Mine

Legend

Coal BasinRailway

Road

Export Port

Horizontal Scale

0 80 km

N

SYDNEYCANBERRA

HOBART

MELBOURNE

ADELAIDE

PERTH

DARWIN

Mackay

Gladstone

BRISBANE

Townsville

620 000 E

7 57

0 00

0 N

Billy's G

ully

Smok

y

Haul Road

Haul Road

615 000 E

7 56

5 00

0 N

Cree

k

Coal Handling andPreparation Plant

Train Load Out

Rail Loop

AdministrationOffice Area

Access Road

ISAAC PLAINS EAST

7 57

5 00

0 N

M O R A N B A H

MineHaul Road

Mine Industrial Area

Morambah Homestead

DSITI Dust Monitoring Station

Project Layout

FIGURE 2

N

0 1000m

Horizontal Scale

DATUM: AMG 84Zone : 55

HB 1532 IPE - E - EAR - 01 INTRO - F02 - PROJECT LAYOUT (19/10/2016)

Legend

Proposed Isaac Plains East ML Boundary

Haul Road

Isaac Plains ML BoundaryOpen Cut Mining Area

Pit 1

Pit 2

Pit 3

Pit 4

Pit 5

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