Multiquip Quarries ABN: 44 101 930 714
Environmental Assessment
for the
Modified “Ardmore Park” Quarry Project
Via Bungonia, NSW
July 2008
Multiquip Quarries ABN: 44 101 930 714
Environmental Assessment
for the
Modified “Ardmore Park” Quarry Project
Via Bungonia, NSW
Prepared for: CEAL Limited T/as Multiquip Quarries Telephone: (02) 9606 9011 ABN: 44 101 930 714 Facsimile: (02) 9606 0557 PO Box 4 Email: [email protected] AUSTRAL NSW 2171
Prepared by: R.W. Corkery & Co Pty. Limited Geological & Environmental Consultants ABN: 31 002 033 712
Brooklyn Office: Orange Office: 1st Floor, 12 Dangar Road Suite 15, 256 Anson Street PO Box 239 ORANGE NSW 2800 BROOKLYN NSW 2083
Telephone: (02) 9985 8511 Telephone: (02) 6362 5411 Facsimile: (02) 9985 8208 Facsimile: (02) 6361 3622 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]
July 2008 Ref No. 625/04
R. W. CORKERY & CO. PTY. LIMITED MULTIQUIP QUARRIES - ii - ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT Modified “Ardmore Park” Quarry Project Copyright Report No. 625/04
This Copyright is included for the protection of this document
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© R.W. Corkery & Co. Pty. Limited 2008 and © Multiquip Quarries 2008
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R. W. CORKERY & CO. PTY. LIMITED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT - ii¡. MULTIQUIP QUARRIES Declaration Form Modified "Ardmore Park" Quany Project Report No. 625/04 Declaration Form for the submission of an Environmental Assessment (EA) prepared in accordance with the Environmental Planning andAssessment Act 1979 (Part 3A - Section 75). (a) EA prepared by: name: Robert William Corkery qualifications: M.Appl.Sc, B,Appl.Sc(Hons) address: Level 1, 12 Dangar Road BROOKLYN NSW 2083 (b) Project Approval application by: applicant name: Multiquip Quarries applicant address: PO Box 4 AUSTRAL NSW 2171 (c) Address/land details Project Síte: 5152 Oallen Ford Road - Lot 24, DP 1001312 Public Roads; Oallen Ford Road, Mountain Ash Road, Jerrara Road Bungonia By-pass: Lot 2, DP 735523, Lot 82, DP 750022, Lots 7005 & 7006, DP I 002591 (d) Project Outline The modified "Ardmore Park" Quarry would incorporate an extraction area of approximately 46.8ha, with additional disturbance associated with the construction of processing areas, water management structures and an internal road network increasing the overall area of disturbance to 61.Oha. The basalt is sufficiently friable such that no blasting would be required to break / fracture the rock for removal, with the sand and basalt extracted by ripping, excavating and loading. The ripped and removed raw materials would then be transferred to either a crushing and screening plant (basalt), mobile dry screening plant (sand) or washing plant (sand) for processing. Multiquip is seeking project approval to produce up to 400 000tpa of sand and hard rock products, the exact proportion of each to be determined based on the extraction sequence and market demand. All quarry products would be despatched by road and Multiquip would upgrade those public roads to be used to meet the desired standard of Council (3.5m pavement width with a 0.5m sealed shoulder) and construct a private by-pass road of Bungonia Village to the same standard. Multiquíp also proposes to import through the backloading of trucks delivering quarry products, Virgin Excavated Natural Material (VENM), typically comprising clay and shale excavated at construction sites, to assist in the rehabilitation of the final landform. lt is anticipated that for the initial 4 to 5 years of the project, VENM importation would be limited to 20 000tpa, increasing to up to 130 000tpa during the final years of the project life. Environmental Assessment: The assessment of environmental impacts of this Project includes the matters referred to in Director-General's Requirements provided to the Proponent on 23 January 2008 under Section 75F of lhe Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979. (e) Declaration: l, Robert William Corkery, hereby declare that I have overseen the preparation of the contents of this assessment and to the best of my knowledge: o it has addressed the Director-General's requirements as provided by the Department of Planning on 23 January 2008; o the assessment contains all available information that is relevant to the environmental assessment of the Project; and o the information contained in the document is neither false nor misleading. Signature: Name: o^rc, 22 dr,-L-xT 2noÔ
R. w. ..RKERY & co. PrY. LrMrrED @ MULTIQUIP QUARRIES - iv - ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT Modified “Ardmore Park” Quarry Project Report No. 625/04
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R. W. CORKERY & CO. PTY. LIMITED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT - v - MULTIQUIP QUARRIES Contents Modified “Ardmore Park” Quarry Project Report No. 625/04 CONTENTS Page Page
DECLARATION FORM...... iii 2.2 RESOURCES ...... 2-3 2.2.1 Introduction ...... 2-3 SUMMARY...... xvii 2.2.2 Sand...... 2-3 2.2.2.1 Exploration Drilling SECTION 1 – INTRODUCTION Results ...... 2-3 1.1 SCOPE ...... 1-3 2.2.2.2 Laboratory Testing and Petrological 1.2 DOCUMENT FORMAT ...... 1-3 Studies ...... 2-6 2.2.2.3 Sand Resources...... 2-9 1.3 THE PROPONENT ...... 1-6 2.2.3 Basalt ...... 2-10 1.4 BACKGROUND TO THE PROJECT...... 1-7 2.2.3.1 Exploration Drilling Results ...... 2-10 1.5 OUTLINE OF THE PROJECT...... 1-8 2.2.3.2 Laboratory Testing 1.5.1 Objectives ...... 1-8 and Petrological 1.5.2 Need for the Project ...... 1-8 Studies ...... 2-10 1.5.3 The Application Areas...... 1-9 2.2.3.3 Basalt Resources ...... 2-11 1.5.3.1 Project Site...... 1-9 1.5.3.2 Transport Route ...... 1-11 2.3 DESIGN OF THE PROPOSED 1.5.4 Overview of the Project...... 1-11 EXTRACTION AREAS ...... 2-12 1.5.5 Approvals Required ...... 1-13 2.3.1 Introduction ...... 2-12 2.3.2 Geological Factors ...... 2-12 1.6 SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT 2.3.3 Environmental Factors ...... 2-13 PRINCIPLES...... 1-13 2.3.4 Design Features within the 1.6.1 Introduction ...... 1-13 Extraction Areas...... 2-13 1.6.2 Background...... 1-13 2.3.4.1 Sand Extraction Area ...2-13 1.6.3 Approach to Sustainable 2.3.4.2 Basalt Extraction Area..2-15 Development Principles ...... 1-14 1.6.3.1 Introduction ...... 1-14 2.4 SITE ESTABLISHMENT ...... 2-15 1.6.3.2 The Precautionary 2.4.1 Introduction ...... 2-15 Principle ...... 1-14 2.4.2 Preparatory Activities ...... 2-15 1.6.3.3 Social Equity: Intra- 2.4.3 Project Site Entrance and and Inter- Internal Roads...... 2-16 Generational Equity...... 1-15 2.4.4 Hardstand Areas ...... 2-18 1.6.3.4 Conservation of 2.4.5 Acoustic Bund Walls ...... 2-18 Biological Diversity 2.4.6 Water Storage and Settling and Ecological Dams...... 2-19 Integrity ...... 1-15 2.5 EXTRACTION OPERATIONS...... 2-19 1.6.3.5 Promotion of 2.5.1 Introduction ...... 2-19 Improved Valuation, 2.5.2 Extraction Area Design ...... 2-20 Pricing and Incentive 2.5.3 Vegetation Clearing...... 2-20 Mechanisms...... 1-15 2.5.4 Topsoil Stripping and 1.6.4 Ecologically Sustainable Use Stockpiling...... 2-21 of Natural Resources ...... 1-16 2.5.5 Overburden Removal ...... 2-22 1.6.5 Multiquip’s Approach to 2.5.6 Sand Extraction...... 2-22 Sustainable Development 2.5.6.1 Extraction Methods...... 2-22 Principles ...... 1-16 2.5.6.2 Extraction Sequence ....2-23 1.7 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2.5.6.3 Extraction Rate...... 2-27 AND DOCUMENTATION...... 1-16 2.5.7 Basalt Extraction ...... 2-29 1.7.1 Environmental Management 2.5.7.1 Extraction Methods...... 2-29 and Documentation...... 1-16 2.5.7.2 Extraction Plan ...... 2-30 1.7.2 Environmental Documentation...... 1-17 2.5.7.3 Extraction Rate...... 2-30 2.5.8 Mobile Equipment ...... 2-30 1.8 MANAGEMENT OF INVESTIGATIONS ...... 1-18 2.6 PROCESSING OPERATIONS, PRODUCTS AND STOCKPILES ...... 2-30 2.6.1 Introduction ...... 2-30 2.6.2 Sand Products...... 2-31 SECTION 2 – PROJECT SITE 2.6.2.1 Introduction ...... 2-31 OPERATIONS 2.6.2.2 Dry Processing Plant....2-31 2.1 PROJECT SITE LAYOUT ...... 2-3
R. W. CORKERY & CO. PTY. LIMITED MULTIQUIP QUARRIES - vi - ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT Modified “Ardmore Park” Quarry Project Contents Report No. 625/04 CONTENTS Page Page
2.6.2.3 Sand Washing Plant .... 2-32 2.12.4 Rehabilitation Procedures...... 2-54 2.6.2.4 Water Requirements .... 2-34 2.12.4.1 Introduction ...... 2-54 2.6.2.5 Annual Production 2.12.4.2 Construction Sites...... 2-54 Rates...... 2-35 2.12.4.3 Quarry Perimeter...... 2-54 2.6.2.6 Product Stockpiling ...... 2-35 2.12.4.4 Silt Cells ...... 2-57 2.6.3 Basalt Products...... 2-35 2.12.4.5 Quarry Floor and 2.6.3.1 Introduction ...... 2-35 Benches ...... 2-58 2.6.3.2 Processing Plant 2.12.4.6 Acoustic Bund Walls ....2-58 Layout and Design ...... 2-35 2.12.4.7 Infrastructure...... 2-58 2.6.3.3 Annual Production 2.12.4.8 Rehabilitation Rates...... 2-37 Monitoring ...... 2-59 2.6.3.4 Product and By- 2.12.4.9 Management of product Material Weeds and Ongoing Stockpiling...... 2-38 Rehabilitation ...... 2-59 2.12.5 Rehabilitation Funding ...... 2-59 2.7 ON-SITE TRANSPORTATION ...... 2-38 2.7.1 Site Access Road...... 2-38 2.13 ALTERNATIVES ASSESSMENT...... 2-59 2.7.2 Internal Road Network ...... 2-42 2.13.1 Introduction ...... 2-59 2.13.2 Development of Sand Quarry 2.8 INFRASTRUCTURE AND Only...... 2-60 SERVICES...... 2-44 2.13.3 Development of Hard Rock 2.8.1 Infrastructure...... 2-44 Quarry Only...... 2-60 2.8.1.1 Administration ...... 2-44 2.13.4 Alternative Transport Options ...... 2-61 2.8.1.2 Quarry Services Area... 2-44 2.13.4.1 Introduction ...... 2-61 2.8.2 Services...... 2-46 2.13.4.2 The Use of Existing 2.8.2.1 Power...... 2-46 Roads Only ...... 2-61 2.8.2.2 Communications ...... 2-46 2.13.4.3 Road/Rail Transport 2.8.2.3 Water Supply ...... 2-46 Option ...... 2-65 2.8.2.4 Fuels and Lubricants.... 2-46 2.13.4.4 Conclusion ...... 2-66 2.8.2.5 Sewage and Effluent 2.13.4.5 Public / Private Road Disposal ...... 2-47 Transport Option ...... 2-66 2.9 HOURS OF OPERATION AND PROJECT LIFE...... 2-47 2.9.1 Hours of Operation...... 2-47 SECTION 3 – TRANSPORT OPERATIONS 2.9.2 Project Life...... 2-47 3.1 TRANSPORT ROUTE SELECTION ...... 3-3 2.10 BY-PRODUCTS AND WASTE 3.1.1 Introduction ...... 3-3 MANAGEMENT ...... 2-47 3.1.2 Land Ownership 2.10.1 Introduction ...... 2-47 Considerations ...... 3-3 2.10.2 By-products...... 2-48 3.1.3 Road Alignment 2.10.2.1 Overburden...... 2-48 Consideration...... 3-7 2.10.2.2 Clay Material ...... 2-49 3.1.3.1 Public Roads...... 3-7 2.10.2.3 Oversize and Reject 3.1.3.2 Bungonia By-pass...... 3-8 Material ...... 2-49 3.1.4 Environmental Considerations ...... 3-9 2.10.2.4 Silt Management ...... 2-49 2.10.3 Non-Production Wastes...... 2-50 3.2 TRANSPORT ROUTE DESIGN AND 2.10.3.1 Domestic Wastes and CONSTRUCTION / ROAD Maintenance UPGRADING ACTIVITIES...... 3-10 Consumables...... 2-50 3.2.1 Introduction ...... 3-10 2.10.3.2 Waste Oils and 3.2.2 Jerrara Road...... 3-11 Grease ...... 2-50 3.2.2.1 Introduction ...... 3-11 2.10.3.3 Sewage...... 2-51 3.2.2.2 Marulan South Road - 2.10.4 Importation of Excavated Jerrara Road Material for Rehabilitation Intersection...... 3-18 Activities...... 2-51 3.2.2.3 Pavement Width and Alignment ...... 3-18 2.11 EMPLOYMENT...... 2-52 3.2.2.4 Watercourse Crossings ...... 3-19 2.12 REHABILITATION ...... 2-52 3.2.2.5 Vegetation 2.12.1 Rehabilitation and Final Land Disturbance...... 3-19 Use Objectives...... 2-52
2.12.2 Final Landform...... 2-53
2.12.3 Final Land Use...... 2-54
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3.2.3 Mountain Ash Road ...... 3-20 4.2 ISSUE IDENTIFICATION ...... 4-3 3.2.3.1 Introduction ...... 3-20 4.2.1 Introduction ...... 4-3 3.2.3.2 Jerrara Road – 4.2.2 2005 Development Mountain Ash Road Application...... 4-3 Intersection ...... 3-21 4.2.2.1 Minister’s 3.2.3.3 Pavement Width and Determination...... 4-3 Alignment ...... 3-21 4.2.2.2 Court Determination ...... 4-4 3.2.3.4 Watercourse 4.2.3 Consultation ...... 4-4 Crossings ...... 3-21 4.2.3.1 Consultation with 3.2.3.5 Vegetation Surrounding disturbance ...... 3-22 Landowners and the 3.2.4 Proposed Bungonia By-pass...... 3-22 Local Community...... 4-4 3.2.4.1 Introduction ...... 3-22 4.2.3.2 Consultation with 3.2.4.2 Mountain Ash Road – Government Agencies....4-5 Bungonia By-pass 4.2.4 Review of Planning Issues Intersection ...... 3-22 and Environmental Guidelines ...... 4-9 3.2.4.3 Road Construction ...... 3-23 4.2.4.1 Introduction ...... 4-9 3.2.4.4 Watercourse 4.2.4.2 State Planning Issues.....4-9 Crossings - General .....3-23 4.2.4.3 Regional Planning 3.2.4.5 Watercourse Issues and Strategies...4-12 Crossings – Bungonia 4.2.4.4 Local Planning Issues ..4-13 Creek Crossing ...... 3-24 4.2.4.5 Environmental 3.2.4.6 Vegetation Guidelines ...... 4-14 Disturbance...... 3-25 4.2.5 Summary of Environmental 3.2.5 Oallen Ford Road...... 3-25 Issues and Impacts ...... 4-14 3.2.5.1 Introduction ...... 3-25 3.2.5.2 Bungonia By-pass – 4.3 ANALYSIS OF ENVIRONMENTAL Oallen Ford Road RISK AND ISSUE PRIORITISATION...... 4-14 Intersection ...... 3-25 4.3.1 Analysis of Environmental 3.2.5.3 Pavement Width...... 3-26 Risk ...... 4-14 3.2.5.4 Watercourse 4.3.2 Issue Prioritisation...... 4-24
Crossings ...... 3-26 3.2.5.5 Vegetation SECTION 5 – ENVIRONMENTAL disturbance ...... 3-26 SAFEGUARDS AND 3.2.6 Project Site Entrance ...... 3-27 IMPACTS – PROJECT SITE 3.2.7 Construction Schedule...... 3-27 OPERATIONS 3.3 VEHICLE TYPES AND TRAFFIC 5.1 BACKGROUND INFORMATION ...... 5-3 LEVELS ...... 3-33 5.1.1 Topography...... 5-3 3.3.1 Vehicle Types ...... 3-33 5.1.1.1 Regional Topography.....5-3 3.3.2 Traffic Levels and Operational 5.1.1.2 Local Topography...... 5-3 Hours ...... 3-33 5.1.1.3 Project Site 3.4 ROAD MAINTENANCE...... 3-34 Topography ...... 5-3 5.1.2 Geology...... 5-7 3.5 VEGETATION OFFSET STRATEGY...... 3-34 5.1.2.1 Introduction ...... 5-7 3.6 BUNGONIA BY-PASS 5.1.2.2 Regional and Local DECOMMISSIONING ...... 3-35 Geology...... 5-7 3.6.1 Introduction ...... 3-35 5.1.2.3 Project Site Geology...... 5-9 3.6.2 Bungonia By-pass 5.1.3 Meteorology ...... 5-9 Rehabilitation ...... 3-35 5.1.3.1 Introduction ...... 5-9 3.6.2.1 Introduction ...... 3-35 5.1.3.2 Source of Data ...... 5-9 3.6.2.2 Road Surface on 5.1.3.3 Temperature...... 5-11 Lot 2, DP 735523 and 5.1.3.4 Rainfall ...... 5-12 Lot 82, DP 1117175 .....3-36 5.1.3.5 Wind...... 5-13 3.6.2.3 Bungonia Creek 5.1.3.6 Temperature Crossing...... 3-36 Inversions...... 5-13 5.1.4 Land Ownership, Surrounding Residences and Land Use ...... 5-16 SECTION 4 – ISSUE IDENTIFICATION 5.1.4.1 Introduction ...... 5-16 AND PRIORITISATION 5.1.4.2 The Project Site...... 5-16 5.1.4.3 Land Surrounding the 4.1 INTRODUCTION...... 4-3 Project Site...... 5-16
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5.2 WATER RESOURCES ...... 5-19 5.3.5 Design and Operational 5.2.1 Introduction ...... 5-19 Safeguards...... 5-66 5.2.2 Existing Hydrological Setting 5.3.6 Assessment of Impacts...... 5-68 and Conditions...... 5-19 5.3.6.1 Introduction ...... 5-68 5.2.2.1 Regional Setting and 5.3.6.2 Assessment Drainage ...... 5-19 Methodology...... 5-69 5.2.2.2 Local and Project Site 5.3.6.3 Results ...... 5-70 Drainage ...... 5-21 5.3.6.4 Discussion...... 5-74 5.2.2.3 Surface Water Quality.. 5-21 5.3.6.5 Cumulative Noise 5.2.3 Existing Hydrogeological Impacts ...... 5-74 Setting and Conditions...... 5-23 5.3.7 Monitoring ...... 5-74 5.2.3.1 Introduction ...... 5-23 5.4 AIR QUALITY...... 5-75 5.2.3.2 Hydrogeological 5.4.1 Introduction ...... 5-75 Setting...... 5-23 5.4.2 Existing Air Quality...... 5-76 5.2.3.3 Groundwater Levels..... 5-24 5.4.2.1 Introduction ...... 5-76 5.2.3.4 Hydraulic Gradient 5.4.2.2 Particulate Matter ...... 5-77 and Groundwater 5.4.2.3 Dust Deposition...... 5-77 Movement ...... 5-26 5.4.3 Air Quality Goals ...... 5-79 5.2.3.5 Groundwater and 5.4.3.1 Goals Applicable to Surface Water PM and PM ...... 5-79 Interaction ...... 5-28 10 2.5 5.4.3.2 Goals Applicable to 5.2.3.6 Groundwater Quality .... 5-29 Total Suspended 5.2.4 Water Use and Availability...... 5-32 Particulate Matter ...... 5-80 5.2.4.1 Surface Water ...... 5-32 5.4.3.3 Goals Applicable to 5.2.4.2 Groundwater ...... 5-34 Deposited Dust...... 5-80 5.2.5 Water Resource Management ...... 5-34 5.4.3.4 Project Site Air 5.2.5.1 Surface Water ...... 5-34 Quality Goals...... 5-80 5.2.5.2 Groundwater ...... 5-40 5.4.4 Potential Sources and 5.2.6 Assessment of Impacts...... 5-42 Quantities of Air 5.2.6.1 Potential Sources of Contaminants...... 5-81 Water Contamination ... 5-42 5.4.4.1 Particulate Emissions...5-81 5.2.6.2 Criteria and 5.4.4.2 Vehicle Exhaust Methodology for Emissions...... 5-81 Surface Water Impact 5.4.5 Impact Assessment Assessment ...... 5-42 Methodology ...... 5-81 5.2.6.3 Criteria for 5.4.5.1 Dust and Particulate Groundwater Impact Matter Modelling...... 5-81 Assessment ...... 5-45 5.4.5.2 Greenhouse Gas 5.2.6.4 Impacts on Surface Assessment...... 5-85 Water ...... 5-46 5.4.6 Safeguards and Management 5.2.6.5 Impacts on Procedures...... 5-86 Groundwater ...... 5-52 5.4.7 Assessment of Impacts...... 5-87 5.2.6.6 Impacts on Water 5.4.7.1 Dust Deposition...... 5-87 Resource Availability 5.4.7.2 PM ...... 5-87 and Utilisation ...... 5-58 10 5.4.7.3 PM ...... 5-90 5.2.7 Water Balance ...... 5-59 2.5 5.4.7.4 Crystalline Silica...... 5-91 5.2.7.1 Water Availability ...... 5-59 5.4.7.5 Odour ...... 5-92 5.2.7.2 Water Consumption ..... 5-59 5.4.7.6 Greenhouse Gas 5.2.7.3 Water Balance Emissions...... 5-92 Impacts ...... 5-60 5.4.7.7 Cumulative Impacts...... 5-93 5.2.8 Monitoring ...... 5-61 5.4.7.8 Conclusion ...... 5-93 5.3 NOISE AND VIBRATION...... 5-61 5.4.8 Monitoring ...... 5-94 5.3.1 Introduction ...... 5-61 5.5 FLORA AND FAUNA ...... 5-94 5.3.2 Existing Noise Climate...... 5-62 5.5.1 Introduction ...... 5-94 5.3.3 Environmental Noise Control 5.5.2 Flora...... 5-95 General Objectives ...... 5-64 5.5.2.1 Introduction ...... 5-95 5.3.4 Environmental Noise Criteria ...... 5-65 5.5.2.2 Survey Methods ...... 5-95 5.3.4.1 Introduction ...... 5-65 5.5.2.3 Results ...... 5-97 5.3.4.2 Construction Noise 5.5.2.4 Conservation Criteria ...... 5-65 Significance...... 5-100 5.3.4.3 Operational Noise
Design Criteria ...... 5-66
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5.5.3 Fauna...... 5-101 5.7.3.5 National Trust NSW....5-119 5.5.3.1 Introduction ...... 5-101 5.7.3.6 Register of the 5.5.3.2 Survey Methods ...... 5-101 National Estate...... 5-120 5.5.3.3 Survey Methods ...... 5-101 5.7.3.7 Summary of Identified 5.5.3.4 Results ...... 5-104 Heritage Sites...... 5-120 5.5.3.5 Conservation 5.7.4 Consideration of Heritage Significance...... 5-105 Significance...... 5-120 5.5.4 Operational Safeguards and 5.7.4.1 Definition of Mitigation Measures...... 5-106 Significance...... 5-120 5.5.5 Assessment of Impacts...... 5-107 5.7.4.2 The Project Site...... 5-120 5.5.5.1 Threatened Species 5.7.4.3 The Village of Conservation Act Bungonia ...... 5-121 Considerations ...... 5-107 5.7.4.4 Other Identified Sites 5.5.5.2 Environment of the Locality ...... 5-121 Protection and 5.7.5 Safeguards...... 5-121 Conservation Act 5.7.6 Assessment of Impact...... 5-122 Considerations ...... 5-109 5.7.6.1 Potential Impacts 5.5.5.3 SEPP 44 Associated with Considerations ...... 5-109 Project Site 5.5.5.4 Draft Guidelines for Operations...... 5-122 Threatened Species 5.7.6.2 Direct Impacts of Assessment Project Site (DEC/DPI, 2005) Operations...... 5-122 Considerations ...... 5-109 5.7.6.3 Impact on Historically 5.5.6 Conclusion ...... 5-110 Significant Locations ..5-122 5.6 ABORIGINAL HERITAGE...... 5-111 5.8 VISIBILITY ...... 5-123 5.6.1 Introduction ...... 5-111 5.8.1 Introduction ...... 5-123 5.6.2 Previous Investigations ...... 5-111 5.8.2 Existing Visual Amenity...... 5-123 5.6.3 Investigation Methods ...... 5-112 5.8.3 Visual Controls...... 5-123 5.6.3.1 Introduction ...... 5-112 5.8.4 Visibility of the Project Site 5.6.3.2 Stage 1 (Background Operations...... 5-124 Research) ...... 5-112 5.8.5 Assessment of Impacts ...... 5-126 5.6.3.3 Stage 2 (Predictive Modelling) ...... 5-112 5.9 SOILS AND LAND CAPABILITY...... 5-126 5.6.3.4 Stage 3 (Field Work) ..5-112 5.9.1 Introduction ...... 5-126 5.6.3.5 Stage 4 (Assessment 5.9.2 Regional Setting...... 5-127 of Results)...... 5-114 5.9.2.1 Soil Landscapes...... 5-127 5.6.4 Summary of Results...... 5-114 5.9.2.2 Land Capability / 5.6.5 Assessment of Significance ...... 5-115 Agricultural 5.6.5.1 Introduction ...... 5-115 Suitability...... 5-127 5.6.5.2 Aboriginal Cultural / 5.9.3 Project Site Soils and Social Significance.....5-115 Characteristics ...... 5-130 5.6.5.3 Scientific 5.9.3.1 Soil Units ...... 5-130 (Archaeological) 5.9.3.2 Soil Chemical Significance...... 5-115 Attributes ...... 5-132 5.6.6 Safeguards...... 5-116 5.9.3.3 Soil Physical 5.6.7 Assessment of Impacts...... 5-116 Attributes ...... 5-132 5.9.3.4 Potential for Acid 5.7 EUROPEAN HERITAGE...... 5-116 Sulphate Soils ...... 5-133 5.7.1 Introduction ...... 5-116 5.9.3.5 Potential for 5.7.2 Historic Record of the Contaminated Soils ....5-133 “Ardmore Park” Property...... 5-117 5.9.4 Soil Management Controls...... 5-134 5.7.3 Recorded European Heritage .....5-117 5.9.4.1 Introduction ...... 5-134 5.7.3.1 Introduction ...... 5-117 5.9.4.2 Soil Stripping 5.7.3.2 NSW Heritage Act Controls...... 5-134 and NSW State 5.9.4.3 Soil Stockpiling Heritage Register ...... 5-118 Controls...... 5-135 5.7.3.3 Mulwaree LEP 1995 5.9.4.4 Soil Erosion and and Mulwaree Draft Sediment Controls...... 5-135 Heritage Inventory...... 5-118 5.9.4.5 Soil Respreading 5.7.3.4 Draft Goulburn Controls...... 5-135 Mulwaree LEP...... 5-118 5.9.5 Assessment of Impacts ...... 5-135
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5.10 BUSHFIRE HAZARD ...... 5-136 6.1.3.3 Oallen Ford Road...... 6-9 5.10.1 Introduction ...... 5-136 6.1.3.4 Bungonia Village ...... 6-11 5.10.2 Assessment of Bushfire Hazard ...... 5-136 6.2 TRAFFIC...... 6-11 5.10.2.1 Vegetation...... 5-136 6.2.1 Introduction ...... 6-11 5.10.2.2 Slope Classification.... 5-137 6.2.2 Existing Conditions ...... 6-12 5.10.2.3 Hazard Assessment... 5-137 6.2.2.1 Local Road Network.....6-12 5.10.3 Safeguards and Controls ...... 5-137 6.2.2.2 Road Condition ...... 6-12 5.10.4 Assessment of Impact...... 5-138 6.2.2.3 Traffic Types and Level ...... 6-14 5.11 REHABILITATION, FINAL 6.2.3 Relevant Standards and LANDFORM AND LAND USE ...... 5-138 Assessment Methodology...... 6-16 5.11.1 Introduction ...... 5-138 6.2.3.1 Road Design and 5.11.2 Management of Rehabilitation .... 5-139 Assessment 5.11.2.1 Funding Progressive Standards...... 6-16 and Final 6.2.3.2 Assessment Rehabilitation ...... 5-139 Methodology...... 6-18 5.11.2.2 Ongoing Maintenance 6.2.4 Proposed Road Upgrades, of the Final Operational Safeguards and Landform...... 5-139 Management Procedures...... 6-20 5.11.3 Impact on Existing and Future 6.2.4.1 Proposed Road Land Use Objectives...... 5-140 Upgrades and 5.11.3.1 Existing Land Use Construction Objectives ...... 5-140 (Summary) ...... 6-20 5.11.3.2 Future Land Use 6.2.4.2 Operational Objectives ...... 5-141 Safeguards and Management 5.12 SOCIO-ECONOMIC SETTING...... 5-141 Procedures...... 6-21 5.12.1 Existing Socio-economic 6.2.5 Assessment of Impacts...... 6-22 Setting...... 5-141 6.2.5.1 Intersection Design 5.12.1.1 Introduction ...... 5-141 and Performance...... 6-22 5.12.1.2 Local Setting ...... 5-142 6.2.5.2 Carriageway Width...... 6-24 5.12.1.3 Employment...... 5-143 6.2.5.3 Bridges and Culverts....6-24 5.12.2 Community Structure and 6.2.5.4 Road Geometry...... 6-25 Values...... 5-143 6.2.5.5 Traffic Facilities and 5.12.3 Assessment of Impacts...... 5-145 Speed Limit ...... 6-25 5.12.3.1 Socio-economic 6.2.5.6 Weather Conditions...... 6-25 Benefits of the 6.2.5.7 School Bus...... 6-26 Project...... 5-145 6.2.5.8 Staged Increase in 5.12.3.2 Socio-economic Costs Truck Movements...... 6-26 of the Project...... 5-146 6.2.6 Conclusion ...... 6-28 5.12.3.3 Conclusion ...... 5-146 6.3 DRAINAGE AND WATER
RESOURCES ...... 6-28 6.3.1 Existing Conditions ...... 6-28 SECTION 6 – ENVIRONMENTAL 6.3.1.1 Public Road Network....6-28 SAFEGUARDS AND 6.3.1.2 Proposed Bungonia IMPACTS – TRANSPORT Bypass ...... 6-29 OPERATIONS 6.3.2 Assessment Objectives and 6.1 BACKGROUND INFORMATION ...... 6-3 Methodology ...... 6-30 6.1.1 Information Common to the 6.3.2.1 Objectives ...... 6-30 Project Site ...... 6-3 6.3.2.2 Methodology...... 6-30 6.1.2 Topography and Drainage ...... 6-3 6.3.3 Road and Drainage Design 6.1.2.1 Jerrara Road...... 6-3 Features, Operational 6.1.2.2 Mountain Ash Road ...... 6-5 Safeguards and Controls and 6.1.2.3 Proposed Bungonia Offset Measures...... 6-31 Bypass ...... 6-5 6.3.3.1 Specific Design 6.1.2.4 Oallen Ford Road...... 6-6 Features of Drainage 6.1.3 Adjoining Land Ownership, Line Crossings ...... 6-31 Residences and Land Uses ...... 6-6 6.3.3.2 General Drainage 6.1.3.1 Jerrara Road and Line Crossing Design Mountain Ash Road ...... 6-6 Features...... 6-32 6.1.3.2 Bungonia Bypass ...... 6-9 6.3.4 Fill Batters...... 6-34
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6.3.5 Table Drains...... 6-35 6.7.3 Assessment of Significance ...... 6-69 6.3.5.1 Operational 6.7.4 Safeguards...... 6-71 Safeguards and 6.7.5 Assessment of Impacts ...... 6-71 Controls...... 6-35 6.3.5.2 Vegetation Offset 6.8 NON-ABORIGINAL HERITAGE Measures ...... 6-37 CONSIDERATIONS ...... 6-71 6.3.6 Assessment of Impacts...... 6-38 6.8.1 Introduction ...... 6-71 6.8.2 Recorded Non-European 6.4 NOISE AND VIBRATION ...... 6-39 Heritage ...... 6-72 6.4.1 Existing Noise Environment ...... 6-39 6.8.3 Heritage Items of the 6.4.2 Assessment Criteria...... 6-40 Transport Route ...... 6-72 6.4.2.1 Noise...... 6-40 6.8.4 Safeguards...... 6-73 6.4.2.2 Vibration...... 6-42 6.8.5 Assessment of Impacts ...... 6-73 6.4.3 Assessment Methodology...... 6-42 6.4.3.1 Noise...... 6-42 6.4.3.2 Vibration...... 6-46 6.4.4 Operations Safeguards and SECTION 7 – DRAFT STATEMENT OF Management Procedures...... 6-46 COMMITMENTS 6.4.5 Assessment of Impact...... 6-47 Tabulated Draft Statement of Commitments 6.4.5.1 Noise...... 6-47 6.4.5.2 Vibration...... 6-49 6.5 AIR QUALITY...... 6-50 SECTION 8 – PROJECT EVALUATION 6.5.1 Introduction ...... 6-50 AND CONCLUSIONS 6.5.2 Dust Management Plan ...... 6-50 8.1 INTRODUCTION...... 8-3 6.5.2.1 Objectives ...... 6-50 6.5.2.2 Dust Generating 8.2 EVALUATION OF THE PROJECT...... 8-3 Activities...... 6-50 8.2.1 Residual Environmental Risk 6.5.2.3 Management and Impacts...... 8-3 Safeguards and 8.2.2 Ecological Sustainable Mitigation Measures.....6-53 Development...... 8-8 6.5.2.4 Monitoring, 8.2.1.1 Introduction ...... 8-8 Responsibilities and 8.2.1.2 The Precautionary Complaints Handling....6-54 Principle ...... 8-8 6.5.3 Assessment of Impact...... 6-54 8.2.1.3 Social Equity ...... 8-11 6.5.4 Greenhouse Gas Assessment ...... 6-55 8.2.1.4 Conservation of Biological Diversity 6.6 ECOLOGICAL CONSIDERATIONS...... 6-55 and Ecological 6.6.1 Local Setting, Field Survey Integrity ...... 8-13 Results and Conservation 8.2.1.5 Improved Valuation Significance...... 6-55 and Pricing of 6.6.1.1 Flora...... 6-55 Environmental 6.6.1.2 Fauna...... 6-62 Resources ...... 8-15 6.6.2 Operational Safeguards, 8.2.1.6 Conclusion ...... 8-15 Mitigation Measures and 8.2.3 Local Amenity Considerations...... 8-16 Offset Strategies ...... 6-64 8.2.3.1 Introduction ...... 8-16 6.6.3 Assessment of Impacts...... 6-64 8.2.3.2 Amenity Related 6.6.4 Conclusion ...... 6-65 Issues...... 8-18 6.7 ABORIGINAL HERITAGE 8.2.3.3 Impacts on Issues CONSIDERATIONS...... 6-65 Influencing Local 6.7.1 Introduction ...... 6-65 Amenity ...... 8-19 6.7.2 Investigation Methods ...... 6-65 8.3 JUSTIFICATION OF THE PROJECT...... 8-25 6.7.2.1 Introduction ...... 6-65 8.3.1 Introduction ...... 8-25 6.7.2.2 Stage 1 (Background 8.3.2 Biophysical Considerations ...... 8-25 Research) ...... 6-65 8.3.2.1 Introduction ...... 8-25 6.7.2.3 Stage 2 (Predictive 8.3.2.2 Project Site Modelling) ...... 6-66 Operations...... 8-26 6.7.2.4 Stage 3 (Field Work) ....6-66 8.3.2.3 Transport Operations ...8-29 6.7.2.5 Stage 4 (Assessment 8.3.3 Socio-economic of Results)...... 6-66 Considerations ...... 8-31 6.7.2.6 Assessment of 8.3.3.1 Economic Results ...... 6-66 Considerations ...... 8-31 8.3.3.2 Social Considerations...8-32
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8.3.4 Site Suitability Considerations ...... 8-33 Figure 2.13 Basalt Processing Area – 8.3.5 Planning Considerations...... 8-34 Permanent Plant ...... 2-39 8.3.6 Local Amenity Considerations ...... 8-36 8.3.7 Consequences of not Figure 2.14 Additional Product Stockpile Areas..2-40 Proceeding with the Project ...... 8-38 Figure 2.15 Site Access Road – Oallen Ford 8.4 CONCLUSION ...... 8-39 Road Intersection...... 2-41
Figure 2.16 Internal Road Network ...... 2-43 SECTION 9 – REFERENCES Figure 2.17 Administration and Quarry Services Area ...... 2-45 SECTION 10 – GLOSSARY Figure 2.18 Final Landform...... 2-55 APPENDICES Figure 2.19 Alternative Public Road Only
Transport Routes ...... 2-62 Appendix 1 Project Application...... A1-1 Figure 2.20 Alternative Road/Rail Transport Appendix 2 Director-General’s Requirements Routes ...... 2-67 and Environmental Issues ...... A2-1 Figure 2.21 Alternative Public Road/Private Appendix 3 Land and Environment Court Road Transport Routes...... 2-69 Hearing 10245 Synopsis...... A3-1 Figure 3.1 Modified Transport Route ...... 3-4 Appendix 4 SEPP 33 Risk Screening ...... A4-1 Figure 3.2 Bungonia By-pass Road ...... 3-5 Appendix 5 Gary Shiels & Associates Pty Ltd (2007) - Heritage Assessment for Figure 3.3 Public Road Upgrade - Jerrara Development Application (DA 10- Road (Representative Section)...... 3-12 1-2005) ...... A5-1 Figure 3.4 Public Road Upgrade – Mountain Appendix 6 Correspondence Received from Ash Road ...... 3-13 the Department of Lands and Figure 3.5 Bungonia By-pass Road ...... 3-15 Goulburn Rural Lands Protection Board in Relation to Land Owner Figure 3.6 Bungonia Creek Crossing...... 3-16 Consent to the Project Application...A6-1 Figure 3.7 Vegetation Offset Strategy...... 3-17 FIGURES Figure 5.1 Regional Topography...... 5-4
Figure 5.2 Local Topography ...... 5-5 Figure 1.1 Regional Setting ...... 1-4 Figure 5.3 Project Site Topography ...... 5-6 Figure 1.2 Local Setting (Project Site and Bungonia Village Bypass)...... 1-10 Figure 5.4 Local Geology...... 5-8 Figure 1.3 Proposed Transport Route ...... 1-12 Figure 5.5 Stratigraphic Sequence...... 5-10 Figure 2.1 Project Site Layout...... 2-4 Figure 5.6 Rainfall Comparison – Goulburn/Bungonia...... 5-12 Figure 2.2 Resource Exploration ...... 2-5 Figure 5.7 Goulburn Airport Weather Station Figure 2.3 Southern Sand Extraction Area ...... 2-7 Wind Roses (2002 To 2006) ...... 5-14 Figure 2.4 Basalt and Central Sand Figure 5.8 TAPM Generated Wind Roses...... 5-15 Extraction Area ...... 2-8 Figure 5.9 Land Ownership Surrounding the Figure 2.5 Typical Extraction Sections...... 2-14 Project Site ...... 5-17 Figure 2.6 Site Establishment...... 2-17 Figure 5.10 Regional Drainage ...... 5-20 Figure 2.7 Indicative Extraction Sequence Figure 5.11 Local Topography and Drainage...... 5-22 Southern Sand Extraction Area ...... 2-24 Figure 5.12 Groundwater Bores and Springs...... 5-25 Figure 2.8 Indicative Silt Cell Development ...... 2-25 Figure 5.13 Groundwater Flow...... 5-27 Figure 2.9 Extraction Sequence (Basalt and Central Sand Extraction Area) ...... 2-28 Figure 5.14 Piper Diagram...... 5-33 Figure 2.10 Basalt Extraction Method...... 2-29 Figure 5.15 Surface Water Management ...... 5-35 Figure 2.11 Sand Washing Plant ...... 2-33 Figure 5.16 Noise Assessment Locations...... 5-63 Figure 2.12 Basalt Processing Area – Mobile Figure 5.17 Noise Control Design Features...... 5-67 Crushing Plant ...... 2-36
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Figure 5.18 Modelled Scenarios ...... 5-71 TABLES
Figure 5.19 Air Quality Assessment PM10 Table 2.1 Quality Analyses of the Sand Monitoring Results ...... 5-78 Resource...... 2-9 Figure 5.20 Operational Scenarios ...... 5-83 Table 2.2 Sand Resources ...... 2-9 Figure 5.21 Predicted Deposited Dust Table 2.3 Quantitative Tests and Australian Contours ...... 5-88 Standards...... 2-10
Figure 5.22 Predicted 24-Hour Maximum PM10 Table 2.4 Basalt Quality Test Results...... 2-11 Contours ...... 5-89 Table 2.5 Basalt Resource Classification and Figure 5.23 Vegetation Communities...... 5-99 Representation...... 2-12 Figure 5.24 Revegetation...... 5-108 Table 2.6 Mobile Equipment ...... 2-31 Figure 5.25 Survey Results...... 5-113 Table 2.7 Material Stockpiles...... 2-38 Figure 5.26 Local and Distant Views of the Table 2.8 “Ardmore Park” Quarry Project Site ...... 5-125 Operational Employment...... 2-52 Figure 5.27 Soil Landscapes and Soil Table 2.9 Revegetation Species ...... 2-57 Sampling Locations ...... 5-128 Table 2.10 Transport Route Assessment...... 2-65 Figure 5.28 Soil Units...... 5-131 Table 3.1 Proposed Non-standard Road Figure 6.1 Local Topography and Drainage...... 6-4 Upgrades – Jerrara Road...... 3-18 Figure 6.2 Land Ownership Surrounding the Table 3.2 Proposed Improvements to Proposed Transport Route...... 6-7 Existing Watercourse Crossings - Jerrara Road...... 3-20 Figure 6.3 Local / Regional Road Network ...... 6-10 Table 3.3 Proposed Design of Drainage Line Figure 6.4 Roadside Drainage of the and Watercourse Crossings Proposed Transport Route...... 6-33 (Bungonia By-pass Road)...... 3-24 Figure 6.5 Bungonia By-pass Construction Table 3.4 Proposed Non-standard Road Scenarios...... 6-45 Upgrades – Oallen Ford Road ...... 3-26 Figure 6.6 Relative Dust and PM 10 Table 4.1 Risk Sources and Potential Generation of Construction Environmental Impacts...... 4-15 Activities...... 6-52 Table 4.2 Qualitative Likelihood Rating...... 4-19 Figure 6.7 Vegetation along the Proposed Transport Route...... 6-57 Table 4.3 Qualitative Consequence Rating...... 4-19 Figure 6.8 Identified Sites of Aboriginal Table 4.4 Environmental Risk Rating...... 4-20 Artefacts...... 6-67 Table 4.5 Analysis of Unmitigated Figure 6.9 Identified Sites of Aboriginal Environmental Risk ...... 4-21 Artefacts (Bungonia By-pass) ...... 6-70 Table 5.1 Mean Monthly Meteorological Data..5-11 PLATES Table 5.2 Pasture Improvement...... 5-16 Plate 3.1 Product Transport Truck and Trailer...... 3-33 Table 5.3 Proximity of Surrounding Residences ...... 5-18 Plate 6.1 Oallen Ford Road Plate 6.2 Mountain Ash Road (6km from Table 5.4 Groundwater Level Measurements ..5-26 Bungonia) ...... 6-13 Table 5.5 Springs in Close Proximity to Plate 6.2 Mountain Ash Road (6km from Project Site...... 5-28 Bungonia) ...... 6-13 Table 5.6 Fractured Basement Rock Aquifer Plate 6.3 Jerrara Road (3km from Hume Groundwater ...... 5-30 Highway) Plate 6.4 Jerrara Road Table 5.7 Alluvial and Basalt Aquifer (1km from Hume Highway) ...... 6-13 Groundwater ...... 5-30 Plate 6.4 Jerrara Road (1km from Hume Table 5.8 Groundwater of the Southern Highway)...... 6-13 Sand Resource and “Inverary Plate 6.5 Marulan South Road Intersection Park” Spring...... 5-31 with Hume Highway ...... 6-13
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Table 5.9 Groundwater Type Table 5.34 PM10 Concentrations at Nearest Characterisation...... 5-32 Residences – Maximum 24-Hour Average ...... 5-90 Table 5.10 Groundwater Quality Criteria ...... 5-45 Table 5.35 PM10 Concentrations at Nearest Table 5.11 Results of MUSIC Modelling in Residences – Maximum Annual Average and Wet Rainfall Years...... 5-46 Average ...... 5-91 Table 5.12 Results of MUSIC Modelling in Table 5.36 Predicted Greenhouse Gas Average and Wet Rainfall Years...... 5-47 Emissions ...... 5-93 Table 5.13 Results of MUSIC Modelling in Table 5.37 Threatened Plant Species Known Average and Wet Rainfall Years...... 5-48 to Occur in the Region ...... 5-96 Table 5.14 Results of MUSIC Modelling in Table 5.38 Threatened Fauna Species Known Average and Wet Rainfall Years...... 5-48 to Occur in the Region ...... 5-102 Table 5.15 Results of MUSIC Modelling in Table 5.39 Fauna Species Recorded ...... 5-105 Average and Wet Rainfall Years...... 5-49 Table 5.41 Environmental Heritage Items of Table 5.16 Average Year Water Balance ...... 5-50 Bungonia Village and Surrounds ...5-119 Table 5.17 Baseline Conditions of Existing Table 5.42 Visibility of the Project Site Monitoring Bores...... 5-53 Operations from Surrounding Table 5.18 Summary of Drawdown Measured Residences ...... 5-124 in Monitoring Bores...... 5-53 Table 5.43 Rural Land Capability...... 5-129 Table 5.19 Distance Drawdown Predictions – Table 5.44 Soil Units within the Project Site ....5-130 Test Bore BHAP6 ...... 5-53 Table 5.45 Bushfire Hazard Assessment...... 5-137 Table 5.20 Estimates of Aquifer Recharge from Precipitation...... 5-55 Table 5.46 Bushfire Hazard – Activities and Controls ...... 5-138 Table 5.21 Water Re-Use for Dust Suppression...... 5-60 Table 5.47 2006 Census Data Summary...... 5-142 Table 5.22 Water Re-Use for Sand Washing..... 5-60 Table 5.48 Age Characteristics / Age Group (Percentage) ...... 5-142 Table 5.23 Summary of Existing Ambient Noise Levels ...... 5-62 Table 5.49 Employment by Industry ...... 5-143 Table 5.24 Operator-attended Background Table 6.1 Proximity of Surrounding Noise Survey Results ...... 5-64 Residences ...... 6-6 Table 5.25 Sound Power Levels...... 5-68 Table 6.2 Structural Results (Granular Pavement) ...... 6-14 Table 5.26 Modelled Scenarios ...... 5-69 Table 6.3 Traffic Count Results (9 February Table 5.27 Assessment of Criteria 2006 to 15 February 2006) ...... 6-15 Exceedance...... 5-70 Table 6.4 Current and Projected Two-Way Table 5.28 Predicted Construction Noise Daily Traffic Flows,...... 6-16 Levels ...... 5-70 Table 6.5 Lane Widths for Two Lane Two Table 5.29 Predicted Operational Noise Way Rural Roads...... 6-16 Levels ...... 5-73 Table 6.6 Shoulder Widths for Two Lane Table 5.30 Background Air Quality Two Way Rural Roads...... 6-17 Environment for Assessment Purposes ...... 5-79 Table 6.7 Level of Service Criteria for Intersections ...... 6-18 Table 5.31 DEC Goals for Allowable Dust Deposition...... 5-80 Table 6.8 INTANAL Analysis of Mountain Ash Road - Jerarra Road Table 5.32 Details of Closest Residences ...... 5-82 Intersection ...... 6-23 Table 5.33 Ambient and Predicted Table 6.9 Current (Average) and Projected Incremental Dust Deposition at (Average) Two-way Hourly Traffic Nearest Residences ...... 5-87 Flows on Jerrara Road, 10km south of Hume Highway...... 6-27
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Table 6.10 Specific Design Requirements for Specific Crossings along the Transport Route...... 6-32 Table 6.11 Limitations to Access during Road Construction / Upgrade Works...... 6-36 Table 6.12 Maximum Acceptable C-Factors at Nominated Times during the Road Construction / Upgrade Works...... 6-37
Table 6.13 Results of MUSIC Modelling in Average Rainfall Years ...... 6-39
Table 6.14 Results of MUSIC Modelling in Higher than Average Rainfall Years ...... 6-39 Table 6.15 DECC Environmental Criteria for Road Traffic Noise ...... 6-40
Table 6.16 Continuous Vibration Criteria...... 6-42
Table 6.17 Existing and Projected Maximum Two-Way Hourly Traffic Flows on Oallen Ford Road ...... 6-43 Table 6.18 Existing and Projected Maximum Two-Way Hourly Traffic Flows on Jerrara Road...... 6-44
Table 6.19 Existing LAeq(1hour) Traffic Noise Levels on Oallen Ford Road and Jerrara Road...... 6-47
Table 6.20 Future Maximum L Traffic Aeq(1hour) Noise Levels on Oallen Ford Road and Jerrara Road...... 6-48
Table 6.21 Predicted Construction Noise Levels ...... 6-49 Table 6.22 Predicted Operational Noise Levels ...... 6-49 Table 6.23 General Truck Generated Peak Component Vibration Levels...... 6-49 Table 6.24 Identified Sites of Aboriginal Artefacts...... 6-69 Table 6.25 European Heritage Sites...... 6-72 Table 7.1 Draft Statement of Commitments for Project Site Operations and Management...... 7-3 Table 7.2 Draft Statement of Commitments for Transport Operations and Management...... 7-13 Table 8.1 Analysis of Risk ...... 8-3 Table 8.2 Application of SEPP (Mining, Petroleum Production and Extractive Industries) 2007 ...... 8-35
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R. W. CORKERY & CO. PTY. LIMITED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT - xvii - MULTIQUIP QUARRIES Summary Modified “Ardmore Park” Quarry Project Report No. 625/04
Summary
INTRODUCTION
This Environmental Assessment has been prepared by R.W. Corkery & Co. Pty. Limited to support an application for project approval (application number MP 07_0155) by Multiquip Quarries (“Multiquip”) for the development and operation of a sand and hard rock quarry to be known as the modified “Ardmore Park” Quarry Project (“the Project”). The project represents a modified proposal following Figure A the consideration and refusal of an initial development application (in 2005), a decision which was upheld in the NSW Land and Environment Court on 19 June 2007 by Justice Jagot J (Hearing 10245 of 2006).
The area which is the subject of the application for project approval (the “Project Site”) is located approximately 4km south of the village of Bungonia and 25km southeast of Goulburn in the Southern Tablelands of New South Wales BACKGROUND TO THE (see Figure A). Figure A also presents the MODIFIED “ARDMORE PARK” proposed transport route for quarry products QUARRY PROJECT between the Project Site and the Hume Development on “Ardmore Park” was Highway. The transport route incorporates initially intended as a poultry farm, approximately 3.7km of Oallen Ford Road, however, following an investigation of the 0.15km of Mountain Ash Road and 14.7km availability of groundwater resources to of Jerrara Road, along with a 1.8km section supply the proposed poultry farm, a of private road to be constructed to allow significant sand and basalt resource was for the by-passing of the village of identified on the property. Further Bungonia. exploratory drilling and resource analysis The Project is recognised as a “Major confirmed the presence of commercially Project” in accordance with State recoverable quantities of sand and basalt of Environmental Planning Policy (Major a quality satisfactory for use in the Projects) 2005 for which the Minister for manufacture of concrete and for road Planning is the approval authority. construction activities. This summary presents an overview of the Based on the results of the exploratory modified “Ardmore Park” Quarry Project drilling and resource analysis, the and the predicted impacts associated with application for the poultry farm was not operations both on the Project Site and as pursued. Further resource definition and part of product transportation. environmental studies were commenced
R. W. CORKERY & CO. PTY. LIMITED MULTIQUIP QUARRIES - xviii - ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT Modified “Ardmore Park” Quarry Project Summary Report No. 625/04 culminating in a development application The Project is a permissible land use on the being lodged with the then Department of Project Site as defined in the Mulwaree Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Local Environmental Plan 1995. Resources (DIPNR) in January 2005 to develop and operate the “Ardmore Park” Quarry. The Minister for Planning refused THE PROPONENT that development application with the For the purposes of this document, the decision was upheld in the NSW Land and Proponent of the Project is Multiquip Environment Court on 19 June 2007 by Quarries. Multiquip Quarries is the trading Justice Jagot J (Hearing 10245 of 2006). name of CEAL Limited (ABN 44 101 930 Justice Jagot J focussed on two principal 714). issues when forming her opinion to refuse The Company directors of Multiquip, a development consent, namely: publicly owned Company, are also directors (i) the proposed transport route through of S & L Mikosic, a transport company, and Bungonia Village would undermine Multiquip Pty Ltd, an engineering important aspects of the amenity of company. S & L Mikosic currently operate the village; and a fleet of ten semi-trailers and five B– double semi-trailers for the transportation of (ii) the environmental impacts of the stock feed, eggs, sand and other raw upgrading of Jerrara Road were not materials. Operating for approximately adequately covered. 27 years, S & L Mikosic transport products in the Sydney area, north to Tamworth, To ensure a modified application for the south to Goulburn and west to Wellington. Project adequately addressed the issues highlighted by Justice Jagot J, Multiquip reviewed the transportation component of the Project and has provided for: PROJECT SITE OPERATIONS • a private by-pass road of Bungonia; Project Site Layout and Activities and The proposed layout of the Project Site is • the upgrading of the public roads of presented in Figure B, and if approved, the proposed transport route to the would involve the following component desired road standard of Goulburn activities. Mulwaree Council. • A site establishment phase during which an acoustic bund wall, Project PLANNING CONTEXT Site roads, buildings, fixed plant and The Project would be developed and hardstands would be constructed. operated in accordance with a number of • Installation of a range of services, State and regional planning instruments, structures and transportable buildings. namely: • Extraction of sand and hard rock • State Environmental Planning Policies resources from an area of 46.8ha. (SEPPs) 33, 44 and SEPP (Mining, • Processing of the sand (by both dry Petroleum Production and Extractive screening and washing) and basalt Industries) 2007; and within designated processing areas. • Drinking Water Catchments Regional • Stockpiling of quarry products within Environmental Plan (REP) No. 1. a three-tiered hardstand area.
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Figure B – Project Site Layout (A4/colour)
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• Placement of silt produced through form a single extraction area. The factors the sand washing plant in silt cells influencing the extraction area design are constructed within the completed summarised as follows. sections of the extraction area. Geological Factors • Importation of Virgin Excavated The geometry of the resources themselves Natural Material (VENM) to provide dictate the maximum depth of extraction, additional material to backfill with a silty clay layer below the sand completed sections of the extraction resource defining the ultimate quarry floor. area and enable the creation of a final The thickness of the basalt and sand layers landform with an elevation and slopes thin noticeably to the south and west, consistent with those of the pre- providing a natural limit of extraction in Project environment. these directions. To the east, an increasing • Progressive rehabilitation of the final stripping ratio limits the potential for landform through final profiling, soil extraction beyond the defined extraction replacement and revegetation with area while to the north and northeast, it is both pasture and native woodland recognised that the resources continue, vegetation. however, the extraction area boundary is limited by the extent of exploration The transportation of quarry products from undertaken to date. the Project Site to markets in Sydney, South
Coast, Canberra and Goulburn, and Environmental Factors activities associated with the upgrading, Aspects of visibility, the presence of native construction and maintenance of the vegetation, identified items of Aboriginal transport route are considered separately heritage significance and the location of the under the heading “Transport Operations”. Project Site within the Sydney drinking water catchment all influenced the overall The Resources design of the proposed quarry. An assessment of the Project Site geology in conjunction with an exploration drilling Site Establishment program identified a sand resource near the A 4 to 6 month site establishment phase surface in the southern section of the would be undertaken in conjunction with Project Site, which continues beneath a initial extraction activities. This phase relatively thick sequence of basalt within would include construction or installation of the central and northern sections of the internal roads, bund walls, water storages Project Site. The sand resource targeted for and management structures, hardstand extraction has been estimated as 6.3 million areas, processing plants, Project Site tonnes and the basalt (hard rock) resource buildings and a weigh bridge, the locations estimated as 9 million tonnes (92% of of which are identified on Figure B. which would be suitable for the production Notably, a revised location of the Project of quality construction or road building Site entrance has required the re-alignment materials). of the Site Access Road from the existing property access road. Extraction Area Design During the site establishment phase, and for Based on the location and quantity of the a limited period following this phase, basalt sand and basalt resources, Multiquip extracted would be crushed using a mobile proposes to extract both resources crushing plant. concurrently, initially within two separate extraction areas but ultimately combining to
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Extraction Operations quarry faces which would be reduced to 45o o The extraction areas have been designed to and 30 for the final faces on the completed enable extraction to occur to various depths quarry. Final benches, approximately 5m based on the naturally varying base levels wide, would be developed at approximately and thickness of the sand and basalt 8m - 10m intervals. resources. Extraction activities would Sand extraction would be undertaken in six involve the sequential removal of the stages, namely Stages 1 to 6. This vegetation, soil and overburden followed by sequential extraction, presented in the extraction of the sand and basalt Figure C, would allow the progressive resources. development of a series of silt cells on completed stages of the quarry and their Vegetation Removal subsequent consolidation, capping and Clearing of vegetation would be undertaken revegetation. The numbering of Stages 1 to on a progressive campaign basis, with the 6 is indicative of the proposed sequence but extent of clearing undertaken in each may be subject to change over the life of the campaign sufficient for the subsequent year quarry. of quarry development. A bulldozer would be used to clear the isolated trees with grass and other groundcover removed with the topsoil during soil removal activities. Figure C
Soil Removal Bulldozers would be used to strip the topsoil and subsoil from all areas of the Project Site to be disturbed. Wherever possible, the stripped soil would be transferred directly to completed areas of the final landform for respreading. Where this is not possible, the topsoil and subsoil would be stockpiled separately and at locations away from, or protected from, natural or constructed drainage lines. Basalt Extraction Overburden / Interburden Removal The basalt would be extracted without Minimal quantities of predominantly blasting with the material ripped and loaded weathered basalt overburden are present by excavator into haul trucks. The over the recoverable sand and basalt extraction of basalt would involve the resources. This material would be ripped creation of multiple quarry faces with prior to loading to trucks for use in the variable bench heights to accommodate for construction of bund walls, silt cells, the variable quality of material contained internal roads and ultimately in the within the extraction area. The proposed backfilling of the quarry to create the final basalt extraction area has been divided into landform. two stages, Stage I, and II with these stages presented on Figure C. Southern Sand Extraction The quarry has been designed to maximise Central Sand Extraction the recovery of sand, be free-draining and The extraction of sand and basalt would provide optimum capacity for silt storage ultimately occur concurrently, with the and consolidation. The quarry design central sand resource being progressively o parameters would comprise 70 operational exposed as the basalt is extracted.
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Extraction of the central sand resource Hard Rock Products and Processing would generally progress southwards and Two main hard rock products would be eastwards with the exact sequence of produced, namely: extraction ultimately dictated and limited by the progression of the basalt extraction. • aggregate material used in the manufacture of concrete and asphalt; and Products and Processing Operations • road base or road construction While extraction operations for the sand materials. and basalt resources would be ultimately The hard rock processing plant, combined, the processing operations would incorporating a primary, secondary and remain independent for the life of the several tertiary crushers, variously sized proposed quarry. screens, conveyors and stockpile areas, would be located on a hardstand area. All Sand Products and Processing noise and dust generating components The principal sand product that would be would be enclosed leaving small openings produced at the “Ardmore Park” Quarry for the plant conveyors and staff access. would be for use in the manufacture of The bulk of the undersize material produced concrete. Based upon a review of would be used in construction and/or laboratory analyses and an initial market capping of silt cells or blending with the assessment, it is anticipated 30% of the sand resource to produce proprietary sand extracted would only require dry products suited to individual customer screening through a mobile plant consisting requirements. of a vibrating screen and conveyor. The mobile plant would be located within the extraction area and repositioned as required Production Rates The annual production rate of sand and hard to minimise haul distances for quarry rock products would typically vary in mobile plant. response to market conditions, however, the The remaining 70% would be processed combined production of sand and basalt through a sand washing plant, to be located would not exceed 400 000tpa. Notably, a on a hardstand area immediately west of the number of the sand products will Southern Sand Extraction Area. This plant incorporate a proportion of the<5mm basalt would incorporate a vibrating screen, silt fines. pump, dewatering screen and radial stacker. The water requirements would vary Product Stockpiling annually depending on the amount of sand Sand products would be predominantly washed but would not exceed 84ML per stockpiled adjacent to or beneath the radial year or 270kL per day. stacking conveyor within the Sand Silt and waste water from the sand washing Processing Area or in temporary stockpiles plant would be pumped to silt cells which on the quarry floor. Additional stockpiles would be constructed on the floor of the may be maintained within the product completed extraction stages. This water, despatch road loop to ensure a sufficient after being allowed to clarify, would be quantity of the various sand products reused through the sand washing plant with remain available, even during periods when each silt cell eventually consolidated, basalt is the primary resource being capped and revegetated. extracted.
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The hard rock products would be stockpiled rooms and the erection of within a three tiered stockpile area to the demountable buildings for shower and immediate south of the hard rock ablution facilities. processing plant, providing for up to 30 000t of stockpiled products. Services to be installed or upgraded to the “Ardmore Park” property include the following. On-site Transportation • Power - to be sourced from the In order to accommodate the new Project existing service and on-site diesel Site entrance, a new section of road would generators. be constructed between Oallen Ford Road and the existing “Ardmore Park” access • Communications – to utilise the road, generally following the 845m AHD existing phone lines to the property, contour. supplemented by mobile and 2-way communications. An internal road network would be maintained with the roads designated as • Potable Water – to be sourced either: predominantly from rainwater captured and stored in tanks and (i) the transport route for road registered supplemented from commercial trucks transporting products from the sources. quarry; • Fuel – to be stored in an above ground (ii) long-term internal haul roads between 20 000L tank within the quarry the active extraction activities and services area. processing plants; or • Sewage – the proposed quarry would (iii)internal access roads for the use a combination of the existing movement of light vehicles, “Ardmore Park” septic system and a earthmoving equipment and internal new biocycle sewage treatment haulage of raw materials system. predominantly within the extraction areas. Employment Infrastructure and Services The operation of the proposed “Ardmore Park” Quarry would require the progressive The Project would require the development employment of up to 10 persons on the of, or modification to existing, Project Site and an additional 16 truck infrastructure and services. Infrastructure drivers. to be constructed erected or modified would include: Hours of Operation and Project Life
• the sand and hard rock processing The proposed hours of operation for all plants; project-related activities are as follows. • a quarry services area including a • Monday to Friday − 7:00am to workshop, fuel storage and parking 6:00pm. area; and • Saturday − 7:00am to 1:00pm. • a site administration area including • Operations on public holidays would the modification of the “Ardmore be excluded. Park” residence and shearer’s quarters to provide technical offices and meal
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When necessary, general maintenance to would be provided by the production by- the processing plants and mobile equipment products. During the first four to five years may be undertaken outside these hours. of the Project, it is anticipated that up to The life of the Project is based on the 20 000tpa of VENM would be required to production of up to 400 000t of sand and provide a cover of approximately 2m over hard rock per year from the estimated sand the completed silt cells (prior to respreading and hard rock resources of 6.3Mt and 9Mt of overburden and soil). Therefore, in order respectively. Assuming maximum to create the proposed final landform, production for 75% of years and 75% Multiquip would increase VENM production for the remaining years, the importation would increase to 40 000tpa approximate life of the identified resources between years 5 and 15, and up to within the extraction area would be at least 70 000tpa for the remaining years of the 30 years. Project. All VENM would be backloaded by Waste and VENM Management product delivery trucks, thereby not increasing the number of truck movements The principal wastes that would be generated by the Project generated by the Project Site operations can be categorized as production by-products and non-production wastes. Production by- Rehabilitation and Final Land Use products such as overburden, oversize Multiquip proposes to create a final material and fines produced by the landform that replicates the gently processing plants would be used in the undulating topography of the existing construction of bund walls, water storage Project Site environment (see Figure D). dams and other Project Site infrastructure, The final landform would be free-draining the construction and capping of silt cells, to the south with dams constructed for the blending to create sand products to meet storage and clarification of water retained to particular specifications and ultimately in assist in the Project Site’s suitability for the creation of the final landform. future agricultural activities. Rehabilitation Non-production wastes would include would be undertaken progressively over the general domestic-type wastes from the on- life of the proposed quarry. site buildings, routine maintenance consumables, and oils and grease. Rehabilitation procedures for the proposed Domestic-type wastes and waste fuel and quarry extension would be in accordance oils would be collected and disposed of by a with local and NSW government agency licenced waste disposal contractor(s) with requirements. The open areas of the final recyclable materials separated where landform would be revegetated with grass possible. and pasture species, with native trees planted around the edges of the dams and In order to assist in the backfilling of the drainage lines and adjacent to the void created within the extraction area void undisturbed native bushland to the southeast and to create a final landform similar to that of the Project Site. The quarry perimeter of the pre-Project environment, Multiquip and benches would be revegetated with proposes to import increasing quantities of native tree and shrub species to assist in the Virgin Excavated Natural material (VENM) stabilisation of these areas and improving to the Project Site. Multiquip estimates that the visual amenity of the final landform. 5 650 000m3 of material would be required to backfill and rehabilitate the extraction area of which approximately 3 250 000m3
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Figure D – Proposed Final Landform (A4/colour)
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Figure D presents a conceptual illustration (ii) With limited exceptions, a formed of the proposed final landform. This gravel shoulder is present on either landform assumes the importation of the side of the sealed pavement which proposed 2 400 000m3 of VENM to the increases the road width to 8m. Project Site over the life of the Project. (iii) While the pavement width was identified as less than the minimum desired standard of Council (8m), the TRANSPORT OPERATIONS existing alignment was considered to As part of the modified project, Multiquip be close to optimal. has committed to transporting all quarry products using truck and trailer style In order to minimise the impact of heavy vehicles between the Project Site and the vehicle movements on the local public road Hume Highway via Oallen Ford Road network, Multiquip proposes to undertake a (3.8km), a private by-pass route around series of road upgrade works over the Bungonia Village (1.8km), Mountain Ash public sections of the transport route, ie. Road (0.15km) and Jerrara Road (14.7km), Jerrara Road, Mountain Ash Road and where they would be distributed to the north Oallen Ford Road. These upgrades would to markets in Sydney, South Coast, include the following works. Canberra, Goulburn and surrounding areas. Figure E displays the transport route from (i) Widening the sealed pavement of the Project Site to the Hume Highway with public sections of road to provide an an inset displaying the alignment of the 8.0m sealed carriageway (3.5m lane proposed Bungonia Village By-pass, which + 0.5m shoulder). commences approximately 0.5km south of (ii) Constructing new intersections Bungonia Village, traverses private land between public roads with the Site (Lot 2, DP 735523 and Lot 82, Access Road and Bungonia By-pass DP 1117175), Bungonia Creek (via a new to the minimum standard bridge) and Crown land (within a 20m wide recommended by the RTA’s Road corridor located on the western boundary of Design Guide. the Crown land) before joining Mountain (iii) Upgrading selected water course Ash Road, 250m west of its intersection crossings to ensure the safe pass-by with Jerrara Road. of vehicles. Give Way signage In order to gain a better understanding of would be erected until such time as the existing road alignment and possible the recommended upgrades are road improvements necessary to facilitate completed. safe and low impact use by quarry trucks, Multiquip commenced a comprehensive The Bungonia By-pass would be designed survey of all sections of the roads that and constructed with a 6m sealed surface would be used by quarry trucks. (5m of sealed lane pavement and 0.5m of The survey information was considered by sealed shoulder either side of the lanes) and Multiquip and Council and, based on a would include a single lane bridge crossing review of the detailed survey information of Bungonia Creek. The proposed and discussions held during an inspection of alignment of the Bungonia By-pass would: the three public roads, the following assessments were made. • provide a sufficient buffer to Bungonia Village; (i) The existing pavement width generally varied between 6.0m and • minimise the length of the by-pass; 7.0m. and
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Figure E – The Proposed Transport Route (A4/colour)
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• traverse land which Multiquip can • the completion of centreline and edge obtain ownership, or negotiate usage marking over the entire length of the rights. transport route. To further minimise the potential impact of On successful completion of the proposed the proposed transport operations, works, the number of truckloads would Multiquip has committed to a four stage increase to the maximum 28 per day. construction schedule for the proposed transport route. The volume of traffic Stage 3: Water Course Crossing Upgrades generated by the Project would be linked to the successful completion of each stage as While the road widening works are follows. undertaken, Multiquip would also upgrade selected watercourse crossings to a standard which would allow the safe pass-by of Stage 1: Bungonia By-pass and vehicles. On completion of these works, it Intersections is proposed to increase product Stage 1 would be commenced immediately transportation to the maximum level, ie. 44 on receipt of project approval and would be truck loads per day. undertaken in conjunction with site establishment activities on the Project Site. The main activities of Stage 1 would Stage 4: General Maintenance include: Multiquip would provide for, through • the construction of the Project Site section 94 contributions to Goulburn entrance with Oallen Ford Road; Mulwaree Council, the maintenance and remediation of the transport route • the construction of the Bungonia By- throughout the life of the quarry. Stage 4 pass; works would be ongoing throughout the life • the construction and upgrading of the of the quarry. intersections of transport route; and Multiquip would use a modern, well • the installation of “Give Way” signs maintained fleet of heavy vehicles fitted on the southbound approach to with the most up-to-date emission control selected watercourse crossings. technology. These vehicles, which would typically be “truck and trailer” style On completion of Stage 1 road works, the vehicles with a maximum Gross Carriage transportation of quarry products would Mass (GCM) of approximately 50t, would commence but be limited to 10 truck loads be inspected regularly and drivers would be per day. expected to follow a strict code of conduct. All heavy vehicles would also be equipped with GPS tracking equipment to ensure Stage 2: Pavement Widening and Public driver compliance with speed limits along Road Upgrades the transport route to and from the Stage 2 road works would include: Highway.
• the widening of the sealed pavement Multiquip anticipates that trucks would be of the public roads to a width of 8.0m; despatched from and arrive at the Project Site at the rate of between 0 and 14 • the rehabilitation of those sections of movements per hour, with a maximum of pavement identified as having a four truck movements every 15 minutes. pavement life of less than 10 years; and
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was determined, with this priority used to To restrict access of non Project-related provide an order of assessment and depth of vehicles, Multiquip would install a set of coverage within the Environmental automatic gates at each end. The gates Assessment. would be opened using a swipe card system, with each contracted truck driver Based on the issues identified and the risk issued with a card on their initial entry to ratings allocated, the following order of the Project Site. In order to ensure that new priority has been determined. drivers traveling to the Project Site are able 1. Traffic. to use the Bungonia By-pass, an intercom system would be installed, with the gates 2. Water Resources. able to be opened remotely from the Project 3. Noise and Vibration. Site weighbridge or office. 4. Air Quality. 5. Flora and Fauna. ISSUE IDENTIFICATION AND 6. Heritage. PRIORITISATION 7. Visual Amenity.
In order to undertake a comprehensive 8. Soils and Land Capability. Environmental Assessment of the Project, 9. Rehabilitation, Final Landform and appropriate emphasis needs to be placed on Land use. those issues likely to be of greatest significance to the local environment, It is recognised that the potential impact of neighbouring landowners and the wider the Project on local ‘amenity’ has been community. These issues (and their identified as a major issue by the local potential impacts) were identified through a community. Noting that impact on local review of consultation undertaken as part of amenity is subjective and is therefore the previous development application, difficult to definitively assess, an evaluation submissions to the original development of all tangible and intangible contributors to applications, proceedings of a Land and local amenity values has been included in Environment Court hearing (Hearing 10245 this Environmental Assessment, and a of 2006) and, more recently, consultation conclusion as to the likely impact on with the local Council and NSW amenity presented. government agencies. Based on the environmental issues raised ENVIRONMENTAL throughout the consultation and review SAFEGUARDS AND IMPACTS process, a review of the Project design and local environmental features was The components and features of the existing undertaken to identify risk sources and environment within and around the Project potential environmental impacts for each Site have been studied in detail to environmental issue. An analysis of risk for understand how the proposed operations each potential environmental impact was within the Project Site and associated then completed, with a risk rating assigned transport operations can best be designed to to each impact based on likelihood and avoid or minimise impacts on the consequence of occurrence in the absence surrounding environment. A brief overview of any mitigation measures. Through a of the main components of the surrounding review of the allocated risk ratings and the environment and the assessed level of frequency with which each issue was impact is set out below. identified, the relative priority of each issue
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Traffic and Transport the INTANAL intersection analysis The Project Site is located with a indicated a LOS A, ie. good operation with surrounding local road network servicing a delay of <14s, for each intersection. predominantly light vehicle traffic generated by local residents travelling to Carriageway Width and from the major centre of Goulburn or The proposed road upgrading and the Hume Highway. Traffic counts construction works were reviewed against undertaken on these roads between 2004 the Road Design Guide recommendations and 2006 indicate that local public roads for lane and shoulder widths and the draft currently carry less than 400 vehicles per DCP standards of Goulburn Mulwaree day (vpd) (more on the weekends and less Shire Council. mid-week) with heavy vehicles making up approximately 10% of total traffic. It is Considering the Proponent has committed noted that a significant increase in this to upgrading the public roads of the volume of traffic is very unlikely to occur proposed transport route to meet the Road in the foreseeable future. Design Guide recommendations for traffic of 500 to 2 000vpd, ie. lane width of 3.5m Based on the existing traffic levels on the with 0.5m shoulder on both sides, the roads to be incorporated into the proposed carriageway width would be more than transport route, and the proposed traffic adequate for the proposed level of traffic generation of the Project, it is anticipated proposed. that average daily traffic would not exceed 500vpd. Considering this predicted level of traffic, a restricted truck speed limit of Bridges and Culverts 80km/hr, and the proposed road The Road Design Guide recommends a construction and upgrading works, the carriageway width of 6.0m plus 1.0m potential impact of the transport operations shoulders, ie. the total width between either are as follows. the kerb edges or the barrier faces to be 8.0m, for traffic flows up to 500vpd. Intersection Design and Performance A survey of the public roads of the The proposed intersections to be proposed transport route commissioned by constructed or upgraded were reviewed the Proponent identified eight bridge or against the recommended standard for lane culvert crossings of watercourses requiring and shoulder width, acceleration / specific upgrade requirements in order to deceleration lanes and SISD of the RTA’s meet this standard. Multiquip has Road Design Guide. An INTANAL committed to undertaking these upgrades as intersection analysis for the peak hours of part of the Stage 3 road works, and as such daily traffic, eg. 8:00am to 9:00am, 3:30pm would ensure that the recommended to 4:30pm was also undertaken and results standard is achieved. compared to the level of service (LOS) Other impacts of the proposed transport indicators nominated by the RTA’s Guide operations on other traffic related issues to Traffic Generating Developments. including: road geometry; road conditions For all intersections of the transport route, it in extreme weather conditions, and local was concluded that the minimum SISD, and school bus services have been considered. acceleration / deceleration turning lane In each case, the proposed operations would width and length met the recommendations not have an adverse effect and would of the Road Design Guide. The results of potentially improve existing conditions through the proposed road upgrades.
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Surface Water would reduce the prevalence of this uncontrolled sheet flow and thereby Project Site Operations lead to an improvement in erosion and The Project Site is located within the sediment control over the length of the Sydney drinking water catchment with transport route. surface water flows reporting to both the Bungonia Creek and Nerrimunga River sub- • The proposed Bungonia Creek catchments of the Shoalhaven River. In Crossing would be constructed with order to ensure the proposed operations had minimal impact on the existing a neutral or beneficial impact on water waterway by spanning the bridge in quality, Multiquip has included a number of two spans of 11m. By requiring only water diversionary, settlement and storage a single circular pile and headstock structures around the proposed areas of within the creek itself, the disturbance disturbance. to the aquatic corridor would be minimised. In addition, box culverts Assuming the construction and maintenance on either side of the crossing would of these structures, the MUSIC model was maintain the terrestrial corridor. run to determine the water quality of each active component of the Project Site • Assuming the establishment of at least operations, eg. processing areas, extraction 5ha of native vegetation as part of area, before and following commencement progressive Project Site rehabilitation, of the Project. The modelling results MUSIC modelling completed by indicated that in each case, the impact of the SMM (2008) confirms that the proposed operations would have a neutral proposed transport operations would or beneficial impact on water quality. have, at worst, a neutral impact on local water quality. The proposed Project Site operations would also change the hydrological nature of the local catchments by creating impervious Groundwater surfaces and reducing the infiltration rate on Four types of aquifers are recognised within the hardstand and other impervious surfaces the local area. created. The MUSIC model was used to 1. Hard rock (“basalt”) aquifers estimate the available runoff, pre- and post- associated with the Tertiary basalt. Project Site operations. The results of the modelling suggested that downstream flows 2. Alluvial aquifers associated with could be maintained at approximately alluvial deposits beneath the base of current rates while capturing up to 38.5ML the basalt. of water which could be used for 3. Basement rock (“fractured”) aquifers operational or environmental purposes. associated with geological discontinuities of the basement rocks Transport Operations underlying the basalt. The impact of the proposed transport 4. Basement rock (“karstic”) aquifers operations on local surface water was also associated with the limestone units investigated. In summary. (karst) hosted by basement • Roadside drainage is inconsistent, sedimentary rocks. with erosion evident at a number of The proposed production bore that would locations. The proposed drainage supply groundwater to the sand washing crossing design measures to be plant would draw water from a fractured progressively implemented as part of aquifer within the basement rocks. A the upgrading and construction works 46-hour pump test and analysis of
R. W. CORKERY & CO. PTY. LIMITED MULTIQUIP QUARRIES - xxxii - ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT Modified “Ardmore Park” Quarry Project Summary Report No. 625/04 drawdown and recovery in this and Noise surrounding bores indicated that the Project Site Operations proposed rate of pumping to supply the water requirements to the proposed quarry The existing sources of noise around the would be unlikely to significantly impact on Project Site are typical of a rural the groundwater of this aquifer or environment. Rating background noise surrounding aquifers. levels were therefore assumed to be no greater than 30dB(A). A hydrogeological investigation undertaken determined that whilst insignificant The criteria for noise generated by the Project have been established as: quantities of water would be held in the basalt to be extracted, the extraction of sand • an LAeq(15min) 10dB(A) above the would result in the removal of between assumed background levels during the 6ML to 25ML of groundwater from the construction phase; and identified upper alluvial aquifer each year • an L 5dB(A) above the (0.9% and 3.6% of the total groundwater Aeq(15min) assumed background levels for the storage in the combined sand resource). proposed Project Site operations. However, based on conservative estimates of annual recharge, it is suggested that this Following the incorporation of noise volume of groundwater would represent controls including the location of noise- between 8.1% and 42.0% of annual generating activities to maximise natural recharge. It is concluded that the saturated shielding through the existing topography unconsolidated sand mass would rapidly and the enclosure of various hard rock equilibrate and there would be minimal processing plant components, no impact on the overall groundwater resource. exceedances of these noise criteria were predicted. The potential impact of the proposed sand extraction on local spring flows was also Notwithstanding the predicted compliance investigated. Based on groundwater flows, with all noise criteria, Multiquip would and the distinct chemical characteristics of monitor noise levels and maintain dialogue the various water sources of groundwater, it with the potentially affected residents to was determined that the groundwater within ensure that the noise-related impacts are the sand resource to be extracted and that in minimised and all practical noise reducing several identified springs in the area are controls are incorporated into the operation separate. Therefore, the extraction of the of the proposed quarry. sand resource would be unlikely to Transport Operations significantly impact on the production of water from these springs. The assessment of noise associated with the proposed transportation operations Notwithstanding these assessments, considers the noise generated by traffic on Multiquip has committed to a the existing public road network against the comprehensive monitoring program of requirements of the NSW Environmental groundwater availability and quality. In the Criteria for Road Traffic Noise (ECTRN), event that monitoring indicates surrounding groundwater users have been adversely as well as the noise generated by the impacted as a result of the Project, operation and construction of the private compensation would be negotiated. Bungonia By-pass against the relevant sections of the DEC Environmental Noise Control Manual and the Industrial Noise Policy.
R. W. CORKERY & CO. PTY. LIMITED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT - xxxiii - MULTIQUIP QUARRIES Summary Modified “Ardmore Park” Quarry Project Report No. 625/04
Road Traffic Noise on Public Roads Bungonia By-pass would be 6dB(A) and 8dB(A) below the nominated criteria for the Transport operations would be restricted to construction and operational scenarios daytime hours only. As such the respectively. These noise levels would appropriate traffic noise criterion (as result in a very minor, if not imperceptible defined by the ECTRN) is an LAeq(1hour) of change to local noise levels. 55dB(A).
Based on attended noise measurements taken for the laden and unladen trucks, Air Quality known offset distances of residences to the The air quality assessment concluded that proposed transport route, measured existing the adoption of air quality control measures traffic levels and predicted maximum including dust suppression, enclosure of hourly traffic generated by the Project, the various processing plant components, LAeq(1hour) noise emissions of the proposed progressive rehabilitation and minimisation transport operations at the residences of clearing in advance of operational located along the proposed transport route activities would ensure any increases to were calculated. PM2.5, PM10, and dust deposition would satisfy DECC and other government agency The calculated noise levels would easily environmental and health criteria. comply with the ECTRN noise criterion, the highest predicted noise level being 49dB(A) No adverse impacts associated with at a 35m offset from Jerrara Road. respirable crystalline silica dust are likely to affect the residents surrounding the Project
Site and there would be no significant Bungonia By-pass Noise generation of odour as a result of the Background noise measurements recorded Project.
in 2004, established a background noise level (LAeq) of 43dB(A) within the village of Bungonia. A background noise level at Flora and Fauna residences situated on the outskirts of the Project Site Operations village was assumed to be 35dB(A). The majority of the “Ardmore Park” Based on the established background noise property has been cleared for grazing with levels, and a construction period of less the dominant vegetation communities being than 4 weeks (adjacent to any given grassland with occasional trees. Two areas receiver), the criteria for noise generated by of remnant native forest occur within the the construction and operation of the Project Site in areas that would not be Bungonia By-pass have been established as: cleared. Small clumps and rows of pines
and planted trees are also present on the • an LAeq(15min) 20dB(A) above the assumed background levels during the Project Site. construction phase; and No threatened species or populations were identified on the Project Site although the • an LAeq(15min) 5dB(A) above the assumed background levels for the native vegetation remnants identified within proposed transport operations. the Grassland with Occasional Trees community are potentially a remnant of the Noise modelling completed for two worst- endangered White Box Yellow Box case construction scenarios and an Blakely’s Red Gum Woodland community operational scenario (at maximum traffic that is likely to have been present on the levels) has demonstrated that the noise Project Site prior to clearing. Two received at the closest residences to the
R. W. CORKERY & CO. PTY. LIMITED MULTIQUIP QUARRIES - xxxiv - ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT Modified “Ardmore Park” Quarry Project Summary Report No. 625/04 threatened bird species, the Speckled significance. Whilst not necessarily a Warbler and the Diamond Firetail, were constraint on the operation, the appropriate identified on the Project Site. permit and investigations would be obtained and undertaken prior to commencement of Seven-part tests of significance were extraction over the southern sand resource completed for the threatened community and any identified artefacts recorded and and species and it was concluded that the managed appropriately. Project Site operations would be unlikely to impact on these community/species, given No items of European heritage significance, that disturbance on the Project Site would including any evidence of the “Old Argyle be largely limited to previously cleared Road” identified on a number of old maps areas. The revegetation of selected areas of as traversing the Project Site (GSA the Project Site with native woodland Planning (2007), were identified on the vegetation would more than compensate for Project Site. All known heritage sites occur the temporary disturbance attributable to the in excess of 700m from the Project Site and extraction activities. would not be impacted by the proposed
operations. Transport Operations Transport Operations A ribbon of remnant native vegetation exists within the corridor of the proposed An assessment of Aboriginal heritage of the transport route over the majority of its proposed transport route identified six length. This includes two small sections of Aboriginal artefacts or artefact scatters and woodland considered a remnant of the one Potential Archaeological Deposit endangered White Box Yellow Box (PAD) within or adjacent to the proposed Blakely’s Red Gum Woodland community. transport route corridor. With the exception Two threatened species of microchiropteran of the PAD, all sites would be avoided by bat were also identified within the proposed the alignment of the transport route. transport route corridor. Whilst not necessarily a constraint on the operation, the appropriate permit and Seven part tests of significance were investigations would be obtained and completed for the threatened community undertaken prior to commencement of road and species and it was concluded that the construction over the PAD and any transport operations would be unlikely to identified artefacts recorded and managed impact on these community/species, given appropriately. the minimal clearing required over the length of the transport route. The proposed by-pass of Bungonia would ensure that the heritage value of the many registered heritage sites within the village Cultural Heritage would remain unaffected. The proposed Project Site Operations alignment would, however, pass within 50m of “the Parsonage”, a single storey, An assessment of the Aboriginal heritage of Georgian vernicular stone and cedar the Project Site identified two isolated building, constructed in 1840 (circa) and artefact scatters to the north of the proposed listed under the draft Goulburn Mulwaree area of disturbance. These scatters, LEP. It was concluded, however, that together with one previously identified assuming the appropriate safeguards are nearby, would not be affected by the Project adhered to during road construction, the Site operations. It was noted, however, that proposed transport operations would not the soils over the southern sand resource have an adverse impact on this or any other have the potential to contain sub-surface item of European heritage significance. deposits of artefacts of Aboriginal heritage
R. W. CORKERY & CO. PTY. LIMITED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT - xxxv - MULTIQUIP QUARRIES Summary Modified “Ardmore Park” Quarry Project Report No. 625/04
Visibility secondly through consideration of the A number of residences surrounding the principles of ecologically sustainable Project Site would have views of varying development. distance and obscurity of the proposed activities. The majority of these would be Residual Environmental Risk and Impacts screened naturally by the local topography With the implementation of the proposed and vegetation with a vegetated bund to be operational controls, safeguards and/or constructed around the western and mitigation measures, the residual risk posed southern perimeter of activities assisting in by each possible environmental incident or further reducing the impact on the visual impact was reduced from its original level, amenity of neighbouring residences. The and with limited exception, classified as increase in heavy vehicle movements along either moderate or low, and therefore local roads would also have a minor impact acceptable. on visual amenity although neither impact is considered unacceptable. Principles of Ecologically Sustainable Socio-economic Setting Development Through a program of consultation, it has The design of the Project has addressed been determined that the local community each of the sustainable development places a high degree of value on the principles, and on balance, it is concluded aesthetic value of their surroundings, with that the modified “Ardmore Park” Quarry the generation of income from the local area Project achieves a sustainable outcome for a secondary consideration for many the local and wider environment. residents. The Project would undoubtedly create employment and provide a small Impacts on Issues Influencing Local boost for the local government area of Amenity Goulburn Mulwaree as a whole, however, it is not considered that this would be at an Justice Jagot J referred to amenity as “… a unacceptable cost to the amenity and/or wide and flexible concept embracing such land values of those living in close matter as the character of a place and the proximity to either the Project Site or attributes of a place which a community proposed transport route. values as important contributors to its character…” On the basis of this description, issues PROJECT EVALUATION influencing the ‘amenity’ of a place may The modified “Ardmore Park” Quarry include both tangible impacts on the local Project has been evaluated and justified setting, ie. those impacts on the biophysical principally through consideration of its environment which can be measured, as potential impacts on the environment and well as more intangible elements, ie. impact potential benefits to the local and wider on aspects of the local setting which are not community. easily quantified or directly measured. An evaluation of the Project has been A comprehensive list of tangible and undertaken by firstly reassessing the risks intangible impacts on the local rural and posed to the local environment by Project- village communities was prepared, with related activities following the particular reference to the issues raised by implementation of all operational controls, the local communities during Hearing safeguards and/or mitigation measures, and 10245 of the Land and Environment Court. Each issue was evaluated and residual impacts on either the Bungonia village
R. W. CORKERY & CO. PTY. LIMITED MULTIQUIP QUARRIES - xxxvi - ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT Modified “Ardmore Park” Quarry Project Summary Report No. 625/04 community or surrounding rural community intensity development. It is therefore reviewed. On the basis of this evaluation, considered complementary to existing rural the following was concluded in relation to activities. impacts on local amenity. The Project has been evaluated as being consistent with the objectives of the 1(a) Amenity of Bungonia (Zone 2(v)) zone and it is therefore considered highly Notably, the Project in its entirety, unlikely that the Project would have an including all transport operations, is located adverse impact on the amenity of a outside of Bungonia Village. Impacts reasonable person residing in the local area attributable to the Project which may or region within the 1(a) zone. influence local amenity are predicted to be limited to:
• occasional noise associated with the PROJECT JUSTIFICATION AND construction of the by-pass road CONCLUSION (which would be well below the The modified “Ardmore Park” Quarry nominated criteria); Project has been designed to, as much as • an increase in the number of heavy possible, address the issues of concern to vehicles encountered on roads of the the community and all levels of transport route (although this would government. Should the Project proceed be mitigated by the marked there would be some limited impacts on the improvement in the standard, function local biophysical and (to a lesser extent) and therefore safety of these same socio-economic environment. These roads); and impacts can be justified, however, when considering the following. • ongoing contribution from the Proponent to community based • The Project provides for the recovery activities or requirements. of valuable sand and hard rock resources which are significant in the The Project has been evaluated as being planning of resources available to the highly likely to meet the objectives of the Sydney, South Coast, Canberra and zone 2(v) and unlikely to result in any local Goulburn markets. significant change to the amenity of Bungonia village. • The Project would be significant in generating employment opportunities Amenity of the Rural Zone (Zone 1(a)) and boosting the local economies of The Project would have only minor impacts Goulburn and the Shire of Goulburn on a limited number of land owners and Mulwaree. residents located immediately surrounding • The Project would contribute to the the Project Site or fronting onto the improvement and maintenance of proposed transport route. These impacts infrastructure (roads) in the local area. would all comply with nominated environmental criteria (where available) • The rehabilitated final landform, with impacts either mitigated or offset by created by the deposition, the commitments of the Proponent. consolidation and capping of silt materials with limited quantities of Importantly, the Project would not imported virgin excavated natural adversely affect the viability of existing materials, overburden, subsoil and land users in the local area and wider region topsoil, would be constructed to nor would it encourage the use of sustain long term agricultural or surrounding lands for industrial or higher horticultural activity and manage all
R. W. CORKERY & CO. PTY. LIMITED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT - xxxvii - MULTIQUIP QUARRIES Summary Modified “Ardmore Park” Quarry Project Report No. 625/04
components of the local environment, particularly water management, air quality and soil issues. • It has been demonstrated that the Project would have minimal impacts on the local amenity of Bungonia village and the surrounding rural community. • The Project has addressed the issue of public road suitability for the level of transport proposed through the progressive upgrading of the sections of road to be incorporated into the transport route. • The Project would satisfy sustainable development principles.
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R. W. CORKERY & CO. PTY. LIMITED