EIS 1314
Environmental impact statement: Quirks Quarry, Eviron Road,
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NSW DEPARTMENT OF 1 RAt RESOk.IcES
1
U c S U R Environmental impact Statement
Prepared by Brian J. Mackney & Assoc. Pty. Ltd., Coopers Shoot Road Bangalow N.S.W. Phone (066)871289 Fax (066)871647 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT
QUIRKS QUARRY
EVIRON ROAD
EVIRON
May, 1995
Prepared by:
Brian J. Mackney & Associates Pty. Ltd. Coopers Shoot Road Bangalow
Phone (066) 871289 Fax (066) 871647
In Association with
Ian Pickles Town Planning Pty. Ltd. 4 f66i 24LO V, Form 2 Submission of (EPA Regulation 1994) environmental impact statement (EIS) prepared under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 Section 77
EIS prepared by name Brian James Mackney, Civil Engineer qualifications B.T. (Civil), M. Eng. Sc., Grad. Dip Bus. Admin. LGE address Brian J. Mackney & Associates Ply. Ltd. Coopers Shoot Road Bangalow NSW 2479 in respect of Quirks Quarry development application applicant name Mr. Robert Quirk applicant address Duranbah Road, Via Kingscliff N.S.W. 2487 land to be developed: address Eviron Road, Eviron
Lot no, DP/MPS, vollfol Lot 12 DP 601427 etc. Parish of Cudgen, County of Rous or 0 map(s) attached - see Figure 2 proposed development Proposed Extension of Existing Quarry environmental impact statement 0 an environmental impact statement (EIS) is attached certificate I certif,' that I contents to the best of my
it is in accordance with clauses 51 and 52 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 1994, and
it is true in all material particulars and does not, by its presentation or omission of information, materially mislead. signature - (' name date BRIAN JAMES MACKNEY
4 / 5 / 95
Brian J. Mackney & Associates Pty. Ltd., Bangalow Phone 066 871289
(i)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
LIST OF FIGURES iv LIST OF TABLES V LIST OF APPENDICES vi
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY vii SECTION 1 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background to the Proposal 1.2 The Need for an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) 1.3 The Proponent 2 1.4 Format of the EIS 2 1.4.1 EIS Requirements 2 n 1.4.2 Consultation with Other Authorities 1.4.3 Study Team 4
SECTION 2 DESCRIPTION OF THE LAN) AND EXISTING ENVIRONMENT 5 2.1 Land ownership, size, location. 5 2.2 Physiographic Setting 5 2.2.1 Regional Topography 5 2.2.2 Meteorology 9 2.2.3 Wind 10 2.2.4 Local Topography 12 2.3 Geology, Soils 12 2.4 Land Zoning Provisions 12 2.4.1 Zoning Objectives 12 2.4.2 Surrounding Zonings 14 2.5 Visual and Landscape Character 16 2.5.1 Visual Sensitivity 16 2.6 Local Population and Habitation 18 2.6.1 Population Tweed Shire 18 2.6.2 Local Habitation 20 2.6.3 Growth of the Tweed LGA 20 2.6.4 Local Population Growth Potential 22 2.7 Landuse, Site and Surrounds 23 2.8 Fauna and Flora 25 2.8.1 Flora 25 2.8.2 Fauna 25 2.9 Archaeological 27 2.9.1 Site Investigation 27 2.10 Acoustic Environment 28 2.10.1 Background and Maximum Planning Noise Levels 28 2.10.2 Blasting Noise Level 30 2.10.3 Operational Noise Levels 31 2.11 Traffic Environment 32
Brian J. Mackney & Associates Pty. Ltd. Bangalow Phone 066 871289 SECTION 3 POTENTIAL OF THE RESOURCE 35
3.1 Existing Supplies 35 3.1.1 Background 35 3.1.2 Alternative North Coast Pavement Resources 36 3.1.2.1 Metasediments 36 3.1.2.2 Clarence - Morton Sedimentary Rocks 36 3.1.2.3 Basalts and Other Igneous Deposits 36 3.1.2.4 Estuarine Deposits, River Gravel & Sands 37 3.2 Existing Quarries 38 3.3 Future Demand 38 3.4 Description of Material 40 3.5 Extent of Resource 40 3 6 Material Quality 41 3.7 Alternative Sources 41 3.7.1 Metasediments 41 3.7.2 Clarence - Morton Basin 41 3.7.3 Basalts and Other Igneous Deposits 41 3.7.4 Estuarine Deposits, River Gravels and Sands 41 3.8 Processing Methods 42 3.9 Economic Assessment 43 3.10 Need for Quarry 43
SECTION 4 DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSAL 45 4.1 Objectives of the Proposal 45 4.2 Outline of Operations 46 4.3 Plan of Management 46 4.3.1 Staging 46 4.3.2 Retention of Topsoil 47 4.3.3 Noise Control 47 4.3.4 Stormwater Control 48 4.3.5 Transport and Haulage 48 4.3.6 Stockpiling 49 4.4 Life ofProject 49 4.5 Hours of Operation 56 4.6 Noise Generation 56 4.6.1 Drilling and Blasting 57 4.6.1.1 Drilling 57 4.6.1.2 Blasting 58 4.7 Crushing, Screening and Stockpiling 59 4.8 Loading and Transportation 59 4.9 Fly Rock 60 4.10 Waste Disposal 60 4.11 Services/Fuel and Oils 60 4.12 Safety 60 4.13 Employment 61 4.14 Energy Statement 61 4.14.1 Operational Energy Requirements 61 4.14.1.1 Extraction 61 4.14.1.2 Loading and Haulage 61 4.14.1.3 Total Fuel Usage 61 4.14.2 Justification of Fuel Usage 61 4.15 Rehabilitation 62 4.16 Final Use 62
Brian J. Mackney & Associates Pty. Ltd. Bangalow Phone 066 871289 SECTION 5 COMPENSATORY MEASURES AND SAFEGUARDS 63 5.1 Visual Environment 63 5.2 Acoustic Environment 63 5.2.1 Noise Control Objectives 63 5.2.1.1 Background Noise Level 64 5.2.1.2 Planning Noise Level 64 5.2.1.3 Blasting Noise Levels 65 5.2.1.4 Traffic Noise Levels 65 5.2.2 Predicted Acoustic Impacts 65 5.2.2.1 Drilling Operations 66 5.2.2.2 Blast Overpressure and Ground Vibration 66 5.2.2.3 Extracting and Processing 68 5.2.2.4 Front End Loader 68 5.2.2.5 Bulldozer 68 5.2.2.6 On-site Trucks 69 5.2.3 Haulage 69 5.3 Aquatic Environment 69 5.3.1 Surface Waters 69 5.3.2 Groundwater 70 5.3.3 Flooding 70 5.4 Atmospheric Environment 70 5.5 Flora and Fauna Environment 71 5.6 Land Use Environment 72 5.7 Archaeology Environment 72 5.8 Traffic Environment 73 5.9 Monitoring 74
SECTION 6 CONSULTATION WITH AUTHORIETIES 75 6.1 Department of Planning 75 6.2 Department of Agriculture 76 6.3 Department of Fisheries 77 6.4 Department of Conservation and Land Management 77 6.5 Department of Mineral Resources 78 6.6 Department of Water Resources 79 6.7 National Parks and Wildlife Service 80 6.8 Department of Public Works 81 6.9 Roads and Traffic Authority 81 6.10 Environment Protection Authority 82 6.11 Tweed Shire Council 82 6.12 N.S.W. Sugar Milling Co-Operative 83 6.13 Duranbah Swamp Drainage Union 83
SECTION 7 CONCLUSIONS 85 7.1 Statutory Planning Summary 85 7.1.1 Tweed Local Environmental Plan 1987 85 7.1.2 North Coast Regional Environmental Plan 1988 85 7.1.3 State Environmental Planning Policies 85 7.1.4 Other 86 7.2 Justification of the Proposal 87 7.3 Alternatives to the Proposal 88 7.4 Consequences of Not Proceeding with the Proposal 90 7.5 Reasons for Choosing this Proposal 91 7.6 Summary and Conclusions 91
Brian J. Mackney & Associates Pty. Ltd. Bangatow Phone 066 871289 (iv)
LIST OF FIGURES
Page
Figure 1 REGIONAL SITE LOCATION 6
Figure 2 LOCALITY SITE PLAN 7
Figure 3 SITE CONTOUR MAP 8
Figure 4(a) MONTHLY AVERAGE RAINFALL FOR MURWILLUMBAH (mm) 10
Figure 4(b) MONTHLY AVERAGE SURFACE WIND DIRECTION MURWILLUMBAH
Figure 5 ZONING MAP - SITE AND SURROUNDS 15
Figure 6 VISUAL CATCHMENT OF THE SITE 17
Figure 7 CENSUS COLLECTORS DISTRICT POPULATIONS - TWEED LGA 21
Figure 8 LANDUSE - SITE AND SURROUNDS 24
Figure 9 EXISTING VEGETATION AND TRAPPiNG LOCATIONS AT QUIRKS QUARRY SITE 26
Figure 10 NOISE MEASUREMENT LOCATIONS 29
Figure 11 ROAD NETWORK 33
Figure 12(a) EXISTING LANDFORM 50
Figure 12(b) PROPOSED EXTRACTION - STAGE 1 51
Figure 12(c) PROPOSED EXTRACTION - STAGE 2 52
Figure 12(d) PROPOSED EXTRACTION - STAGE 3 53
Figure 12(e) FINAL LANDFORM 54
Figure 13 EXISTING AND FINAL LANDFORM 55
Brian J. Mackney & Associates Pty. Ltd. Bangalow Phone 066 871289 (v)
LIST OF TABLES
Page
Table 1 POPULATION GROWTH - TWEED SHIRE 1986 - 1991 19
Table 2 POPULATION & DWELLINGS CENSUS COLLECTORS DISTRICT IN THE VICINITY OF THE QUIRKS QUARRY 19
Table 3 POPULATION PROJECTIONS TWEED SHIRE COU]CTh COMMUMTY PROFILE 20
Table 4 BLAST OVERPRES SURE AND GROUND VIBRATION 30
Table 5 GENERATED NOISE LEVELS 31
Table 6 ANNUAL AVERAGE DAILY TRAFFIC IN THE VICINITY OF THE QUARRY 32
Table 7 TWEED SHIRE - EXTRACTIVE INDUSTRY FIGURES 39
Table 8 PROPOSED HOURS OF OPERATION 56
Table 9 PREDICTED NOISE LEVELS AT NEAREST RESIDENCE WITH DISTANCE ATTENUATION APPLIED 67
Brian J. Mackney & Associates Pty. Ltd. Bangalow Phone 066 871289 (vi)
LIST OF APPENDICES
APPENDIX A CONSULTATION WITH THE DIRECTOR OF THE DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING
APPENDIX B CONSULTATION WITH AUTHORITIES
APPENDIX C FLORA AND FAUNA ASSESSMENT
APPENDIX D ARCHAEOLOGICAL REPORT
APPENDIX E NOISE IMPACT ASSESSMENT
APPENDIX F MATERIAL RESOURCES MAP - NORTH EASTERN DI VISION GRAVEL PITS AND QUARRIES
APPENDIX G STORMWATER DETENTION BASINS AND SEDIMENT CONTROL STRUCTURES
APPENDIX H PLAN OF MANAGEMENT
APPENDIX I CHECKLIST
APPENDIX J PRELIMINARY ENGINEERING DESIGN EASEMENT ACCESS TO DURANBAB ROAD
Brian J. Mackney & Associates Ply. Ltd. Bangaow Phone 066 871289 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This Environmental Impact Statement has been prepared on behalf of Mr. Robert Quirk and provides an assessment of the proposed extensions to the existing quarly on Lot 12 D.P. 601427 Parish of Cudgen, County ofRous.
The site is located on the slopes of the Condong Range in a General Rural Zone 1 (a) in which extractive industry is a permissible use with the consent of Council. The site has an area of 40 ha and is located on Eviron Road, at Eviron, approximately 12 kin east oflvlurwillumbah township and 8 km south-west of the village of Kingschff
The resource has been assessed to be able to supply in excess of577 000 tomnies of quality road construction materials. As such it is a valuable resource in a region where access to important deposits, especially in coastal districts, is being increasingly restricted due to strong environmental pressures and to urban expansion. It would represent a particular/v valuable soi.irce qf material should the proposed Biulinudgel to Kingscliffe motorway proceed. The motorway roi.iie passes immediately to the east of the site, allowing materials /i'om the quarry to be hauled direct to the project without using Council's road system.
The land surrounding the quarry is predominantly rural in character. There are twelve (12) dwelling houses located within approximately 1 kin radius of the quarry work area, most of which are generally south of the site close to Eviron Road. Only one dwelling, immediately south of the quarry site, is located close,' than 500 metres from the work area. The nearest village is Tumbulguni, located approximately 5 kin to the north-west.
The existing extraction operation involves drilling and blasting, followed by crushing, screening, stockpiling, loading and hauling. The proposed extraction rate is 100,000 tomvies per annum, except that, should the proposed motorway proceed, extraction rates may temporarily increase by 100% to match the projected needs of the motorway construction. Under these arrangements, deliveries to the motorway would be required to access the motorway direct from the property.
An extraction plan is presented in section 4 of the document and in the accompanying plan of management. Under anticipated conditions, the ilfe of the project is approximately 6 years. Should the motorway proceed at an earlier date and materials from this quarry be used on that construction, the l(fe of the quarry may be reduced significantly to reflect the accelerated extraction rate.
A detailed noise impact assessment of the site and surrounds has measured noise emissions and found that operational noise can be maintained within State Regulatory guidelines. A trial blast was carried out as part of that study and established design parameters to be adopted in future blasts to meet EPA blast overpressure and ground vibration criteria at the nearest and worst affected residences.
A fauna and flora survey concluded that the site and surrounding allotment is highly degraded due to extensive clearing and grazing activities and that its habitat value has been much reduced as a consequence of that disturbance. The report notes, however, that the site is being used by Koala (SEPP 44 issues are presented in the document). The
Brian J. Mackney & Associates Pty. Ltd. Bangalow Phone 066 871289 plan of management therefore proposes the establishment of a stand of trees be established on an adjoining site which will become a permanent food source for koala. Rehabilitation on cessation of quarmying activities includes a tree planting, prograin and removal of exotic tree species which will also supplement these local food sources.
Traffic generation frommi the development and impacts on the local road network is discussed. The existing road network is considered adequate to cater for truck movements associated with the proposed quarry extension. Improvements are proposed to the existing access on Duranbah Road.
Consultation with the National Parks and Wildlfe Service and the local Aboriginal Land Council has confirmed that the site is not known to be of significance in terms ofAboriginal culture and histo;y, and that the likelihood of relics being found on the site is low.
The site is not prime agricultural land, nor will the extension of the quarry alienate agricultural land of high production potential.
Measures are included in the management plan to protect surface and groundwaters. These include the pro vision of grave/filters and sediment ponds to control sediment losses to downstream waterways.
The study notes that population and urban growth will ensure a continuing demand for good quality material for construction, building and road construction. The proposed motorway construction underlines the potential need for substantial quantities of good quality road base materials within close proximity to areas of growth. The study concludes that this quarmy should be approved subject to the adoption of appropriate management controls to minimise impact on the local environ,nemit, at a rate of 100,000 tonnes under normal operating conditions, with provision for an accelerated rate of 200, 000 tonnes, should material from this site be required for the proposed motorway construction, subject to access for these additional quantities of materials being restricted to direct acces to the motorway.
Brian J. Mackney & Associates Pty. Ltd. Bangalow Phone 066 871289
Section 1 - Introduction Page 1
SECTION 1
INTRODUCTION
Summaiy: This section provides an introduction to the study for the proposed extensions to a quarry at Eviron Road, owned by Mr. R. Quirk It outlines the statutory requirements and need for the study. It provides details of the applicant and study team and outlines the format of the study.
1.1 Background to the Proposal
This Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) has been prepared on behalf of Mr. Robert Quirk, to assess proposed extensions to an existing quarry at Eviron Road, Eviron. The quarry is a "continued operation" within the meaning of State Environmental Planning Policy No. 37 - Continued Mines and Extractive Industries.
The document describes the project, identifies the potential environmental impacts, discusses the environmental safeguards to be adopted in the proposal and assesses the environmental and social consequences of carrying out the works, as well as discussing the consequences of not proceeding with the development.
Mr. Quirk owns and operates the existing quarry and wishes to continue operating it and to expand it beyond the existing working area. The proposal will require the development consent of Council under Part 4 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, 1979.
1.2 The Need for an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)
This report constitutes an "Environmental Impact Statement" prepared for the proposed extension to the quarry on behalf of the proponent, and required to accompany the development application for the following reasons:
this proposal is considered to be "designated development" within the meaning of the criteria in Clause 20 (1) in so far as the operation would involve an increase in annual extraction rate beyond the 50,000 tonnes threshold and a significant increase in the scale of the continued operation.
Brian J. Mackney & Associates Pty. Ltd., Bangalow Phone 066 871289
Page 2 Quirks Quar,y, Eviron Road
extraction rate beyond the 50,000 tonnes threshold and a significant increase in the scale of the continued operation.
1.3 The Proponent
The proponent is Mr. Robert Quirk, Duranbah Road, via Kingscliff. N.S.W. 2487.
1.4 Format of the EIS
1.4.1 EIS Requirements
The Director of the Department of Planning has been consulted regarding the Directors requirements for the form and content of the EIS. Copies of Brian J. Mackney & Associates letter to the Department seeking EIS requirements dated 1st June, 1994 and the Department's reply dated 20th July, 1994 are provided in Appendix A.
The EIS has been prepared in accordance with Clauses 51 and 52 of the EPA Regulation (1994) and bears a certificate (Form 2) as required by Clause 3(2) of the Regulation. Clause 51 sets out standard EIS requirements in schedule 3 and Clause 52 provides the opportunity for the Director to advise of additional matters specific to the proposal.
Clause 52 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 1994 provides that any requirements notified by the Director of the NSW Department of Planning under clause 35 of the previous 1980 EPA Regulation still have effect for 2 years. These requirements under Clause 35 were notified to Tweed Shire Council and are attached as Appendix A.
In summary the contents of the EIS include the matters nominated in the following:
* Schedule 2 of the EPA Regulation 1994 as referred to in Clause 51 of that Regulation -
* Attachment 2 of the Department of Planning (1993): Guidelines on Implementation and Use, Extractive Resources - State Environmental Planning Policy No. 37 - Continued Mines and Extractive Industries
* Notification of Director of NSW Department of Planning (letter dated 23rd June 1993) as to specific matters to be addressed pursuant to Clause 35 of previous 1980 EPA Regulation (see Appendix A).
Brian J. Mackney & Associates Pty. Ltd., Bangalow Phone 066 871289 Section 1 - Introduction Page 3
The checklists in Appendix I indicate the manner in which the relevant matters in Schedule 2 of the E.P.A. Regulation 1994 and Attachment 2 of the Department of Planning (1993) Guidelines for Extractive Resources SEPP 37, have been addressed in this EIS.
The specific matters notified by the Director of the N. S.W. Department of Planning have been addressed as follows:
description of the proposal to include the site, and surrounding land uses, location of quarry, stockpiles and overburden, areas and amounts to be extracted, method of - - extraction, type of machinery used, hours of operation (See Section 2 and 4);
. consideration of relevant matters in State Environmental Planning Policy No. 37 (Continued Mines Extraction Industry) and the North Coast Regional Environment Plan 1988 (See Section 4),);-
•0 assessment of the impact on local amenity, particularly in relation to noise, blasting (vibration, overbiast pressure and fly rock) and dust (See Section 2, 4 and 5);
proposals for water management, particularly means for preventing pollution of nearby - water courses (See Section 2 and 5);
site rehabilitation measures (See Section 2 and 5);
assessment of the likelihood of acid sulphate soils being mobilised by the proposal and (if warranted), proposed mitigation measures (See Sections 2 and 5); and
results of consultation with the Environment Protection Authority and the Department - of Conservation and Land Management ( See Section 6).
1.4.2 Consultation with Other Authorities
The Department of Planning recommended that, in addition to consulting with itself, the proponent consult with other appropriate authorities in preparing the EIS. The following Statutory Authorities have been contacted regarding this proposal:
Department of Agriculture Department of Fisheries
Brian J. Mackney & Associates Pty. Ltd., Bangaiow Phone 066 871289 Page 4 Quirks Quar.'y, Eviron Road
Department of Conservation and Land Management Department of Mineral Resources Department of Water Resources National Parks and Wildlife Service Department of Public Works Roads and Traffic Authority Environment Protection Authority Tweed Shire Council N. S .W. Sugar Milling Co-Operative Duranbah Swamp Drainage Union
Consultation correspondence is listed in Section 6, together with responses to the matters indicated by the various authorities.
1.4.3 Study Team
This EIS has been prepared by a study team led by Brian J. Mackney & Associates Pty. Ltd., Civil Engineering and Waste Management Consultants on behalf of Mr. Quirk. Specialist subconsultants contributing to this EIS include:
Ian Pickles Town Planning Pty. Ltd. Environmental and Development Consultants Suite 1, Level 1, 14 Jonson Street, Byron Bay 2482
James Warren BSc. MAppSc. Biological and Environmental Consultant 19 Montego Parade, Alstonville 2477
H.K Clarke & Associates Pty. Ltd. Noise Control and Management Consultants 3 Macauleys Headland Drive, Coffs Harbour N.S.W. 2450
Adrian Piper B.A., Litt. B Archaeological Consultant 54 The Quarterdeck, Tweed Heads 2485
Brian J. Mackney & Associates Pty. Ltd., Bangalow Phone 066 871289
Section 2-Description of the Land and Existing Environment Page 5
SECTION 2
DESCRIPTION OF THE LAND AND EXISTTh[G ENVIRONMENT
Summary: This section provides information on the ownership, size and location of the existing quarry and the environment surrounding the quarry including the physiographic setting, geology and soils, zonings and visual catchrnent of the existing quarry. It also describes the local population and habitation, landuses, local flora and fauna and archaeological significance of the area. The existing social and economic environments are described, as are the local acoustic and traffic environments.
2.1 Land ownership, size, location
The existing quarry site is owned by Mr. R.G. Quirk.
The site is described as Lot 12, DP 601427, Parish of Cudgen, County of Rous. It has an area of 40 ha and is located on Eviron Road, at Eviron, approximately 12 km east of Murwillumbah township and 8 km south-west of the village of Kingscliff.
Figure 1 shows the site in a regional context.
Figure 2 shows the local setting of the quarry.
Figure 3 provides a contour map of the site and surrounds.
2.2 Physiographic Setting
- 2.2.1 Regional Topography
The landscape character of the Tweed Valley River System has developed over millions of years as a result of major eruptions of the Tweed Shield Volcano. The first series of lava flows from the volcano were basalt and the lava field extended from the Tweed River basin area as far south as the mid-Richmond. To the west the lava field reached Kyogle while the eastern perimeter extended some 30 km seaward on parts of the coastline.
Brian J. Mackney Pty. Ltd., Bangalow Phone 066 871289 Page 6 Quirks Quarry, Eviron Road
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Figure 3 Site Contour Map
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During a later period another series of flows occurred across the basalt plain. The lava field was forced up through vents in the basalt and formed Rhyolite rock. Over several million years, the basalt weathered away from the rhyolitic eruptions causing some sections of these prominences to
collapse, forming steep cliffs such as those seen in the Nightcap Range11.
The final series of lava flows were confined mainly to the Tweed Valley. As erosion of the Tweed Shield Volcano continued a new topography emerged. The north-west rim of the caldera now forms the McPherson Range, the south-western rim forms the Nightcap Range, while the western sector is known as the Tweed Range. To the east, the Tweed River tributaries broke through the caldera and carrying rich, mineral-laden volcanic silt, formed the flood plain country of today's Tweed River basin".
2.2.2 Meteorology
The climate of the Tweed Valley is best described as sub-tropical, although sub-climatic conditions vary according to topography, altitude, aspect, exposure and position in relation to the ocean.
Rainfall is seasonally distributed, with peak rainfall occurring in late summer through to autumn. This seasonal rainfall pattern correlates with the cyclone season which extends from December to mid April. Late winter and the spring months are typically the "dry season".
Localised rainfall data presented in Figure 4(a) was obtained from Murwillumbah, the nearest recording station.
Brian J. Mackney Pty. Ltd., Bangalow Phone 066 871289 Page 10 Quirks Quarry, Eviron Road
January
Novemb larch
October AprH
Septem b lay
August June
July
Source: Bureau of Meteorology
Figure 4(a) MONTHLY AVERAGE RAINFALL FOR MURWILLUMBAH (mm)
2.2.3 Wind
In early spring and into summer north-easterly sea breezes are common. By late summer and into autumn the winds begin to swing around to the south east forcing moisture laden air onto the coast. These winds, in conjunction with tropical cyclones, provide the bulk of the high autunm rainfall. From late autumn and through winter, winds prevail mostly from the south west.
Wind data for Murwillumbah was obtained from the Bureau of Meteorology and is outlined in Figure 4(b) below.
Brian J. Mackney & Associates Pty. Ltd., Bangalow Phone 066 871289 Section 2 - Description of the Lond and Existing Environment Page 11
JAM F90 MR APR MAY JUNE JUL.Y AUCA 59T'I OCT NOV VtC 9.00am (Modal Direction)
SOURCE: BUREAU OF METEOROLOGY
Figure 4(b)
MONThLY AVERAGE
SURFACE WD4I) DIRECTION
MURWIEJLUMBAH
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Page 12 Quirks Quarry, Eviron Road
2.2.4 Local Topography
The quarry site is located on a low relief, westerly tending spur of the Condong Range. The spur protrudes onto the flatter cane lands between the coastal ranges and the Tweed River.
Runoff from the extraction area drains to a small stream south-west of the site. This stream enters a series of cane drains to the north of the site which eventually flow into to Main Trust
Canal. This canal enters the Tweed River some 3.5 km north of the quarry site.
2.3 Geology, Soils
The gravel resource is primarily chert, the geology of which has its origins in the Palaeozoic Neranleigh-Fernvale Group. This group consists of a series of thinly bedded shales, mudstones, siltstones and sandstones with occasional massive greywackes, volcanic tuffs, agglomerates, cherts and quartzites. These rocks have all undergone extensive deformation and exhibit a closely spaced jointing or cleavage pattern which, together with their weathering characteristics, make
them particularly useful as road construction material3 .
2.4 Land Zoning Provision
The site is within the Tweed Shire Council Government Area. The principle environmental planning instrument applying to the Shire is the Tweed Local Environmental Plan 1987 (LEP 1987), which came into effect by ga.zettal in New South Wales on the 29th January, 1987. The plan applies to all land in Tweed Shire except that covered by Tweed LEP No. 24 (viz. The Clarrie Hall Dam catchment area).
2.4.1 Zoning Objectives
The aims and objectives of the Tweed LEP 1987 are:
to promote and give effect to the objectives of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, 1979;
to repeal existing local environmental planning instruments which apply to the Shire of Tweed and to replace those instruments with a comprehensive local environmental plan;
to give effect to Tweed Shire Strategic Plan - 1984;
Brian J. Mackney & Associates Pty. Ltd., Bangalow Phone 066 871289 Section 2 - Description of the Land and Existing Environment Page 13
to accommodate the projected growth of the Shires population in a manner that will minimise the adverse impact of development on the environment;
to promote and maintain a wide economic base for the shire; and
to protect and enhance those areas within the shire identified as being of significant environmental value.
The Tweed LEP 1987 divides the shire into a number of zones and sets out aims and objectives for each of the designated zones. The land on which this quarry is located is within the 1(a) General Rural Zone as indicated by sheet No. 2 of the Tweed LEP 1987. Within Zone 1(a), extractive industry is a permissible use with the consent of Council. The objectives of the 1(a) General Rural Zone are:
to enable agricultural activities and extractive industries to be carried out in rural areas;
to enable a broader range of rural living opportunities on land which an applicant has demonstrated as being suitable for those purposes;
to enable other forms of development including tourist orientated uses to be carried out on land within the zone if they are in keeping with the rural character of the locality;
to control development that may restrict the ftinction of, or create traffic hazards - along designated roads in rural localities; and
to ensure that development does not create unreasonable or uneconomic demands, or both, for the provision or extension of public amenities or services.
Brian J. Mackney Pty. Ltd., Bangalow Phone 066 871289 Page 14 Quirks Quarry, Eviron Road
2.4.2 Surrounding Zonings
Figure 5 shows the zoning of the site and surrounds.
The land on which the quarry is located is zoned 1(a) General Rural Zone. Lands surrounding the site are zoned 1 (b 1) or 1 (b2) Agricultural Protection Zone.
South-east of the quarry site approximately 3.5 km, is an area zoned 7(d) Environmental Protection (Scenic/Escarpment) Zone.
Land to the east of the quarry site is about to be rezoned to Special Uses 5(a) (Cemetery and - Crematorium) for the purposes of enabling the development of part of this land as a Council cemetery and future crematorium.
Areas of land located 4 km to 8 km from the site at Nunderi and Kielvale, and 2 km north-east of the site at Duranbah, are zoned Rural Residential 1(d).
Brian J. Mackney & Associates Ply. Ltd., Bangalow Phone 066 871289
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1(B2) ACMCULfUAL POCflON L 1 SIJURCE: TWEED LUCAL ENVIRONMENTAL PLAN 1987 Brian J. Mackney & Assoc. Pty. Ltd. l3angalow Ph(066)871289 Page 16 Quirks Quarry, Eviron Road
2.5 Visual and Landscape Character
Broad expanses of sugar cane to the north, east and west provide a contrast with the more natural character of the footsiopes of the Condong Range.
2.5.1 Visual Sensitivity
The impact of the proposal on the visual ammenity of adjoining lands may measured in terms a combination of:
the size of the visual catchment;
. the number of people within the visual catchment;
the degree to which the surrounding topography and vegetation combine to screen the activity and;
distance of the viewer from the quarry face.
Figure 6 depicts the visual catchment of the quarry, showing the location of residential dwellings within 1 km and exposed to view of the quarry.
Figure 8 presents the landuse pattern in the vicinity of the site.
The nature of quarrying activities has ensured that the visual catchment of this quarry has remained relatively small. Views into the extraction area from distant northerly slopes have been adequately screened by a 4 - 10 in high embankment, vegetated with a thick curtain of Eucalypts and Camphor laurel. Due to the expansive nature of the sugar cane fields and the prohibitive zonings which cover them, dwellings have generally been excluded from points north of the quarry.
The extraction area is visually prominent from the west, however the solitary dwelling in this direction is adequately screened by vegetation. Three (3) elevated dwellings on the ridge to the south and south-east of the site have views of the extraction area.
Brian J. Mackney & Associates Pty. Ltd., Bangalow Phone 066 871289 Section 2- Description of the Land and Existing Environment Page 17
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2.6 Local Population and Habitation
2.6.1 Population Tweed Shire
The 1991 population of the Tweed Local Government Area (LGA) was 54,189 persons, compared to 44,448 persons in 1986, representing a growth of 4.04% per annum in the 1986 -
1991 inter-censal period7.
The population of the Tweed LGA can be broken into two (2) parts:
The first part is the relatively large and rapidly expanding north east, which contains approximately 57% of the population of the Shire. This urbanised portion represents the southern extremity of the Gold Coast sub-metropolitan urban area and had an average annual growth rate of 4.44% (1986-91). It is made up of Tweed Heads, Tweed Heads West and South, Bilambil Heights, Terranora, Kingscliff, Chinderah and Banora Point. In the 1986 - 1991 intercensal period, 75 % of flat approvals and slightly less than 50 % of separate house approvals in the Tweed LGA were located in this sector.
The second part, which comprises the remainder of the LGA is predominantly rural in
character. Murwillumbah, with a population (1991) of 7,7651 , is the focus for this area, although there are also a number of small rural villages to the south, east and west of Murwillumbah, including Mooball, Burringbar, Tumbulgum, Stokers Siding, Uki, Tyalgum and Chillingham, each of which support small, stable populations and service surrounding farm lands and small holdings.
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Table 1 POPULATION GROWTH - TWEED SHIRE 1986 - 1991
Estimated Estimated Resident Resident Annual Average 1986 Population 1991 Population Growth
(Part A) North eastern urbanised part of Shire: Tweed Heads, Terranora, Kingscliff, Banora Point, 24,798 30,807 4.44% BilambilHeights, Chinderah
(Part B) Rural, Murwillumbah inland and 19,650 23,382 3.54% coastal villages
Total Shire 44,448 54,189 4.04%
Source: Department of Planning 0fNSW (7994)'
Table 2 POPULATION AND DWELLINGS CENSUS COLLECTORS DISTRICTS IN THE VICINITY OF QUIRKS QUARRY
Collectors Population Dwellings District (persons)
1070504 426 158
1070508 754 248
1071706 556 196
1070409 267 95
Source: ABS 1991 Census by Place of Enwneration
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2.6.2 Local Habitation
The quarry is located within the Rural Northern Coastal district of the Tweed LGA. The population of this sector increased from 1,803 persons in 1986 to 2,003 persons in 1991, representing an increase of 11.1%.
The quarry site is within Census Collectors District (CCD) 1070504. Figure 7 presents the Census Collectors Districts for the Tweed LGA. Total population and dwelling statistics for this collectors district and those adjacent districts are presented in Table 2.
There are twelve (12) dwelling houses located within approximately 1 km radius of the quarry - work area, most of which are generally south of the site close to Eviron Road. Only one dwelling, immediately south of the quarry site, is located closer than 500 metres from the work area. The nearest village is Tumbulgum, located approximately 5 km to the north-west.
2.6.3 Growth of the Tweed LGA
The Tweed Shire Council Community Profile (1992)'0, indicated low, medium and high projections for population growth in Tweed Shire over the ensuing five (5) and ten (10) year periods. These are outlined below in Table 3.
Table 3 POPULATION PROJECTIONS TWEED SHIRE COUNCIL COMMUNITY PROFILE 1992
Estimates Sources Population 1996 Population 2001
Low Aust. Bureau of Statistics 61,580 70,160
Medium Department of Planning 63,570 72,000
High Tweed Shire Council 74,860 96,980
More recently, the Department of Planning in "Non-Metropolitan Local Government Areas in NSW Population Projections" (1994) has estimated the resident population of Tweed Shire for 1996 to be 61,700 and for 2001 to be 70,200 (medium level projection).
Brian J. Mackney & Associates Pty. Ltd., Bangalow Phone 066 871289
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WflJTh Brian J. Mackney & Assoc, Pty. Ltd. Bangalow Ph(088)871239 5 10km Page 22 Quirks Quar,y, Eviron Road
The North Coast Draft Urban Planning Strategy8 1993 has identified the Tweed Area as a Regional Centre in the North Coast Functional Hierarchy. Such areas are defined in this document as having "the capacity for significant population growth, either zoned or potentially suitable for urban expansion." The Tweed Area has a range of opportunities for expansion beyond existing zoned land and a range of opportunities for urban infill and redevelopment within existing zoned land.
Specific areas for expansion include Tweed Heads, Bilambil Heights and Kingscliff which have large amounts of zoned but undeveloped land. When these areas are combined with the Cobaki residential area, there is sufficient land for an additional 80,000 persons8.
The existing high rates of growth being experienced in the Tweed Shire are expected to continue - into the future.
2.6.4 Local Population Growth Potential
Some of the properties within 1 kin of the Quirk quarry are located on Eviron Road, a schedule 7 road, and therefore there is a limited potential for the creation of additional dwelling allotments in the area generally south of the site.
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2.7 Landuse, Site and Surrounds
The land surrounding the quarry is predominantly rural in character and has been classified by the Department of Agriculture as Class 4, suitable for grazing but not for cultivation. The overall level of agricultural production on Class 4 land is low, based on native improved pastures relying on minimum tillage techniques.
A small portion of the land in the north of the allotment is classified as Class 3 land. This land is defined as being suitable for grazing, well suited to pasture improvement and can be cultivated for an occassional cash or forage crop. It is mainly cultivated for sugar cane at present.
A variety of land uses are supported on the footslopes of the Condong Range south of the site including grazing, horticulture, small rural holdings and a number of other quarries utilising the resources.
The route of the Billinudgel to Chinderah Motorway proposed by the Roads and Traffic Authority passes approximately 1 km east of the site.
Figure 2 indicates the location of the site within the Cudgen area and Figure 8 shows the landuses of the area, including the location of dwelling houses in the vicinity.
Section 5.8 of this document discusses the impact of the proposal on surrounding land use practices and presents compensatory measures and safeguards to ensure the rural amenity of the area is not compromised.
Brian J. Mackney Pty. Ltd., Bangalow Phone 066 871289 Page 24 Quirks Quarry, Eviron Road
ii
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XI51IN HOU5 Figure 8 WOOI2LANE7 / FOR51 Landuse HO1ICUHU Site and Surrounds CLAE2 UAL LANt (M'' cIAZINc) Ef 5UA CAN
Brian J. Mackney & Assoc. Pty. Ltd. Bangalow Ph(066)87129 Section 2 - Description of the Land and Existing Environment Page 25
2.8 Fauna and Flora
A separate study has assessed the potential impacts of the proposal on local flora and fauna, as part of this ETS. A copy of that report is contained in Appendix C.
Figure 9 presents the existing vegetation at the site and a map of the faunal trapping locations.
2.8.1 Flora
The relatively small area and its accessibility enabled field survey of vegetation in great detail, recording a high percentage of plant species present.
The site presently supports two (2) main habitat types;
Camphor laurellBlackwood wattle regrowth; and
Wet Sclerophyll Forest.
One (1) significant plant species was recorded, i.e. Black walnut. The Black walnut considered rare and is known to be represented within a National Park or proclaimed Reserve.
2.8.2 Fauna
A Faunal survey, using small mammal trapping, cage trapping, hair tube sampling, Microchiropteran bat survey, nocturnal spotlighting, pre.-recorded calls and direct observation for signs of faunal activity, was also carried out. The survey registered three (3) amphibian, three (3) reptile, twenty nine (29) bird and nine (9) mammal species.
Although the flora and fauna survey reported the presence of Koala in a mature Tallowood in the Wet Sclerophyll Forest, it concluded that the site is not of sufficient size to support a stable breeding Koala colony and therefore could not be regarded as significant habitat for this species.
Flora and Fauna protection measures are discussed in Section 5.7 of this report. The relevance of State Environmental Planning Policy No. 44 - "Koala Habitat Protection" is discussed in Section 7.1.3 of this EIS and the Addendum to Appendix C (J. Warren, Flora and Fauna Assessment).
Brian J. Mackney Pty. Ltd., Bangalow Phone 066 871289 Page 26 Quirks Quarry, EvE ron Road
Koala
Koala ha
V fAf 10 N
Koala habitat tree 2/1 CL05/0PNF051 1/Li (Wet 5cleropli4H) Q5J (GaTçi?r Iarel - 1ackwood Wa*Je) ri A55LANt2
-- 5UcAGAN Figure 9
1APPlN LOCAflON5 Existing Vegetation LH0 f f f R AP LINE & Trapping Locations HAIR fM LINE CA 1RAP LOCAIION5 HARP N1' LOCAfION5 ______Brian J. Mackney & Assoc. Pty. Ltd. Bangalow Ph(066)871289 Section 2 - Description of the Land and Existing Environment Page 27
2.9 Archaeological
An archaeological survey of the site and surrounds was undertaken, in conjunction with the Tweed Byron Aboriginal Land Council, to compile and list any Aboriginal sites within the study area, conduct ground surveys and assess the impact that any proposal for the use of the quarry might have on any identified sites. A full copy of the archaeological study is included as Appendix D.
The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is the statutory authority in N.S.W. responsible for Aboriginal site protection and management. The National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 contains provisions relating to the protection of relics and Aboriginal places, and describes:
a relic as any deposit, object or material (including skeletal remains) relating to Aboriginal occupation; and
an Aboriginal Place as a gazetted area which, in the opinion of the Minister, is or was of significance to Aboriginal culture.
Section 6 of this report provides details of letters of consultation with the NPWS. The NPWS - sought an archaeological survey of the site, along with consultation with the Tweed Byron Local Aboriginal Land Council.
2.9.1 Site Investigation
The site was inspected by the Tweed Byron Aboriginal Land Council. The Council advised that they were not aware of any relics in the immediate vicinity, nor did they attach any significance to discrete areas within the site. In their view, given the nature of the Iandform, it is unlikely that any Aboriginal Sites would be found.
Section 5.9 outlines the ameliorative measures to be employed during the quarry development to safeguard any archaeologically significant aspects associated with the site.
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Page 28 Quirks Quar'y, Eviron Road
2.10 Acoustic Environment
Acoustic assessment of the proposal is reported in a detailed Noise Impact Statement9 (NIS) a copy of which is contained in Appendix E. The aim of the MS was to investigate and report on the likely noise, blast overpressure and ground vibration emminating from the quarry.
2.10.1 Background and Maximum Planning Noise Levels
The Environment Protection Authority's (EPA) "Environmental Noise Control Manual" defines background noise as that level of noise which is exceeded for 90% of the measurement period.
The background noise level (BGL) is used to determine the maximum planning noise level at the quarry, which is the noise level to which operational noise is compared, to determine its impact on the surrounding environment.
Background noise was measured at the residence situated approximately 300 in south of the quarry. A line of sight exists between this residence and the existing quarry face and therefore the impact of noise from the quarry was predicted to be greatest at this location. At this residence (refer to Figure 10), the background noise level was 40 dB(A).
The maximum planning noise level (MPL) at Burringbar Quarry was determined as follows:
MPL = Acceptable Limit (AL) - 2dB(A)
= 45 dB(A) - 2dB(A)
= 43 dB(A)
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6
Figure 10 1 15UJCV 5I1 Noise Measurement 44t4#EX15flN6 QUARRY Locations ij XI51IN HOU55
R5INC() (I I I ____ 0 OOm Brian J. Mackney & Assoc. Pty. Ltd. Bangalow Ph(066)87 1289 Page 30 Quirks Quarry, Eviron Road
2.10.2 Blasting Noise Level
Noise impacts of blasting is quantified by measuring blast overpressure and ground vibration.
Blast overpressure is essentially the noise level generated by blasting and ground vibration is a measurement of vibrations of the ground-level surface at the monitoring point.
The EPA have limiting criteria for blast overpressure and ground vibration, viz. 115 dB(A) and 5 mmlsecond, respectively.
Blast noise overpressure and ground vibration at Quirks quarry have been measured in trial blasts as follows:
Table 4 BLAST OVERPRESSURE AND GROUND VIBRATION
Ground Vibration - Measurement Point Blast Peak Particle Overpressure Velocity dB(A) (mm!sec)
At the residence approximately 300 in south of the site. <105 <0.97
Source: H.K. Glarke & Associates 1994- Refer to Appendix S
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2.10.3 Operational Noise Levels
Noise levels generated by quarrying plant and equipment have been assessed as follows:
Tabie S GENERATED NOISE LEVELS
Plaiit/Activity Measurement Noise Level Distance (m) dB(A)
Rock Drill 7 101
Crusher and Screen 115 91
Front End Loader 7 92
Trucks on Site 10 75
Build ozer 7 81
Source: H.K. Clarke & Associates 1994- Refer to Appendix E
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2.11 Traffic Environment
Primary access to the quarry is via Eviron Road. Figure 11 presents the road network of the Eviron area.
Traffic volumes on Eviron Road and Duranbah Road are indicated by Tweed Shire Council Annual Average Daily Traffic (AADT) counts shown in Table 6. Locations of the counting points are shown on Figure 11.
Table 6 ANNUAL AVERAGE DAILY TRAFFIC IN THE VICINITY OF THE QUARRY
Road or street Position of count Daily average Date
Duranbah Road North of Eviron Road Northbound 186 2/05/95
Southbound 220 2/05/95
Eviron Road East of RTA Quarry 285 19/04/94
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Section 2- Description of the Land and Existing Environment Page 33
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Brian J. Mackney & Associates Pty. Ltd., Bangalow Phone 066 871289 Section 3 - Potential of the Resource Page 35
SECTION 3
POTENTIAL OF THE RESOURCE
Summary: This section discusses the availability of gravel resources in the region; it describes the nature of the resource at the Burringbar site and assesses the overall potential of the resource; it includes a description of the material in its natural state and following processing, including a description of processing methods and discussion on the importance of this quarry as a strategically located deposit.
3.1 Existing Supplies
3.1.1 Background
The Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) and Department of Mineral Resources have long recognised an impending scarcity of road base gravels and concrete aggregates. They report that many sources are now no longer available for a variety of reasons and, as a result, there are fewer - active supply sources, all of which are finite in quantity. As a consequence, the Authority urges attention to future road construction material needs on the North Coast and the identification of possible new source locations.
In Tweed Shire, road gravels are the largest extractive resource being exploited3 with base course and sub-base gravels being used extensively by Tweed Shire Council (TSC) and the RTA and, to a lesser extent, by private development and rural landowners.
Construction gravels and pavement materials in the region are derived from four (4) main geological zones:
Metasediments
Clarence - Morton Basin sedimentary rocks
Basalts and other igneous rocks
Estuarine deposits, river gravels and sands.
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The majority of gravels come from areas of the ancient Neranleigh - Fernvale group of metasediments, where these are exposed at or near the surface.
Access to these metasediment deposits, especially in coastal districts, is being increasingly restricted due to environmental constraints and urban expansion. As a result, the long-term supply of quality gravels is not assured as sustained demand continues to deplete known reserves rapidly (Geological Survey Report No. GS1/1989/350).
3.1.2 Alternative North Coast Pavement Resources
The four alternative sources of road gravels and construction materials on the North Coast Region are summarised as follows:
3.1.2. 1 Metasediments
The Neranleigh Fernvale Group of Metasediments, consist of highly folded and jointed, low grade metamorphic rocks such as slates, cherts, argillites and phyllites, as well as some sedimentary rock. These basement sedimentary rocks provide a very important source for road construction materials, particularly in the Brunswick - Tweed Heads area. Cherts and argillites particularly, are an extremely important source of pavement base, sub-base and good quality sealing aggregate'°.
3.1.2.2 Clarence - Morton Sedimentary Rocks
The Clarence-Moreton sedimentary rocks form a basin of horizontally bedded sedimentary material and represent the dominant geological feature of the central and north western portions of the region. All rocks in the basin are by nature, mostly weak and fairly soft and not suitable for - pavement materials, although there are a few localised exceptions.
3.1.2.3 Basalts and Other Igneous Deposits
Basalt flows have occurred in relatively recent geological time and are found overlying or capping other geological units. Basalts, particularly when fresh and strong, are important sources of road construction materials.
On the North Coast, there are two (2) main areas of basalts:
Lamington Volcanics of Ballina - Lismore - Bangalow - Casino - Kyogle - Tweed area.
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Dorrigo Plateau - Ebor area
In past years, decomposed basalts were used to construct most roads in the region, until it was found that weathered basalt rock in a typical North Coast pavement situation, deteriorates rapidly and turns into clay products which leads to pavement failure. Successful rehabilitation of those pavements often requires insitu chemical stabilisation, overlay treatments or both.
Pavements in the Dorrigo Plateau - Ebor area were similarly constructed using weathered basalts. These gravels too, were poor in quality, containing a high proportion of secondary minerals, causing them to deteriorate with time. Again, experience has shown that these materials are generally unsuitable for road construction1° and many roads constructed with them now require major repair and reconstruction.
Several basalt quarries now produce crushed aggregate and road base from the Lamington Volcanics, using fresh and strong basalts. Other igneous rocks represent a relatively minor sources of gravels, but can be of significance in localised areas10.
3.1.2.4 Estuarine Deposits, River Gravels & Sands
River gravels and sands from estuarine channels, both tidal and non-tidal, are an important materials resource. In some locations, such as parts of the Clarence Valley and the Bellinger - Kalang Valleys, they represent the only source of suitable hard rock which meets specification requirements for concrete and sealing aggregates or for road base material.
Proper planning and controls on the use of these resources is essential for future requirements. In many parts there will be an increased reliance on assured availability of river gravels and sands for aggregates, pavement base and fill materials. In non-tidal areas particularly, such deposits may not be available in renewable quantities sufficient to meet demands. Winning of river gravels may also incur significant environmental impacts which can render it a less desirable alternative to regular quarrying. River gravels, such as those dredged from the Clarence River at Grafton, could be used as pavement materials as alternative sources of natural gravels diminish, but environmental concerns will continue to place significant constraints on this resource10.
The Department of Water Resources is currently introducing management plans for non-tidal streams to ensure resources are sustainable. In some areas this control may reduce available
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quantities and the Department has indicated support for appropriately located hard rock quarries in preference to river based extraction.
When river gravels are used as a source of pavement base and sub-base, careful attention to quality control is required. In past years, river gravels were used extensively in Kyogle Shire as base gravel, however, the amount of silty or clayey fines incorporated in the material obtained from dredging resulted in pavement deformation and failures. Although fairly wide-spread in many parts of the North Coast, increasing environmental restrictions are reducing available
quantities of dredged materials10.
3.2 Existing Quarries
Some thirty (30) existing quarries are registered in the Tweed Shire Council area. These are listed in Table 7.
Appendix F provides locations of all known gravel pits which have been operated since 1969.
3.3 Future Demand
Two important variables need to be factored into the discussion of future demand. Firstly there is the total demand over a given period resulting from ongoing sustained growth and planned construction programs. This translates to an "average annual" demand over a long-term period. Secondly there is a "peak annual" demand which reflects the level of activity occurring in the region or locality over a short period. Peak demands may reflect a response to major projects in the locality or even major maintenance programs which place a higher than "average" demand on the local quarry. Thus to attempt to relate "average" growth rates to quarry usage may be somewhat misleading.
The RTA10 and the Department of Minerals Resources2 both find that road construction and maintenance planned for the North Coast over the next decade will require very significant resources of pavement materials. The N.S.W. Department of Planning6 report on the draft North Coast Urban Planning Strategy identified more than $30 million worth of construction materials produced on the North Coast in 1989-1990, and foreshadowed over the next 20 years that the average annual requirement of construction material in the region (from the Laurieton - Port Macquarie area north to the Queensland border) will be a minimum of 3.6 million tonnes.
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Table 7 TWEED SHIRE - EXTRACTIVE INDUSTRY FIGURES
Quarry or Dredge Operation Annual Extraction
Tweed River Sand Supply P1 (Stotts Island) 15,556 tonnes Tweed River Sand Supply P1 (Tumbulgum) 30,244 tonnes Tweed River Sand Supply P1 (Tygalgah) about 47,000 tonnes Action Sand Up to 300,000 tonnes Duranbah Sand Quarry 6700 m (94,000 tonnes) Sandersons Quarry 7,300 m (10,200 tonnes) O'Keefes No. 1, Lot 2 12,200 m (17,000 tonnes) O'Keefes No. 2, Lot 28 4,350 m (6,100 tonnes) Buglers Quarry 2,500 m (3,500 tonnes) Brims Quarry 18,100 m3 (25,400 tonnes) Reedy Creek Quarry 8,550 tonnes Raye Quarry 1,060 tonnes Kinnears Quarry Not known Quirks Quarry 11,200 m (15,700 tonnes) Readymix, Terranora Not known Garbett's Quarry Not known Baker's Sand Quarry Not known Kanes Quarry 15,000 tonnes Reeves Quarry 14,000 m (19,600 tonnes) Moore and Sons 28,300 m (39,600 tonnes) Taggets Quarry Not known Hardings Not known Hansen's Jetsprint Not known Tweed Shire Council Quarry - Kinnears 16,000 m (22,400 tonnes) Tweed Shire Council Quarry - Burringbar 21000 m (2,800 tonnes) Tweed Shire Council Quarry - Taggets 5,000 m (7,000 tonnes) Tweed Shire Council Quarry - Chilcotts 2,000 m (2,800 tonnes) Tweed Shire Council Quarry - Pollards 20,000 m (28,000 tonnes) Tweed Shire Council Quarry - Bartletts 25,000 m (35,000 tonnes) Tweed Shire Council Quarry - Duroby 1,500 m3 (2,100 tonnes) Source: SEPP37Registration Material, Development Application Reports - Tweed Council and Monthly Returns Note: Conversion ratio of 1.4:1 usedfor m3 to tonnes
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These figures do not necessarily indicate local changes in demand which may be brought about by particular projects not yet scheduled. The proposed Billinudgel to Chinderah Motorway, for example, will constitute a significant, short-term drain on existing gravel quarries surrounding that project. Supply is currently being sought for quantities of materials for RTA projects at Chinderah which exceed the approved capacity of all quarries within Tweed Shire. The construction of a major bridge or overpass, or the occurrence of a major flood which inflicts extensive damage to the road system, can consume, in one event, several years supply of maintenance gravels, creating a short-term demand which is not reflective of "annual averages".
It is apparent that there is a need for long term planning of construction materials resources to - ensure continued, adequate supply. Damage to road infrastructure due to high rainfall and/or flooding events is a fact of life in the Tweed area. Preparedness for these events should be factored into resource planning. The demand being placed on existing resources will further escalate with increased population, compromising quality and creating excessive haulage distances.
3.4 Description of Material
Quirks quarry lies on metasediments of the Palaeozoic Neranleigh - Fernvale group, consisting of - chert cores in a fold of very resistant rock. The geology of the site and surrounds is discussed in Section 2.3.
3.5 Extent of Resource
The quarry site has an estimated potential of approximately 577,000 tormes of material. This represents an in situ volume of 300,000 cubic metres of material or a loose truck volume of around 415,000 loose cubic metres.
The proposed average annual extraction rate is 100,000 tonnes (75,000 loose cubic metres), under normal operating conditions. The proposal provides for an accelerated extraction rate to satisfj increased demand should the proposed Billinudgel to Kingscliffe Motorway construction proceed.
Figure 12 shows the proposed quarry staging. The quarry will have a capacity of 6 years, at the proposed peak rate of production.
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Section 3 - Potential of the Resource Page 41
3.6 Material Quality
The material produced from Quirk's quarry is of good quality, suitable for sub-base and base coarse. The quality of the material could be further increased by "on-site" crushing. This will allow the harder stones to be broken up into hard, sharp fragments, improving the grading and strength characteristics of the gravel mix.
3.7 Alternative Sources
The availability of economically sustainable quantities of good quality alternative supplies of road gravels would appear to pose a serious concern for the future, both locally and regionally.
37. i Metasediments
In the northern portion of the region there is a lack of suitably located areas for new quarries of consistently high quality'0. The RTA report a need for planning which will provide long-term availability of both chert gravels suitable for pavement base and sub-base and hard argillite or basalt for sealing and concrete aggregate and crushed rock base and sub-base.
3.7.2 Clarence - Morton Basin
Natural gravel ironstone and sandstone deposits are important pavement construction resources in the Grafton area. However, the life of these deposits is limited and is expected to sustain demand for no more than 20 years. Planning for future demand for road construction materials will require that lands are made available for extensions of existing supply sources and for the discovery of new supply sources.
3.7.3 Basalts and Other Igneous Deposits
There is a relative abundance of fresh, hard basalt in the Lismore - Bangalow - Casino - Kyogle - Tweed area, suitable for pavement materials. Future supplies will rely on investigations around existing quarries, to determine if suitable quality and quantities of material are available for expansion. Other igneous rock material will have localised future significance. e.g. hard granite deposits may become significant as other sources become less economical.
3.7.4 Estuarine Deposits, River Gravels and Sands
Proper planning and controls on the use of this resource is essential for future requirements. In many parts of the North Coast there will be an ongoing reliance on assured availability of river
gravels and sands for aggregates and pavement base, sub-base and fill materials'0. A prime
Brian J. Mackney & Associates Pty. Ltd., Bangalow Phone 066 871289 Page 42 Quirks Quarty, Eviron Road
concern is the extraction of deposits from non-tidal streams. These deposits are not renewable to the degree of those in tidal areas. River gravels tend to only move very slowly downstream, therefore it would appear quantities available will reduce significantly in the future and cost will reflect that situation.
For tidal areas, river gravels and sands remain in relative abundance. Use of such materials is likely to become more important in the future but their use may be curtailed by environmental constraints.
3.8 Processing Methods
The extraction of rock from metasediment deposits invariably requires drilling and blasting. Overburden and softer, lesser quality material, is sometimes able to be ripped and pushed using large dozers, although the folded nature of the material, a characteristic resulting from its geological history, usually means that clay bands and softer material are interspersed throughout the deposit, resulting in a total mass for which blasting is the only practical means of winning.
An appropriately designed blast will generally ensure that the material is fragmented sufficiently to allow direct loading onto road vehicles for transport to site. Any rocks which are too large to handle at the construction site may be removed at the quarry prior to delivery, either by screening or by simply removing them from the stockpile individually. These larger rocks have, in the past been set aside for use as spawls.
The advent of modern, mobile crushing plants has meant that materials can now be cost effectively crushed and graded at the quarry prior to delivery. The crushed product is then able to - be delivered to the construction site, watered, rolled and compacted, without further processing, thus reducing construction time and the amount of construction equipment required on a project.
As well as being cost effective, the crushing of gravels at the quarry has many other advantages. Firstly it ensures a more uniform quality of material is maintained than materials crushed at the construction site using compaction equipment. The crushed material is screened so that it meets maximum size criteria. Regular testing ensures grading criteria are also complied with. Past practices which sorted out the larger stones effectively meant that much of the harder material was removed from the gravel mix, reducing its strength. In a crushed gravel, the harder chert particles are retained, vastly improving its quality.
Brian J. Mackney & Associates Pty. Ltd., Bangalow Phone 066 871289 Section 3 - Potential of the Resource Page 43
3.9 Economic Assessment
Quirks quarry is a strategically located pit, in close proximity to the Pacific Highway and rural and urban development areas of Tweed Shire. As such it is able to service many roads in the north-eastern part of the Shire.
Its location immediately adjacent the proposed ChinderahfBillinudgel Motorway makes it potentially important source of material for those works.
The proposed quarry extension has the capacity to yield a potential 577,000 tonnes of material, the quality of which may be expected to improve with depth. This represents a significant resource within the region, close to major transport routes and areas of urban and rural residential development.
Total economic value of the deposit over the projected life of the quarry, can be conservatively placed in excess of $4,500,000 (NPV). This figure takes into account the total cost of winning, processing and hauling material from the site. Added to this is a multiplier effect and the added benefit of being able to provide a ready source of pavement materials in the local area, reducing hauling costs.
3.10 Need for Quarry
Sections 3 discusses the extent of available gravel resources within the region and Tweed Shire in particular.
In a letter dated 9th June, 1994 (Appendix B), the RTA advised that it supports the identification and preservation of areas containing essential deposits for future community use. The Authority noted the proximity of the quarry to the proposed Motorway from Billinudgel to Chinderah and added that it considers that products from Quirks quarry are important for ongoing construction and maintenance needs of the State and Regional road networks.
Section 7 of this document presents the environmental, social and economic considerations justifying the project. The quarry will prove financially and socially beneficial through the creation of employment opportunities. The ready availability of good quality construction materials provides a potential revenue generation source for Council and reduces the cost of construction were materials to be purchased from more remote locations.
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Brian J. Mackney & Associates Pty. Ltd., Bangalow Phone 066 871289 Section 4- Description oft/ta Proposal Page 45
SECTION 4
DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSAL
Summary: This section outlines the objectives of the proposal, it describes the quarry operations including clearing, blasting, winning, crushing, screening, loading and hauling. : It also discusses the life of the project, the hours of operation, methods of processing and storing material and a general plan of management for the quarry, including proposed staging and rehabilitation of the site.
4.1 Objectives of the Proposal
The objectives of the proposal to extend the existing quarry are:
to provide gravel resources within the Tweed Shire area and specifically in the mid- - Tweed valley to meet future demand for road construction materials at an acceptable price and to make avaiolable adequate gravel resources for the proposed motorway;
to identify and protect known gravel deposits which are an accessible source of reliable quality road-base, sub-base and select fill material and maximise their potential for present and future use;
prepare a plan of management for development of the quarry in an environmentally satisfactory manner;
to implement measures which will protect surrounding landuses and the rural amenity of the area and the local and regional road and traffic environment;
to provide measures that will protect local and regional flora and fauna ecosystems;
to ensure that noise emissions from the quarry are within acceptable levels and that measures be taken to maintain compliance; and,
to rehabilitate the extraction area to permit its return to a grazing property at the cessation of quarrying activities.
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4.2 Outline of Operations
The primary use of gravel from the quarry is for local road maintenance and construction, including new road construction for subdivisional development.
The quarry has the capacity to produce a high quality road base material, suitable for use as a base coarse for local roads and as sub-base for highway construction. Lesser quality material may be used for select fill.
The material at the quarry face is too hard for ripping using conventional large dozers and must - be drilled and blasted. This not only allows the material to be more easily won, but also serves to break the material up into a more manageable size.
In the past, gravels were delivered to each construction site and crushed using rollers and other earthmoving equipment. The advent of modern, transportable crushing and screening machinery allowed materials to be crushed at the quarry site, vastly improving the quality of gravels and more readily providing a homogeneous product of uniform characteristics which meets appropriate size, grading and strength criteria.
Following crushing and grading, the material is stockpiled, ready to be loaded onto trucks. Product haulage is carried out by contract haulage vehicles. Most modern haulage vehicles carry a payload of around 10 - 20 tonne and have a six or eight wheel configuration. Where practical, and local traffic and road conditions permit, there is a tendency nowadays towards the use of 'dog' trailers. This increases the truck payload to between 20 and 30 tonnes per load, reducing the number of truck trips and resulting potential impacts, and increasing haulage efficiency.
4.3 Plan of Management
A plan of management has been prepared for the quarry and is depicted in figures 12(a) to 12(e). These figures show the progressive development of the quarry from its current state to a final rehabilitated landform.
4.3.1 Staging
Figure 12(a) depicts the existing quarry and shows the proposed stage 1 extraction area and a cross section across the working floor of the quarry.
Brian J. Mackney & Associates Pty. Ltd., Bangalow Phone 066 871289 Section 4- Description of the Proposal Page 47
The following drawings 12(b) to 12(e) show subsequent stages of the development, through to the final landform, by which time the extractive area will have been returned to farmland with scattered trees.
The plan of management should be considered a dynamic tool for control and review of activities at the quarry from time to time and should be reviewed on a bi-annual basis to ensure that the quarrying operations continue to meet objectives in terms of viability and the quality of materials produced, and in terms of meeting environmental objectives of the development.
The face will be developed in successive benches of between 5 and 7 metres in height. The quarry will continue to be worked from the west. The working face will oriented towards, and overlooking the adjoining farmlands. Extraction will progress towards the south-east at each bench level.
4.3.2 Retention of Topsoil
Topsoil will be progressively stripped and stockpiled for later site rehabilitation. A perimeter bund, approximately 3m to 4m in height will be retained around the outer edge of the quarry floor, constructed of this topsoil material. At the cessation of quarrying activities, this retained stockpile of topsoil will be re-spread across the site and planted with suitable pasture grasses and trees, details of which are provided in later sections.
4.3.3 Noise Control
Control of noise from drilling activities has the potential to have the most adverse impact on the surrounding acoustic environment and will require special measures, discussed in more detail in later sections and in the accompanying MS. The primary noise control measure to ensure the drill complies with EPA noise criteria is to avoid direct "line of sight" between the quarry operations and residences. The MS proposes to enclose the drill masthead and, where necessary, to erect a mobile acoustic barrier to limit noise emissions.
A trial blast has been conducted at the existing face. Monitoring of this blast showed that blasting at the site can be effectively designed and managed to maintain compliance with EPA overbiast and ground vibration criteria.
Brian J. Mackney & Associates Pty. Ltd., Bangalow Phone 066 871289 Page 48 Quirks Quarry, Eviron Road
A trial blast has been conducted at the existing face. Monitoring of this blast showed that blasting at the site can be effectively designed and managed to maintain compliance with EPA overbiast and ground vibration criteria.
4.3.4 Stormwater and Flooding
The quarry working area is free of flooding, although the access to the site may be subject to inundation on an infrequent basis. During these events much of the remainder of the Tweed Valley will also be subject to flooding.
The perimeter berm around the quarry will serve to control stormwater mn-off from the site, directing drainage to a gravel filter and detention basin and sediment trap, which will then flow to an existing dam, which will also serve as a sediment trap. A rock filter is shown located within the berm, to further retard flow and reduce sediment losses from the quarry floor.
The design and performance of the detention basins should be regularly monitored and reviewed. Peak flows (1 in 10 year) should be controlled, limiting future mn-off from the site to estimated predevelopment conditions.
4.3.5 Transport and Haulage
Existing access to the site is via Eviron Road. The proposal includes the upgrading of the current access point to provide safe access onto the public road. Preliminary engineering design for this intersection is provided in appendix J.
Should materials be later required for the proposed Motorway construction, these will be hauled direct to the Motorway which passes immediately to the east of the quarry, within the subject property, thus avoiding any need for haulage on exsiting public roads.
Brian J. Mackney & Associates Ply. Ltd., Bangalow Phone 066 871289 Section 4 - Description of the Proposal Page 49
4.3.6 Stockpiling
The operation of the quarry involves production of a range of material at a various levels of processing. Product will typically be processed to meet ongoing demand and stockpiling of material will be limited by economic constraints. When required, crushed materials may be stockpiled on the quarry floor within the bunded area, although these are anticipated to be in relatively small quantities and for short duration.
4.4 Life of Project
Contours produced from site survey show a total of approximately 577,000 tonnes within the defined quarry resource. This equates to around 300,000 cubic metres in situ or 415,000 loose metres. The quarry owner anticipates that 80% of the extracted material should meet road base quality, with the remainder being adequate as sub-base.
The quarry will have a projected life of 6 years at the proposed rate of extraction of 100,000 metres per year.
The Roads and Traffic Authority have indicated that material from the quarry may be an important resource in the construction of the motorway which is proposed to pass through the subject property immediately to the east of the quarry. While there is still some doubt as to the future of the motorway, it is proposed that the resources from this quarry remain available to the R.T.A. and its contractors, should the motorway construction proceed within the life of the quarry. The proposal therefore allows for an accelerated extraction rate, increasing the extraction to 200,000 tormes per annum if materials are to be used directly on the motorway project
Brian J. Mackney & Associates Pty. Ltd., Bangalow Phone 066 871289
Pagc 50 Quirk's Quarry, Eviron Road
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Brian J. Mackney & Associates Pty. Ltd., Bangalow Phone 066 871289 Section 4-Description of the Proposal Page 51
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Brian J. Mackney & Assoc. Pty. Ltd. Bangalow Ph(066)87 1289 Page 54 Quirks Quarry, Eviron Road
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Figure 13 Existing and Final Landfôrm Brian J. Mackney & Assoc. Pty. Ltd. Bangalow Ph(066)871289 Page 56 Quirk's Quarry, Eviron Road
4.5 Hours of Operation
The hours of operation for the quarry will be as follows:
Table 8
PROPOSED HOURS OF OPERATION
Activity Hours Days Frequency
Quarrying* 0700 hrs to 1700 hrs Monday to Friday 0700 hrs to 1200 hrs Saturday Blasting** 0900 hrs to 1500 hrs Monday to Friday I per year 0900 hrs to 1200 hrs Saturday Product trucking 0700 hrs to 1700 hrs Monday to Friday 25 per week 0700 hrs to 1200 hrs Saturday
* Quarrying includes: drilling, crushing & screening, truck loading. ** Note blast times limited to 11.00 a.m. to 1. 00 p.m. during temperature inversion periods
4.6 Noise Generation
The operation of the quarry will result in production of noise and ground vibration of an intermittent nature. A Noise Impact Statement14 (NIS) assessed the extent of this disturbance on the surrounding environment. A copy of that report is contained in appendix E of this document.
The investigation examined background noise levels and noise generation from various quarrying activities, including drilling, crushing and screening, loading and hauling. in addition, a trial blast were fired and monitored at sites around the quarry to ascertain specific blast disturbance levels.
The important findings of the MS were:
that the predominant noise impact from the proposed quarrying is from drilling, primarily because of the positioning of the drilling rig above the quarry face and its exposure to the surrounding landscape.
Brian J. Mackney & Associates Pty. Ltd., Bangalow Phone 066 871289 Section 4- Descriptwn of the Proposal Page 57
. blast overpressure and ground vibration can be maintained within EPA criteria, with appropriate blast design.
crushing and screening plant located on the proposed new quarry floor will comply with EPA noise guidelines (less than 5 dBA above background) at all adjacent residences at all surrounding residences.
loading of material and trucking operations will comply with EPA guidelines.
4.6.1 Drilling and Blasting
The drilling and blasting of quarries of this nature involves the use of pneumatic or hydraulic drilling equipment to drill a series or "pattern" of holes. The blast is designed to have a twofold effect. It loosens and fractures the material from the parent rock and it fragments the larger particles ready for further processing. Delays on the charges are designed to limit the total instantaneous charge detonated at the one time, reducing the potential impact of the disturbance from the shot.
Three typical production blasts of 33,000 tonnes would supply sufficient material to meet the average annual extraction rate.
4.6.1.1 Drilling
A rock drill was monitored for noise generation at the site. The predicted receiver noise level at the nearest residence, with only distance attenuation applied, is 70 dB(A).
Measures to ameliorate noise impacts to ensure noise emissions from drilling operations comply with EPA criteria are discussed later in this report. These include the provision of an enclosure around the mast of the rock drill, the provision of earth berms and the use of a temporary acoustic barrier, as described in the MS. With these measures, noise emissions from drilling may be reduced to 40 dB(A) at the worst affected residence.
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4.6.1.2 Blasting
A trial blast was conducted at the site as part of the EIS to confirm compliance of an effective production blast with E.P.A. standards. The results of noise and ground vibration monitoring are reported in the Noise Impact Statement (NIS) in appendix E and show that these can be maintained within allowable levels with appropriate blast design.
Details of these blasts were as follows:
Details Trial Blast Details
Pattern Type 9m * 23.4m Pattern Size 4.3 in Bench Height Sm Number of Rows :5 Number of Holes 50 Hole Diameter 89mm Stemming Height 2.6 in Stemming Type Tailings Sub-drill 0.7 in Burden 1.8m Max Instantaneous Charge 26 kg AINFO 7.52 kg Riogel (due to water) + Explosive ANFO, 325 kg total Riogel, 1.88 kg/hole Delay TLD's 17, 30, 42 and 65 ms Ave. 7ms
Monitoring conducted at the worst affected residence, located approximately 3 OOm to the south of the blast. Results were as follows:
Ground vibration - 0.97 nmils PPV
Overblast pressure - 105 dB(lin), Peak Hold
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Section 4-Description of the Proposal Page 59
4.7 Crushing, Screening and Stockpiling
Crushing, screening and grading of extracted materials may be carried out at the quarry from time to time, although not currently standard practice.
Where crushing and screening is necessary, the material is loaded by front end loader into a hopper from where it is delivered to a crusher unit. A series of screens ensures the materials meet standard, maximum dimensions and grading measures. Materials which do not are either screened and stockpiled for other application or are recirculated back to the primary crusher for further crushing. When crushed to size, the material is stockpiled for delivery.
Monitoring of the crusher and screens showed that this activity has the potential to generate a receiver noise level of 66 dB(A). Siting of the crusher and screens on the quarry floor will reduce this noise level at the worst affected residence to 43 dB(A).
Crushing and screening rates vary according to the materials being crushed and the specification to which they are being crushed. At peak production crushers and screens would operate for an estimated average of 20 weeks per year.
- 4.8 Loading and Transportation
Loading of road haulage vehicles will occur on the floor of the quarry by means of a tracked or rubber tyred loader. The predicted noise level from the front end loader, when measured at the worst affected residence, will be 28 dB(A), well below the EPA allowable level.
The total maximum number of truck loads per year is estimated to average seventy seven (77) per week at a peak production rate of 100,000 tonnes per year and an average truck capacity of 25 tonne.
Product haulage will be by contract vehicles on an 'as required" basis. All haulage will occur during daylight hours. Haulage vehicles will generally be standard 8*4 or 6*4 wheeled configurations, with capacity of 10-15 tonnes. Where practical, and local traffic and road conditions permit, there is a tendency nowadays towards the use of 'dog' trailers. This increases the truck payload to between 20 and 30 tonnes per load, reducing the number of truck trips and resulting potential impacts, and increasing haulage efficiency. These larger trucks will be used for haulage where it becomes economical and when available and conditions permit.
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4.9 Fly Rock
Blasting activities at the quarry have the potential for generation of fly rock, where not correctly controlled. Standards for control of fly rock relate essentially to good blasting procedures, including limiting of blast size, the number of charges and configuration.
Limitations on blast size and design, in this instance, will prevent generation of fly rock.
4.10 Waste Disposal
The operation will yield minimal quantities of waste.
The resource itself is able to be ftilly utilised, either as road base or select fill. Topsoil is stockpiled for later respreading and site rehabilitation.
Minor machinery repairs and maintenance may be carried out on site occasionally. Any worn or broken parts will be removed from the site immediately on replacement.
Machinery fuels and oils are typically supplied in bulk, direct to on site storage tanks, fuel and oil drums may occasionally be used. Empty drums are returned to the supplier for refilling.
No other waste materials are anticipated.
4.11 Services / Fuel and Oils
Diesel fuel will be stored on site in relatively small quantities (500-1000 litres) to service the day to day requirements of plant. These fuels will be stored on the quarry floor within a bunded compound to protect downstream waterways in the event of spillages or leakage. Greases and oils will be similarly stored in a small shed provided specifically for this purpose and for maintenance tools.
4.12 Safety
Operations within the quarry will be required to meet the provisions of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and the Mines Act. The quarry manager will be responsible for the proper and safe operation of the quarry.
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Section 4-Description of the Proposal Page 61
4.13 Employment
The level of activity at the quarry will be variable, responding to local construction and maintenance needs. So to will be the extent and permanency of positions, depending upon the level of activity from time to time.
There will be at least two frill-time positions associated with the quarry, including the manager and operator. Additional employment will flow from blasting and the processing operations and the hauling of materials from the site and indirectly from the construction activities made possible by the availability of economic supplies of materials in the local area.
4.14 Energy Statement
4.14.1 Operational Energy Requirements
4.14.1.1 Extraction
Extraction of the material involves drilling, blasting, crushing and loading. Fuel requirements will - be approximately 80 litres of diesel fuel per 1,000 tonnes of materials extracted.
4.14.1.2 Loading and Haulage
The processed materials will be loaded onto trucks using rubber tyred front end loader or tracked excavator, and transported to its destination, with an average "round trip" of 10 km. Fuel requirements for loading and transport will be approximately 250 litres of diesel fuel per 1,000 tonne of material hauled.
4.14.1.3 Total Fuel Usage
Total fuel usage, based on the extraction of 577,000 tonnes of material over the life of the quarry is estimated at 190,000 litres of diesel fuel.
4.14.2 Just/ication of Fuel Usage
The provision of road gravel and construction materials is essential to the continued growth of the region. Establishment of a quarry in this locality will assist in reducing total fuel and energy consumption by reducing potential haul distances likely to be incurred by more remote or sparsely located quarries, were the development not to proceed.
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4.15 Rehabilitation
The management plan aims to limit disturbance to the landscape and surrounding environment. It provides for retention and stockpiling of topsoil and for its respreading on the site, followed by replanting of the entire area with suitable pasture grasses and trees, to enable cattle grazing and farming activities to be resumed on the site.
The proposal will result in the destruction of some potential Koala habitat along the northern perimeter of the quarry. The rehabilitation plan proposes the immediate planting of extensive koala food trees on an area to the south of the site to replace those lost in the quarrying process.
Appendix 'F provides a suggested species planting list for rehabilitation of the site.
4.16 Final Use
The anticipated final use for the site is the resumption of farming and grazing activities. The site will be enhanced by the planting of native trees and provision of habitat which is presently absent.
Appendix E provides details of suggested plantings for the proposed rehabilitation.
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Section 5- Compensatory Measures and Safeguards Page 63
SECTION 5
COMPENSATORY MEASURES AND SAFEGUARDS
Summary: This section provides details of the mitigating measures designed to minimise impact on the surrounding landscape and environment potentially resulting from the development proceeding.
5.1 Visual Environment
The proposal recognises the need to minimise adverse impacts on the amenity of the surrounding landscape and incorporates measures which will mitigate these impacts.
The extraction plan shows retention of a perimeter berm around the quarry work area as extraction continues down and outwards. Figures 12(a) to 12(e) show the proposed extraction plan contours incorporating this external berm. Figure 12(e) shows the rehabilitated site shaped with a gentle slope and replanted with pasture grasses and native tree species.
Figure 13 shows a perspective of quarry site at final stage (artists impression) viewed from a point on the ridge about 1 km south-west of the quarry.
5.2 Acoustic Environment
A Noise Impact Statement9 (MIS) reported on the likely noise, blast overpressure and ground vibration impact of the proposed works, on the environment. A copy the MIS is contained in Appendix E.
5.2.1 Noise Control Objectives
Surveys have indicated that noise from any particular source may be audible to many when that noise exceeds the background level by more than 5 dB(A). When considering the environmental consequences of noise, any increase which exceeds 5 dBA continuously, may be offensive.
Furthermore, the EPA have set noise level criteria for specific practices associated with quarrying. The levels have been set to ensure quarry operations do not adversely impact on
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receiving acoustic environments. Control of noise emissions in New South Wales, is the responsibility of Local Government and the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) through the legislature framework of the Noise Control Act, 1975. In implementing environmental noise control policies, the EPA has two (2) main objectives.
that noise from any single source does not intrude significantly above the prevailing background noise levels; and
that background noise level does not exceed the level appropriate for the locality and land use.
5.2.1.1 Background Noise Levels
A schedule of acceptable background noise levels for various landuse categories, drafted by the EPA, recommends that for rural residential areas the background noise levels should not exceed 45 dB(A).
5.2.1.2 Planning Noise Level
For various environmental conditions, the EPA have also set maximum planning noise levels based on the existing background noise level. Using EPA Environmental Noise Control Manual - guidelines, the maximum planning noise level for Quirks Quarry is derived as 43 dB(A), where:
The Acceptable Limit (AL) 45dB(A)
The Measured Level 4ldB(A)
The Difference Between- 4 dB(A) Measured & Acceptable
The Maximum Planning Level AL - 2 dB(A)
Maximum planning noise levels are derived in this fashion to control background 'creep', a condition brought about by the noise generated by several adjoining developments. As there are no other, nor likely to be, any noise generating developments in the vicinity of the quarry, the
Brian J. Mackney & Associates Pty. Ltd., Bangalow Phone 066 871289 Section 5- Compensatory Measures and Safeguards Page 65
appropriate planning noise level of this development is background noise level + 5 dB(A), resulting in a planning noise level is 46 dB(A).
5.2.1.3 Blasting Noise Levels
EPA noise control guidelines for blasting specify a maximum of 115 dB(A) for overbiast pressure and a ground vibration (peak particle velocity) maximum of 5 mm/sec.
5.2.1.4 Traffic Noise Levels
The EPA specify an "environmental goal" of 60 dB(A), when measured at 1 metre from a residential facade, for traffic noise.
5.2.2 PredictedAcoustic Impacts
Noise levels from quarry plant and equipment have the potential to exceed allowable maxima. Predicted levels, without mitigating measures, are presented in Table 10.
Table 9
PREDICTED NOISE LEVELS AT NEAREST RESIDENCE
WITH DISTANCE ATTENUATION APPLIED
Plant/Equipment dB(A)
Rock Drill 70
Crusher and Screens 66
Front End Loader 61
Trucks on site 46
Bulldozer 50
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5.2.2.1 Drilling Operations
When operating, the drilling unit is typically located at the top of the quarry face, resulting in the worst possible condition for noise control. The generated noise level of the drill was measured for the most exposed noise direction, at a distance of 15 metres and was found to be 93 dB(A). With distance attenuation this noise level will reduce to 70 dB(A) at the worst affected residence.
Further noise attenuation may be achieved by additional measures which provide a direct barrier between the source and receiver, including:
the provision of an acoustic shroud around the drill masthead. The acoustic shroud should be constructed of an outer layer of 1.0 mm thick steel with a layer of 38 mm thick semi-rigid insuiwool held in place by an inner layer of 10% open area, perforated steel. View panels are to be provided at strategic locations and the total enclosure is to seal to the ground by a skirt of conveyor belting or equivalent.
. the erection of a portable/mobile noise barrier in the form of an acoustic wall as proposed in the MS.
the construction of a perimeter berm around the quarry.
Each of these measures to further reduce noise levels at the nearest residence to 40dB(A) are discussed in the MS.
5.2.2.2 Blast Overpressure and Ground Vibration
Section 2 outlines the results of an On-site trial blasts carried out at 1123 hours, Friday 17th June, 1994.
The Australian Division of the Institute of Quarrying (ADIQ) recommends in "Guidelines for Quarrying Practice", a number of measures to reduce the effects of ground vibration and airbiast overpressure.
Means to reduce the effects of ground vibration at a particular site include:
Reducing maximum instantaneous charge (MIC) by use of delays, reduced hole diameter, and/or deck loading.
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Ensuring that broken rock and excessive humps or 'toe" are removed prior to the firing of the main blast holes.
Optimising blast design by altering drilling pattern and/or delay layout, alter hole inclination.
Exercising strict control over the spacing and orientation of all blast drill holes and use the minimum practicable sub-drilling which gives satisfactory toe conditions.
Establishing times of blasting to suit the situation, e.g. fire all quarry blasts at a set time acceptable to neighbours and preferably when background noise is highest. It is preferable to fire at times when neighbours are out or moving about, rather than when they are seated for meals.
Blast overpressure reductions can be achieved by:
Reducing the maximum instantaneous charge (MIIC) to the lowest possible level.
Ensuring stemming is adequate.
Eliminating exposed detonating cord. (Cover with at least 300 mm of quarry dust or road base).
Eliminating secondary blasting. (Instead of popping, use rock breaker or drop hammer). Also make extra efforts to eliminate the need for toe shots, (e.g. better - control of drill patterns).
Assessing weather conditions at the time of the blast. (Avoid heavy cloud cover and avoid firing if a strong wind is blowing towards residences. In particular, avoid days of severe temperature inversion).
Orientating quarry faces where possible so that they do not face directly towards residences.
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Ensuring that the holes are spaced in such a manner that the explosive force is just sufficient to break the stone to the required size.
The trial blast reported in the MS adopted the recommendations of the A.DIQ, including modifications to hole diameter, stemming, aggregate size, length and maximum instantaneous charge. The resulting blast overpressure was 10 dB(lin) below the EPA limiting criteria of 115 dB(lin). Ground vibration was 4.03 mm/sec below the EPA set limit of 5 mm/sec.
Where the development of the quarry site incorporates the recommendations of the ADIQ, blasting at the quarry will comply with EPA criteria. To ensure a good relationship is maintained with quarry neighbours and with statutory authorities, blast performance should be reviewed regularly, and at a minimum, bi-annually, to maintain compliance.
5.2.2.3 Extracting and Processing
To ensure the receiver noise level of the crusher and screens does not adversely impact on the surrounding environment, they will be sited on the quarry floor in the north-west. If necessary, the berm may be raised to provide additional noise protection. The embankment and additional distance will provide a minimum attenuation of 23 dB(A) to the nearest residence, giving a predicted receiver noise level for the crusher and screens of 43 dB(A).
5.2.2.4 Front End Loader
The MS recommends that all quarry operating plant be fitted with an effective 'residential' type muffler and a full set of engine cover plates to reduce noise emissions from quarry machinery. When added to reductions resulting from the perimeter berm and additional distance, the predicted receiver noise level for the front end loader at the nearest residence is 28 dB(A). -
5.2.2.5 Bulldozer
The bulldozer and excavator is to be used in the general maintenance of the quarry, site rehabilitation and for the establishment of surrounding berms.
The MS recommends that the bulldozer be fitted with a 'residential' type muffler which will provide 10 dB(A) attenuation, resulting in a receiver noise level when measured at the eastern residence of 40 dB(A).
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5.2.2.6 On-site Trucks
The NIS concludes that the on-site activity of haulage vehicles will not be significant and the generated noise level at the nearest residence is predicted to be 43 dB(A) in the worst case scenario.
5.2.3 Haulage
The traffic generated by the operation of the quarry will not exceed the recommended traffic noise guideline of 60 dB(A).
5.3 Aquatic Environment
5.3.1 Surface Waters
Water pollution controls to be implemented as part of the development have been designed to minimise the loss of particulate matter to surrounding drainage systems. Particulate matter may be lost/removed from the site via a number of mechanisms including surface runoff from the active quarry area, stockpile areas, roads and exposed slopes as well as from spillage of fuel, oil or grease.
Runoff from the active quarry area, product stockpile areas and haulroads is to be collected and passed through a gravel filter and sediment trap retention system prior to discharge.
Haulroad drainage is to be diverted to the sediment dam to minimise the potential for generation and transport of sediment laden water during rainfall events.
The proposed sediment trap will have a storage capacity of approximately 1200 m3, sufficient to collect runoff from a 1 in 10 year storm event for an active quarry area of 0.25 ha.
Disturbed areas are to be revegetated as soon as possible. Stockpiled material for future on-site rehabilitation is to be stabilised by planting with a non-aggressive grass cover.
Machinery maintenance/servicing area and the fuel/oil storage are to be bunded to prevent runoff from these areas entering waterways, eliminating the potential for downstream pollution from oils, fuel and grease. The area bunded will be sufficient to contain 100 % of the volume of the fuelloillgrease tank(s). All tanks are to be located in an area where any spillage would flow to the sediment dam.
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5.3.2 Groundwater
The proposed quarry development will not entail extraction that impinges on the groundwater table and therefore would not be likely to adversely affect either the quantity or quality of groundwater within the subject site. The nature of the metasediment deposits at the site essentially provides an impervious substrate and consequent isolation from groundwaters.
5.3.3 Flooding
The access route may be affected on an infrequent basis by flooding. During these periods the entire Tweed Valley flood plain will be similarly affected.
5.3.4 Monitoring
Zones of mineralisation may be encountered from time to time through metasediment deposits. A monitoring program is proposed to assess discharge water quality from the site on an ongoing basis, to allow protective measures to be implemented, as required.
5.4 Atmospheric Environment
Airborne pollutants arise from quarrying operations in the movement and processing of materials, wind induced dust generation, vehicular movements, stockpiling, loading, transportation and from vehicle exhaust emissions.
The relative isolation of the quarry will limit the effects on adjoining properties. Any dust that would be generated would tend to be contained within the quarry precinct. The surrounding vegetation and topography and the proposed site rehabilitation plan will afford a high degree of wind protection and surface stability which will minimise the potential for wind induced dust generation and transport.
Even so, the following measures are recommended to limit impacts on the surrounding area:
Newly stripped topsoil should be immediately watered using road water tanker or similar and seeded with suitable grass seed to establish rapid grass cover.
Crushing and screening should be curtailed during periods of high wind at the site.
Stockpiled material should be placed, in areas sheltered from prevailing winds by existing terrain or vegetation.
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Stockpiled material should be placed, in areas sheltered from prevailing winds by existing terrain or vegetation.
Access routes to and from the stockpiles and loading areas should be watered as the need arises.
All Council vehicles and plant associated with quarrying operations should be effectively maintained to ensure all exhausts comply with the requirements of the EPA for emission standards.
Exhausts on earthmoving equipment should be directed away from the ground so as to not disturb the surface unnecessarily.
5.5 Flora and Fauna Environment
Section 2 details the results of flora and fauna surveys carried out at Quirks quarry in July, 1994 and form part of the flora and fauna assessment report of the site, a copy of which is contained in Appendix C.
The report found that the proposed quarry development will not have a significant impact on endangered fauna either known, or considered likely to occur on the site. The rehabilitation strategy for the site includes stockpiling of topsoil for later use in rehabilitation; removal of exotic invader plant species from areas not being considered for quarrying; batters/benching to facilitate future faunal usage in and around the quarry area; and revegetation of the entire area with suitable pasture grasses and tree species to provide preferred Koala food trees, future habitat for birds, Microchiropteran bats and other arboreal mammals.
Rehabilitation of the site has substantial potential for restoring some of the habitat and corridor value of the site by providing vegetation and cover which is more sympathetic to potential faunal inhabitation. In this sense, the proposed rehabilitation of the site is seen to have significant compensatory value.
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Page 72 Quirks Quar'y, Eviron Road
5.6 Land Use Environment
The Department of Agriculture's 'Classification of Agricultural Land Map - Tweed Shire', assigns the area a low productivity rating, suitable only for grazing. Neither the rural character of the land nor the agricultural productivity of the area will be detrimentally affected by the continued operation of the quarry.
The nature of the activity and proposed ameliorative measures will ensure no adverse impact on local agricultural pursuits. This is in keeping with the objectives of the Tweed LEP 1987 which aims to enable agricultural activities and extractive industries to be carried out in rural areas.
The plan of management recognises the limited nature of soil resources at the sites and therefore the need to reduce and control potential soil erosion. Topsoils will be stripped from the quarry area and stockpiled for future rehabilitation of the site in a perimeter berm around the site.
Soil erosion measures include the construction of stormwater retention basins and sediment control filters and ponds.
5.7 Archaeological Environment
A copy of the archaeological site survey, conducted in conjunction with the Tweed Byron Local Aboriginal Land Council is contained in Appendix D. The report found that, given the lack of sites or other cultural remains and the very low probability of subsurface materials, the proposed quarry would not affect Aboriginal community interests.
Contingency arrangements are proposed in the event of finding an item of Aboriginal significance on-site. If items such as stone artefacts, bone or other cultural materials are believed to have been discovered, work at and adjacent to the material must stop. The Land Council and the district office of the National Parks and Wildlife Service must be informed and works should not commence until approval has been granted by both bodies pursuant to the provisions of the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974
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5.8 Traffic Environment
Extracted material will be transported from the site by road. The haulage route will be via Duranbah Road. The predominant direction of deliveries will be towards the Pacific Highway, except in the case of local deliveries and, more significantly, the proposed motorway. In this latter case, materials will be able to be delivered direct to the construction site from the quarry, without the need to travel on public roads.
Access to Duranbah Road is via an existing easement from the property. Appendix J provides preliminary engineering design of the proposed upgrading of the existing access road and its intersection with Duranbah Road, to provide improved visibility for truck turning and general road safety. Duranbah Road is a typical rural road for the area, with reserve capacity to adequately cater for the increased traffic. Horizontal and vertical alignment along the road length limit traffic speeds, a characteristic of rural roads throughout the Shire. Some sections of the road are in need of routine maintenance. The intersection with the Pacific Highway is of high standard and the Pacific Highway itself provides excellent traffic carrying capacity.
Traffic counts conducted by Tweed Shire Council show traffic on Eviron Road to average less - than 250 vehicles per day each way. The proposed addition of fifteen (15) truck loads per day to these local traffic volumes should remain well within the capacity of the local road system, subject to routine maintenance of the road pavement.
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5.9 Monitoring
The plan of management proposes that the performance of the quarry with respect to noise and ground vibration, water quality maintenance, air pollution control and traffic, be regularly reviewed during the life of the quarry, and as a minimum, bi-annually. The purpose of the review should be threefold;
to ensure the project continues to comply with project objectives;
to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements;
to provide an opportunity for input from the local community.
Where necessary and appropriate, the plan of management should be revised to accommodate changes in circumstance so as to allow continued compliance and to foster good neighbour relations with adjoining landowners and the surrounding community.
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SECTION 6
CONSULTATION WITH AUTHORITIES
S'uinrnaiy: This section provides a summary of consultation with authorities and the responses thereto.
6.1 Department of Planning
Advice on matters to be addressed in the EIS was sought from the Director of the NSW Department of Planning in a letter dated 1st June, 1994. (Appendix A).
The Director has provided the Department's requirements for the EIS in a letter dated 15th July, 1994. (Appendix A). Pursuant to Clause 35 of the now superceded Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 1980, the Director requires that the following specific matters be addressed in the EIS:
Description ofproposal including the site and surrounding land uses, quarry location, stockpiles and overburden, methods of extraction, quantities to be extracted, machinery to be used and hours of operation;
Section 2 of this document provides information on the land and existing environment surrounding the quarry site. Section 4 describes the quarry operations including clearing, blasting, winning, crushing, screening, loading and hauling. It also describes the life of the project, the hours of operation, methods of processing and storing material and a general plan of management for the quarry.
Consideration of relevant sections of the North Coast Regional Envirionmental Plan, 1988;
Within Section 2, land zoning provisions, zoning objectives and surrounding zonings are described. Section 5.8 outlines compensatory measures and safeguards relating to land use.
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Assessment of the impact on nearby local environment, particularly in relation ot noise, blasting and dust;
Section 2.12 examines the acoustic environment of the site and Section 4.8 describes the noise generation at the quarry. Section 5.2 outlines the compensatory measures and safeguards to mitigate adverse noise impacts. Section 5.4 describes the compensatory measures to be employed to safeguard against air and dust pollution.
Poiposals for water management, particularly means for preventing pollution of nearby water courses;
Section 2.4 looks at the topographic setting of the site and surrounds while Section 4.15.3 and 5.3 discuss stormwater control and water pollution compensatory measures and safeguards, respectively.
Site rehabilitation measures;
The plan of management (Section 4.15) discusses the development and St aging of the quarry and Section 4.17 examines rehabilitation to occur throughout that staging and development, including projected final use of the site.
Assessment of the likelihood of acid sulphate soils being mob/used by the proposal and ('fwarrantec, proposed mitigation measures;
Section 4 describes the quarry operations, including processing and storage of materials. Consideration is given to leachate control in the Plan of Management (Section 4.15).
The Director further required that in addition to consulting with the Department of Planning, the proponent consult with other relevant authorities. Section 1.3.2 lists those authorities contacted regarding the proposal.
6.2 Department of Agriculture
In a letter dated 29th June, 1994 (Appendix B), the NSW Agriculture Department advised that the following issues should be addressed in the EIS:
The agricultural quality of the land,
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Section 6 - Consultation with Authorities Page 77
o The likely impact of the quarlying activity on neighbouring farming activities;
Section 2.8 describes land usage on the site and surrounding land. It defines the agricultural suitability of the land, (as per the suitability map produced by the Department of Agriculture). The impact the proposal will have on surrounding landuses and the measures to mitigate against those impacts are discussed in Section 5.8.
The likely impacts and competition for water;
The specific energy requirements of the operation, including water use, are detailed in Section me
Appropriate agreements with neighbouring landholders regarding access, hours of
operation, dc;
Adjacent landowners are identified in Section 2.8.1 and Section 4 describes the proposal, giving regard to neighbouring landholders and surrounding landuses.
Management of quarried material to ensure that leachate does not impact on neighbouring streams. In particular, attention should be given to the presence of pyrite or other material likely to oxidise and result in acid water discharges;
Section 4 describes the quarry operations, including processing and storage of materials. Consideration is given to leachate control in the Plan of Management (Section 4.15).
6.3 Department of Fisheries
The Department of Fisheries were consulted in a letter dated 1 st June, 1994, seeking comments or requirements for the preparation of the EIS.
In a letter dated the 15th August, 1994 (Appendix B) the Department of Fisheries advised that they had no items of concern regarding the proposed extensions to Quirks Quarry,
6.4 Department of Conservation and Land Management
The Department of Conservation and Land Management (CaLM) advised in a letter dated 28th June, 1994 (Appendix B) that the following matters should be addressed in the EIS:
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Plan of final levels and assessment of remaining resource;
The Plan of Management (Section 4.15) outlines the proposed staging plan for the development of the quarry. Final use of the site is examined in Section 4.18.
Proposed erosion and sediment control measures and proposed rehabilitation measures;
Progressive sequencing of operations and site rehabilitation are outlined in Section 4.15 and 4.17 respectively. Erosion and sediment control measures are detailed within Section 5.3, 5.4 and 5.5. In addressing erosion and sediment control, CaLM suggest a number of principles to be used as a guide including maintaining/replanting the vegetative cover, controlling runoff, retaining settleable eroded material on site and implementing effective maintenance of all erosion and sediment control works. These principles have been adopted for the proposal.
The Department states that it supports the preparation of a management plan. The Management Plan for Quirks Quarry is contained in Section 4.15 of this document.
6.5 Department of Mineral Resources
The Department of Mineral Resources in a letter dated 18th July, 1994 (Appendix B), offered the following recommendations for preparation of the EIS:
o A thorough description of the proposal and its various stages;
Section 4 provides a description of the proposal including planned stages of quarry development and associated works.
A description of the planned approach for progressive andfinal rehabilitation;
Proposed site rehabilitation (interim and final, postmining landforrn), is detailed in Section 4.17 and 4.8 of this document.
A description of steps to be taken to protect neighbouring landowners and the environment from impacts of the development;
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Details of measures to mitigate against potential impacts from dust generation, noise, blasting nuisance, erosion and siltation, are contained in Section 5 of this document.
Issues identJied as being of concern to be highlighted for ongoing attention, monitoring, discussion and reporting,
The Plan of Management (Section 4.15) identifies the issues to be included in an ongoing monitoring program. The proposed monitoring program is discussed in Section 5.10.
In addition to the above recommendations, the Department of Mineral Resources requires that all EIS's for extractive operations contain a resource assessment, an ex:traction and treatment plan, a rehabilitation plan and a visibility and marketing assessment.
Section 3 discusses the potential of the resource which includes an economic assessment of the resource and quarry.
Section 4 describes the proposed works and includes a Plan of Management for the development of the site and a rehabilitation plan.
6.6 Department of Water Resources
In a letter dated 4th August, 1994 (Appendix B), the Department of Water Resources state that they support appropriately located hard rock quarries in preference to river based extraction.
Following a site inspection on the 8th of August, 1994, the Department recommends that the following issues should be considered in the preparation of the EIS:
Legislation,
The Department advise that a license under the Water Act, may be required if the proposal involves pumping from a creek or bore for washing or other purposes. It is not proposed to extract water from a stream or bore for any purpose at Quirks Quarry.
Site drainage; Water Management Plan; Water quality;
Surface and groundwater characteristics of the site and measures to mitigate the impacts of the proposal on surface and groundwaters, are described in Sections 5.3 and 5.5.
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The Plan of Management (Section 4.15) includes a proposal for site water management, detailing storage, usage, re-use, drainage systems and discharge.
Management of stormwater runoff from the site is provided for in the Plan of Management.
Site Management;
Section 4 describes the proposal and includes information on methods and rate of extraction, processing and general site management.
6.7 National Parks and Wildlife Service
The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) in a letter dated 19th July, 1994 (Appendix B), advised that the EIS should include the following:
Detailed description offlora andfauna and consideration of the effects of the proposed activities on these;
Spec/ic attention be paid to the effects of the proposed activities on endangeredflora;
consider whether the proposed activities will have a signficant effect on the - environment of endangered fauna by taking into account the factors set out under Section 4A of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, 1979;
Sections 2.9 and 5.7 provide a description of local flora and fauna and measures for protecting them. Both sections are summaries of information contained in a seperate associated report "Flora and Fauna Assessment at Quirks Quarry". A copy of that report is contained within Appendix C.
The NPWS further recommends that an archaeological survey of the site be undertaken and advice sought from the Tweed Byron Local Aboriginal Land Council regarding any concerns they may have with the proposal.
Section 2.10 provides a summary of the findings of "An Archaeological Survey at Quirks Quarry". A copy of that report is contained in Appendix D.
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6.8 Department of Public Works
In a letter dated 9th June, 1994 (Appendix B), the Department of Public Works advised that the EIS should address the following issues:
Suiface water drainage to minimise enily of pollutants, nutrients and sediments into the adjacent drainage system;
Section 4.15.3 and 5.3 examine stormwater control and measures to safeguard against water pollution, respectively.
The impact of floods on the development and the impact of the development on flooding behaviour:
Safeguards to protect the development from flooding events are discussed in section 4. Compensatory measures to ensure the proposed quarry extension does not adversely impact on the flood plain are also discussed in section 5.
. The presence ofpotential acid sulphate soils and their impact on the development,
- The Plan of Management for Quirks Quarry gives consideration to leachate control, with particular emphasis on the presence of pyritic material likely to oxidise and result in acid runoff.
6.9 Roads and Traffic Authority
The Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) advised in a letter dated 9th June, 1994 (Appendix B) that the EIS should include a traffic study to determine the impact of the additional volume of traffic generated by this proposal on the surrounding road network and ultimately the Pacific - Highway.
Section 2.13 describes the existing traffic environment at the site. Section 4.12 outlines transportation issues regarding the proposal. Compensatory measures and safeguards in relation to traffic generation, are outlined in Section 5.6.
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6.10 Environment Protection Authority
In a letter dated 14th June, 1994 (Appendix B), the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) recommended that the following matters be addressed in the EIS:
Air pollution;
As per the advice of the EPA, the EIS details the type of crushing plant in use (Section 4.3)7 working hours (Section 4.7) and proposed air pollution controls on the plant and methods of dust control for access roads and quarry area (Section 5.4).
Water pollution;
The EIS provides information on soil and water management which describes the measures to be undertaken at the site, which will mitigate soil erosion and control sediment and nutrient pollution to downslope lands and receiving waters.
The Plan of Management (Section 4.15) details the volume and source, reuse and storage of wastewater at the site.
Noise;
Noise issues related to the quarry operation (e.g. blasting, drilling, procesing and hauling), are discussed in Section 2.12, 4.8 and 5.2.
Other aspects;
The EPA requires that details of any cattle tick dip sites or other potential contaminated sites situated on the access roads or within the proposed site, be included in the EIS. No such sites exist in the vicinity of the quarry or within the quarry site confines.
6.11 Tweed Shire Council
Following an inspection of the quarry site on the 8th August 1994, Tweed Shire Council confirmed in a letter dated the 17th August 1994 that the issues of major concern the EIS should address are access and noise.
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Access to and from the quarry site is described in section 2.13 Traffic Environment and section 4.12 details site roadworks, product haulage and traffic generation.
The acoustic environment surrounding the site is described in section 2.12. Noise generation at the quarry is outlined in section 4.8 and compenstaory measures to mitigate adverse noise impacts are discussed in section 5.2.
6.12 N.S.W Sugar Milling Co-Operative
The Sugar Milling Co-operative was consulted in a letter dated 16th June, 1994. The purpose of the letter was to seek comments or requirements as they may affect the proposed.
No reply had been received at the time of writing.
6.13 Duranbah Swamp Drainage Union
A letter, consulting with the Duranbah Swamp Drainage Union seeking comments or requirements as they may affect the proposal, was sent 16th June. 1994. A copy of that letter is contained within Appendix B.
At the time of writing, no response had been received.
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SECTION 7
CONCLUSIONS
Summary: This section provides conclusions of the EIS, including a summary of statutory planning considerations, a justification of the proposal in terms of the significance of the resource, the socio-economic benefits, the alternatives to the proposal, the consequences of not proceeding and the measures adopted to limit environmental impacts.
7.1 Statutory Planning Summary
7.1.1 Tweed Local Environmental Plan 1987
The proposed extension of the quarry is a permissible use with the development consent of Council within the General Rural 1(a) Zone within which the quarry site is located.
No concurrence is required from any other authority, and the proposal is consistent with the zone objectives for the 1(a) General Rural Zone particularly objective (a) "to enable agricultural activities and extractive industries to be carried out in rural areas". In relation to the general objectives and aims of the Tweed LEP 1987, the proposal is consistent, and in particular assists in implementing objective (e) "to promote and maintain a wide economic base for the shire".
7.1.2 North Coast Regional Environmental Plan 1988
The proposal is considered consistent as follows:
Clause 12 - Development control, impact of development on agricultural activities: the subject proposal is not on a site classified as prime or good agricultural land.
Clause 18 - Development control extractive industry: site rehabilitation and restoration measures are as outlined in Sections 2 and 5 of this Statement.
7.1.3 State Environmental Planning Policies
State Environmental Planning Policy No. 37 applies. In this regard the subject proposal is "a continued operation" as a quarry which was registered for the purposes of SEPP No. 37 with
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Tweed Shire Council in 1993. As explained in Sections 1.2 and 1.4 of this Statement, this application and statement has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of Clauses 20 and 22 of SEPP No. 37, and the relevant criteria nominated in Clause 20(1)(b) and Attachment 3 of the Guidelines for SEPP No. 37 have been addressed.
State Environmental Planning Policy No. 44 - Koala Habitat Protection came into operation on 13th February, 1995. James Warren, Environmental and Biological Consultant, has addressed the requirements of this Policy with respect to this site in Appendix C. He concludes that although there are some Koala food trees (as referred to in Schedule 2 of the Policy) on the site, these do not constitute in excess of 15% of all trees, and that the site is not a core Koala habitat. Therefore there is no requirement to prepare a Koala Plan of Management for the site.
7.1.4 Other
Sections 1.2 and 1.4 of this EIS have discussed the statutory basis for the proposal being defined as "designated development".
There are no specific development control plans or other local, regional or state policies which apply to the proposal. However a range of other legislative requirements could apply, and may necessitate obtaining of licenses or approvals, as the development progresses, including:
Water Act, 1993
Environmental Offences and Penalties Act, 1989
Pollution Control Act, 1970
Soil Conservation Act, 1938
Endangered Fauna (Interim Protection) Act, 1991
In addition, the Heads of Consideration under Section 90 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, 1979 will require to be addressed by Council, and the information and assessment of impacts and matters contained in the Statement enables adequate assessment of these Heads of Consideration to determine the application.
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7.2 Justification of the Proposal
The EIS concludes that the proposed project is able to meet the objectives of the project outlined in Section 4
The EIS has identified the continuing demand for quality road base, sub-base, select fill and other construction materials in the Tweed area, as the primary justification for the proposal. The establishment and maintenance of the road network underpins the economic growth and vitality of the region. The continued supply of construction materials is crucial for the long term viability of a number of development industries.
f he Quirk quarry is an established resource which has the capability of contributing significantly to meeting this demand within the local area. As an existing resource it should be protected as a valuable community asset
Economic supply of construction materials from local sources has many flow-on social and economic benefits. It provides direct and indirect employment opportunities in an area which is currently experiencing a disproportionally high unemployment level; it assists in maintaining the standard of local services at affordable cost, and it provides opportunities of further growth, with a concurrent multiplier effect on the local economy.
The continuation of the quarry will allow implementation of a management plan to maximise the potential of the resource and address a number of environmental impacts resulting from the existing quarrying operation. These measures provide ameliorative actions and safeguards to ensure the operation of the quarry does not adversely affect local flora and fauna ecosystems, surrounding landuses, the rural amenity of the area or the road and traffic environments of the region.
Particular issues addressed include:
management of noise impacts to conform with State Legislation requirements.
mitigation against adverse visual impacts of the development.
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protection of adjacent waterways by the provision of retention basins and sediment traps.
rehabilitation of the extraction area and its restoration to agricultural land following cessation of quarrying activities.
restaging of the extraction plan to provide safer, more manageable working faces in compliance with State Regulations.
7.3 Alternatives to the Proposal
The Tweed Local Government Area has an ongoing need for construction materials and road aggregates for use as base and sub-base material in road construction. Approximately 30,800 tonnes of material are currently extracted from the quarry per annum. Geotechnical investigations have indicated that the deposit contains substantial quantities of quality, economically extractable road base material to sustain this demand for many years.
Alternatives to the proposals dismissed by the applicant include, but are not necessarily be limited to the following, were
cessation of quarrying activities and sourcing of all materials from established sources elsewhere;
forfeits an important community resource of established local significance;
increases costs of road maintenance and building construction in the local area and limits extent of works able to be carried out;
reduces local level of service and convenience, particularly in regard to road maintenance;
increases road haulage impacts in carting from other localities and energy and fuel requirements;
> existing quarry remains in an existing unsafe and non-rehabilitated state, limiting future use of the site.
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cessation of quarrying activities and exploration and discovery of a new resource to supply local demand;
forfeits a known and established resource;
existence of a suitable alternative resources highly speculative;
=:> should alternative resources be identified they represent an equally important community asset and should also be reserved for ftiture use;
existing quarry remains in its existing and non-rehabilitated state, limiting future use of site. reducing the current level of operation and sourcing some materials elsewhere;
forfeits the benefit of a established and extensive resource in the local area;
reduces the economic viability of the quarry and planned rehabilitation works;
increases costs of road maintenance and building construction in the local area and limits extent of works able to be carried out;
=> reduces local level of service and convenience, particularly in regard to road maintenance;
=:> increases road haulage impacts in carting from other localities and increases energy and fuel requirements. continuation of existing quarrying activities, extracting approximately 30,800 tonnes of material per year;
> fails to satisfy future demand from this quarry;
forfeits the benefit of a established and extensive resource in the local area;
=> reduces the potential for increased economic viability of the quarry and planned rehabilitation works;
Brian J. Mackney & Associates Pty. Ltd., Bangalow Phone 066 871289 Page 90 Quirk Quarry, Cudgen
potentially increases costs of road maintenance and building construction in the local area and limits extent of works able to be carried out economically;
reduces local level of service and convenience, particularly in regard to road maintenance;
increases road haulage impacts in carting from other localities to meet demands in excess of these low levels of production;
increasing potential extraction rates to beyond an annual average of 100,000 tonnes;
maximises the potential of the resource but appears to exceed, in the short to medium term, the likely demand for materials from this site. Proposal includes provision for escallation of output to meet possible demand from Motorway construction of 200,000 tonnes per annum;
hastens development of the quarry and cessation of quarrying activities and site rehabilitation.
7.4 Consequences of Not Proceeding with the Proposal
The proposed plan of management provides an improvement to the existing operation by ensuring that the receiving acoustic, visual, ecological, atmospheric and social environments are not adversely affected.
The consequences of not proceeding with the proposal are manifold, direct and indirect and include the following:
the economic and social benefits of the proposal, as described in Section 3, would not eventuate.
not upgrading the existing rate and method of material extraction would impose unnecessary limits on this important community resource.
the aesthetic and ecological benefits of the plan of management and rehabilitation strategy for the site would not occur if the proposal does not to proceed.
Brian J. Mackney & Associates Pty. Ltd., Bangalow Phone 066 871289 Section 7- Conclusions Page 91
Extractive industries are a vital component of the economic fabric of any growth area. Should this proposal not proceed it would incur significant long-term implications on the economy of the region, effectively limiting the availability of local sources of quality construction materials.
7.5 Reasons for Choosing This Proposal
The above assessment of justification for, and alternatives to the proposal, and consequences of not proceeding with the extension as proposed, lead us to the conclusion that the proposal put forward in the subject application is the most appropriate manner of continuing this quarry - operation.
7.6 Summary and Conclusions
This Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) has assessed the impacts of the proposal on the surrounding environments.
It examines the existing operation;
It establishes the need for the quarry in a local and regional context;
- • It describes the proposed methods of operation, including extraction and processing;
It examines site flora and fauna, archaeological issues, noise, ground vibration and overbiast pressure, traffic, water quality, site management;
It proposes a range of measures designed to reduce current impacts and bring the proposed development in line with State Regulatory requirements, particularly in respect of noise, water and dust pollution;
It proposes a plan for management and rehabilitation of the site.
The EIS concludes that the proposed development will have minimal adverse impact on the surrounding environment and amenity of the locality and will offer substantial benefit in providing a local source of quality road and construction material.
We recommend the approval of the development proposal subject to the range of amelioratory measures and safeguards outlined in the report, including;
Brian J. Mackney & Associates Pty. Ltd., Bangalow Phone 066 871289 Page 92 Quirk Quar'y, Cudgen
adoption of the proposed plan of management and extraction program;
bi-annual revue of the plan of management to ensure continued compliance;
limitation of blasting operations to within the design parameters outlined in the noise report, subject to bi-annual review.
the establishment of stormwater control and sediment control facilities on the site, as detailed in the report and subject bi-annual review to confirm their adequacy and performance.
Brian J. Mackney & Associates Pty. Ltd., Bangalow Phone 066 871289 Bibliography
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Australian Mining Industry Council (1989). Mine Rehabilitation Handbook.
Brownlow J.W (1989). Industrial Mineral and Construction Material Deposits of the Warwick and Tweed Heads 1.250, 000 Sheets. Department of Mineral Resources.
Chestnut, W.S. (1972). Geology, Extractive Resources, Engineering Geology and Miningfactors influencing Town Planning in Tweed Shire. Department of Mines.
Chestnut, W. S (1992). Preliminaiy Report on the Construction Material Resources of the North Coast Region - Factors for Regional and Local Environmental Planning. Department of Mineral Resources.
Department of Mineral and Energy (1988). Abstract of the Mines Inspection Act 1901, and General Rules.
- 6. Department of Planning (1993) Extractive Resources State Environmental Planning Policy No. 3 7 - Continued Mines and Extractive Industries. Guidelines on Implementation and Use.
Department of Planning (1994) Non-Metropolitan Local Government Areas in N.S. W Population Projections 1991 - 2021.
Department of Planning (1993). North Coast Draft Urban Planning Strategy.
H. K Clarke and Associates (1994) A Noise Impact Statement for Quirks Quarry at Eviron Road, Eviron.
Kearns G.K. (1991). North Coast Road Network Strategy Study. Pavement Materials Analysis - Overview Report for North Eastern Division. Roads and Traffic Authority.
Brian J. Mackney & Associates Pty. Ltd., Bangalow Phone 066 871289 Quirks Quarry, Eviron Road
Keats, N.0 (c. 1988). Wollumbin. Self Published.
12. Roads and Traffic Authority (1990) Traffic Volumes and Supplementary Data.
Roy, P.S (1973). Coastal Geology of the Cudgen Area, North Coast u/New South Wales. Department of Mines
Tweed Shire Council (1992) Tweed Shire Council Community Profile, September, 1992.
15. Tweed Shire Council Strategic Planning Unit (1993) 1991 Census Analysis.
Brian J. Mackney & Associates Ny. Ltd., Bangalow Phone 066 871289 APPENDIX A
CONSULTATION WITH THE DIRECTOR OF DEPARTMENT OF PLANND4G The Manager Assessments & Major Hazards Branch Department of Planning G.P.O. Box 3927 SYDNEY N.S.W. 2001
Dear Ms Adams,
Re: Proposed Environmental Impact Statements
B.J. Mackney & Associates Pty. Ltd. has been commissioned by Mr. R. Quirk, Duranbah Road, Via Kingscliff 2487, to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for a quarry at Environ Road. Your advice is sought on what matters must be addressed at the site. A description of the quarry and its operations is also submitted.
The quarry site is located on property described as Lot 12 D.P. 601427, Environ Road, Parish of Cudgen, County of Rous.
A regional site location map, site area map and a site layout map for the quarry are enclosed for your information.
Would you please advise as to the Directors requirements in relation to the form and content of the EIS for the abovementioned proposal, in accordance with Clause 35 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation.
Your advice on each quarry would be appreciated.
Yours faithfully,
...... Brian Mackney 1st June, 1994 End. 0 New South Wales Government Department of Planning
Remington Centre 175 Uverpool Street, Sydney 2000 Box 3927 G.P.O. Sydney 2001 Brian T. Mackney & Associates DX. 15 Sydney Coopers Shoot Road BANGALOW NSW 2479 Telephone (02) 39 20CC x: 2078 Fax No. (02) 391 211 - - Contact: M. Beveridge
Our Reference G94/00161
Dear Mr Mackney
PROPOSED EXTENSION TO EXISTING QUARRY; LOT 12, DP 601427, ENVIRON ROAD, PARISH OF CUDGEN
Thank you for your letter of 1 June 1994 indicating that you are consulting with the Director with regard to the preparation of an environmental impact statement (EIS) for the above development.
It is understood that the quarry is registered under State Environmental Planning Policy No. 37 - Continued Mines and Extractive Industry. It is also understood that the intended volume of extraction may be below the designation threshold of SEPP 37 (as set out in Clause 20(1)(a) of that policy), but that Council may treat this proposal as designated development under Clause 20(1)(b). The advice included in paragraphs 3 to 5 applies if Council considers the proposal to be designated development and therefore requires an EIS, Should Council consider that the proposal is not designated development, it would still be appropriate for the matters included in paragraph 3 to be addressed in a Statement of Environmental Effects for the proposal.
The EIS shall be prepared in accordance with clause 34 of the Regulation (copy attached) and shall bear a certificate required by clause 26(l)(b) of the Regulation. In addition, pursuant to clause 35 of the Regulation, the Director requires that the following matters be specifically addressed in the EIS:
* description of the proposal, including a review of the environmental performance of the existing quarry, and an assessment of the need for further environmental protection measures; * consideration of relevant matters in State Environmental Planning Policy No 37 (Continua. Mines and Extractive Industry), and the North Coast Regional Environmental Plan; (2 2
* assessment of impact on the nearby local environment, particularly in relation to noise, blasting impacts (vibration, overbiast pressure, and fly rock) and dust;
* proposals for water management, particularly means for preventing sedimentation of nearby water courses;
* proposal for quarry rehabilitation;
* assessment of the likelihood of acid sulphate soils being mobilised by the proposal, and (if warranted) proposed mitigation measures;
* results of consultation with the Environment Protection Authority and the Department of Conservation and Land Management;
Attachment No.2 is a guide to the type of information most likely to be relevant to the development you propose; not all of the matters raised therein may be appropriate for consideration in the EIS for your proposal; equally, the guide is not exhaustive.
In preparing your EIS you should approach the Tweed Council and take into account any comments Council considers may apply to its determination of the proposal.
Should you require any further information regarding this matter please do not hesitate to contact us again.
Yours faithfully,
N. Osborne Acting Manager Assessments and Major Hazards Branch As Delegate for the Director DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING ATTACHMENT NO. 1
STATUTORY REQUrREMENTS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENTS
In accordance with Part IV of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, 1979, an environmental impact statement (EIS) must meet the following requirements.
Pursuant to clause 34 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation. 1980, as amended, the contents of an EIS shall include the following matters:
full description of the designated development proposed by the development application;
(b) a statement of the objectives of the proposed designated development:
a full description of the existing environment likely to be affected by the proposed designated development, if carried out;
identification and analysis of the likely environmental interactions between the proposed designated development and the environment;
(e) analysis of the likely environmental impacts or con sequences of carrying out the proposed designated development (including implications for use and conservation of energy);
justification of the proposed designated development in terms of environmental, economic and social considerations;
(g) measures to be taken in conjunction with the proposed designated development to protect the environment and an assessment of the likely effectiveness of those measures:
(gI) details of energy requirements of the proposed development and measures to be taken to conserve energy;
any feasible alternatives to the carrying out of the proposed designated development and reasons for choosing the latter; and
consequences of not carrying out the proposed development.
The EIS must also take into account any matters required by the Director of Planning pursuant to clause 35 of the Regulation, which may be included in the attached letter.
The EIS must bear a certificate as required by clause 26(1 )(b) of the Regulation. DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING ATTACHMENT NO 2
ADVICE ON THE PREPARATION OF AN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT (EIS) FOR AN EXTRACTIVE INDUSTRY
Extractive industries have prompted considerable public controversy in the past since, among other things, they affect visual amenity, generate heavy vehicle movements, raise dust and cause disturbance through noise and blasting. This is the prime reason for designation of extractive industries under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, 1979.
The purpose of this paper is to outline various issues relevant to the preparation and consideration of an EIS for extractive industries. It is intended to assist the preparation of the EIS. However, it is the applicant's responsibility to identify and address as fully as possible the matters relevant to the specific development proposal in complying with the requirements for EIS preparation (see Attachment No 1).
The matters nominated in this paper are not intended as a comprehensive identification of all issues which may arise in respect of an extractive industry. Some of the issues nominated may not be relevant to a specific proposal. On the other hand, there may be other issues, not included, that are appropriate for consideration in the EIS.
Attachment 2 included in the Department of Planning's publication "Extractive Resources- Guidelines on implementation and use of SEPP 37- Continued Mines and Extractive Industries also provides a guide to the type of information that should be included in the EIS.
Information provided should be clear, succinct and objective and where appropriate be supported by maps, plans, diagrams or other descriptive detail. The purpose of the EIS is to enable members of the public, the consent authority (usually the Council) and the Department of Planning to properly understand the environmental consequences of the proposed development.
1. Description of the proposal.
The description of the proposal should provide general background information on the location and extent of the works proposed, an indication of adjacent developments, and details of the site, land tenure, zonings and relevant forward planning proposals and any other land use constraints.
The EIS should address the compatibility of the proposal with any regional strategy for extractive industries in the area and with the provisions of the Local Environmental Plans for existing and proposed development.
This section should provide specific information on the nature, intent and form of the development. It should, as far as possible, include such details as the processes involved (highlighting any proposed crushing or blasting), disposal of wastes, landscaping and site rehabilitation. A description should also be provided of associated operations such as the transport of materials and use of the end product if likely to have environmental implications. Particular details that may be relevant include:
Characteristics and economic significance of the resource. Possible availability of alternative resources. Quantity of materials to be extracted. Details of any blasting and/or crushing. Effects of vibrations. Type of machinery and equipment to be used for dredging and stockpiling operations and for any processing plant. Expected life of the operation. Hours of operation. Details of necessary stockpiling. Access arrangements - truck routes, truck numbers etc. Site drainage and erosion controls. Proposals for rehabilitation.
Description of the Environment.
This should provide details of the environment in the vicinity of the development site and also of aspects of the environment likely to be affected by any facet of the proposal. In this regard, physical, natural, social, archaeological and economic aspects of the environment should be described to the extent necessary for assessment of the environmental impact of the proposed development.
Analysis of Environmental Impacts.
Environmental impacts usually associated with extractive industries are listed below. Where relevant to the specific proposal, these should be addressed in the EIS, taking into account the adequacy of safeguards proposed to minimise them. The flow of any affected rivers or watercourses. The effect of the extraction on the sediment transport rate of any affected rivers or watercourses. The bed and bank stability of any affected rivers during and after completion of the operations and any need for recurrent maintenance dredging. Any possible siltation, sedimentation or downstream effects of the operation. Any likely cumulative effects of the proposed operation when considered together with other operations in the vicinity. Details of floods and any likely effects of the operation on flood liability of surrounding lands. The possible effects of flooding on the operation. Effects on flora and fauna. The agricultural viability of the landholding. Likely noise/vibration disturbance caused by the operations, including transport operations, on nearby residences. Other impacts of trucking movements, including access over railways and onto highways. Dust nuisance likely to be caused. Effects on water quality of nearby watercourses. Disposal of waste material. Effects on the visual environment. Li
Any likely affectation of sites of Aboriginal archaeological or European heritage value if located in the vicinity of operations. Impact of the operations on navigation aspects for all types of shipping (commercial, recreational, etc).
In addition, any potential for hazard or risks to public safety and any proposals to monitor and reduce environmental impacts should be included.
4. Contact with relevant Government Authorities.
In preparing the EIS, it is suggested that authorities, such as those listed below, should be consulted and their comments taken into account in the EIS.
The Environment Protection Authority in regard to air, water and noise impacts and relevant pollution control legislation requirements; The Department of Mineral Resources concerning its responsibilities under Sydney REP No 9 Extractive Industry; The Department of Water Resources concerning the implications of the proposal on their jurisdiction; The Department of Conservation and Land Management regarding appropriate erosion control and rehabilitation procedures; NSW Agriculture if prime agricultural land may be affected by the proposal; NSW Fisheries if the proposal is for extraction of resources in or adjacent to a waterway; The Heritage Council of NSW if the proposal is likely to affect any place or building having heritage significance for the State; The National Parks and Wildlife Service if aboriginal places or relics, or endangered flora or fauna are likely to be affected. The Maritime Services Board in relation to navigational aspects of shipping; and The Public Works Department in relation to hydrological impacts and relevant legislative requirements.
It is the responsibility of the person preparing the EIS to determine those Departments relevant to the proposed development. APPENDIX B
CONSULTATION WITH AUTHORITIES Wollonqbar Agricultural Institute Our reference: MRB:je NSW Agriculture Wollongbar
Agr:cultura) Institute
Brian J Mackney & Associates Bruxner Highway Pty Ltd WOLLONGBAR NSW 27 Coopers Shoot Road
BANGALOW NSW 2479 Teleohone (066 24 0200
Facsimile 066) 28 744 Telex AA 66344 NCA)
29 June 1994
-
Dear Sir 1 ------
RE: PROPOSED QUARRY EXTENSION, QIJIRK'S QUARRY, ENVIRON ROAD
Thank you for your letter of 1 June, seeking comment on the above proposal. , '" c The major issues which need to be addressed are:
The agricultural quality of the land.
The likely impact of the quarrying activity on neighbouring farming activities.
The likely impacts and competition for water.
Appropriate agreements with neighbouring landholders regarding access, hours of operation, etc.
Management of quarried material to ensure that leachate does not impact on neighbouring streams. In particular, attention should be given to the presence of pyrite or other material likely to oxidise and result in acid water discharges.
Should you require furtl*r details of these suggestions, please contact Martin Bellert, Agricultural EnvironmentOfficer, telephone (066) 240 349.
ID. WILLIAMS
Head Office: 161 Kite Street, Locked Bag 21 ORANGE NSW 2800. Telephone (063) 91 3100 NSW FISHERIES
15 August 1994
The Director Brian J Mackney and Associates Ply Ltd Coopers Shoot Road BANGALOW NSW 2479
Dear Mr Mackney,
RE: PROPOSED EXTENSIONS O'KEEFES QUARRY LOT 2 DP 590220 & LOT 28 DP 615931 BARTLETFS ROAD AND QUIRK'S QUARRY LOT 12 DP 601427 ENVIRON ROAD
This Department has no specific matters to raise in relation to these proposals to extend the existing usage.
Yours faithfully,
772A cc 0i M Richmond Regional Manager
NORTHERN REGION Graftori Agricultural Research & Advisory Station - Trenayr Road Junction Hill - PMB 3 Grafton NSW 2460 Telephone: (066) 44 7588 • Facsimile: (066) 44 7868 Our Ret: 690
28 June 1994 OILM
135 Math St P0 Box 796 Murwillumbah NSW 2484 The Director t Phone(066) 725488 Brian J Mackney & Associates P' Ltd Fax (066) 723473 Coopers Shoot Road BANGALOW NSW 2479 w o U I 'J_ / / - Dear Sir
Proposed Quarry Extension, Quirk's Quarry, Environ Road, Tweed Shire
I refer to your letter dated 1 June 1994 to both this office and the department's Grafton office.
Grafton office has advised that no Crown Lands are affected by the proposal.
The Department of Conservation and Land Management wishes to see the following matters addressed in detail in the EIS:
Plan of final levels and assessment of remaining resource.
Proposed erosion and sediment control measures and proposed rehabilitation measures:
Progressive sequence of operations and rehabilitation (either temporary or permanent). Erosion control measures on areas being worked and on areas being rehabilitated. C. Rehabilitation techniques (either temporary or permanent). d. Sediment control measures.
In addressing erosion and sediment control, the following principles should be used as a guide:
* Maintain/replant vegetative cover where possible. minimise quarried/bare areas. 1 1 implement temporary and final rehabilitation. latl
The Department of Conservation and Land Management incorporates: the Soil Conservation Service, Crown Lands Service, Land Information Centre, Valuer-General's Office, Land Titles Office and Forestry Policy Unit. 2 * Control runoff minimise slope grades and lengths of quarried/bare areas. safely divert runoff from above quarried/bare areas. provide vegetated channels/watercourses for concentrated flows exceeding 1 metre/second velocity.
Retain settleable eroded material on-site construct sediment detention channels below actively quarried areas. Flows from these channels is diverted safely to vegetated watercourses and/or sediment detention dams. construct sediment detention dams in strategic locations in watercourses.
* Implement effective maintenance of all erosion and sediment control works. repair/revegetate eroded channels and watercourses. desilt structures as necessary to ensure their effectiveness in detaining sediments, and dispose of/utilise desilted material in a responsible manner.
I note in the synopsis attached to your letter dated 1 June 1994 that reference is made to the preparation of a management plan. This department supports the preparation of a management plan and would seek to be involved in any consultative process.
Consistent with your offer in the second paragraph of your letter of 1 June 1994, that a joint site inspection be carried out, I wish to advise that I would support this approach if you believe it desirable or necessary. If such an inspection were to be arranged I suggest that the inspection be jointly with yourself, CaLM and EPA in order to foster a mutually acceptable, consistent approach.
Should you require clarification or further information please contact me on (066) 725488.
Yours faithfully
H. .H~BP Iu ng e or District Soil Conservationist MURWILLUMBAH Ll ri Department of Mineral Resources 19 JUL NEW SOUTH WALES GOVERNMENT !ff MINES INSPECTiON BRANCH UITE 5 LEVEL 4 9 MOLES WORTH STREET - LISMORE NSW 2480 P0 BOX 574 LISMORE NSW 2480 Mr B.J. Mackney TELEPHONE (066) 221 081 Brian J. Mackney & Assoc. Pty Ltd FACSIMILE (066) 222 061 Coopers Shoot Road, BANGALOW. NSW. 2479.
18 July 1994
Dear Sir,
Re: Proposed Quarry at Environ Road.
Further to your letter dated 01 June 1994 in which you request advice on issues which should be addressed by an E.I.S. for the proposed development, the following recommendations are made. A thorough description of the proposal and its various stages should be made to establish an understanding of it. This section should discuss the planned stages of physical quarry development and should include detail of topsoil stripping and storage, overburden removal, working faces, stockpile locations, treatment plant location, transport access, dust suppression water supply and extraction methods. This section is essentially a working plan and proposal. A description of the planned approach for progressive and final rehabilitation or final use should be made to establish an understanding of the post mining land form. This section should indicate the differences between pre and post mining topography and should describe the various stages of rehabilitation. This section is essentially a rehabilitation plan and proposal. A description of steps to be taken to protect neighbouring landowners and the environment from impact from the development should be made. This section should include details of steps taken against the generation of dust, noise, blasting nuisance, erosion and siltation and is essentially an impact protection proposal. The preparation of a Plan of Management for the development is also recommended, which should identify all issues of ongoing concern or consideration. Methods of monitoring, addressing or ameliorating concerns should be identified in the Plan and an annual reporting process established. I trust that these comments are of assistance in your deliberations. Yours sincerely,
I/I LZY, AB F. gional Inspector of Mines Lismore New South Wales Government .
Telex: 166966 Ecotech International Pty Facsimile: (066) 43 1161 Coopers Shoot Road, Telephone: (066) 42 7799 Bangalow, Ext: NSW 2479 Contact Name: Our Reference: John Schndt 6027805
Attention: Brian Mackney
Dear Sir
Re: Proposed Quarry Extensions t; Quirks Quarry Lot 12 DP 601427 Environ Rd Buglars Quarry Lot 4, DP 719891, Woodsford Rd O'Keefe's Quarry Lot 2, DP 590220 Bartletts Rd O'Keefe's Quarry Lot 28 DP 615931 Cuduen
As the 'States' water manager, the Department of Water Resources has responsibility to ensure that any development does not detrimentally effect surface and groundwater quality and quantity, nor diminish the ecology of our river systems.
The Department supports appropriately located hard rock quarries in preference to river based extraction.
All sites were briefly inspected on the 8/7/94.
The following issues should be considered in the preparation of the EIS.
Legislation
A license under the Water Act may be required if the proposal involves pumping from a creek or bore for washing or other purposes.
Site Drainage
Describe the surface and groundwater characteristics of the site
Identify local surface and groundwater usage including bore I pump locations and yields.
Describe provisions made to protect the quality and availability of this resource.
Discuss the impacts of the proposal in relation to; surface flows the health of the watercourses present
Department of Water Resources • 50 Victoria Street, Grafton • P.O. Box 371, Grafton NSW 2460 2
Water Management Plan
Provide a detailed water management plan detailing how the water will be managed on site for each phase of the operation. In particular,
drainage systems mechanism of surface water discharge from the site into existing drainages groundwater inflows
Water quality
Detail management of the stormwater runoff to prevent contamination of surface water and the related water environment.
Identify the levels of turbidity expected from the activities during various sized storm events and address how this will be managed.
Detail strategies to prevent contamination of surface water from machinery servicing and fuel storage systems.
Site Management
Outhne how the proposed extraction site will be managed, with particular reference to; method and rate of extraction, any washing, screening, crushing location of fuel storage and machinery maintenance facilities proximity to water systems vegetative buffer strips and drainage reserves the staged pit design including the final Iandform rehabilitation methods revegetation plan For anyfaithfully further discussion please contact John Schmidt on 066 427799
chmidt nal Environmental Officer fNorth Coast Region 4/8/94 July 19, 1994.
NSW NATIONAL Brian J. Mackney PARKS AND and Associates Pty Ltd. WILDLIFE Coopers Shoot Road BANGALOW 2479. SERVICE
Ourreference: F0015/N94-44 to N94-47, 2 JUL 199 our reterence: I Dear Sir, ANS-
Re: Proposed Quarry Extensions; Bugler's Quarry, O'Keefe Quarry (Lot 28), O'Keefe's Quarry (Bartlett's ), and Quirk' S Quarry. Reference is made to your separate correspondences each dated 1.6.94 concerning the above matters. As all these matters are of a similar nature we are responding to them collectively.
The proposed EIS's should each include a detatiled description of flora and fauna occurring in the respective sites and consider the effects of the proposed developments on these. Specific attention should be paid to the effects of the proposed developments on endangered flora.
The proposed EIS's should each consider whether the respective proposee activities will have a significant effect on the environment of endangered fauna by taking into account the factors set out under section 4A ,of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act,1979 (the "seven-point test"). Lismore District If it is determined that any of the activities will have a significant Suite9 impact on the environment of Colonial Arcade endangered fauna, a Fauna Impact Statement (FIS) must be prepared for 75MainStreet that activity in accordance with Alstonvjlle section 92D of the National Parks and Wildlife Act, 1974. Alternatively, POBox9l by addressing s.92D within the Alstonvifle2477 EIS, no separate FIS is required (ie it becomes an FIS/EIS equivalent). Tel: (066) 28 1177 Fax: (066) 283937 On each of the areas there is potential for the occurence of Aboriginal sites. Because Aboriginal sites 43Head Office are protected under the NPW Act, 1974, we recommend Bridge Street that an archaeological survey be undertaken by an HurstvilleNSW appropriately qualified 'person, and that advice be Australia sought from the Tweed Byron Local Aboriginal Land POBoxI967 Hurstvjlle 2220 Tel: (02) 585 6444 Fax: (02) 585 6555 Austi-aLian-'rnade 100% recycLed paper Council regarding any concerns they may have with the proposed activities.
If you need further advice please contact Lance Tarvey at this office. Thank you for the opportunity to comment on these matters.
Yours faithfully,
Guy Holloway District Manager Lismore District. r.. I PUBLIC RH:CS (WLE2916) CR095 %VE3R!CS
1 \1
The Director Brian J. Mackney & Associates Pty Ltd Coopers Shoot Road BANGALOW 2479 Contact: R. Hagley Phone: (066) 201 639
JUN. 1994 Dear Sir
Proposed Quarry Extension, Quirks Quarry Environ Road
I refer to your letter of 1 June, 1994 concerning preparation of an EIS for the subject quarry extension.
Public Works considers that the EIS should address the following issues:
* As parts of the subject lands are flood liable, the EIS should assess the impact of floods on the development and the impact of the development on flooding behaviour. For guidelines in dealing with flood liable lands I refer you to the Government's Floodplain Development Manual.
* Surface water drainage should be addressed by a management plan which provides adequate safeguards to minimise entry of pollutants, nutrients and sediments into the adjacent drainage system.
* The presence of potential acid-sulphate soils and their impact on the development should be investigated. The EIS should present a plan for their management and control and I refer you to the EPA's Draft Guidelines for Assessment and Management of Coastal Land Developments in Areas of Acid Sulphate Soils.
I trust these comments are of assistance.
Yours faithfully
aap lien Local Government North Coast Region
ANS
Qi A! - I'IVft F- VA! .UF - INNO\ A 11 'N
NSW Pt 'Ut ft Woi,, Ks 1)t- I \R TM NI I ISNI()F-F 01!K1 P.O. R )X 7-1 Roads and Traffic Our reference: 438.5314 GC:DM Authority Mr Charleston (066) 40 1339 North Coast Zone Your reference:
R T A
Brian J Mackney and Associates Pty Ltd afton Coopers Shoot Road New South Waies 2462 BANGALOW NSW 2479 Soeonone (066) - Faurne (066) 1-60 PC Box 576 Cfton NSW 2460 DX 7610
Te'ephone (066) 401300 TWEED COUNCIL. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT Facse (066) 401 301 FOR PROPOSED QUARRY EXTENSION QUIRK'S QUARRY, ENVIRON ROAD. LOT 12 IN DEPOSITED PLAN 601427.
Dear Sir
I refer to your letter dated 1 June 1994 concerning the above and advise that the Environmental Impact Statement should include a traffic study to determine the impact of the additional volume of traffic generated by this proposal on the surrounding road network and ultimately the Pacific Highway. This traffic study should take into account the key issues set out in Section 2.3 of the Authority's "Guide to Traffic Generating Developments 1993". Current AUSTROADS standards should be adopted when designing any necessary upgrading of the surrounding road infrastructure with Safe Intersection Sight Distance provided at access points.
It is noted that your client Mr Quirk has been advised of the potential effect that the proposed MotQrway from Billinudgel to Chinderah may have on this 4 . property and was recently forwarded a copy of the Environmental Impact Statement for this project. The exhibition period for the EIS closed on 9 June 1994.
The Authority considers that products from this quarry are important for ongoing construction and maintenance needs of the State and Regional road network.
The Authority supports the identification and preservation of areas containing essential deposits for future community use.
Yours faithfully
/
P J Collins Zone Manager
THERE'S NO FUTURE IN SPEEDING, / flLU9 A I JUN t I i1J -----L
The Director Environment Protection Brian J. Mackney and Associates Pty Ltd Authority Coopers Shoot Road New Soh WaIe BANGALOW NSW 2479 NSW Government Offices 49 Victoria Street P0 Box 498 G rafton Our Reference: GR1 19 N S W 2460
Your Reference: Telephone .066. 42 0535 1.4 J U N 1994 Facsimile .066. 42 7743 Contact: Jon Keats
Dear Sir
PROPOSED QUARRY EXTENSION - QUIRK'S QUARRY, ENVIRON ROAD
Thank you for your letter of 1 June 1994 concerning the preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to support the proposed extension of the above quarry.
A sunimary of the issues relevant to the Environment Protection Authority which should be addressed in the EIS is attached.
Should you have any enquiries concerning this matter please contact Jon Keats at our Grafton Office. Yours faithfully
DR IAN WOODWARD Regional Manager North Coast for Director-Genera].
' ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION AUTHORITY
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR THE PREPARATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENTS ASSOCIATED WITH EXTRACTIVE INDTJSTRIES.
Air Pollution Control
If more than 50 tonnes of material per annum will be processed on-site by crushing or dry sieving, the premises will be scheduled under the clean Air Act, 1961. The establishment or upgrading of the quarry will therefore require the EPA's formal approval under the Pollution Control Act, 1970, prior to the commencement of any work.
The Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) should describe the items of plant proposed for processing of material, the intended production rate, on-site working hours and details of any measures proposed for the control of air pollution from the site. Noise Pollution Control
If the site area available to be worked is more than 20,000 square metres the premises will be scheduled under the Noise Control Act.
The EIS should discuss the likely sources of noise from the site and indicate the distance to the nearest residence. If a noise impact is possible the EIS should include a Noise Impact Statement (NIS) from a recognised consultant.
The EPA's general requirement is that the maximum noise level from the premises (LA10) should not exceed the background level (LA90) by more than 5 dB(A) when measured at the boundary of the nearest affected residence.
If blasting is proposed the NIS should include an assessment of overpressure (dB(linear)) and ground vibration (rnm/sec) at the nearest affected residence. Water Pollution Control
The EIS should discuss the measures proposed to control the discharge of polluted waters from the site. The EPA would normally seek the direction of all runoff from working areas of the quarry to an appropriately sized sedimentation dam. Any discharge from the dam would need to contain a non-filtrable residue level of less than 50 mg / L.
The EIS should also discuss proposed rehabilitation and revegetation measures. erosion/sedimentation. _
PLEASE QUOTE PF5970/90 PF0450/200 PF0450/21 0 PF1 960/540
YOUR REF No,
Mr Mark Swain
TELEPHONE DIRECT () (066) 720456 THE L08A23 TWEED COU.NClL
. 17 August 1994
i Mr B J Mackney & Associates Pty Ltd Coopers Shoot Road :' BANGALOW 2479 o ' Dear Sir, • • Lot 12 DP 601427, Eviron Road, Condong; Lot 2DP"590220, Bàrtlétts Road, Condong; Lot 28 DP 615931, Bartletts Road, Condong & Lot 4 DP 719891, Woodfords Road, Reserve Creek
Reference is made to your letters of 1 June, 1994 regarding the abovementioned locations and site inspections carried out on 8 August, 1994 by yourself, Mr Pickles (Consultant Town Planner) and Messrs Missingham, Edwards and Swain of Council. It is confirmed that the purpose of the site inspections carried out to familiarise relevant officers of Council with the quarry sites existing on the properties and to identify major issues which might arise in consideration of applications for continuing quarry activity beyond the end of the moratorium period under State Environmental Planning Policy No. 37 - Continued Mines and Extractive Industries (le. 18 September 1995).
With regard to the Eviron Road property and Lot 28 Bartletts Road it was agreed the issues of major concern in consideration of any application would relate to access and noise. In relation to the site at Lot 2 Bartletts Road in addition to the above matters the objective of reducing visual impact was also highlighted, having regard to the number of properties visible from the site across the cane flats to the north.
- - • 'i ILL I I o1.jLi. - a.11 'ijc •i__.. . .-. ._ vv.....j Limr'*...., : ',i y .s..,; , •,. regarding the noise impact associated with drilling operations and the physical inability to comply with Environmental Protection Authority noise limits that currently exist under relevant legislation. As put forward by yourself this is an issue which faces the industry at large, the resolution of which may well be prompted by consideration of the large volume of applications expected to flow from the provisions of State Environmental Planning Policy No. 37. Certainly, consideration of any applications by this Council will involve close liaison with the Environmental Protection Authority at the relevant time.
In addition and as discussed Council will now await submission of draft documents in relation to all of the sites to allow for adjudication on the requirement for a formal Environmental Impact Statement or a Statement of Environmental Effects in accordance with the provisions of the State Policy. Also, as agreed the draft documents would also be perused by' Councils Division of Engineering Services and/or the relevant traffic committee as appropriate. /2
CIVIC AND CULTURAL CENTRE, MURWILLUMBAH 'dUZYOICOHtAZfl P0. BOX 84 MURWILLUMBAR N.W. 2484 TELEPHONE: (066)72 0400 - FAX: (066) 72 0429 ALL COMMUNICATIONS MUST BE ADDRESSED 10 THE GENERAL MANAGER 17 August 1994 Mr BJ Mackney & Associates Pty Ltd Page 2
With regard to the property at Lot 4 Woodfords Road advice has previously been provided to the owner and it is herewith confirmed that the excavation existing at this site has not been registered under State Environmental Planning Policy No. 37 - Continued Mines and Extractive Industries. Hence, the application requirements in relation to this property are determined by reference to the provisions of Schedule 3 to the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 as amended on 1 July 1994. I enclose a copy of the relevant extract from these provisions for your information and similarly will await your draft submission in this regard.
Finally, in relation to your enquiries relating to likely upgrade requirements for access roads Director of Engineering Services provides the following comments in this regard:
"1. Quirks
- Existing access on highway is temporary and OK.
- proposed access onto Eviron and Duranbah Roads would require some a further upgrading to provide adequate sight distance and grade onto existing road.
O'Keefes
- should address actual routes onto dedicated roads
- No major problems forseen
Buglers
5, 000m3/year = 3 trips/day.
- possibly requires some minor improvement work on corners of Round Mountain Road.
10, QQQ(773 +/year.
- would require full widening of Round Mountain Road from Reserve Creek Road to swamp flats."
For any further enquiries in relation to the above matters please contact Mr Swain of Councils Development Services Division.
Yours faithfully
ry Smith M ager Development Control D16veloment Services Division Environment The Director Protection Brain J Mackney and Associates Pty Ltd A u t h o r i t y Coppers Shoot Road New South WaIe BANGALOW NSW 2479 1 NSW Government Offices 49 Victoria Street : PD Box 498 Grafton Our Reference: GR 119/24 NSW2460 U Telephone .066.420535 Your Reference: U N 1994 Facsimile .066. 42 7743 Contact: STEVE SMALL
Dear Sir, PROPOSED QUARRY EXTENSIONS We refer to our recent correspondence in respect of several proposed quarry extensions in the Tweed Council region. We have noted that some of the proposals will require further investigation than previously advised. The following matters should be addressed in the Environmental Impact Statements (EIS) where appropriate: 1 AIR POLLUTION
1.1 Disturbed areas should be kept to a minimum and worked areas should have a rehabilitation plan agreed to by relevant authorities before works are expanded or commenced. 2. WATER POLLUTION
2.1 All runoff from disturbed areas should be collected and passed to suitable sized silt traps and or sedimentation dams. In order for these structures to be effective it is important that water is quickly removed to ensure optimum storage capacity is maintained at all times. The details of the pollution control proposed should include system losses (reuse, irrigation and infiltration) to minimise wastewater discharge from the site. 2.2 Wastewater which must be discharged should be discharged in accordance with a licence from the EPA. It is anticipated that the following wastewater quality would be acceptable: Less than 50 milligrams per litre of non filtrable residue. Free from oil and grease nor contain more than 10 milligrams per litre of grease and oil.
C. Have a pH value between 6.5 and 8.5 d. Have a turbidity level determined after laboratory trials. (These trials would use a flocculent and would demonstrate a time when the addition of the flocculent did not change the turbidity of the sample.) 2.3 The discharge of acid water from acid sulphate soils has the potential to cause environmental harm. Drainage waters from these soils can affect estuarine water quality, leading to the death or disease of aquatic organisms. For this reason the EPA recommends that acid, sulphate soils should not be quarried for use as fill material. If no other source of acceptable fill is available, such as river sands or soils that do not have acid sulphate potential, all appropriate measures must be employed to eliminate the potential for acid discharges.
NOISE
3.1 Where approporiate, a detailed assessment should be undertaken of the noise impact of unladen vehicles travelling along access roads and the subsequent impact on local residences. Impact noise from empty trucks on gravel roads or poorly located access routes can have a significant impact on rural residences that are accustomed to low background noise levels.
3.2 The hours of operation should be based on the guidelines recommended in the Noise Control Manual (EPA) unless there is no audible noise at the nearest affected residence. The recommended hours are 7.00 am to 6.00 pm Monday to Friday, 8.00 am to 1.00 pm Saturdays and at no time on Sundays or Public Holidays.
OTHER ASPECTS 4.1 Details of any cattle tick dip sites or other potential contaminated sites situated on the access roads or within the proposed site should be addressed in any proposals for the quarries.
If you require further advice or information you may contact Steve Small of the EPA on 066 726134.
Yours faithfully, Lc DR IAN WOODWARD Regional Manager - North Coast for Director-General APPENDIX C
FLORA AND FAUNA ASSESSMENT JAMES WARREN Biological and Environmental Consultant
J & T Warren 19Montego Parade, P 0 Box 490 Alstonville 2477 Alstonville 2477 Ph/Fax 066-28 5849 Mobile 018-66 1392
FLORA AND FAUNA ASSESSMENT
Al: QUIRK'S QUARRY Lot 12 in DP 601427 Parish of Cudgen, County of Rous, Eviron Road, Duranbah
Client: Brian J Mackney & Associates Pty Ltd (on behalf of R G Quirk)
JANUARY 1995
CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION I Background 1.2 Study Site 1.3 Land Use Zonings and Policies 1.4 Geology and Soils
VEGETATION 2.1 Introduction 2.2 Vegetation Communities 2.3 Status of Vegetation Component
FAUNA 3.1 Introduction 3.2 Site Habitats 3.3 Endangered Fauna 3.3.1 Introduction 3.3.2 Fauna Records 3.4 Site Fauna 3.4.1 Introduction 3.4.2 Fauna Survey Results 3.5 Fauna Analysis
CONSERVATION ANALYSIS
WATER MANAGEMENT and REHABILITATION 5.1 Introduction 5.2 Water Management Plan 5.3 Soil Conservation and Rehabilitation Plan
SECTION 92D CONSIDERATIONS
CONCLUSIONS
REFERENCES
APPENDICES 1. ThITRODUCTION
1.1 Background
JAMES WARREN Biological & Environmental Consultant has been commissioned by Brian J Mackney & Associates Pty Ltd to complete a flora and fauna assessment of Lot 12 in DP 601427, Parish of Cudgen, County of Rous on Eviron Road, Duranbah.
The development proposal relates to quarry extensions.
An integral part of this assessment will involve an analysis of the following matters;
Vegetation types present on the site. Condition of vegetation present on the site. Presence of significant plant species. Habitat value of the site for native fauna. Native fauna on the site. Presence of significant fauna. Corridor / link value of the site. Likely consequences of the development on remaining adjacent areas of significant vegetation.
A development application of this nature is normally accompanied by an Environmental Report which addresses Section 4A of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, 1979. Section 4A is an Amendment to this Act which was introduced as a result of the Gazettal of the Endangered Fauna (Interim) Protection Act, 1991. Section 4A sets out seven (7) factors to be taken into account in deciding if "there is likely to be a significant effect on the environment of protected fauna". This test applies to amendments to Sections 77, 90 and 112 of the EP & A Act.
Section 92D of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act (1979) contains amendments which have been enacted by the ga.zettal of the Endangered fauna (Interim) Protection Act (1991). The Section 92D (4) of the National Parks & Wildlife Act provides that a separate Fauna Impact Statement (FIS) is not needed if an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) addresses the Section 92D matters normally addressed in an FIS. The Section 92D factors will be considered in this Report, however, it is considered that all Section 4A matters are addressed as part of the Section 92D Assessment.
1.2 Study Site
The Study Site is situated on Eviron Road, Duranbah approximately 1.5 kilometres south of the Pacific Highway at Stotts island and approximately 4 kilometres south-east of the village of Tumbulgum. The bulk of the low lying northern portion of the site is being
utilised for sugar cane farming whilst the southern, elevated land contains the meta- sediments which have been quarried here and also in nearby locations. The elevated land has been highly disturbed in the past with clearance of the original vegetation for grazing purposes. Camphor laurel and Blackwood wattle dominate the grazed land which has regrown to some degree whilst native Eucalypt/Lophostemon species dominate the very steep north-eastern side of the existing quarry where clearance has occurred in the past however grazing grasses have not precluded the regrowth of native species.
FIGURE 1 shows the location of the site in the regional context.
1.3 Land Use Zonings and Policies
The land on which the quarry is located falls within 1(a) GENERAL RURAL zone (Tweed Shire Council Local Environmental Plan, 1988). Within this zone extractive industry is permissible with the consent of Council, however it is considered that the quarry has existing use rights, having been in operation since the time of introduction of town planning controls.
FIGURE 2 the landuse zones applicable to the locality.
1.4 Geology and Soils
The site is characterised by basement rock described as Neranleigh - Fernvale metamorphics. Here they are a sequence of cherts, shales and minor sandstones. The ridge probably represents the erosional remnants of an ancient mountain range, now merely hills protruding from the floodplain. The soils are greyish silty clays with quartz pebbles. /LJ Clob SLSC
CUDGEN HEADLANP
Cucip s
/PT4t k st - k CREEK'-',.
-,- 45 - (1r N, I\DRANSA .- Li '
JI - - - C.MPJWOI[umbin Sk I - - '- Coorio den Mt\
LQHIERSCREEK 01 ROU T d / ib o9an9arCahaflfa Beach) VoIIey, ; I M%N ES -: u,;t
FIGURE 1 Locality
JAMES WARREN Biological & Environmental Consultant 5 Tc-
FIGURE 2 Zoning
J,'J1ES WARREN Biological & Environmental Consultant 5
2. VEGETATION
2.1 Introduction
The field survey work was carried out in June 1994. The site was covered in great detail and it is considered that a high percentage of plant species present were recorded.
Mapping of the vegetation in the Study Site was assisted by utilising a topographic plan derived from an enlarged recent colour aerial photograph.
2.2 Vegetation Communities
The following is a description of the vegetation communities occurring on the site. The classification system utilised to describe the structural forms of the vegetation is based on Specht (1981). Generic terms have been utilised for some communities to embellish the main structural classification.
FIGURE 3 shows the distribution of vegetation types on the site. APPENDIX 1 contains a list of plant species recorded on the Study site.
COMMUNITY 1 - CLOSED / OPEN FOREST (Wet Scierophyll)
Structure : Trees to 25 metres in height Shrubs to 4 metres in height Ferns to 0.5 metres in height Grasses to 2 metres in height Herbs to 0.3 metres in height Rushes to 0.5 metres in height Lillies to 0.4 metres in height. Climbers present
Habitat: Slight to steeply sloping land with a very thin topsoil.
Distribution: Occurs as a small community along the north-eastern boundary of the existing quarry. CLOSED/OPEN FOREST (Wet Scierophyll)
CLOSED/OPEN FOREST (Camphor laurel - Blackwood wattle)
GRASSLAND
SUGAR CANE
FIGURE 3 Vegetation
JAMES WARREN Biological & Environmental Consultant
Leo
Trees : Eucalyptus intermedia E. microcolys E. pilularis E. siderophloia Guia semiglauca Lophostemon confertus Daviesia cirborea
Shrubs Lantana camara Ficus coronata Crytoca,ya microneura Maytenus disperma Archontophoenix cunninghamiana Cinnamomum camphora
Ferns : Pieridium esculentum Sticherusfiabel/atus
Grasses : Oplismenus imbecillis Imperata cylindrica
Seedlings: Cinnamomum camphora
Herbs: Ageratina adenophora A. riparia
Rushes: Lomandra longifolia
Lillies : Diane/la caerulea
Climbers : Sm/lax australis S. glyciphylla Geitonoplesium cymosum 7
COMMUNITY 2- CLOSED / OPEN FOREST (Camphor laurel - Blackwood wattle)
Structure : Trees to 18 metres in height Shrubs to 4 metres in height Rushes to 0.5 metres in height Herbs to 0.4 metres in height Ferns to 0.5 metres in height Lillies to 0.4 metres in height Grasses to 0.4 metres in height Climbers present
Habitat: Slight to steeply sloping land with a very thin topsoil.
Distribution : Occurs mainly in the southern and south-western portions of the property.
Trees: Cinnamomum camphora A cacia melanoxylon Lophostemon confertus Eucalyptus microcolys E. p/lu/arEs Commersonia bartramia A/ph/ton/a excelsa Ma/lotus philippensis Glochidion sumatranum Psidium guavaja Duboisia myoporoides Mangifera indica Araucaria cunningham/i
Shrubs: Cinnamomum camphora Acacia melanoxylon Guioa semiglauca Zieria smith/i Endiandra globosa Zieria smith/i Eupomatia laurina Ma/lotus philippensis Glochidion sumatranum Solanum mauritianum Duboisia myoporoides Lantana camara Aiphitonia excelsa
Rushes : Lomandra longfo/ia
Herbs Ageratina riparia
Ferns : Pieridi urn esculeniurn Lasireopsis sp. B/echnzini cartilagine urn
Lillies : Dianella caerulea
Grasses : Oplismenus imbeci/lis Paspalum notatum
Climbers : Smilax austra/is Geitonoplesium cymosurn Mac/nra cochinchinensis Hibbertia scandens
COMMUNITY 3- GRASSLAND
Structure: Grasses to 0.4 metres in height Herbs to 0.5 metres in height Ferns to 0.6 metres in height Rushes to 0.5 metres in height Shrubs to 5 metres in height Trees to 15 metres in height
Habitat : Slight to steeply sloping land with a thin topsoil.
Distribution: Occurs in the south-western and southern portions of the site. Grasses : Andropogon virginicus C/i/or/s gayana Se/aria sphacelata Axonopus affinis Imperata cylindrica Paspalum spp.
Herbs : Senecio madagascariensis Cirsium vulgare Ageratum houstonianum Ageratina adenophora A. riparia
Ferns Pleridium esculentum
Rushes: Lomandra longifolia
Shrubs: Cinnamomum camphora A cacia me/an oxylon Baccharis ha1imfolia
Trees: Cinnamomum camphora Acacia melanoxylon Ficus macrophylla
2.3 Status of Vegetation Component
This section discusses, in detail, the following features of the various vegetation communities;
# Condition # History of disturbance including their stage of regeneration and the presence of exotics # Presence of significant plant species 10
ANALYSIS
COMMUNITY 1- CLOSED I OPEN FOREST (Wet Scierophyll)
This small community is in a relatively poor condition as a result of past disturbance activities, particularly clearance. The community is dominated by Blackbutt, Ironbark and Brushbox. Very few older growth trees occur. There are a small number of trees occurring in this community which have obvious value to obligate tree hollow dwellers.
The community contains a small diversity of Rainforest plants, including the common regrowth species Red ash, Red kamala, Jackwood, Guioa and Sandpaper fig. Lantana and Mistflower occur in high density in places.
Wet Sclerophyll Forest on metasediments is considered to be common on the North Coast of NSW (Grifliths, 1993).
COMMUNITY 2- CLOSED / OPEN FOREST (Camphor laurel - Blackwood wattle)
A very disturbed community which represents regrowth after complete clearance of the original vegetation. The original vegetation would probably have been Wet Scierophyll Forest. The community is dominated by the common regrowth species Camphor laurel and Blackwood wattle with Mistflower and Lantana occurring in high density in places.
One (1) significant (Briggs & Leigh, 1988) plant species was recorded in this community;
Endiandra globosa (Black walnut) 2RC-
2 species with a vely restricted distribution in Australia and with a maximum geographic range of less than 100km. R Rare- species not currently considered to be Endangered or Vulnerable. C a species know'n to be represented within a National Park or other proclaimed Reserve. - when used in conjunction with 'C', indicates that the species has been recorded from a Reserve or Reserves but that the population size within the Reserve(s) is unknown.
A good number of these plants occurs along the mid-portion of the southern boundary of the site. The location of these plants are shown in FIGURE 3. 11
COMMUNITY 3- GRASSLAND
This community is obviously in poor condition compared to its original condition as a Wet Scierophyll Forest with a strong Rainforest understorey component. It is dominated by aggressive exotic grass species such as Carpet grass and other introduced grasses. Very little native regrowth is occurring in this community, the major regrowth being either Camphor laurel or Blackwood wattle.
No significant plant species were recorded in this community. 12
3. FAUNA
3.1 Introduction
The following sections detail the habitats available on the site for fauna, Endangered fauna known to occur in the locality, Endangered fauna considered likely to occur on the site, the results of the fauna survey carried out on the site and an analysis of the fauna results.
3.2 Site Habitats
There are four habitat types occurring on the site:
The open quarry area which offers virtually no cover or protection for most faunal species which may occur in the area. Some regrowth is occurring in the quarry on steep quarry faces, however, this habitat type has little value.
The grassland provides some cover for small to medium size mammals and also for reptiles and amphibians. Small insectivorous birds may also utilise this type of habitat. This habitat type also has little value but would provide more benefit to fauna than the open quarry area.
The drains which occur on or adjacent to the site will provide habitat for frogs, Red- bellied black snakes and Water fowl e.g. Purple swamp hen and Black duck. It is likely that Microchiropteran bats would utilise the drains as forage habitat.
The regrowth forest featuring Camphor laurel and Blackwood wattle will provide cover and protection for all types of native fauna. The understorey is not fully developed and will therefore be of little benefit to secretive small and medium size mammals. Camphor laurel is well known to provide a rich source of seasonal fruit for frugivorous birds e.g. Fruit doves. Blackwood wattle provides little in the way of food source for native mammals. Both trees will provide nesting and roosting space for native birds and perhaps some possums. 13
The regrowth forest featuring native Eucalypt species (particularly Blackbutt) with Rainforest shrub understorey will provide cover and protection for all types of native fauna. Where the understorey is fully developed with Rainforest shrubs, it will provide habitat for a wide diversity of native faunal species - reptiles, birds and mammals. The Eucalypts will provide a seasonal source of nectar for nectivorous birds and mammals e.g. Honeyeaters, Megachiropteran bats and the leaves of Tallowwwoods will provide food for foliovores such as Koalas. A small number of old growth Eucalypts will provide hollows for obligate nest dwellers including birds and arboreal mammals and perhaps Microchiropteran bats. The Rainforest shrubs in the understorey will provide a source of fruit for frugivorous native birds.
3.3 Endangered Fauna
3.3.1 Introduction
Prior to fieldwork being carried out on the Study Site, a Computer check on NPWS records and an investigation of the Endangered species most likely to be found on the site was carried out.
According to the NPWS records and the habitat which occurs on the site, it is considered that the following significant (Part 2 - Vulnerable and Rare in Schedule 12 of the NPW Act) faunal species are possible occurrences on or near the site.
Rose-crowned fruit dove Ptilinopus regina Swift parrot Lathamus discolor Powerfiul owl Ninox strenua Masked owl Tyto novaehollandiae Little bent-wing bat Miniopteris australis Common bent-wing bat M. schreibersii Greater broad-nosed bat Scoteanax ruepellii Queensland blossom bat Syconycteris australis Eastern freetail bat Mormopteris norfolkensis Yellow-bellied sheathtail bat Taphozusfiaviventris Northern long-eared bat Nyctophilus bfax Hoary bat Chalinolobus nigrogriseus White-eared monarch Monarcha leucotis Red goshawk Erythrotriorchis radiatus Square-tailed kite Lophoictinia isura Brush-tailed phascogale Phascogale tapoatafa Yellow-bellied glider Petaurus australis Squirrel glider P. norfolcensis Koala Phascolarctos cinereus
Details of the ecology of these endangered faunal species is contained in APPENDIX 3 to this report. 14
3.4 SITE FAUNA
Fauna survey work involved utilising the following techniques:
* A survey of the birds was carried out. A standardised survey of the site was not carried out due to the very small and disturbed size of the site. Observations were carried out for one hour in the morning and one hour in the late afternoon.
* A small mammal trapping (Elliott traps) survey consisting of 90 trap nights.
* A cage trapping survey consisting of 15 trap nights.
* A hair tube sampling survey consisting of 90 sampling nights.
* A microchiropteran bat survey consisting of 1 Harp net and recording bat ultra-sound calls with an Anabat H recorder and analysing their calls.
* A nocturnal spotlighting survey.
* Playing recorded bird call and frog call tapes to elicit responses from endangered fauna.
* Searching the sites for signs of fauna activity i.e. droppings, bones, tracks, diggings, nestholes or runways.
Trapping sites were selected by ground survey and were designed to cover the forested areas of the site as these were most likely to provide habitat for mammal fauna. FIGURE 4 shows the location of the sampling sites. This figure also shows the location of captures or significant observations.
All Elliott traps, cages and hair tubes were baited with a mixture of peanut butter, rolled oats, honey and vanilla or pistachio essence. The cages were also baited with fresh apple.
Other methods utilised included general daytime observations and search for scats, bones, etc. Trapline
t------4 Hair tube line
A Harp net location
FIGURE 4 Trapping locations
JAMES WARREN Biological & Environmental Consultant 15
The survey was carried out during the late autumn period. The timing of the survey at this time may lead to undersampling of some species particularly the poikilotherms (amphibians and reptiles) and migratory birds. Sampling of amphibians was reliant on call identification and as different amphibians call at different times of the year undersampling can occur.
Amphibians 0 Common eastern froglet Crinia signfera 0 Brown-striped frog Limnodynastes peronii 0 Rocket frog Litoria nasuta Reptiles 0 Grass skink Lampropholis delicata 0 Blue-tongue lizard Tiliqua scincoides 0 Yellow-faced whip snake Demansia psammophis
Birds 0 Whistling kite Milvus sphenurus 0 Black-shouldered kite Elanus notatus 0 Black duck Ancis superciliosa 0 Yellow thornbill Acanthiza nona 0 Silvereye Zosterops lateralis 0 Golden whistler Pachycephala pectoralis 0 Purple swamphen Porphyrio porphyrio 0 Superb blue wren Malurus cyaneus 0 Pheasant coucal Centropus phasianinus 0 Sacred ibis Thres/ciornis aethiopicus 0 Magpie lark Grallina cyanoleuca 0 Magpie Gymnorhina tibicen 0 Pied butcherbird Cracticus nigrogularis 0 Pied currawong Strepera graculina 0 Plover Vane//us miles 0 Crow Corvus orru 0 Galah Cacatua roseicapilla 0 Grey fantail Rhipidurafuliginosa 0 Laughing kookaburra Dacelo novaeguineae 0 Eastern whipbird Psophodes olivaceus 0 Superb blue wren Malurus cyaneus 0 Bar-shouldered dove Geopelia humeralis 0 Crested pigeon Ocyphaps lophotes 0 Fan-tailed cuckoo Cacomantisflabellformis 0 Black-faced cuckoo shrike Coracina novaehollandiae 0 Scaly-breasted lorikeet Trichoglossus haemotodus 0 Lewin's honeyeater Meliphaga lewinii 16
Birds continued...
White-throated tree creeper Cormobates leucophaea Varied triller Lalage leucomela
Mammals 0 Fox* Vulpes vulpes CT Ringtail possum Pseudocheirus peregrinus HT Antechinus Antechinus sp. S/Sc Koala** Phascolarcios cinereus S Swamp Wallaby Wa/labia bicolor HT Bush rat? Rattusfuscipes ET Mouse* Mus musculus E White-striped mastiff bat Tadarida australis E Little free-tail bat A/form opterus loriae
O Observed S Scat Sc Scratches ET Elliott trap HT Hair tube E Echo location * intioduced Schedule 12 species
3.5 Fauna Analysis
3.5.1 Site Fauna
The fauna survey recorded the occurrence of 3 amphibian, 3 reptile, 29 bird and 9 (7 native) mammal species. The amphibians were recorded in a drainage line adjacent to the existing quarry. The site generally does not provide habitat for frogs. The highly disturbed nature of the site also has reduced its value for reptiles, birds and mammals. The site has been completely in the cleared in the past and grazed. The main vegetation occurring on the site is regrowth Camphor laurel with a small area of native Eucalypt forest along the steep north-eastern slopes of the quarry. All of the birds recorded are locally and regionally common. It is possible that some endangered bird species e.g. Masked owl, could occur on the site from time to time, however the site generally is unlikely to provide roosting or nesting habitat for these species.
A Koala was observed in a mature Tallowwood in the Wet Scierophyil Forest (FIGURE 4). Survey did reveal the occurrence of a small number of additional Koala habitat trees (FIGURE 4). Preferred browse tree species in the locality are Forest red gum (Eucalyptus tereticornis), Grey gum (E. prop/n qua) and Tallowwood (E. microcorys). The area of suitable habitat for Koalas is extremely small and contains only a very small number of suitable browse trees. The core Koala breeding population near to 17
this site is at Round Mountain a few kilometres to the south-east. Koalas are moving along the Condong Range between Round Mountain and Duranbah generally. The high level of clearance on the Range has fragmented habitat into small patches, all of which are important to sustain these mobile elements of the population. The Wet Sclerophyll Forest habitat on this site is not of sufficient size to support a stable breeding Koala colony and in fact would only provide habitat for 1 and at the most 2 Koalas at any one time. The Koalas which occur on this site are highly likely to be vagrant members of the population ie. either dispersing young or adults searching for habitat to establish a stable breeding colony.
The site habitat is therefore not significant as Koala habitat, however is providing forage for the mobile members of the local Koala population.
Two Microchiropteran bat species were recorded on the site. These bats were obviously foraging in the quarry precincts. Habitat for these bats is most likely to be provided by old Eucalypt or Lophostemon species containing hollows. Trees fitting this description occur in very low numbers on the site and only in the Wet Sclerophyll Forest. It is likely that the endangered bats Little bent wing, Yellow-bellied sheathtail bat and Greater broad-nosed bat also occur either on or near the site as they have recently been recorded nearby.
3.5.2 Endangered Fauna
The following discussion centres on the endangered fauna either known or considered as possible occurrences in the locality:
Rose-crowned fruit dove (.Ptilinopus regina): Requires rainforest and/or Eucalypt forest with rainforest understorey. The habitats on this site are unsuitable given the lack of fruiting shrubs in the understorey. This species has been recorded from Tweed Shire in rainforest and smaller remnants. Highly unlikely to occur on this site or have any reliance on habitats occurring on the site.
Swift parrot (Lathamus discolor): A non-nesting migrant to the area from Tasmania and Victoria. Unlikely to occur in such a small patch of vegetation even though they rely on Eucalypt trees as a source of nectar.
Powerful owl (Ninox strenua): Occurs in a variety of Forested habitats, including modified forests. Critical factors for the survival of this bird are high prey density and availability of nest trees.
Recorded from Brushbox forest west of Pottsville and is likely to occur in a number of other locations in the Tweed. It is possible that this site is part of a Powerful owls ranging area, however it is highly unlikely that they would have any reliance on the site due to the small size and isolated nature of the habitat. In
Masked owl (Tylo novaehollandiae): Occurs in open forest habitats and preys upon small to medium-sized mammals. Unlikely to occur on this site or have any reliance on the site although it could form part of its forage range. Although some tree hollows do occur in the Wet Sclerophyll remnant it is highly unlikely that they would nest in such a small isolated patch of forest.
Little bent-wing bat (Minioperus australis): Is frequently recorded in the Tweed area in or adjacent to various types of forested habitat. Recorded nearby at another Quarry site (OKeefe). Critical habitat is its roosting and nursery areas. This site does contain a small number of trees with roosting opportunities for microchiropteran bats.
Common bent-wing bat (M. schreibersii): Infrequently recorded in the Tweed Shire in or adjacent to various types of forested habitat. Critical habitat is its roosting and nursery habitat. This site does contain a small number of trees with roosting opportunities for microchiropteran bats.
Greater broad-nosed bat (Scoteanax rueppellil): Infrequently recorded in the Tweed Shire in or adjacent to various types of forested habitat. Recorded nearby at the Council landfill site. Critical habitat is its roosting and nursery habitat. This site does contain a small number of trees with roosting opportunities for microchiropteran bats.
Queensland blossom bat (Syconycteris australis): Feeds on nectar and pollen of Eucalyts, Paperbarks, Banksias, etrc. Recorded west of Mooball in Brushbox Forest. Sensitive to loss of seasonal food supply and broad-leaf canopy roost sites. Highly unlikely to occur on this site.
Eastern freetail bat (Mormopterus norfolkensis): Found in forests and woodland. Known to roost under bark of trees, tree hollows as well as rooves of houses. Has been recorded near Round Mountain. Critical habitat is roost habitat. This site does provide a small potential roosting habitat.
Yellow-bellied sheathtail bat (Saccolaimusfiaviventris): Occurs in a variety of forest habitats. Roosts in tree hollows. Has been recorded in Tweed Shire. Recorded nearby at the Council landfill site. Sensitive to the loss of habitat trees and extensive loss of feeding habitat. This site does contain a small number of trees with roosting opportunities for microchiropteran bats.
Northern long-eared bat (Nyctophilus bfax): Frequently recorded in Tweed Shire in a variety of forested habitats. Bangalow palms and hollow trees may provide roost habitat. Loss of this type of roost habitat may be critical to the species. Unlikely to roost or forage on the study site. '9
Hoary bat (Chalinolobus nigrogriseus): Occurs in a variety of forested habitat. Roosts in rock caves and tree hollows. Nearest record is near Byron Bay to the south. Sensitive to loss of roost habitat and forested habitat. This side does provide roosting habitat for this species however it is considered unlikely to occur.
White-eared monarch (Monarcha leucotis): Occurs in Wet Sclerophyll and Rainforest and their margins. Highly unlikely to occur on this site.
Red goshawk (Eiylhrotriorchis radiatus): Occurs in a variety of forested habitats. Usually requires trees taller than 20 metres and within 1km of watercourse or wetland for breeding. Not recorded in the Tweed for many years. Highly unlikely to occur on or near the site.
Square-tailed kite (Lophoiclinia isura): Nests in large Eucalypts and forages in forested areas. Has recently been recorded at North Ocean Shores. Unlikely to utilise habitats in the quarry area.
Brush-tailed phascogale (Phascogale tapoatafa): Lives in open Dry Sclerophyll Forest with understorey of wattles, herbs and dense leaf litter. Nests in tree hollows. Although limited nesting habitat occurs it is considered highly unlikely to occur on this site due to lack of suitable nest trees.
Yellow-bellied glider (Petaurus australis): Lives in a range of forests which can supply it with sap and nectar. Preference is for open Dry Sclerophyll Forests with a xeric understorey. Nests in tree hollows. Highly unlikely to occur on this site due to lack of trees with suitably sized hollows.
Squirrel glider (P. norfolcensis): Generally inhabits Dry Sclerophyll Forest and Woodlands. Requires mixed aged Eucalypt Forests and old trees with hollows for nesting purposes. Sensitive to the loss of these forest types. Although limited nesting habitat occurs it is considered highly unlikely to occur on this site.
Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus); One Koala was recorded on this site in Wet Sclerophyll vegetation. The Koalas in this area, generally, appear to be utilising Small-fruited grey gum and Tallowwood trees as their preferred browse species. Small numbers of Tallowwoods have been recorded in this quarry area. It is highly unlikely that Koalas would have any reliance, for food, on habitat contained in this quarry nor is it likely that it would it form part of the home range of a Koala breeding population.
From existing information and that obtained during the present surveys, it is apparent that Koalas use a large proportion of the locality. Some parts of the area have high usage by Koalas and these parts include Round Mountain near Pottsville, Cudgen Lake and the fingers of forested land extending east from Mooball State Forest. The areas of land considered to have high Koala habitat value are shown in FIGURE 5. .,' '" ..., •18 •t'3 q +:. 8) 51 52 53 S4 55 56 I I I II
75 75
7.4 74
73 + ..I I + *I. 72
71 71
7°
69
68 :8
67 :3'
66 85
65 55
6.4
63 33
62 52
61
60 So
59 5.9
58 58
57 57
5€ 56
55 5$
5.4 5.4
53 5.9
52 52
51 53
50 so
.43 '+5
48 '+8
47 47 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 +9 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58
MAP Billinudgel-Chjnderah Studj Area Koala Rescue Unit Records FIGURE 5 SCflLE = 1: 125000 TICKIIARK INTERVAL = 1000 tietres Koala Flabitat - TA. Value JAMES WARREN Bioiogical & EnvironmentaL ConsuLtant 20
The results of the survey by Faulks (1989) show that "Koalas were found to occupy the coastal plain and ranges from TJkerebagh Nature Reserve in the north to Wooyung in the south. In this area the greatest frequency of sightings were concentrated in the Round Mountain - Cudgen Lake area and along the ridges associated with the Condong Range (north of Duranbah to Stotts Creek). The majority of sightings were from areas of steeper terrain, shown to support Koalas". Faulks also points out that "The north(ern portion) of Nullum State Forest and Burringbar State Forest are joined' to Mooball State Forest by Burringbar Range and this possibly acts as a corridor for the movement of the Koala".
Two of the potential Koala habitat areas considered by Faulks as important are relevant to this report. These are the Round Mountain - Cudgen Lake area and Condong Range. The former area consists of vegetation extending from Round Mountain - Cudgen Lake to Hastings Point in the south, and along the ridgeline to Stotts Creek, is considered by Faulks to be "one of the largest continuous areas of natural vegetation remaining along the coast". The areas of Eucalypt Forest associated with the Condong Range are considered by Faulks to be of particular importance because it acts as a link between the coast and Mooball State Forest. 21
4. CONSERVATION ANALYSIS
The Conservation value of the vegetation community on this site can be determined by applying selected critieria to the different habitat components of the communityt. The following criteria will be used to determine these values (Gilmore et a!, 1985):
1, High Conservation Value
- dominated by native plants and landuse has not reduced the life form spectrum of the plant - important for the presence of rare, endangered or regionally significant plant or vertebrate species - important nectar and or fruit source for migratory fauna
2. Medium Conservation Value
- subject to comparatively recent physical disturbance to vegetation in some cases reducing life form spectru.m but the vegetation remains dominated by native plants - site factors and soil seed remain undisturbed - has good potential to provide habitat for migratory fauna with passive management enabling continued succession whilst not necessarily satisfying, the criteria of sub-class (a) its spatial occurrence indicates importance as a buffer zone adjacent to areas of high conservation value.
3. Low Conservation Value
- dominated by exotic flora, bare ground and/or impervious groundcover - substantial alteration to soil profile, soil chemistry or other physical site factors - no rare or endangered species recorded - the spatial occurrence of this sub-class indicates its importance as a buffer zone or potential corridor linking areas of higher conservation value and differentiates it from the following sub-class
- active management to regenerate native plants would be required as a reduction in soil seed store of native plants likely. The original vegetation is unlikely to be replaced due to alteration of the site - predictions of the impact of potential development on adjacent areas of higher conservation value would need to be made.
COMMUNITY 1- CLOSED / OPEN FOREST (Wet ScierophylL)
This community can be allocated a LOW to MEDIUM conservation status. 22
COMMUNITY 2- CLOSED I OPEN FOREST (Camphor laurel - Blackwood wattle)
This community can be allocated a LOW conservation status. 23
5. WATER MANAGEMENT and REHABILITATION
5.1 Introduction
The prinicpal potential sources of water pollution are,
runoff collected in the quarry after rainfall surface runoff from the topsoil emplacement/stockpile surface runoff from roads spillage of fuel and oil.
The runoff collected in the quarry and from the topsoil emplacement would not contain deleterious levels of heavy metals or other chemical constituents and would be of near neutral pH. The main parameter necessitating water management controls is suspended sediment levels.
The rehabilitation of disturbed surfaces and erosion control are important issues for the proposed mine site, which is located in an area of high seasonal rainfall. Rehabilitation of disturbed surfaces is a dynamic process which will commence during the initial quarry preparation phases and continue throughout the quarry operation and afterwards.
5.2 Water Management
The main features of the water management for the project are as follows;
(i) One (1) sedimentation basin would be constructed to receive and contain runoff during the life of the quarry operations.
Water emanating from the quarry will need to pass through this sedimentation or stilling pond in order that water high in suspended solids does not leave the site during heavy rainfall events. (Refer to Engineering detail in the EIS and Plan of Management). The design features of the sedimentation pond should allow it to cope with a 1 in 100 year flood runoff. It is considered that the location of the sedimentation basin shown in the Engineering Drawings is suitable to ensure water of high quality leaves the site. After leaving the sedimentation basin, the water should be directed to an open drain. A rock filter should be constructed between the pond and the open drain. 24
(ii) A perimeter berm and rip-rap flow retardation structure should contain immediate runoff from the active quarry area. This retardation will allow much sediment to be removed prior to the flow reaching the sedimentation basin near. Reference can be made to Engineering Detail Drawings contained in the EIS and Plan of Management.
5.3 Soil Conservation and Rehabilitation
The main features of the soil conservation and rehabilitation programme would be;
All quarrying operations are to be carried out in accordance with guidelines as set out by the various Government Departments e.g. Department of Mineral Resources, Environment Protection Authority, Department of Conservation and Land Management (CALM)
TopsoillOverburden should be stripped and stockpiled for later use in rehabilitation works on the batter slopes, benches and floor of the quarry.
Overburden (0-300mm) should be stripped and stockpiled for later use in rehabilitation works on the batter slopes, benches and floor of the quarry. If suitable, double stripping should be carried out, i.e. remove and seperately place the top 50mm of soil which contains the majority of seeds, etc.
If stockpiling of topsoil cannot be avoided, then the following should be considered;
plan to reuse this topsoil as soon as possible do not store in large heaps (low mounds no more than 1-2m high are recommended) locate the stockpiles where they will not be disturbed by future quarrying
Soils should not be stripped when they are wet as this can lead to compaction and loss of structure.
Where there are only limited supplies of topsoil, the following should be considered:
identify priority areas - these are likely to be those areas most prone to erosion topsoil (and revegetate) in strips. 2
- Avoid placing subsoil or overburden material near the surface which is excessively sandy or excessively clayey.
- Do not place topsoil alone on top of bedrock. An underlay of subsoil with reasonable properties for plant growth will produce better results than a thin layer of topsoil alone.
- There may be a need to import topsoils from other areas. Care is required to ensure weed species are not introduced.
- Less rapid revegetation may be an acceptable trade-off on non-priority areas so as to achieve rapid revegetation of critical areas by using all available topsoil.
- Progressive rehabilitation (where possible) should provide the basis for management of the quarry site.
- The southern portion of the site is not being considered for quarrying.
Cattle grazing is the predicted final landuse for the Quirks Quarry site. Rehabilitation strategies will therefore centre around provision of suitable grazing grasses after quarrying is completed, The existing tree and shrub vegetation in the southern portion of the site will remain as shade vegetation for cattle,
Slopes and/or benching of the completed quarry area should consider the future usage of the land by cattle and/or other fauna.
A final landform slope of 1:3 or less is seen as a suitable final quarry design.
If soil/overburden material is insu1cient for the covering of the final quarry landform, then it should be ripped to a depth of 05 metre and the surface treated with fertiliser and soil conditioner such as dolomite. Advice should be sought from CALM as to the method to be utilised at the appropriate time. 26
Revegetation works on the slopes and benches during quarry operations should concentrate on stabilisation of loose soil material. Quick growing grass species such as rye grass, sorghum or millet should be sown wherever there is exposed soil. Where quarrying activities including haul road and stockpile use have been completed and the land will be subject to no further disturbance, a mix of the quick growing annual grasses and perennial grazing grasses such as Carpet grass, Paspalum, Setaria or Kikuyu should be sown.
It is recommended that the final rehabilitation area should contain at least 15 trees per hectare. These trees should be selected from the following;
Eucalyptus acmenoides White mahogany E. grandis Flooded gum E. intermedia Pink bloodwood E. microcorys Tallowwood E. propinqua Small-fruited grey gum E. siderophloia Ironbark Lophostemon confertus Brushbox
- A relatively high proportion of the plants should be the preferred browse species: Small-fruited grey gum and Tallowwood.
- Pot-holes should be formed in the topsoil (overburden) and a mud slurry placed into the hole with a slow release fertiliser.
- Unless irrigation can be provided, the seedlings should be planted when soil is moist and prior to reliable rainfall.
Seedlings will need to be protected from browsing by wallabies and, in this context, it is desirable that the seedlings be protected either by chicken wire cylinders at least 1 m in height or hessian/sarlon mesh to a similar height.
Some shrub plantings should take place in association with the major tree plantings and should include Black walnut, Marblewood and Smooth scrub turpentine plants. All three plants are significant or vulnerable plants on the North Coast and are suitable for this edaphic environment. The shrubs could be planted at double the density of the trees and planted in close association with the tree plantings.
All tree and/or shrub plantings should be checked on a 12 monthly basis (in Spring) in order that unhealthy or dead plants can be replaced. 27
- Control of invasive weed species (especially Camphor laurel, Lantana and Molasses grass) should be carried out as required.
- All diversion banks and rehabilitated areas would be sown with grasses for erosion protection as soon as practicable in early spring and autumn. Grass species and sowing rates for erosion control and rehabilitation are shown in the Table below;
SPECIES SOWING RATE (kg/ha) Legumes Subterranean clover 8 White clover 0.5
Grasses Millett 20 Rye grass 20
Pretreatment
Legumes to be inoculated and lime pelleted prior to sowing (subclover - Group C inoculant, white clover - Group B inoculant)
Insecticide pretreatment recommended.
Fertiliser
Sow with 250kg/ha single super Mo and follow up with 125kg/ha in the second year
Seed should not be left mixed with fertiliser for more than one day. 28
6. SECTION 92D CONSIDERATIONS
Where an EIS is prepared and endangered fauna are known or considered likely to occur in the Study Area, it is considered prudent to consider the guidelines for the preparation of a Fauna Impact Statement (FIS), These guidelines are contained in Section 92D of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, 1979 (as amended by the Endangered Fauna Interim Protection Act of 1991). The Koala is the only Endangered species known to occur on the site and the following analysis will centre on this species. fl ~Mtv Ifflins91144161111916311411M a
See Sections 2 and 3 and APPENDIX 2.
IL II)SE') It .m rn
See APPENDIX 2.
The material contained in this quarry is generally of poor quality and will be used as fill material only. The extraction plan will be based on a long term at low extraction rates. The final disturbed area due to the quarry operations will be approximately 4.6 hectares. The proposed quarry activities will involve the removal of most of the Wet Sclerophyll forest and Camphor Iaure/Blackwood wattle vegetation in the immediate vicinity of the existing quarry. Approximately 0.75 hectares of the Wet Scierophyll vegetation type and 1.25 hectares of the Camphor laurelfBlackwood wattle association will be removed. Only a thin strip of trees from both vegetation types will remain along the lower slopes afier final quarry operations have been completed. Parts of the site, apart from the active quarry area, will be virtually devoid of vegetation unless revegetation/replanting occurs as an ongoing process.
APPENDIX 3 shows the proposed staging of the extraction process for the next 20 years.
Ameliorative measures are discussed in detail in Section 5 p
James V Warren, BSc (LTNE Armidale), MAppSc (UTS) Biological and Environmental Consultant 29
7 years experience as a Consultant on the North Coast of NSW involved in floral and faunal surveys and wildlife management.
30
SUMMARY and CONCLUSIONS
* The Study Site contains an existing roadbase quarry.
* Site vegetation is extremely disturbed and contains some areas of Camphor laurel in high density. A small area of native regrowth occurs adjacent to the active quarry.
* The Study Site is zoned 1(a) General Rural.
* The nearest Environmental Protection zone [a 7(d) Escarpment zone] a few kilometres to the south-east. Stotts Island Nature Reserve occurs approximately 1.5 kms to the north.
* The soils on this site are thin and derived from Metamorphic bedrock.
* Two main habitat types occur on the site, i.e. Camphor !aurelfBlacicwood wattle regrowth and Wet Scierophyll Forest.
* One significant plant species was recorded in the Brushbox Forest, i.e. Black walnut.
* The Wet Scierophyll Forest has a low to medium conservation status.
* The Camphor laurellBlackwood wattle community has a low conservation status.
* A large number of Endangered faunal species are likely to occur in the general Study Site locality.
* Site survey recorded the occurrence of 3 amphibian, 3 reptile, 29 bird and 9 mammal species.
* One Schedule 12 faunal species was recorded on the site, i.e. the Koala.
* The site would not be providing significant habitat for the Koala.
* The site forms part of the Condong Range which contains important habitat for Koalas. This Range also is likely to be an important corridor for Koalas between sub-coastal poulations and coastal poulations. 31
Section 92D Considerations have shown the following;
The quarry operations will be carried out at low extraction rates over a 20 year period.
The quarry activities will not alienate a known or potential corridor for any faunal species and will not interfere with the dispersal or interbreeding opportunities for any faunal species.
A number of measures can be implemented so as to ameliorate the impacts of this development e.g.
-stockpiling of topsoil for later use in rehabilitation, -progressive habitat rehabilitation, -rehabilitation of areas not being considered for quarrying, -appropriate batter and bench design so as to facilitate future fauna usage in and around the quarry area, -revegetation to concentrate on provision of preferred Koala food trees and rare Rainforest shrubs, and -appropriate preparation of rehabilitation areas by either ripping and/or topsoiling.
It is not considered that the proposed quarry development will have a significant impact on endangered fauna either known or considered likely to occur on the site. REFERENCES
Benson J (1988) Establishing Priorities for the Conservation of Rare or Threatened Plants and Plant Associations in New South Wales.
Briggs J D and Leigh J H (1988) Rare or Threatened Australian Plants. Australian National Parks and Wildlife Service.
Cogger H G (1992) Reptiles and Amphibians of Australia. Reed Books, Sydney.
Faullis J (1989) Koala Management Plan for the Tweed Shire, 1989. Integrated Project Report GG2I 1, University of New England - NR.
Gilmore A M, Milledge D & Hogan F (1985) Environmental Study of Wetland south of Pottsville, NSW.
Griffith S (1993) Conservation status of coastal plant communities in northern New South Wales - a review.
Readers Digest (1988) Complete Book of Australian Birds Readers Digest Services Pty Ltd. NSW N.P.W.S.
Stralian R (1991) Complete Book of Australian Mammals. The Australian Museum, Sydney. Cornstalk Publishing, Sydney.
Williams J B, Harden G J & McDonald W J F (1984) Trees and Shrubs in Rainforests of New South Wales and Southern Queensland. Botany Department, University of New England, Armidale. APPENDIX 1
PLANT SPECIES LIST APPENDIX 1
PLANT SPECIES LIST
Scientific Name Common Name
PTERIDOPHYTES Asplenium australasidum Birds nest fern Blechnum cartilagineum Gristle fern Lastreopsis microsora Naked shield fern Pteridium esculentum Bracken fern
GYMNOSPERMS Araucariaceae Auracana cunninghamii Hoop pine
ANGIOSPERMS Monocotvledons Aracaceae Archontophoemx cunninghamiana Bangalow palm Cyperaceae Baurnea articulata Jointed twig rush Fimbnstylis sp. Fringed sedge Juncaceae Juncus usitatus Tussock rush Liliaceae Dianella caeruiea Flax lily Philesiaceae Geitonoplesium cyrnosum Scrambling lily Poaceae Axonopus affinus Carpet grass Imperata cylindrica Blady grass Isachne globosa Swamp millet * Melinis minutiflora Molasses grass Oplismenus imbecillis Basket grass * Paspalum dilatatum Paspaluxn * P. notatum Sour grass Setaria sphacelata Pigeon grass Smilacaceae Smilax australis Austral sarsaparilla S. glyciphylla Sweet sarsaparilla Typhaceae Typha sp. Cuinbungi Xanthorreaceae Lomandra longilolia Matrush Dicotyledon Anacardiaceae * Mangifera indica Mango Asteraceae * Ageratina adenophora Crofton weed * A. riparia Mistflower * Ageratum houstonianum Blue billygoat weed * Baccharis halimifolia Groundsel Celastraceae Maytena disperma Orange bush Dilleniaceae Hibbertia scandens Trailing guinea flower Eupomatiaceae Eupomatia laurina Bolwarra Euphorbiaceae Glochidion suinatranum Umbrella cheese tree
Macaranga tanarius Macaranga Mallotus philippensis Red kamala Faboideae Davesia arborea Bitter pea Hovea acutifolia Brush hovea Haloragaceae Myriophyllum sp. Water milfoil Lauraceae * Cinnamomum camphora Camphor laurel Cryptocarya microneura Murragun ** Endiandra globosa Black walnut Mimosoidae ** Acacia melanoxylon Blackwood wattle Moraceae Maclura cochinchinensis Cockspur Myrtaceae Callistemon salignus Willow bottlebrush Eucalyptus intermedia Pink bloodwood E. pilularis Blackbutt E. siderophloia Ironbark Lophostemon confertus Brushbox Melaleuca qiunquenervia Paperbark * Psidium guavaja Guava Nymphaeaceae * Nymphaea capensis Cape waterlily Rhamnaceae Alphitonia excelsa Red ash Rutaceae Ziena smithii Sandfly zieria Sapindaceae Guioa semiglauca Gu.ioa Solanaceae Duboisia myoporoides Duboisia * Solanuni mauntianum Tobacco tree Sterculiaceae Commersonia bartramia Brown kurrajong Vcrbenaceae * Lantana camara Lantana
* EXOTIC SPECIES ** SIGNIFICANT PLANT SPECIES APPENDIX 2
ECOLOGY and STATUS of ENDANGERED SPECIES APPENDIX 2
Discussion of the ecology and status of the significant species mentioned in Section 3.32. follows. Unless otherwise noted, information relating to frogs and reptiles is drawn from Cogger (1992); to birds from Readers Digest (1988) and to mammals from Strahan (1991). APPENDIX 3 contains ecological information on the Endangered bat species considered as possible occurrences on the site.
REPTILES:
STEPHEN'S BANDED SNAKE (Hoplocephalus stephensii)
Occurs along the coast and ranges from Gosford, NSW to southern Queensland. A nocturnal, partly arborcal snake usually encountered in the wetter scicrophyll or rainforests. Fccds on lizards, birds and small mammals.
BJBD
WHITE-EARED MONARCH (Monarch a leucotis)
The White-eared monarch is insectivorous and takes insects from, mainly broad-leaf tree species in the upper canopy. This species could be found in Wet Scierophyll and Swamp Forest vegetation where broader leaved scierophyllous species such as Brushbox (Lophostemon confertus) occur (QLD Museum pers. comm.).
Status: North-eastern NSW is the southern extent of this species. Unconmion in the southern portion of its range.
RED GOSHAWK (Erytl:rotriorchis radiatus)
Inhabits tall woodlands, open forests, edges of Rainforest and dense riverine vegetation of coastal and subcoastal north and north-east Australia. Constructs a next of sticks and twigs and green leaves in vertical or horizontal fork 7m to 25m above the ground. Established pairs seem to occupy the same large territory and use the same nest year after year. Will hunt at least 3km from the nest.
Status: Australia's rarcsL and least known raptor.
SQUARE-TAILED KITE (Lophoictinia isura)
This bird preys on small birds, insects and reptiles. It plucks prey from the outer foliage of trees, particularly the nestlings of honeyeaters. Their preferred habitat is open Eucalypt forest and woodland. These birds are solitary or well dispersed in territorial pairs, pairing is probably permanent and the same nest may be used year after year. The male does most of the hunting. Nests between July and October. The nest is 600mm to 1 m in diameter and niadeof sticks usually lined with Eucalypt leaves. The nest is generally placed on a thick horizontal bow in a Eucalypt 12 to 26m above the ground. Status: Although ranging over much of Australia, Square-tailed kites arc not abundant anywhere. Thinly distributed through the open Eucalypt forest, woodlands and sandplains of coastal and sub-coastal Australia. Least rare in south-west, north and north-cast; more irregular in south-cast and inland.
ROSE-CROWNED FRUiT-DOVE Ptilinopus regina)
This bird is a regular partial migrant in the region. In this area the bird lives within dense Rairrforest often with a substantial understorey. Most nests occur in dense Rainforests. Feeds on the fruit of Laurels, Bully gums. Lilly pillys, Figs, Cryptocaryas and occasionally Lantana, Tobacco bush and Inkwecd.
Status: Becoming uncommon due to habitat destruction.
GLOSSY BLACK COCKATOO (Calypror/zynchus latham)
Found in coastal forest and open inland woodland in eastern Australia wherever Casuarina trees are common. These birds appear to feed exclusively on Casuarina seeds. because of the size of their bills, the Cockatoos can only handle the large cones of such species as il/locasuarina littoralis, A. vertici/lata and Casuarina stricta.
They follow the fruiting of these trees, remaining locally all year round if sufficient fruit keeps ripening and moving on whenever it fails.
These birds nest in tree cavities, often in dead trees. These hollows would be expected to be a least I 50mm in diameter.
Breeds Mardi / August.
Status: Becoming uncommon due to habitat destruction
SWIFT PARROT (Lathanius discolor)
These are tree living birds which feed on blossoms among the top-most branches of Eucalypts. They inhabit most types of timber country and follow the flowering of its trees. Their main food is pollen and nectar. They also feed on lerps, insects and their Iavae as well as seeds, fruit (including berries) and some vegetable matter. Swift parrots breed in Tasmania and some in the Bass Strait islands, migrate to the mainland between March and May and return to tasmania in August and September. Swift parrots next in trees:
Status : Uncommon in northern New South Wales due to distance from breeding area.
POWERFUL OWL (Ninox strenta)
Occur mainly in wet sclerophyll forest along coast hills and the Great Dividing Range.
They keep large permanent territories of 800 - 100 hectares.
The birds feed at night on birds and mammals.
Its diet consists mainly of small to medium-sized tree-living mammals, especially the greater glider and the Common ringtail possum. it also cats Sugar-gliders and young Common brushtail possums. Rats, birds and young rabbits are also taken.
Nest is a 50 - 180 cm deep hollow, 12 -40 metres above the ground in the trunk of a towering Eucalypt. Brccds May I October.
MASKED OWL (Tyto ,:ovaeho11wzi1jae)
Occur in all coastal and sub-coastal Australia in Eucalypt forests and denser woodlands.
The birds prey mainly on small terrestrial mammals up to the size of a rabbit, varied with the occasional possums and medium-sized birds such as Magpies and Kookaburras.
Nest is a 40-500cm dccp, vertical hollow in tall Eucalypts or even ledges in caves.
Status: Uncommon.
SOOTY OWL (T. tei:ebricosu)
This owl appears to pair permanently and to hold to the same territory - about 200 to 800 ha. - year in, year out. The pair roost apart by day, on one of a number of set perches through their territory: a deep hollow, the interlacing stems of a giant fig, or a crevice under a bank or a cliff. Soon after dusk, the owls are abroad hunting, flitting through the forest and along its edge, picking off possums and gliders from branches, and rats, bandicoots and other mammals from the ground; birds are sometimes taken too. These birds breed eratically at any time of year. They nest in a roomy 40 to 500 Cm. deep hollow, usually in a tall Eucalypt in or on the edge of Rainforest
Status: Usually found in Ramnforests, particularly Rainforest gullies over-topped by Eucalypts along the eastern scarp of the Great Dividing Range. From the Conondale - Blackall Ranges (QLD), south to the Dandenong Ranges (VIC).
LITTLE BENT-WING BAT (Miniopteris ausfralis)
The Little bent-wing bat occupies caves and tunnels during the day and, at night, forages for small insects beneath the canopy of well timbered habitats. It frequently shares roosting sites with the Common bent-wing bat.
Status: Abundant.
GREATER B ROAD-N OSED BAT (Scoteanax rueppellii)
The Greater broad-nosed bat usually flies slowly and directly at a height of 3-6 metres, deviating only slightly from its flight path to catch beetles and other large, slow flying insects. Tree-lined creeks and the junction of woodland and cleared paddocks are favoured hunting areas but it may also forage in Rainforests, flying as low as 1 m above the surface of the creek. Usually it roosts in tree hollows but it has also been found in the roof spaces of old buildings.
Status: Uncommon to rare.
NORTHERN LONG-EARED BAT (Nyctophilus bifax)
A slow flying bat which catches prey in the air but also takes insects from foliage and the ground or other solid surfaces. It roosts in tree hollows and in the roofs of buildings. Occurs in a variety of tropical and sub-tropical habitats ranging from Rainforcsts to Dry Scicrophyll Woodlands and is often found among the vegetation along vatercourscs.
Status: Common.
BOA RY BAT (Cli ali,wiobus nigrogrisexis)
The Hoary bat occurs in a wide rangc of habitats, from Wet Scicrophyll Forest to open woodland and cvcn over scrub on sand dunes, it is a common species and one of the first to appear on the wing at dusk. Roosts have been reported in rock crevices but in areas devoid of these it is quite likely to roost in tree hollows or sinular sites. The diet includes a wide range of insects and other invertebrates.
Status: Common, widespread.
YELLOW-BELLIED SHEATHTAIL BAT (Saccolainiusfiaviventris)
The apparent rarity of this bat is probably duc to its flying so high and fast that it is seldom collected . In Eucalypt forest it feeds above the canopy but in malice or open country it conies lower to the ground. Usually solitary, but occasionally occurring in colonies of 10 individuals, this bat roosts in tree hollows and has been found in the abandoned nests of Sugar gliders.
Status : Rare in widespread habitat.
EASTERN FREETAIL BAT (Mornwpteris norfolcensis)
Little is known of this bats preferred habitat, but it appears to live in scierophyll forest and woodland. When hunting insects it flies swiftly above the forest canopy or in clearings at the edge of the forest. Small colonies have been found in tree hollows or under loose bark.
Status: Sparse to rare. Possibly underestimated.
QUEENSLAND BLOSSOM BAT (Syconycteris ausfralis)
The Queensland blossom bat is a nectarivore and takes nectar from species such as Banksia and Melaleuca in autumn and winter and from coastal Eucalypts in summer. The Bat prefers to roost in coastal Rainforest or other communities containing broad-leaved species where the canopy provides good protection from rain and wind (B Law pers. comm.).
Status: Common in limited habitat.
COMMON BENT-WiNG BAT (Miniopterus schreibersii)
By day, the Common bent-wing bat rests in caves, old mines, stormwater channels and occasionally buildings. Typically, it Si found in well timbered valleys where it forages above the tree canopy on small insects.
Nursery caves are utihiscd by females to raise young.
Mating in north-eastern NSW occurs late May I early June.
RED-LEGGED PADEMELON (Thylogale stigmatica) Raiiiforest is the preferred habitat but may also occur in Wet Scicropliyll Forests and occasionally in dry vine scrub. It feeds mainly on fallen leaves but occasionally on the fresh leaves and berries of shrubs. The Morelon Bay fig is a major source of food in the southern part of its range. It also cast some ferns, orchids and grasses.
Status: Distribution within its range is discontinuous. Extensive clearing of Rain.forests has reduced its available habitat but sufficient parks and reserves exist throughout its range to secure its status.
YELLOW-BELLIED GLIDER (Petaurus australis)
This glider is restricted to tall, mature Eucalypt forests in temperate to sub-tropical Eastern Australia in regions of high rainfall. A staple diet consists of nectar, pollen and the sap of Eucalypts but insects ranging in size from psyllids to large cicadas are also eaten. The sap is obtained by biting out small patches of bark on the trunk and main branches, in Southern Australia about two dozen species of Eucalypts are used as food trees. Individuals of a group share a den in a hollow tree.
Status: Rare, limited. The main threats to this species arc habitat destruction and frequent bushfires.
SQUIRREL GLIDER (P. iwrfolccnsis)
This glider inhabitats Dry Sclerophyll Forest and Woodland and is absent from the dense coastal ranges, although in Queensland it occurs in some wet forest areas bordering on Rainforest. Its distribution extends further inland than that of the Sugar glider. The Squirrel glider feeds on the gums produced by Acacias, the sap of certain Eucalypts, invertebrates and invertebrate cxudates. It nests in a leaf lined nest hollow.
Status: Rare. Sensitive to habitat destruction.
RUFOUS B ETTON G (Aepyprynmus rufescens)
This animal lives in well grassed open forest. During the day it sleeps in a cone shaped nest. It constructs its nest over a shallow excavation usually at the base of a tussock. It is lined with soft dry grass and has -in entrance. The Rufous bettong feeds on grasses and herbs and forages for roots and tubers.
Status: Common. Distribution over the range is discontinuous and probably determined by the availability of suitable food and shelter. Extensive land clearance has reduced the available habitat but the species is still found in reasonable numbers in partly wooded pastoral areas.
TIGER QUOLL Dasyurus maculatus)
One of the largest carnivorous marsupials. It spends most of its time on the floor of Scierophyll Forests and Rainforests, along coastal and sub-coastal Eastern Australia. It feeds on birds and their young, rats and other small terrestrial and arboreal mammals, gliding possums, smaill macropods, reptiles and arthropods. It also scavenges carcasses of domestic stock.
Status: Common to sparse. The Tiger quoll is sensitive to habitat destruction and it appears it is also sensitive to disease and competition from foxes and feral eats.
BRUSIL-TAI LED P1 IASCOGA LE (P/ziiscogak' tujwatafa)
Largely arboreal, the Brush-tailed phascogalc lives in a variety of habitats having a reliable annual rainfall within the range of 500 to 2000 mm. but its preferred habitat is open Dry Scierophyll Forest with little groundcover, on ridges up to 600m altitude. During the day it sleeps in a nest lined with leaves or shredded bark in a tree hollow. The diet consists largcly of arthropods, including spiders and centipedes, together with any small vertebrate that can be subdued.
Status: Common, limited. The most serious threat to the Brush-tailed phascogale comes from the destruction of its habitat. However, there is ample suitable habitat remote from urban areas which is unattractive for orthodox forestry and unsuitabtc for most types of agriculture.
COMM ON PLAN IGALE (Plw:igalc niaculula)
The Common planigale is a predator on a wide range of Insects and occupies a range of habitats from Rainforests. Scierophyll Forests and grasslands to marshlands and rocky areas. It appears to be able to exist in association with human development.
Status: Although it is common (Redhead. 1991) in its range in Queensland it appears to have suffered a contraction of range in NSW since European scttleinent (Milledge, 1986).
KOALA (Phascolarctos ci,zereus
The Koala is limited to areas where there arc acceptable food trees. It feeds prcdoniinantly on the foliage of Eucalypts, e.g. Forest red gum, Tallowwood. It moves about and feeds at night with a peak of activity just after sunset. The Koala is solitary with a peak of activity just after sunset. The Koala is solitary and members of a population arc usually evenly distributed in a changing pattern through the available forest. Breeding occurs in summer and most mature females produce one young each year.
Status : Common, limited. The long term future of this species appears to be in sonic doubt. It seems clear that the survival of many populations would depend upon appropriate management. APPENDIX 3
QUARRY STAG1TIG PLANS Lot 12
- N
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X51iN 6 OUAUY AA Figure 12a Existing Landform
r 1 0 N , ,_L-J o 100 20Cm
Ecoteth Intematonal Pty. Ltd., Bangalow Phone 066 871289 N
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N Lot 12
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Figure 12e Final Landform
ecDtech (Tfl__ 0 100 200m
Ecotech 1xteruatonn1 Fty, Ltd., Bnga1ow Pboue 0688712119 ADDENDUM to
FLORA AND FAUNA ASSESSMENT
QUIRK'S QUARRY (Lot 12 DP 601427, Environ Road, Dura.nbah)
STATE ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING POLICY NO.44 - KOALA HABITAT PROTECTION
State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP) No. 44 - Koala Habitat Protection will commence operation on 13 February 1995. The aim of this Policy is to encourage the proper conservation and management of areas of natural vegetation that provide habitat for Koalas, to ensure permanent free living populations over their present range and to reverse the current trend of population decline.
A number of criteria in the SEPP are required to be addressed;
1 Does the subject land occur in a local government area idenqfied in Schedule 1?
Occurs in Tweed Shire which is a Schedule 1 location.
2 Is the landholding to which the DA applies greater than 1 hectare in area?
Landholding is greater than I hectare.
3 Is the land potential Koala habitat?
Yes, a small number of primary Koala food trees occur on the site.
4 Does the site contain "areas of native vegetation where the trees of types listed in Schedule 2 constitute at least 15% of the total number of trees in the upper or lower strata of the tree component"?
No.
5 Is there core Koala habitat on the subject land?
IM -2-
6 Is there a requirement for the preparation of a Plan of Management for identfied core Koala habitat?
No.
Concluding Comment The criteria contained in SEPP 44 - Koala Habitat Protection have been addressed and it ha,7been determined that the Policy does not apply to the subject site.
JAMES WARREN February 1995 APPENDIX D
ARCHAEOLOGICAL REPORT AN ARCHAEOLOGICAL SURVEY
AT
QUIRKS QUARRY, EVIRON ROAD, CUDGEN
VIA
MURWILLUMBAH, N.S.W.
A Report for Brian J Mackney & Associates Pty. Ltd., Bangalow, N.S.W.
Adrian Piper
April 1994 TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 INTRODUCTION...... 3 1.1 BACKGROUNDTO THE SURVEY ...... 3 1.2 AIMS OF THE SURVEY...... 3 1.3 ABORIGINAL CONSULTATiON ...... 4 2.0 ENVIRONMENT...... 6 3.0 ARCHAEOLOGICAL BACKGROUND...... 7 3.1 PREVIOUSSTUDIES ...... 7 3.2 DISTRIBUTION OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL SiTES ...... 8 4.0 FIELD INVESTIGATiON ...... 11 4.1 ARCHAEOLOGICAL POTENTIAL - ASSESSMENT CRITERIA...... 11 4.2 ARCHAEOLOGICAL METHOD...... 11 4.3 THE FIELD SURVEY - RESULTS ...... 12 5.0 RECOMMENDATIONS ...... 13 BIBLIOGRAPHY...... 14 ANNEXURE A: LAND COUNCiL - CORRESPONDENCE ...... 15 ANNEXUREB: PLATES ...... 18
FIGURE1 ...... 5 FIGURE 2 ...... 10
TABLE 1 - ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES IN THE NPWS REGISTER...... 9
-2-
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND TO THE SURVEY
The foUowing is an archaeological survey at Quirks Quarry, Eviron Road, Cudgen via MurwiUumbah, N.S.W. The quarry is located on property described as Lot 12 DR 601427, Cudgen, County of Rous. The property is accessible from the Pacific Highway via a cane road which leaves the highway 0.4 km west of the Duranbah Road intersection. (Figure 1, p. 5)
The quarry is privately owned by the Quirk Family, Duranbah Road, Duranbah, and has been continuously operated since the 1950's. As the quarry has been categorised as a Designated Development an Environmental Impact Statement is required by Tweed Council in response to an 'Application for Registration of a Continued Operation' of the quarry. Brian J Mackney & Associates Pty. Ltd. of Coopers Shoot Road, Bangalow, have been commissioned to undertake the Environmental Impact Study (E.l.S.).
The operation has extracted gravel for use as road base. The method of extraction has been to rip the top 3 - 4 metres, stockpile and screen the material. The harder materiel below the top 3 - 4 metres is blasted as necessary and dozed out.
1.2 AIMS OF THE SURVEY
The aims of this survey are to:
compile a list and written material relevant to Aboriginal sites within or in close proximity to the defined area.
conduct a ground survey of as much surface area as possible within the defined area.
consult with relevant Aboriginal organisations and seek their participation and written comments on the conduct of the survey.
assess the impact that proposals for the use of the quarry may have on effected sites.
provide recommendations for the protection of Aboriginal sites and/or cultural materials and their future management.
-3- 1.3 ABORIGINAL CONSULTATION
The Tweed Byron Local Aboriginal Land Council were advised of the requirement for an archaeological survey. Mr Sam Lever, Co-Ordinator of the Land Council, agreed to represent the Land Council in the field inspection and provide written comments on the conduct of the survey and Aboriginal interests in the survey area. Prior to the survey the Land Council had no knowledge of sites within the survey area, nor did it attach significance to discrete areas within the area. Mr Lever's views and those of the Land Council are included in Annexure A of this report.
-4- 'o-.--- l0KU7 FIGURE 1 STUDY AREA it TTS ISLAND .:.:;: :!IS2..::.i. ..5ó8O5 It Island - .... -2- 613261 URERESERVI . .:.t ...... ;...:::::::.;:.t.... .. "1 1...... 3 . . 2 3 I 2 586337 1 1) •'-- - 585280/ S 571216 40 I46I6 - 585z18 6 1706 —re.. / 3. 90 65 - I / \ 10 S 1 ( I 3 6 7 .--- - 583052 - . - .-. 58&69 • 1 • . 7482 --- 12 :J •• I o 2 lOf i7,m( 1J1 ... ::31:7.1 344257 7 IV 3 ---- .• \ 62922 . . - . . .. /...... . 1 . .. . :...... :5 . - - 1.0278 - . F - 7 -. 96699 -Pt37B 8 10 I 2i5 • 37A S .I 7 .M917 f — 23 13727 78- / 388
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QYl65] / . 3 2 NJ - 204414 n r 569856 1 7 JM rl. / _' 5914s Jr f \ 370710 2 \ A. I . : 34158 : . J IUISS MAP c - 1 1 'o SCALE I 25 000. 302876 . -- 571878 50 4 2 ' 1/ 6 — °"° 7 e 615293
CUDGEN 9641 2.0 ENVIRONMENT (Plates - Annexure B)
Quirks Quarry has been excavated from a northern spur of Condong Range and projects into the Tweed River flood plain. The quarry is bounded by sugar cane paddocks to the north and east, a reed swamp/wet land to the west and cleared pasture land and regrowth to the south. A screen of mature eucalypts with an understorey of camphor laurel borders the eastern perimeter. The quarry has been excavated from north to south in a series of 'benches'. The internal surfaces have been cleared of vegetation, ripped and dozed to a depth of 2 - 3 metres and pushed to form a flat pad on the western boundary.
The general terrain bears a resemblance to its natural conformation, with the exception of the quarry itself. However, the modern vegetation communities bear little resemblance to original forest communities. The plain, bordering the quarry, has been completely cleared of original forests and planted to sugar cane. The area has been drained, levelled, water courses straightened and heavily cultivated. Ground visibility is virtually nil. The slopes above the quarry have long since been clear felled and turned to thickly grassed grazing land. Grass cover is virtually complete with pockets of exotics, Camphor Laurel and Brushbox regrowth.
Reconstructing the prehistoric environment is speculative in the absence of detailed studies, although the major processes are well documented. The morphology of the study area and associated vegetation regimes are the results of:
the formation of a barrier sand dune system between the Tweed Valley and the ocean during the Late Pleistocene and Holocene periods and
the accretion of sediments at the base of the Condong Range once the flow of waters from the hinterlands had been slowed or blocked by the coastal dunal barrier. Two barrier systems developed, the 'Inner Barrier' formed during the Late Pleistocene up to 15,000 years BP (before 1950) and the 'Outer Barriers, formed during the Holocene age, from 15,000 BP to the present. (Chapman, et al. 1982). These dunal systems formed as a result of sea level rises which deposited vast quantities of sands on the coastal margins which were then wind driven into parallel dune formations.
Sea levels achieved present levels by about the mid Holocene, approximately 6,000 years BP where they have remained (Chapman, 1982), subject to minor oscillations in fluvial sand migration. As outfalls of the Tweed River were blocked and forced north by sand building, the rates of accretion of sediments increased as water flows decreased.
The spur on which the quarry is located overlooked marine sand flats, while water flows were strong enough to efficiently flush the sand flats. As the Tweed River slowed and its course moved toward the centre of the valley, mud flats developed over the marine sands as sediments from surrounding hills settled. These sediments deepened as vegetation took hold, creating slightly raised ridge lines and islands
WE dissected by fresh and brackish water courses. Rainforest species, already dominant on the surrounding basalt soils, colonised the flood plain. Aborigines occupied the lower Tweed River at least 5,000 years BP. An excavated shell midden at the base of Sextons Hill, 7.0 km to the north, gave radiocarbon dates for occupation of the site from 4,700 BP to 4,200 BP (Appleton, 1993).
3.0 ARCHAEOLOGICAL BACKGROUND
3.1 PREVIOUS STUDIES
There have been numerous studies for Aboriginal sites in the lower Tweed River and beach dune areas to the south. The results of these studies form the basis of the N.P.W.S. Sites Register, Table 1, Section 3.2. The sites listed and indicated in Figure 2 are all within 7.0 km 'as the crow flies', but not effected by the operations at Quirks Quarry. The following studies have been conducted in the near vicinity of the Quarry. They fall into two categories:
academically based studies and
commercial contract studies, initiated in response to development proposals.
McBryde (1974) conducted studies which recorded sites in the Tweed Valley. These were Bora Grounds and shell middens. The study was part of a site distribution study which took in the entire New England Region. Piper (1975) recorded a large number of sites in the Tweed Valley, plotted their distribution and suggested associations between sites and specific environments. Neither of these studies located sites in the Condong Range area.
Specific studies in the near vicinity of Quirks Quarry include Piper (1993, 1994 a, 1994 b), Piper (1993, Part 1) assessed the archaeology of the banks of the Tweed River and adjacent lands from Barney Point to Tumbulgum. The study located three sites in the Chinderah area and assessed the existence/condition of sites already listed with the NP.W.S., chiefly north of the Tweed River. The study found that the majority of listed sites had been either destroyed or badly disturbed. Piper (1994 a) assessed an area of 21 ha., 0.75 km south east of this study area. The area is adjacent to the Eviron Road, which follows the ridge line above Quirks Quarry. No sites were recorded in the Eviron study. Piper (1994 b) assessed the area of and surrounding Bartletts Quarry, 1.0 km to the north west. The study was hampered by very poor ground visibility. No sites were located. The surrounds of the quarry had been heavily disturbed by a planted pine forest, rubbish tip and ground clearing.
In summary there have been no results from previous studies which have a direct bearing on the Quirks Quarry area.
-7- 3.2 DSTRIBUTION OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES
Table 1 and Figure 2 indicates sites listed in the N.P.W.S. Site Register for the lower Tweed Estuary. Of the 43 listed, 25 are shell middens, 13 open camp sites and 3 recorded burials. Ceremonial grounds are also listed. The list is not complete, as it does not list known sites on the eastern shores of Terranora Broadwater and Terranora Inlet. However, none of the listed sites nor those in process are effected by development proposals in this study area.
As the Register records sites on maps of scale 1: 250 000, there is the probability that errors will occur when references are transferred to 1 : 25 000 maps. The locations shown in Figure 2 on 1 : 100 000 should be taken as indicative of the pattern of sites distribution. TABLE 1: Archaeological sites in the NPWS Register
Site I.D. Area Location Reference Site Type 04-1-0021 Chinderah 555400 6875000 Midden 04-1-0022 Banora Point 554300 6878000 if 04-1-0024 Banora Point 554300 6878000 04-1-0031 Cobaki 548500 6883900 04-2-0005 Terranora B'dwater 552300 6879300 04-2-0006 Terranora 19 552800 6875200 ' & Burial 04-2-0007 " 3 553230 6876230 if 04-2-0008 6 552900 6876500 II PS PS PS 1 -' T I I - - - - - ueraoagri Is. 553830 6880450 Bora Ceremonial 04-2-0010 Fingal Point 555400 6880000 Burial 04-2-9911 Fingal Point 555400 6880000 Midden 04-2-0013 Fingal Head 554800 6880800 Burial 04-2-0014 Ukerabagh Is. 553700 6880800 Midden 04-2-0016 Ukerabagh Is. 553800 6881700 Nat. Myth ritual 04-2-0017 Barneys Point 553900 6878050 Midden 04-2-0018 Terranora 6 553750 6876200 Open camp site It 04-2-0019 2 554200 6877600 Midden 04-2-0020 5 552250 6876210 Midden 04-2-0021 9 552240 6876210 Open camp site 04-2-0022 10 552200 6875800 If 04-2-0023 11 552120 6875970 Midden 04-2-0024 12 552010 6876010 Midden 04-2-0025 Terranora 13 551620 6875030 Open camp site 04-2-0026 550750 6875960 11 04-2-0027 I' 15 550750 6875260 IL 04-2-0028 II 16 550300 6875000 04-2-0029 I, 17 553150 6877200 Midden 04-2-0030 18 550650 6875220 Open camp site 04-2-0031 II 4 553500 6876500 Midden 04-2-0032 Greenbank Is. 553220 6882570 Midden 04-2-0033 Terranora 7 552950 6876520 Midden 04-2-0034 Inlet 552540 6881390 Midden 04-2-0035 Ch inderah 553820 6875940 Midden 04-2-0036 Cudgen Crk 1 554800 6869650 Midden 04-2-0037 Kings Quarry 553800 6867050 Quarry 04-2-0038 Midden 551150 6879440 Midden 04-2-0039 Cool' Airport Gate 549120 6883300 Midden 04-2-0053 N.O.S. 14 550532 6868486 Isolated find 04-2-0064 Minijunbal Mem 553700 6876200 Midden 04-2-9965 Site 1 555210 6877020 Open camp site 04-5-0040 Norries Head it 556200 6865000 04-2-0066 Site 1 555220 6877020 04-2-0067 Site 2 555420 6877500 "& Midden
S
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Figure 2. N.P.W.S. Sites. Lower Tweed River, Murwillumbah Sca'e 1:100,000 SER. R631. SH9541. ED2-1AAS 4.0 FIELD INVESTIGATION
4.1 ARCHAEOLOGICAL POTENTIAL ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
Prior to the ground survey it is useful to assess the potential of the study area to contain sites. Initial assessment of site potential at Quirks Quarry was made on the basis of the known written record contained in
previous studies the N.P.W.S. Site Register Australian Heritage Commission Site Lists.
This information may be supplemented by:
local information which may not have official confirmation.
Having assessed the site information from the above sources, relevant to this study area, archaeological potential must be considered low. Its potential is also determined based on the likelihood of undiscovered sites. This is dependent upon the following:
the extent of area not yet investigated the nature and extent of human impacts which may have destroyed, concealed or scattered materials from original contexts the extent of undisturbed area which may have potential for sites. These will be areas close to: + relatively level, well drained surfaces + fresh water + access to raw materials + access to a variety of food producing zones natural corridors which may allow access to waterways, etc.
Consideration of archaeological potential in the light of there being a possibility of undiscovered sites leads to an assessment of low potential. The extent of human impacts within the quarry area is total. The top 3 - 4 metres of material has been ripped, screened and removed from the site and any archaeological materials with it. The surrounding areas have been 'clear felled' and planted for sugar cane or grazing land. The chance of archaeological materials remaining in any original context is remote.
4.2 ARCHAEOLOGICAL METHOD
The intention of the ground inspection was to inspect as much of the visible surface areas as possible. This also includes any mature trees which may be examined for scars which indicate bark removal for weapons, utensils or burial purposes. It has been pointed out that the possibility of sites surviving the extent of human impacts is remote. If any remains were to be discovered they would most likely be isolated artefacts. The steep bank, which has been left on the eastern boundary of the quarry, still supports a screen of mature eucalypts. The trees and eroded cuttings can be productively inspected.
If cultural materials or sites were found, work at and adjacent to the site would stop. Sites are plotted to 1: 25 000 scale maps, recorded and photographed and left 'in situ' if possible, pending reporting. The scientffic and heritage value, together with its significance to the Aboriginal community, would be assessed. Its status would be considered in consultation with the Land Council and the District Office of the N.P.W.S. Lismore.
Under the procedures defined under Sections 86, 87 and 90 of the Wildlife Act, 1974, application may be made for permits to remove, destroy, or excavate the site. Authorisations are granted at the discretion of the Director of the N.P.W.S. Further forms of protection may be implemented at the discretion of the Director of the N.P.W.S., in consultation with the Aboriginal community through the Land Council.
4.3 THE FIELD SURVEY - RESULTS
Quirks Quarry was first inspected by myself. A further inspection took place on 28.4.94 with Mr Sam Lever, Co-Ordinator of the Land Council. The boundaries of the quarry site are clearly defined and fenced. The area of future expansion, south of the present workings, was inspected and found that ground visibility was very poor due to grass cover. The wetland on the western boundary was inundated with water at the time of inspection. The earth and tree screen on the eastern boundary was the only remaining sector which could be productively inspected. The understorey is thickly vegetated with weeds and deadfall. Remaining mature trees were inspected for tree scars without result. It was not possible to cover the ground in a systematic manner due to its steepness and heavy ground cover. Any areas of exposed soils, eroded parts of the bank and a trackway were inspected.
Prior to the ground inspection the potential for Aboriginal sites in the study area was considered low. The actual surface inspection found nothing to alter that assessment. No Aboriginal sites or cultural materials were located in the study area. Consultations with the Land Council did not find that there were any areas of significance effected by workings at the quarry.
It has been pointed out that poor ground visibility does hamper the amount of area that can be inspected. However, both Mr Lever and myself are confident that the results of the ground inspection are a true reflection of the archaeological resource at the site.
-12- 5.0 RECOMMENDATIONS - QUIRKS QUARRY
Given that no Aboriginal sites or Aboriginal community interests are effected by works at Quirks Quarry a cautionary statement is appropriate.
If items such as stone artefacts, bone or other cultural materials are believed to have been discovered then work at and adjacent to the material must stop. The Land Council and the District Office of the N.P.W.S. Lismore must be informed. Works should not recommence until approval has been granted by both bodies.
The responsibility of contractors to report archaeological or cultural remains, if found, is not lessened for undertaking this study. Knowingly destroying cultural materials incurs liability under the N.P.W.S. Act 1974.
In the absence of any known archaeological constraints, or any objections held by the Tweed Byron Local Aboriginal Land Council, I recommend there be no constraint to future works at Quirks Quarry.
- 13- BIBLIOGRAPHY
Appleton, J., 1993 The archaeological investigation of a shell midden at Sextons Hill, South Tweed Heads, N.S.W. A report for Ian Hill and Associates Pty. Ltd., Tweed Heads.
Chapman, D. M., Geary, P. S., Thom, B. G., 1982 Coastal Evolution & Coastal Erosion in N.S.W.
McBryde, I., 1974 Aboriginal Prehistory in New England. Sydney University Press.
Piper, A., 1975 Ocean Beach to Mountain Top: The Tweed Valley in Prehistory. Unpub. B. Lift thesis, U.N.E.
Piper, A., 1993 An Archaeological Assessment, Part 1. Barneys Point Bridge to North Tumbulgum. A Report for the P.W.D., Lismore, N.S.W.
Piper, A., 1994 a An Archaeological Survey at Eviron via Murwillumbah, N.S.W. A Report for Northern Rivers, Engineers, Planners and Scientists, Byron Bay, N.S.W.
Piper, A., 1994 b An Archaeological Survey at Bartletts Quarry, Eviron via Murwillumbah, N.S.W. A Report for Ecotech International, Bangalow, N.S.W.
-14- ANNEXURE A
CORRESPONDENCE -
TWEED BYRON ABORIGINAL LAND COUNCIL
-15- TWEED BYRON LOCAL ABORIGINAL LAND COUNCIL P.O. Box 6160, Tweed Heads South, NSW 2486. Telephone: (066) 743600 Fax: (066) 743603
Chairperson: M çair - jj. Secretary: DAIE wius
2 May 1994
Mr Adrian Piper Archaeologist 54 The Quarterdeck WEST TWEED 2485
Dear Arian
Further to our inspection on Quarry sites on Thursday 28th April 1994.
Site 1. Mr R.G Quirk Duranbah Road DtJRANBAH
The Quarry site is located on property described as Lot 12 DP 601427, Eviron Road, Parish Cudgen, County of Rous. Site 2. G.R & K.D OKeefe Duranbah Road DTJRANBAH
The Quarry site is located on property described as Lot 2 DP 590220, Eartletts Road, Parish Condong, County of Rous.
Site 3. G.R & K.D OKeefe Duranbah Road DLTRANBAB
The Quarry site is located on property described as Lot 28 DP 615931, Parsh Cudgen County of Rous. Mr Adrian Piper 2 May 1994 page 2
Sites 1.1 2.! 3. The view of the Teed Byron LALJC regarding Sites 1, 2 and 3 is that they have been heavily disturbed by the Quarry works and that it would be virtually impossible to find any remains of Aboriginal sites if there were any.
The Tweed Byron LALC is satisfied with the study that had been carried out by Mr Adrian Piper(Archeologist) and Mr Sam Lever(Co- ordinator of the TBLALC). Plese find enclosed an account for archaeological work. Yours sincerely
SAM LEVER Co-ordinator enc ANNEXURE B
PLATES PLATE 1 VIEW NORTH
PLATE 2 VIEW EAST
SHE PLATE 3 WESTERN PERIMETER - WETLAND
L
PLATE 4 VIEW SOUTH EAST - INCLUDING AREA OF POSSIBLE EXPANSION
- 20 - APPENDIX E
NOISE IMPACT ASSESSMENT H. K. Clarke & Associates Pty. Limited A.C.N. 002 528 145 MOBILE: 015 292 605 NOISE CONTROL AND MANAGEMENT CONSULTANTS PHONE: (066) 52 3606 FAX: (066) 52 2312
ASSOCIATES H K CLARKE, MILE P B SCRIVENER. M A,A S A NOISE
IMPACT STATEMENT
FOR
liii I 1 4'IS1V 1 '1
AT
EVIRON
29 November, 1994
This statement may not be published except influll unless permission for the publication of an approved extract has been obtained in writing from the author.
file:-QUITWE.DOC
Correspondence to: 3 Maca uleys Headland Drive, Coffs Harbour, N.S.W. 2450 Registered Office: 108 High Street, Coffs Harbour, N.S.W. 2450 NOISE IMPACT STATEMENT 2 QUIRKS QUARRY
CONTENTS
Introduction...... 3
SiteDetails...... 4
Proposed Operation ...... 4
Hours of Operation ...... 6
Present Background Noise Level...... 6
Assessment Criteria...... 7
Nearest Residence ...... 9
Generated Noise Level ...... 10 -
Distance Attenuation ...... 11
Noise Level Prediction ...... 11
Methods of Attenuation ...... 13
Instrumentation Used...... 20
Noise Impact Assessment...... 21
SitePlan ...... Appendix A
Barrier Calculation...... Appendix B
H K Clarke & Associates Coffi Harbour 29 November, 1994 NOISE IMPACT STATEMENT 3 QUIRKS QUARRY
I. INTRODUCTION
This Noise Impact Statement was requested by Mr Brian Mackney of Brian J Mackney and Associates Pty Ltd and is required to accompany
an Environmental Impact Statement for the development which is to be considered by the Tweed Shire Council.
The author was required to investigate and report on the likely noise,
blast overpressure and ground vibration impact on the environment of the operation of the development.
To achieve this aim the site was visited on Wednesday 23 March and
Friday 17 June 1994. During these visits details of the site and environs
were studied and recorded and the location of the nearest residence established.
The author of this statement is a member of the Australian Institute of Industrial Engineers, with over fifteen years experience in both
environmental and industrial noise assessment and control.
H K Clarke & Associates, Coil's Harbour 29 November, 1994 NOISE IMPACT STATEMENT 4 QUIRKS QUARRY
SITE DETAILS
The site of the development is as shown on Appendix "A'.
The title of the site is:-
Lot 12, DP 601427 Eviron Road
County of Rous, Shire of Tweed
The characteristics of the site are that it is located on a spur that runs - north-west to south-east on the northern side of the Condong Range.
To the north, west and east is low lying flat land mainly of cultivated sugar cane. To the south cleared land rises to a ridge.
PROPOSED OPERATION
The development involves the extraction of rock, which is won by
blasting. The material is crushed and screened then stock piled before delivery to customers.
The equipment and practices which will be involved in the development are as follows:-
Pneumatic Hard Rock Drill Crusher and Screens Front End Loader Trucks Bulldozer Blasting
The average annual extraction is predicted to be approximately 35 700m3 of screened material.
H K Clarke & Associates, Coffi Harbour 29 November, 1994
NOISE IMPACT STATEMENT 5 QUIRKS QUARRY
This operation is classified as a Scheduled Premises under the Noise
Control Act 1975 of N S W as defined under 1(c) of the Schedule. An
application for approval is therefore required to be completed and
forwarded, together with the appropriate fee, to the Environment
Protection Authority (EPA-SPCC).
We also advise that the Noise Control Act 1975, of NSW, as amended
states that: -
ff (1) The occupier of any scheduled premises-
(a) shall not- alter the method of operation of any trade, industry. process or plant in or on those premises; install, replace or alter any plant in or on those premises; or alter the physi cal features of those premises,
(b) shall not cariy out any work in or on those premises that
constitutes the beginning of, or any subsequent step in- the installation, replacement or alteration of any plant in or on those premises; or any alteration of the physical features of those premises, which, if the installation, replacement or alteration where completea would be likely to cause or increase the emission of noise from those premises, except in accordance with a pollution control approval or in accordance with a noise control notice.
H K Clarke & Associates, Coffs Harbour 29 November, 1994 NOISE IMPACT STATEMENT QUIRKS QUARRY
HOURS OF OPERATION
It is planned to operate this development between the hours of 0700hrs
to 1 700hrs Monday to Friday and 0700hrs to midday on Saturdays.
Blasting is to be carried out between the hours of 0900hrs to 1500hrs Monday to Friday and 0900hrs to midday on Saturdays.
All noise associated with this development will be generated within these stated hours.
PRESENT BACKGROUNI) NOISE LEVEL
The present background noise level was measured and recorded * between the hours of 1 l32hrs and 1152hrs on Wednesday 23 March
1994 at the residence located approximately 300m to the south. The level was established as being:-
40.5dB(A), Lp.J20 minutes)
The L90 noise level is that level of noise which is exceeded for 90% of
the measurement period. By virtue of this fact it is the descriptor which
is preferred by the EPA for the measurement of background noise levels.
The conditions prevailing at the time of these measurements were:
H K Clarke & Associates, Coffs Harbour 29 November, 1994 NOISE IMPACT STATEMENT 7 QUIRKS QUARRY
Table 1
Date 23-3-94 Time 1130 Hour Thy Bulb Temperature 23 °c Wet Bulb Temperature 21 Relative Humidity 85 Barometric Pressure 1015 hPa Wind Speed 0-5 kms/hr Wind Direction S Cloud Cover 80 %
VI. ASSESSMENT CRITERIA.
The EPA in their SPCC Environmental Noise Control Manual have set Maximum Planning Noise Levels for various environmental conditions based on the existing background noise level.
The environment at the nearest affected residences is assessed as being a residential land-use in a Rural 1(a) zone.
By reference to the manual (Chap 20 and 21) it is found that the
maximum planning noise level is derived from the following:-
Table 2
Acceptable Limit (AL) 45dB (A)
Measured Level 4ldB(A) Difference Between-
Measured & Acceptable 4dB(A)
Maximum Planning Level AL - 2dB(A)
H K cI&ke & Associates, Coffs Harbour 29 November, 1994 NOISE IMPACT STATEMENT 8 QUIRKS QUARRY
Therefore: -
Day Time Maximum Planning Noise Level = 43dB(A)
This level is measured as L10, 15 minutes and applies to day time hours, viz. 0700hrs to 2200hrs.
It is our submission that Maximum Planning Noise Levels which are
derived by this method are specifically designed for the control of
background 'creep'. This condition is brought about by the noise - generated by several developments within the vicinity.
As there are no other, and are not likely to be, noise generating developments in the vicinity our proposal is that the appropriate Planning Noise Level for this development is: -
Background + 5dB(A)
Therefore Planning Noise Level is: -
4ldB(A) + 5dB(A) = 46dB(A)
The EPA in their SPCC Environmental Noise Control Manual, Chapter
154, have published a "Noise Control Guideline for Blasting". The following are extracts from the latter.
"Criteria are specified for guidance only and may be varied according to local site conditions."
"Temperature inversions and wind can enhance the overpressure noise levels by as much as 20dB at distances of 21an or more from the centre of the blast. When temperature inversion is present,
H K Clarke & Assoeiates, Coffi Harbour 29 November, 1994 NOISE IMPACT STATEMENT 9 QUIRKS QUARRY
blasting operations should be confined to the hours of 11 am to 1 pm."
"Assess weather conditions at the time of the blast. (Avoid heaiy
cloud cover and avoid firing if a strong wind is blowing towards residences. In particular, avoid days of severe temperature inversion.)"
"Experience indicates that ground vibration for mines and quarries
can generally be maintained below 1 mm/sec."
"Blasting operations should in most cases be confined to the periods Monday to Saturdays, 9 am to 3pm."
In relation to blasting within the aforementioned times the following limiting criteria are specified.
Blast Overpressure Ground Vibration Level (dB) Peak Particle Velocity PPV (mmlsec) 115 5
Also, the EPA's SPCC Environmental Noise Control Manual specifies
an "Environmental Goal" of 600(A),L,T for traffic noise when
measured at im from a residential facade.
Yll. NEAREST RESIDENCE
The site location together with the sites of the nearest residences is shown on Appendix "A".
The nearest residence is situated to the south on a ridge approximately
300m distant. The residence is situated on Eviron Road. A "line of sight" condition exist between the quarry and the residence.
H K Clarke & Associates, Coffi Harbour 29 November, 1994 NOISE IMPACT STATEMENT 10 QUIRKS QUARRY
VIII. GENERATED NOISE LEVEL
It is predicted that the following noise levels will be generated by the equipment.
Table 3
Equipment Distance (m) dB(A)
RockDrill 7 101 Crusher and Screen 15 91 Front End Loader 7 92 Trucks on Site 10 75 Bulldozer 7 81
The rock drill was measured by the author in the worst noise direction while drilling.
The crusher noise level is dominated by the screen noise
The screens were measured by the author in the worst noise direction while operating at Kinnears Quarry, Numinbah Rd.
The noise level for trucks relates to a measurement in the worst noise - direction of a filly laden truck moving within the confines of the site.
Up to a lOdB(A) reduction will be experienced when the truck is stationary and idling.
The noise level generated by blasting was determined by trial blasting.
The details and results of which are stated in Section "X. Noise Level Prediction".
H K Clarke & Associates, Coffi Harbour 29 November, 1994 NOISE IMPACT STATEMENT 11 QUIRKS QUARRY
DISTANCE ATTENUATION
Distance attenuation is the amount a noise level is reduced due to the distance travelled and the topography and vegetation between the noise
source and the receiver. Measurements taken on site showed that a
distance attenuation of 6dB(A) was applicable for each doubling of distance.
The distance of approximately 300m from the quarry to the curtilage of the southern residence will result in the following distance attenuation levels:-
Source Distance Attenuation 15m 25dB(A) lOm 29dB(A) 7m 3ldB(A) NOISE LEVEL PREDICTION
A. Blasting
i. Details
A trial blast was conducted at 1 l23hrs on Friday 17 June 1994, at this site.
The following details of the blast design were recorded. Pattern Size : 9m x 23.4m (approx) Bench Height : 4.3m Hole Length : 5m Number of Rows : 5 Number of Holes : 50 Hole Diameter : 89mm Stemming Length : 2.6m Stemming Type : Tailings Sub Drill : 0.7m Burden : 1.8m Max Instantaneous Charge : 26kg ANFO 7.52kg Riogel (due to water) Explosive : ANFO, 3 25kg total Riogel, 1. 88kg/hole Delay : TLDs 17, 30, 42 and 65ms
H K Clarke & Associates, Coffs Harbour 29 November, 1994 NOISE IMPACT STATEMENT 12 QUIRKS QUARRY Ave. 7ms
ii. Results
Monitoring was conducted at the residence located approximately 300m to the south of the blast. The results were:-
<0.97mm/s PPV <105dB(lin), Peak Hold
Ground vibration was at least 4.03mm/s below the EPA's limiting - criteria and, also, less than 1mm/s which is indicated by the EPA to be an achievable level of vibration.
Overpressure was at least lOdB(A) below the EPA's limiting criteria.
The conditions prevailing at the time of these measurements were:-
Table 4
Date 17-6-94 Time 1127 Hour Dry Bulb Temperature 22 °c Wet Bulb Temperature 17 Relative Humidity 63 % Barometric Pressure 1016 hPa Wind Speed 0-5 kms/hr Wind Direction SW Cloud Cover Nil %
It was stated that the result of the blast was the creation of material which was of production quality and quantity.
It is our opinion that the effects of blasting will not be the cause of
justifiable complaints provided the design principles of the Trial Blast are adopted.
H K Clarke & Associates, Coffi Harbour 29 November, 1994 NOISE IMPACT STATEMENT 13 QUIRKS QUARRY
Equipment
The predicted receiver noise levels at the nearest residence when distance attenuation is applied are as follows:-
Table 5
Equipment dB(A)
Rock Drill 70 Crusher and Screen 66 Front End Loader 61 Trucks on Site 46 Bulldozer 50
Site Generated Traffic
The traffic generated by the operation of this quarry equates to an
average of 30 truck movements per day. It is our opinion that this
activity will not cause the recommended traffic noise guide line of
60dB(A),L,T' to be exceeded on the access route which is via a cane road to the Pacific Highway.
XI. METHODS OF ATTENUATION
From the predicted receiver noise levels shown in Table 5 it is necessary to establish an acoustically acceptable method of operation. The details of the proposal are as follows.
1 SPCC (EPA) Environmental Noise Control Manual Chap 157-3
H K Clarke & Associates Coffs Harbour 29 November, 1994 NOISE IIvIPACT STATEMENT 14 QUIRKS QUARRY
In general it is recommended that:-
Quarry operating equipment such as bulldozers and front end
loaders are fitted with effective 'residential' type mufflers.
These mufflers can provide 30dB attenuation to the exhaust. It should be noted that other noise sources of an engine such as the fan and air
intake will become the dominant noise source, therefore the net - attenuation is approximately lOdB(A). Also it is recommended that:-
411 equipment is operated with a full set of engine cover plates install&L
Crusher & Screens.
The predicted receiver noise level of 66dB(A) is based on the unit being located in an exposed working area. It is our recommendation that: -
The crushing and screening operation be carried out in a dedicated area which is located in the north western position on the quarry floor near the quarry entranc&
This location will afford the maximum attenuation to the noise of the
equipment, predicted to be 20dB(A) provided that the face of the
screens are not directed at the nearest residence. Additional distance will also provide 3dB(A) attenuation.
Therefore it is predicted that the noise of the Crusher and Screens, when measured at the nearest residence will be:-
H K Clarke & Assoeiates, Coffi Harbour 29 November, 1994 NOISE IMPACT STATEMENT 15 QUIRKS QUARRY
43dB(A).
Front End Loader.
The activity of the front end loader is primarily to service the crusher and screens and to load delivery vehicles.
This area of activity will experience the same attenuation as the crusher
viz. 20dB(A) for the barrier and 3dB(A) for the additional distance. Also the attenuation of a residential muffler of 1 OdB(A) is applicable.
Therefore it is predicted that the noise of the Front End Loader, when measured at the nearest residence will be:-
28dB(A) Bulldozer.
This unit is predicted to be primarily used in the general maintenance of the quarry, site rehabilitation and the removal of unwanted material such
as overburden. From this work description the receiver noise level will be variable.
The residential muffler will provide 1 OdB(A) attenuation.
Therefore it is predicted that the noise of the Bulldozer, when measured at the eastern residence will range from: -
4OdB(A).
Rock Drill
In the case of the Rock Drill the unit is most likely to be operated at the
highest point of the site and therefore a direct sound path to the residence will exist.
The receiver noise level of 70dB(A) will apply.
The frequency of blasting and therefore drilling is estimated to be
approximately three times per year. Drilling for a blast of the desired size will take a maximum of two days.
H K Clarke & Associates, Coffs Harbour 29 November, 1994 NOISE IMPACT STATEMENT 16 QUiRKS QUARRY
The E P A officers in Grafton have advised that experiments are being undertaken with the application of an enclosure around the mast of a drill. It is believed that approximately lOdB(A) is attenuated.
Although this additional level of attenuation is not totally adequate it is recommended that:-
An enclosure be constructed around the nzast of the rock drilL
This enclosure should be constructed of an outside skin of 1.0mm thick
steel. A layer of 38mm thick semi-rigid insuiwool should be held in
place by an inner skin of 10% open area perforated steel. Minimum size view panels of thick perspex are to be provided at strategic locations and the total enclosure is to seal to the ground by a skirt of conveyor belting or equivalent. The predicted receiver noise level is therefore:-
60dB(A)
The provision of this enclosure will not provide the total attenuation
required at the eastern residence when the rig is operating in exposed locations. It is therefore recommended that:-
A portable barrier be erected between the rig and the residenc& 1
This barrier will have the characteristics to provide up to a maximum of
24dB(A) attenuation dependant upon certain criteria within which it is required to be installed. These criteria include:-
Distance of Noise Source to Barrier. Distance Barrier to Receiver.
The Width of the Barrier.
H K Clarke & Associates, Coffs Harbour 29 November, 1994 NOISE IMPACT STATEMENT 17 QUIRKS QUARRY
Relationship between R.L.s of Noise Source (Top of Mast), lop of Barrier and the Receiver.
The Designed Transmission Loss of the Barrier
It is proposed to erect a barrier which utilises a portable fabricated steel
frame into which 50mm thick hardwood timber planks are slotted. The
edges of the planks will be machined to ensure that gaps are not present in the structure.
The principles used to calculate the atteuation of such a barrier are shown on Appendix "B".
The predicted receiver level will therefore not exceed 40dB(A).
On-Site Trucks.
The vehicles will operate around the stock piles which will be accumulated near the crusher.
Therefore it is predicted that the noise of the on-site trucks will be
attenuated by an additional 3dB(A), when measured at the nearest residence giving a level of: -
43dB(A).
Blast Overpressure.
It was demonstrated that high levels of blast overpressure can be
reduced to acceptable levels. This is achieved by a strict control of the
amount of explosive used in a hole and the use of the appropriate stemming length and material.
The possibility of a face blow out cannot be totally. eliminated due to the
type of material at the site but the adoption of the measures contained in this report will assist in a blow out occurring on most infrequent occasions.
H K Clarke & Associates, Coffi Harbour 29 November, 1994 NOISE IMPACT STATEMENT 18 QUIRKS QUARRY
A summary of predicted receiver noise levels at the eastern residence compared to the MPL of 46dB(A) is:-
Equipment dB(A) Front End Loader 28 Bulldozer 40 Rock Drill 40 Crusher & Screens 43 On-Site Trucks 43
The predicted activity is 2-3 blasts per year requiring 4-6 days drilling and 20 weeks crushing.
It is likely that the most common combination of generated noises will be the crusher and the trucks. The summed receiver noise level will be:-
43 + 43 = 46dB(A)
Chart for Combining Noise Level
3
2.5
2 Increment in d (Add to highest 1.5 level).
0.5
01
Ln (C) 00 c 00 Difference in dB between two levels being added.
The above graph provides the means of obtaining the increased total
noise level resulting from an increase in the number of noise sources.
An assurance is given that noise with tonal characteristics will not be generated.
All other residences in the vicinity of this development are at such a
distance that the applicable distance attenuation will more than
H K Clarke & Associates, Coffs Harbour 29 November, 1994 NOISE IMPACT STATEMENT 19 QUIRKS QUARRY
adequately reduce the generated noise level to below the maximum
planning noise level.
The effect of a 5 metres/sec wind blowing in the direction of a residence
from the plant will be to increase the plant noise by 3dB(A) at that
residence. However this increase will be tempered by the increase in
noise due to trees and vegetation around the residence.
H K Clarke & Associates, Coffs Harbour 29 November, 1994 NOISE IMPACT STATEMENT 20 QUIRKS QUARRY
XII. INSTRUMENTATION USED
The instrumentation used during the course of this study was as listed
below, the sound level meter being calibrated before and after each set of measurements.
* Rion model NA-61 Sound Level Meter, Serial Number 00595593 with a condenser type 1/2' microphone.
* Rion model NX-01 Octave Filter, Serial Number 11100558.
* Larson-Davis Model 700 Integrating Sound Level Meter, Serial Number B0349.
* Larson-Davis 114.0dB, 250Hz Calibrator, Serial Number CA0201
* Larson-Davis 2800 Real Time Analyser Serial Number A0263.
* Larson-Davis 700 and 2800 Series Programs
* MX Quarry Monitor
* Optima 486 Computer
H K Clarke & Associates, Coffs Harbour 29 November, 1994 NOISE IMPACT STATEMENT 21 QUIRKS QUARRY
XIII. NOISE IMPACT ASSESSMENT
Although it cannot be guaranteed that justifiable complaints relating to
noise will not be made it is our opinion that considerate operation,
particularly of the Rock Drill and close liaison with the residents can
result in the continued operation of this development.
It is also our opinion that blast overpressure and ground vibration will not be the cause of justifiable complaints.
These opinions are expressed on the strict conditions that the
development is as specified, that the recommendations contained herein are implemented and that all equipment is operated and maintained in
accordance with the manufacturers specifications and good engineering practice.
It is the clients responsibility to ensure that all modifications are
approved by the supplier of the equipment as no responsibility will be
accepted by H K Clarke & Associates Pty Ltd for any damage to
motors, compressors or other equipment, as a result of the implementation of recommendations contained herein.
HKClarke MITE
H K Clarke & Associates, Coffi Harbour 29 November, 1994 NOISE IMPACT STATEMENT 22 QUIRKS QUARRY APPENDIX "A" SITE LOCATION
ev I 1
/ 5T077$ I51_t'O..
J TO Tm I1J4O StQtn liland Stotti 4s6n
- NA TURE RESERVE
H K Clarke & Associates, Coffi Harbour 29 November, 1994 NOISE IMPACT STATEMENT 23 QUIRKS QUARRY APPENDIX "B" BARRIER CALCULATION
B
RECDVER NOISE
a = 13 + 101ogN, N>=1 ...... (1) where: - N =2 =2 (A Fresnel Number)
and: -
= A + B - (a + b)
where: - (a+b) = the shortest path between the source and the receiver in the absence of the barrier. A+B = the shortest path over the top of the barrier. f = a characteristic frequency of the noise. C =the speed of sound in ambient conditions, m/s. T = Temperature, °K.
a=3+1Olog() ...... (2)
Equation (2) is used in a computer program to enable the attenuation
effect of various barrier configurations to be evaluated.
The accuracy of the results obtained by the use of this method has been
established at a wide range of applications involving varied noise sources.
H K Clarke & Associates, Coffs Harbour 29 November, 1994 H. K. Clarke & Associates Pty.Lirnted A.C.N.002528145 MOGILE:015292605 NOISE CONTROL AND MANAGEMENT CONSULTANTS PHONE: (066) 52 306 FAX: (066) 52 2312
ASSOCIATES - k K. CLARKE M.I I E. P IVENER. MA A S The Manager B J Mackney & Associates Coopers Shoot Road BANGALOW N S W 2479
Attention: Mr Brian Maciccy
21 March, 1995
Dear Sir
Qmirk3 Qrry - AcCe Routes Noi,eJsIDact As
Under the heading of C. Site Generated Traffic" in our Nois4 Impact Statement for this operation it is
stated that:-
The traJjlc generated by the operation of this quar?)' equates to an awrage of 30 truck
movements per day. It is our Opinion that this activity will not cause the reccmrnmded
traffic noise guide line of 0 (A)Leq. T to be excehied on the access route which is via
a cane road to the Pac/ic Tfighway.
This statement was based upon the use of the existing cane txacl through to the Pacific Highway. Ftowcver, an alternative route is proposed which utilises a Right-of-*ay through to Duranbah Road silh an intersection just north of the Eviron Road junction.
We are advised that a survey of the area shows that one residenrencesis situated directly within the area of this R 0 W and is approximately 220m to the south, other rcsi in the area are under the acoustic influence of Duranbah and Eviron roads.
There are two possible interpretations of the applicable noise 1veI criteria which may be applied to trarne from this site:-
As part of the quarry site, viz. Background plus 5d(A).
As per a road, viz. 6OdB(A)Leq T
Correspondence to: 3 Macauleys Headland Drive, Coffs Harbour, N.S.W. 2450 Registered Office; r1^f4c 4rhPUr N SW. 2450 TIJE 10:20 0 OJA R-9
It is our opinion that the predicted noise of truck activity on a fell maintained right-of-way will not cause either of the two critcria to be exceedet
This is based on an acceptable noise level of 46dB(A) and a trt4 level of 75dB(A) at lOm.
This statement is to be considered together with the condiTions tated in our Noise Impact Statcmcnt dnied 28 November 1994.
Yours faithf.il1y H K Clarke & Associates Pty Ltd
/TT !KClarke fitc:.QUITWEI .DOC APPENDIX F
MATERIAL RESOURCES - NORTH EASTERN DIVISION GRAVEL PITS AND QUARRIES
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rt,.ie. APPENDIX G
STORMWATER DETENTION BASINS AND
SEDIMENT CONTROL STRUCTURES Extracts from:
E.P.A. Pollution Manual for Urban Stormwater
Queensland Urban Drainage Manual Volume I 47
Lare sing'e • Mt1tiie smail
-ine
Figure 15: Types of wet daterflion b2sins
WET RTNflCN 8A.1N Water flcw dependent upon waIr Ie1. Somwater re1aaned N=al maximum Mumiesfled focd storm water Ieve Cutlet
2Lf==
Lcww hetsuucture Rozrad Po2rcd LwUuwppe jtars açe uUet to.rn
Figure 16.*Design of wet retention basins .. .. • ..- - - - --- s. •
43
Wet r eLicn basiis shouU bc coostrctcd before cormenceeat of azLy sitC clearance or construction worts, and de-siU ed when the level of sediment red ces the avage :iter depth to lcs than Li metres.
It ma" be desirable for the deigncr of an urban retention basin to Lecorporace an outlet dcvlcc that enables dc-watering of the basin. This simplifies dc-silting, enabting earthmoving ecipeat to be uied for de- silJ.izg opera1ons.
I: is generally necessary to incorporate a gross solids trap and trash rack facility on major dischares into the retention basin. This prolongs the life of the basin and prevents the accumuda:ian of litter.
Basins should be surrounded by buffer zcs, usually grassed fore.shors with not Less than 20 mctres bceen the nearest development and the basin. This allows for some infiltration of drainage from developments, permits the drainage authority scope to deeiop aesthetic surrounds and reduces the likelihood of over-the-fence thimpLeg of rubbish.
Basins designed using the above criteria will perform well for storms of up to about a 1-in-1 year frequency. Performance will be affected by storm recurrence inter,ala with poorer periorm.ance when storms follow each ocher by only a few hours.
A retention basin constructed to the above guidelines will remove large amounts of suspended solids; storms with a recurrence frequency np to the 1-ia-I year level cause the removal of as much as 90 per cent of particles and lesser amounts of total posphorns and soluble nutrients.
Average particle removal efficiencies for wet retention basins are shown in Figure 17. This figure is derived from the avcragc performance of a number of US basins in a large number of storms and with diverse soil conditions.It indicates that performance is a function of basin size in relation to contributing cathmcnt area and that the size of retention basins needs to be about 1 per cat of the wntributin.g catchment area if 90 per cent of particles are to be removed. This operating chart is also supported by other researchers such as Smith (1982) but, because of its empirical basis, can only be relied upon as a design cheoL
The settling velocity of particles shouid serve as the basis for design. Of course, this can only be found by conducting standard settling tests or from a knowledge of local soil characteristics. The surfac: area of the required basin can then be dctermind from design settling velocities (Randall et al 1952).
Wet retention basins are regarded as impoundments and normal dam safety requirements should be met, A dam may be precribd under tho Dams Safety Act 197S dcpending on the recommendation of the ew South Wales Dams Safety CmmLttee. A dam is not-maily, prcscribd if it is: 10 metres or more in height with a storage capacity of more thau 20 cgalitres O
5 metres or more in height with a storage capacity of 50 megaltres or more. -
I W - grassed areas (vjj) Slumm3utI Stdimmummi Tm aps air us.caj (vi) Crass Oulkt Sediiiieiit Traps are constructed in wcl vAlICIC 41c45 are not '. cU only so that the otitlall limit the basin is not pu1ic to scour graed and Itic outtct Joust tic lnolcctcd (Figumc 9 1 3) (Figure 9. I 2).
Bank Flu
131 Flow - - Small J.Pla p
UiaJ.st41J Auej Tiap Outflow ol Cl
I3int.tItl FLOW 2 r--- l 2 SEC TIOf'1 A-A
..._.._.!.- ExcAwAle 104 Req.aied S104a9. Apuon CiOSS S€C!ION AA Crass Outlet Seditneitl Trap
FIgure 9.12 3Otivn Notes: UIU LI) I. The volume of Sediment Storage should be 50 cubic ,netrs per hetare of Ci1i)tt itIUtflg caictiment I Sm L4AX
2 The minimum spiltway length (in) should tie 5 a catchrneit area (tia). but within time range of 4 males to 24 metres (NCDC 1988).
3. lime length:widtim ratio should be 2:1 minimum Stoite Outlet Sedi.mtmeni Trap
Figure 9.13 Nutto: lit: votumime of iccliment storage shou ld be 50 cubic mctmes per heLtame 01 contributing cat lumneni
2 Ilic iilIIti1l)uflm tjuuhls ay length (iii) should be 4 a cat. hument area (h.*)
.1 hue length biddI rain' sluoulJ be 2.1 nllni,fluuum (viii) Rip- Hap Out let Sediment '171-a1 arc si,tiilar to Slonc Oulici IypicdI SC.dIIlIcl(I SiUIdC 1utIJIII8 (4IIC (1(1111 I '10111' to 4(X)lll' pCr Sclijncnl traps but are dcsiglled for much larcr caicliincnt areas lICK. I4(C 01 JISIUI ticti cullIzItsUIllIg talC IIllIClIl. (Fiurc 9.14). Sc4Jiiilclli Lit)lagc volunic is dcpcmmdcmmt on a nuititier of fac(ors oicludntg cal tIed avctagc ctposi of coi sc scdm,iieiil. soil tyJ)c. rainfall illicImsity and (lcqucncy, IImc c.alculy of tIle lctcivllIg w41C( its ,cialit>a to (tic glala sucs to tic ita1pcd 1111.) tile JlltIlXJiliOfl of lCiCll(I()(I icquimt.t1, 4lld (tIC (IcqUcIlCy of cIc4IlIilC of ScdIlIlcnl 1111111
lOP 01 C0l.Clt0tIX.HPUlHI - IIIC bSlli. ll A83( IOPO( 5I0I4 LIII J. IIAX I (iAX3Vl IKISI CJIOUIIDAI q - toe o 114AuKI4 41 I t0Ie(l wi X (I - - 0R1X151 GROIJIlO IC (1988). SOIl Conservation I) MiA l)ei4ilcd gui(iancc is jiuvided by NCI 1EJ!!2LL!! IflLt8cAR0 LCXJALS 1125, . - ScIvIce ul New South Walc (1978), 5141C Jolluiiim (ullIgul d.. IICALSI I OIIIIIIISSIIIII (I 989j àlld 14046 and I Iat I IC. A Uliluf ity (1989) Al ç (.1 IAX.IIHI f 111K (lOIn - 0(01 Z•l•. 11 200, PROFILE I In. lop r0 I IUIUG[ncY SPILL WAY (lllIG C.A..lX0 - ApllolllgNOtlItl Kn.Mrn( -1.. _ UIJMIUIWLD SLUIt.lEtfl LJASIU -- IX.IAll '!.> - --
IlllPCl0lI1u55(l(H4il IAI1k-SlI4LAutI.D. C BUS S SEC lION ClIlotI S(4IQIUALLIIYCOUI*Cl(D c (180541 ORIXCAXAIOK 1110 IAIII(ti)At4 C0.JA( 1101 AXAhiIAI HI i*,S1IIGGIIOLK0 - .- - -
-----. \—\ PLAN -
..\FnlenCVsPIAaY cto'3-• _'_\ T- Coasi giaid . :- IJl-Y.. ((.05 AflI0i 101001 II. 8101K lIlXOOUlttI Cl0llI ------._. Wll1,.Gl plAit hO Uppel 111,101 8tlIli ICCi%1i.4ib06 •:, PERSPECTIVE Cl.*lclt tas.e (ifll dAm T:;.-7r AnIseepcuKLI
U.daitp;v J SEC lION
Itip [tap Outlet Sedlittent Trap
Figure 9.14
(ix) Sediuieiilation Basiits are used to control sediment firsin much Stdiiiieiilaliuim LIaXImI Ia:cr caI(-Ill,lcni 4IC.IX. SedillIclIl volumes cail be estimated using SC.Iii(IICIII yicld lIIOdcIS (Fmgurc 9. 15). tigiirc 9.I5
VadnIls bsiri sizing lIlcituKis arc avaitatlIc ((0111 staple cOtlInaicS of a IIACi v(JII.IIIIC/ulIlI 41C4 411 CdiLtlIlICIIt to SCIJIIIICIII traIISjK)rl Ill()IICIS.
921 9 20 F-B3 7-2 P-4 CE: 'e 1a:
49
LJQcer lirnil ;t average et1orrnacce
Lower limit at average performance
Sasn Surface Area as % of ContrbutinQ Catcrment Area
7gur8 17: Pertrmance oh ractensics of wet retention b"ns in the US as a function of basin sunace area (After US EPA 1983 a)
If the wet retention basin is a prescribed darn, the Dams Safety Committee will maiatain an interest in th dam and require information and reports from its ow-ncr. Designs should, therefore, be undertaken only by qualified engineers competentto practise in this area. NW Goveinmer4 Offic es 43 JcIorz Stra.t PG Box 434 Gritri NSN 2450
Tlspesem 2 U5.5 .X& 42 360€
Other design guides that will niake the basin efficient in recving particles and providing for public safety include the following.
The mininiuni depth should be no less than 1.5 nitres with an average depth of 2.5 metres. This discouragcs macrophytc growth in the deeper portions of the pond and the breeding of mosquicos.
The basin should have side slopes of approximately 1-in-8. This is a safety niessure which encourages macrophyte growth around the edges, facilitating nutrient upttke.
The maximum velocity through the pond basod on a 1-in-1 year storm should not exceed 0.3 nietres per second. At 2.5 metres depth, this is the maximum practical flow velocity at which optimum sediment removal can be achieved.
A minimum freeboard of 0.3 metres should be provided between a restricted - discharge outlet for the pond and a storm overflow weir. The discharge outlet should be designed so that the weir overtops on average three times per year.
Inlet and outlet structures should be located at extreme ends of the basin, with short-circuiting further miairnised by the use of baffles if feasible. APPENDIX H
PLAN OF MANAGEMENT PLAN OF MANAGEMENT - QUIRKS QUARRY 1995 PAGE 1
PLAN OF MANAGEMENT 1995
QUIRKS QUARRY
Introduction
This Plan of Management report has been prepared by Brian J. Mackney to accompany an Environmental Impact Statement for the proposed development of a quarry on Lot 12, DP 601427, Parish of Cudgen, County of Rous.
Land Ownership, Size and location
The land is owned by Mr. Robert Quirk.
The lot has an area of 40 ha and is located approximately 12 km east of Mu rwil Iu mbah.
Objectives of the Proposal
The objectives of the proposal to extend the existing quarry:
to provide gravel resources within the Tweed Shire area and specifically in the north western part of the shire, to meet future demand for road construction materials at an acceptable price;
to identify and protect known gravel deposits which are an accessible source of reliable quality road-base, sub-base and select fill material and maximise their potential for present and future use;
develop a plan of management for extraction of construction gravels from the quarry in an environmentally satisfactory manner, taking into account the state of the existing quarry, the nature of the resource, the predicted demand for materials and the nature of the surrounding environment;
to implement measures which will protect and enhance surrounding landuses and the rural amenity of the area and the local and regional road and traffic environment;
BRIAN J. MACKNEY & ASSOCIATES PTY. LTD., PHONE 066 871289 PAGE 2 PLAN OF MANAGEMENT - QUIRKS QUARRY 1995
to provide measures that will protect and enhance local and regional flora and fauna ecosystems;
to ensure that noise emissions from the quarry are within acceptable ranges and that measures be taken to maintain compliance; and,
to rehabilitate the extraction area to permit its return to a grazing property at the cessation of quarrying activities.
Description of Material
The gravel resource is primarily chert, the geology of which has its origins in the Falaeozoic NeranleighFernvale Group. This group consists of a series of thinly bedded shales, mudstones, siltstones and sandstones with occasional massive greywackes, volcanic tuffs, agglomerates, cherts and quartzites. These rocks have all undergone extensive deformation and exhibit a closely spaced jointing or cleavage pattern which, together with their weathering characteristics, make them
particularly useful as road construction material3.
Extent of the Resource
Contours produced from site survey show a total of approximately *** OQC) tonnes within the defined quarry resource. This equates to around ***,000 metres in situ or *** 000 loose metres.
The quarry will have a projected life of ** years at the proposed rate of extraction.
Proposed Annual Extraction Rate
The proposed average annual extraction rate is tonnes.
Outline of Operations
The primary use of gravel from the quarry is for local road maintenance and construction. The quarrying operation will involve:
Drilling Blasting Dozing
BRIAN J. MACKNEY & ASSOCIATES PTY. LTD., PHONE 066 871289 PLAN OF MANAGEMENT - QUIRKS QUARRY 1995 PAGE 3
Crushing Screening Stockpiling Loading and Hauling
Hours of Operation
The hours of operation for the quarry will be as follows:
Table I PROPOSED HOURS OF OPERATION Activity Hours Days Frequency
Quarrying* 0700 hrs to 1700 hrs Monday to Friday 0700 to 1200 hrs Saturday Blasting** 0900 hrs to 1500 hrs Monday to Friday year 0900 hrs to 1200 hrs Saturday Product trucking 0700 hrs to 1700 hrs Monday to Friday 42 per week 0700 hrs to 1200 hrs Saturday
* Quarrying includes: drilling, crushing & screening, truck loading. ** Note blast times limited to 11.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. during temperature inversion periods
Plan of Management
The plan of management includes the following:
an extraction plan = measures for retention of topsoil => an erosion and sediment control = stormwater management => water quality protection and monitoring => a flora and fauna protection strategy = a noise abatement scheme = dust control =' a traffic environment protection plan => visual protection and enhancement measures archeological protection safeguards ' Waste Disposal
BRIAN J. MACKNEY & ASSOCIATES PTY. LTD., PHONE 066 871289 PAGE 4 PLAN OF MANAGEMENT - QUIRKS QUARRY 1995
=> Fuels and oils management = Safety Issues Site Rehabilitation
The plan of management should be considered a dynamic tool for control and review of activities at the quarry from time to time and should be reviewed on a bi-annual basis to ensure that the quarrying operations continue to meet objectives in terms of viability and the quality of materials produced, and in terms of meeting environmental objectives of the development.
ExtractIon Plan
The extraction plan for the quarry is depicted in Figures 12(a) to 12(e) in the Statement of Environmental Effects. These figures show the progressive development of the quarry from its current state to a final rehabilitated landform. * * **** *
Figure 12(a) shows the existing quarry and the proposed stage 1 extraction area and a cross section across the working floor of the quarry.
* * * *** * *
The following drawings 1(b) and 1(e) show subsequent stages of the development, through to the final landform, by which time the extractive area will have been returned to farmland with scattered trees.
The face will be developed in successive benches of between **5 and *7 metres in height and will continue to be oriented towards the south west. Extraction will progress towards the north-east at each bench level.
Retention of Topsoil
Remaining topsoil will be stripped from the site for later use in site rehabilitation. A perimeter bund, approximately 2m to 3m in height, will be retained around the edge of the quarry floor. The bund will be constructed of topsoil material which is progressively stripped, as the quarry is developed. The bund will be grassed and kept covered with suitable vegetation to minimise erosion losses. At the cessation of quarrying activities, this retained stockpile of topsoil will be re-spread across the then levelled site and planted.
BRIAN J. MACKNEY & ASSOCIATES PTY. LTD., PHONE 066 871289 PLAN OF MANAGEMENT - QUIRKS QUARRY 1995 PAGE 5
Stormwater Management
Water pollution controls will be implemented as part of the development to minimise the loss of particulate mafter to surrounding drainage systems. Particulate matter may be lost/removed from the site via a number of mechanisms including surface runoff from the active quarry area, stockpile areas, roads and exposed slopes as well as from spillage of fuel, oil or grease.
Runoff from the active quarry area, product stockpile areas and haulroads will be collected and passed through a gravel filter and sediment trap retention system prior to discharge. Haulroad drainage is to be diverted to the sediment dam to minimise the potential for generation and transport of sediment laden water during rainfall events.
Water Quality Protection and Monitoring
The performance of the quarry with respect to noise and ground vibration, water - quality maintenance, air pollution control and traffic, be regularly reviewed during the life of the quarry, and as a minimum, bi-annually. The purpose of the review should be threefold;
. to ensure the project continues to comply with project objectives;
. to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements;
to provide an opportunity for input from the local community.
A perimeter berm will serve to control stormwater run-off from the site. The floor of the quarry will be graded to direct stormwater drainage to a gravel filter and detention basin and sediment trap at the base of the quarry. The detention basin will be a minimum of ***1 200 m3 and shall be otherwised sized to provide a retention volume of 14800 m3 per 0,000 m2 of exposed quarry working area. A rock filter will be located within the berm, to further retard flow and reduce sediment losses from the quarry floor.
All "non-active" quarry areas will be temporarily grassed to minimise run-off. The design and performance of the detention basins will be monitored and reviewed at each successive change in bench height, and at a minimum, as part of a bi-annual
BRIAN J. MACKNEY & ASSOCIATES PTY. LTD., PHONE 066 871289 PAGE 6 PLAN OF MANAGEMENT - QUIRKS QUARRY 1995
review of this plan of management. Structures will be designed to limit future run-off from the site to predevelopment conditions, in accordance with Council's policy.
Stockpiled material for future on-site rehabilitation is to be stabilised by planting with a non-aggressive grass cover.
There is potential for exposure, from time to time, of zones of mineralisation within the deposit which may yield potential surface and groundwater pollutants. A six monthly water quality monitoring program shall be undertaken to monitor the performance of sedimentation basins and to respond to potential discharge of pollutants from zones of mineralisation which may be exposed.
Machinery maintenance/servicing area and the fuel/oil storage are to be bunded to prevent runoff from these areas entering waterways, eliminating the potential for downstream pollution by oils, fuel and grease. The area bunded will be sufficient to contain 100% of the volume of the fuel/oil/grease tank(s). All tanks are to be located in an area where any spillage would flow to the sediment dam.
The proposed quarry development should not entail extraction that impinges on the groundwater table and will not be likely to adversely affect either the quantity or quality of groundwater within the subject site because of the nature of the metasediment deposits at the site essentially provides an impervious substrate and consequent isolation from groundwaters.
Where necessary and appropriate, the plan of management should be revised to accommodate changes in circumstance so as to allow continued compliance and to foster good neighbour relations with adjoining landowners and the surrounding community.
Flora and Fauna Protection Strategy
The rehabilitation strategy for the site includes stockpiling of topsoil for later use in rehabilitation; removal of exotic invader plant species from areas not being considered for quarrying; batters/benching to facilitate future faunal usage in and around the quarry area; and revegetation of the entire area with suitable pasture grasses and tree species to provide preferred Koala food trees, future habitat for birds, Microchiropteran bats and other arboreal mammals.
Rehabilitation of the site has substantial potential for restoring some of the habitat and corridor value of the site by providing vegetation and cover which is more sympathetic to potential faunal inhabitation. A list of planting species is provided in appendix C accompanying the E.l.S..
BRIAN J. MACKNEY & ASSOCIATES PTY. LTD., PHONE 066 871289 PLAN OF MANAGEMENT - QUIRKS QUARRY 1995 PAGE 7
BRIAN J. MACKNEY & ASSOCIATES PTY. LTD., PHONE 066 871289 PAGE 8 PLAN OF MANAGEMENT - QUIRKS QUARRY 1995
Noise Control
Noise levels from quarry plant and equipment have the potential to exceed allowable maxima. A Noise Impact Statement (NIS) assessed the extent of this disturbance on the surrounding environment
The important findings of the NIS were:
that the predominant noise impact from the proposed quarrying is from drilling, primarily because of the positioning of the drilling rig above the quarry face and its exposure to the surrounding landscape.
blast overpressure and ground vibration can be maintained within EPA criteria, with appropriate blast design.
crushing and screening plant located on the proposed new quarry floor will comply with EPA noise guidelines (less than 5 dBA above background) at all adjacent residences at all surrounding residences.
loading of material and trucking operations will comply with EPA guidelines.
The background noise level was measured and recorded to be 41.0 dB(A). The maximum planning noise level (MPL) at the Quarry was determined as 46.0 dB(A).
Drilling: The predicted receiver noise level from the rock drill at the nearest residence is 70 dB(A). Noise attenuation to achieve compliance with E.P.A. guidelines may be achieved by the following:
the maintenance of a perimeter berm around the quarry working area to shield quarrying activities from adjoining residences.
the provision of an acoustic shroud around the drill masthead. The acoustic shroud should be constructed of an outer layer of 1.0 mm thick steel with a layer of 38 mm thick semi-rigid insulwool held in place by an inner layer of 10% open area, perforated steel. View panels are to be provided at strategic locations and the total enclosure is to seal to the ground by a skirt of conveyor belting or equivalent.
the erection of a portable/mobile noise barrier in the form of an acoustic wall as proposed in the NIS.
BRIAN J. MACKNEY & ASSOCIATES PTY. LTD., PHONE 066 871289 PLAN OF MANAGEMENT - QUIRKS QUARRY 1995 PAGE 9
Combined, these measures will reduce noise levels at the nearest residence to 40 d B(A).
Blasting: A trial blast at the quarry produced a blast overpressure 10 dB(lin) below the EPA limiting criteria of 105 dB(lin) and ground vibration 0.97 mm/s, or 4.03 mm/s below the EPA set limit of 5 mm/sec.
The Australian Division of the Institute of Quarrying (ADIQ) recommends in "Guidelines for Quarrying Practice", a number of measures to reduce the effects of ground vibration and airblast overpressure. Where the development of the quarry incorporates the recommendations of the ADIQ, blasting at the quarry will comply with EPA criteria.
Means to reduce the effects of ground vibration at a particular site include:
Reducing maximum instantaneous charge (MIC) by use of delays, reduced hole diameter, and/or deck loading. Ensuring that broken rock and excessive humps or "toe" are removed prior to the firing of the main blast holes.
- ' Optimising blast design by altering drilling pattern and/or delay layout, alter hole inclination. Exercising strict control over the spacing and orientation of all blast drill holes and use the minimum practicable sub-drilling which gives satisfactory toe conditions. => Establishing times of blasting to suit the situation, e.g. fire all quarry blasts at a set time acceptable to neighbours and preferably when background noise is highest. It is preferable to fire at times when neighbours are out or moving about, rather than when they are seated for meals.
Blast overpressure reductions can be achieved by:
= Reducing the maximum instantaneous charge (MIC) to the lowest possible level. =' Ensuring stemming is adequate. = Eliminating exposed detonating cord. (Cover with at least 300 mm of quarry dust or road base). =' Eliminating secondary blasting. (Instead of popping, use rock breaker or drop hammer). Also make extra efforts to eliminate the need for toe shots, (e.g. better control of drill patterns).
BRIAN J. MACKNEY & ASSOCIATES PTY. LTD., PHONE 066 871289 PAGE 10 PLAN OF MANAGEMENT - QUIRKS QUARRY 1995
= Assessing weather conditions at the time of the blast. (Avoid heavy cloud cover and avoid firing if a strong wind is blowing towards residences. In particular, avoid days of severe temperature inversion). Orientating quarry faces where possible so that they do not face directly towards residences. => Ensuring that the holes are spaced in such a manner that the explosive force is just sufficient to break the stone to the required size.
To ensure a good relationship is maintained with quarry neighbours and with statutory authorities, blast performance should be reviewed regularly, and at a minimum, bi-annually, to maintain compliance.
Crushing, Screening and Stockpiling: Monitoring of the crusher and screens showed that this activity has the potential to generate a receiver noise level of 66 dB(A). Siting of the crusher and screens in a dedicated area which is located in the north western position on the quarry floor near the quarry entrance will reduce this noise level at the worst affected residence to 43 dB(A).
Stockpiling and Loading: Loading of road haulage vehicles will occur on the floor of the quarry by means of a tracked or rubber tyred loader. Quarry maintenance will be carried out by dozer and excavator. All quarry operating plant should be fitted with an effective 'residential' type muffler and a full set of engine cover plates to reduce noise emissions. When added to reductions resulting from the perimeter berm, the predicted receiver noise level for the front end loader at the nearest residence is 28 dB(A).. The bulldozer fitted with a 'residential' type muffler will produce a receiver noise level of 40 dB(A).
Haulage: The NIS concludes that the on-site activity of haulage vehicles will not be significant and the generated noise level at the nearest residence is predicted to be 43 dB(A). Quarry haulage vehicles on haulage roads will meet the EPA specified "environmental goal" for traffic noise of 60 dB(A), when measured at 1 metre from a residential facade.
Dust Control
The following measures will be implemented to limit impacts of airborne pollutants arise from quarrying operations in the movement and processing of materials, wind induced dust generation, vehicular movements, stockpiling, loading, transportation and from vehicle exhaust emissions:
BRIAN J. MACKNEY & ASSOCIATES PTY. LTD., PHONE 066 871289 PLAN OF MANAGEMENT - QUIRKS QUARRY 1995 PAGE 11
=> Disturbed areas will be seeded and revegetated as early as practicable after exposure. => Newly stripped topsoil should be immediately watered using road water tanker or similar and seeded with suitable grass seed to establish rapid grass cover. => Crushing and screening should be curtailed during periods of high wind at the site. =:> Stockpiled material should be placed, in areas sheltered from prevailing winds by existing terrain or vegetation. Access routes to and from the stockpiles and loading areas should be watered as the need arises. => All vehicles and plant associated with quarrying operations should be effectively maintained to ensure all exhausts comply with the requirements of the EPA for emission standards. = Exhausts on earthmoving equipment should be directed away from the ground so as to not disturb the surface unnecessarily.
Traffic Management
Extracted material will be transported from the site by road. The principle route will be towards the Pacific Highway via cane roads and Eviron Road. Robert Quirk to Confirm these arrangements
Eviron Road is a m wide sealed formation from the Pacific Highway to the turnoff to the quarry entrance. Etc Etc Etc.
BRIAN J. MACKNEY & ASSOCIATES PTY. LTD., PHONE 066 871289 PAGE 12 PLAN OF MANAGEMENT - QUIRKS QUARRY 1995
Visual Enhancement and Protection Measures
The extraction plan shows retention of a perimeter berm around the quarry work. Figures 12(a) and 12(b) show the proposed extraction plan contours incorporating this external berm. Figure 12(c) shows the rehabilitated site shaped with a moderate slope and replanted with pasture grasses and native tree species. Figure 13 shows a perspective of quarry site at final stage (artists). The intent of the plan is to limit exposure of the workface to surrounding dwellings.
Archaeological Protection Safeguards
Although the probability of uncovering any items of archaeological significance at the site is low, due to its disturbed nature, contingency arrangements are to be implemented which provide that, in the event of any item of Aboriginal significance on-site such as stone artefacts, bone or other cultural materials being found, work adjacent to the material must stop and the Land Council and the district office of the National Parks and Wildlife Service shall be informed. Works will not recommence until approval has been granted by both bodies pursuant to the provisions of the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974.
Waste Disposal
The operation should yield minimal quantities of waste.
Minor machinery repairs and maintenance may be carried out on site occassionally. Any worn or broken parts will be removed from the site immediately on replacement.
Machinery fuels and oils will typically be supplied in bulk, direct to on site storage tanks or drums. Empty drums will not be stored on site.
Services I Fuel and Oils
Tweed Shire Council will continue to operate a central workshop for the servicing and repair of machinery. Council plant operators will be responsible for the daily servicing requirements of equipment in their care and these tasks will require on site storage of small amounts of greases and oils.
Diesel fuel may also be stored on site in relatively small quantities (500-1000 litres) to service the day to day requirements of plant. Fuels, greases and oils will be stored on the quarry floor within a bunded compound to protect downstream
BRIAN J. MACKNEY & ASSOCIATES PlY. LTD., PHONE 066 871289 PLAN OF MANAGEMENT - QUIRKS QUARRY 1995 PAGE 13
waterways in the event of spillages or leakage. The bunded area will be of sufficient size to store all of the contents of the vessels it surrounds.
Safety
Operations within the quarry will be required to meet the provisions of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and the Mines Act. The appointed quarry manager will be responsible for the proper and safe operation of the quarry in accordance with Act.
Rehabilitation The extraction plan aims to limit disturbance to the landscape and surrounding environment. It provides for retention and stockpiling of topsoil and for its respreading on the site, followed by replanting of the entire area with suitable pasture grasses and trees, to enable cattle grazing and farming activities to be resumed on the site.
Appendix C of the E.I.S. provides a suggested species planting list for rehabilitation of the site.
Approvals and License Requirements
There are no specific approvals or licenses required in respect of the proposed operation.
It is proposed to provide a sedimentation control system which will mitigate against discharge of excess sediments, obviating the need for a discharge license.
BRIAN J. MACKNEY & ASSOCIATES PTY. LTD., PHONE 066 871289 APPENDIX I
CHECKLIST
Summarising, in which sections of this EIS, matters in schedule 2 of the E.P.A. Regulations 1994 and Attachment 2 of Extractive Industry Guideline (SEPP 37) have been addressed SCHEDULE 2, EPA REGULATION 1994
ITEM Section of this EIS in which the matter is addressed
1. A summary of the environmental impact statement. See Executive Summary 2. A statement of the objectives of the development or activity. See Section 4.1 3. An analysis of any feasible alternatives to the carrying our of the development or activity, having See Sections 7.2, 7.3, regard to its objectives, including: 7.4 and 7.5 the consequences of not carrying out the development or activity; and the reason justifying the carrying out of the development or activity 4. An analysis of the development or activity; including: (' a full description of the environment likely to be affected by the development or activity, See Section 4 together with a detailed description of those aspects of the environment that are likely to be significantly affected; and (b) a general description of the environment likely to be affected by the development or activity. together with a detailed description of those aspects of the environment that are likely to be See Section 4 significantly afected; and (c) the likely impact on the environment of the development or activity, having regard to: (I) the nature and extent of the development or activity; and the nature and extent of any building or work associated with the development or activity; and the way in which any such building or work is to be designed, constructed and See Section 4 operated; and See Section 4 any rehabilitation measures to be undertaken in connection with the development or activity; and See Section 4 (d) a full description of the measures proposed to mitigate any adverse affects of the development or activity on the environment. See Section 4.15 and 5.5
See Section 5 and Appendix H. 5. The reasons justifying the carrying out of the development or activity in the manner proposed, See Section 7.2, 7.3, 7.4, 7.5 having regard to biophysical, economic and social considerations and the principles of 7 6 ecologically sustainable development.
6. A compilation (in a single section of the environmental impact statement) of the measures See Appendix H - Plan of referred to in item 4 (d). Management 7. A list of any approvals that must be obtained See Section 4.17
8. For the purposes of this Schedule, "the principles of ecologically sustainable development" are as See Section 7.2 follows: The precautionary principle - namely, that if there are threats of serious or irreversible environmental damage, lack of full scientific certainty should not be used as a reson for postponing measures to prevent environmental degradation. Inter-generational equity - namely, that the present generation should ensure that the health, diversity and productivity of the environment is maintained or enhanced for the benefit of future generations. (0) Conservation of biological diversty and ecological integrity. (d)_Improved_valuation_ and _pricing_or_ environmental _resources.
Note: The matters to be included in item 4(c) might include such of the following as are relevant tothe development or activity: the likelihood of soil contamination arising from the development or activity; See Section 5.6 the impact of the development or activity on flora and fauna; (C) the likelthood of air, noise or water pollution arising from the development or activity; See Section 5.5 the impact of the development or activity on the health of people in the neighbourhood of the See Section 5.3 and 5.4 development or activity; See Section 7.2 any hazards arising from the development or activity; See Section 7.2 the impact of the development or activity on traffic in the heighbourhood of the development or See Section 5.8 activity; the effect of the development or activity on local climate; Not applicable the social and economic impact of the development or activity; See Section 7.2 (7) the effect of the development or activity on the scenic quality of land in the neighbourhood of the See Section 5.1 development or activity; 0) the effect of the development or activity on soil erosion and the silting up of rivers or lakes; See Section 5.3 (k) the effect of the development or activity on the cultural and heritage significance of the land. See Section 5.7 ATTACHMENT 2, GUIDELINES ON IMPLEMENTATION AND USE, SEPP No. 37 - CONTINUED MINES AND EXTRACTIVE INDUSTRIES
ITEM Section of this EIS in which the matter is addressed
An environmental impact statement (EIS) for a continued operation, as defined in the policy, should address: the matters set out in clause 34 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation, 1980 No longer relevant requirements notified by the Director of Planning in the consultation process established by clause See this section 35(1) of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 1980. As a general guide, the following matters would need to be covered in the EIS and any other matters relevant to the particular development in its local context. Introduction See Executive Summary summary and this Section history environmental impact assessment procedures Background to the proposal See Section 7 the need for the development planning considerations nature and extent of the proposal the consequences of not proceeding consideration of any possible feasible alternative and reasons for selecting the preferred alternative The existing environment See Section 2 climate, inlcuding temperature, humidity, prevailing winds and rainfall terrain, soils and hydrology flora and fauna land tenure and land use patterns, including location of houses, public facilities and recreation areas visual amenity features of heritage, conservation or archaeological value zoning provisions and whether the proposal is permissible specific land use constraints infrastructure available (roads, water, power and so on) particular constraints (such as flood liability) Detailed description of the proposal characteristics and economic significance of the resource, including advice on its quantity and See Section 4 quality, reference should be made to the results of testing and the justification for its utilisation quantity of materials to be produced annually and in total plans of operations and production techniques, including any proposed blasting and crushing requirements for relocation of other development and services to permit access type of machinery and equipment to be used handling of materials, including stockpiling product preparation, including crushing, screening or washing expected life of the operation number of persons to be employed hours of operation energy requirements, including measures for energy conservation proposals for dealing with overburden or other waste materials water management, including water supply, drainage, sediment movement and erosion controls dealing with interception of ground waters and containment of runoff, water reuse, treatment and discharge disposal of coarse and fine washery reject material and proposals for mechanical dewatenng proposals for site stabilisation and rehabilitation, vegetation establishment and landscaping, proposals should include a description of the final landform with reference to both existing and proposed works material haulage on site and transportation offsite, including transport routes environmental monitoring proposed, for example, for vegetation establishment and pollution levels relationship of the proposed development to the previous development photographs, maps, drawings and other appropriate supporting material to illustrate the proposed development, including progresive land restoration or rehabilitation following the development consideration of any feasible alternatives Potential environmental impactiinteractions See Sections 4 and 5 water pollution effect on flood patterns noise and vibration levels dust levels visual impact transportation effect on heritage values socio-economic effects land subsidence or instability flora and fauna affected waste disposal, such as washery rejects hazard or rish to public safety effects on shipping if navigable waterways are involved soil erosion compatibility with other landuses Measures to Mitigate Likely Adverse Environmental Impact description of proposed environmental impact prevention and mitigation measures and safeguards, See Section 5 during and after the operation assessment of effectiveness of the measures proposed proposed on-going monitoring, including reporting procedures and identifying environmental quality staildards to be achIeved identification of changes relative to current operations Results of Consultations See Section 6 authorities contacted, for example, government departments which may need to grant a licence or other approval for the development proposal to go ahead response to specific matters of interest raised establishing approvals required for various aspects of the development such as a building permit See Section 4.17 and approvals to discharge material to the air or watercourses, if necessary APPENDIX J
PRELIMINARY ENGINEERING DESIGN
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DATUM R 32 DATUM RU 19
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DATUM R35 DATUM R 18
DESIGN SURFACE DESION SJRACE
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CROSS SEC1ONS SAES HOP I 500 VEP 1 250 DATUNIRL 18
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DATUM RU 20
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