Section 4 Environmental Assessment

SECTION 4 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT

COWAL GOLD MINE EXTENSION MODIFICATION Cowal Gold Mine Extension Modification – Environmental Assessment

TABLE OF CONTENTS

4 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT 4-1 LIST OF TABLES 4.1 HYDROGEOLOGY 4-1 Table 4-1 Groundwater Licensing Requirement 4.1.1 Existing Environment 4-1 Summary 4.1.2 Potential Impacts 4-7 Table 4-2 Native Vegetation 4.1.3 Mitigation Measures and Management 4-12 Table 4-3 Broad Fauna Habitat Type 4.2 SURFACE WATER 4-13 Table 4-4 Threatened Fauna Species 4.2.1 Existing Environment 4-13 Table 4-5 Existing Impact Mitigation Measures at 4.2.2 Potential Impacts 4-16 the CGM 4.2.3 Mitigation Measures, Table 4-6 Native Vegetation Clearance Management and Monitoring 4-17 Table 4-7 Quantification of Broad Fauna Habitat 4.3 FLORA AND FAUNA 4-18 Types and Vegetation Communities 4.3.1 Existing Environment 4-18 within the Modification Area and Offset 4.3.2 Potential Impacts 4-29 Area 4.3.3 Mitigation Measures and Table 4-8 Quantification of Threatened Management 4-32 Ecological Communities within the 4.3.4 Biodiversity Offset Strategy 4-32 Modification Area and Offset Area 4.4 ABORIGINAL CULTURAL HERITAGE Table 4-9 Reconciliation of the Proposed ASSESSMENT 4-36 Biodiversity Offset Strategy against OEH Offset Principles 4.4.1 Existing Environment 4-36 4.4.2 Potential Impacts 4-42 Table 4-10 Summary of Aboriginal Heritage Consultation Programme 4.4.3 Mitigation Measures and Management 4-43 Table 4-11 Items Identified During 30 April to 4.5 NOISE 4-44 3 May 2013 Survey 4.5.1 Existing Environment 4-44 Table 4-12 Predicted Intrusive Noise Levels for the Currently Approved CGM and the 4.5.2 Potential Impacts 4-47 CGM Incorporating the Modification 4.5.3 Mitigation Measures, Management and Monitoring 4-49 Table 4-13 Summary of Privately-Owned Receivers in Noise Management and 4.6 AIR QUALITY 4-50 Noise Affectation Zones 4.6.1 Existing Environment 4-50 Table 4-14 Typical Visual (Viewer) Sensitivity 4.6.2 Potential Impacts 4-50 Levels 4.6.3 Mitigation Measures, Table 4-15 Visual Impact Matrix Management and Monitoring 4-51 4.7 LAND RESOURCES 4-51 Table 4-16 Visual Impact Assessment Summary 4.7.1 Existing Environment 4-51 4.7.2 Potential Impacts 4-53 4.7.3 Mitigation Measures and LIST OF FIGURES Management 4-55 4.8 VISUAL CHARACTER 4-55 Figure 4-1 ML 1535 Surface Water and Groundwater Monitoring Locations 4.8.1 Existing Environment 4-55 Figure 4-2 Conceptual Hydrological Cross 4.8.2 Potential Impacts 4-59 Section across ML 1535 4.8.3 Mitigation Measures and Management 4-81 Figure 4-3 Predicted Maximum Watertable Drawdown Contours at the end of the 4.9 SOCIO-ECONOMICS 4-82 Modification 4.10 OTHER ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS 4-83 Figure 4-4 Predicted Watertable Drawdown with 4.10.1 Road Transport 4-83 the Bland Creek Palaeochannel 4.10.2 Greenhouse Gas Emissions 4-84 Borefield pumping at 7.2ML/day during 4.10.3 Blasting 4-84 the Modification 4.10.4 Road Traffic Noise 4-85 Figure 4-5 Vegetation Communities within the 4.10.5 Non-Aboriginal Heritage 4-85 Wider Locality 4.10.6 Hazard and Risk 4-85 Figure 4-6 Vegetation Communities within the Modification Area and Surrounds Figure 4-7 Fauna Habitat Types

4-i Cowal Gold Mine Extension Modification – Environmental Assessment

TABLE OF CONTENTS (continued)

LIST OF FIGURES (Continued) LIST OF FIGURES (Continued)

Figure 4-8 Threatened Fauna Species recorded Figure 4-22a Existing View and Visual Simulations within the Modification Area and – “Cowal North” Dwelling Surrounds Figure 4-22b Existing View and Visual Simulations Figure 4-9 Existing and Proposed Offset Areas – “Cowal North” Dwelling Figure 4-10 Aboriginal Heritage Sites Located Figure 4-23a Existing View and Visual Simulations within the Modification Area and – Pubic Laneway Surrounds Figure 4-23b Existing View and Visual Simulations Figure 4-11 Aboriginal Heritage Sites Located in – Public Laneway Proximity to the Eastern Pump Station and Existing Water Pipeline Alignment

Figure 4-12a Predicted Noise Contours Night-time Inversion (2015) Figure 4-12b Predicted Noise Contours Night-time Inversion (2017) Figure 4-13 24-Hour Average PM10 Concentrations – Year 11 – Cowal Gold Mine Incorporating the Modification Only Figure 4-14 Cowal Gold Mine Location and Visual Simulation Locations Figure 4-15a Existing View and Visual Simulations – “Gumbelah” Dwelling

Figure 4-15b Existing View and Visual Simulations – “Gumbelah” Dwelling Figure 4-16a Existing View and Visual Simulations – “Coniston” Dwelling Figure 4-16b Existing View and Visual Simulations – “Coniston” Dwelling Figure 4-17a Existing View and Visual Simulations – “Westlea” Dwelling

Figure 4-17b Existing View and Visual Simulations – “Westlea” Dwelling Figure 4-18a Existing View and Visual Simulations – Lake Cowal Road North of Cowal Gold Mine

Figure 4-18b Existing View and Visual Simulations – Lake Cowal Road North of Cowal Gold Mine Figure 4-19a Existing View and Visual Simulations – Lake Cowal Road West of Cowal Gold Mine Figure 4-19b Existing View and Visual Simulations – Lake Cowal Road West of Cowal Gold Mine Figure 4-20a Existing View and Visual Simulations – Lake Cowal Road South of Cowal Gold Mine Figure 4-20b Existing View and Visual Simulations – Lake Cowal Road South of Cowal Gold Mine Figure 4-21a Existing View and Visual Simulations – “Lakeview” Dwelling Figure 4-21b Existing View and Visual Simulations – “Lakeview” Dwelling

4-ii Cowal Gold Mine Extension Modification – Environmental Assessment

4 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT • Cowal Gold Mine – Groundwater Level Investigation (Coffey Geotechnics, 2009a); and 4.1 HYDROGEOLOGY Cowal Gold Mine – E42 Modification Modified • (Coffey Geotechnics, 2009b). A Hydrogeological Assessment for the Modification Request was conducted by Coffey Geotechnics (2013) and is presented in Appendix A. The Hydrogeological A comprehensive review of existing geological and Assessment was peer reviewed by Dr Frans Kalf hydrogeological information, as well as relevant (Kalf and Associates), an internationally recognised monitoring data and mapping, was undertaken by hydrogeological expert (Attachment 3). Coffey Geotechnics (2013), including evaluation of the following: The Hydrogeological Assessment and Hydrological previous hydrogeological investigations (listed Assessment (prepared by Gilbert & Associates • above); [2013] [Appendix B]) have been conducted in an integrated manner (e.g. predicted groundwater • data collected from the existing CGM inflow to the open pit has been included in the groundwater monitoring network in Hydrological Assessment’s site water balance). accordance with the existing Site Water Management Plan, and the Surface Water, 4.1.1 Existing Environment Groundwater, Meteorological and Biological Monitoring Programme; Baseline Groundwater Data • information on local water bores and groundwater usage in the vicinity of the CGM, A significant number of hydrogeological studies and including NOW monitoring bores; site testwork have been conducted for the CGM area and surrounds, including: • publicly available regional geological data;

• detailed local geological data held by Barrick; • Lake Cowal Project – Laboratory Testing of and Tailings (Knight Piesold Pty Ltd, 1994); • geographic information including aerial • Lake Cowal Project Hydrogeological Modelling photography, satellite imagery, digital and Dewatering Study (Coffey Partners elevation models, geophysical, cadastral and International Pty Ltd [Coffey Partners hydrological data sets. International], 1995); • the EIS, which included the Groundwater Existing groundwater monitoring locations, including Studies – Hydrogeological Assessment for the Bland Creek Palaeochannel, are shown on (Coffey Partners International, 1997) and Figure 2-3 and Figure 4-1. Groundwater Studies – Pre-assessment Groundwater Issues (Kalf and The Hydrogeological Assessment has considered Associates, 1997); the requirements of relevant Water Sharing Plans listed under the NSW Water Management • Cowal Northern Tailings Storage Facility Act, 2000. – Floor Permeability (URS Australia Pty Limited, 2005); Existing Groundwater Regime

• Cowal Southern Tailings Storage Facility The Water Sharing Plans relevant to the CGM – Floor Permeability (URS Australia Pty include the Water Sharing Plan for the Lachlan Limited, 2006); Unregulated and Alluvial Water Sources 2012 and • Cowal Gold Project – Preliminary the Water Sharing Plan for the NSW Murray Darling Hydrogeochemical Review of the Groundwater Basin Fractured Rock Groundwater Sources 2011. System (Parsons Brinckerhoff Australia Pty Ltd, 2007);

• Cowal Gold Mine E42 Modification Hydrogeological and Tailings Seepage Assessment (Coffey Geotechnics, 2008);

4-1

Cowal Gold Mine Extension Modification – Environmental Assessment

A conceptual groundwater model of the existing Existing Effects of Mining Activities at the CGM groundwater regime was developed by Coffey Geotechnics (2013) based on review of available Groundwater Inflows to the Open Pit and Open Pit hydrogeological data to support the two Dewatering groundwater systems identified in the relevant Water Sharing Plans, which are as follows: Groundwater inflow to the open pit is managed by dewatering bores in pit sumps (which also collect • alluvial groundwater system; and incidental rainfall). A ring of 14 dewatering bores currently operate to control groundwater levels • fractured rock groundwater system. around the open pit. Horizontal drains in the pit wall Alluvial Groundwater System accelerate depressurisation of the aquifer system by draining groundwater into the pit sumps. Alluvial groundwater resources within the region are generally associated with two geological formations Current groundwater inflow to the open pit is (Appendix A): estimated to be approximately 182 ML/annum, with approximately 10% of groundwater inflows from the alluvial groundwater system and 90% of • the Cowra Formation, which comprises aquifers of isolated sand and gravel lenses in groundwater inflows from the fractured rock predominantly silt and clay alluvial deposits, groundwater system (Appendix A). with perched groundwater of generally higher salinity; and Groundwater inflow to the open pit is estimated to have generally decreased since 2008 as the • the Lachlan Formation (Bland Creek adjacent aquifers surrounding the CGM have Palaeochannel), which comprises an aquifer become depressurised (Appendix A). No material of quartz gravel with groundwater of generally increase in groundwater inflow to the open pit is low salinity. estimated to have occurred during the recent lake-fill event (i.e. from 2010 onwards), based on The existing CGM open pit intersects the Cowra monitored pit dewatering records (Appendix A). Formation, but does not intersect the Lachlan Formation (Figure 4-2). The saline groundwater Groundwater inflow to the open pit has been less supply bores within the ML 1535 extract water from than the predictions in previous assessments for the Cowra Formation. The Bland Creek the CGM (i.e. for the EIS and Modified Request), Palaeochannel Borefield extracts water from the based on monitored pit dewatering records. Lachlan Formation, while the eastern saline borefield extracts water from the Cowra Formation. Measured Groundwater Water Level Drawdown

Fractured Rock Groundwater System Within ML 1535, monitoring data shows some drawdown in the Cowra Formation due to The fractured rock groundwater system underlies groundwater inflow to the CGM open pit the alluvial groundwater system, and consists of the (Appendix A). The monitoring data indicates that following geological formations: this drawdown is localised, and is considered to have not significantly affected groundwater levels in • the Ordovician aged Lake Cowal Volcanics the Cowra Formation or Lachlan Formation outside Complex, which comprise massive and of ML 1535 (Appendix A). stratified non-welded pyroclastic debris, overlying a partly brecciated lava sequence, Hydraulic Relationship between Lake Cowal and overlying volcanic conglomerate interbedded Groundwater Systems with siltstone and mudstone; and Previous studies indicate that Lake Cowal is • overlying Siluro-Devonian Group and Ooth hydraulically separated from the underlying Formation, which comprise shallow to deep aquifers, due to the very low permeability of the clay marine sedimentary units. pan deposits that form the lake bed. Based on this,

it was predicted there would be very low potential The existing CGM open pit intersects the Lake for significant quantities of water to infiltrate from Cowal Volcanics Complex. Lake Cowal to the underlying aquifers

(i.e. associated with the Cowra Formation).

4-3

Cowal Gold Mine Extension Modification – Environmental Assessment

Monitoring data collected since the recent lake-fill In the event that the groundwater level in event (i.e. from 2010 onwards) indicates that no Bore GW036553 is below 137.5 m AHD, one or increase in groundwater inflow to the open pit has more of the following contingency measures will be occurred and therefore supports the predictions of implemented in consultation with the NOW: previous assessments regarding the hydraulic separation of Lake Cowal from the underlying • investigate the groundwater level in the aquifers (Appendix A). Further, monitoring data Trigalana Bore (GW702286) or any other indicates that inflow to the open pit has generally impacted stock and domestic bores; been lower during lake-fill conditions (2010 onwards) compared with when the lake was dry • determine the pump setting in relevant stock (Appendix A). and domestic bores;

• determine the drawdown rate in Existing Management of Groundwater Levels in Bore GW702286 and other impacted stock the Bland Creek Palaeochannel and domestic bores;

Groundwater levels in the Lachlan Formation • develop an impact mitigation plan for impacted (i.e. Bland Creek Palaeochannel) have lowered stock and domestic bores; and/or over the last decade, due to a rise in groundwater • set up an alternative water supply for the use by irrigators during drought conditions that owner of Bore GW702286 and other owners of occurred for most of the last decade (Appendix A). stock and domestic bores, if necessary. Approved use of the Bland Creek Palaeochannel Borefield by Barrick has also contributed to this drawdown (Appendix A). In the event that the groundwater level in Bore GW036553 is below 134 m AHD, one or both Groundwater levels in the Bland Creek of the following contingency measures will be Palaeochannel are managed in accordance with the implemented in consultation with the NOW: existing Groundwater Contingency Strategy, which involves the monitoring of groundwater levels, and • alter the pumping regime of the Bland Creek the implementation of response measures should Palaeochannel Borefield to maintain the water groundwater levels reach trigger levels developed in level in the impacted stock and domestic consultation with the NOW and other groundwater bores; and users (Section 2.8.3). • maintain a water supply to the owner/s of impacted stock and domestic bores. The trigger levels are as follows: To date, the effect of the Groundwater Contingency • Bore GW036553 (Bland Creek Palaeochannel Strategy is that pumping from the Bland Creek Borefield area) – trigger levels of 137.5 and Palaeochannel Borefield ceases when required to 134 m AHD. meet the trigger levels described above, and water requirements at the CGM are met by alternative • Bore GW036597 (Billabong area) – trigger level 145.8 m AHD. internal or external water supplies, including Lachlan River Water Entitlements (Section 2.8.4). • Bore GW036611 (Maslin area) – trigger level 143.7 m AHD. It is noted that groundwater levels at Bore GW036597 (Billabong area) and Groundwater levels at Bore GW036553 are Bore GW036611 (Maslin area), which are located monitored on a continuous basis by the NOW. some 6 km from the Bland Creek Palaeochannel Borefield, are largely influenced by groundwater use Investigation and mitigation contingency measures by other users (e.g. for irrigation). have been developed should groundwater levels reach either 137.5 m AHD (trigger for investigation) or 134 m AHD (trigger for mitigation) in the monitoring bore closest to Barrick’s Bland Creek Palaeochannel Borefield (i.e. GW036553).

4-5 Cowal Gold Mine Extension Modification – Environmental Assessment

Tailings Storage Facility Seepage Due to the low permeability and retardation (i.e. due to sorption processes) of the geological layers Floor Permeability surrounding the tailings storages facilities, it was predicted solute transport from seepage from the A number of seepage control measures have been tailings storage facilities would not extend beyond a incorporated into the design and operation of the distance of approximately 200 m from the tailings tailings storage facilities at the CGM, with any storage facilities, and in the long-term, cyanide potential residual seepage from the tailings storage would degrade in the tailings storage and surface of facilities directed towards the open pit (Section 2.6). the underlying aquitard and would be effectively removed from the subsurface (Appendix A). URS Australia Pty Limited (2005, 2006) conducted field investigations and laboratory testing for both Based on CGM groundwater monitoring results the northern and southern tailings storage facilities, analysed for the period September 2004 to concluding: December 2012, cyanide has not been observed at significant concentrations (i.e. has generally been • Investigations consistently showed the below detection limits) in groundwater samples uppermost 5 m of the tailings storage facility (Appendix A). footprints to be essentially clay soils of extremely low permeability. Where monitoring has shown total cyanide to be present, its concentration at individual monitoring • Laboratory testing of typical samples from locations has not been consistent over time, and within 5 m of floor level yielded permeabilities there is no consistent trend to suggest that less than the target permeability of significant concentrations of cyanide have leached 1x10-9 metres per second (m/s) from the tailings storage facilities into the (i.e. 9x10-5 metres per day [m/day]). surrounding groundwater (Appendix A). • Inspections of cut-off trench excavation and storage floor did not reveal any continuous Other Groundwater Users zones or lenses of high permeability soil that might provide a preferential leakage path. Barrick is the only known user of the saline alluvial aquifers that surround the CGM mining operations. Groundwater Levels In the region, there is reliance upon groundwater Groundwater monitoring (e.g. at monitoring bores bores as a source of water for agricultural MON02A and MON02B) indicates that groundwater enterprises and other uses. The majority of the levels in the vicinity of the tailings storage facilities privately-owned pumping bores in the area are show a gradual rise since the commencement of within the Lachlan Formation with a small number in tailings deposition for the CGM operations. the Cowra Formation (Appendix A). No privately-owned bores have been identified in the Assessment indicates that this gradual rise in fractured rock groundwater system surrounding the groundwater levels is related to the percolation and CGM (Appendix A). movement of seepage from the tailings storage facilities. A description of potential impacts Groundwater Dependent Ecosystems associated with rising groundwater levels due to tailings seepage, and associated contingency No groundwater dependent ecosystems have been measures, is provided in Sections 4.1.2 and 4.1.3. identified relevant to the CGM (including the Bland Creek Palaeochannel Borefield and eastern saline Solute Transport borefield).

Seepage parameters were used in previous assessments to predict potential solute transport from the tailings storage facilities (Appendix A).

4-6 Cowal Gold Mine Extension Modification – Environmental Assessment

Groundwater Quality The mine site groundwater model was developed to predict the potential impacts associated with the Mine Site (ML 1535) extension to the CGM open pit, and was used to estimate groundwater inflow to the open pit and Assessment of baseline groundwater salinity levels proportions from the alluvial and fractured rock undertaken for the EIS by Coffey Partners groundwater systems consistent with the relevant International (1997) reported that: Water Sharing Plans. The modelling considered both lake-fill and lake-dry scenarios. • The alluvial groundwater system had very high salinity in the range of 19,000 to The Bland Creek Palaeochannel groundwater 72,000 microSiemens per centimetre (µS/cm) model was used to assess potential impacts to within the open pit extent and 6,000 to regional aquifers associated with the continued use 44,400 µS/cm beneath the tailings storage of the Bland Creek Palaeochannel Borefield and facilities area. eastern saline borefield.

• The fractured rock groundwater system also The groundwater models were developed in had very high salinity in the range of consideration of existing geological and 50,900 to 63,700 µS/cm. hydrological data (Section 4.1.1), including the historic use of regional aquifers by other Monitoring data indicates that, while open pit groundwater users. dewatering is causing a localised reduction in groundwater levels, no changes in groundwater Coffey Geotechnics (2013) also developed a solute chemistry appear to be associated with this transport model to predict potential impacts to water drawdown (Appendix A). quality associated with seepage from the tailings storage facilities. Monitored groundwater pH levels and electrical conductivity (EC) concentrations within ML 1535 are Kalf and Associates (2013) considered the generally consistent with the background modelling methodology adopted by Coffey (i.e. pre-mining) monitored levels. Geotechnics (2013), including model setup, structure and calibration, to be suitable Bland Creek Palaeochannel (Attachment 3).

Groundwater quality records from monitoring bores Groundwater Inflows to the Open Pit in the Bland Creek Palaeochannel Borefield indicate decreasing salinity with depth (Appendix During Mining A). Salinity levels in the Cowra Formation are approximately 25,000 µS/cm (Upper Cowra) and No significant change in groundwater inflow is 8,000 µS/cm (Lower Cowra), and approximately expected due to the Modification (Appendix A). 2,000 µS/cm in the Lachlan Formation (Appendix A). Over the operational life of the CGM, total groundwater inflow to the open pit at the CGM is EC records from groundwater monitoring bores in predicted to comprise (Appendix A): the Bland Creek Palaeochannel indicate that salinity levels have remained reasonably constant • a maximum of approximately 228 ML/annum within the three alluvial sequences since monitoring from the fractured rock groundwater system; commenced in 2004 (Appendix A). and

• a maximum of approximately 24 ML/annum 4.1.2 Potential Impacts from the alluvial groundwater system.

Coffey Geotechnics (2013) developed two It is predicted that the proportion of groundwater numerical groundwater models to assess potential inflow from the fractured rock groundwater system groundwater impacts associated with the CGM would increase as the open pit deepens incorporating the Modification. (Appendix A).

No significant difference between groundwater inflow for the lake-fill and lake-dry scenarios was predicted (Appendix A), indicating the continued hydraulic separation of the CGM open pit and Lake Cowal (Section 4.1.1).

4-7 Cowal Gold Mine Extension Modification – Environmental Assessment

Post-Mining Seepage from Tailings Storage Facilities

Maximum post-mining groundwater inflow is An assessment of potential impacts to groundwater expected to reduce to approximately quality due to seepage from the tailings storage 46.3 ML/annum, comprising approximately facilities was undertaken using an analytical particle 44 ML/annum from the fractured rock groundwater tracking approach (Appendix A). system and 2.3 ML/annum from the alluvial groundwater system. Consistent with the findings of previous assessments for the approved CGM, seepage from Predicted Drawdown due to Open Pit the tailings storage facilities to the underlying Dewatering aquifers was predicted to slowly migrate towards the open pit (Appendix A). The maximum predicted groundwater drawdown contours for the CGM incorporating the Modification Therefore, solutes associated with potential in the alluvial and fractured rock groundwater seepage from the tailings storage facilities are systems are shown on Figure 4-3, along with expected to remain within groundwaters between drawdown contours for the existing CGM. the tailings storage facilities and the final void over the long term. The final void water level is expected As shown on Figure 4-3, the change in groundwater to reach equilibrium well below spill level drawdown associated with the CGM incorporating (Appendix B). the Modification would be generally limited to ML 1535. As described above, no change to the quality of seepage from tailings storage facilities is expected Potential Impacts to Lake Cowal due to the Modification. Therefore, no additional impacts to groundwater quality associated with Existing monitoring data indicates that groundwater seepage from the tailings storage facilities are inflow to the CGM open pit has not changed expected due to the Modification (Appendix A). significantly during lake-fill conditions due to the hydraulic separation of the open pit and Lake Cowal Seepage from Waste Rock Emplacements (Section 4.1.1). The existing northern and southern waste rock While the Modification would increase the area and emplacements have been constructed with a low depth of the open pit, the impermeable clay layers permeability layer such that any seepage from the that act to isolate Lake Cowal from the underlying waste rock emplacements is intercepted by this aquifers would remain. layer and preferentially flows towards the open pit (Section 2.4). Coffey Geotechnics (2013) concludes that the total impact to Lake Cowal associated with open pit The low permeability basement layer of the existing dewatering at the CGM incorporating the northern waste rock emplacement would be Modification would be negligible. The incremental extended for the western extension area impact to Lake Cowal due to the Modification (i.e. in (Section 3.4). comparison to the approved CGM) would therefore also be negligible. As described above, no change to the quality of seepage from the waste rock emplacements is Geochemical Considerations expected due to the Modification. Therefore, no additional impacts to groundwater quality Waste rock and tailings associated with the associated with seepage from the waste rock extension to the CGM open pit for the Modification emplacements are expected due to the would be geochemically similar to waste rock and Modification. tailings from the existing open pit (Appendix C). Groundwater Levels around the Tailing Storage Therefore, no change to the quality of seepage from Facilities the tailings storage facilities or waste rock emplacements is expected due to the Modification (i.e. in comparison to the quality of existing If current groundwater level trends were seepage). extrapolated linearly, the water level at MONO2B (i.e. located adjacent to the southern tailings storage facility) is predicted to reach the ground surface in approximately the Year 2022 (Appendix A).

4-8 LEGEND 535000 Nerang 540000 Mining Lease Boundary (ML 1535) Cowal !! Mine Water Supply Pipeline )" Dwelling Current Gold Mine Layout Predicted Maximum Drawdown in the Alluvial Groundwater System resulting from )" )" the Cowal Gold Mine plus Modification (m) Cowal North Predicted Maximum Drawdown in the Fractured Rock Groundwater System resulting from the Cowal Gold Mine plus Modification (m) The Glen 6285000 Modification Component )" 6285000 Approximate Extent of Additional Modification Surface Disturbance # WAMBOYNE Modification Open Pit Extent MOUNTAIN Land Tenure Barrick Australia LimitedLaurel Park Lakeside (Barrick) )" Private Landholder )" Crown Land Bland Shire Council Coniston )" )" Bramboyne

L ak

C ow

R o 535 a 1

d ML !

6280000 6280000! !

LAKE COWAL !

1 !

McLintock ! "

) 1 !

! !

E ! S

! W !

Y A !

O N !

B U !

R C !

H !

I L

Y 6275000 B 6275000

Westlea h

)" m

L d a a Relocated n o e R Crown Reserve "

" )" )

Hillgrove (Barrick) ak Lake Cowal (Barrick) L Road

Bills

Uncle Blo w Clear Road

Foxham Downs )"

6270000 6270000

0 2000

Metres COWAL GOLD MINE EXTENSION MODIFICATION MGA94 ZONE 55 Source: Barrick (2013); Topographic Base - Department FIGURE 4-3 of Lands NSW (2007); Homesteads - Geoscience (2006) Predicted Maximum Watertable Drawdown Contours at the end 535000 540000 of the Modification )" HAL-12-40_CGM Ext Mod_PEA_Sect 4_204E Cowal Gold Mine Extension Modification – Environmental Assessment

Barrick is currently pumping groundwater from To date, the effect of the Groundwater Contingency bores in the vicinity of MONO2B back to the tailings Strategy is that pumping from the Bland Creek storage facility. Palaeochannel Borefield ceases when required to meet the trigger levels as shown on Figure 4-4. Barrick would continue to monitor groundwater levels surrounding the tailings storage facilities. If As there be would no change to the existing required, contingency measures to control Groundwater Contingency Strategy (i.e. agreed groundwater levels would include (Appendix A): trigger levels) for the ongoing management of groundwater use in the Bland Creek • the installation of additional bores to pump Palaeochannel, and no change to existing daily and groundwater back to the tailings storage annual extraction limits, no additional impacts to facility (i.e. pump back system); or other groundwater users are predicted due to the continued use of the Bland Creek Palaeochannel the installation of trench drains and sumps to • Borefield during the life of the CGM incorporating collect groundwater and control further rise in the Modification (Appendix A). groundwater levels.

Therefore, the life of mine extraction limit for the Following mine closure, the elevated groundwater Bland Creek Palaeochannel Borefield as prescribed levels surrounding the tailings storage facilities are in the current Development Consent (DA 14/98) is expected to dissipate over time as the head of redundant. water within the tailings storage facilities gradually reduces (i.e. due to evaporation and groundwater Groundwater Quality movement towards the final void) (Appendix A). Mine Site (ML 1535) Continued Use of the Bland Creek Palaeochannel Borefield and Eastern Saline No additional impacts to groundwater quality in the Borefield aquifers surrounding the CGM are predicted due to groundwater inflow to the open pit or seepage from The Modification would involve the continued use of the tailings storage facilities for the CGM the Bland Creek Palaeochannel Borefield and incorporating the Modification (Appendix A). eastern saline borefield in accordance with existing daily and annual extraction limits. Bland Creek Palaeochannel

In addition, there would be no change to the The continued use of the Bland Creek existing Groundwater Contingency Strategy Palaeochannel Borefield and eastern saline (i.e. trigger levels and contingency measures for the borefield during the life of the CGM incorporating management of groundwater use in the Bland the Modification is not predicted to result in Creek Palaeochannel) (Section 4.1.1). additional impacts to groundwater quality in the Bland Creek Palaeochannel (Appendix A). Coffey Geotechnics (2013) has considered potential Groundwater Users cumulative drawdown effects associated with the continued use of the Bland Creek Palaeochannel Mine Site (ML 1535) Borefield and eastern saline borefield for the CGM incorporating the Modification and the continued There are no other known users of the saline extraction of groundwater by other users aquifers surrounding ML 1535 (i.e. other than (e.g. irrigators). Barrick). Given this, and given that potential groundwater impacts are predicted to be generally It is estimated that a yield of 7.2 ML/day from the contained within ML 1535, no impacts to other Bland Creek Palaeochannel could be sustained for groundwater users are predicted. the life of the Modification such that groundwater levels do not fall below relevant trigger levels at Bland Creek Palaeochannel Bores GW036553, GW036597 and GW036611 (Appendix A) (Figure 4-4). As described in Section 4.1.1, Barrick would continue to operate in accordance with the This includes a yield of 1.5 ML/day from the eastern Groundwater Contingency Strategy and, therefore, saline borefield until the end of 2015, and the no additional impacts to other groundwater users continued extraction of groundwater by other users are predicted due to the continued use of the Bland based on historic rates (Appendix A). Creek Palaeochannel Borefield and eastern saline borefield during the life of the CGM incorporating the Modification (Appendix A).

4-10 210

200 Watertable Drawdown in the Lachlan Formation 190 Investigation Trigger (137.5 m AHD) Mitigation Trigger (134 m AHD)

180

170

160

Water Level Elevation (m AHD)

150 Pumping ends in the Bland Creek Palaeochannel Borefield 140

130 2002 2006 2010 2014 2018 2022 2026 2030 2034 2038 Modelled Water Levels in the Lachlan Formation at GW036553

210

200 Watertable Drawdown in the Lachlan Formation 190 Trigger Level (143.7 m AHD)

180

170

160

Water Level Elevation (m AHD)

150

140

130 2002 2006 2010 2014 2018 2022 2026 2030 2034 2038 Modelled Water Levels in the Lachlan Formation at GW036597

210

200 Watertable Drawdown in the Lachlan Formation 190 Trigger Level (145.8 m AHD)

180

170

160

Water Level Elevation (m AHD)

150

140

130 2002 2006 2010 2014 2018 2022 2026 2030 2034 2038 Modelled Water Levels in the Lachlan Formation at GW036611 Source: Coffey Geotechnics (2013) COWAL GOLD MINE EXTENSION MODIFICATION FIGURE 4-4 Predicted Watertable Drawdown with the Bland Creek Palaeochannel Borefield pumping at 7.2ML/day during the Modification COWAL HAL-12-40_CGM Ext Mod_PEA_Sect4_021B Cowal Gold Mine Extension Modification – Environmental Assessment

Baseflow Losses Groundwater Dependent Ecosystems

The existing surface water resources and their No groundwater dependent ecosystems relevant to characteristics are described in Section 4.2.1. the CGM (including the Bland Creek Palaeochannel Borefield and eastern saline borefield) have been No streams gaining baseflow from surrounding identified, and therefore, no impacts to groundwater groundwater system have been identified and dependent ecosystems are predicted due to the therefore, no additional impacts associated with Modification (Appendices A and D). baseflow losses (i.e. stream leakage) are predicted due to the Modification (Appendix A). 4.1.3 Mitigation Measures and Management

Cumulative Impacts Groundwater Licensing

The predictive groundwater modelling considered A description of groundwater licensing requirements relevant cumulative impacts associated with the for the CGM incorporating the Modification and extraction of groundwater by other users (e.g. for consideration of the requirements of the NSW irrigation) (Appendix A). Aquifer Interference Policy are provided in

Attachment 5. Barrick would continue to operate the Bland Creek

Palaeochannel Borefield and eastern saline A summary of water licensing requirements under borefield in accordance with the existing the relevant Water Sharing Plans is provided in Groundwater Contingency Strategy to minimise Table 4-1. impacts to other groundwater users.

Comparison of Barrick’s licence entitlements Contours showing cumulative drawdown associated against predicted annual licensing requirements with the coincident extraction of water from the (Table 4-1) indicates adequate licences are Lachlan Formation and Cowra Formation by Barrick available to account for the potential take of water and other groundwater users are provided in associated with the CGM incorporating the Appendix A. Modification within the alluvial aquifers.

Table 4-1 Groundwater Licensing Requirement Summary

Predicted Maximum Water Sharing Existing Licensed Management Zone/ Annual Licensing Plan/Relevant Relevant Licence Volume1 Groundwater Source Requirements Legislation (ML/annum) (ML/annum)1 Water Sharing Plan for Upper Lachlan Alluvial Pit dewatering and 3,660 280 the Lachlan Zone 7 Management saline bores in Unregulated and Zone ML 1535 (including pit Alluvial Water Sources inflows) (WAL31904) 2012 Bland Creek 3,650 3,650 Palaeochannel Borefield (WAL318064) Eastern Saline 7502 548 Borefield (70BL233231 (per bore) and 70BL233233) Water Sharing Plan for Lachlan Fold Belt Pit dewatering Barrick in the process 228 the NSW Murray Murray Darling Basin of obtaining licences Darling Basin Groundwater Source for the Lachlan Fold Fractured Rock Belt Murray Darling Groundwater Sources Basin Groundwater 3 2011 Source Source: After Appendices A and B. 1 Assuming 1 ML per unit share. 2 Eastern saline borefield licenses have zero ML licence allocation with allowable temporary transfer of up to 750 ML/annum per bore. 3 Barrick was successful in its bid for the right to apply for licences under the controlled allocation for the Water Sharing Plan for the NSW Murray Darling Basin Fractured Rock Groundwater Sources 2011, and has applied for an extension until 31 December 2013 in which to apply for the licences..

4-12 Cowal Gold Mine Extension Modification – Environmental Assessment

Barrick is in the process of obtaining volumetric Groundwater Users licences for take under the Water Sharing Plan for the NSW Murray Darling Basin Fractured Rock The existing Groundwater Contingency Strategy Groundwater Sources 2011. Barrick was successful (Section 4.1.1), as described in the Site Water in its bid for the right to apply for licences under the Management Plan, would continue to be controlled allocation for the Water Sharing Plan for implemented to manage groundwater levels within the NSW Murray Darling Basin Fractured Rock the Bland Creek Palaeochannel. Groundwater Sources 2011, and has applied for an extension until 31 December 2013 in which to apply 4.2 SURFACE WATER for the licences.

A Hydrological Assessment for the Modification was Post-closure annual licensing requirements for the conducted by Gilbert & Associates (2013) and is CGM incorporating the Modification are expected to presented in Appendix B. The Hydrological be less than the licensing requirements during Assessment was peer reviewed by Emeritus operation (Appendix A), and as such, it is expected Professor Tom McMahon and the review letter is that Barrick would have adequate licences to presented in Attachment 3. account for the potential post-closure take of water from the alluvial aquifers. The existing CGM site water management

infrastructure and proposed changes for the Groundwater Monitoring and Management Modification are described in Sections 2.7 and 3.7, respectively. Existing groundwater monitoring and management measures, as detailed in the Site Water Management Plan, and the Surface Water, 4.2.1 Existing Environment Groundwater, Meteorological and Biological Monitoring Programme would continue for the Baseline Surface Water Data Modification. Gilbert & Associates (2013) considered the The Site Water Management Plan would also be following data for the Hydrological Assessment updated as required to incorporate the prepared for the Modification: recommendations made by Coffey Geotechnics (2013) and supported by Kalf and Associates • rainfall and evaporation records from the (2013), including: Bureau of Meteorology weather stations;

• rainfall and evaporation records from the CGM • Continued groundwater monitoring to validate the predictive modelling. meteorological station (Figure 2-3); gauging station flow data on the Lachlan River • Continued monitoring of groundwater salinity • in the Bland Creek Palaeochannel Borefield to and Bland Creek; assess potential saline migration. • data collected by Barrick from surface water • An updated final pit void water balance quality monitoring sites within ML 1535 and post-mine closure to assess long-term water Lake Cowal (Figures 2-3 and 4-1); levels in the pit void and the potential impact • water usage and water quality data from the on groundwater quality in the immediate existing CGM water management system; vicinity of the pit void. • waste rock emplacement rehabilitation • Continued review of groundwater levels in the monitoring programmes; and vicinity of the tailings storage facilities and consideration of water level management • other geological and regional topographic strategies. mapping data.

Periodic review of ground settlement • The Hydrological Assessment has also considered projections in the Bland Creek Palaeochannel the requirements of the Water Sharing Plan for the Borefield to take account of the results of Lachlan Unregulated and Alluvial Water Sources future monitoring. 2012 (which applies to all unregulated water

sources in the Lachlan catchment) and the Water Sharing Plan for the Lachlan Regulated River Water Source 2003.

4-13 Cowal Gold Mine Extension Modification – Environmental Assessment

Hydrological Setting • integrated erosion, sediment and salinity control system; and The CGM is located on the western side of Lake Cowal, an ephemeral freshwater lake • open pit sump and dewatering borefield. predominantly filled by runoff from Bland Creek to the south, and flood breakout from the Lachlan The effectiveness of the lake isolation system was River to the north (Figure 1-2). demonstrated under peak water levels in Lake Cowal during the recent lake-fill event The Lachlan River is the major regional surface (Plate 2-1). During the lake-fill period, no material water system, forming part of the Murray Darling increase in groundwater inflow to the open pit is Basin. Flows in the Lachlan River are regulated by estimated to have occurred, based on pit releases from several dams, the largest being dewatering monitoring data. This indicates that the Wyangala Dam (Appendix B). Lake Protection Bund and lacustrine clay on the lake’s bed are preventing significant loss of water Breakout from the Lachlan River to the Lake from the lake to the open pit (Appendix A). occurred in late 2010 and in the first half of 2012, but had not occurred prior to this since 1998. Lake Lake Cowal Surface Water Quality water level rises in recent years have been caused Baseline water quality in Lake Cowal was typically by local rainfall (e.g. in March 2011), runoff inflows slightly to moderately alkaline (pH 8.27 to 8.67) with from the Bland Creek catchment and by breakout low to moderate suspended solids concentrations flows from the Lachlan River (e.g. in December (total suspended solids concentrations of 24 to 2010) (Appendix B). 222 mg/L) (North Limited, 1998).

Lake Cowal occupies an area of 105 square EC was also low, varying between 222 and kilometres (km2), holds approximately 150 gigalitres 1,557 S/cm (North Limited, 1998) and appeared to (GL) of water (Appendix B) and has a maximum µ be inversely related to lake volume (i.e. solute depth of approximately 4 m, at which stage it concentrations increased as lake volumes overflows into Nerang Cowal to the northwest, decreased). which ultimately drains to the Lachlan River via

Bogandillon Creek (Appendix B). Baseline cadmium, arsenic, lead, mercury and zinc

levels were low, and mostly below relevant Bland Creek drains a catchment of approximately 2 detection limits, however, copper concentrations 9,500 km which ultimately reports to Lake Cowal at were found to be higher than the Australian and its southern end (Appendix B). New Zealand Environment and Conservation

Council/Agriculture and Resource Management Bland Creek and all other tributaries of Lake Cowal Council of Australia and New Zealand (including the drainage lines surrounding the CGM) (ANZECC/ARMCANZ) (2000) limit for the protection are ephemeral. Flow records for Bland Creek of aquatic ecosystems (Appendix B). indicate that runoff in the Bland Creek catchment is low, averaging approximately 5% of rainfall Lake Cowal water quality monitoring and analysis is (Appendix B). undertaken for the CGM in accordance with the

requirements of Development Consent (DA 14/98), Site Water Management EPL 11912, Site Water Management Plan and The existing CGM water management infrastructure Surface Water, Groundwater, Meteorological and is designed to separate Lake Cowal from the CGM, Biological Monitoring Programme. contain potentially contaminated water (contained water) generated within the mining area, and to Review of available surface water quality monitoring divert all other water around the perimeter of the data for the recent lake-fill event was undertaken by site (Section 2.7). Gilbert & Associates (2013) and compared to the (pre-mining) baseline data. The major components of CGM water management infrastructure are (Section 2.7): The key findings of the Lake Cowal water quality review are as follows (Appendix B):

• lake isolation system (comprising the perimeter waste rock emplacement, • The average recorded EC for the recent permanent lake protection bund and lake-fill event was lower than the average temporary isolation bund); recorded for baseline conditions and is consistent with previous findings • UCDS; (i.e. conductivity is inversely related to lake • ICDS; volume).

4-14 Cowal Gold Mine Extension Modification – Environmental Assessment

• The average recorded pH level (pH 8.0) for the - While the average recorded zinc and recent lake-fill event was lower than the copper concentrations for the recent average recorded for baseline conditions lake-fill event were elevated above (pH 8.48), and slightly higher than the average average recorded concentrations for pH level (pH 7.5) recorded at the Lake Cowal baseline conditions, the recorded inflow sites (i.e. tributaries to Lake Cowal). concentrations were similar at sites close to the CGM on the western side of Lake • The average total nitrogen at the Lake Cowal Cowal and on the eastern side of Lake inflow sites is approximately twice the Cowal. ANZECC/ARMCANZ (2000) default trigger level for fresh water lakes. Given that CGM water management infrastructure fully contains surface water runoff from the CGM, • The average recorded turbidity level for the recent lake-fill event was higher than the the only plausible links between mining activity at average recorded for baseline conditions, and CGM and lake water quality would be overflow from higher than the ANZECC/ARMCANZ (2000) dams D1 and/or D4 (which has not occurred to default trigger level for fresh water lakes, date), the deposition of mine generated dust onto however: the lake or runoff from the outside batters and inundated parts of the lake isolation bund - the average recorded total suspended (Appendix B). solid concentration level for the recent lake-fill event was lower than the average However, the data supports that there is no recorded for baseline conditions; evidence that the existing CGM has resulted in - assessment of recorded turbidity levels changes to water quality in Lake Cowal indicates a consistent trend of increasing (Appendix B). turbidity from March to December 2012 at Licensed Surface Water Extraction from the all sites (i.e. sites close to the CGM on the Lachlan River western side of the lake and sites on the

eastern side of Lake Cowal); and Water from the Lachlan River is used, when - the period of increasing turbidity required, to meet external water demands for the corresponds to a period of gradually CGM in accordance with Barrick’s High Security decreasing water levels in Lake Cowal. (WAL14981 and WAL13749) and General Security (WAL13748) zero allocation WALs (Section 2.8.4). • The average recorded total phosphorus level for the recent lake-fill event was lower than the During the life of the existing CGM there has been average recorded for baseline conditions. reliable supply of temporary water available from • The average recorded cadmium, mercury, the Lachlan River trading market, including during arsenic, manganese and nickel concentrations years of drought (Appendix B). for the recent lake-fill event were below ANZECC/ARMCANZ (2000) default trigger Post-Closure Water Management

levels for the protection of slightly modified A description of the post-closure water aquatic ecosystems (95% protection level). management strategy for the approved CGM is • The average recorded lead, copper and zinc provided in Appendix B. Key aspects of the concentrations for the recent lake-fill event post-closure water management strategy for the were above the ANZECC/ARMCANZ (2000) approved CGM include: default triggers (95% protection level), however: • the lake isolation system and UCDS would be maintained post-closure; - The average recorded lead concentration for the recent lake-fill event was less than • the open pit would be left as a final void; and the average recorded concentrations for • runoff from rehabilitated mining landforms baseline conditions and at the Lake Cowal would be directed to the final void via a inflow sites. network of low energy drainage swales. - The average recorded zinc and copper concentrations for the recent lake-fill were As the final void for the approved CGM was lower than average recorded predicted to act as a permanent groundwater sink, concentrations at the Lake Cowal inflow and would have no outflow apart from evaporation sties. (i.e. would not spill under any climatic scenario), water quality in the final void was predicted to become hypersaline.

4-15 Cowal Gold Mine Extension Modification – Environmental Assessment

4.2.2 Potential Impacts The Modification would not change the existing lake isolation system, or design objectives of the ICDS Lake Isolation and UCDS. The soil stockpile located in the north of ML 1535 would have a dedicated sediment control The extension of the CGM open pit has been system, designed in accordance with designed to maintain appropriate offset distances to Landcom (2004) and DECC (2008) (Appendix B). the existing lake isolation system. Given the above, no impacts to surface water As such, the extension to the CGM open pit would quality are predicted due to the Modification not change the existing lake isolation system that (Appendix B). currently separates the CGM open pit from Lake Cowal. Catchment and Hydrology

Revised Site Water Balance The Modification would not change the surface development extent of the CGM within Lake Cowal. A revised site water balance for the CGM incorporating the Modification has been prepared by In comparison to the existing CGM, the only change Gilbert & Associates (2013) and considered the to the existing catchment of Lake Cowal would be changes in catchment areas associated with the associated with the soil stockpile area located in the Modification (e.g. for the expanded waste rock north of ML 1535. The catchment of the soil emplacements) and proposed changes to the CGM stockpile area is approximately 0.33 km², which is water management infrastructure (e.g. D5, D10 and 0.003% of the 9,500 km² catchment area of Bland the eastern pump station) (Appendix B). Creek (i.e. the main tributary to Lake Cowal) (Appendix B). Runoff from the soil stockpile area No spills from contained water storages were would be released into local drainages ultimately predicted for the revised site water balance reporting to Lake Cowal following settling of (Appendix B), including for contained water sediment in accordance with Landcom (2004) and storages D1 and D4 (Figure 3-1), which capture DECC (2008) (Appendix B). runoff from the outer batters of the northern and southern waste rock emplacements (Appendix B). Therefore, negligible impacts to the catchment or hydrology of Lake Cowal are predicted due to the Soil Stockpile Sediment Control Modification (Appendix B).

A dedicated sediment control system would be Geochemical Considerations constructed to manage surface water runoff from the additional soil stockpile (Figure 3-1) located in Waste rock and ore produced from the extension to the north of ML 1535. the CGM open pit for the Modification are expected to be geochemically similar to those produced for Prior to placement of this soil in the stockpile, the existing CGM operations. As such, GEM (2013) upslope runoff would be directed around the considers that existing water management and stockpile area via a system of diversion drains monitoring measures relevant to runoff from waste and/or bunds. Surface water runoff from the soil rock emplacements and ore stockpiles would be stockpile area would be directed to a sediment suitable for the Modification. basin constructed at the eastern boundary of the soil stockpile area (Figure 3-1) (Appendix B). Consideration of geochemistry with respect to groundwater seepage is described in Section 4.1.2. The upslope stockpile diversions and the sediment basin would be constructed and maintained in Licensed Surface Water Extraction from the accordance with Managing Urban Stormwater: Soils Lachlan River & Construction (Landcom, 2004) and Managing Urban Stormwater – Soils and Construction Water from the Lachlan River would continue to be Volume 2E Mines and quarries (DECC, 2008) accessed at the CGM for the Modification by (Appendix B). purchasing temporary water available from the regulated Lachlan River trading market Surface Water Quality (Section 3.8.4) in accordance with High Security (WAL14981 and WAL13749) and General Security No causal link between the existing operations at (WAL13748) zero allocation WALs held by Barrick. the CGM and water quality in Lake Cowal has been identified (Appendix B).

4-16 Cowal Gold Mine Extension Modification – Environmental Assessment

Site water supply would continue to be preferentially Other Surface Water Users supplied from internal water sources followed by external groundwater sources, including the As described above, no additional impacts to the Lachlan River (Section 3.8.4). Notwithstanding, water quality or hydrology of Lake Cowal are since the commencement of operations at the CGM predicted due to the Modification, and surface water there has been a reliable supply of temporary water extraction from the Lachlan River would continue to available from the Lachlan River trading market, be undertaken in accordance with the conditions of including during periods of drought. NOW trading WALs. records show that between approximately 4,000 ML and 202,000 ML of temporary water has been On this basis, no additional impacts to other surface traded annually since records began in 2004 water users are predicted due to the Modification. (Appendix B). Post-closure Water Management By comparison, the predicted average water requirement from the Lachlan River under a The Modification would not change the objectives of 10th percentile (dry) rainfall sequence is 1,773 ML the existing post-closure water management over the life of the CGM incorporating the strategy (Appendix B). The conceptual post-closure Modification (Table 3-3) (Appendix B). water management system is shown on Figure 3-4.

It is expected there would be continued reliable Gilbert & Associates (2013) has considered the supply of water available from the Lachlan River effect of the Modification (e.g. extension to the CGM trading market for life of the CGM incorporating the open pit and expanded waste rock emplacements) Modification (Appendix B). on the final void water balance.

Flooding It is predicted that, consistent with predictions for the currently approved CGM, the final void water The haul road crossing (i.e. across the northern level would stabilise well below the spill level and up-catchment diversion drainage channel to the soil would become hypersaline (Appendix B). stockpile located in the north of ML 1535) would be designed such that it would not constrict flows in the Further description regarding post-closure landform diversion drainage channel (e.g. through an concepts, including a description of rehabilitation appropriate sized culvert), and therefore, would not trials undertaken at the CGM to improve erosional increase flooding potential (Appendix B). stability of the final landforms (i.e. rock armouring) is provided in Appendix I and discussed in The additional soil stockpile area located in the Section 5. north of ML 1535 would not restrict flows to Lake Cowal, as upslope runoff would be directed around 4.2.3 Mitigation Measures, Management and the stockpile area via a system of diversion drains and/or bunds (Appendix B). Monitoring

The eastern pump station and associated access Water Management Infrastructure track would not be constructed on defined drainage lines. However, the access road to the eastern Additional sediment control infrastructure pump station has the potential to modify overland (i.e. sediment basin and upslope diversion drains flow patterns during flood events, potentially and/or bunds) would be constructed to manage causing increased inundation in areas upslope of surface water runoff from the additional soil the access road. These potential impacts would be stockpile located in the north of ML 1535. mitigated by incorporating effective culvert crossings in low lying areas (i.e. where the road The Modification would also involve the following formation is elevated relative to the surrounding changes to the current ICDS (Section 3.7): natural ground surface) such that overland flow is not restricted. • redesign of existing contained water storage D5 to maintain its existing storage capacity due to the extension of the open pit; and

• changes to collection drains around the modified soil stockpiles and waste rock emplacements.

4-17 Cowal Gold Mine Extension Modification – Environmental Assessment

The Modification would also involve the construction Harvestable Right of process water supply dam D10, which would be used to provide storage of raw water for use in the None of the storages on-site are used to harvest processing facilities (Section 3.8). runoff from land and all storages are used to contain contaminated drainage, mine water or Relevant Management and Monitoring Plans effluent in accordance with best management practice, or are used to control soil erosion The Site Water Management Plan and Surface (Appendix B). It is concluded, therefore, that all of Water, Groundwater, Meteorological and Biological these storages should be excluded from Monitoring Programme and Erosion and Sediment consideration as a component of the harvestable Control Management Plan would be reviewed, and rights calculation. revised as necessary, to incorporate the new site water management infrastructure for the Modification. 4.3 FLORA AND FAUNA

The Site Water Management Plan would describe A Threatened Species Assessment has been the operational water management system and prepared for the Modification and is presented in provisions for review of the site water balance, Appendix D. The assessment has been peer erosion and sediment control measures, surface reviewed by Professor David Goldney (Cenwest water and groundwater monitoring and Environmental Services). A peer review letter from management. Professor Goldney is provided in Attachment 3.

The existing surface water monitoring network A description of the existing environment relating to would be updated for the Modification to include flora and fauna is provided in Section 4.3.1. water quality monitoring on the soil stockpile area Section 4.3.2 describes the potential impacts of the sediment basin in the north of ML 1535 for Modification, Section 4.3.3 outlines mitigation parameters including pH, EC, suspended solids as measures, management and monitoring and well as structural integrity, at a frequency consistent Section 4.3.4 describes the biodiversity offset with existing sediment control structures. strategy.

Surface Water Licensing 4.3.1 Existing Environment

Within the Water Sharing Plan for the Lachlan Regional Setting Unregulated and Alluvial Water Sources 2012, the CGM is located within the Western Bland Creek There are various regional delineations in NSW that Water Source. can be used to predict which native flora and fauna species are likely to occur within a particular area. No access licences would be required for the The CGM (and Modification area) is located in the additional or modified surface water containments central north-west of the NSW South Western required for the Modification on the basis that they Slopes Interim Biogeographic Regionalisation for would represent additional works which would Australia Bioregion (SEWPaC, 2013a). The CGM become part of the water management system for (and Modification area) is also located in the Lower the CGM, and therefore, would be relevant Slopes CMA Sub-region of the Lachlan CMA excluding works under Schedule 1 of the NSW Region (Lachlan CMA, 2013). Water Management (General) Regulation, 2011 (Appendix B). Local Setting

The Water Sharing Plan for the Lachlan Regulated The existing CGM is located on the western River Water Source 2003 covers licensed surface shoreline of Lake Cowal, an ephemeral lake which water accessed for the CGM from the Lachlan experiences periods of drying and filling River. No additional surface water access licences (Figure 4-5). The additional disturbance area within from the Lachlan River would be required for the ML 1535 associated with the Modification (i.e. the Modification. Modification area) is located adjacent to existing mine infrastructure in former farmland that has been Further detail regarding surface water access semi-cleared and used for grazing of livestock. The licenses held by Barrick is provided in eastern pump station and associated access track Attachment 5. is proposed to be located in a cultivated paddock on the eastern side of Lake Cowal (Figure 1-2).

4-18 VEGETATION COMMUNITIES 535000 THREATENED ECOLOGICAL COMMUNITIES 540000 LEGEND Grasslands Grey Box Woodlands EEC (EPBC Act) Mining Lease Boundary (ML 1535) Coolah Grass – Blue Grass Grassland Approximate Extent of Existing/ Weeping Myall Woodland EEC (TSC Act) Spear Grass – Windmill Grass Grassland Approved Surface Development Wallaby Grass – Spear Grass – Windmill Grass Grassland Weeping Myall Woodland EEC (TSC Act and EPBC Act) Existing Offset Area Grassy Woodlands Modification Components Inland Grey Box – Belah – Poplar Box Woodland Approximate Extent of Additional River Red Gum Woodland and Forest Modification Surface Disturbance Semi-arid Woodlands Modification Open Pit Extent Dwyer’s Red Gum – Black Cypress Pine Woodland Proposed Offset Area Extension Mugga Ironbark – Dwyer’s Red Gum – 6285000 0 20006285000 White Cypress Pine Woodland Weeping Myall – Belah – Poplar Box Shrubland WAMBOYNE Metres and Woodland GRID DATUM MGA94 ZONE 55 MOUNTAIN Rushes and Sedges Source: AMBS (2012); Barrick (2010, 2013) Sedgeland/Herbfield Date of Orthophoto: April 2013 Other Map Units Cultivated Land Planting Dam Northern Offset Area

L ak

C ow

al LAKE COWAL

R o 35 a 15 d ML 6280000 6280000

W ES T

INSET

W Y A LO N G

B U R C H E R

I L W

0200m

6275000 s 6275000

Relocated

R Crown Reserve "

ak L Road

Bills

Uncle Blow Clear Road Southern Offset Area Southern Extension Offset Area Refer Inset

6270000 6270000

COWAL GOLD MINE EXTENSION MODIFICATION FIGURE 4-5 Vegetation Communities within the Wider Locality 535000 540000

HAL-12-40_CGM Ext Mod_PEA_Sect 4_205C Cowal Gold Mine Extension Modification – Environmental Assessment

The existing CGM is located in a predominantly Potential habitat for threatened flora species was cleared agricultural landscape with relatively small evaluated based on previous known occurrences remnants of native vegetation, mostly located on and the habitat requirements of threatened species rocky rises and along the edge of Lake Cowal which could possibly occur in the Modification area. (Figure 4-5). Areas with remnant vegetation have An inspection of the flora at the eastern pump been set aside for biodiversity conservation by station and associated access track was also Barrick as part of the CGM (i.e. the Northern Offset undertaken by FloraSearch (2013) as documented Area and Southern Offset Area [Figure 4-5]) in Appendix D. (Barrick, 2013b). Fauna Studies Flora Studies Fauna in ML 1535 and the broader Lake Cowal Many flora surveys and monitoring programmes catchment has also been well documented as have been conducted in ML 1535 and the broader described in Appendix D. Thirteen fauna surveys Lake Cowal catchment as detailed in Appendix D. were undertaken in ML 1535 and the broader Lake Past flora studies considered in Appendix D include: Cowal catchment prior to commencement of the CGM (i.e. between 1969 and 2004) were • thirteen flora studies undertaken prior to considered in Appendix D. During the operation of commencement of the CGM (i.e. between the CGM, fauna species have been recorded during 1969 and 2008); and the following activities (Appendix D):

thirteen flora studies undertaken during the • • monitoring of daily and seasonal fauna usage operation of the CGM, mostly associated with of the tailings dams within ML 1535 monitoring revegetation and rehabilitation (13 studies between 2006 and 2013); areas. • pre-clearance fauna surveys within ML 1535 The Modification area was surveyed in 2008 by (41 studies between 2005 and 2012); and FloraSearch (2008), and the Australian Museum incidental observations of fauna within Business Services (2012) has recently undertaken • ML 1535 (8 studies between 2005 and 2012). a larger flora study (covering ML 1535, surrounding

Barrick-owned land and local crown reserves) Fauna monitoring has been undertaken at consolidating the results from all past flora surveys. Lake Cowal for Barrick. Waterbird monitoring has The Cowal Gold Mine and Surrounds Flora Survey been undertaken at Lake Cowal three times a year report (Australian Museum Business since 1989. This monitoring is undertaken by Services, 2012) is provided in Appendix D. Professor Peter Gell (The University of Ballarat) and

the substantial dataset has recently been Australian Museum Business Services (2012) consolidated by the Australian Museum Business characterised the flora using standard techniques Services (2013). Fish and aquatic habitat surveys (quadrats, rapid data points, vegetation mapping, have been recently undertaken in Lake Cowal by condition assessment and threatened species frc environmental (2011 and 2012). searches) in accordance with relevant guidelines

(NSW Department of Environment and The Modification area was surveyed in 2012 by Conservation [DEC], 2004) as well as more Dr Anne Kerle (Kerle, 2013a). During this survey, contemporary techniques such as statistical threatened species were targeted and a habitat analysis of vegetation assemblages. Targeted assessment was undertaken (Kerle, 2013a). This searches for potentially occurring threatened flora survey included fauna habitat within ML 1535, species and threatened ecological communities surrounding Barrick-owned land and local crown listed under the NSW Threatened Species reserves (Kerle, 2013a). This survey supplemented Conservation Act, 1995 (TSC Act), NSW Fisheries the survey undertaken by Western Research Management Act, 1994 (FM Act) and Institute (2008) within ML 1535 in 2008. Commonwealth Environment Protection and

Biodiversity Conservation Act, 1999 (EPBC Act) were conducted for the Modification.

4-20 Cowal Gold Mine Extension Modification – Environmental Assessment

The fauna survey effort in ML 1535 has exceeded Threatened Ecological Communities listed the minimum requirements in the NSW survey under the TSC Act guidelines for threatened species (DEC, 2004; DECCW, 2009). Targeted searches for potentially One threatened ecological community listed under occurring threatened fauna species listed under the the TSC Act was recorded within the Modification TSC Act, FM Act and EPBC Act have been area (Appendix D), namely, Myall Woodland EEC conducted on numerous occasions, over multiple (Figure 4-6). The occurrence of the Myall Woodland seasons and years. An inspection of the fauna EEC in the Modification area is approximately 2.5 habitat at the eastern pump station and associated ha comprising approximately 1.5 ha of Weeping access track was undertaken by Kerle (2013b) as Myall – Belah – Poplar Box Shrubland and documented in Appendix D. Woodland and approximately 1 ha of surrounding Spear Grass – Windmill Grass Grassland. The Vegetation Communities canopy is dominated by Belah trees and there are no mature Weeping Myall (Acacia pendula) trees The Modification area is largely dominated by present. The understorey is degraded with derived grasslands with some scattered trees approximately 60% native flora species. There is a (Figures 4-5 and 4-6). The extant vegetation is a single layer of Weeping Myall saplings that have result of past land clearing for pastoral purposes, regenerated since removal of grazing from and historical prolonged grazing by livestock. Three ML 1535. native vegetation communities were mapped within the Modification area (Table 4-2; Figure 4-6) The Myall Woodland EEC listed under the TSC Act (Australian Museum Business Services, 2012). has been located more widely outside of ML 1535 (Figure 4-5) (a total of 280.5 ha of woodland and Cultivated Land (comprising of predominately 649 ha of grassland). introduced ground cover) is also present within the Modification area (Figure 4-6) and in the proposed Threatened Ecological Communities listed location for the eastern pump station and under the EPBC Act associated access track (Figure 1-2). Australian Museum Business Services (2012) A vegetation condition assessment was undertaken confirmed that the Weeping Myall – Belah – Poplar by the Australian Museum Business Services Box Shrubland and Woodland within the (2012) and a description of the vegetation condition Modification area does not meet the criteria of the is provided in Appendix D. Weeping Myall Woodland EEC listed under the EPBC Act (Appendix D). Threatened Flora Species

No threatened flora species listed under the TSC Act have been recorded within the Modification area or within the eastern pump station area and it is considered unlikely that any would occur due to the lack of potential habitat, lack of nearby records or the degraded condition of the potential habitat as a result of past land use pressures (Appendix D).

Table 4-2 Native Vegetation

Vegetation Community Description Spear Grass – Windmill Grass This is the most widespread vegetation community within the Modification area, which Grassland* is characterised by derived grassland with scattered trees. Weeping Myall – Belah – Poplar This vegetation community occurs as one patch within the Modification area. Belah Box Shrubland and Woodland* (Casuarina cristata) is the dominant tree species recorded within this occurrence of the vegetation community. Sedgeland/Herbfield This vegetation community is present in localised drainage lines through the derived native grassland. Source: Australian Museum Business Services (2012) and Appendix D. * The Weeping Myall – Belah – Poplar Box Shrubland and Woodland and 1 ha of surrounding Spear Grass – Windmill Grass Grassland represents the Myall Woodland in the Darling Riverine Plains, Brigalow Belt South, Cobar Peneplain, Murray-Darling Depression, Riverina and NSW South Western Slopes bioregions (Myall Woodland EEC) listed under the TSC Act.

4-21 6280000 6277500 1000 Date ofApril Orthophoto: 2013 Date Metres

540000 540000 LAKE COWAL LAKE GRID DATUM MGA94ZONE 55 0 Vegetation Communities within the Surrounds Modification and

FIGURE 4-6

COWALGOLD MINE EXTENSION MODIFICATION

L M

537500 537500

Road Cowal Lake

v r

e s

Weeping Myall Woodland EEC (TSC Act and EPBC Act) e THREATENED ECOLOGICAL COMMUNITIESTHREATENED ECOLOGICAL Grey Box Woodlands EEC (EPBC Act) Weeping Myall Woodland EEC (TSC Act)

k c

o t

g Source: AMBS (2012); Barrick (2010, 2013)

n i l l

v a 535000 r

535000 T

Rushes and Sedges Other Map Units Land Cultivated Planting Dam e Semi-arid Woodlands Mugga Ironbark – Dwyer’s Red Gum – White Cypress Pine Woodland Weeping Myall – Belah – Poplar Box Shrubland and Woodland Sedgeland/Herbfield

r T

ane Bonehams L

AILWAY R R

CHE R 532500 BU 532500 Approximate Extent of Additional Disturbance ModificationSurface Extent Open Modification Pit LEGEND (ML 1535) Boundary Lease Mining Approximate Extent of Existing/Approved Surface Development Modification Components VEGETATION COMMUNITIES Grasslands Spear Grass – Windmill Grass Grassland Wallaby Grass – Spear Grass – Windmill Grass Grassland Grassy Woodlands BoxWoodland Grey Inland Box– Belah Poplar – River Red Gum Woodland and Forest ONG YAL W

T 6280000 S 6277500 WE HAL-12-40_CGM Ext Mod_PEA_Sect 4_206C Cowal Gold Mine Extension Modification – Environmental Assessment

Threatened Ecological Communities listed The potential habitat present in the Modification under the FM Act area for waterbirds (Magpie Goose, Freckled Duck, Blue-billed Duck and Curlew Sandpiper) is very The Aquatic Ecological Community in the Natural marginal (such as mature trees for some species Drainage System of the Lowland Catchment of the and low lying areas that have the potential to Lachlan River Endangered Ecological Community become inundated following heavy rainfall) and (Lachlan River Catchment EEC) is listed under the none of the waterbirds have been located within the FM Act and includes Lake Cowal in the listing Modification area. Similarly, low lying areas may (DPI Threatened Species Unit, 2006). occasionally provide potential habitat for the Sloane’s Froglet. However, the Sloane’s Froglet has Fauna Habitat not been found in the past 19 years despite surveys

including targeted searches in 2011 by Cenwest The three native vegetation communities and one Environmental Services (2011) and in 2012 by mapped unit within the Modification area Kerle (2013a). correspond to four broad habitat types as shown in

Table 4-3 and mapped on Figure 4-7 With exception of the Grey-crowned Babbler (Kerle, 2013a). All four broad habitat types present (discussed above), the other woodland birds within the Modification area are also present outside (Major Mitchell's Cockatoo, Bush Stone-curlew and ML 1535 (Figure 4-7). Superb Parrot) have only been occasionally

recorded at the CGM (one or two occasions since Threatened Fauna Species 2003). The potential habitat in the Modification area The Grey-crowned Babbler (eastern subspecies) is considered to contain sub-optimal habitat (Pomatostomus temporalis temporalis) is the only resources for these species compared to more threatened fauna species to have been recorded suitable habitat resources located outside of the within the Modification area (Table 4-4). This Modification area. species is relatively common in the landscape (Kerle, 2013a). Targeted surveys for the The potential habitat present in the Modification Grey-crowned Babbler (eastern subspecies) have area for birds of prey (Square-tailed Kite and shown that the population extends into habitat in the Little Eagle) is very limited compared to the larger wider area (outside of ML 1535). areas of potential habitat in the surrounding locality, and these species have not been located within the Fourteen threatened fauna species have been Modification area. recorded within or near ML 1535 as listed in Table 4-4. It should be noted that such observations Foraging and breeding habitat for the tree-dwelling were made during past surveys, under conditions bats (Yellow-bellied Sheathtail-bat, Corben’s which are now very different from that existing in the Long-eared Bat, Little Pied Bat and Inland Forest developed mining site in 2013. Also, the number of Bat) is relatively common in the wider Lake Cowal threatened fauna records shown on Figure 4-8 is landscape but these species have not been located due to the large amount of fauna survey and within the Modification area. monitoring work (Appendix D). A detailed description of each record is provided in Appendix D. Table 4-3 Broad Fauna Habitat Type

Broad Fauna Habitat Description Related Native Vegetation Type Community Western Slopes This habitat type is widespread and is a result of past land Spear Grass – Windmill Grass Grasslands Habitat clearance. The native grasslands and scattered trees provide Grassland some fauna habitat resources. Riverine Plain This habitat type occurs as one patch within the Modification Weeping Myall – Belah – Poplar Woodlands Habitat area. This patch of woodland is isolated within the landscape. Box Shrubland and Woodland Inland Floodplain This habitat type is present in localised drainage lines through Sedgeland/Herbfield Swamps Habitat the derived native grassland. Cultivated Land Cultivated land provides minimal habitat as it consists of a - groundcover which is predominantly introduced flora species. Source: Kerle (2013a) and Appendix D. * The Riverine Plain Woodlands Habitat and Woodland and 1 ha of surrounding Western Slopes Grasslands Habitat represents the Myall Woodland EEC listed under the TSC Act.

4-23 HABITAT TYPES 535000 540000 Western Slopes Grasslands Riverine Plain Grasslands Floodplain Transition Woodlands Inland Rocky Hill Woodlands Riverine Plain Woodlands Inland Floodplain Swamps Other Map Units Cultivated Land Planting 6285000 Dam 6285000

WAMBOYNE MOUNTAIN

Northern Offset Area

L ak

C ow al LAKE COWAL

R o 35 a 15 d ML 6280000 6280000

W ES T

W Y A LO N G

B U R C H E R

I L W

6275000 s 6275000

Relocated d

o R Crown " Reserve

ak L Road

Bills

Uncle LEGEND Blow d Mining Lease Boundary (ML 1535) Clear Roa Approximate Extent of Existing/ Southern Southern Approved Surface Development Offset Area Offset Area Existing Offset Area Extension Modification Components 6270000 Approximate Extent of Additional 6270000 Modification Surface Disturbance Modification Open Pit Extent Proposed Offset Area Extension 0 1960

Metres GRID DATUM MGA94 ZONE 55 COWAL GOLD MINE EXTENSION MODIFICATION Source: Barrick (2010, 2013) FIGURE 4-7 Date of Orthophoto: April 2013 Fauna Habitat Types 535000 540000

HAL-12-40_CGM Ext Mod_PEA_Sect 4_207D Cowal Gold Mine Extension Modification – Environmental Assessment

Table 4-4 Threatened Fauna Species

Conservation 1 Scientific Name Common Name Status TSC Act EPBC Act Species with Records within the Modification Area Pomatostomus temporalis temporalis Grey-crowned Babbler (eastern subspecies) V - Species with Records within and near ML 1535 Crinia sloanei Sloane’s Froglet V - Anseranas semipalmata Magpie Goose V - Stictonetta naevosa Freckled Duck V - Oxyura australis Blue-billed Duck* V - Calidris ferruginea Curlew Sandpiper E - Lophoictinia isura Square-tailed Kite V - Hieraaetus morphnoides Little Eagle V - Lophochroa leadbeateri Major Mitchell's Cockatoo* V - Burhinus grallarius Bush Stone-curlew E - Polytelis swainsonii Superb Parrot V V Saccolaimus flaviventris Yellow-bellied Sheathtail-bat V - Nyctophilus corbeni Corben’s Long-eared Bat* V V Chalinolobus picatus Little Pied Bat* V - Vespadelus baverstocki Inland Forest Bat V - Source: After Appendix D. * This species is not shown on Figure 4-8 as the precise co-ordinates were not available. The records are discussed further in Appendix D. 1 Threatened Species Status under the TSC Act and EPBC Act (current as of August 2013). V = Vulnerable E = Endangered

Critical Habitat Existing Mitigation Measures at the CGM

The Modification would not adversely impact any The approved CGM implements the following critical habitat. No critical flora or fauna habitat environmental management plans and other occurs within the vicinity of the Modification area or documents (prepared in accordance with the eastern pump station as designated by the Register Development Consent [DA 14/98] conditions) of Critical Habitat held by the Director-General of relevant to the management of flora and fauna at the OEH (2013), the Register of Critical Habitat held the approved CGM: by the Director-General of the DPI (Fishing and Aquaculture) (2013) or identified within the Bland • FFMP; Local Environmental Plan 2011 (Bland LEP). Threatened Species Management Protocol • (TSMP); Introduced Flora and Fauna Species • Rehabilitation and Offset Management Plan Two noxious weeds listed under the NSW Noxious (ROMP); Weeds Act, 1993 for the Bland LGA have been • Compensatory Wetland Management Plan; previously observed in the Modification area or similar adjacent habitat, namely, the African • LMP; Boxthorn and the Bathurst Burr (Appendix D). • Bushfire Management Plan; and A total of eight introduced fauna species have been recorded within ML 1535 since 2005. These species • Dust Management Plan; include the Common Starling, European Red Fox, European Rabbit, Feral Cat, Brown Hare, A summary of the mitigation measures at the CGM House Mouse, European Cattle and Sheep. (relevant to the Modification) are provided in European Cattle and Sheep are now excluded from Table 4-5. Additional mitigation measures at the ML 1535 (Appendix D). CGM are provided in the environmental management plans listed above.

4-25 532500 Please note that the Blue-billed535000 Duck (Barrick, pers.comm., 2011), 537500 540000 LEGEND XW Superb Parrot 5 Mining Lease Boundary (ML 1535) *# Grey-crowned Babbler Little Pied Bat (Donato, 2010a, 2010b, 2011a, 2012a, 2012b) *# *# and Inland Forest Bat (Barrick, 2009a, Donato, 2006, 2008a, 5 Approximate Extent of Existing/ (eastern subspecies) 5 * 2008b, 2009, 2010a, 2010b, 2011a, 2011b, 2012a, 2012b, Approved Surface Disturbance Grey-crowned Babbler nest 2013) have been recorded, however the exact location of the Modification Components (eastern subspecies) records are unknown. ! Approximate Extent of Additional > Bush Stone-curlew Reference: 1 AMBS (2013) Modification Surface Disturbance Bats 2 OEH (2013a) 1535 H! ML Modification Open Pit Extent Yellow-bellied Sheathtail-bat 3 BirdLife Australia (2013) L 2 4 Kerle (2013) a J" k THREATENED FAUNA Inland Forest Bat*# e ^_ 5 Barrick (2003-2010) 2 C Amphibian o Birds 6 Western Research Institute (2008) wa 6280000GF Magpie Goose J" Sloane's Froglet 7 Lane (1990) l 6280000 R o (! a Freckled Duck d )" Square-tailed Kite ^_ Little Eagle _ Little Eagle Nest

e eserv ck R Sto 1 elling 5 ! LAKE COWAL Trav /"/" 5 ( 1 /"/"/"/"

B U ^_5 R C H *#5 E R

2 #**#5 5*#5*#5 H! 5 5 _*# *#5 *# 6277500 **# 5 5 6277500 5 !>5 4 5 ^_5 *# *#5 *#6 *#5 5 5

## R **5 *#*5 )"5 A 2 I L W 5 /" 7 A 5 Y 5 *# ** (! 5 *5 2 5 *5 *# 5 (! *5 ** * 5 XW5 5 5 *# *#5 *# *#5 GF5 5 5 4 3 * ^_ 0 1000 4 4 * *# Metres 4 GRID DATUM MGA94 ZONE 55 T ravelling St *4 ock Reserve *# Source: Barrick (2010, 2013); Date of Orthophoto: April 2013 COWAL GOLD MINE EXTENSION MODIFICATION

B on FIGURE 4-8 e 4 h 4 am **#4 Threatened Fauna Species recorded s 4

* L within the Modification and Surrounds ane * 532500 535000 537500 540000

HAL-12-40_CGM Ext Mod_PEA_Sect 4_208C Cowal Gold Mine Extension Modification – Environmental Assessment

Table 4-5 Existing Impact Mitigation Measures at the CGM

Measure Description Revegetation of the Surface development areas associated with the CGM are progressively rehabilitated and revegetated with post-mine landforms species characteristic of native species endemic to the local area. Landforms are revegetated with selected species of native and/or endemic vegetation that are both suitable to the physiographic and hydrological features of each landform, and which expand the areas of remnant endemic vegetation that currently exist in the immediate region. Delineation of Clearance activities are restricted to areas occupied by the mine activities, buildings and paved surface, and disturbance area those necessary for fire control. Pre-clearance Pre-clearance surveys are undertaken in areas that are approved to be cleared and consist of preliminary surveys habitat assessment to identify any habitat features present within approved clearance areas and secondary habitat assessment which involves further surveys of areas deemed as containing fauna habitat (e.g. trees with hollows and bat presence). Fauna management Involves management strategies to minimise the impact of clearing activities on resident fauna in the short- strategies term (such as capture and removal of animal[s] found during pre-clearance surveys to alternative suitable habitat) and minimise the loss of habitat in the long-term (such as the placement of nesting boxes in suitable habitat for birds and arboreal mammals). Vegetation Procedures to be employed upon tree felling includes the salvage of habitat features (such as hollow clearance procedure branches) as well as the collection of seed. Vehicle speed limits Speed limits are imposed on vehicles using roads and tracks within ML 1535. Signposting has been installed and road signage to remind personnel of the danger of vehicles to wildlife. Threatened Species The TSMP was developed to minimise potential impacts of the approved CGM on threatened flora and fauna Management species known and/or considered possible occurrences in the disturbance area and/or immediate surrounds. Protocol The TSMP includes provisions for targeted searches prior to construction and proposed mitigation measures where threatened flora or fauna species are found. The TSMP also includes threatened species management strategies prepared for threatened species which have been recorded in the course of targeted surveys or for which habitat resources typically associated with the lifecycle components of a threatened species have been identified. Mechanisms to keep Mechanisms have been developed to keep threatened waterbirds away from the approved CGM tailings fauna away from the storage facilities and include: tailings storage • Minimising the area of open water in the tailings storage facilities - to reduce the attractiveness of the facilities tailings storage facilities to threatened waterbirds, the area of open water in the tailings storage facilities will be minimised by maximising the dry density of tailings and maximising the re-use of water from the tailings storage facilities in the process plant (North Limited, 1998). • Making the area non-conducive to the establishment of wildlife habitats - rehabilitation of the tailings storage facility area during operations will be such that minimal habitat opportunities will be created for threatened waterbirds. Rehabilitation of the tailings storage facility batters will achieve soil stabilisation yet will not create desirable habitat. Avifauna deterrence mechanisms are also utilised at the tailings storage facilities (e.g. audio and visual stimuli to scare/repel birds). th Cyanide destruction Cyanide levels of the aqueous component of the tailings slurry do not exceed 20 mg/L CNWAD (90 percentile process over 6 months) and 30 mg/L CNWAD (maximum permissible limit at any time), at the process plant. This level is in accordance with industry experience that indicates bird mortalities approach zero at levels of cyanide exposure below 50 mg/L CNWAD. Monitoring of fauna Development of a monitoring programme to monitor fauna usage of the final void at the approved CGM would usage of the final remain for the Modification. The monitoring programme will be developed as a component of the strategy to be void developed for the long-term management and monitoring of the area. Remnant Woodland Four Enhancement Areas have been established in accordance with the Remnant Vegetation Enhancement Enhancement Programme (RVEP) (Figure 4-9) to improve the quality of habitat available to flora and fauna, expand the extent of remnant vegetation, increase the diversity and/or abundance of native flora and fauna within the enhancement areas, and significantly contribute to the conservation of regional biodiversity. Protection of Areas of Wilga Woodland located near the western boundary of ML 1535 and areas of Belah Woodland near Remnant Vegetation the southern boundary of ML 1535 were fenced, sign posted and protected from disturbance in 2005. within ML 1535 Bushfire Bushfire management measures implemented at the approved CGM include the manipulation of fuel loads; management works and fire fighting equipment on-site (including one emergency fire fighting unit); and provision of appropriate staff training (relating to bushfires). Pest (animal and Pest control activities are implemented at the approved CGM and include: regular property inspections to vermin) control assess the status of pest populations within Barrick-owned land; mandatory pest control for declared pests; and inspections to assess the effectiveness of control measures implemented and a review of these measures if necessary. Weed management Barrick currently manage weeds at the approved CGM to minimise the possibility of new weed incursion and control the spread of any existing noxious weeds on Barrick-owned land.

4-27 6270000 6285000 6280000 6275000 2000 Metres RVEP Area 4 RVEP Area GRID DATUMMGA94 55ZONE LAKE COWAL LAKE Crown Reserve

0 Relocated " Source: Barrick (2010, 2013)Orthophoto: Date of April 2013 FIGURE 4-9 Existingand Proposed Offset Areas COWALGOLD MINE EXTENSIONMODIFICATION

540000 540000

5 i

3 B

RVEP Area RVEP 3 5

RVEP Area RVEP 2

ML e

o C

d a o R Southern Extension Offset Area

d d oa Roa al R

Lake Cow r 535000 535000 a e l Northern C

Offset Area

MOUNTAIN Bl WAMBOYNE Southern Offset Area RVEP Area RVEP 1

Lane Bonehams RAILWAY ER BURCH

NG ALO WY

ST WE Modification Components Approximate Extent of Additional Modification Surface Disturbance ExtentPit Modification Open Proposed Offset Area Extension LEGEND (ML1535) Boundary Lease Mining Approximate Extent of Existing/ Approved Surface Development Area Offset Existing Remnant Vegetation Enhancement Program Area 6270000 6275000 6280000 6285000 HAL-12-40_CGM Ext Mod_PEA_Sect 4_209C Cowal Gold Mine Extension Modification – Environmental Assessment

Existing Biodiversity Offset Strategy 4.3.2 Potential Impacts

Two offset areas have been established for the The potential impacts from the CGM on flora and CGM under Notice of Modification for Development fauna have been identified in various environmental Consent (DA 14/98) (dated 10 March 2010) impact assessments prepared over the past (Barrick, 2009). One offset area is located 16 years. A number of management actions, approximately 1 km north of ML 1535 (the Northern protocols and monitoring programmes have Offset Area) and the other is located approximately been/are undertaken in accordance with 3 km south of ML 1535 (the Southern Offset Area) Development Consent (DA 14/98) conditions. The (Figure 4-9). The existing offset areas have a environmental performance of the CGM is reported combined area of approximately 210 ha. annually to the NSW Government.

Barrick has prepared the ROMP (Barrick, 2013b) to Operation of the CGM since 2003 has afforded describe the management of the existing offset Barrick with relevant experience (through areas. The management measures described in the monitoring) and consequently more certainty ROMP include: regarding the prediction of relevant impacts, the likelihood of the impacts occurring and the • Management of livestock grazing and effectiveness of proposed management measures re-establishment of vegetation within the for flora and fauna. The types of potential impacts Offset Revegetation Area and Offset on flora and fauna that are likely to result from the Enhancement Areas. Modification are a subset of those likely to result from the currently approved CGM. Management and monitoring of the offset • areas against performance and completion Land Clearance criteria.

• Enduring conservation of the offset areas. The main impact from the Modification on flora and fauna is land clearance. Additional surface • Collecting and propagating seed for disturbance would be required for the expansion of rehabilitation works. the northern waste rock emplacement, additional • Salvaging and re-using material for habitat soil stockpiles and D10 water storage (Figure 3-1). enhancement. There would be no additional surface disturbance • Controlling weeds and feral pests. resulting from the expansion of the open pit (as this would occur within the approximate extent of • Controlling access. existing/approved surface development • Bushfire management. [Figure 3-1]), or raising of the heights of the tailings storage facilities or southern waste rock • Provision of a conservation bond to the NSW emplacement. Government. • Reporting to NSW and Commonwealth The Modification area is largely cleared of the Governments. original vegetation and comprises derived native grasslands of Spear Grass – Windmill Grass An offset monitoring programme has been (100 ha) (Table 4-6; Figure 4-6). The broad fauna developed to track the progress of the revegetation habitat types and corresponding vegetation programme. Results to date from the sites located communities that would be cleared for the within the southern and northern offset areas have Modification are identified in Table 4-6. shown that native species have been increasing in numbers throughout the years within the existing These broad fauna habitat types and vegetation offset areas and this trend is expected to continue communities are more extensive in the local area as (DnA Environmental, 2013a). indicated in Table 4-6 and shown on Figures 4-5 and 4-7. In total, the Modification area covers a total of approximately 122 ha of additional surface disturbance (comprising approximately 102 ha of native vegetation [Table 4-6] and 20 ha of Cultivated Land [Figure 4-6] dominated by introduced flora species [Appendix D]).

4-29 Cowal Gold Mine Extension Modification – Environmental Assessment

Table 4-6 Native Vegetation Clearance

Total Area Mapped Broad Fauna Area to be Vegetation Community (Figure 4-5) Habitat Type Cleared (ha)1 (Appendix D) Western Slopes Spear Grass – Windmill Grass Grassland 100* 2,208 Grasslands Habitat Riverine Plain Weeping Myall – Belah – Poplar Box Shrubland and 1.5* 282 Woodlands Habitat Woodland Inland Floodplain Sedgeland/Herbfield 0.5 80 Swamps Habitat Total 102 2,570 Source: After Appendix D. 1 Areas based on vegetation mapping by Australian Museum Business Services (2012) (Appendix D) (Figure 4-5). * The Weeping Myall – Belah – Poplar Box Shrubland and Woodland and 1 ha of surrounding Spear Grass – Windmill Grass Grassland represents the Myall Woodland EEC listed under the TSC Act.

The fauna habitat within the Modification area has Threatened Ecological Communities listed been adversely impacted by past agricultural land under the FM Act use (clearing and grazing). The lack of habitat resources means that the vertebrate species Gilbert & Associates (2013), consider there would diversity and abundance is relatively low. General be no additional impact to the hydrology or water fauna breeding resources within the Modification quality of Lake Cowal due to the Modification area are marginal and the fauna habitats have (Section 4.2.2). On this basis, it is unlikely that there limited capacity to maintain viable populations of would be an adverse impact on the Lachlan River any fauna species (Appendix D). Catchment EEC listed under the FM Act.

Land clearing activities at the CGM are managed Threatened Species listed under the TSC Act under a Vegetation Clearance Protocol to minimise impacts on fauna during land clearing activities The potential impacts from the Modification on (Barrick, 2003a). The Vegetation Clearance threatened species listed under the TSC Act were Protocol would continue to be implemented for the assessed against the Draft Guidelines for Modification and therefore the potential for land Threatened Species Assessment (DEC and DPI, clearing activities to adversely impact resident 2005). All threatened species known or predicted to fauna would be minimal (Appendix D). occur in the Lower Slopes CMA Sub-region (OEH, 2013) were considered as part of the Threatened Ecological Communities listed threatened species assessment. Threatened under the TSC Act species or their habitat with the potential to be adversely impacted (i.e. affected) by the As described above, the Myall Woodland EEC Modification were assessed in detail. listed under the TSC Act within the Modification area is represented by approximately 2.5 ha It is concluded that no threatened species listed comprising approximately 1.5 ha of Weeping Myall under the TSC Act (including the Grey-crowned – Belah – Poplar Box Shrubland and Woodland and Babbler [eastern subspecies]) are likely to be approximately 1 ha of surrounding Spear Grass significantly adversely impacted by the Modification. – Windmill Grass Grassland. The removal of existing fauna habitat within the Modification area is unlikely to substantially impact The potential impacts from the Modification on any threatened species given the small and threatened species listed under the TSC Act were disturbed nature of the area to be cleared and the assessed against the Draft Guidelines for areas proposed to be cleared in ML 1535 are Threatened Species Assessment (DEC and DPI, surrounded by approved mine disturbance areas 2005). The Modification is unlikely to significantly with poor connectivity to habitats outside of impact on Myall Woodland EEC given the small and ML 1535 (Figure 4-6). The broad fauna habitat disturbed nature of the area to be cleared and the types in ML 1535 are more extensive in the local wider occurrence of this Myall Woodland EEC in the area as indicated in Table 4-6 and shown on surrounding area (Figure 4-5). Figure 4-7.

4-30 Cowal Gold Mine Extension Modification – Environmental Assessment

Matters of National Environmental Significance Water Quality Changes

In 2001, the CGM was referred under the EPBC Act The potential impacts from the CGM on Lake Cowal and determined ‘not a controlled action’. have been a key consideration in the management of the CGM (Goldney et al., 1997). To date there Cenwest Environmental Services (2013) identifies have been no detectable adverse impacts on the the potential impacts from the Modification on ecology (vertebrates, invertebrates and flora) of Matters of National Environmental Significance Lake Cowal attributed to the CGM based on listed under the EPBC Act and assesses whether long-term wetland bird monitoring (after Australian the identified impacts would likely result in a Museum Business Services, 2013) and other fauna significant impact on any Matters of National surveys such as fish monitoring (frc Environmental, Environmental Significance. Cenwest 2011 and 2012). Environmental Services (2013) concludes that the Modification would not likely have a significant Surface water monitoring in ML1535 and impact on any Matters of National Environmental Lake Cowal is showing that site water is not Significance. affecting Lake Cowal and that there is also no obvious causal link between the mining operations Fauna Interaction with the Tailing Storage and water quality in Lake Cowal (Appendix B). Facilities Gilbert & Associates (2013), consider there would As described above, the Modification would include be no additional impact to the hydrology or water raising the maximum design heights of the northern quality of Lake Cowal due to the Modification and southern tailings storage facilities for the (Section 4.2.2). On this basis, it is unlikely that there continued deposition of tailings produced over the would be an adverse impact on the Lachlan River life of the CGM. Although the heights of the tailings Catchment EEC listed under the FM Act. storage facilities would increase as a result of the Modification, the surface disturbance area and Eastern Pump Station operation of the tailings storage facilities would remain unchanged (Figure 3-1). As described in Section 1.1, the Modification includes the construction of a new pump station on Cyanide bearing tailings storage facilities can the eastern side of Lake Cowal to improve potentially pose a risk to fauna (Donato et al., 2007) capacity/flows from the existing pipeline. However, and a number of measures have been adopted by there would be no change to approved daily or Barrick to minimise those potential impacts at the annual limits on the extraction of water from the CGM tailings storage facilities (Barrick Australia CGM Bland Creek Palaeochannel Borefield, or the Limited, 2003; 2005a). Overall, the way in which the current system for the management of groundwater tailings storage facilities are managed has resulted levels within the Bland Creek Palaeochannel. On in no animals, native or exotic, having died as a this basis, and given it is located in cleared land, result of cyanide poisoning at the tailings storage the eastern pump station and associated access facilities (Donato Environmental Services, 2006 to track has no relevance to native flora and fauna 2013). (Appendix D).

The potential risks to fauna interacting with the Fauna Interaction with the Final Void tailings storage facilities would not change as a result of the Modification. The tailings storage Consistent with the approved CGM, the final void facilities would still be designed to deter fauna associated with the CGM incorporating the visitation of the facilities, there would be no Modification is predicted to slowly fill with water and increase in the rate of tailings deposition and the trend towards hypersaline conditions in the approved cyanide concentration limits of the long-term (Appendix B). As such, the Modification is aqueous component of the tailings slurry stream unlikely to increase the potential for adverse would be maintained (i.e. cyanide levels of the impacts on fauna from their interaction with the final aqueous component of the tailings slurry would not void because the same trend as for the currently th exceed 20 mg/L CNWAD [90 percentile over approved CGM would occur (i.e. trend towards 6 months] and 30 mg/L CNWAD [maximum hypersaline conditions in the long-term) permissible limit at any time] at the process plant) (Appendix B). (Appendix D).

4-31 Cowal Gold Mine Extension Modification – Environmental Assessment

Other Potential Impacts Impact Mitigation

The extension of the operational life of the CGM for Potential impacts to flora and fauna are currently an additional 5 years would extend the time that managed through implementation of measures some potential impacts from the CGM would occur included in the FFMP, TSMP, ROMP, (e.g. the potential impacts from fauna vehicular Compensatory Wetland Management Plan, LMP, strikes, noise, dust and artificial lighting for an Bushfire Management Plan and Dust Management additional 5 years). However, the continued Plan (Section 4.1.1). These measures would operation of the mine for an additional 5 years is not continue to be implemented and management plans likely to pose a significant impact on any flora and would be updated where relevant. For example, the fauna because: ROMP (Barrick, 2013b) would be revised to incorporate the proposed offset area. • Annual vehicular traffic movements at the CGM would not increase as a result of the Rehabilitation Modification. A Rehabilitation and Landscape Management • No material increase in approved noise levels Strategy has been developed for the CGM is expected due to the Modification incorporating the Modification. The strategy details (Appendix E). the overall rehabilitation philosophy, principles and • Blasting protocols (i.e. size and frequency) objectives and describes the long-term land use would not change as a result of the strategy, the conceptual rehabilitation domains and Modification (Section 3.3). final landform and revegetation concepts.

• No change to existing dust deposition levels is predicted due to the Modification (Appendix F). 4.3.4 Biodiversity Offset Strategy

• Light emissions would be of a similar nature to The proposed offset strategy addresses potential light emissions from the currently approved residual impacts in accordance with the NSW Offset CGM (Section 4.8.2). Principles for Major Projects (State Significant Development and State Significant Infrastructure) • The risk of high frequency fire would not increase as a result of the Modification (OEH, 2013). Barrick proposes to extend the (Section 4.10). Southern Offset Area to include an additional 230 ha of native vegetation for the Modification • Continued management of the CGM in (Figure 4-9). The proposed offset area is located on accordance with the existing management Barrick-owned land (2.4 km south of ML 1535). plans (e.g. FFMP). Methodology for Selecting the Biodiversity Offset Area 4.3.3 Mitigation Measures and Management The area, location and proposed management Impact avoidance and mitigation measures for the regime for the proposed offset area were selected Modification are provided below. on the basis of a range of factors, including (in no particular order): Impact Avoidance • the location of existing offset areas; Refinements to the Modification layout have been made to avoid additional potential impacts to the • the location of the proposed offset area Myall Woodland EEC. The additional northern and relative to the proposed disturbance area; southern stockpiles and D10 were redesigned to • the land tenure available on which to locate a avoid clearance of patches of Myall Woodland EEC proposed offset area (i.e. Barrick owned land); within ML 1535. • the location of potential mineral resources; The eastern pump station and associated access • the location of existing fence lines and tracks track would be located within a grazed paddock to (to minimise the need to create new ones); avoid clearing any trees, native flora species and fauna habitat. Also, the eastern pump station would • the size of the proposed offset area relative to be powered by a diesel generator, rather than an the proposed disturbance area; ETL negating the need for native vegetation clearance for the power supply to the eastern pump station.

4-32 Cowal Gold Mine Extension Modification – Environmental Assessment

• conservation status of the Broad Fauna Habitat Types and Vegetation vegetation/ecological communities; Communities

• the shape of the proposed offset area in Table 4-7 compares the vegetation communities relation to the spatial arrangement of existing within the Modification area to those in the vegetation in the landscape; proposed offset area. • the regional conservation priorities and habitats most in need of conservation The vegetation communities in the proposed offset (e.g. Myall Woodland); area are a good match for those which are proposed to be cleared for the Modification. All • the vegetation/fauna habitat vegetation communities proposed to be cleared as composition/condition of the proposed part of the Modification have been recorded within disturbance area relative to the proposed the proposed offset area (Appendix D). The areas offset area; of these vegetation communities are all larger in the proposed offset area. • the fauna species present (including threatened species) and the habitat needed to maintain local populations of the species; and Two broad fauna habitat types/vegetation communities are located within the proposed offset • the ecosystem resilience and condition of the area and are not located within the Modification proposed offset area. area, namely the Floodplain Transition Woodlands Habitat/Inland Grey Box – Belah – Poplar Box The Australian Museum Business Services (2012) Woodland vegetation community and Inland Rocky (Appendix D) and Kerle (2013a) (Appendix D) Hill Woodlands Habitat/Dwyer’s Red Gum – Black recently undertook flora and fauna surveys and Cypress Pine Woodland vegetation community habitat assessments throughout the proposed offset (Table 4-7). These additional broad fauna habitat area. types/vegetation communities still provide potential habitat for threatened fauna species that have the potential to occur within the Modification area (Appendix D).

Table 4-7 Quantification of Broad Fauna Habitat Types and Vegetation Communities within the Modification Area and Offset Area

Vegetation Community Approximate Area Approximate Area Broad Fauna Habitat Type (Figure 4-6) to be Cleared (ha) 1 to be Offset (ha) 1 Western Slopes Grasslands Spear Grass – Windmill Grass 100* 185 Habitat Grassland Floodplain Transition Inland Grey Box – Belah – Poplar Box 0 13# Woodlands Habitat Woodland Inland Rocky Hill Woodlands Dwyer’s Red Gum – Black Cypress 0 23 Habitat Pine Woodland Riverine Plain Woodlands Weeping Myall – Belah – Poplar Box 1.5^ 8< Habitat Shrubland and Woodland Inland Floodplain Swamps Sedgeland/Herbfield 0.5 0.2 Habitat/Dams Dams 0 0.8 Total 102 230 Source: After Appendix D. 1 Areas based on vegetation mapping by Australian Museum Business Services (2012) (Appendix D) (Figures 4-5 and 4-6). * 1 ha is listed as Myall Woodland EEC listed under the TSC Act. ^ 1.5 ha is listed as Myall Woodland EEC listed under the TSC Act. 40 ha is listed as Myall Woodland EEC listed under the TSC Act and 130 ha is listed as Grey Box (Eucalyptus microcarpa) Gassy Woodlands and Derived Native Grasslands of South-eastern Australia EEC (Grey Box EEC) listed under the EPBC Act. # 13 ha is listed as Grey Box EEC listed under the EPBC Act. < 8 ha is listed as Myall Woodland EEC listed under the TSC Act of which 6 ha is listed as Myall Woodland EEC listed under the EPBC Act.

4-33 Cowal Gold Mine Extension Modification – Environmental Assessment

Threatened Ecological Communities Ecological Gains

The vegetation communities/broad fauna habitat The proposed offset area has the following broad types within the proposed offset area generally gains (Appendix D): have a higher conservation value than those in the Modification area (e.g. substantially more • It is adjacent to an existing conserved area threatened ecological communities (Table 4-8). thereby potentially strengthening the integrity of the existing conserved area. The proposed offset area contains approximately • It is within the same general locality as the 48 ha of the Myall Woodland EEC listed under the Modification area and therefore has the TSC Act in comparison to approximately 2.5 ha of potential to benefit the same fauna species Myall Woodland EEC that is proposed to be cleared populations that would be adversely impacted for the Modification (Table 4-8). by the Modification.

It contains approximately 143 ha of the Grey Box • It contains approximately 48 ha of the Myall EEC listed under the EPBC Act and since no Grey Woodland EEC listed under the TSC Act (in Box EEC would be cleared by the Modification, this comparison to approximately 2.5 ha of Myall would be a gain for the conservation of the Woodland EEC that is proposed to be cleared community. for the Modification).

• It contains approximately 143 ha of the Grey Threatened Flora Box EEC listed under the EPBC Act. No Grey Box EEC would be cleared by the Modification No threatened flora species are known to occur in so this would be a gain for the conservation of the proposed offset area (Appendix D). the community.

Threatened Fauna • It contains existing records of the Grey-crowned Babbler (eastern subspecies), All of the threatened fauna species that have the sightings and nests, thereby conserving known potential to occur within the Modification area also habitat for the local population. have the potential to occur within the proposed • It contains potential habitat for threatened offset area. The proposed offset has a greater area species which have the potential to occur of potential habitat suitable for some threatened within the Modification area, such as the species than the Modification area. Square-tailed Kite, Spotted Harrier, Little Eagle, Superb Parrot, Yellow-bellied The Grey-crowned Babbler (eastern subspecies), Sheathtail-bat, Corben’s Long-eared Bat, the only threatened fauna species recorded within Little Pied Bat and Inland Forest Bat. the Modification area, has been recorded within the proposed offset area in the form of sightings and two nests.

Table 4-8 Quantification of Threatened Ecological Communities within the Modification Area and Offset Area

Conservation Approximate Approximate 1 Status Area to be Area to be Threatened Ecological Community Condition TSC EPBC Cleared Offset 2 2 Act Act (ha) (ha) Myall Woodland in the Darling Riverine Plains, E - Woodland 1.5 8* Brigalow Belt South, Cobar Peneplain, Grassland 1 40 Murray-Darling Depression, Riverina and NSW South Western Slopes bioregions Total 2.5 48 Grey Box (Eucalyptus microcarpa) Grassy - E Woodland 0 13 Woodlands and Derived Native Grasslands of Grassland 0 130 South-eastern Australia Total 0 143 Overall Total 2.5 191 Source: After Appendix D. 1 Conservation Status under the TSC Act and EPBC Act (current as of August 2013) (E = Endangered). 2 Areas based on vegetation mapping by Australian Museum Business Services (2012) (Appendix D) (Figures 4-5 and 4-6). * Approximately 6 ha are listed as Weeping Myall Woodland EEC listed under the EPBC Act.

4-34 Cowal Gold Mine Extension Modification – Environmental Assessment

Enduring Conservation for the Proposed Offset Monitoring of the Proposed Biodiversity Offset Area Area

Enduring conservation of the proposed offset area Similar to the existing Biodiversity offset areas would be secured to the satisfaction of the (Section 4.3.1), the proposed offset area would be Director-General of the NSW Department of monitored annually against the performance and Planning within 12 months of any approval of the completion criteria detailed in the ROMP Modification. (Barrick, 2013b) and to measure the effectiveness of the offset strategy measures and to determine Management of the Proposed Biodiversity the need for ameliorative/contingency measures. Offset Area Monitoring would be undertaken annually during The ROMP (Barrick, 2013b) would be revised to operations and for 5 years following mine closure. incorporate the proposed offset area. A number of At this time, a review of the monitoring frequency management measures are listed below based on would be undertaken based on the performance of detailed flora and fauna surveys of the proposed the revegetation and/or regeneration and an offset area and an assessment of the measures appropriate monitoring frequency determined. The required to enhance the flora and fauna values of frequency would be determined by a suitably the area. These measures would include: qualified person(s) and in consultation with the relevant regulatory authorities. • fencing to exclude grazing; • provision of signage; Biodiversity Offset Principles Reconciliation

• removal of unnecessary fencing; A reconciliation of the proposed offset proposal • soil erosion management; against the NSW Offset Principles for Major Projects (State Significant Development and State • control of animal pests; Significant Infrastructure) (OEH, 2013) is provided • control of weeds; and in Table 4-9. The OEH has confirmed that these offset principles apply to the Modification. • vehicle access management.

Table 4-9 Reconciliation of the Proposed Biodiversity Offset Strategy against OEH Offset Principles

OEH Offset Principles How the Proposed Offset Addresses the OEH Offset Principles (OEH, 2013) 1. Before offsets are considered, impacts must first Existing measures to mitigate impacts are described in be avoided and unavoidable impacts minimised Section 4.3.1. Measures to avoid and mitigate impacts are through mitigation measures. Only then should described in Section 4.3.3. The proposed offset strategy addresses offsets be considered for the remaining impacts. residual impacts. 2. Offset requirements should be based on a The impacts and benefits have been reliably assessed as follows: reliable and transparent assessment of losses • the area of impact and proposed offset is quantified in and gains. Tables 4-7 and 4-8 and shown on Figure 4-5; • the types of ecological communities and habitat to be conserved are described and mapped; • the potential gain in connectivity of woodland habitat from the proposed offset area; • the existing condition of the vegetation has been assessed and is mapped; and • the conservation status of ecological communities has been assessed, mapped and quantified. 3. Offsets must be targeted to the biodiversity The proposed offset provides at least a like-for-like outcome values being lost or to higher conservation (i.e. the same vegetation communities and habitat types disturbed priorities. are represented in the proposed offset area). The vegetation communities/broad fauna habitat types within the proposed offset area generally have a higher conservation value than those in the Modification (e.g. substantially greater areas of threatened ecological communities [Tables 4-7 and 4-8]). 4. Offsets must be additional to other legal Barrick is required to meet all statutory requirements. The requirements. biodiversity offset strategy does not duplicate other licence/approval requirements.

4-35 Cowal Gold Mine Extension Modification – Environmental Assessment

Table 4-9 (Continued) Reconciliation of the Proposed Biodiversity Offset Strategy against OEH Offset Principles

OEH Offset Principles How the Proposed Offset Addresses the OEH Offset Principles (OEH, 2013) 5. Offsets must be enduring, enforceable and The implementation of the biodiversity offset is likely to be a auditable. condition of Development Consent. The conservation of the proposed offset area would be secured to the satisfaction of the Director-General of the NSW Department of Planning within 12 months of any Modification approval. The ROMP (Barrick, 2013b) would be revised to incorporate the proposed offset area. 6. Supplementary measures can be used in lieu of The proposed offset strategy addresses residual impacts. offsets. 7. Offsets can be discounted where significant The Modification would result in social and economic benefits to social and economic benefits accrue to NSW as NSW (Section 4.9). a consequence of the proposal. Source: After Appendix D.

4.4 ABORIGINAL CULTURAL HERITAGE The size of people’s territories and the distances ASSESSMENT travelled in the seasonal round would vary depending on availability of plant and animal foods An ACHA has been prepared for the Modification by and water; and the proximity to other resources Bio-Anthropology & Archaeology (2013) and is including stone sources, medicinal plants, plants presented as Appendix G of the EA. for fibre and specific timbers. Groups would vary in size at different times of the year, sometimes The ACHA has been undertaken in consideration of living in small, semi-permanent villages, a number of guidelines/codes including the Guide to sometimes moving between resources in smaller investigating, assessing and reporting on Aboriginal groups, and sometimes coming together in large cultural heritage in New South Wales (OEH, 2011), central gatherings for ceremony, trade and the Code of Practice for Archaeological governance (Appendix G). Investigation of Aboriginal Objects in NSW (DECCW, 2010b), and the Aboriginal cultural Availability of water would be one of the main heritage consultation requirements for proponents factors that determine where people choose to live 2010 (Consultation Guidelines) (DECCW, 2010a). and what activities are carried out, and therefore most sites including stone artefacts, grinding dishes and topstones are found in close proximity to water 4.4.1 Existing Environment (Appendix G).

Aboriginal History Other factors influencing residential location would Wiradjuri is one of the largest language groups in include resource availability. The raw stone NSW, however most sources suggest that people resources of the Manna Mountain – Wamboyne generally lived in smaller groups, some of whom ridge are nearby, as well as the bird breeding spoke different dialects of their main language grounds of Lake Cowal and the watercourses that (Appendix G). feed it (Appendix G).

Pearson (1984) undertook extensive research into Natural Resources a range of historical Wiradjuri sources which led him to the conclusion that each family group or Lake Cowal is an ephemeral, fresh water lake. clan would generally be based on a particular Variable climatic conditions and the availability of waterway or drainage catchment area with its river water in the ephemeral system may have influenced flats and open land where resources are plentiful the way Aboriginal people used and moved through and houses easy to construct (Appendix G). the landscape over time.

Animal and plant resources provided food and materials to the local Aboriginal community. The distribution of people would have been affected by the distribution of animals and plants, and these factors are determined by climate, soil, topography and water.

4-36 Cowal Gold Mine Extension Modification – Environmental Assessment

Section 4.3 and Appendix D provide detailed • Paton (1989) Preliminary Archaeological information regarding the ecological attributes of the Inspection of Lake Cowal Mining Exploration Modification area and surrounds. Lease.

Permits and Consents In addition, a search (approximately 24 km x 12 km) of the Aboriginal Heritage Information Management Barrick has obtained permits and consents under System (AHIMS) was completed for the area within sections 87 and 90 of the NSW National Parks and ML 1535, the proposed location of the eastern Wildlife Act, 1974 for the management of Aboriginal pump station and surrounds. heritage at the approved CGM. These permits and consents include the following: The extensive body of existing information and the results of the AHIMS database search assisted with • Permit 1468 authorising certain archaeological providing a regional context for the assessment, works in the ML 1535 area, water pipeline and in developing a model of the likely area and borefield area. archaeological and cultural significance of the • Consent 1467 authorising the destruction of Modification area (Appendix G). Aboriginal objects in the ML 1535 area, water pipeline area and borefield area. Registered Sites

• Permit 1681 authorising certain archaeological The AHIMS results show that 21 registered sites works in the road upgrade area and the have been recorded within the ML 1535 and relocated Travelling Stock Route. nine registered sites have been recorded near the • Consent 1680 authorising the destruction of water supply pipeline and borefield areas to the Aboriginal objects the road upgrade area and east of Lake Cowal. The majority of the sites the relocated Travelling Stock Route. recorded are artefact concentrations or isolated artefacts. Two scarred trees (P2 and L-C-3) have Activities for the existing CGM have been previously been recorded within ML 1535 conducted in accordance with relevant permit and (Appendix G). consent conditions and the Indigenous Archaeology and Cultural Heritage Management Plan (IACHMP) The majority of the registered sites within (Barrick, 2003b). ML 1535 have been the subject of management and mitigation measures in accordance with the Previous Archaeological Investigations CGM permits and consents discussed above.

A number of Aboriginal heritage surveys and Three registered sites are located within the assessments have previously been undertaken in Modification area (sites B [43-4-0021], the CGM area (including the Modification area) and C [43-4-0022], and E [43-4-0024]) (Figure 4-10). surrounds, including the following: Two registered sites (sites D [43-4-0023] and H [43-4-0027]) are located proximal to the • Cane (1995a) Camp sites at Lake Cowal: an Modification area (Figure 4-10). archaeological survey in central New South Wales. Background Distribution

• Cane (1995b) Camp sites at Lake Cowal: a Due to the large number of archaeological surveys Supplementary Report. and studies undertaken in the Lake Cowal region, it • Huys and Johnson (1995) An Archaeological is possible to differentiate between unique sites and Survey of Areas between Forbes and Lake those sites and isolated finds that represent a Cowal. component of the regional background distribution (Appendix G). • Nicholson (1998) An Archaeological Survey of a Proposed Transmission Line between The background distribution evident at Lake Cowal Temora and Lake Cowal. consists mainly of lithic items found across the land • North Limited (1998) the EIS. at low densities. Sites generally consist of areas with both larger numbers and greater density of • Pardoe (2009a) Archaeological Investigations lithic items (Pardoe, 2009a). at Lake Cowal. • Pardoe (2009b) Archaeological Excavations at Lake Cowal.

4-37 LEGEND532500 Aboriginal Heritage Sites 535000 537500 540000 Mining Lease Boundary (ML 1535) A Registered Aboriginal Heritage Site (in situ) Approximate Extent of Existing/ Aboriginal Heritage Site recorded Feb. 2011 Approved Surface Development Aboriginal Heritage Site recorded April 2013 Modification Components Aboriginal Heritage Sites (April/May 2013) Approximate Extent of Additional Flaked Item 1535 ModificationSurface Disturbance Ground Artefact ML L a Oven k Modification Open Pit Extent e

C Oven Stone o w a l Source: Colin Pardoe Bio-Anthropology & Archaeology

R o (2013) and Barrick (2010, 2013) a 6280000 Up-catchment Wamboyne Back Plains d 6280000 Diversion System Site 2 Wamboyne Back Plains

Site 1 (! " (! (! (!

(! (!(! " (!(! (! (!(!

(! e LC2 eserv ck R Sto

lling

Trave LAKE COWAL "

(! ! (! ( Northern Waste (!(! Rock Emplacement

(! W (! B E S T C

Bland Creek (!

(! " (! Palaeochannel Borefield (! (!(! W Northern Tailings Y (! A (20km) L O (! Storage Facility N (! G (!(! (!

Open Pit

(! (! B U (! R C H E (!(!(! R

(! (! (!(! (!

6277500 6277500

R (! A (!

I L "

A Y R D E Up-catchment (! R (! (! (! (! (! Southern Waste " Saline Groundwater Diversion System (! Southern Tailings (!(! (! (!(! Rock Emplacement " Supply Bores Storage Facility (! (!(! (!

(!(! LC3 Pipeline H " 0 1000 LC4

Up-catchment Metres Diversion System GRID DATUM MGA94 ZONE 55 T Date of Orthophoto: April 2013 ravelling St ock Reserve COWAL GOLD MINE EXTENSION MODIFICATION

B on FIGURE 4-10

h am " Aboriginal Heritage Sites Located s

L within the Modification Area and Surrounds ane

532500 535000 Electricity Transmission Line 537500 540000

HAL-12-40_CGM Ext Mod_PEA_Sect 4_202C Cowal Gold Mine Extension Modification – Environmental Assessment

The density of lithic items (consisting mainly of Cultural Heritage Assessment Programme flakes and cores with a large amount of debitage) appears to be greatest between drainage lines. Consultation with the Aboriginal community about There are low-density areas apparent throughout the approved CGM and the Modification has been the Back Plains, a cluster of higher density areas on extensive and involved various methods including the western side of ML 1535 and a slight trend to advertisements, meetings, written correspondence higher density toward the north of ML 1535 and archaeological survey attendance. (Pardoe, 2009a). Stone tools and debitage are distributed across the land, with a background Table 4-10 summarises the main stages of the distribution that is higher than seen in many other Aboriginal cultural heritage consultation programme areas (Pardoe, 2009a). undertaken as part of the Modification, with further detail provided in Section 2 of Appendix G. A number of these previously recorded objects within the CGM (including the Modification area) have been collected and are currently stored in a Temporary Keeping Place (i.e. they are no longer located in situ) in accordance with the relevant permits and consents.

Table 4-10 Summary of Aboriginal Heritage Consultation Programme

Date Consultation Conducted 5 February 2013 Letters requesting the names of Aboriginal stakeholders that may have had an interest in the consultation process were sent to the Office of the Registrar (NSW Aboriginal Land Rights Act, 1983), Native Title Services Corporation Limited, National Native Title Tribunal, Dubbo OEH, Forbes Shire Council, Bland Shire Council, West Wyalong Local Aboriginal Land Council (LALC), Condobolin LALC and the Lachlan CMA to identify Aboriginal parties. 25 February 2013 Letters seeking registrations of interest were sent to Aboriginal parties or groups identified by the above step, and those registered Aboriginal parties previously involved in other assessments undertaken at the CGM. 27 February 2013 Public advertisement published in the Condobolin Argus, Daily Liberal, Griffith Area News and Wagga Daily Advertiser inviting interest Aboriginal parties or groups to register an interested in the consultation process. 28 February 2013 Public advertisement published in the Forbes Advocate inviting interested Aboriginal parties or groups to register an interest in the consultation process. 1 March 2013 Public advertisement published in the West Wyalong Advocate inviting interested Aboriginal parties or groups to register an interest in the consultation process. 22 March 2013 Provision of a Proposed Methodology for undertaking the ACHA to all registered Aboriginal parties for their review and comment. Letter included an invitation to attend an information session to discuss the Modification and the Proposed Methodology. Included request for cultural knowledge/significance of the area and/or known sites of Aboriginal heritage. Letter also included a description of the key Aboriginal community input points in the assessment process and provided the critical timelines relevant to the assessment process. 4 April 2013 Record of names of registered Aboriginal parties provided to OEH, the West Wyalong LALC and the Condobolin LALC in accordance with the Consultation Guidelines (DECCW, 2010a). 8 April 2013 Information session held for all registered Aboriginal parties. Included request for cultural knowledge/significance of the area and/or known sites of Aboriginal heritage. 19 April 2013 Invitation to registered Aboriginal parties to attend the Aboriginal cultural heritage survey. March/April 2013 Feedback from the registered Aboriginal parties in regard to the Proposed Methodology received and consideration given to all comments. 30 April to Aboriginal cultural heritage survey conducted over a four day period. Cultural significance of the area and 3 May 2013 Aboriginal heritage sites discussed with the Aboriginal representatives. 11 June 2013 Draft ACHA issued to the registered Aboriginal parties for review, including survey results, archaeological and cultural significance assessment (based on feedback received during consultation and fieldwork), potential impacts and proposed mitigation and management measures. The letter specifically requested comments on cultural knowledge/significance and the proposed management measures. 18 June 2013 Invitation to registered Aboriginal parties to attend a meeting on 8 July 2013 to discuss the findings, provide any information on cultural knowledge/significance and provide an opportunity to comment on the draft ACHA. July 2013 Phone calls made to all registered Aboriginal parties to request comments (either verbal or written) on the draft ACHA. July 2013 Comments received from registered Aboriginal parties on the draft ACHA were considered and addressed in the ACHA.

4-39 Cowal Gold Mine Extension Modification – Environmental Assessment

Survey Design The artefacts/objects recorded were consistent with the previous findings around Lake Cowal. A detailed The archaeological and cultural surveys were description of the artefacts/objects and sites undertaken to ground-truth sites previously identified during the surveys is provided in recorded within the Modification area and Appendix G. surrounds, to identify any new sites and determine the visible extent of artefact scatter sites. Archaeological and Cultural Heritage Values

The survey sampled the geographic extent of the Registered sites B, C and E, and other Aboriginal Modification area. objects identified within the Modification area are considered to be of limited archaeological Archaeological Findings significance (Appendix G). The sites and the lithic

During the April/May 2013 surveys, the three items of which they are composed are typical of registered sites located within the Modification area small lithic concentrations in the region and the (sites B [43-4-0021], C [43-4-0022], and lithic debitage contains little archaeological E [43-4-0024]), the two registered sites located information (Appendix G). The condition of the proximal to the Modification area sites is poor, having been degraded by erosion (sites D [43-4-0023] and H [43-4-0027]) and and loss of stratigraphic context, and the antiquity Wamboyne Back Plains Site 1 (43-4-0044) were is unknown (Appendix G). All items are inspected. In accordance with Permit 1468 the represented in the existing collections made registered sites B, C, D, E and H had been within ML 1535 and stored in the Temporary previously covered with geo-textile matting, and Keeping Place. therefore the inspection was of the management measures rather than the artefacts/objects Wamboyne Back Plains Sites 1 and 2 are themselves. considered of limited archaeological significance on account of the loss of stratigraphic integrity During the surveys an additional site Wamboyne (Appendix G). Back Plains Site 2 (43-4-0045) was identified to the east of the proposed northern soil stockpile. No Aboriginal sites within the Modification area or The site consists mainly of grinding implements immediate surrounds are listed on the NSW State consistent with residential activities such as the Heritage Register or the National Heritage List. manufacture of flour from grasses and acacias, the manufacture of items for trade and for home The registered Aboriginal parties were asked to use, possible use of an axe for cutting bark for contribute their cultural knowledge of the dishes, sharpening, manufacture and Modification area and the sites within it, at all stages maintenance of tools and cooking (Appendix G). during the consultation process (e.g. during the initial information session, as part of the review of In addition, the surveys identified a total of the Proposed Methodology, during the field surveys 86 Aboriginal artefacts/objects, including 67 sites and as part of the review of the draft ACHA). within ML 1535 (containing 72 artefacts/objects), and 12 sites on the eastern side of Lake Cowal Comments received from the registered Aboriginal (containing 14 objects) that are considered to parties in relation to the cultural significance of the comprise part of the background distribution of the Modification area and surrounds are detailed in region (Figures 4-10 and 4-11). Table 4-11 provides Appendix G. In summary, the Aboriginal community a summary of the types of artefacts/objects identified that: identified during the surveys. • the sites at Lake Cowal are all linked, and the Table 4-11 area holds great cultural significance; Items Identified During 30 April to 3 May 2013 • traditional bush food sources are located in Survey the area including Ruby Saltbush, Yellow

Saltbush, bush tomatoes and Nardoo; Artefact/Object Type Number the land is valuable to the Wiradjuri people, Flaked item 37 • regardless of the presence of artefacts; and Ground artefact 24 Oven 3 • the creek line immediately north of the northern tailings storage facility represents an Oven stone 22 area of high cultural significance. Total 86 Source: After Appendix G.

4-40 LEGEND 546000 547500 ") Dwelling

!! d Mine Water Supply Pipeline a o

R Modification Component To Cowal Refer Detail *# Eastern Pump Station Location Gold Mine Eastern Pump Station Access Road *# Aboriginal Heritage Sites (April/May 2013) " Flaked Item Ground Artefact 6281000 )" "Goodwood" 6281000 LAKE

e 0200m COWAL k

L 546000 547500

Electrical Motor and Pump Electrical Cabinets Ground Artefact

" Diesel Electric Generator Diesel Storage Tank "

Diesel Delivery " " Flaked Item

Tanker "

" "

Eastern Pump Station 12.5 m radius " Access Road

EASTERN PUMP STATION DETAIL Not to Scale Source: Colin Pardoe Bio-Anthropology & Archaeology (2013); Barrick (2010, 2013) Date of Orthophoto: April 2013 COWAL GOLD MINE EXTENSION MODIFICATION FIGURE 4-11 Aboriginal Heritage Sites Located Road in Proximity to the Eastern Pump Station and Existing Water Pipeline Alignment

HAL-12-40_CGM Ext Mod_PEA_Sect 4_203G Cowal Gold Mine Extension Modification – Environmental Assessment

4.4.2 Potential Impacts There would be a cost implication associated with avoiding this site (e.g. construction of D10 as an Avoidance and Minimisation of Potential irregular shape would be a less cost effective Impacts design). Given this, and given the approved management measures relevant to this site, Barrick The Modification layout has been designed to avoid does not consider the additional cost associated and minimise potential impacts to Aboriginal cultural with avoiding this site to be reasonable. heritage. Further justification regarding the design of the The soil stockpile in the north of ML 1535 has been northern waste rock emplacement, D10 and the designed to avoid Wamboyne Back Plains Site 2 additional soil stockpiles in consideration of and the creek line immediately north of the northern environmental constraints provided in Section 6.2.1. tailings storage facility (Figure 4-10). Potential Residual Impacts The expansions of the tailings storage facilities and the southern waste rock emplacement have been Notwithstanding the measures to avoid and designed to maintain their existing surface minimise potential impacts described above, the disturbance footprints (Figure 4-10), and as such, Modification would directly and indirectly impact the avoid potential impacts to Aboriginal heritage sites. Aboriginal cultural heritage of the Modification area due to the direct disturbance of approximately The eastern pump station (and associated access 122 ha of land within ML 1535 and some additional track) has been designed to be located as close as disturbance within a cultivated paddock associated possible to the eastern side of Lake Cowal, while with the eastern pump station (Appendix G). avoiding disturbance to the lunette associated with Lake Cowal (Figure 4-11) which is considered to be The existing permits and consents allow for the culturally significant (i.e. due to the potential for disturbance of all sites within ML 1535 and Aboriginal burials) (Appendix G). The eastern pump associated with the operation of the water supply station would instead be located within a cultivated pipeline. paddock in an area subject to previous surface disturbance. The previously registered sites B, C and E and Wamboyne Back Plains Site 1 are located within The northern waste rock emplacement expansion the Modification area and would therefore be has been designed to remain within the northern subject to direct disturbance associated with mining up-catchment diversion drain, and as such, avoid activities as a result of the Modification additional potential impacts to the Wamboyne Back (Appendix G). These sites are considered to be of Plains Site 2 (Figure 4-10). However, due to limited archaeological significance (Appendix G). It constraints to the north, east and south, the is also noted that comments provided by the northern waste rock emplacement would be Aboriginal representatives indicated that while extended to the west to accommodate the cultural significance is difficult to rate, the sites and additional waste rock produced for the Modification, objects identified were considered to be typical of and would impact known Aboriginal heritage sites such settings and what had been collected located to the west of the existing northern waste previously (Appendix G). rock emplacement (Figure 4-10). These potential impacts were described in the draft ACHA, which It is considered that there is very little potential for was provided to registered Aboriginal parties for physical damage to individual in situ lithic artefacts review and comment (Appendix G). not associated with the above sites (i.e. artefacts that are part of the background distribution) The location of D10 has been designed to maintain (Appendix G). Although the land is proposed to be an appropriate offset distance to both the southern disturbed, the topsoil would be stripped and stored tailings storage facility and existing mine access for later rehabilitation. The unsalvaged individual road. D10 has also been designed as a uniform artefacts would remain in the soil material and, shape, as this is the most cost effective design. therefore, would be replaced on the final landforms (Appendix G). The construction of D10 would impact a previously registered Aboriginal heritage site considered to be of limited archaeological significance (Appendix G). This site is subject to the existing Consent 1467, which authorises the destruction of Aboriginal objects in the ML 1535 area.

4-42 Cowal Gold Mine Extension Modification – Environmental Assessment

4.4.3 Mitigation Measures and Management General Management Measures

Measures to avoid and minimise potential additional The following general management measures impacts to Aboriginal heritage are described in would be undertaken during the life of the Section 4.4.2. Modification:

The mitigation and management measures detailed • Existing management measures currently below for potential residual impacts have been employed at the CGM would continue to be developed in consultation with the registered implemented for the Modification. Aboriginal parties. The consultation process with • The background distribution of artefactual the registered Aboriginal parties is described in material would be managed in manner Section 4.4.1 and Appendix G. consistent with existing sites within the CGM

and the IACHMP. The IACHMP (Barrick, 2003b) is an existing document that sets out the salvage, excavation, • The collection and storage (in the Temporary monitoring and management measures for Keeping Place) of the large weathered flake archaeological sites and other Aboriginal objects north-east of Wamboyne Back Plains Site 2. located at the CGM, in accordance with the existing permits and consents. Should the Modification be • Any items collected would be analysed approved, the IACHMP would be updated to consistent with current requirements and incorporate the recommendations proposed in the protocols. These include measurement of the ACHA, and described below. artefacts to describe the nature and variation of the lithic items. Further detail is provided in Appendix G. • In the unlikely event that human skeletal remains are identified during the life of the Management of Sites B, C, E and Wamboyne CGM (incorporating the Modification), ground Back Plains Site 1 disturbance works in the vicinity of the human

Permit 1468 allows for the resumption of registered skeletal remains would cease immediately sites B, C and E pursuant to the following and the discovery be immediately reported to the conditions: NSW Police. If it is suspected that the remains may be of Aboriginal origin then this would also be reported to the NSW Police. Barrick • The permit holder shall give 21 days’ written would then contact the OEH and notice to the Director-General of the OEH of representatives of the Aboriginal community. their intention to undertake archaeological Any activities regarding the identification of works, together with evidence of Barrick’s skeletal remains would be undertaken and consultation with the Aboriginal community conducted in accordance with the about the proposed archaeological works and recommendations of The Skeleton Manual any compensatory measures proposed to be – A Handbook for the Identification of undertaken by Barrick. Aboriginal Skeletal Remains (NPWS, 1986). • The permit holder and/or instructed delegates • Barrick would discuss the conditions of access shall carry out inspection, salvage and to the Temporary Keeping Place with the WCC collection works at each site in accordance with the aim to make reasonable access with the procedure contained in Special easier for all registered Aboriginal parties. Condition 6. • Barrick continue to involve the registered In accordance with Permit 1468, following an Aboriginal parties in relevant matters inspection of the sites, a representative sample of regarding the Modification and the CGM. Aboriginal objects would be salvaged and collected. This approach is also proposed for Wamboyne Back Plains Site 1.

4-43 Cowal Gold Mine Extension Modification – Environmental Assessment

4.5 NOISE These exceedances of the PSNL were approved for the CGM, subject to the management, mitigation A Noise and Blasting Assessment for the and monitoring of potential noise impacts in Modification was undertaken by SLR Consulting accordance with the requirements of the CGM (2013) (Appendix E). Development Consent. This includes:

Aspects relating to operational noise are discussed • Development Consent noise limits for in the subsections below. privately-owned receivers (Condition 6.4[c] of Schedule 2 of the CGM Development Potential blasting impacts and transport noise Consent [DA 14/98]); impacts of the Modification are discussed in the right to request property acquisition for Sections 4.10.3 and 4.10.4 respectively. An • some receivers, in accordance with the assessment of potential construction noise impacts requirements of Condition 6.4(a) of is provided in Appendix E. Schedule 2 of the CGM Development

Consent (DA 14/98); and 4.5.1 Existing Environment • the right to request additional mitigation Previous Assessment measures for some receivers, in accordance with the requirements Condition 6.4(f) of A noise and blasting assessment of the currently Schedule 2 of the CGM Development approved CGM was undertaken by Heggies (2009) Consent (DA 14/98). for the Modified Request EA. Noise Management and Monitoring Noise modelling conducted for the Modified Request EA indicated that 10 privately-owned Existing noise management and monitoring receivers would experience noise levels above the measures are described in the NMP. project-specific noise limit (PSNL) of 35 A-weighted decibels (dBA) equivalent continuous noise level (LAeq[15 minute]), including seven receivers in the noise management zone (i.e. 1 to 5 decibels [dB] above PSNL) and three receivers in the noise affectation zone (>5 dB above PSNL) (Table 4-12). Table 4-12 Predicted Intrusive Noise Levels for the Currently Approved CGM and the CGM Incorporating the Modification

Existing Development Consent Noise Predicted Noise Level – 1 Receiver Impact Assessment Criteria CGM Incorporating the Modification

(dBA LAeq(15minute)) Bungabulla 39 36 Coniston 44 41 Cowal North 38 33 Goodwood2 36 32 Gumbelah 39 36 Lake Cowal (non-Barrick) 38 34 Laurel Park 39 37 McLintock 41 39 The Glen 38 36 Westlea 41 40 Westella 35 35 Bramboyne3 - 36 All other receivers 35 35 or less Source: After Appendix E. Notes: Refer to Figures 4-12a and 4-12b for receiver locations. Receivers in the Noise Management Zone. Receivers in the Noise Affectation Zone. 1 Maximum predicted noise level – all scenarios. 2 Formerly known as “Mattiske”. 3 Bramboyne not included as a receiver location in the Modified Request.

4-44 R ")

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Hillgrove (Barrick) a Lake Cowal (Barrick) d 33 ") ") Private Landholder 49 49 Uncle L Bi L 3 lls E Crown Land ar d W Cle Roa E 33 Ro Lake Cowal N Bland Shire Council Blow 49 ad ") 40 Hillview 14 33 NSW State Forest ") Foxham Downs 43 Melrose 42 # ") 40 ") 24 14 05 Lo 24 40 Ca n 6270000 m er 6270000 p g b an Kilometres el s 24 23 ls 37 14 GRID DATUM MGA 94 ZONE 55 L 57 an Source: Barrick (2013); Topographic Base - Department e La 43 n 14 e 16 Billabong of Lands NSW (2007); Homesteads - Geoscience (2006) 46 50 24 ") COWAL GOLD MINE EXTENSION MODIFICATION 43 43 LITTLE BLOW CLEAR Caloola FIGURE 4-12b STATE FOREST ") 43 Predicted Noise Contours BLOW CLEAR Night-time Inversion (2017) STATE FOREST 530000 540000 550000 560000 HAL-12-40_CGM Ext Mod_PEA_Sect 4_211C Cowal Gold Mine Extension Modification – Environmental Assessment

The existing monitoring programme includes Noise Modelling Methodology operator-attended monitoring at locations representative of six privately-owned dwelling Assessable Meteorological Conditions locations and two bird breeding areas (Figure 2-3), unattended noise logging (including digital audio Assessable meteorological conditions for the sample recordings), an on-site Automatic Weather Modification have been determined in accordance Station and sample temperature gradient with the requirements of the NSW Industrial Noise measurements coinciding with winter season noise Policy based on available meteorological data surveys. (including temperature gradient measurements) from 2010 to 2013 (Appendix E). Based on the results of operator-attended monitoring, intrusive noise levels from the CGM Prevailing winds were not determined to be a were determined to be in compliance with feature of any season during the daytime, evening Development Consent (DA 14/98) noise limits for or night, and therefore, wind effects are not the period July 2010 to February 2013 considered to be relevant assessable (Appendix E). meteorological conditions (Appendix E).

Notwithstanding, measured daytime (morning) Strong temperature inversions up to 8°C/100 m intrusive mine levels for “Westlea” (Figure 1-2) were were determined to be assessable meteorological above the Development Consent (DA 14/98) noise conditions (Appendix E). limit of 41 dBA for this receiver by up to 2 dBA on two occasions and 1 dBA on two occasions The assessable meteorological conditions for the (Appendix E). However, in accordance with the Modification (i.e. strong temperature inversions) are NSW Industrial Noise Policy these monitored noise consistent with those for previous noise levels are not considered to be non-compliances as assessment for the CGM (Appendix E). they are within 2 dBA of the Development Consent (DA 14/98) noise limit (Appendix E). Modelling Scenarios

Complaints The proposed extensions to the open pit and northern waste rock emplacement (Figure 3-1) A total of 24 noise-related complaints have been would not bring mining operations significantly received during the 3 year period from April 2010 closer to any privately-owned receivers (Figure 1-2). (i.e. since approval of the Modified Request). SLR Consulting (2013) modelled two key scenarios There was an increase in complaints in 2011 and representing mining operations in Year 11 (2015) 2012 in comparison to 2010, however, the majority and Year 13 (2017) to assess potential noise of noise related complaints (72%) were made by impacts associated with the CGM incorporating the one complainant. Investigations undertaken in Modification. response to each noise related complaint indicated that, for each case, the CGM was operating in Year 11 represents a year where the maximum accordance with the relevant Development mobile fleet required for the CGM incorporating the Consent (DA 14/98) noise limit (Appendix E). Modification would be operational, and the year where the maximum number of haul trucks hauling waste rock to both the northern waste rock 4.5.2 Potential Impacts emplacement and southern waste rock

emplacement (at its maximum elevation of SLR Consulting (2013) has conducted predictive approximately 283 m AHD) would be required. noise modelling to determine potential noise impacts associated with the CGM incorporating the Year 13 represents the final year where the Modification. maximum mobile fleet for the CGM incorporating

the Modification would be operational, with a The noise modelling methodology is based on greater proportion of haul trucks transporting ore to previous predictive noise modelling conducted for the ROM pad or low grade ore stockpile than in the CGM (e.g. for the Modified Request), with Year 11. Only the northern waste rock revisions as required to account for the Modification emplacement would be active in Year 13. (Appendix E).

4-47 Cowal Gold Mine Extension Modification – Environmental Assessment

For both Years 11 and 13, all mining operations The revised locations of Bramboyne and were modelled as occurring 24 hours per day, with Wamboyne II were identified during community the exception of tailings lift construction works, consultation. which would occur during the daytime (7.00 am to 6.00 pm) only. The predicted noise level at Bramboyne for the CGM incorporating the Modification is As there is the potential for tailings lift construction 36 dBA LAeq(15 minute) (Table 4-12). As no material works to occur on either the northern or southern increase in noise levels due to the Modification is tailings storage facility in any given year, predicted at other receiver locations (Table 4-12), construction works on both tailings storage facilities no material change increase in noise levels is were considered in the modelling, with the expected at Bramboyne (Appendix E). maximum resultant noise impacts presented in Table 4-12 and Appendix E. Three privately-owned receivers (Coniston, McLintock and Westlea) were identified as being in The modelling considered potential impacts the Noise Affectation Zone for the approved CGM associated with Year 11 operations under both (Table 4-13). lake-fill and lake-dry conditions (Appendix E). Based on predicted noise levels for the CGM While the northern waste rock emplacement and incorporating the Modification, Coniston would tailings storage facilities would reach their maximum remain in the Noise Affectation Zone, while elevation in Years 16 (Figure 3-3) and 20, McLintock and Westlea would be in the Noise respectively, the total number of mobile plant Management Zone (Table 4-13). operational in these years would be significantly reduced in comparison to Years 11 and 13 due to Seven privately-owned receivers (Bungabulla, the reduction in waste rock production (Table 3-1). Gumbelah, Laurel Park, The Glen, Cowal North, Goodwood [formerly referred to as Mattiske] and Potential Impacts Lake Cowal [non-Barrick]) were identified as being in the Noise Management Zone for the approved Maximum predicted intrusive noise levels under CGM (Table 4-13). assessable meteorological conditions for the CGM incorporating the Modification are presented in For the CGM incorporating the Modification, Cowal Table 4-12. Noise contours for the CGM North, Goodwood and Lake Cowal (non-Barrick) are incorporating the Modification are presented in no longer identified as being within the Noise Figure 4-12a, for 2015 and Figure 4-12b for 2017. Management Zone as predicted noise levels at these receivers are 35 dBA LAeq(15 minute) or less Noise levels for the CGM incorporating the (Table 4-12). Modification are predicted to comply with relevant Development Consent noise limits are all Based on predicted noise impacts for the CGM privately-owned receivers, with the exception of incorporating the Modification, Bungabulla, Bramboyne (Table 4-12) (Appendix E). Gumbelah, Laurel Park and The Glen would remain in the Noise Management Zone (Table 4-13). To date, Bramboyne has not been identified as a Bramboyne would also be in the Noise receiver at the location shown on (Figure 4-12a) in Management Zone (Table 4-13). any CGM assessment, and as such, noise levels were not previously predicted at this location (i.e. Bramboyne was previously identified at the location of Wamboyne II shown on Figure 4-12a).

Table 4-13 Summary of Privately-Owned Receivers in Noise Management and Noise Affectation Zones

Zone Approved CGM The Modification Noise Affectation Zone Coniston, McLintock, Westlea (3) Coniston (1) (> 5 dB above PSNL) Noise Management Zone Bungabulla, Cowal North, Goodwood, Bungabulla, Gumbelah, Laurel Park, (1 to 5 dB above PSNL) Gumbelah, Lake Cowal (non-Barrick), Laurel McLintock, The Glen, Westlea, Bramboyne (7) Park, The Glen (7) Source: After Appendix E. Notes: Refer to Figure 4-12a for receiver locations. Values in parenthesis represent the number of receivers in each zone.

4-48 Cowal Gold Mine Extension Modification – Environmental Assessment

In summary, based on maximum predicted intrusive Scheduling the tailings storage facility embankment noise levels under assessable meteorological lift works during the daytime only would reduce conditions for the CGM incorporating the potential noise impacts associated with the CGM Modification, it is predicted that (Table 4-13): incorporating the Modification during the evening and night-time. This mitigation measure is • seven privately-owned receivers would be considered by Barrick to be reasonable and within the Noise Management Zone; and feasible, and as such, was incorporated in the predictive modelling conducted by SLR Consulting • one privately-owned receiver would be within (2013) for the Modification. the Noise Affectation Zone.

The existing CGM mobile equipment fleet would By comparison, for the approved CGM there are continue to be operated for the Modification (Table 4-13): (Section 3), and it would be cost prohibitive for

Barrick to replace the existing fleet with a noise • seven privately-owned receivers within the attenuated fleet for the Modification (i.e. the cost of Noise Management Zone; and replacement would be approximately • three privately-owned receivers within the $3.7 million (M) per truck for up to 15 trucks). Noise Affectation Zone. Barrick has investigated retrofitting the existing haul Consideration of Reasonable and Feasible truck fleet with noise attenuation kits, however, the Mitigation Options expected capital cost to retrofit the existing trucks is approximately $6M, with ongoing operational costs Preliminary noise modelling was conducted by SLR associated with maintaining the effectiveness of the Consulting (2013) to determine the effectiveness of noise attenuation additional to this capital costs. additional noise mitigation measures for the Modification (i.e. additional to those described in the Given that no increase in currently approved noise existing NMP), including: levels at privately-owned receivers is expected due to the Modification (Appendix E), Barrick does not • The development of noise bunds (i.e. tiered consider the additional costs associated with fleet waste rock emplacements) to shield mobile attenuation to be reasonable. equipment operating on the waste rock

emplacements during adverse weather conditions (i.e. during strong temperature 4.5.3 Mitigation Measures, Management and inversions). Monitoring

• Locating mobile equipment on the eastern Noise Management Plan side of the waste rock emplacements

(i.e. away from the closest receivers to the Barrick would continue to implement the noise west of the CGM) during adverse weather management measures and monitoring programme conditions. detailed in the NMP. Given that no increase in • Scheduling tailings storage facility currently approved noise levels at privately-owned embankment lift works to occur during the receivers is expected due to the Modification daytime only (i.e. between 7.00 am and (Appendix E), SLR Consulting (2013) considers the 6.00 pm). continued implementation of the NMP to be suitable for the Modification. The preliminary modelling indicated that, while the development of noise bunds would be effective Notwithstanding, the NMP would be reviewed, and if during calm conditions, they would result in a very necessary revised, for the Modification. limited reduction (i.e. less than 1 dB) in predicted noise levels at private receiver locations during Tailings Lift Construction adverse weather conditions (Appendix E). Tailings lift construction is currently approved to Similarly, locating the mobile equipment to the occur 24 hours per day, however, to minimise eastern side of the waste rock emplacements was potential noise impacts from the CGM during the also predicted to result in a very limited reduction in evening and night tailing lift construction would be predicted noise levels at private receiver locations limited to daytime hours only (i.e. 7.00 am to during adverse weather conditions (Appendix E). 6.00 pm) (Section 3.3). On this basis, the implementation of these mitigation measures was not considered by Barrick to be reasonable for the Modification.

4-49 Cowal Gold Mine Extension Modification – Environmental Assessment

Noise Agreements The existing CGM dust monitoring network currently consists one high volume air sampler located near Barrick has an entered into a noise mitigation the Coniston residence measuring total suspended agreement with the landowner of one private particulate (TSP) concentrations, and 18 dust receiver (Laurel Park) within the Noise Management deposition gauges. The locations of existing and Zone for the currently approved CGM. Noise historic monitors are shown on Figure 2-3. agreements have also been offered to the landowners of three other privately-owned An analysis of the monitoring data by PEL (2013) receivers. indicates that the CGM has been operating in compliance with relevant TSP and dust deposition Barrick would continue to offer noise mitigation criteria. agreements to all privately-owned receivers predicted to be within the Noise Management and While one dust deposition gauge located at a Noise Affectation Zones, in accordance with private residence has recorded annual average dust Development Consent (DA 14/98) conditions. It is deposition levels above the relevant criteria, these expected that, consistent with the existing elevated dust deposition levels are considered by Development Consent (DA 14/98), receivers in the PEL (2013) to be attributable to local sources and Noise Affectation Zone would be offered the right to not the CGM. mitigation upon request in any modified Development Consent for the CGM. Complaints

Since 2010 (i.e. since approval of the Modified 4.6 AIR QUALITY Request) no complaints have been received relating to air quality. An Air Quality Impact Assessment for the Modification was undertaken by Pacific Environment Limited (PEL) (2013) and is presented 4.6.2 Potential Impacts as Appendix F. Modelling Methodology This assessment also quantified potential greenhouse gas emissions of the CGM Air quality dispersion modelling has been incorporating the Modification, and the results of conducted to assess potential impacts for one this assessment are provided in Section 4.10.2 and operational scenario representative of Year 11 of Appendix F. the CGM incorporating the Modification, which is the operational year with the maximum total material (i.e. waste rock and ore) mined (Table 3-1). 4.6.1 Existing Environment Year 11 also represents the year with the greatest Previous Assessment potential for wind erosion emissions as the southern waste rock emplacement would still be active, and An assessment of potential impacts associated with the extension of the northern waste rock the currently approved CGM was conducted by emplacement would have commenced. Following PAEHolmes (2009) (now PEL) for the Modified Year 11 (2015), additional progressive rehabilitation Request. of both the northern and southern waste rock emplacements would have occurred, reducing the The assessment predicted that no exceedances of areas exposed with the potential to generate wind relevant air quality criteria would occur at any erosion emissions. privately-owned receivers due to the approved CGM operations, inclusive of the cumulative impact from Emissions associated with the CGM incorporating background (i.e. non-mining) sources. the Modification for Year 11 have been estimated using contemporary emission estimating Air Quality Management and Monitoring methodologies (Appendix F).

Air quality management and monitoring at the The dispersion modelling was based on 12 months existing CGM is conducted in accordance with the of meteorological data from 2012 (Appendix F). Dust Management Plan (Barrick, 2003c).

4-50 Cowal Gold Mine Extension Modification – Environmental Assessment

Predicted Impacts 4.7 LAND RESOURCES

Concentrations of TSP, particulate matter with 4.7.1 Existing Environment diameter less than 10 microns (PM ) and 10 particulate matter with diameter less than Landforms and Topography 2.5 microns (PM2.5) and dust deposition levels associated with the CGM incorporating the The land surrounding the existing CGM is Modification were predicted at privately-owned characterised by flat to gently undulating receivers. topography, with scattered remnant vegetation. It is located on the central western plains of NSW No exceedances of the relevant criteria for 24-hour towards the western edge of the exposed rocks of average PM10 criteria, or annual average TSP, PM10 the Lachlan Fold Belt geological formation, and is or dust deposition criteria were predicted at any on the western edge of the ephemeral Lake Cowal. privately-owned receiver due to the CGM incorporating the Modification only (Appendix F). In The landforms are mainly ephemeral lacustrine addition, no exceedance of 24-hour or annual (e.g. Lake Cowal), extensive gilgai areas, stagnant average PM2.5 reporting guidelines were predicted alluvial plains with ephemeral drainage lines and at any privately-owned receiver (Appendix F). low hills (e.g. Cowal West Hill).

These predicted impacts for the CGM incorporating Local elevations of the landforms surrounding the the Modification in isolation (i.e. no exceedances of CGM range from approximately 201.5 m AHD in relevant criteria at any privately-owned receiver) are Lake Cowal (bed level), to approximately consistent with the previous assessment conducted 368 m AHD at Billys Lookout (approximately 7 km for the approved CGM. As such, PEL (2013) south-west of ML 1535) and Wamboyne Mountain considers that it is unlikely that the CGM’s rising to 412 m AHD (approximately 5 km north of contribution to potential cumulative air quality ML 1535). impacts would increase due to the Modification. A north-south oriented ridgeline system runs Contours showing predicted 24-hour PM10 approximately 3.5 km west of Wamboyne Mountain concentrations for the CGM incorporating the and approximately parallel to the edge of Lake Modification in isolation are provided in Figure 4-13. Cowal 8 km to the west. The ridgeline reaches a maximum elevation of 368 m AHD at Billys Lookout. Given the above, and given there are no other The gentle eastern slopes of this ridgeline drain existing or proposed industrial sources of dust east into Lake Cowal. emissions in the vicinity of the CGM, no additional potential cumulative impacts, including potential Lake Cowal 24-hour PM10 impacts, are expected due to the Modification (Appendix F). Lake Cowal is listed on the Register of the National Estate (Commonwealth Department of the 4.6.3 Mitigation Measures, Management and Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts [DEWHA], 2009), due to its importance as a Monitoring waterbird concentration area. Further detail

regarding waterbird activity at Lake Cowal is The existing mitigation, management and provided in Appendix D. monitoring measures described in the Dust

Management Plan would continue to be implemented for the CGM incorporating the Existing CGM

Modification. The CGM is approved to modify the topography

within ML 1535. The natural surface level within The Dust Management Plan would be revised as ML 1535 is approximately 210 m AHD, and necessary for the CGM incorporating the landforms of the approved CGM would range from Modification. approximately 266 m AHD (northern waste rock emplacement) to approximately -180 m AHD (open pit).

4-51

Cowal Gold Mine Extension Modification – Environmental Assessment

Soil Characteristics 4.7.2 Potential Impacts

An Agricultural Suitability/Rural Land Capability and Landforms and Topography Soil Resources Assessment was prepared for the EIS (North Limited, 1998). The Modification would result in changes to topography within ML 1535 due to the expanded The area within ML 1535 was characterised as the open pit, northern and southern waste rock Euglo Stagnant Alluvial Soil Landscape emplacements and tailings storage facilities. (King, 1998). The dominant soils of the Euglo Soil Landscape are red earths and red podzolic soils. The elevations of the final landforms for the CGM incorporating the Modification would range from Sampling works and characterisation of the approximately 308 m AHD (northern waste rock stockpiled soil resources at the CGM has recently emplacement) to approximately -263 m AHD (open been undertaken to determine the availability of pit). The final elevation of the southern waste rock suitable material for future rehabilitation activities. emplacement would be approximately 283 m AHD, Results of the characterisation works and options and the final elevations of the northern and for onsite amelioration of stockpiled soil resources southern tailings storage facilities would be at the CGM are described in Section 5 and approximately 248 m AHD and approximately Appendix I. 255 m AHD, respectively (Figure 3-4).

Land Use To avoid and minimise potential environmental impacts, the expanded waste rock emplacements The land use within ML 1535 is mining. Lands and tailings storage facilities have been designed to surrounding ML 1535 are predominantly used for minimise additional surface disturbance. As such, agriculture, including broad acre cropping, cattle the elevations of the existing waste rock and sheep grazing and irrigation farming. emplacements and tailings storages would increase to accommodate the additional waste rock and Final Land Use tailings produced during the life of the CGM incorporating the Modification, and there would be In accordance with Development Consent no change to the existing surface disturbance (DA 14/98) Condition 3.10(E), a long-term land use footprints of the tailings storage facilities or strategy has been developed for the CGM southern waste rock emplacement. (Barrick, 2013b). The final elevations of the landforms for the CGM At lease relinquishment, it is proposed that land use incorporating the Modification would continue to be within the former Mining Lease area would include lower than the elevations of the landforms fenced conservation areas to conserve and surrounding the CGM, including Wamboyne enhance wildlife values, and areas suitable for Mountain rising to 412 m AHD and the north-south agricultural production, including commercial and oriented ridgeline system to the west of the CGM, recreational fishing of lake areas or managed which reaches a maximum elevation of 368 m AHD grazing by livestock (Section 5.3.1). at Billy’s Lookout.

Barrick-owned land outside the former Mining The waste rock emplacements and tailings storage Lease area (with the exception of Compensatory facilities would be progressively rehabilitated during Wetland, Remnant Vegetation Enhancement the life of the CGM incorporating the Modification. Programme, Areas and Northern and Southern To improve the compatibility of the final landforms Offset Areas) would continue to be used for of the CGM incorporating the Modification with farming/agricultural production (Section 5.3.1). surrounding landforms, rehabilitation media would continue to include native grass, shrub and/or tree Long-term land uses would be confirmed in species consistent with those found in other consultation with relevant regulatory authorities and elevated landforms in the region (Appendix I). key stakeholders (including surrounding landholders) closer to the time of lease The size and depth of the open pit are determined relinquishment (Section 5.3.1). by the location of the orebody, and the slope of the pit walls (i.e. to achieve suitable geotechnical stability). Consistent with the approved CGM, the open pit would remain as a final void, and is predicted to act as a permanent groundwater sink (Section 4.2.1).

4-53 Cowal Gold Mine Extension Modification – Environmental Assessment

Further justification for the design of the final As no agricultural activities are conducted within landforms for the CGM incorporating the ML 1535, additional disturbance within ML1535 Modification is provided in Section 6.2. associated with the Modification would not impact agricultural production. Potential visual impacts associated with the Modification are described in Section 4.8. Proposed Biodiversity Offset

Soil Resources The Modification proposes to establish the biodiversity offset for the additional disturbance The general protocol for management of stockpiled areas within ML 1535 (Section 4.3.4). The proposed soil would continue for the Modification, which area for the biodiversity offset is a 230 ha extension includes soil handling measures that optimise the of the existing Southern Offset Area. retention of soil characteristics (in terms of nutrients and micro-organisms) favourable to plant growth The proposed biodiversity offset area is located on (Appendix I). Barrick-owned land, and forms part of an area of approximately 1,000 ha of Barrick-owned land that Consistent with the approved strategy of soil is periodically used for sheep/cattle grazing resource management, Modification disturbance (i.e. grazing of approximately 500 sheep occurred areas would be clearly delineated and stripped of on the proposed area for the biodiversity offset for a soil resources including topsoil, followed by the period of two months during the 15 month period separate removal of subsoil (where practicable). April 2012 to June 2013). Stripped soils would be either directly replaced on rehabilitation areas or stored in additional soil As such, to meet biodiversity offsetting stockpiles (Appendix I). requirements, the Modification would result in a change in land use for this land from agricultural In addition, soil amelioration methods would be use to conservation. However, given that the implemented for the Modification based on proposed biodiversity area is only periodically used recommendations provided by McKenzie Soil for grazing, and forms only a small part of a larger Management (2013). These methods would include area of Barrick-owned land available for grazing, no (Appendix I): material impacts to the agricultural production of the area are expected. • deep-ripping and applying gypsum (or other relevant treatment) to existing and proposed Notwithstanding, potential economic impacts soil stockpiles; associated with the loss of this agricultural land have been considered in the Socio-Economic • placing and treating strongly sodic and Assessment (Appendix H). dispersive soil stocks with gypsum in a dedicated soil amelioration farm; Justification for the biodiversity offset is provided in • applying gypsum to soil during re-application Section 4.3.4. on rehabilitation areas; and Eastern Pump Station • spreading gypsum on the surface of original soil profiles prior to soil stripping. The eastern pump station and associated access track would be located within a privately-owned Further detail regarding soil management and cultivated paddock in agreement with the landowner amelioration measures is provided in Section 5.4 (Figure 3-7). As such, in agreement with the and Appendix I. landowner, there would be a loss of a small area of agricultural land within the privately-owned Agriculture cultivated paddock. The remainder of the privately-owned paddock would not be affected by The following components of the Modification have the eastern pump station and associated access the potential to result in additional impacts to track. agricultural land (i.e. in addition to the approved CGM):

• the proposed biodiversity offset for the Modification; and

• the construction of the eastern pump station.

4-54 Cowal Gold Mine Extension Modification – Environmental Assessment

Agricultural Employment and Services Mine closure concepts and management measures would continue to be developed via the Mining, The Modification would not increase the CGM Rehabilitation and Environmental Management workforce, and therefore, would not divert additional Process (MREMP) in consultation with the DRE and employees away from agricultural industries. In other relevant regulatory agencies. addition, as the Modification would not reduce agriculture production in the CGM region, there would be no reduction in the demand for 4.8 VISUAL CHARACTER downstream agricultural services. The following sub-sections present an assessment The rehabilitation of the CGM incorporating the of potential visual impacts associated with the Modification may increase the demand for Modification. agricultural products in the region, due to the requirement for wheaten straw hay as part of The Visual Management System methodology rehabilitation media and soil ameliorants employed for this assessment has been developed (e.g. gypsum) (Appendix I). by the United States Department of Agriculture – Forestry Service (USDA-FS) (1974) and the Final Land Use techniques employed by EDAW Australia (2006). This is an accepted methodology for assessing The Modification would not change the currently potential visual impacts in NSW, having been used proposed final land use within ML 1535, which as part of environmental assessments for other includes returning the majority of land within contemporary major projects (including mines) in ML 1535 (e.g. rehabilitated waste rock NSW. emplacements and tailings storage facilities, and Compensatory Wetland) to conservation areas. Potential visual impacts were assessed by Some areas surrounding the rehabilitated waste evaluating the level of visual modification rock emplacements and tailings storage facilities associated with the Modification, in the context of and the open pit, would be returned to land suitable the visual sensitivity of surrounding land use areas for grazing (Section 5.3.2). (i.e. areas where the CGM incorporating the Modification may be visible).

4.7.3 Mitigation Measures and Management 4.8.1 Existing Environment The Rehabilitation and Landscape Management Strategy for the Modification is described in Visual Settings Surrounding the CGM Section 5, which describes the integration of the final landforms of the CGM incorporating the The area surrounding ML 1535 is comprised of a Modification with the surrounding landscape via number of distinct land use types and landscape progressive rehabilitation. The existing ROMP units of varying levels of scenic quality, including would be revised to incorporate the rehabilitation agricultural areas, residential dwellings, a game concepts for the Modification (Section 5.5). reserve, Billy’s Lookout and the associated ridgeline system, and Wamboyne Mountain. The existing Soil Stripping Management Plan (Barrick, 2003d) would be updated to reflect the soil Visual settings within the region surrounding the management measures described above. Details existing CGM are described below for the following of soil stripping procedures and soil re-handling settings (i.e. based on distance from the existing activities would continue to be provided in the MOP. CGM): In addition, erosion and sediment control systems detailed in the approved CGM’s Erosion and • Regional setting – greater than 5 km from Sediment Control Management Plan ML 1535. (Barrick, 2003e) would continue to be implemented • Sub-regional setting – 1 to 5 km from for the Modification. ML 1535.

In accordance with Barrick internal requirements • Local setting – up to 1 km from ML 1535. and standards, a Mine Closure Plan would be developed to reflect the Modification and would include proposed mine closure concepts and decommissioning management measures.

4-55 Cowal Gold Mine Extension Modification – Environmental Assessment

Regional Setting (> 5 km) Sensitive Visual Locations

The regional setting has attributes of moderate to The main issues to consider in the assessment of high scenic quality due to the presence of a wooded potential visual impacts are the number of sensitive north-south oriented ridgeline system running viewing locations and the level to which the approximately 5 km west of the existing CGM. The proposed works are visible (i.e. if the works are not contrast between the vegetation and topography of seen, there is no impact) (EDAW Australia, 2006). the ridgelines and adjacent agricultural areas adds Locations with potential views of the landforms of to the visual interest. The ridgeline system has an the CGM incorporating the Modification include average elevation level of approximately those that may already have views of the existing 205 m AHD, reaching a maximum elevation of CGM. 368 m AHD at Billys Lookout (located approximately 7 km south-west of ML 1535). Views of the landforms of the existing CGM may be available from the following locations (Figure 4-14): The other major topographic feature in the regional setting is Wamboyne Mountain, located • rural residences to the north, east, south and approximately 5 km north of ML 1535 (412 m AHD). west of ML 1535;

The regional setting also has attributes of low • Lake Cowal Road looking south, north and scenic quality due to the generally flat, cleared east towards ML 1535; dry land agricultural areas that dominate the • the public laneway (running between Lake landscape. Cowal Road and Buttenshaws Lane) looking south towards ML 1535; Sub-Regional Setting (1 to 5 km) • Newell Highway located to the east of Most of the sub-regional setting has been cleared ML 1535; for grazing and/or cultivation (including land within Lake Cowal itself), and therefore, the sub-regional • Billys Lookout looking north-east over setting has low to moderate scenic quality. ML 1535; • Wamboyne Mountain looking south over Remnant tree and shrub vegetation occur primarily ML 1535; on rocky elevated ground, areas of impeded drainage, patches of sandy soils, the shoreline of • Game Reserve, located approximately 3 km Lake Cowal and road verges. south-east of ML 1535; and

• Burcher-West Wyalong Railway looking east The sub-regional setting includes the majority of towards ML 1535. Lake Cowal, which is currently inundated.

Lake Cowal is listed on the Register of National The most sensitive visual settings in the vicinity of Estate, however, no aspects relating to visual the CGM are rural residences. The views of the amenity are described (DEWHA, 2009). existing CGM (and potential views of the CGM

incorporating the Modification) from rural residences Local Setting (<1 km) would vary according to the intervening topography and vegetation between the residence and the The local setting has already been modified by CGM. historic agricultural clearing, and due to the disturbed nature the local setting is considered to Only limited views of the existing CGM are available be of low scenic quality. from the viewpoints along the Newell Highway due

to intervening topography and roadside vegetation Features of the local setting include a small and therefore, potential visual sensitivity is tree-covered hill of low relief (approximately 260 m considered to be low. AHD) located immediately to the south of ML 1535.

While Billy’s Lookout, the associated ridgeline Other features of the local setting include the local system and Wamboyne Mountain overlook the road network (including Lake Cowal Road), the existing CGM, the potential visual sensitivity from existing ETL to the CGM and the Burcher-West these locations are considered to be negligible Wyalong Railway. given the intervening wooded vegetation coverage and the fact these areas are not routinely accessed by or available to the public.

4-56

Cowal Gold Mine Extension Modification – Environmental Assessment

Potential views of the existing CGM from the Game • trees and shrubs have been established in Reserve are restricted by intervening screening accordance with the requirements of the Bland vegetation (particularly along the south-western Shire Council for the maintenance of fringe of Lake Cowal). Potential north-westerly satisfactory visual amenity from outside views of the CGM landforms would be available due ML 1535; and to the flat lake-bed topography, however, these views would be mostly restricted to portions of the • the visual appearance of buildings, structures, waste rock emplacements and relate to a small facilities or works have been designed in extent of the overall viewscape. Given the distance consideration of blending with the surrounding of the Game Reserve from ML 1535, and given the landscape. CGM landforms would comprise a small proportion Night-Lighting of the viewscape, any modification to the existing viewscape due to the Modification would be low. Night-lighting is emitted from the following three main sources at the existing CGM: The CGM would be visible from the Burcher-West Wyalong Railway given its close proximity to the • overhead lighting of the process plant area CGM, however, given the Railway is infrequently and administration area; (i.e. seasonally) used for grain transportation its visual sensitivity is considered to be low. • fixed lights on top of waste rock emplacements; and Existing and Approved CGM • mobile vehicle mounted lights (e.g. work Modification to the Topography within ML 1535 vehicles in various locations within ML 1535).

The existing CGM has modified the topography Direct views of night-lighting sources, including within ML 1535, and as such, the existing CGM has mobile machinery lights and operational lighting, modified the visual landscape from relevant are available from some exposed positions. viewpoints surrounding the CGM. The main Night-lighting impacts on the local and sub-regional modifying elements of the existing CGM include the settings occur with a glow above operational areas waste rock emplacements, the tailings storage that contrasts with the night sky. This effect facilities, ore stockpiles, the process plant and decreases with distance, however, the glow is infrastructure areas and the mine access road. visible at nearby residences and along transport routes. Previous Assessment In the period 2010 to 2013 (i.e. since the Modified A visual assessment was conducted for the Request) three complaints have been received approved CGM as part of the Modified Request EA regarding night-lighting. Operations at the CGM (Resource Strategies, 2008). The visual were modified in response to these complaints. assessment considered changes to the visual landscape as a result of the Modified Request In accordance with Condition 6.5, Schedule 2 of the (i.e. in comparison to the existing CGM at the time Development Consent (DA 14/98), Barrick is of assessment). required to take all reasonable and feasible measures, in consideration of Australian Standard The results of this visual assessment indicated a AS 4282-1997 Control of the obtrusive effects of low potential for visual impact at rural residences outdoor lighting, to mitigate visual and off-site (with the closest residence to ML 1535 being lighting impacts of the CGM. Measures currently approximately 2.5 km to the south-west), and a employed to mitigate potential impacts from moderate to low potential visual impact from roads night-lighting at the existing CGM include the directly adjacent to the ML (i.e. approximately following: 200 to 300 m to ML 1535). • scheduling of mining operations, where Existing Mitigation and Management Measures practicable, so that evening and night-time

operations on the northern and southern waste In accordance with the Landscape Management rock emplacements would be located to Plan, the following measures have been reduce the potential for direct lighting impacts implemented at the existing CGM to maintain and to locations outside of ML 1535; improve visual amenity: • restriction of night-lighting to the minimum • rehabilitation of existing CGM landforms has required for operations and safety commenced; requirements, where appropriate;

4-58 Cowal Gold Mine Extension Modification – Environmental Assessment

• use of unidirectional lighting techniques; and • Moderate level of visual modification – where a component of the CGM incorporating the • use of light shields to limit the spill of lighting. Modification is visible and contrasts with the existing landscape, while at the same time 4.8.2 Potential Impacts achieving a level of integration. This occurs where surrounding topography, vegetation or The Modification involves the continued use and existing landscape provide some measure of expansion of the existing waste rock emplacements visual integration or screening. and tailings storage facilities, which would modify the existing landscape (which includes the existing • High level of visual modification – where the CGM) from relevant viewpoints surrounding the major components of the CGM incorporating CGM. In addition, the Modification would involve the the Modification contrast strongly with the continued use of night-lighting at the CGM. existing landscape.

Visual Impact Assessment Methodology Visual Sensitivity

The potential visual impacts of the Modification Visual (viewer) sensitivity is a measure of how were qualitatively assessed using the techniques critically a change to the existing landscape is developed by EDAW Australia (2006). The potential viewed from various areas, and is a function of both visual impacts of the Modification were assessed by land use and duration of exposure (i.e. individuals evaluating the level of visual modification generally view changes to the visual setting of their associated with the development of the CGM dwelling more critically than changes to the visual (incorporating the Modification), in the context of the setting of the broader setting in which they travel or visual sensitivity of relevant surrounding land use work) (EDAW Australia, 2006). areas from which the CGM (incorporating the Modification) may be visible. The existing landscape includes the existing CGM. Construction of the CGM commenced in 2004, with Visual Modification mining operations commencing in 2005, and as such, the existing CGM has formed part of the The level of visual modification can be measured as existing visual landscape for approximately 9 years. the level of visual contrast between the modified and existing visual landscape. Throughout the This visual assessment has considered the change visual catchment (or zone of visual influence) the to the existing landscape associated with the level of visual modification generally decreases with Modification (e.g. increased height of CGM distance (i.e. the level of visual modification due to landforms). the Modification decreases with distance from the CGM) (EDAW Australia, 2006). Visual sensitivity depends on a range of viewer characteristics. The primary characteristics used in The level of visual modification can be this visual assessment are land use, the distance to characterised as follows: the CGM and its visibility from critical viewpoints. Typical visual sensitivity levels are presented in • Negligible (or very low) level of visual Table 4-14. modification – where the CGM incorporating the Modification is distant and/or relates to a For the purposes of this visual assessment, small proportion of the overall viewscape. land use areas in the vicinity of ML 1535 were characterised in terms of low, moderate or high • Low level of visual modification – where there visual sensitivity, as follows: is minimal visual contrast and a high level of integration of form, line, shape, pattern, colour • Low visual sensitivity – local roads (e.g. Lake or texture values between the CGM Cowal Road). incorporating the Modification and the existing • Moderate visual sensitivity – rural residences landscape. In this situation the development within 2.5 to 5 km of the CGM. may be noticeable, but does not markedly contrast with the existing landscape. • High visual sensitivity – rural residences less than 2.5 km from the CGM.

4-59 Cowal Gold Mine Extension Modification – Environmental Assessment

Table 4-14 Typical Visual (Viewer) Sensitivity Levels

Regional Local Setting Sub-Regional Setting Use Area Setting 0-0.5 km 0.5-1 km 1-2.5 km 2.5-5 km >5km Natural Area – Recreation H H H M L Residential – Rural H H H M L Tourist Roads H M M L L Other Main Roads M L L L L Local Roads L L L L L Industrial Areas L L L L L Source: EDAW Australia (2006).

Visual Impact Matrix Visual Simulations

The potential visual impact associated with the Visual simulations were prepared to provide an Modification was assessed for each visual indication of the potential visual modification assessment location in accordance with the matrix associated with the Modification (i.e. in comparison presented in Table 4-15. The visual impact matrix to the existing CGM) from each visual assessment considers the combination of visual modification location (Figures 4-15a to 4-23b). and viewer sensitivity. The visual simulations were prepared for Years 11 Table 4-15 and 16, which are considered to be representative Visual Impact Matrix of the maximum level of potential visual modification during the operation of the CGM incorporating the

Viewer Sensitivity Modification.

H M L In Year 11 (Figure 3-2), the expansion of the H H H M northern waste rock emplacement (i.e. increased M H M L elevation and western extension) would have Visual Visual L M L L commenced. The southern waste rock Modification Modification emplacement would still be active, and would have VL L VL VL reached its final elevation. Some additional Source: EDAW Australia (2006). rehabilitation (i.e. in comparison to the exiting CGM) Visual Assessment Locations would have occurred on both the northern and southern waste rock emplacements, however, a Visual assessment locations were chosen based on significant portion of the northern waste rock the most potentially sensitive visual settings/land emplacement would still be active (i.e. rehabilitation uses (i.e. rural residences and local would not have commenced). roads/laneways) which would be routinely accessed or readily accessible, and are located within the In Year 16 (Figure 3-3), the northern waste rock regional (>5 km), sub-regional (1 to 5 km) and local emplacement would have reached its final (<1 km) settings. elevation. The low grade ore stockpile would also have reached its maximum elevation (although the Billys Lookout, Wamboyne Mountain, the Newell ore from the low grade ore stockpile would be Highway, the Game Reserve and the Burcher-West processed during the final years of the CGM Wyalong Railway have not been considered further incorporating Modification). The southern waste as these viewpoints are considered to be of a lower rock emplacement would be fully rehabilitated, and sensitivity than the visual assessment locations that progressive rehabilitation of the northern waste rock have been assessed (Section 4.8.1). emplacement would have occurred.

A summary of the visual assessment locations is Post-mining visual simulations were also prepared provided in Table 4-14 and are shown on to show the final rehabilitated landforms of the CGM Figure 4-14. incorporating the Modification.

4-60 Cowal Gold Mine Extension Modification – Environmental Assessment

Table 4-16 summarises the results of the visual The post-mining simulation (Figure 4-15b) indicates assessment undertaken for the Modification. that following progressive and final rehabilitation, the level of visual impact would remain low. Regional Setting (> 5 km) The same level of visual impacts would be expected “Gumbelah” Dwelling at the “Bungabulla” dwelling (Figure 4-14) located adjacent to the “Gumbelah” dwelling, given the The “Gumbelah” dwelling is located more than 5 km close proximity of these two dwellings. from the eastern boundary of ML 1535 (Figure 4-14). The existing view shows the CGM in “Cowal North” Dwelling the background and Lake Cowal in the middle and foreground, with the southern and northern waste The “Cowal North” dwelling is located more than rock emplacements visible at a distance 5 km from the north-eastern boundary of ML 1535 (Figure 4-15a). (Figure 4-14). The existing view shows the CGM in the background, with the southern and northern The potential visual modification at the “Gumbelah” waste rock emplacements visible at a distance and dwelling would occur as the heights of the northern obscured by vegetation and the slight rise in and southern waste rock emplacements increase elevation associated with the eastern Lake Cowal (i.e. above their currently approved heights) foreshore (Figure 4-22a). however, the heights of the landforms of the CGM incorporating the Modification would remain below The potential visual modification at the “Cowal the height of Wamboyne Mountain. North” dwelling would occur as the heights of the northern and southern waste rock emplacements Given the low level of visual modification (i.e. in increase. comparison to the existing CGM) and the low visual sensitivity at the “Gumbelah” dwelling (i.e. due to Given the low level of visual modification and the the distance to the CGM), a low level of visual low visual sensitivity at the “Cowal North” dwelling impact is expected (Table 4-16). (i.e. due to the distance to the CGM), a low level of visual impact is expected (Table 4-16). The level of As rehabilitation concepts include revegetation of visual impact would progressively reduce once the final elevated landforms with native plants vegetation cover begins to establish on the consistent with those found on other elevated rehabilitated waste rock emplacements landforms in the region (Appendix I), the level of (Figure 4-22b). visual impact would progressively reduce once vegetation cover begins to establish on the The post-mining simulation (Figure 4-22b) indicates rehabilitated waste rock emplacements that following progressive and final rehabilitation, (i.e. reducing the contrast of the CGM landforms the level of visual impact would remain low. with the surrounding landscape).

Table 4-16 Visual Impact Assessment Summary

Visual Impact After Setting Visual Assessment Location Sensitivity Modification Impact Final Level Rehabilitation Regional Setting 1 “Gumbelah” Dwelling L L L L (>5 km from CGM) 2 “Cowal North” Dwelling L L L L Sub-Regional 3 “Coniston” Dwelling M M-L M-L L Setting 4 Public Laneway L M-H M-L L (1-5 km from CGM) 5 “Westlea” Dwelling M-H L M-L L 6 “Lakeview” Dwelling M M M L Local Setting (>1 km 7 Lake Cowal Road – North L M-H M M-L from CGM) 8 Lake Cowal Road – West L M-H M M-L 9 Lake Cowal Road – South L M-H M M-L

4-61 Southern and Northern Waste Rock Emplacements Wamboyne Mountain

Existing View

Southern and Northern Waste Rock Emplacements Wamboyne Mountain

Year 11 Simulation

COWAL GOLD MINE EXTENSION MODIFICATION FIGURE 4-15a Existing View and Visual Simulations - “Gumbelah” Dwelling

COWAL

HAL-12-40_CGM Ext Mod_PEA_Sect4_017C Southern and Northern Waste Rock Emplacements Wamboyne Mountain

Year 16 Simulation

Rehabilitated Post-mining Landform Wamboyne Mountain

Post-mining Simulation

COWAL GOLD MINE EXTENSION MODIFICATION FIGURE 4-15b Existing View and Visual Simulations - “Gumbelah” Dwelling

COWAL

HAL-12-40_CGM Ext Mod_PEA_Sect4_017C Northern Waste Rock Emplacement

Existing View

Northern Waste Rock Emplacement

Year 11 Simulation

COWAL GOLD MINE EXTENSION MODIFICATION FIGURE 4-16a Existing View and Visual Simulations - “Coniston” Dwelling

COWAL

HAL-12-40_CGM Ext Mod_PEA_Sect4_019C Northern Waste Rock Emplacement

Year 16 Simulation

Rehabilitated Post-mining Landform

Post-mining Simulation

COWAL GOLD MINE EXTENSION MODIFICATION FIGURE 4-16b Existing View and Visual Simulations - “Coniston” Dwelling

COWAL

HAL-12-40_CGM Ext Mod_PEA_Sect4_019C Southern Waste Rock Emplacement

Existing View

Southern Waste Rock Emplacement

Year 11 Simulation

COWAL GOLD MINE EXTENSION MODIFICATION FIGURE 4-17a Existing View and Visual Simulations - “Westlea” Dwelling

COWAL

HAL-12-40_CGM Ext Mod_PEA_Sect4_011C Southern Waste Rock Emplacement

Year 16 Simulation

Rehabilitated Post-mining Landform

Post-mining Simulation

COWAL GOLD MINE EXTENSION MODIFICATION FIGURE 4-17b Existing View and Visual Simulations - “Westlea” Dwelling

COWAL

HAL-12-40_CGM Ext Mod_PEA_Sect4_011C Northern Waste Rock Emplacement and Perimeter Waste Rock Emplacement

Existing View

Northern Waste Rock Emplacement and Perimeter Waste Rock Emplacement

Year 11 Simulation

COWAL GOLD MINE EXTENSION MODIFICATION FIGURE 4-18a Existing View and Visual Simulations - Lake Cowal Road North of Cowal Gold Mine COWAL HAL-12-40_CGM Ext Mod_PEA_Sect4_012C Northern Waste Rock Emplacement and Perimeter Waste Rock Emplacement

Year 16 Simulation

Rehabilitated Post-mining Landform

Post-mining Simulation

COWAL GOLD MINE EXTENSION MODIFICATION FIGURE 4-18b Existing View and Visual Simulations - Lake Cowal Road North of Cowal Gold Mine COWAL HAL-12-40_CGM Ext Mod_PEA_Sect4_012C Northern Waste Rock Emplacement

Northern and Southern Tailings Storage Facilities

Existing View

Northern Waste Rock Emplacement

Northern and Southern Tailings Storage Facilities

Year 11 Simulation

COWAL GOLD MINE EXTENSION MODIFICATION FIGURE 4-19a Existing View and Visual Simulations - Lake Cowal Road West of Cowal Gold Mine COWAL HAL-12-40_CGM Ext Mod_PEA_Sect4_013C Northern Waste Rock Emplacement

Northern and Southern Tailings Storage Facilities

Low Grade Ore Stockpile

Year 16 Simulation

Rehabilitated Post-mining Landform

Post-mining Simulation

COWAL GOLD MINE EXTENSION MODIFICATION FIGURE 4-19b Existing View and Visual Simulations - Lake Cowal Road West of Cowal Gold Mine COWAL HAL-12-40_CGM Ext Mod_PEA_Sect4_013C Southern Tailings Storage Facility Northern Waste Rock Emplacement Southern Waste Rock Emplacement

Wamboyne Mountain

Existing View

Southern Tailings Storage Facility Northern Waste Rock Emplacement Southern Waste Rock Emplacement

Wamboyne Mountain

Year 11 Simulation

COWAL GOLD MINE EXTENSION MODIFICATION FIGURE 4-20a Existing View and Visual Simulations - Lake Cowal Road South of Cowal Gold Mine COWAL HAL-12-40_CGM Ext Mod_PEA_Sect4_014C Southern Tailings Storage Facility Northern Waste Rock Emplacement Southern Waste Rock Emplacement

Wamboyne Low Grade Mountain Ore Stockpile

Year 16 Simulation

Rehabilitated Post-mining Landform

Post-mining Simulation

COWAL GOLD MINE EXTENSION MODIFICATION FIGURE 4-20b Existing View and Visual Simulations - Lake Cowal Road South of Cowal Gold Mine COWAL HAL-12-40_CGM Ext Mod_PEA_Sect4_014C Northern Waste Rock Emplacement Southern Waste Rock Emplacement Low Grade Ore Stockpile

Existing View

Northern Waste Rock Emplacement Southern Waste Rock Emplacement Low Grade Ore Stockpile

Year 11 Simulation

COWAL GOLD MINE EXTENSION MODIFICATION FIGURE 4-21a Existing View and Visual Simulations - “Lakeview” Dwelling

COWAL

HAL-12-40_CGM Ext Mod_PEA_Sect4_015C Northern Waste Rock Emplacement Southern Waste Rock Emplacement Low Grade Ore Stockpile

Year 16 Simulation

Rehabilitated Post-mining Landform

Post-mining Simulation

COWAL GOLD MINE EXTENSION MODIFICATION FIGURE 4-21b Existing View and Visual Simulations - “Lakeview” Dwelling

COWAL

HAL-12-40_CGM Ext Mod_PEA_Sect4_015C Southern Waste Rock Emplacement Northern Waste Rock Emplacement

Existing View

Southern Waste Rock Emplacement Northern Waste Rock Emplacement

Year 11 Simulation

COWAL GOLD MINE EXTENSION MODIFICATION FIGURE 4-22a Existing View and Visual Simulations - “Cowal North” Dwelling

COWAL

HAL-12-40_CGM Ext Mod_PEA_Sect4_016C Southern Waste Rock Emplacement Northern Waste Rock Emplacement

Year 16 Simulation

Rehabilitated Post-mining Landform

Post-mining Simulation

COWAL GOLD MINE EXTENSION MODIFICATION FIGURE 4-22b Existing View and Visual Simulations - “Cowal North” Dwelling

COWAL

HAL-12-40_CGM Ext Mod_PEA_Sect4_016C Perimeter Waste Rock Emplacement Northern Waste Rock Emplacement Northern Tailings Storage Facility

Existing View

Perimeter Waste Rock Emplacement Northern Waste Rock Emplacement Northern Tailings Storage Facility

Year 11 Simulation

COWAL GOLD MINE EXTENSION MODIFICATION FIGURE 4-23a Existing View and Visual Simulations - Public Laneway

COWAL

HAL-12-40_CGM Ext Mod_PEA_Sect4_018C Perimeter Waste Rock Emplacement Northern Waste Rock Emplacement Northern Tailings Storage Facility

Year 16 Simulation

Rehabilitated Post-mining Landform

Post-mining Simulation

COWAL GOLD MINE EXTENSION MODIFICATION FIGURE 4-23b Existing View and Visual Simulations - Public Laneway

COWAL

HAL-12-40_CGM Ext Mod_PEA_Sect4_018C Cowal Gold Mine Extension Modification – Environmental Assessment

Sub-Regional Setting (1 to 5 km) This visual modification would be confined to the upper batters of the northern waste rock “Coniston” Dwelling emplacement during its progressive expansion and prior to its progressive rehabilitation. The “Coniston” dwelling is located approximately 3 km north of the northern boundary of ML 1535 Given the high to moderate level of modification (Figure 4-14). Views from this residence towards and the low visual sensitivity at the public laneway, ML 1535 are mostly obscured by intervening a moderate to low level of visual impact is expected vegetation and comprise a small proportion of the (Table 4-16). The level of visual impact would overall viewscape (Figures 4-16a and 4-16b). progressively reduce once vegetation cover begins to establish on the rehabilitated waste rock The potential visual modification at the “Coniston” emplacements (Figure 4-23b). dwelling would occur as the height of the northern waste rock emplacement increases. The post-mining simulation (Figure 4-23b) indicates that following progressive and final rehabilitation, The visual modification of the northern waste rock the level of visual impact would reduce to low. emplacement would also result from the contrasting colour and texture of the undisturbed natural areas “Westlea” Dwelling and the newly constructed outer batters before a grass cover is established as part of the The “Westlea” dwelling is the closest residence to rehabilitation process (Figure 4-16a). This visual ML 1535 (i.e. approximately 2 km south-west) modification would be confined to the upper batters (Figure 4-14). Views of the existing CGM from this of the northern waste rock emplacement during its residence are mostly obscured by intervening progressive expansion and prior to its progressive vegetation and undulating topography, and relate to rehabilitation. a small proportion of the overall viewscape (Figures 4-17a and 4-17b). Given the moderate to low level of visual modification and the moderate visual sensitivity of The potential visual modification at the “Westlea” the “Coniston” dwelling, a moderate to low level of dwelling would occur when the height of the visual impact is expected (Table 4-16). The level of southern waste rock emplacement increases. visual impact would progressively reduce once vegetation cover begins to establish on the The potential visual modification of the southern rehabilitated waste rock emplacements. waste rock emplacement would also result from the contrast in colour and texture between the The post-mining simulation (Figure 4-16b) indicates undisturbed natural areas and the newly that following progressive and final rehabilitation, constructed outer batters before a grass cover is the level of visual impact would reduce to low. established during progressive rehabilitation (Figure 4-17a). This visual modification would be Public Laneway confined to the upper batters of the southern waste rock emplacement during its progressive expansion The Public Laneway view point (viewing location 4) and prior to its progressive rehabilitation. is located approximately 3 km north of the northern boundary of ML 1535 (Figure 4-14). The existing Given the low level of visual modification coupled view shows the CGM in the background, with the with the moderate to high visual sensitivity at the perimeter waste rock emplacement, northern waste “Westlea” dwelling, a moderate to low level of visual rock emplacement and northern tailings storage impact is expected (Table 4-16). The level of visual facility also visible (Figure 4-23a). impact would progressively reduce once vegetation cover begins to establish on the rehabilitated waste The potential visual modification at the public rock emplacements (Figure 4-17b). laneway would primarily occur as the height of the northern waste rock emplacement increases. The post-mining simulation (Figure 4-17b) indicates that following progressive and final rehabilitation, The potential visual modification of the northern the level of visual impact would reduce to low. waste rock emplacement and northern tailings storage facility would also result from the contrast in colour and texture between the undisturbed natural areas and the newly constructed outer batters before a grass cover is established during progressive rehabilitation (Figure 4-23a).

4-80 Cowal Gold Mine Extension Modification – Environmental Assessment

“Lakeview” Dwelling Given the low level of visual sensitivity (i.e. for local roads) and the moderate to high level of visual The “Lakeview” dwelling is located approximately modification, a moderate level of visual impact is 4.5 km west of the western boundary of ML 1535 expected on users of Lake Cowal Road (Figure 4-14). The existing view shows the CGM in (Table 4-16). The level of visual impact is expected the background, with the southern and northern to decrease from moderate to low following waste rock emplacements and the low grade ore progressive rehabilitation of the northern and stockpile visible at a distance and obscured by southern landforms and reduction in the height of intervening vegetation and topography the low grade ore stockpiles as the ore is (Figures 4-21a and 4-21b). processed.

The potential visual modification at the “Lakeview” Night-Lighting dwelling would occur as the heights of the northern and southern waste rock emplacements and low The Modification would change the elevation and grade ore stockpile increase. The potential visual location of existing CGM night-lighting due to the modification would also result from the contrasting expansion of the waste rock emplacements, low colour of the expanded CGM landforms grade ore stockpile and tailings storage facilities. (incorporating the Modification) with the surrounding landscape. The intensity of night-lighting for the Modification would be similar to the existing CGM night-lighting, Given the moderate level of visual modification and and the existing mitigation measures relevant to the moderate visual sensitivity at the “Lakeview” night-lighting implemented at the CGM dwelling, a moderate level of visual impact is (e.g. unidirectional lighting and light shields) expected (Table 4-16). The level of visual impact (Section 4.8.1) would continue for the Modification. would progressively reduce once vegetation cover Therefore, it is expected that potential night-lighting begins to establish on the rehabilitated waste rock impacts would be similar to those associated with emplacements (Figure 4-21b). the approved CGM.

The post-mining simulation (Figure 4-21b) indicates 4.8.3 Mitigation Measures and Management that following progressive and final rehabilitation, and reduction in the height of the low grade ore stockpiles as other ore is processed, the level of Existing mitigation and management measures to visual impact would reduce to low. maintain visual amenity in the area surround the CGM would continue to be implemented for the Local Setting (<1 km) Modification.

Lake Cowal Road Landscape Management Plan

Figures 4-18a to 4-20b present the existing view The existing mitigation and management measures and the simulated views of the existing CGM from described in the Landscape Management Plan the north, west and south along Lake Cowal Road, would continue to be implemented for the respectively. These visual simulations are all Modification. approximately 200 to 300 m from ML 1535. Progressive Rehabilitation The potential visual modification from Lake Cowal Road would primarily occur when the heights of the Progressive rehabilitation would continue for the northern and southern waste rock emplacements Modification, reducing the contrast between the and the low grade ore stockpile increase. The visual landforms of the CGM incorporating the modification would also result from the contrast in Modification and the surrounding landscape. colour and texture between the expanded CGM landforms (incorporating the Modification) and the Rehabilitation media would continue to include surrounding landscape (Figures 4-18a, 4-19a and native grass, shrub and/or tree species consistent 4-20a). with those found in other elevated landforms in the region (Appendix I).

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Night-Lighting Overall, the Modification is estimated to have incremental net benefits to Australia of between In accordance with Development Consent $49M (i.e. excluding employment benefits) and (DA 14/98) conditions, Barrick would continue to $75M (i.e. including employment benefits), and take all reasonable and feasible measures, hence is justified from an economic efficiency including those described in Section 4.8.1, to perspective (Appendix H). mitigate potential impacts from night-light from the CGM incorporating the Modification. Regional Economic Impacts

Regional economic impact analysis, using 4.9 SOCIO-ECONOMICS input-output analysis, estimated the annual regional economic impact of the Modification on the Lachlan A Socio-Economic Assessment for the Modification SA3 regional economy. The Lachlan SA3 regional was undertaken by Gillespie Economics (2013) and economy comprises a number of LGAs, including is presented in Appendix H. the Bland, Forbes and Lachlan LGAs.

Benefit Cost Analysis The direct and indirect total annual average contributions to the Lachlan SA3 regional economy The benefit cost analysis estimated the incremental were estimated to be (Appendix H): (i.e. in comparison to the approved CGM) net production benefits of the Modification to Australia • $432M in annual direct and indirect regional (over and above the economic benefits of the output or business turnover; approved CGM) to be some $50M (present value) (Appendix H). Therefore, any environmental, social • $243M in annual direct and indirect regional or cultural impacts of the Modification to Australia, value added; after mitigation, would need to be valued at more • $45M in annual direct and indirect household than $50M for the Modification to be undesirable income; and from an economic efficiency perspective (Appendix H). • 621 direct and indirect jobs.

The benefit cost analysis also considered potential The Modification was also estimated to make up to residual impacts associated with noise, biodiversity, the following direct and indirect total annual air quality, road transport, road transport noise, average contributions to the Bland LGA regional blasting, groundwater, surface water, Aboriginal economy (Appendix H): heritage, aquatic ecology, visual and agricultural production (Appendix H). • $400M in annual direct and indirect regional output or business turnover; Land opportunity costs associated with the • $229M in annual direct and indirect regional biodiversity offset for the Modification, and noise value added; acquisition and mitigation measures, were internalised into the production costs of the • $29M in annual direct and indirect household Modification (Appendix H). income; and

• 484 direct and indirect jobs. The main quantifiable environmental impacts of the Modification (not included in the Modification These total annual average contributions to the production costs) relate to greenhouse gas Lachlan SA3 and Bland LGA regional economies emissions and WALs. These incremental impacts would be greatest during the 8 year period to Australia are estimated at some $1M, which is (i.e. 2014 to 2021) when both mining and ore considerably less than the estimated net production processing would occur during the life of the CGM benefits of the Modification (Appendix H). incorporating the Modification. These contributions would reduce towards the end of the Modification There may also be some incremental non-market when mining would cease, and only the processing benefits of employment provided by the of stockpiled ore would occur (Appendix H). Modification, which are estimated to be in the order of $26M (Appendix H). These total annual average contributions to the Lachlan SA3 and Bland LGA are also indicative of the maximum incremental contribution of the Modification in comparison to the approved CGM. This maximum incremental contribution would occur in approximately 2020 (Appendix H).

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The Modification would also contribute economic • Forbes Access Route – via the Newell activity to the Forbes and Lachlan LGAs Highway, Carrawandool-Warroo Road, Bogies (Appendix H). Island Road, Burcher Road, Wamboyne Dip Road, and Lake Cowal Road to the existing Community Infrastructure CGM.

The Modification provides for the continued • Condobolin Access Route – via the West employment of the current workforce. There is not Wyalong-Condobolin Road, Burcher Road, expected to be any additional direct workforce Wamboyne Dip Road, and Lake Cowal Road associated with the Modification. While there may to the existing CGM entrance. be some additional flow-on employment in the region as a result of the increased operational Primary Access Route Upgrade expenditure of the CGM in the region, this is likely to be modest and in the context of long term The primary access route to the CGM (i.e. from population decline in the region is unlikely to place West Wyalong) was upgraded prior to any strain on existing community infrastructure commencement of operations at the CGM in 2005 (Appendix H). to accommodate the increased traffic on these roads, and to improve the safety and/or operational In contrast, extending the life of the approved CGM efficiency. The upgrades included the sealing and may slow the decline of the regional population and widening of sections of the access route, and the hence slow any overall decline in the provision of upgrade of major intersections. community infrastructure and services to the region Level of Service (Appendix H).

Previous assessment (Masson Wilson Twiney and Cessation of the CGM Transport Consultants, 2008) identified that the roads relevant to the CGM operate at a Level of Consistent with the existing CGM Development Service B (i.e. where Level of Service A represents Consent (DA 14/98), prior to closure of the CGM, free flowing traffic, and Level of Service F Barrick would work with local shire councils and the represents queuing and delays). community to prepare a workforce phase-out plan to minimise potential impacts associated with CGM Employee Movements employment cessation (Appendix H). Nominal shift times for the CGM are:

4.10 OTHER ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS Administrative staff – 7.00 am to 5.00 pm. • 4.10.1 Road Transport • Operational (mining/processing) day shift – 6.00 am to 6.00 pm. Previous Assessment • Operational (mining/processing) night shift A Road Transport Assessment was conducted for – 6.00 pm to 6.00 am. the approved CGM (Masson Wilson Twiney Traffic and Transport Consultants, 2008) which considered Approximately 90% of CGM employees live locally the potential impacts of traffic generated by the (i.e. within the Bland, Forbes and Lachlan Shire CGM (e.g. staff and truck movements) on the Council areas). Barrick encourages employees to surrounding road network. use employee shuttle bus services and car pooling to travel to and from the CGM. The Road Transport Assessment concluded that potential impacts associated with the currently Potential Impacts to the Surrounding Road approved CGM to the surrounding road network Network would be minimal (Masson Wilson Twiney Traffic There would be no change to the preferred access and Transport Consultants, 2008). routes to the CGM for the Modification.

Preferred Access Routes As there would be no increase in employees or The preferred access routes to the existing CGM deliveries/consumables to the CGM for the are as follows: Modification, there would be no increase in existing annual traffic movements to/from the CGM on the • West Wyalong Access Route – via Ungarie surrounding road network. Road, Wamboyne Road, Blow Clear Road and Bonehams Lane.

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While the Modification would result in the CGM • use of explosives during mining operations generated traffic using the surrounding road (scope 1); network for an additional 5 years, the primary access route to the CGM (i.e. from West Wyalong) • on-site electricity use (scope 2); was upgraded in 2005 specifically for the CGM. • production and transport of fuels (scope 2); and The Modification would result in a very minor short term (i.e. approximately 3 months) increase in traffic • electricity lost in transmission and distribution movements associated with the construction of the networks (Scope 3). eastern pump station and associated diesel generator. In addition, it is expected that up to one Annual average Scope 1 emissions for the CGM diesel delivery to the eastern pump station would be incorporating the Modification are estimated to be required per week. approximately 31,500 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (Appendix F). Given the above, no decrease in the level of service of the road network surrounding the CGM is As the Modification does not involve an increase in expected due to the Modification. waste rock or ore production, or ore processing rates, no increase in maximum annual greenhouse As there would be no changes to the existing CGM gas emissions is expected due to the Modification. shift times, and no change to the distribution of the CGM workforce is expected due to the Modification Barrick would continue to calculate and report (i.e. the majority of employees would continue to annual greenhouse gas emissions and energy live locally), no additional fatigue management consumption from the CGM in accordance with their measures are considered to be required for the existing requirements under the Commonwealth Modification. Government National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting System (Appendix F). Mitigation and Management

The preferred mine access routes would continue to 4.10.3 Blasting be the only routes used by employees and contractors travelling to and from the mine site. Existing Compliance and Complaints

In addition, Barrick would continue to encourage the Potential impacts associated with blasting at the use of the existing employee shuttle bus service existing CGM are monitored and managed in and car pooling to minimise potential traffic accordance with the Blast Management Plan. Blast generation for the Modification. monitoring (ground vibration and overpressure) for every blast is conducted at locations shown on Figure 2-3. 4.10.2 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Blasting events are often split into a pre-split and A detailed greenhouse gas emissions inventory for production blast to minimise overpressure impacts the CGM incorporating the Modification has been on the surrounding privately-owned receivers. prepared by PEL (2013) and is presented in Appendix F. For the period 2010 to April 2013, blast monitoring indicated that ground vibration and overpressure In accordance with the National Greenhouse levels associated with blasting at the CGM were Accounts Factors (Commonwealth Department of compliant with relevant Development Consent Climate Change and Energy Efficiency, 2012), criteria at privately-owned receivers (Appendix E). direct greenhouse emissions are referred to as Scope 1 emissions, and indirect emissions are A total of 34 blast related complaints were received referred to as Scopes 2 and 3 emissions. during the 3 year period from April 2010 (i.e. since approval of the Modified Request). There was an The major sources of greenhouse gas emissions increase in blast related complaints received in associated with the CGM incorporating the 2011 and 2012 in comparison to 2010, however, Modification include carbon dioxide and methane, the majority of complaints (60%) were made by one which are formed and released during the complainant (Appendix E). Investigations combustion of fuels used on-site, including the undertaken in response to each blast related following: complaint indicated that for each case the CGM was operating in accordance with relevant ground • fuel consumption during mining operations vibration and overpressure criteria (Appendix E). (scope 1);

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Potential Impacts The only non-Aboriginal heritage items in the ML 1535 area and surrounds listed as heritage The typical blast design details and the average items under the Bland LEP were the Cowal West blasting frequency for the existing CGM operations Homestead and Shearing (Wool) Shed. Demolition would remain unchanged for the Modification of the Cowal West Homestead Complex (i.e. the (Section 3.3), and the location of blasts would not Homestead, Shearing Shed and Hayshed) was move materially closer to privately-owned receivers. approved for the Modified Request, and occurred during 2011 to 2012. The relocation and Notwithstanding, SLR Consulting (2013) has reconstruction of the Shearing Shed at the Lake conducted an assessment of potential blast impacts Cowal Foundation Information Centre was associated with the CGM Modification. It is completed in April 2013. predicted that the CGM incorporating the Modification could continue to operate in compliance with relevant blast overpressure and 4.10.6 Hazard and Risk vibration criteria at all privately-owned receivers (Appendix E). Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment for the Modification

Mitigation and Management There would be no change to existing

Blast monitoring and management would continue deliveries/consumables to the CGM for the in accordance with the Blast Management Plan for Modification, and no change to the existing use of the Modification. cyanide. The Modification would therefore not introduce new hazardous materials or change the Barrick is currently seeking approval for a variation transport routes to the CGM. to EPL 11912 for an additional blast monitoring site (i.e. BM08 on Figure 2-3) and the removal of The Modification would include the construction of general monitoring site BM06. the eastern pump station and associated diesel generator on the eastern side of Lake Cowal. Diesel The Blast Management Plan would be updated for for the generator would be stored in a 10,000 litre the Modification and to include BM08. double-skinned storage tank, and would be delivered by a licensed contractor. It is expected that a peak of one diesel delivery would be required 4.10.4 Road Traffic Noise per week (Section 3.8.1).

There would be no increase in existing annual traffic The construction of the diesel storage facility and movements to/from the CGM on the surrounding the transport of the diesel to the eastern pump road network due to the Modification station would be undertaken in accordance with (Section 4.10.1). Australian Standard 1940:2004 The Storage and Handling of Flammable and Combustible Liquids Notwithstanding, SLR Consulting (2013) has and the NSW Work Health and Safety Regulation, assessed potential road traffic noise impacts 2011. associated with the CGM incorporating the Modification to reflect NSW Road Noise Policy, The diesel storage tank would be located to which replaced the Environmental Criteria for Road minimise the potential impacts of leaks/spills, and Traffic Noise on 1 July 2011. would be located above the maximum flood extent of Lake Cowal. The storage tank would be No exceedance of the NSW Road Noise Policy surrounded by a concrete bund designed to divert daytime criteria of 60 dBA Leq(15hour) and night-time spilt fuel and excess rainfall to a collection sump. criteria of 55 dBA Leq(9hour) is predicted at any Regular inspections and maintenance of the relevant receiver adjacent to the preferred mine storage facility would be undertaken and spill access route (i.e. Ungarie, Wamboyne and management and fire fighting equipment would be Blow Clear Roads) (Appendix E). located on-site.

4.10.5 Non-Aboriginal Heritage Given the above, the Modification would not change the potential impact mechanisms to the public and

public property, and their associated consequences No registered non-Aboriginal heritage items would of likelihoods, to the extent that risk levels would be potentially impacted by the Modification. change from those previously assessed in the

Preliminary Hazard Analysis (PHA) or FHA.

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Hazard Prevention and Mitigation Measures The recommended risk reduction measures relevant to the environment and public safety have Hazard prevention and mitigation would continue to been incorporated into relevant approved CGM be implemented for the Modification in accordance management plans and implemented, as outlined with the recommendations and management below. No hazardous events or incidents have measures detailed existing management plans, occurred at the CGM since the commencement of assessments and studies, including the PHA, operations that have changed the assumed Transport of Hazardous Materials Study, Fire Safety consequence and likelihood ratings described in the Study, HAZOP, Hazardous Waste and Chemical PHA. Management Plan, FHA, Blast Management Plan, Bushfire Management Plan, Cyanide Management Hazard and Operability Study Plan, Safety Management System and Emergency Response Plan. In accordance with the Hazard Industry Planning Advisory Page (HIPAP) No. 8 Hazard and Notwithstanding, relevant management plans would Operability Studies (NSW Department of Urban be reviewed and if necessary revised to reflect any Affairs and Planning [DUAP], 1995) and as agreed additional changes associated with the Modification with the DP&I, the scope of the HAZOP study (i.e. to incorporate the transport and storage of included storage and/or handling areas of the diesel at the eastern pump station). approved CGM relevant to Dangerous Goods, hazardous materials and/or materials with the A summary of the relevant management plans, potential for off-site impact. assessments and studies is provided below. The HAZOP included a review of the monitoring, Preliminary Hazard Analysis control, alarm and shutdown systems associated with the cyanide process. Control measures to A PHA conducted as part of the original EIS maintain cyanide concentrations within compliance analysed the off-site risks to the environment, public levels were also proposed. No hazardous events safety and public property of potential hazardous were determined during the study that had not been events. The study ranked the risks and reviewed previously known and which had the potential for the adequacy of the safeguards and recommended significant off-site risk (Pinnacle Risk Management, improvements where necessary. 2004a).

The PHA concluded that the highest risks to the Final Hazard Analysis environment, public safety and public property from the approved CGM were associated with the A FHA was also conducted for the approved CGM following scenarios (ANSTO Safety and Reliability, and was designed to extend and update the 1997): analysis in the PHA. Major findings of the FHA are summarised below (Pinnacle Risk Management, • spillage of material during transport; 2004b):

• a major spillage of material from on-site • For the storage quantities of Dangerous storage tanks coincident with catastrophic Goods and hazardous materials on-site that bund failure; had increased since the PHA, there was no • spillage of diesel fuel onto the ground outside measurable change to the site’s risk profile. the mine site; • As per the findings in the PHA, off-site risk to • wildlife entering the tailings storages following the environment and public was dominated by damage to the fence; transport related incidents. The higher risk materials include sodium cyanide, ammonium • birds using the tailings storages when an nitrate, sulphuric acid, hydrogen peroxide and accidental release of cyanide occurs; and liquified petroleum gas. It was noted that the • release of hazardous material in the event of a routes used to transport the Dangerous Goods fire. would be reviewed in the Transport of Hazardous Materials Study. The PHA included a number of recommended risk reduction measures relevant to the environment • The cyanide control measures to prevent the and public safety that have been incorporated into cyanide concentrations increasing in the the approved CGM design to reduce the likelihood tailings disposal facility presented in the or the consequences of incidents that could cause HAZOP study were considered acceptable. damage.

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• Two additional hazardous materials were Transport of Hazardous Materials Study assessed (i.e. sodium metabisulphite and copper sulphate) and concluded to pose no Transport risks associated with the approved CGM significant risks. were analysed in the Transport of Hazardous Materials Study. The Transport of Hazardous • As per the PHA, the site bunding system was Materials Study includes a detailed plan of actions seen as a very effective barrier to prevent to be undertaken to mitigate the potential effects of off-site spills and causing potential off-site any spill of hazardous material during transport to environmental impact. the CGM.

Overall, the FHA concluded that the approved CGM Emergency Response Plan complied with the HIPAP No. 4 and HIPAP No. 6 guidelines for tolerable fatality, injury, irritation and Emergency response procedures for a range of societal risk (Pinnacle Risk Management, 2004b). potential emergency situations (e.g. fires, The FHA also concluded that the risks to the explosions, spills, natural disasters, etc.) that could biophysical environment, the risk of propagation occur at the CGM have been documented in the and the potential impact on cumulative risks in the Emergency Response Plan. The Emergency area from releases were considered to be generally Response Plan includes provision for annual review negligible (ibid.). Overall, the assessment to assist in the identification of any new potential concluded that the CGM would not pose any hazards as well as opportunities to improve the unacceptable levels of risk (ibid.). effectiveness of control measures, if required (Barrick Australia Limited, 2005b). No hazardous events or incidents have occurred at the approved CGM since the commencement of Blast Management Plan operations that have changed the assumed consequence and likelihood ratings described in The Blast Management Plan outlines provision the FHA. relating to notification procedures of blast times, blast design/control and a blast monitoring Fire Safety Study programme. Strategies and procedures in the event of overpressure exceedance or demonstrable A Fire Safety Study was conducted for the disturbance of bird breeding are also outlined in the approved CGM and its objective was to assess the management plan, including the implementation of proposed fire prevention, detection, protection and remedial measures. fighting measures for appropriateness for specific fire hazards and adequacy to meet the extent of Bushfire Management Plan potential fires at the process plant (Pinnacle Risk Management, 2005). No further actions to those Management measures relevant to bushfire detailed in the HAZOP were recommended in hazards are detailed in the Bushfire Management the Fire Safety Study. Plan, including details on operational arrangement, on-site fire protection, hazard management and the Safety Management System implementation of fuel management strategies.

A Safety Management System has been developed Cyanide Management Plan for the approved CGM in accordance with HIPAP No. 9 Guidelines for the Development of Safety The Cyanide Management Plan includes hazard Management Systems (DUAP, 1998). The Safety prevention and mitigation measures, particularly Management System sets out a comprehensive with regards to potential risks to fauna associated safety management system that covers all on-site with the use of cyanide. Measures included in the operations and associated transport activities Cyanide Management Plan include the involving hazardous materials (Barrick Australia implementation of a cyanide monitoring Limited, 2006). The Safety Management System programme, contingency measures for cyanide describes all safety related procedures, reduction, fauna visitation deterrence measures at responsibilities and policies, and identifies the tailings storage facilities, and cyanide storage mechanisms designed to assist in adherence to and handling procedures. procedures.

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Hazardous Waste and Chemical Management Plan

Hazard prevention and mitigation measures relevant to hazardous wastes and chemicals have been documented in the Hazardous Waste and Chemical Management Plan. The management plan also requires the maintenance of a fuel and oil register and a hazardous substances and dangerous goods register.

The Hazardous Waste and Chemical Management Plan and associated strategies, inventories and registers have been developed to facilitate efficient audit functions by providing audit criteria that would be used to evaluate the effectiveness of hazard prevention and mitigation measures.

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