Works Approval
Works Approval Number W6142/2018/1
Works Approval Holder BHP Billiton Iron Ore Pty Ltd ACN 008 700 981 Registered business address Level 1, City Square Brookfield Place 125 St Georges Terrace Perth WA 6000
File Number DER2018/000577
Duration 13/07/2018 to 12/07/2021
Date of issue 13/07/2018
Prescribed Premises Category 5 Category 73
Premises Mining Area C - South Flank Parts of Mining Tenements ML249SA, ML281SA and E47/1540-1 as defined by the coordinates in Schedule 1
NEWMAN WA 6753
This Works Approval is granted to the Works Approval Holder, subject to the following conditions, on 13 July 2018, by:
Date signed: 13 July 2018 Alana Kidd Manager, Resource Industries Regulatory Services - Environment an officer delegated under section 20 of the Environmental Protection Act 1986 (WA)
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Explanatory notes These explanatory notes do not form part of this Works Approval. Defined terms Definition of terms used in this Works Approval can be found at the start of this Works Approval. Terms which are defined have the first letter of each word capitalised throughout this Works Approval. Department of Water and Environmental Regulation The Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER) is established under section 35 of the Public Sector Management Act 1994 and designated as responsible for the administration of Part V, Division 3 of the Environmental Protection Act 1986 (WA) (EP Act). The Department also monitors and audits compliance with licences and works approvals, takes enforcement action and develops and implements licensing and industry regulation policy. Works Approval Section 52 of the EP Act provides that an occupier of any premises commits an offence if any work is undertaken on, or in relation to, the premises which causes the premises to become, or to become capable of being, Prescribed Premises, except in accordance with a works approval. Section 56 of the EP Act provides that an occupier of Prescribed Premises commits an offence if Emissions are caused or increased or permitted to be caused or increased, or Waste, noise, odour or electromagnetic radiation is altered or permitted to be altered from Prescribed Premises, except in accordance with a works approval or licence. Categories of Prescribed Premises are defined in Schedule 1 of the Environment Protection Regulations 1987 (WA) (EP Regulations). This Works Approval does not authorise any activity which may be a breach of the requirements of another statutory authority including, but not limited to, the following: conditions imposed by the Minister for Environment under Part IV of the EP Act; conditions imposed by DWER for the clearing of native vegetation under Part V, Division 2 of the EP Act; any requirements under the Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery Act 2007; any requirements under the Environmental Protection (Controlled Waste) Regulations 2004; and any other requirements specified through State legislation. It is the responsibility of the Works Approval Holder to ensure that any action or activity referred to in this Works Approval is permitted by, and is carried out in compliance with, statutory requirements. The Works Approval Holder must comply with the Works Approval. Contravening a Works Approval Condition is an offence under s.55 of the EP Act. Responsibilities of Works Approval Holder Separate to the requirements of this Works Approval, general obligations of Works Approval Holders are set out in the EP Act and the regulations made under the EP Act. For example, the Works Approval Holder must comply with the following provisions of the EP Act: the duties of an occupier under s.61; and
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restrictions on making certain changes to Prescribed Premises unless the changes are in accordance with a Works Approval, Licence, closure notice or environmental protection notice (s.53). Strict penalties apply for offences under the EP Act. Reporting of incidents The Works Approval Holder has a duty to report to the Department all Discharges of Waste that have caused or are likely to cause Pollution, Material Environmental Harm or Serious Environmental Harm, in accordance with s.72 of the EP Act. Offences and defences The EP Act and its regulations set out a number of offences including: Offence of emitting an Unreasonable Emission from any Premises under s.49. Offence of causing Pollution under s.49. Offence of dumping Waste under s.49A. Offence of discharging Waste in circumstances likely to cause Pollution under s.50. Offence of causing Serious Environmental Harm (s.50A) or Material Environmental Harm (s.50B). Offence of causing Emissions which do not comply with prescribed standards (s.51). Offences relating to Emissions or Discharges under regulations prescribed under the EP Act, including materials discharged under the Environmental Protection (Unauthorised Discharges) Regulations 2004 (WA). Offences relating to noise under the Environmental Protection (Noise) Regulations 1997 (WA). Section 53 of the EP Act provides that a Works Approval Holder commits an offence if Emissions are caused, or altered, from a Prescribed Premises unless done in accordance with a Works Approval, Licence or the requirements of a closure notice or an environmental protection notice. Defences to certain offences may be available to a Works Approval Holder and these are set out in the EP Act. Section 74A(b)(iii) provides that it is a defence to an offence for causing Pollution, in respect of an Emission, or for causing Serious Environmental Harm or Material Environmental Harm, or for discharging or abandoning Waste in water to which the public has access, if the Works Approval Holder can prove that an Emission or Discharge occurred in accordance with a Works Approval. This Works Approval specifies the Emissions and Discharges, and the limits and Conditions which must be satisfied in respect of specified Emissions and Discharges, in order for the defence to offence provision to be available. Authorised Emissions and Discharges The specified and general Emissions and Discharges from the Works authorised through this Works Approval are authorised to be conducted in accordance with the Conditions of this Works Approval. Amendment of Works Approval The Works Approval Holder can apply to amend the Conditions of this Works Approval under s.59 of the EP Act. An application form for this purpose is available from DWER. The CEO may also amend the Conditions of this Works Approval at any time on the initiative of the CEO without an application being made.
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Duration of Works Approval The Works Approval will remain in force for the duration set out on the first page of this Works Approval or until it is surrendered, suspended or revoked in accordance with s.59A of the EP Act. Suspension or revocation The CEO may suspend or revoke this Works Approval in accordance with s.59A of the EP Act.
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Definitions and interpretation
Definitions In this Works Approval, the terms in Table 1 have the meanings defined. Table 1: Definitions
Term Definition
AS1692 Australian Standard AS 1692-2006 Steel Tanks for Flammable and Combustible Liquids
Books has the same meaning given to that term under the EP Act.
CEO means Chief Executive Officer. CEO for the purposes of notification means: Director General Department Administering the Environmental Protection Act 1986 Locked Bag 33 Cloisters Square PERTH WA 6850 [email protected]
Condition means a condition to which this Works Approval is subject under s.62 of the EP Act.
Department means the department established under section 35 of the Public Sector Management Act 1994 and designated as responsible for the administration of Part V, Division 3 of the EP Act.
Department means a request for Books or other sources of information to be Request produced, made by an Inspector or the CEO to the Works Approval Holder in writing and sent to the Works Approval’s address for notifications, as described at the front of this Works Approval, in relation to: (a) compliance with the EP Act or this Works Approval; (b) the Books or other sources of information maintained in accordance with this Works Approval; or (c) the Books or other sources of information relating to Emissions from the Premises.
Discharge has the same meaning given to that term under the EP Act.
DWER Department of Water and Environmental Regulation
Emission has the same meaning given to that term under the EP Act.
Environmental has the same meaning given to that term under the EP Act. Harm
EP Act means the Environmental Protection Act 1986 (WA).
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EP Regulations means the Environmental Protection Regulations 1987 (WA).
Implementation Agreement or has the same meaning given to that term under the EP Act. Decision means an inspector appointed by the CEO in accordance with s.88 Inspector of the EP Act. L/s means litres per second
Material Environmental has the same meaning given to that term under the EP Act. Harm
ML means million litres
Mtpa means million tonnes per annum
OHP3 Ore Handling Plant 3
PC1 Primary Crusher 1
PC2 Primary Crusher 2
Pollution has the same meaning given to that term under the EP Act.
Premises refers to the premises to which this Works Approval applies, as specified at the front of this Works Approval and as shown on the map in Schedule 1 to this Works Approval. Prescribed has the same meaning given to that term under the EP Act. Premises means an exceedance above the target limit specified in Column 4 Reportable Event of Table 6, in Schedule 3.
Serious Environmental has the same meaning given to that term under the EP Act. Harm
tph means tonnes per hour
Unreasonable has the same meaning given to that term under the EP Act. Emission
Waste has the same meaning given to that term under the EP Act.
Works refers to the Works described in Schedule 2, at the locations shown in Schedule 1 of this Works Approval to be carried out at the Premises, subject to the Conditions.
Works Approval refers to this document, which evidences the grant of the works approval by the CEO under s.54 of the EP Act, subject to the Conditions.
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Works Approval refers to the occupier of the Premises being the person to whom Holder this Works Approval has been granted, as specified at the front of this Works Approval.
Interpretation In this Works Approval: (a) the words ‘including’, ‘includes’ and ‘include’ will be read as if followed by the words ‘without limitation’; (b) where any word or phrase is given a defined meaning, any other part of speech or other grammatical form of that word or phrase has a corresponding meaning; (c) where tables are used in a Condition, each row in a table constitutes a separate Condition; (d) any reference to an Australian or other standard, guideline or code of practice in this Works Approval means the version of the standard, guideline or code of practice in force at the time of granting of this Works Approval and includes any amendments to the standard, guideline or code of practice which may occur from time to time during the course of the Works Approval; and (e) unless specified otherwise, any reference to a section of an Act refers to that section of the EP Act.
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Conditions
Infrastructure and equipment The Works Approval Holder must install and undertake the Works for the infrastructure and equipment: (a) specified in Column 1; (b) to the requirements specified in Column 2; and (c) at the location specified in Column 3. of Table 2 below. The Works Approval Holder must not depart from the requirements specified in Column 2 of Table 2 except: (a) where such departure does not increase risks to public health, public amenity or the environment; and (b) all other Conditions in this Works Approval are still satisfied. Subject to Condition 1, within 60 days of the completion of the Works specified in Column 1 of Table 2 and prior to commissioning of the same, the Works Approval Holder must provide to the CEO a report from a suitably qualified professional confirming each item of infrastructure or component of infrastructure specified in Column 1 of Table 2 below has been constructed with no material defects and to the requirements specified in Column 2. Where a departure from the requirements specified in Column 2 of Table 2 occurs and is of a type allowed by Condition 2, the Works Approval Holder must provide to the CEO a description of, and explanation for, the departure along with the certification required by Condition 2(b). Table 2: Infrastructure and equipment requirements table
Column 1 Column 2 Column 3 Infrastructure/Equipment Requirements (design and Site plan reference construction) Two Metso gyratory 70-89s Mk III Dust control as listed below. Labelled as Primary primary crushing stations (PC1 Stormwater controls as listed Crusher 1, PC1, Primary and PC2) 40 Mtpa name plate below. Crusher 2 and PC2 as capacity each. shown in Schedule 1:
ROM pad for each crushing facility Maps:
Premises map and site layout;
Primary Crushing Station 1 – General Layout; and
Primary Crushing Station
2 – General Layout
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Column 1 Column 2 Column 3 Infrastructure/Equipment Requirements (design and Site plan reference construction) Three overland conveyors Dust control as listed below. Overland Conveyors Stormwater controls as listed CV411, CV412 and CV413 below. as shown in Schedule 1: Maps:
Premises map and site layout; Primary Crushing Station 1 – General Layout; Primary Crushing Station 2 – General Layout; and OHP3 and stockyards - layout. Ore Handling Plant (OHP3) of 80 Dust control as listed below. OHP3 as shown in Mtpa capacity Stormwater controls as listed Schedule 1: Maps: Comprising of: below. Premises map and site Scalping screening building layout; and containing five scalping OHP3 and stockyards – screening bays (Scheck layout. SLD4385s); Secondary crushing building containing four secondary crusher bays (Metso MP1250s); Product screening building containing six product screening bays (Scheck SLD4385s); Interconnection conveyors; and Lump and fines product conveyors. Stockyard 2 Dust control as listed below. Schedule 1: Maps: New equipment comprising: Stormwater controls as listed OHP3 and stockyards – Two travelling, slewing and below. layout. luffing stackers at stockyard 2 - each 20,000 tph capacity. One travelling, slewing and luffing bucket-wheel reclaimer at stockyard 2 - capacity of 20,000tph. Train Load Out
Dust monitoring units Added to the existing real time To be determined by dust monitoring Mining Area C management and monitor network, and to be established plan. near the Great Northern Highway and to the east of South Flank deposits. Existing meteorological forecast algorithms updated to consider temperature, wind velocity and South Flank dust sources to predict high risk dust weather
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Column 1 Column 2 Column 3 Infrastructure/Equipment Requirements (design and Site plan reference construction) events and inform site activities.
Primary Crushing Station 1 - 2 ML Tanks Schedule 1: Maps: Fuel Storage Facility comprising Tanks shall be horizontal, double walled, include an interstitial Primary Crushing Station ten 200 kL self bunded storage 1 – General Layout; and tanks. leakage monitoring probe system and fitted with overfill alarms and Primary Crushing Station
mechanical overfill protection. 2 – General Layout. Primary Crushing Station 2 - 2 ML Fuel Storage Facility comprising Tanks shall comply with the ten 200 kL self bunded storage requirements of AS1692. tanks. Unloading system Unloading pump skids will be fully bunded with the capacity to
contain a 20 year ARI rain event for 72 hours. Each skid is to be provided with a manual isolation valve to allow drainage of the skid to either the local sump or to a
collection truck.
A bunded spill pad to surround the unloading area, tied into the LV refuelling pad and fall to a
collection sump. The flow from the sump shall fall to the main area collection sump.
Concrete spillage slabs or bunded steel skids to capture leaks and spills from operations and maintenance activities around pumps, drains and tank headers. The slabs graded to a drainage channel with a minimum fall of 1:100 before to a collection sump. The spillage channels constructed from concrete and covered with open grating to permit an inspection and wash down of these trenches as required.
Refuelling Refuelling pump skids are to be fully bunded with the capacity to contain a 20 year rain event for 72 hours. Each skid is to be provided with a manual isolation valve to allow drainage of the skid to either the local sump or to a collection truck.
The Heavy Vehicle (HV) refuelling slab will be bunded, and drain to a
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Column 1 Column 2 Column 3 Infrastructure/Equipment Requirements (design and Site plan reference construction) containment sump capable of containing a 9,000L spill.
The Light Vehicle (LV) refuelling bunded slab will be integrated with the tanker unloading slab. The slab shall drain to a sump capable of containing a 300L spill.
Concrete spillage slabs or bunded steel skids capture leaks and spills from operations and maintenance activities around pumps, drains and tank headers. The slabs graded to a drainage channel with a minimum fall of 1:100 to a collection sump. The spillage channels are constructed from concrete and are covered with open grating to permit an inspection and wash down as required. PC1 Fuel Storage Facility – oily Process throughput of 4.6 L/s. As shown in Schedule 1: water separator. Maps: Constructed so that treated water Primary Crushing Station is transferred to a 5 kL holding 1 – General Layout tank prior to release of the treated water to a turkeys nest.
Turkey’s nests shall be lined with PC2 Fuel Storage Facility – oily 1.5mm HDPE liner. As shown in Schedule 1: water separator A spillway constructed to direct Maps: water overflow to the adjacent Primary Crushing Station diversion drain. 2 – General Layout Waste oil to be captured in a 5 kL tank.
Dust control
Primary Crushing Stations (PC1 Fitted with foggers and water - and PC2) cannons
Primary Crushing Stations (PC1 Covers and/or hoods installed and PC2)and Ore Handling Plant Bulk Ore Conditioning (BOC) (OHP3) systems installed.
Conveyors BOC informed by Low Frequency Microwave Moisture Analysis located on the Overland Conveyors, scalping screen conveyor, fines and lump transfer conveyors and the Train Load Out feed conveyors.
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Column 1 Column 2 Column 3 Infrastructure/Equipment Requirements (design and Site plan reference construction) All process infrastructure buildings Constructed with floor slabs (PC1, PC2 and OHP3) and designed for washdown and transfer stations clean-up including slurry disposal systems.
Conveyor transfer chutes Enclosed
ROM bin, product screening, Dust suppression fogging scalping and crushing buildings systems located at discharge points from crushing and screens. Stockyard 2 Automated dust suppression water cannons installed, able to wet the stockpiles and surrounding areas. Stockpile reclamation area and Water sprays available as train load out. required. Stormwater management Primary crushing stations (PC1 Table drains constructed along - and PC2) and Ore Handling Plant the perimeters of the process and (OHP3) non-processing infrastructure pads to divert stormwater away from the infrastructure. Drainage for the Coarse Ore Stockpile (COS) will comprise table drains along the conveyor embankment and culverted crossings in the drains to discharge water into the existing Mining Area C plant diversion drain. Concrete floors constructed with a fall to a sump to collect spills and stormwater. Slurry from the sumps able to be pumped to a sedimentation pond constructed at each of PC1, PC2 and OHP3.
Primary Crusher 1 sedimentation Designed and constructed to As shown in Schedule 1: pond. capture all water run-off from Maps: Primary Crusher 2 sedimentation process areas that are likely to Primary Crushing Station pond. produce ore fines. 1 – sediment ponds; and Primary Crusher 2 Ore Handling Plant 3 Designed and constructed to sedimentation pond; and sedimentation ponds. retain stormwater runoff up to a 1 in 5 year ARI storm event. OHP3 and stockyards- layout.
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Column 1 Column 2 Column 3 Infrastructure/Equipment Requirements (design and Site plan reference construction)
Stockyard 2 New drains and culverts under the - existing conveyors at the western end to divert water away from the new work areas. Perimeter drains will be constructed around the stockyard to divert water away from the infrastructure. The eastern side of the Stockyard will include a series of breaks in the windrows to allow runoff from the stockyard floor to flow into the Mining Area C plant diversion drain.
Emissions The Works Approval Holder must not cause any Emissions from the Works authorised through this Works Approval except for Emissions described in Column 1 of Table 3, subject to the exclusions, limitations or requirements specified in Column 2, of Table 3.
Table 3: Authorised Emissions table
Column 1 Column 2
Emission type Exclusions/Limitations/Requirements
General Emissions (excluding Specified Emissions)
Emissions which arise from undertaking Emissions excluded from General the Works set out in Schedule 2. Emissions are: Unreasonable Emissions; or Emissions that result in, or are likely to result in, Pollution, Material Environmental Harm or Serious Environmental Harm; or Discharges of Waste in circumstances likely to cause Pollution; or Emissions that result, or are likely to result in, the Discharge or abandonment of Waste in water to which the public has access; or Emissions or Discharges which do not comply with an Approved Policy;
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Column 1 Column 2
Emission type Exclusions/Limitations/Requirements or Emissions or Discharges which do not comply with prescribed standard; or Emissions or Discharges which do not comply with the conditions in an Implementation Agreement or Decision; or Emissions or Discharges the subject of offences under regulations prescribed under the EP Act, including materials discharged under the Environmental Protection (Unauthorised Discharges) Regulations 2004.
Specified Actions Within six months of granting of the Works Approval, the Works Approval Holder must provide to the CEO a dust management and monitoring plan to specify and site dust monitors for the purpose of monitoring and mitigating the risk of low visibility at Great Northern Highway, and risk of poor amenity and health from dust emissions at Hope Downs Village. The aspects of the plan pertaining to low visibility at Great Northern Highway shall be developed in consultation with Main Roads WA and include proactive controls to limit or control operations in the event of forecast adverse weather conditions. Within three months of granting of the Works Approval, the Works Approval Holder must provide to the CEO a commissioning plan, which shall include construction and commissioning stages, timelines and commissioning parameters.
Commissioning The Works Approval Holder can commission the Category 5 infrastructure for a maximum duration of 2 years from the granting of this Works Approval, subject to: (a) Condition 9 being met; and (b) Installation of all dust and stormwater control infrastructure (outlined in Table 2) having been demonstrated to the CEO as per Condition 3. The Works Approval Holder shall submit a commissioning report to the CEO within one month of the completion of commissioning of each stage for Category 5 infrastructure. The commissioning report shall include: (a) a summary of the commissioning timeframes and volume or ore processed during wet commissioning; and (b) a summary of the environmental performance of all plant and equipment as installed.
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Record-keeping The Works Approval Holder must maintain accurate Books including information, reports and data in relation to the Works and the Books must: (a) be legible; (b) if amended, be amended in such a ways that the original and subsequent amendments remain legible or are capable of retrieval; (c) be retained for at least 3 years from the date the Books were made; (d) be available to be produced to an Inspector or the CEO. The Works Approval Holder must comply with a Department Request within 14 days from the date of the Department Request or such other period as agreed to by the Inspector or the CEO.
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Schedule 1: Maps
Premises map and site layout The premises are shown in the map below. The yellow line depicts the premises boundary.
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Primary Crushing Station 1 – General Layout
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Primary Crushing Station 2 – General Layout
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Primary Crushing Station 1 – sediment ponds The sedimentation ponds are shown in green in the plan below.
Primary Crusher 2 sedimentation pond The sedimentation pont is shown in green beside the process plant.
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OHP3 and stockyards- layout
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Premises boundary The Premises boundary is defined by the coordinates in Table 4. Table 4: Premises boundary coordinates
Easting Northing
712590.75 7462459.17
712508.77 7456687.54
710277.01 7456486.03
710266.38 7455758.41
710266.85 7455758.31
710233.5 7453369.93
710131.29 7453371.36
709606.48 7453378.7
708981.44 7453387.44
708845.48 7453389.34
707633.79 7453406.28
707633.68 7453406.28
707627.14 7452936.3
706810.11 7452947.55
706793.6 7451750.11
706530.35 7451714.17
706076.13 7451788.37
705621.91 7451862.58
705167.69 7451936.78
704713.47 7452010.99
704259.25 7452085.19
703805.03 7452159.39
703457.88 7451999.59
703110.73 7451839.78
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702763.59 7451679.98
702416.44 7451520.18
702358.68 7451425.13
699432.63 7451464.85
699425.74 7451560.53
699777.31 7451642.74
700128.89 7451724.96
700061.23 7452157.55
699993.57 7452590.14
699925.91 7453022.73
699532.76 7452923.67
699274.13 7452828.6
699015.49 7452733.53
699067.83 7452351.16
699120.16 7451968.79
699172.49 7451586.42
699188.67 7451468.16
697194.25 7451495.23
697051.47 7451497.17
697051.49 7451498.75
697059.42 7452132.49
696747.51 7452217.17
696775.04 7452363.13
696686.95 7452476.88
696686.55 7452477.33
696686.11 7452477.73
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Schedule 2: Works
At the time of assessment, Emissions and Discharges from the Works listed in Table 5 were considered in the determination of the risk and related Conditions for the Works Approval. Table 5: Authorised Works
Works Specifications/Drawings Two primary crushing stations - 40 Mtpa Schedule 1: Maps: name plate capacity each. Premises map and site layout Primary Crushing Station 1 – General Layout; and Primary Crushing Station 2 – General Layout ROM pad for each crushing facility Schedule 1: Maps: Premises map and site layout; and OHP3 and stockyards - layout
Three overland conveyors Schedule 1: Maps: Premises map and site layout;
Transfer stations - Ore handling plant (OHP3) of 80 Mtpa Schedule 1: Maps: capacity comprising: Premises map and site layout; and Scalping screening building; OHP3 and stockyards – layout. Secondary crushing building; Product screening building; Interconnection conveyors; and Lump and fines product conveyors.
Stockyard 2: Schedule 1: Maps: Premises map and site layout. Two travelling, slewing and luffing stackers at - each 20,000 tph capacity. One travelling, slewing and luffing bucket-wheel reclaimer capacity of 20,000tph.
Train Load Out 2 Schedule 1: Maps: OHP3 and stockyards - layout
Two 2 ML fuel storage facilities. Schedule 1: Maps: Primary Crushing Station 1 – General Two oily water separators Layout; and Primary Crushing Station 2 – General Layout.
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Site layout The infrastructure and equipment are set out on the Premises in accordance with the site layout specified on the Premises map in Schedule 1.
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Decision Report
Application for Works Approval
Division 3, Part V Environmental Protection Act 1986
Works Approval Number W6142/2018/1
Applicant BHP Billiton Iron Ore Pty Ltd
ACN 008 700 981
File Number DER2018/000577
Premises Mining Area C – South Flank Parts of Mining Tenements ML249SA, ML281SA and E47/1540-1 (As defined by the coordinates in Schedule 1 of the Works Approval)
NEWMAN WA 6753
Date of Report 13 July 2018
Status of Report Final
Works Approval: W6142/2018/1
IR-T04 Decision Report Template v2.0 (July 2017) i
Table of Contents 1. Definitions of terms and acronyms ...... 5 2. Purpose and scope of assessment ...... 8 Application details ...... 8 3. Background ...... 8 4. Overview of Premises...... 9 Operational aspects ...... 9 Infrastructure ...... 10 Premises boundary ...... 17 Exclusions to the Premises ...... 17 5. Legislative context...... 18 Part IV of the EP Act ...... 19 Background ...... 19 Ministerial Statement 1072 ...... 20 Other relevant approvals ...... 23 State Agreement ...... 23 Federal Legislation ...... 23 Part V of the EP Act ...... 23 Applicable regulations, standards and guidelines ...... 23 Works approval and licence history ...... 24 Clearing ...... 25 6. Location and siting ...... 25 Siting context ...... 25 Sensitive land uses ...... 25 Specified ecosystems ...... 25 Surface water ...... 26 Groundwater ...... 27 Meteorology ...... 28 Rainfall and temperature ...... 28 Wind direction and strength ...... 28 7. Modelling and monitoring data ...... 31 8. Consultation ...... 34 9. Risk assessment ...... 34 Determination of emission, pathway and receptor ...... 34 Consequence and likelihood of risk events ...... 40
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Works Approval: W6142/2018/1
IR-T04 Decision Report Template v2.0 (July 2017)
Acceptability and treatment of Risk Event ...... 41 Risk Assessment - Dust ...... 42 Description of Risk Event ...... 42 Identification and general characterisation of emission ...... 42 Description of potential adverse impact from the emission ...... 42 Criteria for assessment...... 42 Applicant controls ...... 43 Key findings ...... 44 Consequence ...... 44 Likelihood of Risk Event ...... 44 Overall rating of risk of dust ...... 45 Risk Assessment – spills and stormwater ...... 45 Description of spills and stormwater ...... 45 Description of potential adverse impact from the emission ...... 45 Criteria for assessment...... 45 Applicant controls ...... 45 Key findings ...... 46 Consequence ...... 47 Likelihood of Risk Event ...... 47 Overall rating of contaminated stormwater discharge ...... 47 Risk Assessment – Leaks or spills of hydrocarbon from the diesel storage facility 47 Description of leaks or spills from the diesel storage facility ...... 47 Description of potential adverse impact from the emission ...... 47 Criteria for assessment...... 47 Applicant controls ...... 47 Key findings ...... 48 Consequence ...... 48 Likelihood of Risk Event ...... 49 Overall risk rating of leaks or spills from the diesel storage facility ...... 49 Risk Assessment – Waste water discharge from oily water separators ...... 49 Description of waste water discharged from oily water separators ...... 49 Identification and general characterisation of emission ...... 49 Description of potential adverse impact from the emission ...... 49 Criteria for assessment...... 49 Applicant controls ...... 49 Key findings ...... 49
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Works Approval: W6142/2018/1
IR-T04 Decision Report Template v2.0 (July 2017)
Consequence ...... 50 Likelihood of Risk Event ...... 50 Overall rating of waste water discharged from oily water separators ...... 50 Summary of acceptability and treatment of Risk Events ...... 51 10. Regulatory controls ...... 53 Works Approval controls ...... 53 Processing infrastructure ...... 53 Diesel facility infrastructure and equipment ...... 53 Specified actions ...... 53 Monitoring ...... 53 Reporting ...... 54 Licence controls (by amendment to existing licence L7851/2002/6)) ...... 54 Processing plants and Ore Handling Plant ...... 54 Emissions to land ...... 54 Monitoring requirements ...... 54 Reporting ...... 54 11. Determination of Works Approval conditions ...... 54 12. Applicant’s comments ...... 55 13. Conclusion ...... 55 14. Appendix 1: Key documents ...... 56 15. Appendix 2: Summary of applicant’s comments on risk assessment and draft conditions ...... 58 16. Attachment 1: Issued Works Approval W6142/2018/1 ...... 61
Table 1: Definitions ...... 5 Table 2: Documents and information submitted during the assessment process ...... 8 Table 3: Mining Area C Prescribed Premises categories in the existing licence L7851/2002/6 . 9 Table 4: Mining Area C – South Flank facility Category 5 and 73 infrastructure ...... 10 Table 5: Relevant approvals ...... 18 Table 6: PER 2017 Environmental Factor - human health ...... 21 Table 7: Works approval and licence history ...... 24 Table 8: Sensitive receptors ...... 25 Table 9: Environmental values ...... 26 Table 10: Surface water distance from proposed activities ...... 27 Table 11. Identification of emissions, pathway and receptors during construction ...... 35 Table 12: Identification of emissions, pathway and receptors during operation and 3
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commissioning ...... 37 Table 13: Risk rating matrix...... 40 Table 14: Risk criteria table ...... 40 Table 15: Risk treatment table ...... 41 Table 16: Dust sources ...... 42 Table 17: Applicant’s proposed controls for dust ...... 43 Table 18: Risk assessment summary ...... 51 Table 19: Summary of conditions to be applied ...... 54
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1. Definitions of terms and acronyms In this Decision Report, the terms in Table 1 have the meanings defined. Table 1: Definitions
Term Definition
ACN Australian Company Number
AS 1692 Australian Standard AS 1692-2006 Steel Tanks for Flammable and Combustible Liquids
BHP BHP Billiton Iron Ore Pty Ltd
BOC Bulk Ore Conditioning
Category/ Categories of Prescribed Premises as set out in Schedule 1 of the Categories/ Cat. EP Regulations
COS Coarse Ore Stockpile
Decision Report refers to this document.
Delegated Officer an officer under section 20 of the EP Act.
Department means the department established under section 35 of the Public Sector Management Act 1994 and designated as responsible for the administration of Part V, Division 3 of the EP Act.
DWER Department of Water and Environmental Regulation As of 1 July 2017, the Department of Environment Regulation (DER), the Office of the Environmental Protection Authority (OEPA) and the Department of Water (DoW) amalgamated to form the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER). DWER was established under section 35 of the Public Sector Management Act 1994 and is responsible for the administration of the Environmental Protection Act 1986 along with other legislation.
DEM Dust Extinction Moisture
EPA Environmental Protection Authority
EP Act Environmental Protection Act 1986 (WA)
EP Regulations Environmental Protection Regulations 1987 (WA)
EPBC Act Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth)
km kilometre
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mᶟ cubic metres
MAC Mining Area C
mbgl metres below ground level
MEM Precinct Mobile Equipment Maintenance Precinct
Minister the Minister responsible for the EP Act and associated regulations
ML million litre
MNES Matters of National Environmental Significance
MS Ministerial Statement
Mtpa million tonnes per annum
NEPM National Environmental Protection Measure
Occupier has the same meaning given to that term under the EP Act.
OHP Ore Handling Plant
OLC Overland Conveyor
OSA Overburden Storage Area
PC1 Primary Crusher 1
PC2 Primary Crusher 2
PEC Priority Ecological Community
PEL Pacific Environment Limited
PM Particulate Matter
PM10 used to describe particulate matter that is smaller than 10 microns (µm) in diameter
Prescribed has the same meaning given to that term under the EP Act. Premises
Premises refers to the premises to which this Decision Report applies, as specified at the front of this Decision Report
Primary Activities as defined in Schedule 2 of the Revised Licence
Risk Event As described in Guidance Statement: Risk Assessment
RIWI Act Rights in Water and Irrigation Act 1914
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ROM Run of Mine
TDS Total Dissolved Solids
TLO Train Load Out
TSP Total Suspended Particles
UDR Environmental Protection (Unauthorised Discharges) Regulations 2004 (WA)
Works Approval BHP Billiton Iron Ore Pty Ltd Holder
µg/m3 micrograms per cubic metre
WWTP waste water treatment plant
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2. Purpose and scope of assessment On 3 April 2018, BHP Billiton Iron Ore Pty Ltd (BHP) submitted an application for a works approval to construct and commission: Two 40 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) ore processing facilities (Category 5) at South Flank; An 80 Mtpa Ore Handling Plant (Category 5) at Mining Area C; and Two 2 million litre (ML) diesel storage facilities (Category 73) at South Flank. This assessment is limited to only construction and operation of new works relating to prescribed categories 5 and 73. Application details Table 2 lists the documents submitted during the assessment process. Table 2: Documents and information submitted during the assessment process
Document/information description Date received
BHP (2018) Works Approval Application, signed 29 March 2018 3 April 2018
BHP (March 2018) Works Approval – Mining Area C South Flank supporting Documentation (Including Information relating to 3 April 2018 Attachments 1 – 8)
BHP (June 2018) Works Approval – Mining Area C South Flank supporting Documentation (Including Information relating to 6 June 2018 Attachments 1 – 8) Revision 2 (Final and complete supporting documentation).
3. Background BHP, as the manager for the Mount Goldsworthy Mining Associates Joint Venture which owns Mining Area C including South Flank, has submitted the works approval application. BHP has the authority to act for the Mt Goldsworthy Joint Venture and is authorised as the manager agent of the proponent to submit the application and execute the works as approved. BHP proposes to construct new works in order to develop and operate a satellite ore body at Mining Area C South Flank project area, approximately 8 km south of the existing processing facilities at Mining Area C. The new facilities will be operated under the existing Licence L7851/2002/6, following an application for amendment of this Instrument. Table 3 lists the activities authorised in the existing licence, the proposed facilities as assessed for this works approval, and subsequent total operating production amounts.
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Table 3: Mining Area C Prescribed Premises categories in the existing licence L7851/2002/6
Approved Premises Proposed new works Proposed total capacity Category Category capacity (existing capacity (this (existing licence plus number description licence) assessment) new works)
5 Processing or 65,000,000 tonnes per 80,000,000 tonnes per 145,000,000 tonnes per beneficiation of Annual Period Annual Period Annual Period metallic or non- metallic ore:
6 Mine dewatering 34,931,000 tonnes per No change No change Annual Period
54 Sewage facility 480 m3 per day No change No change
63 Class I inert 9,000 tonnes per No change No change landfill site Annual Period
73 Bulk storage of 3,500 m3 in aggregate 4,000 m3 in aggregate 7,500 m3 in aggregate chemicals etc
85B Water 0.9125 gigalitres per No change No change desalinisation Annual Period plant
89 Putrescible 3,000 tonnes per No change No change landfill site Annual Period
4. Overview of Premises
Operational aspects BHP proposes to extract ore from the South Flank deposits, approximately 8 km from the existing processing facilities at Mining Area C (MAC). The ore from South Flank will be processed through new primary crushing facilities at Vista Oriental (eastern) and Grand Central North (western) project areas (Figure 1). Each new primary crushing facility will have a capacity of 40 Mtpa. The Primary Crusher at Vista Oriental is named PC1 (Figure 2), and the Primary Crusher at Grand Central North is named PC2 (Figure 3). Each crushing facility includes: A Run of Mine (ROM) pad; Primary crushing building including rock breakers; Primary crushing discharge conveyor; and Transfer stations, onto the overland conveyor circuit. A diesel facility consisting of ten, 200kL self bunded diesel storage tanks will be installed at each new processing facility for refuelling of vehicles (Figures 2 and 3). Three new overland conveyors will transport crushed ore from the new processing facilities to the MAC hub. All three overland conveyors will be fitted with BOC sprays to ensure the ore is above the DEM moisture content prior to being fed onto the Coarse Ore Stockpile (COS) at
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MAC. Current MAC hub infrastructure and facilities will be expanded with construction of a new 80 Mtpa Ore Handling Plant (OHP, named OHP3) to achieve a nominal combined processing rate of 145 Mtpa of blended ore (Figures 1 and 4). Ore from the COS will be loaded onto a scalping screen feed conveyor for transfer to the OHP. Stockyard 2 at MAC will be expanded to accommodate the increased production of fines and lump. Stockyard 2 will have approximately 2 million tonnes of live storage capacity, and capacity for the same amount of ore to be stacked dead. Two new travelling slewing and luffing stackers with 20,000 tph capacity will be installed. Upgrades to the conveyors and transfers station associated with the existing stacker will be undertaken. A new travelling, slewing and luffing bucket-wheel reclaimer will be installed to increase reclaiming capacity. The new reclaimer has a capacity of 20,000 tph. Fines product produced by OHP3 will be blended on belt with existing MAC OHP1 and OHP2 fines products prior to stacking in Stockyard 2. Lump product produced by OHP3 will be stacked in Stockyard 2. Lump products from different stockyards will be blended during train loading after staging at Train Load-Out (TLO) facility 1 (Figure 4). Products will be reclaimed to either the existing train load-out facility TLO1 or to a new TLO2. The general location of proposed infrastructure is shown below in Figures 1, 2, 3 and 4. Figure 5 illustrates the ore movement from the South Flank deposits through the stages of processing to the train load out facility.
Infrastructure The MAC – South Flank facility new infrastructure, as it relates to Category 5 and 73 activities, is detailed in Table 4 and with reference to the Site Plan attached in the Issued Works Approval. Table 4 lists infrastructure associated with each prescribed premises category. Table 4: Mining Area C – South Flank facility Category 5 and 73 infrastructure
Site Plan Reference (attached Infrastructure Works Approval)
Prescribed Activity Category 5
Processing of ore by new facilities constructed at Vista Oriental (eastern) and Grand Central North (western) and MAC project areas, with combined capacity of 80 Mtpa throughput.
1 Two Metso gyratory 70-89s Mk III primary crushing stations - 40 Mtpa Schedule 1: Maps: name plate capacity each. Premises map and site layout Primary Crushing Station 1 – General Layout; and Primary Crushing Station 2 – General Layout
2 ROM pad for each crushing facility Schedule 1: Maps: Premises map and site layout; and OHP3 and stockyards - layout
3 Three overland conveyors Schedule 1: Maps: Premises map and site layout;
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Site Plan Reference (attached Infrastructure Works Approval)
4 Transfer stations -
5 Ore handling plant of 80 Mtpa capacity comprising: Schedule 1: Maps: Premises map and site layout; Scalping screening building containing five scalping and screening bays (Scheck SLD4385s); OHP3 and stockyards – layout. Secondary crushing building containing four secondary crusher bays (Metso MP1250s); Product screening building containing six product screening bays (Scheck SLD4385s); Interconnection conveyors; and Lump and fines product conveyors.
6 Stockyard 2: Schedule 1: Maps: Premises map and site layout. Two travelling, slewing and luffing stackers at - each 20,000 tph capacity. One travelling, slewing and luffing bucket-wheel reclaimer capacity of 20,000tph.
7 Train Load Out 2 Schedule 1: Maps: OHP3 and stockyards - layout
Prescribed Activity Category 73
Bulk storage of chemicals (fuel)
1 Two 2 ML fuel storage facilities each comprising ten 200 kL self Schedule 1: Maps: bunded storage tanks. Primary Crushing Station 1 – General Layout; and Two oily water separators each with process throughput of 4.6 L/s 3 Primary Crushing Station 2 – General Layout.
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Figure 1: Location of proposed premises boundary and infrastructure
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Figure 2: Primary Crushing Facility 1- general layout
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Figure 3: Primary Crushing Station 2 – general layout
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Figure 4: Ore Handling Plant 3 and stockyards
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Figure 5: Ore movements from South Flank
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Premises boundary BHP have provided coordinates for the premises boundary to include the South Flank Category 5 and 73 activities, and also to include the proposed area for mine dewater discharge that is currently being assessed as an amendment to the Licence. The premises boundary is presented in Figure 1 above and coordinates listed in Schedule 1 of the attached Works Approval. BHP has provided evidence of control of the premises as bounded by the coordinates provided. Exclusions to the Premises The following infrastructure will be constructed for activities not directly related to the prescribed categories of this works approval or are not prescribed categories, and are therefore not assessed for this works approval. Mining of ore and waste rock disposal. MAC new buildings and facilities:
o Sample preparation building expansion;
o OHP3 and Conveyor Maintenance Workshops with office, crib and ablution facilities;
o Shutdown Execution Centre; and
o Train Driver crib and ablutions facilities. South Flank area buildings and facilities:
o Mobile Equipment Maintenance (MEM) Precinct. The Precinct will include a warehouse delivery and laydown area, fuel storage, tyre storage and exchange facility, waste water tanks, maintenance workshop, wash-down facility and parking.
o South Flank ammonium nitrate (AN) products facility.
o Office, crib and ablution facilities at PC1 and PC2. Expansion of Mulla Mulla village to final capacity of 3,000 rooms. (Expansion of Mulla Mulla Waste Water Treatment Plant [WWTP] is approved by works approval W6092/2017/1). New substations to provide power. Used Tyre Storage: Used tyres generated from the maintenance of heavy and light vehicles will be stored at the MEM precinct. Up to 70 used tyres will be stored at any one time with a minimum separation distance of 6m between the stacks. The used tyres will be trucked to the MAC inert landfill or an Overburden Storage Area (OSA) for disposal. Landfilling of used tyres is approved by and subject to conditions of the existing licence. Concrete Batching: Concrete batching plants will supply approximately 16,000m3 of concrete and 15,000m3 of cement stabilised products for construction. All concrete manufactured will be utilised within the prescribed premises boundary and hence is not a prescribed category under the EP Regulations. The Application states that concrete batching will be undertaken in accordance with the Environmental Protection (Concrete Batching and Concrete Product Manufacturing) Regulations 1998.
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Sewage Treatment Plants: Six WWTPs will be constructed at the offices, workshops and plant facilities. The facilities will each have a capacity less than 20 m3 per day and will dispose of treated effluent via separate designated spray fields. Each WWTP is below the threshold of a prescribed category.
Key Finding: The capacities of the infrastructure and facilities listed in Section 4.4 either do not trigger the design capacity for a prescribed premises of the Environmental Protection Regulations 1987 or are authorised by the existing licence.
5. Legislative context Table 5 summarises approvals relevant to the assessment. Table 5: Relevant approvals
Legislation Approval and Reference Number Aspects
Iron Ore (Mount ML281SA and ML249SA Tenure Goldsworthy) Agreement Act 1964 State Agreement Project Proposals Detailed Proposals describing the proposed - in preparation at the time of this infrastructure and mining operations. assessment.
Environment Strategic Environmental Matters of National Significance: Protection and Assessment Approval Notice Biodiversity Northern Quoll (Dasyrurus hallucatus); Dated 19 June 2017 Conservation Greater Bilby (Macrotis lagotis); Act 1999 (Cth) Pilbara Leaf-nosed Bat (Rhinoicteris aurantia); Pilbara Olive Python (Liasis olivaceus barroni); and Ghost Bat (Macroderma gigas).
Part IV of the Ministerial Statement - MS1072 Approval to implement revised proposal to mine the EP Act (WA) Mining Area C Northern Flank and Southern Flank Dated 20 February 2018 orebodies. Port.
Rights in Water Groundwater Licence (GWL) Mining Area C- Up to 15,330,000 kilolitres per annum and Irrigation 110044(10) (kL/a) from Pilbara, Hamersley Fractured Rock aquifer Act 1914 (RIWI Act) GWL178477(2) Juna Downs Borefield 750,000kL/a from Wittenoom Aquifer
GWL174613(1) Mulla Mulla Camp Borefield 50,000kL/a from Pilbara, Hamersley Fractured Rock aquifer
Dangerous Dangerous Goods Licence Facilities added to the manifest as required. Goods Safety DGS017237 Act 2004
Health Act 1914 Permit to install apparatus for the To construct a waste water treatment plant (WWTP). treatment of sewage to be submitted, in preparation as determined by schedule/site requirements.
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Legislation Approval and Reference Number Aspects
Permit to install apparatus for the treatment of sewage – Mulla Mulla Village WWTP – under assessment submitted 12 February 2018
Permit to operate apparatus for the To operate a WWTP. treatment of sewage – submission following construction, as required.
Part IV of the EP Act
Background In 1998, BHP received approval under Ministerial Statement (MS) 491 for the Iron Ore Mine Development Area Mining Area C Northern Flank. On 30 May 2016, BHP referred the proposal to develop and operate a satellite ore body at South Flank as part of its MAC operations, under Part IV of the EP Act. The referral also sought to expand the scope of disturbance approved at MAC and create a single Ministerial Statement. The proposal was assessed at the Public Environmental Review (PER) level and recommendations of the EPA to the Minister published in the Report and Recommendations of the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA Report, 2017). The EPA identified the following key environmental factors during its assessment: Flora and Vegetation – Loss of flora and vegetation from clearing and potential impacts to groundwater dependent vegetation. Hydrological Processes and Inland Waters Environmental Quality – Potential impacts on local groundwater dependent vegetation and surface water features, including Weeli Wolli Spring and Ben’s Oasis. Terrestrial Fauna – Loss of habitat for local population of threatened fauna species (in particular the Ghost Bat). Subterranean Fauna – Loss of habitat for subterranean fauna species as a result of groundwater abstraction and excavation of mine pits. Social Surroundings (Heritage) – Potential impacts on Aboriginal heritage (loss or disturbance) and potential impacts on traditional cultural activities. Air Quality – potential impacts from dust and greenhouse gas emissions. The Report includes discussion and recommendations for: Coondewanna Flats – Coolibah-Lignum Flats PEC The EPA concluded that the proposal would not result in direct impacts to the Coondewanna Flats – Coolibah-Lignum Flats Priority Ecological Community (PEC), but that indirect impacts are possible from hydrological changes. Short Range Endemic Fauna The EPA considered that the short range endemic species identified within the proposal envelope have habitat that extends outside of the proposal and therefore the impacts to these species are not considered to be significant.
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Fauna The Ghost Bat was considered by the EPA as being most at risk based on the potential for significant impacts from loss of caves and foraging habitat. Subterranean Fauna The EPA concluded the impacts to troglofauna and stygofauna are acceptable. Air Quality The EPA was satisfied that air quality modelling demonstrated that there will not be significant impacts from dust particulates at accommodation receptors. Appendix 4 – Evaluation of other environmental factors The EPA considered other environmental factors during its assessment of the proposal which were not identified as key environmental factors, but discussed in Appendix 4 of the Report. Submission of comments from Main Roads and response from EPA is taken from the EPA Report, 2017 as shown below in Table 6. With respect to the EPA comments, it should be noted that Part V only regulates emissions from ore processing or beneficiation activities and not mining activities (such as drilling and blasting, movement of ore and overburden).
Ministerial Statement 1072 MS1072, signed by the Minister of Environment on 20 February 2018, supersedes MS491. The Revised Proposal is to mine the Northern Flank and Southern Flank orebodies. The proposal, as described in MS1072 Schedule 1 Table 1, includes the mining of multiple iron ore deposits; onsite processing and blending of ore; construction of an overland conveyor; services and infrastructure of the mine sites; accommodation villages and the construction and operation of a rail spur. The ore will be transported via rail to Port Hedland (MS1072). Condition 6 requires implementation a Water Management Environmental Management Plan to achieve: No reduction in the extent of components of the Coolibah-Lignum Flats Priority Ecological Community (PEC) on the Coondewanna Flats: Coolibah woodlands over lignum over swamp wandiree; and Coolibah and mulga woodland over lignum and tussock grasses on clay plains. No reduction in the extent of Weeli Wolli Spring Occurrence and Ben’s Oasis occurrence of the Weeli Wolli PEC. Condition 7 requires implementation of a Ghost Bat Environmental Management Plan to achieve: The long term viability of the Ghost Bat population in the Mining Area C Development Envelope. No disturbance of defined eleven Retained High Value Ghost Bat Caves. Schedule 1 Table 2 authorises: Clearing of native vegetation up to 21,842 hectares (ha) within defined areas. Surplus water management up to 34.8 GL per annum via managed aquifer recharge, infiltration ponds and discharge from sedimentation basins.
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Table 6: PER 2017 Environmental Factor - Human Health Environmental Description of the Government agency and public Evaluation of why the factor is not a factor proposal’s likely comments key environmental factor impacts on the environmental factor Human Health Excessive noise from mining Agency comments – Main Roads WA Human Health was not identified as a operations has the potential to Activities should be restricted to times when preliminary key environmental factor when impact sensitive receptors. the meteorological forecast shows no the EPA decided to assess the proposal or prevailing conditions which may cause in the ESD. Dust from operations could particulate material to impede the vision of impact the Great Northern motorists on Great Northern Highway. Mining operations will be managed in Highway. accordance with licence conditions under A concern was raised surrounding potential Part V of the Environmental Protection Act visibility issues stemming from proposed 1986. This will include reduced activities in mining operations in the areas shown in the vicinity of Great Northern Highway when Figure 5A of the submitted report. Dust and conditions require. The proponent will liaise particulate generation which is produced with Main Roads and implement traffic during blasting / mining operations has management measures when undertaking been noted as a moderate concern to Great blasting activities. Northern Highway. Close to 500 vehicles per day use this section of Great Northern Modelling showed that noise levels could Highway and a reduction in visibility is a impact the Mulla Mulla Accommodation large risk. Camp in a worst-case scenario that is Blasting activities, including the imposition unlikely to occur, however indoor noise of any exclusion zones, should not impede levels would meet standards. traffic along Great Northern Highway. If there is a requirement for any traffic Noise impacts will be monitored and management along Great Northern regulated under the Environmental Highway related to blasting activities a Protection (Noise) Regulations 1997. Blast Management Plan must be agreed in advance by BHP and Main Roads. Having regard to: • the legislative requirements for At no point during the operations is any water managing noise through the Environmental or other material to be discharged into the road Protection (Noise) reserve. Regulations 1997; 21
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• the legislative requirements for managing emissions under Part V of the EP Act; • Environmental Factor Guideline – Human Health; and • the significance considerations in the Statement of Environmental Principles, Factors and Objectives,
the EPA considers that it is unlikely that the Proposal would have a significant impact on Human Health and that the impacts to this factor are manageable.
Accordingly, the EPA did not consider Human Health to be a key environmental factor at the conclusion of its assessment.
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Other relevant approvals
State Agreement Iron Ore (Mount Goldsworthy) Agreement Act 1964. MAC is located on land that is pursuant to the Iron Ore (Mount Goldsworthy) Agreement Act 1964. The mine has been subject to multiple approved proposals under this Agreement since 2002. Two detailed proposals will be submitted for South Flank. The first application will outline early works to enable access to the site and the second will describe the full mine development.
Federal Legislation Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth) On 19 June 2017 the Minister for Environment and Energy (Cwth) approved actions associated with developing iron ore mines and associated infrastructure in the Pilbara Region of WA as described in a strategic assessment program issued in accordance with Section 146(1) of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth) (EPBC Act). The implementation framework of the Program comprises two plans: an Assurance Plan and the Offsets Plan under assessment by the Commonwealth Department of Environment and Energy (DoEE). South Flank will be subject to a Validation process under the Program following endorsement of the Assurance and Offsets Plan. The Validation Notice will describe how the potential impact to the Matters of National Environmental Significance (MNES) species will be managed to ensure the Program Outcomes are achieved. Part V of the EP Act
Applicable regulations, standards and guidelines The overarching legislative framework of this assessment is the EP Act and EP Regulations. The guidance statements which inform this assessment are: Guidance Statement: Regulatory Principles (July 2015) Guidance Statement: Setting Conditions (October 2015) Guidance Statement: Decision Making (February 2017) Guidance Statement: Risk Assessments (February 2017) Guidance Statement: Environmental Siting (November 2016)
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Works approval and licence history Table 7 summarises the works approval and licence history for the premises. Table 7: Works approval and licence history
Instrument Issued Nature and extent of works approval, licence or amendment
W3663/2002/1 19/08/2002 New works approval application for construction of prescribed premises
W3687/2002/1 10/12/2002 Works approval application to construct category 54 sewage facility and category 63 and 64 landfills
L7851/2002/1 05/05/2003 New licence application to allow ore processing operations to commence
L7851/2002/2 05/05/2004 Licence re-issue
L7851/2002/3 07/11/2004 Licence re-issue
W4105/2002/1 05/09/2005 Works approval application to increase capacity of category 5 ore processing infrastructure
W4162/2002/1 21/10/2005 Works approval application to construct category 54 sewage facility
L7851/2002/4 07/11/2006 Licence re-issue
L7851/2002/5 17/11/2009 Licence re-issue
W4665/2010/1 31/05/2010 Works approval application to construct category 89 putrescible landfill
W4939/2011/1 11/07/2011 Works approval application to increase capacity of category 5 ore processing infrastructure
W5079/2011/1 05/03/2012 Works approval application relating to Managed Aquifer Recharge trial
W5244/2012/1 10/09/2012 Works approval application – Category 5 additional crushing and screening plant (5mtpa).
L7851/2002/6 22/01/2014 Minor amendment
L7851/2002/6 7/04/2016 Licence amendment to update to template version 2.9
L7851/2002/6 29/09/2016 Licence amendment initiated by Licensee to increase Category 6 production capacity, approve construction of the Packsaddle Infiltration Ponds and MAC WTP, include Category 85B and include the Western and Central Sediment Basins as emission points to land.
L7851/2002/6 5/10/2017 Amendment Notice 1 initiated by Licensee to increase Category 6 and Category 63 production capacity, approve construction of the Juna Downs MAR Scheme, approve construction and operation of a new WWTP spray field for the Mulla Mulla Camp and include associated monitoring conditions, include the light vehicle washdown bay as emission point to land along with associated monitoring conditions and expand the premises boundary.
W6142/2018/1 13/07/2018 Works approval for construction of South Flank primary crushing stations and diesel storage, and Ore Handling Plant 3, and extension of the premises boundary.
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Clearing The clearing of native vegetation is not approved under this Licence. Clearing will be undertaken under MS1072 which permits the clearing of native vegetation up to 21,842 ha. 6. Location and siting
Siting context South Flank is located approximately 100 km northwest of Newman in the Pilbara region of Western Australia.
Sensitive land uses BHP’s Mulla Mulla Village, Packsaddle Village and Coondewanna Airport are located within the premises and are therefore not considered sensitive land uses for the purposes of assessing the risks associated with the emissions and discharges from the premises. The closest non- BHP owned sensitive land users in the vicinity are the Hope Downs Village and pastoral stations homesteads (Table 8). Great Northern Highway is 100 metres (m) from the premises boundary, but is 5.5 km from the proposed category 5 or category 73 infrastructure, as shown in Figure 6 below. The distances to residential and sensitive receptors are detailed in Table 8. Table 8: Sensitive receptors
Sensitive Land Uses Approximate distance from the Approximate distance from the prescribed premises boundary nearest Cat 5 or Cat 73 Facility.
Great Northern Highway 100 m 5.5. km
Rio Tinto Iron Ore’s Hope Downs 1.5 km 6.5 km One Mining Operation and village
Juna Downs Pastoral Station 28 km 42 km Homestead
Marilana Pastoral Station 44 km 53 km
Town of Newman 80km 85 km
Specified ecosystems Specified ecosystems are areas of high conservation value and special significance that may be impacted as a result of activities at or Emissions and Discharges from the Premises. The distances to specified ecosystems are shown in Table 9. Table 9 also identifies the distances to other relevant ecosystem values which do not fit the definition of a specified ecosystem. The table has also been modified to align with the Guidance Statement: Environmental Siting.
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Table 9: Environmental values
Specified ecosystems Distance from the proposed Approximate distance from the Premises boundary closest proposed Category 5 or category 73 activities.
PEC - Priority 3: Coondewanna 200 m 5.5 km Flats
PEC - Priority 1: Weeli Wolli Spring 9 km 19 km Community
PEC – Priority 1: West Angelas 11 km 17 km Cracking-Clays
Threatened flora No species listed under the EPBC Act or the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 are within the prescribed premises. Twelve flora species listed as priority flora by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions occur within the premises boundary.
Threatened fauna The development envelope contains large areas of suitable habitat for four species listed as vulnerable or endangered under both the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 and the EPBC Act. These species are the Dasyurus hallucatus (Northern quoll), the Liasis olivaceus barroni (Pilbara olive python), the Rhinonicterus aurantia (Pilbara leafnosed bat), and the Macroderma gigas (Ghost Bat). Nine major fauna habitats occur within the proposed prescribed premises. In addition to the major fauna habitats, significant habitat features, such as caves and waterholes have been recorded. Eleven significant fauna species have been identified within the proposed prescribed premises boundary: Acacia bromilowiana (Priority 4) Aristida jerichoensis supsp. spinulifera (Priority 3). Aristida lazaridis (Priority 2). Eremophila magnifica subsp. magnifica (Priority 4). Goodenia nuda: Priority 4. Grevillea saxicola (Priority 3). Nicotiana umbratica (Priority 3). Rhagodia sp. Hamersley (M. Trudgen 17794) (Priority 3). Rostellularia adscendens var. latifolia (Priority 3). Sida sp. Barlee Range (S. van Leeuwen 1642) (Priority 3). Themeda sp. Hamersley Station (M.E. Trudgen 11431): Priority 3. Triodia sp. Mt Ella (M.E. Trudgen 12739) (Priority 3).
Other values
The majority of vegetation within the premises is considered to be good or better condition. Vegetation in areas of higher relief with restricted access to stock ranged from Excellent to Pristine. Vegetation on drainage lines and flood plains and areas where exploration activities have occurred or impacted by stock declines to very good to good.
Surface water The infrastructure proposed is located in the catchment of the Weeli Wolli Creek as illustrated in Figure 6 below. A number of un-named perennial watercourses flow across the premises which eventually drain into Pebble Mouse Creek and Weeli Wolli Creek, which both flow into the Fortescue Marsh some 50 km north.
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The eastern section of the premises lies in the Coondewanna sub-catchment. The premises intersects the northern most section of Coondewanna Flats, but is not within the boundary of the Coondewanna Flats PEC. The Coondewanna Flats is a receiving area for surface water runoff. Floodwaters accumulate on the flats, replenishing soil moisture in the deep unsaturated profile and contributing to groundwater recharge. Surface water flow directions are shown in Figure 6 and the distances to surface water features are shown in Table 10. Table 10: Surface water distance from proposed activities
Surface water Approximate distance from proposed activities
Public drinking water source areas: Newman Water 55km and 90 km respectively Reserve and Paraburdoo Water Reserve – both P1 reserves.
RIWI Act area - Pilbara Surface Water Area The premises lies within the Area
Numerous minor watercourses Flow across the premises
Pebble Marsh Creek 4 km
Weeli Wolli Springs 19 km
Fortescue Marsh - Listed in the Directory of Important 50 km north Wetlands in Australia and a proposed Ramsar site. Also listed as a PEC by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions.
Groundwater The groundwater resource consists of three primary aquifers within the Upper Weeli Wolli catchment including: a) the orebody aquifer; b) the karstic Paraburdoo Dolomite of the Wittenoom dolomite, which is located within the topographic low areas; and c) the overlying alluvial tertiary detrital sediments. The main regional aquifer at MAC is the Wittenoom Formation. It is highly transmissive and high yielding where there is karst development. Water levels may be fairly deep. The majority of the groundwater recharge occurs via seepage from Lake Robinson – which forms in Coondewanna Flats after inundation events. Within the MAC and South Flank processing envelope, groundwater flows in an easterly direction from the Coondewanna Flat, through the dolomite valley of Northern and Southern Flank towards Weeli Wolli Spring (Figure 7). The depth to ground water across the area varies between 0 metres below ground level (mbgl) and over 100 mbgl, but the range is typically 15 – 60 mbgl. Generally, depth to water is lowest in the areas of Coondewanna Flats and Weeli Wolli Spring where surface water and groundwater flow concentrates. Depth to water is greatest in the upland areas. Groundwater in the catchment is fresh and typically has a low salinity with a typical Total Dissolved S
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Meteorology
Rainfall and temperature MAC is located in the Pilbara region which has a semi-arid climate with a hot summer from October to April and mild winter from May to September. Peak rainfall occurs in the hot summer months and is strongly dominated by tropical cyclones and thunderstorm activity. Evaporation greatly exceeds rainfall both throughout the year and on a month by month basis (from the Application).
Wind direction and strength Dominant wind directions are distinctly north-westerly during the summer months and south- easterly during the winter months. Spring also shows high north-westerly dominance (source: the Application).
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Figure 6: Sensitive receptors and surface water flow direction
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Figure 7: Groundwater flow direction (PER, 2017)
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7. Modelling and monitoring data BHP commissioned Pacific Environment Limited (PEL) to conduct air quality modelling to predict the potential impacts of MAC and South Flank operations on the local and regional air quality. The study (PEL, 2016) included the assessment of dust particles as particulate matter smaller than 10 microns (µm) in diameter (PM10) and Total Suspended Particles (TSP). The modelling was conducted for a number of scenarios to assess the ground-level impact of the emissions from MAC and South Flank. The modelled scenarios utilised the year of mining with the highest movement of tonnes of ore and waste in the closest proximity to the sensitive receptors, as a worst case scenario. Key emission sources were considered to be: bulldozing, loading, unloading, wheel generated dust from haul roads, wind erosion from stockpiles and open areas, blasting, drilling, crushing, screening, stacking, reclaiming and transfer stations. Dispersion modelling was conducted using the CALPUFF dispersion model combined with the Weather Research and Forecasting Model for generation of meteorological inputs. Background particulate emissions were determined from monitoring data collected at a suitable background location near Newman. The background air quality applied to each 3 3 scenario was PM10 concentration of 18 μg/m and TSP of concentration of 33 μg/m . Dust from South Flank mining and processing operations The model predicts: The highest TSP (24-hour) predicted at potential highway receptors is predicted to be 285 μg/m3. Dust from South Flank and Mining Area C operations combined The model predicts at Great Northern Highway: The highest TSP (24-hour) concentration predicted is 285 μg/m3. The model predicts at Rio Tinto Hope Downs Camp:
3 The highest PM10 (24-hour) concentration predicted is 77 μg/m , with one exceedance over 70 μg/m3 for the year and two exceedences over 50 μg/m3 per year. The highest TSP (24-hour) is 104 μg/m3, with the 99th percentile 64 μg/m3. The model predicts that approximately 15km of the Great Northern Highway is at high risk of reduced visibility (visibility up to 1 km) for up to 12% of the time at Highway receptor location 1 (ranging to 3% at Highway receptors 5 and 6), and low risk or reduced visibility for 60% of the time, for the worst case year scenario (PEL, 2016). Particulate contours at receptors, and risk of visibility are illustrated in Figures 8, 9 and 10 below (PEL, 2016).
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Figure 8: Maximum PM10 24 hour concentrations (South Flank and MAC combined)
Figure 9: Maximum 24 hour TSP concentrations (South Flank and MAC combined)
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Figure 10: Potential visibility risk (risk as classification by PEL, 2016)
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8. Consultation The Application was advertised in the West Australian newspaper and on the DWER website on 7 May 2018, for a comment period of 21 days. No comments were received. Notice of the Application was sent to the Shire of East Pilbara and the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS) on 7 May 2018 for a 21 day comment period. No comments were received from the Shire. DMIRS responded with no comments but noted that the proposed activities occur on State Agreement Act tenure, therefore no environmental approvals will be required under the Mining Act 1978. Request for comment on the draft assessment was sent to Main Roads WA (MRWA) and the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation (JTSI) on 15 June 2018. The response from JTSI on the draft assessment was received on 28 June 2018. JTSI has advised that they received consultation from MRWA on 12 June 2018 and no objections to the (entire Southern Flank) project were raised by MRWA, subject to a number of conditions including the potential for dust over Great Northern Highway. JTSI then afforded BHP the opportunity to review and comment on MRWA feedback (to JTSI) and in turn (on 19 June 2018), MRWA advised that it was satisfied with BHP’s response. No further comment on the draft assessment was provided to DWER by JTSI. MRWA responded to DWER on 2 July 2018 and advised that they had ‘been in direct contact with both BHP and JTSI to address the potential issue of dust over Great Northern Highway from BHP’s operational activities. MRWA advised that as part of its general engagement strategy, BHP has committed to liaising with Main Roads on dust mitigation and traffic management strategies to minimise any impacts on Great Northern Highway’. MRWA had no further comment on the draft assessment documentation. It is understood by DWER that BHP and MRWA will continue their consultation regarding dust mitigation around the Highway, outside and in addition to the Part V EP Act process as assessed in this Report and conditioned in W6142/2018/1. 9. Risk assessment
Determination of emission, pathway and receptor In undertaking its risk assessment, DWER will identify all potential emissions pathways and potential receptors to establish whether there is a Risk Event which requires detailed risk assessment. To establish a Risk Event there must be an emission, a receptor which may be exposed to that emission through an identified actual or likely pathway, and a potential adverse effect to the receptor from exposure to that emission. Where there is no actual or likely pathway and/or no receptor, the emission will be screened out and will not be considered as a Risk Event. In addition, where an emission has an actual or likely pathway and a receptor which may be adversely impacted, but that emission is regulated through other mechanisms such as Part IV of the EP Act, that emission will not be risk assessed further and will be screened out. The identification of the sources, pathways and receptors to determine Risk Events are set out in Tables 11 and 12 below.
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Table 11. Identification of emissions, pathway and receptors during construction
Risk Events Continue to Reasoning detailed risk Potential Potential Potential adverse assessment Sources/Activities Potential receptors emissions pathway impacts Air/wind Construction Construction of two Noise Hope Downs One Mining dispersion Amenity impacts No of new processing facilities, Operation and village 6.5 km
Category 5 two diesel storage east of the closest Amenity impacts and facilities, an Ore Dust construction P1. Category 73 Handling Plant, and Distance to sensitive receptors and relatively infrastructure conveyors. Great Northern Highway - Amenity impacts short duration of construction - no sensitive Dust 5.5 km west of the closest receptors likely to be impacted. construction P2.
Coondewanna Flats Priority Reduced health of the Dust 3 PEC - 5.5 km west of the PEC. closest construction P2.
Fuel and oil Soil and minor Direct discharge Contamination of soil No All hydrocarbons shall be stored in a bunded spills. watercourses. and surface water area, capable of containing 110% of the drainages with capacity of the largest storage vessel in or on hydrocarbons. the bund. Bunding will meet jetting requirements as outlines in AS1940 (source: the Application). Spill kits are available on site. Hydrocarbon spillage will be contained and the contaminated material removed/disposed of in an approved area (from the Application) The Environmental Protection Environmental Protection (Unauthorised Discharges) Regulations 2004 (WA) (UDRs) will be applicable.
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Risk Events Continue to Reasoning detailed risk Potential Potential Potential adverse assessment Sources/Activities Potential receptors emissions pathway impacts
Stormwater Coondewanna Flats - Direct discharge Increased sediment No Distance to Coondewanna Flats is 5 km. laden with Priority 3 PEC and along flow load in stormwater Processing infrastructure is located in the sediments path flow causing Weeli Wolli Creek sub catchment and Vegetation in good health on smothering/inundation surface water flow is east (away from the the premises. of PEC vegetation. PEC). Stormwater management during the construction works will be via the existing waterways and drainage system. Perimeter drains will be constructed around the Stockyard to divert water away from existing infrastructure and maintain existing flow paths until the permanent drains are constructed (from the Application). The Environmental Protection (Unauthorised Discharges) Regulations 2004 will provide sufficient regulatory control.
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Table 12: Identification of emissions, pathway and receptors during operation and commissioning
Risk Events Continue to Reasoning detailed risk Potential Potential Potential adverse assessment Sources/Activities Potential receptors emissions pathway impacts
Category 5 – Crushing of ore at Noise Hope Downs village is Air Amenity impacts No Distance to sensitive land users. processing of two primary crushing 6.5 km east of the closest ore. plants, and ore ore processing facility and The Environmental Protection (Noise) handling plant and 1.5 km from the premises Regulations 1997 apply. movement of ore by boundary. conveyors and transfer points, train Ghost bats on the premises. Ghost bats detect prey Noise modelling predicts sound levels at loadouts and at by sound, noise may Ghost Bat caves below 70dB and unlikely to stockyards. cause interference result in bats leaving their roost (Application, with detection. Section 7.1.3).
Impacts to Ghost bats regulated under Part IV of the EP Act. MS1072 Condition 7 requires a Ghost Bat Management Plan to
achieve the long term viability of Ghost Bat
population in the MAC Development envelope.
Dust Ghost bats on the premises Air/wind Ghost bats detect prey No Impacts to Ghost bats assessed and dispersion by sound but also regulated under Part IV of the EP Act (as have excellent vision above). which may be
impacted by dust.
Coondewanna Flats PEC - Reduced health and Impacts to Coondewanna Flats PEC 5.5 km from the closest ore viability of vegetation assessed as a key environmental factor
processing plant, 200 m and of a PEC due to under Part IV of the EPA Act. EPA from the premises boundary. smothering. considered the proposal would not result in direct impacts to the Coondewanna Flats
PEC.
Vegetation in good condition Reduced health of No threatened ecological communities or
on the premises. vegetation and fauna priority flora is found on the premises. reliant on vegetation. Vegetation in the Pilbara is considered resilient to impacts of dust.
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Risk Events Continue to Reasoning detailed risk Potential Potential Potential adverse assessment Sources/Activities Potential receptors emissions pathway impacts
Hope Downs Ore Mining Amenity impacts Yes Refer section 9.4 Operation and village 6.5 km east of the closest ore processing plant and 1.5 km from premises boundary.
Great Northern Highway is Reduced visibility – Yes Refer section 9.4 located 5.5 km closest ore motor vehicle accident processing plant and 100 m (impacts to human from premises boundary. health).
Hydrocarbons Soil Direct discharge Localised Yes Refer section 9.5 from spills contamination of soil and leaks Vegetation in good or better Discharge along with hydrocarbons. condition on the premises. path of Contaminated stormwater flow. Contamination by stormwater – sediments and sediments hydrocarbons of minor and watercourses. hydrocarbons Impact to vegetation health and fauna reliant on vegetation.
Coondewanna Flats Priority Impact to vegetation No Distance to the sensitive receptor. 3 PEC health of the PEC and Coondewanna Flats is 5.5 km from the water quality. closest processing plant. Processing infrastructure is located in the Weeli Wolli Creek sub catchment and surface water flow is east (away from the PEC).
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Risk Events Continue to Reasoning detailed risk Potential Potential Potential adverse assessment Sources/Activities Potential receptors emissions pathway impacts
Category 73 Storage of diesel – Leaks and Underlying soil. Direct discharge Contamination of soil. Yes Refer section 9.6 operations – ten x 200kL storage spills of fuel storage tanks at PC1 and hydrocarbons Soil, surface water and Contamination of PC2. vegetation adjacent to the minor watercourses. storage facility and in the path of spill. Impact to vegetation health and fauna reliant on vegetation.
Groundwater Infiltration. Contamination of good quality groundwater.
Coondewanna Flats Priority Indirect Impact to water quality No Distance to the sensitive receptor. 3 PEC discharge by and vegetation health Coondewanna Flats is 5.5 km from the stormwater flow and survival of closest processing plant. The diesel facilities and infiltration. Coondewanna Flats are located in the Weeli Wolli Creek sub Priority 3 PEC. catchment and surface water flow is east (away from the PEC).
Category 5 – Oily water Oily waste Soil and vegetation in good Direct discharge Contamination of soil Yes Refer section 9.7 processing of separators water condition in the vicinity of and minor ore and discharge. watercourses with Category 73 hydrocarbons. operations – fuel storage Impact to vegetation health and survival and fauna reliant on vegetation.
Groundwater Infiltration Contamination of good quality groundwater with hydrocarbons.
Coondewanna Flats Priority Flow path of Impact to water quality No Distance to the sensitive receptor. 3 PEC stormwater and and vegetation health Coondewanna Flats is 5.5 km from the infiltration to and survival of closest processing plant. groundwater. Coondewanna Flats Priority 3 PEC. The diesel facilities are located in the Weeli Wolli Creek sub catchment and surface water flow is east (away from the PEC).
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Consequence and likelihood of risk events A risk rating will be determined for risk events in accordance with the matrix in Table 13 below. Consequence and likelihood of the Risk Event will be assessed in accordance with Table 14. Table 13: Risk rating matrix Likelihood Consequence Slight Minor Moderate Major Severe Almost certain Medium High High Extreme Extreme Likely Medium Medium High High Extreme Possible Low Medium Medium High Extreme Unlikely Low Medium Medium Medium High Rare Low Low Medium Medium High
Table 14: Risk criteria table Likelihood Consequence
The following criteria has been The following criteria has been used to determine the consequences of a Risk Event occurring: used to determine the likelihood of the Risk Event occurring. Environment Public health* and amenity (such as air and water quality, noise, and odour) Almost The risk event is Severe onsite impacts: catastrophic Loss of life expected to occur offsite impacts local scale: high level Adverse health effects: high level or Certain in most or above ongoing medical treatment circumstances offsite impacts wider scale: mid-level Specific Consequence Criteria (for or above public health) are significantly Mid to long-term or permanent impact to exceeded an area of high conservation value or Local scale impacts: permanent loss special significance^ of amenity Specific Consequence Criteria (for environment) are significantly exceeded Likely The risk event will Major onsite impacts: high level Adverse health effects: mid-level or probably occur in offsite impacts local scale: mid-level frequent medical treatment most circumstances offsite impacts wider scale: low level Specific Consequence Criteria (for Short-term impact to an area of high public health) are exceeded conservation value or special Local scale impacts: high level significance^ impact to amenity Specific Consequence Criteria (for environment) are exceeded Possible The risk event Moderate onsite impacts: mid-level Adverse health effects: low level or could occur at offsite impacts local scale: low level occasional medical treatment some time offsite impacts wider scale: minimal Specific Consequence Criteria (for Specific Consequence Criteria (for public health) are at risk of not being environment) are at risk of not being met met Local scale impacts: mid-level impact to amenity Unlikely The risk event will Minor onsite impacts: low level Specific Consequence Criteria (for probably not occur offsite impacts local scale: minimal public health) are likely to be met in most offsite impacts wider scale: not Local scale impacts: low level impact circumstances detectable to amenity Specific Consequence Criteria (for environment) likely to be met Rare The risk event may Slight onsite impact: minimal Local scale: minimal to amenity only occur in Specific Consequence Criteria (for Specific Consequence Criteria (for exceptional environment) met public health) met circumstances ^ Determination of areas of high conservation value or special significance should be informed by the Guidance Statement: Environmental Siting. * In applying public health criteria, DWER may have regard to the Department of Health’s Health Risk Assessment (Scoping) Guidelines. “onsite” means within the Prescribed Premises boundary.
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Acceptability and treatment of Risk Event DWER will determine the acceptability and treatment of Risk Events in accordance with the Risk treatment table 15 below: Table 15: Risk treatment table
Rating of Risk Acceptability Treatment Event
Extreme Unacceptable. Risk Event will not be tolerated. DWER may refuse application.
High May be acceptable. Risk Event may be tolerated and may be subject to multiple regulatory controls. This Subject to multiple regulatory may include both outcome-based and controls. management conditions.
Medium Acceptable, generally subject to Risk Event is tolerable and is likely to be regulatory controls. subject to some regulatory controls. A preference for outcome-based conditions where practical and appropriate will be applied.
Low Acceptable, generally not Risk Event is acceptable and will generally controlled. not be subject to regulatory controls.
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Risk Assessment - Dust
Description of Risk Event Dust from activities associated with processing of ore may have impacts to amenity and health. Dust from processing of ore contributes to the total dust emissions from the premises.
Identification and general characterisation of emission The semi-arid environment of the Pilbara can be a naturally dusty environment. Dust particulates PM10 and TSP are the predominant emissions from an iron ore mine and processing facility. Table 16 lists the main sources of dust and tonnage per year released from the premises, after emissions controls were accounted for (as calculated by PEL, 2016). Activities relating to mining account for the majority of dust emissions. Table 16: Dust sources
Description of potential adverse impact from the emission Potential receptors at risk of impact of dust are vehicle users of Great Northern Highway, and the occupants of Hope Downs village. Modelling of the worst case scenario (all areas operating) dust emissions predicts that approximately 15 km of the Great Northern Highway is at high risk of reduced visibility (visibility up to 1 km) for up to 12% of the time for the worst dust load year scenario (PEL, 2016). Closing speeds of vehicles on Great Northern Highway would be expected to be 220 km per hour, that is, vehicles approaching each other at a distance of 1 km would impact within 16 seconds. Potential impact of collision is death.
Dust modelling predicts a highest PM10 (24-hour) concentration at Hope Downs village of 77 μg/m3, with two exceedences over 50 μg/m3 and one exceedance over 70 μg/m3 for the year.
Criteria for assessment The National Environment Protection Measure (NEPM) for Ambient Air Quality standard for 3 PM10, averaging period 24 hours is maximum concentration of 50 µg/m with 5 exceedences
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permitted a year.
Applicant controls The Applicant’s proposed controls for dust emissions from infrastructure and activities relating to the processing of ore are listed below. Table 17: Applicant’s proposed controls for dust
Site Controls to manage dust infrastructure
Each primary Fitted with foggers and water cannons crushing station (PC1 and PC2)
Each primary Covers and/or hoods installed crushing station (PC1 and PC2) Bulk Ore Conditioning (BOC) and Ore Handling systems installed to control Plant 3 (OHP3) moisture in the ore by targeting the optimum moisture level to BOC informed by Low Frequency Microwave prevent dust and blockage issues. Moisture Analysis located on the Overland Conveyors (OLC), scalping screen conveyor, fines Conveyors (three Fitted with BOC sprays to ensure and lump transfer conveyors and the TLO feed overland) the ore is above the Dust conveyors. Extinction Moisture (DEM) moisture content prior to being fed onto the Coarse Ore Stockpile (COS).
All Process Constructed with floor slabs designed for washdown and clean-up including slurry Infrastructure disposal systems. buildings (PC1, PC2 and OHP3) and transfer stations
Conveyor transfer Enclosed chutes
ROM bin, product Dust suppression fogging systems located at discharge points from crushing and screening, screens. scalping and crushing buildings
Stockyard Automated dust suppression water cannons installed, able to wet the stockpiles and surrounding areas.
Stockpile Water sprays available as required. reclamation area and train load out
Water tankers Available to apply water to areas of operation which have the potential to generate dust (including unsealed roads, haul roads, construction areas, OSA’s and ROM pads.
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Site Controls to manage dust infrastructure
Vehicles Vehicle speed managed on unsealed roads.
Dust monitoring Will be added to the existing real time monitoring MAC network, and to be established units near the Great Northern Highway and to the east of South Flank deposits. Existing meteorological forecast algorithms updated to consider temperature, wind velocity, and South Flank dust sources to predict high risk dust weather events and inform site activities.
Key findings
The Delegated Officer has reviewed the information regarding risk of dust and has found: 1. Dust emissions from prescribed activity of ore processing contributes to the cumulative dust emissions from the premises. 2. Modelling of dust emissions from the premises predicts reduced visibility for a 15 km section of the Great Northern Highway, for up to 12% of the time (at potential highway receptor 1). Vehicle closing speeds are 220 km per hour. 3. The risk of vehicle collision from poor visibility due to dust is a safety risk that also requires management and regulation under relevant safety legislation by the agency with jurisdiction for vehicle transport. To that end any controls for dust emissions must be developed and implemented in consultation with Main Roads WA. 4. Modelling of dust emissions from the premises predicts dust concentrations at Hope Downs Village will be within the NEPM Guideline concentrations. 5. The modelling worst case scenario is for the year of highest movement of tonnes of ore and waste in the closest proximity to the sensitive receptors. 6. The Applicant proposes a range of dust management measures, and dust monitors to inform site activities. 7. A dust monitoring plan including monitoring standards, monitor locations, trigger levels and management actions has not yet been submitted by the applicant.
Consequence A vehicle accident due to a low visibility dust event (visibility up to 1 km) has the potential to cause vehicle accident and loss of life. Therefore, the consequence of dust emissions causing low visibility at Great Northern Highway is severe.
If the concentration of dust occurs at Hope Downs Camp as modelled, with two PM10 exceedences per year over 50 μg/m3 (24 hour average), then Specific Consequence Criteria (for public health) would be met. Impact to amenity would be low level at a local scale. Therefore the consequence of dust emissions at Hope Downs Camp is minor.
Likelihood of Risk Event A low visibility dust event at Great Northern Highway is predicted for 10% of the year at highest mine production. Reduced visibility from dust will be managed by monitoring, and as cause of death, will be probably not occur in most circumstances. Therefore, the likelihood is unlikely.
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The dust event causing health and amenity impacts at Hope Downs Camp is modelled to probably not occur in most circumstances, and therefore the likelihood is determined as unlikely.
Overall rating of risk of dust Given the consequence and likelihood ratings described above compared against the risk rating matrix (Table 10), the overall rating for the risk of dust emissions at Great Northern Highway is high. Given the consequence and likelihood ratings described above compared with the risk rating matrix (Table 10), the overall rating for the risk of dust emissions at Hope Downs Camp is medium.
Risk Assessment – spills and stormwater
Description of spills and stormwater Storm water containing hydrocarbons and/or sediments may potentially be discharged to land and minor un-named watercourses. Spills of material or hydrocarbons may discharge directly to land.
Description of potential adverse impact from the emission A number of un-named perennial watercourses flow across the premises and have the potential to collect and direct stormwater contaminated with sediment and hydrocarbons. Vegetation on the premises is rated as good or better condition. Vegetation growth and survival may be impacted from smothering by sediments, inundation and/or by contamination of soils with hydrocarbons. Fauna reliant on vegetation for survival may be impacted. The development envelope contains large areas of suitable habitat for four species listed as vulnerable or endangered under both the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 and EPBC Act. Eleven other significant fauna species have been identified. Infiltration of hydrocarbons (diesel) through ground may contaminate groundwater which is fresh, TDS ranging between 600 and 700 mg/L.
Criteria for assessment National Environment Protection (Assessment of Site Contamination) Measure 1999. ANZECC & ARMCANZ (2000) drinking water guidelines for livestock.
Applicant controls Drainage is designed to ensure uncontaminated surface water runoff is directed away from processing and material stockpile areas. Sedimentation ponds will be constructed to capture any contaminants collected in surface water run-off from processing and stockyard areas. The sedimentation ponds will be designed to prevent stormwater with high sediment loading discharging directly to the natural drainage lines. Primary crushing stations (PC1 and PC2) and Ore Handling Plant (OHP3) Table drains constructed along the perimeters of the process and non-processing
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infrastructure pads to divert stormwater away from the infrastructure. PC1, PC2 and OHP3 process areas and conveyor transfer stations will have concrete floors that fall to a sump to collect spills and stormwater. The slurry from the sumps will be pumped to a settling pond constructed at each of PC1, PC2 and OHP3, before being released to a natural watercourse. Coarse Ore Stockpile (COS) Drainage for the COS will comprise table drains along the conveyor embankment and culverted crossings in the drains to discharge water into the existing MAC plant diversion drain. Stockyard New drains and culverts under the existing conveyors at the western end to divert water away from the new work areas. Perimeter drains will be constructed around the stockyard to divert water away from the infrastructure. The eastern side of the Stockyard will include a series of breaks in the windrows to allow runoff from the stockyard floor to flow into the MAC plant diversion drain. A settlement pond will be constructed at the Stockyard to remove sediment discharge collected from process areas. Sedimentation ponds Designed to capture all water run-off from process areas that are likely to produce ore fines. Designed to retain stormwater up to a 1 in 5 year ARI storm event. Hydrocarbons All hydrocarbons will be stored in a bunded area, capable of containing 110% of the capacity of the largest storage vessel in or on the bund. Bunding will meet jetting requirements as outlined in AS1940. Spill kits available on site.
Key findings
The Delegated Officer has reviewed the information regarding contaminated stormwater and has found: 1. Rainfall events causing stormwater flow at the premises are likely to be of short duration and high intensity. 2. The processing areas are located in the Weeli Wolli sub-catchment. 3. Vegetation on the premises is in good condition or better. Significant fauna species and habitat are resident within the premises footprint. 4. Uncontaminated stormwater will be directed away from processing and stockpile areas. 5. Hydrocarbons are stored within bunding. 6. Processing and stockpile areas will collect stormwater in sumps and on to sedimentation ponds.
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7. Sediment ponds are sized to contain flow up to a 1 in 5 year ARI storm event.
Consequence The impact of discharge of contaminated stormwaters will be mid-level on-site impacts. Therefore, the consequence of consequence of stormwater is moderate.
Likelihood of Risk Event Given the applicant’s controls, contaminated stormwater discharge occurring will probably not occur in most circumstances. Therefore, the likelihood of contaminated stormwater discharge is unlikely.
Overall rating of contaminated stormwater discharge Comparing the consequence and likelihood ratings described above with the risk rating matrix (Table 10), the overall rating for the risk of contaminated stormwater discharge is medium.
Risk Assessment – Leaks or spills of hydrocarbon from the diesel storage facility
Description of leaks or spills from the diesel storage facility Each Primary Crushing Facility will include a diesel facility of 2 ML capacity, with potential to leak or spill diesel. Spills and leaks can be potentially large, from one event or from frequent smaller leaks and spills.
Description of potential adverse impact from the emission Diesel spill and leaks may result in localised soil hydrocarbon contamination, and cause reduced vegetation health and vialbility, through inundation of vegetation root systems or direct impact to leaves/plants. Fauna may be impacted through loss of vegetation habitat or food. Infiltration of diesel through ground may contaminate groundwater which is fresh (TDS 600 to 700 mg/L) and of potential beneficial use.
Criteria for assessment National Environment Protection (Assessment of Site Contamination) Measure 1999. ANZECC & ARMCANZ (2000) drinking water guidelines for livestock.
Applicant controls Tanks Tanks will be horizontal, double walled, include an interstitial leakage monitoring probe system and fitted with overfill alarms and mechanical overfill protection. Tanks will comply with the requirements of AS1692. Unloading system Unloading pump skids will be fully bunded with the capacity to contain a 20 year ARI rain event for 72 hours. Each skid is to be provided with a manual isolation valve to allow drainage of the skid to either the local sump or to a collection truck. A bunded spill pad will surround the unloading area. The pad tied into the LV refuelling
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pad and fall to a collection sump. The flow from the sump shall fall to the main area collection sump. Concrete spillage slabs or bunded steel skids to capture leaks and spills from operations and maintenance activities around pumps, drains and tank headers. The slabs graded to a drainage channel with a minimum fall of 1:100 before to a collection sump. The spillage channels are constructed from concrete and are covered with open grating to permit an inspection and wash down of these trenches as required. Spill kits will be available at all unloading points. Refuelling Refuelling pump skids are to be fully bunded with the capacity to contain a 20 year rain event for 72 hours. Each skid is to be provided with a manual isolation valve to allow drainage of the skid to either the local sump or to a collection truck. The Heavy Vehicle (HV) refuelling slab will be bunded, and drain to a containment sump capable of containing a 9,000L spill. The Light Vehicle (LV) refuelling bunded slab will be integrated with the tanker unloading slab. The slab shall drain to a sump capable of containing a 300L spill. Concrete spillage slabs or bunded steel skids constructed to capture leaks and spills from operations and maintenance activities around pumps, drains and tank headers. The slabs graded to a drainage channel with a minimum fall of 1:100 to a collection sump. The spillage channels will be constructed from concrete and covered with open grating to permit an inspection and wash down as required. Spill kits will be available at all refuelling points.
Key findings
The Delegated Officer has reviewed the information regarding leaks or spills of hydrocarbon from the diesel storage facility and has found: 1. Diesel spill may result in localised soil contamination, and may impact on vegetation health and fauna. Vegetation on the premises is in good condition or better. 2. Infiltration of diesel through ground may contaminate groundwater with low salinity and potential beneficial use. 3. Groundwater at the premises is fresh and located at 15 to 60 mbgl. 4. Tanks will be double walled with overfill protection, and will comply with the requirements of AS1692. 5. Pump skids will be fully bunded to contain a 20 year rain event for 72 hours. 6. Aprons and slabs are constructed from concrete and designed to contain accidental spillage. 7. Diesel facilities will be managed under the Dangerous Goods Safety Act 2004. 8. Spill kits will be available.
Consequence If spills or leaks impacts on adjacent vegetation or soils and groundwater, then the impact is considered mid-level impact to an onsite receptor. Therefore, the consequence is moderate.
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Likelihood of Risk Event Given the applicant’s controls, the likelihood of diesel spills and leaks being released from the facility will only occur in exceptional circumstances. Therefore, the likelihood is considered rare
Overall risk rating of leaks or spills from the diesel storage facility Comparing the consequence and likelihood ratings described above with the risk rating matrix (Table 10), the overall rating for the risk of leaks or spills from the diesel storage facility is medium.
Risk Assessment – Waste water discharge from oily water separators
Description of waste water discharged from oily water separators Potentially contaminated surface water from the diesel storage facilities will pass through an oily water separator and discharged to a turkeys nest prior to use as dust suppression.
Identification and general characterisation of emission Waste water containing hydrocarbons.
Description of potential adverse impact from the emission Wastewater containing hydrocarbons discharged to ground may result in localised soil contamination, and may impact on vegetation health. Fauna may be impacted through loss of vegetation habitat or food. Infiltration of oily waste water through ground may contaminate groundwater which is fresh with potential beneficial use (TDS 600 to 700 mg/L).
Criteria for assessment National Environment Protection (Assessment of Site Contamination) Measure 1999. ANZECC & ARMCANZ (2000) drinking water guidelines for livestock.
Applicant controls Treated water from an oily water separator will be transferred to a local 5 kL holding tank. Monitoring will confirm that the total recoverable hydrocarbon (TRH) concentration is 15mg/L or less prior to release of the treated water to a turkeys nest. Turkey’s nests will be lined with 1.5mm HDPE liner. Water from the turkey’s nest will be utilised for dust suppression. A spillway will direct water overflow water to the adjacent diversion drain. Waste oil will be captured in a 5 kL tank for removal and disposal.
Key findings
The Delegated Officer has reviewed the information regarding waste water discharge (oily water separators) and has found: 1. Discharge of oily water may cause localised soil contamination, and impact on vegetation health and fauna. Vegetation on the premises is in good condition
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or better. Significant fauna habitat is found on the premises. 2. Groundwater at the premises is fresh and typically 15 to 60 mbgl. 3. The oily water separator is able to treat wastewater to a TRH concentration of 15mg/L or less. 4. Treated water will be discharged to a lined turkey’s nest and used for dust suppression or overflow to a diversion drain. 5. Waste oil will be captured in a tank.
Consequence If discharge to land of waste water contaminated with hydrocarbons occurs, there is potential for contamination of soil and reduced health of vegetation localised to the discharge. The impact will be low-level on site impacts. Therefore, the consequence is determined to be minor.
Likelihood of Risk Event Given the applicants controls, including that the treated water will be discharged to a lined pond, and waste water discharged for dust suppression when concentration of hydrocarbon is 15mg/L or less, the likelihood of discharge of waste water causing contamination of soil and impacts to vegetation will probably not occur in most circumstances. Therefore, the likelihood of a hydrocarbon discharge to land is unlikely.
Overall rating of waste water discharged from oily water separators The Delegated Officer has compared the consequence and likelihood ratings described above with the risk rating matrix (Table 10) and determined that the overall rating for the risk of discharge of waste water causing contamination of soil and impacts to vegetation is medium.
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Summary of acceptability and treatment of Risk Events A summary of the risk assessment and the acceptability or unacceptability of the risk events set out above, with the appropriate treatment and control, are set out in Table 18 below. Controls are described further in section 11. Table 18: Risk assessment summary
Description of Risk Event Applicant controls Risk rating Acceptability (conditions on instrument) and resulting regulatory controls Emission Source Pathway/ Receptor (Impact)
1. Dust Transfer, Dust transferred by Water tankers and water Extreme Acceptable subject to additional regulatory controls. stockpiling and air/wind to impact cannons, consequence processing or visibility at Great misters/foggers, BOC Works approval to specify additional Infrastructure ore. Northern Highway with systems, covers and Unlikely likelihood and dust controls beyond the design proposed. These controls must be developed and implemented in potential for vehicle hoods, and dust High Risk accident. monitoring to inform consultation with Main Roads WA. management actions. The existing licence will be amended to include location of dust monitors and triggers for management Dust transferred by Minor actions, including the requirement to alter or shut air/wind to Hope Downs consequence down operations proactively during forecast adverse Village causing health wind conditions. If necessary further controls in impacts from inhalation Unlikely likelihood relation to the location and operation of dust sources of dust. Medium Risk will be specified in the Licence.
2. Discharge to Spills Spills and/or Infrastructure controls, Moderate Acceptable subject to regulatory controls. land/surfaces stormwater containing including direction and consequence water from Contaminated sediments and/or collection of stormwater, Works approval to specify stormwater infrastructure is contaminated stormwater hydrocarbons and sedimentation Unlikely constructed in accordance with the design proposed. stormwater contaminating soil and ponds. Medium risk and material impacting vegetation and health and viability. hydrocarbon spills
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Description of Risk Event Applicant controls Risk rating Acceptability (conditions on instrument) and resulting regulatory controls Emission Source Pathway/ Receptor (Impact)
Leaks or Diesel storage Direct discharge with Infrastructure including Moderate Acceptable subject to regulatory controls spills of facility impacts of hydrocarbon containment consequence hydrocarbon contamination of soils and oily water separator. Works approval to specify infrastructure in from the and to vegetation Rare accordance with the design controls proposed diesel health and viability Medium risk For operation, the Dangerous Goods Safety Act 2004; storage Dangerous Goods Safety (Storage and Handling of facility non-explosives) Regulations 2007; the Australian Standard 1940-2004 and the UDRs will apply
3. Waste water Oily water Direct discharge Water treated to less Minor Acceptable subject to regulatory controls discharged separator. than 15mg/L TRH, prior consequence from oily to discharge to land for Works approval to specify infrastructure in water dust suppression. Unlikely accordance with the design controls proposed separators Medium risk The existing licence specifies the lining and permeability of evaporation/oily wastewater containment ponds, and includes monitoring and a TRH limit prior to discharge to land.
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10. Regulatory controls The risks are set out in the assessment in section 10 and the regulatory controls are detailed in this section. DWER will determine controls having regard to the adequacy of controls proposed by the Applicant. The conditions of the Works Approval will be set to give effect to the determined regulatory controls. Works Approval controls
Processing infrastructure Primary Processing Facilities 1 and 2 at South Flank, and infrastructure associated with Ore Processing Plant 3 at MAC will be required to be constructed in accordance with the Application documents. Specifically for: Siting; Nameplate capacity; Dust emission controls (water cannons, misters/foggers, BOC systems, covers and hoods, and dust monitors); Stormwater infrastructure controls; and Sedimentation ponds.
Diesel facility infrastructure and equipment The new diesel facilities will be required to be constructed in accordance with the Application documents, specifically for: Siting; Tank capacity and spill preventative measures; Bunding and spill containment; and Oily water separator and waste water storage.
Specified actions The Applicant will submit to the CEO within 3 months of granting of the works approval: A dust management and monitoring plan to locate and specify dust monitors for purposes of management of risk of low visibility at Great Northern Highway, and risk of amenity and health at Hope Downs Village. The aspects of plan pertaining to low visibility at Great Northern Highway shall be developed in consultation with Main Roads WA and include proactive controls to limit or control operations in the vent of forecast adverse weather conditions; and A commissioning plan detailing construction stages and commissioning parameters and timeframes.
Monitoring Installation of dust monitors will be required prior to operation of the Processing Facilities closest to risk of dust.
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Reporting A compliance construction report for each stage of infrastructure must be submitted prior to commissioning and operation, detailing compliance with the construction requirements.
Licence controls (by amendment to existing licence L7851/2002/6))
Processing plants and Ore Handling Plant Following successful construction of Primary Processing Facilities 1 and 2 at South Flank and infrastructure associated with Ore Processing Plant 3 at MAC, condition 1.2.10 will be amended for category 5 and category 73 production and design capacity limits. Condition 1.2.11 containment infrastructure will be amended where applicable.
Emissions to land Condition 2.3.1 will be amended to include emissions to land from new sedimentation ponds. Condition 2.3.2 for limit of TRH from treated wastewater will be amended to include the new emission reference points.
Monitoring requirements Condition 3.3.1 will be amended to include additional sampling points.
Reporting Condition 4.2.1 for information contained in the Annual Environment Report will be amended to include additional monitoring results. 11. Determination of Works Approval conditions The conditions in the issued Works Approval in Attachment 1 have been determined in accordance with the Guidance Statement: Setting Conditions. Table 19 provides a summary of the conditions to be applied to this works approval. Table 19: Summary of conditions to be applied
Condition Ref Grounds Infrastructure and Equipment These conditions are valid, risk-based and contain 1, 2, 3 and 4 appropriate controls. Emissions This condition is valid, risk-based and consistent with the 5 EP Act. Specified Actions These conditions are valid, risk-based and contain 6 and 7 appropriate controls. Commissioning This condition is valid, risk-based and consistent with the 8 EP Act. Record-keeping These conditions are valid and are necessary 9, 10 administration and reporting requirements to ensure compliance. DWER notes that it may review the appropriateness and adequacy of controls at any time and that, following a review, DWER may initiate amendments to the works approvals under the EP
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Act. 12. Applicant’s comments The Applicant was provided with the draft Decision Report and draft Works Approval on 15 June 2018. The Applicant provided comments which were received on 28 June and 29 June 2018. These comments which are summarised, along with DWER’s response are provided in Appendix 2. 13. Conclusion This assessment of the risks of activities on the Premises has been undertaken with due consideration of a number of factors, including the documents and policies specified in this Decision Report (summarised in Appendix 1). Based on this assessment, it has been determined that the Issued Works Approval will be granted subject to conditions commensurate with the determined controls and necessary for administration and reporting requirements.
Alana Kidd Manager, Resource Industries Delegated Officer under section 20 of the Environmental Protection Act 1986
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14. Appendix 1: Key documents
Document title In text ref Availability
1. Licence L7851/2002/6 – Mining Area L7851/2002/6 accessed at C Project http://www.dwer.wa.gov.au
2. RE: APPLICANT NOTIFICATION - - DWER Records A1701552 W6142/2018/1 - REFERRAL OF A WORKS APPROVAL - REQUEST FOR COMMENT dated 28 June 2018
3. Referral of a draft works approval - DWER Records A1701579 under the Environmental Protection Act 1986 - Request for Advice/Comment - BHP South Flank Mine Proposal dated 2 July 2018
4. BHP (2018) Works Approval Application DWER records (A1647727, Application, signed 29 March 2018 A1686383, A1647804, A1647806,
with Works Approval – Mining Area C A1647807) South Flank supporting Documentation Revision 2, June2018 (Including Information relating to Attachments 1 – 8).
5. BHP Billiton (May 2017) Mining Area accessed at www.epa.wa.gov.au/ C – Southern Flank Public PER, 2017 Environmental Review Document
6. DER, October 2015. Guidance - accessed at www.dwer.wa.gov.au Statement: Setting conditions.
Department of Environment Regulation, Perth.
7. DER, February 2017. Guidance Statement: Risk Assessments. Department of Environment Regulation, Perth.
8. DER, February 2017. Guidance Statement: Decision Making. Department of Environment Regulation, Perth.
9. DER, November 2016, Guidance Statement: Environmental Siting Department of Environment Regulation, Perth
10. EPA, Report 1610, December 2017. EPA, 2017 accessed at www.epa.wa.gov.au/ Report and Recommendations of the
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Environmental Protection Authority Mining Area C – Southern Flank
11. Ministerial Statement 1072 MS1072 accessed at www.epa.wa.gov.au/
12. Pacific Environment Limited, 22 PEL, 2016 DWER records (A1655778) August 2016. Memorandum – Updated Air Quality Modelling For South Flank Proposal.
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15. Appendix 2: Summary of applicant’s comments on risk assessment and draft conditions
Condition Summary of Licence Holder comment DWER response Comments received 28 June 2018
Conditions Please refer to comments below, in response to Cover Page – Draft Remove E47/1540 from the works approval premise Applicant comment provided on 3 July 2018 Licence Document description. This proposed correction to the referencing within 1 Correction to the cross – referencing to Table 2. this Condition has been reviewed and Condition 1, updated. This proposed correction within this Condition has 5 Correction to delete the reference to specified conditions been reviewed and Condition 5, updated. as there are no ‘specified conditions’ listed in the draft Works Approval. This extension of time to prepare the dust 6 The Applicant has requested that the period of time management and monitoring plan has been required to provide a dust management and monitoring considered. plan, be extended from three months to 6 months. The duration extension has been extended to be The Applicant is seeking additional time to develop the required within six months of the grant of the plan and consult with Main Roads WA. Works Approval. The request for the additional condition has been Commissioning section The Applicant requested a condition be inserted to allow reviewed and now allows for a duration of for a commission period to be undertaken under the works commissioning for the Category 5 infrastructure. approval for a period of 2 years. Currently conditions 7 and
8 relate to the submission of a commissioning plan and Condition 8 has now been moved to become commissioning report. The current version of the works Condition 9 and a new condition to include the approval does not permit commissioning of the facilities. proposed duration, is now Condition 8. The new condition includes requirements for the 58
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Condition Summary of Licence Holder comment DWER response demonstration of installation of dust and stormwater control infrastructure prior to commissioning.
Decision Report It is recognised that the MAC Licence amendment Section 4.3 Request for inclusion of the South Flank MEM Precinct (concurrent with this Works Approval Fuel storage: ‘The South Flank MEM Precinct Fuel storage assessment) incorporates a request to increase is included in the Licence Amendment Application the Category 73 limit from 3,500 m3 to 6,000 m3. submitted to the DWER Jan 2018 (please see Table 3.2 in As advised by the Applicant, this 2,500 m3 the works approval application). This aids in providing volume/ storage increase includes a location clarity on the approvals governing each facility. The OWS within the South Flank MEM area. The only fuel for the larger MEM Precinct is included in this application.’ storage applied for within this Works Approval application is for the fuel storage at each of the crushing facilities (Figures 2 and 3). The South Flank MEM Precinct Fuel Storage area has been included in the Exclusion section (4.3). Minor amendment noted and reference updated. Section 6.1.1 Request to amend reference to Table 7 to Table 8 Comments received 28 June 2018 and 4 July 2018 This request has been considered and the Conditions Update to include an additional sediment basin at Ore updated map incorporated into the conditions to Handling Plant 3 (OHP3) (MAC area). The Applicant demonstrate the location of the two sediment considers the inclusion of this second sedimentation pond basins on the Schedule 1: Maps ‘OHP3 and in the OHP3 area will not increase risks to public health, stockyards- layout’ map. amenity or the environment.
The Applicant requests infrastructure listed in Table 2 of Test within Table 2, Stormwater management, the Works Approval (Row One, Column 1) on Page 13 Ore Handling Plant 3 sedimentation pond has from “Ore Handling Plant 3 sedimentation pond” to “Ore been amended to read ‘Ore Handling Plant 3 Handling Plant 3 sedimentation ponds”. sedimentation ponds’. An additional figure was provided by the Applicant on 4 July 2018 to allow for the update of Schedule 1: Maps
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Condition Summary of Licence Holder comment DWER response ‘OHP3 and stockyards- layout’ map. No changes are required to the Decision Report as a result of this amendment to Table 2 of the Conditions. Comments received 3 July 2018 This request has been reviewed and no change Cover Page – Draft Applicant request to ‘leave E47/1540 on the works has been made to the Cover page of the draft Licence Document approval premises description. This aligns with the licence document in response to this request. decision to keep this tenure on the description of the MAC E47/1540 depiction has been updated in Figure 1 Environmental Licence L7851/2002/6. The renewal of of the Conditions and this Decision Report. E47/1540 has been granted and the new expiry date is 20 April 2019. This lease is renewed on an annual basis.’
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16. Attachment 1: Issued Works Approval W6142/2018/1
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