EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Moolarben Coal Complex – UG1 Optimisation Modification

Moolarben Coal Complex UG1 Optimisation Modification

Environmental Assessment

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY As such, the UG1 Optimisation Modification proposes the following (Figure ES-2):

ES1 BACKGROUND • recovery of approximately 3.7 million tonnes of additional run-of-mine (ROM) coal over the life The Moolarben Coal Complex is located of the mine; approximately 40 kilometres north of Mudgee in the • an extension of UG1 longwall panels in the Western Coalfields of New South Wales (NSW) north-east by approximately 150 to (Figure ES-1). 500 metres (m);

Moolarben Coal Operations Pty Ltd (MCO) is the • an extension of two UG1 longwall panels in the operator of the Moolarben Coal Complex on behalf south-west by approximately 75 m; of the Moolarben Joint Venture (Moolarben Coal • relocation of the approved UG1 central main Mines Pty Ltd, Sojitz Moolarben Resources Pty Ltd headings to the north-east; and a consortium of Korean power companies). MCO and Moolarben Coal Mines Pty Ltd are wholly • relocation of underground access to UG2 and owned subsidiaries of Yancoal Australia Limited. UG4; • longwall extraction of the portion of coal that The Moolarben Coal Complex comprises four forms the approved (central) main headings; approved open cut mining areas (OC1 to OC4), • three approved underground mining areas (UG1, an increase in the coal seam extraction height UG2 and UG4) and other mining related by approximately 300 millimetres to a infrastructure (including coal processing and maximum extraction thickness of 3.5 m; transport facilities). • an increase to longwall panel void width from approximately 305 to 311 m; Mining operations at the Moolarben Coal Complex • construction of a ROM coal conveyor are currently approved until 31 December 2038 in (including crushing and screening station and accordance with Project Approval (05_0117) transfer points) between the UG1 pit top (Moolarben Coal Project Stage 1) as modified and facilities in OC1 and the coal handling and Project Approval (08_0135) (Moolarben Coal preparation plant to transport underground Project Stage 2). ROM coal;

Environmental management and monitoring at the • extension to the underground product coal Moolarben Coal Complex is conducted in stockpile in the coal handling and preparation accordance with a range of management plans plant area and relocation and expansion of the required in accordance with Project Approvals underground ROM coal stockpile at the UG1 (05_0117) and (08_0135). pit top facilities;

• an increase in the maximum underground ES2 MODIFICATION OVERVIEW ROM coal production rate up to 8 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) from UG1, UG2 and This Environmental Assessment has been prepared UG4 (combined); by MCO to support a request to modify Project • Approvals (05_0117) and (08_0135) under an increase in the maximum total site ROM section 75W of the NSW Environmental Planning coal rate to 21 Mtpa (i.e. 13 Mtpa from open and Assessment Act, 1979 (the UG1 Optimisation cut operations and 8 Mtpa from underground Modification). operations); • an increase in average daily rail departures Following a review of mine planning, MCO has from five to seven and increase in peak daily identified opportunities to extract additional rail departures to nine; economically viable coal and improve mining and processing efficiencies associated with the • construction of Remote Services Facilities underground operations at the Moolarben Coal (including facilities and services necessary for Complex, namely UG1. the operation of an underground mine) and rear air intake shaft and associated fans above the extended UG1 longwall panels; and • relocation of the underground Mine Infrastructure Area and site administration offices.

00682128.DOCX ES-1 740000 760000 780000 " Durridgere WARRUMBUNGLE " State Conservation Area G Cainbil Uarbry OL Durridgere DE GO N LDEN SHIRE COUNCIL 9 UARBRY PINNACLE State Conservation Area HIG HWA Y " Ross Crossing HIG ER HW IV AY R 9 BLACK HILL Durridgere Turill COCKABUTTA State Conservation Area " HILL 9 d Durridgere a o R State Conservation Area UPPER HUNTER 6440000 6440000 SHIRE9 COUNCIL

n la I U U R Comiala Flat K "

9 BOX HILL RN ULBU GO R I " V The Hulks Tongo E R State Forest Goulburn River Ulan Goulburn River National Park Cope Mine Complex National Park State Goulburn River Forest Creek ong National Park pinj Cope State Ulan Wil Moolarben Forest W Y ! Coal Complex A ad A k L o W e L R IL e Goulburn River E RA ROUND TOP r R G C A N MOUNTAIN r W LGO la LEES National Park A U 9 l N e G U o PINCH G op W la jong Cr C LLO n- Wilpin eek W 9 HO Wo S Y M ll AN 6420000 AND o ar D 6420000 S Cope State Forest DEXTER ola R Y rb Wilpinjong k o HO MOUNTAIN e e a LL n e d OW 9 Coal Mine r RIVER GULGONG C RN RAILWAY GOULBU MAGAZINE Munghorn GU LG W HILL 9 Gap Nature ON ol " 9 C Wollar G la o " r H C Reserve MOUNT FLIRTATION enr o y y r Meads Crossing MISERY HILL L e G a a e o 9 W w l " k b A s R Y Cooks Gap o B o m a A EG n d A u W W R d D C H a ri o G v o I l e R l H a R

r MOUNT E STONY BETEALWEEN IV Munghorn PENNY PINCH Home Rule 9 MOUNTAIN R " 9 G W 9 n Gap Nature ay a N l B C a U O H re Reserve r L " G MAGPIE ek ig Y A a E HILL B Bylong R n Bylong AY C y LW E 9 ad GARRISON HILL e AI L o l R

R r l G T State N

e a O B 9 V Bylong LG

S e U a G A " k W R O C r g Forest LL

A i n O g o Y H BOX HILL I l Coal Project D L Cooyal a y AN W S 9 n B

9 MOUNT GALAMBINE TAL TAL ve r ri a D ll MOUNTAIN 9 LOWES o 9 PEAK W R o a BALD Sto d ny HILL 6400000 Botobola 9 6400000 r G

C OAKY MOUNTAIN R RED HILL n o r 9 O s Cre e 9 e MUDGEE e W w " Ro k k PORCUPINE a ad MOUNTAIN L Budgee Budgee BIG MOUNTAIN E RED HILL BOX HILL 9 CROSSWORD 9 OAKYS 9 E 9 9 MOUNT ROUND STORMY 9 HILL 9 MOUNT BALD y BUCKAROO 9 r MOUNT HILL n 9 e BARA DAVIDS H 9 MOUNTAIN 9 MID-WESTERN 9 BOMBIRA HILL Avisford Lue Nature FLIRTATION REGIONAL COUNCIL HILL Bowdens Reserve 9 MUDGEE La JIMMY COLLIERS MOUNT w Silver Project s JIMMY 9 HILL FROME W on MOUNT A s HAWKINS MOUNTAIN 9 9 LL Road Wollemi National Park MISERY ER PINNACLE 9 GROWEE AW Avisford A 9 MOUNTAIN 9 OZ MOUNTAIN N Cr 9 CANNIBAL Nature G eek HILL GWABEGAR LION 9 Reserve MOUNT MOUNTAIN 9 KNOWLES 9 ay W C U " 9 D ELEPHANT GOAT MOUNTAIN Lue 9R G MOUNTAIN Avisford E I G R V A O I E Nature N LW R G A Lu Reserve Y e MOUNT 6380000 BALD GRAHAM 6380000 MOUNTAIN 9 9 R I y C V e AS E R ll T R oa a L V SAILORS E d RE WHEELBARROW BLUFF A g PEAK G n MOUNTAIN H OAK HILL o 9 MOUNTAIN LEGEND 9 9 l y 9 9 MOUNT TONGBONG 9 B MARGARET MOUNTAIN 9 ST HELENA Mining Lease Boundary Dungeree RUMKERS PEAK BLUFF 9 DAIRY MOUNTAIN POINT 9POINTTOOMGO State HILL SPRING 9 MONKEYExploration Licence Boundary 9 TAYLORS 9 COXS 9 9 BOX HILL 9 Forest MOUNTAIN 9 99 HILL DOG TRAP HILL HILL CROWN GAMBO Local Government9 Boundary Lake HILL 9 THE NSW State9 Forest CASTLE Windamere BEARDYS MULLS 9 NationalHILL Park, Nature Reserve and State HILL RIVER 9 MOUNT 9 RED HILLConservation Area BOCOBLE HOPE MOUNT NG BRACE Nullo RIFLE MOUNTAIN 9 EGO MOUNT BROWN UDG 9 MOUNT RANGEMining Operation 9 C RYLSTONE CONOURURY Mountain 9 HILL H COOLCALWIN HILL IG 9 9 H State Forest W 9 d 0 29 4 6 8 10 A a Y o RAMS HEAD EAGLEHAWK R UG1 OPTIMISATION MODIFICATION HILL Cu WINDMILL MOUNTAIN d HILL 9 eg o d g 9 Kilometres n a n FIGURE ES-1 Wollemi g o o R l y

B National Source: Geoscience Australia, 2006 and CARCALGONG Regional Location BOMBANDI MOUNTAIN KANDOS ParkTOWINHINGY PYRAMUL NSW TradeBOIGA & Investment, 2013 9 HILL 6360000HILL MOUNTAIN 9 Clandulla 6360000 9 9740000 760000 780000 State Forest 9 MOUNT MCM-14-05 UG1_OM_ES 201A 760000

UG4 ek re C

Product Bypass Stockpile Extension

ra Washed Coal Stockpile Bo CPP Mains Access to UG4

ULAN MINE COMPLEX Product Bypass Stockpile

Transfer and Sizing Station Ula RIVER n-W GOULBURN ol CHPP and lar R Infrastructure o a Mains Access to UG4 - Not Required d Remote Services Facilities

S A N D Y H O L L Mine Infrastructure Area O W - G U ad L Ro G O an N Ul G

Access Headings - North-East Mains R A IL W A Y 6425000 6425000 Revised North-East Mains Location ROM Coal Stockpile UG1

OC1

OC1 Highwall Access

Mains Access to UG2

Approved Central Mains - Not Required

M o o la r be n C r e e k OC4

Rear Air Intake Shaft and Fan LEGEND Up Catchment Diversion Water Infrastructure Existing Approved Stage 1 Open Cut Out-of-pit Emplacement Surface Infrastructure Area Longwall Mining Area Existing/Approved Stage 2 Open Cut Out-of-pit Emplacement Surface Infrastructure Area OC2 M u Longwall Mining Area r ra UG2 g Proposed UG1 Optimisation Modification a m b Underground Workings a C Overland Conveyor re ek Surface Infrastructure Area Proposed OC4 South-West Modification 6420000 6420000 Proposed OC4 South-West Haul Road Approved Stage 2 Haul Road - Not Required

UG1 OPTIMISATION MODIFICATIONM 0 0.25 0.5 0.75 1 u r FIGURE ES-2 ra ga m Kilometres Proposed General Arrangement b a C Source: MCO,Proposed 2014 r

760000 ee Stage 1 ! k MCM-14-05 UG1_OM_ES 202B Moolarben Coal Complex – UG1 Optimisation Modification

The UG1 Optimisation Modification also seeks an • Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Assessment increase in the approved Moolarben Coal Complex (prepared by Niche Environment & Heritage); construction and operational workforces to • incorporate anticipated personnel for the approved Road Transport Assessment (prepared by underground and open cut operations. GTA Consultants); and • Community Infrastructure Assessment The UG1 Optimisation Modification seeks to (prepared by Coffey Environments Australia increase the peak construction workforce to Pty Ltd). 250 personnel for the Moolarben Coal Complex, with the peak expected to occur for a short period A summary of the key findings of these (2 months) during 2017. environmental reviews and key commitments with respect to managing potential impacts is provided in An increase in the approved operational workforce Table ES-1. for the Moolarben Coal Complex is sought from approximately 439 personnel to approximately 667 personnel on average. A peak operational ES4 JUSTIFICATION OF THE workforce of 740 personnel would be required for MODIFICATION 12 to 18 months during 2016 and 2017. The UG1 Optimisation Modification would allow the Other components of the approved Moolarben Coal recovery of approximately an additional 3.7 million Complex would not change as a result of the UG1 tonnes of underground coal. Optimisation Modification, including: The UG1 Optimisation Modification would reduce • operational mine life; the number of longwall mining equipment relocations from nine to five which would enable • hours of operation; more efficient recovery of underground coal.

• blasting limits; The proposed UG1 Optimisation Modification would • Biodiversity Offset Strategy; improve the efficiency of integration of mining operations across the complex, access to the UG1 • site access; or resource and transfer of underground coal to the • open cut coal extraction limits. Coal Handling and Preparation Plant area.

ES3 ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW The UG1 Optimisation Modification is generally consistent with the subsidence impact performance To assess the potential environmental impacts of measures in Project Approval (08_0135). In the UG1 Optimisation Modification, a number of addition, the environmental review demonstrated environmental reviews were completed with that the UG1 Optimisation Modification can be supporting specialist reports including: conducted with minimal additional environmental impacts above those already approved for the • Subsidence Assessment (prepared by Mine Moolarben Coal Complex. Subsidence Engineering Consultants);

• Groundwater Assessment (prepared by Dundon Consulting with supporting groundwater modelling undertaken by HydroSimulations); • Noise Assessment (prepared by SLR Consulting); • Air Quality Assessment (prepared by Todoroski Air Sciences); • Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment (prepared by EcoLogical Australia); • Surface Water Assessment Review (prepared by WRM Water & Environment);

00682128.DOCX ES-4 Moolarben Coal Complex – UG1 Optimisation Modification

Table ES-1 Key Outcomes of the UG1 Optimisation Modification Environmental Reviews

Environmental Summary of Environmental Assessment Key Management, Mitigation or Monitoring Aspect Conclusions Measures for the UG1 Optimisation Modification Built Features1 Consistent with the performance measures Implementation of Extraction Plan for UG1. outlined in Table 16 of NSW Project Approval (08_0135). Cliffs and Steep Consistent with the performance measures Implementation of Extraction Plan for UG1. Slopes outlined in Table 15 of NSW Project Approval (08_0135). Groundwater No adverse affects predicted on third-party Continued implementation of groundwater monitoring Resources groundwater users (in terms of the minimal harm and management would continue to be conducted in considerations of the Aquifer Interference accordance with the Water Management Plan. Policy). Holding of adequate groundwater licenses. No material impact predicted on stream baseflow or natural river leakage for any nearby stream. Negligible drawdown in the alluvial aquifers. Surface Water No significant change to site water balance Continued implementation of water management Resources expected. system and water monitoring network. No significant change to approved environmental Monitoring and remediation (if required) for potential consequences or proposed management subsidence impacts through Extraction Plan process. measures for unnamed drainage lines. Noise Negligible exceedance (1 decibel) of Project Continued implementation of: Approval noise limit at one privately-owned • At source noise controls. receiver. • Predictive meteorological forecasting. Compliance with all other existing Project Approval noise limits. • Real-time noise monitoring and performance indicators. • Attended noise monitoring. Air Quality Compliance with existing Project Approval air Continued implementation of: quality limits. • At source dust controls. • Predictive meteorological forecasting. • Real-time monitoring and performance. Ecology Disturbance of approximately 8.4 hectares of Existing Stage 2 Biodiversity Offset Strategy adequately derived native grassland2. The UG1 compensates potential impacts, with surplus area. Optimisation Modification in conjunction with the Continued implementation of vegetation clearance OC4 South-West Modification would result in a protocols. reduction in the total area to be disturbed by the approved Moolarben Coal Complex. No significant impacts to threatened species, populations or communities. Aboriginal Potential direct impacts to two isolated stone Continued implementation of monitoring and Heritage artefacts of low archaeological significance. management measures through Heritage Management No significant impact to Aboriginal sites as a Plan. result of additional subsidence is anticipated. Salvage of sites that would be directly impacted as a result of surface disturbance works. Road Transport No significant impacts on the performance, Continued contributions to road maintenance in capacity, efficiency and safety of the road accordance with Project Approval (05_0117) and network. Project Approval (08_0135). Community Existing community infrastructure in the Additional contributions in accordance with Project Infrastructure Mid-Western Regional LGA is capable of Approval (08_0135) to reflect the anticipated increase in servicing the increased population associated the Moolarben Coal Complex workforce. with the anticipated increase in the Moolarben Continued support for local organisations in the region Coal Complex workforce. and continued contributions to Mid-Western Regional Council in accordance with Moolarben Coal Complex Planning Agreement and Project Approval (05_0117). Visual Negligible change in potential visual impacts Continued implementation of visual mitigation from sensitive viewpoints. measures. 1 Refer Table 16 of NSW Project Approval (08_0135). 2 The vegetation mapping is considered to be conservative as parts of the area have a recent history of clearing and cultivation and some areas may be classified as regrowth.

00682128.DOCX ES-5 Moolarben Coal Complex UG1 Optimisation Modification

Environmental Assessment

ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT Moolarben Coal Complex – UG1 Optimisation Modification

TABLE OF CONTENTS

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ES-1 3.7 WASTE MANAGEMENT 25 1 INTRODUCTION 1 3.8 MANAGEMENT OF DANGEROUS GOODS 25 1.1 BACKGROUND 1 3.9 WORKFORCE 25 1.1.1 Moolarben Coal Complex History 1 1.1.2 Neighbouring Mine 3.10 CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES 25 Operations/Projects 5 3.11 REHABILITATION 25 1.2 MODIFICATION OVERVIEW 5 4 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT 26 1.2.1 Project Justification 9 4.1 SUBSIDENCE 26 1.3 SITE LOCATION AND TENURE 9 4.1.1 Environmental Review 26 1.4 CONSULTATION 9 4.1.2 Mitigation Measures, 1.4.1 Public Consultation 12 Management and Monitoring 31 1.5 STRUCTURE OF THE EA 12 4.2 GROUNDWATER RESOURCES 31 2 SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF 4.2.1 Background 31 4.2.2 Environmental Review 32 EXISTING/APPROVED MOOLARBEN COAL 4.2.3 Mitigation Measures, COMPLEX 13 Management and Monitoring 33 2.1 APPROVALS HISTORY 13 4.3 NOISE 33 2.2 CONSTRUCTION 14 4.3.1 Background 33 2.3 OPEN CUT MINING 14 4.3.2 Environmental Review 34 2.4 UNDERGROUND MINING 14 4.3.3 Mitigation Measures, Management and Monitoring 38 2.5 COAL HANDLING AND PREPARATION 14 4.4 AIR QUALITY 39 2.6 PRODUCT COAL TRANSPORT 15 4.4.1 Background 39 2.7 WASTE ROCK MANAGEMENT 15 4.4.2 Environmental Review 40 2.8 COAL REJECT MANAGEMENT 15 4.4.3 Mitigation Measures, 2.9 GENERAL INFRASTRUCTURE 15 Management and Monitoring 41 2.9.1 Site Access and Infrastructure 4.5 ECOLOGY 41 Areas 15 4.5.1 Background 41 2.9.2 Electricity Supply and 4.5.2 Environmental Review 44 Distribution 16 4.5.3 Mitigation Measures, 2.9.3 Potable Water 16 Management, Monitoring and 2.9.4 Ancillary Infrastructure 16 Offset 44 2.10 WATER MANAGEMENT 16 4.6 SURFACE WATER RESOURCES 45 2.11 WASTE MANAGEMENT 17 4.6.1 Background 45 2.12 MANAGEMENT OF DANGEROUS 4.6.2 Environmental Review 45 GOODS 17 4.6.3 Mitigation Measures, 2.12.1 Hydrocarbon Storages 17 Management and Monitoring 47 2.12.2 Explosives Storage 17 4.7 ABORIGINAL HERITAGE 47 2.13 WORKFORCE 17 4.7.1 Background 47 2.14 REHABILITATION 17 4.7.2 Environmental Review 48 2.14.1 Rehabilitation Objectives 18 4.7.3 Management and Mitigation 2.14.2 Rehabilitation Monitoring 19 Measures 50 2.15 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 4.8 ROAD TRANSPORT 50 AND MONITORING 19 4.8.1 Background 50 2.16 COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTIONS 19 4.8.2 Environmental Review 50 4.8.3 Management and Mitigation 2.17 COMPLAINTS 21 Measures 53 3 DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED 4.9 COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE 53 MODIFICATION 22 4.9.1 Background 53 3.1 UNDERGROUND MINING 4.9.2 Environmental Review 53 OPERATIONS 22 4.9.3 Management and Mitigation Measures 54 3.2 OPEN CUT MINING OPERATIONS 23 4.10 VISUAL 54 3.3 PRODUCT COAL TRANSPORT 23 4.10.1 Background 54 3.4 COAL HANDLING AND PREPARATION 4.10.2 Environmental Review 57 INFRASTRUCTURE 23 4.10.3 Mitigation Measures and 3.4.1 Underground Coal Handling 23 Management 57 3.4.2 Coal Preparation Plant 23 4.11 OTHER ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS 58 3.5 GENERAL INFRASTRUCTURE 23 4.11.1 Land Resources 57 3.5.1 Underground Mine 4.11.2 Greenhouse Gas Emissions 59 Infrastructure Area 23 4.11.3 Non-Aboriginal Heritage 59 3.5.2 Remote Services Facilities 24 4.11.4 Blasting 60 3.5.3 Rear Air Intake Shaft 24 4.11.5 Aquatic Ecology 60 3.6 WATER MANAGEMENT 24 4.11.6 Hazard and Risk 60

00684795.DOCX i Moolarben Coal Mines Pty Ltd Moolarben Coal Complex – UG1 Optimisation Modification

TABLE OF CONTENTS (Continued)

5 STATUTORY CONTEXT 61 LIST OF FIGURES (Continued) 5.1 GENERAL STATUTORY CONSIDERATIONS 61 Figure 12 Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Sites 5.1.1 State Legislation 61 Figure 13 Relevant Traffic Survey Locations 5.1.2 Other State Legislation 62 Figure 14 Previously Assessed Sensitive 5.1.3 Environmental Planning Viewpoints and Proposed Surface Instruments 63 Infrastructure 5.1.4 Commonwealth Legislation 68 5.2 NSW GOVERNMENT POLICY 69 5.2.1 Strategic Regional Land Use Plan 69 LIST OF ATTACHMENTS 5.2.2 Aquifer Interference Policy 69 5.3 APPROVALS, LICENCES AND PLANS 70 Attachment 1 Stage 1 Project Approval (05_0117) 5.3.1 Project Approval Conditions 70 Attachment 2 Stage 2 Project Approval (08_0135) 5.3.2 Extraction Plan 71 5.3.3 Mining Operations Plan 71 Attachment 3 Site Verification Certificate 5.3.4 Environment Protection Licence Conditions 71 5.3.5 Management/Monitoring Plans 71 LIST OF APPENDICES 6 REFERENCES 72 Appendix A Subsidence Assessment Appendix B Groundwater Assessment LIST OF TABLES Appendix C Noise Assessment Table 1 Summary Comparison of Approved and Appendix D Air Quality Assessment Modified Moolarben Coal Project Appendix E Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment Table 2 Comparison of Predicted Systematic Appendix F Surface Water Assessment Review Subsidence Effects for the Approved and Modified Mining Layouts Appendix G Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Assessment Table 3 Subsidence Impact Performance Measures Appendix H Road Transport Assessment Table 4 Native Vegetation Communities Recorded Appendix I Community Infrastructure Assessment Table 5 Indicative Shift Times and Workforce at the Moolarben Coal Complex

Table 6 Summary of Visual Impacts

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1 Regional Location

Figure 2 Approved Moolarben Coal Project (Stage 1 and Stage 2) General Arrangement Figure 3 Aerial Photo of the Moolarben Coal Complex (May 2014) Figure 4 Proposed General Arrangement Figure 5a Relevant Land Ownership Plan Figure 5b Relevant Landholder List Figure 6 Moolarben Coal Complex Environmental Monitoring Sites Figure 7 Natural and Built Features within the Modification Area Figure 8 Relevant Noise, Blasting and Dust Monitoring Site Locations Figure 9 Modification Year 2018 Night-time Operational Noise Contours Figure 10 Modification Year 2016 24 hour PM10 Air Quality Contours Figure 11 Sub-catchments at the Moolarben Coal Complex and Relevant Surface Water Monitoring Locations

00684795.DOCX ii Moolarben Coal Mines Pty Ltd Moolarben Coal Complex – UG1 Optimisation Modification

1 INTRODUCTION The UG1 Optimisation Modification includes the reconfiguration of underground longwall panels The Moolarben Coal Complex is located (UG1), relocation of approved mine infrastructure, approximately 40 kilometres (km) north of Mudgee construction of coal handling infrastructure, Remote in the Western Coalfields of New South Wales Services Facilities and rear air intake facilities, and (NSW) (Figure 1). increase in the approved workforce.

Moolarben Coal Operations Pty Ltd (MCO) is the A copy of Project Approval (05_0117) and Project operator of the Moolarben Coal Complex on behalf Approval (08_0135) are provided as Attachments 1 of the Moolarben Joint Venture (Moolarben Coal and 2. Mines Pty Ltd [MCM], Sojitz Moolarben Resources Pty Ltd and a consortium of Korean power 1.1 BACKGROUND companies). MCO and MCM are wholly owned subsidiaries of Yancoal Australia Limited (Yancoal). 1.1.1 Moolarben Coal Complex History The Moolarben Coal Complex comprises four approved open cut mining areas (OC1 to OC4), The Moolarben Coal Project (Stage 1) was three approved underground mining areas (UG1, assessed in the Moolarben Coal Project UG2 and UG4) and other mining related Environmental Assessment Report (Moolarben Coal infrastructure (including coal processing and Mines Pty Limited, 2006) (Stage 1 EA) and was transport facilities) (Figure 2). approved by the NSW Minister for Planning on 6 September 2007 (Stage 1 Project Approval Mining operations at the Moolarben Coal Complex [05_0117]). are currently approved until 31 December 2038 in accordance with Project Approval (05_0117) Stage 1 Project Approval (05_0117) has been (Moolarben Coal Project Stage 1) (as modified) and subject to ten modifications. The modifications were Project Approval (08_0135) (Moolarben Coal generally required to reconfigure the mine layout Project Stage 2). (e.g. extension to mining areas, relocation of coal handling infrastructure and water infrastructure) and Stage 1 mining operations are undertaken in were aimed to improve the efficiency and operation accordance with Approval Decisions of the Moolarben Coal Complex and enable access EPBC 2007/3297 granted on 24 October 2007 (and to additional economically viable coal reserves. varied by notice on 25 February 2009 and 11 May 2010) and EPBC 2013/6926 granted on A Major Project Application for the Moolarben Coal 13 November 2014 under the Commonwealth Project (Stage 2) was lodged with the NSW Minister Environment Protection and Biodiversity for Planning on 1 May 2008. Following exhibition of Conservation Act, 1999 (EPBC Act). The current the Moolarben Coal Project Stage 2 Environmental mining operations are also conducted in accordance Assessment (Stage 2 EA), MCM made a number of with the requirements of the conditions of Mining changes to the proposed layout and design of the Lease (ML) 1605, ML 1606, ML 1628 and ML 1691 Moolarben Coal Project Stage 2 in order to address granted under the Mining Act, 1992. issues raised by the Department of Planning and Infrastructure (DP&I) (now Department of Planning Since commencement of coal mining operations in and Environment [DP&E]) and its independent 2010, mining activities have occurred within OC1 technical reviewers, introduce additional impact and OC2 (Figure 3). Subject to all necessary avoidance measures and to enable the effective approvals being in place (both State and integration of Stage 2 with Stage 1. Changes to the Commonwealth), development of the OC4 pit Moolarben Coal Project Stage 2 were described in a (Stage 2) is planned to commence during 2015. The Preferred Project Report (Stage 2 PPR) which was development of the UG1 (i.e. highwall stabilisation, exhibited from 31 January 2012 to 24 February portal construction and drivage development) would 2012. also commence in 2015. The Moolarben Coal Project Stage 2 was approved This Environmental Assessment (EA) has been by the Planning Assessment Commission (as prepared by MCO to support a request to modify delegate of the NSW Minister for Planning) on both the Stage 1 and Stage 2 Project Approvals 30 January 2015 (Stage 2 Project Approval (05_0117 and 08_0135, respectively) under [08_0135]). section 75W of the NSW Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, 1979 (EP&A Act) (the UG1 Optimisation Modification).

00684795.DOCX 1 Moolarben Coal Mines Pty Ltd 740000 760000 780000 " Durridgere WARRUMBUNGLE " State Conservation Area G Cainbil Uarbry OL Durridgere DE GO N LDEN SHIRE COUNCIL 9 UARBRY PINNACLE State Conservation Area HIG HWA Y " Ross Crossing HIG ER HW IV AY R 9 BLACK HILL Durridgere Turill COCKABUTTA State Conservation Area " HILL 9 d Durridgere a o R State Conservation Area UPPER HUNTER 6440000 6440000 SHIRE9 COUNCIL

n la I U U R Comiala Flat K "

R r l G T State N

e a O B 9 V Bylong LG

S e U a G A " k W R O C r g Forest LL

A i n O g o Y H BOX HILL I l Coal Project D L Cooyal a y AN W S 9 n B

9 MOUNT GALAMBINE TAL TAL ve r ri a D ll MOUNTAIN 9 LOWES o 9 PEAK W R o a BALD Sto d ny HILL 6400000 Botobola 9 6400000 r G

00 0 4 45 500

8 4 0 8 0 0 2 5 5 0 EL 7074 0 4 0 6 5 5 0 L 0 450 E 0 5 5 50 4 4 4

5 5 0 5 0 0 5 0 0 0

4 0 4 0 0 5 4 5 0 450 4 400 4 4 0 5 0 4 0 50

k 0 e 45 e 0 r 00 5 5 4 C 0

5 s 4 6430000 r 6430000 e Ulan C 450 l reek d d 0 0 0 0 4 450 0 a 4 45 5 5 0 S

4 0 5 5 0 5 4 0 0 0

UG4 0 45 0

5 50 5 0 5

0 0

0 0 Goulburn River National Park ML1628 50 G 0

l b

u rn EL 7074

500 0 R 0 500 4

i k v e e CHPP Area re r C Mains Access to UG4 EL 6288 a 5 or 00 ULAN MINE COMPLEX B 4 Stage 1 Infrastructure 5

0 0 0 S 5 A Stage 1 ROM Coal Facility N r Road D Ulan - Wolla Y H O L L O W -

G U 50 L 4 G 5 O 00 N Stage 1 Mine Infrastructure Area oad G R R 5 an 450 A 0 Ul 4 IL 0 W 5 0 0 A 0 Y ULAN 5 6425000 6425000

UG1 Approved Stage 2 Conveyor OC1 Underground Mine Infrastructure Area Approved Road Realignment 40 4 0 (not yet constructed) 5 Stage 2 ROM Coal Facility 0 ML160 6 W il 0 p ML1 55 in 628 jon g M Cr L ee 1 k 6 0 6 M 0 OC4 5 L 4 1 k 6 M ree 9 u C 5 r 0 1 r 40 5 a reek s 0 C g Planters n a a m y b WILPINJONG 450 R a

5 5 0 R o a COAL MINE d LEGEND 500 Mining Lease Boundary Exploration Licence Boundary UG2 OC2 5 Haul Road 0 0 Existing/Approved Stage 1 5 0 0 Open Cut Mining Area 6420000 M 6420000 u r r 0 Out-of-pit Emplacement

a 0 g a 5 550 m Infrastructure Area b a 0 600 C Underground Mining Area 0 re 4 ek Existing/Approved Stage 2 6 00 0 Open Cut Mining Area 0 5 5 5 5 Out-of-pit Emplacement 6 5 0 50 0 ek Infrastructure Area 00 re 6 6 C 0 0 ng Underground Mining Area ri p 0 S 0 Proposed OC4 South-West Modification 5 500 M

L o o Proposed OC4 South-West Haul Road a l g a 0 0 r 5 o 5 ML1628 b Approved Stage 2 Haul Road4 - Not Required o en Munghorn Gap 5 n

0 5 0 C 5 C Nature Reserve 5 r 0 r ee e e 600 k 0 0.5 1 1.5 2 k 0

5 0

OC3 0

5 Kilometres 0

5 Source: MCO, 2014 5 ML1628 5 0 0 0 6 0 0 UG1 OPTIMISATION MODIFICATION0 600 6 FIGURE 2 Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve EL 6288 Approved Moolarben Coal Project 6 ML1628 0 0 600 50 (Stage 1 and Stage 2) General 0 5 0 0 5 4 6 0 0 5 5 0 50 0 760000 765000 5 5 5 5 EL 7073

5 Arranagement 5 5 MCM-14-05 UG1_OM_206B 760000 762500 ML1628

6427500 GG 6427500 4

OO 7

UU 0 7

LL L

BB E UU Product Stockpile RR Rail Loop

RR Clean Water Dam II Bora Creek VV Bora Cr VV

RR Main Access Road ML1605

Mine Facilities Area Stage 1 Infrastructure EL6288 Ula n-W ol lar ULAN MINE COMPLEX Process Water Dam Ro ad EL6288 Coal Preparation Plant

Haul Road ROM Pad

Bathhouse/Office Open Cut Access Road

ad n Ro Y Ula WA M

AIL u

R r

Workshop r

NG a

O g

LG a U m 6425000 - G 6425000 W b

O a

O H

D R

AN o

S a d

Open Cut 1

M ML o 16 o 06 ll M a L rr 16 b 28 ee n

C rr ee ee k

M L 1 6 0 6422500 6 ML1691 6422500 Creek Ryans

Open Cut 2

LEGEND Mining Lease Boundary Exploration Licence Boundary

0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1

Kilometres Source: MCO, 2014 UG1 OPTIMISATION MODIFICATION FIGURE 3 Aerial Photo of the Moolarben Coal Complex (May 2014) 760000 762500

MCM-14-05 UG1_OM_202A Moolarben Coal Complex – UG1 Optimisation Modification

Modification 3 of Stage 1 of the Moolarben Coal Wilpinjong Coal Mine Project was approved by the Planning Assessment Commission (as delegate of the NSW Minister for The Wilpinjong Coal Mine is located adjacent to and Planning) on 30 January 2015. Modification 3 east of the Moolarben Coal Complex allows for Stage 1 infrastructure to receive, handle (Figures 1 and 2) and is owned and operated by and process Stage 2 coal for the life of Stage 2 (to Wilpinjong Coal Pty Ltd (WCPL), a wholly owned 31 December 2038) and aligns approved mine subsidiary of Peabody Energy Australia Pty Limited. operation timeframes between Stage 1 and Stage 2. An additional void at the northern end of OC1 was Operations at the Wilpinjong Coal Mine are also approved to allow access to UG4. undertaken in accordance with Project Approval (05_0021) for the Wilpinjong Coal Project. The A summary description of the existing/approved Wilpinjong Coal Mine is approved to operate up to a Moolarben Coal Complex is provided in Section 2. maximum coal export capacity (from the site) of The general arrangement of the existing/approved 12.5 Mtpa and all product coal is transported from Moolarben Coal Complex is shown on Figure 2. the site by rail.

Moolarben Coal Project OC4 South-West The location and extent of the approved Wilpinjong Modification Coal Mine are shown on Figure 2.

On 17 April 2015, MCO lodged a modification application with DP&E to realign the Stage 2 Haul 1.2 MODIFICATION OVERVIEW Road (the OC4 South-West Modification and revise the location of a temporary infrastructure area within The UG1 Optimisation Modification includes the OC4). The OC4 South-West Modification is subject following key components (Figure 4): to separate environment assessment and approval. • recovery of approximately 3.7 million The OC4 South-West Modification has been tonnes (Mt) of additional run-of-mine (ROM) considered where appropriate in this UG1 coal over the life of the mine; Optimisation Modification EA. • an extension of UG1 longwall panels in the north-east by approximately 150 to 500 metres (m); 1.1.2 Neighbouring Mine Operations/Projects • an extension of two UG1 longwall panels in the Potential interactions with neighbouring mine south-west by approximately 75 m; operations/projects to the Moolarben Coal Complex • relocation of the approved UG1 central main have been considered where relevant in this EA, headings to the north-east; including the Ulan Mine Complex and the Wilpinjong Coal Mine. • relocation of underground access to UG2 and UG4; Ulan Mine Complex • longwall extraction of the portion of coal that forms the approved (central) main headings; The Ulan Mine Complex is located adjacent to and • an increase in the coal seam extraction height north-west of the Moolarben Coal Complex by approximately 300 millimetres (mm) to a (Figure 1) and is operated by Ulan Coal Mines maximum extraction thickness of 3.5 m; Limited (UCML) and managed by Glencore. • an increase to longwall panel void width from Operations at the Ulan Mine Complex are approximately 305 to 311 m; undertaken in accordance with Project Approval • construction of a ROM coal conveyor (08_0184) for the Ulan Continued Operations (including crushing and screening station and Project. The Ulan Mine Complex is approved to transfer points) between the UG1 pit top operate up to a maximum coal export capacity (from facilities in OC1 and the coal handling and the site) of 20 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) and preparation plant (CHPP) to transport all product coal is transported from the site by rail. underground ROM coal;

The location and extent of the approved Ulan Mine • extension to the underground product coal Complex are shown on Figure 2. stockpile in the CHPP area and relocation and expansion of the underground ROM coal stockpile at the UG1 pit top facilities;

00684795.DOCX 5 Moolarben Coal Mines Pty Ltd 760000

UG4 ek re C

Product Bypass Stockpile Extension

ra Washed Coal Stockpile Bo CPP Mains Access to UG4

ULAN MINE COMPLEX Product Bypass Stockpile

Transfer and Sizing Station Ula RIVER n-W GOULBURN ol CHPP and lar R Infrastructure o a Mains Access to UG4 - Not Required d Remote Services Facilities

S A N D Y H O L L Mine Infrastructure Area O W - G U ad L Ro G O an N Ul G

Access Headings - North-East Mains R A IL W A Y 6425000 6425000 Revised North-East Mains Location ROM Coal Stockpile UG1

OC1

OC1 Highwall Access

Mains Access to UG2

Approved Central Mains - Not Required

M o o la r be n C r e e k OC4

UG1 OPTIMISATION MODIFICATIONM 0 0.25 0.5 0.75 1 u r FIGURE 4 ra ga m Kilometres Proposed General Arrangement b a C Source: MCO,Proposed 2014 r

760000 ee Stage 1 ! k MCM-14-05 UG1_OM_201D Moolarben Coal Complex – UG1 Optimisation Modification

• an increase in the maximum underground As shown in Table 1, the UG1 Optimisation ROM coal production rate up to 8 Mtpa from Modification does not involve any change to the UG1, UG2 and UG4 (combined); Moolarben Coal Project (Stages 1 and 2) for the following relevant approval components: • an increase in the maximum total site ROM coal rate to 21 Mtpa (i.e. 13 Mtpa from open • operational mine life; cut operations and 8 Mtpa from underground operations); • hours of operation; • an increase in average daily rail departures • blasting limits; from five to seven and increase in peak daily • Biodiversity Offset Strategy; rail departures to nine; • site access; or • construction of Remote Services Facilities (including facilities and services necessary for • open cut coal extraction limits. the operation of an underground mine) and rear air intake shaft and associated fans above A detailed description of the proposed UG1 the extended UG1 longwall panels; and Optimisation Modification is provided in Section 3.

• relocation of the underground Mine Section 4 describes the potential environmental Infrastructure Area and site administration impacts of the UG1 Optimisation Modification and offices. discusses how existing requirements in

environmental management and monitoring Table 1 provides a summary comparison of the programs at the Moolarben Coal Complex would be currently approved Moolarben Coal Complex under applied to manage potential environmental impacts. the Stage 1 Project Approval (05_0117) and

Stage 2 Project Approval (08_0135), and the

Moolarben Coal Complex incorporating the UG1

Optimisation Modification.

Table 1 Summary Comparison of Approved and Modified Moolarben Coal Project

Moolarben Coal Project Relevant Moolarben Coal Project Approval Stage 1 Stage 2 (including the Component Project Approval Project Approval (08_0135) UG1 Optimisation Modification) (05_0117) Operational Mine Mining operations can be carried out until 31 December 2038. Unchanged. Life Hours of Mining operations can be carried out 24 hours a day, 7 days a Unchanged. Operation week. Blasting Limits A maximum of 2 blasts a day and up to 9 blasts a week Unchanged. (averaged over a calendar year) can be carried out at the Moolarben Coal Complex. Blasting can be carried out on site between 9.00 am and Unchanged. 5.00 pm Monday to Saturday inclusive. No blasting is allowed on Sundays, public holidays, or at any other time without the written approval of the Secretary. Coal Extraction Up to 9 Mtpa of ROM coal Up to 12 Mtpa of ROM coal Unchanged. Limits can be extracted from the can be extracted from the open cut mining operations open cut mining operations in in calendar years 2015 and any calendar year from 2016, and 8 Mtpa thereafter, Stage 2. from Stage 1. Up to 4 Mtpa (total) of ROM coal can be extracted from the Up to 8 Mtpa (total) of ROM coal would be underground mining operations at the Moolarben Coal extracted from the underground mining Complex in any calendar year. operations at the Moolarben Coal Complex in any calendar year. Coal Processing Up to 13 Mtpa (total) of ROM coal from the Moolarben Coal Unchanged. and Offsite Complex can be processed in any calendar year from Transport Stages 1 and 2.

00684795.DOCX 7 Moolarben Coal Mines Pty Ltd Moolarben Coal Complex – UG1 Optimisation Modification

Table 1 (Continued) Summary Comparison of Approved and Modified Moolarben Coal Project

Moolarben Coal Project Relevant Moolarben Coal Project Approval Stage 1 Stage 2 (including the UG1 Optimisation Component Project Approval Project Approval Modification) (05_0117) (08_0135) Coal Processing All coal is to be transported The Proponent shall ensure Up to 18 Mtpa of coal would be exported from and Offsite from the Moolarben Coal that all coal extracted from the the site in any calendar year. Transport (Cont.) Complex by rail. site is sent to the Moolarben Average rail departures of up to seven per day Stage 1 mine surface and peak rail departures of up to nine per day. infrastructure area for processing and/or transport to market. General Layout The general layout is shown The general layout is shown in The revised general layout is shown on in Appendix 2A of Project Appendix 2 of Project Figure 4 and includes the following key Approval (05_0117). Approval (08_0135). changes: • Addition of coal handling infrastructure from the UG1 pit top facilities to CHPP area. • Alteration to underground longwall panel arrangement. • Relocation of the Mine Infrastructure Area within approved surface disturbance area (OC1). • Addition of Remote Services Facilities area. • Addition of rear air intake shaft and fan. Biodiversity The Biodiversity Offset The Biodiversity Offset No change required. Offset Strategy Strategy is shown Strategy is shown conceptually in Appendix 8 conceptually in Appendix 7 of of Project Approval Project Approval (08_0135). (05_0117). Northern Section N/A Additional archaeological Unchanged. of the Approved survey work of the Stage 2 Stage 2 Haul Haul Road and Stage 2 ROM Road and Stage coal facilities is to be carried 2 ROM coal out prior to carrying out the facility development. Ulan-Wollar Road N/A The site access intersection Unchanged. Site Access off Ulan-Wollar Road is to be designed, constructed, and maintained to the satisfaction of Mid-Western Regional Council (MWRC). Water Design, install and maintain the dams generally in accordance Objectives remain unchanged. Management with the series Managing Urban Stormwater: Soils and A change to the general location of some of the Design and Construction – Volume 1 and Volume 2E Mines and Quarries. sediment dams would be required. Objectives Maximise as far as reasonable and feasible the diversion of Objectives remain unchanged. clean water around disturbed areas on-site. A change to the general location of some of the up-catchment water diversions would be required. Mine water storage Mine water storage Objectives remain unchanged. infrastructure is designed to infrastructure is designed to store a 50 year average store a 100 year average recurrence interval 72 hour recurrence interval 72 hour storm event. storm event. On-site storages (including On-site storages (including Unchanged. tailings dams, mine tailings dams, mine infrastructure dams, infrastructure dams, groundwater storage and groundwater storage and treatment dams), and the treatment dams) are suitably Ulan Seam sub-crop line of lined to comply with a the most northerly final void permeability standard of less are suitably lined to comply than 1 x 10-9 m/s. with a permeability standard of less than 1 x 10-9 metres per second (m/s).1 1 The OC4 South-West Modification seeks to remove this requirement for the Ulan Seam sub-crop line of the most northerly final void.

00684795.DOCX 8 Moolarben Coal Mines Pty Ltd Moolarben Coal Complex – UG1 Optimisation Modification

1.2.1 Project Justification Department of Planning & Environment

The UG1 Optimisation Modification would allow the Briefings with the DP&E were conducted in May recovery of approximately an additional 3.7 Mt of 2014 and February 2015 to provide an overview of underground coal. the proposed UG1 Optimisation Modification and the proposed scope of environmental assessment. The UG1 Optimisation Modification would reduce the number of longwall mining equipment Regulatory Agencies and Local Council relocations from nine to five which would enable more efficient recovery of underground coal. MCO sent briefing letters (dated April 2015) providing an overview description of the UG1 The proposed UG1 Optimisation Modification would Optimisation Modification and proposed scope of improve the efficiency of integration of mining environmental assessment to the following operations across the complex, access to the UG1 regulatory authorities: resource and transfer of underground coal to the CHPP area. • Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH);

• Environment Protection Authority (EPA); 1.3 SITE LOCATION AND TENURE • Department of Primary Industries – NSW The Moolarben Coal Complex is located within Office of Water (NOW); ML 1605, ML 1606, ML 1628, ML 1691, mining • NSW Division of Resource and Energy (DRE) lease application areas and within Exploration (within Department of Trade, Investment, Licence (EL) 6288 and EL 7074. Regional Infrastructure and Services); and

The Project Application Areas and the real property • Mid-Western Regional Council (MWRC). descriptions are provided in Appendix 1 of the Stage 1 and 2 Project Approvals, which are Local Community provided as Attachments 1 and 2 to this EA. A Community Consultative Committee has been Relevant land ownership information within the established in accordance with both Project immediate vicinity of the Moolarben Coal Complex Approvals (05_0117 and 08_0135) in March 2015. is provided on Figures 5a and 5b. The Community Consultative Committee provides a The Moolarben Coal Complex is located within the mechanism for ongoing communication between Mid-Western Regional Local Government Area MCO and the local community. MCO sent a briefing (LGA). letter (dated April 2015) to the Chair of the Community Consultative Committee providing an overview description of the UG1 Optimisation 1.4 CONSULTATION Modification and proposed scope of environmental assessment. A description of the UG1 Optimisation MCO consults with relevant State Government Modification was provided to the Community agencies on a regular basis in relation to the Consultative Committee at its meeting in May 2015. approved Moolarben Coal Complex. Other Mines Consultation has been conducted with key State Government agencies, local councils, the local MCO works closely with the operations of Ulan Mine community and Aboriginal stakeholders during the Complex and Wilpinjong Coal Mine managing preparation of this EA. A summary of this cumulative impacts associated with mining consultation to date is provided below. Consultation operations. The mining operations share their would continue during the public exhibition of this extensive environmental databases through a EA and the assessment of the UG1 Optimisation formal data sharing agreement to support relevant Modification. environmental assessments or incident investigations and co-operate in the implementation of joint programs such as the Ulan Road Strategy.

Both UCML and WCPL were consulted in relation to the UG1 Optimisation Modification in April 2015.

00684795.DOCX 9 Moolarben Coal Mines Pty Ltd Durridgere CCA Zone 3 State Conservation Area 0 56 0 155 B o D ULAN " b urridg 128 a ere R d oad e e n "

162" R 129 t " o 247 e " a e 149 d 132 r " 0 130 245 t " " 129 S 66" " t 131 n " 168 e " 248 B 251

" Ulan Public 329 160 11 11 School " EL6288

" 11 LEGEND 11 Mining Lease Boundary Exploration Licence Boundary 11 Approved Road Realignment (not yet constructed) 432 ML1605 11 " Moolarben Coal Operations " " Ulan Coal Mine

11 Wilpinjong Coal Mine EL7074 Crown Land d a o R Commercial

n la Ulan Public School U Freehold National Park/Nature Reserve Unidentified Land (Extent of Tenure Search) ML16 " Receiver " 28 0 1 2 3 EL7074 Kilometres Source: MCO, Feb 2015 EL6288

Goulburn River National Park " et ope Road tre C n S Y 255 ai LWA 45 M RAI " ULAN G 255 " N t 46 GO e UL " e G d r " a t " OW "66149" o 256 " S " """ LL " " R t O " H 0 n Y 258 160 D a e " 329 AN b B S m a " g 0 a r r 26 u Too M " le Roa d" 26 " " ML " ML1606 162 8 0

d M a L 65 o 1 R 9 U 6 0 la n 6 n a l W 65 U o lla 141 r R 141 ""317 La oa 315" goons R d " 316 oad " 314 " " 65 312 300 " M " " " " 65 313 311 " " L " 1 d " " a 63" 6 " " o " 310 303 " " 9 d 305 R " 1 a 309 63 " a o " l 304 l R 306 " 70 u " " a 308 " g l n a Cooks 307 i 178 u a " "180 B " " M 183" 181 " 65 Gap 182 " 75 65 65 " 65 184" " " " " 76 " Spring Cr 186184 240 59 EL6288 eek Road " " " 188" " " 79 187 238 " " " " " 189 236237" t 80 " " n 61 " e " 191190 c 82 " "235234 s 60 " e " d r 140 " " C 83 a 192 " 233 r 85 62 o " 65 e R 194 t " 84 0 193 231 "s " e " 232 e g 196" "h 87 d " c "86 i 195 n " R i 89" 198199 " 88 22941 W " 65 137 " 90 ML1628 ML1691 65 199 227 91" 37 " " Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve 65 "200 225226 92 93 " 137 201 " " " 30 " M " o " 224 " " " 100" o 202 " l " 94959697 " 34 a " 99 rb 119 40 en 203204 " 98 " " " 104 30 Mo R " 205 103 " 101" olarbe o 206 " 102 n Roa 31" 30 a 105 " 41 d 30 d " " 30 Ma " 223 106 106" 107 yb "207 " " 41" err Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve 137 " " y R ML1628 " " 222 o " 208 111112 " 108 EL6288 ad " 209 " " 113" 109 " " 219 110 30 30 319 210220 " 217 42 218 114 39 " 215216 115 " " 319 171 116 32 32 " 211 214 39 30 30 319 d 213 " Roa 212 117 Wollar " 119118 319 d a 319319 o 319 121120 32 R

" " 319 o " W 122 124123 47 319 b ya 319 m ld 125 u ra 41 C La " ne 126 53 127 UG1 OPTIMISATION MODIFICATION Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve 54 244 FIGURE 5a EL 7073 " Relevant Land Ownership Plan 35 244 54 Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve

MCM-14-05 UG1_OM_205B Ref No Landholder Ref NoLandholder Ref No Landholder 9 Orica Australia Pty Limited 114 TF & K Holland 218 GF & GEL Soady 11 JE Mullins & CD Imrie 115 AK & BH Ouinn 219 T & S Riger 26 Forty North Pty Limited 116 DJ & SM Reid 220 SJ Rusten & NJ Smith 30 RB Cox 117 JM Dick 222 BJ Purtell 31 MB Cox 118 A Scott 223 EW Palmer & JM Stewart 32 DJ & JG Stokes 119 PJ Kearns 224 RS & PCC Dupond 34 J Asztalos 120 PS & DR Ord 225 G & RF Doualetas 37 J Szymkarczuk 121 EJ Cullen 226 LAA & FC Muscat 39 RM & DJ Sprigg 122 WF Wirth 227 WP & JA Hughes 40 JM Devenish 123 ND Sullivan 229 JJ & BA Lowe 41 PP Libertis 124 WJ & HE Bailey 230 DA Hoole & DT Rawlinson 42 C & L Schmidt 125 DB McBride 231 T Morrison & SM Benny 46 North Eastern Wiradjuri Wilpinjong 126 MP Julian 232 L & JA Haaring Community Fund Limited 127 BKT & SA Bracken 233 K & D Boal 47 SF & MR Andrews 128 AW Sims 234 D & L Gaw 53 WD & MS Bryant 129 M Yelds 235 LM & RS Wilson 54 MA & C Harris 130 GP McEwen 236 RG & CA Donovan 56 MJ & V Cundy 131 GR & RA King 237 A Puskaric 59 G & GM Szymkarczuk 132 N Atkins 238 B Powell 60 CL Rayner & DM Mundey 149 Mid-Western Regional Council 240 GJ & DM Hartley 61 MA Miller 160 Minister For Education And Training 244 JT & YR Jones 62 R Menchin 162 DM Harrison 245 MP & KLE Cresham 63 BF & B Whiticker 168 PJL Constructions Pty Limited 247 J & K Batshon 66 Rostherne Pty Limited 171 AD & SA McGregor 248 G Boustani 70 DJ & A Coventry 178 PR Stone 249 CJ & JI Eldridge 75 P Ban 180 CD & LL Barrett 251 NF Potter & CE Selley 76 SR & PC Carbone 181 SM Forster 255 HJ & H Schmitz 79 PTJ & SE Nagle 182 J Dutoitcook 256 RC Campbell 80 W & D Sebelic 183 R & EA Steines 258 PM & CD Elias 82 SC Hungerford & MC Clemens 184 LA Stevenson 300 CM Collins & CY Marshall 83 CF & CR Wall 186 RW & IJ Adamson 303 HJ Ungaro 84 DS Sebelic 187 BT & KM Feeney 304 G Balajan 85 J & Z Nikolovski 188 KR & T Fielding 305 L Barisic & M Aul 86 NW Harris 189 M, M, D & A Goggin & J, A, P & R Hyde 306 E Armstrong 87 BJ & K Howe 190 T & LK Sahyoun 307 M Chant & NK Young 88 BC Meyers 191 BW & TS Lasham 308 NA Dower 89 MV & HM Glover & E & BJ Tomlinson 192 D Williams 309 GS Maher 90 SA Powell 193 DJ Moloney 310 KI Death 91 HM Graham 194 PM & K Potts 311 BJ & LC Williamson 92 VA Pullicino & J & S & G Bonnici 195 R Cottam 312 MS & JJ Ioannou 93 F & M Fenech 196 F Saxberg & M Weir 313 NJ & BDE Pracy 94 LK Mittemayer 198 GR & ME Metcalfe 314 SL Ford 95 BJ Withington 199 PGG & I Nielsen 315 WJ Richards & BJ Uzelac 96 D Lazicic 200 VK Grimshaw 316 CR Vassel & CM Williams 97 DJ & MD Smith 201 KR & GM Towerton 317 RJ Hore & V Bingham 98 ME & JJ Piper 202 H & VF Butler 325 S & T Fevale 99 DE Jenner & WB Jensen 203 DJ Miller 326 AW & LM Murray 100 A Kapista 204 RB & JE Donnan 327 CA Tanner 101 RD & DMZ Hull 205 DW Sparrow & M Tallan 328 Essential Energy 102 KA Roberts 206 CA Marshall & R Vella 329 G Tuck-Lee 103 SB Burnett & SL Grant 207 AA & DM Smith 104 RA & LA Deeben 208 SA & CR Hasaart 105 DJ & N Katsikaris 209 F Mawson 106 TB & JH Reid 210 JM & AM Tebutt 107 ZJ & M & AA Raso 211 SA McGregor & WJ Gray 108 R Varga 212 E & M Lepik 109 DA Evans 213 D & J Parsonage 110 JT Thompson & HT Evans 214 RK & EG O'Neil 111 GJ & NJ McEwan 215 SG & PM Green 112 MJ & LM Croft 216 G Holland & FA Handicott 113 CPG Ratcliff 217 RP & JL Patterson

Source: MCO, Feb 2015 UG1 OPTIMISATION MODIFICATION FIGURE 5b Relevant Landholder List

MCM-14-05 UG1_OM_001B Moolarben Coal Complex – UG1 Optimisation Modification

1.4.1 Public Consultation Attachments 1 to 3 and Appendices A to G provide supporting information as follows: The Moolarben Coal website (www.moolarbencoal.com.au) provides regular Attachment 1 Stage 1 Project Approval (05_0117) updates on the Moolarben Coal Complex and Attachment 2 Stage 2 Project Approval (08_0135) provides access to relevant environment and community information, including EA documents, Attachment 3 Site Verification Certificate compliance reports and approval documents. Appendix A Subsidence Assessment An environmental enquiry phone line Appendix B Groundwater Assessment (1800 556 484) allows members of the public to contact MCO with enquiries or complaints. Appendix C Noise Assessment

A copy of this EA would be made available on the Appendix D Air Quality Assessment Moolarben Coal website. Appendix E Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment 1.5 STRUCTURE OF THE EA Appendix F Surface Water Assessment Review

This EA is structured as follows: Appendix G Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Assessment Section 1 Provides an overview of the Appendix H Road Transport Assessment existing/approved Moolarben Coal Complex, the UG1 Optimisation Appendix I Community Infrastructure Modification and a summary of the Assessment consultation undertaken in relation to the UG1 Optimisation Modification. Section 2 Provides a description of the existing/approved Moolarben Coal Complex. Section 3 Provides a description of the UG1 Optimisation Modification. Section 4 Provides a review of the existing environment, assesses the potential impacts associated with the UG1 Optimisation Modification and describes the existing MCO environmental management systems and measures in place to manage and monitor any potential impacts. Section 5 Provides the planning framework and statutory context. Section 6 References.

00684795.DOCX 12 Moolarben Coal Mines Pty Ltd Moolarben Coal Complex – UG1 Optimisation Modification

2 SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF • MOD 5: In July 2009, MCM submitted an EXISTING/APPROVED application to modify Project Approval (05_0117) under section 75W of the EP&A Act MOOLARBEN COAL COMPLEX to relocate the ROM coal facility and develop a water sharing pipeline from the Ulan Mine 2.1 APPROVALS HISTORY Complex. The modification was approved by the NSW Minister for Planning on Moolarben Coal Project (Stage 1) 5 October 2009.

• MOD 6: In December 2009, MCM submitted an The Moolarben Coal Project Stage 1 was approved application to modify Project Approval under Part 3A of the EP&A Act by the NSW Minister (05_0117) under section 75W of the EP&A Act for Planning on 6 September 2007 (Project Approval to relocate the rejects bin to a preferred location [05_0117]). Ten Modifications to Project Approval about 250 m north-west of its previously (05_0117) have since been approved, as approved location. The modification was summarised below. approved by the NSW Minister for Planning on

11 January 2010. • MOD 1: In August 2008, MCM submitted an application to modify Project Approval • MOD 7: In March 2010, MCM submitted an (05_0117) under section 75W of the EP&A Act application to modify Project Approval to reconfigure the Coal Preparation Plant, (05_0117) under section 75W of the EP&A Act emergency tailings dam, transfer stations and for the development and operation of a water conveyors, rail loop, coal stockpiles, UG4 supply and dewatering borefield and associated conveyor, groundwater treatment ponds and a ancillary facilities. The modification was water storage dam as well as amend the approved by the NSW Minister for Planning on wording of three clauses in the Project 3 February 2011. Approval. The modification was approved by • MOD 8: In April 2010, MCM submitted an the NSW Minister for Planning on 26 November application to modify Project Approval 2008. (05_0117) under section 75W of the EP&A Act • MOD 2: In December 2008, MCM submitted an to establish and operate a ROM coal stockpile application to modify Project Approval adjacent to the ROM coal dump hopper. The (05_0117) under section 75W of the EP&A Act modification was approved by the NSW Minister to permit minor construction activities to for Planning on 27 May 2010. commence at the site prior to completion of the • MOD 9: In May 2013, MCM submitted an main mine site access intersection off application to modify Project Approval Ulan-Cassilis Road. The modification was (05_0117) under section 75W of the EP&A Act approved by the NSW Minister for Planning on to increase the extents of the approved Stage 1 18 December 2008. open cuts. The modification was approved by • MOD 3: In February 2009, MCM submitted an the NSW Planning Assessment Commission application to modify Project Approval (as delegate of the NSW Minister for Planning) (05_0117) under section 75W of the EP&A Act on 16 June 2014. to allow for Stage 1 infrastructure to receive, • MOD 10: In February 2015, MCM submitted an handle and process Stage 2 coal for the life of application to modify Project Approval Stage 2 (to 31 December 2038). An additional (05_0117) under section 75W of the EP&A Act void in OC1 was also proposed to allow access to increase the Stage 1 open cut ROM coal to UG4. The modification was approved by the production rate from 8 to 9 Mtpa for calendar NSW Planning Assessment Commission (as years 2015 and 2016. The modification was delegate of the NSW Minister for Planning) on approved by the DP&E (as delegate of the 30 January 2015. NSW Minister for Planning) on 17 April 2015. • MOD 4: In April 2009, MCM submitted an application to modify Project Approval (05_0117) under section 75W of the EP&A Act to change the configuration of the rail loop from a figure-8 to a balloon loop layout. The modification was approved by the NSW Minister for Planning on 30 June 2009.

00684795.DOCX 13 Moolarben Coal Mines Pty Ltd Moolarben Coal Complex – UG1 Optimisation Modification

Moolarben Coal Project (Stage 2) 2.4 UNDERGROUND MINING

The Stage 2 EA was originally prepared by MCM Three underground mining areas (UG1, UG2 and under Part 3A of the EP&A Act. MCM made a UG4) targeting the Ulan Seam are approved to be number of changes to the proposed layout and mined at a combined rate of up to 4 Mtpa. Coal design of the Moolarben Coal Project Stage 2 in would be recovered using conventional longwall order to address issues raised by the DP&I mining and transferred to surface by conveyors. (now DP&E) and its independent technical reviewers, introduce additional impact avoidance Underground mining of the Ulan Seam would be measures and to enable the effective integration of undertaken using longwall mining equipment with a Stage 2 with Stage 1. Changes to the Moolarben maximum seam extraction thickness of Coal Project Stage 2 were described in the Stage 2 approximately 3.2 m. PPR which was exhibited from 31 January 2012 to 24 February 2012. The main headings and gate roads would be developed using continuous miners. The Moolarben Coal Project Stage 2 was approved under Part 3A of the EP&A Act by the NSW Highwall entries for UG1 and UG4 mines are Planning Assessment Commission (as delegate of approved in the OC1 highwall1 but have not yet the NSW Minister for Planning) on 30 January 2015 been constructed. Access to UG2 would be via (Project Approval 08_0135). UG1.

2.2 CONSTRUCTION Coal from the underground areas is approved to be conveyed to a 100,000 tonnes (t) coal stockpile adjacent to the UG1 entry where it would be loaded The majority of Moolarben Coal Project Stage 1 into haul trucks and hauled to the Stage 1 ROM coal facilities were constructed in 2009, including the facilities. office administration complex, ROM pad, CHPP, rail spur, rail loop and rail loading infrastructure. Underground mining is approved 24 hours per day, Additional infrastructure construction activities have 7 days per week. occurred as required over the life of the mine (Figure 3). 2.5 COAL HANDLING AND PREPARATION Construction of Moolarben Coal Project Stage 2 facilities is yet to commence. The Moolarben Coal Complex produces washed coal products from the open cut operations and 2.3 OPEN CUT MINING would produce unwashed coal products from the underground operations. The coal handling and Four open cut pits (OC1, OC2, OC3 and OC4) preparation infrastructure has been designed to targeting the Ulan and Moolarben Seams are accommodate the processing of raw coal and the approved at the Moolarben Coal Complex. handling of washed product coal. The coal handling and preparation infrastructure would be upgraded MCM is currently approved to mine up to 9 Mtpa of once underground operations commence to handle ROM coal from OC1, OC2 and OC3 combined in raw (bypass) coal. calendar years 2015 and 2016, and 8 Mtpa thereafter (i.e. Stage 1), and up to 12 Mtpa of ROM ROM coal from the open cut operations is coal from OC4 (i.e. Stage 2) using conventional transferred to the Stage 1 ROM coal facility or ROM open cut coal mining methods. A combined total of stockpile by internal haul roads. ROM coal from the 13 Mtpa of ROM coal from Stages 1 and 2 is underground operations would be transferred to the approved to be processed (i.e. the maximum ROM Stage 1 ROM coal facility or ROM stockpile by coal extraction rates from Stages 1 and 2 do not conveyor and internal haul roads. occur simultaneously).

MCO is currently conducting open pit mining at the Moolarben Coal Complex in the OC1 and OC2 pits (Figure 3).

Open cut mining is approved 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. 1 The OC4 South-West Modification proposes to backfill the northern OC1 void which would result in access from the OC1 highwall to UG4 being removed. The UG1 Optimisation Modification proposes an alternative access (Section 3).

00684795.DOCX 14 Moolarben Coal Mines Pty Ltd Moolarben Coal Complex – UG1 Optimisation Modification

Coal at the Stage 1 ROM coal facility is conveyed to An emergency tailings storage dam has been the Coal Preparation Plant. Crushing and sizing constructed adjacent to the Coal Preparation Plant facilities are included at the Stage 1 ROM coal to cater for emergency tailings storage (if required). facility and the CHPP. The Moolarben Coal The dam is also used for runoff and dirty water Complex is approved to handle up to 17 Mtpa of collection. Tailings in the emergency storage dam ROM coal. are periodically removed and transported for disposal within the open cuts. The CHPP area includes an existing 400,000 t open cut (washed) product coal stockpile. An approved 2.9 GENERAL INFRASTRUCTURE 200,000 t underground (unwashed) product coal stockpile is yet to be constructed. 2.9.1 Site Access and Infrastructure Areas Approved conveyors connecting the Stage 1 ROM coal facility to the OC4 pit are yet to be constructed The main infrastructure areas approved at the (Figure 2). Once constructed, these conveyors Moolarben Coal Complex include the CHPP area would allow transfer of OC4 ROM coal to the and rail loading facilities, Stage 1 mine infrastructure Stage 1 ROM coal facility and CHPP rejects from area, Stage 2 mine infrastructure area, Stage 1 the Stage 1 ROM coal facility to OC4. ROM coal facility and Stage 2 ROM coal facility. Access to these areas is via Ulan Road or The Coal Preparation Plant operates up to 24 hours Ulan-Wollar Road (Figure 2). per day, 7 days per week. The Moolarben Coal Complex CHPP area and rail loading facilities comprise the Coal Preparation 2.6 PRODUCT COAL TRANSPORT Plant, rail loop, rail loadout, conveyors, hoppers, coal stockpiles, mine water dams, fuel store, The Moolarben Coal Complex is approved to export workshop, sump, B-double turning loop, office, up to 13 Mt of product coal from site each year. bathhouse, stores, main substation, hardstand Product coal is loaded onto trains using a dedicated areas, crib shed, car park and a number of service rail loop and rail load out facility, and transported to facilities (i.e. potable water, sewerage, electricity, the Port of Newcastle. fire services and hydrocarbon management) (Figure 3). Product coal is loaded onto trains 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. Trains arrive and depart the The Stage 1 open cut mine infrastructure area Moolarben Coal Complex 24 hours per day, 7 days includes a workshop, bathhouse, offices, fuel store, per week. light and heavy vehicle parking and other minor infrastructure and supporting facilities (Figures 2 The approved Moolarben Coal Complex requires and 3). the dispatch of up to five product coal trains per day. An approved underground Mine Infrastructure Area 2.7 WASTE ROCK MANAGEMENT in the OC1 void adjacent to the UG1 entry (Figure 2), which would comprise offices, With the exception of the initial boxcut development, bathhouse, substation, sump and ventilation fan overburden and interburden or partings material is (among other ancillary facilities), is yet to be progressively placed back in-pit once the coal has constructed. been mined. The Stage 2 open cut mine infrastructure area A combination of temporary and permanent would include offices, bathhouses, workshops, final out-of-pit waste rock emplacements are located storages, explosive facility and magazine storage. adjacent to the open cut mining operations Temporary facilities would be established in (Figure 2). advance of mining in OC4.

The Stage 1 and Stage 2 infrastructure would be 2.8 COAL REJECT MANAGEMENT integrated where possible to allow services and

facilities to be shared between Stage 1 and Stage 2 The Moolarben Coal Complex generates coarse operations. reject and tailings in the coal preparation process.

The Stage 1 ROM coal facility includes sizing Reject and tailings are conveyed from the CHPP to stations, crushers, conveyors, dump hoppers and the Stage 1 ROM coal facility and then hauled or other associated infrastructure (Figure 2). conveyed to an open pit void for emplacement.

00684795.DOCX 15 Moolarben Coal Mines Pty Ltd Moolarben Coal Complex – UG1 Optimisation Modification

The Stage 2 ROM coal facility and access road 2.10 WATER MANAGEMENT have not yet been constructed. The water management strategy for the Moolarben Minor disturbance associated with approved Coal Complex is based on the containment and ancillary works would continue to be developed re-use of mine water as well as the control of outside of open cut pit and infrastructure sediment that may be potentially carried with runoff disturbance boundaries, including (but limited to) from disturbed areas such as the waste rock firebreaks, water diversion structures, minor contour emplacements or areas cleared in advance of banks, tracks, pipelines, explosives/magazine mining. storage facilities, power supply for rope shovel, powerlines, fences and sediment and erosion The existing water management system at the control structures as required. Moolarben Coal Complex comprises the following:

• water management storages; 2.9.2 Electricity Supply and Distribution • diversion of runoff from catchment areas Power is supplied to the Moolarben Coal Complex upslope of the mine disturbance area; at 66 kilovolt (kV) from the existing Essential Energy • runoff control on disturbed and rehabilitated Ulan Switchyard. The 66 kV powerline runs areas at the mine; adjacent to the road and rail corridor to the CHPP • area where a 66/11 kV substation is located. Power runoff control on infrastructure areas; is distributed around the site by overhead cable or • sedimentation control; underground cable where necessary. • water transfer pumps and piping; MCM has approval to realign the existing 66 kV • open pit dewatering; and powerline along the old Ulan-Wollar Road. This • realignment has not been undertaken. sewage treatment and disposal of effluent.

Water is required to operate the Coal Preparation 2.9.3 Potable Water Plant, for washdown of mobile equipment, dust suppression on haul roads and for dust emission Potable water for all facilities is sourced from a control sprays in the ROM and product coal combination of rainwater captured from roofs of stockpile areas. Water would also be used in the facilities, suitably treated bore water or imported underground mines once developed (e.g. dust from external sources. The potable water supply suppression). The main water sources for the reticulation system services the appropriate areas operation are: around the site. • recovery from coal processing;

• 2.9.4 Ancillary Infrastructure groundwater inflows into the open cut voids; • catchment runoff (from disturbed areas) and The Moolarben Coal Complex is supported by a infiltration; range of ancillary infrastructure that are periodically relocated, modified or expanded as mining • incidental rainfall over water storages; operations progress. Such components include • water sharing arrangements with UCML; and water management features (e.g. bores, pipelines, pumps, drains, contour banks, diversion channels • groundwater extraction from licensed bores. and dams), environmental monitoring equipment, electricity supply, access tracks, equipment such as communication towers, in-pit facilities including bulk If stored water volumes are excessive, MCO can fuel handling and personnel crib huts/ablution release water off-site in accordance with the facilities (amongst other things). requirements of Environment Protection Licence (EPL) 12932, subject to stringent release criteria and conditions being met.

00684795.DOCX 16 Moolarben Coal Mines Pty Ltd Moolarben Coal Complex – UG1 Optimisation Modification

The water balance of the system fluctuates with Runoff water from mobile equipment service areas climatic conditions and as the extent of the mining is directed to an interceptor trap to extract operations changes over time. The water hydrocarbons, prior to it being discharged into the management system is progressively developed as mine water management system. The trap is water management requirements evolve in routinely emptied of hydrocarbons by a licensed accordance with the approved Water Management contractor. Plan.

2.12.2 Explosives Storage 2.11 WASTE MANAGEMENT Explosives required for the Moolarben Coal MCO waste disposal systems are designed to Complex include initiating products and detonators, minimise the amount of waste generated by the ammonium nitrate fuel oil and emulsion explosives. mine that goes to landfill. Explosives on-site are stored, transported and used Waste generated at the Moolarben Coal Complex in accordance with the requirements of includes general rubbish, sewage, scrap timber, AS 2187.2:2006 Explosives – Storage, Transport batteries, tyres, waste oil and filters and other and Use – Use of Explosives. hydrocarbons, empty drums and scrap metals.

2.13 WORKFORCE Operation of the mining fleet generates waste hydrocarbons such as oils, greases and hydraulic At full development, the Moolarben Coal Complex fluids. These waste hydrocarbons are placed in has an approved workforce of approximately suitable containers and removed from the site for 439 people. Stage 2 has an approved construction disposal at either an EPA-approved hydrocarbon workforce of 220 people. waste site or a recycling depot.

Treated effluent is discharged in accordance with 2.14 REHABILITATION EPL 12932. The Mining Operations Plan (MOP) for the Suppliers are encouraged to supply recyclable Moolarben Coal Complex describes site activities products and products that have the capacity for and the progress toward environmental and reuse in accordance with the specified 70% waste rehabilitation outcomes required under the reduction target. ML conditions and the Project Approvals (05_0117) and (08_0135).

2.12 MANAGEMENT OF DANGEROUS Rehabilitation of the Moolarben Coal Complex GOODS Stage 1 has been undertaken in accordance with

the Rehabilitation and Offset Management Plan2. To The transportation, handling and storage of all December 2014, approximately 157 hectares (ha) of dangerous goods at the Moolarben Coal Complex is the backfilled OC1 pit has been rehabilitated in conducted in accordance with Storage and Handling accordance with the Rehabilitation and Offset of Dangerous Goods – Code of Practice 2005 Management Plan. (Workcover, 2005).

Ongoing monitoring and maintenance is undertaken 2.12.1 Hydrocarbon Storages in accordance with the Rehabilitation and Offset Management Plan. A fuel and lubrication store contains above-ground bunded diesel-storage tanks in accordance with the requirements of Australian Standard (AS) 1940:2004 The Storage and Handling of Flammable and Combustible Liquids.

2 On 30 January 2015, Stage 2 and Stage 1 Modification 3 of the Moolarben Coal Project were approved by the Planning Assessment Commission (as delegate of the NSW Minister for Planning). To address the requirements of the Project Approvals (Attachments 1 and 2), MCO is preparing a complex-wide Biodiversity Management Plan and Rehabilitation Management Plan which will supersede the Landscape Management Plan (including the Rehabilitation and Offset Management Plan).

00684795.DOCX 17 Moolarben Coal Mines Pty Ltd Moolarben Coal Complex – UG1 Optimisation Modification

Rehabilitation of the Moolarben Coal Complex • Conduct works associated with UG4 in Stage 2 would be undertaken in accordance with a accordance with an approved Extraction Plan Rehabilitation Management Plan to be prepared for to minimise subsidence impacts on vegetation. the Moolarben Coal Complex incorporating Stage 2. • The proposed Stage 2 rehabilitation strategy is Protect portions of the lands located above outlined in Appendix K of the Stage 2 PPR. UG4 with an appropriate conservation mechanism for the long-term security of this ecosystem. 2.14.1 Rehabilitation Objectives • Separate clean and dirty water across the Stage 1 Rehabilitation Moolarben Coal Complex Stage 1 application area. The rehabilitation objectives for Stage 1 of the • Promote biodiversity through weed and feral Moolarben Coal Project are described in the animal control programs. Rehabilitation and Offset Management Plan and are as follows: • Rehabilitate OC2 and OC3 footprints principally for agricultural outcomes. • Create a safe, stable, adequately drained post-mining landform that is consistent with the The OC4 South-West Modification proposes to local surrounding landscape within the backfill the northern OC1 final void to approximately operational area to minimise visual impacts. pre-mining elevations and revegetate with woodland species. • Rehabilitate the OC1 footprint using native vegetation to create Box Gum Woodlands and Stage 2 Rehabilitation Sedimentary Ironbark Forests with stands of Allocasuarina. Rehabilitation of Stage 2 is described in the Stage 2 • Revegetate lands adjoining the northern part of Moolarben Coal Project Rehabilitation Strategy the OC2 area and haul road linkage with OC1 (MCO, 2011). The specific rehabilitation objectives that are under the control of MCO, to enhance for Stage 2 are: vegetation cover and connectivity. • Create a natural looking, stable and well • Enhance Grassy White Box Woodland on drained post-mining landform that is visually basalt soils, in close proximity to Carrs Gap, consistent with surrounding areas. that are located within the Moolarben Coal • Complex Stage 1 application area. Create a self-sustaining and ecologically diverse post-mining landscape that is • Improve the ecological integrity of the aquatic compatible with the conservation values of the habitats through revegetation using native adjacent Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve and species identified in the Rehabilitation Goulburn River National Park. Management Plan. • Revegetate and enhance remnant vegetation • Revegetate the riparian zone of the Moolarben on non-mine owned land that is under the Creek to the east of OC3 to improve stream control of MCO with endemic native species. health and enhance the Alluvial Apple Forest. • Create wildlife corridors and habitat links, • Manage the riparian zone of the Bora Creek to where feasible, between existing remnant improve stream health. vegetation in the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, Goulburn River National Park and • Rehabilitate mined land to a comparable other surrounding areas by increasing the standard as the relative analogue sites and continuity of woodland vegetation. completion criteria. • Maintain the diversity and genetic resource of • Minimise site access by vehicles which can flora currently existing within the locality. result in the compaction of soil (which can reduce the infiltration of water into the soil and • Maintain and enhance habitat for native fauna. restrict root growth, and consequently reduce • natural regeneration), the spread of weeds and Realign and rehabilitate Murragamba and disturbance to vegetation. Eastern creeks to be hydraulically and geomorphologically stable and ecologically diverse.

00684795.DOCX 18 Moolarben Coal Mines Pty Ltd Moolarben Coal Complex – UG1 Optimisation Modification

• Rehabilitate degraded riparian areas along 2.15 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AND Wilpinjong Creek and along Murragamba and MONITORING Eastern creeks downstream from mined areas within the Moolarben Coal Complex Stage 2 Environmental management and monitoring at the application area. Moolarben Coal Complex is conducted in accordance with a range of plans required by • Reinstate subsidiary surface drainage. Project Approvals (05_0117 and 08_0135) and • Improve soil condition and native seed bank. EPBC 2013/6926. Following the approval of Stage 2 and Stage 1 Modification 3 of the • Prevent soil erosion and sedimentation. Moolarben Coal Project, the following environmental management plans are required under the state and • Provide access for monitoring and adaptive 3 federal approvals for the Moolarben Coal Complex : management, control of exotic flora and fauna

species and suppression of fires. • Environmental Management Strategy. • Progress towards meeting closure and • Noise Management Plan. post-mining land use objectives (to be developed in consultation with stakeholders • Blast Management Plan. and described in a Mine Closure Plan) in a • timely and cost effective manner. Air Quality Management Plan. • Water Management Plan (including Site Water 2.14.2 Rehabilitation Monitoring Balance, Surface Water Management Plan and Groundwater Management Plan). In accordance with the MOP and Rehabilitation and • Biodiversity Management Plan. Offset Management Plan, MCO currently conducts annual Ecosystem Function Analysis (EFA) • Heritage Management Plan. monitoring and reporting which comprises: • Rehabilitation Management Plan.

• Landscape Function Analysis; • Extraction Plan(s). • Landscape Organisation Index; • Greenhouse Gas Minimisation Plan. • Soil Surface Assessment (producing stability, • Vegetation Clearance Protocol and Landscape infiltration and nutrient indices); and Management Plan. • Vegetation Dynamics (for woodland areas). • Biodiversity Offset Management Plan.

The EFA is used to assess the progress of The Moolarben Coal Complex has an extensive rehabilitation sites against relevant reference sites environmental monitoring regime. Environmental located outside the disturbance footprint and is used monitoring locations are shown on Figure 6. to assess whether rehabilitation areas are satisfying rehabilitation objectives and are on a trajectory 2.16 COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTIONS toward self-sustainability. Rehabilitation monitoring results are reported in the Annual Review. MCO financial contributions to the MWRC are made in accordance with Moolarben Coal Complex Planning Agreements, Project Approval (05_0117) and Project Approval (08_0135).

UCML, WCPL, MCO and MWRC are also co-funding implementation of the Ulan Road Strategy that will result in significant upgrades to Ulan Road.

3 On 30 January 2015, Stage 2 and Stage 1 Modification 3 of the Moolarben Coal Project were approved by the Planning Assessment Commission (as delegate of the NSW Minister for Planning). To address the requirements of the Project Approvals (Attachments 1 and 2), MCO is preparing complex-wide environmental management plans.

00684795.DOCX 19 Moolarben Coal Mines Pty Ltd 755000 760000 765000 Environment Monitoring 770000

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MCM-14-05 UG1_OM_204C Moolarben Coal Complex – UG1 Optimisation Modification

MCO also makes financial contributions to a number • Cooyal Tennis Club; of non-Government and community organisations in • Gulgong Pre School; the region. MCO financial contributions (in the form of sponsorships and donations) to various • North West Falcons Ladies Soccer; education, community development, health, • Gulgong Aviculture; environmental, arts, culture, and youth services in • Mudgee Men’s Shed; the region in the 2014 calendar year has totalled approximately $215,000. • Mudgee Triathlon Club; • Mudgee Tennis Club; Examples of recent financial contributions have • Kandos Public School; included support for the following groups: • Eurunderee Provisional School; • Moolarben Coal Celebrity Golf Classic (charity • Pioneer House Nursing Home; event); • Country Women’s Association Mudgee; • Mudgee District Hospital; • Hargraves Public School; • Ulan Public School; • Gulgong High School; • Mudgee Scouts; • Gulgong Folk Club; • Lifeskills Plus Mudgee; • Mudgee Fine Foods; • Mudgee Police Cup; • Mudgee Public School; • Mudgee Chamber of Commerce; • Mudgee Junior Cricket; • Rotary Club Mudgee Sunrise; • Mudgee District Cricket; • Cooks Gap Bushfire Brigade; • Vision Australia Mudgee; • Cudgegong Cruiser; • Dunedoo Lions Club; • Gulgong Cricket; • Turill Community Committee; • Arts Council Gulgong; • Gulgong Hostel; and • Australian Breastfeeding Mudgee Group; • Gulgong Pony Club. • Mudgee Public School; • Mudgee Region Dragon Boats; 2.17 COMPLAINTS • Rylstone Show Society; In accordance with the requirements of the • Gulgong Golf Club; Environmental Management Strategy, MCO records • Mudgee Valley Writers; and responds to all complaints and provides a • Merriwa Tennis Club; complaints register summary in the Annual Review each year. • Pioneer House Nursing Home;

• Mudgee Little Athletics; In the 2013-2014 reporting period, a total of • Gulgong Country Women’s Association; 256 complaints were received (MCO, 2015) from some 33 complainants with 37% of the complaints • Rotary Club Mudgee Sunrise; coming from a single resident. The majority of • Henry Lawson Festival; complaints (92%) were related to noise impacts • Mid-Western Dance Festival; associated with the open cut mining operations.

• Mudgee Junior Rugby; Mine-related complaints are managed in • Rylstone/Kandos Rescue; accordance with the Community Complaints • Mudgee Dragons Rugby League; Procedure as outlined in the Environmental • Gulgong Fishing Club; Management Strategy.

• Sculptures in the Gardens; • Mudgee Readers; • Mudgee Bowling Club;

00684795.DOCX 21 Moolarben Coal Mines Pty Ltd Moolarben Coal Complex – UG1 Optimisation Modification

3 DESCRIPTION OF THE Access to UG2 and UG4 would be via the UG1 PROPOSED MODIFICATION north-east main headings as shown on Figure 4.

Longwall Mining Operations Following a review of mine planning, MCO has identified opportunities to extract additional Longwall mining operations would commence at the economically viable coal and improve underground south-western end of the five UG1 longwall panels mining and processing efficiencies associated with and move towards the north-east. the underground operations at the Moolarben Coal

Complex, namely UG1. Approximately 3.7 Mt of additional ROM coal would

be recovered from UG1. ROM coal extraction 3.1 UNDERGROUND MINING OPERATIONS would occur at a rate of up to 8 Mtpa.

Underground Mining Area Layout First workings of the UG1 panels are proposed to commence in late 2015 with longwall extraction to The proposed layout of the UG1 Optimisation commence in approximately 2017. Modification is shown on Figure 4. Main headings would be developed to the north-east of the UG1 Consistent with the approved operations, longwall panels and the previously approved central underground mining operations would be conducted mains would be mined reducing the number of 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. longwall panels (and associated longwall mining equipment relocations) from nine to five. Major Underground Equipment

The UG1 longwall panels would be lengthened in Consistent with the approved operations, the UG1 the north-east by approximately 150 to 500 m. The panels would be extracted by a longwall mining southern two UG1 longwall panels would be machine. Improvements to longwall mining lengthened in the south-west by approximately 75 m equipment since lodgement of the Stage 2 EA (Figure 4). would allow ROM coal recovery to be undertaken at a rate of up to 8 Mtpa and at a maximum extraction The UG1 Optimisation Modification would increase thickness of 3.5 m. the longwall panel width from approximately 305 to 311 m. The longwall chain pillar widths would Ventilation Systems reduce from approximately 30 to 20 m. The coal seam extraction thickness would increase by Ventilation for the UG1 Optimisation Modification approximately 300 mm resulting in a maximum would comprise: extraction thickness of 3.5 m. • upcast and downcast shafts and associated The extended UG1 longwall panels would be set fan at the Remote Services Facilities in the back approximately 250 m from the Gulgong-Sandy north-east of the UG1 longwall panels; and Hollow Railway Line. • downcast rear air intake shaft and associated A subsidence assessment has been undertaken by fan in the south-west of the UG1 longwall Mine Subsidence Engineering Consultants (MSEC) panels. and is provided in Appendix A. Plans showing the changes to the UG1 longwall panel layout as a The final location of the upcast and downcast shafts result of the UG1 Optimisation Modification are within the Remote Services Facility area would be shown in the Subsidence Assessment (Appendix A). described in the Mining Operations Plan and would be subject to detailed design and consideration of There would be no change to the UG2 and UG4 local geological features. The rear air intake shaft is longwall panel layouts as a result of the UG1 discussed further in Section 3.5.3. Optimisation Modification. Underground gas generation would be monitored Mine Access and Development Works and managed in accordance with the Extraction Plan and Greenhouse Gas Minimisation Plan to be There would be no change to the approved access prepared for the Moolarben Coal Complex. to UG1 via the OC1 highwall as a result of the UG1 Optimisation Modification (Section 2.4). The access headings to the UG1 north-east mains would be driven along the northern panel of UG1 (Figure 4).

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Advance Dewatering 3.4.1 Underground Coal Handling

It is expected that the open cut mining adjacent to The UG1 Optimisation Modification would include UG1 would have largely depressurised and the construction of conveyors between the OC1 dewatered the Ulan Seam prior to underground highwall access and product coal stockpiles to mining. Where advance dewatering is required in transfer underground ROM coal (Figure 4). Coal the underground mining areas, bores would be exiting the underground area at the OC1 highwall established to pump water to the surface in would be transferred to a new stockpile with a accordance with the Water Management Plan. capacity of approximately 370,000 t at the UG1 pit top facilities (Figure 4). Underground coal would then be reclaimed by up to two dozers onto a 3.2 OPEN CUT MINING OPERATIONS second conveyor and transferred to a new sizing

station and finally to the product coal bypass There would be no change to the approved open cut stockpile in the CHPP area (Figure 4). Noise mining methods, maximum production rates, fleet or impacts associated with the proposed conveyors, waste rock management as a result of the UG1 sizing station and dozers has been assessed by Optimisation Modification (Section 2.3). SLR Consulting and are presented in Appendix C

and summarised in Section 4.3. Open cut mining activities at the Moolarben Coal

Complex would continue to occur 24 hours a day, In exceptional circumstances (including unexpected 7 days a week. events such as significant disruption to conveyors),

underground coal may be trucked via internal haul 3.3 PRODUCT COAL TRANSPORT road to the Stage 1 ROM pad (Figure 3) prior to transfer to the CHPP area. As a component of the UG1 Optimisation Modification, transport of product coal via rail would An extension to the approved underground coal increase up to 18 Mtpa (i.e. 10 Mtpa from open cut product stockpile (Figure 4) would increase the operations and 8 Mtpa from underground capacity to approximately 400,000 t. operations). The Moolarben Coal Complex incorporating the UG1 Optimisation Modification 3.4.2 Coal Preparation Plant would require an average of seven product coal train departures per day. A peak of nine train The UG1 Optimisation Modification would not departures per day would be required during require any changes to the Coal Preparation Plant. periods to meet cargo assembly timeframes at the Port of Newcastle. 3.5 GENERAL INFRASTRUCTURE No changes to existing rail transport routes are proposed for the UG1 Optimisation Modification. 3.5.1 Underground Mine Infrastructure Area

3.4 COAL HANDLING AND PREPARATION The underground Mine Infrastructure Area within the INFRASTRUCTURE OC1 pit would be relocated and would include:

The Moolarben Coal Complex incorporating the • offices; UG1 Optimisation Modification would handle up to • bathhouse (including sewage treatment plant) 21 Mtpa of ROM coal (total) (i.e. 13 Mtpa from open and crib rooms; cut operations and 8 Mtpa from underground operations). • hardstand and laydown areas;

• workshop and stores; • hydrocarbon storage; • communications, power and water reticulation infrastructure; and • parking facilities.

00684795.DOCX 23 Moolarben Coal Mines Pty Ltd Moolarben Coal Complex – UG1 Optimisation Modification

The underground Mine Infrastructure Area would be • A Vegetation Management Protocol that constructed wholly within existing/approved minimises any potential disturbance of natural disturbance areas (Figure 4). vegetation. Surveys would be conducted of potential drainage sites for threatened flora species and endangered ecological 3.5.2 Remote Services Facilities communities (EECs). If any threatened flora

species are identified, the proposed drainage Remote Services Facilities would be constructed site would be relocated so as to avoid any above the UG1 north-east mains and would include associated impacts. (among other things): • Design of erosion and sediment control and • UG1 main headings services (connected to the site water management measures in main headings via a vertical drophole); accordance with applicable guidelines. • upcast ventilation and downcast ventilation • Site-specific Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal shafts and associated fan (Section 3.1); heritage inspections, and if required, relocation of the proposed drainage sites so as to avoid • pressure balance chambers; known Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal heritage • access roads, hardstand and laydown areas; sites.

• high voltage and other electrical infrastructure; 3.6 WATER MANAGEMENT • temporary and permanent surface water drainage infrastructure; and The UG1 Optimisation Modification would not • dewatering bores and associated pipelines. include any significant change to the water management system, water supply or water Access to the Remote Services Facilities would be demand described in Section 2.10. via the approved site access from Ulan-Wollar Road that is yet to be constructed. There would be minor changes to the site water balance associated with increased underground mine water demand associated with the higher coal 3.5.3 Rear Air Intake Shaft production rate and increased groundwater inflows from the porous rock aquifer (Ulan Seam) to UG1 A rear air intake shaft and associated fan would be associated with the extended longwalls constructed above the south-western end of the (Appendix B). UG1 panels as described in Section 3.1. A review of the site water balance of the Moolarben Subject to the final detailed design, if the rear air Coal Complex incorporating the UG1 Optimisation intake shaft and related surface infrastructure was Modification was conducted by WRM Water & to be positioned in a materially different location Environment (2015) (Appendix F). WRM Water & within UG1, supplementary specialist environmental Environment concluded that the changes to site assessment studies would be prepared. These water balance would be small in comparison to the studies and any associated management measures approved Moolarben Coal Complex and would be would be detailed in an Air Intake Shaft adequately managed under the existing surface Management Plan. water management system (Section 2.10).

The Air Intake Shaft Management Plan would be Surface water runoff from the proposed Remote prepared to the satisfaction of the Secretary of the Services Facilities would be captured in a small DP&E and would include: sediment dam that would be constructed for the UG1 Optimisation Modification (Appendix F). Other • Targeted visual impact assessment, and infrastructure proposed under the UG1 Optimisation where required, implementation of Modification would be managed under the existing management measures to minimise visual site water management system with minor upgrades impacts at nearby affected receiver. where necessary.

00684795.DOCX 24 Moolarben Coal Mines Pty Ltd Moolarben Coal Complex – UG1 Optimisation Modification

MCO would continue to undertake regular reviews 3.10 CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES of the site water balance. If stored water volume falls, MCO can implement sourcing of water through The construction of the Remote Services Facilities, sharing arrangements with adjoining mines and/or underground Mine Infrastructure Area, conveyors from licensed water supply bores. If stored water and power supply line would be undertaken during volumes are excessive, MCO can release water 2016 and 2017 or when all relevant approvals are in off-site in accordance with the requirements of place. Construction activities would generally be EPL 12932, subject to stringent release criteria and restricted to daytime hours (i.e. 7.00 am to 6.00 pm) conditions being met. up to 7 days per week.

The construction of the power supply line between 3.7 WASTE MANAGEMENT the CHPP and underground Mine Infrastructure

Area would be undertaken by a licensed electrical The UG1 Optimisation Modification would not contractor in consultation with MCO. change the existing waste streams (Section 2.11) and accordingly, no changes to existing waste Potential noise impacts associated with the management practices at the Moolarben Coal proposed construction activities have been Complex would be required. assessed by SLR Consulting (Appendix C).

3.8 MANAGEMENT OF DANGEROUS 3.11 REHABILITATION GOODS

The approved rehabilitation objectives and concepts The UG1 Optimisation Modification would not would remain generally unchanged for the UG1 change the dangerous goods handled at the Optimisation Modification. Notwithstanding, a Moolarben Coal Complex (Section 2.12) and Rehabilitation Management Plan and MOP would accordingly, no changes to the management of be prepared to incorporate the UG1 Optimisation dangerous goods (e.g. hydrocarbons, explosives Modification. and chemicals) would be required.

Following the completion of mining operations 3.9 WORKFORCE on-site, the Remote Services Facilities, underground Mine Infrastructure Area, rear air The UG1 Optimisation Modification seeks an intake shaft and proposed coal conveyors would be increase in the approved Moolarben Coal Complex decommissioned and rehabilitated. construction and operational workforces to incorporate anticipated personnel for the approved The rehabilitation objectives for the proposed underground and open cut operations. underground Mine Infrastructure Area and coal conveyors would be consistent with other Stage 1 The construction period associated with the UG1 areas (Section 2.14.1). Optimisation Modification is anticipated to occur during 2016 and 2017. The average construction The rehabilitation objectives for the proposed workforce (i.e. 120 personnel) is below the Remote Services Facilities and rear air intake shaft approved Moolarben Coal Complex construction would be consistent with other Stage 2 areas workforce (i.e. 220 personnel). The UG1 (Section 2.14.2). Optimisation Modification seeks to increase the peak construction workforce to 250 personnel for the Moolarben Coal Complex, with the peak expected to occur for a short period (2 months) during 2017.

The UG1 Optimisation Modification seeks to increase the approved operational workforce for the Moolarben Coal Complex from approximately 439 personnel to approximately 667 personnel on average. A peak operational workforce of 740 personnel would be required for 12 to 18 months during 2016 and 2017.

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4 ENVIRONMENTAL The extent of UG1 subsidence is defined as the ASSESSMENT area enclosed by a 26.5 degree angle of draw line from the limit of proposed mining and by the The following sub-sections present the predicted 20 mm subsidence contour resulting from environmental assessment for the UG1 Optimisation the extraction of the modified UG1 longwall layout Modification, including a description of the existing (Appendix A). environment, an assessment of the potential impacts of the UG1 Optimisation Modification on the Prediction Methodology environment; and where relevant, a description of the measures that would be implemented to avoid, Predictions of the systematic subsidence minimise, mitigate and/or offset the potential parameters for the modified UG1 mine layout were impacts. made using the Incremental Profile Method, which consists of subsidence prediction curves based on monitoring data from mines extracting coal from the 4.1 SUBSIDENCE Southern, Newcastle, Hunter and Western Coalfields of NSW (Appendix A). Subsidence is the vertical and horizontal movement of the land surface as a result of the extraction of The Incremental Profile Method has a tendency to underlying coal. These land surface movements are over predict systematic subsidence parameters generically referred to as subsidence effects. The where the proposed mining geometry and geology type and magnitude of the subsidence effects is are within the range of the empirical database (i.e. dependent on a range of variables (e.g. mine the method is based on upper bound curves and is geometry, topography and geology). generally conservative) (Appendix A).

The approved underground mines at the Moolarben Appendix A provides a more detailed description of Coal Complex have not yet been developed. the subsidence prediction methodologies.

The existing Project Approvals (05_0117) and Predicted Subsidence Effects (08_0135) require MCO to prepare an Extraction Plan for second workings prior to extraction. Subsidence effects are the deformation of the ground mass due to underground mining, including 4.1.1 Environmental Review all mining-induced ground movements.

A detailed Subsidence Assessment has been Systematic subsidence movements are described prepared for the UG1 Optimisation Modification by by the following parameters: vertical subsidence, tilt, Mine Subsidence Engineering Consultants (MSEC) curvature, and associated strains (tensile and and is presented in Appendix A. compressive strains).

The subsidence assessment: Table 2 presents a comparison of the predicted cumulative subsidence effects from the approved • provides subsidence predictions for the and modified UG1 mine layout. modified UG1 mine layout; The maximum predicted total vertical subsidence for • compares the subsidence predictions with the modified UG1 mine layout is slightly greater those previously provided in the Stage 2 PPR (i.e. approximately 40 cm) than previously predicted for the approved UG1 mine layout subsidence for the approved UG1 layout (MSEC, 2011); (Appendix A). The increase in the maximum total • identifies the natural and built features located vertical subsidence is mostly due to the increase in within the extent of UG1 subsidence; and the maximum seam extraction thickness from 3.2 m to 3.5 m, while a smaller influence is from the • provides subsidence predictions and impact increased panel width to depth ratios and reduced assessments, in conjunction with other pillar width to depth ratios (Appendix A). specialist consultants, for these natural and built features.

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Table 2 Comparison of Predicted Systematic Subsidence Effects for the Approved and Modified Mining Layouts

Maximum Predicted Maximum Predicted Maximum Predicted Maximum Predicted Layout Total Subsidence Hogging Curvature Sagging Curvature Total Tilt (mm/m) -1 -1 (mm) (km ) (km )

Approved UG1 Mine Layout 1,980 95 >5 <-5

Proposed Modified UG1 Mine 2,380 115 >5 <-5 Layout Source: Appendix A. mm = millimetre. mm/m = millimetre per metre. km-1 = per kilometre.

The maximum predicted total tilt, hogging curvature A number of minor unnamed drainage lines overlie and sagging curvature and predicted strains for the the UG1 mine layout in relatively steep topography. modified UG1 mine layout are similar to those These drainage lines have been designated previously predicted for the approved UG1 layout Drainage Line (DL) 4, DL5, DL6 and DL7 on (Appendix A). Figure 7. There are no drainage lines located above the underground mining area extensions. Subsidence Impacts Two of these drainage lines (DL4 and DL5) are Subsidence impacts are the physical changes to the located within the extent of the approved OC4 ground and its surface caused by the subsidence out-of-pit emplacement (Figure 7) and would be effects described above. Potential subsidence covered with waste rock prior to subsidence impacts associated with the UG1 include: occurring as a result of UG1.

• surface cracking; Potential impacts to drainage lines DL6 and DL7 are discussed in Section 4.6 and Appendix F. • changes in stream bed gradients;

• ponding and changes in stream alignment; Cliffs C7, C9 and C10 • slope instability and erosion; and Cliffs C7, C9 and C10 are located outside of the • depressurisation of groundwater aquifers. extent of UG1 subsidence and are therefore not expected to experience any additional measurable Potential Environmental Consequences on Key tilts, curvatures or strains as a result of the UG1 Natural and Built Features Optimisation Modification.

The modified UG1 mine layout has been designed Therefore, the UG1 Optimisation Modification is to be consistent with the subsidence impact expected to be consistent with the subsidence performance measures in the existing Stage 2 impact performance measure of ‘negligible Project Approval (08_0135) where relevant to UG1 environmental consequences’ for Cliffs C7, C9 (Table 3). and C10.

A summary of the potential consequences of the Other Cliffs potential subsidence impacts above the modified UG1 mine layout is provided below, including There are six cliffs (C1 – C6) located within the cross-references to sub-sections with further detail. extent of UG1 subsidence (Figure 7). There are no cliffs above the underground mining area Drainage Lines extensions.

Murragamba Creek and Wilpinjong Creek are Three of these cliffs (C2, C3 and C4) are located located outside the angle of draw and extent of within the extent of the approved OC4 out-of-pit predicted measurable vertical subsidence emplacement (Figure 7) and would be covered with associated with UG1 (Figure 7). waste rock prior to subsidence occurring as a result of UG1. Cliff C1 is located within the extent of disturbance for an approved conveyor.

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Table 3 Subsidence Impact Performance Measures

Feature Subsidence Impact Performance Measure

Drainage Lines (DL1 – DL7) No greater subsidence impacts or environmental consequences than predicted in the EA.

Cliffs C7, C9 and C10 (located above UG2) Negligible environmental consequences (that is occasional rockfalls, displacement or dislodgement of boulders or slabs or fracturing, that in total do not impact more than 0.5% of the total face of such cliffs within any longwall mining domain).

Other cliffs No greater subsidence impacts or environmental consequences than predicted in the EA.

Minor cliffs Minor environmental consequences (that is, occasional rockfalls, Rock face features displacement of or dislodgment of boulders or slabs, or fracturing, that in total do not impact more than 5% of the total face area of each such type Steep slopes of feature within any longwall mining domain).

Threatened species, threatened populations, or Negligible subsidence impacts or environmental consequences. endangered ecological communities

Aboriginal heritage site S2MC 236 Negligible subsidence impacts or environmental consequences. (located above UG2)

Historic heritage sites No greater subsidence impact or environmental consequences than predicted in the EA.

First workings under an approved Extraction Plan To remain long-term stable and non-subsiding. beneath any feature where performance measures in this table require negligible subsidence impacts or negligible environmental consequences

Second workings To be carried out only in accordance with an approved Extraction Plan.

Gulgong-Sandy Hollow Railway Line Always safe and serviceable. Damage that does not affect safety or serviceability must be fully repairable, and must be fully repaired.

Murragamba Road Always safe. Low voltage electricity powerline Serviceability should be maintained wherever practicable. Loss of serviceability must be fully compensated. Damage must be fully repairable, and must be fully repaired or else replaced or fully compensated.

Telecommunication cable Serviceability should be maintained wherever practicable. Loss of Fibre-optic cable serviceability must be fully compensated. Damage must be fully repairable, and must be fully repaired or else Murragamba Trig Station replaced or fully compensated.

Other built features and improvements, including Serviceability should be maintained wherever practicable. Loss of fences serviceability must be fully compensated. Damage must be fully repairable, and must be fully repaired or else replaced or fully compensated.

Public safety Negligible additional risk. Source: Conditions 1 and 3, Schedule 4, Moolarben Coal Project Stage 2 Project Approval 08_0135 (Attachment 2).

00684795.DOCX 28 Moolarben Coal Mines Pty Ltd 760000

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ULAN MINE COMPLEX

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LEGEND Existing Approved Stage 1 Open Cut Murragamba OC4 Out-of-pit Emplacement Trig Station Surface Infrastructure Area Longwall Mining Area Carr's Gap Road Stone Wall Existing/Approved Stage 2 Open Cut Out-of-pit Emplacement Surface Infrastructure Area Longwall Mining Area Proposed UG1 Optimisation Modification Underground Workings Overland Conveyor Surface Infrastructure Area Proposed OC4 South-West Modification

Proposed OC4 South-West Haul Road OC2 M u Approved Stage 2 Haul Road - Not Required r UG2 ra g a Extent of Vertical Subsidence from UG1 m b a Feature C re Cliffs ek Steep Slopes 6420000Drainage lines 6420000 Powerlines and Poles Roads UG1 OPTIMISATION MODIFICATIONM 0 0.25 0.5 0.75 1 u r FIGURE 7 ra ga Natural and Built Features within the m b Kilometres a Modification Area C Source: MCO,Proposed 2014 r

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Consistent with the predictions in the Stage 2 PPR, Key Built Features Cliffs C1, C5 and C6 are expected to experience minor impacts (Appendix A). Therefore, the UG1 The following key built features are located within Optimisation Modification is expected to be the vicinity of UG1 (Figure 7): consistent with the subsidence impact performance measure of ‘no greater subsidence impacts or • Gulgong-Sandy Hollow Railway line; environmental consequences than predicted in the • Murragamba Road; EA’ for other cliffs. • Ulan-Wollar Road;

Steep Slopes and Rock Face Features • electricity transmission lines;

• copper telecommunication cables; and The locations of the natural steep slopes within the extent of UG1 subsidence are shown on Figure 7. • Murragamba Trig station. There are small sections of steep slopes above the south-western underground mining area extension. The Gulgong to Sandy Hollow Railway Line varies from approximately 255 m to 400 m from the The impacts predicted for steep slopes and rock nearest edges of the modified UG1 mine layout face features are generally consistent with the (compared to 330 m for the approved UG1 mine approved Moolarben Coal Complex and therefore layout). The modified UG1 mine layout would be there would be no change in the environmental unlikely to adversely impact on the Gulgong-Sandy consequence as a result of the UG1 Optimisation Hollow Railway line (Appendix A) and is therefore Modification. expected to be consistent with the subsidence impact performance measure requiring the Threatened Species, Threatened Populations and Gulgong-Sandy Hollow Railway line to remain ‘safe Endangered Ecological Communities and serviceable’.

Potential consequences on threatened species, Murragamba Road is currently subject to a road threatened populations and endangered ecological closure application and will no longer been in use communities as a result of subsidence impacts are when subject to subsidence from UG1. An discussed in Section 4.5 and Appendix E. alternative access point from Ulan-Wollar Road has been approved as part of the Moolarben Coal Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Project Stage 2. This will provide access to OC4 and Murragamba Creek valley and would not be A number of Aboriginal cultural heritage items, subject to subsidence impacts from the modified including artefact scatters and isolated finds have UG1 mine layout. been identified within the extent of UG1 subsidence. Potential consequences on Aboriginal cultural Ulan-Wollar Road is located outside the extent of heritage items as a result of subsidence impacts are UG1 subsidence and would be unlikely to be described in Section 4.7 and Appendix G. adversely impacted.

Non-Aboriginal Cultural Heritage A 66kV powerline is located along the Ulan-Wollar Road and within 110 m of the modified UG1 mine The Carrs Gap Road stone wall heritage site is layout. The powerline would only experience low located within the extent of UG1 subsidence systematic subsidence movements of less than (Figure 7). Potential consequences on this site as a 20 mm and very low tilts and strains (Appendix A). result of subsidence are discussed in Section 4.11.3. A low voltage electricity powerline that previously provided power to Murragamba Creek valley has Groundwater Resources been decommissioned. The main underground copper telecommunications cables within the extent Potential impacts on alluvial aquifers and of UG1 subsidence are no longer in service. groundwater are described in Section 4.2 and Appendix B. The Murragamba Trig Station is located above the approved and modified UG1 mine layout. Land Use and Land Resources Consistent with the predictions in the Stage 2 PPR, it is anticipated there would be no significant impact Potential consequences on land resources and land on the survey mark itself, however it would be use as a result of subsidence impacts are described necessary on the completion of subsidence to in Section 4.11.1. re-establish the exact location of the Trig Station (Appendix A).

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Other Built Features and Improvements 4.2 GROUNDWATER RESOURCES

Potential subsidence impacts on other built features A Groundwater Assessment for the Moolarben Coal and improvements (e.g. farm dams and fences) are Complex incorporating the UG1 Optimisation presented in Appendix A. Modification has been prepared by Dundon Consulting (2015), with supporting groundwater Public Safety modelling undertaken by HydroSimulations (2015). These reports are presented in Appendix B. Surface cracking, erosion and ponding have the potential to pose a safety hazard to persons The latest version of the approved RPS Aquaterra undertaking authorised access (e.g. MCO personnel model (2012) for the Moolarben Coal Complex was and contractors) and unauthorised access of active used for the UG1 Optimisation Modification to subsidence areas. ensure consistency of predictions (Appendix B).

MCO would implement the Public Safety 4.2.1 Background Management Plan required for the Extraction Plan so that there would be no additional risk to public A number of groundwater investigations, safety. assessments and reviews have been undertaken

since 2006 to assess the potential impacts of the 4.1.2 Mitigation Measures, Management and approved Moolarben Coal Complex. Recent Monitoring groundwater assessments undertaken for the approved Moolarben Coal Complex include: An Extraction Plan is required to be prepared prior to the commencement of second workings to: • Moolarben Coal Complex Stage 2 PPR Groundwater Impact Assessment November • demonstrate that the subsidence impact 2011 (RPS Aquaterra, 2011); performance measures (Table 3) can be • Moolarben Coal Project Stage 1 Optimisation achieved; and Modification Groundwater Assessment (AGE, • develop detailed mitigation measures and 2013); and monitoring to manage the potential impacts • and/or environmental consequences on natural Moolarben Coal Complex Stage 2 PPR and built features. Response to Submissions Additional Groundwater Impact Assessment (RPS Mitigation measures and management for potential Aquaterra, 2012). consequences on groundwater, ecology, surface water, Aboriginal cultural heritage and land RPS Aquaterra (2011) predicted that drawdown resources, are described in Sections 4.2, 4.5, 4.6, impacts on privately-owned bores from the 4.7 and 4.11.1. approved Moolarben Coal Complex would not exceed 0.6 m and therefore would have negligible Built Features effect on groundwater users.

Measures to manage the impacts of subsidence on Groundwater monitoring and management at the built features would be developed as a component Moolarben Coal Complex is conducted in of the relevant Extraction Plan for consideration and accordance with the Water Management Plan, including the approved Surface and Ground Water approval by the relevant authorities, and would be 4 consistent with the requirements of the Stage 2 Response Plan . Project Approval (08_0135). The Moolarben Coal Complex groundwater Public Safety monitoring sites are shown on Figure 6.

The Extraction Plan for UG1 would include a Public Safety Management Plan as required under Condition 5, Schedule 4 of the Stage 2 Project Approval (08_0135). The Public Safety Management Plan would include measures to maintain public safety (e.g. regular monitoring and 4 On 30 January 2015, Stage 2 and Stage 1 Modification 3 of remediation of surface cracking). the Moolarben Coal Project were approved by the Planning Assessment Commission (as delegate of the NSW Minister for Planning). To address the requirements of the Project Approvals (Attachments 1 and 2), MCO is preparing a complex-wide Water Management Plan.

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Hydrogeological Regime Porous Rock Aquifers

The Moolarben Coal Complex area is located in the The porous rock aquifers consist of the Narrabeen Western Coalfields on the north western edge of the Group sandstones and the Illawarra Coal Measures, Sydney-Gunnedah Basin, which contains consisting of coal seams, conglomerate, mudstones sedimentary rocks, including coal measures, of and siltstones (Appendix B). Permian and Triassic age. The dominant outcropping lithologies over the Moolarben Coal None of the identified groundwater systems are Complex are the Triassic Narrabeen Group (Wollar significant aquifers (Appendix B). The most Sandstone) and the Permian Illawarra Coal permeable units are the Ulan Seam and Measures. The siltstones and sandstones of the Marrangaroo Conglomerate, while the sandstones Triassic Narrabeen Group form elevated, mesa-like of the Narrabeen Group are of lower permeability incised plateaus associated with the Goulburn River and are elevated above the Moolarben Coal National Park and the Munghorn Gap Nature Complex. The Illawarra Coal Measures also include Reserve. low permeability mudstones and siltstones (Appendix B). Alluvial Aquifers Recharge to the groundwater systems would occur Quaternary alluvial deposits in the vicinity of the primarily from direct rainfall and runoff infiltration. Moolarben Coal Complex are associated with The Permian and Triassic aquifers in the vicinity of Lagoon Creek, Goulburn River, Moolarben Creek the Moolarben Coal Complex are primarily and Wilpinjong Creek (Appendix B). recharged at outcrops. Where the Triassic and/or Permian is overlain by alluvium, colluvium or highly There is no ‘highly productive’ groundwater, as weathered bedrock, additional recharge may also defined under the Aquifer Interference Policy, occur from these unconsolidated surficial materials. mapped in the vicinity of the Moolarben Coal Complex (Appendix B). The nearest ‘highly There are no high priority culturally significant sites productive’ groundwater is a portion of the alluvial listed in the Water Sharing Plan for the Hunter aquifer associated with Wilpinjong Creek Unregulated and Alluvial Water Sources 2009. downstream of the Wilpinjong Coal Mine However, a spring known as The Drip is a (Appendix B). groundwater dependent ecosystem with some local cultural significance. This water feature is likely to Tertiary Palaeochannel Deposits be fed from perched water in the Wollar Sandstone (Appendix B). Tertiary palaeochannel deposits have been recognised in the Goulburn River diversion (at Ulan) 4.2.2 Environmental Review and in the Murragamba and Wilpinjong creek valleys, with a maximum thickness of 40 m to 50 m. The key findings of the Groundwater Assessment Palaeochannels are remnants of inactive river or (Appendix B) are: stream channels that have been later filled in or buried by younger sediment that can be stronger or • The UG1 Optimisation Modification would have weaker than the original strata (Appendix A). The no material impact on stream baseflow or infill sediments consist of poorly-sorted natural river leakage for any nearby stream. semi-consolidated quartzose sands and gravels in a The Modification is predicted to cause minor clayey matrix (Appendix B). reductions in the volume of baseflow

discharged to Wilpinjong Creek (north of the A Transient Electro-Magnetic (TEM) and Direct confluence with Murragamba Creek) of less Current (DC) electrical resistivity survey program than 1 megalitre per year (ML/year), with has been conducted to better define the depth of natural gaining conditions predicted to persist. regolith and the extent of the palaeochannel to the north-east of UG1 (Appendix B). HydroSimulations • The UG1 Optimisation Modification would (Appendix B) has determined the modified UG1 cause negligible drawdown in alluvial aquifers. mine layout would not pass beneath any • Up to 6.5 metres of additional drawdown is water bearing palaeochannel sediments. predicted in the Ulan Seam in the

north-eastern extents of UG1, which is minor from a regional perspective. • There would be no other discernible change in drawdown resulting from the UG1 Optimisation Modification.

00684795.DOCX 32 Moolarben Coal Mines Pty Ltd Moolarben Coal Complex – UG1 Optimisation Modification

• No third-party groundwater users would be 4.2.3 Mitigation Measures, Management and affected by the UG1 Optimisation Modification, Monitoring in terms of the minimal harm considerations of the Aquifer Interference Policy. Groundwater monitoring and management for the Moolarben Coal Complex would continue to be • The net loss of groundwater from the alluvium conducted in accordance with the Water to underlying rock strata associated with the Management Plan. UG1 Optimisation Modification is expected to

be negligible. The Water Management Plan would be reviewed

and, where necessary, updated to incorporate the Groundwater Inflows UG1 Optimisation Modification.

The UG1 Optimisation Modification would not increase peak inflow rates predicted for the 4.3 NOISE approved Moolarben Coal Complex and would contribute less than approximately 0.2 megalitres A Noise Assessment for the UG1 Optimisation per day (ML/day) to inflow rates during mining of Modification has been undertaken by SLR UG1 (Appendix B). Consulting (2015a) (Appendix C).

Groundwater Licensing 4.3.1 Background

There is negligible change in licensing requirements A number of noise assessments have been at the Moolarben Coal Complex in the Wollar Creek undertaken since 2006 to assess the potential and Upper Goulburn River Water Sources regulated impacts of Stages 1 and 2 of the Moolarben Coal under the Water Management Act, 2000 Project. The most recent assessment of operational (Appendix B). noise impacts for the approved Moolarben Coal Complex (incorporating Stages 1 and 2) was The Groundwater Assessment predicted an conducted by EMGA Mitchell McLennan increase in peak water inflows to UG1 from the (EMM) (2013a). porous rock groundwater source (which is regulated under the Water Act 1912) of 69 ML/year as a result The assessment predicted that six privately-owned of the UG1 Optimisation Modification (Appendix B). residences would experience noise levels above the Project-specific noise limit (PSNL) of 35 A-weighted In the unlikely event this peak increase in take decibels (dBA) equivalent continuous noise level occurs at the same time as the peak licensing (dBA LAeq(15minute)) (EMM, 2013a). MCO has since requirement for the Moolarben Coal Complex as a purchased one of these properties and a further whole (including water extracted from the northern property (Receiver 63) is subject to a private and southern borefields), the total predicted take agreement with MCO. would still remain within MCO’s existing licensed allocation (Appendix B). These exceedances of the PSNL were approved, subject to the management, mitigation and Groundwater Users monitoring of noise impacts from the Moolarben Coal Complex in accordance with the requirements Due to the very limited change in drawdown of Project Approvals (05_0117 and 08_0135). This resulting from the UG1 Optimisation Modification, includes: there would be no impacts on other groundwater users (Appendix B). • the right to request property acquisition for Receiver 32 or where noise exceeds the Aquifer Interference Policy Project Approval Land Acquisition Criteria at privately-owned residences or over 25% or An assessment of the UG1 Optimisation more of privately-owned land; Modification against the minimal impact considerations in the NSW Aquifer Interference • Project Approval noise limits for Policy (the AIP) (NSW Government, 2012a) was privately-owned residences; conducted as part of the Groundwater Assessment • the right to request mitigation measures for (Appendix B). The Groundwater Assessment residences where noise levels are greater than concluded that the UG1 Optimisation Modification is the Project Approval Noise Mitigation Criteria; within the ‘Level 1’ minimal impact considerations and outlined in the AIP as discussed further in Section 5.2.2.

00684795.DOCX 33 Moolarben Coal Mines Pty Ltd Moolarben Coal Complex – UG1 Optimisation Modification

• use of operational personnel to monitor real • the right for the NSW Department of Education time noise data (from the combined and Communities to request reasonable and underground and open cut operations) to feasible noise (and dust) mitigation measures assist production supervisors in proactive to be implemented at the Ulan Public School or management of noise impacts. for MCO to contribute to or meet reasonable

costs towards relocating the Ulan Public Operator-attended noise monitoring is used to School. demonstrate compliance with Project Approval

noise criteria, whilst continuous real-time monitoring A noise assessment was prepared by SLR is used as a noise management tool to assist MCO Consulting (2015b) for the OC4 South-West to take pre-emptive noise management actions to Modification and is currently subject to separate avoid potential non-compliances. assessment and approval. The noise assessment concluded that there would be no additional MCO has also recently implemented new software exceedances of the relevant criteria for the that assists in pro-active management of noise (and Moolarben Coal Complex incorporating the OC4 dust) emissions. The system provides daily reports South-West Modification. and predictions of upcoming meteorological

conditions and potential noise risks. Based on Noise Management and Monitoring prevailing wind conditions, MCO can strategically The approved Noise Management Plan5 has been alter its operations to reduce these impacts. prepared to manage Project-specific and cumulative noise impacts associated with the Moolarben Coal A description of these management measures is Complex. The Noise Management Plan describes provided in Appendix C. the noise monitoring program, which consists of a MCO maintains a complaints register in accordance combination of operator-attended and continuous with its Project Approvals (05_0117 and 08_0135). real-time noise monitoring, as well as two Automatic All noise related complaints received by MCO are Weather Stations (AWS) (Figure 8). An additional responded to and investigated in accordance with mobile AWS has been established near OC2 the Community Complaints Procedure detailed in (Figure 8). the Noise Management Plan. A review of noise

related complaints is provided in Appendix C. MCO implements a range of noise control and management measures at the Moolarben Coal MCO reports noise monitoring results in its Monthly Complex, including mine planning controls, Environmental Monitoring Report and Annual operational controls, engineering controls, a Environmental Management Report (AEMR)/Annual real-time response protocol, meteorological Review. A review of the noise monitoring reports is forecasting and continuous improvement to identify provided in Appendix C. and manage noise impacts aimed to achieve compliance with the approved noise criteria. 4.3.2 Environmental Review Reasonable and feasible on-site noise controls implemented to minimise noise emissions from the Noise modelling was conducted by SLR Consulting Moolarben Coal Complex of relevance to (2015a) to predict potential noise impacts from the underground operations include: Moolarben Coal Complex incorporating the UG1 Optimisation Modification. • implementation of meteorological forecasting to inform daily operations; SLR Consulting conducted a noise investigation survey in July and August 2014 to validate the • use of real-time noise monitoring data that Moolarben Coal Complex noise model, reflect incorporate automatic noise alarms to assist as-built features and to review the model calibration operational personnel in proactive (Appendix C). management of noise impacts; and

5 On 30 January 2015, Stage 2 and Stage 1 Modification 3 of the Moolarben Coal Project were approved by the Planning Assessment Commission (as delegate of the NSW Minister for Planning). To address the requirements of the Project Approvals (Attachments 1 and 2), MCO is preparing a complex-wide Noise Management Plan.

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0 a 0 g LEGEND 55 a 5 g m o b 0 o 600 0 n a Mining Lease Boundary t 4 C n C e 6 r c r 0 ee k s e 0 k e Exploration Licence Boundary e e 0 e r 0 5 r C k d 5 5 C 5 a 6 g Existing Stage 1 o ") 5 0 n R 5 0 i 0 r !<") 0 60 6 p 0 S Open Cut Mining Area r 0

e t M 0 s 0 e 500

o 5 Out-of-pit Emplacement h e c o g n l i a d 0 i r 0 W R 5 ML1628 b 5 Infrastructure Area e 4 5 n 0 5 0 5 5 !< C 0 600 r Underground Mining Area Munghorn Gap 0 !< ee 0

0 k 5 0 Existing Stage 2 5 Nature Reserve

!< Open Cut Mining Area5 P! 5 ML1628 OC3 0 0 0 0 6 0 00 Out-of-pit Emplacement0 6 !< 6 EL 6288 Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve 6 ML1628 Infrastructure Area 0 600 50 0 0 5 0 4 0

0 5 0 5 0 50 5 Underground6 Mining0 Area 5 5 5 !< 5 5 5 5 EL 7073 6415000") Haul Road 6415000 Approved Road Realignment (not yet constructed) 0 1 2 3

Kilometres

UG1 OPTIMISATION MODIFICATION FIGURE 8 Relevant Noise, Blasting and Dust Monitoring Site Locations 755000 760000 765000 770000

MCM-14-05 UG1_OM_212D Moolarben Coal Complex – UG1 Optimisation Modification

Assessable Meteorological Conditions Reasonable and Feasible Mitigation Measures

The NSW Industrial Noise Policy assessable Where relevant, existing mitigation measures meteorological noise modelling parameters are (Section 4.3.2) and mitigation measures proposed presented in Appendix C, and are generally for the OC4 South-West Modification were consistent with the previously assessed incorporated into the noise modelling conducted for meteorological conditions. the UG1 Optimisation Modification.

The Stage 1 Modification 9 noise assessment for In addition, the following reasonable and feasible the approved Moolarben Coal Complex assessed noise mitigation measures would be implemented noise impacts during temperature inversions up to for the UG1 Optimisation Modification (Appendix C): 3.9 degrees Celsius (°C) per 100 m. • attenuation of mobile equipment such as the Direct temperature gradient measurement at the dozers on the underground ROM stockpile; 60 m high temperature tower at the Wilpinjong Coal and Mine has provided additional data regarding • procurement of “low noise” fixed plant temperature gradients that occur in the area (i.e. conveyor drives and conveyor idlers). (Appendix C).

Potential Impacts Based on analysis of available data between August

2011 and July 2014, SLR Consulting identified that Potential construction noise (i.e. 2016 scenario) was noise impacts during temperature gradients up to assessed cumulatively with Moolarben Coal 5.2°C per 100 m were assessable under the NSW Complex operations and compared to Project Industrial Noise Policy. Approval noise limits, as it is considered the

construction noise for UG1 would be Modelling Scenarios indistinguishable from other noise. The noise

modelling shows no exceedances of the current The UG1 Optimisation Modification involves the Project Approval noise limits are predicted during construction and operation of a coal conveyor the construction period of UG1 at any between the UG1 pit top facilities and CHPP area, privately-owned receiver. sizing station, additional dozers on the underground

ROM stockpile and operation of ventilation fans During the 2018 scenario, one exceedance of the above the Remote Services Facilities and rear air current Project Approval noise limits is predicted at intake shaft. a privately-owned receiver (258 Elias) with the

implementation of reasonable and feasible SLR Consulting (Appendix C) modelled and mitigation measures and the continued assessed two key scenarios to assess potential implementation of the noise management strategy noise impacts associated with the UG1 Optimisation (Appendix C). The predicted noise level at this Modification in accordance with the NSW Industrial receiver is 1 decibel (dB) above the Project Noise Policy: Approval noise limit and PSNL of 35 dBA.

• 2016 scenario, representing intrusive mine In accordance with the Voluntary Land Acquisition operating noise levels for the Moolarben Coal and Mitigation Policy (NSW Government, 2014), the Complex (i.e. as determined for the OC4 impact of this predicted exceedance (1 dB) is South-West Modification) and on-site considered to be negligible, would not be construction noise levels for UG1 discernable by the average listener and would not (daytime only). warrant receiver based treatments or controls. • 2018 scenario, representing operation of the Moolarben Coal Complex incorporating the No other exceedances of the Project Approval noise UG1 Optimisation Modification (including the limits at privately-owned receivers or vacant land proposed changes modelled for the OC4 are predicted (Appendix C). South-West Modification). Indicative noise contours for night-time operations under adverse meteorological conditions for the Moolarben Coal Complex incorporating the UG1 Optimisation Modification (2018 scenario) are shown on Figure 9.

00684795.DOCX 36 Moolarben Coal Mines Pty Ltd Durridgere CCA Zone 3 327 State Conservation Area 325 56 325 B o D 128 327 ULAN " b urridg 325 249 a ere R d oad 326 e e n " 162 129 " R 247 t " o e " a e 149 d 132 r " 129 130 245 t " " 129 S 66" " t 131 n " 168 e " 248 251 B

" Ulan Public 11 329 160 11 School " EL6288

" 11 LEGEND 11 Mining Lease Boundary Exploration Licence Boundary Approved Road Realignment 11 (not yet constructed) ML1605 11 Moolarben Coal Operations " " Ulan Coal Mine " 30 Wilpinjong Coal Mine 11 EL7074 Crown Land d a Commercial o R

5 n Ulan Public School 3 la U Freehold National Park/Nature Reserve Unidentified Land (Extent of 40 Tenure Search) " Receiver ML16 " 28 Noise Contours LAeq(15minute) (dBA)

45 EL7074 0 1 2 3

EL6 Kilometres 50 288 Source: MCO, Feb 2015 and SLR, 2014

" et ope Road tre C 328 n S Y 255 ai LWA 328 M RAI " ULAN G 255 "46 N t GO e UL Goulburn River National Park " e G d r " a t " OW 256 " " o " S " "66""168 LL " " R t O " H n Y 258 329 160 D a e " AN b B S m a " g a r 26 r u Too M " le R oa 26 d" " " M " M L1 L1606 628

d M a L o 9 1 R U 6 0 la n 6 n a l W

U o lla r R ""317 La oa 315" goons R d " 316 oad 314 312 " " 300 " " M 313" " " " 311 " " L " 1 d " " a 63" 6 310 " " o " 303 " " 9 d R 305 " 63 1 a 309 304 " a o " l l R 306 " 70 " " u 308 " g a l 307 0 n a Cooks 5 u i 178 a " " B " 180 " M " 183 181 " Gap 182 " 75 " 184 " " " 76 " 184 " " 45 Spring Cr 186 240 59 EL6288 eek Road " " " 188"187" " 79 4 238 " 0 189 " 237 " " " " " t 80 " 236 n "61 190 " e 82 " c "60 234 s 235 " 191 " e d 192 " r 83 a " C 233 85 " 62 o " 193 r 84 R " e 194 "t " 231232 s e " e g 195 " 87 3 " 196 h d 230 "86 5 i "c n " R i " 198199 22941 " 89 88 " W " ML1628 199 227 90 91" 37 ML1628 " " Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve "200 226 92 225 93 " 201 " " " 30 " M " o " 224 " " " 100" o 202 95 " 35 l " 94 96979899 " 34 a 203 " rb 204 119 40 en " " " 30 " 205 104 Mo 30 R " 103 " 101" olarbe o 206 " 102 41 n Ro 31" a 105 " ad 30 30 d " " 30 Ma " 207 223 106 106" 107 41 yb " " " " err Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve " " y R ML1628 "208 " 222 108 o " 111112 " EL6288 ad "209 " 109 39 " 113 " " 30 " 220219 217 110 30 210 " 42 218 114 39 " 216 115 " 171 215 " 212 116 32 32 " 211 214 39 30 30 d 213 117 " Roa 118 Wollar " 120119 d a 32 o 121 R

" " o " 122 b W 124123 53 47 ya m ld 125 u ra 41 C La " ne 126 53 127 UG1 OPTIMISATION MODIFICATION Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve 54 244 FIGURE 9 EL 7073 " Modification Year 2018 Night-time 35 244 Operational Noise Contours 54 Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve

MCM-14-05 UG1_OM_207C Moolarben Coal Complex – UG1 Optimisation Modification

In accordance with the NSW Industrial Noise Policy, SLR Consulting has undertaken a road traffic noise SLR Consulting has also considered noise levels assessment of potential noise impacts along Ulan against PSNLs determined for the Moolarben Coal Road in accordance with the NSW Road Noise Complex. The results of this assessment are Policy (NSW Department of Environment, Climate presented in Appendix C. Change and Water [DECCW], 2011).

Rail Noise The relative increase in traffic noise arising from the incremental increase in Moolarben Coal Complex The UG1 Optimisation Modification would increase traffic in comparison to existing and projected 2017 the number of average daily product coal departures traffic levels is much less than 2 dBA. In to seven per day and the peak daily departures to accordance with the NSW Road Noise Policy this nine per day. degree of change represents a minor impact that is considered barely perceptible (Appendix C). SLR Consulting has undertaken a cumulative rail noise assessment of potential rail noise impacts in No additional dwellings are predicted to exceed the accordance with the Rail Infrastructure Noise total road traffic noise criteria due to the UG1 Guideline (RING) (EPA, 2013). Optimisation Modification (Appendix C).

In accordance with the requirements of the RING The Ulan Road Strategy identified residences at risk Appendix 2, where the cumulative rail noise level from increased cumulative mine-related traffic road exceeds the noise assessment trigger levels and noise and proposed a mechanism to provide noise project-related noise increases greater 0.5 dBA are attenuation treatments which has been accepted by predicted, all feasible and reasonable noise the three mines (MCO, UCML and WCPL). mitigation measures should be implemented (Appendix C). 4.3.3 Mitigation Measures, Management and

Monitoring The L passby noise levels would not change Amax due to the UG1 Optimisation Modification MCO will continue to mitigate, monitor and manage (Appendix C). potential noise impacts from the Moolarben Coal Complex in accordance with the Noise Management The average Project-related rail noise level increase Plan, which would be updated to incorporate the for both day and night is 0.3 dBA (i.e. less than UG1 Optimisation Modification, via a combination of 0.5 dBA) and the peak Project-related rail noise the following: level increase for both day and night is 0.5 dBA (i.e. not greater than 0.5 dBA). SLR Consulting • reasonable and feasible mitigation measures; (Appendix C) concluded that an assessment of “all feasible and reasonable noise mitigation measures” • predictive meteorological forecasting, and in accordance with the RING was therefore not associated pre-emptive noise management warranted. measures when adverse meteorological conditions are predicted; SLR Consulting (Appendix C) also concluded that • real-time noise monitoring and associated the nearest potentially affected villages of Ulan, pre-emptive noise management measures Araluen, Wollar, Mogo, and Barigan are located well when trigger levels (set below Project Approval beyond rail noise affected areas for daytime and noise limits) are exceeded; and night-time rail movements on both an average and peak basis. • attended noise monitoring to confirm ongoing compliance with Project Approval noise limits. Road Traffic Noise Ulan Public School The anticipated increase in the Moolarben Coal Complex workforce (Section 3.9) would result in In accordance with the requirements of the Project additional traffic movements in the vicinity of the Approvals (Attachments 1 and 2), MCO would: Moolarben Coal Complex. A Road Transport Assessment has been prepared for the UG1 • consult with Department of Education and Optimisation Modification and is described in Communities and, if requested, implement Section 4.8. agreed reasonable and feasible measures to ameliorate potential noise and/or dust impacts to Ulan Public School; or

00684795.DOCX 38 Moolarben Coal Mines Pty Ltd Moolarben Coal Complex – UG1 Optimisation Modification

• on a reasonable basis relating to the adverse An air quality assessment was prepared by effect of noise and/or dust from the Moolarben Todoroski Air Sciences (2015b) for the Coal Complex, negotiate with Department of OC4 South-West Modification and is currently Education and Communities to contribute to or subject to separate assessment and approval. The meet reasonable costs toward relocating the air quality assessment concluded that there would Ulan Public School. be no additional exceedances of the relevant criteria for the Moolarben Coal Complex incorporating the OC4 South-West Modification. 4.4 AIR QUALITY

Air Quality Management and Monitoring An Air Quality Assessment for the UG1 Optimisation

Modification has been undertaken by Todoroski Air 7 The approved Air Quality Management Plan Sciences (2015a) (Appendix D). describes the air quality management and

monitoring regime at the Moolarben Coal Complex. Aspects relating to dust emissions are discussed in The Air Quality Management Plan describes: the subsections below. Greenhouse gas emissions are discussed separately in Section 4.11.2. • Project Approval air quality criteria.

• 4.4.1 Background Dust monitoring locations and frequency, comprising (Figure 8):

Previous Assessments - TEOMs measuring PM10 continuously (i.e. real-time monitor); A number of air quality assessments have been undertaken since 2006 to assess the potential - High Volume Air Samplers (HVAS) impacts of Stages 1 and 2 of the Moolarben Coal measuring PM10 on a one day in six Project. The most recent assessment of the cycle; and potential air quality impacts associated with the - dust deposition gauges. approved Moolarben Coal Complex (incorporating • Stages 1 and 2) was undertaken by Todoroski Air Ongoing dust management measures. Sciences (2013). • Real-time response triggers (set below Project Approval air quality criteria) which, if The assessments predicted there would be no exceeded, trigger the implementation of exceedances of annual average criteria for additional dust management measures. particulate matter with diameter less than 10 microns (PM10), total suspended particulate Operational air quality management measures that (TSP) or dust deposition levels due emissions from will be implemented for underground mining the project only. operations at the Moolarben Coal Complex include:

An exceedance of 24-hour average PM10 criterion • employing appropriate dust suppression was predicted at one private-owned receiver on one methods at the coal handling facilities; day (Receiver 466). An exceedance of the • cumulative annual average PM10 criterion was also maintaining coal handling areas and stockpiles predicted at Receiver 46 when emissions from the in a moist condition using water carts and/or Moolarben Coal Complex were considered water sprays; cumulatively with background sources (Todoroski • relocation, modification and/or temporarily Air Sciences, 2013). ceasing mining operations (e.g. dozers on the

underground coal stockpile) in adverse Previous assessment of cumulative 24-hour meteorological conditions to minimise the short average PM impacts found there would be a low 10 term air quality impacts; potential risk for cumulative 24-hour average PM10 impacts due to the Moolarben Coal Complex (i.e. an • partial enclosure of coal transfer conveyors exceedance for one day only was predicted when where reasonable and feasible; emissions from Moolarben Coal Complex were considered cumulatively with background sources) (Todoroski Air Sciences, 2013).

7 On 30 January 2015, Stage 2 and Stage 1 Modification 3 of the Moolarben Coal Project were approved by the Planning Assessment Commission (as delegate of the NSW Minister for 6 Receiver 46 is a commercial property and is listed as a Planning). To address the requirements of the Project property that can request acquisition in the Ulan Mine Approvals (Attachments 1 and 2), MCO is preparing a Complex Project Approval (08_0184). complex-wide Air Quality Management Plan.

00684795.DOCX 39 Moolarben Coal Mines Pty Ltd Moolarben Coal Complex – UG1 Optimisation Modification

• use of water carts on all trafficked areas to Consistent with the approach for the OC4 minimise dust generation as necessary and South-West Modification, a year 2016 scenario was practicable; and chosen for the air quality modelling scenario. The 2016 scenario incorporates the proposed coal • use of constructed roads only, minimisation of conveyor between the UG1 pit top facilities and access roads and removal of obsolete access CHPP area, dozers on the underground coal roads. stockpile and stockpile extensions.

MCO has recently implemented new software that It is noted that this is a conservative approach as assists in pro-active management of dust (and these fixed and mobile fleet would not be fully noise) emissions. The system provides daily reports operational until approximately 2017. Further and predictions of upcoming meteorological justification for the scenario selection is provided in conditions and potential dust risks. Based on the OC4 South-West Modification and Appendix D. prevailing wind conditions, MCO can strategically alter its operations to reduce these impacts. The 2016 scenario is considered to be representative of a scenario equivalent to the Year 6 In accordance with the requirements of Project scenario modelled for Stage 1 Modification 9 and Approvals (05_0117 and 08_0135), MCO therefore allows for a comparison to be made co-ordinates the air quality management on-site with between the existing/approved Moolarben Coal the air quality management at the Ulan Mine Complex and the UG1 Optimisation Modification Complex and Wilpinjong Coal Mine to minimise (Appendix D). cumulative air quality impacts. Emissions Estimation MCO reports air quality monitoring results in its Monthly Environmental Monitoring Report and Emissions of TSP (i.e. dust) associated with the AEMR/Annual Review. Moolarben Coal Complex incorporating the UG1 Optimisation Modification for 2016 were estimated Air quality monitoring results reported in the by Todoroski Air Sciences (2015a) using 2012 - 2013 AEMR and 2013 - 2014 AEMR show contemporary emission estimation methodologies. cumulative dust levels were below Project Approval criteria, with the exception of isolated exceedances The estimated annual emissions of TSP of the 24-hour PM10 criterion, which were incorporating the UG1 Optimisation Modification are attributable to regional smoke haze events and/or generally similar or marginally lower when local background sources not associated with the compared to the approved Moolarben Coal Moolarben Mine Complex. Complex (Appendix D).

MCO maintains a complaints register in accordance Meteorological Conditions with its Project Approvals (05_0117 and 08_0135). All dust related complaints received by MCO are The CALMET meteorological model developed by responded to and investigated in accordance with Todoroski Air Sciences for the Stage 1 the Community Complaints Procedure detailed in Modification 9 assessment was revised to the Air Quality Management Plan. incorporate changes in topography for the Year 2016 mine plan (Appendix D). There were two complaints reported in the 2013-2014 AEMR relating to dust. There have been Predicted Impacts a total of five complaints reported over the last three AEMR reporting periods (i.e. 2011 to 2014). Project Only

Concentrations of TSP, PM10 and particulate matter 4.4.2 Environmental Review 2.5 microns or less in diameter (PM2.5) as well as dust deposition levels were predicted for the Modelling Methodology Moolarben Coal Complex incorporating the UG1 Optimisation Modification. Air quality dispersion modelling has been conducted by Todoroski Air Sciences (2015a) to assess The modelling shows that the incorporation of the potential impacts for the operational scenario UG1 Optimisation Modification would reduce total representative of maximum potential air quality air quality emissions (Appendix D). impacts for the Moolarben Coal Complex incorporating the UG1 Optimisation Modification, particularly for receivers to the west.

00684795.DOCX 40 Moolarben Coal Mines Pty Ltd Moolarben Coal Complex – UG1 Optimisation Modification

With the implementation of proactive and reactive 4.5 ECOLOGY management measures, there were no predicted exceedances of the 24-hour average PM10 criteria, A Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment has been or annual average TSP, PM10 or dust deposition prepared for the UG1 Optimisation Modification by criteria, at any privately-owned residence due to EcoLogical Australia (2015a) and is presented in emissions from the project only (i.e. the Moolarben Appendix E. Coal Complex incorporating the UG1 Optimisation Modification) (Appendix D). 4.5.1 Background

In addition, 24-hour average and annual average Detailed ecological impact assessments were PM2.5 concentrations were predicted to be below prepared by Moolarben Biota (2006) and Ecovision reporting guidelines at all privately-owned (2008) for Stages 1 and 2 of the Moolarben Coal residences (Appendix D). Project respectively. An ecological impact assessment was also undertaken in 2012 for the Contours showing predicted project only 24-hour Moolarben Coal Project Stage 1 Modification 9 EA PM10 concentrations are provided on Figure 10. (EMM, 2013b).

Cumulative In addition to the above, specific flora and fauna field surveys were conducted in the UG1 Given annual dust emissions are estimated to be Optimisation Modification additional areas (i.e. similar or lower than those previously assessed for associated with surface disturbance and/or the the Moolarben Coal Complex, and no additional underground mining area extensions) in July 2014 project only exceedances of air quality criteria are by EcoLogical Australia (Appendix E). predicted, Todoroski Air Sciences (Appendix D) concluded that it is unlikely that there would be any A flora and fauna impact assessment was prepared increase in potential cumulative air quality impacts by EcoLogical Australia (2015b) for the due to the Moolarben Coal Complex incorporating OC4 South-West Modification and is currently the UG1 Optimisation Modification. subject to separate assessment and approval.

4.4.3 Mitigation Measures, Management and The 2014 surveys consisted of validating BioMetric Monitoring vegetation types, identifying floristic structure, targeting threatened flora and fauna species and MCO would continue to implement the existing air undertaking habitat assessment. Whilst some quality management measures described in the Air threatened species were out of season for survey Quality Management Plan and required by the (e.g. Diuris tricolor), potential habitat for these PRPs to minimise dust emissions and comply with species was targeted during the field survey relevant dust criteria in Project Approvals (05_0117 (Appendix E). and 08_0135). The Air Quality Management Plan would be updated, where necessary, to incorporate Vegetation Communities the UG1 Optimisation Modification. Vegetation communities were mapped within the Ulan Public School UG1 Optimisation Modification additional areas 8 based on BioMetric vegetation types. Vegetation In accordance with the requirements of the Project communities mapped by EcoLogical are listed in Approvals (Attachments 1 and 2), MCO would: Table 4 and described in Appendix E.

• consult with Department of Education and Threatened Flora Species and Populations Communities and, if requested, implement agreed reasonable and feasible measures to One threatened flora species listed under the NSW ameliorate potential dust and/or noise impacts Threatened Species Conservation Act, 1995 to Ulan Public School; or (TSC Act) was recorded above the underground mining area extensions during the 2014 surveys, • on a reasonable basis relating to the adverse namely Scant Pomaderris (Pomaderris effect of dust and/or noise from the Moolarben queenslandica) (Appendix E). Coal Complex, negotiate with Department of Education and Communities to contribute to or meet reasonable costs toward relocating the Ulan Public School.

8 The vegetation mapping is considered to be conservative as parts of the area have a recent history of clearing and cultivation and some areas may be classified as regrowth.

00684795.DOCX 41 Moolarben Coal Mines Pty Ltd Durridgere CCA Zone 3 327 State Conservation Area 325 56 325 B o D 128 327 ULAN " b urridg 325 249 a ere R d oad 326 e e n " 162 129 " R 247 t " o e " a e 149 d 132 r " 129 130 245 t " " 129 S 66" " t 131 n " 168 e " 248 251 B

" Ulan Public 11 329 160 11 School " EL6288

" 11 LEGEND 11 Mining Lease Boundary Exploration Licence Boundary

11 Approved Road Realignment (not yet constructed) ML1605 11 " Moolarben Coal Operations " " Ulan Coal Mine Wilpinjong Coal Mine 11 EL7074 Crown Land d a o Commercial R

n la Ulan Public School U Freehold National Park/Nature Reserve Unidentified Land (Extent of Tenure Search) " Receiver ML1628 " UG1 Optimisation Modification 24 hour PM Air Quality 50 10 EL7074 Contour (mg/m3) Stage 1 Modification EL6288 24 hour PM10 Air Quality Contour (mg/m3) Goulburn River National Park 0 " et 5 0 1 2 3 ope Road tre C 328 n S Y 255 ai LWA 328 M RAI " ULAN G Kilometres 255 46" N t GO e UL " e G d r " a t " OW 256 " " o " S " "66""168 LL Source: MCO, Feb 2015 and SLR, 2014 " " R t O " H n Y 258 329 160 D a e " AN b B S m a " g a r 26 r u Too M " le R oa 26 d" " " M " M L1 L1606 628

d M a L o 9 1 R U 6 0 la n 6 n a l W

U o lla r R ""317 La oa 315" goons R d " 316 oad 314 312 " " 300 " " M 313" " " " 311 " " L " 1 d " " a 63" 6 310 " " o " 303 " " 9 d R 305 " 63 1 a 309 304 " a o " l l R 306 " 70 " " u 308 " g a l 307 5 n a Cooks 0 i 178 u a " " B " 180 " M " 183 181 " Gap 182 " 75 " 184 " " " 76 50 " 184 " " Spring Cr 186 240 59 EL6288 eek Road " " " 188"187" " 79 238 " 189 " " " " " 237" 80 " 236" "61 190 t 82 "60 " 235 n 234 e " 191 " c d 192 83 " s a " 233 e 85 " 62 o " 193 r 84 R " C 194 231232" " r e " 195 e g " 196 " t 87 d 230 "s 86 i " e " R 199 229 " h 88 198 41" c 89 " " n i 199 227 90 91" ML1628 ML1628 W 37 " " Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve "200 226 225 92 93 " 201 " " " 30 " M " o " 224 " " " 100" o 202 95 " l " 94 96979899 " 34 a 203 " rb 204 119 40 en " " " " 205 30 Mo R " 104 103 " 101" olarb o 206 " 102 en Ro 31" 30 a 105 " 41 ad 30 d " " 30 Ma " 207 223 106 106" 107 41 yb " " " " err Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve " " y R ML1628 "208 " 222 108 o " 111112 " EL6288 ad "209 " 109 39 " 113 " " 30 " 220219 217 110 30 210 " 42 218 114 39 " 216 115 " 171 215 " 212 116 32 32 " 211 214 39 30 30 d 213 117 " Roa 118 Wollar " 120119 d a 32 o 121 R

" " o " 122 b W 124123 53 47 ya m ld 125 u ra 41 C La " ne 126 53 127 UG1 OPTIMISATION MODIFICATION Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve 54 244 FIGURE 10 EL 7073 " Modification Year 2016 24 hour PM10 35 244 Air Quality Contours (Project Only) 54 Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve

MCM-14-05 UG1_OM_213C Moolarben Coal Complex – UG1 Optimisation Modification

Table 4 Native Vegetation Communities Recorded

UG1 Optimisation Modification Additional Areas Underground Mining Area BioMetric Vegetation Types Surface Disturbance Areas Extensions (ha) (ha) Rough-barked Apple - Silvertop Stringybark - Red Stringybark Nil 15.6 grassy open forest on hills of the upper Hunter Valley, southern North Coast (HU603) Blakely's Red Gum - Yellow Box grassy open forest or Nil 16.1 woodland of the New England Tablelands (HU515) White Box - Narrow-leaved Ironbark shrubby open forest on Nil 2.2 hills of the central Hunter Valley, Sydney Basin (HU653) White Box - Yellow Box grassy woodland on basalt slopes in 0.25 2.4 the upper Hunter Valley, Brigalow Belt South (HU654) Grey Box - Narrow-leaved Ironbark shrubby woodland on hills 8.1 14.3 of the Hunter Valley, North Coast and Sydney Basin (HU551) Grey Gum - Narrow-leaved Stringybark - Ironbark woodland Nil 60.6 on ridges of the upper Hunter Valley, Sydney Basin (HU552) Narrow-leaved Stringybark - Grey Gum shrubby woodland on Nil 4.4 footslopes on the upper Hunter Valley, Sydney Basin (HU574) Total 8.4 115.7 Note: Totals may have minor discrepancies due to rounding. Source: Appendix E.

No threatened flora species were recorded within • mature woodland and paddock trees (flower, the surface disturbance areas associated with the lerp and mistletoe bearing); UG1 Optimisation Modification. • hollow-bearing live trees and dead trees No threatened flora populations are present within (stags); the UG1 Optimisation Modification additional areas • large woody debris (log and bark on the (Appendix E). ground);

Threatened Ecological Communities • sandstone outcrops and overhangs; and

• water (dams and ponds). Two threatened ecological communities were recorded during the 2014 survey of the UG1 A detailed description of each habitat element is Optimisation Modification additional areas provided in Appendix E. (Appendix E), namely:

Threatened Fauna Species and Populations • White Box – Yellow Box – Blakely’s Red Gum

Woodland and Derived Native Grassland, Six threatened fauna species (all listed as listed as an EEC under the TSC Act and vulnerable under the TSC Act) were recorded during Critically Endangered Ecological Community the 2014 surveys, namely: (CEEC) under the EPBC Act (BioMetric

vegetation types HU515 and HU654). • Glossy Black-Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus • Central Hunter Grey Box-Ironbark Woodland in lathami); the NSW North Coast and Sydney Basin • Brown Treecreeper (eastern subspecies) Bioregions listed as an EEC under the (Climacteris picumnus victoriae); TSC Act (BioMetric vegetation type HU551). • Speckled Warbler (Chthonicola sagittata); Fauna Habitat • Varied Sittella (Daphoenositta chrysoptera); Fauna habitat in the vicinity of UG1 Optimisation • Diamond Firetail (Stagnopleura guttata); and Modification additional areas consists of a suite of broad habitat elements including: • Eastern Bentwing-bat (Miniopterus schreibersii oceanensis). • derived native grasslands; • shrubbery;

00684795.DOCX 43 Moolarben Coal Mines Pty Ltd Moolarben Coal Complex – UG1 Optimisation Modification

No threatened fauna species listed under the TSC Threatened Species, Populations and Communities Act and/or the EPBC Act were recorded within the additional surface disturbance areas (Appendix E). EcoLogical Australia (Appendix E) concluded there EcoLogical Australia (Appendix E) concluded the would be no significant impact on threatened additional surface disturbance areas are unlikely to species, populations and communities and be important habitat for threatened fauna species migratory species listed under the EPBC Act or TSC due to the pre-mining disturbance of these areas. Act as a result of the UG1 Optimisation Modification.

No threatened fauna populations are present within Pest Species the UG1 Optimisation Modification additional areas (Appendix E). MCO would continue to implement mitigation measures including feral animal management and control in accordance with the Biodiversity 4.5.2 Environmental Review Management Plan.

Potential Impacts Cumulative Impacts Additional Surface Disturbance Areas The UG1 Optimisation Modification in combination The UG1 Optimisation Modification would result in with the current OC4 South-West Modification would disturbance of approximately 8.4 ha of derived result in a reduction of approximately 6.7 ha in the native grassland (Table 4) as a result of the Remote cumulative approved surface disturbance area at Services Facilities and rear air intake shaft and the Moolarben Coal Complex (i.e. incorporating the associated fan. No woodland vegetation relocation of the approved Stage 2 haul road). communities would be cleared as a result of the Therefore, no additional cumulative impacts are UG1 Optimisation Modification. expected.

Construction of the rear intake shaft and associated The Biodiversity Offset Strategy developed for fan would result in disturbance of up to 0.25 ha of Stage 2 would improve connectivity of local derived native grassland classified as White Box – conservation areas and quality of remnant Yellow Box – Blakely’s Red Gum Grassy Woodland vegetation within the locality and region. This will and Derived Native Grasslands EEC/CEEC potentially increase movement corridors for genetic (Appendix E). This area of derived native grassland exchange, foraging habitat and increased breeding has undergone historical clearing and grazing and is resources for threatened fauna species located within a larger cleared area (Appendix E). (Appendix E). Ecological Australia (Appendix E) concluded that better quality remnants of this community will 4.5.3 Mitigation Measures, Management, remain in the locality and the UG1 Optimisation Monitoring and Offset Modification would not place the local occurrence at risk of extinction. The nature and scale of the vegetation to be cleared as part of the UG1 Optimisation Modification is Subsidence considered minor when compared with the native vegetation within the currently approved Stage 2 Ecological Australia (Appendix E) concluded that disturbance footprint, and the significant Biodiversity the potential subsidence of vegetation is not Offset Strategy developed for Stage 2. expected to result in a loss of vegetation cover or community structure or direct impacts to fauna In addition, the UG1 Optimisation Modification in habitat. This conclusion is supported by previous conjunction with the OC4 South-West Modification local studies that have been unable to detect an would result in a reduction in the total area to be impact of subsidence on local vegetation disturbed by the approved Moolarben Coal communities (Appendix E). Complex.

Direct mortality of a small number of individual Therefore, the Biodiversity Offset Strategy plants and animals may occur as a result of developed for Stage 2 adequately compensates for subsidence-induced rock fall or collapse, however the potential impacts associated with the UG1 the impacts of such events are expected to be Optimisation Modification, with surplus area short-term, localised and not significant (Appendix E). (Appendix E).

00684795.DOCX 44 Moolarben Coal Mines Pty Ltd Moolarben Coal Complex – UG1 Optimisation Modification

Notwithstanding, MCO would continue to implement Site Water Management and Monitoring management and mitigation measures at the Moolarben Coal Complex in accordance with the Surface water monitoring and management at the Biodiversity Management Plan, including: Moolarben Coal Complex is conducted in accordance with the Water Management Plan, • implementation of a vegetation clearance including Erosion and Sediment Control Plan, protocol including delineation of areas to be Surface Water Monitoring Program and Surface and cleared, pre-clearing surveys, management of Ground Water Response Plan9. impacts to fauna, vegetation clearance procedures, collection and reuse of habitat A review of the available surface water monitoring features (where feasible); data conducted by WRM Water & Environment in 2013 concluded that the existing operations were • preparation of Ground Disturbance Permits to not adversely affecting the quality of receiving be approved by the Environment and waters (WRM Water & Environment, 2013). Community Manager prior to the

commencement of clearing activities; The Moolarben Coal Complex surface water • management measures for weeds and pests; monitoring sites are shown on Figure 11. and • topsoil removed during construction works 4.6.2 Environmental Review would be stockpiled and used in rehabilitation areas. Site Water Management

The Biodiversity Management Plan would be The existing Moolarben Coal Complex water updated, where necessary, to incorporate the management system, including changes proposed UG1 Optimisation Modification. for the UG1 Optimisation Modification, are described in Sections 2.10 and 3.6, respectively.

4.6 SURFACE WATER RESOURCES WRM Water & Environment (2015) reviewed the site water balance for the UG1 Optimisation A Surface Water Assessment Review for the UG1 Modification. It was concluded that the changes to Optimisation Modification has been undertaken by site water balance would be small in comparison to WRM Water & Environment (2015). The Surface the approved Moolarben Coal Complex and would Water Assessment Review is presented in be adequately managed under the existing surface Appendix F. water management system, given (Appendix F):

4.6.1 Background • the minor increase to the area captured within the water management system (additional Regional Hydrology 5.2 ha) would have a negligible impact on the site water balance and the performance of the The Moolarben Coal Complex is located in the existing and proposed water management Upper Goulburn River and Wollar Creek infrastructure; sub-catchments, which have catchment areas of 2 • approximately 2,455 square kilometres (km ) and the minor increase in stockpile dust 532 km2, respectively. Both sub-catchments drain to suppression demand would result in a very the Goulburn River which flows in an easterly minor increase in the overall annual site direction, eventually joining the Hunter River demand; and approximately 150 km downstream of the • additional underground demands associated Moolarben Coal Complex. with the increased underground mining rate (up to 80 ML/year) would be almost fully Moolarben Creek and Bora Creek are tributaries of compensated by the predicted increase in the Upper Goulburn River sub-catchment and flow groundwater inflows (up to 69 ML/year). to the west and north of the UG1 (Figure 11).

Wilpinjong Creek is a tributary of Wollar Creek sub-catchment and flows along the east and north-eastern boundaries of the Moolarben Coal Complex into Wollar Creek, before joining the 9 On 30 January 2015, Stage 2 and Stage 1 Modification 3 of Goulburn River approximately 26 km downstream of the Moolarben Coal Project were approved by the Planning Assessment Commission (as a delegate of the NSW Minister the Moolarben Coal Complex (Figure 1). for Planning). To address the requirements of the Project Approvals (Attachments 1 and 2), MCO is preparing a complex-wide Water Management Plan.

00684795.DOCX 45 Moolarben Coal Mines Pty Ltd

Moolarben Coal Complex – UG1 Optimisation Modification

MCO would continue to undertake regular reviews Topographical depressions for the approved UG1 of the site water balance, which is inherently highly mine layout are predicted to range from 0.2 m to influenced by site rainfall. If stored water volume 3.2 m in depth, with maximum areas of falls, MCO can implement sourcing of water through approximately 0.3 ha (Appendix F). The UG1 sharing arrangements with adjoining mines and/or Optimisation Modification would result in a minor from licensed water supply bores. If stored water increase in depth of these topographical volumes are excessive, MCO can release water depressions (approximately 20 cm), and off-site in accordance with the requirements of approximately five additional topographic EPL 12932, subject to stringent release criteria and depressions with very shallow depths and small conditions being met. surface areas (maximum of 40 cm depth and maximum surface area of 0.4 ha) (Appendix F). Stream Flows and Water Quality Potential management measures for areas where The Remote Services Facilities would remove ponding is observed following subsidence may approximately 5.2 ha of catchment that would include the implementation of minor engineering otherwise report to Wilpinjong Creek (Appendix F). works (Appendix F). As the potential impact of the The loss of catchment represents approximately UG1 Optimisation Modification on the depth, size 0.3% of the total catchment of Wilpinjong Creek and and number of topographical depressions is small, therefore the change in catchment area due to the the mitigation strategies remains unchanged for the Remote Services Facilities would have a negligible UG1 Optimisation Modification (Appendix F). impact on the stream flows and water quality in the receiving environment (Appendix F). 4.6.3 Mitigation Measures, Management and

Monitoring The small disturbance footprint associated with the rear air intake shaft (approximately 0.02 ha during Surface water monitoring and management for the operations) would be managed using existing Moolarben Coal Complex would continue to be erosion and sediment control procedures and conducted in accordance with the Water therefore would have negligible impact on stream Management Plan. flows and water quality in the receiving environment

(Appendix F). The Water Management Plan would be reviewed

and, where necessary, updated to incorporate the Potential Subsidence Impacts UG1 Optimisation Modification. A number of minor unnamed drainage lines overlie the UG1 mine layout in relatively steep topography. Subsidence impacts including the potential for These drainage lines have been designated DL4, ponding would be monitored and managed through DL5, DL6 and DL7 on Figure 7. the Extraction Plan process.

Two of these drainage lines (DL4 and DL5) are 4.7 ABORIGINAL HERITAGE located within the extent of the approved OC4 out-of-pit emplacement (Figure 7) and would be An Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Assessment (ACHA) covered with waste rock prior to subsidence has been prepared for the UG1 Optimisation occurring as a result of UG1. Modification by Niche Environment and Heritage (2015) and is presented in Appendix G. The maximum predicted subsidence on drainage lines DL6 and DL7 (Figure 7) would increase from 4.7.1 Background 1,850 mm to 2,225 mm and the maximum tilt would reduce from 70 mm/m to 60 mm/m. There would The ACHA for the UG1 Optimisation Modification not be any significant change to approved has been undertaken in consideration of the environmental consequences or proposed following codes and guidelines (Appendix G): management measures for these drainage lines due to the UG1 Optimisation Modification (Appendix A). • Aboriginal cultural heritage consultation requirements for proponents 2010 (DECCW, Subsidence has the potential to result in 2010a). topographical depressions that have the potential to • Code of Practice for Archaeological result in areas of ponding, dependent on a number Investigation of Aboriginal Objects in New of factors such as rainfall, catchment sizes, surface South Wales (DECCW, 2010b). water runoff, permeation and evaporation.

00684795.DOCX 47 Moolarben Coal Mines Pty Ltd Moolarben Coal Complex – UG1 Optimisation Modification

• Guide to investigating, assessing and reporting A detailed description of the consultation on Aboriginal cultural heritage in NSW undertaken for the UG1 Optimisation Modification is (OEH, 2011). provided in Appendix G.

Previous Archaeological Investigations Desktop Review

A number of Aboriginal cultural heritage surveys, An AHIMS search was undertaken in February and assessments and salvage programmes have been September 2014 (Appendix G) for the UG1 undertaken within the Moolarben Coal Complex Optimisation Modification area and surrounds. area and surrounds. Based on the AHIMS search and the Moolarben Coal Complex Aboriginal sites database, eight Key Aboriginal cultural heritage surveys and previously recorded Aboriginal sites are located assessments were undertaken for Stages 1 and 2 of within the UG1 Optimisation Modification additional the Moolarben Coal Project in 2006, 2008, 2011 and areas. All of these sites consisted of stone artefact 2012 (Archaeological Risk Assessment Services, scatters or isolated stone artefacts. 2006, 2008; AECOM, 2011; South East Archaeology, 2013). Various other minor surveys Archaeological Survey Design and assessment have also been undertaken. Archaeological surveys of the UG1 Optimisation A detailed description of previous archaeological Modification additional areas were undertaken in assessments and surveys undertaken at the consultation with the Registered Aboriginal Parties Moolarben Coal Complex and surrounds is provided in July 2014. in Appendix G. Archaeological Findings At the time of drafting the ACHA (Appendix G), a total of 603 Aboriginal sites had been identified at Three new Aboriginal objects were identified during the Moolarben Coal Complex and surrounds, July 2014 surveys comprising two isolated finds and including artefact scatters, isolated finds, potential one stone artefact scatter. Detailed descriptions of archaeological deposits, grinding grooves, ochre these sites are presented in Appendix G. quarries, scarred trees and rock shelters (with or without artefacts, art and/or grinding grooves). Archaeological and Cultural Heritage Values

The management of Aboriginal heritage at the All of the Aboriginal heritage objects identified in the Moolarben Coal Complex is currently conducted in UG1 Optimisation Modification additional areas accordance with the measures outlined in the were assessed as having low scientific significance 10 Aboriginal Heritage Management Plan (Stage 1) . (Appendix G). These sites are shown on Figure 12. No Aboriginal heritage sites of moderate or high 4.7.2 Environmental Review archaeological significance were recorded (Appendix G). Consultation There were no specific areas or places of cultural The ACHA included consultation with eight value identified by the Registered Aboriginal Parties Registered Aboriginal Parties, identified via a during the archaeological survey undertaken for the registration process consistent with the Aboriginal UG1 Optimisation Modification. Previous cultural heritage consultation requirements for assessments and surveys have identified and proponents 2010 (DECCW, 2010a) (Appendix G). documented cultural values for the Moolarben Coal Complex and surrounds, which are documented in Consultation with Registered Aboriginal Parties Appendix G. regarding the existing Moolarben Coal Complex has been extensive and involved various methods of Surface Disturbance communication including public notices, meetings, written and verbal correspondence, archaeological Surface works associated with the UG1 survey attendance and site inspections. Optimisation Modification would include the development of the Remote Services Facilities, the ROM coal conveyor and associated transfer points and the rear air intake shaft and associated fan. 10 On 30 January 2015, Stage 2 and Stage 1 Modification 3 of the Moolarben Coal Project were approved by the Planning Assessment Commission (as a delegate of the NSW Minister for Planning). To address the requirements of the Project Approvals (Attachments 1 and 2), MCO is preparing a complex-wide Heritage Management Plan.

00684795.DOCX 48 Moolarben Coal Mines Pty Ltd 760000 ! ! ! UG4 ek re C

ra Bo ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! ULAN MINE COMPLEX ! ! ! ! !

U ! lan ! ! GOULBURN RIVER -W ! ! olla ! S2MC001 ! r ! R o ! a MUG1-Mod 1 ! d ! S2MC277 ! CE-15-IF ! ! ! S A MUG1-Mod 2 N D Y H O L L O W - ! G ! U ad S2MC002 L Ro G O lan ! N U G S2MC004 !! R !! A S2MC003 IL ! CE-17-OS W A ! ! Y !! ! !! ! ! ! 6425000 ! 6425000 ! !

! ! UG1 ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! OC1

! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! MUG1-Mod 3 !! ! ! ! ! ! M ! o ! !! ol S2MC270 ar ! be n C re !! ! ek ! !! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! LEGEND OC4 !! ! Up Catchment Diversion ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Water Infrastructure ! ! ! Existing Approved Stage 1 ! ! ! Open Cut !! ! ! Out-of-pit Emplacement ! ! ! ! Surface Infrastructure Area ! ! Longwall Mining Area ! ! ! ! Existing/Approved Stage 2 Open Cut ! ! ! Out-of-pit Emplacement ! ! ! Surface Infrastructure Area ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Longwall Mining Area ! !! ! ! ! Proposed UG1 Optimisation Modification ! ! OC2 ! ! M Underground Workings u ! r ! ! ra UG2 g Overland Conveyor ! a ! ! !!m ! b Surface Infrastructure Area ! !a ! ! C Proposed OC4 South-West Modification ! r ee ! ! k ! Proposed OC4 South-West Haul Road ! ! !! ! !! Approved Stage 2 Haul Road - Not Required !! ! 64200004 Aboriginal Heritage Site 6420000

! !!! 0 0.25 0.5 0.75 1 M ! ! UG1 OPTIMISATION MODIFICATION! ! ! u ! r ! FIGURE 12 ra Kilometres ! ! ga ! m !!! ! ! Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Sites! b ! ! ! ! a Source: MCO, 2014 ! ! ! C

Proposed ! ! !! r

760000 ! ee ! k ! ! ! Stage 1 ! ! MCM-14-05 UG1_OM_210C Moolarben Coal Complex – UG1 Optimisation Modification

The UG1 Optimisation Modification has the potential 4.8 ROAD TRANSPORT to directly impact three additional Aboriginal heritage sites as a result of surface disturbance A Road Transport Assessment has been prepared works (Figure 12). Sites S2MC001 and for the UG1 Optimisation Modification by GTA MUG1-Mod 1 are located within the proposed Consultants (2015) and is presented in Appendix H. Remote Services Facilities area. Site CE-15-IF is located within the surveyed area for the coal 4.8.1 Background conveyor corridor however the final alignment of the conveyor avoids this site (Figure 12). The following key roads are of relevance to the

Moolarben Coal Complex (Figure 13): Both sites with the potential to be directly impacted by the UG1 Optimisation Modification (S2MC001 • Main Road 208 (MR208) – extends between and MUG-1 Mod 1) are isolated stone artefacts of Mudgee and Sandy Hollow through Budgee low archaeological significance. Budgee, Wollar and Bylong and passes to the

south of the Wilpinjong Coal Mine. MR208 is Subsidence Impacts known as Ulan Road, Wollar Road and

Wollar-Bylong Road. Potential subsidence impacts from underground mining operations associated with the UG1 • Main Road 214 (MR214) – extends north from Optimisation Modification are summarised in Budgee Budgee to Cassilis. MR214 is known Section 4.1 and are discussed in detail in as Ulan Road and Ulan-Cassilis Road. Appendix A. The potential impacts of subsidence • Main Road 598 (MR598) – provides an effects on Aboriginal heritage are summarised east-west link between Gulgong and Ulan. below and described further in Appendices A and G. MR598 is known as Cope Road.

It is unlikely that the scattered artefacts or isolated • Ulan-Wollar Road – a local rural road which finds would be impacted by mine subsidence. provides an east-west connection between the However it is possible that if remediation works to villages of Ulan and Wollar. the surface areas around the sites was required after mining, these remediation works could The primary route from Mudgee to the site is via potentially impact on archaeological sites. Ulan Road (MR208 and MR214) and Ulan-Wollar Road (Figure 13). Remediation works that have the potential to directly impact a known site would be undertaken in Vehicular access to the Moolarben Coal Complex is accordance with a Heritage Management Plan and provided via the CHPP Access Road off Ulan Road, following consultation with a qualified archaeologist approximately 1 km north of its intersection with should any works be required. Ulan-Wollar Road, and via the Open Cut Access Road off Ulan-Wollar Road approximately 120 m Based on the above, no Aboriginal heritage sites east of Ulan Road. are anticipated to be significantly impacted as a result of additional subsidence associated with the An access to the ROM coal facilities from UG1 Optimisation Modification. Ulan-Wollar Road approximately 2.4 km east of Ulan Road has also been approved but is yet to be constructed. A vehicular access to OC4 from 4.7.3 Management and Mitigation Measures Ulan-Wollar Road approximately 4.6 km east of

Ulan Road has not yet been commissioned. MCO would implement the management and mitigation measures described in Appendix G and In accordance with Project Approval (05_0117) and the Heritage Management Plan, including Project Approval (08_0135), MCO works with the monitoring and management measures to be proponents of the Ulan Mine Complex and implemented during the construction of the UG1 Wilpinjong Coal Mine to implement the Ulan Road Optimisation Modification. Strategy.

The Heritage Management Plan would be reviewed In addition, MCO also makes financial contributions and updated to incorporate the UG1 Optimisation to MWRC for the maintenance of Cope Road in Modification. The Heritage Management Plan accordance with Project Approval (08_0135). would be updated to include salvage of sites that would be directly impacted as a result of surface disturbance works for the UG1 Optimisation Modification.

00684795.DOCX 50 Moolarben Coal Mines Pty Ltd 740000 760000 780000 " Coal MinesDurridgere

WARRUMBUNGLE " 760000 State Conservation Area UlanG Road Cainbil Uarbry OL Durridgere DE GO N LDEN SHIRE COUNCIL 9 State Conservation HIG HWA Area Y " Ross Crossing HIG ER HW IV 5 7 AY R Durridgere 9 BLACK HILL / Conservation Turill Cope Road Ulan-Wollar Road COCKABUTTA Area " 4 A HILL 9 d Durridgere a o Ulan Road R Conservation6 UPPER HUNTER 6440000 Area 6440000 / SHIRE9 COUNCIL n B la I U 3 U R K

760000 Comiala Flat " N LBUR Moolarben 9 BOX HILL GOU

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R Goulburn River State Goulburn River National Park Conservation Cope Area Goulburn River State Forest Creek jong National Park 8) / ipin Cope 59 6 ! il (MR 5 7 W State Forest d W oa Y 4 U A R A / la k L W Ulan n Moolarben e L IL - e E RA ROUND TOP W r R 3 o C A NG ll Coal Complex r W O MOUNTAIN a LG r lla LEES A GU 9 o PINCH N pe ng G o W njo Cr W C LLO ilipi S eek 9 HO M W AND DY Y 6420000 AN Cope State Forest oo HO 6420000 S DEXTER lar R LL Goulburn River National Park b k o OW MOUNTAIN en e a 8 e d 9 r RIVER GULGONG C RN Wilpinjong RAILWAY GOULBU MAGAZINE GU W Coal Mine LG ol HILL 9 ON la " Meads Crossing 9 C Wollar G r Ro o " ad FLIRTATION Hen o C MOUNT ry y r HILL L e MISERY G a a e ( 9 W w l Cooks Gap " k MR A s o Y B o 20 A E n ) b 8 G 4 W ) W A R D 1 m H 2 ri u o G v R I l e M C l H ( a R

d r MOUNT E STONY a BETEALWEEN IV o PENNY PINCH Home Rule R 9 MOUNTAIN R " Munghorn Gap 9 G Way 9 n B N C a Nature Reserve l a O H re U r L " G MAGPIE ek ig Y A a E HILL 8) B R 0 n Bylong AY R2 C y LW E 9 (M GARRISON HILL e AI L d l Bylong R oa r l G T N

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S e V Bylong State U a G A " k W R O C r g LL A i n Forest O g Y H BOX HILL I lo Coal Project D L Cooyal a y AN W S 9 n B

9 MOUNT GALAMBINE TAL TAL ve r ri a D ll MOUNTAIN 9 LOWES o 9 PEAK W R o a BALD Sto d ny HILL 6400000 Botobola 9 6400000 r G

C OAKY MOUNTAIN R RED HILL n o r 9 O s Cre e 9 e MUDGEE e W w " Ro k k PORCUPINE a ad MOUNTAIN L Budgee Budgee BIG MOUNTAIN E 2 RED HILL BOX HILL 9 CROSSWORD ) 9 OAKYS 9 E 08 9 9 MOUNT ROUND R2 STORMY 9 HILL (M 9 d MOUNT oa BALD y R BUCKAROO 9 r N MOUNT HILL n A 9 e L BARA DAVIDS H U BOMBIRA HILL 9 MID-WESTERN MOUNTAIN 9 1 9 Lue REGIONAL COUNCIL FLIRTATION Bowdens MOUNT HILL9 MUDGEE L a JIMMY MISERY COLLIERS w Silver Project 9 MOUNT so JIMMY HILL FROME W n A s HAWKINS MOUNTAIN 9 9 LL Road ER PINNACLE 9 GROWEE Wollemi National Park AW 9 OZ MOUNTAIN Avisford A C MOUNTAIN 9 NG ree 9 CANNIBAL Nature k HILL 9 GWABEGAR LION Reserve MOUNT MOUNTAIN 9 9 ay KNOWLES W C U " 9 D ELEPHANT GOAT MOUNTAIN Lue 9R G MOUNTAIN Avisford E I G R V O A E Nature I N LW R G A Lu Reserve Y e MOUNT 6380000 BALD GRAHAM 6380000 LEGEND MOUNTAIN 9 R 9 I y C V e Mining Lease Boundary AS E R ll T R oa a L d V SAILORS E RE WHEELBARROW BLUFF Local Government Boundary A g PEAK G n MOUNTAIN H o 9 MOUNTAIN 9 9 OAK HILL l 9 y 9 9 NSW State Forest MOUNT TONGBONG B MARGARET MOUNTAIN 9 ST HELENA Dungeree RUMKERS PEAK BLUFF National Park, Nature Reserve and State 9 DAIRY MOUNTAIN POINT 9POINTTOOMGO State HILL SPRING 9 MONKEY 9 TAYLORS 9 COXS 9 9 BOX HILL 9 Conservation Area Forest MOUNTAIN 9 99 HILL DOG TRAP HILL HILL CROWN GAMBO 9 Lake HILL Mining Operation9 THE 9 CASTLE Windamere 1 BEARDYS MULLS 2012 Daily Traffic Count 9 HILL HILL RIVER 9/ A 2012 Origin Destination MOUNT 9 RED HILL BOCOBLE HOPE MOUNT NG BRACE RIFLESurvey - Peak Hour Traffic Count MOUNTAIN 9 EGO MOUNT BROWN DG 9 MOUNT RANGE 9 CU RYLSTONE CONOURURY 9 HILL H COOLCALWIN 0HILL 2 4 6 8 10 IG 9 9 H W 9 d 9 A a Y o RAMS HEAD EAGLEHAWK R U G1 OPTIMISATION MODIFICATION HILLKilometres Cu WINDMILL MOUNTAIN d HILL 9 eg o d g 9 n a n FIGURE 13 g o o Source: Geoscience Australia, 2006 and R l y CARCALGONG B Relevant Traffic Survey Locations NSW Trade & Investment, 2013 BOMBANDI MOUNTAIN KANDOS TOWINHINGY PYRAMUL BOIGA 9 HILL 6360000HILL MOUNTAIN 9 6360000 9 9740000 760000 780000 9 MOUNT MCM-14-05 UG1_OM_215A Moolarben Coal Complex – UG1 Optimisation Modification

4.8.2 Environmental Review The school buses on Ulan Road operate between 7.30 am and 8.35 am southbound, and between The Road Transport Assessment includes 3.35 pm and 4.35 pm northbound. consideration of the anticipated increase in the Moolarben Coal Complex workforce and other The movement of the construction workforce would anticipated future traffic changes. not coincide with the school bus operating times. The majority of operational employee movements to The assessment considered traffic data available and from the Moolarben Coal Complex from December 2012 (Figure 13) supplemented by (approximately 90%) would occur outside the school traffic surveys of the CHPP Access Road and Open bus operating times on Ulan Road, however there Cut Access Road in March 2015. would be some interaction between school buses and underground shift workers departing site. Changes in Traffic Volumes The proposed Moolarben Coal Complex shift times The anticipated increase in the Moolarben Coal would minimise any interaction between traffic Complex workforce would result in additional generated by the Moolarben Coal Complex and the employee movements on roads in the vicinity of the school buses operating on Ulan Road, while also Moolarben Coal Complex. seeking to spread the generated traffic through the day and minimise interaction with traffic generated The Road Transport Assessment (Appendix H) by the other mines in the area. considered the projected cumulative traffic volumes on key roads in 2017 (peak workforce) and 2027 as Potential Impacts on the Road Network a result of all Moolarben Coal Complex employee, visitor and delivery movements, in combination with The Road Transport Assessment (Appendix H) other anticipated changes to the road environment determined the road network would satisfactorily (such as background traffic growth and other accommodate the combined influences of the traffic-generating developments). anticipated increase in the Moolarben Coal Complex workforce and other anticipated changes to the road Shift Times environment (such as background traffic growth and other traffic-generating developments). The indicative shift times and workforce numbers for the Moolarben Coal Complex considered by the The key intersections on the roads serving the Road Transport Assessment are presented in Moolarben Coal Complex would continue to operate Table 5. These shift times would be subject to at satisfactory levels of service, with sufficient minor variations to start and finishing times to meet capacity to accommodate the additional traffic with operational requirements. spare capacity and short delays for most vehicles (Appendix H). In accordance with Project Approval (05_0117) and Project Approval (08_0135), MCO is required to consider the shift changes of the adjoining Ulan Mine Complex and Wilpinjong Coal Mine and school bus hours in the determination of shift change times at the Moolarben Coal Complex. These requirements create significant constraints in relation to shift times at the Moolarben Coal Complex.

Table 5 Indicative Shift Times and Workforce at the Moolarben Coal Complex

Anticipated Shift Workforce Anticipated Shift Workforce Shift Indicative Shift Time in 2017 in 2027 Administration 7.00 am to 5.00 pm 66 60 Open Cut Day 6.30 am to 7.00 pm 165 150 Open Cut Night 6.30 pm to 7.00 am 165 150 Underground Day 7.00 am to 3.30 pm 53 48 Underground Afternoon 3.00 pm to 11.30 pm 53 48 Underground Night 11.00 pm to 7.30 am 53 47

00684795.DOCX 52 Moolarben Coal Mines Pty Ltd Moolarben Coal Complex – UG1 Optimisation Modification

GTA Consultants (Appendix H) concluded that no 4.9.1 Background significant impacts on the performance, capacity, efficiency and safety of the road network are A number of socio-economic assessments have expected to arise as a result of the UG1 been undertaken since 2006 to assess the potential Optimisation Modification. impacts of Stages 1 and 2 of the Moolarben Coal Project. The Hunter Valley Research Foundation Potential Impacts on Level Crossings (2008) undertook a cumulative assessment of the potential regional economic impacts of the GTA Consultants (Appendix H) conducted an combined operation of Stages 1 and 2 of the assessment of potential impacts on level crossings Moolarben Coal Project. in the vicinity of the Moolarben Coal Complex. The Moolarben Coal Complex contributes positively The assessment considered the impact of up to to the social and economic environment of the three trains passing each crossing during peak Mid-Western Regional LGA by stimulating regional hour, noting that during the majority of on-street output and creating employment opportunities peak hours no more than two train movements (Hunter Valley Research Foundation, 2008). occur (Appendix H). MCO makes financial contributions to the MWRC in The anticipated increase in the Moolarben Coal accordance with Moolarben Coal Complex Planning Complex workforce would result in increases in the Agreements, Project Approval (05_0117) and number of vehicles at the Cope Road level crossing Project Approval (08_0135). only. GTA Consultants (Appendix H) concluded the impact of additional road traffic at the Cope Road MCO also makes financial contributions through level crossing would be low and would not donations and sponsorship to a number of local exacerbate the peak queue of vehicles from the organisations in the region as described in level crossing towards Ulan Road. Section 2.16.

4.8.3 Management and Mitigation Measures 4.9.2 Environmental Review

As described above, the Road Transport The UG1 Optimisation Modification seeks an Assessment concluded that satisfactory operating increase in the approved Moolarben Coal Complex conditions can be expected on the road network workforce to incorporate anticipated personnel for without need for specific upgrades (Appendix H). the underground and open cut operations (Section 3.9). Notwithstanding the above, MCO will continue to make road maintenance contributions in accordance Short-term Accommodation Demand with Project Approval (05_0117) and Project Approval (08_0135). Coffey (Appendix I) estimates approximately 91 additional commuting construction personnel MCO would also continue regular toolbox talks at may require short-term accommodation in the which drivers are reminded about acceptable Mid-Western Regional LGA during the peak behaviour on the road, particularly in proximity to workforce in 2017 (construction and operation). school buses. Although there are sufficient accommodation facilities available, the short-term accommodation 4.9 COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE requirements during this period may have a

A Community Infrastructure Assessment has been temporary impact on the availability of prepared for the UG1 Optimisation Modification by accommodation for tourists (Appendix I). There is Coffey Environments Australia Pty Ltd (Coffey) some opportunity for accommodation providers to (2015) and is presented in Appendix I. use this increased demand to invest in additional capacity or upgraded services (Appendix I).

00684795.DOCX 53 Moolarben Coal Mines Pty Ltd Moolarben Coal Complex – UG1 Optimisation Modification

Population Change 4.10 VISUAL

Coffey (Appendix I) estimates the anticipated 4.10.1 Background increase in the Moolarben Coal Complex workforce may result in up to 530 new residents associated A number of visual impact assessments have been with direct and indirect employment (and their prepared for the approved Moolarben Coal Complex families) within the Mid-Western Regional LGA. including: The majority of these new residents (approximately

85%) are expected to reside in Mudgee, with others • Moolarben Coal Project Visual and Lighting residing in Gulgong, Rylstone and Kandos Impact Assessment (O’Hanlon Design, 2006) (Appendix I). which assessed the impacts of Stage 1 of the

Moolarben Coal Project; The predicted increase in population is small compared to the population of the Mid-Western • Stage 2 Moolarben Coal Project Visual and Regional LGA (Appendix I). Coffey (Appendix I) Lighting Impact Assessment (O’Hanlon considers the existing community infrastructure in Design, 2008) which assessed the impacts of the Mid-Western Regional LGA is capable of Stage 2 of the Moolarben Coal Project; and servicing the increased population associated with • the anticipated increase in the Moolarben Coal Moolarben Coal Project Stage 1 Optimisation Complex workforce. Modification Visual Impact Assessment (EMM, 2013c) which assessed the impacts of Consideration of Cumulative Impacts Stage 1 Modification 9.

There are a number of proposed mining projects Key potential viewpoints assessed in previous visual that would have potential impacts in the impact assessments for the Moolarben Coal Mid-Western Regional LGA, including the Complex included Ulan, Ulan Road, Ulan-Wollar Wilpinjong Extension Project, Bylong Coal Project, Road, Ridge Road, Moolarben Road, Winchester Bowdens Silver Project and Cobbora Coal Project. Crescent and Cope Road (Figure 14).

The estimated cumulative population increase of the The level of visual impact of the approved mine from Mid-Western Regional LGA would be up to potential viewpoints varies with the progress of the approximately 1,600 people (7% of the 2011 open cuts. Views of the Moolarben Coal Complex population), however the peak would be highly are unimpeded from Ulan Road and Ulan-Wollar dependent on the timing for each project Road and include the approved infrastructure, open (Appendix I). Coffey (Appendix I) notes these cut pits, waste rock emplacements and impacts would occur gradually over several years, progressively rehabilitated mine landforms. which would allow time for housing levels and health and education facilities to adjust to the increasing O’Hanlon Design (2006) concluded that viewpoints service demands. around the Stage 1 infrastructure area (e.g. from Ulan Road and Ulan-Wollar Road) would be significantly impacted by Stage 1 of the Moolarben 4.9.3 Management and Mitigation Measures Coal Complex (Figure 14). O’Hanlon Design (2006) concluded that potential impacts at viewpoints MCO would make additional community located further south and into the rural residential enhancement contributions to MWRC in accordance areas would be significantly lower due to the with Project Approval (08_0135) for the increase in distance between the mine and receiver and shorter the Moolarben Coal Complex workforce. duration of impact.

MCO would also continue to make contributions in O’Hanlon Design (2008) predicted that visual accordance with Moolarben Coal Complex Planning impacts from Stage 2 of the Moolarben Coal Agreements and Project Approval (05_0117), and Complex would be generally equivalent of those continue its support of local organisations in the predicted for Stage 1 with the exception of views of region. the OC4 pit from Ulan-Wollar Road.

Coffey (Appendix I) concludes that the ongoing implementation of existing measures and contributions would mitigate any potential impacts on community infrastructure as a result of the anticipated increase in the Moolarben Coal Complex workforce.

00684795.DOCX 54 Moolarben Coal Mines Pty Ltd EL 6288 755000 760000 765000 770000

0 00 40 5 400 00 0 4 45 500 88 4 0 0 0 2 5 0 0 5 0 6 4 5 0 0 EL 7074 5 0 45 L 0 4 5 E 5 50 5 5 4 0 5 0 4 0 0 0 0 5 4 0 0 4 0 5 450 4 5 0 4 400 4 0 k 4 e 5 0 0 e 0 r 45 0 0 C 0 5 5 0 4 Ul s 5 a r 6430000 n C 450 4 6430000 ree e k l

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4 450 0 0 450 50 4 5 d

50 a 5 4 0 S UG4 0 0 5 45 M 00 5 L16 0 G 05 Goulburn River National Park 0 o ULAN MINE COMPLEX u ML1 l 628 b

u r EL 7074 n 0

4 k Stockpile Extension R ee iv r C e 1 EL 6 Transfer and Sizing Station r 288 ora B Coal Preparation Plant Stage 1 ROM Coal Facility 6 Mine Infrastructure Area Remote Services Facilities 2 Cope Road U 0 la 45 Stage 1 Mine Infrastructure Area 50 n d 0 W oa 5 n R 45 o Ula 0 l 4 0 la 5 0 5 0 3 r 0 0 R 5 o ULAN a 6425000 d 6425000 4 UG1 Approved Stage 2 Conveyor OC1

4 M 5 L 0 ML 16 Stage 2 ROM Coal Facility 1606 28 W 50 15 il 5 pi Relocated Stockpile S nj AN o 11 M D ng u Y C r H r 0 O r a OC4 e 5 L e g LO 4 k a W k m e 5 Cre - 5 b Creek a s 0 Planter G U ML1606 L 450 G 5 R O L o 8 agoon 5 N s Ro 0 a G a d d R AI s 500 LW n A d a Y a 7 y o R R 16 a 5 l OC2 UG2 a 0 i 0 a M M 5 u 0 Rear Air Intake Shaft 12 r 0 6420000 ra LEGEND 6420000 g 0 0 a 0 55 m 5 Mining Lease Boundary b 0 600 a 0 Spri 4 ng Creek Road M C Exploration Licence Boundary L 6 re 9 1 00 e 6 0 k 9 5 Haul Road 1 5 t 6 k n 5 0 ee d Approved Road Realignment e 5 0 d 0 r c a 0 a s 0 6 C o 6 o e 0 r R 0 g R C n (not yet constructed) n e i 0 r L a M r g e 0 t l p 500 d a 5 i s U e o S R g Existing/Approved Stage 1 h o c o l 0 n a 0 i o 5 ML1628 r Munghorn Gap 5 4 n 5 W b Open0 Cut Mining Area5 0 5 e 5 C n 0 600 Nature Reserve r C Out-of-pit Emplacement0 e 13 0

0 r e OC3 e 5 k 0 e 5 k Infrastructure Area

Mo 5 olarb ML1628 5 0 en R 0 0 Underground Mining Area oad 0 6 0 00 M 0 6 ay 6 berr Existing/ApprovedMunghorn Gap Stage Nature 2 Reserve EL 6288 y Ro ad 6 0 600 ML1628 Open Cut Mining Area50 0 0 5 0 4 0

0 5 0 0 50 5 5 6 0

5 5 5 5 5 5 Out-of-pit Emplacement 6415000 10 5 EL 7073 6415000 Infrastructure Area 14 Underground Mining Area W Proposed OC4 South-West Modification ya ld ra L Proposed OC4 South-West Haul Road an e Approved Stage 2 Haul Road - Not Required d Moolarben Roa Proposed UG1 Optimisation Modification

d a Surface Infrastructure Area o R

o Overland Conveyor b m u Viewpoint Location C 0 1 2 3

d a o R

r Kilometres a ll o W Source: MCO, 2014 6410000 6410000 UG1 OPTIMISATION MODIFICATION FIGURE 14 Previously Assessed Sensitive Viewpoints and Proposed Surface Infrastructure 755000 760000 765000 770000

MCM-14-05 UG1_OM_209E Moolarben Coal Complex – UG1 Optimisation Modification

EMM (2013c) predicted that the potential visual − building-up out-of-pit embankments first so impacts of the approved Moolarben Coal Complex that continued operations are obscured by prior to the implementation of any management and the embankment. Wherever possible mitigation measures would be slight to moderate at out-of-pit emplacements around the the majority of the 12 viewpoints assessed perimeter would be established first, (Figure 14), with some residents along Ridge Road providing a visual screen while work is predicted to experience moderate to substantial undertaken in the central part of the potential visual impacts (EMM, 2013c). However, emplacement; the assessment concluded that with the − implementation of mitigation measures seeding and grassing embankment outer (e.g. vegetative screening), the potential visual faces visually exposed to private residents impact would be reduced to an acceptable level at as soon as practically possible to soften the relevant sensitive receivers (EMM, 2013c). view; − where possible, maintaining a strip of A total of 16 viewpoints have been assessed for vegetation along the leading face of the Stages 1 and 2 of the Moolarben Coal Complex ridgeline associated with the OC1 Stage 1 (Figure 14). Modification 9 extension area to provide a visual screen to workings for as long as To ameliorate the visual impacts of Stage 1 of the practical; Moolarben Coal Complex the following visual management measures would be implemented in − use of operational screening measures accordance with the Stage 1 Project Approval such as landform re-establishment Statement of Commitments (Attachment 1): sequencing and lighting management; and − progressive rehabilitation. • Trees and shrubs would be planted to provide a visual screen: • As far as practically possible, and where mine safety allows, management protocols would be − to the switch and bore pads located established and implemented to: adjacent to Saddlers Creek Road, where required. − locate mobile lighting plant to be directed away from private residences; − along the southern edge of Cope Road, where views of OC1 Stage 1 Modification 9 − direct stationary lighting sources below the extension areas would be possible, subject horizontal to minimise potential light spill; to landowner consent. − design lighting systems that minimise light • Implementation of the measures to manage spillage; and visual impacts associated with the OC1 and − avoid lighting of light coloured surfaces that OC2 Stage 1 Modification 9 extension areas, have greater reflectivity. such as: − vegetation screen planting, subject to The following mitigation and management measures landowner’s consent, along the southern were proposed for Stage 2 of the Moolarben Coal edge of Cope Road, in areas visually Complex: affected by direct views of the OC1 Stage 1 Modification 9 extension areas; • progressive rehabilitation of disturbed areas; • − investigating the feasibility of targeted revegetation of existing cleared lands to vegetation screen planting for affected increase the vegetation within the existing properties along Ridge Road (with direct landscape; views from the residence to both OC1 and • retaining existing vegetation around Stage 2 OC2 Stage 1 Modification 9 extension infrastructure areas and on road fringes of areas), to mitigate the visual and lighting OC4 where it is not required to be cleared for impacts of OC1 and OC2 Stage 1 safety purposes; Modification 9 extension areas, subject to • landowner consent; construction of bunding and planting along the edge of Ulan-Wollar Road in areas where it abuts OC4; and

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• operation of night lighting in accordance with During mining operations, the UG1 Optimisation AS 4282: 1997 - Control of the Obtrusive Modification infrastructure would be viewed by Effects of Outdoor Lighting and AS/NZS 1158: people travelling past the existing approved Ulan 2010 – Lighting for Roads and Public Spaces. Mine Complex, Moolarben Coal Complex and Wilpinjong Coal Mine, which include direct views of The progressive rehabilitation of disturbed areas infrastructure, active open cut pits and waste rock and revegetation species selection would be emplacement areas. Following the completion of described in the Rehabilitation Management Plan. mining operations, the UG1 Optimisation Modification infrastructure would be decommissioned and the landforms rehabilitated. 4.10.2 Environmental Review

The UG1 Optimisation Modification primarily The UG1 Optimisation Modification would not involves the reconfiguration and extension of the change any of the approved post-mining landforms. longwall panels in UG1. The scale and intensity of night-lighting for the UG1 The UG1 Optimisation Modification also involves the Optimisation Modification would be similar to the construction of some supporting infrastructure, approved Moolarben Coal Complex. primarily within existing disturbance areas. In the context of the existing/approved visual The reconfiguration of the longwall layout in UG1 impacts and considering that there is no expected would occur underground and would be of no visual change in impacts for the previously assessed consequence. The supporting infrastructure is sensitive viewpoints (Table 6), there would be unlikely to be seen from any private vantage points. negligible change in visual impacts during mining There would be limited views of the supporting operations due to the UG1 Optimisation infrastructure from some public vantage points. Modification.

Visual Impact Assessment 4.10.3 Mitigation Measures and Management

A review of the potential visual impacts from the The mitigation and management measures previously assessed sensitive viewpoints was described in Section 4.10.1 would continue to be undertaken for the UG1 Optimisation Modification implemented at the Moolarben Coal Complex (Figure 14). For each viewpoint, an assessment of incorporating the UG1 Optimisation Modification. intervening topography and vegetation was undertaken based on previous viewpoint simulations, landform contours and photos to 4.11 OTHER ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS determine whether there would be any views of the components of the UG1 Optimisation Modification 4.11.1 Land Resources from public or private vantage points. Site Inspection and Surveys A summary of the impacts predicted for the previously assessed viewpoints and potential visual Site inspections and soil surveys were conducted in impact under the UG1 Optimisation Modification is May and October 2014 and January 2015 to support provided in Table 6. a site verification certificate application for an area which included the proposed Remote Services It is unlikely that any privately owned residences Facilities, coal conveyor and land above the UG1 would have direct views of the proposed UG1 longwall panels. Twenty-two soil test pits were Optimisation Modification infrastructure (Table 6). surveyed, including nine detailed soil samples which were sent for laboratory analysis. Views of the proposed UG1 Optimisation Modification infrastructure would potentially be The soil samples were assessed against the available from a small number of existing viewpoints Biophysical Strategic Agricultural Land (BSAL) along public roads (Table 6). criteria in accordance with the NSW Government Interim Protocol for Site Verification and Mapping of BSAL (Interim Protocol) (NSW Government, 2013) and lodged in July 2014, November 2014 and February 2015. The soil sampling, visual observations and laboratory analysis indicated that no sites met the BSAL criteria.

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Table 6 Summary of Visual Impacts

Significance of Approved Figure Visual Impact Visual Impact with the Viewpoint Location ID (maximum during UG1 Optimisation Modification operations)1 1 Ulan Road High Unchanged. Note that whilst the proposed sizing station and overland conveyor would be visible from Viewpoint 1, they are adjacent to the existing approved Ulan Mine Complex and Moolarben Coal Complex and would therefore be viewed in the context of a previously altered visual landscape (refer discussion above). 2 Ulan-Wollar Road (west) High to very high Unchanged. Note that whilst the overland conveyor and mine infrastructure would be visible from Viewpoint 2 and Viewpoint 3, they would be viewed in the 3 Ulan Road Moderate to high context of the existing approved Moolarben Coal Complex, which includes infrastructure, an active open cut pit and haul roads in the immediate vicinity of the UG1 Optimisation Modification components (refer discussion below). Views of the infrastructure from sections of Ulan Road (e.g. at Viewpoint 3) would be screened by natural topography and/or intervening vegetation. 4 Cope Road Moderate Unchanged – direct views unlikely. 5 Ulan Moderate to high Unchanged – direct views unlikely. 6 Ulan-Wollar Road (rail loop High to very high Unchanged. and CHPP area) Note that whilst the proposed Remote Services Facilities would be visible whilst travelling along Ulan-Wollar Road (including from Viewpoint 6) they would be viewed by people travelling past the existing approved Wilpinjong Coal Mine, Ulan Mine Complex and Moolarben Coal Complex and would therefore be viewed in the context of a previously altered visual landscape (refer discussion above). 7 Ridge Road (north) Moderate to very high Unchanged – direct views unlikely. 8 Ulan Road (at Lagoons Road) Slight Unchanged – direct views unlikely. 9 Winchester Avenue Moderate Unchanged – direct views unlikely. 10 Ridge Road (south) Low Unchanged – direct views unlikely. 11 Carrs Gap Road2 High N/A 12 Murragamba Valley2 High to very high N/A 13 Moolarben Road (west) High to very high Unchanged – direct views unlikely. 14 Moolarben Road (south) High to very high Unchanged – direct views unlikely. 15 Ulan-Wollar Road (OC4 pit) Moderate to high Unchanged – direct views unlikely. 16 Ulan-Wollar Road (south) Moderate to high Unchanged – direct views unlikely. Note 1: Maximum visual impact assessed under the Stage 1 and Stage 2 Moolarben Coal Project Visual & Lighting Impact Assessment (O’Hanlon Design, 2006; 2008) and/or Stage 1 Modification 9 Visual Impact Assessment (EMM, 2013c). Note 2: Road currently subject to road closure application.

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Therefore, Dr McKenzie (McKenzie Soil 4.11.2 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Management, 2014) concluded that the site verification certificate application area, which MCO calculates and reports annual greenhouse gas included the surface disturbance and underground emissions and energy consumption from the mining areas associated with the UG1 Optimisation Moolarben Coal Complex in accordance with the Modification (except for the rear air intake shaft existing requirements of the Commonwealth which is within ML 1691) is not BSAL. The site National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting System verification certificate issued on 31 March 2015 (NGERS). (Attachment 3) verified the additional development areas associated with the UG1 Optimisation Greenhouse gas emissions for the Moolarben Coal Modification as non-BSAL. Complex (incorporating Stages 1 and 2) were predicted in the Stage 1 Modification 9 EA by Potential Impacts Todoroski Air Sciences (2013).

The UG1 Optimisation Modification would result in The annual average Scope 1 emissions for the the disturbance of approximately 8.4 ha of additional approved Moolarben Coal Complex were estimated land at the Moolarben Coal Complex. These to be approximately 0.09 Mt of carbon dioxide disturbance areas would be rehabilitated equivalent (CO2-e), which was approximately post-mining. 0.016% of Australia’s estimated annual greenhouse gas emissions for October 2011 to September 2012 Potential impacts on soils and land capability would (Todoroski Air Sciences, 2013). also be associated with the following subsidence impacts: The predicted Scope 1 greenhouse gas emissions for the approved Moolarben Coal Complex were • surface cracking; and approximately 4.2 times lower than the Scope 1 • ponding and changes in stream alignment. emissions predicted for the originally approved Moolarben Coal Project Stage 1 (Todoroski Air Predicted subsidence impacts of the UG1 Sciences, 2013). Optimisation Modification would be generally consistent with those for the approved Moolarben Todoroski Air Sciences (2015a) assessed the Coal Complex (Appendix A). Given the above, potential increase in greenhouse gas emissions there is a low potential for impact to land capability associated with the UG1 Optimisation Modification. due to the modified UG1 mine layout. It was concluded that as a result of the extraction of an additional 3.7 Mt of coal, the total greenhouse Based on the above and considering that there are gas emissions over the life of the mine would currently no agricultural activities undertaken in this increase by approximately 1% compared to the area, the potential impacts on land capability as a approved Moolarben Coal Complex (Appendix D). result of the UG1 Optimisation Modification would be minimal. Annual reporting of greenhouse gas emissions from the Moolarben Coal Complex would continue in Mitigation Measures, Management and accordance with the NGERS requirements, and the Monitoring existing abatement measures would continue to be implemented. Land resource mitigation measures, management and monitoring would be conducted in accordance The Moolarben Coal Complex greenhouse gas with an approved MOP and Rehabilitation management system would provide the basis for Management Plan. identifying and implementing measures for minimising greenhouse gas emissions and capturing Rehabilitation of the Moolarben Coal Complex and/or using these emissions. incorporating the UG1 Optimisation Modification is described in Section 3.11. 4.11.3 Non-Aboriginal Heritage

Non-Aboriginal Heritage Assessments were prepared for Stages 1 and 2 of the Moolarben Coal Project. Collectively, these studies assessed the impacts associated with the Moolarben Coal Complex disturbance areas, including the UG1 Optimisation Modification disturbance area.

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An assessment undertaken by Veritas Archaeology 4.11.4 Blasting and History Service in 2005 identified 54 non-Aboriginal heritage sites within or in close As there would be no change to open cut blast proximity to the Moolarben Coal Complex. The locations, sizes or frequencies as a result of the heritage survey identified places and relics UG1 Optimisation Modification, there would be no consistent with the past agricultural and pastoral additional blast impacts. Blasting would continue to land use in vicinity of the Moolarben Coal Complex be managed in accordance with the Blast and associated social fabric (Wells Environmental Management Plan. Services, 2006). Numerous house and farm sites were located, together with former school sites, 4.11.5 Aquatic Ecology graves, surveyor marks, the old Lagoon Inn and retaining walls associated with the road to Wollar via No threatened fauna listed under the NSW Fisheries Carrs Gap Road (Wells Environmental Services, Management Act, 1994 are likely to be affected by 2006). the UG1 Optimisation Modification as there is no

aquatic habitat within the Modification area, and An assessment undertaken by Heritas Architecture ephemeral watercourses nearby the UG1 in 2008 identified 11 non-Aboriginal heritage sites Optimisation Modification areas are unlikely to within the Stage 2 Project Area (Wells provide potential aquatic habitat. Environmental Services, 2008).

The Non-Aboriginal Heritage Assessments 4.11.6 Hazard and Risk recommended that the Moolarben Coal Project (Stages 1 and 2) be carried out in accordance with a Preliminary Hazard Analyses (PHAs) were Heritage Management Plan that is prepared in conducted for the Stage 1 Modification 9 EA and the consultation with the MWRC. Stage 2 PPR to assess the potential hazard and risk associated with the approved Moolarben Coal The 2005 and 2008 surveys identified one Complex. It is considered that the UG1 Optimisation non-Aboriginal heritage site (Carrs Gap Road stone Modification would not change the existing potential wall) above the UG1 underground mining area risks or hazard consequences identified in the PHAs extension in the south-west. The approved as the proposed activities associated with the UG1 Moolarben Coal Complex was assessed as having a Optimisation Modification (e.g. underground mining high impact on this site. activities, transport to site and on-site storage) are consistent with those for the approved Moolarben Subsidence predictions for the UG1 Optimisation Coal Complex. Modification indicate that the stone wall would be subject to a maximum predicted subsidence of Notwithstanding, environmental management plans 2,250 mm and maximum tilt and strain would be and monitoring programs would be reviewed, and 2 mm/m and greater than 50 mm/m respectively where necessary, updated to include the UG1 (Appendix A). The stone wall is likely to be Optimisation Modification and manage any significantly impacted by the extraction of the UG1 associated environmental risks. longwall panels (Appendix A).

Management of potential subsidence impacts to the Carrs Gap Road stone wall would be described in the Extraction Plan. MCO would continue to implement its approved Heritage Management Plan11 at the Moolarben Coal Complex incorporating the UG1 Optimisation Modification.

11 On 30 January 2015, Stage 2 and Stage 1 Modification 3 of the Moolarben Coal Project were approved by the Planning Assessment Commission (as delegate of the NSW Minister for Planning). To address the requirements of the Project Approvals (Attachments 1 and 2), MCO is preparing a complex-wide Heritage Management Plan.

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5 STATUTORY CONTEXT (b) changing the terms of any determination made by the Minister under Division 3 in connection with the approval. This section outlines the statutory requirements relevant to the assessment of the UG1 Optimisation (2) The proponent may request the Minister to Modification. It also provides a consideration of the modify the Minister’s approval for a project. UG1 Optimisation Modification against the objects of The Minister’s approval for a modification is not required if the project as modified will be the EP&A Act. consistent with the existing approval under this Part.

5.1 GENERAL STATUTORY (3) The request for the Minister’s approval is to CONSIDERATIONS be lodged with the Director-General. The Director-General may notify the proponent of environmental assessment requirements 5.1.1 State Legislation with respect to the proposed modification that the proponent must comply with before Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, the matter will be considered by the Minister. 1979 (4) The Minister may modify the approval (with or without conditions) or disapprove of the The Moolarben Coal Project Stage 1 was approved modification. under Part 3A of the EP&A Act by the NSW Minister for Planning on 6 September 2007 (Project Approval … 05_0117 [Attachment 1]). The Moolarben Coal Project Stage 2 was approved under Part 3A of the The EP&A Act and the Environmental Planning and EP&A Act by the Planning Assessment Commission Assessment Regulation, 2000 (EP&A Regulation) (as delegate of the NSW Minister for Planning) on set the framework for planning and environmental 30 January 2015 (Project Approval 08_0135 assessment in NSW. As noted above, the UG1 [Attachment 2]). Optimisation Modification is to be assessed under section 75W (Part 3A) of the EP&A Act. The Moolarben Coal Project Stage 1 and Stage 2 are ‘transitional Part 3A projects’ under clause 2 of Section 5 of the EP&A Act describes the objects of Schedule 6A of the EP&A Act and therefore the EP&A Act as follows: section 75W of the EP&A Act continues to apply to modifications to Project Approvals (05_0117 and (a) to encourage: 12 08_0135), despite its repeal . (i) the proper management, development and conservation of natural and As outlined in Section 1.4, MCO consulted with the artificial resources, including DP&E in May 2014 with regards to seeking the agricultural land, natural areas, forests, necessary approvals for the UG1 Optimisation minerals, water, cities, towns and Modification and based on this consultation, this EA villages for the purpose of promoting has been prepared under section 75W of the the social and economic welfare of the community and a better environment, EP&A Act. (ii) the promotion and co-ordination of the Section 75W of the EP&A Act states: orderly and economic use and development of land, 75W Modification of Minister’s Approval (iii) the protection, provision and

coordination of communication and (1) In this section: utility services, Minister’s approval means an approval to carry out a project under this Part, and (iv) the provision of land for public includes an approval of a concept plan. purposes,

modification of approval means changing (v) the provision and co-ordination of the terms of a Minister’s approval, including: community services and facilities, and

(a) revoking or varying a condition of the (vi) the protection of the environment, approval or imposing an additional including the protection and condition of the approval, and conservation of native animals and plants, including threatened species, populations and ecological 12 Part 3A of the EP&A Act (as in force immediately before its communities, and their habitats, and repeal) continues to apply to and in respect of a transitional Part 3A project (including the Project Approvals [05_0117 and 08_0135]) under clause 3 of schedule 6A of the EP&A Act. The description and quotations of relevant references to clauses of Part 3A in this document are as if Part 3A of the EP&A Act is still in force.

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(vii) ecologically sustainable development, • Heritage Act, 1977; and • Mine Subsidence Compensation Act, 1961; (viii) the provision and maintenance of affordable housing, and • Mining Act, 1992;

(b) to promote the sharing of the responsibility • National Parks and Wildlife Act, 1974 for environmental planning between the (NPW Act); different levels of government in the State, and • Native Vegetation Act, 2003; (c) to provide increased opportunity for public • Protection of the Environment Operations involvement and participation in Act, 1997 (PoEO Act); environmental planning and assessment. • Roads Act, 1993; The UG1 Optimisation Modification is considered to be generally consistent with the objects of the • Threatened Species Conservation Act, 1995 EP&A Act, because it is a modification which: (TSC Act); • Water Act, 1912; • incorporates measures for the management and conservation of natural resources • Water Management Act, 2000; (Section 4); • Work Health and Safety Act, 2011; and • would enable more efficient recovery of • Work Health and Safety (Mines) Act, 2013. underground coal and more efficient integration

of mining operations across the complex; Relevant licences or approvals required under these • would allow activities to continue on Crown land Acts would continue to be obtained for the above the UG1 Optimisation Modification area; Moolarben Coal Complex as required. Key plans and licences that would require revision to • would not affect the ongoing provision of incorporate the UG1 Optimisation Modification are community services and facilities; outlined in Section 5.3. • would result in no significant impact on threatened species, population and ecological Additional detail on the likely requirements under the communities or their habitats; some of the key Acts is provided in the subsections below. • allows continued development of the State’s mineral resources (i.e. coal resources) in a Mining Act, 1992 manner that minimises environmental impacts through the implementation of the Moolarben MCO lodged Mining Lease Application (MLA) 327 Coal Complex Environmental Management on 20 March 2009. MCO lodged MLA 331 on Strategy (Section 2.15) and other measures 21 April 2009. The grant of MLA 327 and MLA 331 (Section 4); and would be required for the UG1 Optimisation Modification. • allows public involvement and participation through consultation activities (Section 1.4), Under the Mining Act, 1992, environmental which would be ongoing following the public protection and rehabilitation are regulated by exhibition of this EA document and DP&E conditions of MLs, including requirements for the assessment of the UG1 Optimisation submission of a MOP prior to the commencement of Modification in accordance with the operations, and subsequent AEMRs (or Annual requirements of the EP&A Act. Reviews).

5.1.2 Other State Legislation The Moolarben Coal Complex MOP would be updated to include the proposed layout of the UG1 In addition to the EP&A Act, the following NSW Acts Optimisation Modification prior to the may be applicable to the Moolarben Coal Complex, commencement of secondary extraction at UG1 incorporating the UG1 Optimisation Modification: (Section 5.3).

• Crown Lands Act, 1989; • Fisheries Management Act, 1994;

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Protection of the Environment Operations Act, Notwithstanding, an ACHA for the UG1 Optimisation 1997 Modification has been undertaken in consultation with Registered Aboriginal Parties in accordance Construction and operations at the Moolarben Coal with the existing engagement system in place at the Complex are currently undertaken in accordance Moolarben Coal Complex (Section 4.7). with an existing Environment Protection Licence (EPL 12932) issued under the PoEO Act. Heritage Act, 1977

The existing Moolarben Coal Complex is currently The Heritage Act, 1977 regulates the conservation licensed under EPL 12932 to conduct “mining for of items listed on the State Heritage Register or coal” and “coal works” as defined in Schedule 1 of subject to an interim heritage order. the PoEO Act. Heritage related approvals under the Heritage Act, The noise limits in EPL 12932 may require a 1977 are not required for the Project Approvals variation as a result of the UG1 Optimisation (05_0117 and 08_0135), including the UG1 Modification (Section 5.3.4). Optimisation Modification.

Water Management Act, 2000 and Water MCO would continue to implement its approved Act, 1912 Heritage Management Plan13 for management of the

Carrs Gap Road stone wall heritage site at the The Water Management Act, 2000 and the Water Moolarben Coal Complex incorporating the UG1 Act, 1912 contain provisions for the licensing, Optimisation Modification (Section 4.11.3). allocation, capture and use of water resources.

Under the Water Management Act, 2000, water Threatened Species Conservation Act, 1995 sharing plans are being introduced for water sources. Water sharing plans establish rules for The TSC Act protects threatened species and sharing water between different users and between provides a framework for the assessment of a the various environmental sources (namely rivers or development’s impacts on threatened species and aquifers). ecological communities.

Licensing requirements under the Water The potential impact of the UG1 Optimisation Management Act, 2000 and Water Act, 1912 were Modification on threatened species, populations and evaluated as a component of the Stage 1 ecological communities was assessed as part of the Modification 9 EA and Stage 2 PPR EA. Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment (Appendix E).

EcoLogical Australia (2015a) concluded that the The UG1 Optimisation Modification would not UG1 Optimisation Modification would not have a materially change licensing requirements for the significant impact on threatened species, approved Moolarben Coal Complex (Section 4.2). populations and ecological communities

(Section 4.5). MCO would continue to obtain and hold licences required under the Water Management Act, 2000 and Water Act, 1912. 5.1.3 Environmental Planning Instruments

National Parks and Wildlife Act, 1974 The Stage 1 EA and Stage 2 PPR EA provided a detailed consideration of the Moolarben Coal The NPW Act contains provisions for the protection Complex against State environmental planning and management of national parks, historic sites, policies and local environmental plans. nature reserves and Aboriginal heritage in NSW. State environmental planning policies and local Section 75U(1) of the EP&A Act outlines environmental plans that may be relevant to the authorisations that are not required for a transitional UG1 Optimisation Modification are discussed below. Part 3A project, including the Project Approvals (05_0117 and 08_0135). An Aboriginal heritage impact permit under section 90 of the NPW Act is not required for the Project Approvals (05_0117 and 08_0135), including the UG1 Optimisation Modification. 13 On 30 January 2015, Stage 2 and Stage 1 Modification 3 of the Moolarben Coal Project were approved by the Planning Assessment Commission (as delegate of the NSW Minister for Planning). To address the requirements of the Project Approvals (Attachments 1 and 2), MCO is preparing a complex-wide Heritage Management Plan.

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State Environmental Planning Policy (Mining, The potential impacts of the UG1 Optimisation Petroleum Production and Extractive Industries) Modification on built features, natural features and 2007 vegetation as a result of mine subsidence are described in Appendices A and E and summarised The Mining SEPP regularises the various in Sections 4.1 and 4.5. environmental planning instruments that previously controlled mining activities. MCO would, where practicable, implement a range of measures to avoid or minimise incompatibility of Part 3 of the Mining SEPP outlines some of the the UG1 Optimisation Modification with existing and matters to be considered when determining future land uses in the area. This would be development applications (noting that SEPPs are achieved through the implementation of the existing but one of a number of considerations that are Moolarben Coal Complex Environmental required to be taken account of). Relevant clauses Management Strategy (Section 2.15) and other are discussed further below. measures (Section 4).

Clause 12 Clause 12AA

Clause 12 of the Mining SEPP requires that, before Clause 12AA of the Mining SEPP requires that: determining an application for consent for development for the purposes of mining, petroleum (1) In determining an application for consent for production or extractive industry, the consent development for the purposes of mining, the authority must: consent authority must consider the significance of the resource that is the subject of the application, having regard to: (a) consider: (a) the economic benefits, both to the (i) the existing uses and approved uses State and the region in which the of land in the vicinity of the development is proposed to be carried development, and out, of developing the resource, and

(ii) whether or not the development is (b) any advice by the Director-General of likely to have a significant impact on the Department of Trade and the uses that, in the opinion of the Investment, Regional Infrastructure consent authority having regard to land and Services as to the relative use trends, are likely to be the significance of the resource in preferred uses of land in the vicinity of comparison with other mineral the development, and resources across the State.

(iii) any ways in which the development (2) The following matters are (without limitation) may be incompatible with any of those taken to be relevant for the purposes of existing, approved or likely preferred subclause (1) (a): uses, and (a) employment generation, (b) evaluate and compare the respective public benefits of the development and the land (b) expenditure, including capital uses referred to in paragraph (a) (i) and (ii), investment, and (c) the payment of royalties to the State. (c) evaluate any measures proposed by the (3) The Director-General of the Department of applicant to avoid or minimise any Trade and Investment, Regional incompatibility, as referred to in paragraph Infrastructure and Services is, in providing (a) (iii). advice under subclause (1) (b), to have

regard to such matters as that The UG1 Optimisation Modification would allow for Director-General considers relevant, the extraction of additional coal reserves and enable including (without limitation): more efficient recovery of underground coal. (a) the size, quality and availability of the resource that is the subject of the UG1 is located within the Project Application Areas application, and in the Project Approvals (05_0117 and 08_0135). As such, the UG1 Optimisation Modification is (b) the proximity and access of the land to compatible with the existing land use (i.e. coal which the application relates to mining). existing or proposed infrastructure, and

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(c) the relationship of the resource to any (b) that impacts on threatened species and existing mine, and biodiversity, are avoided, or are minimised to the greatest extent practicable, (d) whether other industries or projects are dependent on the development of (c) that greenhouse gas emissions are the resource. minimised to the greatest extent practicable. (4) In determining whether to grant consent to the proposed development, the significance In addition, clause 14(2) requires that, without of the resource is to be the consent limiting clause 14(1), in determining a development authority’s principal consideration under this application for development for the purposes of Part. mining, petroleum production or extractive industry, (5) Accordingly, the weight to be given by the the consent authority must consider an assessment consent authority to any other matter for of the greenhouse gas emissions (including consideration under this Part is to be downstream emissions) of the development, and proportionate to the importance of that other must do so having regard to any applicable State or matter in comparison with the significance of national policies, programmes or guidelines the resource. concerning greenhouse gas emissions. (6) To avoid doubt, the obligations of a consent authority under this clause extend to any The potential impacts of the UG1 Optimisation application to modify a development Modification on groundwater and surface water consent. resources are discussed in Sections 4.2 and 4.6,

including measures to minimise potential impacts The UG1 Optimisation Modification would allow the which are described in Sections 4.2.3 and 4.6.3. recovery of approximately an additional 3.7 Mt of underground coal. The potential impacts of the UG1 Optimisation

Modification on threatened species and biodiversity The UG1 Optimisation Modification would reduce are described in Section 4.5, including measures to the number of longwall mining equipment minimise potential impacts which are described in relocations from nine to five which would enable Sections 4.5.3. more efficient recovery of underground coal.

Existing greenhouse gas abatement measures at The proposed UG1 Optimisation Modification would the Moolarben Coal Complex and the potential improve the efficiency of integration of mining increase in greenhouse gas emissions associated operations across the complex, access to the UG1 with the UG1 Optimisation Modification are resource and transfer of underground coal to the described in Section 4.11.2. CHPP area.

Clause 15 The UG1 Optimisation Modification would increase the approved operational workforce for the Clause 15 of the Mining SEPP requires that: Moolarben Coal Complex from 440 personnel to approximately 667 personnel on average. (1) Before granting consent for development for the purposes of mining, petroleum Clause 14 production or extractive industry, the consent authority must consider the efficiency or

otherwise of the development in terms of Clause 14(1) of the Mining SEPP requires that, resource recovery. before granting consent for development for the purposes of mining, petroleum production or (2) Before granting consent for the extractive industry, the consent authority must development, the consent authority must consider whether or not the consent should consider whether or not the approval should be be issued subject to conditions aimed at issued subject to conditions aimed at ensuring that optimising the efficiency of resource the development is undertaken in an recovery and the reuse or recycling of environmentally responsible manner, including material. conditions to ensure the following: (3) The consent authority may refuse to grant

consent to development if it is not satisfied (a) that impacts on significant water resources, that the development will be carried out in including surface and groundwater such a way as to optimise the efficiency of resources, are avoided, or are minimised to recovery of minerals, petroleum or extractive the greatest extent practicable, materials and to minimise the creation of waste in association with the extraction, recovery or processing of minerals, petroleum or extractive materials.

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The UG1 Optimisation Modification would allow for (d) any feasible alternatives to the carrying out the extraction of additional coal reserves and enable of the development and the reasons for more efficient recovery of underground coal. choosing the development the subject of the application (including any feasible alternatives for the location of the It is in MCO’s financial interest to maximise the development and the reasons for choosing efficiency of coal recovery and minimise the the location the subject of the generation of coal reject which requires disposal. application)… The UG1 Optimisation Modification would not produce any additional coal rejects. The UG1 Optimisation Modification would not change existing potential risks or hazard Clause 17 consequences as the proposed activities associated with the UG1 Optimisation Modification are Clause 17 of the Mining SEPP requires that before consistent with those for the approved Moolarben granting consent for development for the purposes Coal Complex (Section 4.11.6). of mining, petroleum production or extractive industry, the consent authority must consider Notwithstanding, environmental management plans whether or not the approval should be issued and monitoring programmes would be reviewed, subject to conditions aimed at ensuring the and revised by MCO to include the UG1 rehabilitation of land that will be affected by the Optimisation Modification and manage any development. In particular, the consent authority associated environmental risks (if necessary). must consider whether conditions of the consent should: State Environmental Planning Policy No. 44 (Koala Habitat Protection) (a) require the preparation of a plan that identifies the proposed end use and SEPP 44 requires the consent authority for any landform of the land once rehabilitated, or development application in certain LGAs to consider (b) require waste generated by the development whether land subject to the application is "potential or the rehabilitation to be dealt with Koala habitat" or "core Koala habitat". appropriately, or (c) require any soil contaminated as a result of EcoLogical Australia (Appendix E) considers the the development to be remediated in UG1 Optimisation Modification area comprises accordance with relevant guidelines potential Koala habitat, but does not comprise core (including guidelines under section 145C of Koala habitat. the Act and the Contaminated Land Management Act 1997), or State Environmental Planning Policy No. 55 (d) require steps to be taken to ensure that the (Remediation of Land) state of the land, while being rehabilitated and at the completion of the rehabilitation, SEPP 55 aims to provide a State-wide planning does not jeopardize public safety. approach to the remediation of contaminated land. Under SEPP 55, planning authorities are required to The approved rehabilitation objectives and concepts consider the potential for contamination to adversely for the UG1 Optimisation Modification would remain affect the suitability of the site for its proposed use. generally unchanged. The Stage 2 EA determined that potentially The Rehabilitation Management Plan and MOP contaminated sites associated with prior land uses would be revised to incorporate the UG1 may be encountered within the Stage 2 Project Optimisation Modification. Application Area (including UG1) associated with sheep dips, workshops, and machinery sheds used State Environmental Planning Policy No. 33 for fuel, chemical and fertiliser storage and landfills. (Hazardous and Offensive Development) Where any potentially contaminated sites are found during construction or operation of Stage 2 these Clause 13 of SEPP 33 requires the consent will be assessed and appropriate management authority, in determining a development application strategies formulated to treat or remediate the site. for a potentially hazardous or a potentially offensive industry, to consider: Under clause 7(2), before determining an application for consent to carry out development that (a) … would involve a change of use of land, the consent (c) in the case of development for the purpose authority must consider a report specifying the of a potentially hazardous industry—a findings of a preliminary investigation of the land preliminary hazard analysis prepared by or concerned, carried out in accordance with the on behalf of the applicant, and contaminated land planning guidelines.

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Because the UG1 Optimisation Modification is within Clauses 6 and 7 of the Mining SEPP provide what the Project Application Areas in the Project types of mining development are permissible without Approvals (05_0117 and 08_0135), no change of development consent and what types are use is proposed and no preliminary land permissible only with development consent. In this contamination investigation is required. regard, clause 7(1) states:

Mid-Western Regional Local Environmental Plan 7 Development permissible with consent 2012 (1) Mining The Moolarben Mine Complex is located wholly within the Mid-Western Regional LGA and is Development for any of the following purposes may be carried out only with development covered by the Mid-Western Regional Local consent: Environmental Plan 2012 (MWR LEP). (a) underground mining carried out on any Clause 2.3(2) of the MWR LEP relevantly provides: land, … The consent authority must have regard to the objectives for development in a zone when determining a development application in respect The term ‘underground mining’ in the Mining SEPP of land within the zone. is given an extended definition in clause 3(2) as follows: As outlined above, the consent authority for transitional Part 3A projects is the Minister for Underground mining means: Planning. (a) mining carried out beneath the earth’s surface, including bord and pillar mining, Under the MWR LEP, the UG1 Optimisation longwall mining, top-level caving, sub-level Modification area includes land zoned as RU1 – caving and auger mining, and Primary Production and E3 – Environmental (b) shafts, drill holes, gas and water drainage Management. works, surface rehabilitation works and access pits associated with that mining Permissibility (whether carried out on or beneath the earth’s surface), Under the MWR LEP, underground mining is but does not include open cut mining. permissible with consent in the RU1 Zone and is prohibited in the E3 Zone. The effect of clause 7(1), in conjunction with the

operation of clause 5(3) of the Mining SEPP, is that Clause 4 of the Mining SEPP relevantly provides: notwithstanding any prohibition contained in the land

use table of the MWR LEP, the UG1 Optimisation 4 Land to which Policy applies Modification is permissible with consent. This Policy applies to the State. RU1 – Primary Production Clause 5(3) gives the Mining SEPP primacy where there is any inconsistency between the provisions in Under the MWR LEP the objectives of the RU1 – the SEPP and the provisions in any other Primary Production zone are: environmental planning instrument (subject to limited exceptions). • To encourage sustainable primary industry based production by maintaining and Clause 5(3) relevantly provides: enhancing the natural resource base.

5 Relationship with other environmental • To encourage diversity in primary industry planning policies enterprises and systems appropriate for the area. (3) … if this Policy is inconsistent with any other • To minimise the fragmentation and alienation environmental planning instrument, whether of resource lands. made before or after this Policy, this Policy prevails to the extent of the inconsistency. • To minimise conflict between land uses within this zone and land uses within The practical effect of clause 5(3) for MCO is that if adjoining zones. there is any inconsistency between the provisions of the Mining SEPP and those contained in the MWR LEP, the provisions of the Mining SEPP will prevail.

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• To maintain the visual amenity and 5.1.4 Commonwealth Legislation landscape quality of Mid-Western Regional by preserving the area’s open rural The current Stage 1 mining operations are landscapes and environmental and cultural undertaken in accordance with Approval Decisions heritage values. (EPBC 2007/3297) granted on 24 October 2007 • To promote the unique rural character of (and varied by notice on 25 February 2009 and Mid-Western Regional and facilitate a variety 11 May 2010) and (EPBC 2013/6926) granted on of tourist land uses. 13 November 2014 under the EPBC Act.

The UG1 Optimisation Modification is consistent The current Stage 2 mining operations are with the general objectives of RU1 – Primary undertaken in accordance with Approval Decision Production zone as mining is a primary industry and (EPBC 2008/4444) granted on 18 May 2015 under the UG1 Optimisation Modification would enable the EPBC Act. more efficient recovery of underground coal and more efficient integration of mining operations The potential impacts of the UG1 Optimisation across the complex. Modification on flora and fauna have been assessed in Appendix E and summarised in Section 4.5. The The UG1 Optimisation Modification would not assessment indicates that there would be no significantly alter the compatibility of the Moolarben significant impact on threatened species, Mine Complex with adjoining land uses and there populations and communities and migratory species would be negligible change in visual impacts during listed under the EPBC Act as a result of the UG1 mining operations due to the UG1 Optimisation Optimisation Modification. Modification. The potential impacts of the UG1 Optimisation E3 – Environmental Management Modification on water resources have been assessed in Appendices B and F and summarised Under the MWR LEP the objectives of the E3 – in Sections 4.2 and 4.6. These assessments Environmental Management zone are: indicate:

• To protect, manage and restore areas with • The UG1 Optimisation Modification would have special ecological, scientific, cultural or no material impact on stream baseflow or aesthetic values. natural river leakage for any nearby stream. • To provide for a limited range of • Up to 6.5 metres of additional drawdown is development that does not have an adverse predicted in the Ulan Seam in the effect on those values. north-eastern extents of UG1, which is minor • To manage development within the water from a regional perspective. supply catchment lands of Windamere and • Burrendong Dams, to conserve and enhance There would be no other discernible change in the district’s water resources. drawdown resulting from the UG1 Optimisation Modification. Subsidence impact mitigation measures have been • No third-party groundwater users would be developed for the UG1 Optimisation Modification to affected by the UG1 Optimisation Modification, minimise impacts to significant surface features, in terms of the minimal harm considerations of including ecological and cultural values (Section 4). the Aquifer Interference Policy.

The UG1 Optimisation Modification would not have • The net loss of groundwater from the alluvium a significant impact on threatened species, to underlying rock strata associated with the populations and ecological communities with the UG1 Optimisation Modification is expected to implementation of the proposed management be negligible. measures (Section 4.5). No Aboriginal heritage • There would not be any significant change to sites are anticipated to be significantly impacted as approved impacts on drainage lines due to the a result of subsidence associated with the UG1 UG1 Optimisation Modification, with only minor Optimisation Modification (Section 4.7). predicted increases in ponding.

• Water monitoring and management for the Moolarben Coal Complex would continue to be conducted in accordance with the approved Water Management Plan.

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5.2 NSW GOVERNMENT POLICY The AIP has been developed to ensure equitable water sharing between various water users and proper licensing of water taken by aquifer 5.2.1 Strategic Regional Land Use Plan interference activities such that the take is

accounted for in the water budget and water sharing As part of the Strategic Regional Land Use Policy, arrangements. The AIP would also enhance existing the NSW Government has introduced a ‘Gateway regulation, contributing to a comprehensive Process’ for the upfront assessment of the impacts framework to protect the rights of all water users of State Significant mining and coal seam gas and the environment in NSW. proposals on Strategic Agricultural Land

(NSW Government, 2012b). The Water Management Act, 2000 defines an

aquifer interference activity as that which involves The Strategic Regional Land Use Policy and the any of the following: ‘Gateway Process’ apply to new State Significant

Development applications or modifications for • the penetration of an aquifer; mining projects located outside of existing mining • lease areas (NSW Government, 2012b). the interference with water in an aquifer; • the obstruction of the flow of water in an MLA 327 and MLA 331 have not been granted for aquifer; the area that covers the UG1 Optimisation • the taking of water from an aquifer in the Modification area and therefore the Gateway course of carrying out mining or any other Process and Strategic Regional Land Use Policy activity prescribed by the regulations; and have been considered for the UG1 Optimisation • the disposal of water taken from an aquifer in Modification. the course of carrying out mining or any other activity prescribed by the regulations. The Upper Hunter Strategic Regional Land Use Plan does not map any Strategic Agricultural Land A Groundwater Assessment (Appendix B) has been for the development areas associated with the UG1 prepared in consideration of the AIP and the key Optimisation Modification. conclusions are summarised below.

Soil surveys of the development areas associated Water Source with the UG1 Optimisation Modification were undertaken in May and October 2014 and January The AIP requires all water taken by aquifer 2015 to assess the land against the Interim Protocol interference activities to be accounted for within the for site verification and mapping of biophysical extraction limits set by the relevant Water Sharing strategic agricultural land (NSW Government, 2013). Plan. Surface water and alluvial groundwater resources within the vicinity of the Moolarben Coal A site verification certificate issued on 31 March Complex are managed under the Water Sharing 2015 (Attachment 3) verified the additional Plan for the Hunter Unregulated and Alluvial Water development areas associated with the UG1 Sources 2009 (the HUAWSP). Optimisation Modification as non-BSAL. Licensing to account for water taken from the coal seams and adjacent hardrock under the NSW Water 5.2.2 Aquifer Interference Policy Act, 1912 is also required for any additional mine

inflows from the porous rock aquifer. The AIP (NSW Government, 2012a) has been developed by the NSW Government as a Baseline Groundwater Conditions component of the NSW Government's Strategic

Regional Land Use Policy. The AIP applies Baseline groundwater conditions and the existing State-wide and details water licence and impact observed impacts of the approved Moolarben Coal assessment requirements. Complex, Ulan Mine Complex and Wilpinjong Coal

Mine on alluvial and porous rock aquifers are discussed in Appendix B.

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Potential impacts on alluvial and unregulated water 5.3 APPROVALS, LICENCES AND PLANS sources have been modelled using the latest version of the approved RPS Aquaterra model 5.3.1 Project Approval Conditions (2012) for the Moolarben Coal Complex to ensure consistency of predictions (Appendix B). This Condition 6, Schedule 2 of Project groundwater model was developed in consultation Approval (05_0117) (Attachment 1) stipulates: with key regulators.

6. The Proponent shall not extract more than: The potential impacts of the UG1 Optimisation Modification have been assessed by making (a) … comparisons between the approved and modified (b) 4 million tonnes of ROM coal from the UG1 mine layout for the Moolarben Coal Complex. underground mining operations of the project in any calendar year. Licensing Requirements Condition 7, Schedule 2 of Project The UG1 Optimisation Modification results in a Approval (08_0135) (Attachment 2) stipulates: negligible increase in total maximum water take from the water sources in the HUAWSP 7. The Proponent shall not extract more than: (Appendix B). (a) …

(b) 4 million tonnes of ROM coal from the Using a conservative approach, the additional underground mining operations of the licensing requirement as a result of the UG1 Moolarben mine complex in any calendar Optimisation Modification for the porous rock year. groundwater source under the Water Act, 1912 is up to 69 ML/year (Appendix B). MCO is seeking to amend Condition 6, Schedule 2 of Project Approval (05_0117) and Condition 7, The total predicted take would remain within MCO’s Schedule 2 of Project Approval (08_0135) as a existing licensed allocation. component of the UG1 Optimisation Modification to read: The numerical groundwater model would be refined over progression of the mine life in order to more … The Proponent shall not extract more than: accurately calculate the post-closure licensing … requirements associated with the Moolarben Coal (b) 8 million tonnes of ROM coal from the Complex. underground mining operations of the Moolarben mine complex in any calendar Minimal Impact Considerations year.

The AIP establishes minimal impact considerations Condition 8, Schedule 2 of Project Approval for highly productive and less productive (05_0117) (Attachment 1) stipulates: groundwater. 8. The Proponents shall ensure that: There is no ‘highly productive’ groundwater, as (a) … defined under the Aquifer Interference Policy, mapped in the vicinity of the Moolarben Coal (b) no more than 5 laden trains leave the Moolarben Complex (Appendix B). The nearest ‘highly mine complex each day. productive’ groundwater is a portion of the alluvial aquifer associated with Wilpinjong Creek MCO is seeking to amend Condition 8, Schedule 2 downstream of the Wilpinjong Coal Mine of Project Approval (05_0117) as a component of (Appendix B). the UG1 Optimisation Modification to read:

An assessment of the UG1 Optimisation 8. The Proponents shall ensure that: Modification against the minimal impact (a) … considerations in the AIP was conducted as part of (b) no more than 7 laden trains leave the Moolarben the Groundwater Assessment. mine complex per day on average when calculated over any calendar year; and The Groundwater Assessment concluded that the Modification is within the ‘Level 1’ minimal impact (c) no more than 9 laden trains leave the Moolarben considerations outlined in the AIP (Appendix B). mine complex on any one day.

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Following implementation of the Ulan Road 5.3.5 Management/Monitoring Plans Strategy, MCO is seeking to remove Condition 58(a), Schedule 3 of Project Approval Some management plans may require revision to (05_0117). Notwithstanding, MCO would seek to reflect updated environmental management minimise any interaction between traffic generated measures or changes to Project Approval conditions by the Moolarben Coal Complex and the school resulting from the UG1 Optimisation Modification. buses operating on Ulan Road, while also seeking to spread the generated traffic through the day and These are expected to include the Water minimise interaction with traffic generated by the Management Plan, Biodiversity Management Plan, other mines in the area. Heritage Management Plan and Rehabilitation Management Plan. In addition to the above, the following components of the Project Approvals (05_0117 and 08_0135) would require amendment to incorporate the proposed layout of the UG1 Optimisation Modification:

• Appendix 2 (General Layout of Project) of Project Approval (05_0117); • Appendix 2 (General Layout of Project) of Project Approval (08_0135); • Appendix 4 (Underground Mine Layout and Location of Sensitive Natural and Man Made Features) of Project Approval (08_0135); and • Appendix 8 (Aboriginal Heritage) of Project Approval (08_0135).

5.3.2 Extraction Plan

An Extraction Plan would be prepared for UG1, incorporating the UG1 Optimisation Modification, prior to the commencement of second workings in accordance with Condition 5, Schedule 4 of Project Approval (08_0135).

5.3.3 Mining Operations Plan

The Moolarben Coal Complex MOP would be updated to include the proposed layout of the UG1 Optimisation Modification prior to the commencement of secondary extraction at UG1.

5.3.4 Environment Protection Licence Conditions

Condition L5 of EPL 12932 provides noise limits for the Moolarben Coal Complex. This condition may require variation as a result of the UG1 Optimisation Modification as described in Section 4.3.

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6 REFERENCES EMGA Mitchell McLennan (2013c) Visual Impact Assessment – Moolarben Coal Project Stage 1 AECOM Australia Pty Ltd (2011) Moolarben Optimisation Modification. Preferred Project Report Aboriginal Archaeological and Cultural Heritage Environment Protection Authority (2013) Rail Addendum. Infrastructure Noise Guideline.

AGE (2013) Moolarben Coal Project Stage 1 GTA Consultants (2015) Moolarben Coal Complex Optimisation Modification Groundwater UG1 Optimisation Modification Road Transport Assessment. Assessment.

Archaeological Risk Assessment Services (2006) Hunter Valley Research Foundation (2008) Moolarben Coal Project Aboriginal Cultural Estimates of Regional Economic Impacts from Heritage Assessment. the Construction and Operation of the Moolarben Coal Project: Environmental Archaeological Risk Assessment Services (2008) Assessment No. 2. Moolarben Coal Project Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Assessment Report Stage 2. HydroSimulations (2015) Moolarben Coal Complex UG1 Optimisation Modification Groundwater Coffey Environments Australia Pty Ltd (2015) Modelling Assessment. Moolarben Coal Complex UG1 Optimisation Modification Community Infrastructure McKenzie Soil Management Pty Ltd (2014) Site Assessment. Verification Report: Moolarben Coal Mine, Ulan, NSW. Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water (2010a) Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Moolarben Biota (2006) Moolarben Coal Project Consultation Requirements for Proponents Flora, Fauna and Aquatic Ecology 2010. Assessment.

Department of Environment, Climate Change and Moolarben Coal Mines Pty Limited (2006) Water (2010b) Code of Practice for Moolarben Coal Project Environmental Archaeological Investigation of Aboriginal Assessment Report. Objects in NSW Moolarben Coal Mines Pty Limited (2011) Department of Environment, Climate Change and Rehabilitation Strategy Moolarben Coal Project Water (2011) NSW Road Noise Policy. – Stage 2 Preferred Project Report.

Dundon Consulting (2015) Moolarben Coal Complex Moolarben Coal Operations Pty Ltd (2015) Annual – UG1 Optimisation Modification – Environmental Management Report Groundwater Assessment. 2013-2014.

EcoLogical Australia (2015a) Moolarben Coal MSEC (2011) Moolarben Coal Project (Stage 2) Complex – UG1 Optimisation Modification Subsidence Predictions and Impact Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment. Assessments for Natural Features and Items of Surface Infrastructure due to Proposed EcoLogical Australia (2015b) Moolarben Coal Extraction of Mining Longwalls 1 to 13. Operations – Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment OC4 Modification. Niche Environment and Heritage (2015) Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Assessment: Moolarben Coal Ecovision (2008) Ecological Impact Assessment – Complex UG1 Optimisation Modification. Stage 2 of the Moolarben Coal Project. NSW Government (2012a) Aquifer Interference EMGA Mitchell McLennan (2013a) Noise and Policy. Released September 2012. Vibration Impact Assessment – Moolarben Coal Project Stage 1 Optimisation Modification. NSW Government (2012b) Upper Hunter Strategic Regional Land Use Policy. Released EMGA Mitchell McLennan (2013b) Ecological September 2012. Assessment – Moolarben Coal Project Stage 1 Optimisation Modification.

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NSW Government (2013) NSW Government Interim Wells Environmental Services (2008) Moolarben Protocol for Site Verification and Mapping of Coal Project Stage 2 Environmental BSAL. Assessment Report.

NSW Government (2014) Voluntary Land WRM Water & Environment (2013) Moolarben Coal Acquisition and Mitigation Policy. Released Project – Stage 1 Optimisation Modification – December 2014. Surface Water Impact Assessment.

O’Hanlon Design (2006) Moolarben Coal Project WRM Water & Environment (2015) Moolarben Coal Visual and Lighting Impact Assessment. Complex UG1 Optimisation Modification Surface Water Assessment Review. O’Hanlon Design (2008) Stage 2 Moolarben Coal Project Visual and Lighting Impact Workcover (2005) Storage and Handling of Assessment. Dangerous Goods – Code of Practice 2005.

Office of Environment and Heritage (2011) Guide to investigating, assessing and reporting on Aboriginal Cultural Heritage in NSW.

RPS Aquaterra (2011) Moolarben Coal Complex Stage 2 PPR Groundwater Impact Assessment November 2011.

RPS Aquaterra (2012) Moolarben Coal Complex Stage 2 – Additional Groundwater Impact Assessment.

SLR Consulting (2015a) Moolarben Coal Complex UG1 Optimisation Modification Noise Assessment.

SLR Consulting (2015b) Moolarben Coal Complex OC4 South West Modification Noise Assessment.

South East Archaeology (2013) Moolarben Coal Project – Stage 1 Optimisation Modification, Near Ulan, Central Tablelands of New South Wales: Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Assessment.

Todoroski Air Sciences (2013) Moolarben Coal Project Stage 1 Optimisation Modification Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Assessment.

Todoroski Air Sciences (2015a) Air Quality Assessment Moolarben Coal Complex UG1 Optimisation Modification.

Todoroski Air Sciences (2015b) Air Quality Assessment Moolarben Coal Project OC4 South West Modification.

Wells Environmental Services (2006) Moolarben Coal Project Environmental Assessment Report.

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