EIS 354
AA052427
Proposed extractive industry - Boat Rock Quarry:
environmental impact statement NSW IEPI PRIMARY IAIUSTRIES f 3 3
AAO5 2427 PROPOSED EXTRACTIVE INDUSTRY
BOAT ROCK QUARRY
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
EFfl OF S TATE M E N T 2 L
COROWA SHIRE COUNCIL 354, I FORM 4 CERTIFICATE BY AUTHOR OF STATEMENT
Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, 1979, Section 77(3)(d)
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT
This Statement has been prepared by C. ARKINSTALL on behalf of
the Corowa Shire Council, being the applicant making the development
application referred to below.
The Statement accompanies the development application made in
respect of the development described as follows : -
Extractive Industry for the Winning I of Gravel Road Making Materials.
The development application relates to the land described as
Part Portion 91, Parish of Carlyle, County of Denison, Shire of
Berrigan and known as Boat Rock Hill.
The contents of this Statement, as required by Clause 34 of the
Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation, 1980, are set forth
in the accompanying pages.
NAME: Gregory Arkinstall
ADDRESS: 33 Airlie Street,
COROWA. N.S.W. 2646
QUALIFICATIONS: * Associate Diploma in Town and Country Planning.
* Ordinance 4 Certificate of Qualification as a
Town and Country Planner. I, GREGORY ARKINSTALL, of Corowa, hereby certify that I have prepared the contents of this Statement in accordance with Clauses 34 and 35 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act Regulations,
1980.
Signature:
Date:
CONTENTS
PACE PART ONE - DESIGNATED DEVELOPMENT
1. 1 Extractive Industry 1
PART TWO - INTRODUCTION
2. 1 Applicant 2 2. 2 Objectives of Proposal 2 2. 3 Scope of Statement 3 2. 4 Objectives of Statement 3 2. 5 Determining Authority 3
PART THREE - SITE DETAILS
3. 1 Location 4 3. 2 Title Description 4 3. 3 Zoning 4 3. 4 Existing Use 7 3. 5 Site Access 7 3. 6 Topography 7 3. 7 Acoustic Environment 9 3. 8 Climate 9 3. 9 Services 10 3.10 Traffic 10 3.11 Adjoining Land Uses 10 3.12 Geology 12 3.13 Flora and Fauna 12 3.14 Visual Impact 13 3.15 Aboriginal Sites and Relics 14
PART FOUR - PROJECT DETAILS
4. 1 Project Description 15 4. 2 Establishment 18 4. 3 Land Clearing 18 4. 4 Excavation 18 4. 4. 1 Drilling 18 4. 4. 2 Blasting 19 4. 4. 3 Crushing 20 4. 5 Gravel Transportation 20 4. 6 Area of Excavation 21 4. 7 Project Timing 21
PART FIVE - CONSULTATION
Consultation with Statutory Authorities 23
PART SIX - ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS AND SAFEGUARDS
1 Visual Quality 25 6. 2 Atmospheric Pollution 25 6. 3 Noise 26 Blasting 26 Plant and Equipment 27 PAGE PART SIX CONTINUED
6. 4 Groundwater 27 6. 5 S tormwater 28 6. 6 Transport 29 6. 7 Flora and Fauna 29 6. 8 Site Rehabilitation 30 6. 9 Economic Effects 30
PART SEVEN - ALTERNATIVES Alternative Sites 32
PART EIGHT - ENERGY Energy Matters 33
PART NINE - EFFECTS OF FAILURE TO PROCEED
Effects of Failure to proceed with project 34
PART TEN - CONCLUSIONS
Conclusions and Recommendations 35
Summary Table of Impact of Development for Boat Rock Quarry 36
"APPENDIX 1" Responses following Consultation with the various Authorities
& ADT t\Mt'
1. DESIGNATED DEVELOPMENT.
1.1 EXTRACTIVE INDUSTRY.
As the development proposed is an "extractive industry" the development is defined as "designated development" under the provisions of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, 1979, as it is included in Schedule 3 to the Environmental Planning and
Assessment Regulation, 1980.
Under Section 77(2)(d) of the Act an application for designated development must be accompanied by an Environmental Impact Statement.
At the outset, it should be noted that an extractive industry, apart from mines or the winning of coal, petroleum, or any mineral within the meaning of the Mining Act, 1973, regardless of volumes of the material to be extracted annually, or at any time, is defined as designated development. 2. INTRODUCTION.
2.1 APPLICANT.
The proponent for the subject development is the Corowa Shire
Council which has for many years extracted roadmaking materials from the Boatrock quarry area. The Corowa Shire Council has not been the sole users of the area and much of the material has been extracted in the past by others.
It is proposed that Council will extract suitable roadmaking materials from the quarry for use in conjunction with its annual road maintenance and construction programmes.
2.2 OBJECTIVES OF PROPOSAL.
The Objectives of the proposal are
To establish a quarry to enable the winning of sufficient
crushed gravel to supply the needs of the Corowa Shire
Council's road maintenance and construction programmes in
the vicinity of the quarry and for use elsewhere in the
Shire.
To Supply road material of a high quality and at
competitive rates with the material which is "imported"
from up to 100 kilometres distance away.
To establish and maintain an adequate all weather access
road to the quarry from the nearest public road.
To endeavour to re-establish and rehabilitate the
excavation site to an improved standard which will place
the area more in keeping with the adjoining Boat Rock
Reserve and in semblance of its original state. 3
(v) To ensure that significant adverse environmental effects do
not occur as a result of the operation, particularly with
respect to potential effects on any drainage lines or
watercourses.
2.3 SCOPE OF STATEMENT.
This statement identifies and assesses the environmental impact
which may result in the event that the proposal proceeds, and
addresses matters which have been perceived by the author of the
Statement and/or matters raised by Statutory Authorities.
2.4 OBJECTIVES OF STATEMENT.
This statement has been prepared on behalf of the Corowa Shire
Council in order to
Comply with the provisions of the Environmental Planning
and Assessment Act.
Provide sufficient information for informed decision making
by Berrigan Shire Council.
Inform the general public, the Department of Environment
and Planning and other relevant Statutory Authorities of
the implications of the proposal.
2.5 DETERMINING AUTHORITY.
Berrigan Shire Council, as the determining authority, is required to properly consider the proposal and its implications, together with submissions from interested members of the public and from relevant Public Authorities, before resolving to determine the application by either refusal or by the granting of a consent with or without conditions. 6
3. SITE DETAILS.
3.1 LOCATION.
The location of the proposed quarry site is within the Shire of
Berrigan and is approximately 0.6km west of Warmatta Road, which
bears north/south and forms the boundary between Berrigan and Corowa
Shires, and approximately 0.3km south of Boat Rock Road which runs
east/west.
A road reserve provides access from Boat Rock to the Boat Rock
Trig Station which is located approximately 0.25km west of the
proposed quarry site.
Figure 1 indicates the location of the site and figure 2
indicates the site of the proposed quarry operations.
3.2 TITLE DESCRIPTION.
The land upon which the quarry operation is proposed is owned by the Corowa Shire Council, and is part of Portion 91, Parish of
Carlyle, County of Denison, Shire of Berrigan and has an area of
4.0 Ha.
3.3 ZONING.
Under the Shire of Berrigan Interim Development Order No. 1, the land is zoned as Rural 1(a) and as such an extractive industry is a permitted land use with the consent of Council.
At this time Berrigan Shire Council does not have any forward planning proposals that are aimed towards amending or altering the current zoning of the land. 5 LOCALITY MAP
i;
SITE SAVERNAKE LOCATION PDPDSLD T. QUA'RP r7
MkWALA
YARRADN)AP -'
DESCRIPTION OF S I T E
APPROX 4 Ha OF LAND BEING PART PORTION 91 PARISH OF CALYLE COUNTY OF DE NISON ; SHIRE OF B E R R I G A N
4€ 13
3
14 PROPOSED I ' QUARRY '4 _ Boafrock Road
39 C ry
47 tum Fig. 1
t 4
S I T E PLAN
Boatrock Road
- Approx 0.6km
\ N. - -.. Haulage Road Por. 98
Par. 97
PROPOSED QUARRY S I T E (PT. POR. 91)
FIG. 2 7
3.4 EXISTING USE.
Quarrying activities have, since 1955, been carried out on the
subject land for the purpose of extracting roadmaking materials by
the Corowa Shire Council. However, as Council has not been the sole
user of the area much of the material has been removed by others.
During Council's involvement with the removal of material from
Boat Rock the method of extraction has been with the winning of
surface gravels using a Bulldozer. Material too difficult to win by
this method have been left insitu, thus a large area has been
disturbed and an uneven and rocky surface has resulted. It is now
some three years since significant works have taken place on the
subject quarry site primarily because of the exhausting of surface
gravel and the difficulties of winning materials by the Bulldozer
method.
3.5 SITE ACCESS.
Roads within the Corowa Shire leading to the site are formed and sealed, however, that portion of Boat Rock Road within the Berrigan
Shire is gravelled and unsealed.
The proposed quarry site has no direct access to a public road, however, with the agreement of the adjoining landowner, a track providing access to the site has been available over private property and the road reserve which provides access to the Boat Rock Trig
Station, from Boat Rock Road.
It is proposed to construct a new gravelled access road in a similar position to the existing track to provide access from Boat
Rock Road to the operation site.
3.6 TOPOGRAPHY. TOPOGRAPHY
Kit
Quarry Site Dari o homestead A Trig Stn. - - Drainage Lines
SOLJrct CM A I SOX 5ris &2-5 Tocom-joI. F I 3. 3 I
The topography of the area is relatively flat with small hills
and rises and is typical of the country generally once the western
side of the Ranges has been reached. The site of the proposed
operation is located on the south eastern side of one of these hills
which is known as Boat Hill. The land falls across the development
site to the east and south at a slope of approximately 5% and from
the south eastern corner of the site the falls become more gentle
with slopes in the order of 2% to 2.5%.
Boat Trig Station located on Boat Hill has an A.H.D. level of
185m and from here the land falls away to the fields below where
levels are in the order of 120 to 140m A.H.D.
There are no clearly defined water courses in the immediate area
and water run-off from Boat Hill makes its way gradually by well
grassed drainage lines to Kilnyana Swamp, the edge of which is
approximately 5.6km distance away to the south/west. Figure 3
indicates the topography of the area.
3.7 ACOUSTIC ENVIRONMENT.
The currently occurring background noise levels are typical of a rural area and are at 30 to 40 dBA during the daytime. Apart from the occasional disturbance from vehicles, noise eminates from trees, wind, birds and animals.
3.8 CLIMATE.
The Bureau of Meteorology indicate that the average annual rainfall in the area is 462mm and with an average monthly range of
30mm to 45mm. A relatively even distribution of rainfall throughout the year occurs. This even distribution of not an excessive amount of rainfall will assist in erosion and sedimentation control as well 10
as reducing the effects of bad weather on the operation.
The predominant winds in the area are from the west and south
west and evaporation is relatively high and generally exceeds
rainfall except for the months of May to August.
3.9 SERVICES.
There are no services available to the operation site and it is
not envisaged that any, other than water, will be required for the
operation. Water for fire fighting purposes will be available from a
dam to be constructed on the site as part of the erosion and
sedimentation control programme.
Portable toilet facilities will be provided on site during
quarrying operations.
3.10 TRAFFIC.
As with all local rural roads traffic volumes on the approach
roads to the operation site are considered to be negligible in
traffic engineering terms and traffic movement along these roads is
in type from private cars to trucks carrying grain and the occasional
stock transport.
Given the rural nature of the area it is extremely difficult to
statistically quantify the average daily number of vehicle movements along Boat Rock Road past the point of access to the quarry.
However, it is estimated that Boat Rock Road carries up to twenty five (25) vehicular trips per day.
Boat Rock Road is formed and gravelled and with only 25 vehicle trips per day is operating well below its capacity.
3.11 ADJOINING LAND USES. SURROUNDING LAND USES
[Si
o Homestead Proposed Quarry Site - Pt. Por. 91. Berrigan Shire for quarry purposes - Portion 97. j Reserve for preservation of Aboriginal Relics - Portion 96.
Scale 1:50,000
C.M. A. I 5coc SnL.S Toc.,m,a/. F 1G. 4 12
The land use in the wider area is devoted to the rural
activities of grazing, and cereal production with the nearest rural
dwelling being located approximately 2.1km from the operation site.
However, immediately to the west of the operation site is a
small parcel of land owned by the Berrigan Shire, as special purchase
41/39 for quarry purposes (Portion 97), and a Crown Reserve R89034 for the Preservation of Aboriginal Relics and Timber (Portion 98).
Details of the surrounding land uses are indicated on figure 4.
3.12 GEOLOGY.
The proposed quarry will be located on an exposed deposit of
Granite rock.
The geological setting of the deposit is known as Berrigan
Granite.
The Granite deposit is course grained and is comprised of greenish feispar, smokey and colourless quartz and¼ minor biotite. The granite also contains scattered veins of (egmati and aplitic material.
The majority of weathered granite overlying the parent rock has been removed for roadmaking purposes over the past years.
3.13 FLORA AND FAUNA.
FLORA. The flora of the area within the defined boundaries of the proposed quarry site is best described as sparce and uninteresting. It consists of a scattered number of box trees of various ages and in the south west corner of the 4 Ha. site is an aged stand of box and cypress pine trees. This is the only significant flora on the site and occupies an area of approximately
0.5 Ha. There is no evidence of regeneration within this area. Much 13
of the quarry site is completely devoid of ground cover grasses.
Where in existence, ground cover consists of short stem flowering grass, Mitchell Grass, Wild Oats and Patersons Curse.
The proposed quarry site is entirely surrounded by existing trees. The dominant species being box and pines. They are scattered
(light density) on the northern, eastern and southern boundaries.
Immediately to the west, the adjacent portions 97 and 98, are densely timbered with the native species of box and cypress pines.
FAUNA. The proposed quarry site does not appear to provide habitat for any animals due to its bare and denuded condition.
In the general area however surrounding the site, and particularly within adjacent Portions 97 and 98, Grass Parrots,
Rosellas, Top Notch Pigeons, Mud Larks, Rabbits and small Lizards are known to exist. The surrounding habitat is much more favourable as it has probably never been disturbed. The proposed quarrying operation does not encroach on any undisturbed habitat.
3.14 VISUAL IMPACT.
SURROUNDS. The subject land does possess a natural screening for its entire perimeter.
The screening consists of scattered and groupings of box and cypress pine trees and a natural densely timbered area adjacent to part of the western boundary.
Beyond the quarry site and existing screen the subject land is predominantly surrounded by crop paddocks inclusive of scattered low density tree growth.
SITE. The visual appraisal of the 4 Ha. quarry site is essentially described as a "moon like" surface. The site has been denuded and raped of any natural appearance over a period of many 14
years.
The past desperate needs for roadmaking materials have seen the removal of vegetation and natural gravel. All that remains is disused excavations and Granite boulders.
3.15 ABORIGINAL SITES AND RELICS.
The area has, in the past, been subjected to a degree of survey and investigation into the likely existence of aboriginal sites and relics and following the work Portion 98, which was previously leased to the Corowa Council, Special Lease 42/1, was gazetted as a Reserve for the Preservation of Aboriginal Relics and Timber.
The land occupied by Berrigan Shire (Portion 97), and the Corowa
Shire's proposed operation site has over the past 30 years been extensively surface quarried and a great majority of the easily winable surface gravel has been removed. Therefore, it would not be expected that the area outside of the Reserve would contain any untouched evidence of any aboriginal sites or relics.
In light of the previous use of the area over the past 30 years the National Parks and Wildlife Service does not require an archaeologist to survey the site for aboriginal relics. 15
PART FOUR
4. PROJECT DETAILS.
4.1 PROJECT DESCRIPTION.
It is intended that granite be extracted from Boat Rock quarry with operations commencing at the south eastern corner of site where an area of approximately 1 Ha. will be utilised for the establishment of the operation. Figure 5 indicates the "concept of operations" for the area.
Excavation will be carried out by drilling and blasting and the resulting rock will be crushed on site, using a portable crusher.
Stockpiling will take place adjacent to the crushing plant. The gravel from the stockpile will be transported for use as and when required for roadmaking purposes.
It is proposed that the following details will apply to the operation of the quarry.
Initially it is proposed to excavate, crush and stockpile
approximately 20,000 tonnes of gravel in an approximate two
month period for use in road construction over a two year
programme. Thereafter approximately 8,000 tonnes will be
excavated annually for the life of the quarry.
There will be no overburden from the working of the quarry
as the site is an exposed deposit of granite rock.
The proposed operation will result in a large hole in the
ground which probably will never be filled due to the
enormity of the task and the lack of overburden which could
have been used for such purpose.
A new gravel access route is proposed to the operations
area in order that trucks and machinery may enter and leave in Boatrock Road
n n 10 l.A IA \ EXNO a, a, - OVER FLOW+CH 4% -t. 0 -4- - a, 0. N N C
C) MENr5 Ng CX I S T I N6 C) M. VEGETATION
\ q
I
C) TO BE CONSTRUCTED W I T H SHALLOW ORADED SIDES Blast limit 'FOR STOCK PURPOSES b200m from J-Il / I The Boat - Ln 1- cc rn S3 (D / AQ
-n C)
CD Ln DIRELTION OF > CONCEPT OF QUARRYING OPERATIONS 17
the area with minimal disturbance to the surrounding area.
As the site is a rock outcrop there will be no possibility of construcing cut-off drains around the operations area, however, with the approval of the adjoining landowner it is proposed that these drains will be constructed on adjoining land to ensure that sediment laden run-off water will not reach the natural drainage lines.
During the quarrying and stockpiling of the gravel it is proposed that operations will be undertaken during the hours of 7.30 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. Monday to Friday inclusive with blasting occurring on the average of once per week, for a maximum of six weeks per year. It is anticipated that a minimum of approximately 600 tonnes of gravel will be excavated during a full day's operation. The quarrying, crushing and stockpiling of the gravel will be carried out by contractors engaged by Council.
The transportation of the gravel from the stockpile to the various road construction sites will be carried out by
Council during the hours of 7.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. on an intermittent daily basis as and when required.
The proposed operation is a dry process and depending on various stages of the operation any of the following items of plant or equipment may be on the site :- percussion drill, compressor, portable crusher, trucks, loader, bulldozer, water tank and a fire fighting unit.
It is not proposed that any buildings be erected on the site, however, to meet award conditions it may be necessary to provide an on-site lunch room of a temporary nature. 18
4.2 ESTABLISHMENT.
To enable the installation of a crushing plant a reasonably
level quarry floor or bench, relatively small in area, needs to be
created and this will occur on the south eastern corner of the
operations site. Adjacent to the quarry floor the crushing plant,
consisting of primary, secondary and tertiary crushing units, will be
installed with stockpiling occurring in close proximity on an area
which needs to be relatively level and cleared of vegetation.
It is envisaged that approximately 1 Ha. of the site will be
required for establishment purposes.
4.3 LAND CLEARING.
Vegetation in the proposed area of operation is, as mentioned
earlier, virtually non-descript and it is not envisaged that any be
retained. There will be no interference with the sorrounding vegetation.
4.4 EXCAVATION.
The excavation of the rock will take place by drilling and blasting followed by removal of the fragmented rock for crushing.
The quarry floor or bench level will offer a quarry face of approximately 6m to 8m in height with a length of approximately 50m which will at all times be within the development site.
4.4.1 DRILLING.
Drilling will take place along the established face from the existing surface to the required floor level to facilitate a blast pattern of approximately 2.5m by 2m. The drilling will employ the use of a percussion air/track drill operated by a 900 CFM (approx.) 19
air compressor which when operating will result in noise levels of
approximately 77 dBA to 80 dBA when measured at 50m distant.
Drilling is a dusty and noisy operation, however, dust particles
from granite rock are heavier than mudstone dusts and are not
expected to become airborne to any great extent.
It is proposed that drilling be as follows :-
Each row of holes will be located approximately 2.5m from
the face with an approximate 2m space between each hole.
The holes will be of a maximum diameter of approximately
75mm and will be approximately 7m deep.
4.4.2 BLASTING.
It is proposed to use explosives to release the rock in a
manageable size and to avoid any chance of disturbance to the nearest
resident or damage to Boat Rock it is intended that the peak particle
velocity of vibration from the blast when measured at the Boat Rock
will not exceed 2mm/sec. and that the blast overpressure will not
exceed 115 dB (Linear) at that point. To ensure that these criteria
can be achieved it is proposed that no blasting will take place at a
closer distance than 200m from the Boat Rock.
To achieve these objectives it is proposed that the maximum
instantaneous charge not exceed 10 kilograms of ANFO or equivalent
with a minimum fire delay of 9 milliseconds. Each drill hole is to be deck loaded using not more than 5m of explosive and 2m of stemming.
Following monitoring of trial blasts in the site area the drilling pattern and blasting details will be modified and defined more precisely to ensure that vibration and overpressure requirements are not exceeded.
To ensure that temperature inversions and wind, which can 20
enhance the overpressure noise levels by as much as 20 dBA at distances of up to 2km or more from the centre of the blast, do not result in higher overpressure levels it is intended that blasting will only occur between 11.00 a.m. and 1.00 p.m. , when temperature inversion conditions are unlikely to exist, and then only on days of little wind.
4.4.3 CRUSHING.
The fragmented rock will be transported from the quarry face to the portable crusher using a track or wheeled loader. The crusher will transform the feed rock from boulderous size to graded crushed rock of two size categories, 40mm minus and 20mm minus, ready for transference by loader or conveyor to the stockpile.
The crushing process is a noisy and dusty one and it can reasonably be expected that noise levels when measured at a distance of 50m will be in the order of 76 dBA to 79 dBA. Whilst it is considered that dust movement will not be a problem mitigation steps can be implemented by use of Water Sprays should such prove to be required.
4.5 GRAVEL TRANSPORTATION.
The transportation of the gravel to the various road construction sites will take place between the hours of 7.30 a.m. and
4.30 p.m. Monday to Friday inclusive on an infrequent basis except when unforeseen circumstances may require the supply of gravel outside these specified hours.
The volume of truck movements from the stockpile site will be a maximum of 12 trips per day per truck, based on the minimum haulage distance, and approximately 4 trips per day for cars. Haulage will 21
involve the use of 1 x 12 tonne capacity truck and 2 x 24 tonne capacity truck/trailer combinations subject to occasional variations using other Council vehicles or contract trucks.
The total estimated maximum number of vehicle trips per day from the site, based on the above, will therefore be 40.
Based on the gravel requirements for the various road construction programmes it is unlikely that these maximum traffic volumes would be reached often, and then only for short infrequent periods.
Transportation of the gravel will be over a newly constructed gravel access road and a short section, approximately 600m, of the unsealed section of Boat Rock Road within Berrigan Shire before sealed roads are reached. From within the Corowa Shire the majority of the transportation will be carried out on sealed roads.
The dust nuisance generated over such a short distance of gravel roads will not be significant having regard to the infrequent nature of the haulage periods, the small volumes of vehicle movements and the large distance from potentially affected houses.
4.6 AREA OF EXCAVATION.
The total area of the site is 4 Ha. and subject to the limitations of not blasting closer than 200m from Boat Rock it is proposed to ultimately quarry the total site area to a depth of excavation depending on the as yet to be assessed reserves.
4.7 PROJECT TIMING.
It is proposed that site preparation/establishment and activities commence immediately after consent for the project becomes effective. 22
The period of operation is not known as it depends on the available reserves and the actual demand for crushed gravel in an area where suitable roadinaking materials are currently non-existent. 23
5. CONSULTATION WITH STATUTORY AUTHORITIES.
During the course of preparation of this statement, consultation has been had with the following Authorities with copies of letters from those responding in writing, being included as "Appendix itT at the rear of this statement
National Parks and Wildlife Service.
Crown Lands Office of New South Wales.
State Pollution Control Commission.
Soil Conservation Service.
Department of Main Roads.
Forestry Commission of New South Wales.
Water Resources Commission of New South Wales.
River Murray Commission.
Berrigan Shire Council.
In consulting with the various Authorities the following details were provided to enable appropriate comments relative to the proposal to be submitted.
Locality Map, site plan and site description.
A brief history of previous quarrying and activities
carried on in and around the proposed quarry operation site.
Description of the method of quarrying that had been
carried on in the past in the area on the site and a brief
explanation as to the need to implement the alternative
means of gravel excavation by blasting and crushing.
An indication that approximately 20,000 tonnes of
roadmaking material will be quarried during the next two
years and then some 8,000 to 10,000 tonnes will be quarried 24
annually thereafter.
(e) Advice that blasting and crushing will be employed as a
means of quarrying. 25
PT cTv
6. ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS AND SAFEGUARDS.
6.1 VISUAL QUALITY.
Whilst Boat Rock Hill can be observed from quite some distance
away the actual quarry site is only visible when approaching from the
south east quarter. An extensive stand of trees, especially to the
west as well as the topography provides an effective visual shield
from most directions and low density tree growth provides some
screening of the quarry from the south and east.
Over a period of many years gravel has been removed from the
site in an uncontrolled manner leaving a denuded site with disused excavations and large granite boulders and whilst visible from the south does not have a significant visual impact.
It is considered that the proposed operation of quarrying will not create any greater impact on the existing visual landscape qualities of the area, especially as there will be no interference with the surrounding vegetation and as the quarrying will be carried out on a site which has previously been denuded.
The site is moderately isolated from private homesteads and as such any impact on the visual qualities of the landscape when viewed from the homesteads will be nil, or, if any negligible.
6.2 ATMOSPHERIC POLLUTION.
The potential source of pollution is dust generated from drilling, blasting, crushing and vehicular movements.
Having regard to the scale of the operation, approximately 2 months to quarry and stockpile 20,000 tonnes in the first year and 26
thereafter approximately 1 month per year, dust is not expected to be
a significant factor, particularly as the existing landforms will
offer protection from the prevailing winds and as the nearest
homesteads are all up wind of the site.
As the dust particles from granite rock are heavier than
mudstone dusts it is not expected that the dust particles will become
airborne to any great extent and therefore should not unduly disturb
pastoral lands downwind or to the north and east of the quarry site.
Whilst it is considered that dust movement will not be a problem
mitigation steps can be implemented by use of water sprays during the
crushing stages should such prove to be required.
6.3 NOISE.
There are two (2) potential sources of noise problems, blasting
and plant and equipment.
(a) BLASTING.
As mentioned in an earlier section of this Statement the
operations site is in close proximity to a Reserve for the
Preservation of Aboriginal Relics and Timber and in order for this
area not to be endangered it is necessary to ensure that the peak
particle velocity of vibration resulting from the blasting does not
exceed 2mm/sec. at any historic or vibration sensitive area. To
achieve this criteria it is proposed that the maximum instantaneous
charge not exceed 10 kilograms of ANFO or equivalent with a minimum fire delay of 9 milliseconds and that no blasting shall take place
closer than 200 metres from the Boat Rock.
The same charge has the other benefit of ensuring that the airbiast wave overpressure will not exceed the maximum level of 115 27
dB (Linear) at the nearest homestead.
Further to the above, it is intended that the initial blasts be
monitored to confirm that experience elsewhere is applicable to the
site and that the maximum vibration and overpressure levels are not
exceeded.
(b) PLANT AND EQUIPMENT.
Noise from plant and equipment to be used in the operation has
been assessed following noise level readings taken whilst similar
plant has been operating in drilling and crushing operations.
Noise level readings taken at 50m distant from a percussion
drill and air compressor and from a portable rock crusher were approximately 77 dBA to 80 dBA and 76 dBA to 79 dBA respectively.
With the nearest homestead being slightly in excess of 2km distant from the operations area, the noise attenuation due to distance is approximately 32 dBA.
Having regard to the daytime background noise of between 30 and
40 dBA, and the acceptable background noise level of 45 dBA, as set by the Environmental Noise Control Manual for Rural areas, the expected peak noise of 45 to 48 dBA, after allowing attenuation of 32 dBA, resulting from the operation when measured at the nearest home will not adversely effect the comfort of its residents.
The maximum noise levels could, however, further be reduced by the influence of wind, topography and vegetation.
Should the resulting noise create a nuisance to close proximity residents then strategically placed earth noise barrier mounds could be employed.
6.4 GROUNDWATER. 28
Test drilling carried out on site to a depth of 8 - 10 metres did not intersect any sources of underground water and as there is no known source of shallow underground water in the immediate locality it is not envisaged that the proposed quarrying operation will have any impact in this regard.
6.5 STORMWATER.
Originally access to the quarry site was via a track leading from a point near the intersection of Boat Rock Road and Warmatta
Road and it was the concentration of stormwater run-off created by this access road that was the cause of much of the scouring that occurred to the east of the quarry. This access has since been closed and erosion controls implemented. Current access to site is to the north over private property and along an existing road reserve.
The adjoining landowner has agreed to Council constructing a new gravel access road in a similar position to that of the existing. It is intended to construct the road with minimal changes to natural surface levels and as part of the construction table drains will be provided to collect and convey run-off water to a siltation dam.
Approval has also been obtained from the adjoining landowner to construct appropriate cut off drains around the quarry site to ensure that any sediment laden run-off water is collected and conveyed to the siltation dam rather than flowing uncontrolled across adjoining lands. Overflow from the siltation dam will then flow to the existing drainage lines through erosion control techniques established under the guidance of the N.S.W. Soil Conservation
Service.
The adoption of such methods will ensure that suspended material will not enter the existing grassed drainage lines nor will run-off have any scouring effect on these drainage lines.
Figure 5 indicates the approximate position of the cut-off drains and siltation dam.
6.6 TRANSPORT.
Combining the estimated vehicle trips of twenty five (25) per day currently using Boat Rock Road with the estimated maximum number of vehicle trips of forty (40) per day that will be generated by the proposed operation it is estimated that there will be sixty five (65) vehicle trips per day along Boat Rock Road during periods of gravel haulage.
Based on gravel requirements for the various road construction programmes it is unlikely that these maximum traffic volumes would be reached often, and then only for short infrequent periods.
The increase in traffic volume, especially as such increase will be in the form of heavily laden gravel trucks, will create a deterioration of roads used for haulage purposes. This deterioration will be most evident along the gravel section of Boat Rock Road within the Berrigan Shire.
It is proposed that Corowa Shire Council will be responsible for the continual and ongoing maintenance of roads used for haulage purposes, especially Boat Rock Road, to ensure that these roads are maintained in a safe and trafficable condition at all times during haulage periods.
6.7 FLORA AND FAUNA.
Having regard to the size, scale and nature of the development, the existing sparce non-descript vegetation, and the fact that the site has been virtually denuded over a period of many years through 30
quarrying operations it is not considered that there will be any
significant adverse effect on the flora and fauna in the area.
Whilst it is not envisaged that any of the existing site
vegetation be retained following the ultimate working of the site
there will be no interference with the surrounding vegetation.
6.8 SITE REHABILITATION.
As stated earlier in this Statement the site to be worked is an
exposed deposit of granite rock and accordingly there will not be any
overburden resulting from the establishment of the site for later
rehabilitation use.
The operation will transform the current uneven surface
consisting of disused excavations and boulders into a large hole in
the ground which will have a reasonably level floor and rock walls on
the north, south and west.
The enormity of the task of filling the hole makes it not
feasible nor economical, however, in order to lessen the impact on
the area it is proposed that the walls of the hole be left with 1:1
rock batters for later attempts at establishing vegetation growth.
6.9 ECONOMIC EFFECTS.
The availability of easily obtainable gravel of a suitable
quality for road making purposes within the Corowa Shire is non
existent and accordingly it has been necessary to import such
material from up to 100 kilometres distance away for stockpiling and
later use in road construction and maintenance programmes.
The quarrying of this site will result in significant economic benefits to the Shire due to the elimination of the need in many instances for gravel stockpiling and the reduction in truck travel 31
distances by up to 60 kilometres per load.
The net savings would be significant to the relatively small income Shire of Corowa which is obliged to fund projects where a disproportionate part of the costs are associated with the diseconomies of distance because long sections of roads are needed to serve small numbers of ratepayers.
The extractive industry proposed, due to its location, scale and nature, is unlikely to have any adverse economic effect on neighbouring properties and as the site has a previous history of quarrying no alientation of agricultural land will occur. 32
T)AT)'T' ET97r,
7. ALTERNATIVE SITES.
Because of the scarcity of suitable gravel road making material in the Corowa Shire a Road Pavement Materials Resource and Cost Study was carried out within the Shire and its immediate surrounds to determine the potential sources of future gravel supplies. This
Study concluded that the only sites which contained suitable material were located at Davey's Hill in the north eastern corner of the
Shire, Balldale on the eastern Shire extremity and at Boat Rock.
Both Davey's Hill and Baildale are currently in use.
The remoteness of both Davey's and Baildale quarries from the southern and western areas of the Shire made it necessary for an additional quarry to be established.
Boat Rock, because of its history as a quarry, its location, accessibility and its estimated life of approximately 15 years based on anticipated useage rates, as well as the fact that the site is owned by Corowa Shire makes it suitable for development.
There are no feasible alternative sites available in this instance and further, it is believed that no other nearby sources of material, of a similar quality, are available which could benefit the area with resultant cost savings to the end users. 33
8. ENERGY MATTERS.
The energy matters related to this development relate primarily to fuel and running costs as well as crushing costs. No other form of energy will be used. The operation of the quarry will be for the supply of the necessary resources for road making and road maintenance by the Corowa Shire Council.
In establishing this quarry up to 60 kilometres of truck travel distance will be saved per load resulting in a significant saving in fuel, running costs, and trip time all of which will be of ultimate benefit to the public.
Based on a cost of 8 cents per tonne per kilometre of total travel distance saved (40km average) it is reasonable to assume that in hauling 10,000 tonnes per year a saving in fuel and running cost of up to $32,000.00 could be achieved.
However, in working the quarry, crushing costs will be in the order of $1.50 per tonne, or, $15,000.00 for 10,000 tonnes per year and in subtracting this cost from the savings in fuel and running costs results in a net saving in energy costs of $17,000.00 per year to Council. 34
PART NINE
9. EFFECTS OF FAILURE TO PROCEED WITH PROJECT.
The effects of failure to proceed with the project, apart from the economic disadvantages of not using an available and needed resource, are as follows :-
Reliance on an alternative gravel supplier from outside the
Shire over which Council would have no control regarding the
potential of a high product cost at the pit.
Greater travel distances, with associated higher ultimate costs
to the public.
Loss of economic benefits arising from the injection of the
monitary funds saved into the carrying out of additional
roadworks. 35
PART TEN
10. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS.
As with any industrial development, the development of the
quarry will have some impacts on the environment. These impacts will
include water run-off, visual, some dust and noise effects and
traffic. However, the overall environmental impact of the
development is not considered significant, particularly when account
is taken of the environmental safeguards that will be adopted. The
remoteness of the site, its prior quarrying histroy, and the small
scale of the operation combined with the infrequent annual use of the
quarry are the major mitigating features ensuring that few problems
only are likely to occur.
The impact on the nearest residents will be negligible because
of distance, screening and the direction of the prevailing winds.
- The proposal will have significant economic and energy benefits
for the Shire and its community. These benefits are public interest
matters.
As the development is in the public interest and the overall
environmental impacts are not considered significant, it is
recommended that the Shire of Berrigan approve this development. IMPACT OF IMPACT DEVELOPMENT MITIGATION
CD Q CD 0 cn < (fl CD H' CD -Qq -D H- D Cl) C) H' CD
W F. ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUE - COMMENT
Aboriginal Sites and Relics x Survey not reuired. Nobiasting within 200rn of' Boat Rock. Access to Site x x New gravel access road to site. Accoustic x x Impact reduced by distance. Mounding if required. Adjacent Land Uses x x Infrequent use, erosion control and sedimentation dam. Drainage x x Drainage linesrotected by cutoff drains and sedimentation darn. Dust x x Infrequent use of site and water sprays if required. Economics x Efficient use of land, cheaper product, more funds for community.
Energy x Fuel, time and cost savings from shorter travel distances. Fauna x x No interference with surrounding areas of vegetation. Flora x x Surrounding vegetation not to be disturbed. Groundwater No impact. On Site Land Use x x Controlled use of site which has been uncontrolled in the past. Transport xx Ongoingmaintenance of local roads. Utility_Services x x Fire fighting services and portable toilets to be provided. Soil Stability x x Gentle slopes and wa]Js of quarry to be battered. Topography x x Quarry will replace uneven surface of site. Rehabilitation x x Attempts will be made to re-vegetate, despite difficultiesin rock. Visual Quality x x Distance, scale of operation, screening to most directions all reduce_impact
SUMMARY TABLE OF IMPACT OF DEVELOPMENT FOR ROAT ROCK QUARRY APPENDIX 1 ------.------ci New South Wales Government Department of Environment and Planning (If) Remington Centre 175 Liverpool Street, Sydney 2000 Box 3927 G.P.O.Sydney 2001 DX. 15 Sydney
Telephone; (02) 266 7111 Ext.7 71 9
Contact. B. Adams Ourreference: 86/2495 Your reference: GA : DN
Dear Sir,
GRAVEL QUARRY WITH CRUSHING WORKS - 'BOATROCK QUARPY' PART PORTION 91 PARISH OF CARLYLF, BERETCAN SHIRE
Thank you for your letter of 26 September, 1986 inGicat.Jig that you are consulting wit.11 the Dii ector with regard to the preparation of an environriiental impact statement. (FIS) for the above development.
As development, consent is required for the proposal and it is a designated development within the meaning of Schedule 3 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation, 1980, as amended, an EIS must accompany the development applicataon to the Berrigan Shire Council. The EIS shall he prepared in accordance with clause 34 of the Regulation and shall bear a certificate required by clause 26(1)(1)) of the Regulation (see Attachment No.1).
In addition, pursuant to clause 35 of the Regulation, the Director requires that the following matters be specifical].y addressed in the EIS:
potential for impact of the proposal on the KILNYANA SWAMP;
potential for the proposed quarrying operation to intercept ground water of high salt content.; and
description of rtiet.hods to control, treat. and dispose of possible cc>ntan'iinated runoff.
Attachment No.2 A and B are guides to the type of information most. likely to he relevant to the development you propose; not. all of the matters raised therein may he appropriate for consideration in the EIS for, your proposal; equally, the guides are not. exhaustive.
.12 2
In preparing your EIS you should approach Berrigari Shire Council arid take into account any comments Council considers may apply to its determination of the proposal. Additionally, it is suggested you contact the Water Resources Commission, the River Murray Commission and the State Pollution Control Commission for comments or requirements they might have regarding the proposal.
Should you require any further information regarding this matter please do not hesitate to contact us again.
Yours faithfully,
C.
C.J.Wright P Manager, Assessments Branch Delegate for the Director DEPATTMFNT oF ENVIRONMENT AND PLANNING ATTACHMENT No.1
STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENTS.
In accordance with Part lV of the Environmental Planning and Assessment. Act,1979, an environmental impact. statement (EIS) must meet the following requirements:
Pursuant to clause 34 of the Environmental Planning arid Assessment Regulation, 1980, as amended, the contents of an EIS shall include the following matters: (a) full description of the designated development proposed by the development application; (h) a statement of the objectives of the proposed designated development; a full description of the existing environment likely to he affected by the proposed designated development, if carried out; identification and analysis of the likely environmental interactions between the proposed desi qnated development, arid the environment; analysis of the likely environmental impacts or consequences of carrying out. the proposed designated development. (including implications for use and conservation of energy); justification of the proposed designated development in terms of environmental, economic arid social considerations, measures to he taken in conjunction with the proposed designated development, to protect the environment and an assessment of the likely effectiveness of those measures; (g1) details of energy requiremerit.s of the proposed development and measures to he taken to conserve energy; any feasible alt.erriat.ives to the carrying out of the proposed designated development and reasons for choosing the latter; and (I) consequences of not carrying out. the proposed development..
The EIS must also take into account any matters required by the Director of Environment and Planning pursuant to clause 35 of the Regulation, which may he included in the attached letter.
The EIS must. hear a certificate as required by clause 26(1)(h) of the Regulation. DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND PLANNING ATTACHMENT No.2
ADVICE ON THE PREPARATION OF AN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT (EIS) FOR CRUSHING GRINDING OR MILLING WORKS
An EIS is required to he completed, pursuant to paragraph (k) , Schedule 3 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation, 1980, (as amended), for crushing, grinding or milling works, being works in which more than 200 tonnes per annum of rock, ores, minerals, chemicals or natural grain products are processed by crushing, grinding, milling or separating into different sizes. The reason for designation is that developments of these types have the potential to create considerable public nuisance due to noise, dust, odours and wastes which affect air arid water quality.
(N.B. When determining the capacity of the works in this regard, it is considered reasonable to take into account the daily working hours, the working week and working year normal for such a plant and the maximum production rate of the plant to he installed.
The purpose of this paper is to outline various issues relevant, to the ireparation and consideration of an EIS for an crushing grinding or milling works. It. is intended to assist the preparation of the EIS. It is the appli cant.' s responsibility to identify and address, as fully as possible, the matters relevant, to the specific development proposal in complying with the statutory requirements for EIS preparation (see Attachment No. 1)
The matters nominated in this paper are not intended as a comprehensive identification of all issues which may arise in respect of such work. Sonic of the issues nominated may not he re] evant to a specific proposal. On the other hand, there may he other issues, not included, that. are apropr late for consideration in the EIS. lnforriiationi provided should he clear, succinct, and objective and where appropri at.e he supported by maps, p1 al-is, di agranis or other descriptive detail. The purpose of the EIS is to enable members of the public, the consent authority (usually the Council) and the Department of Environment and Planning to properly underst.and the environmental consequences of the proposed development.
1. Description of the proposal
The description of the proposal should provide general background information on the location and extent of the works, existing and proposed, an indication of adjacent deve]opmc-'rit.s, and details of the site, land tenure, zonings and relevant forward planning proposals arid any other land use constraints.
2/. The e>:tent t C) which the supp]y of raw materials arid access to markets for the finished product has determined the location of the plant in preference to alternative sites should be stated.
This section should provide specific information on the nature, intent, and form of the development.. It should, as far as possible, include such details as the processes involved, wastes created and landscaping. A description should also be provided of associated operations such as the transport of materials and the use of the end product if such use is likely to have environmental implications.
Particular details that. may be relevant include: Characteristics and economic significance of the product. Plans of operation. Any proposals for future expansion, including staging and timing. Capacity of plant now arid in the future. Sources and quantities of raw materials. Type of machinery arid equipment to be used. Expected life of the operation of the plant. Number of persons t.o be employed. Hours of operation. Neans of storage, location, quantity and details of necessary stockpiling. Types and quantities of finished products and details of any storage required. Access arrangements - truck routes, truck numbers, parking, etc. Site drainage and erosion controls. Water supply requirements.
Description of the Envi ro:'mmnent.
This should provide details of the environment in the vicinity of the development site and also of as}:)ects of the environment likely to be affected by any facet of the proposal. In this regard, physical, natural, social, archaeological and economic aspects of the environment should be described to the extent. necessary for assessment, of the environmental impact of the proposed developrnent.
Analysis of Environmental Impacts.
Potential environmental impact.s usually associated these types of operations are listed below. Where relevant to the specific proposal, these should be addressed in the EIS, t.aking into accounit the adequacy of safeguards proposed to minimise them.
Likely noise disturbance caused by the operations, including transport operations, on nearby residences, part I cularly at night.. Other impacts of trucking movements, including access
3/.. 3
across railways and on to highways. Potential for air pollution, including odours, organic vapours and particulate matter. Water management: including water requirements and the separating clean and contaminated runoff before discharge; water treatment; quality and quantity of effluent. for disposal. Treatment and disposal of waste mat.erial. Effects on the visual environment.
In addition, any potential for fire hazard or risks to public safety and any proposals to monitor and reduce environmental impacts should be included.
4. Contact with relevant Government Authorities.
In preparing the .EIS, it is suggested that authorities, such as those listed below, should be consulted and their comments taken into account in the EIS.
The State Po] lut.ion Control Commissi on in regard to air, water and noise impact.s and relevant pollution control legislation requirements; The Heritage Council of NSW if the proposal is likely to affect any place or building having heritage significance for the State; the National Parks and Wildlife Service if aboriginal places or relics are likely to be affected. The Department. of Agricu] ture should be contacted if prime agricultural land may be affected by the proposal.
It is the responsibility of the person preparing the ETS to determine those Department.s relevant, to the proposed development. DEPAPTMLNT OF ENVIRONMENT AND PLANNING ATTACHMENT No.2
ADVICE ON THE PREPARATION OF AN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT (EIS) FOR AN EXTRACTIVE INDUSTRY.
A definition of extract ive industry may he found in paragraph (n) to Schedule 3 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation, 1980, (as amended). These industries are operations undertaken for the purpose of winning sand, gravel, clay, turf, soil, rock, stone or similar substances. The definition of extractive industry specifically excludes coal, petroleum or minerals which are prescribed under the Ninirg Act, 1973. Extractive industries may take the form of dredging operations, quarrying operations, turf farms or various forms of land excavation etc. Processing of extracted material on the same site as the winning of the material may also constitute an extract.ive industry.
Extractive industries have prompted considerable public controversy in the past since, arnc>ng other things, they affect visual amenity, generate heavy vehicle movements, raise dust and cause disturbance through noise and blasting. This is the prime reason for designation of extractive industries under the Environmental Planning and Assessment. Act., 1979.
The purpose of this paper is to outline various issues relevant, to the preparation and consideration of an EIS for extract.ive industries. It is intended to assist the preparation of the EIS. However, it is the applicant's responsihilit.y to identify and address as fully as possible the matters relevant to the specific development proposal in complying wi ti-i the requirements for EIS preparation (see Attachment No.1).
The matters nominated in this IDaper are not intended as a comprehensive identification of all issues which may arise in respect of an extract.ive industry. Some of the issues nominated may not he relevant to a specific proposal. On the other hand, there may he other issues, not included, that are appropriate for consideration in the EIS.
Information provided should be clear, succinct, and objective and where appropriate he supported by maps, plans, diagrams or other descriptive detail. The purpose of the EIS is to enable members of the public, the consent authority (usually the Council) and the Department of Environment and Planning to properly understand the environmental, consequences of the proposed development.
2/. 2
I . Descripti on of the proposal
The description of the proposal should provide general background information on the location and extent of the works proposed, an indication of adjacent developments, arid details of the site, land tenure, zoriings and relevant forward planning proposals and any other land use constraints.
The EIS should address the compatihilit.y of the proposal with any regional strategy for extractive industries in the area and with the provisions of the Local Environmental Plans for existing and proposed development.
This section should provide specific information on the nature, intent, and form of the development. It should, as far as possible, include such details as the processes involved (highlighting any proposed crushing or blasting), disposal of wastes, landscaping and site rehabilitation. A description should also be provided of associated operations such as the transport of materials and use of the end product if likely to have environmental implications.
Particular details that. may he relevant, include: Characteristics and economic significance of the resource Possible availability of alternative resources. Quantity of materials to be extracted. Methods of extraction / plans of operations. Details of any blasting arid/or crushing. Effects of vibrations. Type of machinery arid equipment. to he used. Expected life of the operation. Number of persons to he employed. Hours of operation. Detaij.s of necessary stockpi ] ing. Access arrangements - truck routes, truck numbers etc. Site drainage and erosion controls. Proposals for rehabilitation.
Description of the Environment..
This should provide details of the environment in the vicinity of the development, site and also of aspects of the environment likely to he affected by any facet of the proposal. In this regard, physical, natural, social, archaeological and economic aspects of the environment should he described to the extent. necessary for assessment. of the environmental impact of the proposed development.
Analysis of Environmental Impacts.
Environmental impacts usually associated with ext.ract.ive industries are listed below. Where relevant, to the specific proposal, these should he addressed in the EIS, taking into account the adequacy of safeguards proposed to minimise them.
3/. 3
The flow of any affected rivers or watercourses. The effect. of the extraction on the sediment transport rate of any affected rivers or watercourses. The bed and bank stability of any affected rivers during and after completion of the operations. Any possible siltation, sedimentation or downstream effects of the operation. Any likely cumulative effects of the proposed operation when considered together with other operations in the vicinity. Details of floods and any likely effects of the operation on flood liability of surrounding lands. The possible effects of flooding on the operation. Effects on flora and fauna. The agricultural viability of the landholding. Likely noise/vibration disturbance caused by the operations, including transport operations, on nearby residences. Other impacts of trucking movements, including access over railways and onto highways. Dust. nuisance likely to be caused. Effects on water quality of nearby watercourses. Disposal of wast.e material. Effects ori the visual environment. Any likely affectation of sites of Aboriginal archaeological or European heritage value if located in the vicinity of operations.
In addition, any potential for hazard or risks to public safety and any proposals to monitor and reduce environmental impacts should be included.
4. Contact with relevant. Government Authorities.
In preparing the EIS, it is suggested that. authorities, such as those listed below, should be consulted and their comments taken into account in the EIS.
The State Pollution Control Commission in regard to air, water and noise impacts and relevant pollution control legislation requirements; The Soil Conservation Service regarding appropriate erosion conitrol and rehabilitation procedures; The Department, of Agriculture if prime agricultural land may be affected by the proposal; and The Heritage Council of NSW if the proposal is likely to affect any place or building having heritage significance for the State; the National. Parks and %'ildlife Service if aboriginal places or relics are likely to be affected.
It is the responsihilit.y of the person preparing the EIS to determine those Departments relevant to the proposed development. New South Wales Government National Parks WildIi[e Service ITH DISTRICT VERNMENT OFFICES j Banna Avenue, The Shire Clerk, N.S.W. 2680 Corowa Shire Council, Box 1049, N.S.W. 269 P.O. Box 77, 3 :MO COROWA, N.S.W., 2646. Our reference: GD: 1 90 Your reference: I 27th October, 1986. Telephone: 62 0255 STD: 089 Attention: Mr. G. Arkinstall
Dear Sir,
Gravel Quarry & Crusher, Boat Rock
Thank you for your letter concerning the proposed designated development of gravel quarry and crusher at the Boat hill.
Normally the Service would require that an EIS for such a site described the' native vegetation, fauna and aboriginal relics occuring on the site, and assessed the environmental impact of the proposed development.
However, I note from your description that the quarry and crusher will operate on a former quarry site where surface gravel has been extracted for the past 30 years. Therefore, the EIS should briefly describe the vegetation found on site, but there will be no requirement for an archaeologist to survey the site for aboriginal relics.
When the EIS is completed could you send a copy to this office. For any further enquiries on this matter please contact John Brickhill of this office.
Yours sincerely,
k Xte~ P. Moore, For Director c New South Wa'es Government Crown Lands Office
23-33 Bridge St, Sydney Box 39, G.P.O , Sydney. N.S.W. 2001 Shire Clerk, Telegrams: 'Landep" Sydney Corowa Shire Council, P.O. Box 77, .---'- Our reference: WROWA 2646 90. Your reference:
Attention: Mr. G. Arkins I
Dear Sir, Re: DES IGNATED DEVELD'1ENT BOATROCK GRAVEL QUARRY AND CRUSHING PLANT
Reference is made to your letter of 22nd October, 1986, seeking corrrrents from this Office to assist in the preparation of an Environnental Irrpact Staterrent (E.I.S.) for the above proposal.
Crown land in close proxity to the proposed quarry is Reserve R89034 for the Preservation of Aboriginal Relics and Timber, notified 5th October, 1973, and a Reserve for the protection of "The Boat" Trig. Station. This Office would seek that the boundaries of the quarry be defined such that no erosion occurs to the adjacent Crown land as a result of the encroaciTrent of extraction. Furthermore, the E.I.S. should address the issue of access to the quarry. If access is to be along the Crown Road, then sate upgrading of the road by the proponent may be required. Any upgrading of Crown Road should be to the requirenents of the Regional Manager, Hay Lands Office. In view of the presence of Aboriginal Relics in the area and the location being a rocky outcrop, consultation with the National Parks and Wildlife Service may be required to determine the archaelogical and ecological significance of the area. It is requested that two copies of the E.I.S. be forwarded to this Office, when prepared, for further review.
Yours sincerely,
D. Sinclair for Director.
New South Wales Government State Pollution Control Commission(? Albury * Government Offices D 512 Dean Street, The Shire Clerk, Albury 2640 Corowa Shire Council, P.O. Box 544 P.O. Box 77, Albury CORcMA. 2646. Our reference: 240 071A
Your reference:
Telephone: (060) 23-0911 ell Telex: AA561 72
C 0N04Nq R 0 Dear Mr. Erickson,
Thank you for your enquiry regarding the Commission's requirement for the establishment of a gravel quarry known as Boatrock quarry, at part portion 91, Parish of Carlyle, County of Denison, Shire of Berrigan (your ref GA:DM).
The Commission's formal approval is required under Section 17K of the State Pollution Control Commission Act, 1970. The appropriate forms and fee schedules will be forwarded to the proponent when Council develoixnental consent has been given to the proposal.
In relation to the proposal the Comrrnission considers that the proponent should address the following matters in detail in any statement;
NOISE POLLUTIcX
The noise generated by a crushing plant and generator could create noise problems for any nearby residents. There should be incorporated into the statement details of the following under noise matters:
1.1 Details of background noise levels and predicted noise levels at the nearest dwellings both on the property and adjacent properties.
1.2 A schedule of anticipated operating tiires of major items of plant and equinent. (Includes proposed truck movements and access routes).
1.3 Details of blasting operations proposed for the hard rock quarry.
1.4 Details of any noise control measured envisaged to overcome any potential problems.
AIR POLLUTION
Typical air pollution problems to be addressed include:
2.1 Suppression of dust from screening, crushing and stock-piling of raw materials.
.2/- -2-
2.2 Dust created by vehicular movements on gravel or dirt roads.
The above problems are easily controlled by use of appropriate water sprays and/or usage of a water tanker.
3. WATER POU1JTION
The proponent should supply details of any pondage system to collect waters from water sprays operating on any crushers or stockpiling materials: The location and nature of defined watercourses should be outlined as well as stormwater control works for the quarry site. Generally wastewaters from crushing plant operations are re-circulated, after settling, back to the crushing plant.
Wastes from toilets and any amenities should be directed to a septic tank and trench absorption system.
GENERAL MATTERS Generally the statement should also include details of control measures to reduce and contain erosion and sedimentation from the quarry, adequate drainage from access tracks and a management plan for rehabilitation of the old workings. Such quarrying operations should be conducted in a cyclical process so that small areas are quarried and then quickly rehabilitated as part of an ongoing cycle. Suitable tree species should also be selected for any replanting or windbreak prograrrrnes on the property.
The matters outlindd are only of a eneral nature and any details supplied should be in context with the magnitude of the proposed develojxnent.
I hope these caunents assist you in the preparation of any statement and subsequent approval application to the Corrrnission. If you have any further verbal enquiries in the above matters please contact me on (060) 230901.
Yours faithfully,
X "- ;L-) AJ.jiristy, 10/'F~ for Secretary.
P New South Wales Government Soil Conservation Service
Shire Clerk Shire of Cowra P.O. Box 77 COWRA 2646
00
Contact: J.M. Aveyard Attention: Mr. G. Arkinstall Ourreference R.072
Your reference: 28 October 1986.
Dear Sir
I refer to your letter GA:DM of 22 October, 1986 concerning a gravel quarry development on portion 91, Parish of Carlyle.
The Soil Conservation Service is concerned to see that the minimum damage is done to soil and land, including adjacent land and watercourses, by extractive industries and that the land affected is returned as soon as possible to its former stability.
All extractive industry operations which involve disturbance of the land surface should contain appropriate conditions to mitigate soil erosion, sedimentation and adverse impact during and after mining.
Specific issues which should be addressed in this proposed development are;
Preparation of a gravel extraction plan to ensure that the minimum area of land is disturbed at any one time.
Adequate provision, using earthworks where necessary, for the control of surface runoff and its disposal and to prevent the movement of any sediment off site. Areas of particular concern in this regard are the working faces, the gravel crushing area and any access roads.
Proposals for progressive rehabilitation of the site including reshaping of the land surface where necessary, revegetation of denuded areas and tree planting.
- Prior to gravel extraction starting in any part of the pit, topsoil where present should be stripped and stockpiled for later respreading during rehabilitation.
I The Soil Conservation Service has prepared detailed guidelines for open-cut mining and rehabilitation. While the document is concerned with much larger and more complex developments than those under consideration by you the information in section B of the document details these soil conservation issues which should be considered, if not necessarily addressed in detail, depending on circumstances.
A copy of the guidelines is attached for your information.
The Soil Conservation Service can also provide detailed onsite advice regarding revegetation and runoff control.
For further information please contact myself at the above address or your local soil conservationist, Mr. Steve Goldsmith at Albury. His telephone number is (060) 230911.
Yours fait y
J.M. Aveyard for R.J. Cathcart Regional Director Please address cornm unicatjons Ic
The Divisional Engineer, 01NIR P.O Box 484, Wagga Wagga. N.S W. 2650 DEPARTMENT OF MAIN ROADS, N.S\V DX 5407
SOUTH WESTERN DIVISION and quote our reference I •S'im ni on.c Street, IVagga 11' lO4 .5351 GE: EJ'4 The Shire Clerk Telex - 69908 Shire of Corowa Telephone - 234711
G ELPHICK 3 1 1986
Designated Development - Gravel Quarry with Crushing Works within the Shire of Berrigan.
Dear Sir
I refer to your letter dated 22 October 1986 concerning the extraction of road making materials from the Bo0trock quarry in Berrigan Shire.
Because Berrigan Shire is in the Department's Central Murray Division, your letter has been forwarded to the Divisional Engineer at Deniliquin for a direct reply. Yours faithfully
or R J Rouan Divisional Engireer f &I New South Wales Government Forestry Commission of N.S.W. /\ Forestry Office -14 P.O. Box 1i17, _j_ The Shire Clerk, NARIRANDERA. N.S.W. 2700 Corowa Shire Council, --- Our reference: D.0. AN324 P.O. Box 77, /1 COROWA. N.S.W. 2646 P.C. Bosman:WW Your reference:
28OCT198,>) Telephone: (069) 591233 C ext. 226 PF1OWA 27th October, 1986
Dear Sir,
Re: Designated Development - Gravel Quarry with Crushing Works
Thank you for your letter of 22nd October, 1986.
I advise that the Commission has no comments or issues to be addressed in relation to the proposed quarry crushing works.
Yours faithfully, I
P.G. BOSMAN, Acting District Forester.
r IL New South Wales Government Water Resources Commission %0900
tbis House I 201 /211 Miller Street, The Shire Clerk, Box952,P.O., Shire of Corowa, North Sydney. P.O. Box 77, N.S.W.2060 COROWA. N.S.W. 2646. Telegrams: Aquacomm" Telex: Watcom 21188 Contact: Name Mr.C.Rebeilo N' Our reference 86/16695
Telephone 922 0121 Extension 747
Dear Sir,
Re: Designated Development - Gravel Quarry with Crushing Works
I refer to your letter dated 21st November 1986 (your reference: GA:DM) requesting the Commission's requirements to be included in the Environmental Statement for the subject development.
Please find attached a copy of the Commission's "General Requirements of Environmental Impact Statements. When the subject E.I.S. is prepared it should be forwarded to the Commission for comment.
The Commission would be pleased to assist you further if required.
Yours faithfully,
End: for LF. Chivers, Secretary. 1L ' New South Wales Government Department of Mineral Resources MR 8-18 Bent Street Sydney The Shire Clerk, PostI Addrs G.P.O. Box 5288 *01 Shire of Corowa Council, Sydney, N.S.W. 2001 P.O. Box 77, Telex AA74875 CORA. 2646. 90. Our reference: M86-1333
ir G . A:IJv1
For further information ring' S.Lamb
Telephone: 231 0922 Extension. 4352
D-ivironrnental Impact Statement Gravel Quarry with Crushing Works
Reference is made to your letter dated 22nd October,1986, and our phone call to Mr.Arkinstall On 14th November,1986,in relation to the abovernatter.
The Departherit does not usually have statutory authority over such operations but provides information and advice on resources and envir- onmental geological matters pertaining to designated developnts, in terms of the requirements of the E -ivironmental Planning & Assessment Act, 1979.
In the case of a gravel quarry, the Departnent will provide technical expertise in the following aspects:-
The geology and size of the resource. The nature and quality of the material to be extracted. Markets for the material. Alternative sources or materials. Disposal of overburden and waste. Rehabilitation of the quarry site.
If Council requires further details, Mrs.Helen Ray of the Southern Regional Section can be contacted on (02) 231 0922 Etension 4318.
S. Lamb, for SXRETARY.
LN I C El- - 354 Proposed atractivinthstry But Pork LLarv
Ico New South Wales Government *~'~ Department of Agriculture MURRAY AND RIVERINA REGION Private Mail Bag The Shire Clerk, Yanco MRD 205 Corowa Corowa Shire Council, Our reference JW:JCS P.O. Box 77, reference: GA:DM COROWA. 2646 87 TeCephone: STD: UROWA 069 530 35 7th January, 1987 Dear Sir,
PREPARATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT GRAVEL QUARRY WITH CRUSHING WORKS, "BOATROCK", KILNYANA
I refer to your letter of 22nd October 1986, regarding the above proposed designated development.
The subject site was inspected by our District Horticulturist at Finley, Mr. Mark Hickey, on Tuesday 4th November.
We note that at present there is no removal of gravel from the quarry though there is much evidence of extensive quarrying in the recent past. The subject site would therefore be assessed as class 4 or 5 according to the Rural Land Evaluation Manual (R.L.E.M.).
The surrounding agricultural land use comprises mainly dryland pasture grazing and wheat cropping, and as such is assessed as class 3 accord ing to the R.L.E.M. The nearest irrigation, apart from bore pumpers, would be on the West Corugan Channel, approximately 5 kilometres north of the subject site.
Dominant tree species are Yellow Box and Murray?ine (Callitris), surrounded by native grasses. An extensive stand of these local timbers exist in the native reserve adjacent to the subject site.
Soil texture is of a gravelly sandy loam on the hill, running to a clay loam on the surrounding grazing land. The soil type is considered unsuitable for intensive agricultural use, and lack of water would prevent development of nearby land for either horticultural or intensive agricultural enterprises.
In general the Department believes the following issues should be con- sidered in the E.l.S., though we do not anticipate problems in these areas, subject to responsible management by the developers:-
Effects on prime crop and pasture land (Prime crop and pasture land is defined as classes 1, 2 and 3 in the R.L.E.M. plus special purpose lands as defined by the Department of Agriculture).
Effects on surface and underground water quality including turbidity, run-off, sedimentation, sewerage, source-pollution and erosion.
Disposal of waste including sewerage, litter, fuels and general industrial/commercial/domestic garbage. b Effects of increased traffic on rural roads (%Ie note that the quarry is on a sealed road). V Any interface conflicts developing from adjacent dissimilar uses
.12
-2— e.g. boundary fencing and a buffer zone of vegetation may be required to reduce dust, visual impact and noise. (We note the subject site is moderately isolated from private homesteads).
Any increase in fire risks to existing agriculture.
Proposed reclamation and revegetation of the site.
Thanking you for the opportunity to advise of our interests at this stage. We look forward to being able to comment in more detail once the E.I.S. is released.
Yours faithfully,
J.A. Wild Acting/Regional Liaison Officer Murray & Riverina Region Yanco.
A