Project No: 13835/5090
ATTENDED NOISE MONITORING – FEBRUARY
QUARTER 1 2014
Ravensworth Mining Complex
Ravensworth, NSW
Prepared for:
Ravensworth Operations Pty Limited
Lemington Road
Ravensworth NSW 2330
Author:
Review:
……………………………………
Ross Hodge
……………………………………
Neil Pennington
B.Sc.(Hons)
B.Sc., B. Math.(Hons), MAAS, MASA
Principal / Director
Principal / Director
February 2014
Spectrum Acoustics Pty Limited
ABN: 40 106 435 554
1 Roath Street, Cardiff NSW 2285
PO Box 374 Wallsend NSW 2287
Phone: (02) 4954 2276
Fax: (02) 4954 2257
Ravensworth Mining Complex Coal Mine Noise Monitoring – February 2014
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0
INTRODUCTION .........................................................................................................................................................................1
1.1
1.2
2.0
CRITERIA AND CONDITIONS ...................................................................................................................................................3
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
3.0
4.0
Noise Monitoring Locations ............................................................................................................................................1
Monitoring Frequency and Duration ...............................................................................................................................1
Noise Assessment Criteria .............................................................................................................................................3
Monitoring Location Definition ........................................................................................................................................3
Applicable Meteorological Conditions .............................................................................................................................3
Other Conditions .............................................................................................................................................................3
NOISE MONITORING PROCEDURE .........................................................................................................................................4
3.1
3.2
Monitoring Equipment .....................................................................................................................................................4
Measurement Analysis ...................................................................................................................................................4
3.3
3.4
Meteorological Data ........................................................................................................................................................4
Special Conditions ..........................................................................................................................................................4
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION ...................................................................................................................................................5
4.1
Measured Noise Levels ..................................................................................................................................................5
4.1.1
RMC Operations .............................................................................................................................................. 5
4.1.2
Cumulative Mine Noise .................................................................................................................................... 7
4.2
Discussion of Results .....................................................................................................................................................8
4.2.1
L1 (1 min) ......................................................................................................................................................... 8
APPENDIX A
Description of Acoustical Terms & Stability Classes
APPENDIX B
Noise Limits
APPENDIX C Calibration Certificate
Doc. No: 13835-5090
February 2014
Page i
Ravensworth Mining Complex Coal Mine Noise Monitoring – February 2014
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Quarterly attended noise monitoring has been carried out for the Ravensworth Mining Complex (RMC) in the
period between 18 and 20 February, 2014. Monitoring was undertaken in accordance with requirements
detailed in the Ravensworth Mining Complex Noise Management Plan and other relevant Australian
Standards and guidelines.
The mine was in full operation during the entire survey period.
Data from those times where RMC operations were audible were analysed using Bruel & Kjaer “Evaluator”
software. This analysis showed the noise did not contain any tonal, impulsive and low frequency
components as per definitions of “modifying factor corrections” in the NSW Industrial Noise Policy (INP).
The LA1(1 min) criterion was not exceeded at any location during any of the night time monitoring periods.
RMC was compliant with Environmental Protection Licence (EPL) 2652 and Project Approval 09_0176
conditions for Quarter 1 2014.
Doc. No: 13835-5090
February 2014
Page ii
Ravensworth Mining Complex Coal Mine Noise Monitoring – February 2014
1.0 INTRODUCTION
This letter report presents the results of attended noise monitoring and measurements conducted for the
Ravensworth Mining Complex (RMC) in the period between 18 and 20 February, 2014. Monitoring was
undertaken in accordance with the requirements of Ravensworth Mine Complex Noise Management Plan
(NMP) dated April 2013. The noise monitoring programme and procedures in the NMP have been
developed in accordance with the RMC Environmental Protection Licence (EPL) no 2652 and the
Ravensworth Mining Complex Project Approval (PA 09_0176).
To aid in the understating of this report a description of acoustical terms is attached as Appendix A.
1.1
Noise Monitoring Locations
The NMP (Section 5) contains a table (Table 5.1) detailing the locations for attended noise monitoring and
corresponding identification numbers which are generally in keeping with the EPL and P.A. The relevant
sections of Table 5.1 from the NMP are reproduced below in Table 1. The monitoring locations are also
shown on Figure 1.
Table 1
RMC Noise Monitoring Locations
Monitoring Location
Description
Receiver Location
Site 2
A. Bowman
R2
Site 3
W. Bowman
R3
Site 5
Camberwell South
R3
Site 6
Camberwell North
R4
The NMP states attended noise monitoring must be carried out at Sites 2, 3 5 and 6 (per Table 1). The
“Description” nomenclature detailed in Table 1 will be used throughout this report.
1.2
Monitoring Frequency and Duration
The NMP indicates that the attended noise monitoring must be conducted quarterly at each location during
the night time period only. Each quarterly survey is to consist of at least three 15 minute measurements at
each location (in accordance with PA 09_0176 and EPL2652 to be done over a minimum of three
consecutives 24 hour periods).
For the purposes of attended noise monitoring night is defined in the NMP as being between 2100 and 0700
hours.
Doc. No: 13835-5090
February 2014
Page 1
Ravensworth Mining Complex Coal Mine Noise Monitoring – February 2014
Figure 1
Noise Monitoring Locations
Doc. No: 13835-5090
February 2014
Page 2
Ravensworth Mining Complex Coal Mine Noise Monitoring – February 2014
2.0 CRITERIA AND CONDITIONS
2.1
Noise Assessment Criteria
The noise assessment criteria are detailed in Condition L5.1 of the EPL and Table 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 of PA
09_0176. The criteria vary for each receiver monitoring location. The applicable night time criterion for each
location is shown in in the tables of results (Tables 2, 3 and 4 in Section 4.1). Noise criteria for all
residences listed in the EPL and PA 09_0176 are shown in Appendix B. The above noise criteria include the
requirement that noise levels at night must not exceed 45 dB(A) L1 (1 min) (sleep disturbance criterion) at
any residence.
In relation to cumulative noise impacts, the NMP states that RMC shall implement all reasonable and
feasible measures to ensure that the noise generated by the Ravensworth Mine Complex combined with the
noise generated by other mines does not exceed the criteria shown in the table below, at any residence on
privately-owned land or on more than 25 per cent of any privately-owned land.
Cumulative Noise Criteria, dB(A)
Location
R3 and R4 Camberwell Village
All other privately owned land
2.2
Monitoring Site
Site 5 and Site 6
Site 2 and Site 3
Day
55
50
Evening
45
45
Night
40
40
Monitoring Location Definition
Condition L5.5 of the EPL states that to determine compliance with the Leq (15 min) operational noise limits
the noise measurement equipment must be measured at the most affected point on or within the residential
boundary, or at the most affected point within 30m of the dwelling where the dwelling is more than 30m from
the boundary.
To determine compliance with the L1 (1 min) limits noise levels must be measured within 1m of a dwelling
façade.
2.3
Applicable Meteorological Conditions
The noise limits apply under all meteorological conditions except for any one of the following;
1. Wind speeds greater than 3m/s at 10m above ground level; or
2. Stability category F temperature inversion conditions and wind speeds greater than 2m/s at 10m
above ground level; or
3. Stability category G temperature inversion conditions.
2.4
Other Conditions
To determine compliance with the Leq (15 min) operational noise criteria the modification factors detailed in
Section 4 of the NSW industrial Noise policy must be applied, as appropriate, to the measured noise levels.
Doc. No: 13835-5090
February 2014
Page 3
Ravensworth Mining Complex Coal Mine Noise Monitoring – February 2014
3.0 NOISE MONITORING PROCEDURE
3.1
Monitoring Equipment
Attended noise monitoring was conducted with Brüel & Kjær Type 2250 and 2260 Precision Sound
Analysers. These instruments have Type 1 characteristics as defined in AS1259-1982 “Sound Level Meters”
and have current NATA calibration. Field calibration is carried out at the start and end of each monitoring
period.
A-weighted noise levels were measured over the appropriate monitoring periods (15 minutes/night) with data
acquired at 1 or 2 second statistical intervals and the meter set to “fast” response. Each 1 or 2 second
measurement is accompanied by a third-octave band spectrum from 20 - 20k Hz which is required for
analysing INP ‘modifying factors’. Time based field notes allow for determination of the relative contributions
to the overall noise level of all significant noise sources.
3.2
Measurement Analysis
The 15 minute Leq noise level for each monitoring period is shown in the tables below (Section 4). Where
the noise from RMC was audible, Bruel & Kjaer “Evaluator” analysis software was used to quantify the
contributions of RMC and other significant noise sources to the overall noise level. Mine noise from RMC is
shown in Tables 2-7 in bold type.
Due to the close proximity of the entire RMC and other nearby coal mines to some receivers, it is sometimes
not always possible to determine the partial contributions of emissions from each mine to the overall
measured noise level. Where this is the case the total measured mine noise is shown in the tables as “mine
noise”. Where the total measured mine noise is equal to, or greater than, the noise criterion for RMC, an
estimate of the relative contributions of each mine has been made based on the field observations and data
analysis.
When no mine noise was audible at a monitoring location, a representative 15 minute noise measurement
was made with observations carried out for the remainder of the applicable time period. In these instances,
the measured noise level for the representative 15 minute period is that shown in the tables below.
3.3
Meteorological Data
Meteorological data used in this report were taken from the weather station at the nearby Glencore mine site.
3.4
Special Conditions
Before the noise surveys, Spectrum Acoustics personnel were briefed on the current location(s) of activities.
To avoid undue disturbance to the resident at Site 2 the monitoring was undertaken on the access road
approximately 150m west of the residence. This location is closer and more exposed to RMC than the
residence and is, therefore, considered to represent a worst case. Similarly, at Site 3 the monitoring was
undertaken at the gate to the house yard which is an acoustically equivalent location to the house.
The compliance measurement locations are different for each of the operational and sleep disturbance
noise. That is, the sleep disturbance criterion is typically applicable at 1m from the façade of a bedroom
window.
Doc. No: 13835-5090
February 2014
Page 4
Ravensworth Mining Complex Coal Mine Noise Monitoring – February 2014
To avoid undue disturbance to residents the L1 (1 min) noise level from the operational measurements are
used to show general compliance with the LA1 (1 min) criterion. That is, as the distance between the noise
source and the operational noise monitoring location is significantly greater than the distance between the
operational noise monitoring location and the LA1 (1 min) monitoring location (i.e. 1m from the facade of the
house) there will be little variation in L1 (1 min) levels between the monitoring locations.
It must be noted, however, that the LA1 (1 min) criterion is to be measured near a bedroom window. As the
internal layout of each residence is not known, to consider a worst case, this is assumed to be facing the
operational noise monitoring location.
4.0 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
4.1
Measured Noise Levels
4.1.1 RMC Operations
Measured noise levels for each monitoring location and each day are summarised in Tables 2 - 4.
Location
A. Bowman
W. Bowman
Camberwell
South
Camberwell
North
Time
dB(A),
Leq
Table 2
RMC Operational Noise Monitoring Results – 18 February 2014
RMC
Criterion
dB(A),
Criterion
Stability
Contribution
dB(A)
L1
dB(A),
Class,
1
dB(A), Leq
Leq
(1min)
L1
Wind speed
(1min)1
(m/s),dirO
35
35
39
45
F,0.6,197
11:25
41
pm
32
35
38
12:35
45
am
IA
35
IA
12:56
46
am
IA
35
IA
01:17
40
am
1. L1 (1 min) from RMC mine noise only.
2. Vent fan on other mine site not related to RMC
3. IA=Inaudible
Doc. No: 13835-5090
February 2014
45
G,CALM
45
G,CALM
45
G,CALM
Identified Noise Sources
RMC (35), other mines (35), insects
(34), vent fan (31)2
Insects & frogs (44), traffic (30),
other mines (35) RMC (32)
Traffic (45), insects (39), other
mines (30), RMC inaudible
Traffic (36), insects (35), other
mines (34), RMC inaudible
Page 5
Ravensworth Mining Complex Coal Mine Noise Monitoring – February 2014
Table 3
dB(A),
Leq
RMC Operational Noise Monitoring Results – 19 February 2014
RMC
Criterion
dB(A),
Criterion
Stability
Contribution
dB(A)
L1
dB(A),
Class,
1
dB(A), Leq
Leq
(1min)
L1
Wind speed
(1min)1
(m/s),dirO
IA
35
n/a
45
F,0.5,117
Location
Time
A. Bowman
12:37
am
39
W. Bowman
11:40
pm
01:14
am
11:10
pm
48
33
35
40
45
F,0.3,61
47
IA
35
IA
45
F,0.3,208
42
IA
35
IA
45
F,0.2,162
Camberwell
South
Camberwell
North
1.
2.
Location
A. Bowman
W. Bowman
Camberwell
South
Camberwell
North
Identified Noise Sources
Insects (34), train (33), vent fan
(33), other mines (30), RMC
inaudible
Insects & frogs (48), RMC (33),
traffic (30), other mines (25)
Traffic (46), insects (40), other
mines just audible, RMC inaudible
Insects (39), traffic (36), other
mines (34), train (30), RMC
inaudible
L1 (1 min) from RMC mine noise only.
IA=Inaudible
Table 4
RMC Operational Noise Monitoring Results – 20 February 2014
dB(A),
RMC
Criterion
dB(A),
Criterion
Stability
Time
Leq
Contribution
dB(A)
L1
dB(A),
Class,
Identified Noise Sources
dB(A), Leq
Leq
(1min)1
L1
Wind speed
(1min)1
(m/s),dirO
<25
35
IA
45
D,0.6,215
11:15
39
Insects (37), other mines (34), traffic
pm
(26), RMC (<25)
IA
35
IA
45
D,0.8,191
12:36
50
Insects & frogs (50), other mines (31),
am
traffic (28), RMC inaudible
IA
35
IA
45
D,0.9,210
11:43
44
Traffic (44), insects (35), RMC
pm
inaudible
IA
35
IA
45
F,0.3,188
01:02
44
Traffic (43), insects (36), other mines
am
(33), RMC inaudible
1. L1 (1 min) from RMC mine noise only.
2. IA=Inaudible
Doc. No: 13835-5090
February 2014
Page 6
Ravensworth Mining Complex Coal Mine Noise Monitoring – February 2014
4.1.2 Cumulative Mine Noise
The cumulative measured noise levels for all mining activity in the area for each monitoring location and
each day are summarised in Tables 5 - 7.
Location
A. Bowman
W. Bowman
Camberwell
South
Camberwell
North
1.
Location
A. Bowman
W. Bowman
Camberwell
South
Camberwell
North
1.
Table 5
Cumulative Mining Noise Monitoring Results – 18 February 2014
dB(A),
All Mines
RMC
Criterion
Stability
Time
Leq
dB(A), Leq Contribution
dB(A)
Class,
Identified Noise Sources
dB(A), Leq
Leq
Wind speed
(m/s),dirO
39
35
40
F,0.6,197
11:25
41
RMC (35), other mines (35),
pm
insects (34), vent fan (31)
37
32
40
G,CALM
12:35
45
Insects & frogs (44), traffic (30),
am
other mines (35) RMC (32)
30
IA
40
G,CALM
12:56
46
Traffic (45), insects (39), other
am
mines (30), RMC inaudible
34
IA
40
G,CALM
01:17
40
Traffic (36), insects (35), other
am
mines (34), RMC inaudible
IA=Inaudible
Table 6
Cumulative Mining Noise Monitoring Results – 19 February 2014
RMC
Criterion Stability Class,
dB(A),
All Mines
Contribution
dB(A)
Wind speed
Time
Leq
dB(A), Leq
Identified Noise Sources
dB(A), Leq
Leq
(m/s),dirO
Insects (34), train (33), vent fan
12:37
40
35
n/a
F,0.5,117
39
(33), other mines (30), RMC
am
inaudible
11:40
Insects & frogs (48), RMC (33),
40
34
33
F,0.3,61
48
pm
traffic (30), other mines (25)
Traffic (46), insects (40), other
01:14
40
n/a
IA
F,0.3,208
47
mines just audible, RMC
am
inaudible
Insects (39), traffic (36), other
11:10
40
34
IA
F,0.2,162
42
mines (34), train (30), RMC
pm
inaudible
IA=Inaudible
Doc. No: 13835-5090
February 2014
Page 7
Ravensworth Mining Complex Coal Mine Noise Monitoring – February 2014
Location
Time
A. Bowman
W. Bowman
Camberwell
South
Camberwell
North
1.
4.2
Table 7
Cumulative Mining Noise Monitoring Results – 20 February 2014
RMC
Criterion Stability Class,
dB(A), All Mines
Contribution
dB(A)
Wind speed
Leq
dB(A), Leq
dB(A), Leq
Leq
(m/s),dirO
11:15
39
pm
12:36
50
am
11:43
44
pm
01:02
44
am
IA=Inaudible
34
<25
40
D,0.6,215
31
IA
40
D,0.8,191
IA
IA
40
D,0.9,210
33
IA
40
F,0.3,188
Identified Noise Sources
Insects (37), other mines (34),
traffic (26), RMC (<25)
Insects & frogs (50), other mines
(31), traffic (28), RMC inaudible
Traffic (44), insects (35), RMC
inaudible
Traffic (43), insects (36), other
mines (33), RMC inaudible
Discussion of Results
The results in Tables 2 to 7 reveal that, under the operating and meteorological conditions at the times, for
the 15 minute compliance measurement periods, the mine noise from RMC did not exceed the applicable
operational noise criterion at any time or location. RMC mine noise was audible at Site 2 (A. Bowman) and
Site 3 (W. Bowman). The noise emissions from RMC were attributed to haul truck engine noise and the
dumping of loads. Mine noise from RMC was not audible at the Site 5 (Camberwell South) and Site 6
(Camberwell North) locations at any stage of monitoring periods.
At all sites, the cumulative noise level from all mines was below the PA 09_0176 criteria.
Data from those times where RMC operations were audible were analysed using Bruel & Kjaer “Evaluator”
software.
This analysis showed the noise did not contain any tonal, impulsive and low frequency
components as per definitions of “modifying factor corrections” in the NSW Industrial Noise Policy.
4.2.1 L1 (1 min)
The noise measurements results in Tables 2 to 4 (and site observations) show that noise from the operation
of RMC was at times audible during the monitoring periods at the locations of Site 2 (A. Bowman) and Site 3
(W. Bowman). However, under the operating and meteorological conditions at the times, the maximum L1 (1
min) noise emission from RMC did not exceed the L1 (1 min) criterion at any monitoring location on any
night.
Doc. No: 13835-5090
February 2014
Page 8
Ravensworth Mining Complex Coal Mine Noise Monitoring – February 2014
APPENDIX A
DESCRIPTION OF ACOUSTICAL TERMS
& STABILITY CLASSES
Doc. No: 13835-5090
February 2014
Page A1
Ravensworth Mining Complex Coal Mine Noise Monitoring – February 2014
Table A1
Definition of acoustical terms
Term
dB(A)
SPL
STL
Lw
Leq
L1
L90
Description
The quantitative measure of sound heard by the human ear, measured by the AScale Weighting Network of a sound level meter expressed in decibels (dB).
Sound Pressure Level. The incremental variation of sound pressure above and
below atmospheric pressure and expressed in decibels. The human ear
responds to pressure fluctuations, resulting in sound being heard.
Sound Transmission Loss. The ability of a partition to attenuate sound, in dB.
Sound Power Level radiated by a noise source per unit time re 1pW.
Equivalent Continuous Noise Level - taking into account the fluctuations of noise
over time. The time-varying level is computed to give an equivalent dB(A) level
that is equal to the energy content and time period.
Average Peak Noise Level - the level exceeded for 1% of the monitoring period.
“Background” Noise Level - the level exceeded for 90% of the monitoring period.
Table A2
Pasquill-Gifford Stability Index.
Pasquill Stability Class
A
B
Description
very
unstable
Unstable
C
slightly
unstable
D
Neutral
E
slightly
stable
Stable
F
Doc. No: 13835-5090
February 2014
Surface wind speed and cloud cover –
Wind measured (meters/second) at 10 meter height
daytime; strong insolation and wind < 3 m/s or moderate insolution and
wind < 2 m/s
daytime; strong insolation with wind between about 3 and 5 m/s or
moderate insolution with wind between 2 and 4 m/s or slight insolution
and wind < 2 m/s
daytime; strong insolation and wind > 5 m/s or moderate insolution with
wind between 4 and about 5.5 m/s or slight insolution and wind between
2 and 5 m/s
All overcast sky conditions, day or night; daytime and moderate
insolation and wind> 5.5 m/s; daytime and slight insolation and wind > 5
m/s; nighttime and wind > 5 m/s; nighttime and more than 50% cloud
cover or with thin overcast and wind > 3 m/s
nighttime; thin overcast or > 50% cloud cover and wind < 3 m/s; < 50%
cloud cover and wind between 3 and 5 m/s
nighttime; < 50% cloud cover and wind < 3 m/s
Page A2
Ravensworth Mining Complex Coal Mine Noise Monitoring – February 2014
APPENDIX B
NOISE LIMITS
Doc. No: 13835-5090
February 2014
Page B1
Ravensworth Mining Complex Coal Mine Noise Monitoring – February 2014
EPL 2652
Doc. No: 13835-5090
February 2014
Page B2
Ravensworth Mining Complex Coal Mine Noise Monitoring – February 2014
PA 09_0176
Doc. No: 13835-5090
February 2014
Page B3
Ravensworth Mining Complex Coal Mine Noise Monitoring – February 2014
Doc. No: 13835-5090
February 2014
Page B4
Ravensworth Mining Complex Coal Mine Noise Monitoring – February 2014
Doc. No: 13835-5090
February 2014
Page B5
Ravensworth Mining Complex Coal Mine Noise Monitoring – February 2014
APPENDIX C
CALIBRATION CERTIFICATE
Doc. No: 13835-5090
February 2014
Page C1
Ravensworth Mining Complex Coal Mine Noise Monitoring – February 2014
Calibration Certificate
Doc. No: 13835-5090
February 2014
Page C2