Penrice Mine/Quarry updated noise model July2013

Penrice Mine/Quarry Noise Assessment Penrice Soda Holdings Ltd 19-Jul-2013 Doc No. A13G01RP

Penrice Mine/Quarry Updated Noise Model Penrice Mine/Quarry

AECOM

Penrice Mine/Quarry Noise Assessment Penrice Mine/Quarry Updated Noise Model

Penrice Mine/Quarry Updated Noise Model Penrice Mine/Quarry

Client: Penrice Soda Holdings Ltd ABN: 83 109 193 419

Prepared by AECOM Australia Pty Ltd Level 28, 91 King William Street, Adelaide SA 5000, Australia T +61 8 7223 5400 F +61 8 7400 5499 www.aecom.com ABN 20 093 846 925

19-Jul-2013

Job No.: 60189511

AECOM in Australia and New Zealand is certified to the latest version of ISO9001 and ISO14001.

© AECOM Australia Pty Ltd (AECOM). All rights reserved. AECOM has prepared this document for the sole use of the Client and for a specific purpose, each as expressly stated in the document. No other party should rely on this document without the prior written consent of AECOM. AECOM undertakes no duty, nor accepts any responsibility, to any third party who may rely upon or use this document. This document has been prepared based on the Client’s description of its requirements and AECOM’s experience, having regard to assumptions that AECOM can reasonably be expected to make in accordance with sound professional principles. AECOM may also have relied upon information provided by the Client and other third parties to prepare this document, some of which may not have been verified. Subject to the above conditions, this document may be transmitted, reproduced or disseminated only in its entirety.

P:\60189511\4. Documents\60189511-A13G01RP-1.docx Revision 1 – 19-Jul-2013 Prepared for – Penrice Soda Holdings Ltd – ABN: 83 109 193 419

AECOM


Quality Information Document

Penrice Mine/Quarry Updated Noise Model

Ref

60189511

Date

19-Jul-2013

Prepared by

Adam Cook

Reviewed by

Simon Moore

Revision History Authorised

Revision Date

Details

0

15-Jul-2013

For issue

1

19-Jul-2013

Inclusion of 2009 results for comparison

Revision

Name/Position


Simon Moore Principal Engineer Acoustics Simon Moore Principal Engineer Acoustics

Signature

AECOM


Table of Contents Executive Summary 1.0 Introduction 2.0 Background 3.0 Noise criteria 4.0 Assessment 4.1 Operational hours of plant 4.2 Predicted noise emission levels 5.0 Conclusion

i 1 2 3 5 5 6 7

Appendix A Acoustic terms

A A


AECOM

i


Executive Summary AECOM were previously engaged by Penrice to assist with community concerns regarding noise emissions from the mine/quarry. This involved creating a noise model of the existing site and noise sources, and advising on appropriate measures to reduce overall noise emissions. The assessment was for onsite noise sources only and specifically excluded noise associated with trucks entering and leaving the mine/quarry on public roads. The assessment demonstrated that Penrice were compliant with the Environment Protection (Noise) Policy 2007 (Noise EPP). In 2012 AECOM was engaged to provide an update to the noise model to account for changes to plant on site. The 2012 update incorporated the results of measurements of noise from new plant and equipment into the model, and also the removal of some sources no longer operating on site. Penrice have since made changes to the operation of plant on the site as follows: -

Pug mill no longer operates between 10pm and midnight

-

Mobile rock drills no longer operates between 10pm and midnight

-

Train movements to only occur two days per week

Table E-1 summarises the noise criteria for the surrounding sensitive receivers. Table E-1

Summary of noise criteria for assessed receivers

Receivers

Noise EPP Noise criteria in dB(A)

Zone Day

Night

South 1 to 8

Residential

61

53

South 9 to 18

Rural Living

59

50

Primary Production

64

55

Primary Production (Barossa Valley Region)

64

55

All North-east receivers All West receivers

The revised predicted noise emissions from the mine/quarry indicate no exceedances of the noise criteria are predicted to occur under current operating conditions. Predicted noise levels for the North-east catchment during the 10pm-midnight period have reduced significantly. This is due to the removal of the rock drills from operations during this time period, which were a significant source of noise at these receptor locations. The assessment has demonstrated that the Penrice mine/quarry is still compliant with the current environmental noise criteria, and that changes to operations have resulted in reduced environmental noise emissions from the mine/quarry during the 10pm-midnight period when compared to previous modelling. We are of the opinion that predicted noise levels for the revised model satisfy the intent of the PEPR.


AECOM

1.0


Introduction

AECOM were previously engaged by Penrice to assist with community concerns regarding noise emissions from the mine/quarry. This involved creating a noise model of the existing site and noise sources, and advising on appropriate measures to reduce overall noise emissions. The assessment was for onsite noise sources only and specifically excluded noise associated with trucks entering and leaving the mine/quarry on public roads. The assessment demonstrated that Penrice were compliant with the Environment Protection (Noise) Policy 2007 (Noise EPP). In 2012 AECOM was engaged to provide an update to the noise model to account for changes to plant on site. The 2012 update incorporated the results of measurements of noise from new plant and equipment into the model, and also the removal of some sources no longer operating on site. Noise predictions from the 2012 updated model demonstrated that the mine site was still compliant with environmental noise criteria. Further details of the 2012 update can be found in AECOM report Ref 60189511-A12G01RP-2. Penrice have since made changes to the operation of plant on the site as follows: -

Pug mill no longer operates between 10pm and midnight

-

Mobile rock drills no longer operates between 10pm and midnight

-

Train movements to only occur two days per week

This report presents results of updated noise modelling predictions and provides comparison with current noise criteria. Definitions of acoustic terms used in this report are included in Appendix A.


1

AECOM

2.0


2

Background

The Penrice mine/quarry is located near the township of Penrice in the Barossa Valley. The mine/quarry is bounded on the southern side by the township of Penrice, with residences located on Salem Road and Penrice Road in the township. On the western and northern side, the mine/quarry site is bounded by agricultural industry, including vineyards and broadacre farming. There are a number of detached dwellings located in this area, with generally low density. Under the Barossa Council Development Plan, the Penrice mine/quarry is located within a Mineral Extraction Zone. The Penrice mine/quarry site is adjacent four zones containing residences. Figure 1 shows the development zones from the Barossa Council Development Plan in the area around the Penrice mine/quarry.

North

Figure 1: Zones in the area surrounding the Penrice mine/quarry

Under the Development Plan, rural industries, such as broadacre farming, wineries and other horticultural and farming uses, are promoted in the Primary Production zones. The rural living zones promote detached dwellings on large allotments, whilst the Residential zone promotes a range of small-scale dwellings in close proximity to district town centre zones.


AECOM

3


3.0

Noise criteria

The applicable noise criteria for the Penrice mine/quarry are derived from the Environment Protection (Noise) Policy 2007 (Noise EPP) and are summarised in Table 1. The day time period refers to 7am to 10pm and the night time period refers to 10pm to 7am. Figure 2 shows residences located near the Penrice mine/quarry. Under the Noise EPP, the measured source noise levels must be adjusted by the following amounts if the noise source contains amplitude modulating, tonal, impulsive or low-frequency characteristics: -

Noise source contains 1 characteristic, add 5 dB(A)

-

Noise source contains 2 characteristic, add 8 dB(A)

-

Noise source contains 3 or 4 characteristics, add 10 dB(A)

As there is variability in criteria, as well as the character and type of noise sources over the mine/quarry site, the surrounding areas have been broken up based on the location of the residence to group properties with exposure to similar sources. Properties have been grouped in the following catchments: South: properties located in the Residential and Rural Living zones on Penrice and Salem Roads and Rowland and Murdock Streets -

North-east: properties located in the Primary Production Zone, including properties on Salem and Kalimna Roads

-

North-west: properties located in the Primary Production (Barossa Valley Region) Zone, including properties on Stockwell Road

-

West: properties located on Penrice Road

Table 1

Summary of noise criteria for assessed receivers

Receivers

Noise EPP Noise criteria in dB(A)

Zone Day

Night

South 1 to 8

Residential

61

53

South 9 to 18

Rural Living

59

50

Primary Production

64

55

Primary Production (Barossa Valley Region)

64

55

All North-east receivers All West receivers

In addition, the Program for Environmental Protection and Rehabilitation (PEPR) for the Penrice mine/quarry notes the following: Demonstrate compliance with the noise source measurements in the AECOM report (Doc No 60099270A9K01RP-4) dated 31/5/10 by an annual independent suitably qualified expert show noise source are equal to or less than Appendix B (page B-1 of the AECOM report). It is noted that Appendix B of the above mentioned report refers to the sound power levels for each item of plant on site. It does not take into account the number of items of plant on site or the benefits of any additional noise mitigation that may have been incorporated that is not at the source. We are of the opinion that the intent of the PEPR requirements is to not increase current on site noise emissions and therefore believe that Penrice should demonstrate that the highest predicted noise levels are equal to or less than Table 4 (page 7 of the AECOM report).


AECOM


North

Figure 2

Assessed receivers surrounding Penrice mine/quarry


4

AECOM

5


4.0

Assessment

4.1

Operational hours of plant

Noise levels were predicted for the following five time periods: -

7am to 6pm (train loading & no train loading scenarios) – Day time period criteria are applicable

-

6pm to 10pm – Day time period criteria are applicable

-

10pm to midnight – Night time period criteria are applicable

-

Midnight to 6am – Night time period criteria are applicable

-

6am to 7am – Night time period criteria are applicable

Table 2 summarises the plant that is assumed to be operational during the five modelled time periods. Table 2

Hours of operation for each piece of plant included in noise model

Item

Day time

Night time

7am to 6pm

6pm to 10pm

10pm to midnight

Midnight to 6am

6am to 7am

Glass sand compressor shed











Train loader, conveyor and vibrating screens associated with train loading



Aggregate plant crusher and vibrating screens







Tertiary building







Primary crusher(1)







Primary crusher vibrating screen building







Stacker for train stockpiles







Pug mill







Transfer station







60 tonne and 90 tonne haul trucks





Front end loaders – Sales loaders





Front end loaders – Aggregate plant



Front end loaders – L/Haul





Tracked excavators





Grader





Tracked bulldozer





Mobile rock drills



Skid steer



Mobile crusher



Mobile rock breaker



Finlay crusher Dust unit









  



















Notes: (1)

Rock breaker on primary crusher is not operating between 6am and 7am.

We note that Penrice have advised that train movements will now only occur on 2 days per week. This will not affect the outcomes of the acoustic assessment, as both noise criteria and predictions are based upon worst case 15-minute noise emissions within each time period, and do not account for longer term operational changes.


AECOM

6


4.2

Predicted noise emission levels

Noise levels at residences around the mine/quarry site have been predicted under worst case meteorological conditions (i.e. most conducive to increased noise levels at the receiver) and compared to the noise criteria. Where noise is likely to be from a source containing annoying characteristics, such as impulsive noise from the train loader, adjustments have been made as required under the Noise EPP. Table 3 presents a summary of the highest predicted noise levels (in a 15 minute period) around the site for the noise catchments. Table 3

Highest predicted noise levels in dB(A) at residences surrounding Penrice mine/quarry site

Day time noise level 7am 6pm

7am 6pm Train

6pm 10pm

59

58(1)

59(1)

55(1)

50

46

13

50

61

(2)

(2)

43

53

41

16

49

Catchment Criteria South – Rural South – Residential North-east

64

North-west

64

West

Night time noise level

64

57

(3)

45

57

(3)

46

53 54

55 (4)

64

Criteria

(3)

42

10pm midnight

Midnight - 6am

6am 7am

55

29

19

41

53

55

51

28

53

53

55

49

35

55

Notes: (1)

Noise level has been adjusted by 5 dB(A) due to impulsive characteristics from rock breaker attached to the primary crusher.

(2)

Noise level has been adjusted by 5 dB(A) due to impulsive characteristics from the mobile rock breaker.

(3)

Noise level has been adjusted by 5 dB(A) due to impulsive characteristics from rock drill.

(4)

Noise level has been adjusted by 5 dB(A) due to impulsive characteristics from the train loader.

(5)

Noise level has been adjusted by 5 dB(A) due to amplitude modulation characteristics from front end loader.

The revised predicted noise emissions from the mine/quarry indicate no exceedances of the noise criteria are predicted to occur under current operating conditions. Table 4 compares the revised results with those from the initial modelling (undertaken in 2009) and the 2012 model update, showing predicted 10pm-midnight noise emissions are less than or equal to those in the previous modelling results. Table 4

Changes to 10pm-midnight predicted noise levels

Predicted 10pm-midnight noise levels [dB(A)] Catchment

Initial modelling

2012

2013

South – Rural

46

47

46

South – Residential

42

42

41

North-east

46

40

29

North-west

51

51

51

West

49

49

49

Predicted noise levels for the North-east catchment during the 10pm-midnight period have reduced significantly when compared to the previous levels. This is due to the removal of the rock drills from operations during this time period, which were previously a significant source of noise at these receptor locations. We are of the opinion that revised predicted noise levels for 2013 satisfy the intent of the PEPR (although the PEPR does not have any specific requirement with regard to the previously predicted noise levels in Table 4).


AECOM

5.0


7

Conclusion

An acoustic assessment has been undertaken to update the current model of the Penrice mine/quarry. The assessment has demonstrated that the Penrice mine/quarry is still compliant with the current environmental noise criteria, and that changes to operations have resulted in reduced environmental noise emissions from the mine/quarry during the 10pm-midnight period.


AECOM


Appendix A

Acoustic terms


AECOM


a-1

Appendix A

Acoustic terms

A-weighted

The A-weighting scale is designed to adjust the absolute sound pressure levels to correspond to the subjective response of the human ear.

dB(A)

Unit for A-weighted overall sound pressure level measured in decibels re 20 Pa.

Leq

The Leq is defined as the equivalent noise level and is the energy averaged noise level over the measurement period. This measure is commonly used by legislation when setting limits for environmental noise.

Lmax

The maximum noise level during the measurement period.

Sound Pressure Level

The Sound Pressure Level can be directly measured using a sound level meter and for a given noise source varies with distance to the source. Measured in dB, referenced to 20 µPa.

Sound Power Level

The Sound Power Level is a measure of the acoustic energy produced by a source and is -12 measured in dB relative to 10 Watts. The sound power level is not directly measurable using a sound level meter and is independent of the distance from the source. It is calculated from the sound pressure level, taking into account the distance of the measurement from the noise source and the size of the noise source.
