Ventilation Shaft No.6 Project Project Number: 110060-02 Report 001 Rev 1 Prepared for: BHP Billiton Illawarra Coal October 2010 Annex E – Air Quality Assessment Environmental Assessment REPORT - FINAL AIR QUALITY IMPACT ASSESSMENT – BHP BILLITON ILLAWARRA COAL – VENTILATION SHAFT NO.6 PROJECT BHP Billiton Illawarra Coal Job No: 3876 9 August 2010 A PEL Company PROJECT TITLE: AIR QUALITY IMPACT ASSESSMENT – BHP BILLITON ILLAWARRA COAL – VENTILATION SHAFT NO.6 PROJECT JOB NUMBER: 3876 PREPARED FOR: Bruce Blunden BHP BILLITON ILLAWARRA COAL PREPARED BY: R. Kellaghan APPROVED FOR RELEASE BY: A. Todoroski DISCLAIMER & COPYRIGHT: This report is subject to the copyright statement located at www.paeholmes.com © Queensland Environment Pty Ltd trading as PAEHolmes ABN 86 127 101 642 DOCUMENT CONTROL VERSION DATE PREPARED BY REVIEWED BY 01 20.07.2010 R. Kellaghan J. Cox 02 3.08.2010 R. Kellaghan J. Cox 03 9.08.2010 R. Kellaghan J. Cox Queensland Environment Pty Ltd trading as PAEHolmes ABN 86 127 101 642 SYDNEY: Suite 2B, 14 Glen Street Eastwood NSW 2122 Ph: +61 2 9874 8644 Fax: +61 2 9874 8904 BRISBANE: Level 1, La Melba, 59 Melbourne Street South Brisbane Qld 4101 PO Box 3306 South Brisbane Qld 4101 Ph: +61 7 3004 6400 Fax: +61 7 3844 5858 Email: info@paeholmes.com Website: www.paeholmes.com 3876_Illawarra_Coal_VS6_AQA_Final_20100809.docx Air Quality Impact Assessment – BHP Billiton Illawarra Coal – Ventilation Shaft No.6 Project BHP Billiton Illawarra Coal | PAEHolmes Job 3876 ii ES1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Overview BHP Billiton Illawarra Coal Pty. Ltd. (BHPBIC) operates an underground long wall mining operation in the Bulli Seam of the Illawarra Coal Measures in the Southern Coalfield area of NSW. As new mining domains are approved and mining moves away from existing infrastructure, additional ventilation shafts and ancillary plant is required. This study assesses the potential air quality impacts from the operation of the proposed new Vent Shaft (VS#6) and addresses the requirements of the NSW Department of Planning (DoP) and Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water (DECCW). Existing Environment The location of VS#6 and associated infrastructure is on BHPBIC owned land, to the east of the township of Douglas Park, NSW. During operation, the VS#6 will result in emissions of particulate matter (PM), low concentrations of coal seam methane and other hydrocarbons, some of which may be odorous. Data from nearby NSW DECCW monitoring sites (MacArthur and Oakdale) has been used to provide an indication of existing ambient air quality for the area around Douglas Park. Local meteorological data is collected at the Energy Developments Limited (EDL) Appin Power Station, located approximately 5.5 km southeast of the VS#6 site. Emissions and Dispersion Modelling The CALMET/CALPUFF modelling system was chosen for this study, to better reflect the hilly nature of local terrain. Meteorological data collected at Appin Power Station, plus the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) sites located at Camden Airport AWS, Campbelltown Airport AWS and Bellambi AWS were used as input for the modelling. Modelling of particulate matter and odour emissions from the operation of the VS#6 indicates the predicted odour concentration at Douglas Park are less than 2 Odour Units, and at most locations at Douglas Park below 1 Odour Unit. The predicted PM10 concentrations at Douglas Park are less than 7 µg/m3 or 14% of the air quality criteria. A cumulative assessment for PM10 shows the existing background PM10 is the dominant contributor and the operation of VS#6 will add a small increment to existing levels. The modelling has assumed that the VS#6 will exhaust upwards at an angle of at least 45 degrees. This is a key design feature that will ensure the plume has initial momentum flux to aid dispersion of odour and particulate. The modelling is based on conservative emission rates and predictions presented in this report are likely to be higher than what would be expected during normal operation of the VS#3. Other Components of Mine Ventilation Air A qualitative assessment of the chemical composition of mine ventilation air was also undertaken, based on emissions data from other underground mining operations in the area, including those that mine the Bulli Seam. Existing data indicates that organic components of mine ventilation air are generally less than the limit of detection. Gas samples analysed for other hydrocarbons including methane, ethane, ethylene, propane, propylene, butane and pentane, indicate very low concentrations and would be many orders of magnitude below the relevant air quality goals. An analysis of the metal composition of mine ventilation indicates that all concentrations are well below the relevant air quality goals. 3876_Illawarra_Coal_VS6_AQA_Final_20100809.docx Air Quality Impact Assessment – BHP Billiton Illawarra Coal – Ventilation Shaft No.6 Project BHP Billiton Illawarra Coal | PAEHolmes Job 3876 iii TABLE OF CONTENTS 1 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background 1.2 Objectives of the Study 1 1 2 2 PROJECT DESCRIPTION 2.1 Service Supply Boreholes 2.2 Access 2.3 Power Supply 3 3 4 4 3 LOCAL SETTING 5 4 AIR QUALITY CRITERIA 4.1 Particulate Matter 4.2 Odour 7 7 8 5 EXISTING AMBIENT AIR QUALITY 5.1 Particulate Matter 5.2 Odour 10 10 12 6 PREVAILING METEOROLOGY 6.1 Prevailing Winds 6.2 Modelling Approach 6.2.1 Introduction 6.2.2 CALMET 6.3 Atmospheric Stability 6.4 Mixing Height 12 12 14 14 14 17 18 7 EMISSIONS TO AIR 7.1 Review of Existing Emission Data 7.1.1 Particulate Matter 7.1.2 Odour 7.1.3 Other Components of Mine Ventilation Air 7.2 On-Site Emissions Testing 7.2.1 Odour Emission Testing 7.2.2 Particulate Matter Testing 7.3 Model Inputs 7.4 Peak to Mean Ratios 19 19 19 19 20 22 22 22 23 24 8 EMISSIONS ASSESSMENT 8.1 Prescribed Limits 8.2 Modelling Results 8.2.1 Odour 8.2.2 Particulate Matter (PM10) 8.2.3 Cumulative Impacts 8.2.4 Assessment of Particulate Metal 8.3 Nuisance Dust Impact 25 25 25 25 28 30 31 31 9 CONSTRUCTION PHASE IMPACTS 9.1 Overview 9.2 Construction Phase Emissions 9.2.1 Clearing / Excavation 9.2.2 Access Route Construction 9.2.3 Haulage and Heavy Plant and Equipment 9.3 Wind Erosion 32 32 32 33 33 33 33 10 CONCLUSIONS 34 11 REFERENCES 35 3876_Illawarra_Coal_VS6_AQA_Final_20100809.docx Air Quality Impact Assessment – BHP Billiton Illawarra Coal – Ventilation Shaft No.6 Project BHP Billiton Illawarra Coal | PAEHolmes Job 3876 iv APPENDIX A A-1 LIST OF TABLES Table 2.1: Predicted Airflows of Upcast Ventilation Shafts under BHPBIC Bulli Seam Operations . 3 Table 3.1: Closest Receptor Locations................................................................................ 6 Table 4.1: Air quality Goals for Particulate Matter ................................................................ 8 Table 4.2: Impact Assessment Criteria for the Assessment of Odorous air pollutants ............... 9 Table 7.1: Emissions data reviewed for Particulate Matter ................................................... 19 Table 7.2: Existing Emissions data reviewed for Odour ....................................................... 20 Table 7.3: Results of Organic Analysis of West Cliff Mine Ventilation Air ................................ 21 Table 7.4: Analysis of n-pentane in mine ventilation air ..................................................... 22 Table 7.5: Odour Monitoring Results ................................................................................ 22 Table 7.6: Results of Return Air Sampling and Derived Concentrations ................................ 23 Table 7.7: Modelling Emission Rates – Scenario 1 ............................................................. 24 Table 7.8: Modelling Emission Rates – Scenario 2 ............................................................. 24 Table 8.1: Maximum Allowable Emission Levels ................................................................. 25 Table 8.2: Predicted Odour Concentrations at Sensitive Receptors ...................................... 28 Table 8.3: Predicted 24-hour Average PM10 Concentrations at Sensitive Receptors ................ 29 Table 8.4: Predicted Annual Average PM10 Concentrations at Sensitive Receptors .................. 30 Table 8.5: Predicted Particulate Metal concentrations from VS#6 ........................................ 31 LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1.1: Regional Setting .............................................................................................. 2 Figure 3.1: Local Setting and Receptor Locations ................................................................. 5 Figure 3.2: Pseudo 3-Dimensional Representation of Regional Topography .............................. 6 Figure 5.1: Data Including Dust Storms ............................................................................ 11 Figure 5.2: Data Excluding Dust Storms............................................................................ 11 Figure 6.1: Wind Roses for Appin- 2009 ............................................................................ 13 Figure 6.2: Wind Roses generated for VS#6 Site – Calmet 2009 .......................................... 16 Figure 6.3: Stability Class Frequency (2009) ..................................................................... 17 Figure 6.4: Average Daily Diurnal Variation in Mixing Layer Depth ....................................... 18 Figure 8.1: Predicted 99th Percentile Odour Concentration (OU) – Scenario 1 ......................... 26 Figure 8.2: Predicted 99th Percentile Odour Concentration (OU) – Scenario 2 ........................ 27 Figure 8.3: Incremental Max 24-Hour PM10 Concentration (µg/m3) – Scenario 1 ................... 28 Figure 8.4: Incremental Max 24-Hour PM10 Concentration (µg/m3) – Scenario 2 ................... 29 Figure 8.5: Time series of 24-hour PM10 Concentrations ...................................................... 30 3876_Illawarra_Coal_VS6_AQA_Final_20100809.docx Air Quality Impact Assessment – BHP Billiton Illawarra Coal – Ventilation Shaft No.6 Project BHP Billiton Illawarra Coal | PAEHolmes Job 3876 v 1 INTRODUCTION BHP Billiton Illawarra Coal Pty. Ltd. (BHPBIC) operates Appin Mine, an underground longwall mining operation in the Bulli Seam of the Illawarra Coal Measures in the Southern Coalfield area of NSW, approximately 25km north-west of Wollongong (refer Figure 1.1). An additional upcast ventilation shaft, known as Ventilation Shaft No.6 (VS#6) is required to service existing and proposed underground operations. The construction and operation of VS#6 requires approval under Part 3A of the Environmental Planning & Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act) and in accordance with State Environmental Planning Policy (Major Developments) 2005. Cardno Forbes Rigby (Cardno) is managing the preparation of the Environmental Assessment (EA) to support this Part 3A application and PAEHolmes have been engaged to prepare an Air Quality Impact Assessment (AQIA) to form part of the EA for the project. 1.1 Background An integral component of underground coal mining is adequate ventilation to ensure a safe and efficient underground working environment. Currently, the Appin Mine is ventilated by three downcast ventilation shafts and two upcast ventilation shafts with extraction fans, as follows: No.1 Downcast Shaft; Two downcast shafts at Appin West Pit Top (plus ancillary air intakes); No.2 Upcast Shaft; and No.3 Upcast Shaft. The location of this infrastructure is shown in Figure 1.1. The current ventilation system for Appin Mine is capable of servicing and/or has previously serviced the following mining domains known as Areas 1, 2, 3, 4 and 7. However, as new mining domains are approved and mining moves away from existing infrastructure, additional ventilation shafts and ancillary plant are required. Area 9 is a new proposed mining domain within Consolidated Coal Lease (CCL) 767. Area 9 has been identified by BHPBIC as its next mining domain. This domain is located adjacent to and to the west of Area 7 and is planned to be mined once the coal reserves at West Cliff Colliery expire in approximately 2015. Area 7 and Area 9 will be mined in parallel, utilising the existing coal handling infrastructure and management systems. An assessment of the proposed mine domain ventilation system has identified a need to improve the capacity and reliability of the underground ventilation system. A number of options to improve the ventilation system for Areas 7 and 9 were developed, and after a rigorous internal assessment of each option, it was determined that the optimal solution was the VS#6. Underground roadways will also be developed to link the mine ventilation system in Area 7 to the existing West Cliff No.1 Upcast Shaft. 3876_Illawarra_Coal_VS6_AQA_Final_20100809.docx Air Quality Impact Assessment – BHP Billiton Illawarra Coal – Ventilation Shaft No.6 Project BHP Billiton Illawarra Coal | PAEHolmes Job 3876 1 Figure 1.1: Regional Setting 1.2 Objectives of the Study The primary objective of the study is to assess the potential air quality impacts from the operation of the project by addressing the Director-General’s Requirements for assessment (DGRs), outlined as follows: “Air Quality – including a detailed consideration of the impacts that surface infrastructure, construction activities and construction vehicles could have on the local air shed, particularly within the township of Douglas Park, including odours.” The NSW Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water (DECCW) have also requested additional requirements for assessment, as follows: “The Proponent should undertake an air quality impact assessment for speciated volatile organic compounds and odour in accordance with the DECCW Approved Methods document. The modelling should be informed by monitoring at other shafts which ventilate the same coal seams”. The requirements will be addressed by the following proposed scope of work: Conduct an Air Quality Impact Assessment in accordance with the NSW DECCW “Approved Methods for the Modelling and Assessment of Air Pollutants in NSW” (NSW DEC, 2005); Quantify emissions to air for the vent shaft, based on site specific monitoring and representative monitoring from other underground coal mines; 3876_Illawarra_Coal_VS6_AQA_Final_20100809.docx Air Quality Impact Assessment – BHP Billiton Illawarra Coal – Ventilation Shaft No.6 Project BHP Billiton Illawarra Coal | PAEHolmes Job 3876 2 Provide a detailed description of the ambient receiving environment, including background pollution concentrations, prevailing meteorological conditions and nearby sensitive receptors; and Provide a cumulative impact assessment based on regulatory dispersion model predictions and representative background pollution concentrations. 2 PROJECT DESCRIPTION The commencement of operations at Area 9 will result in the operation of two longwalls and associated development units either side of Douglas Mains using an integrated mine ventilation system. This parallel longwall operation will require a significant enhancement of the current ventilation system. Currently, the approximate total mine airflow quantity for Appin Mine provided by VS#2 and VS#3 is around 520 m3/s. The planned total mine airflow quantity with the inclusion of Area 9 operating in parallel with Area 7 after the commissioning of VS#6 and continuation of VS#2 is anticipated to be around 700 to 800 m3/s. Appin VS#3 will be decommissioned as an upcast shaft and converted to an intake shaft as VS#6 comes on line. A proposed underground roadway connection between West Cliff Colliery and Area 7 will enable the use of the existing No.1 Upcast Ventilation Shaft at West Cliff for the ventilation of Area 7. The VS#6 shaft will be circular with a constructed diameter of approximately 6 m, a finished internal diameter of between 5 m to 5.6 m and a depth of approximately 530 m. The shaft will travel in a straight vertical line from the surface to intersect the mine workings underground. Once construction of the VS#6 is complete, three extraction fans (two duty and one hot spare fan), associated ducting and horizontal discharge evases will be installed to form the extraction fan facilities. The extraction fan facilities will consist of three centrifugal fans, connected in parallel, with horizontal evases discharging approximately 550 to 650 m 3/s of expired MVA in a north-easterly direction. The fan facilities will be electrically powered via the new substation constructed on-site. The predicted airflows for ventilation of BHPBICs proposed Bulli Seam operations are shown in Table 2.1. Table 2.1: Predicted Airflows of Upcast Ventilation Shafts under BHPBIC Bulli Seam Operations Predicted Ventilation Airflow (m3/s) Shaft # 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 West Cliff VS#1 350 350 350 350 350 350 Appin VS#2 220 240 240 240 240 240 Appin VS#3 350 350 520 520 520 0 Appin VS#6 0 0 0 0 0 550-600 Total 920 940 1,110 1,110 1,110 1,140 A low flow, diesel powered fan will also be installed for emergency ventilation purposes should power be lost to the main fans. 2.1 Service Supply Boreholes In addition to the vent shaft, BHPBIC propose to construct and operate a number of small service supply boreholes from the VS#6 Site, just to the north of the actual shaft location. The boreholes facilitate delivery underground of supplies such as concrete, ballast, fuel, emulsion, compressed air and stone dust. The service supply boreholes are anticipated to be approximately 200-300 mm in diameter, fully lined and of a similar depth to the shaft. The 3876_Illawarra_Coal_VS6_AQA_Final_20100809.docx Air Quality Impact Assessment – BHP Billiton Illawarra Coal – Ventilation Shaft No.6 Project BHP Billiton Illawarra Coal | PAEHolmes Job 3876 3 boreholes and associated surface storage tanks would be housed in storage sheds and silos. Ballast may be stored in a small stockpile area. 2.2 Access Currently, access to the VS#6 Site on the Mount batten Stud (MBS) property is via a gated, gravel access track from Dowle Street in Douglas Park. This access route is unsuitable for the heavy vehicle access required, particularly during the construction phase. The preferred access route (referred to as Access Option 3) is via Menangle Road. The access route will be across BHPBIC property and join Menangle Road just north of the Camden Road intersection. It is anticipated that initially, during construction, the access route will be unsealed but with the aim to have the road sealed as quickly as possible. It is envisaged the construction of the access route will take approximately 6 months. 2.3 Power Supply A high voltage power supply is required at the VS#6 site. A 66kV high voltage switchyard will be constructed on BHPBIC land, with supply obtained from BHPBIC’s existing Douglas North Switchyard (DNS) located on Moreton Park Rd, Douglas Park. The supply would leave the DNS via an underground cable until it reaches the MBS where it will connect to a new switchyard. Alternatively, the supply could leave DNS via an underground cable until it reaches the northern side of Moreton Park Road. An overhead conductor, supported by steel or concrete poles, would run from the northern side of Moreton Park Road crossing the Hume Highway, ARTC rail line and continuing to the VS#6 switchyard. 3876_Illawarra_Coal_VS6_AQA_Final_20100809.docx Air Quality Impact Assessment – BHP Billiton Illawarra Coal – Ventilation Shaft No.6 Project BHP Billiton Illawarra Coal | PAEHolmes Job 3876 4 3 LOCAL SETTING The location of VS#6 and associated infrastructure is on BHPBIC owned land, to the east of the township of Douglas Park in NSW (refer Figure 3.1). The proposed location for the VS#6 project is freehold land owned by BHPBIC and is described formally as Lot 37/DP8738, Lot 3/DP8738, Lot 35/DP8999, Lot 1/DP576136 and Lot A/DP421246. The existing landscape of the property on which the VS#6 Project is proposed can be described as previously cleared, open land used for agricultural purposes with undulating to hilly topography. The site is bounded to the immediate west by Harris Creek, a drainage line draining in a southerly direction into the Nepean River, then the township of Douglas Park and the Main Southern Rail Line and Hume Highway to the north, south and east. The Nepean River is located to the south and east of the site, on the eastern side of Moreton Park Road. A threedimensional representation of the local topography is shown in Figure 3.2. Figure 3.1: Local Setting and Receptor Locations 3876_Illawarra_Coal_VS6_AQA_Final_20100809.docx Air Quality Impact Assessment – BHP Billiton Illawarra Coal – Ventilation Shaft No.6 Project BHP Billiton Illawarra Coal | PAEHolmes Job 3876 5 Figure 3.2: Pseudo 3-Dimensional Representation of Regional Topography For the purposes of assessing impacts from the VS#6, the following receptor locations are selected and presented in Table 3.1. Table 3.1: Closest Receptor Locations Location/ Name Easting (m) Northing (m) Elevation (m) Camden Road / Site 1 289422 6215973 122 Moreton St / Site 2 289393 6215057 113 Duggan/Hokins Close / Site 3 289302 6215434 115 Douglas Park Public School 289286 6215592 119 Moreton Park Rd/Site 4 290665 6215594 115 3876_Illawarra_Coal_VS6_AQA_Final_20100809.docx Air Quality Impact Assessment – BHP Billiton Illawarra Coal – Ventilation Shaft No.6 Project BHP Billiton Illawarra Coal | PAEHolmes Job 3876 6 4 AIR QUALITY CRITERIA During operation, the VS#6 will result in emissions of particulate matter (PM), methane (CH4) and other higher level hydrocarbons, some of which may be odorous. During emergencies, a low flow fan will be operated via a diesel generator. Emergency operations will be for less than a 24 hour period, and the emergency system may be tested for one hour per month. These diesel emissions are typically too small to give rise to significant off-site concentrations. During construction, fugitive dust emissions from surface activities can also be expected. In addition, emissions of CO, NO2, and sulphur dioxide (SO2) will occur from diesel-powered construction equipment; however these are typically too small and too widely dispersed to give rise to significant off-site concentrations. 4.1 Particulate Matter Emissions of particulate matter are generally considered in three separate size fractions. These are described as total suspended particulate matter (TSP), particulate matter with equivalent aerodynamic diameters 10 m or less (PM10) and particles with equivalent aerodynamic diameters of 2.5 m and less (PM2.5). Particulate matter has the capacity to affect health and to cause nuisance effects. The extent to which health or nuisance effects occur, relates to the size and/or by chemical composition of the particulate matter. This section provides information on the air quality criteria used to assess the impact of emissions. The assessment criteria provide benchmarks, which if met, are intended to protect the community against the adverse effects of air pollutants. These criteria are generally considered to reflect current Australian community standards for the protection of health and protection against nuisance effects. To assist in interpreting the significance of predicted concentration some background discussion on the potential harmful effects is provided below. The human respiratory system has in-built defensive systems that prevent particles larger than approximately 10 m from reaching the more sensitive parts of the respiratory system. Particles with aerodynamic diameters less than 10 m are referred to as PM10. Particles larger than 10 m, while not able to affect health, can soil materials and generally degrade aesthetic elements of the environment. For this reason air quality goals make reference to measures of the total mass of all particles suspended in the air. This is referred to as Total Suspended Particulate matter (TSP). In practice, particles larger than 30 to 50 m settle out of the atmosphere too quickly to be regarded as air pollutants. The upper size range for TSP is usually taken to be 30 m. TSP includes PM10. The health-based assessment criteria used by NSW Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water (DECCW) have, to a large extent, been developed by reference to epidemiological studies undertaken in urban areas with large populations where the primary pollutants are the products of combustion. This means that, in contrast to dust of crustal 1 origin, the particulate matter would be composed of smaller particles and would generally contain acidic and carcinogenic substances that are associated with combustion. Table 4.1 summarises the air quality goals that are relevant to this study. The air quality goals relate to the total dust burden in the air and not just the dust from the project. 1 The term crustal dust is used to refer to dust generated from materials that constitute the earth’s crust. 3876_Illawarra_Coal_VS6_AQA_Final_20100809.docx Air Quality Impact Assessment – BHP Billiton Illawarra Coal – Ventilation Shaft No.6 Project BHP Billiton Illawarra Coal | PAEHolmes Job 3876 7 Table 4.1: Air quality Goals for Particulate Matter Pollutant Standard Averaging Period Source Total suspended particulate matter (TSP) 90 g/m3 Annual mean NHMRC PM10 50 g/m3 24-hour maximum NSW DEC (2005) 30 g/m3 Annual mean (assessment criteria) 50 g/m3 24-hour average NEPM (allows five exceedances per year for bushfires and dust storms) 4.2 Odour The determination of air quality goals for odour and their use in the assessment of odour impacts is recognised as a difficult topic in air pollution science. The topic has received considerable attention in recent years and the procedures for assessing odour impacts using dispersion models have been refined considerably. There is still considerable debate in the scientific community about appropriate odour goals as determined by dispersion modelling. The DECCW has developed odour goals and the way in which they should be applied with dispersion models to assess the likelihood of nuisance impact arising from the emission of odour. There are two factors that need to be considered: what "level of exposure" to odour is considered acceptable to meet current community standards in NSW; and how can dispersion models be used to determine if a source of odour meets the goals which are based on this acceptable level of exposure. The term "level of exposure" has been used to reflect the fact that odour impacts are determined by several factors the most important of which are: the Frequency of the exposure; the Intensity of the odour; the Duration of the odour episodes; and the Offensiveness of the odour (the so-called FIDO factor) In determining the offensiveness of an odour it needs to be recognised that for most odours the context in which an odour is perceived is also relevant. Some odours, for example the smell of sewage, hydrogen sulfide, butyric acid, landfill gas etc., are likely to be judged offensive regardless of the context in which they occur. Other odours such as the smell of jet fuel may be acceptable at an airport, but not in a house, and diesel exhaust may be acceptable near a busy road, but not in a restaurant. In summary, whether or not an individual considers an odour to be a nuisance will depend on the FIDO factors outlined above and although it is possible to derive formulae for assessing odour annoyance in a community, the response of any individual to an odour is still unpredictable. Odour goals need to take account of these factors. The DECCW “Approved Methods for Modelling and Assessment of Air Pollutants in NSW” (NSW DEC, 2005) include impact assessment criteria for complex mixtures of odorous air pollutants. They have been refined by the DECC to take account of population density in the area. Table 4.2 lists the odour impact assessment criterion to be exceeded not more than 1% of the time, for different population densities. 3876_Illawarra_Coal_VS6_AQA_Final_20100809.docx Air Quality Impact Assessment – BHP Billiton Illawarra Coal – Ventilation Shaft No.6 Project BHP Billiton Illawarra Coal | PAEHolmes Job 3876 8 Table 4.2: Impact Assessment Criteria for the Assessment of Odorous air pollutants Population of affected community Impact Assessment Criteria for Complex Mixtures of Odorous Air Pollutants (OU, nose-response-time average, 99th percentile) ~2 7 ~10 6 ~30 5 ~125 4 ~500 3 Urban (2000) and/or schools and hospitals 2 The difference between odour goals is based on considerations of risk of odour impact rather than differences in odour acceptability between urban and rural areas. For a given odour level there will be a wide range of responses in the population exposed to the odour. In a densely populated area there will therefore be a greater risk that some individuals within the community will find the odour unacceptable than in a sparsely populated area. In adopting odour impact assessment criteria for the VS#6 project, consideration is given to the population density of Douglas Park, which is given as 827 (ABS, 2006). Using the equation outlined in the Approved Methods (Equation 7.2), an odour goal of 3 OU for Douglas Park is established, as follows: It is noted that the more stringent criteria of 2 OU should be applied at the Douglas Park Public School. 3876_Illawarra_Coal_VS6_AQA_Final_20100809.docx Air Quality Impact Assessment – BHP Billiton Illawarra Coal – Ventilation Shaft No.6 Project BHP Billiton Illawarra Coal | PAEHolmes Job 3876 9 5 EXISTING AMBIENT AIR QUALITY Air quality standards and goals are used to assess the total pollutant level in the environment, including the contribution from specific projects and existing sources. To fully assess impacts against all the relevant air quality standards and goals it is necessary to have information on the background concentrations to which the project is likely to contribute. The NSW DECCW operate a number of monitoring stations in South West Sydney, as follows: MacArthur (UWS Campbelltown Campus) located approximately 15 km northeast of Douglas Park; Bargo (Silica Road) located approximately 20 km southwest of Douglas Park; and Oakdale (Ridge Road) located approximately 25 km northwest of Douglas Park. Data from these monitoring sites have been used to provide an indication of existing ambient air quality for the area around Douglas Park. 5.1 Particulate Matter PM10 is monitored at Macarthur and Oakdale. There were a number of occasions during 2009 when elevated 24-hour PM10 concentrations occurred as a result of regional dust storms. The most significant of these occurred on 23 September 2009 when 24-hour PM10 concentrations were some of the highest ever recorded in Sydney, with concentrations over 1000 µg/m 3 recorded at Macarthur and Oakdale. Figure 5.1 shows a plot of the 24-hour average PM10 concentration recorded at these two sites for 2009, with all data included. Figure 5.2 shows the 24-hour average PM10 concentration with known dust storm events excluded. There was one other occasion when the air quality goal of 50 µg/m3 was exceeded. This occurred at Macarthur on 22 November 2009 when 24hour PM10 levels were 63 µg/m3 and may have been a result of a local event, however no record of a dust storm was found. In most cases the peak concentration due to a new emission source will not occur at the same time as the background peak, which in Sydney is often as a result of a dust storm or bushfire. When considering background pollutant concentrations for assessment purposes, it is sensible to exclude these anomalous events and the approach recommended by the NSW DECCW in their Approved Methods is to demonstrate that no additional exceedances of the criteria would occur as a result of the development. The annual average PM10 concentrations recorded at Macarthur and Oakdale were 21 µg/m3 and 20 µg/m3 respectively, with days where dust storms occurred included in the average. Although these extraordinary events would normally be excluded from a calculation of annual average, they are included in this case to provide an conservative indication of annual average concentrations at Douglas Park. 3876_Illawarra_Coal_VS6_AQA_Final_20100809.docx Air Quality Impact Assessment – BHP Billiton Illawarra Coal – Ventilation Shaft No.6 Project BHP Billiton Illawarra Coal | PAEHolmes Job 3876 10 1600 Goal MacArthur Oakdale 24-Hour PM10 Concentration (ug/m3) 1200 800 400 0 18/12/08 28/03/09 06/07/09 14/10/09 22/01/10 Figure 5.1: Data Including Dust Storms 80 Goal MacArthur Oakdale 24-Hour PM10 Concentration (ug/m3) 60 40 20 0 18/12/08 28/03/09 06/07/09 14/10/09 22/01/10 Figure 5.2: Data Excluding Dust Storms 3876_Illawarra_Coal_VS6_AQA_Final_20100809.docx Air Quality Impact Assessment – BHP Billiton Illawarra Coal – Ventilation Shaft No.6 Project BHP Billiton Illawarra Coal | PAEHolmes Job 3876 11 5.2 Odour It is not always practical to assess the cumulative odour impact of all odour sources that may impact on discrete receptors, although in a rural area such as Douglas Park, the number and type of odour sources may be more easily identified. However it is common in odour assessment to assess the incremental increase in odour from a proposed development against the assessment criteria, particularly where no other sources of similar odour character are present. 6 PREVAILING METEOROLOGY 6.1 Prevailing Winds Local meteorological data are collected at the EDL Appin Power Station, located approximately 5.5km southeast of the VS#6 site. Data from 2008 to 2010 have been analysed and data from 2009 chosen for assessment purposes. Annual and seasonal wind roses are presented in Figure 6.1. On an annual basis, the most common winds are from the southeast, southsouthwest and south. This pattern is reflected in most seasons except during winter when strong winds from the west also dominate. The predominant seasonal winds blow away from Douglas Park from the proposed VS#6 site. The average wind speed recorded at Appin is 3.5 m/s and calm conditions (<= 0.5 m/s) are infrequent at approximately 1.2% of the time. 3876_Illawarra_Coal_VS6_AQA_Final_20100809.docx Air Quality Impact Assessment – BHP Billiton Illawarra Coal – Ventilation Shaft No.6 Project BHP Billiton Illawarra Coal | PAEHolmes Job 3876 12 N NNW NNE NW Annual and seasonal windroses for APPIN (2009) NE WNW ENE W E 4% 8% 12% WSW 16% Wind speed (m/s) >0.5 - 1.5 ESE >1.5 - 3 SW >3 - 4.5 SE >4.5 - 6 SSW SSE S >6 - 7.5 >7.5 Annual Calms = 2.0% N N NNW NNE NW NNW NE WNW NNE NW ENE W E NE WNW ENE W E 4% 8% 12% 16% 20% WSW 4% ESE SW 12% WSW SE SSW 8% 16% ESE SW SSE SE SSW SSE S S Autumn Calms = 1.2% Summer Calms = 1.0% N N NNW NNE NW NNW NE WNW NW ENE W E 4% 8% 12% WSW SE SSW SSE NE WNW ENE W E 16% ESE SW NNE 4% 12% WSW 16% ESE SW SE SSW SSE S Winter Calms = 1.2% 8% S Spring Calms = 4.5% Figure 6.1: Wind Roses for Appin- 2009 The wind data for 2009 is consistent with long term monitoring data at Appin, including 20072008 data analysed for the Bulli Seam project (PAEHolmes, 2009), 2008 data analysed for the Appin Area 7 Goaf Gas Drainage Project (PAEHolmes, 2009a) and 1995 data analysed for the Endeavour Project at West Cliff Colliery (HAS, 2006). 3876_Illawarra_Coal_VS6_AQA_Final_20100809.docx Air Quality Impact Assessment – BHP Billiton Illawarra Coal – Ventilation Shaft No.6 Project BHP Billiton Illawarra Coal | PAEHolmes Job 3876 13 6.2 Modelling Approach 6.2.1 Introduction The CALMET/CALPUFF modelling system was chosen for this study. This is based on the fact that simple Gaussian dispersion models such as AUSPLUME assume that the meteorological conditions are uniform spatially over the entire modelling domain for any given hour. While this may be valid for some applications, in complex flow situations, such as hilly terrain, the meteorological conditions may be more accurately simulated using a wind field model such as CALPUFF. CALPUFF is a multi-layer, multi-species non-steady state puff dispersion model that can simulate the effects of time and space varying meteorological conditions on pollutant transport, transformation and removal (Scire et al., 2000). The model contains algorithms for nearsource effects such as building downwash, partial plume penetration, sub-grid scale interactions as well as longer-range effects such as pollutant removal, chemical transformation, vertical wind shear and coastal interaction effects. The model employs dispersion equations based on a Gaussian distribution of pollutants across the puff and takes into account the complex arrangement of emissions from point, area, volume, and line sources. CALPUFF is endorsed by the US EPA, and has been extensively used in Australia. A CALPUFF computation grid of 5 km x 6 km was nested within the CALMET meteorological grid (refer Section 6.2.2) and centred over the VS#6 site. A Cartesian receptor sampling grid of 50 m was used. 6.2.2 CALMET CALMET is a meteorological pre-processor that includes a wind field generator containing objective analysis and parameterised treatments of slope flows, terrain effects and terrain blocking effects. The pre-processor produces fields of wind components, air temperature, relative humidity, mixing height and other micro-meteorological variables to produce the threedimensional meteorological fields that are utilised in the CALPUFF dispersion model. CALMET uses the meteorological inputs in combination with land use and geophysical information for the modelling domain to predict gridded meteorological fields for the region. CALMET was initially run for a coarse outer grid domain of 100 km x 100 km, centred on the VS#6 site, with a 0.4 km resolution. The reason for modelling an outer meteorological domain to feed the inner grid was to allow cloud data from distant Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) monitoring sites to be incorporated, in the absence of any available local data at a finer modelling resolution. Observed hourly data from the EDL Appin Power Station, plus the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) sites located at Camden Airport AWS, Campbelltown Airport AWS and Bellambi AWS were used as input for CALMET. Cloud amount and cloud heights were sourced from observations at Camden Airport and Bellambi. Upper air data were also extracted from TAPM 2 to provide the necessary upper air files. 2 The Air Pollution Model, or TAPM, is a three dimensional meteorological and air pollution model developed by the CSIRO Division of Atmospheric Research. A detailed description of the TAPM model and its performance is provided elsewhere, (Hurley, 2002a, 2002b; Hurley et al., 2002a, 2002b; Hibberd et al., 2003; Luhar & Hurley, 2003). TAPM was set up with 4 domains, with a resolution of 30 km, 10 km, 3 km and 1 km respectively. To improve model accuracy, observed wind conditions from Appin Power Station , 3876_Illawarra_Coal_VS6_AQA_Final_20100809.docx Air Quality Impact Assessment – BHP Billiton Illawarra Coal – Ventilation Shaft No.6 Project BHP Billiton Illawarra Coal | PAEHolmes Job 3876 14 CALMET outputs from the outer grid were then used as input into the finer resolution inner grid domain of 5 km x 6 km, centred on the VS#6 site. The inner grid modelling was used to create a fine resolution three-dimensional meteorological field for the area around the VS#6 site. The performance of the CALMET model is compared with observations made at Appin based on the annual and seasonal wind roses extracted for a point in the middle of the domain at the approximate location of the VS#6 site (Figure 6.2). The CALMET annual wind rose displays similar characteristics to the measured wind speeds at the Appin site with moderate to strong wind speeds dominating from a southeast direction. The estimated mean wind speed at the site is 3.0 m/s with an estimated percentage of calm conditions (< 0.5m/s) of 1.7% of the time. Camden Airport AWS, Campbelltown Airport AWS and Bellambi AWS were used to improve the TAPM solution. 3876_Illawarra_Coal_VS6_AQA_Final_20100809.docx Air Quality Impact Assessment – BHP Billiton Illawarra Coal – Ventilation Shaft No.6 Project BHP Billiton Illawarra Coal | PAEHolmes Job 3876 15 N NNW NNE NW Annual and seasonal windroses for VS#6 Site - CALMET Generated 2009 NE WNW ENE W E 4% 8% 12% WSW Wind speed (m/s) >0.5 - 1.5 ESE >1.5 - 3 SW >3 - 4.5 SE >4.5 - 6 SSW SSE S >6 - 7.5 >7.5 Annual Calms = 1.7% N N NNW NNE NW NNW NE WNW NNE NW ENE W E NE WNW ENE W E 4% 8% 12% 16% 20% WSW 4% ESE SW 12% 16% WSW SE SSW 8% ESE SW SSE SE SSW SSE S S Autumn Calms = 1.4% Summer Calms = 1.4% N N NNW NNE NW NNW NE WNW NW ENE W E 4% 8% ESE SE SSW SSE NE WNW ENE W E 12% 16% WSW SW NNE 2% 4% 6% 8% 10% WSW ESE SW SE SSW SSE S Winter Calms = 1.4% S Spring Calms = 2.7% Figure 6.2: Wind Roses generated for VS#6 Site – Calmet 2009 3876_Illawarra_Coal_VS6_AQA_Final_20100809.docx Air Quality Impact Assessment – BHP Billiton Illawarra Coal – Ventilation Shaft No.6 Project BHP Billiton Illawarra Coal | PAEHolmes Job 3876 16 6.3 Atmospheric Stability An important aspect of pollutant dispersion is the level of turbulence in the atmosphere near the ground. Turbulence acts to dilute or diffuse a plume by increasing the cross-sectional area of the plume due to random motion. As turbulence increases, the rate of plume dilution or diffusion increases. Weak turbulence limits diffusion and is a critical factor in causing high plume concentrations downwind of a source. Turbulence is related to the vertical temperature gradient, the condition of which determines what is known as stability, or thermal stability. For traditional dispersion modelling using Gaussian plume models, categories of atmospheric stability are used in conjunction with other meteorological data to describe the dispersion conditions in the atmosphere. The best known stability classification is the Pasquill-Gifford scheme, which denotes stability classes from A to F. Class A is described as highly unstable and occurs in association with strong surface heating and light winds, leading to intense convective turbulence and much enhanced plume dilution. At the other extreme, class F denotes very stable conditions associated with strong temperature inversions and light winds, such as those that commonly occur under clear skies at night and in the early morning. Under these conditions plumes can remain relatively undiluted for considerable distances downwind. Intermediate stability classes grade from moderately unstable (B), through neutral (D) to slightly stable (E). Whilst classes A and F are closely associated with clear skies, class D is linked to windy and/or cloudy weather, and short periods around sunset and sunrise when surface heating or cooling is small. The CALMET-generated meteorological data can be used to estimate stability class for the site and the frequency distribution of estimated stability classes is presented in Figure 6.3. The data show a high proportion of stable conditions (class F). 35 Frequency of Occurance (%) 30 25 20 15 10 5 0 A B C D E F Stability Class Figure 6.3: Stability Class Frequency (2009) 3876_Illawarra_Coal_VS6_AQA_Final_20100809.docx Air Quality Impact Assessment – BHP Billiton Illawarra Coal – Ventilation Shaft No.6 Project BHP Billiton Illawarra Coal | PAEHolmes Job 3876 17 6.4 Mixing Height Mixing height is defined as the height above ground of a temperature inversion or statically stable layer of air capping the atmospheric boundary layer. It is often associated with, or measured by, a sharp increase of temperature with height, a sharp decrease of water-vapour, a sharp decrease in turbulence intensity and a sharp decrease in pollutant concentration. Mixing height is variable in space and time, and typically increases during fair-weather daytime over land from tens to hundreds of metres around sunrise up to 1–3 km in the mid-afternoon, depending on the location, season and day-to-day weather conditions. Mixing heights show diurnal variation and can change rapidly after sunrise and at sunset. Diurnal variations in the minimum, maximum and average mixing depths, based on the CALMET-generated meteorological data for the site, are shown in Figure 6.4. As expected, mixing heights begin to grow following sunrise with the onset of vertical convective mixing with maximum heights reached in mid to late afternoon. 3000 Mixing Depth (m) 2000 1000 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Hour of Day 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Figure 6.4: Average Daily Diurnal Variation in Mixing Layer Depth 3876_Illawarra_Coal_VS6_AQA_Final_20100809.docx Air Quality Impact Assessment – BHP Billiton Illawarra Coal – Ventilation Shaft No.6 Project BHP Billiton Illawarra Coal | PAEHolmes Job 3876 18 7 EMISSIONS TO AIR The primary pollutants of concern from the operation of the VS#6 will be particulate matter and odour. A review of existing emissions data from other underground mining operations in the area, including those that mine in the Bulli Seam, has been undertaken and is summarised in Section 7.1. Site specific emissions data were also collected from the Appin mine, and are discussed in Section 7.2. 7.1 Review of Existing Emission Data The following emissions data have been reviewed and are summarised below. Emissions testing report for Dendrobium Mine (Wongawilli Seam) for particulate matter, odour and VOCs (EML, 2005); Emissions data for Metropolitan Colliery (Bulli Seam) for particulate matter and odour (HAS, 2008); Report on the characterisation and quantification of components in West Cliff Mine (Bulli Seam) ventilation air (SGS, 2009); Emissions data from West Cliff Colliery (Bulli Seam) Main Fan Ventilation Duct (BHPSteel, 2003); Underground gas reports from Appin Area 7 (Bulli Seam) (BHP Billiton, 2010). 7.1.1 Particulate Matter A summary of the particulate monitoring data from existing data sources is provided in Table 7.1 which shows total particulate concentrations in mine ventilation air ranging from 0.4 mg/m 3 to 2 mg/m3. These data are compared to monitoring conducted in the return air at distance from the working face of the Appin Area 7 longwall (refer Section 7.2). Table 7.1: Emissions data reviewed for Particulate Matter Source Pollutant Concentration West Cliff Main Vent Duct TSP 1.5 mg/m3 1.1 mg/m3 TSP 1.6 mg/m3 PM10 1.1 mg/m3 PM2.5 1.4 mg/m3 Metropolitan Colliery TSP 0.42 mg/m3 West Cliff Colliery Ventilation Air (SGS 2009) TSP 2.0 mg/m3 Dendrobium Mine Vent Shaft #1 7.1.2 Odour Odour monitoring data obtained from two mine ventilation shafts are presented in Table 7.2. Odour concentrations at Dendrobium are lower than at Metropolitan although it is noted that the Dendrobium mine is in the Wongawilli Seam which is less gassy than the Bulli Seam (Metropolitan). Odour concentrations have also been collected from the Appin vent shaft #3 for use in this assessment (refer Section 7.2). 3876_Illawarra_Coal_VS6_AQA_Final_20100809.docx Air Quality Impact Assessment – BHP Billiton Illawarra Coal – Ventilation Shaft No.6 Project BHP Billiton Illawarra Coal | PAEHolmes Job 3876 19 Table 7.2: Existing Emissions data reviewed for Odour Source Pollutant Concentration Dendrobium Mine Vent Shaft #1 Odour 54 OU Metropolitan Colliery Odour 175 OU 7.1.3 Other Components of Mine Ventilation Air The primary purpose of mine ventilation is to provide a safe working environment for mine employees and pollutant concentrations within the return air shafts will be well below levels that would normally be associated with adverse health effects. This is supported by analysis of the characterisation and composition of ventilation air, which indicates that organic components of mine ventilation air are kept low and generally below the sampling/analysis method limit of detection. Monitoring conducted at West Cliff Colliery Main Fan Ventilation Duct (BHPSteel, 2003), indicated concentrations of NOx, SO2 and CO, all below the limit of detection. An analysis of the VOC components of mine ventilation air at West Cliff, indicated that all toxic organic components are also less than the limit of detection (SGS, 2009), as shown in Table 7.3. This was also found to be the case at Dendrobium mine (EML, 2005) where all nonmethane VOCs were below detection levels of 0.2 mg/m3. 3876_Illawarra_Coal_VS6_AQA_Final_20100809.docx Air Quality Impact Assessment – BHP Billiton Illawarra Coal – Ventilation Shaft No.6 Project BHP Billiton Illawarra Coal | PAEHolmes Job 3876 20 Table 7.3: Results of Organic Analysis of West Cliff Mine Ventilation Air Compound Results (mg/kg) Benzene <5 Toluene <5 Ethylbenzene <5 Xylenes <10 Total Volatile Aromatic Hydrocarbon compounds <100 Total Volatile Aliphatic Hydrocarbon compounds <100 Total Volatile Organic Halogenated compounds <100 TRH C10 – C14 <20 TRH C15 – C28 <50 TRH C29 – C36 <50 Naphthalene <0.1 2-Methylnaphthalene <0.1 1-Methlnaphthalene <0.1 Acenaphthene <0.1 Flourene <0.1 Phenanthrene <0.1 Anthracene <0.1 Floranthene <0.1 Pyrene <0.1 Benzo[a]anthracene <0.1 Chrysene <0.1 Benzo[b,k]flouranthene <0.2 Benzo[a]pyrene <0.05 Indeno[123-cd]pyrene <0.1 Dibenzo[ah]anthracene <0.1 Benzo]ghi]perylene <0.1 Total PAH <0.9 3876_Illawarra_Coal_VS6_AQA_Final_20100809.docx Air Quality Impact Assessment – BHP Billiton Illawarra Coal – Ventilation Shaft No.6 Project BHP Billiton Illawarra Coal | PAEHolmes Job 3876 21 Gas samples were also taken from near the active longwall at Appin Area 7 during 2010 and analysed for hydrocarbons including methane, ethane, ethylene, propane, propylene, butane and pentane. It would be expected that the concentration of hydrocarbons in MVA would be highest at this locations given its proximity to the operating longwall. Hence, use of these data in air impact assessment is very conservative. None of these compounds, with the exception of n-pentane, have health based impact assessment criteria in NSW, and are therefore not considered further in this assessment. The recorded % (v/v) composition of n-pentane at Appin Area 7 is low (0.002%). An estimation of the concentrations of n-pentane in the mine ventilation air has been estimated from the available data for total VOC concentration measured at West Cliff and Dendrobium (SGS, 2009 & EML, 2005). Shown in Table 7.4 is the estimated n-pentane concentrations based on total VOC concentrations measured at West Cliff and Dendrobium and % composition of n-pentane in gas samples taken from the Appin Area 7 longwall. The results indicate that concentrations are many orders of magnitude below relevant air quality goals, and are therefore not considered further in this assessment. Table 7.4: Analysis of n-pentane in mine ventilation air Source VOC Concentration % v/v n-pentane West Cliff Colliery <100 ppm 0.002 Dendrobium 3 1 Estimated n-pentane Concentration NSW DECCW Goal <4 x 10-6 ppm 11 ppm -6 <0.2 mg/m Note: 1 From gas samples at Appin long wall 3 <4 x 10 mg/m 33 mg/m3 SGS also conducted analysis of the metal composition of the particulate collected at West Cliff. Further discussion on potential impacts from particulate metal concentrations is provided in Section 8. 7.2 On-Site Emissions Testing 7.2.1 Odour Emission Testing Odour measurements were taken from the Appin Vent Shaft #3 on the 18 June 2010 and the results are provided in Table 7.5 (TOU, 2010). Appin Vent Shaft #3 currently exhausts MVA from Area 7 which is representative of the MVA expected to be emitted from VS#6. The odour results are higher than previous data from Dendrobium and Metropolitan Mines. The odour was characterised by the odour panellists as “earthy”. Table 7.5: Odour Monitoring Results Sample Date/Time Odour Concentration (OU) Odour Character 18/06/2010 11:49 395 Earthy 18/06/2010 12:10 279 Earthy 7.2.2 Particulate Matter Testing Particulate matter concentrations were measured in an existing return air panel at Appin, at a distance of approximately 460 m from the longwall during extraction. The monitoring provides a highly conservatively level of dust concentration which may be expected from the operation of VS#6. 3876_Illawarra_Coal_VS6_AQA_Final_20100809.docx Air Quality Impact Assessment – BHP Billiton Illawarra Coal – Ventilation Shaft No.6 Project BHP Billiton Illawarra Coal | PAEHolmes Job 3876 22 Worst case dust emissions from the proposed VS#6 will occur when mining the longwall panel in close proximity to the upcast vent. As mining moves away from the VS#6, the concentrations in MVA will decrease as particles are depleted and deposited out of the air stream, as it moves towards the shaft. Emissions are expected to follow a cyclical pattern, decreasing as panel extraction moves away from the vent and increasing as the next panel is mined back towards the vent. As progressive longwall panel extraction continues in a northerly direction, the distance from the VS#6 to the active mining will increase and the associated concentrations of dust will decrease. The closest that Area 9 mining will get to VS#6 will be approximately 900m, almost twice the distance at which dust samples were captured in the return air. It is expected that the daily rate of longwall mining for Area 9 (i.e. when VS#6 will be operational) will be similar to that in Area 7 when this sampling was conducted. The total mass of PM10 emissions during mining are derived from the product of the measured concentrations within the return panel and the total ventilation flow rate through this panel. The concentration within the VS#6 is then estimated from the total mass emission from the mining activity and the ventilation flow rate from the shaft (refer Table 7.6). Table 7.6: Results of Return Air Sampling and Derived Concentrations Measured PM10 Concentration (mg/m3) Measured Flow Rate (m3/s) Total PM10 mass (mg) from mining Worst Case VS#6 In-Shaft Concentration (mg/m3) 76.5 42 3213 @ 650 m3/s 4.9 @ 550 m3/s 5.8 The derived concentrations are significantly higher (2 – 10 times) than other measurement of TSP taken in vent shafts at other sites (refer Table 7.1). It is also noted that the monitoring indicates that the PM10 / TSP ratio is approximately 0.6 in underground mine air (i.e PM 10 comprises approximately 60% of TSP). The results therefore should provide a conservative indication of potential impact from the operation of VS#6 when mining is in close proximity to the shaft. For the majority of the time during extraction in Area 9, the longwall will be several kilometres from the shaft and particulate emissions are expected to be similar to those presented in Table 7.1. 7.3 Model Inputs The VS#6 will consist of three centrifugal fans, connected in parallel, with evases discharging approximately 550 m3/s to 650 m3/s of mine ventilation air (MVA) in a north-easterly direction. The discharge will be directed upwards, at a nominal 45 O angle, to provide the plume with an initial momentum flux, and assist with the plume dispersion and dilution. The exit velocity of the discharge will vary according to ventilation flow rate, and two ventilation scenarios are modeled, representing a high ventilation rate of 650 m3/s and a more typical ventilation rate of 550 m3/s. The corresponding exit velocities were calculated as 33 m/s and 28 m/s respectively. An adjustment is made to the exit velocity to reflect the fact that the evases are not vertical, but will be deflected upwards, at a nominal 45 O angle from the horizontal. The exit velocity is adjusted according to the sine function to account for some loss of momentum flux in the horizontal direction. The modelled parameters for each scenario are presented in Table 7.7. 3876_Illawarra_Coal_VS6_AQA_Final_20100809.docx Air Quality Impact Assessment – BHP Billiton Illawarra Coal – Ventilation Shaft No.6 Project BHP Billiton Illawarra Coal | PAEHolmes Job 3876 23 Table 7.7: Modelling Emission Rates – Scenario 1 Parameter Value Flow Rate (m3/s) 650 Exit Velocity (m/s) 23 Release Height (m) 3.0 Stack Diameter (m) 6.0 Temperature (K) 295 3 Odour Emission Rate (OU.m /s) 219,050 PM10 3.2 g/s Table 7.8: Modelling Emission Rates – Scenario 2 Parameter Value 3 Flow Rate (m /s) 550 Exit Velocity (m/s) 20 Release Height (m) 3.0 Stack Diameter (m) 6.0 Temperature (K) 295 3 Odour Emission Rate (OU.m /s) 185,350 PM10 3.2 g/s 7.4 Peak to Mean Ratios The instantaneous perception of odours by the human nose occurs over very short time scales (~ 1 second) but dispersion model predictions are typically made for time scales equivalent to one hour averaging periods. To estimate the effects of plume meandering and concentration fluctuations perceived by the human nose, it is possible to multiply dispersion model predictions by a correction factor called a “peak-to-mean ratio”. The peak to mean ratio (P/M60) is defined as the ratio of peak 1-second concentrations to mean 1-hour average concentrations. CALPUFF has been modelled at hourly time-steps. To estimate peak 1-second concentrations from hourly averaged odour concentrations, a Peak-to-Mean Ratio (P/M60) of 2.3 has been applied corresponding to a wake-affected point source, in accordance with Table 6.1 of the Approved Methods. 3876_Illawarra_Coal_VS6_AQA_Final_20100809.docx Air Quality Impact Assessment – BHP Billiton Illawarra Coal – Ventilation Shaft No.6 Project BHP Billiton Illawarra Coal | PAEHolmes Job 3876 24 8 EMISSIONS ASSESSMENT 8.1 Prescribed Limits The Protection of the Environment Operations (Clean Air) Regulations 2003 (POEO, 2003) sets out standards of concentration for emissions to air from scheduled activities. The maximum pollution levels relevant to this assessment, allowed under the regulations for general activities, are provided in Table 8.1. The expected concentrations of particles from the VS#6 (< 2 mg/m3 when the longwall is operating away from the shaft, and < 6 mg/m3 when the longwall is in close proximity to the shaft) are well below the emission limits prescribed by the Clean Air Regulations. Table 8.1: Maximum Allowable Emission Levels Air Impurity Activity or Plant Standard of Concentration Solid Particles Any process emitting solid particles 50 mg/m3 8.2 Modelling Results 8.2.1 Odour The results of the odour modelling predictions for the VS#6 are presented in Figure 8.1 and Figure 8.2. The contours show the predicted odour concentration at 0.5 OU, 1 OU, 2 OU and 3 OU, at the 99th percentile level and expressed as a nose response average (1-second) value. The plots are indicative of the concentrations that could potentially be reached for 1% of the time, under the conditions modelled. The results indicate that the predicted odour concentration at Douglas Park are less than 2 OU, and at most locations below 1 OU (the odour threshold or theoretical odour level at which no impact is experienced). The locations where peak odour concentrations of 3 OU are predicted are at elevated terrain to the north and west of the site and are sparsely populated. 3876_Illawarra_Coal_VS6_AQA_Final_20100809.docx Air Quality Impact Assessment – BHP Billiton Illawarra Coal – Ventilation Shaft No.6 Project BHP Billiton Illawarra Coal | PAEHolmes Job 3876 25 Species: Location: Scenario: Percentile: Averaging Time: Odour Douglas Park Scenario 1 –Ventilation Flow (650 m3/s) 99th Nose response Model Used: Units: Guideline: Met Data: Plot: CALPUFF v6.262 OU 2 OU – Douglas Park Public School CALMET R. Kellaghan Generated(2009) 3 OU – Douglas Park Figure 8.1: Predicted 99 th Percentile Odour Concentration (OU) – Scenario 1 3876_Illawarra_Coal_VS6_AQA_Final_20100809.docx Air Quality Impact Assessment – BHP Billiton Illawarra Coal – Ventilation Shaft No.6 Project BHP Billiton Illawarra Coal | PAEHolmes Job 3876 26 Species: Location: Scenario: Percentile: Averaging Time: Odour Douglas Park Scenario 2 –Ventilation Flow (550 m3/s) 99th Nose response Model Used: Units: Guideline: Met Data: Plot: CALPUFF v6.262 OU 2 OU – Douglas Park Public School CALMET R. Kellaghan Generated(2009) 3 OU – Douglas Park Figure 8.2: Predicted 99th Percentile Odour Concentration (OU) – Scenario 2 The predicted odour concentrations at each of the sensitive receptors in Table 3.1 are presented in Table 7.5. The odour predictions for the Scenario 2 are shown to be slightly higher than Scenario 1. This is because, although the odour emission rate is lower, the exit velocity is also lower, which reduces the initial momentum flux and dispersion potential. The predicted odour concentrations are below the adopted Odour Impact Assessment Criteria (OU 3) at all selected receptor locations, for each flow scenario modelled. It is noted that the odour character from VS#3 was reported by the odour analysis panel as “earthy”. On this basis, the predictions presented, made based on the odour emission rates derived from odour monitoring at VS#3 which ventilated the current Area 7 mining area, would not be expected to be detectable or distinguishable at the locations shown. 3876_Illawarra_Coal_VS6_AQA_Final_20100809.docx Air Quality Impact Assessment – BHP Billiton Illawarra Coal – Ventilation Shaft No.6 Project BHP Billiton Illawarra Coal | PAEHolmes Job 3876 27 Table 8.2: Predicted Odour Concentrations at Sensitive Receptors Predicted Odour Concentration (OU) 99th Percentile, Noise-response Receptor Location Odour Impact Assessment Criteria (OU) Scenario 1 Scenario 2 Camden Road / Site 1 1.6 1.7 3.0 Moreton St / Site 2 0.5 0.5 3.0 Cnr Duggan/Hokins Close / Site 3 1.0 1.1 3.0 Douglas Park Public School 1.1 1.1 2.0 Moreton Park Rd / Site 4 0.7 0.7 3.0 8.2.2 Particulate Matter (PM10) The results of the particulate modelling predictions for the VS#6 are presented in Figure 8.3 for Scenario 1 and Figure 8.4 for Scenario 2. The contours show the maximum predicted 24hour PM10 concentration. The plots are indicative of the concentrations that could potentially be reached, under the conditions modelled. Species: Location: Scenario: Percentile: Averaging Time: PM10 Douglas Park Scenario 1 –Ventilation Flow (650 m3/s) Maximum 24-Hour Model Used: Units: Guideline: Met Data: Plot: CALPUFF v6.262 µg/m3 50 µg/m3 CALMET R. Kellaghan Generated(2009) Figure 8.3: Incremental Max 24-Hour PM10 Concentration (µg/m3) – Scenario 1 3876_Illawarra_Coal_VS6_AQA_Final_20100809.docx Air Quality Impact Assessment – BHP Billiton Illawarra Coal – Ventilation Shaft No.6 Project BHP Billiton Illawarra Coal | PAEHolmes Job 3876 28 Species: Location: Scenario: Percentile: Averaging Time: PM10 Douglas Park Scenario 1 –Ventilation Flow (650 m3/s) Maximum 24-Hour Model Used: Units: Guideline: Met Data: Plot: CALPUFF v6.262 µg/m3 50 µg/m3 CALMET R. Kellaghan Generated(2009) Figure 8.4: Incremental Max 24-Hour PM10 Concentration (µg/m3) – Scenario 2 The predicted PM10 concentrations at each of the sensitive receptors in Table 3.1 are presented in Table 8.3. The results indicate that the predicted 24-hour PM10 concentration at Douglas Park will be less than 7 µg/m3 or just 14% of the air quality criteria. Table 8.3: Predicted 24-hour Average PM10 Concentrations at Sensitive Receptors Receptor Location Max 24-hour PM10 Concentration (µg/m3) Scenario 1 Scenario 2 Camden Road / Site 1 6.1 6.9 Moreton St / Site 2 3.0 4.4 Cnr Duggan/Hokins Close / Site 3 2.6 3.3 Douglas Park Public School 3.2 4.1 Moreton Park Rd / Site 4 2.4 3.1 3876_Illawarra_Coal_VS6_AQA_Final_20100809.docx Air Quality Impact Assessment – BHP Billiton Illawarra Coal – Ventilation Shaft No.6 Project BHP Billiton Illawarra Coal | PAEHolmes Job 3876 Impact Assessment Criteria (µg/m3) 50 29 The predicted annual average PM10 concentrations at each of the sensitive receptors are shown in Table 8.5. On an annual basis, the incremental PM10 concentration will be less than 3% of the air quality criteria. Table 8.4: Predicted Annual Average PM10 Concentrations at Sensitive Receptors Receptor Location Annual Average PM10 Concentration (µg/m3) Scenario 1 Scenario 2 Camden Road / Site 1 0.6 0.8 Moreton St / Site 2 0.2 0.3 Cnr Duggan/Hokins Close / Site 3 0.3 0.3 Douglas Park Public School 0.3 0.4 Moreton Park Rd / Site 4 0.2 0.2 Impact Assessment Criteria (µg/m3) 30 8.2.3 Cumulative Impacts The NSW DECCW’s Approved Methods recognises that existing ambient pollutant concentrations will exceed impact assessment criteria from time to time. This is demonstrated in Section 5 which shows a number of occasions at MacArthur and Oakdale where the 24-hour PM10 concentration was greater than 50 µg/m3 during 2009, typically as a result of regional dust storms or bushfires. A cumulative assessment for PM10 uses the maximum of background data obtained at MacArthur and Oakdale, as representative of Douglas Park. Generally the MacArthur site, located in Campbelltown adjacent to the South Western Freeway, is higher than Oakdale which is a more rural location. The purpose of the cumulative assessment is to demonstrate that no additional exceedances of the 24-hour PM10 impact assessment criteria will occur as a result of the operational of the VS#6. A time series plot of the predicted cumulative daily varying 24-hour PM10 concentration from the operation of the VS#6 using 2009 data is presented in Figure 8.5. The results show the existing background PM10 is the dominant contributor with the VS#6 adding just a small incremental increase to existing levels. NSW DECCW Goal Increment Background 50 24-Hour PM10 Concentration (ug/m3) 40 30 20 10 0 18/12/08 06/02/09 28/03/09 17/05/09 06/07/09 Date 25/08/09 14/10/09 03/12/09 22/01/10 Figure 8.5: Time series of 24-hour PM10 Concentrations 3876_Illawarra_Coal_VS6_AQA_Final_20100809.docx Air Quality Impact Assessment – BHP Billiton Illawarra Coal – Ventilation Shaft No.6 Project BHP Billiton Illawarra Coal | PAEHolmes Job 3876 30 The annual average PM10 concentration (µg/m3) recorded at MacArthur, for 2009, was 21 µg/m3 (including elevated 24-hour concentrations during dust storms). The minor incremental annual average concentrations predicted for the VS#6 will not significantly add to this level. 8.2.4 Assessment of Particulate Metal As discussed in Section 7, analysis of the composition of mine ventilation air undertaken for West Cliff Colliery (which mines in the Bulli Seam) was undertaken for metal composition of the collected particulate. The NSW DECCW lists impact assessment criteria for Lead and other principle toxic air pollutants. The analysis results for lead and other metals, for which impact assessment criteria are specified, are provided in Table 8.5. Results presented in SCG (2009) in mg/kg are presented as % metal component of total TSP. The predicted metal concentration is then derived as a % of the maximum predicted PM10 concentration, for the relevant averaging period, and compared to the relevant air quality goals. The results indicate that all concentrations are well below the relevant air quality goals. Table 8.5: Predicted Particulate Metal concentrations from VS#6 Metal Sample Results (mg/kg) % metal in total particulate Maximum Predicted PM10 Concentration (ug/m3) (averaging period) Maximum Derived Metal Concentration (mg/m3) Air Quality Goal (mg/m3) % of Air Quality Goal Lead 15 0.0015% 0.8 (Annual) 1.20E-08 0.0005 0.002% Arsenic 3 0.0003% 41 (1 hour) 1.22E-07 0.00009 0.14% Beryllium 0.66 0.0001% 41 (1 hour) 2.68E-08 0.000004 0.7% Cadmium 0.3 0.0000% 41 (1 hour) 1.22E-08 0.000018 0.07% Copper 16 0.0016% 41 (1 hour) 6.50E-07 0.018 0.004% Chromium 21 0.0021% 41 (1 hour) 8.53E-07 0.00009 0.9% Nickel 30 0.0030% 41 (1 hour) 1.22E-06 0.0018 0.07% 8.3 Nuisance Dust Impact In addition to health impacts, airborne dust also has the potential to cause nuisance effects by depositing on surfaces, including vegetation. Larger particles do not tend to remain suspended in the atmosphere for long periods of time and will fallout relatively close to source. Dust fallout can soil materials and generally degrade aesthetic elements of the environment and are assessed for nuisance or amenity impacts. Nuisance dust impacts from the VS#6 are expected to be limited to a small footprint in the vicinity of the shaft and largely contained within BHPBIC land. The direction of the discharge away from the town of Douglas Park will further mitigate against any potential impact. 3876_Illawarra_Coal_VS6_AQA_Final_20100809.docx Air Quality Impact Assessment – BHP Billiton Illawarra Coal – Ventilation Shaft No.6 Project BHP Billiton Illawarra Coal | PAEHolmes Job 3876 31 9 CONSTRUCTION PHASE IMPACTS 9.1 Overview Construction of the shaft will use a drilling technique known as “blind boring” which involves drilling from the surface down to the required depth using a large diameter drill head. The drill head is attached to a drill string that is rotated at the surface. The cutting head breaks the rock into small pieces that are then transported by a compressed air induced vacuum and water to the surface. At all times during the excavation of the shaft it is full of water. The spoil or excavated material from the shaft drilling process will be captured in the form of very wet slurry and pumped to the three process ponds for settlement and temporary storage. The drilling process itself is therefore not expected to generate significant quantities of dust. The process ponds will be regularly cleaned out with an excavator and the spoil material allowed to dry in a designated shaft spoil drying area, before being placed in a spoil emplacement berm or bund. Once construction is complete, the process ponds would be decommissioned and the general construction area rehabilitated. The shaft spoil drying area would also not be required and the disturbed area rehabilitated upon final placement of the spoil in the spoil emplacement bund. The spoil emplacement bund would also be progressively rehabilitated and will be replanted with pasture or native vegetation to provide a visual screening and/or noise barrier if required. Shaft construction is anticipated to take 18 months to two years to complete. An access route will also be constructed from Menangle Road, across BHPBIC land, to the site. 9.2 Construction Phase Emissions Air quality impacts during the construction phase will be relatively short lived and are expected to be easily controlled through commonly applied dust management measures. The principal emissions from the construction phase of the project will be dust and particulate matter, occurring from the following activities: Vegetation clearing and earthmoving during site preparation and access road construction; Excavation of process ponds and stockpiling of excavated material; Handling of spoil material; Movement of heavy plant and machinery within the site; Graders / scrapers working access road construction; and Wind erosion from exposed surfaces. Emissions of carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and sulphur dioxide (SO2) will occur from diesel-powered plant and equipment used on-site and vehicle movements to site. However these emissions are typically minor for projects of this scale and too widely dispersed to give rise to significant off-site concentrations. Prior to construction, a Construction Phase Environmental Management Plan will be developed which will include an Air Quality / Dust Management Sub Plan, to control emissions to air during construction of VS#6. The Dust Management Plan will: outline procedures for controlling / managing dust during operation of project; define roles, responsibilities and reporting requirements; 3876_Illawarra_Coal_VS6_AQA_Final_20100809.docx Air Quality Impact Assessment – BHP Billiton Illawarra Coal – Ventilation Shaft No.6 Project BHP Billiton Illawarra Coal | PAEHolmes Job 3876 32 outline the dust control inspection regime; outline potential contingency measures for where standard dust control measures are deemed ineffective. Procedures for controlling dust impacts during construction will include, but not necessarily be limited to the following: 9.2.1 Clearing / Excavation Emissions from vegetation stripping, topsoil clearing and excavation can occur, particularly during dry and windy conditions. Emissions can be effectively controlled by increasing the moisture content of the soil / surface. Other controls that will be considered are: Modify working practices by limiting excavation during periods of high winds. Limiting the extent of clearing of vegetation and topsoil to the designated footprint required for construction and appropriate staging of any clearing. 9.2.2 Access Route Construction The use of earth moving equipment can be significant sources of dust, and emissions should be controlled through the use of water sprays during road construction. Where conditions are excessively dusty and windy, and fugitive dust can be seen leaving the site, work practices should be modified by limiting scraper / grader activity close to residential areas. The majority of the length of the access road is a considerable distance from occupied residential receivers, with the closest section of the access route being approximately 200m to the closest occupied residence. Given the temporary nature of the access route construction and implementation of standard dust control measures, dust impacts are expected to be minor. 9.2.3 Haulage and Heavy Plant and Equipment Vehicles travelling over paved or unpaved surfaces tend to produce wheel generated dust and can result in dirt track-out on paved surfaces surrounding the work areas. All vehicles on-site should be confined to a designated route with a speed limits enforced; Trips and trip distances should be controlled and reduced where possible, for example by coordinating delivery and removal of materials to avoid unnecessary trips; Dirt that has been tracked onto sealed roads should be cleaned as soon as practicable; When conditions are excessively dusty and windy, and dust can be seen leaving the works site the use of a water truck (for water spraying of travel routes) should be used; Seal the main access route to the shaft and service boreholes as soon as practical. 9.3 Wind Erosion Wind erosion from exposed surfaces should be controlled as part of the best practice environmental management of the site. Wind erosion from exposed ground should be limited by avoiding unnecessary vegetation clearing and ensure rehabilitation occurs as quickly as possible. Wind erosion from temporary stockpiles can be limited by minimising the number of stockpiles on-site and minimising the number of work faces on stockpiles. 3876_Illawarra_Coal_VS6_AQA_Final_20100809.docx Air Quality Impact Assessment – BHP Billiton Illawarra Coal – Ventilation Shaft No.6 Project BHP Billiton Illawarra Coal | PAEHolmes Job 3876 33 10 CONCLUSIONS Modelling of particulate matter and odour emissions from the operation of the VS#6 indicates the predicted odour concentrations within Douglas Park town are less than 2 OU, and at most locations below 1 OU. The locations where peak odour concentrations of 3 OU are predicted, occur are at elevated terrain to the north and west of the site that is sparsely populated. The predicted PM10 concentrations at Douglas Park are less than 7 µg/m3 or 14% of the 24 hour maximum air quality criteria. A cumulative assessment for PM10 shows the existing background PM10 is the dominant contributor and the operation of VS#6 will add a small increment to existing levels. The cumulative assessment for PM10 shows that the addition of VS#6 to the local air shed which not cause any exceedance of the air assessment criteria. The modelling is based on conservative emission rates, derived from concentrations of PM10 measured within an existing return air panel at a distance of approximately 460 m during active longwall mining. The modelled emission rates are more than double those measured at similar sites and predictions presented in this report are likely to be higher than what would be expected during normal operation of the VS#6. The modelling has assumed that the VS#6 will exhaust upwards at an angle of 45 degrees. This is a key design feature that will ensure the plume has initial momentum flux to aid dispersion of odour and particulate. A qualitative assessment of the chemical composition of mine ventilation air was also undertaken, based on emissions data from other underground mining operations in the area that mine the Bulli Seam. Existing data indicates that organic components of mine ventilation air are generally less than the limit of detection. Gas samples analysed for other hydrocarbons including methane, ethane, ethylene, propane, propylene, butane and pentane, indicate very low concentrations and would be many orders of magnitude below the relevant air quality goals. An analysis of the metal composition of mine ventilation indicates that all concentrations are well below the relevant air quality goals. Air quality impacts during the construction phase are expected to be easily controlled through commonly applied dust management measures, which will be outlined in the construction Dust Management sub plan. 3876_Illawarra_Coal_VS6_AQA_Final_20100809.docx Air Quality Impact Assessment – BHP Billiton Illawarra Coal – Ventilation Shaft No.6 Project BHP Billiton Illawarra Coal | PAEHolmes Job 3876 34 11 REFERENCES ABS (2006) Australian Bureau of Statistics website - http://www.censusdata.abs.gov.au. BHPSteel (2003) “Air Quality Report – West Cliff Colliery Main Fan Ventilation Duct”, Air Quality Laboratory Services BHP Steel, 26 March 2003. BHP Billiton (2010) “Gas Analysis Report 1005127: Lodden A HDG Seal” BHPBilliton Illawarra Coal Holdings, 20 May 2010. BHP Billiton (2010a) “Gas Analysis Report 1004111: Gap- Behind T/G Brattice” BHPBilliton Illawarra Coal Holdings, 20 April 2010. BHP Billiton (2010b) “Gas Analysis Report 1004109: 5M OBYE T/G Brattice” BHPBilliton Illawarra Coal Holdings, 20 April 2010. EML (2005) “Dendrobium Mine Emission Testing Report – April 2005), EML Air Pty Ltd, 3 May 2005. HAS (2006) “Air Quality Impact Assessment – Endeavour Project – West Cliff Colliery, Appin NSW” Holmes Air Sciences, September 2006. HAS (2008) “Air Quality Impact Assessment: Metropolitan Coal Project”, Holmes Air Sciences, June 2008. Hurley, P. J. (2002a). The Air Pollution Model (TAPM) version 2: user manual. Aspendale: CSIRO Atmospheric Research. (CSIRO Atmospheric Research internal paper; 25). 38 p. Hurley, P. J. (2002b). The Air Pollution Model (TAPM) version 2. part 1: technical description. Aspendale: CSIRO Atmospheric Research. (CSIRO Atmospheric Research technical paper; no.55). 49 p. Luhar, A. K., and Hurley, P. J. (2003). Evaluation of TAPM, a prognostic meteorological and air pollution model, using urban and rural point-source data. Atmospheric Environment, 37 (20): 2795-2810. NSW DEC (2005) “Approved Methods for the Modelling and Assessment of Air Pollutants in NSW”, August 2005. PAEHolmes (2009) “Air Quality Impact Assessment: Bulli Seam Operations”, 15 May 2009. PAEHolmes (2009a) “Air Quality Impact Assessment Appin Mine Area 7 Goaf Gas Drainage Project”, May 2009 POEO (2003) “Protection of the Environment Operations (Clean Air) Regulations”, 2003. Scire, J.S., D.G. Strimaitis and R.J. Yamartino (2000). A User’s Guide for the CALPUFF Dispersion Model (Version 5), Earth Tech, Inc., Concord, MA SGS (2009) “Characterisation and Quantification of Components in Ventilation Air and Drain Gas at West Cliff Colliery”, SGS Australia Pty Ltd, 10 March 2009. TOU (2010) The Odour Unit “Odour Sample Measurement Results Panel Roster Number: SYD20100618”, 22 June 2010. 3876_Illawarra_Coal_VS6_AQA_Final_20100809.docx Air Quality Impact Assessment – BHP Billiton Illawarra Coal – Ventilation Shaft No.6 Project BHP Billiton Illawarra Coal | PAEHolmes Job 3876 35 TOU (2010a) The Odour Unit “Memorandum: Odour Character of Odour Samples Tested on 18/06/2010”, 29 June 2010. 3876_Illawarra_Coal_VS6_AQA_Final_20100809.docx Air Quality Impact Assessment – BHP Billiton Illawarra Coal – Ventilation Shaft No.6 Project BHP Billiton Illawarra Coal | PAEHolmes Job 3876 36 APPENDIX A Certificates of Analysis 3876_Illawarra_Coal_VS6_AQA_Final_20100809.docx Air Quality Impact Assessment – BHP Billiton Illawarra Coal – Ventilation Shaft No.6 Project BHP Billiton Illawarra Coal | PAEHolmes Job 3876 A-1 3876_Illawarra_Coal_VS6_AQA_Final_20100809.docx Air Quality Impact Assessment – BHP Billiton Illawarra Coal – Ventilation Shaft No.6 Project BHP Billiton Illawarra Coal | PAEHolmes Job 3876 A-2 THE ODOUR UNIT PTY LTD Aust. Technology Park Locomotive Workshop Suite 16012 2 Locomotive Street Eveleigh NSW 2015 Phone: +61 2 9209 4420 Facsimile: +61 2 9209 4421 Email: tschulz@odourunit.com.au Internet: www.odourunit.com.au ABN: 53 091 165 061 Accreditation Number: 14974 Form 06 - Sydney Laboratory Odour Concentration Measurement Results This Document is Issued in Accordance with NATA’s Accreditation Requirements The measurement was commissioned by: Organisation PAEHolmes Contact R. Kellaghan Sampling Site Appin Ventilation Fan #3 Sampling Method Drum + pump Order details: Order requested by Date of order Order number Signed by Telephone Facsimile Email Sampling Team R. Kellaghan 15/06/2010 3876 Refer to email correspondence Order accepted by TOU Project # Project Manager Testing operator (02) 9874-8644 (02) 9874-8904 ronan.kellaghan@paeholmes.com TOU A. Cantlay N1596L A. Cantlay A. Schulz Investigated Item Odour concentration in odour units ‘ou’, determined by sensory odour concentration measurements, of an odour sample supplied in a sampling bag. Identification The odour sample bags were labelled individually. Each label recorded the testing laboratory, sample number, sampling location (or Identification), sampling date and time, dilution ratio (if dilution was used) and whether further chemical analysis was required. Method The odour concentration measurements were performed using dynamic olfactometry according to the Australian Standard ‘Determination of Odour Concentration by Dynamic Olfactometry AS/NZS4323.3:2001. The odour perception characteristics of the panel within the presentation series for the samples were analogous to that for butanol calibration. Any deviation from the Australian standard is recorded in the ‘Comments’ section of this report. Measuring Range The measuring range of the olfactometer is 2 ≤ χ ≤ 2 ou. If the measuring range was insufficient the odour samples will have been pre-diluted. The machine is not calibrated 17 beyond dilution setting 2 . This is specifically mentioned with the results. Environment The measurements were performed in an air- and odour-conditioned room. The room o o temperature is maintained between 22 C and 25 C. Measuring Dates The date of each measurement is specified with the results. Instrument Used The olfactometer used during this testing session was: ODORMAT SERIES V04 Instrumental Precision The precision of this instrument (expressed as repeatability) for a sensory calibration must be r ≤ 0.477 in accordance with the Australian Standard AS/NZS4323.3:2001. ODORMAT SERIES V04: r = 0.1439 (May/June 2010) Compliance – Yes Instrumental Accuracy The accuracy of this instrument for a sensory calibration must be A ≤ 0.217 in accordance with the Australian Standard AS/NZS4323.3:2001. ODORMAT SERIES V04: A = 0.2082 (May/June 2010) Compliance – Yes Lower Detection Limit (LDL) The LDL for the olfactometer has been determined to be 16 ou (4 times the lowest dilution setting) Traceability The measurements have been performed using standards for which the traceability to the national standard has been demonstrated. The assessors are individually selected to comply with fixed criteria and are monitored in time to keep within the limits of the standard. The results from the assessors are traceable to primary standards of n-butanol in nitrogen. 2 Date: Tuesday, 22 June 2010 Panel Roster Number: SYD20100618_054 T. Schulz A. Cantlay Managing Director The Odour Unit Pty Ltd ACN 091 165 061 Form 06 – Odour Concentration Results Sheet (V02) 18 Authorised Signatory Issue Date: 13.11.2003 Issued By: SB Last printed 6/22/2010 10:59:00 AM Revision: 10 Revision Date: 10.03.2010 Approved By: TJS 1 THE ODOUR UNIT PTY LIMITED Accreditation Number: 14974 Odour Sample Measurement Results Panel Roster Number: SYD20100618_054 Sample Location Appin Ventilation Fan #3Fan #1 Appin Ventilation Fan #3Fan #2 Note: Valid ITEs Nominal Sample Dilution Actual Sample Dilution (Adjusted for Temperature) Sample Odour Concentration (as received, in the bag) (ou) Sample Odour Concentration (Final, allowing for dilution) (ou) Specific Odour Emission Rate 3 2 (ou.m /m /s) 4 8 - - 395 395 N/A 4 8 - - 279 279 N/A TOU Sample ID Sampling Date & Time Analysis Date & Time Panel Size SC10401 18/06/2010 1149hrs 18/06/2010 1515hrs SC10402 18/06/2010 1210hrs 18/06/2010 1546hrs The following are not covered by the NATA Accreditation issued to The Odour Unit Pty.Ltd: 1. The collection of Isolation Flux Hood (IFH) samples and the calculation of the Specific Odour Emission Rate (SOER). 2. Final results that have been modified by the dilution factors where parties other than The Odour Unit Pty. Ltd. have performed the dilution of samples. The Odour Unit Pty Ltd ACN 091 165 061 Form 06 – Odour Concentration Results Sheet Issue Date: 13.11.2003 Issued By: SB Last printed 6/22/2010 10:59:00 AM Revision: 10 Revision Date: 10.03.2010 Approved By: TJS 2 THE ODOUR UNIT PTY LIMITED Accreditation Number: 14974 Odour Panel Calibration Results Reference Odorant Reference Odorant Panel Roster Number Concentration of Reference gas (ppb) Panel Target Range for n-butanol (ppb) Measured Concentration (ou) Measured Panel Threshold (ppb) Does this panel calibration measurement comply with AS/NZS4323.3:2001 (Yes / No) n-butanol SYD20100618_054 49,900 20 ≤ χ ≤ 80 861 58 Yes Comments None. Disclaimer Parties, other than TOU, responsible for collecting odour samples hereby certify that they have voluntarily furnished these odour samples, appropriately collected and labelled, to The Odour Unit Pty Limited for the purpose of odour testing. The collection of odour samples by parties other than The Odour Unit Pty Limited relinquishes The Odour Unit Pty Limited from all responsibility for the sample collection and any effects or actions that the results from the test(s) may have. Note This report shall not be reproduced, except in full, without written approval of The Odour Unit Pty Limited. END OF DOCUMENT The Odour Unit Pty Ltd ACN 091 165 061 Form 06 – Odour Concentration Results Sheet Issue Date: 13.11.2003 Issued By: SB Last printed 6/22/2010 10:59:00 AM Revision: 10 Revision Date: 10.03.2010 Approved By: TJS 3 MEMORANDUM TO: Ronan Kellaghan COMPANY: PAEHolmes CC: FROM: Andrew Cantlay DATE: 29th June, 2010 COMPANY: The Odour Unit JOB NO: N1596L NO OF PAGES: 1 Including cover sheet REPLY REQUIRED NO NO ORIGINAL TO FOLLOW SUBJECT: ODOUR CHARACTER OF ODOUR SAMPLES TESTED ON 18/06/2010 Ronan, Please find below the odour character for the samples that were analysed on 18/06/2010 at our Sydney laboratory (Roster Number: SYD20100618_054). TOU Sample ID Sampling Date & Time Analysis Date & Time Odour Character Appin Ventilation Fan #3Fan #1 SC10401 18/06/2010 1149hrs 18/06/2010 1515hrs Earthy Appin Ventilation Fan #3Fan #2 SC10402 18/06/2010 1210hrs 18/06/2010 1546hrs Earthy Sample Location Kind Regards, Andrew Cantlay THE ODOUR UNIT PTY LTD Australian Technology Park, Locomotive Workshop, Suite 16003, 2 Locomotive St, Eveleigh NSW 2015. (61 2) 9209 4420 Lab (61 2) 9209 4421 Fax