REPORT - Environment Protection Authority · 19 November 2014 HOLCIM JEERALANG QUARRY Stormwater...

19 November 2014

HOLCIM JEERALANG QUARRY

Stormwater Discharge Licence Application

REP

OR

T

Report Number. 147618036-001-R-Rev0

Distribution:

1 Copy - Environment Protection Authority 1 Copy - Holcim (Australia) Pty Ltd 1 Copy - Golder Associates Pty Ltd

Submitted to:Lisa Honan Holcim (Australia) Pty Ltd Tower B Level 8, 799 Pacific Highway Chatswood NSW 2067

STORMWATER DISCHARGE LICENCE APPLICATION

19 November 2014 Report No. 147618036-001-R-Rev0 i

Table of Contents

1.0 INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................................................... 1

1.1 The Applicant ................................................................................................................................................... 1

1.2 Contact Details ................................................................................................................................................. 1

1.3 Site Details ....................................................................................................................................................... 2

1.4 Corporate Profile and Experience ................................................................................................................... 2

2.0 SITE SETTING .............................................................................................................................................................. 4

2.1 Site Location and General Layout ................................................................................................................... 4

2.2 Planning and Zoning ........................................................................................................................................ 4

2.3 Surrounding Land Uses ................................................................................................................................... 4

2.4 Topography ...................................................................................................................................................... 5

2.5 Anticipated Site Geology and Hydrology ......................................................................................................... 5

2.6 Waterhole Creek .............................................................................................................................................. 5

3.0 SITE OPERATIONAL ACTIVITIES .............................................................................................................................. 7

3.1 Quarrying Processes ....................................................................................................................................... 7

3.2 Ancillary Activities ............................................................................................................................................ 9

4.0 STATUTORY FRAMEWORK AND ASSESSMENT CRITERIA ................................................................................ 10

4.1 Mineral Resources (Sustainable Development) Act 1990 ............................................................................ 10

4.2 Planning Permit Requirements ...................................................................................................................... 10

4.3 The Environment Protection Act .................................................................................................................... 10

4.4 State Environment Protection Policy Waters of Victoria ............................................................................... 11

5.0 WATER MANAGEMENT ............................................................................................................................................ 13

5.1 Water Management and Process Flows ....................................................................................................... 13

5.2 Previous Water Quality Monitoring Program ................................................................................................. 16

5.3 Assessment of Compliance with SEPP (Waters of Victoria) ........................................................................ 16

5.4 Discharge Flow Rate ..................................................................................................................................... 18

5.5 Ongoing Monitoring ....................................................................................................................................... 19

6.0 ASSESSMENT OF RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH WATER DISCHARGES TO WATERHOLE CREEK .................. 20

6.1 Methodology .................................................................................................................................................. 20

6.2 Risk Assessment ........................................................................................................................................... 21

7.0 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT .......................................................................................................................... 22


19 November 2014 Report No. 147618036-001-R-Rev0 ii

8.0 CONCLUSION ............................................................................................................................................................. 24

9.0 REFERENCES ............................................................................................................................................................ 25

TABLES

Table 1: Monitoring schedule ............................................................................................................................................... 19

Table 2: Holcim Jeeralang Quarry Residual Risk Assessment ........................................................................................... 23

PLATES

Plate 1: Plan showing the land holding approved under the Work Authority for purposes of quarrying ............................... 2

Plate 2: Quarry excavations.................................................................................................................................................... 8

Plate 3: Primary Crushing Plant ............................................................................................................................................. 8

Plate 4: Tertiary Crushing Plant .............................................................................................................................................. 9

Plate 5: Plan showing the Latrobe and Thomson River basins and Merriman Creek Catchment (SEPP (WoV)) .............. 11

Plate 6: Stormwater management processes at the site ..................................................................................................... 15

Plate 7: Suspended Solids 50th and 90th Percentiles for Upstream and Downstream Monitoring Locations ..................... 18

Plate 8: Turbidity 50th and 90th Percentiles for Upstream and Downstream Monitoring Locations ..................................... 18

Plate 9: Risk Matrix ............................................................................................................................................................... 20

FIGURES

APPENDICES

APPENDIX A Work Authority No. 168

APPENDIX B Holcim’s Safety, Health and Environment Management System and Environmental Policy

APPENDIX C Planning and Zoning Map

APPENDIX D Environmental Risk Assessment

APPENDIX E Surface Water Monitoring Data


19 November 2014 Report No. 147618036-001-R-Rev0 1

1.0 INTRODUCTION This report has been prepared at the request of Holcim (Australia) Pty Ltd (Holcim) by Golder Associates Pty Ltd (Golder Associates) to provide supporting information in relation to a ‘long route’ licence application to the Victorian Environment Protection Authority (EPA). The licence is required for an existing stormwater runoff from the quarry operations located at 728 – 730 Jeeralang North Road, Jeeralang, Victoria (hereafter referred to as ‘the site’) to Waterhole Creek. Figure 1 presents the Site Location Plan.

Quarrying operations commenced at the site in the late 1970s, prior to the requirements to hold a licence for the discharges to a watercourse. A licence application was not submitted to EPA for the site subsequent the introduction of this requirement.

Holcim acquired the site in 2009 and in its due diligence assessment determined a licence from EPA may be required for discharging stormwater runoff from the site to Waterhole Creek, a natural water feature that runs through the site before eventually discharging to the Latrobe River (discussed further in latter sections of this report).

During subsequent consultation with EPA, Holcim was advised to make a submission via a ‘long route’ licence application for a discharge licence to EPA. Since then Holcim has made significant improvements to site water management, and general operational controls, and undertaken extensive surface water monitoring between May 2011 and March 2014 to support this licence application (discussed in Section 5.0).

Ultimately, this licence application to EPA is for an existing discharge of stormwater runoff to Waterhole Creek. This report provides supporting information to the licence application to enable an assessment of the management of the discharge generated at the site against the requirements of the Environment Protection Act 1970 (the Act) (Reference 1), the relevant State Environment Protection Policies (SEPPs) and associated regulations.

1.1 The Applicant The licence applicant is:

Holcim (Australia) Pty Ltd

Tower B Level 8, 799 Pacific Highway

Chatswood NSW 2067

ACN: 099 732 297

1.2 Contact Details The licence application contact details are as follows:

Holcim (Australia) Pty Ltd:

Ms Lisa Honan

Tel.: 02 – 9412 6531

Email: [email protected]

Golder Associates Pty Ltd:

Mr Bruce Dawson

Associate

Tel: 03 8862 3500

Email: [email protected]



Holcim is experienced in obtaining quality products from its quarries and is committed to the reduction of waste streams and to using resources prudently. The company recognises that minimising waste and maximising the potential value of its products requires rigorous environmental management systems. The environmental management system helps identify and manage potential environmental risks. Operations are assessed against the requirements of Holcim’s standards, and improvements are made.

Holcim has developed a Safety, Health and Environment Management System (SHEMS) to implement, maintain and continually improve safety, health and environmental performance, and manage risks to an acceptable level that supports the achievement of the company’s target of “Zero Harm”. The SHEMS is an inter-related collection of policies, processes, programs, procedures, responsibilities and activities designed to provide the foundation for safety, health and environment management. Background information on the SHEMS, and Holcim’s Environmental Policy is included in Appendix B.

Holcim’s commitment to the environment involves progressively restoring the environment during the life of the quarry, with final rehabilitation after quarrying has finished. Holcim restores quarries to forms suitable to the surroundings, once they have finished their economic life. More information on Holcim’s experience and capabilities can be found at www.holcim.com.au.

Since leasing the site, Holcim has made significant improvements in stormwater management of the quarry. Recent improvements of the site’s stormwater management have included reducing the three points of discharge to Waterhole Creek to a single point of discharge, improvements to sediment control measures and water quality monitoring of the upstream, downstream and discharge points since May 2011. Water management is discussed further in subsequent sections.



2.0 SITE SETTING 2.1 Site Location and General Layout The site is located to the west of Jeeralang North Road in Jeeralang, Victoria, approximately 10 km south east of the township of Morwell and approximately 100 km to the east of Melbourne’s Central Business District. The approximate location of the site is presented in Figure 1, Site Location Plan.

The general layout of the site is as follows:

Waterhole Creek flows from south to north in the western area of the site.

The quarry pit is located in the western portion of the site, west of Waterhole Creek.

The Primary and Tertiary Crushing Plants are located adjacent to the eastern boundary of the quarry pit.

The southern portion (south of the quarry pit) comprises a large dam situated within Waterhole Creek (hereafter referred to as ‘the Main Dam’). The Main Dam was purpose built by the former quarry owned for purposes of storage of water for use, and to contain stormwater runoff.

The Primary Settling Pond, an excavated settling pond, collects stormwater runoff from process areas prior to transfer to the Main Dam, is located in the central portion of the site adjacent to the Primary and Tertiary Crushing Plants.

Please refer to Figure 2 for the location of key infrastructure on site.

Other key infrastructure at the site includes access roads and maintenance workshops, weighbridge and site offices in the eastern portion of the site.

2.2 Planning and Zoning In accordance with the Latrobe Planning Scheme, the site is zoned Farming Zone and is subject to a Wildfire Management Overlay. The site is not covered by an Environmental Audit Overlay.

The planning zoning map for the site is included in Appendix C.

2.3 Surrounding Land Uses Surrounding land in the immediate vicinity of the site is predominantly zoned as Farming Zone and the land uses surrounding the site are primarily agricultural and low density scattered residential land uses. Of particular note in the surroundings of the site are the following:

North: Abutting the site to the north and north east is pasture land. Further north, approximately 300 m from the northern boundary of the site is a residential property owned by Holcim.

South: Land to the south and south east of the site is forested. Further south, approximately 1 km from the southern site boundary is a residential property.

East: There are two residential properties approximately 40 m east of the eastern site boundary along Munckton Road.

West: Abutting the western site boundary is forested land.

The closest sensitive land uses to the site are the two residential properties located approximately 40 m east of eastern site boundary along Munckton Road. The nearest natural surface water body is Waterhole Creek. Waterhole Creek is a perennial stream that follows in a general north-south alignment through the site.



2.4 Topography The general topography of the site is as follows:

The majority of the eastern portion of the site (east of Waterhole Creek) generally dips to the south west with a linear depression (most probably a historic drainage channel) trending from the far north east corner of the site, west towards Waterhole Creek.

The central portion of the site comprises the quarry consisting of between three and five benches with slightly weathered to fresh basalt in the lower benches, through to residual soil exposed in the upper bench.

In the southern portion of the site (to the south of the quarry), the hillside profile generally slopes down to the east, at the toe of which there is the Main Dam. The paddocks to the south of the Main Dam slope down to the east where at the toe there is dense vegetation of trees and shrubs.

2.5 Anticipated Site Geology and Hydrology Based on assessment undertaken by Golder Associates in November 2013, (Golder 2013), the general area of the site is likely to be underlain by Tertiary age Thorpdale Volcanics. This formation is described as comprising basic lava flows, plugs, dykes and pyroclastics along with interbedded bands of clay and coal. Underlying this formation are Tertiary (Oligocene) age deposits of clay, sand, gravel, and ligneous sediment of the Morwell Formation. Pliocene age deposits of sand, clay and gravel may also overlie the Morwell Formation in the lower lying valley basin areas.

Alluvial deposits may be present on the banks of Waterhole Creek, that transverses the site, and there is potential for colluvial deposits to be present on the valley slopes.

Interpretation of Holcim borehole records from the south of the quarry pit provided by Holcim, suggest the presence of clay overlying sand, and areas of fill on site are likely to comprise a combination of randomly sorted layers of weathered basalt gravel and boulders in a clay and sand matrix.

Waterhole Creek originates below Walkers Hill and together with several other streams eventually discharges to the Latrobe River, which is considered to act as a regional groundwater discharge zone.

The Latrobe River has its origins in the area between Powelltown and Noojee where it shares a watershed with the Little Yarra River, a tributary of the Yarra River and flows in a general southerly direction through the Latrobe Valley into Lake Wellington, one of the Gippsland Lakes.

It is likely that natural groundwater flow direction in the area of the site has been affected by historic quarrying activities. However, general flow direction of Waterhole Creek is currently in a southerly to south easterly direction towards the Latrobe River.

2.6 Waterhole Creek Waterhole Creek is an intermittent stream that flows through the site from the south to north. Holcim has advised the creek dries out completely, other than during storm events, from approximately January through to April each year. Holcim further notes a portion of Waterhole Creek within the site has been piped by former operators of the site. The piping extends from the Main Dam to approximately 200 metres to the north-west, where Waterhole Creek then continues to flow above ground.

The damming of Waterhole Creek with an embankment approximately 5 m above the creek bed created the Main Dam. We understand that the Main Dam was constructed in 1984.

Areas of the site to the east of Waterhole Creek are generally grassed hillside, while areas to the west of the creek are generally occupied by the quarry plant and process areas. Trees and shrubs are present along the banks of the creek.

Directly upstream of the site, Waterhole Creek flows through native forests. The creek flows the site occupied by quarrying operations before flowing through neighbouring properties. Extensive monitoring of



water quality at upstream and downstream locations comparative to the site, as well as from the Main Dam, has been undertaken by Holcim as part of its environmental management at the site.



3.0 SITE OPERATIONAL ACTIVITIES The key site activities / operational infrastructure at the site include:

basalt extraction from the quarry pit

primary and tertiary crushing plants

ancillary facilities (maintenance workshop, truck wash, sheds, internal access roads and overburden management).

Water is utilised in the crushing of extracted basalt from the quarry. Water is sourced from the Main Dam located on Waterhole Creek.

The following sections provide background information in the context of the licence application and water management at the site, and therefore describes the main activities of the quarrying site only.

3.1 Quarrying Processes Prior to extraction operations, overburden is removed from the area, and stored in approved overburden storage areas within the site (refer to Figure 2 for overburden storage locations). Overburden removal and management is undertaken in accordance with the Work Authority No. 168 (Appendix A) and the Work Plan dated 1 April 2014.

The quarrying operation involves the extraction of basalt rock from the quarry pit by blasting. The quarry has been worked into the hillside (refer to Plate 2) parallel to the northern boundary of the site and towards the service roadway from Jeeralang North Road, and is gradually being extended in a southerly direction.

Holcim advises groundwater is not intersected by the quarrying process and therefore does not contribute to the discharge to Waterhole Creek.



Plate 2: Quarry excavations

Extracted material is removed from the work face by pit loaders and haul trucks and transported along internal access / haul roads to the Primary Crushing Plant.

The Primary Crushing Plant (refer to Plate 3) consists of a rock breaker and screens which breaks the rock into smaller particle sizes . The material is then screened based on the particle size and quality of the material, and transported to the Tertiary Crushing Plant via a series of conveyors.

Plate 3: Primary Crushing Plant



The Tertiary Crushing Plant (refer to Plate 4 below) follows a similar process to the Primary Crushing Plant, breaking up and screening the material into various products depending on the end use (for example, construction materials and road base).

Plate 4: Tertiary Crushing Plant

The resulting aggregate is then transported via dump trucks to the storage area and stockpiled.

3.2 Ancillary Activities Ancillary activities at the site include plant and machinery maintenance, truck wash facilities, maintenance of internal haul roads, rock test laboratory and administration / offices. These structures and functions are generally located in the north eastern portion of the site. Of relevance to this application in terms of water use and/or discharge, aspects of these activities are summarised below:

Maintenance and repairs to plant and equipment is carried out within the Maintenance Workshop and for these purposes, minor volumes of oils, greases and fuels are stored within bunded areas within the Workshop. A Triple Interceptor Unit installed in the Maintenance Workshop removes oil residues from any wastewater prior to discharge to a septic tank at the site. Oily waste is removed from the Triple Interceptor and disposed of offsite by a licensed contractor. Operation and maintenance of the Triple Interceptor, and waste disposal procedures are described in Holcim’s SHEMS (refer to Section 1.4).

Wash water from the Truck Wash together with water from offices and ablutions are directed to the septic tank.

The Laboratory primarily tests quality of excavated rock does not comprise any wet processes.

Water from the Main Dam is used for dust suppression and maintenance of internal haul roads.



4.0 STATUTORY FRAMEWORK AND ASSESSMENT CRITERIA This section provides an overview of the assessment criteria and legislative requirements relevant to the wastewater discharge licence application, and the receiving waters of Waterhole Creek.

4.1 Mineral Resources (Sustainable Development) Act 1990 The Department of State Development, Business and Innovation are responsible for the regulation of the extractive industries in Victoria under the Minerals Resources (Sustainable Development) Act 1990 (Reference 3). In accordance with this, extractive industries must obtain a Work Authority for their activities.

Holcim currently operates at the site under Work Authority WA 168, issued in 2014 (Appendix A). Work Authority WA 168 allows for the extraction of ‘new basalt’ at the site within all three land parcels.

Condition 11 Erosion, Drainage and Discharge Controls of Work Authority WA 168 relates to water management at the site as follows:

“11.1 The Work Authority holder must design, install and maintain erosion and sediment controls to prevent erosion of areas of disturbed land and sedimentation of waterways.

11.2 Where quarry activities are being conducted in waters or on the banks of waterways with water in them, the Work Authority holder must ensure that sedimentation of the waterway is minimised to an acceptable level.

11.3 The Work authority holder must prevent contaminated runoff from entering receiving waterways.”

Holcim notes EPA’s role in managing and guiding extractive industries involves ensuring that offsite emissions arising from extractive industries do not adversely impact on the beneficial uses of the environment identified in SEPPs.

4.2 Planning Permit Requirements Holcim operates under the Planning Permit No. 605 issued by the Shire of Traralgon to CSR Limited in July 1986 for quarrying operations at the site. Of relevance to water management at the site are the following conditions:

“2.9 All water discharged from the working area shall be at points specified and approved by the Responsible Authority.

2.8 All water discharge systems shall have silt traps which shall be regularly drained and provision shall be made for silt storage at locations within the subject land approved by the Council”.

4.3 The Environment Protection Act The principal legislative vehicle for environment protection and pollution control in Victoria is the Environment Protection Act 1970 (the Act) (Reference 1).

The Act regulates the discharge or emission of waste to water, land or air by a system of works approvals and licences. The acceptable environmental quality standards and conditions for discharging waste and identification of “beneficial uses” or values of the environment are established in the relevant State Environment Protection Policies (SEPPs).

The SEPPs also set out certain policies or provisions to control and reduce environmental pollution. SEPPs have been established for the protection of land, atmosphere, water, groundwater and noise emissions. Essentially, they protect the environment from adverse effects including from pollution caused by waste discharges and noise. Summaries of the key SEPPs that may relate to surface water or groundwater aspects of the site are provided below.



Clause 10(2) of the SEPP (WoV) states:

Beneficial uses are protected except:

(2) in artificial stormwater drains, artificial agricultural drains, artificial irrigation channels and drains or artificial wetlands (see clauses 46 and 51). These artificial environments need to be managed for the purposes for which they were constructed and must be designed and managed so that they are not harmful to humans or have unacceptable impacts on animals, and so that their impact on surface waters is minimised. Although beneficial uses are not protected in these artificial environments, it is not acceptable to dump or illegally discharge wastes into them.

The final discharge of stormwater after sediment control measures (see Section 5.1) is to the Main Dam immediately upstream of the piped section of Waterhole Creek. This piped section is considered an “artificial stormwater drain” for the purpose of the SEPP (WoV) and therefore, consistent with Clause 10 of the SEPP (WoV), Beneficial Uses are not protected in this piped section. Impact of the site operations on the Beneficial Uses of Waterhole Creek are therefore considered downstream of the piped section of Waterhole Creek (Section 5.3). The primary use made of water in the Main Dam is as industrial water supply for Holcim's activities at the site.



5.0 WATER MANAGEMENT

5.1 Water Management and Process Flows The site’s stormwater management consists of controlled collection and flow of stormwater from process areas designed to direct all stormwater to the Main Dam via the Primary Settling Pond.

The discharge of stormwater to Waterhole Creek via the Main Dam is the sole discharge point to surface waters at the site. No process related wastewaters are discharged to surface waters (see Section 3.2).

The construction design of the Main Dam includes a spillway, rock riprap, two concrete outlet pipe culverts and infrastructure for pumping water from the Main Dam to process areas. The Main Dam provides for the water storage and usage needs for the site. Water is pumped from the Main Dam to process areas.

The Main Dam discharges into Waterhole Creek via the piped section of Waterhole Creek described in Section 2.6 (water from the Main Dam flows over the spillway and passes through the rock riprap prior to entering the piped section of Waterhole Creek). The current stormwater management system at the site follows numerous upgrades and improvements made by Holcim since leasing the site. The upgrades from previous stormwater management and process flows have included:

Modifications to site operations and layout to manage stormwater runoff and water discharge from the site, including:

Toe walls bunding to separate clean stormwater runoff from process areas.

Additional bunding and repairs to bunding to contain runoff from process areas.

Improvements to the sediment interceptor to minimise sediment laden discharge to the creek.

Reconfiguration of processes to change from three stormwater discharge points (formerly the Quarry Sump, Main Dam and Primary Settling Pond, which were discharging separately into Waterhole Creek) to a single point of discharge via the Main Dam. This allows better control over the discharge and allows for additional removal of sediment from the stormwater, which occurs initially in the Primary Settling Pond and then in the Quarry pit and sump, and the Main Dam, prior to discharge to the creek (this configuration is discussed further below).

Additional surface water monitoring, including upstream and downstream of the site (monitoring is discussed in Section 5.2) and implementation of a monitoring suite and frequency relevant to site operations and receiving waters.

The water flow and main features of the site’s water management system are presented in Figure 2.

The storm water management system can be summarised as follows (Figure 2 and Plate 6):

Runoff from the Primary Crushing Plant is transferred via underground piping to the Primary Settling Pond.

Runoff from the Tertiary Crushing Plant is collected in the Wedge Pit prior to be being pumped via underground piping to the Primary Settling Pond.

General runoff from other process areas, such as the stockpile areas and internal haul roads are directed via toe walls to the Primary Settling Pond.

Runoff in the Primary Settling Pond is pumped through piping to the north-western end of the quarry pit.

The pump and control system in the Primary Settling Pond includes an upper and lower level switch so that when the water level in the Primary Settling Pond triggers the upper level switch the water is automatically pumped to the quarry pit until a signal is triggered by the lower level switch.



This system allows the water in the Primary Settling Pond to be regulated automatically, including times when the quarry is unattended.

Sediment from the Primary Settling Pond will be removed annually or more frequently if required.

From the north-western end of the quarry pit water flows into via fractured rock that comprises the pit floor and collects in the Quarry Sump, located in the south-eastern corner of the quarry pit (the lowest point of the quarry pit). This process provides for further removal of sediment from the water received from the Primary Settling Pond.

Together with rainwater that collects in the quarry pit, the collected stormwater runoff is pumped from the Quarry Sump into the Main Dam.

Stormwater runoff from undisturbed areas are diverted around process areas by bunds where practical and drained to the Main Dam.

From the Main Dam water is discharged over the spillway through the rock riprap further facilitating removal of sediment from the discharge, prior to entering the piped section of Waterhole Creek.

Stormwater from the overburden emplacement, which is to be established, will be directed to a settling pond (the Overburden Settling pond) (to be constructed) in the northern area of the site. Water from the Overburden Settling Pond will be pumped to the Primary Settling Pond. A purpose built sedimentation pond is to be established for the proposed overburden emplacement at the site. This sedimentation pond will be connected to the site stormwater system (Plate 6).

Plate 6 provides a schematic of the stormwater management approach.



5.2 Previous Water Quality Monitoring Program A revised water quality monitoring program was implemented by Holcim in October 2012. This monitoring program was developed based on the former discharge points (three) and process layout. This monitoring involved weekly surface water sampling for the following parameters:

Metals (arsenic, cadmium, chromium, cobalt, copper, lead, mercury, nickel and iron)

suspended solids

turbidity

total dissolved solids (TD)

temperature

pH

benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylenes (BTEX)

total petroleum hydrocarbons C10-36 (TPH)

polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH).

Monitoring was undertaken at nine locations, which included both discharges from the site and Waterhole Creek:

three upstream and three downstream (to allow for potential localised variability of water quality) locations within Waterhole Creek

the Main Dam

the Primary Settling Pond

the Quarry Sump.

5.3 Assessment of Compliance with SEPP (Waters of Victoria) Schedule F5 of the SEPP (WoV) provides water quality objectives for Segment E of the Latrobe and Thomson River Basins and Merriman Creek Catchment.

SEPP (WoV), as well as ANZECC/ARMCANZ (2000), recognizes environmental quality objectives for some surface waters may not be attained due to natural variation or extensive environmental modifications. Objectives are provided in SEPP (WoV) for suspended sediment (measured as turbidity). Comparison of turbidity data upstream of the site with these objectives were undertaken to assess compliance with SEPP (WoV).

The statistical analyses for the dataset collected between October 2012 and March 2014 over 34 monitoring events, presented in Appendix D, indicate:

The 50th and 90th percentile for suspended solids measured at downstream and upstream locations for the monitoring period meets the SEPP (WoV) objectives of < 50 mg/L and < 90 mg/L, respectively (refer to Plates 7 and 8). The 50th percentile for turbidity measured at downstream and upstream locations for the monitoring period meets the SEPP (WoV) objective of < 25 NTU (refer to Plate 8).

The 90th percentile for turbidity measured at upstream locations for the monitoring period meets the SEPP (WoV) objective of < 50 NTU (refer to Plate 8).

Turbidity measured at downstream location (62.5 NTU) exceeded the 90th percentile SEPP (WoV) objective of < 50 NTU (refer to Plate 8).



SEPP (WoV) refers to trigger values for freshwater are supplied in the Australian and New Zealand Environment and Conservation Council’s Australian and New Zealand Guidelines for Fresh and Marine Water Quality 2000 (ANZECC 2000) for metals and organics. A review of the monitoring data, presented in Appendix D, has been undertaken against 95% level of protection trigger values for freshwater as follows:

TPH was below or at the laboratory limit of reporting and has no established trigger levels.

BTEX was below or at the laboratory limit of reporting and below established trigger levels for benzene and xylenes.

PAH was below or at the limit of reporting and below the established trigger level for naphthalene.

Arsenic, cadmium and lead were below relevant ANZECC trigger levels at upstream, downstream and Main Dam monitoring locations.

Chromium exceeded the trigger value for Chromium VI on multiple occasions at upstream, Main Dam and downstream locations. Therefore, the discharges from the site do not appear to be causing this exceedance; the exceedance is likely due to elevated background concentrations or an upstream (offsite) source of chromium.

Cobalt was below the trigger value at all monitoring locations, with the exception of one monitoring event at downstream monitoring locations. However, cobalt monitored in the Main Dam was observed to be below detection limits and the trigger value on this occasion.

Copper exceeded trigger values at upstream and downstream on multiple occasions, as well as in the Main Dam. As the upstream monitoring locations were observed to be in exceedance of these trigger levels, the discharges from the site do not appear to be causing this exceedance, the exceedance is likely due to elevated background concentrations or an upstream source of copper.

Mercury was below the trigger values at upstream and downstream monitoring locations, except for one occasion. No monitoring results from the Main Dam exceeded trigger levels. As the upstream monitoring locations were observed to be in exceedance of these trigger levels on this single occasion, it is likely the discharges from the site are not causing this exceedance, the exceedance is likely due to an upstream source of mercury.

Nickel did not exceed trigger values at any monitoring locations, except for two occasions at a single downstream monitoring location. Trigger values were not exceeded at the Main Dam monitoring location at these times, however, with nickel concentrations observed to be at the limit of reporting.

Iron exceeded trigger values for dissolved iron at all monitoring locations. Given this, it is considered likely to be due to elevated background concentrations.

In general, water discharges from the site to Waterhole Creek generally meet the SEPP (WoV) objectives for suspended solids. The 90th and 50th percentiles for suspended solids concentrations at upstream and downstream monitoring locations are presented in Plate 7

It should be noted, however, the turbidity recorded within Waterhole Creek downstream of the site exceeded the SEPP (WoV) 90th percentile objective. Typically, high turbidity results recorded at downstream locations coincided with monitoring events that recorded high turbidity within the discharge from the Primary Settling Pond. As a result Holcim has eliminated the direct discharge from the Primary Settling Pond and provided additional sediment removal by directing this discharge to the Quarry pit and sump.

In summary the results of the monitoring program shows that the primary contaminants of concern related to sediment contamination (TSS and turbidity) and that future monitoring should focus on these parameters.

The current process and improvement to a single discharge point via the Main Dam (discussed in Section 5.1) will provide enhanced controls on the turbidity of the discharge. The assessment against SEPP (WoV) is



Considering the data presented in Golder 2013, and based on rainfall data obtained from the Bureau of Meteorology indicating median highest daily rainfall recorded in the region of the site for the period 2006 to 2014 was 45 mm, for the purpose of establishing suitable parameters for the licence discharge limits, an annual median daily flow rate for stormwater discharge from the site to Waterhole Creek of 1.5 megalitre per day (ML/day) is proposed.

As discussed in Section 5.5, Holcim will undertake monthly monitoring of the discharge flow rate from the single discharge point located at the Main Dam. Based on actual flow rate data obtained over the first few years of monitoring, Holcim will undertake a review and may seek to change the proposed flow rate if this estimation is not practical.

5.5 Ongoing Monitoring Based on review of the monitoring data against SEPP (WoV), discussed in Section 5.2.1, and subsequent to the stormwater management improvements made at the site, the current monitoring program has been refined as summarised in Table 1.

Table 1: Monitoring schedule

Monitoring Location

Monitoring Frequency Trigger Values

Main Dam Visual Inspection for sedimentation and erosion.

Monthly

Primary Settling Pond

Visual Inspection for sedimentation and erosion.

Monthly N/A

Main Dam discharge point

Visual Inspection for spillway erosion, sediment build-up.

Flow Rate (Volume, time, date and duration of each discharge event).

Following discharge events

Monthly

Flow Rate Annual Median 1.5 ML/day

Quarry sump Field testing of turbidity to determine if flow meets release criteria.

Prior to discharge and weekly during discharge.

TSS Maximum 50 mg/L Annual Median 20 mg/L Turbidity Maximum 30 NTU Annual Median 15 NTU



6.2 Risk Assessment This section describes the potential risk and related consequences to Waterhole Creek of various sources or events of discharge, which may include:

Stormwater running off-site that has come into contact with:

sediment

stored chemicals

stored oils, including lubricating oils and those stored in a bunded aboveground tank.

Water displaced from the Wedge Pit during cleaning of the pit using a front-end loader.

Overflow of Primary Settling Pond during high rainfall event.

Discharge from the Main Dam, which includes:

Excess water that collects in the quarry pit.

General run-off from undisturbed areas.

Run-off from the Primary and Tertiary Crushing Plants.

Stormwater that has been in contact with the overburden emplacement and directed to the Main Dam via the Primary Settling Pond (when constructed).

Volume and flow rate of stormwater discharge from the site, in particular during storm events.

These sources and events are presented in Appendix D, along with the results of the risk assessment. The assessment of risks is based on the current application of planned control measures and the results of initial water quality monitoring of Waterhole Creek.

Procedures to manage risks assessed as ‘high’ or ‘very high’ in relation to discharge to Waterhole Creek are described in Section 7.0, along with an assessment of residual risk following application of the controls. Where risks arising from site activities are assessed as being ‘medium’ or ‘low’, these activities will be monitored as part of routine site inspections. If additional potential risks are assessed during the course of site activities, the required controls will be revised to include specific procedures and controls where required.



7.0 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT Holcim is committed to undertaking stormwater management to manage potential risks associated with discharge to Waterhole Creek. This section describes the stormwater controls and management that will be implemented at the site.

Based on the assessment of activities and events that pose a high risk to Waterhole Creek, Table 2 presents an assessment of residual risk upon implementation of additional controls for those activities and events. Based on the residual risk assessment, the following additional controls are to be implemented at the site by Holcim:

Inspect both the pump and water levels of the Primary Settling Pond monthly to ensure it has sufficient capacity and level controls are effective in avoiding overflow and discharge to Waterhole Creek.

Monitor surface water quality and flow rate in accordance with the monitoring requirements described in Section 5.2.

A procedure for cleaning of the Wedge Pit to will be established and implemented (the procedure will be documented in the Holcim’s SHEMS), and relevant staff will be trained on the procedure.

An inspection programme to be implemented and coordinated by Holcim will include the following elements:

Weekly visual checks of the Primary Settling Pond and associated pumps, and Quarry Sump to ensure functioning.

Regular inspection of holding capacity of the Primary Settling Pond.

Inspect Wedge Pit and tell-tale drains for leaks on a weekly basis.



Table 2: Holcim Jeeralang Quarry Residual Risk Assessment

Source Receptor & Consequence

Initial Risk

Control Residual Likelihood

Residual Consequence

Residual Risk

Sediment discharged to Waterhole Creek

Surface water Loss of habitat / habitat degradation

Moderate

Inspect both the pump and water levels of the Primary Settling Pond monthly to ensure it has sufficient capacity and level controls are effective in avoiding overflow and discharge to Waterhole Creek.

2 2 4 Low

Surface water Reduction in water quality

High 2 2 4 Low

Fauna and flora Illness

Moderate 2 2 4 Low

Increased volume and flow rate of discharge during storm events

Surface water Loss of habitat / habitat degradation

High

During normal operating conditions, the volume and flow rate of the discharge to waterhole will be managed through the site drainage flow via the Primary Settling Pond, Quarry Pit and sump, and Main Dam spillway and riprap controls flow rate and volume of discharge.

During storm events, stormwater runoff from the site will increase, increasing the volume and flow rate of the discharge to Waterhole Creek. However, given the sediment controls in place and that these conditions will be encountered upstream of the site as well, potential impacts are unlikely to be significant.

2 2 4 Low

Leaks and displaced water from Wedge Pit during cleaning

Surface water Reduction in water quality

Moderate Inspect Wedge Pit and tell-tale drains for leaks.

Ensure cleaning of the Wedge Pit is undertaken in accordance with procedures established in the SHEMS.

2 2 4 Low



8.0 CONCLUSION Holcim requests EPA to support this Application for Licence for an existing stormwater discharge to Waterhole Creek, having regard to the following considerations:

The discharge is a result of the long-established operation of the quarry and does not constitute a new discharge.

The existing discharge is essential to the ongoing operation of the quarry.

Water discharge generally meets the SEPP (WoV) objectives and relevant water quality criteria.

Water management at the site has been improved to assist in ensuring ongoing compliance with SEPP (WoV) objectives.

On-site operations will be managed in accordance with environmental controls listed in Table 3 to minimise the risk of potential off-site impacts, and in accordance with policies and procedures established in Holcim’s SHEMS.

Flow rate of the stormwater discharge from site operations to Waterhole Creek will be monitored and managed in accordance with the licence conditions. A monitoring program will be implemented to assess compliance with licence conditions.



9.0 REFERENCES 1) State of Victoria Environment Protection Act 1970.

2) Victorian Department of Planning and Community Development website http://www.dpcd.vic.gov.au/planningschemes

3) State of Victoria Minerals Resources (Sustainable Development) Act 1990.

4) Australian and New Zealand Environment and Conservation Council, Australian and New Zealand Guidelines for Fresh and Marine Water Quality 2000.

5) Golder Associates Pty Ltd, 6 August 2013, Holcim (Australia) Pty Ltd, Stormwater Management Plan for Overburden Emplacement at Jeeralang Quarry – Phase 1, document reference 107613140-073-R-Rev1


19 November 2014 Report No. 147618036-001-R-Rev0

Report Signature Page

GOLDER ASSOCIATES PTY LTD

Nalini Naidoo Bruce Dawson Senior Environmental Scientist Associate

NN,ALG,GH,SG/BED/nn,alg,gh,sg

A.B.N. 64 006 107 857

Golder, Golder Associates and the GA globe design are trademarks of Golder Associates Corporation.

\\golder.gds\gap\melbourne\jobs\env\2014\147618036 - holcim jeeralang epa licence\correspondence out\147618036-001-r-rev0\147618036-001-r-rev0 licence application.docx



Figures



APPENDIX A Work Authority No. 168



APPENDIX B Holcim’s Safety, Health and Environment Management System and Environmental Policy

Safety, Health and Environment Management System (SHEMS)

SHEMS Structure

The SHEMS is structured in hierarchical segments as follows:

• Safety and Health Policy

• Environmental Policy

• SHE Guiding Principles

• SHE Management Directives

• SHE Standards

• SHE Planning

• SHE Guidelines

• SHE Consultation

• SHE Resources

• SHE Audits

• SHE Reviews

Safety and Health Policy

The Safety and Health Policy demonstrates the company’s commitment to manage Safety and Health. The Policy is endorsed by the Chief Executive Officer and communicated to all employees and contractors.

Environmental Policy

The Environmental Policy demonstrates the company’s commitment to protecting the environment as an integral part of managing the principles of sustainable development. The Policy is endorsed by the Chief Executive Officer and communicated to all employees and contractors.

SHE Guiding Principles

10 Guiding Principles have been established to direct the development of strategic plans and management systems throughout the organisation. These principles provide direction when there are questions about an approach that may be taken when managing safety, health and environmental issues. The Guiding Principles are endorsed by the Chief Executive Officer and also communicated to all employees and contractors.

SHE Management Directives

The 10 Management Directives must be understood and observed by all Holcim (Australia) personnel, regardless of title or area of responsibility. These directives represent the specific expectations of our Chief Executive Officer and must be complied with.

SHE Standards

The Safety, Health and Environment Standards are an integral part of our SHEMS and provide the connection that keeps the system dynamic, evolving and continually improving.

It is a comprehensive approach set up to identify, assess, control and review risks which have the potential to impact adversely on the safety, health and environmental performance across our sites and areas of activity. The Safety, Health and Environment Standards set auditable criteria to continually ensure alignment with the SHEMS.

The Standards consist of five individual and carefully chosen standards to assure a systemic approach bringing about the Principle of Continual Improvement:

1. Policy, Planning and Process

2. People

3. Risk Management Safety and Health (both general process and hazard specific)

4. Risk Management Environment

5. Measure, Review and Improve.

Each standard includes a series of auditable elements to support the intention of that standard. The individual standards and supporting elements are proportionally weighted according to the risk so that we focus our efforts and resources where they are most required.

Each individual element of the standard is supported by a Safety, Health and Environment Guideline.

Introduction to Safety, Health and Environment Management System (SHEMS)2

SHEM

S St

ruct

ure

SHE Management System Elements

Each element of the SHE Management System has been developed to guide Holcim (Australia) sites in managing risks within the working environment and achieve

Standard Title and No. Element No. Element Title

1) Policy, Planning and Process 1.1

1.2

1.3

1.4

1.5

1.6

1.7

1.8

Policy, Principles and Directives

Plans and Schedules

Responsibility, Accountability and Authority

Administrative and Legal Requirements

Product Supply – Services

Product Supply – Goods

Purchasing

First Aid – Emergency Response

2) People 2.1

2.2

2.3

2.4

2.5

2.6

2.7

2.8

2.9

Communication

Consultation

Induction

Contractor Management

SHE Training

Licensing and Certificates of Competency

Health Assessment

Injury Management

Reinforcement and Recognition

3A) Risk Management Safety, Health and Environment – General Process

3.1

3.2

3.3

3.4

3.5

3.6

Risk Management

Fixed Plant and Mobile Equipment

Lockout and Out of Service

Permit to Work

Design to Commission

Demolition / Decommissioning Plant

3B) Risk Management Safety, Health and Environment – Hazard Specific

3.7

3.8

3.9

3.10

3.11

3.12

3.13

3.14

3.15

3.16

3.17

3.18

3.19

3.20

3.21

3.22

3.23

3.24

Manual Handling

Working at Heights

Hot Work

Restricted Access and Site Security

Electrical Safety

Mechanical Lifting Equipment

Confined Spaces

Traffic Management

De-Dagging Agitators

Road Trucks and Transport

Noise

Blasting and Explosives

Silica Dust

Hazardous Substances

Dangerous Goods

Dust – Other than Silica

Asbestos

Personal Protective Equipment

5

Safe

ty a

nd

Hea

lth

St

and

ard

Wei

ghti

ng

Safety, Health and Environment Management System (SHEMS)

Notes

Introduction to Safety, Health and Environment Management System (SHEMS)8

Not

es

Strength. Performance. Passion.

Environmental Policy

Holcim (Australia) Pty Ltd, 07/2010

Holcim Australia believes that protecting the environment is integral to sustainable development. The principles of sustainable development – value creation, sustainable environmental performance and corporate social responsibility – are integral to Holcim Australia’s business strategy. There are four pillars of our Environmental Policy for which we have assigned actions to assist our progress towards sustainable development.

Holcim Australia believes that protecting the environment is integral to sustainable development. The principles of sustainable development – value creation, sustainable environmental performance and corporate social responsibility – are integral to Holcim Australia’s business strategy. There are four pillars of our Environmental Policy for which we have assigned actions to assist our progress towards sustainable development. 1. Management Systems 1. Management Systems • Comply with all applicable environmental laws, regulations, codes of practice and voluntary agreements; • Comply with all applicable environmental laws, regulations, codes of practice and voluntary agreements; • Adopt and enforce internal standards and systems that ensure continuous environmental improvement; • Adopt and enforce internal standards and systems that ensure continuous environmental improvement; • Set corporate objectives and targets and monitor progress; • Set corporate objectives and targets and monitor progress; • Promote environmental committment through training and integration into business processes. • Promote environmental committment through training and integration into business processes. 2. Resource Utilisation 2. Resource Utilisation • Ensure optimum use of raw materials, including energy efficiency, water efficiency and the reduction of waste in all operations; • Ensure optimum use of raw materials, including energy efficiency, water efficiency and the reduction of waste in all operations; • Development of innovative and sustainable products and processes. • Development of innovative and sustainable products and processes. 3. Environmental and Social Impacts 3. Environmental and Social Impacts • Operate as an environmentally and socially responsible business; • Operate as an environmentally and socially responsible business; • Minimise the environmental impacts of our operations; • Minimise the environmental impacts of our operations; • Rehabilitate land that is impacted by our activities including identifying opportunities to protect and enhance cultural sites and biodiversity; • Rehabilitate land that is impacted by our activities including identifying opportunities to protect and enhance cultural sites and biodiversity; • Respond to the challenges presented by climate change by identifying opportunities to reduce our carbon footprint. • Respond to the challenges presented by climate change by identifying opportunities to reduce our carbon footprint. 4. Stakeholder Relations 4. Stakeholder Relations • Effectively engage and communicate with stakeholders in relation to environmental matters. • Effectively engage and communicate with stakeholders in relation to environmental matters.

Mark Campbell CEO, Holcim (Australia) Pty Ltd

Environmental Policy, 07/2010, ©Holcim (Australia) Pty Ltd



APPENDIX C Planning and Zoning Map


19 November 2014 Project No. 147618036-001-R-Rev0 1/2

Table 1: Holcim Water Discharges Risk Assessment

Potential Source or Event Potential Pathway

Potential Receptor

Potential Outcome

Likelihood of Outcome

Consequence of Outcome

Risk Rating

Risk Ranking

Sediment discharged to Waterhole Creek Discharge

Surface water

Loss of habitat / habitat degradation

3 2 6 Medium

Reduction in water quality

3 3 9 High

Fauna and flora

Illness 3 2 6 Medium

Increased volume and flow rate of discharge during storm events

Discharge Surface water


3 3 6 High

Leaks and displaced water from Wedge Pit Stormwater

Waterhole Creek


3 2 6 Medium


4 2 8 High

Flora & fauna


Overflow of Settling Pond during high rainfall event

Stormwater

Waterhole Creek


3 2 6 Medium


3 2 6 Medium

Flora & fauna


Excess water collected in the quarry pit that is directed to the Main Dam.

Discharge from the Main Dam

Waterhole Creek


2 3 6 Medium


19 November 2014 Project No. 147618036-001-R-Rev0 2/2

Potential Source or Event Potential Pathway

Potential Receptor

Potential Outcome

Likelihood of Outcome

Consequence of Outcome

Risk Rating

Risk Ranking


2 3 6 Medium

Flora & fauna


General run-off from undisturbed areas that is directed to the Main Dam.


Waterhole Creek


2 2 4 Low


2 2 4 Low

Flora & fauna

Illness 2 2 4 Low

Run-off from the Primary and Tertiary Crushing Plants that is directed to the Main Dam.


Waterhole Creek


2 3 6 Medium


2 3 6 Medium

Flora & fauna


Stormwater running from the overburden emplacement, which is directed to the Main Dam via the Settling Pond and Transfer Pond.


Waterhole Creek


2 3 6 Medium


2 3 6 Medium

Flora & fauna


\\golder.gds\gap\melbourne\jobs\env\2014\147618036 - holcim jeeralang epa licence\correspondence out\147618036-001-r-rev0\appendix d_ra docx



APPENDIX E Surface Water Monitoring Data

Golder Associates Pty Ltd

Building 7, Botanicca Corporate Park

570 – 588 Swan Street

Richmond, Victoria 3121

Australia

T: +61 3 8862 3500

REPORT - Environment Protection Authority · 19 November 2014 HOLCIM JEERALANG QUARRY Stormwater...

Documents

Transcript of REPORT - Environment Protection Authority · 19 November 2014 HOLCIM JEERALANG QUARRY Stormwater...