Bengalla Mining Company Pty Limited - Rio Tinto Coal Australia

Environmental procedure EP 5.1
responsible for the project. At Bengalla, prior consultation with the
Environmental Section is required before disturbance;
• a visual inspection will be conducted for Aboriginal artifacts. Any
artifacts found will be managed in accordance with the relevant
procedures;
• a visual flora and fauna inspection will be conducted to monitor for
threatened species and to identify fauna that might require relocation
prior to clearing. Environmental Services will be notified of any issues
arising from the inspection;
• a visual assessment of the vegetation will be conducted to identify
available seed and timber resources to be collected or removed;
• an assessment will be made of the depth, volume and characteristics of
the topsoil to be removed;
• diversion banks and drains will be constructed to prevent soil erosion as
required by CNA’s erosion and sediment control management plan;
• contractors undertaking vegetation removal, topsoil stripping and
overburden removal will be briefed on their environmental
responsibilities.
4.2 Vegetation Removal
Vegetation, not required for other purposes, and rocks will be pushed into
windrows located away from any standing trees.
All grass will be left to be recovered with the topsoil.
Trees and logs will be cut to a size manageable by the shovel. Following
topsoil removal and blasting, this material will be pushed on to the pre-strip
area for removal with the overburden.
A watch will be maintained for Aboriginal objects during the clearing and
soil removal operations. If any objects are encountered, clearing will cease
in that area and the Manager Environmental Services will be notified.
4.3 Soil Stripping
Soil stripping will be to be undertaken in accordance with the Mining
Operations Plan.
Topsoil will be stripped by bulldozer or scraper to the depth determined by
the MOP or until subsoil is observed by the plant operator or supervisor.
Guidance on stripping depth will be sought from the Specialist,
Rehabilitation and Landcare if there is any uncertainty.
Topsoil stripping will not be undertaken in windy conditions that will cause
excessive dust to be generated (see EP 8.2 Dust Management, Mobile
Equipment).
The water content of the soil to be stripped is an important consideration:
title
EP 5.1
REHABILITATION
date issued
3/8/04
revision status
1.3
date reviewed
20/1/05
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