Metropolitan Coal Project Independent ... - Peabody Energy

METROPOLITAN COAL PROJECT INDEPENDENT ENVIRONMENTAL AUDIT
As the majority of the Metropolitan Colliery operations and works are underground, the management
of erosion and sediment control is mainly associated with surface construction works.
4.8.1 Erosion and Sediment Control Plan
[Project Approval Schedule 4 condition 15(b)]
Erosion and sediment measures are addressed in the Surface Facilities Water Management Plan
Project Approval Schedule4 condition 15(b), Water Management Plan for Long-walls 20-22 dated
April 2010, and Construction Management Plan prepared under Project Approval Schedule 3
condition 11.
Section 8.3 of the Water Management Plan references the Construction Management Plan and this
describes the management measures implemented for surface construction works.
4.8.2 Erosion Reduction and Sediment Control Measures
Erosion and sediment control measures implemented across the Metropolitan Colliery surface
disturbance areas, include use of geo-fabric, sediment pits / traps, sediment fencing and hay bales,
vegetating of slopes, and use of concrete spillways and concrete causeways, as required.
Temporary erosion and sediment controls in general accordance with applicable erosion and
sediment control principles and guidelines (Managing Urban Stormwater: Soils and Construction,
Volume 2E Mines and Quarries DECC, 2008) are installed prior to the commencement of surface
disturbance activities. Erosion and sediment controls will remain in place until such time as ground
disturbed by the works has stabilised.
4.8.3 Erosion and Sediment Control Management
Metropolitan Coal has a comprehensive procedure to ensure that all erosion and sediment risks are
identified and managed prior to the commencement of any surface disturbance and the surface
disturbance register and permitting system facilitates reporting of disturbance and subsequent
rehabilitation monitoring.
Prior to any surface works conducted within the Woronora Special Area, the requirements of the
Construction Management Plan are implemented and an Environmental Management Plan (EMP) is
developed that includes erosion and sediment control measures. The EMP is submitted to the SCA:
Geofabric / straw bale filters are installed consistent with Managing urban stormwater: soils
and construction – mines and quarries DECCW, 2008;
Rubber matting placed for steel-tracked drill rigs;
Cessation of activities in the Waratah Rivulet in the event of imminent heavy rain and
relocation of equipment to pre-determined elevated storage areas;
Regular inspections of erosion and sediment control structures for structural integrity and
effectiveness conducted by Metropolitan Coal environmental personnel; and
Where drilling occurs on or in the vicinity of the Waratah Rivulet, filtering via a series of
pumps is employed to manage the fine clay fraction if required. Water quality is monitored
downstream of the works area to ensure controls are effective.
Conclusion:
The procedures that have been developed within the management plans provide a sound basis for
implementation of erosion and sediment control for surface activities conducted in the mining lease
and SCA areas.
23 trevor brown & associates
applied environmental management consultants
aemc