Wambo Coal AEMR 2010-2011 - Peabody Energy

2010-2011 AEMRWith the commencement of LW4 operations in early2011 the Longwall has seen a reduction in gasdelays compared to LW3. Methane emissions havevaried throughout the 2010-2011 reporting periodfrom 910l/s to 2040l/s depending on LW productionand gas zone, with an average of 1580l/s.The Wollemi mine remains unsealed but not activelyventilated. An inspection of the mine in July 2010showed there is approximately 5 m 3 /s of naturalventilation with a gas make of approximately 10litres /second.3.18.1 Greenhouse GasIn accordance with the requirements of the NationalGreenhouse and Energy Reporting Act 2007(NGERS), WCPL report each year the company’s: direct greenhouse gas emissions; total energy produced; and total energy consumed.At the time of writing the AEMR, the 2010-2011NGERS report was not finalised. A summary of thegreenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and energyconsumed from the 2009-2010 reporting period areprovided below. A summary of the 2010-2011 GHGemissions will be provided in the next AEMR.Scope 1: 814,520 (t CO 2 - e)Scope 2: 30,300 (t CO 2 - e)Energy Consumed: 1,066,519 (GJ)Energy Produced: 133,085,133 (GJ)Although WCPL is planning to increase coalproduction in the immediate future, management ofGHG emissions will be achieved through increasedenergy efficiency across the operation. The keyfocus of energy efficiency management at WCPL isduring the business planning phase. During projectplanning, consideration is given to potential energyconsumption of project components, and theavailability and practicality of more energy efficientalternatives.WCPL participates in the Federal Government’senergy Efficiency Opportunities (EEO) program. Aspart of that program, WCPL has conducted asystematic review of energy usage across theoperation, and identified areas for potential energyefficiency improvement. Energy efficiency measureshave subsequently been implemented, such as thereplacement of underground lighting with moreenergy efficient LED lighting.Regular scheduled maintenance of equipment andplant is also a key component of maintainingoperational energy efficiency.An enterprise-wide strategy for managing methaneemissions is being developed by Peabody EnergyAustralia.3.19 Public SafetyPublic safety is managed through theimplementation of safety systems and daily securityinspections. Fencing, signposting and lockedexternal gates form part of the safety measure toensure the safety of the public. A contractedsecurity service patrols the mine site andsurrounding areas. There were no incidentsregarding public safety during the reporting period.3.19.1 United Colliery ActivitiesUnited Collieries (United) ceased Longwall miningbeneath WCPL land during this reporting period.The last of United’s coal was loaded by rail on 27May 2010. United are currently under care andmaintenance program. Previously installedventilation boreholes that were maintained byUnited personnel, have now been decommissioned.United are still conducting exploration andenvironmental monitoring activities on WCPL ownedland.3.20 Reportable EnvironmentalIncidents3.20.1 Environmental ManagementEnvironmental incidents are managed inaccordance with WCPL’s Environmental IncidentResponse Procedure. All environmental incidentsare recorded on the Environmental Incident ReportForm which is required to be closed off by theEnvironmental Department. Incidents classificationsare as follows:Minor (Category 1)Minor incidents are those that cause negligibleactual impact on the environment, are readilycontrolled by established procedures (for example:small hydrocarbon spills in a non-sensitiveenvironment that are able to be immediatelycleaned up).Serious (Category 2)Incidents categorised as serious are those thatcause localised, reversible damage to theenvironment, for example: hydrocarbons spills in anon-sensitive environment and/or contained areaand saline water discharge.Major (Category 3)Incidents categorised as significant are those thathave actual or potential severe damage to theenvironment with the potential to result inenvironmental liability, regulatory intervention and/orsignificant community concern or actual damagePage 75