Community Information Line
Residents can contact a representative from Gloucester Coal with any questions or concerns by calling either
Gloucester Basin 1300 658 239 or Donaldson Coal 1800 111 271
Duralie
The core environmental issues at the Duralie operation are efficient handling, storage and use of both mine water, management of potentially acid forming (PAF) waste rock and operational noise.
In the last twelve months, Gloucester Coal has prepared a revised noise reduction plan, commenced construction of an additional storage dam (Auxiliary Dam 2) and rehabilitated six hectares of waste rock emplacement.
Actions to date
2011
- Revised and updated all Environmental Management Plans in accordance with the NSW Project Approval (08_0203).
- Prepared new Environmental Management Plans in accordance with the NSW Project Approval (08_0203).
- Completed construction of an additional water storage dam (Auxiliary Dam 2).
- Rehabilitated 5 hectares of waste rock emplacement.
- Was subject to an Independent Environmental Audit
2010
- Prepared a revised Noise Monitoring Program;
- Prepared a Mine Operations Plan following approval of the Duralie Extension Project;
- Commenced construction of an additional water storage dam (Auxiliary Dam 2); and
- Rehabilitated six hectares of waste rock emplacement.
2009
- Revised and/or prepared the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Management Plan, Erosion and Sedimentation Control Plan (Auxiliary Dams Addendum), Irrigation Management Plan and Site Water Management Plan;
- Updated the Mining Operations Plan to reflect approval of mining within an approximately 25 hectare pit extension area;
- Was subject of an independent environmental compliance audit; and
- Completed construction of an additional water storage dam (Auxiliary Dam 1).
Approximately five hectares of waste rock emplacement area was rehabilitated.
Other environmental issues included
2010
- One blast with associated resultant overpressure above the site's compliance limit of 120dBL. Note that the property upon which this monitor is located was acquired by GCL during 2010.
- Quarterly noise surveys assessed that the Duralie Mine operations were compliant with the Environment Protection Authority's noise criteria at all monitored locations under prevailing atmospheric conditions with the exception of two locations. Of these two locations, one involved an unoccupied dwelling and was subsequently acquired by GCL and similarly the second property was acquired by GCL and is unoccupied.
Other than blasting and noise monitoring exceedances outlined above, the Duralie Coal Mine was considered to have operated within its environmental monitoring criteria.
Thirty three public complaints regarding Duralie operations were received by GCL during 2010. Of these complaints, twenty two referred to noise and remainder referred to blasting.
2009
- Two blasts with associated resultant overpressure above the site's compliance limit of 120dBL.
Other than blasting exceedances outlined above the Duralie Mine was considered to have operated within its environmental monitoring criteria.
Twenty six public complaints regarding Duralie operations were received by GCL during 2009. Of these complaints, twenty related to noise whilst the remainder involved blasting impacts.
Energy Efficiency Opportunities
2011
Environment Officer
Gloucester Coal Pty Ltd
Level 7, 167 Macquarie Street
Sydney NSW 2000
Telephone: +612 9220 9900
Facsimile: +612 9220 9999
Email: environment@gcl.com.au
Complaints
Duralie Operations
PO Box 168
Gloucester NSW 2422
Telephone: 1300 658 239