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COMPANY Any or all of Rio Tinto entities including Rio Tinto Iron Ore, Rio Tinto Projects, Growth & Innovation (Iron Ore), Mt Bruce Mining, Hamersley Iron and other wholly owned companies
DMIRS Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety
DWER Department of Water and Environmental Regulation
EPA Environmental Protection Authority
EPAS EPA Services (branch of DWER)
EPCM Engineering, Procurement and Construction Management
GWL Groundwater Water Licence
HI Hamersley Iron
HSEQMS Health Safety Quality and Environment Management System
JHA Job Hazard Analysis
MBR Membrane Bioreactor
MS Ministerial Statement
MTPA Million tonnes per annum
NWQMS National Water Quality Management Strategy
OEPA Office of the EPA
P2 Priority 2 Public Drinking Water Source Area
PDWSA Public Drinking Water Source Area
PER Public Environmental Review
PI Pilbara Iron
Project Koodaideri Iron Ore Mine and Infrastructure Project
This works approval application is for the construction of a hired wastewater treatment plant and sprayfield (WWTP) at the proposed Pelican Rail Camp (Pelican), adjacent to the Rio Tinto Dampier-Tom Price rail line approximately 70 km north of Tom Price.
Pelican Camp will provide offices and accommodation for approximately 200 personnel during the construction phase of the Koodaideri rail spur.
The proposed WWTP has a design capacity of 74 cubic metres per day. It is estimated that the WWTP will be in operation for approximately 18 months, however, this timeframe may be extended to meet changes in the construction schedule or proponent requirements.
2.2 Legal Land Description
Pelican Camp will be located within the Shire of Ashburton on Miscellaneous Licence L47/00810 held by Hamersley Iron Pty Limited.
Pilbara Iron Pty Ltd (a subsidiary of Rio Tinto) provides the operation, maintenance and management of construction works associated with the port, rail and power assets of Hamersley Iron. Pilbara Iron Pty Ltd is therefore the occupier for any licences or permits required under the Environmental Protection Act 1986 for the KRP.
2.3 Location and Siting
2.3.1 Location Context
Pelican Camp will be located approximately 70 km north of Tom Price and 150 km north of Paraburdoo within the inland Pilbara region of northern Western Australia. The Pelican Camp location within a regional context is shown in Figures 2-1 and 2-2, with the layout and WWTP facility shown in more detail in Figure 2-3.
The proposed WWTP and sprayfield are located approximately 30 km to the north-west of the Karijini National Park (KNP), and will have a combined total footprint area of up to approximately 3 ha within Hamersley Iron Miscellaneous Licence L47/00810.
The approximate boundary coordinates of the proposed Pelican Camp WWTP and sprayfield proposed prescribed premises boundary are shown below in Table 2-1.
Table 2-1 Coordinates (MGA Zone 50) of Pelican Camp WWTP and Sprayfield Proposed Prescribed Premises Boundary
The proposed WWTP is located within the Hamersley subregion of the Pilbara bioregion,
which is described as follows:
“Mountainous area of Proterozoic sedimentary ranges and plateaus, dissected by gorges (basalt, shale and dolerite). Mulga low woodland over bunch grasses on fine textured soils in valley floors, and Eucalyptus leucophloia over Triodia brizoides on skeletal soils of the ranges. The climate is semi-desert tropical, average 300 mm rainfall, usually in summer cyclonic or thunderstorm events. Winter rain is not uncommon. Drainage into either the Fortescue River (to the north), the Ashburton River to the south, or the Robe River to the west. Subregional area is 6,215,092 ha” (Kendrick 2003).
2.5 Water Resources
The proposed WWTP is located within a large expanse of almost flat plains intersected by small drainage channels. There are no significant watercourses in the development area, with a single moderate-sized creek line present in the northern half of the tenement as shown in Figure 2-3. No permanent or semi-permanent water bodies are present.
Groundwater abstraction bore WB18KRP0014 has been established at the site and will provide construction and potable water requirements for Camp. The groundwater table lies approximately 25 metres below ground level. The proposed sprayfield is located approximately 500 m from the potable water bore.
2.5.1 Public Drinking Water Source Protection Area
The proposed WWTP is located 4 km inside the eastern boundary of the Priority 2 (P2) outer
Catchment area of Millstream Water Reserve.
2.6 Hydrogeology
The proposed WWTP is located within the Lower Fortescue River catchment. The Lower Fortescue River flows in a generally westerly direction and the catchment is bounded by the Chichester Range to the north, Hamersley Range to the south and the Goodiadarrie Hills to the east. These major features lie along an east-west alignment and rise up from the coastal plains to the west.
Within the proposed Camp, groundwater is not encountered within the alluvials due to their shallow nature (~20m thick). The Camp water supply bore targets the bedrock aquifer of the Wittenoom Formation. The aquifer is recharged by rainfall at outcrop and leakage from the overlying Alluvial Aquifer.
The existing water supply bore at the Camp location is fresh with a TDS of 636 mg/l and pH 7.92.
2.7 Geology
Two soil units have been mapped by Agriculture Western Australia (1967) within tenement L47/00810. The dominant soil unit comprises 98.5% of the tenement and is classified as Fb3 – High level valley plains set in extensive units of Fa13, stony and shallow soils. The dominant soils are deep earthy loams coexisting with small areas of sandy loams (Figure 2-4).
A detailed assessment of flora and fauna has been completed. The survey by Biota (2018) concluded that the fauna habitat found within the Pelican Camp study area is ubiquitous in the Pilbara bioregion, and as such would not be considered under threat by the proposed works. No conservation significant vertebrate fauna species were recorded during the survey.
2.9 Vegetation and Flora
The survey by Biota (2018) identifies four vegetation units within three broad landform categories – Stony plains, Low hills and Minor creeklines.
Vegetation associated with Stony Plains is the predominant unit throughout the study area, covering 97.2% of the area. Vegetation unit P1 dominates the area covering 80.2% and consists of scattered low trees (Corymbia hamerseyana and Eucalyptus leucophloia subsp. leucophloia) over Acacia atkinsiana, A ancistrocarpa open shrubland over Triodia epacita, T. wisena open hummock grassland.
Vegetation unit P2 covers the remaining 17% of the Stony Plains consisting of Corymbia hamerseyana, (Eucalyptus leucophloia subsp. leucophloia) scattered low trees over E. gamophylla low open mallee woodland over Acacia ancistrocarpa (A. bivenosa) open shrubland over A. spondylophylla low open shrubland over Triodia epacita, open hummock grassland.
Vegetation unit P2 supports one population of the Priority 2 Gompholobium karijini, however this unit is not considered to be representative of the typical vegetation supporting large populations of the Priority 2 flora species. All vegetation units in the study area are considered to be well represented in the locality.
The remaining vegetation is associated with Low hills and narrow drainage lines covering 2.8% of the lease area. No threatened flora species were recorded during surveys of tenement.
There are no Threatened Ecological Communities (TECs) pursuant to Schedule 2 of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) within the tenement. The nearest environmentally sensitive area is the Threatened Ecological Community (TEC) – ‘Themeda Grasslands of Hamersley Station’ 20 km south southeast of the proposed Pelican Camp location.
2.10 Stakeholder and Community Consultation
2.10.1 Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER)
Meetings were held in August and September 2018 with the DWER – Regulatory Services Environment branch and the DWER - Water branch to discuss the proposed Pelican rail construction camp given its location within the Millstream Water Reserve – Priority 2.
The proposed secondary approval applications under the Rights in Water and Irrigation Act 1914, Part V of the Environmental Protection Act 1986 and the Mining Act 1978 were discussed. During the meeting the proposed location, set out, management and purpose of the Camp were outlined. It was discussed that the Departments WQPN’s and Millstream Water Reserve – Drinking Water Source Protection Plan – June 2010 will be complied with. DWER - Water requested that the Water Corporation be advised of the meeting and the outcomes of the discussion. This was done so via an email to the Water Corporation dated 21 August 2018.
2.10.2 Community Consultation
The Company has a long-term commitment to working with Pilbara communities and recognises that local communities have a direct interest in their activities.
Substantial stakeholder consultation and public review of the proposed activities has occurred historically, as part of environmental approval processes for the Koodaideri Iron Ore Project, including development of an Access and Consent Deed for Project activities in and around the Coolawanyah Pastoral Lease. The Company has sought to keep relevant stakeholders informed in relation to future mining activities in the area.
The WWTP development is not expected to directly affect any communities and therefore no specific community consultation has been undertaken. The Shire of Ashburton and the Department of Health will be consulted as required for approvals associated with the construction, installation and operation of the WWTP. No further consultation is expected to be undertaken with specific reference to WWTP.
2.10.3 Aboriginal Heritage
The Camp is located within the traditional lands of the Yindjibarndi People. The identification and management of cultural heritage within the traditional lands of the Yindjibarndi People is in accordance with the principles and practices outlined within Rio Tinto’s Communities and Social Performance Guidelines, the Rio Tinto Cultural Heritage Group Procedure, and the heritage protocol within the Yindjibarndi People Claim Wide Participation Agreement (CWPA).
Extensive heritage surveys have been conducted in and around the development area. No heritage sites will be impacted during the construction or operation of the WWTP.
On start-up, the WWTP will be filled with water to ensure that effluent discharges are diluted
until system stabilisation.
Monthly samples will be collected during the commissioning period from the final treated
effluent and compared with targets stated in this application in Table 6-3.
Once commissioning is completed, quarterly monitoring of the water quality of the effluent will
be undertaken as per the requirements of Table 7-1.
4.5 Inspection and Servicing
Regular (daily and weekly) inspection, quarterly sample collection and quarterly servicing will
be undertaken to ensure the WWTP is functioning adequately.
4.5.1 Membrane fouling and cleaning
Membrane cleaning is required for operational consistency and maintenance of performance.
Chemical and mechanical cleaning is scheduled to minimise the consumption of cleaning
chemicals and process interruption in order to optimise membrane performance.
Hydrogen peroxide, citric acid and sodium hypochlorite are used for MBR cleaning. The design includes two membrane systems which allows for continuous operation of the treatment plant during this cleaning process. The two systems work independently and can be isolated for chemical cleaning without interruption of the treatment continuity.
5 Risk Identification and Assessment
A risk assessment has been prepared to identify the potential emissions from the proposed
activities and the potential sources, pathways and receptors of those emissions, and proposed
controls to manage potential emissions to determine a risk rating. The risk assessment has
been based on the DWER Guidance Statement: Risk Assessments (released by the then
named Department of Environmental Regulation in 2017) and the Rio Tinto risk assessment
process, based on the following risk rating matrix (Table 5-1):
RTIO (WA) has a Health, Safety, Environment and Quality Management System (HSEQMS) that ensures environmental controls are developed for key environmental aspects, legal compliance is maintained and continuous improvement is achieved through a formal review process. A Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) is also in place which details the environmental management commitments necessary to mitigate the environmental impacts associated with the construction activities. Environmental aspects of the WWTP construction and operation will be managed in accordance with the CEMP, the Rio Tinto Environmental Design Principles for Temporary Facilities (DC-N002) and with all relevant conditions of Ministerial Statement 999.
6.1 Air Emissions (not including dust)
There will be no major air emissions, with the exception of dust (refer Section 6.2) generated during the construction and operation of the Camp, WWTP and associated sprayfield. During construction the generation of smoke and gaseous emissions will be limited to the operation of construction machinery including earthmoving machinery and temporary power generation. Normal operation of the WWTP will not result in the generation of additional air emissions, hence the environmental risk is negligible
6.2 Dust Emissions
Dust emissions during construction are typically associated with clearing, earthworks and vehicle movement on unsealed roads. Dust emissions during construction will be managed in accordance with the CEMP. Minor earthwork activities during the installation of the WWTP have the potential to generate small amounts of dust. The dispersed and temporary nature of dust emissions during construction requires a broad range of controls to be applied including:
Reducing ground disturbance to only the areas require for construction activities;
Water carts will be used during construction activities and in areas with frequent vehicle
movement on unsealed roads. The application of water increases the specific mass of
the soil particles and to increase bonding between the soil particles, minimising the
dust generated;
In some transport corridors, dust suppressant additives may be applied through water
carts to assist with dust control;
Site clearing and rehabilitation will be managed to ensure that areas are only cleared
as required and progressive rehabilitation is implemented as construction activities are
completed; and
Weather forecasts will be monitored to ensure the availability of adequate water carts
Implementation of the CEMP requires regular documented inspections to be undertaken to ensure the dust management techniques are being applied appropriately during construction and operation. Normal operation of the WWTP will not result in the generation of additional dust emissions, and given the lack of any sensitive receptor, the environmental risk from dust emissions is low.
6.3 Noise Emissions
Noise emissions during construction will be distributed across the site, predominantly mobile and limited to daylight hours. The main source of noise emissions will be earthmoving and construction machinery and on-site power generation. Noise and vibration are not expected to be significant for either construction or operation of the proposed facility. Minor earthworks during construction will result in the short term increase in local noise levels. During the construction period there will be no nearby sensitive noise receptors. Construction noise emissions will be managed under the CEMP. Controls include:
fitting vehicles and stationary items of equipment with exhaust mufflers;
screening or enclosing stationary items of equipment with acoustic enclosures to reduce operating noise levels;
the requirement for contractors to comply with the Environmental Protection (Noise) Regulations 1997; and
construction works must be carried out in accordance with Section 6 of Australian Standard 2436-1981 “Guide to Noise control on Construction, Maintenance and Demolition Sites” and the Environmental Protection (Noise) Regulations 1997 (WA).
Once operational, the WWTP will operate on a continuous 24 hours per day basis, however normal operation of the WWTP will not result in the generation of additional noise emissions. The environmental risk to any sensitive receptor from this emission is low.
6.4 Odour Emissions
During construction and installation of the WWTP there will be no additional odour emissions from the works area. Under normal operating conditions there are no significant odour emissions from the WWTP, hence there is no risk associated with this emission.
6.5 Light Emissions
Light emissions during construction of the WWTP are expected to be minimal. Construction activities will not be conducted at night and so night lighting will be limited to the minimum required to maintain site safety and security. Directional lighting will be used to minimise stray light emission. When constructed and commissioned the WWTP will operate on a continuous 24 hour basis, and additional lighting may be installed at the facility for the safe running and maintenance of the facility during night time operations. This lighting shall be limited to the minimum required for safe operations in accordance with Australian standards.
Plant lighting design will comply with Australian standards for safe work.
The environmental risk to any sensitive receptor from this emission is low.
6.6 Discharge to Water
There are no planned or permitted discharges to water during construction, installation or operation of the WWTP. Weelumurra Creek, the closest non-perennial water source is greater than 800m from the proposed WWTP hence there is no risk to surface water receptors.
6.7 Discharges to Land
6.7.1 Millstream Water Reserve Public Drinking Water Source Area
The WWTP will be located within the Millstream Water Reserve Public Drinking Water Source Area, in an Outer Catchment Priority Zone 2, which presents a potential risk of untreated discharges of waste water to the terrestrial environment through impacted pipes, overflow of containers or blocked components at the WWTP. The WWTP is skid mounted and will be constructed within an earthen bunded area to prevent the ingress of surface water and contain any spills within the immediate footprint. Pipelines used to deliver waste water to the WWTP from the proposed Pelican Camp will be designed and constructed to meet the requirements of Water Services Licensing (Plumbers Licensing and Plumbing Standards) Regulations 2000 and be protected from impact, flooding and fire. Under normal operations, a failure of the WWTP is not expected to result in waste water being discharged due to design standard requirements and contingency planning.
6.7.2 Identification and general characterisation of emissions
The maximum hydraulic application rate is equivalent to 3.5 mm/m2/day over the entire 2.1 ha irrigation field. Effluent nutrient loading calculations have been based on operating at 100% of peak manning of 200 persons, irrigating the total capacity (74kL) to the 2.1 ha spray field 365 days/year. Though not directly applicable to sewage discharge, the principles of the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation, Water Quality Protection Note 22 “Irrigation with nutrient-rich wastewater” (DOW, 2008) have been applied to this project. In accordance with WQPN 22 table 1 – Eutrophication risk based on soil type and location the acceptable range of nutrient application for risk Category B soils is 180 kg Nitrogen/ha/year and 20 kg Phosphorus/ha/year.
The expected annual nutrient loading based on the information in Table 6-3 and a sprayfield area of 2.1 ha will be:
TN – (13 mg/L/1,000) = 0.000013kg/L x 74,000 L/day (design output) = 0.962kg/day x 365 (operating days / year) = 351.15kg/year / 2.1 ha = 167.20 kg/ha/year
TP – (1.5 mg/L / 1,000) = 0.0000015kg/L x 74m3/day (design output) = 0.111kg/day x 365 (operating days / year) = 40.51kg/year / 2.1ha = 19.29 kg/ha/year
Based on these calculations, the discharges to land remains below the DWER recommended maximum application limit for Eutrophication Risk Category B soils shown in Table 6-1.
Table 6-1: Department of Water, Water Quality Protection Note 22- nutrient loading rates
Parameter WWTP WQPN 22 Target
Total nitrogen (kg/ha/year) 167.20 180
Total Phosphorus (kg/ha/year) 19.29 20
To ensure ‘low contact’ reclaimed water use is maintained with the thermo-tolerant coliform
discharge criteria <1,000cfu/100ml as per the Guidelines for Sewage Systems – Use of
Reclaimed water (ARMCANZ, NHMRC & ANZECC, 2000), restricted access during irrigation
is required. This is achieved through the fencing of the irrigation area and signage advising
that the areas will be irrigated with recycled water.
Drainage control will not be required due to equipment selection and physical design of the irrigation spray field. The low drift fan-spray nozzles proposed provide a coarse droplet with an even spray radius and distribution, designed to prevent pooling through pressure and flow specifications. The spray field irrigation layout allows for planned maintenance of the spray field at any time of the day, where the relief of the spray irrigation area is mildly graded, leading to very good infiltration of effluent.
6.7.3 Design Criteria
Criteria for the construction and operation of WWTPs is provided in the following key policies and guidance documents:
Koodaideri Project Construction Environmental Management Plan (KD-9900-H-PLN-00001)
Rio Tinto Environmental Design Principles for Temporary Facilities (DC-N002)
Rio Tinto WWTP Standard Specification (SS-N104)
Activities within the Millstream P2 PDWSA zone will align, where practicable, with the DWER Water Quality Protection series, and only to the extent the WQPN is relevant and appropriately applied using a common sense approach to works and/or activities.
Water quality protection management practices that have (ranging) relevance to the proposed Pelican Camp and WWTP construction and operation include, but are not limited to:
WQPN 22: Irrigation with nutrient rich waste water1
WQPN 41: Private drinking water supplies
WQPN 61: Tanks for ground level chemical storage
WQPN 65: Toxic and hazardous substance storage and use
WQPN 68: Mechanical equipment washdown
WQPN 70: Wastewater treatment – onsite domestic systems
6.7.4 Inputs and Outputs
The WWTP will be used solely for treating raw sewage. No trade or other wastes will be input to the system. Table 6-2 provides the expected loading rates for raw sewage in the WWTP.
Table 6-2 Expected raw sewage loading rates
The treated effluent is designed to exceed the National Water Quality Management Strategy (NWQMS: Australian Guidelines for Sewage systems – Effluent Management, 1997) discharge criteria as shown in Table 6-3 (maximum daily discharge of 74kL/day of treated effluent).
1 Though not directly applicable to sewage discharge, the principles of the WQP Note 22 have been applied to this project.
The controls proposed to manage any potential adverse impact from WWTP emissions are listed in Table 6-4.
Table 6-4 Proposed environmental controls
Objective Site Controls
No overflows of waste water
material from the WWTP
WWTP bund with sufficient freeboard maintained.
High level audible and visual alarms.
No ingress of clean surface
water
Diversion of clean surface water around the WWTP
area.
No hazardous materials
contamination
Secondary containment of all chemical and hydrocarbon
storage across the site.
All storage tanks and transfer piping will be above
ground.
Internal assessment and approval process prior to
mobilising any chemicals to site.
Documented daily inspections of storage and transfer
areas.
Contain spillage caused by
rupture, leak, overflow or
rainfall event
The entire facility is bunded to capture overflow or rain
event freeboard and prevent discharge without treatment
Physical separation from Camp
potable water source
The Proposed Pelican Camp potable water supply
groundwater bore, WB18KRP0014, is located up-
gradient approximately 500m away.
Given the proposed environmental controls, the residual risk to soil contamination and groundwater (and hence the P2 PDWSA zone) from operation of the waste water treatment plant is seen as low.
Outputs WWTP Target Value NQWMS Discharge
Criteria
5 day Biological Oxygen Demand <20 mg/L 20 – 30mg/L
6.8.1 Identification and general characterisation of emissions
All fuel storage and chemical storage facilities for the Camp will be designed in accordance with the Dangerous Goods (Storage and Handling of non–explosive) Safety Regulations 2007, Australian Standard 1940:2004 The Storage and Handling of Flammable and Combustible Liquids and the Rio Tinto Environmental Design Principles for Temporary Facilities (DC-N002).
Hydrocarbon storage within the P2 PDWSA zone will align, where practicable, with the DWER Water Quality Protection series, and only to the extent the WQPN is relevant and appropriately applied using a common sense approach to works and/or activities. Water quality protection management practices that have (ranging) relevance to the proposed hydrocarbon storage, but are not limited to:
WQPN 61: Tanks for ground level chemical storage
WQPN 65: Toxic and hazardous substance storage and use
The diesel storage and refuelling facility, will include high-flow and low-flow refuelling bowser and fuel management system and will have a direct above ground connection to the Camp diesel power generation facility. An oily water separator will be installed to cater for the diesel storage and refuelling facility, and include drying and holding facilities. A light-vehicle wash down facility will also be located within the vicinity of the diesel storage and refuelling facility. The wash down facility will be appropriately designed (e.g. bunding and sumps installed as well as appropriately lined) and maintained so as to ensure any contaminated waters are captured and removed for appropriate treatment. The facility will comply with the requirements of the DWER Water Quality Protection note 68: Mechanical equipment washdown.
6.8.2 Proposed environmental controls
The controls proposed to manage any potential adverse impact from the storage or use of hydrocarbons or other chemicals are listed in Table 6-5.
Conformance with procedures for bringing chemicals to site including ensuring a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) being available and accessible for each chemical
A list of hydrocarbons, chemicals and hazardous materials must be presented to the Company (or Representative) for approval before mobilisation
All storage containers and areas will be appropriately labelled, as required by relevant legislation and Australian Standards
All hazardous materials storage facilities and generators will be bunded
All activities related to the transport, handling, storage and use of hazardous materials will be conducted in appropriate ways, and as per relevant legislation, so as to prevent negative impacts to the environment
All spills regardless of size must be reported to the Company (or Representative)
Emergency response spill kits will be co-located at all storage locations
Daily site inspections will be conducted of hazardous materials use and storage
Refuelling transfer points will be secondarily contained
Refuelling will not occur within 30m of a watercourse
Mobile refuelling trucks must carry spill kits
Wash down facility designed with bunding and sumps to contain potentially contaminated waters
All refuelling and servicing shall be done at designated locations on site, with drip trays and spill kits (including absorbent matting) available to contain potential spills and drips
Given the proposed environmental controls, the residual risk to soil contamination and groundwater (and hence the P2 PDWSA zone) from hydrocarbons (and other chemicals) is seen as low.
There are no liquid waste by-products generated by the proposed WWTP during construction. During normal operations, the inlet screen collects any solid waste transferred through the conveyance system prior to entering the flow balance tank. This system automatically dewaters solids and collects them to be removed offsite to a licenced landfill site. Sludge will be transported off-site by an appropriately licensed Contractor. Solid industrial and domestic waste will be generated during the construction and operation of the WWTP. Waste material that is suitable for re-use or recycling will be separated from landfill waste and sent off-site for treatment or recycling as practicable. Non-recyclables will be transported off-site by an appropriately licensed Contractor. All Controlled Waste including hydrocarbon contaminated water will be removed from site via an appropriately licensed controlled waste carrier and relevant records including tracking notes maintained on site for audit and inspection purposes. All waste handling procedures will be in accordance with the CEMP during construction and the RTIO Health Safety Environment and Quality (HSEQ) Management System during operations. There are no other discharges to land associated with this proposal.
6.10 Flora and Fauna
New clearing is required for the construction of the WWTP, associated infrastructure and
temporary access. It is expected that up to 13 ha of clearing is required for the entire Camp
footprint. This area has been the subject of detailed flora and fauna surveys. Approximately
0.4 ha will be required for the footprint of the WWTP itself. The construction and operation of
the WWTP will not affect any Conservation Significant Flora and Fauna or Matters of National
Environmental Significance.
The Rio Tinto Approval Request and Ground Disturbance permitting process will be used to
directly control all land clearing and ground disturbing activities on site. Issuing permits
involves extensive analysis using GIS data acquired through professional botanical and
ecological surveys. The commencement of work under approved permits requires formal
survey, delineation of clearing limits, direct supervision of land clearing activities, mandatory
land disturbance training and extensive reporting including survey pick and assessment via
Representative WWTP influent and effluent samples will be collected and analysed in accordance with Table 7-1. All water samples will be collected, handled and preserved in accordance with Australian Standard 5667 and have analyses conducted by an laboratory with current NATA accreditation for the specified parameters.
Table 7-1 WWTP water quality monitoring requirements
After construction works are completed, areas that have been cleared and no longer required for operational use will be rehabilitated. All building materials, structures and facilities will be dismantled and removed from the site. The sewage treatment plant will be drained of sewage and sludge which will be disposed of in an approved waste disposal facility off-site. Rehabilitation will include:
the removal of all concrete footings, surface level tie-downs, paths, slabs etc and their reuse within the Company or burial at an approved and appropriately licensed location;
disconnection and/or removal of services below ground level;
filling of excavations and holes,
spreading of previously stockpiled topsoil; and
contour ripping of the site. The closure of the WWTP facility will be incorporated into the overall closure planning for the site and will follow the Pelican Camp Closure Plan regulated by the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety under the Mining Act 1978.
9 Project Costs
Costs associated with the deployment and installation of the WWTP and sprayfield are detailed below:
Potential impacts Proposed management Section number
Commitment
Dust Emissions Dust generated from clearing and vehicle traffic on unsealed access tracks.
Unsealed work areas and access tracks will be regularly sprayed
with water during construction
Water to be used as dust suppression during construction and
Operation (where required)
6.2
Clearing restricted to areas
required for construction related
activities.
Application of dust suppression water where necessary.
Odour Emissions Unpleasant odours from WWTP operation
WWTP will be located to minimise the potential for odour impacts on Pelican Camp residents during normal operation 6.4
No complaints received in relation to odour from the WWTP
Light Emissions Light spill from operations
Additional lighting may be installed at the facility for the safe running and maintenance of the facility during night time operations. This lighting will be limited to the minimum required for safe operations.
6.5 Lighting will be limited to the minimum directional lighting required for safe operations
Discharges to Water
Impact to groundwater water quality outside of natural variation
There will be no discharges to water as a result of the WWTP construction, installation and operation.
6.6 No discharges to water from the construction, installation and operation of the WWTP
Discharge to Land
Nutrient enrichment of waterways/ groundwater from excess nutrient loading in irrigation wastewater
WWTP system to be designed and commissioned to meet
discharge performance criteria
Monitoring of waste water treatment plant effluent quality from commissioning phase through to Operations and beyond
An earthen bund will be established around the perimeter of the
spray field to further prevent runoff into the surrounding
environment
Irrigation field fenced and within area proposed, with sprinklers placed to prevent spray overlap.
6.7; 7
Loading rate at end of commissioning below relevant criteria (Table 6-3) Commence monitoring in proposed commissioning period in order to assess any early warning signs regarding water quality impacts
Irrigation field fenced, earthen bunded and within area proposed, with sprinklers placed to prevent spray overlap
Potential impacts Proposed management Section number
Commitment
Unauthorised Discharge
Nutrient enrichment of waterways/ groundwater from excess nutrient loading in irrigation wastewater
System designed with adequate controls to prevent overflow to open ground
Hazardous materials to be stored in appropriately designed area
6.7
Tank high level alarms installed Process electrical interlocks installed Entire facility is fully bunded.
Hazardous materials stored in appropriately designed facility
Hydrocarbon / Chemical Storage
Potential for soil or water contamination from hydrocarbon or chemical spills.
All small quantities of hydrocarbons and/or chemicals to be stored in secondarily contained areas.
All chemicals associated with the proposed WWTP, such as chlorine and alum will be stored in a secure, appropriately designed storage area. The unit includes lockable gates, signage and spill containment tray. The unit will be ventilated and includes a safety shower, eyewash and green safety light.
Waste oil, oily rags, oil filters, and any other hydrocarbon related wastes shall be collected and disposed through an appropriately licensed waste service provider.
Spill kit equipment will be located near all higher risk contamination points. All site vehicles and machinery will also carry spill kits.
6.8
Hydrocarbon and chemical storage areas, and refuelling areas constructed with secondary containment measures
Spill kit equipment will be located near all higher risk contamination points.
Solid/ Liquid Waste
Solid industrial and domestic waste generated during the construction and operation of the proposed Pelican Camp
Principles of reduce, reuse and recycle to be adopted during construction period and operations. 6.9
All solid waste that cannot be recycled will be disposed at offsite landfill.