The Bulga Complex is implementing strategies to improve the levels of noise generated by the open cut and underground operations.

Mine noise is generated from the operation of mining equipment (dragline, excavators, shovels, haul trucks and dozers), blasting, conveyors and the Coal Handling and Preparation Plant. The levels of noise that can be generated from the mine complex are strictly controlled by our Development Consents and we are required to monitor and report on our performance against these conditions.

In 2010 Bulga Coal modified its development consent in relation to noise criteria and is making changes within the operation to reduce noise.   These changes include:

• Attenuation of the operating fleet of haul trucks. 30 new noise attenuated dump trucks have been onsite since the end of 2010.  An attenuated haul truck is up to 8 decibels quieter than a non-attenuated haul truck.
• A real time noise monitoring network is in operation at the Bulga Complex.  The real-time noise monitoring network is operated at 4 locations selected to be representative of the Fordwich, Bulga, Broke and Milbrodale localities.  This data is recorded continuously and is reported real-time via a website.  The monitoring results can be used to assist with the active management of operations at the Bulga Complex and minimise adverse impacts to neighbouring receivers.  This includes noise alarms that are set to trigger a staged review of the operation prior to noise levels reaching 35 decibels at residential receivers.
• Allocation of day time and night time dumping locations within the mining schedule where applicable, to provide shielded night time dumping locations.  Additional night dumping options include dumping lower in the pit or away from the community.
• The installation of haul road noise bunds in exposed areas above RL 80m where feasible to approximately 4.5m above the existing level to reduce noise emanating to the west of the operations.

Other strategies to reduce noise generated by the mine include locating the mine’s plant and equipment below ground or within an open cut void.  On occasions when the equipment has to be located on the surface or sound level necessitates, noise attenuation may be used to reduce the impact. 

Monitoring of noise

Noise monitoring at the Bulga Complex is undertaken in accordance with the Bulga Complex Noise Management Plan.  This system is designed to comply with Environmental Protection Licence No. 563 and the noise control conditions in the Bulga Complex development consents.  Noise monitoring includes the following:

• Quarterly monitoring which includes 4 nights of attended monitoring with a 15 minute period of attended monitoring undertaken at each site per night
• Monitoring is undertaken by specialist consultants, Global Acoustics
• Monitoring of 8 sites in accordance with Office of Environment and Heritage-  Industrial Noise Policy guidelines and AS 1055 ‘Acoustics, Description and Measurement of Environmental Noise’
• Monitoring of atmospheric conditions
• Additional noise monitoring triggered by complaints; and
• Real-time monitoring.

The Noise Monitoring Reports are updated quarterly and are available on this website.  Results for the year are also included in the Annual Environmental Management Report.