Dust
emissions from the Ashton Open Cut are monitored via a real-time
environmental monitoring system with a total of 7 stations strategically
located around the site. Mining operations are modified based on the
monitoring results and observations to ensure compliance with licence
conditions.
Ashton Coal has a nil discharge Environment
Protection Licence and as a result there are no discharges of
contaminated or saline water. All contaminated or saline water is
captured in the Site Water Management System and is used for dust
suppression and coal processing. Water quality is measured at 14
locations off-site on the streams in the area.
Noise emissions are controlled by the installation of
sound reduction equipment on plant and equipment, and by the
establishment of environmental noise bunds at strategic locations around
the site. Attended compliance monitoring is conducted 3 monthly within
Camberwell Village.
Blasting activities are monitored at three locations,
as detailed in Ashton Coal's Blast / Vibration Management Plan.
Procedures are in place to ensure that ground vibration and air
overpressure are within licence conditions. A vibration prediction tool
is also ustilised to ensure all blasts are designed to produce vibration
below licence conditions.
