❓ A parliamentary question addresses noise concerns related to the MZI Resources Ltd Keysbrook mining project, focusing on noise levels, monitoring, compliance, and public access to data. The answer provides information on studies, distances, monitoring activities, and potential enforcement actions.
AnsweredQoN 5022Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to the noise associated with the MZI Resources Ltd Keysbrook mining project and ask: (a) what studies have been undertaken into the noise levels generated by any activity associated with the projects; (b) what are the distances of the nearest receiving premises from: (i) where mining is occurring; (ii) where the wet concentrator plant is located; and (iii) where any other MZI related activity is occurring; (c) what noise monitoring has been undertaken at 20 Hopelands Road, and if any what were the readings; (d) what other noise monitoring has been undertaken; (e) where can the public access the data so that it can be submitted to an independent consultant for analysis; (f) where can the public access a Government commissioned report providing analysis of the noise monitoring; (g) are the noise levels in breach of the approval and license conditions; and (h) will the MZI related activities be allowed to continue if the environmental noise approval conditions are being breached?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
15 March 2016
Responded by
Minister for Environment
Response time
27 days
(a) A Noise Impact Study was provided as part of the referral documentation assessed by Environmental Protection Authority in its October 2007 report to the Minister for Environment.
(b) (i) Approximately 500 metres - in accordance with an agreement the proponent has with the resident.
(ii) Approximately 1600 metres.
(iii) Numerous residences at varying distances are located adjacent to the MZI sand mine. MZI is required to comply with the noise regulations or the resident may enter into an agreement allowing MZI to operate above these assigned levels and times of day.
(c) The Department of Environment Regulation (DER) deployed noise monitoring equipment to record noise levels at 20 Hopelands Road between 15 December 2015 and 18 January 2016. The data is currently being analysed.
(d) Conditions of Statement 810 require the proponent to monitor noise and submit quarterly and annual reports prepared by an independent acoustic expert which reviews noise monitoring methodology, noise results, compliance with noise regulations and any management measures implemented or proposed. The first quarterly report was submitted to the Office of the Environmental Protection Authority on 19 February 2016 and is publicly available from MZI. The OEPA is currently assessing the report.
(e) The quarterly and annual noise reports are publicly available from MZI.
(f) As the analysis of data from noise monitoring equipment may afford evidence of a potential breach of noise regulations it is not intended to be immediately released.
(g) Data from the noise monitoring equipment is currently being analysed by DER to establish if limits set by the noise regulations have been exceeded.
(h) If a breach of the noise regulations is established, to the required evidentiary standard, DER will consider enforcement action in accordance with the DER Enforcement and Prosecution Policy 2013 .
(b) (i) Approximately 500 metres - in accordance with an agreement the proponent has with the resident.
(ii) Approximately 1600 metres.
(iii) Numerous residences at varying distances are located adjacent to the MZI sand mine. MZI is required to comply with the noise regulations or the resident may enter into an agreement allowing MZI to operate above these assigned levels and times of day.
(c) The Department of Environment Regulation (DER) deployed noise monitoring equipment to record noise levels at 20 Hopelands Road between 15 December 2015 and 18 January 2016. The data is currently being analysed.
(d) Conditions of Statement 810 require the proponent to monitor noise and submit quarterly and annual reports prepared by an independent acoustic expert which reviews noise monitoring methodology, noise results, compliance with noise regulations and any management measures implemented or proposed. The first quarterly report was submitted to the Office of the Environmental Protection Authority on 19 February 2016 and is publicly available from MZI. The OEPA is currently assessing the report.
(e) The quarterly and annual noise reports are publicly available from MZI.
(f) As the analysis of data from noise monitoring equipment may afford evidence of a potential breach of noise regulations it is not intended to be immediately released.
(g) Data from the noise monitoring equipment is currently being analysed by DER to establish if limits set by the noise regulations have been exceeded.
(h) If a breach of the noise regulations is established, to the required evidentiary standard, DER will consider enforcement action in accordance with the DER Enforcement and Prosecution Policy 2013 .
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