Climate & Natural Disasters
4 Climate & Natural Disasters
Integrated Isaac Plains Project Environmental Impact Statement
IIPP Environmental Impact Statement Climate and Natural Disasters
4
CLIMATE AND NATURAL DISASTERS .................................................................... 4-1
4.1 4.2
CLIMATE .................................................................................................................. 4-1 NATURAL DISASTERS ................................................................................................. 4-2 4.2.1 4.2.2 4.2.3 4.2.4
Cyclones/Flooding............................................................................................ 4-2 Bushfires......................................................................................................... 4-2 Landslides ....................................................................................................... 4-2 Earthquakes .................................................................................................... 4-3
Table of Tables Table 4-1
Climate Averages – Moranbah Water Treatment Plant............................................. 4-1
P:\Projects\IPCM\IPC801 Supplementary EIS\WIP\EIS\Section 4\04_Climate_and_Natural_Disasters_20080606.doc
IIPP Environmental Impact Statement Climate and Natural Disasters
4
CLIMATE AND NATURAL DISASTERS
4.1
CLIMATE
The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) has a weather station at the Moranbah Water Treatment Plant, (Station 034038) which collected climatic records from 1972 to 2004. This is the closest long-term weather station to the IIPP. A summary of the average climate recorded at Station 034038 is presented in Table 4.1. According to the BoM, the Moranbah region is classified as ‘Subtropical’ based on the Koppen1 classification system. Moranbah has a warm climate with mean maximum temperatures ranging from 34.2°C in January to 23.6°C in July. Mean minimum temperatures range from 22°C in January to 9.7°C in July. The wind is predominantly from the north-east to the south-east. Further information on wind direction and speed, predominantly in reference to air quality is provided in Section 8. The average annual rainfall at Moranbah Water Treatment Plant is 589.5 mm, of which the majority falls in the warmer months of the year (November to February). Historically, the highest monthly rainfalls occur in December. The evaporation rate is highest in the summer months, with a mean daily rate of 8.5 mm in January, and lowest in the cooler months, with a mean daily rate of 3.6 mm in June. The mean monthly rate of evaporation is 77.8 mm. The annual average rate of evaporation is 2,372.5 mm, which greatly exceeds the annual rainfall, a characteristic of semi-arid environments. Table 4-1
Climate Averages – Moranbah Water Treatment Plant Temperature
Month
Relative Humidity (%)
Wind Speed (km/h)
Rainfall (mm)
Mean min
Mean max
9am
3pm
9am
3pm
Mean Monthly
Highest Daily
Highest Monthly
Jan
22
34.2
69
41
7.2
8.5
94.8
120.4
315.0
Feb
21.8
33.2
73
46
7.5
9.6
90.5
150.8
316.2
Mar
20.1
32.3
70
41
8.2
9.5
52.7
164.8
268.0
Apr
17.6
29.5
73
44
7.7
8.8
36.7
143.8
271.0
May
14.4
26.4
73
45
6.2
6.8
39.4
58.0
196.6
Jun
11.0
23.7
72
43
5.3
6.3
18.8
38.8
55.3
Jul
9.7
23.6
68
39
5.1
6.8
17.1
60.0
103.6
Aug
11.1
25.2
66
36
6.6
7.7
24.9
150.8
247.3
Sep
13.9
29.4
57
28
8.2
9.0
8.0
20.4
39.4
Oct
17.6
32.2
59
31
8.6
8.6
37.5
73.8
146.6
Nov
19.5
33.0
61
35
8.4
8.8
69.6
85.6
220.3
Dec
21.1
33.8
65
40
8.3
8.5
99.6
116
318.2
Annual Average
16.7
29.7
67
39
7.3
8.2
49.1
-
-
Source: http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/averages/tables/cw_034038.shtml
1
The Koppen classification is based on the concept that native vegetation is the best expression of climate, thus climate zone boundaries have been selected with vegetation distribution in mind. It combines average annual and monthly temperatures and precipitation, and the seasonality of precipitation. P:\Projects\IPCM\IPC801 Supplementary EIS\WIP\EIS\Section 4\04_Climate_and_Natural_Disasters_20080606.doc
Page 4-1
IIPP Environmental Impact Statement Climate and Natural Disasters
4.2 4.2.1
NATURAL DISASTERS Cyclones/Flooding
A summary of the BoM Queensland Flood Summaries over the past 120 yrs indicates that there have been relatively few cyclones in the past 120 yrs in the Bowen Basin area. The most intense cyclone, a Category 2 event, occurred in January 1918 in Mackay and caused severe flooding. High floods were also experienced in all tributaries of the Fitzroy and Burdekin Rivers, especially the Dawson, Mackenzie, Comet and Nogoa Rivers. Some Category 1 cyclones have been reported in Mackay region over the last 120 yrs. However, these cyclones tend to be quite weak in intensity and the associated rain depression would have little effect on the IIPP area. As previously discussed, meteorological monitoring commenced at the Moranbah Water Treatment Plant in 1972. Since 1972, the highest daily rainfall recorded at the Moranbah BoM station was 164.8 mm. Potential impacts from flooding and heavy rainfall events have been assessed for the IIPP in Section 6. There is a risk of flooding and impact from cyclonic winds on the IIPP with the potential to release contaminants and sediments from site. This may occasionally, but infrequently, necessitate halting of mining activities. IPCM will manage the impacts of flooding in accordance with SPP: 1/03 Mitigating the adverse impacts of Flood, Bushfire and Landslide. Flood levees will be constructed progressively throughout the IIPP site in an attempt to prevent flooding from impacting mining activities. 4.2.2
Bushfires
Bushfire risk mapping as modelled by the Rural Fire Service and Queensland Fire and Rescue Service, has been reviewed for both Belyando and Nebo Shire LGAs2. The area surrounding Moranbah is primarily classified as having a medium to low bushfire risk, although there are a number of locations within Nebo Shire which have been classified as having a high bushfire risk. The high bushfire risk locations closest to the IIPP are an area adjacent to the northern side of the Peak Downs Highway approximately 15 km to the east, and two areas approximately 17 to 18 km to the north-east of the existing Isaac Plains Coal Mine. As a bushfire mitigation measure, the area around the existing mine infrastructure has been cleared. A dedicated buffer has been left around the CHPP and mine infrastructure areas of approximately 100 m, which meets the requirements of SPP: 1/03 Mitigating the adverse impacts of Flood, Bushfire and Landslide. A 100 m buffer will also be constructed around the infrastructure located in the Expansion Area. There is ongoing liaison with the adjacent landowners regarding fire breaks and ongoing maintenance programs to minimise the risk of bush fire. IPCM follows the Queensland Mines Rescue Service regulations and procedures and has a dedicated, fully trained, Mines Rescue Team. Those employees/contractors who form the team have full senior and occupational first aid qualifications. 4.2.3
Landslides
Landslides can be caused by earthquakes, volcanoes, soil saturation from rainfall or seepage or by human activity (e.g. vegetation removal, construction on steep terrain). Landslides usually involve the movement of large amounts of earth, rock, sand or mud or any combination of these. The rate of movement of a landslide can vary from exceptionally slow to a sudden and total collapse. The distance travelled by landslide debris can also vary greatly, from a few centimetres in ‘ground slumps’, to many kilometres when large mud flows follow river valleys.
2
On advice from Queensland Fire and Rescue Service mapping has been used as a guide only.
P:\Projects\IPCM\IPC801 Supplementary EIS\WIP\EIS\Section 4\04_Climate_and_Natural_Disasters_20080606.doc
Page 4-2
IIPP Environmental Impact Statement Climate and Natural Disasters
Based on the topography of the IIPP site it is unlikely that there would be any landslides resulting from natural causes. Disturbance to waterways has the potential to create land slippages and mining activities also have the potential to create localised slippages within the mine pits. Despite this low risk, should a land slide/slippage occur, IPCM will manage the impacts in accordance with SPP: 1/03 Mitigating the adverse impacts of Flood, Bushfire and Landslide, in consultation with the Queensland Government State Disaster Management Group. 4.2.4
Earthquakes
The majority of the world’s earthquakes generally occur at plate boundaries, i.e. interplate seismicity. Although Australia is located within a tectonic plate, it exhibits intraplate seismicity but with a comparatively low level of activity. Earthquakes have been assessed as a low hazard for the IIPP based on the Mackay region earthquake map (Geoscience Australia, 2007). Earthquake activity occurs in a general zone along the coast from the border of NSW to north of Cairns and extends off the coast and further inland from the IIPP.
P:\Projects\IPCM\IPC801 Supplementary EIS\WIP\EIS\Section 4\04_Climate_and_Natural_Disasters_20080606.doc
Page 4-3
Integrated Isaac Plains Project Environmental Impact Statement
IIPP Environmental Impact Statement Climate and Natural Disasters
4
CLIMATE AND NATURAL DISASTERS .................................................................... 4-1
4.1 4.2
CLIMATE .................................................................................................................. 4-1 NATURAL DISASTERS ................................................................................................. 4-2 4.2.1 4.2.2 4.2.3 4.2.4
Cyclones/Flooding............................................................................................ 4-2 Bushfires......................................................................................................... 4-2 Landslides ....................................................................................................... 4-2 Earthquakes .................................................................................................... 4-3
Table of Tables Table 4-1
Climate Averages – Moranbah Water Treatment Plant............................................. 4-1
P:\Projects\IPCM\IPC801 Supplementary EIS\WIP\EIS\Section 4\04_Climate_and_Natural_Disasters_20080606.doc
IIPP Environmental Impact Statement Climate and Natural Disasters
4
CLIMATE AND NATURAL DISASTERS
4.1
CLIMATE
The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) has a weather station at the Moranbah Water Treatment Plant, (Station 034038) which collected climatic records from 1972 to 2004. This is the closest long-term weather station to the IIPP. A summary of the average climate recorded at Station 034038 is presented in Table 4.1. According to the BoM, the Moranbah region is classified as ‘Subtropical’ based on the Koppen1 classification system. Moranbah has a warm climate with mean maximum temperatures ranging from 34.2°C in January to 23.6°C in July. Mean minimum temperatures range from 22°C in January to 9.7°C in July. The wind is predominantly from the north-east to the south-east. Further information on wind direction and speed, predominantly in reference to air quality is provided in Section 8. The average annual rainfall at Moranbah Water Treatment Plant is 589.5 mm, of which the majority falls in the warmer months of the year (November to February). Historically, the highest monthly rainfalls occur in December. The evaporation rate is highest in the summer months, with a mean daily rate of 8.5 mm in January, and lowest in the cooler months, with a mean daily rate of 3.6 mm in June. The mean monthly rate of evaporation is 77.8 mm. The annual average rate of evaporation is 2,372.5 mm, which greatly exceeds the annual rainfall, a characteristic of semi-arid environments. Table 4-1
Climate Averages – Moranbah Water Treatment Plant Temperature
Month
Relative Humidity (%)
Wind Speed (km/h)
Rainfall (mm)
Mean min
Mean max
9am
3pm
9am
3pm
Mean Monthly
Highest Daily
Highest Monthly
Jan
22
34.2
69
41
7.2
8.5
94.8
120.4
315.0
Feb
21.8
33.2
73
46
7.5
9.6
90.5
150.8
316.2
Mar
20.1
32.3
70
41
8.2
9.5
52.7
164.8
268.0
Apr
17.6
29.5
73
44
7.7
8.8
36.7
143.8
271.0
May
14.4
26.4
73
45
6.2
6.8
39.4
58.0
196.6
Jun
11.0
23.7
72
43
5.3
6.3
18.8
38.8
55.3
Jul
9.7
23.6
68
39
5.1
6.8
17.1
60.0
103.6
Aug
11.1
25.2
66
36
6.6
7.7
24.9
150.8
247.3
Sep
13.9
29.4
57
28
8.2
9.0
8.0
20.4
39.4
Oct
17.6
32.2
59
31
8.6
8.6
37.5
73.8
146.6
Nov
19.5
33.0
61
35
8.4
8.8
69.6
85.6
220.3
Dec
21.1
33.8
65
40
8.3
8.5
99.6
116
318.2
Annual Average
16.7
29.7
67
39
7.3
8.2
49.1
-
-
Source: http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/averages/tables/cw_034038.shtml
1
The Koppen classification is based on the concept that native vegetation is the best expression of climate, thus climate zone boundaries have been selected with vegetation distribution in mind. It combines average annual and monthly temperatures and precipitation, and the seasonality of precipitation. P:\Projects\IPCM\IPC801 Supplementary EIS\WIP\EIS\Section 4\04_Climate_and_Natural_Disasters_20080606.doc
Page 4-1
IIPP Environmental Impact Statement Climate and Natural Disasters
4.2 4.2.1
NATURAL DISASTERS Cyclones/Flooding
A summary of the BoM Queensland Flood Summaries over the past 120 yrs indicates that there have been relatively few cyclones in the past 120 yrs in the Bowen Basin area. The most intense cyclone, a Category 2 event, occurred in January 1918 in Mackay and caused severe flooding. High floods were also experienced in all tributaries of the Fitzroy and Burdekin Rivers, especially the Dawson, Mackenzie, Comet and Nogoa Rivers. Some Category 1 cyclones have been reported in Mackay region over the last 120 yrs. However, these cyclones tend to be quite weak in intensity and the associated rain depression would have little effect on the IIPP area. As previously discussed, meteorological monitoring commenced at the Moranbah Water Treatment Plant in 1972. Since 1972, the highest daily rainfall recorded at the Moranbah BoM station was 164.8 mm. Potential impacts from flooding and heavy rainfall events have been assessed for the IIPP in Section 6. There is a risk of flooding and impact from cyclonic winds on the IIPP with the potential to release contaminants and sediments from site. This may occasionally, but infrequently, necessitate halting of mining activities. IPCM will manage the impacts of flooding in accordance with SPP: 1/03 Mitigating the adverse impacts of Flood, Bushfire and Landslide. Flood levees will be constructed progressively throughout the IIPP site in an attempt to prevent flooding from impacting mining activities. 4.2.2
Bushfires
Bushfire risk mapping as modelled by the Rural Fire Service and Queensland Fire and Rescue Service, has been reviewed for both Belyando and Nebo Shire LGAs2. The area surrounding Moranbah is primarily classified as having a medium to low bushfire risk, although there are a number of locations within Nebo Shire which have been classified as having a high bushfire risk. The high bushfire risk locations closest to the IIPP are an area adjacent to the northern side of the Peak Downs Highway approximately 15 km to the east, and two areas approximately 17 to 18 km to the north-east of the existing Isaac Plains Coal Mine. As a bushfire mitigation measure, the area around the existing mine infrastructure has been cleared. A dedicated buffer has been left around the CHPP and mine infrastructure areas of approximately 100 m, which meets the requirements of SPP: 1/03 Mitigating the adverse impacts of Flood, Bushfire and Landslide. A 100 m buffer will also be constructed around the infrastructure located in the Expansion Area. There is ongoing liaison with the adjacent landowners regarding fire breaks and ongoing maintenance programs to minimise the risk of bush fire. IPCM follows the Queensland Mines Rescue Service regulations and procedures and has a dedicated, fully trained, Mines Rescue Team. Those employees/contractors who form the team have full senior and occupational first aid qualifications. 4.2.3
Landslides
Landslides can be caused by earthquakes, volcanoes, soil saturation from rainfall or seepage or by human activity (e.g. vegetation removal, construction on steep terrain). Landslides usually involve the movement of large amounts of earth, rock, sand or mud or any combination of these. The rate of movement of a landslide can vary from exceptionally slow to a sudden and total collapse. The distance travelled by landslide debris can also vary greatly, from a few centimetres in ‘ground slumps’, to many kilometres when large mud flows follow river valleys.
2
On advice from Queensland Fire and Rescue Service mapping has been used as a guide only.
P:\Projects\IPCM\IPC801 Supplementary EIS\WIP\EIS\Section 4\04_Climate_and_Natural_Disasters_20080606.doc
Page 4-2
IIPP Environmental Impact Statement Climate and Natural Disasters
Based on the topography of the IIPP site it is unlikely that there would be any landslides resulting from natural causes. Disturbance to waterways has the potential to create land slippages and mining activities also have the potential to create localised slippages within the mine pits. Despite this low risk, should a land slide/slippage occur, IPCM will manage the impacts in accordance with SPP: 1/03 Mitigating the adverse impacts of Flood, Bushfire and Landslide, in consultation with the Queensland Government State Disaster Management Group. 4.2.4
Earthquakes
The majority of the world’s earthquakes generally occur at plate boundaries, i.e. interplate seismicity. Although Australia is located within a tectonic plate, it exhibits intraplate seismicity but with a comparatively low level of activity. Earthquakes have been assessed as a low hazard for the IIPP based on the Mackay region earthquake map (Geoscience Australia, 2007). Earthquake activity occurs in a general zone along the coast from the border of NSW to north of Cairns and extends off the coast and further inland from the IIPP.
P:\Projects\IPCM\IPC801 Supplementary EIS\WIP\EIS\Section 4\04_Climate_and_Natural_Disasters_20080606.doc
Page 4-3
