09 South West System Coal Dust Management Plan 2013

Chinchilla
Brisbane
Toowoomba
November 2013
South West System
Coal Dust
Management
Plan
ii Coal Dust Management Plan | South West System | November 2013
Contact
Aurizon
T 13 23 32
E community@aurizon.com.au
W aurizon.com.au
New Hope Group

T 1800 882 142
E community@newhopegroup.com.au
W newhopegroup.com.au
Peabody Energy
T 07 4663 5555
E info@peabodyenergy.com
W peabodyenergy.com
Queensland Bulk Handling

T 07 3107 4900
E reception@qbh.com.au
W qbh.com.au
Queensland Rail
T 07 3072 0600
E customerfeedback@qr.com.au
W queenslandrail.com.au
Queensland Resources Council

T 07 3295 9560
E info@qrc.org.au
W qrc.org.au
Yancoal
T 09 8583 5300
E info@yancoal.com.au
W yancoal.com.au
Coal Dust Management Plan | South West System | November 2013 1
Contents
Glossary 2
Chapter 1: Executive summary 3
1.1 The South West System coal supply chain 4
1.2 Coal dust, the rail corridor and the community 4
1.3 Coal dust and health 5
1.4 Coal dust mitigation 5
1.5 Community engagement 6
1.6 Conclusion 6
Chapter 2: South West System overview 7
2.1 Community contribution and economic investment 10
2.2 Opportunities for continued growth and investment 12
2.3 A collaborative approach 12
Chapter 3: Background facts – what we know about coal dust 13
3.1 What is black dust? 16
3.2 What is nuisance dust? 20
3.3 What is Particulate Matter and why is its size important? 22
3.4 Government regulation of coal dust 25
3.5 What are the facts concerning coal dust and health? 27
3.6 What are the sources of coal dust on the rail corridor? 29
Chapter 4: Mitigation and continuous improvements by stakeholders 31
4.1 Coal dust management and mitigation activities 32
4.2 Coal producers management and mitigation activities 33
4.3 Rail network management and mitigation activities 37
4.4 Rail operator mitigation activities 37
4.5 Coal Terminal Manager at Port of Brisbane mitigation activities 38
4.6 Continuous improvement in coal dust management 38
Chapter 5: Stakeholder engagement 39
Chapter 6: Air quality monitoring 43
6.1 Western – Metropolitan Rail Systems Coal Dust Monitoring Program, Final Report
executive summary 45
References 47
2 Coal Dust Management Plan | South West System | November 2013
Glossary
CDMP Coal Dust Management Plan
DEHP Department of Environment and Heritage, Queensland Government
DSITIA Department of Science, Information Technology, Innovation and the Arts,
Queensland Government
µg Microgram (= one millionth of a gram)
µg/m3 Micrograms per cubic metre. A measure of the mass of particles suspended
in a unit volume of air.
µm Micrometre (= one millionth of a metre)
mg Milligram (= one thousandth of a gram)
mg/m2/day Milligrams per square metre per day. A measure of the average mass of
particles settling on a unit area on a daily basis.
HGI Hardgrove Grindability Index
mtpa Million tonnes per annum
PM2.5 Particulate Matter less than 2.5 microns
PM10 Particulate Matter less than 10 microns
QBH Queensland Bulk Handling
QRC Queensland Resources Council
TSP Total Suspended Particulate Matter
SWS South West System (includes the Western and Metropolitan rail systems)
Chapter 1
Executive summary
This Coal Dust Management Plan 1.1 The South West System coal
has been prepared by the South West supply chain
System (SWS) supply chain members The SWS is the smallest coal supply chain in
as evidence of their commitment Australia, hauling 8.9 million tonnes per annum
to mitigating and managing coal (mtpa), with plans for incremental growth.
dust on the South West System The supply chain members have operated in the
region for more than 30 years and the companies
rail corridor. share a long term commitment to the region
This plan focuses on the transport of coal on the rail and its communities.
corridor through the rural and urban communities The members of the SWS supply chain are:
of both the Western and Metropolitan rail lines,
collectively referred to as the South West System. Aurizon Rail transport operator
It also includes the train loading and unloading New Hope Group Coal producer
processes at the mines and port. Separate
Peabody Energy Coal producer
environmental policies, and in some cases separate
dust management plans, are in place for the mines Queensland
Coal export terminal operator
and the port and can be accessed through each Bulk Handling
company’s website (see page 41).
Queensland Rail Rail network manager
The plan aims to present information in a clear and
Yancoal Coal producer
transparent way. Statements about the nature,
concentration and potential impacts of coal dust are The supply chain begins at the Surat and Moreton
referenced to scientific evidence and research that Basin coal fields west of Toowoomba and runs
are available to the public. through Toowoomba, Ipswich and Brisbane to the
The supply chain members are employers and Port of Brisbane.
significant contributors to economic development
in regional south west Queensland, having invested 1.2 Coal dust, the rail corridor and
$300 million directly and indirectly into the the community
community through salaries, royalties, local goods
One of the main objectives of this plan is to establish
and services in the 2011/2012 financial year.1
the facts about coal dust on the SWS rail corridor and
The SWS supply chain members take their dispel misinformation that may lead to community
environmental obligations seriously. They are concerns. It clarifies the following main points.
committed to working with local communities,
Low levels of coal in corridor dust samples.
councils and state government to ensure that facts
are available, that any arising issues are addressed Case studies and dust monitoring reports
and that mechanisms are in place to respond to referenced in this plan (Chapter 3) show that coal
community concerns. dust typically accounted for about 10 per cent of
deposited dust samples on a surface area basis
at the monitoring sites.2
1
Queensland Resources Council website, www.qrc.org.au
2
DSITIA Western – Metropolitan Rail Systems Coal Dust Monitoring Program, Final Report
3
New Hope Group, Rail Coal Dust Report 2013
Low levels of coal in nearby home dust samples. Most references to health are in association with
invisible particles that can be inhaled. These are
Samples taken from homes adjacent to the rail
referred to as PM10 and PM2.5 particles.
corridor showed that black tyre rubber, rocks, soil
and minerals, plant and insect debris make up the Additional research shows that the greatest source
majority of dust.3 of PM10 and PM2.5 dust is combustion, including home
fires, agricultural burning and vehicle exhaust.5
Train movements cause little change to 10-minute
average overall dust levels. A study of PM10 sources showed that more than
95% of the emissions from these combustion
While studies indicate that the passage of a
sources were PM10 and smaller, while less than
train does increase ambient dust concentrations
35% of the emissions from processes such as
temporarily, as would be expected with the
construction and mining were smaller than PM10.6
movement of any vehicle, it is important to
understand that only a small proportion of the dust Studies of coal dust indicate that it is made up of
is coal compared with other sources of dust on the particles larger than PM2.5 and often larger than
rail corridor and in the surrounding communities.4 PM10. These larger particles fall to the ground
quickly and relatively close to their source.
Total dust levels on the corridor are comparable
to the rest of Brisbane. Coal dust in deposited samples typically accounted
for 10% of the total surface area.4 Further away
Dust monitoring studies have shown that the
from the corridor, research has shown that
dust levels on the rail corridor are comparable to
deposition rates of coal dust are lower.6
dust levels experienced at locations throughout
Brisbane. The studies show that the impact of Often claims are made about high levels of
motor vehicles, industrial boilers, solid fuel heaters PM10 coal dust on the rail corridor but there is
and climate-related factors, including drought, rain, no evidence to support this conclusion. On the
bush fires and dust storms, all are more significant contrary, all studies have shown that PM10 levels
sources of dust than coal transported by rail.4 are well below environmental objectives and that
coal is not a major contributor of PM10 particles.
Low overall dust levels
The monitoring results showed that dust levels did 1.4 Coal dust mitigation
not exceed the Queensland air quality objectives on
any day during the four-month investigation period. Through extensive research and testing, there is
a good body of evidence of the potential sources
1.3 Coal dust and health of coal dust and the best mitigation methods to
reduce this coal dust. While the evidence shows that
Every study conducted to date on the South West the levels of coal dust, and dust in general, on the
System has confirmed that the measured levels of SWS consistently meet air quality objectives, the
dust were well below the air quality objectives for supply chain members are committed to addressing
the protection of human health (see appendices).4 community concerns and proactively taking steps
to respond to these concerns.
The Queensland Department of Health has
concluded that, for people living along the rail This Coal Dust Management Plan outlines the
corridor, the dust concentrations measured during activities that are currently being undertaken by
the investigation are unlikely to result in any all members of the supply chain in a coordinated
additional adverse health effects.4 effort to continue achieving low levels of coal dust
at current and future production rates. These
Thousands of Australians work directly with
actions are based on research that has defined
coal every day of the year, many with their families
best practice, which has been proven to be highly
living in close proximity. The last reported case in
effective in minimising potential dust impacts.
Australia of Coal Workers’ Pneumoconiosis (CWP),
commonly known as black lung disease, was more These start with the management of moisture
than 20 years ago. levels in coal during transport.
4
5
Guideline on Speciated Particulate Monitoring, Judith Chow and John Watson, Desert Research Institute, prepared for US EPA, August 1998
6
Katestone Environmental Pty Ltd, Review of Dust from Coal Trains in Queensland, report to the Senate Standing Committee on Community Affairs Inquiry:
The impacts of health on air quality in Australia, prepared for Queensland Resources Council, March 2013
1.4.1 Moisture content management 1.4.5 Ongoing dust monitoring

All coal producers wash their coal or blend it to The supply chain members have committed
achieve an optimum moisture level which reduces to a program of ongoing dust monitoring for a
dust and achieves market qualities. further 12 months to validate the effectiveness
of mitigation measures and to confirm that dust
1.4.2 Improved loading practices levels, particularly coal dust levels, continue to meet
environmental standards.
Improved loading practices can reduce coal
deposits on coal wagon ledges and wheel surfaces 1.4.6 Continuous improvement
that are prone to spillage during transport. It also
supports the ability to create a consistent surface As technologies and processes evolve, the supply
of coal in each wagon. chain members will investigate further opportunities
to mitigate coal dust along the corridor, driven by
1.4.3 Load profiling of coal surface evidence from coal dust monitoring.
The profile of the loaded coal wagon refers to
the shape of the exposed surface of coal on the
1.5 Community engagement
top of in the wagon. A flat surface with gradually The supply chain members are committed to
sloping sides is a tried and proven method of dust working with local communities to ensure that any
suppression.7 arising issues are addressed and that mechanisms
Garden bed profiling is being adopted at all loading are in place to respond to community concerns.
facilities in the SWS. They are active in local communities, attend
community reference group meetings and regularly
1.4.4 Veneering sponsor programs that support education,
health and safety in regional areas.
Veneering is the application of a biodegradable
polymer onto the surface of the loaded coal. In addition, each company provides information
The veneer forms a crust over the coal load, which hotlines, email addresses, websites and community
along with the use of a modified loading chute engagement activities to ensure that resources
suggests that a significant reduction in coal dust and information are available about operations and
lift-off from wagons is achievable. activities on the SWS.
New Hope Group began veneering its coal in 1.6 Conclusion

May, 2013 and the two other coal producers will
institute veneering by December 2013. In summary, the evidence shows that coal dust
concentrations on the SWS do not exceed air quality
The supply chain members share a genuine
guidelines and that coal dust deposition is not the
commitment to continue to research, and enhance
primary contributor to amenity concerns raised by
their understanding of dust mitigation activities
residents along the rail corridor.
to enable the development of improvements and
technology that directly relate to any scientifically There is a clear need to communicate this
identified issues relating to the transport of coal information effectively to local communities, councils
on the rail corridor. and government to enable a more open, informed
and accurate dialogue about coal dust.
This SWS Coal Dust Management Plan presents
the facts in a clearly documented fashion and is
an important element in a continuing process of
education and consultation that the supply chain is
committed to as part of its social license to operate.
7
Connell Hatch, Final Report, Environmental Evaluation of Fugitive Coal Dust Emissions from coal trains Goonyella, Blackwater and Moura Coal Rail Systems
for QR Limited, March 2008
Chapter 2
South West System
overview
The South West System (SWS) Members of the South West System supply chain are:
coal supply chain includes three Company Operations
coal producers operating four mines,
Aurizon Rail transport operator
a rail transport operator, a rail
New Hope Group Coal producer
network manager and an export
coal terminal. Peabody Energy Coal producer
Queensland
The SWS includes the Western and Metropolitan Coal export terminal operator
Bulk Handling
rail systems and runs across approximately 650
kilometres of track from the Moreton and Surat Basin Queensland Rail Rail network manager
coal mines to the Port of Brisbane (see Figure 1).
Yancoal Coal producer
The South West System has been transporting coal in the region for more than 30 years, responsibly
and safely and is fully committed to continuing its operations in an environmentally responsible way.
Figure 1: South West System supply chain
Wandoan
Wandoan Group Maryborough Basin
Cameby Downs
(Columboola)
Miles Kingaroy
Chinchilla
Meandu
Kogan Creek
Wilkie Creek (Macalister)
Port of Brisbane
Dalby New Acland (Jondaryan) Fisherman Islands

Qld Bulk Handling (QBH)
Legend
Brisbane
Rolling stock depot Toowoomba New Oakleigh Ipswich Redbank
Train crew depot Swanbank Power Station (Sw PS)
Thermal coal mine Jeebropilly
Towns/cities Millmerran
Commodore
Domestic terminal
Operating export terminal
West Moreton corridor^
Warwick
Existing rail
Coal basin
^ Track Manager – Queensland Rail Clarence-Moreton Basin

As highlighted in Figure 2, the SWS is Australia’s

smallest coal supply chain transporting 8.9 mtpa.
By way of contrast, the two major rail systems
in central Queensland transported a combined 158
mtpa in FY2010/2011, while 114 million tonnes
passed through the Port of Newcastle from the
Hunter Valley coal supply chain in 2011.8
The track infrastructure on the SWS is owned and
managed by Queensland Rail. In addition to coal
transport, the rail system is used by passenger
trains and freight trains, which haul grain, molasses,
livestock and other products.
Rail is widely recognised as the most efficient
transport system for bulk minerals. One coal train on
the SWS represents 40 truck movements each way
from the mines to the port. The current rate of 10
to 13 trains a day represents 800 –1,040 truck trips
that would otherwise operate through Toowoomba,
over the Toowoomba ranges and through the urban
communities of Brisbane every day.
Figure 2: Comparison of coal supply chains by volume 2010/2011

– central Queensland, south west Queensland and Hunter Valley, New South Wales
114 mtpa
120
100 mtpa
100
80
58 mtpa
60
40
20 8.9 mtpa
0
South West System Blackwater System Goonyella System Hunter Valley
(South west QLD) (Central QLD) (Central QLD) (NSW)
Note: Hunter Valley volumes are based on 2011 figures
8
Energy Publishing, Australian Coal Report, January 2012
2.1 Community contribution The supply chain currently employs more than
1,500 people who make their homes and raise their
and economic investment
families throughout the region. Their combined
The SWS coal supply chain is a significant wages are approximately $160 million and like most
contributor to the Queensland economy, people, they spend a considerable portion of their
supporting thousands of direct and indirect income within the community where they live. 9
jobs and contributing millions of dollars, by The members of the supply chain are showing their
way of goods and services, royalties and social commitment to ongoing operations through a range
responsibility programs. of trainee, graduate and/or apprentice programs
A strong coal industry benefits not only the wider aimed at developing a skill base for continuing
Queensland economy but the surrounding local operations and careers at each of their companies
communities by bolstering regional economic and for the wider resources industry.
development. This shared interest between The supply chain hires local suppliers and contractors,
the community and the coal industry ensures a and has made public commitments to use the
strong and viable future by creating employment, services of local companies wherever possible. In the
investing in local infrastructure and minimising 2011/2012 financial year, more than $105 million was
environmental impacts. spent on local goods and services, providing a major
source of income for regional businesses.
9
Queensland Resources Council website, www.qrc.org.au
“When all of these investments

are combined, The New Hope
Group, Peabody Energy,
Yancoal, Aurizon and
Queensland Rail contributed
directly and indirectly more
than $300 million to the gross
regional product.”
Images courtesy of New Hope Group

The coal producers contribute royalties to the In the last financial year, these programs
Queensland Government that are reinvested provided funding for more than 60 not-for-profit
in regional infrastructure and programs. In the organisations on the Darling Downs alone, to help
2011/2012 financial year, the three coal producers support local and community sporting groups,
from the Darling Downs region paid $62.3 million in schools, volunteer organisations and individuals.
royalties to the Queensland Government.
South West System economic contribution at a
When all of these investments are combined,
glance (2011/2012 financial year)
The New Hope Group, Peabody Energy, Yancoal,
Aurizon and Queensland Rail contributed directly Employees 1,500
and indirectly more than $300 million to the gross
regional product. Salaries $160 million
In addition, the supply chain supports local Spending on local

$105 million
communities through significant community goods and services
sponsorship and donation programs which provide Royalties $62 million
regional centres with access to much needed funding
for education, health, welfare, environmental and
other initiatives.
2.2 Opportunities for continued “This Coal Dust Management

growth and investment Plan considers both the
All of the supply chain members have long term existing and proposed
interests in continuing responsible operations in
the region.
haulage on the SWS as well as
The New Hope Group is working with the State relevant learnings from the
Government, landowners and the community on central Queensland Coal Dust
an approval process for the continuation of the
New Acland coal mine north west of Oakey.
Management Plan and other
A revised version of the New Acland Coal Mine
comparable studies.”
Stage 3 Project was announced in late 2012, and
represents a number of compromises that address
key community concerns associated with the 2.3 A collaborative approach
previous expansion proposal for the mine.
The SWS supply chain members are working
The changes include a reduction in the total collaboratively with government and communities
amount of land used for mining activities by more and recognise that coal dust mitigation requires
than half, moving the Jondaryan rail loading facility active participation by all sectors including: coal
away from the town of Jondaryan to a remote site producers, coal train operators, rail network
on the mining lease area, and leaving the Acland managers and coal terminals.
township in place.
The commitment is to undertake a transparent
There will be a significant capital investment of process to identify effective actions. This includes:
$700 million to undertake this project, and $95
§§ to scientifically monitor dust associated with coal
million is expected to be spent on local products,
transport along the rail corridor
services and suppliers in the first two years of
this development. §§ to implement a range of effective mitigation
strategies including operational procedures,
In addition, other coal producers are looking at
application of new techniques and training
incremental expansions of their operations.
Significant opportunities will be created with §§ to improve awareness and environmental
additional jobs, products and services being outcomes, and ensure ongoing community support.
sourced locally.
Aurizon is working with its supply chain partners
to provide the necessary rollingstock and rail Interested parties who have contributed
operations to support this growth. This will include to the development of the Coal Dust
newer, more efficient, and quieter locomotives Management Plan include:
and coal wagons. The increased production at §§ Queensland Department of Transport and
the mines will be matched by proposed capacity Main Roads
expansion at the Queensland Bulk Handling coal
§§ Queensland Department of Environment
export terminal, which has a current capacity of
and Heritage Protection
10 mtpa.
§§ Queensland Department of Science,
This Coal Dust Management Plan considers both
Information, Technology, Innovation and
the existing and proposed haulage on the South
the Arts
West System as well as relevant learnings from
the Central Queensland Coal Dust Management §§ Port of Brisbane
Plan and other comparable studies. §§ Queensland Resources Council.
Chapter 3
Background facts
– what we know
about coal dust
All members of the South West This chapter addresses:

System (SWS) supply chain must §§ the facts about coal dust on and around the
maintain a strong social licence rail corridor
to operate, and accordingly take §§ the reality and perception regarding coal dust
air quality and community health and health
issues very seriously. This is §§ the regulatory requirements associated with
evidenced by the commitment to coal dust
adopt a co-ordinated approach §§ best practice in coal dust management related
to dust mitigation strategies and to the corridor.
the development of this Coal Dust Specifically, this chapter looks at the evidence and
Management Plan. impact of coal dust on the rail corridor and adjacent
communities as a result of the movement of trains.
As a starting point, it is important to note that
coal produced at the SWS mines is recognised on an
international scale as a low Hardgrove Grindability
Index (HGI)10 coal rated between 35 and 39.
The HGI is used in specifications for coal and other
commodities to indicate the grinding property.
The lower the rating the harder the coal is to grind,
making it less likely to produce fines and dust.
As illustrated in Figure 3 this chapter will address
coal dust concerns through examination of sources,
identified transmission pathways and the potential
impact on receptors.
This chapter will highlight the significant difference
between the concentrations and impacts of coal
dust in comparison to the concentrations and
impacts of ambient dust generated by other sources
throughout the community.
10
Australian Coal Association Research Program, www.acarp.com.au/Downloads/ACARPHardgroveGrindabilityIndex.pdf
Figure 3: Source, pathway and receptor for particulate matter
Rail corridor
Potential source of PM10 dust
Home fire
Homes and people

Potential receptors of PM10 dust
Lawn mowing
Vehicle exhaust
3.1 What is black dust?

A common misconception is that coal trains are a significant emitter of coal dust into the urban air
and that the black dust settling in and around private residences adjacent to the SWS rail corridor is
predominantly coal dust.
There have been two significant dust monitoring exercises conducted on the SWS rail corridor over the
last 12 months to determine the concentrations and nature of coal dust particulates associated with
the transport of coal by rail. They are:
§§ Western – Metropolitan Rail Systems Coal Dust Monitoring Program, Final Report
§§ Tennyson Dust Monitoring Investigation (see Appendix B)
3.1.1 Western – Metropolitan Rail Systems Coal ”The amount of coal dust typically accounted for
Dust Monitoring Program, Final Report about 10 per cent of the total surface area in the
deposited dust samples, with individual samples
The South West System supply chain members ranging from trace levels up to 20 per cent of the
commissioned the Department of Science, Information total surface coverage. At most locations another
Technology, Innovation and the Arts (DSITIA) to conduct black-coloured particle, rubber dust, was found
dust monitoring along the Western and Metropolitan to make up on average about 10 per cent of the
rail lines, collectively referred to as the South West deposited dust surface coverage.”
System between March and June 2013.
It also showed that overall dust levels on the rail
The report concluded that ambient particle corridor were equivalent to dust levels at ambient
concentrations ”complied with ambient air quality monitoring sites elsewhere in Brisbane. The study
objectives at all times,” with monitoring taking place concluded that the major influence on PM10 and PM2.5
at six different locations along the rail corridor where (dust) concentrations at the rail corridor monitoring
coal is transported. A seventh site, where no coal sites is not rail transport emissions but regional,
trains operated, provided a point of comparison and urban particle emission sources.
consistently showed similar levels of overall dust.
Prior to and during the monitoring period there was
Microscopic examination of deposited dust samples frequent rainfall that will have reduced dust levels
showed that ”mineral dust (soil or rock dust) was compared with an earlier study during a drier period.
the major component of deposited dust at each In both studies, the measured ambient dust levels
monitoring site. complied with air quality standards.11
11
Figure 4: Map showing the location of the monitoring sites
Cameby Downs
Wilkie Creek Port of Brisbane
New Acland Fisherman Islands

Qld Bulk Handling (QBH)
Oakey
Legend Chelmer Coorparoo
Willowburn Fairfield
Monitoring sites Dinmore Tennyson
Thermal coal mine
Operating export terminal
West Moreton corridor^
Existing rail
Coal basin
^ Track Manager – Queensland Rail
Source: DSITIA Western – Metropolitan Rail Systems Coal Dust Monitoring Program, Final Report
Figure 5: Average composition analysis of deposited dust samples pre-veneering and post-veneering
Pre-veneering Post-veneering
12% 10%
2% 9%
14%
11%
63% 70%
9%
Coal Coal
Other Plant and insect
Plant and insect Tyre rubber
Tyre rubber Soil-rock dust
Soil-rock dust
3.1.2 Tennyson Dust Monitoring Investigation,

September to October 2012
As depicted in Figure 6, the Tennyson Dust Monitoring Analysis of deposited dust samples at the Tennyson
Investigation involved monitoring at three locations in monitoring sites indicated that whilst coal dust can
Brisbane around the Tennyson community to identify travel at least 300 metres outside the rail corridor
dust deposition levels. the levels of coal dust deposited are relatively
minimal compared to dust from other sources.12
The results of the Tennyson Dust Monitoring
Investigation conducted by the Department of This was confirmed by the Western – Metropolitan
Science, Information Technology, Innovation and systems dust monitoring study. The final report
the Arts (DSITIA) on behalf of the Department of indicated that mineral dust (soil or rock dust) was
Environment and Heritage Protection (DEHP) in the major component of the deposited dust at each
September and October 2012 indicated that coal dust monitoring site. The amount of coal dust ranged
made up only 10% to 20% of deposited dust samples from trace levels up to 20%.13
collected at the Tennyson monitoring sites.12
Figure 6: Map showing the location of the monitoring sites at Tennyson, Queensland in relation
to the rail corridor
Vivian Street Tennyson station

Myla Terrace
Legend
Roads
Railway
Monitoring sites 0 0.125 0.25 0.5
km
Source: DSITIA Tennyson Dust Monitoring Investigation, September to October 2012
12
DSITIA Tennyson Dust Monitoring Investigation, September to October 2012
13
Figure 7: Relative proportions of the different particle types present in deposited dust samples
at the Tennyson monitoring sites
100
10 10 10 Insect debris
10 10 10
80 Other mineral dust, wood, paint
10
20 20
10 Black rubber dust
60
10
20 20 Coal
40
Plant debris (general)
50
20 40 40 Mineral dust (soil or rock dust)
0
Tennyson Myla Terrace Vivian Street
railway station
Source: DSITIA Tennyson Dust Monitoring Investigation, September to October 2012
3.1.3 Desk top research on coal dust The Katestone report found that a review of
studies that have conducted air quality monitoring
In March 2013 Katestone Environmental Pty Ltd, in the corridor and around rail systems has shown
an independent air quality monitoring company, that ”whilst coal dust and the influence of coal trains
undertook a desktop review of studies related
on dust levels has been detected, the levels of
to the effect of coal trains on air quality, focusing
coal dust were found to be well below the air quality
on the impacts of coal dust from trains during
objectives for the protection of human health and
transit between mine and export terminal.
amenity impacts.
The studies focused on Queensland, as the
majority of literature and studies have been ”The studies showed that outside the rail corridor, defined
undertaken on coal transportation in Queensland. as approximately 10 metres from the tracks, coal dust
However, the literature review also considered concentrations were much lower than within the corridor
other studies that have been undertaken across and were even further below air quality objectives for the
Australian and internationally. protection of human health and amenity.” 14
“The levels of coal dust were found to be well below the

air quality objectives for the protection of human health
and amenity impacts.”
14
Katestone Environmental Pty Ltd, Review of Dust from Coal Trains in Queensland, report to the Senate Standing Committee on Community Affairs
Inquiry: The impacts of health on air quality in Australia, prepared for Queensland Resources Council, March 2013
3.2 What is nuisance dust?

Figure 8: Sources of black nuisance dust
Nuisance dust is visible dust that deposits on
surfaces and can make them appear dirty. Nuisance Soot
effects can be caused by particles of any size, but are
most commonly associated with those larger than
20 micrometres which rapidly settle out of the air
close to the source.15
Nuisance dust and surface staining may impact
on amenity and can be observed in most urban
and many regional areas. Nuisance dust is often
associated with common human activities such
as fires, soil movement, lawn mowing, road traffic,
industrial/light industrial, and natural sources such as
insects, soot, mould, plant matter and dust storms. Mould
Common sources of black nuisance dust include:
§§ Soot is derived from many different sources
including industrial boilers, household fireplaces
and the controlled or uncontrolled burning of
vegetation. It can be mistaken for coal dust as it
is also largely made of carbon but can be easily
distinguished under a microscope.
§§ Mould can be spread via airborne spores, but
is mostly a result of fungal growth across a
damp shaded surface. The dark green, black Rubber
discolouration and texture of mould can be
easily confused with other nuisance dust when
it appears along roof tiles or window sills.
§§ Black rubber dust is generated through the
gradual wearing of tyre treads on the road
surface. A small proportion of rubber particles
may then become airborne. A new 10 kg
passenger tyre can be expected to lose about
1.5 kg of rubber as ‘dust’ during its useful life
or approximately 0.03 g per km.16 Based on
approximately 10,000 vehicles per day running Coal
through a busy street, the aggregate generation
of rubber dust could be approximately half a
tonne per annum.
§§ Coal is formed by the natural decomposition
of plant matter at elevated temperature and
pressure in the earth’s crust. Coal dust is a
by-product of the mining and transport of coal.
Figure 8 demonstrates some of the common causes
of nuisance dust and their similarity in appearance to
coal dust.
15
16
Commonwealth Department of Environment, A National Approach to Waste Tyres, Prepared for Environment Australia by Atech Group, 2001
Various analyses of dust samples from residences along the rail corridor support the fact that black dust is
often mistaken as coal, when it is actually from another source.
Case study 1: House tank testing

New Hope Group
In response to community concerns about coal dust from New Hope Group’s rail loadout facility
and along the SWS rail corridor, the company undertook multiple house dust and tank water
sludge samples at representative locations, repeated six months apart. Sample collection
locations were agreed with landowners and were submitted to independent laboratories
for compositional analysis.
In the test results, coal dust ranged from 0% to 30%. Other materials identified in samples were
vegetative material (ranging 5% –10%), mineral material (10% –70%), insects (10% –25%) and others
such as rubber, fibres, and soot (0% –20%). Some tank water quality was compromised, such as
through ecoli, but not by coal dust. The report concluded ‘visually the coal dust may appear as a
higher percentage than actually present (due to the black colour)’.
Source: SKM Report, prepared for New Hope Group, Jondaryan water quality and depositional dust sampling
4 May 2012
Case study 2: Rooftop testing

Queensland Rail
On 26 June 2008, Queensland Rail responded to a residence in Laidley, following complaints
about black coal dust settling on the roof a private home located adjacent to the South West
System rail line.
A sample of the dust was taken and sent to Applied Materials Characterisation Performance
(AMCP) for characterisation testing. The analysis revealed that what was originally thought to
be coal dust was in fact a mix of soil minerals and biological debris. The main constituents of
the sample tested were fungal spores, insect and plant debris, pollen, algae and soil minerals.
Coal dust was found to be present at less than 1% of the total sample volume.
Source: AMCP Laboratory Report, Characterisation of domestic dust, Emu Place, Laidley – prepared for
Queensland Rail, 2008
The Tennyson Dust Monitoring Investigation, the PM exists naturally in the atmosphere, for example
AMCP characterisation testing at Laidley and the as sea-salt spray and pollens. PM comes from
independent testing of tanks and sludge samples natural sources such as soil erosion or bush fires,
provide evidence that nuisance dust is deposited and from human activities such as mining, wood
on an ongoing basis in urban areas. However, burning, motor vehicles and industrial processes.
there is a misconception that black dust observed
on residential properties near rail corridors is 3.3.1 Sizes of PM
predominantly coal dust.
The measurement of PM and air quality testing is
This was confirmed by the Western – Metropolitan a complex science.
dust monitoring study. The final report indicated
PM is classified according to its size, referred to
that mineral dust (soil or rock dust) was the major
as its ‘aerodynamic diameter.’ The diameter of
component of the deposited dust at each monitoring
a particle is measured and reported in micrometres
site. The amount of coal dust ranged from trace
(sometimes called microns). A micrometre is
levels up to 20% averaging 10% across all sites.18
one-millionth of a metre and its symbol is µm.
3.3 What is Particulate Matter and In general, particulate matter with an aerodynamic
why is its size important? diameter greater than 10 micrometres (µm)
tends to be associated with amenity impacts,
Scientists and regulators refer to dust as Particulate while particulate matter less than 10 µm (PM10)
Matter (PM) to describe the particles that exist in the is associated with health impacts.
air we breathe. In general terms, the smaller the PM,
Most amenity impacts relate to the amount of
the more relevant it is to health impacts.
particulate matter settling out on surfaces, hence
Larger, visible dust is commonly referred to as guidelines for protection of amenity are expressed
nuisance dust due to its potential impact on amenity. as the rate of deposition of particulate matter per
In contrast, there are smaller particles of dust that unit surface area, usually measured in grams of
can be suspended in the air, which are invisible to the dust that accumulates per square metre (g/m2)
eye and can be inhaled. It’s important to understand over a 1 month period.
the difference between nuisance dust and fine PM.
As health impacts primarily relate to the
concentration of suspended particulate matter
that is breathed in, air quality standards to protect
human health are expressed as a concentration,
i.e. the mass of particulate matter that is suspended
“Mineral dust (soil or rock per unit volume of air, usually measured in
dust) is the major component micrograms per cubic metre (µg/m3).
of deposited dust at all Volumetric air sampling equipment is used to
produce an accurate measurement of suspended
monitoring sites, representing particulate matter concentrations within different
up to 80% of the dust.” 18 sizes coming from all particle sources.
17
18
For environmental and health purposes, particles are usually described by their size as outlined in Figure 10.
Figure 9: Particle sizes and descriptions
Particle size
Total Suspended Particulate matter (TSP) refers to the total of all particles
TSP suspended in the air. Even the largest of these particles is barely the width of
a human hair.
’larger than’ PM10 A subset of TSP, and refers to all particles of size 10μm in diameter and greater.
Also a subset of TSP, and includes all particles smaller than 10μm in diameter
PM10 (smaller than 1/7th of a hair width). Particles in the size range 2.5μm to 10μm in
diameter are referred to as coarse particles (PM2.5 –10).
A subset of both PM10 and TSP categories and refers to all particles less than
PM2.5 2.5μm in diameter. PM2.5 is referred to as fine particles and is mainly produced from
combustion processes such as vehicle exhaust.
Source: NSW Government, Department of Health, Fact Sheet – Mine Dust and You, 2013 19
As highlighted in Figure 10, both PM2.5 and PM10 are invisible to the naked eye and are microscopic when
compared with the size of a single thread of human hair or a grain of sand.
Figure 10: Sizes of Particulate Matter smaller than PM2.5 and PM10 relative to the average width
of a human hair.
19
NSW Government, Department of Health, Fact Sheet – Mine Dust and You, 2013
3.3.2 Why distinguish between two invisible 3.3.3 What are the primary sources of PM10
particulates? and PM2.5?
Amenity impacts from dust are usually associated The Western – Metropolitan systems dust study
with coarse particles and particles larger than PM10. showed a close comparison between the PM10 levels
measured at the Metropolitan rail system rail corridor
Generally it is believed that fine particles below PM2.5
monitoring sites and those measured at DSITIA
in diameter may be of greater health concern than
ambient monitoring network sites in Brisbane during
larger particles as they can reach the air sacs deep in
the monitoring period. This indicates that regional
the lungs. However, coarse particles (PM2.5–10) could
urban PM sources are a significant contributor to PM10
also be associated with adverse health effects.20
levels measured along the rail corridor. It also indicated
PM from combustion sources, such as motor vehicles that the majority of dust particle sizes associated with
and wild fires consists of fine PM (PM2.5), whereas rail transport would be expected to be larger than
the majority of dust generated from mechanical PM10. These coarser particles deposit quickly and in
processes, such as earthworks and mining (including relatively close proximity to the point of emission.22
coal dust from rail transit) consists predominantly of
Figures 11 and 12 compare quantities of PM10 and
coarse PM (PM10) or greater.21
PM2.5 from a range of sources. They confirm that
combustion sources, such as a fire or motor vehicle
engines, produce much higher concentrations of the
small particles than mechanical processes such as
construction, mining and the movement of vehicles,
including trains.21
Figure 11: Size distribution of several particulate emission sources

99.2%
96.2%
100 (<10µm)
(<10µm)
95.8%
(<10µm) 95.8%
97.4%
(<2.5µm) (<10µm)
92.3% 93.1%
(<2.5µm) (<2.5µm) 82.7%
87.4% (<2.5µm)
(<1µm)
80 91.8%
(<1µm)
92.4%
(<1µm) 81.6%
(<1µm)
Percent of TSP
60 52.3%
(<10µm)
40 34.9%
(<10µm)
20
5.8% 10.7%
(<2.5µm) (<2.5µm)
4.6% 4.5%
(<1µm) (<1µm)
0
Crude oil Diesel truck Residential Agricultural Construction Road and
combustion exhaust wood burning dust soil dust
combustion
<1µm 1µm–2.5µm 2.5µm–10µm >10µm
Source: Guideline on Speciated Particulate Monitoring, Judith Chow and John Watson, Desert Research Institute, prepared for
US EPA, August 1998 .21
20
NSW Government, Department of Health, Fact Sheet – Mine Dust and You, 2013
21
Guideline on Speciated Particulate Monitoring, Judith Chow and John Watson, Desert Research Institute, prepared for US EPA, August 1998
22
Figure 12: PM10 emission sources
Home fire Diesel exhaust

More than 95%. PM10 and smaller. More than 96%. PM10 and smaller.
Agriculture burning Construction dust

More than 95%. PM10 and smaller. Less than 35%. PM10 and smaller.
Source: Guideline on Speciated Particulate Monitoring, Judith Chow and John Watson, Desert Research Institute, prepared for
US EPA, August 1998 .21
3.4 Government regulation The Queensland EPP Air quality objectives are to
be progressively achieved as part of attaining the
of coal dust
purpose of the policy over the long term.
There is an extensive regulatory framework
that regulates the management of air quality in 3.4.2 Federal
Queensland and Australia, and provides for the
The National Environment Protection (Ambient Air
management of PM more broadly. A summary of
Quality) Measure 1998 – NEPM Air – establishes
these air quality objectives is presented below.
national standards for key air pollutants including
These objectives relate to dust in general and are
particulates. The standards are binding on each level
not specific to coal dust, which the previous sections
of Government, and hence the Queensland legislative
have shown is a small proportion of overall dust.
framework prescribes the NEPM Air standards as air
quality objectives under the EPP Air policy.
3.4.1 Queensland
Figure 14 presents a summary of the EPP Air goals
The Environmental Protection (Air) Policy (EPP) 2008 relating to particulates at both a State and Federal
– established under the Environment Protection Act level, and shows the objectives are in parallel.
1994 – provides air quality objectives for enhancing
or protecting environmental values. It provides
objectives for health and wellbeing for PM2.5, PM10
and Total Suspended Particles (TSP).
Figure 13: EPP Air Quality – objectives for particulates
Queensland air Federal air

Environmental quality objectives quality objectives
Indicator Period
value
μg/m at 0˚C
3
μg/m at 0˚C
3
25 25* 24 hours
PM2.5 Health and wellbeing
8 8 Annual
PM10 Health and wellbeing 50 50 24 hours**
*The Federal NEPM (Air) is an advisory reporting standard. The goal is to gather sufficient data nationally to facilitate a review of
the standard in time. **The objective is allowed to be exceeded on up to 5 days each year.
It should be noted that there are no nuisance (deposition) thresholds in existence for dust in Australia. There are
thresholds established in New Zealand, which have been used as a guide in Australia for dust deposition.23
3.4.3 How does the SWS supply chain compare against State and Federal air quality standards?
As can be seen in Figures 14 and 15, all PM10 and PM2.5 measurements taken during both the Western –
Metropolitan and Tennyson studies showed levels well below the Federal and State air quality objectives. There is
no study to date that has shown any evidence of concentrations in excess of any regulatory threshold on the SWS.
Figure 14: Maximum 24-hour PM10 concentrations
70
Rail corridor Rail corridor background Brisbane
Maximum PM10 concentration (µg/m3)
60 monitoring sites monitoring site ambient air monitoring

(coal trains) (no coal trains) network sites
50
EPP Air objective
40
30
20
10
0
Oakey Dinmore Fairfield Coorparoo Chelmer Rocklea Woolloongabba South Wynnum
(North) (South) (East) (North) (East) Brisbane
Pre-veneering timeframe Pre-veneering timeframe Pre-veneering timeframe

Post-veneering timeframe Post-veneering timeframe Post-veneering timeframe
Note: This chart shows PM10 concentrations from all sources, not just coal transport.
23
New Zealand Ministry for the Environment, Good Practice Guide for Assessing and Managing the Environmental Effects of Dust Emissions, 2001
Figure 15: Average PM2.5 concentrations

12
Rail corridor Rail corridor background Brisbane
Average PM2.5concentration (µg/m3)
monitoring sites monitoring site ambient air monitoring

(coal trains) (no coal trains) network sites
9
EPP Air objective

6
0
Oakey Dinmore Fairfield Coorparoo Chelmer Rocklea Woolloongabba South Wynnum
(North) (South) (East) (North) (East) Brisbane
Pre-veneering timeframe Pre-veneering timeframe Pre-veneering timeframe

Post-veneering timeframe Post-veneering timeframe Post-veneering timeframe
Note: This chart shows PM2.5 concentrations from all sources, not just coal transport. To verify full compliance, monitoring over
a 12-month period is required. This will be done on the SWS through a continuous 12-month monitoring program.
The standards mentioned above relate to ambient The key points are:
particulate concentrations. The measurements taken
§§ Coal dust tends to be found in particulate sizes
during the Tennyson and Western – Metropolitan
above PM10 and therefore is not likely to be able
studies were in close proximity to the source inside
to penetrate the human lungs.
the rail corridor. Therefore it can be concluded that
these levels would be the highest measures in terms §§ Coal dust has been specifically linked to only
of exposure levels resulting from PM10 and PM2.5 one health issue, known as Coal Worker’s
emissions from rail transport. Adjacent residences Pneumoconiosis, commonly known as black lung
are likely to experience levels lower than those disease. This arises from continuous and direct
measured and further below any applicable health exposure to coal dust, literally at the coal face in
thresholds from this source. an underground mine, over long periods of time.25
§§ Effective health and safety technology and
3.5 What are the facts concerning consistent enforcement of regulations has led to
coal dust and health? the elimination of this disease in the Australian
mining industry to the point that the last
3.5.1 Does coal dust affect health or amenity occurrence in Queensland and New South Wales
along the rail corridor? was more than 20 years ago.25
§§ All PM10 and PM2.5 measurements taken during
As previously mentioned, in March 2013 a Katestone
the SWS air quality monitoring studies were
review of air quality monitoring studies in rail
well below any applicable health thresholds.26
corridors and around rail systems has shown that
whilst coal dust and the influence of coal trains The Queensland Department of Health has
on dust levels has been detected, the levels of coal concluded that, for people living along the rail
dust were found to be well below the air quality corridor, the dust concentrations measured during
objectives for the protection of human health and the investigation are unlikely to result in any
amenity impacts.24 additional adverse health effects.26
24
Katestone Environmental Pty Ltd, Review of Dust from Coal Trains in Queensland, report to the Senate Standing Committee on Community Affairs
Inquiry: The impacts of health on air quality in Australia, prepared for Queensland Resources Council, March 2013
25
Coal Services, Coal Service and NSW Coal Mining Industry Continue to protect mine workers from ‘black lung’ disease, 22 August 2012
26
The current exposure limit for workers at mines 3.5.2 What studies have been conducted
today in Queensland for respirable coal dust is outside the rail corridor?
3000 µg/m3 over any 8 hour period.27
Studies referenced in the Katestone report
The total dust levels measured within the corridor showed that outside the rail corridor, defined as
immediately after a passing coal train are less approximately 10 metres from the tracks, coal dust
than 1% of the exposure limit for workers at mines. concentrations were much lower than within the
Using occupational impacts as a benchmark corridor and were well within air quality objectives
(with the community expected to achieve for the protection of human health and amenity.” 29
significantly lower impacts) the impacts of a
Analysis of deposited dust samples at the Tennyson
passing train are negligible.
monitoring sites indicated that whilst coal dust can
The four-month-long Western – Metropolitan dust travel at least 300 metres outside the rail corridor
study showed that train movements cause little the levels of coal dust deposited are relatively
change to 10-minute average overall dust levels.28 minimal compared to dust from other sources.30
Health and coal dust

Case study 3 Case study 4
Lyttelton, The University of
New Zealand Newcastle-upon-Tyne
A study published in 2006 related The University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne’s
to the community of Lyttelton in Department of Epidemiology and Public
New Zealand considered health impacts Health, published a study in December 1999
in the contest of possible doubling of that looked into possible links between
coal transport, unloading, stockpiling opencast coal mining and respiratory health.
and handling activities, at a mine site. The key findings showed that little evidence
was found for associations between living
The study found that respiratory health
near an opencast site and an increased
of children living close to mine sites
prevalence of respiratory illnesses, asthma
was very similar to that of children severity, and the prevalence and incidence
in communities that were distant of daily symptoms.
from such sites.
Source: Do Particulates from Opencast Coal Mining
Source: Health Effects on Coal Dust Impair Children’s Respiratory Health?, Department
in a Non-Occupational Context: of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of
Literature Review (2006) Newcastle-upon-Tyne, December 1999.
27
Coal Mining Safety and Health Regulation 2001 – Queensland Government 29
Katestone Environmental Pty Ltd, Review of Dust from Coal Trains in
28
DSITIA Western – Metropolitan Rail Systems Coal Dust Monitoring Queensland, report to the Senate Standing Committee on Community
Program, Final Report Affairs Inquiry: The impacts of health on air quality in Australia, prepared
for Queensland Resources Council, March 2013
30
3.6 What are the sources of 3.6.2 Can coal dust levels be reduced
coal dust on the rail corridor? even further?
The SWS supply chain members are committed to
Six months of dust monitoring on the South West
responding to community concerns.
System have been completed through the Tennyson
and Western – Metropolitan dust studies. At no time All of the evidence indicates that there are no significant
in those six months did total dust levels exceed air health or amenity issues associated with coal dust
quality standards. on the SWS. Extensive research in Queensland and
overseas has identified the practices listed in Chapter 4
3.6.1 Why are coal dust levels so low? as the most effective in addressing coal dust. They are
based on the analysis that 80% of coal dust comes from
The South West System coal supply chain is the
the tops of wagons as shown in Figure 16.
smallest in Australia and because of the limited
quantity of coal transported (see chart on page 9),
there will be lower levels of coal dust. The speed of
Figure 16: Proportion of coal dust emitted
trains is also slower than other supply chains as they
from the wagon surface, door leakage,
transit the metropolitan area, reducing the potential
spilled coal in the corridor, trapped coal
for dust to lift off the top of coal loads.
and residual coal in unloaded wagons
Almost all of the coal transported on the SWS
is washed. Coal washing removes the majority 9% 1%
of fines that might exist and adds moisture
content to the coal which further reduces dust. 6%
This contributes to achieving optimum moisture
content for managing dust and has led to low levels
4%
of dust on the rail corridor.
A small proportion of the coal from the system is able
to be mined clean without washing, but is blended
with a larger amount of washed product, and loaded
onto trains at a moisture and size specification
comparable to other coals in the corridor. 80%
Testing the dustiness of coals, called Dust Extinction
Moisture (DEM), may allow optimisation of moisture
to limit dust emission.31
Moisture levels throughout the body of coal in a
wagon while in transit have a minor influence on Residual coal in unloaded wagons
coal dust generation. While the surface moisture level
Spilled coal in corridor
is more relevant, the application of a sprayed veneer
cover has been shown to be most effective. 32 Door leakage
In addition, studies have shown that dust levels Trapped coal
on the rail corridor are comparable with dust levels
at locations throughout Brisbane. The impact of Wagon surface
motor vehicles, industrial boilers, solid fuel heaters
and climate, including drought, rain, bush fires and
Source: Connell Hatch, Final Report, Environmental
dust storms all are more significant sources of dust Evaluation of Fugitive Coal Dust Emissions from coal trains
than coal. Coal consistently represented a small Goonyella, Blackwater and Moura Coal Rail Systems for
proportion of deposited dust in the rail corridor.33 QR Limited, March 2008
31
AS 4156.6 Coal Preparation. Determination of dust/moisture relationship for coal.
32
Coal Dust Management Plan, Feb 2010, QR Network, Section 5.1
33
Chapter 4
Mitigation and continuous
improvements by stakeholders
The South West System (SWS) supply They have committed to fund the dust monitoring
program on the rail corridor being undertaken by
chain members are committed to a
the Department of Science Information Technology,
whole-of-supply chain approach to Innovation and the Arts to continuously measure
ensure the proactive identification overall dust levels, how much of that dust is coal
and effective management and and the impact of coal dust management practices
mitigation of potential coal dust including veneering on the coal dust levels. This data
will be publicly available.
at every stage of operations. This
is evidenced through a number of The supply chain companies have their own
environmental policies, and in some cases, separate
activities that are currently being dust management plans, which can be accessed on
undertaken, as outlined below. their company websites, listed on page 41.
Supply chain operators meet strict environmental 4.1.1 Moisture content management
conditions and proactively initiate coal dust
management processes to ensure the health and The supply of coal during the loading process
safety of employees, neighbours, visitors and the with an appropriate moisture content is shown
wider community. to minimise dust and make all other mitigation
methods more effective. Optimum moisture levels
Chapter 3 has shown that coal dust on the corridor
are achieved through the washing and blending
is a small proportion of the total dust deposited, but
processes that are designed to meet commercial
supply chain members are committed to responding
specifications and result in low levels of dust.
to community concerns and are implementing
reasonable and effective mitigation practices.
4.1.2 Improved loading practices
4.1 Coal dust management and Improved loading practices can reduce coal deposits
mitigation activities on coal wagon ledges and wheel surfaces that can
spill during transport. It also supports the ability to
The SWS supply chain members recognise the need create a consistent surface of coal in each wagon.
to effectively manage coal dust. They have applied
the learnings obtained from both Australian and 4.1.3 Load profiling of coal surface
international coal supply chains to define the coal
dust mitigation activities that are being and will be The profile of the loaded coal wagon refers to the
applied on the supply chain by the coal producers, rail shape of the exposed surface of coal above the sill
and track operators and the coal terminal manager. of the wagon. A flat surface with gradually sloping
sides is referred to as a ‘garden bed’ or ’bread loaf’
This chapter outlines the specific actions being profile. An irregularly shaped load has a greater
implemented across the SWS supply chain. erodible surface area and is subject to greater air
All supply chain members will undertake training speeds than the ‘garden bed’ shape. Wind tunnel
with their staff, including managers, operational modelling has shown that the three mound case
staff and machine operators, in the techniques to (representing the irregularly shaped load) exhibits
minimise coal dust outlined in this chapter. slightly higher velocities and turbulence intensities
than the ‘garden bed’ configuration.34
Connell Hatch, Final Report, Environmental Evaluation of Fugitive Coal Dust Emissions from coal trains Goonyella, Blackwater and Moura Coal Rail
34
Systems for QR Limited, March 2008

One of the major US rail operators has found that 4.2 Coal producers management
coal dust releases can be partially reduced by
and mitigation activities
loading coal wagons with a modified loading chute
that produces a rounded contour of the coal that Coal from the West Moreton and Surat basins
eliminates irregular surfaces that can promote the is internationally recognised as a low Hardgrove
loss of coal dust through shifting of coal while in Grindability Index (HGI) coal, which is a hard coal
transit.35 Flat profiling to minimise irregular surfaces containing low levels of fines and therefore low
is being adopted at all loading facilities in the SWS. levels of dust. This is one of several reasons the level
of coal dust on the South West System relative to
other supply chains in Australia and internationally, is
significantly lower.
All coal producers on the SWS are applying the
following practices which have previously been
shown to be best practice in managing coal dust:
§§ wash the majority of their coal (see details
as follows) prior to loading
§§ monitor coal at the load out aiming to achieve
the optimum moisture content to limit dust
generation during rail transport and achieve
market qualities.
4.1.4 Coal surface veneering §§ monitor loading procedures to minimise
spilled coal
Veneering is the application of a biodegradable
binding agent onto the surface of the loaded coal. §§ monitor wagons to ensure that the doors
The veneer forms a crust over the coal load which, are firmly closed before the train departs the
along with the use of a modified loading chute, loading station
has been shown to reduce coal dust lift-off from the §§ incorporate profiling of the loaded coal to
tops of wagons by up to 85% in central Queensland.35 minimise potential for dust lift-off
§§ have already or will install veneering stations
at the mine site to spray loaded coal wagons.
35
BNSF Railway, http://www.bnsf.com/customers/what-can-i-ship/coal/coal-dust.html. viewed June 2013
4.2.1 New Hope Group Trains from its New Acland mine are coated with
biodegradable veneering solution which is a proven
The New Hope Group operates an Environmental method of reducing the amount of dust from wagons.
Management System (EMS) that is consistent with
AS/NZS ISO 14001 Environmental Management The solution dries to form a flexible ‘crust’ over
Systems and which is used to manage air quality the coal and significantly reduces dust from being
and other significant environmental matters released from the wagons.
internally. The EMS, first developed in 2009, is The new veneering station will move from near the
being revised during 2013 as part of its continuous town of Jondaryan, where the rail loading facility is
improvement cycle. currently located, to a remote new site on the mining
The New Hope Group currently produces lease as part of the mine’s future planning.
approximately 5.8 mtpa of coal, from two thermal All New Acland and Jeebropilly coal is washed, which
mines in southern Queensland, representing about results in higher levels of total moisture which
65% of the coal transported on the SWS. It operates further reduces any tendency for dust.
the New Acland coal mine north west of Oakey
on the Darling Downs with its rail loading facility The company is currently undertaking the following
currently located near the town of Jondaryan. measures:
It also operates the smaller Jeebropilly coal mine, §§ Continuing to monitor coal at the load out aiming
which is located near Amberley, with its rail loading to achieve the optimum moisture content to limit
facility at Ebenezer. dust generation during rail transport and achieve
market qualities
New Hope continuously monitors the air quality
conditions at its rail loading facilities. It operates §§ Implementing load profiling to flatten the coal
according to strict environmental requirements load in the wagons to reduce wind exposure and
of the Environmental Protection Act 1994 and dust generation
specifically meets all the Environmental Authority
§§ Applying a veneer of a biodegradable binding agent
(EA) and Development Approval (DA) conditions set
to the top of loaded coal wagons, creating a coating
by the Queensland Government.
over the coal that significantly reduces dust
New Hope goes beyond requirements in the best
§§ Utilising sill sweeping technology to remove
interests of its neighbours, communities and the
spilled coal from wagon edges prior to
wider region.
transportation
Early in 2013, the New Hope group became the
§§ Continuing routine cleaning of coal spillage
first company transporting coal along the South
between and around rails at the load out
West System to begin the process of profiling and
veneering coal wagons. §§ Providing support for a dust monitoring program
on the rail corridor to confirm the effectiveness of
the veneering process
4.2.2 Peabody Energy The company is currently undertaking the

following measures:
Peabody Energy operates the Wilkie Creek mine,
located in Macalister. Wilkie Creek plans the §§ Continuing to monitor coal at the load out aiming
production of up to 2.3 million tonnes of saleable to achieve the optimum moisture content to limit
thermal coal each year. dust generation during rail transport and achieve
market qualities
The thermal coal produced from Peabody Energy’s mine
is monitored for its moisture content, and generally has §§ Implementing load profiling to flatten the coal
a 12% moisture content. Overhead loading and garden load in the wagons to reduce wind exposure and
bed profiling of coal wagons is a current operational dust generation
practice that minimises coal dust lift off. §§ Continuing routine cleaning of coal spillage
between and around rails at the load out
The coal from Peabody Energy mines in the region
has a Hardgrove Grindability Index (HGI) rating of §§ Providing support for a dust monitoring program
35 – 45, among the hardest coals to grind, making it on the rail corridor to confirm the effectiveness of
less likely to produce small particles or ”fines” that the veneering process
might create dust.
§§ Continuing to monitor wagon sills during loading
Approximately 90% of the coal produced at Wilkie processes to prevent coal spillage onto wagon
Creek mine is washed, and the remaining 10% is edges prior to transportation
blended with washed coal to further reduce the By end of December 2013
potential for fines and dust.
§§ Installing a veneering station and applying a
veneer of a biodegradable binding agent to the
top of loaded coal wagons, creating a coating
over the coal that significantly reduces dust
4.2.3 Yancoal §§ Implementing loading practices to flatten the coal

load in the wagons to reduce wind exposure and
Yancoal’s Cameby Downs Mine is located at dust generation
Columboola and produced 1.4 million tonnes of
saleable thermal coal in 2012. Coal is loaded directly §§ Continuing routine cleaning of coal spillage
from the product stockpiles via a conveyor to a between and around rails at the load out
train load out bin on the rail loop located just off §§ Providing support for a dust monitoring program
the main line to Brisbane. on the rail corridor to confirm the effectiveness of
The coal from the Yancoal mines in the region has the veneering process
a Hardgrove Grindability Index (HGI) rating of 36 –39, §§ Continuing to monitor wagon sills during loading
among the hardest coals to grind, making it less processes to prevent coal spillage onto wagon
likely to produce small particles or ”fine” that might edges prior to transportation
create dust. Approximately 60% of the coal produced
at the Cameby Downs mine is washed, with the By end of December 2013
remainder blended to the specific moisture content §§ Installing a veneering station and applying a
required which further reduces the potential for fines veneer of a biodegradable binding agent to the
and dust. top of loaded coal wagons, creating a coating
The company is currently undertaking the over the coal that significantly reduces dust
following measures:
§§ Continuing to monitor coal at the load out aiming
to achieve its optimum moisture content to limit
dust generation during rail transport and achieve
market qualities
§§ Work with supply chain members to assist

in the coordination and/or facilitation of
community consultation and complaint
management activities.
§§ Facilitate ongoing coal dust monitoring activities
on the SWS and assist in the distribution/
communication of data as required.
4.4 Rail operator mitigation

activities
Aurizon is the sole coal train operator providing coal
haulage services on the corridor.
Aurizon is committed to working with the supply
chain members to address train-related coal dust
management issues. This is being achieved through
a number of strategies, as outlined below.
Aurizon operated an average of 13 coal trains a day
in 2012 on the SWS, delivering coal from the West
Moreton and Surat Basins to the Port of Brisbane.
These operations are managed in a consistent
manner with all of the coal producers, with a focus
on rail operations and driver behaviours that seek to
minimise coal dust along the corridor.
4.3 Rail network management and The company is currently undertaking the
mitigation activities following measures:
Queensland Rail is the network manager providing §§ Adherence by locomotive drivers to the train
and maintaining rail infrastructure on the SWS which speeds of 60 kph, which has been shown through
is utilised by both freight and passenger services. extensive wind-tunnel testing to be a speed
Queensland Rail grants and manages third party that minimises the escaping dust from the top
rail operator access to the network via commercial of wagons.36
agreements. §§ Manage train movements to ensure that profiling
Queensland Rail is committed to working with and veneering of loaded wagons is effectively
stakeholders to identify and manage impacts undertaken to maximise air quality in transit.
associated with activities being undertaken on §§ Employ detectors near the mines and port to
its network. notify locomotive drivers immediately if a door
In an effort to reduce potential impacts associated opens in a wagon. Drivers then stop the train in
with potential coal dust generation during coal order to prevent spillage of coal from the bottom
transport, Queensland Rail will continue to: of the wagons.
§§ Develop, implement and review commercial access §§ Monitor individual wagon weights to prevent
agreements that regulate the behaviour of third overloading, which keeps the coal levels at a
party operators on Queensland Rail’s network. height that is shown to minimise dust lift off.
§§ Monitor and enforce conditions governing network §§ Continue to focus on locomotive driver training,
use by third party operators to ensure our actions including prevention of hard braking, bunching
align with the relevant Queensland Government and vibration of wagons to reduce coal shifting
policies and commitments. and spillage.
36
Katestone Environmental Pty Ltd, Review of Dust from Coal Trains in Queensland, report to the Senate Standing Committee on Community Affairs Inquiry:
The impacts of health on air quality in Australia, prepared for Queensland Resources Council, March 2013
4.5 Coal Terminal Manager at

Port of Brisbane mitigation activities
Queensland Bulk Handling is the coal terminal manager
at the Port of Brisbane, and is committed to working
with supply chain members to reduce coal dust
from coal trains, and optimise cleaner coal transport
practices, as evidenced by the activities listed below.
Queensland Bulk Handling operates at approximately
9 mtpa with a capacity of 10 mtpa in 2012, and
growth plans aimed at 15 mtpa, dependent upon
market conditions. In 2010, Queensland Bulk Handling 4.6 Continuous improvement in
completed stage one and stage two of its expansion coal dust management
plans including associated upgrades to the ship
loader and out-load sampler, totalling $100 million. The SWS supply chain has made a commitment
to continuous improvement and a program of
§§ Continuing to monitor coal as it arrives at the
ongoing dust monitoring for a further 12 months to
coal terminal to verify it is close to its optimum
validate the effectiveness of mitigation measures.
moisture content to limit dust generation during
Developing technologies and processes are being
unloading processes and achieve market qualities
considered for further dust mitigation, if required.
§§ Covered in-load dump stations and enclosed
These projects require further research in order
conveyors transport coal to stockpiles and are
to assess their cost and effectiveness and will be
routinely monitored to minimise dust.
undertaken in the context of the ongoing air quality
§§ Coal unloading practices are videoed in order to monitoring results. They are:
record the levels of residual coal remaining in
§§ Further inspection processes for identifying coal
wagons, which are reported to Aurizon for agreed
on wagon sills after loading.
action. If required, loading will cease until the
operator can identify and stop the cause. §§ The use of water, air or vibration to remove the
residual coal trapped on external surfaces.
§§ A high hopper alarm identifies possible coal
overflows from in-load hoppers in order to avoid §§ With increased tonnages, investigate wagon
coal being transferred into the adjacent ballast or designs to reduce trapped coal on external
build up on the wagon wheels and axles. surfaces and new locomotives that are more
efficient, quieter, and have more precision at low
§§ Water fogging sprays at the rail receival hoppers speeds while loading.
reduce coal dust as coal is transferred to
stockpiles §§ Investigate new designs for load out infrastructure.
§§ Sills of wagons are monitored prior to return §§ Research coal washing and handling to reduce
journey back to the mine to prevent coal spillage fine particles
§§ Providing support for further dust deposition §§ Test veneers and application rates that enable
sampling in communities near the Port of surface moisture to approximate DEM and to
manage fine particles
Brisbane, dust monitoring on the rail corridor and
ongoing monitoring at the terminal. The companies understand that environmental
management is a dynamic process that must keep
pace with increasing environmental standards and
higher community expectations for protection of
the environment.
Thorough evaluation of all monitoring data is used
to adjust, change or improve coal dust mitigation
practices and for further evaluation.
Chapter 5
Stakeholder engagement
The members of the South West Each member of the supply chain is a responsible
environment manager, committed to working in
System (SWS) supply chain,
partnership with neighbours and local communities
collectively and individually, have to achieve the best outcomes for those in the
committed to a transparent process regions surrounding its operations.
of sharing information about the Figure 17 highlights the local communities situated
effective management of coal dust along the SWS rail corridor. The supply chain
along the rail corridor. members are committed to engagement with
these communities, Local Government and State
The information provided to stakeholders is Government to openly share facts and information
evidence-based, and references scientifically- to help increase their understanding of coal dust
supported data and other appropriate research. monitoring and mitigation activities.
Currently, each member of the supply chain offers a number of avenues for communities and
stakeholders to raise issues and answer queries or concerns about their operations in the region.
Figure 18 outlines these contact details.
Figure 17: Communities along the South West System rail corridor
North Burnett
Wandoan
Wandoan Group Maryborough Basin
Gympie
Cameby Downs South Burnett
(Columboola)
Miles Kingaroy
Chinchilla Ipswich
and West Sunshine
Moreton Coast
Meandu
Kogan Creek Brisbane
Wilkie Creek (Macalister)
Port of Brisbane
Dalby New Acland (Jondaryan)

Moreton Fisherman Islands
Western Bay Qld Bulk Handling (QBH)
Legend
Downs
Brisbane
Rolling stock depot Toowoomba New Oakleigh Ipswich Redbank
Train crew depot Logan and Redlands
Toowoomba
Thermal coal mine Jeebropilly
Towns/cities Millmerran Swanbank Power Station (Sw PS)
Commodore
Domestic terminal
Operating export terminal Gold
West Moreton corridor^ Coast
Southern Warwick
Existing rail
Downs
Coal basin
^ Track Manager – Queensland Rail Clarence-Moreton Basin

Figure 18: Communication channels for stakeholder queries
Company Community Hotline Community email Website

Aurizon 13 23 32 community@aurizon.com.au www.aurizon.com.au
New Hope Group 1800 882 142 community@newhopegroup.com.au www.newhopegroup.com.au
Peabody Energy 07 4663 5555 info@peabodyenergy.com www.peabodyenergy.com
Queensland
07 3107 4900 reception@qbh.com.au www.qbh.com.au
Bulk Handling
Queensland Rail 07 3072 0600 customerfeedback@qr.com.au www.queenslandrail.com.au
Queensland
Resources 07 3795 9560 info@qrc.org.au www.qrc.org.au
Council
Yancoal 02 8583 5300 info@yancoal.com.au www.yancoal.com.au
In addition there are a number of Community Reference Groups and stakeholder engagement activities
through which the supply chain members will continue to provide information to stakeholders.
Reference groups
§§ New Acland Community Reference Group
§§ New Oakleigh Community Consultation meetings
§§ Oakey Community Information Centre
§§ Oakey Community Liaison Officer
§§ Cameby Downs Community Reference Group – servicing Chinchilla and Miles
Engagement activities
§§ ongoing direct briefings with relevant Local Councils, State Government MPs and Ministers and
Federal Government MPs
§§ media releases
§§ site visits for land owners and other engagement activities
§§ existing company quarterly newsletters
§§ fact sheets.
“The monitoring results

showed that ambient
particle concentrations
complied with ambient
air quality objectives
at all rail corridor
monitoring sites during
both the pre- and
post-veneering
monitoring periods.”
Department of Science, Information Technology, Innovation and the Arts,
Western – Metropolitan Rail Systems Coal Dust Monitoring Program, Final Report
Chapter 6
Air quality monitoring
The independent Environmental §§ The PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations measured

at the monitoring sites located on the rail
Monitoring and Assessment
system were comparable to those measured
Sciences branch of the Queensland at sites elsewhere in Brisbane, during the
Department of Science, Information monitoring period
Technology, Innovation and the §§ Considerable variation was found among the
Arts (DSITIA) undertook air quality relationship between 24-hour average PM10 and
monitoring for the period March to PM2.5 concentrations and the frequency of winds
June 2013. blowing from the direction of the rail corridor
across the monitoring sites. This is consistent
Monitoring was undertaken at the following with other sources of PM10 and PM2.5 particles,
locations along the rail corridor: such as motor vehicle emissions, being a greater
§§ Coorparoo influence on PM10 and PM2.5 levels measured at the
rail corridor monitoring sites than rail emissions
§§ Fairfield
§§ Tennyson Deposited dust samples – quantity of coal dust
compared with other sources of dust
§§ Dinmore
§§ Mineral dust (soil or rock dust) was the major
§§ Toowoomba
component of the deposited dust at each
§§ Oakey monitoring site. Coal was consistently detected
§§ Chelmer – selected as a control site as coal freight in deposited samples, but was only detected at
trains do not pass by this location. trace levels at Chelmer, a part of the system not
used by coal trains.
The monitoring sites were immediately adjacent to
the rail corridor. §§ Coal particles typically accounted for about 10
per cent of the total surface area in the deposited
The testing was conducted in two stages. Stage dust samples, with the amount present in
One included two months of testing to establish a individual samples ranging from trace levels up to
baseline of dust data on the rail corridor. Stage Two 20 per cent of the total surface coverage. At most
monitored dust levels after the New Hope Group locations another black-coloured particle, rubber
began to apply a coating to all loaded coal wagons, dust, was found to make up on average about 10
which has been shown to significantly reduce coal per cent of the deposited dust surface coverage.
dust. The following are the major points of the study:
§§ A general trend towards decreased dust
Air quality and impact on health and amenity deposition rates and lower level of coal dust in
deposited dust samples was observed at most
These results include all sources of dust, of which monitoring sites following the implementation
coal is a small proportion. of veneering at the New Hope mine. However,
§§ The monitoring results showed that ambient further monitoring will be conducted over a
particle concentrations (dust) levels complied with 12-month period to track this trend.
air quality objectives at all rail corridor monitoring
sites throughout the four months of monitoring Train movements and their impact on total
dust levels
§§ Ambient PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations did not
exceed the Queensland Environmental Protection §§ During the monitoring period, the passage of
(Air) Policy 2008 (EPP Air) 24-hour average air trains was found to result in little change in
quality objectives of 50 ug/m3 and 25 ug/m3 10-minute average PM10 and PM2.5 at Tennyson,
respectively on any day during the monitoring Fairfield and Coorparoo monitoring sites. There
period. The highest average PM2.5 concentration was also little difference seen in the particle
measured was less than the EPP Air annual level variations associated with the passage of
objective value of 8 ug/m3 different train types past the monitoring sites.
6.1 Western – Metropolitan Monitoring was conducted at six locations along

the Western and Metropolitan rail systems used
Systems Coal Dust Monitoring
to transport coal to the Port of Brisbane (Oakey,
Program, Final Report Willowburn (Toowoomba), Dinmore, Tennyson,
executive summary Fairfield and Coorparoo) and one background location
on a section of the Metropolitan rail system not used
In March 2013 the Department of Science,
by coal trains (Chelmer).
Information Technology, Innovation and the Arts
(DSITIA) commenced an investigation into particle This report summarises the monitoring results
levels along the Western and Metropolitan Rail obtained by DSITIA over the four-month dust
Systems used by trains hauling coal from mines monitoring program between early March and early
in the Clarence-Moreton and Surat Basins in July 2013, and provides an assessment of the impact
southern Queensland to the Port of Brisbane. The of coal wagon veneering on ambient particle levels
main objective of the investigation was to obtain along the rail corridor following the commencement
information on ambient particle levels along the of coal wagon load profiling and veneering at the
coal rail corridor and to evaluate the effectiveness New Acland Mine on 2 May 2013.
of a coal wagon veneering trial which commenced The monitoring results showed that ambient
at the New Acland mine north of Oakey in May particle concentrations complied with ambient
2013. Coal from the New Acland mine accounts for air quality objectives at all rail corridor monitoring
approximately 60 per cent of all coal transported sites during both the pre- and post-veneering
to the Port of Brisbane on the Western and monitoring periods.
Metropolitan rail systems.
Ambient PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations did not
The timing of the coal dust monitoring program exceed the Queensland Environmental Protection
was dictated by the date of commencement of (Air) Policy 2008 (EPP Air) 24-hour average air quality
coal wagon load profiling and veneering program objectives of 50 µg/m3 and 25 µg/m3 respectively on
at the New Acland mine in May 2013. Reduced any day during the investigation period. The highest
dust emissions due to frequent rainfall during the average PM2.5 concentration measured during either
investigation period, particularly in the months prior the pre- or post-veneering periods was less than the
to and during the pre-veneering monitoring period, EPP Air annual objective value of 8 µg m3. A number of
will have reduced measured particle levels. observations point to the major influence on PM10 and
PM2.5 concentrations at the rail corridor monitoring
The investigation focused on acquiring data to
sites being regional urban particle emission sources
assess both health and nuisance impacts in the
rather than rail transport emissions.
community, together with determination of the
contribution of coal particles to overall dust levels. These include the close correspondence between
PM10 and PM2.5 levels measured at Metropolitan line
The monitoring program collected information on:
rail corridor sites and DSITIA ambient air monitoring
§§ PM10 (particles less than 10 micrometres network sites elsewhere in Brisbane; the highest
in diameter) and PM2.5 (particles less than 24-hour PM2.5 concentration during the pre-veneering
2.5 micrometres in diameter) levels – to assess period being recorded at the Chelmer background
possible human health impacts monitoring site; the lack of any strong relationship
between PM10 and PM2.5 levels and the proportion
§§ deposited dust (dustfall) – to assess possible
of winds from the direction of the rail corridor; little
amenity degradation (dust nuisance) impacts
difference between PM10 and PM2.5 measurements
and to determine the contribution of coal particles
recorded on days when no coal and few freight
to overall dust levels
train services were running and the average
§§ real-time particle levels – to assess the changes concentrations over the monitoring period; and the
in short-term particle levels associated with results of statistical analyses which found that any
the passage of different train types on the impact from veneering was less than the day-to-day
Metropolitan rail system. variability in PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations.
Insoluble dust deposition rates did not exceed the A general trend towards decreased dust deposition
trigger level for dust nuisance of 4 g/m2/30days rates and lower levels of coal dust in the deposited
above background levels (or 130 mg/m2/day dust samples was observed at most monitoring
averaged over a 30-day period) recommended by the sites following the implementation of rail wagon
New Zealand Ministry for the Environment at any of veneering at the New Hope Mine. While this
the rail corridor monitoring sites during both the suggests that veneering has reduced the loss of
pre- and post-veneering monitoring periods. coal particles during transit, monitoring over a
period longer than one to two months is needed
Microscopic examination showed that mineral
to demonstrate that this improvement is ongoing.
dust (soil or rock dust) was the major component
Collection of deposited dust samples over a
of larger particles that settled from the air at
12 month period at one rail corridor monitoring site
each monitoring site during both the pre- and
within Brisbane as part of the second phase of
post-veneering monitoring periods. Coal dust was
the Western – Metropolitan Rail Systems Coal Dust
consistently detected in the deposited dust from
Monitoring Program will monitor this.
all monitoring sites along the rail corridor used by
coal trains, but was only detected at trace levels in During both the pre- and post-veneering monitoring
one sample at the Chelmer background monitoring periods, the passage of trains was found to result in
site located on a section of the Metropolitan rail little change in 10-minute average PM10 and PM2.5
system not used by coal trains. The amount of coal levels at the Tennyson, Fairfield and Coorparoo
dust ranged from trace levels up to 20 per cent of monitoring sites. There was also little difference
the total surface coverage. Another black-coloured seen between the particle level variations associated
particle, rubber dust, was found at most locations, with the passage of different train types past the
typically accounting for about 10 per cent of the monitoring sites.
surface coverage.
The Queensland Department of Health has
concluded that, for people living along the rail
corridor, the dust concentrations measured during
the investigation are unlikely to result in any
additional adverse health effects.
References
AS 4156.6 Coal Preparation. Determination of dust/moisture relationship for coal.
Aurizon website; www.aurizon.com.au
Australian Coal Association Research Program,
http://www.acarp.com.au/Downloads/ACARPHardgroveGrindabilityIndex.pdf
BNSF Railway, accessed from: http://www.bnsf.com/customers/what-can-i-ship/coal/coal-dust.html
Coal Dust Management Plan, Feb 2010, QR Network, Section 5.1
Coal Mining Safety and Health Regulation 2001 – Queensland Government
Coal Services, Coal Service and NSW Coal Mining Industry Continue to protect mine workers from ‘black lung’
disease, 22 August 2012
Commonwealth Department of Environment, A National Approach to Waste Tyres, Prepared for
Environment Australia by Atech Group, 2001
Connell Hatch, Final Report, Environmental Evaluation of Fugitive Coal Dust Emissions from coal trains
Goonyella, Blackwater and Moura Coal Rail Systems for QR Limited, March 2008
Tennyson Dust Monitoring Investigation, September to October 2012
Western – Metropolitan Rail Systems Coal Dust Monitoring Program, Final Report
Energy Publishing, Australian Coal Report, January 2012
Guideline on Speciated Particulate Monitoring, Judith Chow and John Watson, Desert Research Institute,
prepared for US EPA, August 1998
Katestone Environmental Pty Ltd, Review of Dust from Coal Trains in Queensland, report to the Senate
Standing Committee on Community Affairs Inquiry:The impacts of health on air quality in Australia, prepared
for Queensland Resources Council, March 2013
New Hope Group, Rail Coal Dust Report, 2013
New Zealand Ministry for the Environment, Good Practice Guide for Assessing and Managing the
Environmental Effects of Dust Emissions, 2001
NSW Government, Department of Health, http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/environment/factsheets/Pages/
mine-dust.aspx, accessed June 2013
Queensland Resources Council website, accessed at www.qrc.org.au
Coal Dust Management Plan
South West System
November 2013

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Chinchilla

South West System

New Hope Group

Queensland Bulk Handling

Queensland Resources Council

1.4.1 Moisture content management 1.4.5 Ongoing dust monitoring

New Hope Group began veneering its coal in 1.6 Conclusion

Figure 1: South West System supply chain

Dalby New Acland (Jondaryan) Fisherman Islands

^ Track Manager – Queensland Rail Clarence-Moreton Basin

As highlighted in Figure 2, the SWS is Australia’s

Figure 2: Comparison of coal supply chains by volume 2010/2011

Note: Hunter Valley volumes are based on 2011 figures

“When all of these investments

Images courtesy of New Hope Group

In addition, the supply chain supports local Spending on local

2.2 Opportunities for continued “This Coal Dust Management

All members of the South West This chapter addresses:

Homes and people

3.1 What is black dust?

Figure 4: Map showing the location of the monitoring sites

Wilkie Creek Port of Brisbane

New Acland Fisherman Islands

^ Track Manager – Queensland Rail

Other Plant and insect

Plant and insect Tyre rubber

Tyre rubber Soil-rock dust

3.1.2 Tennyson Dust Monitoring Investigation,

Vivian Street Tennyson station

Source: DSITIA Tennyson Dust Monitoring Investigation, September to October 2012

Source: DSITIA Tennyson Dust Monitoring Investigation, September to October 2012

“The levels of coal dust were found to be well below the

3.2 What is nuisance dust?

Case study 1: House tank testing

Case study 2: Rooftop testing

Figure 9: Particle sizes and descriptions

Figure 11: Size distribution of several particulate emission sources

<1µm 1µm–2.5µm 2.5µm–10µm >10µm

Figure 12: PM10 emission sources

Home fire Diesel exhaust

Agriculture burning Construction dust

Figure 13: EPP Air Quality – objectives for particulates

Queensland air Federal air

Figure 14: Maximum 24-hour PM10 concentrations

60 monitoring sites monitoring site ambient air monitoring

Pre-veneering timeframe Pre-veneering timeframe Pre-veneering timeframe

Figure 15: Average PM2.5 concentrations

monitoring sites monitoring site ambient air monitoring

EPP Air objective

Pre-veneering timeframe Pre-veneering timeframe Pre-veneering timeframe

Health and coal dust

Systems for QR Limited, March 2008

4.2.2 Peabody Energy The company is currently undertaking the

4.2.3 Yancoal §§ Implementing loading practices to flatten the coal

§§ Work with supply chain members to assist

4.4 Rail operator mitigation

4.5 Coal Terminal Manager at

Dalby New Acland (Jondaryan)

^ Track Manager – Queensland Rail Clarence-Moreton Basin

Figure 18: Communication channels for stakeholder queries

Company Community Hotline Community email Website

“The monitoring results

The independent Environmental §§ The PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations measured

6.1 Western – Metropolitan Monitoring was conducted at six locations along