THE ENVIRONMENT

PWCS is committed to providing a world class operation with minimal impact on the surrounding environment. PWCS has developed and operates under an Environmental Management System (‘EMS’) which has been independently certified as meeting the requirements of the ISO 14001 standard. Appropriate environmental design is an integral part of PWCS’ development and a regular program of monitoring and evaluation ensures that PWCS’ Environmental Management System continues to meet community expectations and regulatory requirements.

PWCS is a strong supporter of local environmental groups in their efforts to protect wetlands, flora and fauna. PWCS also liaises closely with local community groups and supports a variety of local sponsorship programs.

IN ORDER TO MANAGE ITS OHS AND ENVIRONMENTAL OBLIGATIONS, PWCS SITES ARE CLOSED TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC EXCEPT BY INVITATION OR ARRANGEMENT.

environmental management system (ems)

PWCS has developed an EMS in accordance with ISO 14001 to manage operations, maintain statutory compliance and provide continual improvement in regards to environmental performance at our Carrington and Kooragang Terminals.

ENVIRONMENT AND THE COMMUNITY

PWCS is committed to minimising the impact of its operations on the surrounding environment and community. Communication with the community and other interested parties is facilitated through a number of ways including a variety of forums and events. Direct communication is also undertaken through the receival and investigation of enquiries received from members of the public via the Community Enquiry Hotline. Members of the community can register their enquiries 24 hours a day by phoning (02) 4907 2280.

Water Management and Water Recycling

PWCS minimises its impact on the environment through the recycling and reuse of water used in its operations and by reusing the collected and stored process water. This recycling and reuse of water vastly reduces PWCS consumption of potable water. Key elements of PWCS’ water management system include:

• Drainage systems to collect process water for re-use;
• Settling ponds and clarifiers to remove fine coal particles; and
• Water storage ponds to harvest storm water.

Dust Control and Minimisation

Effective dust control is achieved through the use of stockpile sprays, automatically activated through an on-site
weather station. Additional dust control measures include:

• Design of plant and equipment so as to control and minimise dust;
• Development of work procedures which reduce the potential for dust;
• Roadway cleaning;
• Roadway cleaning
• Landscaping of open areas; and
• Clean up by water washing.

Noise Control and Minimisation

Noise control is achieved through appropriate equipment design and installation of noise control measures. Noise
monitoring is carried out to ensure that community needs and statutory requirements are being achieved.

KOORAGANG EXPANSION PROJECT

PWCS has committed to investing in the Kooragang Coal Terminal to expand throughput capacity to meet the export coal demand from the Hunter Valley. The Kooragang Expansion Project is being conducted in accordance with the PWCS EMS, specific development approvals granted by the NSW Department Of Planning, Environmental Assessments and subsequent management plans.