Reedy Creek Key Resource Area (RCKRA) Project Air Quality Assessment 

An independent dust assessment was conducted in accordance with recognised techniques for dispersion modelling to enable an assessment of particulate concentrations and deposition rates from the proposed RCKRA Project. 

The assessment has been undertaken in accordance with the Environmental Protection (Air) Policy 2019. In addition, the Dust Assessment been prepared in the context of the nuisance dust criteria from AS3580.10.1 and best practice guidance on crystalline silica emissions, as there is no relevant Queensland policy or objectives, beyond the goals in the National Environment Protection (Ambient Air Quality) Measure. 

A review of the quarry activities proposed highlighted that the most important air pollutant would be dust (considered as TSP, PM10 and PM2.5).  

The following activities proposed to be conducted at the Quarry have the potential to result in dust emissions: 

• Material handling by site machinery such as bulldozers / front end loaders / scrapers 

• Drilling and blasting within the pit area 

• Excavation and movement of raw material from pit to the processing plant 

• Processing of raw material (crushing and screening) by both mobile and fixed plant 

• Wheel generated dust associated with haulage of raw material and product  

• Wind erosion of raw material and product stockpiles 

• Wind erosion of exposed areas (pit and plant areas) 

The RCKRA Project has been sited and designed to maximise separation distances between the disturbance footprint and nearby residential premises. 

Assessment findings

The modelling demonstrates that, with the implementation of good-practice dust management, as detailed in the RCKRA Site Based Management Plan, the proposed extractive industry operation will comply with the relevant air quality objectives at all nearby residential premises.   

Respirable crystalline silica modelling  

The independent dust assessment also modelled crystalline silica emissions from the proposed quarry operations and the modelling predicted that dust deposition rates and respirable crystalline silica concentrations will readily comply with the adopted criteria at all nearby residential premises. Therefore, present a minimal health risk.