AS3580 at Costerfield

ERC Meeting

13 May 2010

Dust: B*** commented that in March there was a huge dust storm but was astounded that the dust measurement recorded the lowest ever dust recording. Explained that the organic matter is burned off. B*** not happy with the current measuring system. Explained that it is an Australian Standard measurement System. Scott Sandercock explained that there are probably other systems overseas but we use Australian Standard Systems here. B*** not happy with it and suggested that EPA should look at it. B*** questioned EPA if the system that AGD Operations has in place is set up correctly. 

Olivia assured EPA that the system meets Australian Standard. Olivia agreed with G** that more sites need to be around the mine area as some are too far away and is in process of getting them relocated. Olivia outlined that further weather station quotes need to be obtained and research on which is the most suitable for this site, but as yet has not had time.

Bob Disken stated that AGD Operations dust monitoring program is compliant. B** expressed his disappointment with government departments excepting [sic: accepting] an empty wine flagon and funnel is an appropriate measurement system. Bob Disken commented that until the standard changes the company is complying. B*** asked who sets the standards. Travis StClair will find out who sets the standard so that B** can take it up with them

 
The application of the standards has been an issue for quite a while, now, as this article from Waste Management and Environment Magazine dated 6 September, 2007, shows.
 
The application of Australian Standards 3580 Dust Deposition gauge at Costerfield.

For those suspicious people among you who think that the ludicrous funnel at the top may have been tipped by the photographer, have a look another look at this piece of equipment, leaving all that deposited dust unaccounted for...

What a disgrace. Still waiting on weather monitoring station quotes, too.

They could have gone to somewhere like compliancemonitoring.com.au one would have thought. These people look like they have a range of products purpose-built to meet the standards; lots of aspects of the standard, too.

And they're an Australian company.

Who's doing the monitoring now?

And another Australian company Getex handily summarises some of the basic requirements that it includes in the AS3580 compliant equipment it provides:

What is a Dust Deposit Gauge?
 
A deposit gauge consists of a 150 ±10mm diameter funnel supported firmly by a glass bottle which has a minimum volume of 4 litres. The funnel is supported using a rubber stopper with a groove to allow water overflow under excessive rainfall conditions.

A stand supports the deposit gauge such that the top of the funnel is 2 ±0.2m above ground level. The stand generally incorporates a container to protect the bottle contents from sunlight which may accelerate algae growth. The stand must be sufficiently sturdy to prevent any movement during high winds and to ensure the top of the funnel remains in the horizontal position. 

 ***

The manufacturers of compliant equipment know their products' shortcomings:

However, their disadvantage is they do not provide data on a day by day basis, information on dust concentrations, nor relate dust levels to wind direction or particular events. If there is a major dust problem it will not be known until the end of the monthly cycle.  

High volume samplers
 
Equipment such as High Volume Samplers (or TSP High Volume Samplers) can provide day by day data (an average dust concentration taken over a 24-hour period) and Continuous Particle Monitors can provide real – time data. Matched with event data and wind activity, Continuous Particle Monitors offer a real advance over other methods in managing certain sites, activities and dust emissions. Further advice on these items can be obtained from your GETEX consultant.    


The observant reader will note that the information supplied above is sourced from a page over 5 years old... 27 February, 2009.

Industry groups have known about the reluctance of the regulators to enter the 21st century for quite a while now, as this article from Waste Management and Environment magazine from 2007 makes plain.  

While we have already praised the foresight of the builders of the top-pictured equipment for including a wind-direction gauge (see the lean on the gaffer-taped plastic funnel? That's the way the wind blows! Let the dust fall where it may...), we note that usual AS3580 compliant equipment does not include provisions for wind speed and direction data collection.

And when you want to know if the dust is coming from a particular place, say a mine, then wind speed and direction would be handy things to know.

Perhaps a weather station could help with that...