Covalent Lithium Pty Ltd

Covalent Lithium Refinery Approvals

Air Quality Impact Assessment

September 2020
Executive summary
GHD Pty Ltd was commissioned by Covalent Lithium Pty Ltd to prepare an air quality impact
assessment for the construction and operation of the proposed Lithium Refinery at 15 Mason
Road in the Kwinana Industrial Area, Western Australia. The assessment supports the Part V
Works Approval application for the proposed Lithium Refinery.
The Lithium Refinery is proposed to refine a nominal 1049 dry tonnes per day spodumene ore
concentrate to produce 121 dry tonnes (expressed as lithium carbonate equivalent) per day of
battery-grade lithium hydroxide. Air emission sources associated with the process include eight
stationary stack sources including:
 Calcination stack (Train 1)
 Calcination stack (Train 2)
 Ball mill stack (Train 1)
 Ball mill stack (Train 2)
 Acid roast stack (Train 1)
 Acid roast stack (Train 2)
 Steam boiler stack
 Sodium sulphate stack
Sensitive receptors within proximity to the proposed Lithium Refinery include the residential
suburb of Medina, approximately 2 km south-east of the proposed Lithium Refinery, and. Beeliar
Regional Park, located 5 km east of the proposed Lithium Refinery.
Air dispersion modelling was carried out for one operating scenario to assess air quality impacts
associated with the operation of the proposed Lithium Refinery. The air dispersion model
AERMOD (v 9.5.0) was used along with one years’ worth of meteorological data from Hope
Valley, which is located 3.5 km north-east of the proposed Lithium Refinery. Air dispersion
modelling was carried out for four pollutants including nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulphur dioxide
(SO2), carbon monoxide (CO) and particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of 10
microns or less (PM10).
Results from the dispersion modelling were assessed against a number of air quality criteria
including local, state, national and international legislation and air quality guidelines.
The dispersion modelling demonstrated that ground level concentrations of NO2, SO2, CO, and
PM10, complied with the relevant air quality criteria at all identified sensitive receptors. It was
therefore concluded that operation of the proposed Lithium Refinery in line with the parameters
set out in this report will not adversely affect local air quality.
This report is subject to, and must be read in conjunction with, the limitations set out in Section
1.5 and the assumptions and qualifications contained throughout the Report.

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Table of contents
1.  Introduction .................................................................................................................................... 6 
1.1  Project description ............................................................................................................... 6 
1.2  Purpose of this report........................................................................................................... 6 
1.3  Scope of work ...................................................................................................................... 6 
1.4  Approach .............................................................................................................................. 6 
1.5  Limitations ............................................................................................................................ 7 
1.6  Assumptions ........................................................................................................................ 7 
2.  Project background ........................................................................................................................ 9 
2.1  Project overview................................................................................................................... 9 
2.2  Process description.............................................................................................................. 9 
3.  Existing environment .................................................................................................................... 11 
3.1  Site description .................................................................................................................. 11 
3.2  Site terrain.......................................................................................................................... 11 
3.3  Climate ............................................................................................................................... 11 
3.4  Wind patterns ..................................................................................................................... 12 
3.5  Sensitive receptors ............................................................................................................ 14 
3.6  Existing air quality .............................................................................................................. 16 
4.  Air quality criteria.......................................................................................................................... 18 
4.1  National Environment Protection (Ambient Air Quality) Measure ...................................... 18 
4.2  Environmental Protection (Kwinana) (Atmospheric Waste) Policy .................................... 18 
4.3  State Environment Protection Policy (Air Quality Management) ....................................... 20 
4.4  Air Quality Guidelines for Europe Second Edition .............................................................20 
4.5  Draft Environmental Assessment Guideline Separation Distances between
Industrial and Sensitive Land Uses ................................................................................... 21 
5.  Construction assessment ............................................................................................................. 22 
5.1  Construction assessment .................................................................................................. 22 
6.  Modelling methodology ................................................................................................................ 23 
6.1  Meteorological modelling ................................................................................................... 23 
6.2  Dispersion modelling..........................................................................................................26 
6.3  Emission estimation ........................................................................................................... 27 
6.1  Background air quality .......................................................................................................28 
7.  Dispersion modelling results ........................................................................................................ 29 
7.1  Nitrogen dioxide ................................................................................................................. 29 
7.2  Sulphur dioxide................................................................................................................... 34 
7.3  Particulate matter as PM10 ................................................................................................. 42 
7.4  Carbon monoxide............................................................................................................... 47 
8.  Conclusion ................................................................................................................................... 50 

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Table index
Table 3-1  Sensitive receptor locations ............................................................................................... 14 
Table 3-2  Adopted background air quality concentrations (DWER 2019) ......................................... 16 

Table 4-1  National Environment Protection (Ambient Air Quality) Measure standards
(NEPC 2016)...................................................................................................................... 18 
Table 4-2  Kwinana EPP ambient air quality standards and limits for SO2 (EPA WA 1999) .............. 20 

Table 4-3  Kwinana EPP ambient air quality standards and limits for TSP (EPA WA 1999) ............. 20 
Table 4-4  SEPP-AQM design criteria (EPA Victoria 2001)................................................................ 20 
Table 4-5  Guideline values for terrestrial vegetation (World Health Organisation 2000) .................. 21 

Table 4-6  Recommended Separation Distances (EPA WA 2015)..................................................... 21 

Table 6-1  Emission sources included in dispersion modelling .......................................................... 27 
Table 6-2  Emission rates used in the model ...................................................................................... 28 

Table 7-1  Predicted NO2 concentrations (NEPM criteria) .................................................................. 30 

Table 7-2  Predicted NO2 concentrations (SEPP-AQM and AQ Guidelines Europe) ......................... 30 
Table 7-3  Predicted SO2 concentrations (NEPM criteria) .................................................................. 35 

Table 7-4  Predicted SO2 concentrations (Kwinana EPP criteria) ...................................................... 36 
Table 7-5  Predicted SO2 concentrations (SEPP-AQM and AQ Guidelines Europe) ......................... 37 
Table 7-6  Predicted PM10 concentrations (NEPM criteria) ................................................................ 43 

Table 7-7  Predicted PM10 concentrations (Kwinana APP and SEPP-AQM criteria).......................... 43 
Table 7-8  Predicted CO concentrations (NEPM and SEPP-AQM criteria) ........................................ 47 
Table B-1  Stack emission information provided by Covalent ............................................................. 54 

Figure index
Figure 1-1  Project location .................................................................................................................... 8 
Figure 2-1  Spodumene to LiOH process............................................................................................. 10 
Figure 3-1  Mean temperatures and rainfall at Medina Research Centre AWS (data is
inclusive of 1984 – 2018) ...................................................................................................12 

Figure 3-2  Annual 9:00 am and 3:00 pm wind roses from Medina Research Centre AWS
(BoM 2018) ........................................................................................................................ 13 
Figure 3-3  Sensitive receptor locations ............................................................................................... 15 
Figure 3-4  Location of DWER AQMS used for background concentrations ....................................... 17 
Figure 4-1  Locations of Areas defined in Kwinana EPP (figure adapted from EPA WA
2009) .................................................................................................................................. 19 
Figure 6-1  Annual and seasonal wind roses – Hope Valley 1995 meteorological file ........................ 24 
Figure 6-2  Stability class by percentage ............................................................................................. 25 

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 Figure 6-3  Hope Valley 1995 Monin-Obukhov length (L) from converted AUSPLUME
stability classes .................................................................................................................. 26 
Figure 6-4  Buildings included in the dispersion model ........................................................................ 27 
Figure 7-1  Predicted maximum 1-hour NO2 concentrations, inclusive of background ....................... 31 
Figure 7-2  Predicted annual NO2 concentrations, inclusive of background ........................................ 32 
Figure 7-3  Predicted 99.9th percentile 1-hour NO2 concentrations ..................................................... 33 
Figure 7-4  Predicted maximum 1-hour SO2 concentrations, inclusive of background ........................ 38 
Figure 7-5  Predicted maximum 24-hour SO2 concentrations, inclusive of background...................... 39 
Figure 7-6  Predicted annual SO2 concentrations, inclusive of background ........................................ 40 
Figure 7-7  Predicted 99.9th percentile 1-hour SO2 concentrations ..................................................... 41 
Figure 7-8  Predicted maximum 24-hour PM10 concentrations, inclusive of background .................... 44 
Figure 7-9  Predicted annual PM10 concentrations, inclusive of background ...................................... 45 
Figure 7-10  Predicted 99.9th percentile 1-hour PM10 concentrations .................................................... 46 
Figure 7-11  Predicted maximum 8-hour CO concentrations, inclusive of background ......................... 48 
Figure 7-12  Predicted 99.9th percentile 1-hour CO concentrations....................................................... 49 

Appendices
Appendix A – AERMOD summary file
Appendix B – Stack emission information

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Glossary and abbreviated terms
Abbreviation Definition
Air Quality Guidelines for Europe Second Edition (World Health
AQ Guidelines Europe
Organisation 2000)
AQMS Air quality monitoring station
AWS Automatic weather station
BoM Bureau of Meteorology
Ca Calcium
CO Carbon monoxide
Covalent Covalent Lithium Pty Ltd
Draft Environmental Assessment Guideline Separation Distances
Draft Guidelines
Between Industrial and Sensitive Land Uses (EPA WA 2015)
DWER Department of Water and Environmental Regulation
Environmental Protection (Kwinana) (Atmospheric Waste) Policy (EPA
Kwinana EPP
WA 1999)
EP Act Environmental Protection Act 1986
EPA WA Environmental Protection Authority Western Australia
GHD GHD Pty Ltd
GLC Ground level concentration
ha hectares
KIA Kwinana Industrial Area
L Monin-Obukhov length
LCE Lithium carbonate equivalent
LiOH Lithium hydroxide
LiOH.H2O Lithium hydroxide monohydrate
Li2CO3 Lithium carbonate
m ASL Metres above sea level
Mg Magnesium
NaOH Sodium hydroxide
Na2SO4 Sodium sulphate
National Environment Protection (Ambient Air Quality) Measure (NEPC
NEPM
2016)
NO2 Nitrogen dioxide
PM2.5 Particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of 2.5 microns or less
PM10 Particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of 10 microns or less
SO2 Sulphur dioxide
State Environment Protection Policy (Air Quality Management) (EPA
SEPP-AQM
Victoria 2001)
STEL Short term exposure limit
SWA Safe Work Australia
tpa Tonnes per annum
TWA Time weighted average

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1. Introduction
1.1 Project description
Covalent Lithium Pty Ltd (Covalent) is proposing to construct a Lithium Refinery (the Project),
located at 15 Mason Road in the Kwinana Industrial Area (KIA), Western Australia. The project
is proposed to refine a nominal 1049 dry tonnes per day spodumene ore concentrate to produce
121 dry tonnes (expressed as lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE)) per day of battery-grade
lithium hydroxide (LiOHꞏH2O).

A Works Approval will be required for the Project to assess whether the basis of activities will
meet the definition of a ‘Prescribed Premises’. Under the Environmental Protection Act 1986
(EP Act), a prescribed premises is classified as an industrial premises with potential to cause
emissions and discharges to air, land or water. The EP Act requires a Works Approval to be
obtained before constructing a prescribed industrial premises.
The location of the Project is shown in Figure 1-1.

1.2 Purpose of this report

GHD Pty Ltd (GHD) has been commissioned by Covalent to prepare an air quality impact
assessment for the construction and operation of the Project. This report is prepared in support
of the Part V Works Approval application for the Project.

1.3 Scope of work

This report assesses the potential air quality impacts from construction and operation of the
Project. The report’s scope is to:
 Complete a desktop assessment, including assessment of the local ambient airshed,
existing air quality and nearby sensitive receptors.

 Review relevant air quality criteria.

 Develop a meteorological data set to be used as input for dispersion modelling.
 Generate an emissions inventory based on vendor emissions specifications for operations.

 Qualitatively assess air quality impacts from construction.

 Quantitatively assess air quality impacts from operations by undertaking air dispersion
modelling for one operating scenario, modelling for the following pollutants: nitrogen dioxide
(NO2), sulphur dioxide (SO2), carbon monoxide (CO) and particulate matter with an
aerodynamic diameter of 10 microns or less (PM10). Modelling will incorporate significant
buildings and structures into the model to account for possible building wake effects and
potential resultant grounding of the plume.
 Assess predicted ground level concentrations (GLC) against relevant ambient air quality
criteria.

 Prepare a report (this document) outlining methods used to undertake the above tasks and
results and conclusions drawn from the assessment.

1.4 Approach
The approach adopted for this assessment is summarised in the following points. Each point is
described in detail in the subsequent sections of this report.

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 Outline of the Project, including process description (Section 2).
 Description of the existing environment in terms of site description of terrain, climate,
sensitive receptors and existing air quality (Section 3).
 Identification of the relevant air quality criteria and guidelines applicable to the Project
(Section 4).
 Desktop assessment of construction air quality impacts and management (Section 5).
 Air dispersion modelling to assess predicted ground level concentrations of key pollutants
during operation of the Project (Section 6 and Section 7).

 Draw conclusions from the above assessment subject to the scope of works (Section 8).

1.5 Limitations
This report has been prepared by GHD for Covalent Lithium Pty Ltd and may only be used and
relied on by Covalent Lithium Pty Ltd for the purpose agreed between GHD and the Covalent
Lithium Pty Ltd as set out in Section 1.3 of this report.
GHD otherwise disclaims responsibility to any person other than Covalent Lithium Pty Ltd
arising in connection with this report. GHD also excludes implied warranties and conditions, to
the extent legally permissible.
The services undertaken by GHD in connection with preparing this report were limited to those
specifically detailed in the report and are subject to the scope limitations set out in the report.
The opinions, conclusions and any recommendations in this report are based on conditions
encountered and information reviewed at the date of preparation of the report. GHD has no
responsibility or obligation to update this report to account for events or changes occurring
subsequent to the date that the report was prepared.
The opinions, conclusions and any recommendations in this report are based on assumptions
made by GHD described in this report (refer Section 1.6 and Section 6). GHD disclaims liability
arising from any of the assumptions being incorrect.
GHD has prepared this report on the basis of information provided by Covalent Lithium Pty Ltd
and others who provided information to GHD (including Government authorities), which GHD
has not independently verified or checked beyond the agreed scope of work. GHD does not
accept liability in connection with such unverified information, including errors and omissions in
the report which were caused by errors or omissions in that information.

1.6 Assumptions
This assessment includes the following assumptions:
 All information provided by Covalent, including emission source parameters and Project site
layout is correct.
 All parameters used in the model are based on best estimates using information provided
by Covalent and other relevant data.
 The meteorology used in the model is representative of the overall meteorology at the
Project site.

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 Metres

14.09.2020

1
2. Project background
2.1 Project overview
The spodumene is proposed to be mined and transported from the Mount Holland Lithium mine,
located approximately 105 km south-east of Southern Cross in the Shire of Yilgarn. Following
processing, the finished product, lithium hydroxide (LiOH) will be stored, bagged and then
transported via truck to Fremantle Port for export.

2.2 Process description

The refinery uses technology common in the spodumene processing industry, including the
following components:

 Two trains of pyrometallurgical processing

 Water leaching to solubilise lithium sulphate from the spodumene

 Impurity removal including oxidation, pH adjustment, filtration and ion exchange

 Sodium hydroxide direct causticisation
 Two stage sodium sulphate (decahydrate and anhyrdrous) crystallisation
 Two-stage lithium hydroxide crystallisation
 Product and secondary refinery outputs drying and storage
Figure 2-1 is a flowsheet of the spodumene to LiOH process.

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Figure 2-1 Spodumene to LiOH process

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3. Existing environment
This section provides a summary of the existing environment in terms of existing ambient air
quality, terrain, meteorology and sensitive receptors.

3.1 Site description

The proposed Project is located within KIA, 31 km south of Perth city centre in the City of
Kwinana. KIA consists of a wide range of industries, such as fabrication, construction, and
processing industries including alumina, nickel and oil refineries. There are a variety of utility
operations, including power stations, cogeneration plants, air separation plants, port facilities,
desalination and wastewater treatment plants. KIA includes a shipping port, which has direct
shipping access to South East Asia (Kwinana Industries Council 2015).
The Project’s boundary is located 1 km east of the coast, and is approximately 76 hectares (ha)
in size. The Project is proposed to be built predominantly on an existing hardstand pad, which is
approximately 29 ha and covers the top half of the Project’s boundary.
The Project’s location relative to the KIA is shown in Figure 1-1.

3.2 Site terrain

The site is relatively flat and low lying, at approximately 3 m to 5 m above sea level (ASL). A
ridge lies approximately 4 km east of the site, running north-south, and peaks at 30 m ASL.

3.3 Climate
KIA experiences a Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. A
summary of temperature is shown in Figure 3-1, as observed at the Bureau of Meteorology
(BoM) Medina Research Centre automatic weather station (AWS) (number 009194) between
1983 and 2018 (BoM 2018). Mean maximum temperatures reach 31 °C in summer, dropping to
18 °C in winter. Mean minimum temperatures reach 17 °C in summer and 8 °C in winter.
Total annual average rainfall is 746 mm, of which 77 percent falls during the wettest months,
May to September. Monthly rainfall is shown in Figure 3-1.

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Figure 3-1 Mean temperatures and rainfall at Medina Research Centre AWS
(data is inclusive of 1984 – 2018)

3.4 Wind patterns

Figure 3-2 shows annual wind roses from Medina Research Centre AWS. Sea breezes are
characteristic of the coastal region around KIA. Fresh to strong morning easterlies and
afternoon south-westerlies typically occur during summer. During the winter, the wind conditions
are typically light to moderate north-easterly winds. Occasionally during winter, passages of cold
fronts across the coast result in north-westerly/south-westerly storms, for a duration of typically
one to three days.

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Figure 3-2 Annual 9:00 am and 3:00 pm wind roses from Medina Research Centre AWS (BoM 2018)

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3.5 Sensitive receptors
Sensitive receptors are defined as a location where people are likely to work or reside. This may
include a dwelling, school, hospital, office or public recreational area (NSW EPA 2017). There
are a number of sensitive receptors located to the north, east and west of the site. The closest
residential receptor is in the suburb of Medina, approximately 2 km south-east of the Project
site. The closest reserve, Beeliar Regional Park, is located 5 km east of the Project site. For
comparison, ground level predicted concentrations were also modelled at the Project boundary.
Sensitive receptors and Project boundary locations for the assessment are shown in Table 3-1
and Figure 3-3.
Table 3-1 Sensitive receptor locations

ID Easting (m) Northing (m) Elevation (m AHD)

Medina 386867 6433280 12
Beeliar Regional Park 389480 6433855 24
North boundary 384279 6434933 5
East boundary 384688 6434338 5
South boundary 384308 6433849 4
West boundary 383913 6434308 4

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 LEGEND
6440000
Project boundary

0 Sensitive receptor

6436000

6434000

6432000

SCALE

0 1000 2000
Metres
6430000
COPYRIGHT
THIS DOCUMENT IS AND SHALL REMAIN
THE PROPERTYOF GHD PTY LTD
THIS DOCUMENT MAY ONLY BE USED
FOR THE PURPOSE FOR WHICH IT
WAS COMMISSIONED
AND IN ACCORDANCEWITH THE TERMS OF
ENGAGEMENT FOR THE COMMISSION 380000 382000 384000 386000 388000 390000 392000

m
--
MAP PROJECTION
Geodatic Datum of Australia 1994
DATA SOURCE:
Landgate
Covalent Lithium Pty Ltd
Map grid of Australia zone 50

DATE

14.09.2020
FILE LOCATION
l\ghdnetlghcMU\Perth\Projects\61\12511788\Tech
\Covalent Air\60. WP\Surfer Covalent Lithium Mining Proposal and Mine Closure Plan Figure 3-3: Sensitive receptor locations
REVISION DRAWING NO.
Fig 3-3.srf
Air Quality Impact Assessment
1
3.6 Existing air quality
In areas such as KIA, cumulative impacts to air quality from multiple emitters is an important
consideration when assessing air quality (EPA WA 2019). The Environmental Protection
Authority (EPA) Victoria recommend the use of the 70th percentile measured concentration as
the background value for determining cumulative impacts (EPA Victoria 2001).This section
discusses the available monitoring data for the Project’s local airshed, to be used as
background concentrations in this assessment.
The Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER) conduct ambient air quality
monitoring for a number of pollutants at several sites across Western Australia, the results of
which are reported annually. The monitored pollutants include NO2, SO2, PM10, particulate
matter with an aerodynamic diameter of 2.5 microns or less (PM2.5), CO and ozone, however,
not all sites monitor all pollutants. The closest site to the Project is Wattleup, located
approximately 5 km north-east of the Project site (Figure 3-4). The Wattelup air quality
monitoring station (AQMS) monitors SO2 only. The next closest AQMS is South Lake, located
approximately 14 km north-east of the Project site (Figure 3-4). The South Lake AQMS monitors
all six pollutants.
Recently published monitoring results were reported in the 2018 Western Australian Air
Monitoring Report (DWER 2019). Measured background levels of SO2 were taken from the
Wattleup AQMS, and measured background levels of PM10, NO2 and CO were taken from the
South Lake AQMS. 70th percentile monitored concentrations were not available from the
monitoring results, however 75th percentile monitored concentrations were available. These
were adopted as background concentrations for this assessment. It is noted that the 75th
percentile monitored concentrations are more conservative than 70th percentile monitored
concentrations and therefore predicted cumulative concentrations presented in Section 7 are
also considered conservative.
Table 3-2 summarises the background concentrations adopted for this assessment.
Table 3-2 Adopted background air quality concentrations (DWER 2019)

75th percentile
Air pollutant Period AQMS
concentration (µg/m3)
24 hour 20 South Lake
PM10
Annual[2] 16.3 South Lake
1 hour 45 South Lake
NO2[1]
Annual[2] 14.4 South Lake
1 hour 32 Wattleup
SO2[1] 24 hour 6 Wattleup
Annual[2] 5.7 Wattleup
CO[1] 8 hour 500 South Lake
Note:
1. Concentrations of gaseous pollutants converted from ppm to µg/m3 at 0 °C and 1 atmosphere.
2. 75th percentile concentrations are not available for annual measurements. Alternatively, annual average
concentrations are reported.

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Figure 3-4 Location of DWER AQMS used for background concentrations

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4. Air quality criteria
Air quality impacts associated with the Project are assessed by comparing monitoring results or
model predictions with appropriate criteria. The air quality criteria relevant to this assessment
include:
 National Environment Protection (Ambient Air Quality) Measure (NEPC 2016) referred to as
Air NEPM

 Environmental Protection (Kwinana) (Atmospheric Wastes) Policy (EPA WA 1999), referred

to as Kwinana EPP
 State Environment Protection Policy (Air Quality Management) (EPA Victoria 2001),
referred to as SEPP-AQM
 Draft Environmental Assessment Guideline Separation Distances Between Industrial and
Sensitive Land Uses (EPA WA 2015), referred to as Draft Guidelines

 Air Quality Guidelines for Europe Second Edition (World Health Organisation 2000),
referred to as the AQ Guidelines Europe

4.1 National Environment Protection (Ambient Air Quality)

Measure
Air NEPM was developed to provide benchmark standards for ambient air quality to ensure all
Australians have protection from the potential health effects of air pollution. NEPM standards
have been developed for CO, NO2, SO2, lead, PM10 and PM2.5.
The NEPM standards relevant to this assessment are provided in Table 4-1.
Table 4-1 National Environment Protection (Ambient Air Quality) Measure
standards (NEPC 2016)
Maximum concentration
Pollutant Averaging period
(µg/mᶟ)
CO[1[ 8-hour 11,254
1 hour 247
NO2[1]
Annual 62
1 hour 572
SO2[1] 24 hour 229
Annual 57
24 hour 50
Particles as PM10
Annual 25
Note:
1. Concentrations of gaseous pollutants converted from ppm to µg/m3 at 0 °C and 1 atmosphere.

4.2 Environmental Protection (Kwinana) (Atmospheric Waste)

Policy
The Kwinana region is covered by the Kwinana EPP. The Kwinana EPP defines the following
categories:
 Limits - concentrations of atmospheric waste that shall not be exceeded
 Standards - concentrations of atmospheric waste that should desirably not be exceeded
Concentrations for the limits and standards are provided in the Environmental Protection
(Kwinana) (Atmospheric Wastes) Regulations (EPA WA 1992) (the Regulations), which falls

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 under the Kwinana EPP. The limits and standards set forth in the Regulations pertain to SO2
and total suspended particles (TSP). The limits and standards are divided into three categories,
applying to three Areas based on geographical location (Figure 4-1). These are:
 Area A – core heavy industrial area
 Area B – buffer area beyond area A
 Area C – beyond Areas A and B, predominately rural and residential

Figure 4-1 Locations of Areas defined in Kwinana EPP (figure adapted from
EPA WA 2009)

Figure 4-1 show the Medina and Beeliar Regional Park receptors reside in Area C. Therefore,
Standards[1] will be adopted for Area C for these receptors. The Standards and Limits for SO2
and TSP in each of the areas are presented in Table 4-2 and Table 4-3, respectively.

1
Standards were adopted as air quality criteria in this assessment as opposed to Limits, as Standards are more conservative.

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Table 4-2 Kwinana EPP ambient air quality standards and limits for SO2 (EPA
WA 1999)

Area Standard (µg/m3) Limit (µg/m3) Averaging period

700 1400 1-hour
A 200 365 24-hour
60 80 Annual
500 1000 1-hour
B 150 200 24-hour
50 60 Annual
350 700 1-hour
C 125 200 24-hour
50 60 Annual

Table 4-3 Kwinana EPP ambient air quality standards and limits for TSP (EPA
WA 1999)

Area Standard (µg/m3) Limit (µg/m3) Averaging period

Policy Area - 1000 15-minute
A 150 260 24-hour
B 90 260 24-hour
C 90 150 24-hour

4.3 State Environment Protection Policy (Air Quality

Management)
The SEPP-AQM was used to substitute criteria where the NEPM standards did not have the
applicable averaging period. SEPP-AQM design criteria are taken at the 99.9th percentile
concentration using an averaging time of one hour or less, which corresponds to the 9th highest
hourly concentration when using one year of meteorological data. The relevant SEPP-AQM
design criteria are provided in Table 4-4.
Table 4-4 SEPP-AQM design criteria (EPA Victoria 2001)

99.9th percentile design criteria

Pollutant Averaging period
(µg/m3)
CO 1 hour 29,000
NO2 1 hour 190
SO2 1 hour 450
PM10[1] 1 hour 80
Note:
1. Applies to point sources only.

4.4 Air Quality Guidelines for Europe Second Edition

Air Quality Guidelines for Europe provide a basis for protecting public health from adverse
effects of air pollutants, to eliminate or reduce exposure to hazardous air pollutants, and to
guide national and local authorities in their risk management decisions (World Health
Organisation 2000).
AQ Guidelines Europe also considers the ecological effects on terrestrial vegetation of NO2,
SO2, ozone and other photochemical oxidants, by providing guideline values based on the
effects on vegetation. As the recreational reserve, Beeliar Regional Park, is located north-east

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of the Project site (Table 3-1 and Figure 3-3), the guideline values based on effects on
vegetation are relevant to the Project and are therefore considered here.
The relevant guideline values to the Project are shown in Table 4-5.
Table 4-5 Guideline values for terrestrial vegetation (World Health
Organisation 2000)

Pollutant Averaging period Guideline value (µg/mᶟ)

NO2 Annual average 30
SO2[1] Annual and winter average 15
Note:
1. The vegetation category selected for guideline value was forest and natural vegetation, and accumulated
temperature sum >5 °C is <1000 °C days per year and was therefore considered as a constraint.

4.5 Draft Environmental Assessment Guideline Separation

Distances between Industrial and Sensitive Land Uses
The purpose of the Draft Guidelines is to provide advice on which land uses require separation,
outline the EPA’s expectations on the application of separation distances and support land use
planning and development decisions where proposed land uses have the potential to impact
human health (EPA WA 2015).
The Draft Guidelines provide recommendations for separation distances between a range of
industrial facilities and sensitive land uses. The recommended separation distances for the
industry types relevant to the proposed Project are presented in Table 4-6.
Table 4-6 Recommended Separation Distances (EPA WA 2015)

Recommended separation
Industry Emissions type or Risk
distance (m)
Metal smelting or refining Gaseous and dust emissions Case by case
Metal leaching Dust 500

The closest receptor to the site boundary, Medina, (Section 3.5) is approximately 2 km east of
the Project site (Table 3-1 and Figure 3-3). Metal leaching complies with the recommended
separation distance at the closest sensitive receptor. Metal smelting or refining separation
distances will be examined by air dispersion modelling to determine if pollutant concentrations
meet the air quality criteria (refer Section 7).

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5. Construction assessment
This section outlines assessment of air emissions likely to result during construction of the
Project. Sources of potential air quality impacts during construction and site establishment will
be emissions from heavy vehicle exhausts and dust generation from heavy equipment during
earthworks as well as wind erosion from disturbed soil surfaces.

5.1 Construction assessment

5.1.1 Gaseous emissions

Emissions from heavy machinery and equipment used during the construction phase will consist
of products of combustion, including nitrogen oxides, SO2, PM10 and minor contribution of
volatile organic compounds.
Vehicle emissions will arise from diesel powered equipment used during construction.
Emissions from heavy equipment will be minimised by ensuring all vehicles onsite are well
maintained and operated in an efficient manner and to manufacturers’ specifications.

Emissions from vehicles onsite will be short-lived and are not considered to represent a
significant source of emissions.

5.1.2 Construction dust

The construction process will involve the operation of loaders and trucks, and potentially dozers,
graders and excavators. As the proposed Project will be commissioned predominantly on the
existing hardstand, there will be limited equipment used to doze, grade and excavate the site. A
services corridor in the southern portion will be established. This activity will be undertaken for a
short duration, therefore minimal dust will be generated for this activity.
The three key dust causing mechanisms are:
 The movement of vehicles around the site during civil works (unsealed road dust emissions
during working hours).
 Wind erosion dust emissions from exposed and disturbed soil surfaces under elevated wind
speeds during construction (all hours with elevated wind speeds).

 To a minimal extent, the action of excavating, spreading and compacting (during working
hours).
Dust has potential to be generated during these activities as material is transported in and out of
the site, however dust emissions will be limited as the site is surrounded by paved roads.
Furthermore, dust emissions will be over a short period during the construction phase only.

5.1.3 Construction air quality management

Dust generation during construction is expected to be low and short lived. A Construction
Environmental Management Plan will be developed prior to work commencing to ensure dust is
mitigated to an acceptable level.

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6. Modelling methodology
6.1 Meteorological modelling
This section presents the methodology and analysis of the meteorological data used for this
assessment.

6.1.1 Hope Valley meteorological file

The original meteorological data for this assessment was sourced from the Hope Valley 1995
meteorological file provided by DWER (then the Department of Environmental Protection). Hope
Valley is located 3.5 km north-east of the Project, and is considered to be the most critical area
for ground topography and prevailing atmospheric conditions.
This file has been previously used for recent assessments (GHD 2017) in the area and is
considered to be representative of the meteorological conditions within the Project’s local
airshed, as the file is suitably detailed to provide stability and dispersion characteristics for a full
annual cycle involving all seasons and has greater than 90% data coverage.

6.1.2 Wind analysis

The local wind conditions largely determine the dispersion of air pollutants within the local
airshed. The general wind climate at a site is most readily displayed by means of wind rose
plots, given the incidence of winds from different direction for various wind speed ranges. Wind
roses for the Hope Valley meteorological file are shown in Figure 6-1.
At Hope Valley, the seasonal pattern can be summarised as follows:
 Warmer months are dominated by south-westerly sea breezes, which are strongest in
December and January, when the temperature between the land and ocean is the greatest.
 The highest wind speeds tend to occur under the south-westerly sea breeze during
summer.

 A diurnal wind patterns is also evident during these warmer months, with early morning
easterly to south-easterly winds that change to south-west to westerly as the sea breeze
develops.
 During the cooler months light to moderate winds from the north-eastern sector tend to
occur most frequently, and calmer (0-2 m/s) wind conditions occur more often.
 Annually, moderate easterlies and stronger south-westerly dominate the wind direction at
Hope Valley.
When compared to the wind climate discussion in Section 3.4, the comparison of Hope Valley
meteorological file indicates that the wind climate is characteristic of typical wind conditions and
suitable to be used for the assessment.

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Annual Spring Summer

Autumn Winter

Wind speed (m/s) Average wind speeds Calms

Annual: 4.00 m/s 0.00%
Spring: 4.72 m/s
Summer: 3.70 m/s
Autumn: 3.75 m/s
Winter: 3.86 m/s

Figure 6-1 Annual and seasonal wind roses – Hope Valley 1995 meteorological file

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6.1.3 Stability class

For this assessment, AERMOD was selected as the model used for air dispersion modelling,
however the Hope Valley meteorological file discussed in Section 6.1.1 and 6.1.2 was
developed for use with AUSPLUME. This section discusses the conversion of the Hope Valley
meteorological file from AUSPLUME format to AERMOD-ready format.
AUSPLUME meteorological data employs the Pasquill-Gifford scale of atmospheric stability,
which consists of six classes, from A to F. Stability classes A, B and C represent strong,
moderate and slight unstable atmospheric conditions, respectively. Under these conditions,
dispersion near ground level is efficient due to convective and turbulent mixing. The stability
class D represents a neutral atmosphere, while E and F represent slightly and moderately
stable atmospheres respectively.
Stable conditions generally occur during the night, with clear skies and weak gradient winds.
Such conditions are often coupled with ground based, radiation forced temperature inversions
with fog, mist or frost. Stable conditions, i.e. E and F, dispersion is poorest as vertical mixing of
air is suppressed. This can result in a downwind plume, which is detectable at a greater
distance compared to similar emissions under unstable conditions. It is commonly stable
conditions with lower dispersion conditions that result in high air pollutant concentrations at
sensitive receptors.

Based on the conversion to Pasquill-Gifford stability classes, the most common atmospheric
condition is the neutral class D, present 30% of the time. Stability class by percentage are
presented in Figure 6-2.

Figure 6-2 Stability class by percentage

With the transition of the air dispersion model AUSPLUME to AERMOD, the definition of
atmospheric stability is not scaled with the Pasquill-Gifford class. Instead, the primary parameter
that determines atmospheric stability is the Monin-Obukhov length (L). This is a length scale
parameter that defines the amount of turbulence in the atmosphere due to convection, or lack
thereof. Positive values indicate stable conditions, whilst negative values indicate unstable, or
convective conditions. A large magnitude negative value indicates highly unstable conditions
(e.g., A or B class), conversely, a large magnitude positive value represents stable conditions

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(e.g., E or F class). A method has been employed to convert Pasquill-Gifford classes into
equivalent Monin-Obukhov length values. This involved the use of a Golder Plot, as
recommended in the Approved Methods for the Modelling and Assessment of Air Pollutants in
New South Wales (NSW EPA 2017).
A surface roughness length (Z0) value of 0.7 was used for the conversion to represent an
industrial area (US EPA, 2013). It should be noted that the selection of the Z0 value has a
substantial influence on the version of the L values when converting Pasquill-Gifford classes to
Monin-Obukhov lengths.

Figure 6-3 shows the 1995 Hope Valley converted AUSPLUME stability classes to converted L
data. There are slightly more of 1/L values greater than 0 m-1 – especially between wind
directions 120° to 180°. The greatest grouping of very stable conditions for L is for wind
directions near 150°. This correlates to the south-east wind direction having the most calm (i.e.
less than 0.5 m/s) wind directions (Figure 6-1). Calm conditions lead to a stable atmosphere
hence there is limited dispersion and generally leads to the highest predicted short-term
concentration.

Figure 6-3 Hope Valley 1995 Monin-Obukhov length (L) from converted
AUSPLUME stability classes

6.2 Dispersion modelling

6.2.1 AERMOD

AERMOD (v 9.5.0) was used for the air dispersion modelling for this assessment. The model
was configured to predict concentrations at ground level with a model domain of 10 km x 10 km
and a grid resolution of 200 m.
Terrain elevation data for the model domain was obtained from the US National Aeronautics
and Space Administration’s Shuttle Radar Topography Missions (SRTM3/SRTM1) at 30 m
resolution. Terrain elevation data was incorporation into AERMOD using the AERMAP terrain
processor. AERMOD was run using the rural dispersion coefficient.
AERMOD contains algorithms for modelling the effects of aerodynamic downwash due to
nearby buildings on point source emissions (US EPA 2004). Major buildings in the proposed
Project site layout were included in the model as shown in Figure 6-4. The liquid solid
separation building was excluded from the model as it is an open structure with no roof and is

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therefore inapt for modelling purposes. Figure 6-4 also depicts the locations of the stack
sources (shown in red).
A sample AERMOD summary file used in this assessment is provided in Appendix A.

Figure 6-4 Buildings included in the dispersion model

6.3 Emission estimation

An emissions inventory was compiled to estimate emission rates from air emission sources
associated with operation of the Project to be included in the dispersion model. Eight stack
emission sources (known as point sources) were included in the model. These are described in
Table 6-1. Emissions to air were calculated based on information provided in Appendix B.
Calculated emission rates used as input into the dispersion model are shown in Table 6-2.
Table 6-1 Emission sources included in dispersion modelling

Stack gas
Stack Stack Stack gas
Location (m exit
Source Source ID height diameter exit velocity
UTM, WGS84) temperature
(m) (m) (m/s)
(°C)
Calcination
384145 E,
stack (Train CALSTK1 48.50 0.85 117 25.6
6434773 S
1)
Calcination
384146 E,
stack (Train CALSTK2 48.50 0.85 117 25.6
6434709 S
2)
Ball mill stack 384030 E,
BALSTK1 30.0 0.50 105 21.9
(Train 1) 6434786 S
Ball mill stack 384031 E,
BALSTK2 30.0 0.50 105 21.9
(Train 2) 6434722 S

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 Stack gas
Stack Stack Stack gas
Location (m exit
Source Source ID height diameter exit velocity
UTM, WGS84) temperature
(m) (m) (m/s)
(°C)
Acid roaster
384108 E,
stack (Train AROAST1 26.2 0.70 365 25.5
6434801 S
1)
Acid roaster
384109 E,
stack (Train AROAST2 26.2 0.70 365 25.5
6434737 S
2)
Steam boiler 384293 E,
BOILER 15.00 0.55 200 22.5
stack 6434727 S
Sodium
384466 E,
sulphate DRYER 10.00 0.55 90 37.0
6434704 S
stack

Table 6-2 Emission rates used in the model

Emission Rate (g/s)

Source ID
NO2 SO2 CO PM10
CALSTK1 0.400 0.781 0.971 0.087
CALSTK2 0.400 0.781 0.971 0.087
BALSTK1 0 0 0 0.040
BALSTK2 0 0 0 0.040
AROAST1 0.020 0.042 0.409 0.012
AROAST2 0.020 0.042 0.409 0.012
BOILER 0.333 0 0.259 0
DRYER 0.089 0 0.621 0.186

6.1 Background air quality

DWER’s South Lake AQMS and Wattleup AQMS were considered to be most representative of
the local air environment. The adopted background air concentrations used from both AQMS’
for the cumulative assessment are presented in Section 3.6.

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7. Dispersion modelling results
The following section displays results of the air dispersion modelling. Results are displayed as
incremental concentrations (concentrations attributed to proposed operations at the Project only
(Section 6.3)) and cumulative concentrations (predicted concentrations associated with the
Project plus adopted background concentrations (Section 3.6)) where available.
Contour plots of predicted concentrations are also provided for each pollutant.

7.1 Nitrogen dioxide

Table 7-1 and Table 7-2 show predicted incremental concentrations and cumulative
concentrations (where background concentrations were available) for NO2. It can be seen that
predicted concentrations for all averaging periods (including cumulative concentrations) comply
with the relevant assessment criteria.
Figure 7-1 to Figure 7-3 show predicted concentration contour plots for NO2.

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Table 7-1 Predicted NO2 concentrations (NEPM criteria)

Criteria NEPM
Averaging period Maximum 1-hour Annual
3
Maximum value 247 µg/m 62 µg/m3
% of criterion % of criterion
Incremental (µg/m3) Cumulative (µg/m3) Incremental (µg/m3) Cumulative (µg/m3)
(cumulative) (cumulative)
Medina 2 47 19% 0.02 14 23%
Beeliar Regional
1 46 19% 0.01 14 23%
Park
North boundary 45 90 36% 3 17 27%
East boundary 16 61 25% 0.2 15 24%
South boundary 19 64 26% 0.1 15 23%
West boundary 28 73 30% 0.5 15 24%

Table 7-2 Predicted NO2 concentrations (SEPP-AQM and AQ Guidelines Europe)

Criteria SEPP-AQM AQ Guidelines Europe

th
Averaging period 99.9 percentile 1-hour Annual
3
Maximum value 190 µg/m 30 µg/m3
Incremental (µg/m3) % of criterion Incremental (µg/m ) 3
Cumulative (µg/m3) % of criterion (cumulative)
Medina 1 0.7% 0.02 14 48%
Beeliar Regional Park 1 0.4% 0.01 14 48%
North boundary 30 16% 3 17 57%
East boundary 6 3% 0.2 15 49%
South boundary 7 4% 0.1 15 48%
West boundary 14 7% 0.5 15 50%

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7.2 Sulphur dioxide
Table 7-3 to Table 7-5 show predicted incremental concentrations and cumulative
concentrations (where background concentrations were available) for SO2. It can be seen that
predicted concentrations for all averaging periods (including cumulative concentrations) comply
with the relevant assessment criteria.

Figure 7-4 to Figure 7-7 show predicted concentration contour plots for SO2.

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Table 7-3 Predicted SO2 concentrations (NEPM criteria)

Criteria NEPM
Averaging
Maximum 1-hour Maximum 24-hour Annual
period
Maximum
572 µg/m3 229 µg/m3 57 µg/m3
value
Incremental Cumulative % of criteria Incremental Cumulative % of criteria Incremental Cumulative % of criteria
(µg/m3) (µg/m3) (cumulative) (µg/m3) (µg/m3) (cumulative) (µg/m3) (µg/m3) (cumulative)
Medina 3 35 6% 0.3 6 3% 0.02 6 10%
Beeliar
Regional 2 34 6% 0.2 6 3% 0.01 6 10%
Park
North
80 112 20% 18 24 10% 3 9 15%
boundary
East
17 49 9% 2 8 3% 0.2 6 10%
boundary
South
15 47 8% 2 8 3% 0.1 6 10%
boundary
West
50 82 14% 4 10 4% 0.5 6 11%
boundary

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Table 7-4 Predicted SO2 concentrations (Kwinana EPP criteria)

Criteria Kwinana EPP

Averaging
Maximum 1-hour Maximum 24-hour Annual
period
Maximum
350 µg/m3 125 µg/m3 50 µg/m3
value
Incremental Cumulative % of criteria Incremental Cumulative % of criteria Incremental Cumulative % of criteria
(µg/m3) (µg/m3) (cumulative) (µg/m3) (µg/m3) (cumulative) (µg/m3) (µg/m3) (cumulative)
Medina 3 35 10% 0.3 6 5% 0.02 6 11%
Beeliar
Regional 2 34 10% 0.2 6 5% 0.01 6 11%
Park
North
80 112 32% 18 24 19% 3 9 17%
boundary
East
17 49 14% 2 8 6% 0.2 6 12%
boundary
South
15 47 13% 2 8 6% 0.1 6 12%
boundary
West
50 82 23% 4 10 8% 0.5 6 12%
boundary

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Table 7-5 Predicted SO2 concentrations (SEPP-AQM and AQ Guidelines Europe)

Criteria SEPP-AQM AQ Guidelines Europe

th
Averaging period 99.9 percentile 1-hour Annual
3
Maximum value 450 µg/m 15 µg/m3
Incremental (µg/m3) % of criteria Incremental (µg/m ) 3
Cumulative (µg/m3) % of criteria (cumulative)
Medina 1 0.2% 0.02 6 38%
Beeliar Regional Park 1 0.2% 0.01 6 38%
North boundary 52 11% 3 9 58%
East boundary 6 1% 0.2 6 39%
South boundary 7 2% 0.1 6 39%
West boundary 17 4% 0.5 6 41%

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7.3 Particulate matter as PM10
Table 7-6 and Table 7-7 show predicted incremental concentrations and cumulative
concentrations (where background concentrations were available) for PM10. It can be seen that
predicted concentrations for all averaging periods (including cumulative concentrations) comply
with the relevant assessment criteria.

Figure 7-8 to Figure 7-10 show predicted concentration contour plots for PM10.

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Table 7-6 Predicted PM10 concentrations (NEPM criteria)

Criteria NEPM
Averaging period Maximum 24-hour Annual
3
Maximum value 50 µg/m 25 µg/m3
% of criteria % of criteria
Incremental (µg/m3) Cumulative (µg/m3) Incremental (µg/m3) Cumulative (µg/m3)
(cumulative) (cumulative)
Medina 0.1 20 40% 0.01 16 65%
Beeliar Regional
0.1 20 40% 0.01 16 65%
Park
North boundary 5 25 51% 0.9 17 69%
East boundary 1 21 41% 0.1 16 66%
South boundary 1 21 41% 0.05 16 65%
West boundary 2 22 44% 0.3 17 66%

Table 7-7 Predicted PM10 concentrations (Kwinana APP and SEPP-AQM criteria)

Criteria Kwinana EPP SEPP-AQM

th
Averaging period Maximum 24-hour 99.9 percentile 1-hour
3[1]
Maximum value 90 µg/m 80 µg/m3
3
Incremental (µg/m ) Cumulative (µg/m3) % of criteria (cumulative) Incremental (µg/m3) % of criteria
Medina 0.1 20 22% 0.5 1%
Beeliar Regional Park 0.1 20 22% 0.3 0.4%
North boundary 5 25 28% 23 28%
East boundary 1 21 23% 2 3%
South boundary 1 21 23% 2 3%
West boundary 2 22 24% 9 11%
Note:
1. For total inhalable particles.

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7.4 Carbon monoxide
Table 7-8 shows predicted incremental concentrations and cumulative concentrations (where
background concentrations were available) for CO. It can be seen that predicted concentrations
for all averaging periods (including cumulative concentrations) comply with the relevant
assessment criteria.

Figure 7-11 to Figure 7-12 show predicted concentration contour plots for CO.
Table 7-8 Predicted CO concentrations (NEPM and SEPP-AQM criteria)

Criteria NEPM SEPP-AQM

Averaging
Maximum 8-hour 99.9th percentile 1-hour
period
Maximum
11,254 µg/m3 29,000 µg/m3
value
Incremental Cumulative % of criteria Incremental
% of criteria
(µg/m3) (µg/m3) (cumulative) (µg/m3)
Medina 2 502 4% 4 0.01%
Beeliar
1 501 4% 2 0.01%
Regional Park
North
47 547 5% 97 0.3%
boundary
East
9 509 5% 14 0.05%
boundary
South
12 512 5% 16 0.1%
boundary
West
25 525 5% 46 0.2%
boundary

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8. Conclusion
The purpose of this report was to assess the potential air quality impacts from construction and
operation of the proposed Covalent Lithium Refinery to support the Part V Works Approval
application.
Emissions of NO2, SO2, PM10 and CO associated with the operation of the Project were
estimated using information provided by Covalent and used as input into the dispersion model,
AERMOD. A suitable meteorological file was developed, which is representative of normal
meteorological conditions at the Project site. Sensitive receptors and background
concentrations were identified and included in the dispersion modelling.
Ground level concentrations were predicted and compared to relevant air quality standards
including:
 National Environment Protection (Ambient Air Quality) Measure
 Environmental Protection (Kwinana) (Atmospheric Waste) Policy
 State Environment Protection Policy (Air Quality Management)
 Draft Environmental Assessment Guideline Separation Distances Between Industrial and
Sensitive Land Uses
 Air Quality Guidelines for Europe Second Edition
Dispersion modelling demonstrated that predicted concentrations of NO2, SO2, PM10 and CO for
all averaging periods at the sensitive receptors and Project boundaries complied with the
relevant air quality assessment criteria.
It is therefore concluded that operation of the proposed Lithium Refinery in line with the
parameters set out in this report will not adversely affect local air quality.

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References
Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) 2018, Summary Statistics Medina Research Centre.
http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/averages/, accessed 8 May 2019.

Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER) 2019, 2018 Western Australia air
monitoring report, October 2019.
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA WA) 1992, Environmental Protection (Kwinana)
(Atmospheric Wastes) Regulations 1992.
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA WA) 1999, Environmental Protection (Kwinana)
(Atmospheric Wastes) Policy 1999.
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA WA) 2009, Discussion Paper. Options for the review of
the Environmental Protection (Kwinana) (Atmospheric Wastes) Policy 1999.
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA WA) 2015, Draft Environmental Assessment Guideline
for Separation distances between industrial and sensitive land uses, September 2015.
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA WA) 2019, Environmental Factor Guideline: Air
Quality, EPA, Western Australia.

GHD 2017, Tianqi Lithium Australia Pty Ltd WA and DA Approvals - Stage 2 Air Quality
Assessment.
Kwinana Industries Council 2015, Kwinana Industrial Area Integrated Assessment
Environmental, Social and Economic Impact, https://www.kic.org.au/environment/,
accessed 7 May 2018.
National Environment Protection Council (NEPC) 2016, National Environment Protection
(Ambient Air Quality) Measure.
New South Wales Environmental Protection Authority (NSW EPA) 2017, Approved Methods for
the Modelling and Assessment of Air Pollutants in New South Wales, ISBN 978 1 76039
565 0.
US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) 2004, User’s guide for the AMS/EPA regulatory
model – AERMOD, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, US EPA, Office of Air
Quality Planning and Standards.
US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) 2013, AERSURFACE User’s, Research
Triangle Park, North Carolina, US EPA, Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards.
Victorian Environmental Protection Authority (EPA Victoria) 2001, State Environment Protection
Policy (Air Quality Management), No. S 240 Friday 21 December 2001.
World Health Organisation 2000, The Air Quality Guidelines for Europe Second Edition, WHO
Regional Publications, European Series, No. 91. ISBN 92 890 1358 3, Copenhagen.

GHD | Report for Covalent Lithium Pty Ltd - Covalent Lithium Refinery Approvals, 12511788 | 51
 Appendices

GHD | Report for Covalent Lithium Pty Ltd - Covalent Lithium Refinery Approvals, 12511788
Appendix A – AERMOD summary file

GHD | Report for Covalent Lithium Pty Ltd - Covalent Lithium Refinery Approvals, 12511788
*** AERMOD - VERSION 16216r *** *** 12511788 Covalent update PM10
*** 08/07/20

*** AERMET - VERSION 12345 *** *** *** 15:46:24

PAGE 1

*** MODELOPTs: RegDFAULT CONC ELEV RURAL

*** MODEL SETUP OPTIONS SUMMARY ***

---------------------------------------------------------------

**Model Is Setup For Calculation of Average CONCentration Values.

-- DEPOSITION LOGIC --

**NO GAS DEPOSITION Data Provided.

**NO PARTICLE DEPOSITION Data Provided.

**Model Uses NO DRY DEPLETION. DRYDPLT = F

**Model Uses NO WET DEPLETION. WETDPLT = F

**Model Uses RURAL Dispersion Only.

**Model Uses Regulatory DEFAULT Options:

1. Stack-tip Downwash.

2. Model Accounts for ELEVated Terrain Effects.

3. Use Calms Processing Routine.

4. Use Missing Data Processing Routine.

5. No Exponential Decay.

**Model Assumes No FLAGPOLE Receptor Heights.

**The User Specified a Pollutant Type of: PM_10

**Model Calculates 3 Short Term Average(s) of: 1-HR 8-HR 24-HR

 and Calculates ANNUAL Averages

**This Run Includes: 8 Source(s); 1 Source Group(s); and 2607 Receptor(s)

with: 8 POINT(s), including

0 POINTCAP(s) and 0 POINTHOR(s)

and: 0 VOLUME source(s)

and: 0 AREA type source(s)

and: 0 LINE source(s)

and: 0 OPENPIT source(s)

and: 0 BUOYANT LINE source(s) with 0 line(s)

**Model Set To Continue RUNning After the Setup Testing.

**The AERMET Input Meteorological Data Version Date: 12345

**Output Options Selected:

Model Outputs Tables of ANNUAL Averages by Receptor

Model Outputs Tables of Highest Short Term Values by Receptor (RECTABLE Keyword)

Model Outputs External File(s) of Concurrent Values for Postprocessing (POSTFILE Keyword)

Model Outputs External File(s) of High Values for Plotting (PLOTFILE Keyword)

Model Outputs Separate Summary File of High Ranked Values (SUMMFILE Keyword)

**NOTE: The Following Flags May Appear Following CONC Values: c for Calm Hours

m for Missing Hours

b for Both Calm and Missing Hours

**Misc. Inputs: Base Elev. for Pot. Temp. Profile (m MSL) = 10.00 ; Decay Coef. = 0.000 ; Rot.
Angle = 0.0

Emission Units = GRAMS/SEC ; Emission Rate Unit Factor = 0.10000E+07

 Output Units = MICROGRAMS/M**3

**Approximate Storage Requirements of Model = 3.9 MB of RAM.

**Detailed Error/Message File: PM10.err

**File for Summary of Results: PM10.sum

*** AERMOD - VERSION 16216r *** *** 12511788 Covalent update PM10
*** 08/07/20

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PAGE 2

*** MODELOPTs: RegDFAULT CONC ELEV RURAL

*** METEOROLOGICAL DAYS SELECTED FOR PROCESSING ***

(1=YES; 0=NO)

1111111111 1111111111 1111111111 1111111111 1111111111

1111111111 1111111111 1111111111 1111111111 1111111111

1111111111 1111111111 1111111111 1111111111 1111111111

1111111111 1111111111 1111111111 1111111111 1111111111

1111111111 1111111111 1111111111 1111111111 1111111111

1111111111 1111111111 1111111111 1111111111 1111111111

1111111111 1111111111 1111111111 1111111111 1111111111

1111111111 11111

NOTE: METEOROLOGICAL DATA ACTUALLY PROCESSED WILL ALSO DEPEND ON WHAT IS

INCLUDED IN THE DATA FILE.

*** UPPER BOUND OF FIRST THROUGH FIFTH WIND SPEED CATEGORIES ***

(METERS/SEC)

1.54, 3.09, 5.14, 8.23, 10.80,

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PAGE 3

*** MODELOPTs: RegDFAULT CONC ELEV RURAL

*** UP TO THE FIRST 24 HOURS OF METEOROLOGICAL DATA ***

Surface file: Surface File3.sfc Met Version: 12345

Profile file: Profile File.pfl

Surface format: FREE

Profile format: FREE

Surface station no.: 543 Upper air station no.: 543

Name: UNKNOWN Name: UNKNOWN

Year: 1995 Year: 1995

First 24 hours of scalar data

YR MO DY JDY HR H0 U* W* DT/DZ ZICNV ZIMCH M-O LEN Z0 BOWEN ALBEDO REF WS

WD HT REF TA HT

-------------------------------------------------------------

95 01 01 1 01 -999.0 0.176 -9.000 -9.000 150. 150. 67.4 0.27 0.89 0.15 2.80 134. 10.0
300.2 2.0

95 01 01 1 02 -999.0 0.310 -9.000 -9.000 199. 199. 67.4 0.27 0.89 0.15 3.10 125. 10.0
299.2 2.0

95 01 01 1 03 -999.0 1.063 -9.000 -9.000 188. 188. 17.6 0.27 0.89 0.15 1.90 127. 10.0
297.2 2.0

95 01 01 1 04 -999.0 0.799 -9.000 -9.000 163. 163. 17.6 0.27 0.89 0.15 2.00 163. 10.0
296.2 2.0

95 01 01 1 05 -999.0 0.899 -9.000 -9.000 165. 165. 17.6 0.27 0.89 0.15 2.50 168. 10.0
295.2 2.0

95 01 01 1 06 -999.0 0.158 -9.000 -9.000 163. 163. 67.4 0.27 0.89 0.15 2.80 177. 10.0
294.2 2.0

95 01 01 1 07 33.7 0.050 0.549 -9.000 178. 178. -500.0 0.27 0.89 0.15 2.50 163. 10.0
295.2 2.0
95 01 01 1 08 162.6 0.066 1.014 -9.000 234. 234. -77.9 0.27 0.89 0.15 3.50 143. 10.0
297.2 2.0

95 01 01 1 09 358.1 0.106 1.545 -9.000 378. 378. -19.2 0.27 0.89 0.15 3.10 116. 10.0
299.2 2.0

95 01 01 1 10 395.9 0.164 1.842 -9.000 584. 584. -8.8 0.27 0.89 0.15 2.40 96. 10.0
301.2 2.0

95 01 01 1 11 438.0 0.186 1.979 -9.000 659. 659. -8.8 0.27 0.89 0.15 2.80 184. 10.0
303.2 2.0

95 01 01 1 12 296.4 0.157 1.806 -9.000 737. 737. -77.9 0.27 0.89 0.15 5.40 236. 10.0
302.2 2.0

95 01 01 1 13 325.1 0.249 1.980 -9.000 886. 886. -77.9 0.27 0.89 0.15 5.70 234. 10.0
302.2 2.0

95 01 01 1 14 366.7 0.311 2.217 -9.000 1103. 1103. -77.9 0.27 0.89 0.15 6.60 238. 10.0
302.2 2.0

95 01 01 1 15 375.3 0.398 2.424 -9.000 1413. 1413. -77.9 0.27 0.89 0.15 7.00 232. 10.0
303.2 2.0

95 01 01 1 16 381.8 0.481 2.596 -9.000 1707. 1707. -77.9 0.27 0.89 0.15 7.30 222. 10.0
303.2 2.0

95 01 01 1 17 390.4 0.546 2.729 -9.000 1939. 1939. -77.9 0.27 0.89 0.15 7.70 211. 10.0
303.2 2.0

95 01 01 1 18 301.2 0.589 2.570 -9.000 2091. 2091. -500.0 0.27 0.89 0.15 7.80 211. 10.0
302.2 2.0

95 01 01 1 19 274.9 0.609 2.524 -9.000 2163. 2163. -500.0 0.27 0.89 0.15 6.70 205. 10.0
301.2 2.0

95 01 01 1 20 63.6 0.519 1.471 -9.000 1845. 1845. -500.0 0.27 0.89 0.15 4.80 197. 10.0
300.2 2.0

95 01 01 1 21 -999.0 4.000 -9.000 -9.000 1023. 1023. 67.4 0.27 0.89 0.15 3.50 194. 10.0
299.2 2.0

95 01 01 1 22 -999.0 4.000 -9.000 -9.000 812. 812. 67.4 0.27 0.89 0.15 3.30 180. 10.0
299.2 2.0

95 01 01 1 23 -999.0 3.600 -9.000 -9.000 678. 678. 67.4 0.27 0.89 0.15 3.40 166. 10.0
299.2 2.0

95 01 01 1 24 -999.0 2.474 -9.000 -9.000 562. 562. 67.4 0.27 0.89 0.15 3.50 135. 10.0
300.2 2.0

First hour of profile data

YR MO DY HR HEIGHT F WDIR WSPD AMB_TMP sigmaA sigmaW sigmaV

95 01 01 01 10.0 1 134. 2.80 300.2 16.9 -99.00 0.79

F indicates top of profile (=1) or below (=0)

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PAGE 4

*** MODELOPTs: RegDFAULT CONC ELEV RURAL

*** THE SUMMARY OF MAXIMUM ANNUAL RESULTS AVERAGED OVER 1 YEARS

***

** CONC OF PM_10 IN MICROGRAMS/M**3 **

NETWORK

GROUP ID AVERAGE CONC RECEPTOR (XR, YR, ZELEV, ZHILL, ZFLAG) OF TYPE
GRID-ID

------------------------------------------------------------

ALL 1ST HIGHEST VALUE IS 1.26142 AT ( 384400.00, 6434798.00, 2.80, 8.00, 0.00) GC
UCART1

2ND HIGHEST VALUE IS 0.94661 AT ( 384279.00, 6434933.00, 7.77, 7.77, 0.00) DC

3RD HIGHEST VALUE IS 0.93937 AT ( 384200.00, 6434798.00, 1.20, 16.00, 0.00) GC

UCART1

4TH HIGHEST VALUE IS 0.76372 AT ( 384600.00, 6434798.00, -4.20, 11.00, 0.00) GC

UCART1

5TH HIGHEST VALUE IS 0.70151 AT ( 384200.00, 6434998.00, 7.30, 7.30, 0.00) GC

UCART1

6TH HIGHEST VALUE IS 0.69304 AT ( 384000.00, 6434798.00, 1.30, 16.00, 0.00) GC

UCART1

7TH HIGHEST VALUE IS 0.57403 AT ( 384400.00, 6434998.00, -0.10, 23.00, 0.00) GC

UCART1

8TH HIGHEST VALUE IS 0.56057 AT ( 384000.00, 6434998.00, 2.30, 10.00, 0.00) GC

UCART1

9TH HIGHEST VALUE IS 0.55212 AT ( 384200.00, 6434598.00, -0.90, 16.00, 0.00) GC

UCART1
 10TH HIGHEST VALUE IS 0.48140 AT ( 384400.00, 6434598.00, -2.70, 10.00, 0.00) GC
UCART1

*** RECEPTOR TYPES: GC = GRIDCART

GP = GRIDPOLR

DC = DISCCART

DP = DISCPOLR
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PAGE 5

*** MODELOPTs: RegDFAULT CONC ELEV RURAL

*** THE SUMMARY OF HIGHEST 1-HR RESULTS ***

** CONC OF PM_10 IN MICROGRAMS/M**3 **

DATE NETWORK

GROUP ID AVERAGE CONC (YYMMDDHH) RECEPTOR (XR, YR, ZELEV, ZHILL,

ZFLAG) OF TYPE GRID-ID

------------------------------------------------------------------

ALL HIGH 1ST HIGH VALUE IS 69.38826 ON 95100723: AT ( 384400.00, 6434798.00, 2.80,
8.00, 0.00) GC UCART1

*** RECEPTOR TYPES: GC = GRIDCART

GP = GRIDPOLR

DC = DISCCART

DP = DISCPOLR
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PAGE 6

*** MODELOPTs: RegDFAULT CONC ELEV RURAL

*** THE SUMMARY OF HIGHEST 8-HR RESULTS ***

** CONC OF PM_10 IN MICROGRAMS/M**3 **

DATE NETWORK

GROUP ID AVERAGE CONC (YYMMDDHH) RECEPTOR (XR, YR, ZELEV, ZHILL,

ZFLAG) OF TYPE GRID-ID

------------------------------------------------------------------

ALL HIGH 1ST HIGH VALUE IS 19.42341 ON 95042108: AT ( 384400.00, 6434798.00, 2.80,
8.00, 0.00) GC UCART1

*** RECEPTOR TYPES: GC = GRIDCART

GP = GRIDPOLR

DC = DISCCART

DP = DISCPOLR
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*** 08/07/20

*** AERMET - VERSION 12345 *** *** *** 15:46:24

PAGE 7

*** MODELOPTs: RegDFAULT CONC ELEV RURAL

*** THE SUMMARY OF HIGHEST 24-HR RESULTS ***

** CONC OF PM_10 IN MICROGRAMS/M**3 **

DATE NETWORK

GROUP ID AVERAGE CONC (YYMMDDHH) RECEPTOR (XR, YR, ZELEV, ZHILL,

ZFLAG) OF TYPE GRID-ID

------------------------------------------------------------------

ALL HIGH 1ST HIGH VALUE IS 7.03549 ON 95062724: AT ( 384400.00, 6434798.00, 2.80,
8.00, 0.00) GC UCART1

*** RECEPTOR TYPES: GC = GRIDCART

GP = GRIDPOLR

DC = DISCCART

DP = DISCPOLR
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PAGE 8

*** MODELOPTs: RegDFAULT CONC ELEV RURAL

*** Message Summary : AERMOD Model Execution ***

--------- Summary of Total Messages --------

A Total of 0 Fatal Error Message(s)

A Total of 7126 Warning Message(s)

A Total of 54 Informational Message(s)

A Total of 8760 Hours Were Processed

A Total of 0 Calm Hours Identified

A Total of 54 Missing Hours Identified ( 0.62 Percent)

******** FATAL ERROR MESSAGES ********

*** NONE ***

******** WARNING MESSAGES ********

SO W320 58 PPARM: Input Parameter May Be Out-of-Range for Parameter QS

ME W396 365 MEOPEN: AERMET Version Out-dated or Non-standard; Version: 12345

ME W530 365 MEOPEN: CAUTION! Met Station ID Mismatch with SURFFILE for SURFDATA

ME W530 365 MEOPEN: CAUTION! Met Station ID Mismatch with SURFFILE for UAIRDATA

ME W382 365 DCDLAT: Error Decoding Latitude: 32.217

MX W479 3 TGINIT: Potential temperature gradient is out-of-range: TG4PFL=9.536

Error messages manually removed.

Appendix B – Stack emission information
Table B-1 Stack emission information provided by Covalent

Stack
NO2 SO2 CO PM10
gas flow Moisture
concentration concentration concentration concentration
Source ID rate, content
(mg/Nm3, (mg/Nm3, (mg/Nm3, (mg/Nm3,
(Nm3/hr, (%v/v)
dry) dry) dry) dry)
wet)
CALSTK1 36,621 24.3 52 101 126 11.3
CALSTK2 36,621 24.3 52 101 126 11.3
BALSTK1 11,167 1.9 0 0 0 13.0
BALSTK2 11,167 1.9 0 0 0 13.0
AROAST1 15,089 13.8 5.6 11.7 113 3.3
AROAST2 15,089 13.8 5.6 11.7 113 3.3
Stack NO2 SO2 CO PM10
Moisture
gas flow concentration concentration concentration concentration
Source ID content
rate, (mg/Nm3, (mg/Nm3, (mg/Nm3, (mg/Nm3,
(%v/v)
(Am3/hr) dry) dry) dry) dry)
BOILER 19,239 16.0 129 0 100 0
DRYER 31,608 6.02 14.3 0 100 30

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Document Status
Revision Author Reviewer Approved for Issue
Name Signature Name Signature Date
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Formentin
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Formentin
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