Murrumbidgee to Googong Water Transfer
Operation Environmental Management Plan
Version 3
May 2015
Certificate of approval for issue of documents
Title Murrumbidgee to Googong Water Transfer: Operation Environmental Management Plan
Version 3
Document status Final
Date of issue 1 May 15
Position Name Signature Date Prepared by Team Leader Monitoring & Chris Pulkkinen 23 April Rehabilitation 2015
Reviewed by Environmental Projects Officer Craig Hardge 24 April 2015
Approved by Manager Environment & Bronwen Butterfield 29 April Sustainability 2015
Document revision control
Version Author Date Description Approval 1 Simon Webber 3 May 12 Version approved by regulator 3 May 12
2 May McDonald-Cox 28 Jan 14 Revision to reflect new 28 Jan 14 ACTEW Water corporate governance arrangements & Feb 13 OEMP audit findings/recommendations
3 Chris Pulkkinen 29 April 15 Update to identify changes to 29 April 15 AEMP and SF&WQP
@ Icon Water Ltd 2015
This publication is copyright and contains information that is the property of Icon Water Ltd. It may be reproduced for the purposes of use while engaged on Icon Water commissioned projects, but is not to be communicated in whole or in part to any third party without prior written consent.
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Contents
Contents ...... 4
Acronyms ...... Error! Bookmark not defined.
Register of significant changes/additions to previous version(s) or previous relevant document(s) ...... Error! Bookmark not defined.
1. Introduction ...... 10
2. Statutory Framework ...... 18
3. Management Structures ...... 19
4. Environmental Policy and Planning Framework ...... 20
5. Standards and Performance Measures ...... 22
6. Compliance Tracking Program - Operations ...... 25
7. Environmental Monitoring ...... 29
8. Auditing ...... 30
9. Communication and Consultation ...... 31
10. Record Keeping and Document Control ...... 32
11. Training ...... 33
12. Review and Improvement of OEMP ...... 35
13. Appendices ...... 37
A. Project Obligations ...... 37
B. M2G Roles and Responsibilities ...... 51
C. Environment Reference Group Terms of Reference ...... 54
D. Risk Assessment ...... 62
E. Community Information Plan ...... 66
F. ACTEW Environment Policy ...... 82
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Acronyms
ACT Australian Capital Territory
ACTPLA ACT Planning & Land Authority
ANZECC Australian and New Zealand Conservation Council
ARMCANZ Agriculture & Resource Management Council of Australia and New Zealand
Cth Commonwealth
DIPNR NSW Department of Infrastructure Planning and Natural Resources
DP&I NSW Department of Planning & Infrastructure
DECC(W) NSW Department of Environment, Climate Change (and Water) – now NSW Office of Environment & Heritage and NSW Office of Water
EEC Endangered Ecological Communities
EIS Environmental Impact Statement
EMP Environmental Management Plan
EPA Environment Protection Authority
EPBC Act Environment Protection and Biodiversity Act 1999 (Commonwealth)
ER Environmental Representative
ERG Environmental Reference Group
ESDD Environment and Sustainable Development Directorate
Ha Hectare
HLPS High Lift Pump Station
INP NSW Industrial Noise Policy kV Kilo Volt
LLPS Low Lift Pump Station
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LMA Land Management Agreement
M2G Murrumbidgee to Googong Water Transfer
NES National Environmental Significance
NSW New South Wales
OEMP Operation Environmental Management Plan
PPR Preferred Project Report
SDLP Sustainable Diversion Limit Plan
SEWPaC Commonwealth Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population & Communities – now Commonwealth Department of the Environment (DotE)
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Register of significant changes/additions to previous version(s) or previous relevant document(s)
Previous relevant documents:
Previous relevant document: M2G Operation Environmental Management Plan, version 1, May 2012
Table 1.1 significant changes/additions to previous version(s) or previous relevant document(s)
Subject Description of change/addition Reference within this plan
General Reference to ActewAGL was deleted throughout the document This plan and replaced with Icon Water, since the Water Division is no longer part of ActewAGL. OEMP footer text was also revised to comply with corporate document control procedures to address Observation of Concern #006 from the Feb 13 OEMP Audit. All audit reports are available on the ACTEW website: www.actew.com.au Introduction ‘Shutdown’ replaced with ‘suspension’ to be consistent with the 1 wording of AS 2885.3 2012 Section 10.2.7 for operation of a suspended pipeline. Purpose of the The following dot point was removed from this section: 1.1 OEMP No change occurs to the physical, chemical or biological condition of waters affected by the transfer.
This is an additional requirement which is unnecessary and unachievable given the very nature of the project which will have an environmental impact, albeit managed through the OEMP and sub plans. Icon Water’s obligations are covered in the remaining dot points.
OEMP sub-plans The sub-plan section has been updated to reflect the 1.3 revised OEMP sub-plans, as part of addressing Observation of Concern #001 from the Feb 13 OEMP Audit; Reference to environmental management documentation under the ACTEW Policy and Process Documents integrated management systems was included, as this is used instead of isolated sub-plans for some management aspects to avoid duplication, including the new incident response procedure required to address Corrective Action Requirement #001 from the Feb 13 OEMP Audit. Project The Project Description was updated to include the carbon Table 1.3 Description dioxide dosing system for pH adjustment at the outlet structure.
Management Reference to organisational structure was updated to reflect the 3, Appendix B Structure current Icon Water structure, as part of addressing Observation of Concern #002 from the Feb 13 OEMP Audit. Environmental The figure of the ERG framework was removed as it did not 3.2 Reference Group reflect the current ERG structure. The current ERG Terms of (ERG) Reference at Appendix C includes all relevant current ERG
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information.
Compensatory The Section on habitat offsets was updated (including removal of 4.2 Habitat Offset the Appendix) to reflect status relevant to operation. Package Performance Table 5.1: the first two objectives in version 1 of the OEMP were merged and the targets reworded to address the Independent 5.1 Objectives Environmental Representative’s concerns that the targets for these objectives were impractical and unachievable, and that more tangible, achievable and realistic targets should be set (Observation of Concern #003 from the Feb 13 OEMP Audit. Similarly, the targets for the remaining objectives were reworded to make them more tangible and achievable (for example, “zero/no” replaced with “take all reasonable measures to prevent”).
Text in Section 5: a statement was added to reflect mechanisms for tracking and reporting performance of the objectives as part of addressing Observation of Concern #004 from the Feb 13 OEMP Audit. Compliance A statement was added to reflect mechanisms for tracking and 6.2 Tracking Program reporting performance of the objectives as part of addressing – Tracking Observation of Concern #004 from the Feb 13 OEMP Audit. Procedures Compliance A schedule was added reflecting reporting commitments to NSW, Table 6.1 Tracking Program – Routine ACT and Commonwealth regulators for routine monitoring results, Monitoring & compliance status, and performance and incidents, as requested Periodic by the independent auditor through Observation of Concern #005 Reporting from the Feb 13 OEMP Audit.
Internal Audits Internal audit requirements were changed from “on a regular 8.1 basis” to “as required”, and a list of circumstances prompting internal audit was included, consistent with NSW and ACT government EMP development guidelines. These changes address Observation of Concern #004 from the Feb 14 OEMP Audit based on the former OEMP.
Communication Community Information Plan: text from this plan was removed 9 and Consulting from this chapter and a reference inserted to the updated Community Information Plan at Appendix E to prevent unnecessary duplication in documentation. Record Keeping This section was updated to reflect ACTEW’s current systems. 10 and Document Control Training The section on Environmental Management Training was deleted 11 as these training aspects are sufficiently covered under the Toolbox Training, delivered to all operational personnel including contractors. Review and Timeframes for OEMP review were added and record keeping of 12 Improvement of reviews to address Observation of Concern #002 from the Feb 14 OEMP OEMP Audit.
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Project This section updated to list legal obligations and guidelines in Appendix A Obligations alphabetical order and to include operational obligations of pipeline due to having a license under the NSW Pipelines Act 1967 (NSW). Roles and This section as updated to reflect ACTEW’s current structure and Appendix B Responsibilities responsibilities of roles relating to the M2G OEMP, as requested by the independent auditor through Observation of Concern #003 from the Feb 14 OEMP Audit. ERG Guidelines Updated version of guidelines (Terms of Reference) inserted. Appendix C
Community Updated to reflect operational requirements and outline the noise Appendix E Information Plan complaint procedure as requested by the independent auditor through Observation of Concern #001 from the Feb 14 OEMP Audit. Icon Water Icon Water Environment Policy was added. Appendix F Environment Policy
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1. Introduction
In October 2007 the ACT Government, in response to recommendations from Icon Water aimed at securing the Territory and region’s future water supply, announced a suite of new water infrastructure projects. The Murrumbidgee to Googong Water Transfer (the ‘scheme’) is one of those projects.
The scheme involves pumping water from the Murrumbidgee River within the ACT and transferring it via a 12km pipeline to Burra Creek (in NSW), from where it flows approximately 13km to the Googong Reservoir. The scheme received approval under the NSW Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 and was declared a critical infrastructure project. The ACT Minister for Planning declared the project EIS adequate and the Development Application was approved by the ACT Planning and Land Authority. At the Federal level, the scheme was approved under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.
Construction of the Murrumbidgee to Googong pipeline was completed in September 2012. Depending on climate conditions, rainfall, and river flows, the M2G can be in one of three modes: Suspension: parts of the system may be decommissioned requiring lead time before start up. No water can be transferred. Standby: ready to run, all components in place and being operated routinely for maintenance purposes. Operating: operating in earnest, transferring to increase Googong reservoir storage levels.
During ‘Operating’ mode the system may be parked due to out of specification water, plan triggers or maintenance. Icon Water has developed this Operation Environmental Management Plan (OEMP) as a regulatory framework under which the scheme operates following construction completion in September 2012. The OEMP facilitates the management of the environmental aspects of the water transfer’s operation and maintenance, and meets the conditions of planning approvals. The OEMP applies to the three M2G modes described above, with particular management of the different modes discussed in the relevant sub-plans (see 1.3).
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Icon Water will ensure that controls are properly implemented and are regularly monitored and audited to assess their effectiveness. Frequent reviews will ensure improvements to controls and will be instigated where necessary. Controls are being integrated into Icon Water’s day-to-day business processes, including the ”Policy & Process” integrated management system, to facilitate compliance with the OEMP. The OEMP is consistent with:
Icon Water’s approach to ecologically sustainable development as outlined in its Environment Policy (Appendix F). Icon Water’s ”Policy & Process” integrated management system and Guardian systems for health, safety and environment management. Environmental Impacted Statement (ACT), incorporating Preferred Project Report (NSW), Dec 2009. NSW Department of Planning (now Department of Planning & Infrastructure – DP&I) scheme approval under Section 75J of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (NSW), issued 31 March 2010 (Application 08_0160). ACT Planning and Land Authority (ACTPLA) Development Application, May 2010. ACT Planning and Land Authority Approval under the Planning and Development Act 2007 (ACT), issued August 2010 (Application 201017858). Public Environment Report prepared in response to declaration of the project as a Controlled Action, June 2010. Commonwealth Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and Arts (now Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities – SEWPaC) approval under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Act 1999 (Commonwealth), issued 29 October 2010 (EPBC 2009/5124). Pipelines Licence No. 37, issued under the NSW Pipelines Act 1967 (NSW). NSW Department of Infrastructure Planning and Natural Resources (DIPNR) (now Department of Planning & Infrastructure) Guideline for the Preparation of Environmental Management Plans (EMP), (2004). ACT Environment Protection Authority (EPA) Environmental Guidelines for Preparation of an Environmental Management Plan (ACT), (2009). Other applicable standards and guidelines identified in OEMP sub plans.
1.1 Purpose of the OEMP The OEMP is designed to be a practical plan for the environmental management of the scheme’s operational phase. Through implementation of the plan Icon Water will ensure:
Operational impacts are consistent with predictions. The operational requirements in approvals are met. All operational commitments made to communities, government and other stakeholders are met.
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1.2 The OEMP’s structure The OEMP consists of an overarching framework of requirements with sub-plans that relate to specific environmental aspects that cover all operational activities. The OEMP needs to be followed at all times, as do the sub plans in relation to their particular subject matter. Where relevant, individual sub plans refer to other sub-plans to ensure the operational plans are comprehensive. The overarching requirements of the OEMP are:
Legislative and regulatory requirements – section 2; Management structure, roles and responsibilities – section 3; Environmental policy – section 4; Standards and Performance Measures – section 5; Compliance tracking and Reporting – section 6; Environmental Monitoring – section 7; Auditing – section 8; Communication and Consultation – section 9 Record Keeping and Document Control – section 10; Training – section 11; OEMP review – section 12.
1.3 Environmental management and monitoring sub-plans To ensure the overarching performance targets are met for the scheme, Icon Water has developed a series of issue specific sub-plans for the management of particular aspects of the scheme’s operation. Each sub-plan focuses on implementation and includes:
Objectives and targets; Legislative requirements; Operational controls, mitigating measures, preventative actions; Roles and responsibilities; Operator training; Monitoring schemes – inspections, checklists, measurement; and Standards and trigger points. The approved sub plans are publicly available on Icon Water’s web site (ww.iconwater.com.au).
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1.3.1 Revised OEMP sub-plans
Mid 2013 a review and consolidation was undertaken of the original OEMP sub-plans, resulting in the revised sub-plans outlined in the table below:
Table 1.2: revised OEMP sub-plans.
Revised plan name: Regulator: Changes: Old plan name:
Operation Environmental Operation Environmental NSW Review Management Plan Management Plan
Stream Flow & Water Quality NSW Management Plan
NSW Review Flow Management Plan Stream Flow & Water
Quality Management Plan C’wealth Consolidation Extraction & Gauging Plan
C’wealth Sustainable Diversion Limit Plan
NSW Ecological Monitoring Plan
Review Aquatic Ecology Monitoring Burra Creek Environmental C’wealth Plan Management Plan Consolidation
NSW Geomorphologic Monitoring Plan
C’Wealth Landscape Rehabilitation ACT Landscape Rehabilitation & Review Management Plan (construction plan) NSW Terrestrial Ecology Management Plan ACT Consolidation Terrestrial Ecology Management Plan NSW (construction plan)
Community Information Community Information Plan (OEMP NSW Review Plan (OEMP Appendix E) Appendix E)
C’wealth Offset Delivery Plan Review Offset Delivery Plan
ACT Included in OEMP Review Compliance Tracking Plan NSW Operational requirements Noise & Vibration Management Plan included in OEMP and other NSW Review (construction plan) relevant plans
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The sub plans are consistent with the environmental impact assessment and approval documentation. For some environmental management aspects, existing documentation under the Icon Water’s ”Policy & Process” integrated management system were utilised instead of isolated sub plans which would otherwise duplicate existing processes and procedures:
Emergency management through the Water Supply & Sewerage Emergency Plan; Incident response and notification through Work Instructions ES 004: “Environmental Incident Response and Notification”; M2G 005: “M2G Environment Investigation and Notification Procedure”, and M2G 003: “M2G Incident Response Plan”; Landowner consent, interaction and easement guidelines through the Satisfy System; Operations & Maintenance Manuals through the WASP System; and Activity specific procedures and environmental work method statements under the “Policy & Process” system (e.g. vehicle washdown checksheets for preventing weed spread). A review of the Aquatic Ecology Monitoring Plan was conducted in 2014, resulting in amendments to the Plan. The Stream Flow & Water Quality Management Plan also underwent a minor administrative update to wording in Section 5.2.1. Neither of these updates contravened any ACT, NSW or Commonwealth project approval conditions.
1.4 Project description and location The scheme involves construction and operation of pumping and pipeline infrastructure with the capacity to transfer up to 100ML/day of water a distance of approximately 12km from the Murrumbidgee River at Angle Crossing in the ACT, to the Googong Reservoir in NSW via run-of-river flow in Burra Creek. The location of the scheme is shown in Figure 1.1 and key features are described in Table 1.3.
The pipeline crosses rural residential land in an east/northeast direction, generally located in the vicinity of Angle Crossing, Williamsdale and Burra Roads, within the districts of Williamsdale and Burra. The majority (approximately 9km) of the pipeline is located in NSW, with approximately 3km located in the ACT. The scheme has an expected operational life of 80 years.
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Figure 1.1 Location of the Murrumbidgee to Googong Water Transfer – Project diagram
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Table 1.3 Key features of the scheme
Infrastructure Description of work
Intake / low lift pump The intake / low lift pump station (LLPS) consists of a concrete box structure station built into the riverbank including a screen, eductor grit collection and removal, filtration to prevent fish transfer, and pumps and valves.
High lift pump station The high lift pump station (HLPS) pumps water to a high point in the Gibraltar Range, from where it runs under gravity to the discharge point. The high lift pump station consists of a building enclosing a pump hall and electrical services and an amenities area.
Pipeline The pipeline transfers water from the low lift pump station to the high lift pump station, then onto the outlet structure. It is predominantly constructed of 1m (nominal) diameter mild steel and ductile iron cement lined pipe. The pipeline is approximately 12 km long, with the pipe located approximately 1.8 m to 4 m below ground level. Air valves and scour valves are located at regular intervals along the pipeline to provide pressure relief and to allow cleaning.
Outlet structure The outlet structure is a weir box arrangement located on the bank of Burra Creek. It consists of a rectangular concrete box built into the creek bank with
a weir located on the sidewall closest to the creek. Water flows into the weir box from the pipeline and discharges over the weir and run down the creek bank to the creek, which flows to Googong Reservoir. This method of discharge is designed to minimise scouring of the creek bed near the outlet.
Ancillary infrastructure Ancillary infrastructure required to support the operation of the scheme includes communications cabling, pressure gauges, two fire hydrants, a
carbon dioxide dosing system and power supply facilities. The carbon dioxide dosing system corrects the pH of water before it is discharged into Burra Creek. Due to the cement lining in the pipeline the pH of the water can increase, especially when water remains in the pipeline for an extended period. Electricity provided by the grid will be supplemented by electricity generated by a mini-hydro electric power facility, constructed as part of the scheme near the outlet structure, that has the capacity to recover approximately 20-30% of the electricity required for pumping activities. A dedicated electricity cable runs next to the pipeline to transmit electricity from the mini-hydro unit to the high lift pump station. The electrical infrastructure will consist of two main elements - a 132 kV/11 kV substation and a single 11 kV cable at the high lift pump station.
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1.5 Project Approval Condition - OEMP The OEMP specifically addresses condition 6.4 of the NSW Conditions of Approval:
The Proponent shall prepare and implement an Operation Environmental Management Plan in accordance with the Guideline for the Preparation of Environmental Management Plans (DUAP, 2004) or its latest revision. The Plan shall include but not necessarily be limited to:
(a) identification of all statutory and other obligations that the Proponent is required to fulfil in relation to the operation of the development, including all consents, licences, approvals and consultations;
(b) a management organisational chart identifying the roles and responsibilities for all relevant employees involved in the operation of the project;
(c) overall environmental policies to be applied to the operation of the project;
(d) standards and performance measures to be applied to the project, and means by which environmental performance can be periodically monitored, reviewed and improved, (where appropriate) and what actions would be taken in the case that non-compliance with the requirements of this approval are identified. In particular the following environmental performance issues shall be addressed:
(i) bushfire hazard and risk management; and
(ii) management and maintenance of offsets including the presentation to the Director-General of the final offset compensatory habitat package post-construction impact review;
(iii) management measures for easement areas, including management of vegetation, soil erosion, weed control and landholder liaison.
(e) the environmental monitoring requirements outlined under this approval;
(f) complaints handling procedures as identified in conditions 4.4 to 4.5; and
(g) the Management Plans listed under condition 6.5 of this approval;
(h) specific consideration of relevant measures to address any requirements identified in the documents referred to under conditions 1.1b) and 1.1c) of this approval; and
(i) management policies to ensure that environmental performance goals are met and to comply with the conditions of this approval.
The Plan shall be submitted for the approval of the Director-General no later than one month prior to the commencement of Operation of the project or within such period as otherwise agreed by the Director-General. Operation shall not commence until written approval has been received from the Director-General. Upon receipt of the Director-General’s approval, the Proponent shall make the Plan publicly available as soon as practicable.
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2. Statutory Framework
2.1 Relevant Legislation Key environmental legislation relating to environmental management for the operation of the Murrumbidgee to Googong scheme is listed in Appendix A. The Environmental Impact Statement contains a brief summary of each piece of legislation and how it applies to the scheme.
2.2 Guidelines and Standards The key reference material relevant to environmental management during the operation of the Murrumbidgee to Googong water transfer is also listed in Appendix A.
2.3 Approvals, Licences and Permits The various approvals, permits and licences relevant to the Scheme that are required for each jurisdiction are listed in Appendix A.
2.4 Project Obligations All statutory and other obligations that the Proponent is required to fulfil in relation to the operation of the project, including all consents, licences, approvals and consultations, are tabulated in Appendix A. The table lists the relevant source of the obligation, a description and reference to where, within the OEMP and/or the relevant sub plans, the obligation is fulfilled.
2.5 Compliance Tracking Icon Water will maintain an up to date register of all legal requirements, standards, licences and permits relating to the scheme’s operations and maintenance. Further detail is provided in Section 6.
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3. Management Structures
3.1 Roles and Responsibilities The management organisational chart identifying the roles and responsibilities of all relevant Icon Water employees involved in the operation of the water transfer is shown at Appendix B.
3.2 Independent Environmental Representative The Murrumbidgee to Googong Independent Environmental Representative (ER) is independent of the operations personnel. The ER must be suitably qualified and must be nominated by Icon Water for approval by the Director General of NSW DP. Any recommendations or advice is directed through Icon Water. The key responsibilities of the Murrumbidgee to Googong ER is to carry out the duties as specified in Section 6.1 of the NSW Department of Planning &Infrastructure’s planning approval i.e.; Oversee the implementation of the OEMP and monitoring plans and advise Icon Water on the achievement of the programs and plans; Advise Icon Water on compliance with the approval and the EIS commitments; Make recommendations to Icon Water on steps to avoid unintended or avoidable environmental impact; Make recommendations to Icon Water about activities that should be ceased if there is a significant risk that an adverse environmental impact will occur; and Review the OEMP and sub-plans prior to operation. In addition, the ER will participate in the Murrumbidgee to Googong Water Transfer Environment Reference Group, see section 3.3 below.
3.3 M2G Environment Reference group Icon Water has established an Environment Reference Group (ERG) to provide advice on the effective delivery of environmental management, monitoring and reporting programs for the construction rehabilitation and operation of the Murrumbidgee to Googong Water Transfer. This includes the review of outcomes from monitoring programs, the compensatory habitat offset package, and landscape rehabilitation. The ERG operates on a consensus basis and enables reporting, review and consultation between community, professional, government and Icon Water representatives. As one central group chaired by an independent chair, the ERG comprises technical, community, environment, agency and Icon Water representatives. Subcommittees are formed as required to address specific issues and provide further technical advice to the ERG. The ERG also responds to specific requests from Icon Water to examine and advise on particular issues related to the scheme (e.g. in response to related technical expertise, anecdotal and/or community monitoring information). The ERG Terms of Reference are included at Appendix C.
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4. Environmental Policy and Planning Framework
4.1 ACTEW’s commitment to sustainability As a provider of essential services in the ACT and surrounding region, Icon Water has a long-term view of its operations. Providing these services and maintaining growth cannot be done while overburdening the environment. Icon Water has a commitment to ensure that its operations do not harm communities and that it safeguards the environment so that future generations can enjoy its benefits. Icon Water is governed by the Territory-Owned Corporations Act 1990 (ACT) which establishes a main objective for Icon Water to operate in accordance with the objective of ecologically sustainable development, defined as the effective integration of environmental and economic considerations in decision-making processes. This is achieved through implementation of the following principles: the precautionary principle; the inter-generational equity principle; conservation of biological diversity and ecological integrity; and improved valuation and pricing of environmental resources. Throughout the planning and development of Murrumbidgee to Googong Water Transfer Icon Water has sought to maintain the balance between economic, social and environmental interests. The OEMP reflects this commitment further.
4.2 Icon Water’s Compensatory Habitat Offset Package As part of its overall commitment to sustainability Icon Water has established over 100 Ha of land in Williamsdale in the southern part of the ACT to offset the impact of the scheme on existing habitat areas.
4.2.1 Implementation of Offset Package Icon Water has implemented the offset package within its property (Block 1675) in Williamsdale within the ACT. Table 4.1 shows the offsets package as it was implemented. Predicted and actual construction impacts and offset ratios for the different communities are described in detail in the Construction Impact Audit Report (Eco Logical Australia, January 2012. The package has several key benefits as outlined below: Two other offset packages have been implemented on the property: one for a TransGrid substation and the second for an ActewAGL transmission line; The offset package is contiguous with the other offset packages and with the Murrumbidgee River Corridor Nature Reserve (ACT). This provides benefits that are in effect greater than the original offset proposal.
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The implementation of the offset package is described in the Offsets Delivery Plan (see Table 1.1). Table 4.1 Offset Package as Implemented
4.2.2 Offset Management and Monitoring In Perpetuity The offset land is leased by Icon Water from the ACT Government; almost all land in the ACT is subject to leasehold arrangements (no freehold). The offset land is subject to a Land Management Agreement (LMA); an ACT statutory document outlining how the offset land is to be managed. The LMA for the Williamsdale offset is focussed on conservation outcomes. The requirements of the LMA, and the M2G Offset approval conditions, are both costed components of running the water business (Icon Water), and will continue to be in perpetuity. While the appropriate management of the offset land and the financial resources to do so are guaranteed (adaptive management and biannual monitoring), it is Icon Water’s intent to formally transfer the land to ACT Government management. This would be done via a change to the Territory Plan, and would identify the area as a Nature Reserve (or similar). The ACT Government is aware of Icon Water’s intent to transfer the offset land, and discussions regarding the detail of the transition have commenced. The transfer of the land to ACT Government also has the support of the ACT Conservation Council. It is also preferred to include the contiguous lands (refer 4.2.1) in the land transfer, to allow for more comprehensive conservation outcomes. Icon Water is committed to formally submit a variation to the Territory Plan to rezone the land as Nature Reserve within five years of operations commencing. Icon Water will report on progress against this commitment in the Annual Report and will also advise Department of Planning & Infrastructure (NSW) when the transfer has been completed.
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5. Standards and Performance Measures
5.1 Overarching Performance Objectives The scheme’s key environmental and operational performance objectives are to: Contribute to security of water supply for Canberra and the nearby region; Ensure compliance with all relevant ACT, NSW and Commonwealth environmental legislation and approvals; and Minimise/mitigate potential environmental impacts, and ensure that environmental quality is not compromised during operational and non-operational phases of the water transfer. The scheme has adopted the following more specific objectives and associated key performance targets in relation to the environmental aspects of the scheme’s operations.
Table 5.1 Objectives and Targets
No. Objective Target
1 To employ practices which ensure that Ensure the OEMP relevant sub plans and Icon Water policies, the operation and maintenance of the processes and systems capture all environmental legislative water transfer infrastructure: requirements and compliance with all planning approvals.
meet all environmental legislative Maintain up-to date and regularly reviewed versions of the OEMP requirements and compliance with all and relevant sub plans and carry out all operation and maintenance planning approvals. activities according to these documents. are conducted in a manner that Report all environmental incidents to the relevant authorities as minimises adverse environmental outlined in the relevant approval documentation and legislation. impacts. If environmental incidents do occur, review and modify the OEMP and relevant subplans as required in order to ensure that similar incidents do not occur in the future.
2 To employ practices which minimise Establish a credible aquatic ecology and water quality baseline data impacts on aquatic ecology. set before operation commences.
Take all reasonable measures to prevent fish impingement on intake screens at the Murrumbidgee River.
No translocation of alien fish species from the Murrumbidgee River to Burra Creek.
Establish credible site specific water quality trigger levels for Burra Creek in accordance with the principles of the ANZECC Guidelines.
Undertake additional ecological monitoring if the quality of water
Murrumbidgee to Googong Water Transfer 22
transferred is outside site specific ANZECC Guideline trigger levels.
Take all reasonable measures to prevent exceedance of site specific impact thresholds for species in the Murrumbidgee River and Burra Creek.
3 To employ practices which minimise Prior to operations commencing, establish monitoring programs for impacts on the geomorphology of Burra bank erosion.
Creek. Respond within reasonable timeframes with appropriate mitigation measures if bank erosion is detected.
Prior to operations commencing, establish monitoring programs for erosion of pond forming bars.
Respond within reasonable timeframes with appropriate mitigation measures if pond forming bars are eroded.
Prior to operations commencing, establish monitoring programs for London Bridge karst formation.
Take all reasonable measures to prevent incidences of erosion that could cause structural weakening at London Bridge.
4 To employ practices which minimise Prior to operations commencing, establish a compensatory habitat impacts on terrestrial ecology. offset package that meets the requirements of authorities in each of the three involved jurisdictions.
Take all reasonable measures to prevent weed infestation after start up. If infestation occurs, they will be treated as agreed in the relevant Property Interaction Plan with the landholder.
Consistent compliance with the construction area rehabilitation plan requirements throughout the scheme’s operation.
5 To employ practices which minimise Take all reasonable measures to prevent incidences of erosion that impacts on heritage. could cause structural weakening at London Bridge.
Take all reasonable measures to prevent complaints about impact at recognised aboriginal heritage sites due to operation or maintenance.
6 To employ practices which minimise Take all reasonable measures to prevent noise and vibration noise and vibration impacts. complaints associated with operation and maintenance activities. If complaints are received they will be responded to following the
ACTEW Water Complaints Handling Process outlined in Figure 5.1 of the M2G Community Information Plan.
Take all reasonable measures to prevent structural damage claims associated with vibration impacts as a result of operation and maintenance Activities.
Maintain noise levels in compliance with Schedule 2 Part 2.2 of the Environmental Protection Regulation 2005 (ACT), or at levels endorsed by the ACT EPA.
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Maintain noise levels in NSW below 35 dBLAeq(15 minute) in compliance with NSW Criteria limits as set out in the NSW Industrial Noise Policy (INP) (DECC 2000), or at levels endorsed by the NSW EPA. If necessary, utilise Source Control (best management practice and best available technology economically achievable) in conjunction with Transmission Control prior to Receiver Controls (refer INP section 7) to ensure noise levels are not exceeded.
7 To employ practices which minimise Take all reasonable measures to prevent visible dust emissions and impact on air quality offensive odours during operation and maintenance.
8 To employ measures which minimise Take all reasonable measures to prevent bushfires attributable to bushfire hazard and manage bushfire risk water transfer operations and maintenance.
Objectives and targets are reviewed annually (and biannually after the first 2 years of operation) to assess their continuing relevance (see section 12 below). Performance against the targets will be tracked and reported to Icon Water management, to ensure the OEMP is effective in managing the environmental performance of the project. Monitoring, measurement and management actions associated with the above objectives and targets form part of the Compliance Tracking program (refer section 6).
5.2 Potential Impacts, Controls and Risk Management In order to facilitate proactive environmental management, risk assessment has been utilised to identify and assess environmental aspects associated with the scheme’s operational and maintenance activities, and to identify appropriate mitigation strategies to minimise potential impact. This process involves: Identifying the risk for each environmental aspect; Analysing the uncontrolled risk (determining likelihood and consequence) for each aspect; Evaluating the uncontrolled risk for each aspect; Treating the risk with control actions; and Assessing the residual risk once controls are in place.
Icon Water is responsible for maintaining: An up to date register of operations and maintenance activities; The environmental aspects for each activity; The risk assessment for each aspect; and The controls to mitigate the risk. The initial environmental aspect identification and risk assessment work is contained in the Preferred Project Report (PPR) for the scheme. The general risk assessment can be found in Chapter 8 of the PPR, potential mitigating actions are in each chapter dealing with an environmental aspect, and the potential residual risks are presented in chapter 27 of the PPR. The overall risk assessment is presented in Appendix D of this plan.
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6. Compliance Tracking Program - Operations
6.1 Purpose The compliance tracking program is designed to ensure: periodic checking of compliance with the requirements of the environmental approvals for the operation of the scheme; periodic reporting of the compliance status and environmental incidents to the relevant NSW, ACT and Commonwealth regulators; and that environmental incidents and non compliances have been recorded and operational processes modified to prevent recurrence.
Notes: 1. Procedures for ensuring all employees, contractors and sub contractors are aware of and comply with requirements are contained in the OEMP sections on training and monitoring. 2. Environmental incidents are defined as: non-compliances with flow rules defined in the Flow Management Plan, or exceedances of trigger levels identified in the water quality, aquatic ecology and geomorphology monitoring plans, or non-compliances with controls identified in sub-plans or the overarching performance objectives (Table 5.1), or complaints about operations or maintenance, or non-compliances identified during site surveillance or operations and maintenance activities, including non-compliances with noise, vibration, air quality, bushfire hazard or risk management requirements, or non-compliances with the Statement of Commitments in the Environmental Assessment/Draft Environmental Impact Statement (7 August 2009) or Preferred Project Report/Environmental Impact Statement (21 December 2009).
6.2 Checking procedures Periodic Checking – Auditing of Compliance with the Requirements of the NSW and ACT Approvals Compliance with the requirements of the NSW Department of Planning & Infrastructure Approval and the ACT Planning & land Authority Notice of Decision will be assessed by an independent auditor accredited to carry out audits in accordance with AS/NZS ISO 19011:2003 Guidelines for Quality and/or Environmental Management Systems auditing: Prior to start up; At 6 monthly intervals for the first 2 years of operation; and At 2 yearly intervals thereafter.
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The findings of the audit will be presented by the auditor to Icon Water and the ER (if the audit is not being undertaken by the ER). The findings may then be presented to the Environment Reference Group before being reported to the NSW DP&II Director General, and to the ACT Planning & Land Authority (ACTPLA) and the ACT Environment Protection Authority (EPA) subject to timing constraints. The audit reports generated by the ER will be made available to the general public on the Icon Water website.
Tracking & reporting of OEMP objectives Performance against the objectives and targets described in Table 5.1 will be tracked, reviewed and reported annually to Icon Water management, to ensure the OEMP is effective in managing the environmental performance of the project. If it is identified that Icon Water is failing to reach the above objectives and targets, management will act to ensure that additional resources or alterations to work methodology are implemented to ensure performance against the above objectives and targets meets the requirements.
Routine Monitoring Routine environmental monitoring is described in detail in section 7 of the OEMP. Monitoring (as distinct from auditing) is a form of checking that can also result in the discovery of environmental incidents and can trigger the adaptive management process. Results of monitoring will be provided to: NSW Department of Planning & Infrastructure Director General; NSW Office of Water, NSW Office of Environment and Heritage; and NSW Department of Primary Industries as outlined in Table 6.1 below.
Periodic reporting Icon Water will report monitoring results, performance, environmental incidents and non-compliances as per the requirements of the NSW, ACT and Commonwealth approvals (see table 6.1).
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Table 6.1 Schedule of reporting commitments to NSW, ACT and Commonwealth regulators for routine monitoring results, compliance status, performance and incidents.
Category: Approval Reporting frequency: Reporting method: Report required reference: by:
Geomorphologic NSW Project Annually as Monitoring reports NSW DP&I Monitoring Approval 3.1.f described in Aquatic available on the Director General Ecology Monitoring Icon Water website NSW Office of Plan. Water
Surface Water NSW Project Biannually as Monitoring reports NSW DP&I Monitoring Approval 3.2.j described in Aquatic available on the Director General Ecology Monitoring Icon Water website NSW Office of Plan. Water
Ecological NSW Project Biannually as Monitoring reports NSW DP&I Monitoring Approval 3.3.g described in Aquatic available on the Director General Ecology Monitoring Icon Water website NSW Office of Plan. Water NSW Department of Primary Industries
Reporting of NSW Project Biannually for the Independent NSW DP&I compliance status Approval 5.1.a first 2 years of environmental audit Director General operation, and at 2- report available on ACT Notice of ACTPLA yearly intervals Icon Water website Decision A4 thereafter. ACT EPA
Environmental NSW Project As soon as Notification by NSW DP&I incidents with Approval 5.1.e, practicable after phone as soon as Director General actual or potential 7.1 and 7.2 occurrence of the practicable; written significant off-site incident. preliminary incident impacts on people Report within 5 Written details within or the biophysical business days; 7 days of the environment written Final incident date. Incident Report within 4 weeks.
Meet requirements As required by the of the Director- Director-General. General to address the cause or impact of any incident, within such period as
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the Director-General may require, where reasonably possible.
Annual Commonwealth Annually from Report on Commonwealth Performance Approval 6 commencement of implementation of Department of Report operation. Commonwealth Sustainability, conditions of Environment, approval and Water, Population approved and Communities. Commonwealth plans.
Recording Where audits find a non-compliance with approval requirements or when an environmental incident occurs Icon Water will keep a register of environmental incidents and non-compliances with the approvals.
6.3 Adaptive management procedures Where periodic checking, auditing or monitoring identifies non-compliances with standards the following procedures will apply: The non-compliance or incident will be investigated by an appropriate team; Agreed corrective actions will be identified by the team and reviewed by the Manager Environment & Sustainability, the Manager Regulation, Compliance & Quality and the ER; Actions will be implemented to rectify the issue; The ER and Icon Water will check the effectiveness of the corrective actions; and Reference to and involvement of the Environment Reference Group (see Appendix C) will be made at the discretion of Icon Water.
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7. Environmental Monitoring
Environmental monitoring will involve routine collection and interpretation of data to assess operational performance, environmental performance and compliance with requirements. The timing, frequency, methodology, location and responsibilities for the environmental monitoring programs are specified in each relevant sub-plan (refer section 1.3). Environmental monitoring that will be undertaken during operations and maintenance will therefore be in the areas of: Compensatory offset habitat (NSW DP&I Approval Condition 2.9); Flow management (NSW DP&I Approval Condition 6.5); Stream flow and water quality (NSW DP&I Approval Condition 3.2); Ecological monitoring (NSW DP&I Approval Condition 3.3), including ongoing rehabilitation including control of weed infestation for two years after start up through maintenance crews (NSW DP&I Approval Condition 2.10); and Geomorphology and London Bridge (NSW DP&I Approval Condition 3.1 and 2.29). The results will be used to identify potential or actual problems arising from operations and maintenance processes. Where monitoring methods supply real-time results, they will be analysed immediately. This will allow a prompt response to be initiated should an exceedance of accepted levels/criteria be identified. Where there is a delay due to laboratory procedures Icon Water will respond to results as soon as they are available. Where monitoring results exceed expected levels/criteria the response will be as outlined in: Section 6.3 Adaptive management procedures (this plan), and The relevant adaptive management section of each monitoring subplan:
7.1 Site inspections and surveillance During operations and maintenance activities, noise, vibration and air quality monitoring were undertaken on commissioning to ensure there are no exceedances of emissions standards. Activities will be planned and undertaken to ensure the risk of bushfire hazards, and other risks that require management oversight (e.g. such as snake bite, flooding) are treated in accordance with the hierarchy of controls outlined in relevant risk management standards. Where surface investigations are required (in previously undisturbed areas) appropriate heritage management techniques will be employed. Periodic checking (including inspection and surveillance) of operations and maintenance (including subcontractors) will be undertaken on a routine basis, in accordance with the timeframes outlined in section 6.2. Where inspections show non conformances with requirements, an investigation is undertaken to determine the cause and to ensure recurrence is prevented. Further response will be as outlined in the Compliance Tracking Program, refer section 6.
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8. Auditing
8.1 Internal audits Internal audits will only be conducted by Icon Water as required, in addition to the independent audits outlined in 8.2, in relation to: a change in the scope of the scheme; a change in the license; a significant environmental incident; a non-compliance event; a requirement to improve performance in an area of environmental impact; or decommissioning of the scheme.
Elements that may be audited include but are not limited to: Compliance with the OEMP and associated sub-plans; Compliance with ACT,NSW and Commonwealth approvals, permits and licence obligations; Complaint responses; Contractor activities; Training records; Non-conformances, corrective actions closure; Environmental monitoring results; and Record keeping and document control. Where audits show non-compliance with requirements, the response will be as outlined in the Compliance Tracking Program.
8.2 Independent audits Compliance with the requirements of the NSW DP&I Planning Approval will be assessed by an independent auditor, the Independent Environmental Representative, as described under this plan, Section 6.2, Checking Procedures. The scope of the independent audits may include any development approval conditions and OEMP and sub plans.
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9. Communication and Consultation
9.1 Community Information Plan A Community Information Plan has been prepared to support the operational phase of the scheme. The Community Information Plan, which guides the approach to community engagement and stakeholder management during operations, is included at Appendix E.
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10. Record Keeping and Document Control
Icon Water will maintain the records which relate to the environmental performance of the water transfer. Icon Water will coordinate the preparation, review and distribution of environmental documents related to the scheme as required. A document control procedure will be implemented as appropriate to control the flow of documents and data within and between Icon Water, consultants, stakeholders and sub-contractors. Existing shared drives, SharePoint, WASP, Water Data Warehouse, Drawing Management System and the ”Policy & Process” integrated management system are utilised internally for document control. Documents and data that are to be issued will be controlled to ensure that they are approved prior to issuing and that the current issue or revision is known to relevant personnel. Controlled documents will be distributed on a revision basis only, with obsolete documents clearly marked as ‘superseded’. Obsolete documents will be maintained and filed. Controlled documents will be uniquely identified with a defined revision number recorded on each page. All controlled document revision numbers will be included into a register for reference. During the scheme’s lifetime of operation environmental documents will be stored at Icon Water’s Head Office or in appropriate archiving facilities.
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Training
Training will be carried out in order to ensure the environmentally sound operation and maintenance of the water transfer scheme. Two main forms of training will be implemented: Induction; and ‘Toolbox’ training. Records of all site inductions and on-site training will be kept on a database, including details of the training topic(s) presented, participants and training dates. All participants will be required to ‘sign-off’ that they have been informed and understand their environmental obligations at the conclusion of each training session.
11.1 Induction Prior to commencing work, all personnel, consultants and subcontractors will undertake an induction detailing significant environmental requirements associated with the scheme. An annual environmental refresher training is undertaken for all relevant personnel. This will include, but not be limited to, the following environmental components. Icon Water’s approach to environmental matters; The OEMP and sub-plans (purpose, objectives, etc); Legal requirements including due diligence, duty of care and potential consequences of infringements; Significant environmental issues relating to operation and maintenance; Environmental roles and responsibilities; Conditions of licences, permits and approvals; Controls in place to ensure environmentally sound operations and maintenance; Incident management and emergency plans; Reporting process for environmental harm/incidents; Incident investigation and corrective actions; Processes for improving the plan; and Emergency response and crisis communication.
11.2 Toolbox training Toolbox training will help to ensure that current information is communicated in a timely manner and that feedback can be provided on issues of interest or concern. Toolbox training will reflect risks and concerns associated with operations and maintenance. The toolbox training sessions will provide details on the management and mitigation of identified environmental impacts. Toolbox training will be undertaken as required during periods when extended operations and maintenance activities are underway (e.g. pump overhauls, major maintenance work). The focus of the training is on workers that will be involved in day to day activities on site.
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Environmental toolbox training topics may include but are not limited to: Waterway protection; Waste management; Noise and vibration minimisation; Plant, animal and habitat protection; Heritage protection Dust control; Weed Management; Environmental emergencies; Environmental incident reporting; and Other general environmental issues.
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12. Review and Improvement of OEMP
Review of the OEMP and/or sub plans may need to be undertaken following: a change in the scope of the scheme; a significant environmental incident; a requirement to improve performance in an area of environmental impact; completion of an audit; or decommissioning of the scheme. Icon Water will review the OEMP and its operation and implementation at least once per year during the first two years of operation, and then at two-yearly intervals thereafter. The purpose of the reviews is to ensure that the OEMP is meeting Icon Water’s requirements, policies and objectives. Icon Water will amend the OEMP to facilitate continuous improvement. The review cycle is shown in Figure 12.1 below.
Figure 12.1 Monitoring, Auditing & Review cycle
Murrumbidgee Change to Googong Water Implemented if Transfer agreed OEMP and Sub Plans
Reporting to Department of Planning and Infrastructure and Monitoring, Auditing & other agencies (NSW, Review ACT & Commonwealth) [if required]
Reporting to Environment Analysis & Reference Group & Assessment by Environmental ACTEW Representative
Recommendations to alter OEMP and its Sub Plans
The reviews will consider: Regulatory authority matters; Matters raised by the Environment Reference Group, or Environment Representative Resourcing and costs of environmental controls; Objectives and targets; Monitoring and audit findings; Environmental non-compliance, complaints and incident reports;
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Details of corrective and preventative actions taken; Organisational changes in Icon Water (i.e. changes in roles and responsibilities) The effect of changes in standards and legislation; and Any other matters as decided by the review panel. Icon Water will maintain appropriate records of reviews consistent with Section 10.
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Appendices
A) Project Obligations Relevant legislation
Key environmental legislation relating to environmental management of the operation of the Murrumbidgee to Googong scheme includes:
Commonwealth legislation Australian Capital Territory (Planning and Land Management) Act 1998 (Cth) Canberra Water Supply (Googong Dam) Act 1974 (Cth) Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth) Water Act 2007 (Cth)
ACT legislation Building Act 2004 (ACT) Environmental Protection Act 1997 (ACT) Fisheries Act 2000 (ACT) Heritage Act 2004 (ACT) Native Title Act 1994 (ACT) Nature Conservation Act 1980 (ACT) Pest Plants and Animals Act 2005 (ACT) Planning and Development Act 2007 (ACT) Utilities Act 2000 (ACT) Water and Sewerage Act 2008 (ACT) Water Resources Act 2007 (ACT)
NSW legislation Environment Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (NSW) Fisheries Management Act 1994 (NSW) and Fisheries Management Amendment Act 1997 (NSW) Googong Dam Catchment Area Act 1975 (NSW) Local Government Act 1993 (NSW) National Parks & Wildlife Act 1974 (NSW)
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Native Vegetation Act 2003 (NSW) Noxious Weeds Act 1993 (NSW) NSW Catchment Management Authorities Act 2003 (NSW) Pipelines Act 1967 (NSW) and Pipelines Regulation 2013 (NSW) Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 (NSW) Rural Fires Act 1997 (NSW) Rural Lands Protection Act 1998 (NSW) Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 (NSW) Water Management Act 2000 (NSW) The EIS contains a brief summary of the majority of pieces of legislation and how it applies to the scheme. A brief summary of the legislation and how it applies to ACTEW business is also included in the Environmental Management System Legal Register.
Guidelines and standards
The key reference material relevant to environmental management during the operation of the Murrumbidgee to Googong water transfer includes:
ACT ACT Code of Forest Practice (Environment Protection Authority 2005); Air Environment Protection Policy (Environment Protection Authority 1999); General Environmental Protection Policy (Environment Protection Authority 2007); Guidelines for Preparation of an Environmental Management Plan, Environment Protection Authority (September 2004); Noise Environmental Protection Policy (Environment Protection Authority 2008); and Water Quality Environmental Protection Policy (Environment Protection Authority 2008).
NSW Assessing Vibration: A Technical Guideline (DECC 2006); Australian and New Zealand Guidelines for Fresh and Marine Water Quality (ANZECC/ARMCANZ 2000); Australian Standard 2885.3-2012 Pipelines - Gas and liquid petroleum-Operation and maintenance (Section 4.7 – Environmental Management); Florabank Native Seed Collection Code of Practice (Greening Australia 1999);
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Guideline for the Preparation of Environmental Management Plans (DIPNR 2004); NSW Industrial Noise Policy (DECC 2000); Policy and Guidelines for Bridges, Roads, Causeways, Culverts and Similar Structures (NSW Fisheries 1999); and Victoria Revegetation Techniques (Greening Australia 2003).
Approvals, licences and permits
The tables below identify the approvals, permits and licences relevant to the Scheme which are required for each jurisdiction.
Table A-1 Approvals, licence and permit requirements for the Commonwealth
Approval Required Relevant Legislation Authority
Controlled Action Environmental Protection and Department of Sustainability, Matter of National Environmental Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 Environment, Water, Population & Significance (Aquatic and Terrestrial (Cth) Communities (SEWPaC) fauna and flora)
Table A-2 Approvals, licence and permit requirements for the ACT
Approval required Relevant Legislation Authority
Environment Impact Statement and Planning and Development Act 2007 ACT Planning & Land Authority Development Application (ACT) Land and Easement Acquisition Planning and Development Act 2007 Territory and Municipal Services (ACT) (Parks and Conservation Service) Water Extraction Licence Water Resources Act 2007 (ACT) Environment and Sustainable Development Directorate (ESDD)
Table A-3 Approvals, Licence and Permit Requirements for NSW
Approval Required Relevant Legislation Authority
Part 3A ‘Critical Infrastructure’ Environment Planning and NSW Minister for Planning Assessment Act 1979 (NSW) Pipeline Licence (#67) Pipelines Act 1967 (NSW) NSW Office of Water Project Approval (Preferred Project Environment Planning and NSW Minister for Planning Report) Assessment Act 1979 (NSW)
Icon Water will maintain an up to date register of all legal requirements, standards, licences and permits relating to the scheme’s operations and maintenance through periodic review of the OEMP as outlined in Section 12.
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Project Obligations
Table A-4 Part 3(a) Planning Approval Conditions (NSW)
No. NSW DP&I Operational Conditions of Approval Reference
1.1 The Proponent shall carry out the project generally in accordance with the: OEMP 1.1 a) Major Project Application 08_0160; b) the Murrumbidgee to Googong Water Transfer Environmental Assessment prepared by the Proponent and dated 7 August 2009; c) the Murrumbidgee to Googong Water Transfer Environmental Impact Statement incorporating the Preferred Project Report prepared by the Proponent and dated 21 December 2009; and d) the conditions of this approval. 1.5 The Proponent shall ensure that all licences, permits and approvals are obtained and OEMP 2 maintained as required throughout the life of the project. No condition of this approval removes the obligation of the Proponent to obtain, renew or comply with such licences, permits or approvals. The Proponent shall ensure that a copy of this approval and all relevant environmental approvals are available on the site at all times during the project. 2.1 The Proponent shall comply with section 120 of the Protection of the Environment OEMP 1.1, Operations Act 1997 which prohibits the pollution of waters. Stream Flow and Water Quality Management Plan 2.3* The Proponent shall design, construct, operate and maintain the project to avoid OEMP 1.3, impacts on bank stability within the Burra Creek riverine corridor and Googong Aquatic Reservoir outlet and does not increase local flooding risk. Ecology *Please note: pending regulator approval, Icon Water is intending to change this Management commitment to: “The Proponent shall design, construct, operate and maintain the Plan. project to avoid impacts on bank stability within the Burra Creek riverine corridor.” 2.4 The Proponent shall not transfer water when Burra Creek is in flood based on a one in OEMP 1.3, two year event or greater nor should the Proponent operate the pipeline where it results Stream Flow in water levels in Burra Creek being greater than the one in two year flood level. and Water Quality Management Plan 2.9 Areas specified in Table 1 that are expected to be cleared shall be offset utilising the OEMP 1.3, compensatory habitat offset package described in documentation represented by OEMP 4 Condition 1.1 c). The package located on the Williamsdale Property in the Australian Capital Territory shall be implemented prior to commissioning of the project. The package shall offset in perpetuity the value of habitat lost as a result of the project. A final review of the compensatory habitat offset package shall be provided to the Director-General in the Operation Environment Management Plan. This version shall: a) demonstrate the implementation of the offset; b) describe how the offset shall be guaranteed and monitored in perpetuity; and c) demonstrate a post construction review has been undertaken that confirms the extent of clearing was not greater than predicted. If clearing was greater, then the package shall demonstrate how the offset was modified and increased to the value of the actual habitat lost. 2.10 After construction is complete and for a period of two years after that time (or as OEMP 1.3, otherwise required by the Director-General) the Proponent shall monitor areas along Landscape
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the project alignment, for weed infestation. Any infestations shall be actively managed Rehabilitation to remove or minimise their spread. & Terrestrial Ecology Management Plan 2.11 The Proponent shall implement the aquatic ecology management measures committed OEMP 1.3, to in the documents set out in condition 1.1c) or elsewhere in these conditions of Stream Flow approval, including; and Water a) monitoring and subsequent maintenance of flow transfer volumes to reasonably and Quality feasibly mimic the natural flow regime based on the stochastic data refined in the Management Preferred Project Report of Burra Creek during the native fish breeding season in order Plan, Aquatic to protect any spawning populations of threatened fish species; Ecology b) design measures to prevent the spread of invasive fish species; Management c) design measures for the protection of natural ponding habitat. If the current natural Plan. ponds along Burra Creek are lost as a result of increased flows, the Proponent is required to re-establish natural ponding habitat and d) regular review of aquatic ecology monitoring results for any trends toward significant impacts in Burra Creek or Googong Reservoir. 2.20 Operation Noise and Vibration OEMP 7.1, 5.1 The Proponent shall take all reasonable measures to minimise noise emissions and and 11 vibration from all plant and equipment operated on the site such that they do not exceed noise and vibration criteria derived by application of the NSW Industrial Noise Policy (DECC, 2000) and Assessing Vibration: A Technical Guideline (DECC, 2006).
2.29 Monitoring of London Bridge karst formations is to occur subject to commitments made OEMP 7 in the Proponent’s Statement of Commitments contained in documents referred to in Aquatic condition 1.1c). Ecology Management Plan 2.34 OEMP 7.1 The Proponent shall construct and operate the project in a manner that minimises dust emissions from the site, including wind-blown and traffic-generated dust. All activities on the site shall be undertaken with the objective of preventing visible emissions of dust from the site. Should such visible dust emissions occur at any time, the Proponent shall identify and implement all practicable dust mitigation measures, including cessation of relevant works, as appropriate, such that emissions of visible dust cease. 2.35 The Proponent shall not cause or permit the emission of offensive odours from the site OEMP 1.1 and in accordance with the provisions of Section 129 of the Protection of the Environment 7.1 Operations Act 1997.
3.1 Prior to the commencement of construction the Proponent shall prepare and implement OEMP 1.3, a Geo-Morphological Monitoring Program to monitor the impact of the project on the Aquatic Ecology present morphology of Burra Creek at the pipeline outlet location and downstream to Management Googong Reservoir. The Program shall be developed in consultation with the DECCW Plan and shall include but not necessarily be limited to: a) Set out monitoring requirements in order to assess the impact of the project on the present geo-morphology of Burra Creek at the pipeline outlet location and downstream to Googong Reservoir. b) Baseline monitoring prior to the introduction of flows through Burra Creek in order to establish any geo-morphological changes resulting from the project. c) Provisions for monitoring during construction, operational and non-operational
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phases; d) Mechanisms for immediately investigating any anomalous monitoring results; e) Mechanisms for the management and mitigation of any impacts on the waterways including cessation of flows where necessary; and f) Details of how the monitoring results will be reported to the Director-General and the DECCW.
The Program shall be submitted for the approval of the Director-General no later than one month prior to the commencement of construction, or within such period otherwise agreed by the Director-General, accompanied by written evidence that the DECCW has been consulted and that the DECCW is satisfied with the Program. Construction shall not commence until written approval has been received from the Director-General. 3.2 Prior to the commencement of construction, the Proponent shall prepare and OEMP 1.3, implement a Surface Water Monitoring Program to monitor and manage the impact Stream Flow of the project on the waterways into which any extracted Murrumbidgee River water is and Water discharged. The Program shall be prepared in accordance with sections 8.2.3.3 and Quality 8.2.3.4 of Australian and New Zealand Guidelines for Fresh and Marine Water Quality – Management Volume 2: Aquatic Ecosystems (ANZECC & ARMCANZ, 2000). The Program shall be Plan developed in consultation with the DECCW and shall include but not necessarily be limited to: a) the monitoring framework detailed in the documents referred to in condition 1.1; b) a baseline monitoring program; c) an evaluation of the discharges in terms of temporal and spatial scales; d) a comparison of discharge data with baseline data; e) sampling and data collection at representative sites, both impact (downstream of the discharge point) and control (upstream of the discharge point) sites; f) sampling and data collection for the discharges and immediate receiving environment to quantify the changes in ecosystem health and water quality with specific reference to phytoplankton, aquatic vegetation, macroinvertebrates, fish, temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, iron and manganese; g) provisions for the review of the Program within six months of commencement of the first full operational flow into Burra Creek; h) identification of key water parameters including but not limited to flow rate, temperature, ph, salinity, total dissolved solids and nutrient parameters for the operation of the project; i) management actions for the parameters identified in h) should they be breached; and j) details of how the monitoring results will be reported to the Director-General and DECCW. The Program shall be submitted for the approval of the Director-General no later than one month prior to the commencement of construction, or within such period otherwise agreed by the Director-General, accompanied by evidence that the DECCW has been consulted regarding the Program. Construction shall not commence until written approval has been received from the Director-General. Prior3 to the commencement of construction, the Proponent shall prepare and OEMP 1.3, implement. an Ecological Monitoring Program to monitor the impact of the project on Aquatic the3 ecology that may be impacted by the proposal. The program shall be developed in Ecology Management consultation with the DECCW and Department of Industry and Investment NSW and Plan shall include but not necessarily be limited to: a) set out monitoring requirements as detailed in the documents referred to in condition 1.1 c), in order to assess the impact of the project on Ecology present along the easement and at Burra Creek at the pipeline outlet location and downstream including the Googong Reservoir; b) baseline monitoring prior to the introduction of flows through Burra Creek in order to establish any ecological changes resulting from the project.
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c) provisions for monitoring trench areas for any native fauna impacts likely to result from this work. Any native fauna found in the open trench shall be recorded and managed in consultation with DECCW; d) provisions for monitoring during construction, operational and non-operational phases; e) mechanisms for immediately investigating any anomalous monitoring results; 4.1 Subject to confidentiality, the Proponent shall make all documents required under this OEMP 9 approval available for public inspection on request.
4.3 Prior to the commencement of construction, the Proponent shall prepare and OEMP 9 and implement a Community Information Plan which sets out the community Appendix E communications and consultation processes to be undertaken during construction and operation of the project. The Plan shall include but not be limited to: a) procedures and timing to consult with the community and Palerang Council in order to come to an agreement regarding revegetation of Burra Creek adjacent to Burra Village, raising of pedestrian access to London Bridge Homestead above the predicted high water mark and the construction of a bridal trail along areas where roadwork is required. b) procedures to inform the local community of planned investigations and Construction activities, including blasting works; c) procedures to inform the relevant community of Construction traffic routes and any potential disruptions to traffic flows and amenity impacts; d) procedures to consult with local landowners with regard to Construction traffic to ensure the safety of livestock and to limit disruption to livestock movements; e) procedures to inform the community where work has been approved to be undertaken outside the normal Construction hours, in particular noisy activities; f) procedures to inform and consult with affected landowners to rehabilitate impacted land; g) procedures to notify relevant landowners of the process available to review potential impacts on radio and television transmission; and h) procedures to notify relevant landowners of the process available to review potential impacts on aerial spraying. 4.4 Prior to the commencement of construction of the project, the Proponent shall ensure OEMP 9 that the following are available for community complaints for the life of the project (including construction and operation): a) a 24 hour telephone number on which complaints about construction and operational activities at the site may be registered; b) a postal address to which written complaints may be sent; and c) an email address to which electronic complaints may be transmitted. The telephone number, the postal address and the e-mail address shall be advertised in a newspaper circulating in the locality on at least one occasion prior to the commencement of construction and at six-monthly intervals for two years following commencement of operation of the project. These details shall also be provided on the Proponent’s internet site. The telephone number, the postal address and the email address shall be displayed on a sign near the entrance to the site, in a position that is clearly visible to the public. 5.1 Prior to the commencement of construction, the Proponent shall develop and OEMP 2.5 and implement a Compliance Tracking Program for the project, to track compliance with 6 the requirements of this approval during the construction and operation of the project and shall include, but not necessarily limited to: a) provisions for periodic reporting of the compliance status to the Director-General including at least prior to the commencement of construction of the project, prior to the commencement of operation of the project and within two years of operational commencement; b) a program for independent environmental auditing in accordance with AS/NZ ISO
Murrumbidgee to Googong Water Transfer 43
19011:2003 - Guidelines for Quality and/or Environmental Management Systems Auditing; c) procedures for rectifying any non-compliance identified during environmental auditing or review of compliance; d) mechanisms for recording environmental incidents and actions taken in response to those incidents; e) provisions for reporting environmental incidents to the Director-General during construction and operation; and f) provisions for ensuring all employees, contractors and sub-contractors are aware of, and comply with, the conditions of this approval relevant to their respective activities.
6.1 Prior to the commencement of any construction or operational activities or as otherwise OEMP 3.1 agreed by the Director-General, the Proponent shall nominate for the approval of the Director-General a suitably qualified and experienced Environmental Representative(s) independent of the design, construction and operation personnel. The Proponent shall engage the Environmental Representative(s) during any construction activities, and throughout the life of the project, or as otherwise agreed by the Director-General. The Environmental Representative(s) shall: a) oversee the implementation of all environmental management plans and monitoring programs required under this approval, and advise the Proponent upon the achievement of these plans/programs; b) consider and advise the Proponent on its compliance obligations against all matters specified in the conditions of this approval and the Statement of Commitments as referred to under condition 1.1c) of this approval, permits and licences; and c) have the authority and independence to recommend to the Proponent reasonable steps to be taken to avoid or minimise unintended or adverse environmental impacts, and, failing the effectiveness of such steps, to recommend to the Proponent that relevant activities are to be ceased as soon as reasonably practicable if there is a significant risk that an adverse impact on the environment will be likely to occur.
6.4 The Proponent shall prepare and implement an Operation Environmental OEMP 1.5 Management Plan in accordance with the Guideline for the Preparation of Environmental Management Plans (DUAP, 2004) or its latest revision. The Plan shall include but not necessarily be limited to: a) identification of all statutory and other obligations that the Proponent is required to fulfill in relation to the operation of the development, including all consents, licences, approvals and consultations; b) a management organisational chart identifying the roles and responsibilities for all relevant employees involved in the operation of the project; c) overall environmental policies to be applied to the operation of the project; d) standards and performance measures to be applied to the project, and means by which environmental performance can be periodically monitored, reviewed and improved, (where appropriate) and what actions would be taken in the case that non- compliance with the requirements of this approval are identified. In particular the following environmental performance issues shall be addressed: (i) bushfire hazard and risk management; and (ii) management and maintenance of offsets including the presentation to the Director- General of the final offset compensatory habitat package post-construction impact review; (iii) management measures for easement areas, including management of vegetation, soil erosion, weed control and landholder liaison. e) the environmental monitoring requirements outlined under this approval; f) complaints handling procedures as identified in conditions 4.4 to 4.5; and
Murrumbidgee to Googong Water Transfer 44
g) the Management Plans listed under condition 6.5 of this approval; h) specific consideration of relevant measures to address any requirements identified in the documents referred to under conditions 1.1b) and 1.1c) of this approval; and i) management policies to ensure that environmental performance goals are met and to comply with the conditions of this approval; The Plan shall be submitted for the approval of the Director-General no later than one month prior to the commencement of Operation of the project or within such period as otherwise agreed by the Director-General. Operation shall not commence until written approval has been received from the Director-General. Upon receipt of the Director- General’s approval, the Proponent shall make the Plan publicly available as soon as practicable. 6.5 As part of the Operation Environmental Management Plan required under condition 6.4, OEMP 1.3, the Proponent shall prepare and implement a Flow Management Plan that identifies Stream Flow the quantity, timing, duration and velocity of water transfer flows to Burra Creek. The and Water Plan shall be developed in consultation with the DECCW. Quality Management Plan 7.1 The Proponent shall notify the Director-General and any relevant Government authority OEMP 6.2 and of any incident with actual or potential significant off-site impacts on people or the 1.3 biophysical environment as soon as practicable after the occurrence of the incident. The Proponent shall provide written details of the incident to the Director-General within seven days of the date on which the incident occurred. 7.2 The Proponent shall meet the requirements of the Director-General to address the OEMP 6.2 cause or impact of any incident, as it relates to this approval, reported in accordance with condition 7.1 of this approval, within such period as the Director-General may require.
Table A-6 Murrumbidgee to Googong Commonwealth Conditions of Approval (operational)
No. Commonwealth Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population Reference and Communities Operational Conditions of Approval
1 The person taking the action must submit an Extraction and Gauging Plan that OEMP 1.3 describes in detail how river flow and water extraction will be gauged, measured and reported in the Murrumbidgee River, to the Minister for approval. The plan must address the following requirements: (a) How river flow will be measured at Lobbs Hole gauging station and other relevant locations; (b) How baseflow in the Murrumbidgee River will be maintained to abide by the conditions of this approval; (c) Reporting of water extraction data; and (d) Reporting of any breaches of this approval. The project may not operate until an Extraction and Gauging Plan is approved by the Minister. The approved plan must be implemented. 2 The person taking the action must submit a Sustainable Diversion Limit Plan (SDL OEMP 1.3 Plan) to the Minister for approval to ensure the long-term protection and recovery of Stream Flow listed threatened species in the Murrumbidgee River, including the Murray Cod and Water (Maccullochella peelii peelii), the Trout Cod (Maccullochella macquariensis) and Quality Macquarie Perch (Macquaria australasica). The SDLP Plan must be developed in Management accordance with Terms of Reference submitted for the Department’s approval within Plan four weeks of the date of this approval decision. The Terms of Reference must
Murrumbidgee to Googong Water Transfer 45
address the matters outlined at Attachment B to this decision. The project may not operate without an approved SDL Plan. The approved plan must be implemented. 4 The person taking the action must submit a Burra Creek Environmental Management OEMP 1.3 Plan to the Minister for approval that establishes a statistically valid ecological monitoring program to detect and manage any environmental harm to the ecological elements of Burra Creek or increase in the weeds problem along Burra Creek. The plan must include: (a) Indicators, parameters and criteria to be used in measuring changes in the aquatic and riparian ecological elements of Burra Creek; (b) Criteria to be used in measuring the diversity, distribution, abundance or density of weeds along the banks of Burra Creek; (c) Protocols for on-going reporting of adverse changes to the ecological elements of Burra Creek or an increase in the diversity, distribution, abundance or density of weeds along the banks of Burra Creek; (d) The proposed locations of monitoring sites; and (e) Management triggers and actions. The project may not operate until a Burra Creek Environment Management Plan is approved by the Minister. The approved plan must be implemented. 5 A decommissioning and closure plan must be prepared for the Minister’s approval at Not required at least one year prior to the anticipated date of decommissioning. Once approved by the present Minister, the plan must be implemented. 6 Management plans and reports (howsoever described) referred to in these conditions OEMP 1.3, 6.2 of approval must be made publicly available on the Icon Water website. and 9 An Annual Performance Report must be provided to the Department and published on the Icon Water website that reports on the implementation of these conditions and any approved plans required under these conditions. The first Annual Performance Report must report on the time period from the commencement of construction of the project through to 12 months after the commencement of operation of the project. The first Annual Performance Report must be submitted within 13 months of the date of commencement of the operation of the project. Subsequent annual reports must be submitted every 12 months from this date, and must cover the 12 month period following the previous report. 7 The person taking the action must maintain accurate records of activities associated OEMP 10 with or relevant to the above conditions of approval, and make them available on request by the Department. Such documents may be subject to audit by the Department and used to verify compliance with the conditions of approval. 10 ... Within 30 days of commencement of operation, the person taking the action must OEMP 3.1 advise the Department in writing the actual date of commencement of operation. ...
Table A-7 Murrumbidgee to Googong DA Conditions (ACT), DA No 201017858,
No. ACT Planning and Land Authority Operational Condition of Approval Reference
A4 A Compliance Tracking Program be developed and implemented to track and audit the OEMP 2.5 and requirements and compliance of conditions of this approval. The Program must be 6 submitted to ACTPLA prior to the commencement of construction of works on site or operations as appropriate. The program must relate to both the construction and operational stages of the project and must include, but not necessarily be limited to:
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(a) a timeline which details the relevant approvals required and approving entities; (b) provisions for periodic reporting of compliance status of the development against the requirements and conditions of approval (including any other Government licences and approvals) to ACTPLA and the Environment Protection Authority (EPA); and (c) mechanisms for rectifying any non-compliance identified during auditing or review of compliance. A5 Prior to the commencement of works on site, the proponent must ensure that the OEMP 9 following are available for community enquiries and/or complaint for the life of the project (including construction and operation): (a) a telephone number on which complaints about construction and operational activities at the site can be registered; (b) a postal address to which written complaints may be sent; and (c) an email address to which electronic complaints can be transmitted. B6d a Noise and Vibration Management sub-plan that includes noise control measures and OEMP 7 monitoring during construction and operation phase be endorsed by EPA; C11 Prior to completion of the development a Monitoring and Research Program for the Murrumbidgee aquatic ecosystem including fish, in both the Murrumbidgee and Burra/Googong be Ecological developed in consultation with and approved by the Research and Planning unit, PCL Monitoring TAMS. Plan and Murray Cod Research Proposal E9 Under the Water Resources Act 2007, the proponent is required to hold an appropriate OEMP 3.1 Water Access Entitlement and Licence To Take Water prior to extraction of any water from Murrumbidgee River for delivery to Googong Reservoir. Contact Environment Protection Authority (Water Resources) for more information: via telephone 132281. E20 The licence to extract water will be in keeping with environmental flow guidelines. This OEMP 1.3 commitment was made by the proponent during the preparation of the EIS. The Stream Flow condition must take into account the effects of extraction on, and by, downstream and Water users. It should also consider any new information which may be forthcoming as a Quality result of ecological investigations that may be used to maintain or enhance the Management ecological values of the Murrumbidgee River in an adaptive management forum. Plan, Aquatic Ecology Management Plan
Table A-8 Murrumbidgee to Googong Operational Commitments (Table 28.1, EIS)
No. Operational Commitment (EIS/Preferred Project Report) Reference
Environmental management, rehabilitation and monitoring
1 The operation environmental management plans, rehabilitation plan and OEMP 1.3 and 6 monitoring/adaptive management plan, will be prepared and implemented as described in Chapter 27 of the EIS.
Hydrology and geomorphology
2 Regular review of geomorphological monitoring results for any trends toward OEMP 1.3, Aquatic significant impacts in Murrumbidgee River, Burra Creek or Googong Reservoir. The Ecology monitoring and adaptive management plan will include actions required to address Management Plan any identified trends in a timely manner.
Water quality
5 A standard operating procedure will be developed for access to the pipeline during OEMP 1.3.4 maintenance activities, chemical/fuel storage, and for pipe flushing that meets Operations and
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legislative requirements. Maintenance Manual
6 Icon Water’s Source Water Protection Program will continue to address water quality OEMP 1.3, Stream issues in the Murrumbidgee River. Flow and Water Quality Management Plan 7 Installation of a grit collection hopper at the low lift pump station and discharge of OEMP 1.3, captured sediments back to the Murrumbidgee River to reduce the turbidity of water Operations and transferred to Burra Creek. Use of an automatic timer on the grit collection hopper to Maintenance ensure that relatively small volumes of sediments are discharged on a continuous Manual basis to reduce impacts on the Murrumbidgee River downstream. Ongoing monitoring and appropriate adjustments to the timers or release volumes to minimise potential impacts. 8* Operational rules will be developed to acceptable levels of turbidity in the OEMP 1.3, Stream Murrumbidgee. Flow and Water Quality *amended commitment based on Consistency Review by NGH Environmental Management Plan (October 13)
10 Regular review of water quality monitoring results for any trends toward significant OEMP 1.3 and 6, impacts in Murrumbidgee River, Burra Creek or Googong Reservoir. The monitoring Stream Flow and and adaptive management plan will include actions required to address any identified Water Quality trends in a timely manner. Management Plan
Aquatic ecology 11* Maintenance of flow transfers where possible during the fish breeding season to OEMP 1.3, Stream protect any spawning populations of threatened fish species (if present). If flows need Flow and Water be altered, then the step up/down operating regime in the relevant OEMP subplan will Quality be utilised to allow fish to exit the creek. Management Plan *amended commitment based on Consistency Review by NGH Environmental (October 13) 13 Regular review of the results of the aquatic monitoring program and the development OEMP 1.3 and 6, of management actions that may be required to address any observed impacts. Aquatic Ecology Management Plan 14* Design measures into the scheme, to prevent the spread of invasive fish species OEMP 1.3, including: Stream Flow and • 0.5 mm aperture mesh on intake screen to prevent transfer of fish and eggs; Water Quality Management • Provide continuous filtering and monitoring of transfer flows at the outlet into Burra Plan, Aquatic Creek; and Ecology • Use filters year round, rather than only during the spawning season. Management Plan *amended commitment based on Consistency Review by NGH Environmental (October 13) 16 Regular review of aquatic ecology monitoring results for any trends toward significant OEMP 1.3, impacts in Murrumbidgee River, Burra Creek or Googong Reservoir. The monitoring Aquatic Ecology and adaptive management plan will include actions required to address any identified Management Plan trends in a timely manner. 21 Offsets for the removal and/or modification of approximately 16.7 ha of native OEMP 1.3, OEMP vegetation, including 11.1 ha of Box Gum Grassy Woodland (and secondary 4.2, Landscape grassland) that ranges from poor to good condition, 1.7 ha of Natural Temperate Rehabilitation & Grassland and 0.3 ha of Snow Gum Grassy Woodland occurring within the Terrestrial construction footprint, will be provided. Ecology Management
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Plan
Indigenous heritage 26 Impacts to the London Bridge karst formations and sites along Burra Creek will be OEMP 1.3 and 6, undertaken as part of the on-going monitoring and adaptive management work that the proponent will undertake.
Non-Indigenous heritage
27 Impact to the cultural heritage values of the London Bridge karst formations (natural OEMP 1.3, arch, caves and archaeological deposits) will be avoided
Land use 40 The pipeline route will be periodically inspected to ensure rehabilitation and OEMP, Aquatic stabilisation works have been effective in the longer term. Ecology Management Plan 41 Consultation with land owners will occur in accordance with the operational OEMP Community environmental management plan for the scheme, especially with regards to Information Plan maintenance access. (Appendix E)
Noise and vibration
50 Community consultation or notification (e.g. letter box drop) will be undertaken prior to OEMP Community pipeline maintenance involving air valve operation. Landowners should be provided Information Plan with details of the time and date at which the maintenance event is to be conducted, (Appendix E) so that domestic livestock and pets can be restrained or housed appropriately.
Climate and air quality
51 A climate change risk management sub-plan will be developed based on the results Pending of the first pass climate change risk and adaptation appraisal of the scheme. This will include monitoring program to manage climate change risks to the scheme into the future as data on climate change impacts becomes more robust. 52 An Emergency and Incident Response Management Plan will be developed in M2G Incident consultation with the ACT and NSW Government Authorities to guide the appropriate Response Plan response in the event of any reasonably foreseeable emergency situation.
Greenhouse gas 55 All greenhouse gas emissions associated with the construction and operation of the Ongoing scheme will be offset.
Social and economic
58 Consultation with affected and adjacent land holders with farm animals to determine OEMP 9 mechanisms to minimise noise and disturbance to animals. 60 The proponent will work with Palerang Shire Council and community members to OEMP 9 and identify and assist the progression of potential community benefits, including road Community realignment and safety improvements at Gibralter Saddle, maintenance of Burra Information Plan Creek vehicle crossings, greenways and riparian revegetation of Burra Creek (Appendix E) adjacent to Burra village and raising of pedestrian access to London Bridge Homestead above the predicted high water mark.
Health and risk impacts 61 An integrated risk management plan will be developed for the scheme, to provide a OEMP 5 and systematic proactive approach to identifying, analysing, assessing, documenting, Appendix D accepting or mitigating and managing risks. Ongoing risk identification, assessment and risk ranking will be done at the concept design phase, the detailed design stage, during the construction phase, at the commissioning phase and again at the
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completion of the warranty period. The plan will cross-reference the other plans being prepared for the scheme
Consultation 69 ACTEW community engagement and stakeholder management program will continue OEMP 9 throughout the life of the scheme and provide opportunities for the community to continue to contribute to the implementation of the scheme. 71 The proponent will work with Palerang Shire Council and community members to OEMP 9 and identify potential community benefits in recognition that benefits derived from the Community scheme (including secure water supply and a stable economy) are not directly related Information Plan to the local impacted community. (Appendix E)
Independent Auditor
73 Icon Water will appoint an independent auditor prior to the commencement of OEMP 3.3 construction works to audit and ensure all commitments set out in the EIS are fully (Environmental completed to the satisfaction of ACTPLA and NSW DP&I. Representative) 74 The Independent Auditor will also audit and ensure that conditions of approval under OEMP 3.3 the Planning and Development Act 2007 are fully completed to the satisfaction of (Environmental ACTPLA. Representative)
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B. M2G Roles and Responsibilities
Chief Executive Officer
Group Manager Group Manager Group Manager Safety, Customer, Water Environment and Communications & Quality Corporate Services
Manager Manager Water Manager Water Manager Quality Manager Manager Customer Environment & Operations Asset Planning and Compliance Communications Services Sustainability
Figure B1. M2G Roles and Responsibilities in Icon Water
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Table B-1 M2G environmental management roles and responsibilities
Role: Responsibilities:
Responsible for Icon Water’s water business; Chief Executive Officer Ensures Icon Water establishes and implements its requirements for the environmentally sound operation and maintenance of the water transfer; Ensures overall compliance with the scheme’s legislative, regulatory and other commitments; Authorises and communicates amendments to the water transfer’s operation and maintenance, and authorises the required resourcing level; Ensures that resources are adequate for the implementation of the OEMP and its sub- plans; and Receives reports on the transfer’s operation and maintenance from Group Managers.
Responsible for strategic asset management of the scheme as the asset owner; Group Manager Water Represents Icon Water to regulators as the scheme asset owner; Identifies, initiates and reviews the program for scheme operation, inspection, maintenance, repair and replacement; Undertakes periodic and ad-hoc reviews of operational loads and performance, to ensure designed service levels are maintained; Integrates environmental impact statement, approval documentation and licence conditions into day to day operations of the scheme; Ensures scheme operator and maintainer adhere with the OEMP and sub-plans, environmental training, procedures and checklists; Ensures appropriate licences are held for taking water and operating the pipeline; Ensures pipeline equipment operation is monitored and initiates and directs incident investigation and corrective actions when operation departs from specified standards or environmental triggers, as based on specialist advice; Provides situation reports and incident reports as required under Section 7.1 of the NSW Approval; and Participates in system audits and annual environmental reviews as required. Provides expert technical, strategic and environmental advice and recommendations to Group Manager Managing Director and Deputy Chief Executive Officer; Safety, Environment Receives input from the M2G Environmental Reference Group; and Quality Monitors legal requirements and raises alerts about changes when they occur; Oversees the rehabilitation, compensatory offset program and carbon offsets; Provides Icon Water oversight of the OEMP and sub-plans; Receives advice from Manager Environment & Sustainability and Manager Regulation, Compliance & Quality in relation to the operation and maintenance of the scheme; Provides strategic input in relation to management reviews of performance against the OEMP and its sub-plans, taking into account monitoring and audit program results; Liaises with government agencies and relevant stakeholders; Reviews and submits incident reports, as required under Section 7.1 of the NSW Approval; and Ensures accurate reports to the Director General under the compliance tracking program are supplied as necessary (Section 6 OEMP). Provides oversight and approval of all Icon Water’s public communications, on behalf of Group Manager the Managing Director. Customer, Communications &
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Corporate Services
Ensures scheme operator adheres with the OEMP and sub-plans, environmental Manager Water training, procedures and checklists. Operations
Ensures scheme maintainer adheres with the OEMP and sub-plans, environmental Manager Water Asset training, procedures and checklists. Planning
Oversees the scheme’s environmental management framework to ensure it is operating Manager Environment in an environmentally sound manner; & Sustainability Ensures that the OEMP and sub-plans are implemented and maintained; Oversees the control of environmental documents and records; Provides ongoing implementation of the terrestrial landscape rehabilitation an compensatory offset program Organises and supervises resources including sub-consultants to implement OEMP sub-plans including water quality, geomorphology and aquatic ecology monitoring plans as necessary to inform adaptive management of the scheme operation; Recommends alterations to operational rules as a result of input from monitoring programs; Reports on the outcome of monitoring and reports non-compliance; Generates incident reports as required under Section 7.1 of the NSW Approval; Prepares reports for the Director General under the compliance tracking program (section 6 OEMP); Undertakes management reviews of environmental performance taking into account monitoring and audit program results; Identifies, prepares and presents environmental induction and training materials; Provides strategic oversight to and manages the day to day requirements of the Environment Reference Group; and Undertakes monitoring and tracking of compliance with the scheme’s legislative, regulatory and other commitments. Plans and coordinates the annual Quality System (and Environment Management Manager Quality and System) Management Review; Compliance Is aware of legal requirements and acts on any changes when they occur; and Works with the Independent Environmental Representative to organise audits of compliance with the approval requirements. Undertakes the following activities to support the M2G during operation: media Manager relations, government relations, corporate branding. Communications
Undertakes the following activities to support the M2G during operation: customer Manager Customer support and notification, issues and complaints management. Services
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C. Environment Reference Group Terms of Reference
1. Purpose
The ERG has been established to provide advice and recommendations to Icon Water for the effective delivery of environmental management, monitoring and reporting for the operation of the Murrumbidgee to Googong Water Transfer (the Transfer). This document supersedes BWA-M2G- CE-ERG-002 ‘Murrumbidgee to Googong Water Transfer Discussion Paper – Establishment of the Environment Reference Group (ERG)’.
2. Structure
The ERG structure provides a framework for reporting, review and consultation between community, professional, government and ACTEW representatives (example in Figure 1). This structure should include the ERG:
• As one central group; • To be chaired by an independent and experienced chairperson, to be appointed by ACTEW following appropriate consultation; • Having the capacity to develop a range of working groups, formed as required to address specific issues and provide advice to the ERG (working group names outlined in Figure 1 are for example only); • To determine specific Terms of Reference (ToR) and adequate representation for working groups as they are formed; • Incorporating further community and professional group feedback external to the ERG as required; and • Administratively supported, as per its ToR and annual work program, by the ERG Secretariat.
Icon Water Environment & Sustainability Manager
ERG
Nominated ERG Chair per Working Group
Rehabilitation Burra Creek Murrumbidgee River Technical Advisory Monitoring Working Group Working Group Working Group Working Group Working Group
Feedback from professional, catchment and community groups – e.g. regular consulting/monitoring reports
Murrumbidgee to Googong Water Transfer 54
3. Membership
3.1 Representation The ERG will consist of representatives of community and professional groups/agencies across the Commonwealth, NSW and ACT jurisdictions, selected for their expertise, interest in the Transfer over time and demonstrated commitment to the protection of the environment. The invitation to membership was extended to a variety of organisations/individuals to ensure adequate representation of the environmental, technical and community interests associated with the Transfer.
ERG membership will comprise a chairperson and up to 20 members engaged as representatives of their organisations. The ERG membership includes technical, community and agency representatives that may be comprised as follows:
Chair (independent party, appointed by Icon Water); Secretariat (appointed by Icon Water); Icon Water Environment representative; Icon Water Operator representative; ACT Parks Conservation and Lands (PCL) Rangers representative; NSW Government representative/s such as: o NSW Office of Water representative, or o NSW Environment Protection Authority, or o NSW Office of Environment & Heritage; ACT Environment Protection Authority representative; ACT Government; Nature Conservation Council of NSW; Murrumbidgee Catchment Management Authority; Palerang Council Independent Environmental Representative of the Murrumbidgee to Googong Water Transfer; Upper Murrumbidgee Catchment Coordinating Committee representative; Burra Landcare representative; Molonglo Catchment Group; Burra Community Association representative; Friends of Grasslands representative; and Smiths Road Community Organisation representative. To ensure adequate representation to fulfill the functions of the ERG, the following membership considerations are taken into account. ERG members may also be members of ERG working groups as determined in the establishment of the ERG working groups. Some organisations nominated for ERG membership may be more practically engaged through ERG/working group activities according to the operational phase of the Transfer.
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Rather than by formal ERG membership, other individuals/groups with specialist knowledge or contributions that may be engaged by providing reports or guest representatives to the ERG or its working groups include: o Monitoring consultants; and o Technical experts - such as in water quality, hydrology, aquatic ecology, geomorphology, riparian and terrestrial management.
3.2 Term Following the initial 2 year term of the ERG (Sep 11-Sep 13), the ERG term will be extended for a period of 2 years to cover the time period from December 2013 until December 2015. At 12 months, and again at 24 months, the ERG’s function and performance will be reviewed. The outcomes of this review may institute changes to the ToRs, membership and other ERG matters to ensure the ERG is functioning at the appropriate level.
Appointments will be reviewed by Icon Water as required but at least every two years. ERG membership may be rotated, replaced or re-appointed during or after that time. The ERG membership will be reviewed to ensure its representation is in line with the requirements of the Transfer’s operational phases.
3.3 Appointment process Members will be representatives of local community and professional organisations, engaged due to their interest, knowledge and commitment to making a positive contribution to the environmental management of the Transfer’s operations and associated remediation/mitigation measures. Existing members will be carried over to the new 2014-2015 term. For new members, the following appointment process will apply: Membership will generally be by invitation from the ERG Chair or Secretariat, in consultation with the Icon Water Manager Environment & Sustainability, to groups/agencies identified as relevant to the Transfer. Organisations will be invited to put forward their nominated primary representative and a deputy representative to be engaged on the ERG. Regular participation in ERG activities will be expected from the organisation’s primary representative. The organisation’s deputy representative would participate in ERG activities when the primary representative is unable to do so. Groups/agencies and ERG members can propose other nominations for membership for ACTEW’s consideration. Any other individual/group interested in participating in the ERG should contact the ERG Secretariat so further nominations or feedback may be facilitated for consideration. The offer of appointment includes introductory information and the request for necessary details. Membership is accepted and confirmed subject to the acknowledgement and completion of information provided with the offer of appointment: ERG ToR and annual work plan; Remuneration information – guidelines on sitting fees; Established protocols – e.g. member guide for travel and any site entry arrangements; Secretariat and useful contacts; Appointment form (detailing the primary and deputy representative of the appointed member organisation); Organisation/personal details form; Member declaration (conflict of interest) form; Financial details form (to facilitate remuneration entitlements); CV template; and
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Whether an ERG member is appointed (and therefore remunerated) as an individual or as an organisation will be determined by Icon Water. Typically, an organisation will be appointed as the ERG member to provide the organisation’s views to the ERG via the organisation’s nominated representative. This would mean the organisation would be offered remuneration for its participation in the ERG, and the organisation may or may not choose to accept this remuneration. At times, the appointment of an individual as an ERG member may be necessary as an exception given it is the individual’s expertise/contribution represented on the ERG (rather than any organisation/s they are affiliated with). In this case, the individual would be offered remuneration for their ERG participation.
3.4 Conflict of interest Prospective ERG members will be required to sign a conflict of interest declaration and disclose any matter that could adversely affect, or might be perceived to affect their ERG membership. If members represent a particular community, advocacy or government group other than their organisation engaged for the purpose of the ERG, this should be declared. The ERG Chair and Icon Water will consider such declarations before confirming membership. The ERG will maintain a register of declarations, gifts and hospitality which individual members are required to review and update annually or as their circumstances change. This register is accessible by Icon Water and all ERG members. If issues raised in the presence of a particular ERG member present a potential conflict of interest, the member concerned should identify this conflict with the Chair and exclude themselves from discussion of that issue. If a member is in doubt about whether they are in a position of conflict of interest they should seek guidance from the Chair or Icon Water. The Chair or Icon Water may elect to exclude a member from a discussion or recommendations where there is a potential conflict of interest. Where situations arise that breach the declarations signed by the member, the situation will be assessed in favour of the public interest. Once the member concerned has been given appropriate procedural fairness, and after consultation with the ERG Chair and other ERG members to determine whether the degree, nature and extent of a conflict of interest is material or real, Icon Water may terminate membership.
3.5 Probity Documentation provided at ERG meetings should not be circulated outside membership of the group without Icon Water’s written consent. Consent may be sought through the Secretariat for consideration through Icon Water’s communication protocols. Deliberations of the ERG may be classified as in-confidence and this confidence should be respected when communicating with parties external to ERG member organisations.
3.6 Conflict resolution Grievances and disputes are to be resolved at the lowest appropriate level. Grievances and disputes are to be managed according to the principles of natural justice and procedural fairness. In the first instance, the matter is to be raised between the parties directly and if possible resolved in a timely manner at that level. If the matter cannot be resolved between the parties directly then the matter should be referred to the Chair to help reach a resolution. The Chair may use whatever resources are available to assist with a resolution. If the matter is unable to be resolved through agreement, negotiation or mediation, then the Chair may determine the matter and advise the parties. Where the grievance or dispute involves the Chair, as a party to the dispute or grievance, the same process should be followed, but conducted by an independent third party engaged by Icon Water. If the aggrieved party(s) is/are not satisfied with the determination they may request Icon Water to review the matter. The request to review must be in writing, setting out the reasons for review and made within 14 days of the advice of the determination. The review of the determination will be
Murrumbidgee to Googong Water Transfer 57
limited to matters of natural justice and procedural fairness. Icon Water may request the determination be reconsidered. Icon Water will advise the aggrieved party(s) in writing of the result of the review.
4. Terms of Reference
The role of the ERG is to provide advice and recommendations for the effective delivery of environmental management, monitoring and reporting programs for the rehabilitation of impacts and successful operation of the Transfer. As such, the ERG is engaged to: Assist and advise Icon Water and its consultants on the community and technical aspects and overall operation of its flow, water transfer, monitoring, rehabilitation and environmental management strategies; Review and advise on the implementation and outcomes of monitoring programs and environmental mitigation actions, including rehabilitation, compensatory habitat offsets, geomorphologic, water quality, ecological monitoring and additional monitoring programs due to exceeded water quality triggers or community involvement; Assist Icon Water with the interpretation of monitoring results and environmental impacts to inform mitigation strategies and support a quality reporting regime; Be informed on the outcome of audits, management reviews, compliance tracking programs and incident investigations; Advise Icon Water on further options for environmental mitigation where programs indicate a need; Manage working groups to support the role of the ERG; and Respond to specific requests from Icon Water to examine a particular issue related to the Transfer (e.g. in response to related technical expertise, anecdotal and/or community monitoring information) and provide advice and/or further recommendations on this.
5. Outline of operations
5.1 ERG operations as per its ToR To provide advice in line with its ToR, the ERG will: Draft an annual work program as per its ToR, outline of operations and project phases for Icon Water endorsement; Provide advice on Transfer matters in accordance with the ToR; Be chaired by an independent and expert individual; Convene at least two General Meetings a year, with intermediate teleconferences or special meetings as required, to discuss progress, current and emerging issues, outcomes of working group activities, future action and its advice to Icon Water; Review the implementation of the Operation Environmental Management Plan (OEMP), particularly flow and monitoring plans and make recommendations for improvement; Participate in the development of Transfer specific initiatives to support environmental mitigation and rehabilitation measures if required; Visit sites of interest as required to monitor environmental impacts and mitigation measures;
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Have access to final environmental planning documentation, monitoring figures and related reports to obtain information on the operation of the Transfer; Respond to monitoring information and specific requests from Icon Water to examine and advise on a particular issue related to the Transfer; Individually or collectively seek and report on feedback from community and professional groups with an interest in the Transfer; Exchange information across ERG and working group activities to ensure understanding and direction of ERG/working group objectives and progress (e.g. reporting through the ERG Chairs of working groups); Report on the outcomes of ERG and working group activities to Icon Water by providing minutes, reports and forward work plans as required; Treat ERG briefing material, deliberations, advice, reports and recommendations as in- confidence where classified and marked by the ERG/ Icon Water (e.g. ERG and Icon Water consent is required for discussion of confidential ERG material outside ERG member organisations; ERG advice/recommendations to Icon Water is to be treated as in-confidence until Icon Water has had an opportunity to consider the advice/recommendation and/or the matter is agreed to be public knowledge); In consultation with Icon Water, establish and supervise the function, operation and membership of working groups as needed to support the role of the ERG; Have its ToR and activities (including of working groups) reviewed by Icon Water, in consultation with the ERG, as required according to operational requirements of the Transfer, with formal reviews conducted as described in 3.2; Review its role as a technical and operational reference group to ensure clarity of responsibilities and scope for recommendations Icon Water may or may not accept, depending on the full context of an issue; Review the role of member organisations/individuals and identify professional and relevant community groups that may have a role in the monitoring program or future working groups; Review the ERG framework and ToR for endorsement by Icon Water; Conduct its deliberations and activities in a transparent manner; Be supported by the ERG Secretariat.
5.2 Chair The independent ERG Chair will facilitate orderly and constructive discussion between members on matters within the ERG’s ToR and ensure that any action required is appropriately assigned. The Chair will also: lead the call for membership nominations; instigate the functions of the ERG through drafting of annual work programs; prepare the biennial report on ERG performance for review by the ERG and endorsement by Icon Water before public release; and liaise with the Secretariat to develop meeting agendas and ensure the progression of actions arising from meetings.
If the incumbent Chair resigns or becomes unavailable, an interim and/or replacement Chair will be determined by the ERG and the Icon Water Environment Representative.
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5.3 Secretariat The ERG Secretariat will provide administrative support to ERG activities, through the ERG Chair and in line with the ToR. This support includes: Providing briefings, information, logistics, reporting and assistance as required by ERG and working group meetings and site visits; Organising ERG and working group meeting venues, invitations, agenda, business papers, minutes and actions; Providing timely information to the ERG in relation the progress, operations and potential issues of the Transfer; and Managing public information on the role and activities of the ERG in tandem with the Icon Water Communications Team. The key function of the Secretariat is to manage the relationships between Icon Water, ERG Chair and ERG members. This includes time and significant effort towards establishing familiarity, cooperation and support for the ERG role at the onset, as well as then fostering constructive interaction based on trust and mutual respect. The Secretariat will need to maintain effective communication and engagement between all parties to support the success of the ERG purpose and framework (e.g. providing the underlying coordination and relationship/stakeholder management for the framework example seen in Figure 1).
5.4 Meetings ERG General Meetings will be held at least every six months, at a venue in the Burra/Williamsdale area where possible. The ERG Chair may call additional meetings and teleconferences from time to time. An ERG meeting cannot proceed unless it has a quorum including one Icon Water representative, and representatives from at least two community groups in attendance. ERG General Meetings will include reports/minutes of working group activities. Agendas will be distributed to members via their nominated address at least 10 working days, and associated papers (including hard copies) at least five working days, in advance of each meeting. The ERG Secretariat will distribute draft minutes within seven working days of the meeting to the members for comment within seven working days. Minutes from the previous meeting will be finalised and tabled at the next meeting and provided to all member organisations for information.
5.5 Protocol for participation in visits and working groups ERG and working group members can request a site visit or to participate in working group activities at any time if the reason for the visit is in line with ERG functions. The request must be submitted in the first instance to the ERG Chair, and approved by Icon Water. ERG/working group members who cannot participate in a particular visit/activity should submit any agenda items or documentation they deem necessary to support the visit/activity to the ERG Secretariat in the first instance for the Chair’s distribution to members. To effectively manage time and resources, members participating in a particular visit/activity should be directly related and able to contribute to the purpose of the visit (e.g. not all members may need to attend a visit if working representation is adequate).
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5.6 Remuneration Sitting fees will be available to the Chair, ERG and working group members (excluding representatives or employees of Icon Water, ActewAGL or government agencies) set at a level to be determined by Icon Water and guided by remuneration structures of similar groups. Note that remuneration is only paid to the organisation being represented, and acceptance of sitting fees is at the discretion of the individual organisation’s representatives. Payments can be made to either individuals or their organisations depending on the nature of engagement For instance, if the organisation is the ERG member and it is the organisation’s views represented on the ERG, then sitting fees would be offered to the organisation as long as the organisation is not Icon Water, ActewAGL or a government agency. If an individual is engaged as an ERG member, then the individual would be offered sitting fees to be paid to their nominated account. For administrative ease, incidental costs incurred by an ERG member while participating in ERG activities (e.g. parking fee) will be taken into account in the determination of sitting fees. Invoices must be submitted to the Secretariat within 2 months of the event being claimed or by the end of financial year, whichever is sooner, to comply with Icon Water financial requirements.
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D. Risk Assessment
Table D-1 Summary of potential operational and maintenance environmental aspects, impacts, and mitigating actions
Potential impacts Assessment of potential Mitigation and management of potential impacts impact
Hydrology and geomorphology - Murrumbidgee River and Burra Creek
Murrumbidgee River Changes to hydrology, including Maintain ACT regulated environmental flow in the and Burra Creek reduced flows in the Murrumbidgee River. hydraulics and Murrumbidgee River during Monitor as per the Aquatic Ecology Management Plan, fluvial abstraction periods and and the Flow and Water Quality Management Plan: geomorphology increased flows in Burra Creek. • Water quality parameters (physico-chemical). Additional flows in Burra Creek • Aquatic ecology (macroinvertebrates and periphyton). would potentially result in: • Freshwater fish assessment. Increased sediment transfer; • River bank (riparian) and in-stream vegetation Changes to thermal regime; (macrophytes). Alteration to extent of • River bed (geomorphological) and sediment macrophytes and characteristics. macroinvertebrates; • Structural integrity of London Bridge Erosion and modification of Analyse monitoring results in consultation with regulators bed and banks; to identify any trends towards significant impact. Increased utilisation of Trigger levels and thresholds for monitored parameters Burra Creek by fish in are identified in the Aquatic Ecology Management Plan, Googong Dam. and the Flow and Water Quality Management Plan. These are consistent with ANZECC guidelines for initiation of timely mitigation actions to prevent significant impacts from occurring (modify operational regimes and/or implement structural interventions).
Water quality
Burra Creek water Transfer water quality impacts Googong water quality impacts are unlikely be seen in the quality on Burra Creek ecology. short term. Icon Water routinely monitors drinking water Build-up of nutrients in the quality at the source through to consumer. Googong Reservoir due to In the longer-term, if any trend towards decreasing increased nutrient load causes drinking water quality is observed, Icon Water will excessive algae growths. consider the following strategies: • Selectively harvesting reservoir water from different depths (a variable depth intake allows selection of the best quality water from different layers in the reservoir). • Aerate/mix reservoir water. • Upgrade water treatment process for improved algae, taste and odour removal.
Aquatic ecology
Burra Creek Reduced aquatic biodiversity in Use of appropriate step up/down operating regime to biodiversity (aquatic Murrumbidgee River or Burra mitigate effects arising from changes in flow regime and ecosystems) Creek due to operational water quality and to allow fish to safely exit via regimes. downstream Burra Creek. The macrophyte beds and macroinvertebrate populations of Burra Creek are likely to reach a state of equilibrium
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following an initial period of readjustment. The monitoring and adaptive management measures described in the Aquatic Ecology Management Plan, and the Flow and Water Quality Management Plan will be implemented to prevent occurrence of any significant residual impact. Threatened species Permanent impacts from Release captured sediments regularly (use of automatic and communities – structures will affect very small timers) in sufficiently low volumes to avoid significant introducing threats areas of Murrumbidgee River impacts. to the viability of bank. Maintenance of environmental base flow in the known threatened Sedimentation/degraded Murrumbidgee River. Monitoring and adaptive species or aquatic habitat due to release of management measures described in the Aquatic Ecology communities captured sediments at intake Management Plan, and the Flow and Water Quality (including impacts discharged back into the Management Plan will be implemented to prevent from significant Murrumbidgee River occurrence of any significant residual impact. abstraction of water downstream of Angle Crossing. The intake structure has been designed to prevent resulting in reduced Impacts of reduced flow in transfer of fish eggs through the pipeline. This will be river flows, Murrumbidgee River will be monitored during operation of the scheme. transferring of fish insignificant in the context of eggs). The Aquatic Ecology Management Plan, and the Flow natural variation and tolerances and Water Quality Management Plan include rules and Impacts on of existing aquatic ecosystems. trigger levels which initiate management actions when endangered fish The study area is known or threshold levels are exceeded. species due to likely to support a number of operational regime threatened fish species impacting on including Trout Cod, Macquarie Murrumbidgee River Perch, Silver Perch, and the (identified in the Murray Cod. These species environmental were assessed under the ACT, assessment NSW and Federal threatened process). species provisions including assessment of significance and application of significant impact criteria. The outcome of these assessments is that it is unlikely that the scheme would cause a significant impact on any populations of the Macquarie Perch, Silver Perch, Trout Cod or the Murray Cod.
Terrestrial ecology Clearance of native Vegetation removal is required Rehabilitation plans will be agreed with relevant ACT, vegetation during for the scheme. NSW, and Commonwealth agencies to restore EEC and construction – the Reduced areas of Endangered threatened species habitats wherever possible and will be proposal will result Ecological Communities (EEC): managed by Icon Water after construction is complete. in the clearance of Box Gum Grassy Woodland more than 0.5 ha of and Natural Temperate Icon Water is implementing a biodiversity offset area moderate-high Grassland. contiguous with that of other schemes to provide a large quality native Disturbance of rocky outcrops area of like for like biodiversity, ongoing management and vegetation. habitat of the vulnerable Pink- protection in perpetuity. tailed Worm Lizard Aprasia parapulchella for construction of Ongoing management arrangements agreed with the the scheme. relevant ACT, NSW, and Commonwealth agencies will be Ongoing management of put in place to ensure the long term maintenance and rehabilitation and compensatory improvement of its conservation values. habitat will be required post
construction during the
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operational life time of the water Details are in the Biodiversity and Offset Management transfer. Plan. Environmentally The Murrumbidgee River The design of the intake and low lift pump station sensitive areas – Corridor is defined as an minimises impact on environmental flows and the disturbance of environmentally sensitive area surrounding bank structure and is not expected to protected or under the ACT Planning and significantly impact the aquatic ecology of the sensitive areas Development Act 2007. Murrumbidgee River. (including both terrestrial and aquatic areas)
Land use
Siting of and Restrictions on the use of land Any restrictions on planting and structures within operation of the within the permanent pipeline permanent pipeline easement are subject to payment of a infrastructure results easement and disruption to land once off compensation payment to the affected party. in a reduced owners due to maintenance Except in emergency situations, it is Icon Water’s general availability and/or access during operation. policy to consult with landholders prior to accessing unacceptable impact easements through private property. on land for recreation use
Noise and vibration
Operation of the There are three air valves along Attenuation for these air valves is to be provided. scheme resulting in the pipeline route that have noise impacts been identified as potentially generating elevated noise due to high exit velocities during operation of the scheme. Chapter 20 of the EIS provides a greater explanation of the limited operational circumstances when air valves are likely to operate.
Climate, air quality and bushfire
Climate Change – Potential impacts to scheme The design of the scheme has taken take potential climate climate change infrastructure resulting from change and bushfire risks into account. could impact on extreme weather events, The Flow & Water Quality Management Plan outlines operation of the bushfire or increased how the pipeline will be operated, taking climate change infrastructure and evaporation as a result of into account. viability of the climate change. scheme threatening Modelling of scheme future Dust and odour during maintenance and operations will the reliability of operation has taken into be managed in accordance with statutory requirements. supply. consideration: Bushfire controls are included in the Land Management Dust and odour • The last ten years climate Agreement for the Compensatory Habitat Offset land. could be generated continually repeating (daily during operation, Regular monitoring and management of the pipeline timestep analysis); and particularly during corridor will be undertaken through the Landscape • Stochastic data based around maintenance Rehabilitation and Terrestrial Ecology Management Plan. the CSIRO worst case activities. Low Lift Pump Station is protected from bushfire due to its scenarios of ACT 2030 The asset could be location and materials of construction. climate (monthly timestep put at risk due to High Lift Pump Station and mini hydro are installed with analysis). increased likelihood monitoring equipment to assist detect faults. of bushfire incident Therefore, consideration of the Installation of hydrants along pipeline assists to mitigate during operation. possible worst case scenario for impact of bushfire. the lowest rainfall/highest
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evaporation and how this would impact on the actual transfer of flows has been undertaken. This is documented in chapter 9 of the EIS.
General National Matters of NES have been A range of mitigation measures have been developed to environmental addressed in Chapter 26 of the protect matters of NES. These have been addressed in significance (NES) EIS with an assessment of each chapters 12, 13, 15, 26, 27 and 28 of the EIS. – Scheme creates matter undertaken separately. A research and monitoring program for Murray Cod has unacceptable Although there is a potential to been developed for the Murrumbidgee River, in impacts on matters impact on some matters of NES consultation with the Commonwealth. of NES that cannot (refer listed threatened species be adequately and listed ecological mitigated. communities), this concluded that with the application of proposed mitigation measures, there is unlikely to be a significant impact on any matters of NES. Approval for the project has been granted by the Commonwealth.
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E. Community Information Plan
Register of significant changes/additions to previous version(s) or previous relevant document(s)
Previous relevant document: Community Engagement and Stakeholder Management Plan – Construction and Operation, BWA-M2G-CE-PLN-002, Chapter 12
Table 1.1 significant changes/additions to previous version(s) or previous relevant document(s)
Subject Description of change/addition Reference within this plan
General Reference to ActewAGL was deleted throughout the document and This plan replaced with Icon Water, since the Water Division is no longer part of ActewAGL. General Reference to organisational structure was updated to reflect the This plan current Icon Water structure.
Environmental All commitments relating to the construction phase were removed Table 1.1 – 1.5 commitments and because the Community Information Plan (CIP) is an operational conditions of phase sub plan under the Operation Environment Management Plan approval/licences (OEMP). All construction commitments removed from this plan are still covered in the Community Engagement and Stakeholder Management Plan (CESMP) under the Construction Environment Management Plan (CEMP). Introduction Introduction section was added to reflect operational context. 1
Aims and Objectives Aims & Objectives section was added to reflect operational context. 2
Social Impacts: Specifically included noise as requested by the independent auditor 3 Operation through Observation of Concern #001 from the Feb 14 OEMP Audit.
Communication Communication methods section was added to reflect operational 4 methods context.
Environmental ERG section was added to reflect operational context. 5.2 Reference Group (ERG)
Property Interaction PIP section was added to reflect operational context. 5.2 Plan (PIP)
Complaints Complaints management procedures were updated to reflect Icon 5.4 Management Water procedure. Procedures
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Natural disasters, Water These sections from abovementioned related document were not N/A supply contamination, incorporated in this plan, since they are covered in Icon Water’s terrorism or vandalism Water Supply and Sewerage Emergency Plan and are not directly to assets, ministerial relevant to M2G community information management. response procedure Community Information This schedule has been updated to reflect the operational phase. All Appendix A Plan Schedule references relating to the construction phase have been removed. All construction commitments removed from this plan are still covered in the CESMP under the CEMP.
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Environmental Commitments and Conditions of Approval / Licences
Table 1.2 EIS Chapter 28 Commitments
Commitment No. Commitment / Condition (Chapter 28 EIS) Reference within this plan
C69 Consultation This plan Icon Water community engagement and stakeholder management program will continue throughout the life of the project and provide opportunities for the community to continue to contribute to the implementation of the project.
C70 Icon Water will continue to work closely with directly affected landholders to 5.3 discuss construction requirements and in particular develop individual agreements with landholders around the long term rehabilitation of land.
Table 1.3 EIS Commitments - Other
Internal Commitment / Condition Reference within Reference. this plan
93 Consultation with landowners would occur in accordance with the operational This plan environmental management plan for the project, especially with regards to 5.3 maintenance access.
170 Operational noise and vibration Appendix A
Where possible (i.e. prior to scheduled pipeline maintenance operations), it is recommended that community consultation or notification (e.g. letter box drop) be undertaken prior to pipeline maintenance involving air valve operation. Landowners should be provided with details of the time and date at which the maintenance event is to be conducted, so that domestic livestock and pets can be restrained or housed appropriately.
241 Consultation This plan
Icon Water community engagement and stakeholder management program will continue throughout the life of the project and provide opportunities for the community to continue to contribute to the implementation of the project.
242 Icon Water will continue to work closely with directly affected landholders to 5.3 discuss construction requirements and in particular develop individual agreements with landholders around the long term rehabilitation of land.
347 Community involvement in Monitoring Programs Murrumbidgee River 5.2 and Burra Creek
Monitoring Stakeholder engagement with the monitoring programme will be undertaken to ensure relevant groups and individuals have the opportunity to
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become involved in both the monitoring of both the Murrumbidgee River and Burra Creek and analysis of the incoming data derived from the monitoring programme.
Table 1.4 DA Conditions of Approval (ACT)
Condition No. Commitment / Condition Reference within this plan
A5 Prior to the commencement of works on site, the proponent must ensure 4 that the following are available for community enquiries and/or complaint for the life of the project (including construction and operation): (a) a telephone number on which complaints about construction and operational activities at the site can be registered; (b) a postal address to which written complaints may be sent; and (c) an email address to which electronic complaints can be transmitted.
Table 1.5 DoP Conditions of Approval (NSW)
Condition No. Commitment / Condition Reference within this plan
4 Community Information, Consultation and Involvement
4.1 4 Subject to confidentiality, the Proponent shall make all documents required under this approval available for public inspection on request.
4.2 Provision of Electronic Information 4
Prior to the commencement of construction of the project, the Proponent shall establish a dedicated website or maintain dedicated pages within its existing website for the provision of electronic information associated with the project subject to confidentiality. The Proponent shall publish and maintain up-to-date information on this website or dedicated pages including, but not necessarily limited to:
4.2 (a) The current implementation status of the project; 4
4.2 (b) A copy of this approval and any future modification to this approval; 4
4.2 (c) A copy of each relevant environmental approval, licence or permit required 4 and obtained in relation to the project;
4.2 (e) A copy of each plan, report, or required monitoring program under this 4 approval; and
4.2 (f) Details of the outcomes of compliance reviews and audits of the project. 4
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4.3 Community Information Plan This Plan
Prior to the commencement of construction, the Proponent shall prepare and implement a Community Information Plan which sets out the community communications and consultation processes to be undertaken during construction and operation of the project. The Plan shall include but not be limited to:
4.3 (f) Procedures to inform and consult with affected landowners to rehabilitate 5.3 impacted land;
4.4 Complaints Procedure Appendix A, 4
Prior to the commencement of construction of the project, the Proponent shall ensure that the following are available for community complaints for the life of the project (including construction and operation):
4.4 (a) a 24 hour telephone number on which complaints about construction and 4 operational activities at the site may be registered;
4.4 (b) a postal address to which written complaints may be sent; and 4
4.4 (c) an email address to which electronic complaints may be transmitted. 4
4.4 (continued) The telephone number, the postal address and the e-mail address shall be 4 advertised in a newspaper circulating in the locality on at least one occasion prior to the commencement of construction and at six-monthly intervals for two years following commencement of operation of the project. These details shall also be provided on the Proponent’s internet site. The telephone number, the postal address and the email address shall be displayed on a near the entrance to the site, in a position that is clearly visible to the public.
4.5 The Proponent shall record details of all complaints received through the 5.4 means listed under condition 4.4 of this approval in an up-to-date Complaints Register. The Register shall record, but not necessarily be limited to:
4.5 (a) The date and time, where relevant, of the complaint; 5.4
4.5 (b) The means by which the complaint was made (telephone, mail or email); 5.4
4.5 (c) Any personal details of the complainant that were provided, or if no details 5.4 were provided, a note to that effect;
4.5 (d) The nature of the complaint; 5.4
4.5 (e) Any action(s) taken by the Proponent in relation to the complaint, including 5.4 timeframes for implementing the action; and
4.5 (f) If no action was taken by the Proponent in relation to the complaint, the 5.4
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reason(s) why no action was taken.
4.5 continued The Complaints Register shall be made available for inspection by the 5.4 Director-General upon request.
4.6 The Proponent shall provide an initial response to any complaints made in 5.4 relation to the project during construction or operation within 48 hours of the complaint being made. The response and any subsequent action taken shall be recorded in accordance with condition 4.5.
Table 1.6 Commonwealth Conditions of Approval (Environment, Biodiversity, EPBC Act)
Condition No. Commitment / Condition Reference within this plan
6 Management Plans and Reports (however described) referred to in these 4 conditions of approval must be made publicly available on the Icon Water website.
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1. Introduction This Community Information Plan (CIP) has been prepared to support the operational phase of the Murrumbidgee to Googong Transfer Scheme (M2G). This plan guides the approach to community engagement and stakeholder management during the M2G operational phase. This plan identifies activities that will facilitate a flow of information between Icon Water and community and government stakeholders throughout the life of the scheme. The plan is recognised as an iterative process that continues to be shaped and adapted to reflect the needs of the community and other key stakeholders as the partnership grows and changes and new issues emerge.
2. Aims and Objectives The aims and objectives of the community engagement and stakeholder management strategy are to: Maintain community and stakeholder support to facilitate the achievement of the M2G’s objectives; Fulfil statutory requirements, including conditions of approval, relevant to stakeholders and the community; Protect the M2G from negative impacts; Ensure all stakeholders are identified and engaged with in an appropriate, timely and consistent manner, and that their needs and interests are recognised; Understand issues and concerns and resolve them in an appropriate manner; Manage risks and issues so that they are resolved at the lowest possible level; and Uphold the corporate reputation of Icon Water and its contractors.
3. Social Impacts: Operation Potential social impacts (including benefits) during the operational phase of the M2G are expected to include:
• Intrinsic value – providing improved water supply to Canberra and the ACT, as well as Queanbeyan;
• Property impacts – clearing and restrictions on use of the pipeline easement may affect visual amenity, planting along the easement and have potential for the introduction of weed species. Icon Water easement access requirements for maintenance or operational purposes may represent an inconvenience for landholders. Removal of pipeline scouring water by trucks has the potential to increase local traffic and may have on-site erosion effects. With appropriate management, these are considered to have a low impact on the community and stakeholders; • Water supply – in addition to the anticipated benefit to water customers in the ACT and Queanbeyan (including projected population increases and new land release areas in Queanbeyan), the inclusion of hydrant outlets along the pipeline for use by local Rural Fires Services (who are not on reticulated water) will provide a local benefit. Additionally, the location of
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the outlet structure in Burra Creek effectively increases the water supply to the creek in the Burra area which will maintain riparian revegetation and habitat improvements as well as a potential increase in the creeks aesthetic and recreational amenity; • Access to Googong Foreshores – increased reservoir levels will increase access for fishing, especially for the disabled. Tourism numbers have also frequently aligned with reservoir levels, so increased reservoir levels are expected to result in an overall increase in tourism to the Foreshores and Reservoir, resulting in a moderate positive social impact and potential positive economic impacts; • Recreational impacts at Angle Crossing – the project is likely to increase aesthetic or recreational amenity in the long term through the restoration of Angle Crossing that was carried out in 2012 following construction; • Social risks – there is potential for aggravation of inter-jurisdictional issues (the tensions between ACT beneficiaries versus those affected in NSW) and erosion of community cohesion (as a result of pipeline route negotiations). Changes in property ownership could also involve renegotiation of property access; • Noise impacts – maintenance activities have the potential to generate minor increases in the background levels of noise, dust and traffic; however these would be temporary and short term. Additionally, operation of high and low lift pump stations at Angle Crossing, air and scour valves along the pipeline, and the discharge outlet into Burra Creek, could result in an increase in noise levels that are potentially offensive to landowners, adjacent residents and recreational users. Noise complaints received will be addressed through the complaints management procedure outlined in Section 5.4 where further noise mitigation measures will be investigated if noise levels are above that approved; • Visual impacts – the main visual impact of the M2G are the changes in the landscape at the sites for the high lift pump station, the air and scour valves, the pipeline markers, the mini hydro and the outlet structure.
4. General communication methods
4.1 Icon Water contact information for stakeholders The relevant telephone number, postal address and e-mail address for community stakeholders to contact Icon Water about the project’s operation will be advertised in a newspaper circulating in the locality at the commencement of operation and at six-monthly intervals for two years after that. These details will also be provided on the Icon Water website. Complaints from external stakeholders will be recorded and responded to. Regular reports on stakeholder contacts will be reviewed on a regular basis, but no less than every six months.
4.2 Media Media enquiries will be managed by Icon Water’s Communications Manager. No comment will be provided to the media on any issue without prior approval from this manager.
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4.3 Icon Water website The Icon Water website provides information and links to environmental planning documents (such as the EIS/Preferred Project Report, Public Environment Report and Development Application), contact details, conditions of approval, approved management plans and other information such as licences and notifications. The website is reviewed regularly (but no less than every six months) to ensure it is up to date.
5. Specific communication and consultation methods
5.1 Community Information Plan Schedule - Operation A detailed Operation Schedule for the operational phase of the project is outlined at Appendix A. During the operational phase of the project, the core communication and complaints management responsibility will sit with Icon Water’s Customer, Communications & Corporate Services Branch. Icon Water is customer service focused, with well-developed systems and procedures based around the 24 hour call centre which manages both emergency and general customer queries across the water network in the ACT and Queanbeyan areas. Customer service within Icon Water is consistent with its requirements under the Utilities (Consumer Protection Code) Determination 2012.
This plan reflects these arrangements and will be supported by the following documents during the operational phase of this project: • Business Activities – Customer Service and Complaints; • Icon Water Corporations Complaint Handling Procedure CBS 201Utilities (Consumer Protection Code) Determination 2012; • Australian Standard AS ISO 10002-2006: Customer Satisfaction – Guidelines for complaints handling in organisations; • Landowner Consent Guidelines; • Icon Water Service & Installation Rules; • Icon Water Customer summary: Your rights and obligations; and • Icon Water Standard Contract.
5.2 Environmental Reference Group (ERG) Icon Water established the ERG to provide advice on the appropriateness and adequacy of the environmental management, monitoring and reporting for the construction and operation of the M2G. The ERG structure provides a framework for reporting, review and consultation between community, scientific, government and Icon Water representatives. The initial term for the ERG was 2 years, with the first meeting taking place in September 2011. The future of the ERG beyond the initial 2-year term, which runs out in September 2013, is subject to ongoing support from both member organisations and Icon Water.
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5.3 Property Interaction Plan (PIP) Individual operational Property Interaction Plans (PIP) are in place for all 17 landholders along the M2G easement. Version 2 of this plan was distributed in May 2013 and deals specifically with the operational phase of the project.
The Property Interaction Plan provides information on the processes to be followed by Icon Water for completing rehabilitation works on the landholder’s property, and on how Icon Water will liaise with the landholder during operation of the M2G. The plan aims to provide all necessary information on what it means to have a pipeline easement on the landholder’s property, including information on access arrangements for Icon Water to the pipeline, activities in the pipeline easement which require Icon Water approval and contact details for Icon Water.
5.4 Complaints Management Procedures Icon Water has a comprehensive Complaints Management Procedure which describes how stakeholder complaints are responded to and resolved in a timely and responsive manner. In conjunction with the requirements of the Utilities Act (2000), Consumer Protection Code and Australian Standards, it provides the steps to be followed when a complaint is made, and the protocols or code of behaviour that should be followed when managing stakeholder complaints. Following this procedure will ensure all complaints are registered to meet the regulatory requirements.
Its purpose is; To provide a timely and consistent standard of response to customers or persons who are dissatisfied with the services or products provided by Icon Water. Its scope; This procedure applies to authorised Customer Services personnel. This procedure is to be consistent with and supplemented by corporate business activity procedures. The procedure is outlined in Figure 5.1 below
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Note 1 : Complaint Main sources: The customer is contacted whenever there is a Officer receives # Technical Enquiry Line significant change to the proposed solution, complaint # Faults and Emergencies Call Centre program dates or any commitment to the customer. # Mail # Email to [email protected] . . Note 2 : Risk of harm Initiate risk mitigation strategy Data entry and other corporate protocols described to protect persons , property or
In Business Activities customer . Service Complaints. ? Yes asset . All cases where there is a safety risk to community or Note 3 ; Yes & No staff must be actioned on day All financial payments to be approved in writing by of receipt . Manager Customer Support & Investigations. Enter into Any payments in Gentrack to be entered as “Satisfy” IT System( Check for If complaint relates to M2 G, WDAW (Icon Water Account Adjustment ) , or previous cases, for history and to response is required on date of ULAW (Undetected Leaks Policy Adjustment ). All receipt avoid duplication payments in satisfy to be recorded as “Ex Gratia” in event of goodwill , “Compensation” if paying to rectify , “Rebate” if breach under CPC Acknowledge in writing if Acknowledge all unable to reach by phone x 2 Note 4 : complaints (If possible provide response Any cases escalated to ACAT, Minister, Managing in same contact ) Director ( CEO ) to have “referred via” field, in “Details tab” updated accordingly Information Main sources: gathering # Water works # WASP # Works Management System # Project Managers Solution ? # Advise action Initiate Immediate Further data required # Make appointment Solution solution available if site visit required Contact Investigation YES customer Consider ? compensation NO Request to relevant officer
Contact Plan e . g. Result Investigate customer resolution # Site investigation # Billing history # Previous events Consider Satisfied NO compensation ? Meaningful response Escalate # Phone , email or letter YES Provide Customer # Agree program # Agree scope of work meaningful response Case Closed: # Agree compensation - Record whether customer satisfied in “Case Finalised” field - Review “category”, “responsibility” and Work “compliance” fields Request Work complete confirmation
Contact Review case # Response letter , email or phone Customer
Fault Customer or trend ? Satisfied NO Escalate No ? End Yes YES Pursue Case Closed: With relevant - Record whether customer satisfied in “Case stakeholders Finalised” field - Review “category”, “responsibility” and “compliance” fields
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Figure 5.1 Icon Water Complaints Handling Process
Appendix A - Community Information Plan: Operation Schedule
Tool Stakeholder Activity description Purpose Timeline
Operational Communications Phone line 6248 All external Principal 24 hour Engage (answer Project duration 3111 (plus after stakeholders point of contact questions, provide hours facility) (during the operation feedback, respond postal and email period). The to complaints) address community information line
provides a free and accessible source of information and a central point for enquiries and complaints. Provide ongoing customer service in line with standards described in the Utilities (Consumer Protection Code) Determination 2012. Email address All external Interested Inform and Engage Project duration registration stakeholders stakeholders can register their email address to receive information materials and notifications electronically. Such a registration system can be used to build a database of interested parties and ensure communications is targeted to those stakeholders and residents actively interested in the project. Meetings with ACT leaseholders To provide advice Inform and Project duration individuals and information to NSW landholders Consult. To impacted local understand issues Queanbeyan City residents about specific to Council specific operation residences and impacts, including develop mitigation Palerang Council possible easements measures to access and works on ACT Government alleviate impacts. their land.
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(Lands) ACT TAMS (managers of recreational areas and nature reserves) Meetings with key ACT Government Meetings to inform Inform and consult. Project duration stakeholders NSW Government and consult with Gain feedback on government possible land Commonwealth agencies, councils, issues, and gain Government special interest support for the groups and other project. Queanbeyan City stakeholders on an Minimise impacts Council as required basis. on local Palerang Council environment and individual National Capital landowners. Authority Residents Groups/Association Environment Groups
Media releases and Media milestone Inform and At project milestone, as ACT Local Media (TV, relations briefings as required; Promote. negotiated with ACTEW Print & Radio) Responding to media Opportunity to Customer, Communications & Palerang Bulletin enquiries; promote the Corporate Services. Preparation of project’s key Queanbeyan Age briefing materials as messages/objectiv required. es and provide The Intermittent accurate project
Other local newsletters information to the media. To be drafted by Water Security communications team, and released by Icon Water Customer, Communications & Corporate Services Unit. Approval agency Follow notification Inform and consult. Project duration briefings and NSW Government: and liaison liaison requirements for Department of Planning relevant agencies. & Infrastructure Office of Water Environmental Protection Agency
ACT Government: Planning & Land Authority Environment Protection
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Authority
Commonwealth Government: Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Populations and Communities (SEWPAC) Briefs and reports Briefing senior Inform and Engage Project duration Icon Water Board management on stakeholder relations. Customer feedback and evaluation from Manager Customer Services for internal stakeholders and management. Reports to the ACTEW Board on stakeholder management as requested. Information ACT Community Open Inform, promote, As required during sessions, Public Councils forums/information and consult. project duration meetings and Local residents groups sessions to be used Collate feedback Community as needed during the Queanbeyan City and on the project. Councils operation phase. The Palerang Council Build relationships forums act as a basic within the ACT Government information overview community, NSW Government and are not effective particularly within for in-depth issue Media the community based discussion. Representatives of the councils. Scientific Community Community Update All external Concise, specific To inform Six monthly – until Newsletter stakeholders information and community of September 2013 advice to a targeted operational stakeholder when progress and they need to be issues, to a informed, or aware of specifically an issue, distributed targeted audience. via a letterbox drop. Web Updates All external Electronically Inform and Engage Project duration stakeholders provide project information and public information via the dedicated Icon Water Water Security Major Projects Website. Contact information for project team
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(operations contacts and complaints.) Email access and feedback page provided for enquiries. All approvals and licensing documentation as per conditions of approval.
Fact sheet All external Targeted, specific Inform and consult. As required – updated production and stakeholders and concise Minimise impacts to reflect project distribution information on a on local milestones particular topic. environment and individual landowners. Complaints All external Management of Inform and consult Project duration management stakeholders Satisfy Database (Manager Customer Services); Deliver appropriate and timely response to complaints by all stakeholders through the Complaints Management procedures. Facilitation of Local environmental Engagement of local Consult, involve 4 times a year from Environmental groups, government environmental and collaborate September 2011 to Reference Group representatives and groups to participate September 2013. (ERG) peer reviewers in a review and Continuation of ERG advisory role and as subject to ongoing part of the member organisation Environmental and Icon Water support. Reference Group (ERG) as outlined in the Operational Environment Management Plan (OEMP) Landholder Landowners Continue remediation Collaborate February 2012 - meetings discussions and ongoing (rehabilitation) implementation
Written Landowners, Notification of air Inform and consult February 2012 - notifications of community valve / scour valve ongoing maintenance maintenance operations operation to landowners and local community Undertaking to
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consult with landowners regarding operation of scour valves and agree to cart water away if no agreement is reached about discharge of water onto private property Written notification Landowners Notification of access Inform February 2012 - of easement access to property outside of ongoing easement Operational team Local residents A contact card or Inform Took place in February contact magnet to provide 2013 card/magnet quick and easy access to contacts for use in emergency or crisis situations or complaints. Crisis All stakeholders Deliver appropriate Inform communications and timely response and emergency and management of response emergency and crisis situations related to either the operation of the pipeline or other relevant water supply emergencies requiring responses in accordance with the Crisis Communications Plan and Water Supply and Sewerage Emergency Plan. Implementation of Impacted residents and Ensure Property Inform and consult Project duration Property Interaction landowners Interaction Plans are Plans up to date and relevant
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F. Icon Water Environment Policy
1. Scope All Icon Water workers must apply this policy to all work that they undertake. All Icon Water workers are responsible for understanding, implementing, maintaining and continuously improving the Environmental Management System in areas under their control.
2. Purpose 2.1.1 This policy provides high level direction and documents Icon Water’s commitment to: a. provide safe water and wastewater services to its customers and the community b. ensure environmental management and sustainability when designing, operating and maintaining Icon Water’s assets c. prevent pollution.
3. Policy Icon Water is committed to operating and continually improving an effective Environmental Management System (EMS) that conforms to ISO 14001:2004 Environment Management – Requirements with guidance for use and support compliance with legal obligations including the Environment Protection Act 1997 (ACT), Water Resources Act 2007 (ACT) and the Territory-owned Corporations Act 1990 (ACT). The EMS will operate as a component of a broader Integrated Management System (IMS).
In order to achieve organisational objectives and support compliance with legal obligations including the Environment Protection Act 1997 (ACT), Water Resources Act 2007 (ACT) and the Territory- owned Corporations Act 1990 (ACT), Icon Water committed to operating and continually improving an effective Environmental Management System (EMS) that conforms to ISO 14001:2004 Environment Management – Requirements with guidance for use. The EMS will operate as a component of a broader Integrated Management System (IMS) and includes activities to support operations in accordance with the principles of Ecologically Sustainable Development.
The General Manager Safety and Business Solutions is the executive responsible for the EMS and leads its operation and continual improvement. The executive responsible must establish and document EMS objectives (relating to the operation and continuous improvement of the EMS), along with performance measures and targets. The executive responsible also makes decisions in regard to:
• appointing the EMS Management Representative (MR) • the focus of improvement effort • authorising the EMS objectives, performance measures and targets.
All Executives play a key role in applying the EMS in areas under their control. They make decisions to determine the adequacy and effectiveness of environmental management and identify areas for improvement.
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3.1.1 The EMS MR must: a. ensure the EMS requirements are established, implemented and maintained (in accordance with IS014001) b. report on the performance of the EMS to the IMS MR for review and as a basis for improvement of the EMS c. promote an awareness of environmental requirements throughout the organisation.
4. Definitions
Icon Water uses the terminology contained in ISO 14001:2004. Term Definition
Environment The term environment refers to an organisation’s natural and human surroundings. An organisation’s environment extends from within the organisation itself to the global system, and includes air, water, land, flora, fauna, as well as human beings.
Executives Individuals with the title ‘General Manager’ who report directly to the Managing Director.
Management The organisation’s top management shall appoint a specific management Representative (MR) representative(s) who, irrespective of other responsibilities, shall have defined roles, responsibilities and authority for the EMS. (As defined in IS014001:2004.)
Ecologically The effective integration of environmental and economic considerations in sustainable decision-making processes. development (As defined in the Territory-owned Corporations Act 1990.)
Worker (As defined in the ACT Work Health and Safety Act 2011.) A person/s who carries out work in any capacity including an employee, contractor, employees of sub-contractors, labour hire workers, apprentices, students or volunteers.
5. References 5.1.1 Environment Protection Act 1997 (ACT) 5.1.2 Water Resources Act 2007 (ACT) 5.1.3 ISO 14001:2004 Environment Management – Requirements with guidance for use
6. Document control
Version Short Description of Amendment 1.0 New policy for Icon Water IMS.
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Talk to us E [email protected] T 02 6248 3111 @iconwater
GPO Box 366, Canberra ACT 2601 iconwater.com.au