Cassowary Coast Regional Council
Bulgun Creek Reservoir Project
Environmental Impact Assessment Report
January 2019
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© Environment Pacific 2019
2019 Bulgun Creek Reservoir Project – Environment Impact Assessment Report
Document Status Rev Author Signature Reviewer Signature Date A A Small External AS 22/01/2019
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Executive Summary
The Project: Cassowary Coast Regional Council (CCRC) are proposing the construction and operation of a new reservoir at Bulgun Creek, near the town of Tully. Bulgun Creek is the site of an existing CCRC raw water intake, and provides a raw water supply to the reticulation network that services Tully, Mission Beach, and nearby rural settlements of Bulgun, Feluga, Tully Heads and Hull Heads. During periods of heavy rainfall turbid water may enter the network, with health issues arising from suspended sediments potentially carry encysted giardia into the drinking water supply. The proposed reservoir will isolate the raw water supply from the Bulgun Creek offtake during periods of turbidity, thus limiting potential risks. The reservoir is proposed to be constructed off Intake Road, approximately 300m downslope of the Bulgun Creek intake. This locality is within the Tully Gorge National Park and is within the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area (WTWHA). A lease area of approximately 3,350m2 is being sought to occupy the National Park. Under the Wet Tropics Management Plan 1998 the lease area is within Zone B of the Plan: a zoning where the management intent is incompatible with the construction and operation of a reservoir. CCRC are subsequently applying for rezoning of the proposed lease area and a permit from the Wet Tropics Management Authority (WTMA) for the construction and operation of the reservoir. This Report: To support the rezoning application and to assess the permit, the WTMA have requested that an environmental impact assessment (EIA) is undertaken for the proposed reservoir project. The purpose of this EIA Report is to identify the environmental values of the project area, and to assess the direct, indirect, and cumulative impacts and nominate management strategies such that the carrying capacity of the environment to sustain these impacts is not exceeded and irreversible damage to the integrity of the surrounding WTWHA does not occur. Primary Risks and Potential Impacts: The proposed Bulgun Creek reservoir site is comprised of a mesophyll vineforest community that is the most common rainforest type in the coastal plains and hills of the WTWHA. This community has been impacted by recent cyclone events, with Tropical Cyclone Yasi being the most severe ten years ago. Light gaps from numerous tree falls and a high occurrence of successionalist species characterise the site. Not withstanding the lack of structural integrity, the forest community supports a diverse array of fauna and flora species, and a number of species of conservation significance, including the endangered Southern cassowary and four species of endangered frogs, are to be found in the immediate locality. The primary risks and potential impacts are summarised as follows. Loss of vegetation cover as a direct result of clearing (approximately 2,325m2) resulting in changed microclimate conditions, creating edge effects. The impacts from this risk include creation of conditions favourable to introduced species, dieback of mature trees from direct exposure to sunlight following clearing, changes in soil biotic conditions e.g. soils becoming warmer and less conducive to soil mesofauna/meiofauna responsible for detritus breakdown and nutrient cycling. These impacts are partially offset by the existing conditions at the site, which include edge effects from the adjacent Intake Road, and edge effects created by large tree falls as a result of cyclones. Edge effects do however, represent a direct and cumulative impact which is considered when assessing the carrying capacity of the area.
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Introduction of alien fauna and flora as result of importation of seed/fauna by machinery used in affected areas. Introduced species of concern include Chromolaena odorata (Siam weed), Miconia calvescens (Miconia), fire ants and yellow crazy ants. All are present in the CCRC area. This risk and the potential impacts can be largely ameliorated by the observance of appropriate biosecurity mechanisms as identified in the EMP. A high level of earth disturbance will be required during vegetation clearing and with earthworks and cut and fill operations for the construction of reservoir pad. Tully is one of the highest rainfall areas in Australia and there is risk of high rainfall events at any time of the year. Failure of erosion and sediment control measures, and/or failure to implement an erosion and sediment control plan (ESCP) will result in dispersion of sediments into the wider environment, including (potentially) tributaries and drainage lines that discharge into nearby Bulgun Creek, a known habitat area for endangered frog species. Cultural and Social Issues No cultural heritage or social issues were identified. The site is within the custodianship of the Gulngay People, and representatives from these traditional landholders have undertaken a preliminary survey of the site and have not identified any cultural heritage issues. Representatives of the Gulngay People will be present as Cultural Heritage spotters during vegetation clearing and initial site earthworks. The reservoir is in a location that is not accessible to the general public, and does not impact on scenic amenity or of community use of the National Park. World Heritage Values and Integrity The impacts of the project on World Heritage values and integrity will be ameliorated through the implementation of management strategies that include erosion and sediment controls, progressive rehabilitation and site stabilisation during construction. Construction will adhere to an Environmental Management Plan in accordance with the framework presented in this EIA report. The implementation and maintenance of the elements of the EMP will minimise risks to the integrity of the WTWHA and ensure that the carrying capacity of the surrounding environment to absorb direct, indirect and cumulative impacts is not exceeded.
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Table of contents
1. Introduction ...... 1 1.1 Project Proponent ...... 1 1.2 Project Summary ...... 1 1.3 Purpose of this Report ...... 2 1.4 Legislative Background...... 3
2. Project Description ...... 6 2.1 Site Location ...... 6 2.2 Proposed Works ...... 6 2.3 Prudent and Feasible Alternatives ...... 7
3. Environmental Values ...... 9 3.1 Methodology ...... 9 3.2 External Database Review ...... 10 3.3 Physical Features ...... 14 3.4 Geophysical Features ...... 16 3.5 Natural Values...... 17 3.6 Vegetation Structure and Integrity ...... 20 3.7 Fauna Habitat Assessment ...... 22 3.8 Cultural Heritage Values ...... 24
4. Risk and Impact Assessment ...... 25 4.1 General Approach ...... 25 4.2 Impact and Risk Assessment Summary ...... 40 4.3 Wet Tropics World Heritage Area Considerations ...... 41
5. Environmental Management and Mitigation ...... 45 5.1 Environmental Management Plan ...... 45 5.2 General Duty of Care and Further Requirements ...... 47
6. References ...... 48
Table index
Table 1 Summary of Applicable Legislation...... 4 Table 2 Bulgun Creek PMST Results ...... 11 Table 3 Bulgun Creek Wildlife Online database results ...... 13 Table 4 Summary of MNES, Bulgun Creek ...... 18 Table 5 MSES Biodiversity interests: field survey confirmation ...... 19
Table 6: Threat Criteria and Consequence Scales ...... 27 Table 7: Likelihood Rating ...... 27
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Table 8: Risk levels and Management Action ...... 28 Table 9: Risk Management Assessment ...... 30
Figure index
Figure 1 Proposed Bulgun Creek Reservoir location ...... 3 Figure 2 Approximate lease boundary ...... 5
Appendices
Appendix A – Preliminary Design Drawings Appendix B – Gulngay People Support Letter Appendix C – Bulgun Creek Database Searches Appendix D – Draft EMP template
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1. Introduction
The purpose of this section is to present the project proponent and project description, and details of the objectives and key issues of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Report. This section outlines the reasons for the preparation of the EIA Report, and the objectives of this document.
1.1 Project Proponent The Project Proponent is: Cassowary Coast Regional Council 70 Rankin Street, Innisfail PO Box 887, Innisfail, Queensland 4860, Australia Telephone: (07) 4030 2222 Facsimile: (07) 4061 4258 Website: www.cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au Cassowary Coast Regional Council is a registered Local Government Entity ABN 20 889 787 211.
1.2 Project Summary Cassowary Coast Regional Council (CCRC) are proposing to construct a new water supply reservoir near Bulgun Creek to provide additional necessary storage capacity within the current Water Supply Scheme. Successive cyclones and extended dry seasons within the CCRC area have highlighted the need for emergency storage capacity, and the proposed reservoir will also reduce the occurrence of turbid water which could be a potential source of health risk entering the water supply system, for example, encysted giardia on sediment particles. This new reservoir comprises a 4.5 ML storage located off Intake Road, Bulgun, 7 km north of the town of Tully, approximately 300 m from the existing water supply intake on Bulgun Creek. Refer to Figure 1. The proposed reservoir lease area is currently zoned under the Wet Tropics Management Plan 1998 (the “WTP”) as Category ‘B’, a category under the plan with the management intent of providing for a natural setting that allows for protection and enhancement of the integrity of the land in the zone, including for land to be restored to its natural state as opportunities arise. The proposed lease area is immediately adjacent to the existing water supply intake and access road which classified under s.27(c) of the WTP as a management road, and provides access for the operation and maintenance of the Bulgun Creek intake infrastructure within the boundaries of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area (WTWHA). The construction and operation of a reservoir at the proposed location is not consistent with the management intent of Zone B of the WTP. Subsequently, rezoning to Category C and a permit under the WTP is required for the construction and operation of the reservoir. Category C zoning allows for disturbance associated with the construction, operation and maintenance of community infrastructure within the WTWHA subject to the provisions of the WTP. As part of the rezoning and permit application, under s.47 of the Plan the Wet Tropics Management Authority (WTMA) have requested further information in the form of an Environmental Impact Assessment report.
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1.3 Purpose of this Report CCRC is required to address multiple regulatory requirements in relation to the acquisition and occupation of a lease of the Tully Gorge National Park, and the construction and operation/maintenance of the proposed reservoir. CCRC has applied for an authority under s.35 of the Nature Conservation Act 1992 (NC Act) to occupy part of the Tully Gorge National Park for the purposes of construction and operation of the Bulgun Creek reservoir. Concurrently, CCRC have made an application to the WTMA under Schedule 1, s.1 of the WTP seeking rezoning of the proposed lease area from Zone B to Zone C and for a permit under s.45 of the WTP for the construction, operation and maintenance of the reservoir. In dealing the application for the proposed rezoning, under Schedule 1, s.1(a) the WTMA have requested an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of the proposed activity/works from CRCC. The purpose of this report is to provide an EIA report to CCRC in order to meet the requirements of the WTMA assessment. This report identifies and addresses environmental obligations for the proposed reservoir which is approximately 300m from the existing weir on Bulgun Creek, immediately adjacent the eastern side of the access road to the weir. The objectives of this report are to: Describe the relevant aspects of the existing social, economic, natural and built environment; To provide information on the proposal and development process to the community and decision makers; To identify and evaluate the relevant environmental issues associated with the proposal; To identify all potential environmental impacts (across the short, medium and longer term) of the development; To recommend construction, operational, maintenance and decommissioning measures (if required) required to minimise or compensate for adverse impacts and enhanced benefits; To identify the necessary regulatory requirements for the acquisition, construction and operation of the proposed reservoir relevant. To form the basis for the production of an Environmental Management Plan (EMP) that will provide management procedures designed to implement recommendations of this report.
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Figure 1 Proposed Bulgun Creek Reservoir location
Proposed reservoir location
1.4 Legislative Background 1.4.1 Regulatory Requirements The aim of the environmental approval legislation is to define acceptable environmental performance standards and criteria. Licences and approvals are legally binding agreements between the administering authorities and the holder, which outlines the holder’s commitment to protect the environment. Licence, permit and development approval conditions address the issues most likely to cause or risk environmental harm. The following provides details on the obligations that CCRC and/or their Contractor are required to implement and manage for the geotechnical works, as summarised in Table 1.
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Table 1 Summary of Applicable Legislation
Legislation Responsible Activity License / Permit / Approval Authority Environment Commonwealth Construction and Not required; Protection and Department of operation of Site specific surveys have determined that Biodiversity the infrastructure with no matters of MNES will be significantly Conservation Act Environment potential for impact on impacted by the construction and 1999 and Energy Matters of National operation of the reservoir. Environmental Significance. Nature Conservation DES/QPWS Construction and Applicable: Act 1992 operation of water Authority under s35 to occupy National supply infrastructure in a Park. National Park Nature Conservation DES Interference with fauna To be determined: Act 1992 breeding areas for listed A fauna catcher/spotter to be present species during clearing operations. If breeding areas for a listed species are disturbed then a Damage Mitigation Permit and/or Species Management Plan may be required. Nature Conservation DES Clearing and associated Not required: Act 1992 impacts on protected Site specific flora surveys did not identify flora species any protected flora species within the construction foot print and immediate adjacent areas. Wet Tropics Wet Tropics Rezoning application Applicable: Management Plan Management from Zone B to Zone C Proposed works are inconsistent with the 1998 Authority management intent of current Zone B over the location of the lease. As part of the rezoning application an EIA must be undertaken and presented to WTMA as supporting information (this document). Wet Tropics Wet Tropics Construction and Applicable: Management Plan Management operation of water Works for water supply infrastructure 1998 Authority supply infrastructure in within the WTWHA are subject to a permit Zone C under the WT application and approval from WTMA. Plan in a WHA. Aboriginal Cultural Department of Require those Applicable (compliance) Heritage Act 2003 Aboriginal and conducting disturbance Aboriginal cultural heritage values are Torres Strait activities in areas of present in the project footprint. In order Islander significance to take all to meet Duty of Care Guidelines an Partnerships reasonable and practical accidental discovery procedure measures to avoid (minimum) is required. harming cultural heritage. Biosecurity Act 2014 Department of Working in a mapped Applicable (compliance) Agriculture and biosecurity zone. The general biosecurity obligation (GBO) Fisheries (DAF) requires everyone to manage biosecurity risks and threats under their control. Environmental DES Where ‘serious and Applicable (compliance) Protection Act 1994 material environmental No approvals triggered. harm’ is caused or Duty of Care and Duty to Notify. threatened.
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Legislation Responsible Activity License / Permit / Approval Authority Vegetation DNRME Clearing of regulated Not required Management Act vegetation Clearing approval for vegetation will be 1999 given by QPWS/WTMA in accordance with conditions on s35 authority and WTMA permit.
1.4.2 Codes of Practice Codes of practice are formalised agreements between the WTMA and other government agencies for managing infrastructure or other aspects of the WTWHA. These codes of practice may be used as the basis for conditions to a permit or authority under a rezoning and permit application approved by the WTMA, or a s.35 agreement under the NC Act for occupation of a National Park. For this project, this EIA report should be read and used in conjunction with the “Code of Practice for Maintenance and Operation of Water Extraction Infrastructure in the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area”1.
Figure 2 Approximate lease boundary
Approximate lease boundary
Bulgun Creek
1 www.wettropics.gov.au/site/user-assets/docs/.../Guideline%207-%20Water%20COP.pdf
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2. Project Description
This section presents the need for the project and presents the feasible alternatives and the reasons for selecting the preferred option.
2.1 Site Location The proposed reservoir will be located off Intake Road, Bulgun, 7 km north of the town of Tully, approximately 300 m from the existing water supply intake on Bulgun Creek. Refer to Figure 1. The Wet Tropics Management Plan 1998 zoning2 (Map Sheet 21 – Tully) identifies that the proposed reservoir site is within Zone B under the current WTP mapping. It should be noted that the WTP is currently being reviewed. Typically, Zone B land may be regarded as buffer areas against further disturbance to more remote high ecological integrity Zone A areas. The site of the Bulgun Creek reservoir is shown on the existing Wet Tropics Zoning maps as being within Lot 758 FTY1226, Alcock State Forest (SF) 758. These maps are being updated as part of the current Wet Tropics Plan review. The current tenure in which the Bulgun Creek reservoir is proposed to be located is: Existing road: Lot 3 AP14613, Alcock Forest Reserve (tenure over road is Forest Reserve) Reservoir site: Lot 66 NPW890, Tully Gorge National Park.
2.2 Proposed Works 2.2.1 Project Justification In common with much of north Queensland the CCRC area has been subject to a high degree of seasonal climatic variability in the last decade. This has included eight cyclones since 2003/2004 ‐ the most recent direct cyclone being tropical cyclone (TC) Ita in April 2014, and extended periods of lower than average annual rainfall. These events have highlighted the vulnerability of the existing raw water storage capacity of the CCRC, with water quality issues ranging from high turbidity events impact arising from TC rainfall events, to limited emergency storage capacity for extended dry periods. CCRC water supply services are managed in accordance with the CCRC Drinking Water Quality Management Plan (DWQMP) to ensure water supply to customers meets Australian Drinking Water Guidelines. Key features of the DWQMP include descriptions of each treatment and distribution scheme; raw water quality parameters, water testing history, risk assessments, improvement plans, sampling procedural manuals and critical control procedures. The DWQMP must be able to satisfy the requirements of s. 95 of the Water Supply (Safety and Reliability) Act 2008. The objective of the DWQMP is to establish a risk‐based management system that CCRC follows to ensure the provision of drinking water to a high quality that protects public health. The current water supply from Bulgun Creek is subject to water quality events primarily related to turbid water that does not always meet the DWQMP. Of concern is the potential health risk posed by encysted giardia associated with suspended sediments in turbid water. Notifications from CCRC to boil drinking water can occur regularly during the wet season in some areas. As part of a program to improve reliability of supply and reduce the occurrence of turbid water quality CCRC are implementing raw water storage/supply upgrades across the region of which
2 http://www.wettropics.gov.au/zoning‐maps
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the Bulgun Creek reservoir is one component. The reservoir will provide a solution to current storage issues and meet the supply needs for the forecast population demands up to the 2066 planning horizon. The reservoir will be essential in enabling the Bulgun Creek source water to be isolated during periods of turbidity and not gravitate directly in the reticulation network. The proposed reservoir in this manner will reduce the risk of turbid water into the network, and enable CCRC to meet their DWQMP requirements. 2.2.2 Proposed Project The proposed works within the lease area will initially comprise the construction of 4.5ML reservoir on the eastern side of Intake Road. This road is the existing access to the Bulgun Creek weir and water supply intake infrastructure and all access for construction, operation and maintenance will be from Intake Road. Preliminary design work has identified that a reservoir sited at this location would be approximately 26.5 metres in diameter by 8m high and constructed of concrete and steel (refer to Appendix A, Preliminary Design drawings). The natural slope is not level, with a mild fall from the northeast towards Intake Road and earthworks will be required to construct a level concrete pad. A gabion wall up to 2.5m high around the base of the batter will provide toe protection and erosion control and divert overland flow around the concrete pad. Drainage will be installed on site, with diversion drains to be provided at the top of the batters to return overland flow to the environment. Internal drainage of the site will be directed to the existing roadside drain. Refer Drawing 60586760‐GA‐01 (General Arrangement) Appendix A. Construction will include reservoir pipework, a future chlorination shed and a dedicated bunded area. Approximately 2,325m2 of vegetation will be cleared within the lease envelope (64m x 55m – 3,520m2) for the safe construction and operation of the reservoir. Typically, a water supply reservoir is designed and engineered for a 100‐year life, and construction would be finalised within two years of the awarding of permit approvals/granting of authority.
2.3 Prudent and Feasible Alternatives 2.3.1 Project Options CCRC have undertaken a number of general investigations into options to improve water supply quality and quantity throughout the region. These have included site assessments, upgrades of existing facilities (improved system leak detection programs), and improved water demand strategies with the introduction of smart metering (initially in the Mission Beach area). With specific reference to the Bulgun Creek reservoir, there are a number of site‐ specific characteristics that were considered to be intrinsic to the location. These included: Proximity to existing intake on Bulgun Creek, thereby reducing complexities in additional pipework, costs, and minimising environmental disturbance related to construction of supporting infrastructure (e.g. access roads to a new road reservoir, extensive pipe work). Proximity to supply demand, in this instance close to the communities of Bulgun, Feluga and Tully, but also servicing Mission Beach, Tully Heads and Hull Heads. Accessible under most weather conditions and not requiring new access construction. Preferentially elevated as high as practical close to the intake to reduce requirements for pumps and additional infrastructure. Site constructability, minimal slope practical to reduce earthworks and drainage requirements. Environmentally suitable, limiting the potential for impacts on matters of conservation /environmental significance.
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Similarly, the location to be culturally sensitive with respect to Aboriginal heritage. Various sites were inspected by CCRC along Intake Road below the Bulgun Creek intake. The current site was chosen after inspection and clearance by representatives of the Gulngay People, the traditional land holders of the area (see Appendix B for letter of support from the North Queensland Land Council). Surveys by ecologists and botanists of the site (Environment Pacific, 2017), confirmed that there were no flora/fauna of conservation significance or World Heritage values that would be adversely impacted in the long term by the proposed construction and operation of the reservoir in the preferred location. 2.3.2 ‘Do Nothing’ Option The ‘do ‐nothing’ option was not considered to be a feasible action. The Bulgun Creek intake is a run‐of‐river offtake that gravitates directly into the reticulation network. During rainfall events the intake water may be turbid and CCRC cannot meet the water quality targets as identified under their DWQMP. A reservoir is essential to enable the intake source to be isolated during periods of turbidity. The CCRC area serviced by the Bulgun Creek water supply intake includes Tully, Mission Beach, Tully Heads, Hull Heads, Bulgun and Feluga, with the populations particularly in the Mission Beach area rapidly increasing, and subsequent water demand also increasing. In 2016‐2017 DNRM increased the annual allocation available to CCRC to 1200ML to cater for increased population growth in the area serviced by the Bulgun Creek intake. Subsequently, with respect to reducing health risks, and improving demand supply, the ‘do‐nothing’ option was not a feasible action.
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3. Environmental Values
This section of the report sets out the site values, including physical, ecological and social, as identified through a combination of field survey and desktop data reviews.
3.1 Methodology
3.1.1 Desktop and External Data Reviews Desktop and external data reviews were undertaken of any published literature, previous surveys and existing public databases including: Wildlife Online: a buffer of 5km about each of the reservoir sites was undertaken to capture representative habitats in the locality and to determine the actual formal recorded data for any protected fauna species in the area. (https://environment.ehp.qld.gov.au/report‐ request/species‐list/). Queensland Globe and Category Globes including biota, boundaries, environment. James Cook University library, research papers and reports (where publicly available). Atlas of Living Australia, (http://www.ala.org.au/) Protected Matters Search Tool: Commonwealth Department of the Environment and Energy. This is a predictive data base, using a combination of records, habitat records and bioclim modelling to determine the likelihood of a protected species occurring within the search coordinates. (http://www.environment.gov.au/webgis‐ framework/apps/pmst/pmst‐ coordinate.jsf). The external database collation and review provided the necessary background for deriving survey methodologies and targeted species (i.e. protected flora/fauna species known to occur in the areas). The proposed reservoir site is mapped as ‘Essential Habitat’ for the Southern cassowary by the Department of Environment and Science (DES) under the Nature Conservation Act 1994 (NC Act). The likelihood of occurrence of the species present or likely habitat utilisation was noted during the field surveys. 3.1.2 Field Surveys Field surveys were undertaken by experienced ecologists in July/August 2017 for the original surveys with follow up verification surveys in January 2018. Within the limited period available for the surveys it was not possible to assess the faunal components of the sites within the framework of the Terrestrial Vertebrate Fauna Survey Guidelines (DEHP 2016)3. A number of the guidelines nominate seasonal surveys based on wet season/dry season observation that were not possible for this project. Notwithstanding these limitations fieldwork was targeted to assess the integrity of the fauna habitats available, noting particularly the presence/status of habitats for particular guilds of species of conservation significance (e.g. amphibians). The Fauna Survey Guidelines acknowledge that habitat assessment may be used as a suitable surrogate for species assessment and utilisation when combined with detailed understanding of the target species ecology and assessment of other external data (e.g. known records within similar habitats). Fauna habitat assessment at Bulgun Creek comprised:
3 https://www.qld.gov.au/environment/plants‐animals/biodiversity/vertebrate‐survey/
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Assessment of potential breeding areas of fauna including an assessment of the likelihood of occurrence of colonial species of conservation significance – noting that interference with breeding places of listed species will require a Damage Mitigation Permit under the provisions of the NC Act. Breeding places for example may include trees with hollows, burrows, drainage lines. Opportunistic searches e.g. leaf litter searches, low level vegetation, decorticating bark, rock/log inspections etc., for smaller fauna species (e.g. reptiles, frogs). Presence/absence of feral animals impacting on the respective sites. Any actual physical evidence of protected fauna species utilising the sites, e.g. Cassowary scats, A limited early evening spotlight including surveys of nearby tributaries of Bulgun Creek for frog species of conservation significance known to occur in the area. 3.1.3 Flora Assessment Flora field surveys were undertaken concurrent with opportunistic fauna and fauna habitat surveys. Flora assessment was undertaken in accordance with the Guidelines for Flora Survey & Assessment in Northern Queensland (Bruce Wannan, DEHP 2013). These guidelines are particular to north Queensland. It should be noted that the proposed lease area is within National Park, and therefore were not required to be surveyed in accordance with the provisions of the High Risk Protected Flora Survey guidelines (DEHP 2016). Surveys consisted primarily of the wandering transects as described in the Guidelines for Flora Survey & Assessment in Northern Queensland noting: Vegetation community descriptions as they matched the Queensland Herbarium (DEHP) regional ecosystem framework. Presence/absence of any ecosystems listed as threatened under the provisions of the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) Occurrence of species of conservation significance listed under the schedules of the Nature Conservation (Wildlife) Regulation 2006. Forest structure and general floristic composition, noting particularly that both sites have been subject to previous cyclone damage and are in various stages of succession. Presence of introduced and declared weed species and potential to expand into newly cleared areas post construction.
3.2 External Database Review
3.2.1 Commonwealth Protected Matters Search Tool The Commonwealth Protected Matters Search Tool (PMST) is based on a combination of actual records with bio‐climatic (BioClim) habitat modelling extrapolated to predict the likely occurrence of a species on site. The database search results are presented in the following tables, with the relevant search results attached in Appendix C. The PMST is based on a number of resources including: actual records obtained from museums, herbariums, reputable sources (research institutions), and
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species population modelling that provides a predictive approach to assessing the presence/occurrence of a species based on habitat factors for that species being present (considering a wide range of variables). Species records are listed as: ‘known to occur’. Definitive confirmed records of that species indicating occupation of habitat in the search area. ‘likely to occur’. Comprising anecdotal records and/or species habitat modelling indicates that the majority of essential habitat factors for that species occur on site. ‘may occur’. No records of the species are known, and species habitat modelling identifies that only partial habitat factors for the species are present within the search area. Note that Bulgun Creek is not within in marine or wetland environments and Marine and Wetland migratory species under the EPBC are not listed in the following respective tables. The Bulgun Creek PMST results (below) includes 16 birds, four frogs, 12 mammals (six are bats) and 12 plant species. Table 2 Bulgun Creek PMST Results
Scientific Name Common name NC Act EPBC Act Status Habitat and likely occurrence notes Status Birds: Threatened species
Numenius Eastern curlew Vulnerable Critically Marine migratory species, may overfly and madagascariensis Endangered suitable habitat for foraging/roosting not present on site.
Tyto novaehollandiae Masked owl Vulnerable Endangered Not present. Outside of known range, (northern) kimberli closest of which is Atherton Tablelands.
Erythrotriorchis radiatus Red goshawk Endangered Vulnerable Not present. Preferred habitat conditions not represented on site.
Rostratula australis Australian Vulnerable Endangered Not present. Preferred habitat conditions painted snipe not represented on site.
Casuarius casuarius Southern cassowary Endangered Endangered Known to be present. Preferred food plants johnsonii (Lauraceae and Myrtaceae) well
Calidris ferruginea Curlew sandpiper Endangered Critically Not present. Preferred habitat conditions endangered not represented on site. Birds: Terrestrial migratory
Hirundapus caudacutus White‐ Special Terrestrial, Does not nest, may overfly the site. throated least migratory needletail concern
Hirundo rustica Barn swallow Special least Terrestrial, Does not nest, may overfly the site. concern migratory
Cuculus optatus Oriental cuckoo Special Terrestrial, Does not nest, may overfly the site. least migratory concern
Monarcha trivirgatus Spectacled monarch Special Terrestrial, Known to be seasonally present, but is least migratory a summer breeding migrant further concern south and does not nest locally.
Myiagra cyanoleuca Satin fly‐catcher Special Terrestrial, Not present. Preferred habitat conditions least migratory not present on site. concern
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Scientific Name Common name NC Act EPBC Act Status Habitat and likely occurrence notes Status
Monarcha melanopsis Black‐faced Special Terrestrial, Potentially seasonally present, but is a monarch least migratory summer breeding migrant further south. concern
Motacilla flava sensu Yellow wagtail Special Terrestrial, Not present. Preferred habitat conditions lato least migratory not present on site. concern
Cyclopsitta diophthalma Macleay’s fig‐parrot Vulnerable Not listed Likely, potential habitat represented on site. macleayeana
Rhipidura rufifrons Rufous fantail Special Terrestrial, Does not nest, may overfly the site. least migratory concern
Motacilla cinerea Grey wagtail Special Terrestrial, Does not nest, may overfly the site. least migratory concern Mammals Dasyurus hallucatus Northern quoll Least Endangered Unlikely, suitable habitat including rocky areas concern and woodland not present Dasyurus maculatus Spotted‐tailed quoll Endangered Endangered Possible habitat is present however species has gracilis a sparse and widely distributed population more prevalent in upland areas and is unlikely to occur. Taphozous australis Coastal sheathtail Near Not listed May forage on site however roosting habitat bat threatened (caves and similar structures) are not present.
Hipposideros semoni Semons’s leaf‐ Endangered Vulnerable Unlikely to be present. Out of known range nosed bat and roosting habitat (caves) not present.
Macroderma gigas Ghost bat Endangered Vulnerable Unlikely to be present. Roosting habitat (caves and similar structures) are not present. Outside of known range Mesembriomys gouldii Black‐footed tree‐ Least Vulnerable Unlikely, suitable habitat including rattoides rat concern woodland and woodland mosaics not present on site. Petauroides volans Greater glider Vulnerable Vulnerable Not present. Suitable habitat including foraging species not present on site. Petaurus gracilis Mahogany glider Endangered Endangered Not present. Suitable habitat including foraging species not present on site. Phascolarctos cinereus Koala Vulnerable Vulnerable Not present. Suitable habitat including foraging species not present on site. Pteropus conspicillatus Spectacled flying‐ Vulnerable Vulnerable Not observed but may utilise the area on fox opportunistic foraging. Rhinolophus robertsii Greater large‐eared Endangered Vulnerable Unlikely, roosting habitat (caves and horseshoe bat similar structures) are not present.
Saccolaimus Bare‐rumped Vulnerable Not present. Habitat values (including Eucalyptus saccolaimus Sheath‐ tailed bat platyphylla woodland) not represented on site. nudicluniatus Frogs
Litoria dayi Australian lace‐lid Endangered Endangered Known to be present in Bulgun Creek adjacent to the site.
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Scientific Name Common name NC Act EPBC Act Status Habitat and likely occurrence notes Status Litoria nannotis Waterfall frog Endangered Endangered Known to be present in Bulgun Creek and observed in water intake structure in creek.
Litoria nyakalensis Mountain mist‐frog Endangered Critically Not observed, but likely to occur in Bulgan Creek endangered and adjacent riparian areas. Litoria rheocola Common mist‐frog Endangered Endangered Known to occur in adjacent Bulgun Creek and adjacent riparian areas. Flora
Aponogeton bullosus Native ribbon‐plant Endangered Endangered Restricted to aquatic environments, does not occur on site.
Arthraxon hispidus Hairy‐joint grass Vulnerable Not observed on site and unlikely to occur as preferential habitat not present.
Cajanus mareebensis Not listed Endangered Not present. Preferred habitat of red soils open woodlands not on site.
Canarium acutifolium Vulnerable Vulnerable Suitable habitat present but not observed on site during surveys.
Carronia pedicellata Endangered Endangered Suitable habitat present but not observed on site during surveys.
Chingia australis Endangered Endangered Not observed on site and unlikely to occur as preferential habitat not present. Myrmecodia beccarii Ant plant Vulnerable Vulnerable Not observed on site and unlikely to occur as preferential habitat not present. Eleocharis retroflexa A sedge Vulnerable Vulnerable Not present. Preferred habitat conditions (swamp and wetlands) not represented on site.
Phaius australis Lesser swamp‐ Endangered Endangered Not present. Preferred habitat conditions not orchid represented on site.
Phaius pictus Not listed Vulnerable Suitable habitat present but not observed on site during surveys. Polyphlebium Middle filmy fern Vulnerable Endangered Not present. Preferred habitat conditions (upland endlicherianum species) not represented on site.
Zeuxine polygonoides Not listed Vulnerable Not present. Preferred habitat conditions (uplands species) not represented on site. 3.2.2 Wildlife Online Database The Queensland Department of Environment and Science (DES) Wildlife Online data is based on actual confirmed records of species within a search area, and is more accurate in terms of the species listed than the Commonwealth PMST. The Wildlife Online database search results for Bulgun Creek based on a 5km search radius are presented in the following table. Table 3 Bulgun Creek Wildlife Online database results
Scientific Name Common NC Act EPBC Act Habitat and likely occurrence notes name Status Status
Litoria serrata Tapping Vulnerable Not listed Known to occur and previously recorded in Bulgun green‐eyed Creek, but not noted within reservoir site. frog
Litoria nannotis Waterfall frog Endangered Endangered Known to occur and was noted in previous surveys at Bulgun Creek intake but is not present within reservoir site
Litoria dayi Australian Endangered Endangered Known to occur and previously recorded at Bulgun
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Scientific Name Common NC Act EPBC Act Habitat and likely occurrence notes name Status Status lace‐lid frog Creek but not noted within reservoir site.
Litoria rheocola Common Endangered Endangered Known to occur and previously recorded in Bulgun mist‐frog Creek. Species not observed within reservoir site.
Casuarius Southern Endangered Endangered Known to occur and previously recorded in Bulgun casuarius Cassowary Creek. Species not observed within reservoir site. johnsonii
Symposiachrus Spectacled Special Migratory Known to occur at Bulgun Creek on a temporary trivirgatus syn monarch least terrestrial basis during migratory overflights. May persist in Monarcha concern the local area for foraging, but does not nest locally. trivirgatus
In summary: Four threatened frog species are known to occur within the riparian areas of Bulgun Creek, which at its closest point is approximately 110m to the west of the proposed reservoir site. These are all species reliant on proximity to (or within) permanent flowing water, a habitat condition not represented on this site. None of these frogs were observed in the reservoir site area and it is very unlikely these riparian dependent species would be found that far from permanent water. Litoria nannotis was observed at the intake on Bulgun Creek, approximately 300m to the north. None of the preferential habitat requirements are represented at the reservoir site, however the road spoon drains do drain to a direct tributary of Bulgun Creek and there is the potential for offsite impacts on Bulgun Creek following heavy rainfall with associated erosion and sediment risks. Two birds, of which only one is threatened (Southern Cassowary) the other (Spectacled monarch) is listed as Special Least Concern by virtue of its migratory status. Cassowaries are known to regularly walk along the Bulgun Creek intake road, and there are many preferred genera of food trees (e.g. Lauraceae, Myrtaceae) within the Bulgun Creek reservoir site so it is very likely that Cassowaries will opportunistically forage in the locality. The Spectacled monarch is known to seasonally visit the Bulgun Creek locality, but as the species does not breed in North Queensland, habitat utilisation is only for opportunistic foraging.
3.3 Physical Features
3.3.1 Bioregional Site Context Landscape scale planning and assessment in Australia is broadly based on commonality of themes that include climate, geology, landform, native vegetation and species information. This approach has been formalised with the adoption of the Interim Biogeographic Regionalisation for Australia (IBRA) which has been endorsed by all levels of government as a key tool in planning and assessment across large tracts of land. IBRA classifies Australia’s landscapes into 89 large geographically distinct bioregions. These are further refined into 419 subregions which represent more homogenous geomorphological areas within the broader bioregion. The proposed Bulgun Creek reservoir site is located within the IBRA mapped Wet Tropics Bioregion. More specifically the proposed Bulgun Creek reservoir site is located within the Tully, Bellenden Ker – Lamb biogeographic subregion (WET07)
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This subregion is located on the eastern fall of the Great Dividing Range, and encompasses the headwater catchments of watercourses that flow eastwards to the Coral Sea with Bulgun Creek ultimately joining the Tully River and discharging into the Coral Sea. The location of the bioregion ensures a high diversity in landform and geomorphology which in turn has given rise to a mosaic of geological, soil, drainage and vegetation conditions across the general area of the reservoir site. 3.3.2 Man‐made Features The current source water supply from Bulgun Creek and the site for the proposed reservoir is accessible from a local government‐maintained access road off Bulgun Road that traverses private property. A locked gate is located on the access road at the boundary of Tully Gorge National Park that prevents access for general traffic through to reach the creek intake and the proposed reservoir. This purpose of this road is to provide access to Bulgun Creek for maintenance and is not intended to provide public access to the National Park. Infrastructure in the local area includes a weir and water source supply intake on Bulgun Creek approximately 300m north of the proposed reservoir site and a raw water pipeline. This water supply infrastructure is accessed from Intake Road, a local government‐maintained access road. Intake Road runs immediately beside the proposed reservoir site and will be the only service road for this infrastructure. The proposed reservoir site is entirely vegetated with no extant infrastructure. 3.3.3 Wet Tropics Zoning and Tenure The Bulgun Creek reservoir sites is within the Wet Tropics of Queensland World Heritage Area (‘Wet Tropics’). Maintenance, operation, and development of infrastructure within the Wet Tropics is administered through a number of legislative mechanisms, the applicability of which are largely determined by the underlying tenure of the Wet Tropics land in question. The current Wet Tropics Management Plan identifies four broad management zones (A, B, C, D) within the WTWHA These zones are based on disturbance levels and ecological integrity, capacity of the area to be rehabilitated to a higher ecological state, existing infrastructure and services, and distance from existing disturbance. Zone A are areas of highest ecological integrity and furthest from anthropogenic disturbance; Zone B are areas with a high degree of ecological integrity and are in a natural state but are not necessarily remote from disturbance. There is a reasonable expectation that areas in Zone B could be restored to a high/very high degree of integrity which would qualify for inclusion in Zone A. Zone C areas include areas of disturbance, primarily associated with existing infrastructure such as roads, powerlines, pipelines etc., but also includes cleared areas with existing use firths such as farming/residential. Zone C areas are primarily in a natural state with infrastructure managed to minimise adverse impacts on these areas. Zone D includes lands where there are, or proposed to be, visitor facilities of a well developed type. This is primarily for more intensive visitor use and presentation. Zone D includes land in a mostly natural state and managed to minimise the adverse impacts of activities and facilities and to protect and rehabilitate this zone. The Wet Tropics Plan 1998 (‘WTP’) zoning4 (Map Sheet 21 – Tully) identifies that the proposed reservoir site is within Zone B under the current WTP mapping. It should be noted that the WTP is currently being reviewed.
4 http://www.wettropics.gov.au/zoning‐maps
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The site of the Bulgun Creek reservoir is shown on the existing Wet Tropics Zoning maps as being within Lot 758 FTY1226, Alcock State Forest (SF) 758. These maps are being updated as part of the current Wet Tropics Plan review. Typically Zone B land may be regarded as buffer areas against further disturbance to more remote high ecological integrity Zone A areas. The current tenure in which the Bulgun Creek reservoir is proposed to be located is: Existing road: Lot 3 AP14613, Alcock Forest Reserve (tenure over road is Forest Reserve) Reservoir site: Lot 66 NPW890, Tully Gorge National Park.
3.4 Geophysical Features
3.4.1 Topography and Slope The Bulgun Creek reservoir site is located on the eastern side of the Bulgun Creek intake access road, at an elevation of approximately 114m on the south‐eastern ridge of the Walter Hill Range. The surveyed location included the actual reservoir site and a buffer zone that totalled approximately 0.5 ha. Surveys were also undertaken of nearby locations potentially vulnerable to off‐site impacts such as sedimentation arising from earthworks and vegetation clearing. Primarily this consisted of an assessment of the western fall of the access road towards Bulgun Creek (approximately 110m from the road due west of the proposed reservoir site), and road drains downslope of the proposed construction area. The proposed construction site is mildly undulating with no marked topographical features. The western side of the access road drops sharply from the edge of the road, then continues with a moderate/steep fall of approximately 15% to Bulgun Creek. Downslope from the proposed construction site the general slope is moderate with a southern aspect. 3.4.2 Surface Hydrology There are no permanent drains or watercourses through the site with the nearest significance waterway being Bulgun Creek itself, approximately 110m to the west of the centre of the reservoir site. There is no drainage connection between the reservoir site and Bulgun Creek owing to the raised profile of the bitumen access road separating the two. The reservoir site is mildly undulating, and some overflow flow is possible during heavy rain events, however any surface flow is directed to a shallow spoon drain on the same side of the road, which ultimately empties into a tributary of Bulgun Creek crossing the road 290m further down. 3.4.3 Geomorphology and Soils Soils of the Bulgun Creek site have been developed in‐situ from the underlying Tully Granite Complex. Soils on site were observed to be shallow (<1m), granite derived soils with a dark detritus/organic layer upper horizon and clay/loam lower horizons. Exposed granite base rock boulders were frequent throughout the site with a number in excess of 1m exposed on the surface. These soils are generally not prone to high levels of dispersivity, but do exhibit moderate erosive potential when disturbed, i.e. with vegetation clearing and grubbing activities.
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- Plate 1 Exposed granite boulders, Bulgun Reservoir Site - Description
- Exposed granite rocks from base geology are exposed throughout most of the site, primarily in the eastern section. Soils are generally shallow, comprised almost exclusively of insitu formed material. Pigs have disturbed the area around this boulder.
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3.5 Natural Values 3.5.1 Wet Tropics Area World Heritage Values Under the World Heritage Convention (Article 11) nominated World Heritage areas are required to meet one or more Criterion demonstrating outstanding universal values, i.e. values that of significance on an international scale. The Wet Tropics fulfils four key criterion in this regard: Exhibits exceptional natural beauty, with superlative scenic features (Criterion 7); Includes records of the Earths main evolutionary processes, with one of the most complete and diverse living record of the evolution of land plants in the world (Criterion 8). Provides outstanding examples of significant ongoing ecological process and biological evolution (Criterion 9). Has a largely intact flora and fauna with a high representation of endemic, rare/threatened species and/or species with restricted distribution (Criterion 10). In relation to other criterion, there are a number of plant families that are representative of these values are represented across both the Bulgun Creek site. Typically, these include representatives of all of the above, with the families Lauraceae, Proteaceae, Monimiaceae all representative of angiosperms with primitive flowering characteristics and are common at the Bulgun Creek proposed reservoir sites. Flora with links to the original Gondwana flora, such as Zamiaceae were also evident at the site (e.g. Bowenia spectabilis), and many of the rainforest species noted found there are endemic to either the Wet Tropics or Australia. From a faunal perspective, the proposed site is representative of habitat for fauna that in many cases are restricted, endemic/threatened, representative of primitive lineages, and in themselves are of high intrinsic value. In all aspects, the Bulgun Creek reservoir site illustrates fulfilment of all criterion of the general universal Wet Tropics World Heritage values.
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- Plate 2 Bowenia spectabilis, Bulgun Site - Description
- - Bowenia spectabilis - (Zamiaceae). - An example of one of the flora species illustrating the links between the Wet Tropics flora and the Gondwanan ancestral line. This species is quite common at the Bulgun Creek proposed reservoir site.
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3.5.2 Matters of National Environmental Significance The Matters of National Environmental Significance (MNES) known and/or predicted to occur with a 5km radius of Bulgun Creek (and including the reservoir site) is presented in full in the EPBC Act Protected Matters Report (Appendix C), with the results summarised in the following. Table 4 Summary of MNES, Bulgun Creek
MNES Number Feature Notes
World Heritage 1 Wet Tropics of Queensland Entirety of surrounding area and Properties reservoir site is within the WHA.
National Heritage 2 Wet Tropics of Queensland Entirety of surrounding area and Properties Wet Tropics World reservoir site is within the WHA. No Heritage Area tangible evidence of indigenous (Indigenous Values) values was noted but the site is within an important cultural heritage landscape Wetlands of None No wetlands on site or in International locality Importance Great Barrier Reef None Site is 18km west of the Marine Park GBRMP boundary
Commonwealth Marine Area None As above Listed Threatened Ecological 1 Broad leaf tea‐tree Not present within the site, nor Communities (Melaleuca viridiflora) present within 5km radius. woodlands in high rainfall coast north Queensland Listed Threatened Species 33 Four frog species are known to occur in or adjacent Bulgun Creek and one bird (cassowary) is known to utilise area. Listed Migratory Species 18 Includes marine Only 1 bird confirmed as occurring migratory and terrestrial on a seasonal basis. Possibility of migratory other migratory birds visiting on a transitory and opportunistic basis.
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3.5.3 Matters of State Environmental Significance Matters of State Environmental Significance (MSES) represent matters that must be taken into consideration by the State when assessing applications for development under the provisions of State planning and approval processes. The primary purpose of the MSES is to support State biodiversity interests under the State Planning Policy. The proposed Bulgun Creek sites is in National Park, and within the Wet Tropics WHA, and subsequently will not be assessed via the usual Queensland development application process. Notwithstanding, any assessment by WTMA and DES will consider the MSES applicable to both sites as they affect State biodiversity interests MSES as confirmed through the field surveys specific to the proposed Bulgun Creek reservoir site are presented below. Table 5 MSES Biodiversity interests: field survey confirmation
MSES Interests Field Surveys Notes
State Conservation Areas
1a Protected Area ‐ estates Lot 66NPW890 Within Tully Gorge National Park Road 3AP14613 reserve within Alcock Forest Reserve 1b Protected Area – nature Not present refuges 2. State Marine Parks Not present
3. Fish habitat areas (A and B) Not present
MSES – Wetlands and Waterways
4. Strategic Environmental Not present Areas 5. High Ecological Significance Not present wetlands on the map of Referable Wetlands 6a. High Ecological Value (HEV Not present wetlands) 6b. High Ecological Value (HEV Not within site Nearby Bulgun Creek constitutes a waterways) natural waterway of HEV. Species 7. Threatened species and No species were Database identifies known protected iconic species identified on site during species (frogs) in Bulgun Creek 110m to field surveys. the west. Cassowaries are known to walk along the road and would forage opportunistically on site. Regulated Vegetation
8a. Regulated vegetation – No endangered Endangered/Of concern) in vegetation present on Category B (remnant) site 8b. Regulated vegetation – Not applicable No regrowth present on site. Endangered/Of concern) in Category C (regrowth)
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MSES Interests Field Surveys Notes
8c Regulated vegetation – Not applicable No riverine vegetation present on the Category R (GMR riverine site. regrowth) 8d, Regulated vegetation – Essential habitat As for Interest 7. Cassowaries are known essential habitat overlays as mapped are to utilise general area. accurate for Southern Cassowary. 8e, Regulated vegetation – Not applicable No watercourses on site, not intersecting a watercourse immediately adjacent to the site. 8f, Regulated vegetation – Not applicable No wetlands present on or adjacent to within 100m of a Vegetation the site. Management Wetland 9a. Legally secured offset areas Not applicable No offset areas within or adjacent site. – offset register areas 9b. Legally secured offset areas Not applicable No PMAV over any part of the site. –vegetation offsets through a Property Map of Assessable Vegetation
3.6 Vegetation Structure and Integrity 3.6.1 Overview The Tully/Mission Beach area has been subject to a number of recent cyclonic events within the last decade, the most recent severe cyclone being Tropical Cyclone (TC) Yasi in 2012. Following from other cyclone events earlier in the 2000’s TC Yasi further impacted the region with much of the forested areas of the exposed slopes of ranges of the coastal area demonstrating significant damage. The Bulgun Creek area is no exception, however the location of the proposed reservoir site on the western side of large ridge offers some protection to cyclonic winds. As a result cyclone damage is not as severe as in more exposed areas on east facing slopes or further up the Bulgun Creek valley. Notwithstanding there is obvious evidence of the impact of recent cyclones on the vegetation structure and integrity of the Bulgun Creek site, and historically the area has been logged, primarily for valuable cabinet timbers including various silky oak species, tulip oak, and maples, As a result of recent and historical impacts rainforest successional and recruitment processes figure strongly at this site. 3.6.2 Site Vegetation Description Regional ecosystem mapping undertaken by the Queensland Herbarium identifies the vegetation on the site as regional ecosystem (RE) 7.12.1a. This regional ecosystem comprises a mesophyll vine forest mosaic represented on moderately to poorly drained granites and rhyolites of the lowland and foothills of the very wet and wet rainfall zones of the Wet Tropics. It is one of largest rainforest vegetation units with a high representation within protected area estates. The Vegetation Management Act 1999 (VMA) identifies this RE as having a vegetation management class as ‘least concern’ with a biodiversity status of ‘no concern at present’. Flora field surveys were undertaken concurrent with opportunistic fauna and fauna habitat surveys. Flora assessment was undertaken in accordance with the Guidelines for Flora Survey & Assessment in Northern Queensland (Bruce Wannan, DEHP 2013). The flora field surveys confirmed the accuracy of the RE mapping and RE designation to the Bulgun Creek reservoir site.
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Plate 3 Irregular Canopy, Bulgun Site Description
The extremely irregular and broken canopy of the site is dominated by few large trees, with these being primarily secondary successional genera as Alstonia, Elaeocarpus and Polyscias. Vines are notable by their extensive development as a result of the broken canopy with Merremia peltata, Uncaria lanosa and a number of species of climbing palm (Calamus spp) very common.
Typical of much of the rainforest of Tully area the canopy of the site is very broken and uneven, a legacy of past cyclonic disturbance, with canopy species varying between 10 to 25m in height. Emergents are absent, and large trees are limited: only seven trees with diameters larger than 40cm were recorded on site. A number of the canopy species are secondary successional species, e.g. Elaeocarpus angustifolius, Melicope elleryana, Alstonia scholaris. There is a complex subcanopy comprising saplings of numerous species of recruiting canopy and successional species, but also including a number of specialist species which commonly occur in the lower stratum, e.g. Myristica muelleri which were largely unaffected by storm events. The fallen canopy trees and subsequent canopy gaps have allowed a high degree of light penetration and there is a high incidence of occurrence of light favouring species that have taken advantage of the changed micro‐climate conditions. Two genera in particular dominate, these being the climbing palm genera Calamus (‘wait‐a‐while’), and the understorey species Benstonea (syn Pandanus) monticola form very dense thickets in more open areas.
Plate 4 Understorey, Bulgun Site Description
Light gaps from cyclone damage have allowed the development of a very dense understorey characterised by primary successional genera, notably Calamus, Mallotus, Macaranga with a very dense ground stratum of Benstonea (syn Pandanus) monticola. Fallen trees, rotting logs and branches, are a feature of the forest floor. Pig damage is evident in a number of areas.
There has been some clearing associated with the original survey of the site boundaries and combined with storm damaged canopies the changed microclimate conditions of light intensity, temperature (exposed to direct sunlight) and humidity have favoured the rapid recruitment and expansion of vines. Climbing rattan palms (or Wait‐a‐while, various Calamus
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spp) dominate light gaps and the edge of the clearings. Other common disturbance favouring vines include Uncaria lanosa, Faradaya splendida, Merremia peltata, Mucuna gigantea. The scandent/scrambling Rubus mollucanus has formed localised dense thickets. General floristic structure of the site can be summarised as: Canopy: Very broken and uneven from 10m to 25m. Only seven large trees (diameters over 40cm) recorded, but numerous under this size. Typical canopy species: Alstonia scholaris, Polyscias elegans, Cardwellia sublimis, Melicope elleryana, Elaeocarpus angustifolius, Dysoxylum pettigrewianum, Acacia celsa, Doryphora aromatic, Ormosia ormondii, Subcanopy: Complex, comprising a mix of maturing canopy species and successional species. Typically: Aglaia ferruginea, Endiandra insignis, Cryptocarya murrayi, Litsea leefeana, Alstonia muelleriana, , Dysoxylum parasiticum, Myristica insipida, Neorites kevediana, Grevillea baileyana, Neolitsea dealbata, Canarvonia araliifolia, Polyscias nodosa, Syzygium luehmanni,, Toechima erythrocarpum, Synima cordierorum, Pouteria brownlessiana, Pouteria obovata, Brombya platynema, Archontophoenix alexandrae, Ficus variegata, Ficus septica, Alstonia muelleriana, Polysias australiana, Alphitonia petriei, Mallotus molissimus, Acacia mangium Understorey: Seedlings and saplings of many species present, but generally floristically simple. Benostonea monticola, Harpullia rhyticarpa, Eupomatia laurina, Cryptocarya laevigata, Streblus brunonianus, Cordyline cannifolia, Ardisia pachyrrhachis, Rubus moluccanus, Dicranopteris linearis, Bowenia spectabilis, Cyathea cooperi Vines and Epiphytes: Abundant, however dominated by a few opportunistic species favouring disturbance. Calamus motii, Calamus radicalis, Uncaria lanosa, Hibbertia scandens, Mucuna gigantea, Epipremnum pinnatum, Melodinus acutiflorus, Tetrastigma nitens, Gleichenia dicarpa, Piper hederacea, Pothos longipes, Pachygone ovata, Elaeagnus triflora, Freycinetia scandens, Freycinetia excelsa. 3.6.3 Flora of Conservation Significance No protected flora species listed under the schedules of the Nature Conservation (Wildlife) Regulation 2006 or the Commonwealth Protected Matters database were identified within the surveyed area. The Wildlife Online database (including the Qld Herbarium database) does not identify any threatened flora species having records within 5km of the proposed reservoir site. 3.6.4 Declared Weeds and Introduced Species No declared weeds as identified under the Cassowary Coast Regional Pest Management Plan 2014 – 2018 and the Queensland Biosecurity Act 2014 were identified within or adjacent the site. However weed hygiene management will be a key component of the Environmental Management Plan for the project. Weeds that were identified at the site are common weeds of roadsides/pastures and disturbed areas, e.g. bluetop (Ageratum conyzoides) and pose no environmental threat to the ecological integrity of the site. Problematic native species may persist as weedy species (notably wild raspberry, Rubus moluccanus) and recruit vigorously into disturbed areas following construction. Rooting by feral pigs (Sus scrofa) were evident in many areas of the site, particularly in areas cleared along survey lines and along the edges of the road. Rooting by feral pig results in soil degradation, loss of seedling and soil biological components (e.g. worms and other invertebrates) and promotes weed invasion into these damaged areas.
3.7 Fauna Habitat Assessment 3.7.1 General Habitat Status The general integrity of the site as habitat to fauna has been compromised through a number of factors including:
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Repetitive cyclone disturbance. The Tully/Mission Beach area has a had a number of cyclonic disturbances within the last decade, with TC Yasi the most recent severe TC 10 years ago. This has resulted in an extremely irregular and broken crown and a dense understorey of primary and secondary successional species. Historical clearing. The slopes of nearly all coastal areas in the Wet Tropics have been repeatedly accessed for logging up to 1988. The Bulgun Creek area is no exception and large trees are absent. Clearing for the current access road to the Bulgun Creek intake continues to create edge effects which result in local microclimate impacts, e.g. allowing light penetration, changed temperature and humidity regimes and creating conditions favourable to weed species. Feral animal disturbance. Feral pigs have had a marked impact on the condition of the soil substrate. Extensive pig rooting was observed in a number of locations and promoted pest plant growth, primarily wild raspberry and wait‐a‐while into the disturbed areas. Notwithstanding the above disturbances, the Bulgun Creek proposed reservoir site continues to provide habitat resources to a variety of mobile fauna. Snakes are present, with red‐bellied black snakes noted during previous visits as frequently occurring along the access road and edge of the forest clearing. An abundance of fallen and decaying vegetation, notably larger logs, had been obviously torn apart for foraging, with indications that this had probably been by bandicoots or striped possums searching for grubs in the soft wood. Much of the understorey and subcanopy provide foraging opportunities for highly mobile species such as birds, and double‐eyed fig parrots were heard (but not observed) in the area. The habitat surveys of the proposed site confirm that the rainforest of this area is typical of the habitats of the broader rainforest region. The proposed reservoir site does not offer specialised niche habitat resources, but does offer a broad range of generalist foraging and roosting opportunities that are also represented in much of the immediate local area.
Plate 5 Understorey, Bulgun Site Description
Typical habitat representation in the understorey layer with a high proportion of the proposed reservoir site dominated by successional species.
3.7.2 Fauna of Conservation Significance Two data bases, the Commonwealth Protected Matters Search Tool (PMST) and Queensland Department of Environment and Science (DES) Wildlife Online were access to determine records of fauna species of conservation significance likely to, or known to occur, in the Bulgun Creek area.
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The Commonwealth Protected Matters Search Tool (PMST) is based on a combination of actual records with bio‐climatic (BioClim) habitat modelling extrapolated to predict the likely occurrence of a species on site. A search of the PMST identified 16 birds, four frogs, 12 mammals (six are bats) and 12 plant species with potential habitat in the search area (radius of 5km). No evidence of utilisation of the site for fauna of conservation significance was noted during the field surveys. Cassowaries are known to traverse the Bulgun Creek intake access road, and cassowary scats were identified approximately 300m from the site near the intake location. The common plant families at the proposed reservoir site, Lauraceae and Elaeocarpaceae, include typical cassowary food plant species and it is very likely that cassowaries would opportunistically forage on species of these families when they are in fruit. Four threatened frog species are known to occur within the riparian areas of Bulgun Creek, which at its closest point is approximately 110m to the west of the proposed reservoir site. These are all species reliant on permanent flowing water, a habitat condition not represented on this site. None of these species or any of their preferential habitat requirements are represented, however the road spoon drains do drain to a direct tributary of Bulgun Creek and there is the potential for offsite impacts on Bulgun Creek following heavy rainfall with associated erosion and sediment risks. 3.7.3 Fauna Breeding Areas No nests, tree hollows or other actual evidence of breeding was observed in the proposed reservoir site likely to be cleared for the project. Only seven larger trees with diameters greater than 40 cm in diameter were noted and none had observable hollows or other features that indicated that they may be utilised as nests or dens. Notwithstanding, given the seasonal nature of fauna breeding it is possible that fauna may move into the site following the period of the ecological surveys. It is recommended that a fauna spotter/catcher be on site during the period of clearing to verify that no breeding animals are present, and to relocate these if required.
3.8 Cultural Heritage Values The Bulgun Creek reservoir site is within a wider cultural heritage landscape important to the traditional custodians of the area. The Gulngay People are the traditional owners of the Bulgun Creek area and were invited by CCRC to undertake a site inspection of the proposed Bulgun Creek reservoir site. There were no identified cultural heritage issues with the site, and the Gulngay People, through the North Queensland Land Council (NQLC), indicated they were happy for CCRC to proceed with the planning and design, including tenure application for the purposes of obtaining a lease, and construction of the water reservoir and associated infrastructure. CCRC have agree to engage cultural heritage monitors during vegetation clearance work and any significant ground disturbance activities. A letter of support from the NQLC (representing the Gulngay People) is provided in Appendix B.
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4. Risk and Impact Assessment
This section of the report identifies the potential impacts that may arise from the project construction and operation including, direct, indirect and cumulative impacts. Mitigation strategies to offset these potential impacts are also presented.
4.1 General Approach 4.1.1 Environmental Risk and Likely Impact In undertaking the impact assessment for this project, an Environmental Risk and Likely Impact (‘ERLI’) approach following the general precepts of AS/NZS 4360:2004 Risk Management has been adopted. AS/NZS 4360:2004 Risk Management provides a generic framework for establishing the context, identifying, analysing, evaluating, treating, monitoring and communicating risk. This standard forms the basis of risk assessment for many government agencies, and provides a transparent approach to ranking the relative risks and impacts of the proposal on each of the elements identified. Under the ERLI approach, for each possible impact on the environment and/or community, two key areas are addressed: 1. Environmental Risk This essentially considers the risk of irreversible change to natural ecological processes and community interaction. Assessment addresses: Conservation significance of environmental, social and cultural values and regional context of these values; Current level of integrity of natural ecosystem processes; Known sensitivity of ecosystem processes/natural values to human induced change; Natural change and resilience of relevant ecosystem processes/natural values; Potential for cumulative social and environmental impacts; and Level of scientific certainty of the above factors. 2. Likely Impact This considered the likely impact of the actions, as modified and undertaken in accordance with mitigation strategies (including the EMP); geographic extent of the activities; duration of the activity; magnitude of potential environmental and social change; confidence in prediction of impact; confidence in mitigation strategies to minimise ecological and social risks; and ability to monitor the impacts and detect change before irreversible change to system processes occurs. In considering environmental/social impacts this report considers direct and indirect impacts, short and long term, cumulative, temporary and irreversible, and adverse and beneficial impacts.
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The significance of the impacts is placed in an appropriate context in which to justifiably determine the impact’s significance. In particular, the duration of the impact (temporary v permanent) and reversibility was considered. The ability of natural systems (including population, communities and ecosystems) to accept or assimilate impacts were addressed. The ERLI approach was used to justify the Risk Assessment rankings as based on AS/NZS 4360:2004. A number of stages were used in the risk assessment and these are outlined as below: Stage 1: Identification of Risk This includes identification of the relevant risks, addresses known activities and related environmental aspects of the project. Stage 2: Risk Analysis An important feature is recognition of the fact that an events consequence extends beyond the environment. This methodology ensures that the full consequences of events are visible to risk owners and managers, and that the effects on the project are all understood and treated. Each class of consequence is rated a score of 0 ‐ 5, where “0” is nil consequence to “5” is catastrophic. An analysis of each risk is undertaken to determine an environmental events likelihood of occurrence and its consequences. A five‐level qualitative description of the likelihood and consequences for each risk enables a semi‐quantitative method to be used to calculate a ‘score’ for each risk. Definitions and scales for Consequences are shown in Table 6 and definitions and scales for Likelihood are shown in Table 7. Stage 3: Calculation of Risk Level Two levels of risk are used: The Primary Risk Level (PRL) is a conservative measure of risk, based on the most severe consequences across all the relevant criteria. PRL is calculated according to the equation: Primary Risk Level (PRL) = Likelihood Rating X Maximum Consequence Rating The Secondary Risk Level (SRL) is a less conservative measure of risk, which incorporates all relevant criteria, not just the most severe ones, and includes the adoption of mitigation strategies as identified in the EMP. SRL is calculated according to the equation: Secondary Risk Level (SRL) = Likelihood Rating X Average Consequence Rating In most circumstances PRL should be the preferred measure, as it is more conservative. Risk scores are banded into risk levels which provide a ‘plain English’ view of the risk. Scores will always be visible to enable prioritisation within bands. Table 8 shows the bands, their threshold values and indicative management action.
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Table 6: Threat Criteria and Consequence Scales
Rating Project Delivery Environment Community & Sustainability Financial Impacts
All activities cease. No Long-term Significant, extensive, detrimental Extreme financial resumption for at least 12 environmental harm. long-term impacts on the community loss to remedy. months. Major unacceptable Permanent irreparable or public health. Irreparable damage delays in delivery of damage is caused to the to highly valued structures or 5 capability occurring at environment. locations of cultural significance or critical times. Unable to sacred value. Permanent and
Catastrophic Catastrophic conduct missions. Failure to significant loss of scarce achieve critical performance environmental resources. goals.
All normal activities Significant Significant detrimental impacts on Major financial loss curtailed. No resumption of environmental damage the community. Major damage to to remedy. normal activities for between with widespread highly valued structures or locations 6 and 12 months. Major impacts. Damage may of cultural significance or sacred 4 delays of capability delivery be permanent. value. Significant loss of scarce Major but at non-critical times. environmental resources. Unable to conduct missions. Failure to achieve some performance targets.
Most activities affected. No Moderate violation of Detrimental impacts on the Moderate financial resumption of normal regulation or guideline community or public health. Damage loss to remedy.
3 activities for up to 6 months. with moderate damage to valued structures or locations of Significant delays resulting to the environment and cultural significance or sacred value.
Moderate in some reduction in significant clean-up cost. Loss of scarce environmental performance. resources.
Modification to planned Minor violation of Minor impact on the community or Minor financial loss activities can be expected. regulation or guideline public health. Minor damage to to remedy. Minor delays. Minor with minimal damage to valued structures or locations of 2 performance degradation. the environment and cultural significance or sacred value. Minor Minor small clean up. Minor loss of environmental Immediately contained resources. on-site.
Some minor modification to Negligible release or Negligible social impact. Negligible Insignificant planned activities may be damage that is damage to valued structures or financial loss to necessary. Insignificant contained on-site and is locations of cultural significance or remedy.
1 delays. Negligible non-reportable. The sacred value. Negligible loss of performance impact. damage is fully environmental resources. recoverable with no Insignificant permanent impact on the environment.
No impact on schedules. No environmental No social impact, damage to valued No cost impact. impact. structures or locations of cultural 0
Nil significance or sacred value or loss of environmental resources.
Table 7: Likelihood Rating
LIKELIHOOD Rating The potential for risks to occur and lead to the assessed consequences
5 Almost Very high, may occur at Probability A similar outcome has arisen several certain least several times per over 0.8 times per year in the same location, year operation or activity
4 Likely High, may arise about Probability 0.5 A similar outcome has arisen several once per year - 0.8 times per year
3 Possible Possible, may arise Probability 0.1 A similar outcome has arisen at some about once in a one to - 0.5 time previously ten year period
2 Unlikely Not impossible, likely to Probability A similar outcome has arisen at some occur during the next ten 0.04 - 0.1 time previously but action has been to twenty-five years
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LIKELIHOOD Rating The potential for risks to occur and lead to the assessed consequences taken to reduce the chance of recurrence.
1 Rare Very low, very unlikely Probability less A similar outcome has arisen on a during the next twenty- than 0.04 regional, state, national or five years international level and is not unique to the project.
Table 8: Risk levels and Management Action
Risk Level Descriptor Indicative management action (PRL or SRL)
16-25 Extreme Immediate action required, senior management will be involved
9-15.9 High Senior management attention needed and management responsibilities specified for further action
4-8.9 Medium Manage by specific monitoring or response procedures, develop more detailed actions as resources allow
1-3.9 Low Manage by routine procedures, unlikely to need specific application of resources Stage 4: Determination of Options for Treatment of Risks Following the analysis of a risk it is necessary to investigate the options available for risk treatment and then determine the option or options that provides the greatest cost benefit. Risks may be treated in one or a combination of ways5: Avoiding a risk by preventing the activity that leads to the risk eventuating. Reducing the likelihood of the risk eventuating. Reducing the consequences if the risk does eventuate. Transfer the risk. Retaining the risk. 4.1.2 Risk Assessment Matrix The potential impacts on the environmental values were derived from the description of the proposed works and collection of baseline data. The construction of the reservoir and associated proposed works is the major focus of this risk assessment. Specific elements considered in this risk assessment are: Vegetation clearing of approximately 2,325m2 within the lease envelope and impacts on fauna/flora habitat values and modification. Intrinsic World Heritage values: visual amenity, community considerations, wildlife and their habitat and natural ecological processes Habitat and resource availability and disruption to fauna through the construction phase with associated noise, human presence and general disturbance. Major earthworks for batters and drainage requirements with potential erosion and sediment movement.
5 After AS/NZS 4360:2004
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Interference with natural overland water flow paths and off site impacts, with provision of diversion drains and modification of general site drainage characteristic. Hazardous materials, including oils, fuels, grease and other chemicals that may be used for plant and other equipment at during construction and operation (including future chlorination plant) Introduction of potential invasive weeds and fauna species such as Siam weed, fire ants and yellow crazy ants. Community/heritage impacts, notably vehicle movement during construction on adjacent landholders on Intake Road and cultural heritage considerations.
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Table 9: Risk Management Assessment The Risk Levels for the following table can be interpreted as: 1‐ 3.9 Low, 4 ‐ 8.9 Medium, 9 ‐15.9 High, 16 ‐ 25 Extreme.
Environmental Project Element Description of Risk Risk Mitigation Strategies Consequence Rating Likely- Risk Level Aspect hood Maximum Average PRL SRL High6 Average7
Vegetation General clearing Approximately 2,325m2 of vegetation Construction: refer EMP. Key elements include: 3 2 5 15 10 for reservoir and will be cleared. The vegetation has infrastructure been affected historically by logging, Vegetation to be hand cleared by chainsaw, not by bulldozer. but more recently by tropical cyclones. While vegetation has been disturbed Trees to be felled away from lease boundary with no areas of specialised vegetation into the lease and not into adjacent NP area. present, it retains high habitat values. Disturbance area to be demarcated in the field by tape and restricted to minimum area required. Vegetation not to be burnt. Smaller vegetation to be mulched and larger logs and grubbed stumps, sawed and placed at edge of clearing. Erosion and sediment control measures to be implemented as part of vegetation clearing operations.
Clearing of The vegetation of the site constitutes a Construction; refer EMP. Key elements as above 1 0 1 1 0 vegetation - wide spread regional ecosystem type in for general site clearing. Special vegetation the WTWHA (RE 7.12.1) and does not communities represent or included any threatened ecological communities or vegetation types.
Clearing of There is the potential that any Construction: refer EMP. Key elements as per 2 1 1 2 1 advanced advanced secondary or successional general clearing. secondary or vegetation may be habitat for successional threatened plant species. Surveys for vegetation - threatened flora species did not identify Threatened any species of legislated conservation species significance on the site.
6 Primary Risk Level (PRL) 7 Secondary Risk Level (SRL)
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Environmental Project Element Description of Risk Risk Mitigation Strategies Consequence Rating Likely- Risk Level Aspect hood Maximum Average PRL SRL High6 Average7
General General vegetation clearing across the Construction: Construction: refer EMP. Key 3 3 4 12 12 vegetation site will increase the incidence of light elements as per general clearing. Additionally: clearing - edge penetration into the forest beyond the effects lease boundary. This ’edge effect’ Rehabilitate cleared areas promptly and results in changed microclimates that progressively wherever possible. may extend for many metres beyond Restrict clearing to the minimum amount the cleared area and create conditions required for safe construction and operation favourable to weed incursions. The site of reservoir infrastructure. has been significantly damaged by tree Demarcate clearing extent clearly on fall from previous cyclone events with a drawings and on site with high visibility tape. high degree of existing light Maintain monitoring program for invasive penetration. species post construction and eradicate any weed incursions promptly.
Major earthworks Significant earthworks involving cut Design, Construction. Refer EMP. Key elements 4 2 2 8 4 and cut and fill and fill batters, have the potential to as per general clearing. Additionally: batters create offsite impacts to adjacent vegetation through transported Rehabilitate cleared areas promptly and sediments. progressively wherever possible. Ensure erosion sediment control plan is implemented Earthworks to cease in heavy rainfall events and erosion controls assessed and additional controls implemented when necessary. In design phase, all diversionary drains to include flow diffusers Machinery that has recently been used in earthworks / vegetation clearing in a biosecurity restricted zone is to have an approved biosecurity / weed hygiene certificate.
Drainage works – Drainage works requiring diversion of Design, Construction. Refer EMP. Key elements 3 1 2 6 2 off site sediment overland flow away from the batter as per general clearing. Additionally: transport slopes may result in off-site sediment transport and smothering of seedlings Rehabilitate cleared areas promptly and and ground covers such as ferns progressively wherever possible. outside of the lease boundary. Earthworks to cease in heavy rainfall events and erosion controls assessed and additional controls implemented when necessary. In design phase, all diversionary drains to include flow diffusers
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Environmental Project Element Description of Risk Risk Mitigation Strategies Consequence Rating Likely- Risk Level Aspect hood Maximum Average PRL SRL High6 Average7
Waste disposal/ Accidental spillage of oils, fuels, Construction. Refer EMP. Key elements include: 4 1 2 8 2 hazardous greases and other hydrocarbons material (including bitumen seal) have the Mobile equipment to be refuelled and potential to contaminate soil and maintained outside WTWHA. prevent seedling recruitment or Spill kit, PPE and other required equipment adversely impact existing vegetation. for emergency spill containment to be kept on site. No fuel or hazardous substances to be stored on site during construction. Operation: Future chlorine storage for chlorinator to be stored in appropriate bunded and secured area in accordance with relevant Australian standards, guidelines and legislation.
Vegetation Any vegetation clearing and associated Construction. Refer EMP. Key elements include: 3 2 3 9 6 clearing: earthworks have the potential to introduction of introduce weed species which may be Machinery that has recently been used in pest/weed invasive and/or detrimental to habitat earthworks or vegetation clearing in a species values. Such examples include biosecurity restricted zone is to have an Chromolaena odorata and Lantana approved biosecurity hygiene certificate. camara. Both are established All machinery generally to be washed down elsewhere in the CCRC and there is a prior to clearing operations. This extends to high risk of introduction via earth chainsaws and small vehicles accessing the moving equipment, movement of site for the first time. construction vehicles and vegetation Rehabilitate cleared areas promptly and clearing. progressively wherever possible. Monitoring of weed/rehabilitation to be undertaken post construction and weed species to be controlled on site.
Fauna and Habitat General habitat The majority of the fauna that are Construction. Refer EMP. Key Elements include: 2 1 3 6 3 clearing and fauna known to occur in the region are highly impacts mobile and will move from the Do not leave food waste scraps or any other disturbance area. However there are a waste that is likely to attract wildlife. Wildlife number of elements that will impact on not to be fed. fauna generally across the site. General induction for all staff into strategies for dealing with fauna generally. Wildlife is not to be handled and a fauna spotter/ catcher is to be employed to remove snakes or wildlife observed nesting/denning within areas to be cleared.
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Environmental Project Element Description of Risk Risk Mitigation Strategies Consequence Rating Likely- Risk Level Aspect hood Maximum Average PRL SRL High6 Average7 Delineation bunting to be used to demarcate habitat areas that are not to be disturbed and is to be placed prior to work commencing on site. Should any animals be encountered, injured or nests discovered, works shall cease immediately. Excavation pits are not to be left open overnight, but covered or a fauna ladder installed (tree branch). Barbed wire is not to be used in any part of fencing (security or otherwise) on site. Sediment controls are to be established as per the ESCP for the site to prevent off site transport of sediments to sensitive habitats, e.g. tributaries and drains leading into Bulgun Creek.
Fauna and human Venomous snakes and Cassowaries Construction. Refer EMP. Key Elements include: 3 2 3 9 6 interactions may be frequently encountered. Red bellied black snakes, rough scaled Staff are not to handle snakes. Snakes are to snakes are known to occur on site. be left alone and only removed to a safe These animals may be encountered at location away from construction by a qualified any time during construction. All staff snake handler shall be inducted into strategies for Cassowaries are not to be fed, and are not to dealing with the local Cassowaries by be approached. Site Manager or delegate. Do not leave food waste scraps or any other waste that is likely to attract wildlife. General induction for all staff into strategies for dealing with fauna generally.
Habitat clearing: Larger trees, rock outcrops, large logs Construction: Refer EMP. Key elements include: 3 1 2 6 2 breeding/roosting and other site features provide specific areas habitat niches for fauna including A pre-clearing survey of potential habitat roosting, nesting and as dens. While no usage for nesting/denning to be undertaken fauna was observed breeding or by a fauna spotter/catcher. roosting on site during the surveys, In the event that breeding animals are fauna may occupy tree hollows or rock located during clearing operations, clearing outcrops post surveys. will cease until QPWS/DES are notified and further direction received. Should any animals be encountered, injured or nests discovered, works shall cease immediately.
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Environmental Project Element Description of Risk Risk Mitigation Strategies Consequence Rating Likely- Risk Level Aspect hood Maximum Average PRL SRL High6 Average7
Vegetation Any vegetation clearing and associated Construction. Refer EMP. Key elements include: 3 2 3 9 6 clearing: earthworks have the potential to introduction of introduce weed species which may be Machinery that has recently been used in pest/weed invasive and/or detrimental to habitat earthworks or vegetation clearing in a species values. Such examples include biosecurity restricted zone is to have an Chromolaena odorata and Lantana approved biosecurity hygiene certificate. camara. Both are established All machinery generally to be washed down elsewhere in the CCRC area and there prior to clearing operations. This extends to is a high risk of introduction via earth chainsaws and small vehicles accessing the moving equipment, movement of site for the first time. construction vehicles and vegetation Rehabilitate cleared areas promptly and clearing. progressively wherever possible.
Noise and Noise and vibration will occur as a Construction. Refer EMP. Key elements include; 3 2 4 12 8 vibration inevitable result of the operation of machinery and equipment during Construction to be undertaken during normal construction. This will have the daylight construction hours and no night potential to adversely impact on wildlife work. during the construction period. It is not All equipment to be fitted with noise expected that noise levels from piping, suppression (exhaust mufflers etc) that are pumps and chlorinator (when installed appropriately maintained to the standard for in future) will have any significant that equipment. operational impact on wildlife. Machinery/equipment to be switched off when not in use and safe to do so.
Traffic movement Traffic on Intake Road will be Construction. Refer EMP. Key elements include; 2 1 3 6 3 significantly higher during the construction phase (approximately 6 Construction traffic on Intake Road will be months). The road is used by limited to daylight hours only. Evening use of Cassowaries, and snakes and frogs the road to be restricted to emergency are common on the road, frogs in access. particular during wet weather. Traffic Speed limits to be applied to the road. movement during operation will be Residents immediately beside Intake Road to intermittent and sparse. There is an be advised of construction traffic hours. existing residence beside Intake Road Assessment of dust beside the existing where the road is not sealed. residence to be undertaken and sealing of portion of road thereat to be considered.
Erosion and Vegetation Approximately 2,325m2 of vegetation is Design, Construction. Refer EMP. Key elements 3 1 3 9 3 Sedimentation clearing to be cleared and will include include: movement of existing rocks on site. This will result in extensive soil
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Environmental Project Element Description of Risk Risk Mitigation Strategies Consequence Rating Likely- Risk Level Aspect hood Maximum Average PRL SRL High6 Average7
disturbance with a high potential for Implementation of Erosion and Sediment erosion during this exposed stage of Control Plan construction. Vegetation to be hand cleared by chainsaw, not by bulldozer. Disturbance area to be demarcated in the field by tape and restricted to minimum area required for safe construction and operation of the reservoir. Rehabilitate cleared areas promptly and progressively wherever possible. Ensure erosion and sediment controls are in place prior to any grubbing of stumps or other vegetation clearance work that requires earth disturbance.
General Earthworks will be required to Design, Construction Refer EMP. Key elements 3 1 3 9 3 earthworks construct a level pad for the reservoir include: and associated infrastructure. This will require cut and fill operations and Implementation of Erosion and Sediment construction of batters and drains. Control Plan The site will be vulnerable to erosion Disturbance area to be demarcated in the and offsite sedimentation in the event field by tape and restricted to minimum area heavy rainfall occurs during required for safe construction and operation construction. of the reservoir. Rehabilitate cleared areas promptly and progressively wherever possible. Earthworks to cease in heavy rainfall events and erosion controls assessed and additional controls implemented when necessary. All diversionary drains at tops of batters to include flow diffusers and sediment basins prior to discharge into National Park.
Drainage aspects Drainage works will be required for the Construction; Refer EMP. Key elements include 3 1 3 9 3 reservoir owing to the slope of the site all general earthworks aspects above. and cut and fill earthworks necessary to achieve a level construction pad. . Drainage networks have the potential to discharge sediments generated during construction off site into sensitive adjoining environments.
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Environmental Project Element Description of Risk Risk Mitigation Strategies Consequence Rating Likely- Risk Level Aspect hood Maximum Average PRL SRL High6 Average7
World Heritage General Integrity of World Heritage Area may be Construction; Refer EMP and all elements related 3 2 5 15 10 Values vegetation compromised on a localised basis to vegetation clearing with key elements being: clearing through introduction of weed species, creation of edge effects and altered Key elements include: micro climates, and site transport of Vegetation to be hand cleared by chainsaw, sediments into National Park. not by bulldozer. Trees to be felled away from lease boundary into the lease and not into adjacent NP area. Disturbance area to be demarcated in the field by tape and restricted to minimum area required. Vegetation not to be burnt. Smaller vegetation to be mulched and larger logs and grubbed stumps, sawed and placed at edge of clearing. Erosion and sediment control measures to be implemented as part of vegetation clearing operations, these include sediment controls on all drains exiting the lease area. Monitoring of introduced species and subsequent prompt removal is required.
Threatened fauna There are known threatened fauna Construction: Refer EMP. Key elements include 3 2 2 6 4 species species including frogs and the Southern cassowary, that occur on and Do not leave food waste scraps or any other adjacent to the site and may be waste that is likely to attract wildlife. Wildlife vulnerable to impacts including human not to be fed. interactions, and off-site sediment Sediment controls are to be established as transport. per the ESCP for the site to prevent off site transport of sediments to sensitive habitats, e.g. tributaries and drains leading into Bulgun Creek. General induction for all staff into strategies for dealing with fauna generally. Delineation bunting to be used to demarcate habitat areas that are not to be disturbed and is to be placed prior to work commencing on site. Excavation pits are not to be left open overnight, but covered or a fauna ladder installed (tree branch).
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Environmental Project Element Description of Risk Risk Mitigation Strategies Consequence Rating Likely- Risk Level Aspect hood Maximum Average PRL SRL High6 Average7 Barbed wire is not to be used in any part of fencing (security or otherwise) on site as may entangle bats and tree snakes.
Threatened flora There are no protected flora records Construction: Refer EMP. Key elements include 2 1 1 2 1 species within 5km of the project area and a site general requirements for vegetation clearing and survey by an experienced botanist did implementation of general mitigation actions not identify any protected flora species related to vegetation. on site.
Weed and Pest There are no significant weeds at the Construction: Refer EMP. Key elements include: species reservoir site, with those present being common roadside weeds that are not a All vehicles, construction machinery and threat to WH values. The construction materials are to examined for fire ants or process involving vegetation clearing, yellow crazy ants prior to arrival at site. earthworks and machinery operation Vehicles arriving on site from known and has the potential to create conditions potential weed infested areas must, prior to favourable to the introduction of weed arriving at site, undergo vehicle checks or and pest species. wash down procedures where appropriate. Machinery that has recently been used in earthworks or vegetation clearing in a biosecurity restricted zone is to have an approved biosecurity hygiene certificate. All machinery generally to be washed down prior to clearing operations. This extends to chainsaws and small vehicles accessing the site for the first time. Any weed infestation shall be treated at earliest stage while small and manageable. If chemical treatment is required, chemicals may be used only in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications. Monitoring of introduced species and subsequent prompt removal is required.
Scenic amenity The reservoir will be located within a Construction: Key elements include: 2 1 1 2 1 section of the Tully Gorge NP that is not accessible to the public and is not Retention of maximum amount of vegetation possible within the lease area to shield visible from any public viewshed. Access is controlled by a locked gate. structures. Progressive rehabilitation of the site as soon as practical after construction. General site to be maintained in a clean and tidy state with no waste to be stored on site.
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Environmental Project Element Description of Risk Risk Mitigation Strategies Consequence Rating Likely- Risk Level Aspect hood Maximum Average PRL SRL High6 Average7
Cultural and The reservoir site is within the cultural Construction: Key elements as per the EMP and 3 2 1 3 2 community landscape and custodianship of the include: aspects Gulngay People. The site is a greenfield site, and a preliminary site Gulngay traditional owners to be engaged as inspection has been undertaken by spotters during vegetation clearing and representatives of the Gulngay People earthworks on site. who have identified that no issues are Any discovery of a Cultural Heritage find to expected with the constriction of the be reported immediately to the representative reservoir with respect to cultural of the Gulbay People and all activity stop heritage. The reservoir is essential to immediately in that location. the wider community in order to Any Cultural Heritage finds are to be improve water quality of raw water managed in accordance with any agreement supply to an increasing population. reached with the local Aboriginal Party. Operation: Water quality to be monitored in accordance with CCRC Drinking Water Management Plan.
Carrying capacity The proposed Bulgun Creek reservoir Construction: Refer EMP. Key elements include 3 2 3 9 6 will have cumulative impacts beyond all aspects and controls related to Vegetation, the immediate construction phase of Fauna, Erosion and Sediment, and Wastes and the reservoir. Primarily these relate to Contaminants in this risk assessment. the impact of edge effects and light penetration into the forest, and offsite transport of sediments during high rainfall events. These impacts may be offset by two factors: 1) the site is already highly disturbed with a high degree of light penetration owing to cyclone damage and tree fall and 2) implementation of sound engineering design and erosion and sediment control structures will mitigate off site sediment transport.
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Environmental Project Element Description of Risk Risk Mitigation Strategies Consequence Rating Likely- Risk Level Aspect hood Maximum Average PRL SRL High6 Average7
Wastes and Use of oils, fuels, The use of fuels, oils, grease, will be Construction: Refer EMP. Key elements 3 2 1 3 2 Contaminants grease and other necessary for machinery. All such include: Mobile equipment to be refuelled and hydrocarbons and hazardous materials are to be stored maintained outside WTWHA. hazardous off site and outside of the WHA. Spills Spill kit, PPE and other required equipment substances of these contaminants represent a high for emergency spill containment to be kept on risk to the forest floor ecology and may site. sequester in the soil if not treated No fuel or hazardous substances to be stored immediately. on site during construction. Washdown of vehicles shall not be undertaken within the WHA. Operation: Future chlorine storage for chlorinator to be stored in appropriate bunded and secured area in accordance with relevant Australian standards, guidelines and legislation.
General A wide variety of non-hazardous and Design, Construction: Refer EMP. All aspects 3 1 2 6 2 construction hazardous waste is expected to be and strategies related use of hydrocarbons apply activities: waste generated by plant and machinery and additionally. generation and by construction workers. This includes disposal domestic and putrescible waste, non- Waste materials shall be contained on site in biodegradable waste such as plastics, appropriate containers. glass, oil and fuel containers, All wastes, (including regulated waste) shall cardboard and packaging materials be collected and removed from work sites etc. All have the potential to have regularly by an appropriately licensed adverse environmental impacts if not contractor, (as required). disposed and managed appropriately. Portable ablution facilities are to be provided on site and disposal of waste shall be to an appropriately licenced facility approved to take such waste. All putrescible waste is to be stored with a sealed bin and to be removed from site daily.
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4.2 Impact and Risk Assessment Summary 4.2.1 General Flora/Fauna Habitat Impacts to general flora/fauna habitat within the immediate construction footprint at the proposed reservoir sits will inevitably result in the permanent alienation of habitats at these sites for fauna/flora. In context, the loss of approximately 2,325m2 represents a very small loss of each of the habitats on a more regional scale. At Bulgun Creek the mesophyll rainforest impacted (RE 7.12.1a) is the most widely distributed and common rainforest community of the coastal ranges and lowlands of Wet Tropics. Integrity of this community is not high at the Bulgun Creek site, however the site does retain localised importance as a source of opportunistic foraging for species such as the Southern Cassowary. The local rainforests of the Bulgun Creek valley also provides an extremely important landscape function in contributing to the water quality of Bulgun Creek through buffering the valley from the impacts of overland flow. The existing primary value of the vegetation communities is for the provision of opportunistic foraging for predominantly mobile species (such as birds) and foraging for more localised sedentary species. Notwithstanding, despite the generally low to moderate integrity of the vegetation as a community, it retains high values as a rainforest type recovering after disturbance. The key impacts on flora and fauna habitat are related to the potential for indirect impacts arising from the clearing. These primarily include the creation of edge effects, and the movement of construction machinery and material with the potential to introduce weed and pest species. Edge effects are the result of changed microclimate conditions within the forest as a result of increased light, wind and direct exposure. These changed conditions disadvantage a number of rainforest species, e.g. filmy ferns, understorey and ground cover flora species, and favour the introduction of native successional species and pest species such as wild raspberry (Rubus sp), and potentially invasive species such as lantana and Siam weed. Edge effects can extend several hundred metres into the forest around new clearings. At the reservoir site edge effects are in evidence as a result of the clearing for the existing access road to the Bulgun Creek intake, and more recently as a result of tree fall during cyclone events. Extensive light gaps are prevalent throughout the reservoir site, and there is a high number of successional species taking advantage of these effects. Subsequently the clearing for the reservoir site does not confer a new edge effect into the area, however does provide a significant cumulative impact in combination with the existing impacts.
Plate 6 Existing edge effects, reservoir site Description
Tree falls as a result of TC Yasi have created significant light gaps within the proposed reservoir site. Increased light has favoured recruitment of colonising species such native raspberry (Rubus sp) in this photo within the reservoir site.
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4.2.2 Species of Conservation Significance There are confirmed records for four threatened species occurring within or immediately the riparian zone of Bulgun Creek, 110m to the west of the proposed reservoir site. All four species are frogs, with life cycles that are dependent on clean, fast flowing water with limited to no tolerance of periods of prolonged turbidity. The extent of the frog species distribution may include the tributaries of Bulgun Creek, the nearest of which is 290m downstream of the site. Earth works will be required for the levelling of the reservoir site and construction of ancillary facilities (including the pipelines). During the period of earthworks the site will be exposed and vulnerable to the impacts of unexpected heavy rainfall with a consequent high risk of potential erosion and off site transport of sediment. The endangered Southern Cassowary is known to utilise the area, and while no cassowary was observed during the field surveys, a bird has been previously seen walking along the access road to Bulgun Creek intake in the immediate vicinity of the proposed reservoir site. The primary immediate impact on this species will be the loss of foraging habitat of related to the extent of clearing for the project. The loss of habitat for this species is minor by comparison with the availability of similar habitat continued to be represented within the local and regional area. Key resources to be lost are related to opportunistic foraging, particularly from the loss of individual trees of Lauraceae, Elaeocarpaceae. These families are commonly represented within the wider local area, and only one of the seven larger trees in the site confirmed as being a Cassowary food plant (Elaeocarpus angustifolius), however saplings and seedlings of other families (Moraceae, Myrtaceae) were frequent in the understorey/subcanopy. The highest risk of impact is during construction phase, with noise from vegetation clearing, machinery, traffic movement and human presence deterring cassowaries (and most other fauna) from utilising this area. Noise and human disturbance are expected to be of an intense, short term duration, with these impacts temporary and reversible (i.e. machinery and humans will leave the site after construction). Cassowaries will resume utilisation of the road as a thoroughfare with the cessation of construction activities.
4.3 Wet Tropics World Heritage Area Considerations The WTWHA is a diverse set of natural ecosystems with a variety of existing uses and tenures. It has been formerly assessed according to its outstanding universal values or world heritage values. This incorporates wet tropics rainforests and ancient ancestry with many unique plants and animals, scenic natural beauty, community benefits and rainforest aboriginal country. In considering the impact of the proposed reservoir construction and operation on the WTWHA, a number of key factors have been addressed. These include: Natural values of the affected area.
- Impacts generally on flora and fauna (collectively ‘wildlife’) prescribed as conservation significant under the schedules of the Nature Conservation (Wildlife) Regulation 2006, i.e. listed as extinct (in the wild), endangered, vulnerable, of concern or near threatened.
- The habitats of conservation significant wildlife (as above), and other threatened plant and animal communities e.g. those listed under the provisions of the Commonwealth EPBC Act.
- Natural ecological processes.
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Potential cumulative impact of the project on the integrity of the area i.e. where the new impact (in this instance the reservoir construction) is additional to existing impacts (current road). Likely impact of the proposed activity on the area’s scenic amenity. Community considerations, including;
- demonstrated need for the project,
- likely effect of the project on any native title holder and Aboriginal parties.
- Effect of the project on the amenity of the land, with regard to current land uses Carrying capacity of the land: in essence this is the ability of the immediate area of the project to absorb the direct, indirect and cumulative impacts of the project before the project has an adverse impact on the integrity of the area. 4.3.1 Natural Values The overall risks to the natural values of the project and level of potential impacts are highly dependent on the mitigation strategies to be employed in the EMP to be developed for the project. The key primary risks include: Loss of vegetation cover as a direct result of clearing and changed microclimate conditions, creating edge effects. The impacts from this risk include creation of conditions favorable to introduced species, dieback of mature trees from direct exposure to sunlight following clearing, changes in soil biotic conditions e.g. soils becoming warmer and less conducive to soil mesofauna/meiofauna responsible for detritus breakdown and nutrient cycling. These impacts are partially offset by the existing conditions at the site, which include edge effects from the adjacent Intake Road, and edge effects created by large tree falls as a result of cyclones. Edge effects do however, represent a direct and cumulative impact which is considered when assessing the carrying capacity of the area. Introduction of alien fauna and flora as result of importation of seed/fauna by machinery used in affected areas. Introduced species of concern include Chromolaena odorata (Siam weed), Miconia calvescens (Miconia), fire ants and yellow crazy ants. All are present in the CCRC area. This risk and the potential impacts can be largely ameliorated by the observance of appropriate biosecurity mechanisms as identified in the EMP. A high level of earth disturbance will be required during vegetation clearing and with earthworks and cut and fill operations for the construction of reservoir pad. Tully is one of the highest rainfall areas in Australia and there is risk of high rainfall events at any time of the year. Failure of erosion and sediment control measures, and/or failure to implement an erosion and sediment control plan (ESCP) will result in dispersion of sediments into the wider environment, including (potentially) tributaries and drainage lines that discharge into nearby Bulgun Creek, a known habitat area for endangered frog species. 4.3.2 Cumulative Impacts There are existing impacts on the environment of the reservoir site. The primary impact is related to edge effects created by the access road to the Bulgun Creek intake, and edge effects associated with natural light gaps arising from tree fall from cyclones. This is manifested in a high level of successional flora species present, dense regrowth of vine species, and a number of non‐native (but non‐invasive) weed species along the road verges and colonising light gaps.
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Clearing associated with the reservoir construction will create an internal perimeter of approximately 110m of newly created edge effects. The initial direct impacts associated with changed micro‐climates will extend for many meters into the surrounding forest beyond the lease boundary, and some researchers have suggested indirect edge effects e.g. changes in abundance/distribution of pollinating insects as a consequence of changed micro climate, may extend for hundreds of meters. By comparison with edge effects created by local natural light gaps, Intake Road, and tracks in the locality, the impacts offered by an additional 110m of perimeter clearing and associated edge effects are possibly not significant on a regional scale, but at a local scale will be manifested in changes in vegetation composition and structure on the boundary of the reservoir site. Prompt rehabilitation of disturbed areas post construction will ameliorate some of these effects. However, the overall impacts are cumulative, but within a highly dynamic successional environment with existing disturbance. 4.3.3 Community Considerations The reservoir project is being driven, in the larger context, by community demand for increased reliability of potable drinking water. The existing Bulgun Creek raw water supply gravitates directly into the reticulation network supplying the major centres of Mission Beach and Tully, and surrounding rural settlements. There is no chemical treatment, and boil water alerts are not uncommon owing to turbid water presenting a possible risk with giardia encysted on suspended sediments. The reservoir will enable the Bulgun Creek water supply to be isolated during turbid periods, enabling cleaner water from other intakes sources to be distributed without sediment contamination. With respect to the traditional landholders, the Gulngay People are the traditional custodians of the region, and have previously undertaken preliminary site investigations in relation to cultural heritage issues that may be encountered during the construction of the reservoir. They have indicated that they have not identified any cultural heritage issues, and support the project on the proviso that Gulngay representatives are present as cultural heritage spotters during initial clearing and earthworks operations. A letter of support is appended to this EIA report. The proposed reservoir lease area is located within a section of the Tully Gorge National Park that is not accessible to the public. Access to the site is via Intake Road, a management road under the WT Plan that provides access for CCRC personnel to the Bulgun Creek intake and associated infrastructure. Access is via a locked gate only and the reservoir construction and operation will not change any existing land uses in the area which are entirely National Park conservation purpose. 4.3.4 Carrying Capacity The carrying capacity of the reservoir project is the ability of the immediate area to absorb the direct, indirect and cumulative impacts of the project before the project has an adverse impact on the integrity of the area. The key risks and impacting processes have been identified earlier in this section, and include potential impacts from edge effects, introduced fauna and flora, and potential erosion and offsite sedimentation. In the absence of environmental management measures and implementation of controls, the potential impacts could result in a diminishing of the carrying capacity of the local environment. This would be manifested in uncontrolled weed populations, deterioration of local waterways and drainage lines and potential permanent changes in vegetation structure and composition immediately about the reservoir site. The implementation of management measures that include engineering designs which have considered rainfall and drainage management, an erosion and sediment control plan, prompt and progressive rehabilitation of disturbed areas and general mitigation measures as suggested in the appended draft Environmental Management Plan will to a large degree
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ameliorate the potential impacts of the project. The adoption of these measures and other recommendations in this EIA report will ensure that the ability of the surrounding environment to absorb the impacts without quantitative impacts on the integrity of the surrounding National Park and the local WTWHA in general.
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5. Environmental Management and Mitigation
The purpose of this section is to present a framework for the environmental management of the project and suggest strategies and mitigation measures that should be incorporated into the Project Environmental Management Plan.
5.1 Environmental Management Plan 5.1.1 EMP Elements Management of impacts during construction at the proposed reservoir site will be via the implementation of management measures as set out in a Environmental Management Plan (EMP) to be prepared specifically for the project. The purpose of the EMP is to implement and monitor measures appropriate to mitigating the impact of the construction on environmental values of the site, and to minimise the potential for offsite cumulative impacts. The EMP will also include a framework Erosion and Sediment Control Plan (ESCP) which is to be adapted as required for specific drainage considerations or construction methodologies at each proposed reservoir site. Typically the EMP will identify specific environmental elements which are to be addressed during construction, and nominate the roles and responsibilities of the various parties involved in the construction, including reporting structures and frequencies. This EMP should include at least the following elements to address the activities with potential to impact on environmental values of the local construction area: Natural and World Heritage Values Cultural Heritage Erosion and Sediment Control Contaminated Land, Fuel and Hazardous Substances Waste Flora Fauna Weed and Pest Management Air Quality Noise and Vibration Emergency Response. A draft (framework) construction EMP has been provided in Appendix D of this EIA report. This framework should be used by the contractor in preparing their own site‐specific construction EMP (CEMP). This CEMP should be reviewed and approved by CCRC with reference to any specific conditions on their permit or on the lease conditions. 5.1.2 Specific Mitigation Measures There are a number of mitigation measures which are mandatory to be included in the EMP for the site. These include the following; Erosion and Sediment Control Plan: An ESCP is fundamental to controlling off site impacts arising from vegetation clearing and earthworks at each site. The site does not have any direct
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connection to the waterways adjacent (i.e. Bulgun Creek) however there are indirect pathways that in the event of tropical rainstorms pose potential risks in terms of overland flow. The ESCP should consider the installation of a temporary sediment basin downstream of the construction site at Bulgun Creek within the road spoon drain. This spoon drain is the only direct pathway to Bulgun Creek for off‐site sediment transport as it discharges into a downslope tributary of Bulgun Creek.. Any diversionary drains at the topsof the proposed batters should include flow dissipators and sediment retention basins at the discharge point to minimise the potential for diversionary flows to deposit sediment into the adjacent National Park. Vegetation Clearing and Habitat Management: Machinery (e.g. bulldozers) should not be used to clear vegetation. Vegetation clearing envelope will be clearly demarcated on site (e.g. survey tape) and trees should be directionally felled by hand to ensure that tree fall is into the construction site, and not outside the construction footprint. Felled vegetation is not to be burnt, with smaller vegetation to be mulched on site and the mulch retained for erosion control and site rehabilitation. Larger tree trunks and branches should be lopped into manageable lengths and allowed to decompose at the edges of the clearing of each site. Prior to clearing the larger trees (i.e. over 40cm diameter) for construction a brief inspection to determine whether or not any birds have constructed nests in the trees to be cleared since this EIA report was prepared. Should any new nests be identified then a fauna spotter/catcher should be engaged to determine whether the nest is active, and the species using this nest. Generally, should any large tree with obvious hollows (usually trees with a trunk diameter >40cm) be cleared for the projects, then these should also be investigated by a fauna spotter/catcher to determine whether they are being used as roost/breeding sites by colonial species (such as microchiropteran bats) or nest sites by parrots or owls. Noise and Vibration: Noise and vibration, including that of chainsaws, machinery, vehicles and humans all contribute to localised impacts on habitat quality adjacent to the sites. This is an unavoidable consequence of the construction process, but should be managed through restricting works to daylight hours, ensuring that there is no traffic/vehicular movement at night, and all exhaust emission and muffler systems are functioning in accordance with manufacturers specifications. It is noted that the Bulgun site does have exposed granite/rhyolite rock and blasting will not be used to remove rock for the reservoir foundations. Waste Management: Wastes, including construction wastes, domestic waste produced by humans, and potential hazardous wastes arising from leakages/spillages of hydraulic fluids, fuels, oils etc. represent a potential site threats that must be monitored and addressed immediately. Refuelling and maintenance of major machinery should not occur at site, however refuelling/maintenance of small engines (e.g. chainsaws) should be undertaken in locations where potential oil and fuel spills can be mitigated/managed e.g. on the trays of vehicles on site. All domestic waste should be removed from site at the end of each day, and portable chemical toilets installed for the duration of construction. Construction waste will not be retained on site post construction. Weed and Pest Management and Site Rehabilitation: The site currently has low levels of weed infestation and no declared weed species are present. There is a high potential for the introduction of major environmental weeds (e.g Siam weed) at the site with machinery that may have been in contact with problematic weed infested areas in other parts of the CCRC
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area. Yellow crazy ants and fire ants are problematic in the WTWHA and are distributed through construction machinery, materials (notably wooden packing cases). These are serious invasive species and should be allocated a high priority for surveillance and management if detected.
5.2 General Duty of Care and Further Requirements CCRC has a Duty of Care under the EPBC Act (and under the Queensland Environment Protection Act 1992) to provide transparent evidence that all environmental issues have been considered and appropriate mitigation measures in place to address potential environmental impacts. This EIA report identifies the likely environmental issues that may be encountered during the construction of the project and recommends mitigation measures based on the findings. It is strongly recommended that CCRC require the Contractor to develop a Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) that addresses (at a minimum) those requirements identified in this report. A framework EMP has been prepared for CCRC and is appended to this EIA report for guidance. Secondly, the site is within the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, and subject to the provisions of the Commonwealth EPBC Act with a number of matters of national environmental significance (MNES) (threatened species and their habitats) present in the surrounding environment. As part of their Duty of Care is recommended that CCRC undertake a formal assessment of the potential significance of impacts on MNES using the Commonwealth Significant Impact Guidelines 1.1 – Matters of National Environmental Significance template. This will provide evidence that the requirements of the EPBC Act have been considered within a formal assessment framework. This EIA report can be used to support the assessment.
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6. References
Biomaps Online Search Tool: http://qldspatial.information.qld.gov.au/biomaps/ Queensland Government Cassowary Coast Regional Council (2017) Drinking Water Quality Management Plan, CCRC 2017 http://www.cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au/documents/1422210/10230752/2016‐ 2017%20Water%20Section%20Performance%20Report%202017.pdf Environment Pacific (2017) Meunga and Bulgun Creek Ecology Assessment Report. Report to Cassowary Coast Regional Council, August 2017 Environment Pacific (2018) Bulgun Creek Environmental Management Plan. Report to Cassowary Coast Regional Council, May 2018 Freeman A, (2009) Recommended Fauna Survey methodology for Environmental Impact Assessments, Threatened Species Group, Department of Environment and Resource Management, Atherton Qld. Joint Standards Australia/Standards New Zealand (2004), Australian/New Zealand Standard AS/NZ 4360:2004 Risk Management, SAI Global
Joint Standards Australia/Standards New Zealand (2004), HB 436, Risk Management Guidelines—Companion to AS/NZS 4360:2004 Natural Resource Assessments (1999) Code of Practice for Maintenance and Operation of Water Extraction Infrastructure in the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, report to the Wet Tropics Management Authority www.wettropics.gov.au/site/user- assets/docs/.../Guideline%207-%20Water%20COP.pdf Protected Matters Search Tool (PMST), online database: http://www.environment.gov.au/webgis-framework/apps/pmst/pmst.jsf, Commonwealth of Australia Queensland Government (2017) Wet Tropics Management Plan 1998 Wannan B. (2007) Guidelines for Flora Assessment in Northern Queensland, Department of Environment and Heritage Protection, Cairns, Qld. Wildlife online Search tool, online database https://apps.des.qld.gov.au/report‐ request/species‐list/ Queensland Government
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Appendices
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Appendix A – Preliminary Design Drawings
environmentPACIFIC | Cassowary Coast Regional Council – Bulgun Creek Reservoir Project EIA, 160119| 50 PRELIMINARY
x
NOT TO BE USED FOR CONSTRUCTION · · · · ·
NOT TO BE USED FOR CONSTRUCTION PRELIMINARY
NOT TO BE USED FOR CONSTRUCTION PRELIMINARY
· ·
NOT TO BE USED FOR CONSTRUCTION PRELIMINARY
NOT TO BE USED FOR CONSTRUCTION
Appendix B – Gulngay People Support Letter
\
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Appendix C – Bulgun Creek Database Searches
PMST search results Wildlife Online
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EPBC Act Protected Matters Report
This report provides general guidance on matters of national environmental significance and other matters protected by the EPBC Act in the area you have selected.
Information on the coverage of this report and qualifications on data supporting this report are contained in the caveat at the end of the report.
Information is available about Environment Assessments and the EPBC Act including significance guidelines, forms and application process details.
Report created: 18/12/18 09:07:13 N� 4 Branch
Gulng.ai :ip:oon Summary Natio.rt.al Details Park Matters of NES Other Matters Protected by the EPBC Act
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Coordinates Buffer: 5.0Km
Wildlife Online Extract
Search Criteria: Species List for a Specified Point Species: All Type: All Status: All Records: All Date: All Latitude: -17.8692 Longitude: 145.9248 Distance: 5 Email: [email protected] Date submitted: Sat 18 Dec 2018 09:05:53 Date extracted: Sat 18 Dec 2018 09:10:03 The number of records retrieved = 98
Disclaimer
As the DSITIA is still in a process of collating and vetting data, it is possible the information given is not complete. The information provided should only be used for the project for which it was requested and it should be appropriately acknowledged as being derived from Wildlife Online when it is used. The State of Queensland does not invite reliance upon, nor accept responsibility for this information. Persons should satisfy themselves through independent means as to the accuracy and completeness of this information. No statements, representations or warranties are made about the accuracy or completeness of this information. The State of Queensland disclaims all responsibility for this information and all liability (including without limitation, liability in negligence) for all expenses, losses, damages and costs you may incur as a result of the information being inaccurate or incomplete in any way for any reason.
Feedback about Wildlife Online should be emailed to [email protected] Kingdom Class Family Scientific Name Common Name I Q A Records animals amphibians Bufonidae Rhinella marina cane toad Y 3 animals amphibians Hylidae Litoria lesueuri sensu lato stony creek frog C 5 animals amphibians Hylidae Litoria serrata tapping green eyed frog V 2 animals amphibians Hylidae Litoria nannotis waterfall frog EE 1 animals amphibians Hylidae Litoria rheocola common mistfrog EE 3 animals amphibians Hylidae Litoria dayi Australian lacelid EE 2 animals amphibians Microhylidae Austrochaperina pluvialis white browed whistlefrog C 1 animals amphibians Microhylidae Cophixalus australis southern ornate nursery-frog C 1 animals amphibians Microhylidae Austrochaperina robusta robust whistlefrog C 1 animals amphibians Myobatrachidae Mixophyes coggeri mottled barred frog C 1 animals birds Artamidae Strepera graculina pied currawong C 1 animals birds Casuariidae Casuarius casuarius johnsonii (southern population) southern cassowary (southern EE 6 population) animals birds Charadriidae Vanellus miles miles masked lapwing (northern subspecies) C 1 animals birds Columbidae Macropygia amboinensis brown cuckoo-dove C 1 animals birds Columbidae Lopholaimus antarcticus topknot pigeon C 1 animals birds Columbidae Columba leucomela white-headed pigeon C 1 animals birds Meliphagidae Meliphaga lewinii Lewin's honeyeater C 1 animals birds Meropidae Merops ornatus rainbow bee-eater C 1 animals birds Monarchidae Symposiachrus trivirgatus spectacled monarch SL 1 animals birds Pachycephalidae Pachycephala pectoralis golden whistler C 1 animals birds Pachycephalidae Colluricincla megarhyncha little shrike-thrush C 1 animals birds Podargidae Podargus papuensis Papuan frogmouth C 1 animals birds Psittacidae Alisterus scapularis Australian king-parrot C 1 animals birds Psittacidae Platycercus elegans crimson rosella C 1 animals birds Strigidae Ninox boobook southern boobook C 1 animals birds Sturnidae Acridotheres tristis common myna Y 1 animals birds Threskiornithidae Threskiornis molucca Australian white ibis C 1 animals mammals Muridae Rattus sordidus canefield rat C 2 animals mammals Muridae Melomys burtoni grassland melomys C 2 animals mammals Petauridae Dactylopsila trivirgata striped possum C 1 animals reptiles Agamidae Intellagama lesueurii eastern water dragon C 1 animals reptiles Scincidae Saproscincus basiliscus basilisk shadeskink C 1 animals reptiles Scincidae Carlia rubrigularis red-throated rainbow-skink C 1 plants club mosses Lycopodiaceae Phlegmariurus phlegmaria C 2/2 plants ferns Adiantaceae Adiantum silvaticum C 1/1 plants ferns Davalliaceae Humata repens dwarf hare's foot fern C 1/1 plants ferns Dryopteridaceae Lastreopsis wurunuran C 1/1 plants ferns Grammitidaceae Ctenopteris gordonii C 3/3 plants ferns Hymenophyllaceae Abrodictyum obscurum C 1/1 plants ferns Hymenophyllaceae Crepidomanes saxifragoides C 1/1 plants ferns Hymenophyllaceae Crepidomanes bipunctatum C 3/3 plants ferns Hymenophyllaceae Crepidomanes proliferum C 2/2 plants ferns Lindsaeaceae Lindsaea obtusa C 1/1 plants ferns Thelypteridaceae Christella dentata creek fern C 1/1 plants ferns Vittariaceae Antrophyum callifolium C 2/2
Page 1 of 3 Queensland Government Wildlife Online - Extract Date 18/08/2017 at 09:10:03 Kingdom Class Family Scientific Name Common Name I Q A Records plants higher dicots Anacardiaceae Rhus taitensis sumac C 1/1 plants higher dicots Araliaceae Schefflera elliptica C 1/1 plants higher dicots Asteraceae Bidens alba var. radiata Y 1/1 plants higher dicots Asteraceae Sphagneticola trilobata Y 1/1 plants higher dicots Asteraceae Cyanthillium cinereum C 1/1 plants higher dicots Asteraceae Praxelis clematidea Y 1/1 plants higher dicots Balanopaceae Balanops australiana C 1/1 plants higher dicots Balanophoraceae Balanophora fungosa C 1/1 plants higher dicots Brassicaceae Cardamine flexuosa wood bittercress Y 1/1 plants higher dicots Celastraceae Hypsophila dielsiana C 1/1 plants higher dicots Gesneriaceae Lenbrassia australiana var. australiana C 2/2 plants higher dicots Haloragaceae Gonocarpus acanthocarpus C 1/1 plants higher dicots Hamamelidaceae Ostrearia australiana hard pink alder C 1/1 plants higher dicots Mimosaceae Archidendron whitei C 1/1 plants higher dicots Moraceae Ficus mollior var. mollior C 1/1 plants higher dicots Moraceae Ficus congesta var. congesta C 1/1 plants higher dicots Myrtaceae Waterhousea hedraiophylla C 1/1 plants higher dicots Phyllanthaceae Glochidion harveyanum C 1/1 plants higher dicots Proteaceae Hicksbeachia pilosa C 1/1 plants higher dicots Rosaceae Rubus alceifolius giant bramble Y 1/1 plants higher dicots Rubiaceae Lasianthus chlorocarpus C 1/1 plants higher dicots Rubiaceae Gynochthodes sessilis C 1/1 plants higher dicots Rubiaceae Spermacoce latifolia Y 1/1 plants higher dicots Rubiaceae Mitracarpus hirtus Y 1/1 plants higher dicots Rubiaceae Spermacoce ocymifolia slender buttonweed Y 2/2 plants higher dicots Stemonuraceae Irvingbaileya australis C 1/1 plants higher dicots Stylidiaceae Stylidium alsinoides C 1/1 plants lower dicots Cabombaceae Cabomba caroliniana var. caroliniana cabomba Y 1/1 plants lower dicots Lauraceae Cryptocarya lividula C 1/1 plants lower dicots Linderniaceae Lindernia sp. (Sudley A.Gunness 1886) C 1/1 plants lower dicots Monimiaceae Austromatthaea elegans C 1/1 plants lower dicots Piperaceae Piper caninum peppervine C 1/1 plants lower dicots Piperaceae Peperomia bellendenkerensis C 1/1 plants lower dicots Winteraceae Bubbia semecarpoides C 1/1 plants monocots Arecaceae Arecaceae C 1/1 plants monocots Arecaceae Oraniopsis appendiculata C 1/1 plants monocots Cyperaceae Scleria sphacelata C 1/1 plants monocots Limnocharitaceae Limnocharis flava yellow burrhead Y 1/1 plants monocots Orchidaceae Cadetia maideniana C 2/2 plants monocots Orchidaceae Bulbophyllum baileyi C 1/1 plants monocots Orchidaceae Appendicula australiensis C 1/1 plants monocots Orchidaceae Robiquetia gracilistipes C 1/1 plants monocots Poaceae Lophatherum gracile C 1/1 plants monocots Poaceae Oplismenus mollis C 1/1 plants monocots Poaceae Cyrtococcum oxyphyllum C 1/1 plants monocots Poaceae Cyrtococcum accrescens C 1/1
Page 2 of 3 Queensland Government Wildlife Online - Extract Date 18/08/2017 at 09:10:03 Kingdom Class Family Scientific Name Common Name I Q A Records plants monocots Poaceae Paspalum conjugatum sourgrass Y 1/1 plants monocots Poaceae Chloris virgata feathertop rhodes grass Y 1/1 plants monocots Poaceae Ichnanthus pallens var. major C 1/1 plants mosses Sematophyllaceae Clastobryophilum balansaeanum C 1/1 plants spike mosses Selaginellaceae Selaginella longipinna C 1/1 plants whisk ferns Psilotaceae Psilotum complanatum flat fork fern C 2/2 plants whisk ferns Psilotaceae Psilotum nudum skeleton fork fern C 1/1
CODES I - Y indicates that the taxon is introduced to Queensland and has naturalised. Q - Indicates the Queensland conservation status of each taxon under the Nature Conservation Act 1992. The codes are Extinct in the Wild (PE), Endangered (E), Vulnerable (V), Near Threatened (NT), Least Concern (C) or Not Protected ( ). A - Indicates the Australian conservation status of each taxon under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. The values of EPBC are Conservation Dependent (CD), Critically Endangered (CE), Endangered (E), Extinct (EX), Extinct in the Wild (XW) and Vulnerable (V). Records – The first number indicates the total number of records of the taxon for the record option selected (i.e. All, Confirmed or Specimens). This number is output as 99999 if it equals or exceeds this value. The second number located after the / indicates the number of specimen records for the taxon. This number is output as 999 if it equals or exceeds this value.
Page 3 of 3 Queensland Government Wildlife Online - Extract Date 18/08/2017 at 09:10:03
Appendix D – Draft EMP template
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Cassowary Coast Regional Council Bulgun Creek Reservoir Project
Draft Environment Management Plan
January 2019
The services provided by Environment Pacific for Cassowary Coast Regional Council are limited to those identified in this report. This report may only be used and relied on by Cassowary Coast Regional Council for the purpose agreed between Environment Pacific and Cassowary Coast Regional Council as set out in section 1. Environment Pacific also excludes implied warranties and conditions, to the extent legally possible. The opinions, conclusions and recommendations are based on conditions encountered and information reviewed at the date of this report. Environment Pacific has no responsibility or obligation to update this report to account for events or changes occurring since this time.
This document is and shall remain the property of Environment Pacific. The document may only be used for the purpose for which it was commissioned and in accordance with the terms of the commission.
Environment Pacific PO Box 724 Edge Hill 4870 T:+61423283541 E: [email protected]
© Environment Pacific 2018
2018 Bulgun Creek Reservoir Project – Environment Management Plan
Document Status Rev Author Signature Reviewer Signature Date A A Small K Keane 20/05/2018
B
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Table of contents
1. Introduction ...... 1 1.1 Background ...... 1 1.2 Purpose ...... 1
2. Site Description ...... 3 2.1 Site Location ...... 3 2.2 Proposed Works ...... 3 2.3 Man‐made Features...... 3 2.4 Natural Features ...... 4 2.5 Geophysical Features ...... 6
3. EMP Implementation ...... 8 3.1 Environmental Obligations ...... 8 3.2 EMP Requirements ...... 8 3.3 Legislative Requirements ...... 10
4. Environmental Elements ...... 12 4.1 Identification of Relevant Environmental Elements ...... 12 4.2 Natural and World Heritage Values ...... 13 4.3 Cultural Heritage ...... 14 4.4 Erosion and Sediment Control ...... 16 4.5 Contaminated Land, Fuel and Hazardous Substances...... 18 4.6 Waste ...... 20 4.7 Vegetation ...... 21 4.8 Fauna ...... 23 4.9 Weed and Pest Management ...... 25 4.10 Air Quality ...... 27 4.11 Noise and Vibration ...... 28 4.12 Emergency Response ...... 29
Table index
Table 1 Bulgun Creek Wildlife Online database results ...... 5 Table 2 Summary of Applicable Legislation ...... 10 Table 3 Environmental Element Assessment ...... 12
Figure index
Figure 1 Proposed Bulgun Creek Reservoir and location ...... 2
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Appendices
Appendix A – Incident Report Template
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1. Introduction
1.1 Background Cassowary Coast Regional Council (CCRC) are proposing to construct a new water supply reservoir to provide additional necessary storage capacity within the current Water Supply Scheme. Successive cyclones and extended dry seasons within the CCRC area have highlighted the need for emergency storage capacity, and the proposed reservoir will also reduce the occurrence of turbid water which could be a potential source of health risk entering the water supply system, for example, encysted giardia on sediment particles. This new reservoir comprises a 4.5 ML storage located off Intake Road, Bulgun, 7 km north of the town of Tully, approximately 300 m from the existing water supply intake on Bulgun Creek. Refer to Figure 1.
1.2 Purpose CCRC have applied for an authority under s35 of the Nature Conservation Act 1992 to occupy part of the Tully Gorge National Park for the purposes of construction and operation of the Bulgun Creek reservoir. It is a requirement for CCRC to inform QPWS of the proposed works and to complete all s35 agreement application requirements, including provision of an EMP. The proposed reservoir is within Zone B of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, a zoning in which management intent is incompatible with the construction and operation of a reservoir. CCRC are therefore submitting an application for the proposed lease area to be rezoned from Zone B to Zone C, a zone where the management intent allows for the construction and maintenance of essential infrastructure. The purpose of this EMP is to enable CCRC to fulfil their environmental requirements for the proposed Bulgun Creek reservoir. This EMP addresses environmental obligations for the proposed reservoir which is approximately 300m from the existing weir on Bulgun Creek, immediately adjacent the eastern side of the access road to the weir. This document will outline how activities on site will be managed, to minimise potential harm to surrounding and receiving environments. The aim of the EMP is to implement: Effective and efficient environmental management throughout the construction of the proposed reservoir for safe ongoing future operations for CCRC Compliance with all regulatory requirements, including those for fulfilling s35 agreements under the NC Act. Identify practical and achievable Environmental Management Strategies for implementation in this project, to have comprehensive monitoring, auditing, reporting and control of construction impacts. This EMP contains: Background and details of the works to be undertaken Requirements and compliance measures as identified for s35 application requirements CCRC’s Environmental Obligations Environmental Elements for implementation, to construct the Bulgun Creek reservoir.
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Figure 1 Proposed Bulgun Creek Reservoir and location
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2. Site Description
2.1 Site Location The proposed reservoir will be located off Intake Road, Bulgun, 7 km north of the town of Tully, approximately 300 m from the existing water supply intake on Bulgun Creek. Refer to Figure 1. The Wet Tropics Management Plan 1998 (‘WTP’) zoning1 (Map Sheet 21 – Tully) identifies that the proposed reservoir site is within Zone B under the current WTP mapping. It should be noted that the WTP is currently being reviewed. Typically Zone B land may be regarded as buffer areas against further disturbance to more remote high ecological integrity Zone A areas. The site of the Bulgun Creek reservoir is shown on the existing Wet Tropics Zoning maps as being within Lot 758 FTY1226, Alcock State Forest (SF) 758. These maps are being updated as part of the current Wet Tropics Plan review. The current tenure in which the Bulgun Creek reservoir is proposed to be located is: Existing road: Lot 3 AP14613, Alcock Forest Reserve (tenure over road is Forest Reserve) Reservoir site: Lot 66 NPW890, Tully Gorge National Park.
2.2 Proposed Works Works include the construction of 4.5ML reservoir adjacent Intake Road, the existing access to the Bulgun Creek weir and water supply intake infrastructure. Preliminary design work has identified that a reservoir sited at Bulgun Creek intake would be approximately 28 metres in diameter by 7m high and constructed of concrete and steel. The reservoir will provide a solution to current storage issues and meet the supply needs for the forecast population demands up to the 2066 planning horizon. Approximately 2,325 m2 of vegetation will be cleared for the safe construction and operation of the reservoir. Typically a water supply reservoir is designed and engineered for a 100 year life, and construction would be finalised within two years of the awarding of approvals/granting of authority.
2.3 Man‐made Features
2.3.1 Access Arrangements The current source water supply from Bulgun Creek and the site for the proposed reservoir is accessible from a local government maintained access road off Bulgun Road that traverses private property. A locked gate is located on the access road at the boundary of Tully Gorge National Park that prevents access for general traffic through to reach the creek intake and the proposed reservoir. This purpose of this road is to provide access to Bulgun Creek for maintenance and is not intended to provide public access to the National Park.
2.3.2 Infrastructure Present Infrastructure in the local area includes a weir and water source supply intake on Bulgun Creek approximately 300m north of the proposed reservoir site and a raw water pipeline. This water
1 http://www.wettropics.gov.au/zoning‐maps
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supply infrastructure is accessed from Intake Road, a local government‐maintained access road. Intake Road runs immediately beside the proposed reservoir site and will be the only service road for this infrastrucure. The proposed reservoir site is a current greenfield site.
2.4 Natural Features
2.4.1 Regional Ecosystems Regional ecosystem mapping undertaken by the Queensland Herbarium identifies the vegetation on the site as regional ecosystem (RE) 7.12.1a. This regional ecosystem comprises a mesophyll vine forest mosaic represented on moderately to poorly drained granites and rhyolites of the lowland and foothills of the very wet and wet rainfall zones of the Wet Tropics. It is one of largest rainforest vegetation units with a high representation within protected area estates. The Vegetation Management Act 1999 (VMA) identifies this RE as having a vegetation management class as ‘least concern’ with a biodiversity status of ‘no concern at present’. Flora field surveys were undertaken concurrent with opportunistic fauna and fauna habitat surveys. Flora assessment was undertaken in accordance with the Guidelines for Flora Survey & Assessment in Northern Queensland (Bruce Wannan, DEHP 2013). The flora field surveys confirmed the accuracy of the RE mapping and RE designation to the Bulgun Creek reservoir site.
2.4.2 Flora of Conservation Significance No protected flora species listed under the schedules of the Nature Conservation (Wildlife) Regulation 2006 or the Commonwealth Protected Matters database were identified within the surveyed area. The Wildlife Online database (including the Qld Herbarium database) does not identify any threatened flora species having records within 5km of the proposed reservoir site.
2.4.3 Fauna
General Habitat The general integrity of the site as habitat to fauna has been compromised through a number of factors including: Repetitive cyclone disturbance. Historical clearing. Feral animal disturbance. Notwithstanding the above disturbances, the Bulgun Creek proposed reservoir site continues to provide habitat resources to a variety of mobile fauna. Snakes are present, with red‐bellied black snakes noted during previous visits as frequently occurring along the access road and edge of the forest clearing. An abundance of fallen and decaying vegetation, notably larger logs, had been obviously torn apart for foraging, with indications that this had probably been by bandicoots or striped possums searching for grubs in the soft wood. Much of the understorey and subcanopy provide foraging opportunities for highly mobile species such as birds, and double‐eyed fig parrots were heard (but not observed) in the area. Given the brief survey ‘snapshot’ of the proposed site, it is evident that the rainforest of this area is typical of the habitats of the broader rainforest region. The proposed reservoir site does not offer specialise niche habitat resources, but does offer a broad range of generalist foraging, and roosting opportunities that are also represented in much of the immediate local area.
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Protected Fauna Two data bases, the Commonwealth Protected Matters Search Tool (PMST) and Queensland Department of Environment and Science (DES) Wildlife Online were access to determine records of fauna species of conservation significance likely to, or known to occur, in the Bulgun Creek area. The Commonwealth Protected Matters Search Tool (PMST) is based on a combination of actual records with bio‐climatic (BioClim) habitat modelling extrapolated to predict the likely occurrence of a species on site. A search of the PMST identified 16 birds, four frogs, 12 mammals (six are bats) and 12 plant species with potential habitat in the search area (radius of 5km). The Queensland Department of Environment and Science (DES) Wildlife Online data is based on actual confirmed records of species within a search area, and is more accurate in terms of the species listed than the Commonwealth PMST. The Wildlife Online database search results for Bulgun Creek based on a 5km search radius are presented in the following table.
Table 1 Bulgun Creek Wildlife Online database results
Scientific Name Common NC Act EPBC Act Habitat and likely occurrence notes name Status Status
Litoria serrata Tapping Vulnerable Not listed Known to occur and previously recorded in Bulgun green‐eyed Creek, but not noted within reservoir site. frog
Litoria nannotis Waterfall frog Endangered Endangered Known to occur and was noted in surveys at Bulgun Creek intake but is not present within reservoir site
Litoria dayi Australian Endangered Endangered Known to occur and previously recorded at Bulgun lace‐lid frog Creek but not noted within reservoir site.
Litoria rheocola Common Endangered Endangered Known to occur and previously recorded in Bulgun mist‐frog Creek. Species not observed within reservoir site.
Casuarius Southern Endangered Endangered Known to occur and previously recorded in Bulgun casuarius Cassowary Creek. Species not observed within reservoir site. johnsonii
Symposiachrus Spectacled Special Migratory Known to occur at Bulgun Creek on a temporary trivirgatus syn monarch least terrestrial basis during migratory overflights. May persist in Monarcha concern the local area for foraging, but does not nest locally. trivirgatus
Field Survey Results No evidence of utilisation of the site for fauna of conservation significance was noted during the field surveys. Cassowaries are known to traverse the Bulgun Creek intake access road, and cassowary scats were identified approximately 300m from the site near the intake location. The common plant families at the proposed reservoir site, Lauraceae and Elaeocarpaceae, include typical cassowary food plant species and it is very likely that cassowaries would opportunistically forage on species of these families when they are in fruit.
Fauna Breeding Areas No nests, tree hollows or other actual evidence of breeding was observed in any of the proposed reservoir site likely to be cleared for the project. Only seven larger trees with diameters greater than 40 cm in diameter were noted and none had observable hollows or other features that indicated utilisation for breeding.
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Notwithstanding, given the seasonal nature of fauna breeding it is possible that fauna may move into the site following the period of the original ecologial survey. As noted in this EMP, it is recommended that a fauna spotter/catcher be on site during the period of clearing to verify that no breeding animals are present, and to relocate these if required
In summary; Four threatened frog species are known to occur within the riparian areas of Bulgun Creek, which at its closest point is approximately 110m to the west of the proposed reservoir site. These are all species reliant on permanent flowing water, a habitat condition not represented on this site. None of these frogs were observed in the reservoir site area and it is very unlikely these riparian dependent species would be found that far from permanent water. Litoria nannotis was observed at the intake on Bulgun Creek, approximately 300m to the north. None of the preferential habitat requirements are represented at the reservoir site, however the road spoon drains do drain to a direct tributary of Bulgun Creek and there is the potential for offsite impacts on Bulgun Creek following heavy rainfall with associated erosion and sediment risks. Two birds, of which only one is threatened (Southern Cassowary) the other (Spectacled monarch) is listed as Special Least Concern by virtue of its migratory status. Cassowaries are known to regularly walk along the Bulgun Creek intake road, and there are many preferred genera of food trees (e.g. Lauraceae, Myrtaceae) within the Bulgun Creek reservoir site so it is very likely that Cassowaries will opportunistically forage in the locality. The Spectacled monarch is known to seasonally visit the Bulgun Creek locality, but as the species does not breed in North Queensland, habitat utilisation is only for opportunistic foraging.
2.4.4 Declared Weeds and Introduced Species No declared weeds as identified under the Cassowary Coast Regional Pest Management Plan 2014 – 2018 and the Queensland Biosecurity Act 2014 were identified within or adjacent the siteWeeds that were identified at the site are common weeds of roadsides/pastures and disturbed areas, e.g. bluetop (Ageratum conyzoides) and pose no environmental threat to the ecological integrity of the site. Problematic native species may persist as weedy species (notably wild raspberry, Rubus moluccanus) and recruit vigorously into disturbed areas following construction. Rooting by feral pigs (Sus scrofa) were evident in many areas of the site, particularly in areas cleared along survey lines and along the edges of the road. Rooting by feral pig results in soil degradation, loss of seedling and soil biological components (e.g. worms and other invertebrates) and promotes weed invasion into these damaged areas.
2.5 Geophysical Features
2.5.1 Topography and Slope The Bulgun Creek reservoir site is located on the eastern side of the Bulgun Creek intake access road, at an elevation of approximately 114m on the south‐eastern ridge of the Walter Hill Range. The surveyed location included the actual reservoir site and a buffer zone that totalled approximately 0.5 ha. Surveys were also undertaken of nearby locations potentially vulnerable to off‐site impacts such as sedimentation arising from earthworks and vegetation clearing. Primarily this consisted of an assessment of the western fall of the access road towards Bulgun Creek (approximately 110m from the road due west of the proposed reservoir site), and road drains downslope of the proposed construction area.
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The proposed construction site is mildly undulating with no marked topographical features. The western side of the access road drops sharply from the edge of the road, then continues with a moderate/steep fall of approximately 15% to Bulgun Creek. Downslope from the proposed construction site the general slope is moderate with a southern aspect.
2.5.2 Geomorphology and Soils Soils of the Bulgun Creek site have been developed in‐situ from the underlying Tully Granite Complex. Soils on site were observed to be shallow (<1m), granite derived soils with a dark detritus/organic layer upper horizon and clay/loam lower horizons. Exposed granite base rock boulders were frequent throughout the site with a number in excess of 1m exposed on the surface. These soils are generally not prone to high levels of dispersivity, but do exhibit moderate erosive potential when disturbed, i.e. with vegetation clearing and grubbing activities.
2.5.3 Surface Hydrology There are no permanent drains or watercourses through the site with the nearest significance waterway being Bulgun Creek itself, approximately 110m to the west of the centre of the reservoir site. There is no drainage connection between the reservoir site and Bulgun Creek owing to the raised profile of the bitumen access road separating the two. The reservoir site is mildly undulating, and some overflow flow is possible during heavy rain events, however any surface flow is directed to a shallow spoon drain on the same side of the road, which ultimately empties into a tributary of Bulgun Creek crossing the road 290m further down.
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3. EMP Implementation
3.1 Environmental Obligations
CCRC aims to implement and foster environmentally responsible management of its activities and to comply with all relevant environmental legislation and as such, will meet its obligations under the EP Act.
3.1.1 Environmental Policy Complying with all relevant legislation, regulations and policies. Improving environmental performance. Meet and strive to exceed the minimal acceptable requirements of the EP Act in its management of activities in relation to the environment. Requires those who construct, maintain and operate Herberton Weir pipeline infrastructure, in particular CCRC employees, to meet the minimal requirements in the treatment of the environment around Bulgun Creek Implements and maintains environmental review procedures. Establishes a framework where all activities, current and proposed can be assessed against minimum environmental requirements, ensuring that those requirements are met on a consistent and sustained basis.
CCRC will ensure that all employees, operators and lessees are aware of the policy and the commitment to the environment.
3.1.2 Environmental Objectives
CCRC environmental objectives are to: Ensure that all activities comply with this EMP Minimise impacts from the on‐site activities to receiving environments Provide an appropriate level of environmental management for CCRC’s activities Raise staff awareness of the importance of implementation of this EMP.
3.2 EMP Requirements
3.2.1 Training, Awareness and Competence All personnel involved in construction works will be required to be formally briefed before commencing any work at the site. The environmental component of the brief shall include (but not be limited to) the following items: All staff to be made aware of their General Environmental Duty and Duty to Notify responsibilities as per the EP Act and the implications of failing to fulfil these duties All staff to be made aware of their environmental responsibilities under this EMP in relation to implementing mitigation measures, reporting environmental incidents and complaints and implementing corrective actions All staff to be given instructions on environmental emergency response procedures (i.e. spill kit locations and usage).
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All tasks are to be reviewed with consideration given to changes to construction works, such as the weather, which may cause the proposed activities to impact on the environment.
3.2.2 Records All records shall be retained as a hard copy and electronically by CCRC and include the following: Briefing notes, inductions, and any specific environmental training records All records pertaining to any conditions on the s35 Authority under the NCA and approval from WTMA, including this EMP Monitoring records and external environmental reports Environmental incidents, complaints and non‐conformances, and corrective action reports. Records shall be made available to the regulatory agency and/or CCRC as requested. All records shall be kept for a minimum of five years or as required by relevant third party approval conditions.
3.2.3 Incident Reporting All environmental incidents from site activities must be reported to CCRC. Examples of environmental incidents include the following: Fuel, oil and/or hydraulic oil leakages/spills. Fire and/or explosions Unearthing of historical or indigenous cultural heritage Significant erosion and sediment control failure. Vegetation clearing/fauna interactions (snakes, cassowaries). CCRC shall be responsible for investigating environmental incidents and maintaining records of actions taken. Where applicable, environmental incidents shall be reported to CCRC and the WTMA (and/or DES) by the Contractor or in accordance with relevant contractual obligations.
3.2.4 Complaints Complaints represent an opportunity for improvement or enhancement of project environmental performance. All project complaints, including those from members of the public, stakeholder groups and regulatory authorities, shall be recorded by the contractor and notification provided to CCRC. The Contractor shall be responsible for investigating and responding to complaints in a timely manner.
3.2.5 Non‐conformance and Preventative/Corrective Actions Non‐conformances managed by this EMP shall include (but not be limited to) the following: An incident or near miss with potential or actual environmental impact Complaints regarding project geotechnical works Not meeting an objective or target Management review not being undertaken.
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The Contractor’s Site Supervisor shall be responsible for identifying and implementing any preventative and/or corrective actions in response to any non‐conformance. Preventative and correction actions shall be incorporated into the Contractors EMP as required.
3.2.6 Audit and Inspections Aspects with a potential for environmental impact shall be subject to environmental inspections and audits as required (risk based approach) and in accordance with internal Contractor procedures. Audits shall be conducted by CCRC (or qualified delegate). Audit objectives shall be to verify compliance with the EMP and applicable permits, approvals and regulations.
3.2.7 Reporting Reporting by the Contractor shall be undertaken in accordance with applicable approval/authority conditions or as requested by QPWS, WTMA and CCRC. Reporting shall include all relevant information pertaining to environmental matters (e.g. records, monitoring results, incidents, complaints, audits and inspections, etc.) as required under the approval/authority. CCRC shall be ultimately responsible for reporting with support from suitably experienced and qualified staff as required. The Contractor shall report on environmental performance to CCRC (as required) in any meetings or documented progress reports in accordance with contractual obligations.
3.3 Legislative Requirements The aim of the environmental approval legislation is to define acceptable environmental performance standards and criteria. Licences and approvals are legally binding agreements between the administering authorities and the holder, which outlines the holder’s commitment to protect the environment. Licence, permit and development approval conditions address the issues most likely to cause or risk environmental harm.
The following provides details on the obligations that the Contractor is required to implement and manage for the geotechnical works, as summarised in Table 2. Table 2 Summary of Applicable Legislation
Legislation Responsible Activity License / Permit / Approval Authority Environment Commonwealth Construction and Not required; Protection and Department of operation of Site specific surveys have determined that Biodiversity the Environment infrastructure with no matters of MNES will be significantly Conservation Act and Energy potential for impact on impacted by the construction and 1999 Matters of National operation of the reservoir. Environmental Significance. Nature Conservation DES/QPWS Construction and Applicable: Act 1992 operation of water Authority under s35 to occupy National supply infrastructure in Park. a National Park Nature Conservation DES Interference with To be determined: Act 1992 fauna breeding areas A fauna catcher/spotter to be present for listed species during clearing operations. If breeding areas for a listed species are disturbed then a Damage Mitigation Permit and/or Species Management Plan may be required.
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Legislation Responsible Activity License / Permit / Approval Authority Nature Conservation DES Clearing and Non required: Act 1992 associated impacts on Site specific flora surveys did not identify protected flora species any protected flora species within the construction foot print and immediate adjacent areas. Wet Tropics Wet Tropics Construction and Applicable: Management Plan Management operation of water Works for water supply infrastructure Authority supply infrastructure in within Zone B are subject to a permit a Zone B under the WT application and approval from WTMA. Plan in a WHA. This may be concurrently assessed by QPWS when assessing s35 applciation. Aboriginal Cultural Department of Require those Applicable (compliance) Heritage Act 2003 Aboriginal and conducting disturbance Aboriginal cultural heritage values are Torres Strait activities in areas of present in the project footprint. In order Islander significance to take all to meet Duty of Care Guidelines an Partnerships reasonable and accidental discovery procedure practical measures to (minimum) is required. avoid harming cultural heritage. Biosecurity Act 2014 Department of Working in a mapped Applicable (compliance) Agriculture and biosecurity zone. The general biosecurity obligation (GBO) Fisheries (DAF) requires everyone to manage biosecurity risks and threats under their control.
Environmental DES Where ‘serious and Applicable (compliance) Protection Act 1994 material No approvals triggered. environmental harm’ is Duty of Care and Duty to Notify. caused or threatened.
Vegetation DNRME Clearing of regulated Not required Management Act vegetation Clearing approval for vegetation will be 1999 given by QPWS/WTMA in accordance with conditions on s35 authority and WTMA permit.
3.3.1 Codes of Practice Codes of practice are formalised agreements between the WTMA and other government agencies for managing infrastructure or other aspects of the WTWHA, which normally become conditions to a permit or authority under a s35 agreement under the NC Act for occupation of a National Park. It should be noted that this EMP document should be read and used in conjunction with the “Code of Practice for Maintenance and Operation of Water Extraction Infrastructure in the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area”2.
.
2 www.wettropics.gov.au/site/user-assets/docs/.../Guideline%207-%20Water%20COP.pdf
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4. Environmental Elements
4.1 Identification of Relevant Environmental Elements The Queensland Government Guideline ‐ Preparing Environmental Management Plans outlines likely environmental elements that should be addressed in an EMP. Relevant environmental elements to the Bulgun Creek reservoir construction as identified in the QLD Guideline are summarised in the following.
Table 3 Environmental Element Assessment
Issue Applicable Why not applicable Reference Section Air quality Air Quality Cultural heritage Cultural Heritage Complaint recording All CEMP elements and reporting Dust Air Quality Emergency response Emergency Response Erosion and Erosion and Sediment sedimentation Control Flora and fauna Flora and Fauna Fire management Emergency Response Land contamination Contaminated Land, Fuel and Hazardous Substances Management of Natural and World Natural and World Heritage Values Heritage values Noise Noise and Vibration Rehabilitation Flora and Fauna Social disruption × The scale and nature of the project is not expected to create social disruptions that cannot be managed through traffic management. Site only accessed by CCRC personnel or authorised persons. Traffic Noise and Vibration Air Quality Flora and Fauna Vibration Noise and Vibration Visual amenity All CEMP elements Waste and site Waste clean-up Water quality Erosion and Sediment Control Weed and pest Weed and Pest management Management
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4.1.1 CEMP Elements
This CEMP consists of the following elements to address the activities outlined in Table 3 with potential to impact on environmental values of the construction or surrounding areas: Natural and World Heritage Values Cultural Heritage Erosion and Sediment Control Contaminated Land, Fuel and Hazardous Substances Waste Flora Fauna Weed and Pest Management Air Quality Noise and Vibration Emergency Response.
4.2 Natural and World Heritage Values
4.2.1 Aspect The WTWHA is a diverse set of natural ecosystems with a variety of existing uses and tenures. It has been formerly assessed according to its outstanding universal values or world heritage values. This incorporates wet tropics rainforests and ancient ancestry with many unique plants and animals, scenic natural beauty, community benefits and rainforest aboriginal country. The Wet Tropics World Heritage Protection and Management Act 1993 provides for the protection and management of the WTWHA. The Wet Tropics Management Plan 1998 creates a zoning system where various types of activities are allowed or prohibited. The WTMA is charged with managing the WTWHA according to Australia’s obligations under the World The proposed Bulgun Creek reservoir is located within the WTWHA and within the Tully Gorge National Park and is within Zone B of the WT Plan. It should be noted that zoning is currently under review. This environmental element also links to Flora and Fauna and Weed and Pest Management.
4.2.2 Management Plan
Environmental Objective
To minimise impacts to WTWHA.and Tully Gorge National park
Performance Criteria All works managed in accordance with the Wet Tropics World Heritage Protection and Management Act 1993 and the Wet Tropics Management Plan 1998 Plan. All works to comply with conditions of the s35 authority under the NCA. All works to comply with conditions of the WTMA permit. No complaints are received from regulatory authorities or the community in relation to the handling of WTWHA heritage items/places/values. No unauthorised disturbance to and/or removal or destruction to WTWHA heritage items/places/values within the WTWHA.
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Mitigation Measures Responsibility Timing
All personnel must exercise a duty of care, that is, they must take all All personnel At all times reasonable and practical measures to ensure their activity does not harm WTWHA heritage items/ places/ values.
If at any time during the activity it is necessary to excavate, relocate, remove All personnel Immediately on or harm a WTWHA heritage find, the activity should cease immediately and discovery the Site Supervisor and Project Manager notified.
Upon discovery of a WTWHA heritage find the WTMA and CCRC shall be Project Manager Immediately contacted and their advice and agreement sought as to how best to manage after the find, to avoid or minimise harm to WTWHA heritage find. notification
Any WTWHA heritage finds are to be managed in accordance with any Project Manager As required agreement reached with the QPWS/WTMA delegate or member and their advice sought as to how best to manage the find to avoid or minimise harm to the heritage find. Any agreement reached with QPWS/ WTMA and CCRC shall be recorded and documented.
Monitoring Responsibility Timing
Any discovery of WTWHA heritage, will be recorded on an Environment Site Supervisor Upon Incident Report Form. identification
Monitor excavations for potential signs of WTWHA heritage. Site Supervisor During excavation
Reporting Responsibility Timing
All personnel to report incidents. All personnel At all times
Record and manage all complaints in a register and corrective actions taken. Project Manager Following identification
Inform the WTMA and CCRC as soon as is practically possible in the event of Project Manager Following any WTWHA heritage find or management issue. incident
Inform the WTMA and CCRC as soon as practically possible in the event of any Project Manager Following WTWHA heritage find or management issue. incident
Corrective Action Responsibility Timing
All complaints relating to WTWHA heritage management issues will be Project Manager Upon receipt of investigated promptly and appropriate actions taken. complaint
Where investigations identify issues with WTWHA heritage management Project Manager Following actions, revision to management plans will be undertaken and further controls investigation implemented, as necessary.
Corrective action will be implemented to meet required outcomes of Project Manager Where Administering Authorities. required
4.3 Cultural Heritage
4.3.1 Aspect Based on the location of the construction location of the reservoir, it is unlikely that cultural heritage items/places/values will be disturbed. A desktop Cultural Heritage search revealed that there are Cultural Heritage site points within a 2 km radius recorded of the project area. However, there were no cultural heritage
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management plans, or designated landscape areas or registered cultural heritage study areas/ sites in the immediate construction locality. In accordance with the Aboriginal and Cultural Heritage Duty of Care Guidelines (currently under review), the works are likely to be classified as Category 5, Activities causing additional surface disturbance, as greenfield vegetation clearing is undertaken in areas not previously subject to surface disturbance. It is therefore likely that Cultural Heritage assessment by appropriately qualified personnel will be required.
4.3.2 Management Plan
Environmental Objective
To minimise impacts to cultural heritage.
Performance Criteria
All works managed in accordance with the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2002 and the Aboriginal and Cultural Heritage Duty of Care Guidelines 2004. No complaints are received from regulatory authorities or the community in relation to the handling of cultural heritage items/places/values. No unauthorised disturbance to and/or removal or destruction to cultural heritage items/places/values within the WTWHA.
Mitigation Measures Responsibility Timing
Site is classified as Category 5 under the current Cultural Heritage Duty of Care CCRC Prior to guidelines. A suitable qualified person should undertake a cultural heritage construction assessment of the site
All personnel must exercise a duty of care, that is, they must take all All personnel At all times reasonable and practical measures to ensure their activity does not harm Cultural Heritage items/ places/ values.
If at any time during the activity it is necessary to excavate, relocate, remove All personnel Immediately on or harm a Cultural Heritage find, the activity should cease immediately and the discovery Site Supervisor and Project Manager notified.
Upon discovery of a Cultural Heritage find, the representative for the local Project Manager Immediately Aboriginal Party for the area shall be contacted and their advice and after agreement sought as to how best to manage the find to avoid or minimise notification harm to the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage.
Any Cultural Heritage finds are to be managed in accordance with any Project Manager As required agreement reached with the local Aboriginal Party. Any agreement reached with the Aboriginal Party for the area shall be recorded and documented.
Monitoring Responsibility Timing
Any discovery of Aboriginal Cultural Heritage, will be recorded on an Site Supervisor Upon Environment Incident Report Form. identification
Monitor excavations for potential signs of Aboriginal Cultural Heritage. Site Supervisor During excavation
Reporting Responsibility Timing
All personnel to report incidents. All personnel At all times
Record and manage all complaints in a register and corrective actions taken. Project Manager Following identification
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Inform the DATSIP as soon as is practically possible in the event of any Cultural Project Manager Following Heritage find or management issue. incident
Corrective Action Responsibility Timing
All complaints relating to Cultural Heritage management issues will be Project Manager Upon receipt of investigated promptly and appropriate actions taken. complaint
Where investigations identify issues with Cultural Heritage management Project Manager Following actions, revision to management plans will be undertaken and further controls investigation implemented, as necessary.
Corrective action will be implemented to meet required outcomes of Project Manager Where Administering Authorities. required
4.4 Erosion and Sediment Control
4.4.1 Aspect and Impacts Geology and soils in the locality include hills with shallow soils of low fertility incorporating granite and rhyolite often on poorly drained soils with exposed ridgelines or steep slopes. These soils are not dispersive and generally are only vulnerable to erosion when disturbed , e.g. when vegetation is cleared. Due to the nature and extent of vegetation of vegetation clearing (approximately 0.22ha) , any exposed soil material during earthworks in a high rainfall area is likely to be susceptible to erosion. Use of appropriate erosion and sediment control measures, such as berms, whoa boys and silt curtains along roadway are recommended. While there are no drainage lines on site, there is the potential for eroded sediments to be transported via road side spoon drains downslope into tributaries of Bulgun Creek. The entire construction site should be bunded around area of clearing such that there is no off site transport of eroded sediment into the adjacent National Park. Large rocks are present within the site and broken rock from any jack hammering work should be piled around perimeter of works area to provide additional erosion control. An ESCP is fundamental to controlling off site impacts arising from vegetation clearing and earthworks at each site. The site does not have any direct connection to the waterway adjacent (i.e. Bulgun Creek) however there are indirect pathways that in the event of tropical rainstorms pose potential risks in terms of overland flow. The ESCP should consider the installation of a temporary sediment basin downstream of the construction site at Bulgun Creek within the road spoon drain. This spoon drain is the only indirect pathway to Bulgun Creek for off site sediment transport.
4.4.2 Management Plan
Environmental Objective
Minimise off site impacts of sediment transport through implementing erosion control measures. Minimise potential for sediment to adversely impact on habitats of endangered frog species.
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Performance Criteria
All works are managed in accordance with the International Erosion Control Association Best Practice Erosion & Sediment Control Guidelines, the Environmental Protection (Water) Policy 2009 and any other relevant approval and statutory requirement as per the WTM Plan. Reference is made to the “Code of Practice for Maintenance and Operation of Water Extraction Infrastructure in the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. No complaints are received from regulatory authorities or the community in relation to erosion and sediment control issues.
Mitigation Measures Responsibility Timing
Erosion and sediment control methods shall be implemented in accordance Project Manager As required with the International Erosion Control Association’s “Best Practice Erosion and during Sediment Control Guidelines” prior to commencing earthworks onsite. construction Specific requirements of the Plan and the “Code of Practice for Maintenance Project Manager As required and Operation of Water Extraction Infrastructure in the Wet Tropics World during Heritage Area”. construction A site specific Erosion and Sediment Control Plan (ESCP) shall be developed Project Manager Before prior to disturbance works occurring. commencing earthworks Sufficient materials shall be available to enable implementation of erosion and Project Manager Before sediment controls as required. commencing earthworks Work shall be scheduled to ensure that temporary erosion control works are Project Manager Throughout in place by the end of work each day, especially before weekends, if rain is construction imminent, or when permanent erosion control works are not in place or feasible. In the event of extreme weather conditions (e.g. storm events) construction Project Manager Throughout work will cease and the need for additional erosion and sediment control shall construction be assessed and implemented where required. Soil and surface stability shall be maintained at all times. Project Manager Throughout construction Stockpiles will not exceed 1.5 m in height and shall be covered with geofabric Project Manager Throughout or similar material if not proposed to be utilised within one week. construction Keep the area of cleared land and the period of time areas remain exposed to Project Manager Throughout a minimum. construction Keep vehicles to defined access routes. Project Manager Throughout construction Rehabilitate cleared areas promptly and progressively wherever possible. Project Manager Throughout construction Where practical, vegetation root stock shall be retained in the ground after Project Manager Throughout clearing. Trunks of large trees are to be placed off site in a manner that construction mitigates further erosion. Other cleared vegetation, which is shall be mulched and the mulch spread on exposed areas for additional exposed earth protection.
Monitoring Responsibility Timing
Undertake routine visual inspections to ensure erosion and sediment control Site Supervisor Daily measures are implemented where required. Undertake ongoing monitoring of weather conditions (including extreme Site Supervisor Daily weather) and alerts relevant to the construction area. Undertake inspections of the effectiveness of erosion and sediment control Site Supervisor Where measures after significant rainfall events until rehabilitation is deemed necessary satisfactory by the Project Manager.
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Reporting Responsibility Timing
All personnel to report incidents. All personnel At all times
Record and manage all complaints in a register and corrective actions taken. Project Manager Throughout construction
Inform the Administering Authority in a timely manner in the event of a Project Manager Following significant erosion and sediment control issue. identification
Corrective Action Responsibility Timing
Appropriate control measures shall be implemented in a timely manner where Project Manager Following sedimentation or erosion issues are identified or have the potential to occur in identification the future.
Restore eroded areas as soon as is practical following event and repair/install Project Manager Following sediment control mechanism. (e.g. rock aggregate, geo‐textile and concrete). identification
All complaints in relation to erosion and sediment control shall be Project Manager Upon receipt of investigated, and as required, legitimate problems shall be rectified. complaint
Corrective action shall be implemented to meet required outcomes of Project Manager Where required Administering Authorities.
4.5 Contaminated Land, Fuel and Hazardous Substances
4.5.1 Aspect
Machinery operating on site presents a risk to the environment through potential for oils, grease, fuels and other contaminants to be accidentally released during construction. Management and mitigation of these risks are addressed in this section.
4.5.2 Management Plan
Environmental Objective
Safely manage the risks to the existing environmental values, including surrounding National Park and associated access that involve the operation of machinery and use of fuel and hazardous materials during construction.
Performance Criteria
Fuel and hazardous substances used on site are used in accordance with AS1940. The storage and handling of flammable and combustible liquids. No leakages of hydraulic fluids into the environment No spills of fuels, oils or other hydrocarbons No complaints are received from regulatory authorities or the community in relation to the spillage/leakage from the drilling operations into the environment No disturbance to and/or disposal of hazardous waste within the WTWHA..
Mitigation Measures Responsibility Timing
Where possible, minimum quantities of hazardous substances necessary for the Project Manager Where project shall be used on site. possible throughout construction Where practical all mobile equipment shall be refuelled and maintained off‐site. Site Supervisor As required An appropriate spill kit, personal protective equipment and relevant operator Project Manager At all times instructions and emergency procedures for the management of wastes and chemicals associated with construction must be kept at the site. Records shall be kept on chemicals and dangerous goods used during construction. Project Manager Throughout construction
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First aid and firefighting equipment (hand held extinguishers and fire hoses) shall Project Manager At all times be available at the construction site. Construction workers operating vehicles on‐site shall be appropriately trained and Project Manager During licensed, so that these vehicles are operated in a safe and appropriate manner. induction All relevant staff shall be trained in appropriate handling, storage and containment Project Manager During practices for chemicals and dangerous goods to be utilised during construction. induction
No fuel or hazardous substances are to be stored on site. Transport and use of any Project Manager At all times of these materials shall be undertaken in accordance with relevant Australian standards (AS), guidelines and legislation, including: Dangerous Goods Safety Management Act 2001 Regulatory requirements Safety Data Sheets (SDS) requirements. SDS for products kept on site shall be readily available.
Ensure that the appropriate personnel undertake adequate environmental Project Manager During awareness training covering the requirements of this CEMP, regarding safe working Site Supervisor induction procedures around hazardous materials and identification of contaminated land indicators.
Any disposal to ensure potential contamination does not occur onsite, including Site supervisor Throughout wastewater. Appropriate legal waste disposal offsite. construction
Monitoring Responsibility Timing
Visual inspections of site to ensure no oil leaks, hydraulic fluid leakages or fuel Site Supervisor Throughout leakages/spills of any other hazardous material. construction
An incident register shall be maintained which includes corrective actions Project Manager Throughout undertaken and persons notified. construction
Reporting Responsibility Timing
Any environmental incidents involving spills shall be recorded including time of All personnel Following incident, persons involved, details of incident, mitigation measures and actions incident taken to minimise the probability of recurrence. Inform the Project Manager immediately of any incidents resulting in potential or Site Supervisor Following actual environmental harm. incident Where warranted DES Pollution Hotline (1300 130 372) or the local office shall be Project Manager When contacted as soon as practicable after becoming aware of any release of required contaminants.
Corrective Action Responsibility Timing
All complaints relating to fuels, chemicals or hazardous material use shall be Project Manager Upon investigated promptly and appropriate actions taken. receipt of complaint Disposal of contaminated soil (small or large quantities) shall be disposed of in Project Manager Following accordance with relevant regulations. incident response Corrective action shall be implemented to meet required outcomes of Project Manager Where Administering Authorities. required Spills to be remediated depending on nature of product (Site Supervisor to advise Project Following correct procedure). Immediate action should include: Manager/Site incident Supervisor Small hydrocarbon spill: apply absorbent material. Large hydrocarbon spill: install containment (e.g. block drains, surround with sandbags, dig earthen bund) and apply absorbent material. Chemical spill: application of appropriate absorbent material and containment.
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In the event of a spill of dangerous goods, work procedures and control measures Project Manager Following shall be reviewed to ensure they are fit for purpose and revised where necessary. incident where required
In the event of an environmental incident, corrective or remedial action shall be Project Manager Following taken as is required to render the area safe and avoid or minimise environmental incident harm. where required
4.6 Waste
4.6.1 Aspect and Impacts Waste will be generated on site as a result of construction activities. This includes construction waste (steel, packaging, etc.) and personnel waste (sewerage, general rubbish). Waste materials are to be managed and disposed of, to avoid land contamination, maintain visual amenity and to reduce the proclivity of waste from attracting fauna and pest species animals.
4.6.2 Management Plan
Environmental Objective
To prevent or minimise the generation of wastes and to appropriately contain, control and dispose of all waste generated.
Performance Criteria
No complaints are received from regulatory authorities or the community in relation to waste issues. All works are managed in accordance with the Waste Reduction and Recycling Act 2011 and Environmental Protection Act 1994. No uncontrolled waste or litter observed on site. Appropriate storage and disposal of waste evident on site. Mitigation Measures Responsibility Timing
Adopt the waste management hierarchy (i.e. avoid, re‐use, recycle, energy Project Manager Where recover and disposal). practicable
Waste materials shall be contained on site in appropriate containers. Site Supervisor At all times
General housekeeping shall be undertaken on an ongoing basis to keep site Project Manager Daily clean.
All wastes, (including regulated waste) shall be collected and removed from Site Supervisor Throughout work sites regularly by an appropriately licensed contractor, (as required). construction
Portable ablution facilities are to be provided on site and disposal of waste Project Manager At all times shall be to an appropriately licenced facility approved to take such waste.
Any wastewater, (e.g. dewatering) shall be collected and appropriately Site Supervisor At all times disposed of offsite.
General waste transport shall be conducted in a manner that does not cause Project Manager Throughout littering or unlawful waste disposal. construction
Prohibit the discarding of cigarette butts to the ground. Site Supervisor At all times
Non‐recyclable materials/wastes (including foods, regulated and hazardous Site Supervisor At all times wastes) are stored in appropriate areas and are disposed of at licensed landfill sites according to regulatory requirements.
On the completion of works, the site shall be cleared of all rubbish and waste Project Manager Prior to leaving and left in a clean tidy condition. site
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Monitoring Responsibility Timing
Regular inspection of on‐site facilities shall be undertaken to ensure waste is Project Manager Daily being generated, stored, handled, disposed and transported in accordance Site Supervisor with regulations.
Monitor housekeeping activities to ensure waste is contained appropriately Project Manager Throughout and site is clean at all times. Site Supervisor construction
Reporting Responsibility Timing
All personnel to report incidents where waste material has been a All personnel At all times contributing factor.
Record and manage all complaints in a register and corrective actions taken. Project Manager Throughout construction
Inform the Administering Authority in a timely manner in the event of a Project Manager Following significant waste management issue. identification
Corrective Action Responsibility Timing
All complaints relating to waste issues shall be investigated promptly and Project Manager Upon receipt of appropriate actions taken to clean up the affected area and manage the waste complaint generated.
Where investigations show unacceptable waste management, revision to Project Manager Following management plans shall be undertaken and further controls implemented, as identification necessary.
Corrective action shall be implemented to meet required outcomes of Project Manager Where required Administering Authorities.
4.7 Vegetation
4.7.1 Aspect and Impacts A search of the Regulated Vegetation Management Map, identifies the Bulgun Creek reservoir site as within Category B remnant vegetation, RE 7.12.1a. This RE has a VM Act class as “least concern” and a biodiversity status as “no concern at present”. In context, the loss of approximately 2,250m2 at the reservoir site represents a very small loss of the habitat on a more regional scale. At Bulgun Creek the mesophyll rainforest impacted (RE 7.12.1a) is the most widely distributed and common rainforest community of the coastal ranges and lowlands of Wet Tropics. The vegetation on site comprises mesophyll vine forest which has been impacted by recent cyclonic activity (notably TC Yasi in 2012), historically logging (until 1968) and a high level of feral pig activity. Integrity of this community is not high, however the site does retain localised importance as a source of opportunistic seasonal foraging for species such as the Southern Cassowary. The local rainforests of the Bulgun Creek valley also provides an extremely important landscape function in contributing to the water quality of Bulgun Creek through buffering the valley from the impacts of overland flow A flora survey was conducted by an experienced botanist and did not identify any protected flora species on site and there are no database records of protected flora species within a 5km radius of the reservoir site.
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4.7.2 Management Plan
Environmental Objective
To minimise disturbance to vegetation and surrounding ecosystems in order to maintain environmental quality and natural values of the surrounding areas.
Performance Criteria
No complaints are received from regulatory authorities or the community in relation to flora and fauna management. All works are managed in accordance with the Wet Tropics Plan, Nature Conservation Act 1992 and any other relevant legislation. All works to comply with conditions on s35 authority/WTMA permit Vegetation clearing is restricted to only the minimum as required for the safe construction and operation of the reservoir.
Mitigation Measures Responsibility Timing
Stockpiles shall be located away from any drainage areas and are not Site Supervisor Site clearing be placed against trees.
The area of vegetation to be removed shall be demarcated by Project Manager Prior to works bunting/site tape and restricted to the minimum area required for the commending safe construction and operation of the reservoir. on site
Trees are not to be cleared by bulldozer, but are to directionally hand- Site Supervisor Site clearing felled by chainsaw away from the boundary with the National Park to avoid damage to vegetation in the National Park.
Large tree trunks are to be sawed to manageable lengths and placed at Site Supervisor Site clearing the boundaries of construction interface with the NP or along the access road in a manner that provides additional erosion and sediment transport mitigation properties.
Waste vegetation is not be burnt. Smaller vegetation to be mulched and Site Supervisor Site clearing used as additional cover for exposed soil post clearing as an aid providing erosion protection.
Machinery that has recently been used in earthworks/vegetation Project Manager Site Clearing clearing in a biosecurity restricted zone is to have an approved biosecurity/weed hygiene certificate.
All machinery generally to be washed down prior to clearing operations. Project Manager Prior to works This extends to chainsaws and small vehicles accessing the site for the commending first time. on site
Monitoring Responsibility Timing
Ensure delineation bunting is maintained and vegetation beyond this Site Supervisor Daily bunting is not disturbed.
Undertake routine visual inspections of all erosion and sediment control Site Supervisor Daily measures.
Ensure that disposal and distribution of waste vegetation material does Site Supervisor During no adversely impact on adjacent National Park. clearing
Reporting Responsibility Timing
All personnel to report incidents. All personnel At all times
Any large tree fall during clearing operations into the National Park Site Supervisor During resulting in significant damage, e.g. broken canopy trees to be reported clearing
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Inform the Administering Authority in a timely manner in the event of a Project Manager Following significant environmental management issue. identification
Corrective Action Responsibility Timing
All complaints shall be investigated promptly and appropriate actions Project Manager Upon receipt taken. of complaint
Where investigations identify clearing exceeding that approved for Project Manager Following construction, or damage to the adjacent NP as a result of clearing, identification revision to management plans shall be undertaken and further controls implemented, as necessary.
Corrective action shall be implemented to meet required outcomes of Project Manager Where Administering Authorities. required
4.8 Fauna
4.8.1 Aspect and Impacts There are confirmed records for four threatened species occurring within or immediately the riparian zone of Bulgun Creek, 110m to the west of the proposed reservoir site. All four species are frogs, with life cycles that are dependent on clean, fast flowing water with limited to no tolerance of periods of prolonged turbidity. The extent of the frog species distribution may include the tributaries of Bulgun Creek, the nearest of which is 290m downstream of the site. Earth works will be required for the levelling of the reservoir site and construction of ancillary facilities (including the pipelines). During the period of earthworks the site will be exposed and vulnerable to the impacts of unexpected heavy rainfall with a consequent high risk of potential erosion and off site transport of sediment. The endangered Southern Cassowary is known to utilise the area, and while no cassowary was observed during the field surveys, a bird has been previously seen walking along the access road to Bulgun Creek intake in the immediate vicinity of the proposed reservoir site. The primary impact on this species will be the loss of foraging habitat of approximately 2250 m2. The loss of habitat for this species is minor by comparison with the availability of similar habitat continued to be represented within the local and regional area. Key resources to be lost are related to opportunistic foraging, particularly from the loss of individual trees of Lauraceae, Elaeocarpaceae. The highest risk of impact is during construction phase, with noise from vegetation clearing, machinery, traffic movement and human presence deterring cassowaries (and most other fauna) from utilising this area. Noise and human disturbance are expected to be of an intense, short term duration, with these impacts temporary and reversible (i.e. machinery and humans will leave the site after construction). Cassowaries will resume utilisation of the road as a thoroughfare with the cessation of construction activities.
4.8.2 Management Plan
Environmental Objective
To minimise disturbance to vegetation and surrounding ecosystems in order to maintain environmental quality and natural values of the surrounding areas. To ensure no adverse impacts on nearby Bulgun Creek, known habitat for four endangered frog species. To minimise risk to fauna through the construction and operation of the reservoir.
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Performance Criteria
No complaints are received from regulatory authorities or the community in relation to flora and fauna management. All works are managed in accordance with the Wet Tropics Plan, Nature Conservation Act 1992 and any other relevant legislation. All works to comply with conditions on s35 authority/WTMA permit Habitat disturbance is minimised to only the minimum as required for the safe construction and operation of the reservoir. No sediment from clearing and earthworks enters Bulgun Creek or tributaries. No fauna deaths from entrapment in open pits.
Mitigation Measures Responsibility Timing
Venomous snakes and Cassowaries may be frequently encountered. Staff All project staff At all times are not to handle snakes and are to be removed to a safe location away from construction only by a qualified snake handler. All staff shall be inducted into strategies for dealing with the local Cassowaries by Project Manager or delegate. There is to be no construction traffic using Intake Road between the hours Project Manager At all times of 6 pm and 6 am to avoid risk of road kill/injury. Speed limits to be applied to Intake Road for all traffic. Project Manager At all times Feeding of animals or interfering with animals shall not be permitted. All project staff At all times Prohibit domestic pests and animals on the site during construction. Project Manager Throughout construction Ensure that all erosion and sediment control mechanisms are in place that Site Supervisor Throughout reduce the risk of off site transport of sediment into roadside spoon drains. construction Any excavation pits are not be left open overnight, but are to be covered at Site Supervisor Throughout the end of each to ensure wildlife is not trapped in any pit. For pits over 1m construction deep a fauna ladder (e.g. tree branch) should be left in the pit as a means of escape for any fauna that enters a covered pit. Do not leave food waste scraps or any other waste that is likely to attract Site Supervisor Throughout wildlife. All putrescible waste is to be placed in bins that are sealable. construction Delineation bunting to be used to demarcate habitat areas that are not to be Site Supervisor Prior to disturbed and is to be placed prior to work commencing on site. works commencing on site Should any large tree with obvious hollows (usually trees with a trunk Project Manager Prior to diameter >40cm) be cleared, then these will be investigated by a fauna works spotter/catcher to determine whether they are being used as commending roost/breeding sites by colonial species (such as microchiropteran bats) or on site and nest sites by parrots or owls during clearing. In the event that breeding animals are located during clearing operations, Site Supervisor Prior to clearing will cease until QPWS/DES are notified and further direction Project Manager works received from these regulatory authority. commending on site and during clearing. Should any animals be encountered, injured or nests discovered, works shall Site supervisor As required cease and the Site Supervisor be notified immediately. In the event that injury to native fauna occurs, where practicable, it shall be Project Manager As required transported to a local veterinary clinic, wildlife carer or reported to local Queensland Parks and Wildlife Services (QPWS) for advice/action. Where practical barbed wire is not to be used for any aspect of construction Project Manager Throughout owing to lethality to bats and some bird species. construction
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Monitoring Responsibility Timing
Ensure vegetation clearing delineation bunting is maintained and vegetation Site Daily beyond this bunting is not disturbed. Supervisor Undertake routine visual inspections of all erosion and sediment control Site Daily measures. Supervisor Ensure that disposal and distribution of waste vegetation material does no Site During clearing adversely impact on adjacent National Park. Supervisor Check any excavated pits for presence of fauna each morning Site Daily Supervisor Each fallen tree should be monitored immediately on felling for any Site Daily evidence of fauna present. Supervisor Project Manager
Reporting Responsibility Timing
All personnel to report incidents. All personnel At all times Any large tree fall during clearing operations into the National Park resulting Site Supervisor During in significant damage, e.g. broken canopy trees to be reported clearing Record and manage all wildlife interactions in a register and corrective Project Manager Throughout actions taken. This will include spotter catcher reports documenting any construction wildlife identified during clearing, (if required) and measures deployed to minimise impacts. Any injured native wildlife shall be reported to local QPWS. Site Supervisor Following incident Inform the Administering Authority in a timely manner in the event of a Project Manager Following significant environmental management issue. identification
Corrective Action Responsibility Timing
All complaints shall be investigated promptly and appropriate actions taken. Project Manager Upon receipt of complaint Where investigations identify environmental nuisance or potential to harm Project Manager Following fauna, revision to management plans shall be undertaken and further identification controls implemented, as necessary. Corrective action shall be implemented to meet required outcomes of Project Manager Where Administering Authorities. required
4.9 Weed and Pest Management
4.9.1 Aspect and Impacts There is a high potential for the introduction of major environmental weeds (e.g Siam weed) at the Bulgun Creek site with machinery that may have been in contact with problematic weed infested areas undertaking earthworks at the sites. Subsequently requirements for a weed and pest hygiene management plan that includes washdown of earthworks vehicles prior to accessing each site, and a weed monitoring and removal program are identified in this EMP. Site rehabilitation is an important element in the management of weeds post construction. A site rehabilitation plan that includes active and passive revegetation/rehabilitation is to be developed prior to construction and implemented on a staged basis during construction. Fire ants and yellow crazy ants are a biosecurity risk in North Queensland. All machinery and construction equipment must be inspected prior to arrival on site for evidence of fire ants or yellow crazy ants.
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Environmental Objective
Avoid and effectively manage potential impacts associated with weeds and pests.
Performance Criteria
No introduction or spread of new (declared) weeds and pests. No fire ants or yellow crazy ants become established on site No complaints are received from regulatory authorities or the community. Works undertaken in accordance with the CCRC Pest Management Plan and Biosecurity Act 2014. All requirements of the WTM Plan to be enacted as well. All machinery to have a certified weed hygiene certificate issued by an authorised person/department.
Mitigation Measures Responsibility Timing
Minimise water ponding or build up on‐site to reduce the likelihood of Project Manager At all times providing suitable environments for mosquito breeding. All vehicles, construction machinery and materials are to examined for fire Project Manager At all times ants or yellow crazy ants prior to arrival at site. Food scraps to be disposed of into bins with closed lids and removed from site All personnel At all times regularly to minimise vermin infestations. Where appropriate, use clean imported fill with a weed‐free certificate. Project Manager Where appropriate Vehicles arriving on site from known and potential weed infested areas must, Project Manager At all times prior to arriving at site, undergo vehicle checks or wash down procedures where appropriate. Any weed infestation shall be treated at earliest stage while small and Project Manager At all times manageable. If chemical treatment is required, chemicals may be used only in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications.
Monitoring Responsibility Timing
Weeds – Weekly site inspection of site to identify any Queensland weed Site Supervisor Throughout Classes 1 to 3 under the Biosecurity Act 2014. construction
Fire ants– Weekly site inspection of the site including ant nests, random Site Supervisor Throughout vehicles and equipment to locate any fire ants. construction
Yellow crazy ants – Weekly site inspection of the site including ant nests, Site Supervisor Throughout random vehicles and equipment to locate any crazy ants. construction
Reporting Responsibility Timing
All personnel to report incidents All personnel At all times
Record and manage all complaints in a register and corrective actions taken. Project Manager Throughout construction
Corrective Action Responsibility Timing
All complaints relating to weeds or pests issues shall be investigated promptly Project Manager Upon receipt of and appropriate actions taken. complaint
Where investigations show restricted/declared weeds, and pests present, Project Manager Following revision to management plans shall be undertaken and further controls identification implemented, as necessary. Controls may include use of contracted licensed weed eradicator or pest exterminator.
Corrective action shall be implemented to meet required outcomes of Project Manager Where required Administering Authorities.
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4.10 Air Quality
4.10.1 Aspect and Impacts Landuse about the reservoir site is entirely conservation purpose National Park. Fumes from traffic and dust will be problematic to the nearest residence near Bulgun Road however impacts at the construction site will be minor and temporary and have no long term quantifiable impacts on the environment. The residence on the access road will be affected by fumes and dust raised by traffic movement during construction as all machinery must pass within 20m of the residence on a gravel road. Prior management for air quality should be given to ensuring impacts on this residence are initiated to fullest extent practical.
4.10.2 Management Plan
Environmental Objective
To prevent dust and other atmospheric emissions generated by construction activities (including traffic movement) from causing a hazard or nuisance to the environment and sensitive receptors adjacent Bulgun Road, in particular, the one residence within 20m of the access road.
Performance Criteria
All works are managed in accordance with the EP Act and the Environmental Protection (Air) Policy 2008. No complaints are received from regulatory authorities or adjacent landholders in relation to dust and fumes impats
Mitigation Measures Responsibility Timing
Ensure equipment is properly serviced, with records provided. If excessive Site Supervisor Throughout exhaust fumes are observed to be emitted, vehicles shall be shut down and construction maintenance check undertaken offsite.
Burning or incineration of waste is not permitted onsite. Project Manager At all times
When not in use, vehicles and other onsite equipment are to be turned off. Site Supervisor Throughout construction
The speed of vehicles on site shall be limited to reduce generated dust. Project Manager Throughout construction
Ensure water trucks are used, if necessary, along site access roads and Project Manager Where laydown areas. necessary
Disturbed areas, including working areas and site compounds shall be Project Manager Throughout stabilised as soon as possible. construction
Dust suppression seal, including temporary or permanent asphalt sealing of Project Manager Throughout the stretch of Intake Road adjacent the existing residence to be considered in construction the event that monitoring of dust levels exceeds parameters identified in the Environment Protection (Air) Policy 2008
Monitoring Responsibility Timing
Undertake visual inspections / observations of site during day to day works, to Site Supervisor Daily identify problem areas and where corrective action is needed.
Dust monitoring recorders to be implemented adjacent residence on Intake Site Supervisor Daily Access road and records to be kept and maintained of all dust emissions in this locality.
Reporting Responsibility Timing
All personnel to report incidents. All personnel At all times
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Record and manage all complaints in a register and corrective actions taken. Project Manager Throughout construction
Corrective Action Responsibility Timing
Appropriate control measures as identified in this EMP shall be implemented Project Manager Following in a timely manner where nuisance dust and other air quality issues are identification identified.
If necessary, dust suppression seal may be required on the access road Project Manager Following adjacent the residence on Intake Road to limit impacts. identification
4.11 Noise and Vibration
4.11.1 Aspect and Impacts Surrounding landuse is entirely conservation purpose National Park. The nearest noise sensitive residence is located approximately 2km on Bulgun Road. This residence will be affected by traffic movement during construction as all machinery must pass within 20m of the residence. This residence will not be affected by noise arising from the construction site. There is potential for noise and vibration from construction activities to be of nuisance to the surrounding wildlife. Noise from vegetation clearing, machinery, traffic movement and human presence will deter cassowaries (and most other fauna) from utilising this area during construction. Noise and human disturbance are expected to be of an intense, short term duration, with these impacts temporary and reversible (i.e. machinery and humans will leave the site after construction). Cassowaries will resume utilisation of the road as a thoroughfare with the cessation of construction activities.
4.11.2 Management Plan
Environmental Objective
To minimise noise impacts and vibration from construction activities to surrounding activities near the project.
Performance Criteria
All works are managed in accordance with the EP Act and the Environmental Protection (Noise) Policy 2008. No complaints are received from regulatory authorities or the community in relation to noise and vibration issues.
Mitigation Measures Responsibility Timing
Where possible, plant with the lowest noise rating which meets the Project Manager Throughout requirements of the task shall be selected. construction
Most construction activities are to be undertaken during normal construction Project Manager Throughout hours, (e.g. 6.30 am to 5.30 pm, Monday to Friday). construction
If construction work is required to be undertaken outside of the normal Project Manager As required construction hours, (refer above) notification including details of time, date during and duration of works shall be provided to stakeholders including affected construction landholder.
Equipment will be switched off when not in use if safe to do so. Site Supervisor When not in use
Provide appropriate hearing protection to all workers if noise levels exceed Project Manager As required the 85 dBA limit for protection of workers health. during construction
Where possible, time vehicle movements that minimise noise impacts at noise Project Manager Throughout sensitive areas., notably residence adjacent Intake Road. construction
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All vehicles and equipment to be maintained in good working order and Site Supervisor Throughout serviced according to manufacturer’s recommendations to avoid unnecessary construction nuisance.
Site induction training to advise personnel of requirements to limit Project Manager During unnecessary revving of engines, engine braking and to exercise due courtesy Site Supervisor induction of local residents, accommodation premises and other workers.
Monitoring Responsibility Timing
Records of plant maintenance shall be kept on‐site and/or with plant. Project Manager Throughout construction Operators shall undertake and log daily pre‐start checks to ensure equipment Operators and Daily is well maintained. Site Supervisor Undertake daily observations during construction as to the effectiveness of Site Supervisor Daily noise control measures and the control of excessive noise.
Reporting Responsibility Timing
All personnel to report incidents. All personnel At all times
Record and manage all complaints in a register and corrective actions taken. Project Manager Throughout construction
Corrective Action Responsibility Timing
All complaints shall be investigated promptly and appropriate actions taken. Project Manager Upon receipt of a complaint
Corrective action shall be implemented to meet required outcomes of Project Manager Where required Administering Authorities.
4.12 Emergency Response
4.12.1 Aspect and Impacts On any project there is potential for an emergency situation to occur, such as fire, chemical release, spill, leak, snake bite, equipment failure or any other likely emergency. All emergency situations have the potential to cause damage/injury/impact to personnel and environment.
4.12.2 Management Plan
Environmental Objective
For project personnel to respond effectively and efficiently in the event of an emergency associated with the reservoir construction works at Bulgun Creek
Performance Criteria
Emergency plans for construction developed prior to commencement of works on site. All personnel familiar with emergency procedures and their role in the event of an emergency.
Mitigation Measures Responsibility Timing
First aid and firefighting equipment, (hand held extinguishers and fire hoses) Project Manager At all times shall be available at the construction site. Spill kits shall be available at the construction site. Project Manager Throughout construction Important contact numbers and names available on site e.g. 000 for fire, Project At all times ambulance, police. Management
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Personnel to undertake adequate environmental awareness and training Site Supervisor During covering the requirements of this EMP and other management plans Project Manager induction regarding emergency response. An emergency response plan shall be prepared which includes consideration Project Manager Prior to of the following – commencement of works on site Response procedure in the event of a fire, chemical release, spill, leak, explosion, natural disaster, equipment failure, snake bite or any other likely emergency Communication arrangements and contact details Roles and responsibilities of project personnel Emergency controls and alarms Evacuation procedures Training requirements Site security.
Monitoring Responsibility Timing
Undertake review of the emergency response plan to identify any issues and Site Supervisor Throughout check information is up to date. construction Conduct drills if necessary. Site Supervisor Throughout construction
Reporting Responsibility Timing
All personnel to report incidents. All personnel At all times
Corrective Action Responsibility Timing Where investigations identify inefficient or ineffective procedures, revision Project Manager Following to management plan shall be undertaken and further controls implemented, identification as necessary.
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Appendices
Appendix A – Incident Report Template
ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLAINT RECORD FORM To be completed on receiving a complaint
SECTION 1: (to be completed by person receiving the complaint)
Current Date: __/__/____ Current Time: ___:___ am / pm
Complainant Name: Complainant Contact Details: Ph No.______Address: ______
Date of incident / Issue Causing Complaint: ____/____/____ Time of incident / Issue Causing Complaint: ____:____ am / pm Location of Incident / Issue Causing Complaint: ______
REASON FOR COMPLAINT Describe clearly and in detail the circumstances leading to the incident / issue, and the incident / issue itself causing the complaint. As far as possible, verify the facts recorded, and identify witnesses. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Complaint reported to: Site Supervisor Date: __/__/____ Time: __:__ am / pm Signed: ………………………………. Project Manager Date: __/__/____ Time: __:__ am / pm Signed: ……………………………….
DETAILS OF ANY INVESTIGATIONS TAKEN: ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………
CONCLUSIONS FORMED: ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
ACTIONS TAKEN TO RESOLVE COMPLAINT: ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
ANY ABATEMENT MEASURES IMPLEMENTED: ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
COMPLAINT RESOLVED BY: Name: Position: Signature: ………………………………………………….
The Project Manager is responsible for assuring the investigation and response to complaints. In some circumstances complaint response may be performed by the client and findings shared with the Project Manager for record. Records of complaints must be held for five (5) years.