1999 Environment Report Cover image: North Homebush Bay Wetlands, Silverwater Nature Reserve, Homebush Bay

Published by the Olympic Co-ordination Authority, June 2000 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying or recording or any information storage or retrieval system, without prior permission in writing from the publishers. Printed on Raleigh Plantation 100% Waste Fibre, Australian made using the waterless offset printing process. ISBN number 0-7313-9189-6 Contents

Minister’s Foreword A Snapshot of 1999 Introduction 1 Towards sustainable development 1 About this report 1 The Olympic Co-ordination Authority 2 Location of venues and facilities 2 OCA’s environmental commitments 3 OCA’s environment policy 4 Environmental Management 5 How OCA delivers its environmental commitments 6 The environment strategy 6 Technical guidelines 6 Environmental tender specification 6 Environmental management system 6 Environmental management plans 6 Environmental management activities 7 EMS review 7 System audits 7 New environmental legislation 8 Reporting and indicators 8 External reviews 8 Earth Council 8 Greenpeace Australia 9 Green Games Watch 2000 10 Raising Environmental Awareness and Consultation 11 Environmental awareness and due diligence training 12 Training needs analysis 12 Working greener training package 12 Environmental education and community involvement 13 Consultation 15 Resource Management 16 Biodiversity 17 Silverwater nature reserve 17 Integrated pest management strategy—fauna 18 Criterium Circuit, Dunc Gray Velodrome 18 Case study: Management of the green and golden bell frog 19 Monitoring and research 21 Homebush Bay 21 Sydney International Regatta Centre 22 Case study: Mosquitoes 23 Aquatic systems 24 Water quality monitoring 24 Haslams Creek pollution booms 25 Case study: Waterways and wetlands 26 Contents continued Water conservation 26 Water cycle management at Homebush Bay 26 Water conservation 27 Water quality 28 Homebush Bay catchment stormwater management plan 28 Case study: Water reclamation and management scheme (WRAMS) 29 Energy 30 Transport 30 Renewable energy 31 Case study: Sydney showground pavilions 32 Materials 33 Update—construction waste recycling 33 Public domain waste management 35 Case study: Reuse of materials in olympic developments 36 Parklands, landscaping and open space 37 Advisory groups 38 Provision of parklands and tree planting 38 Case study: Millennium Parklands 40 Regional air quality 42 Heritage 43 Aboriginal heritage 43 Cultural heritage 43 Case study: Natural heritage 44 Remediation 45 Remediation Strategy 46 Progress during 1999 46 North Homebush Bay remediation mound and Auburn Hardies tip 48 Management of remediated landfills 48 Wilson Park 48 Scheduled chemical waste 49 Enhanced remediation strategy 49 Homebush Bay environment reference group 50 Regulatory Compliance 51 EPA licences and approvals 52 Environmental compliance issues 52 Complaints 53 Stormwater management 54 Air (dust and odours) 55 Noise 55 Future Directions 56 Games Planning 57 Urban domain planning 57 Olympic overlay 57 Test events 58 Conclusion 59 Appendices 61 References Register of environmental documents Abbreviations and symbols Glossary Minister’s Foreword

I am pleased to present Innovative measures the Olympic Co-ordination undertaken by OCA are Authority’s (OCA) fourth presented throughout in Environment Report. The case studies. One excellent report details OCA’s strong example is the reuse performance in of building materials in implementing ecologically Olympic developments. sustainable development Hopefully future non- (ESD) in the development Olympic building projects of venues and facilities will follow this lead. for the 2000 Olympic and Paralympic Games. This The 2000 Olympic and commitment was featured Paralympic Games are in Sydney’s winning bid a unique opportunity for for the Games. Australia to demonstrate the integration and The Environment Report application of ESD in urban outlines OCA’s activities and major infrastructure during 1999 to protect and development. The results enhance the environment. being achieved by OCA Significant achievements establish an environmental to conserve resources are legacy that others continue illustrated as well as details to use and improve upon. of ecological monitoring and research performed at I encourage you to read and Olympic development sites. use this report. It documents the significant progress OCA is making to conserve water and energy, minimise and avoid waste and improve water quality. OCA is continuing to protect and enhance the environment, remediate lands at Homebush Bay and deliver venues and facilities for the Games, leaving an enduring legacy for the people of NSW.

Michael Knight Minister for the Olympics

environment report1999 A Snapshot of 1999

View of Sydney Olympic Park, Homebush Bay with the Northern Water Feature in the foreground

• Construction began in means that soil can and contractors are aware September on OCA’s be decontaminated on of OCA’s environmental Water Reclamation and site, rather than being responsibilities, the Management Scheme at transported off site or requirements of Homebush Bay. The scheme stored in a waste facility. environmental legislation is a wastewater management and their individual • The Sydney SuperDome, strategy designed to save environmental an Olympic venue, won 50% (up to 850 million responsibilities. the Construction Practices litres) of water annually that category in Australia’s • In the Earth Council’s would otherwise be drawn prestigious Banksia second review of OCA’s from Sydney’s main water Foundation Environmental environmental performance supply. It will provide Awards. The Sydney OCA obtained an overall reclaimed water for SuperDome features rating of 8/10, maintaining irrigation and toilet flushing numerous environmental its very high record of in venues and facilities initiatives in waste environmental performance. across Homebush Bay management, energy and Newington Village. • OCA’s Environmental and water conservation, Management System was • OCA began works in August indoor air quality and reviewed in late 1999 to to treat 400 tonnes of soil the construction materials ensure that the systems containing scheduled used in the building. and procedures established chemical waste excavated • Over 200 people attended for managing environmental during remediation works OCA’s environmental issues remain appropriate at Homebush Bay. The awareness and due as OCA moves from a treatment process breaks diligence training program construction to an down the chemicals into during 1999. The program operational focus. The harmless compounds. ensures that both OCA staff revised system will be This innovative technique implemented in early 2000. environment report 1999 • System audits were carried incorporated into major • OCA was also awarded the out throughout 1999 on venues and facilities and Gold Rivercare 2000 Award 23 Olympic developments. how these principles can in the State Government The audits showed that be applied by local councils. category for its integrated projects and activities water management system • The Compendium of ESD were undertaken in general at Homebush Bay. The Initiatives and Outcomes, accordance with OCA’s award recognises OCA’s Edition 2 was released in Environmental commitment to the October 1999. It documents Management System. principles of best practice the range of environmental in all aspects of water • World Environment Day on initiatives incorporated management and its 5 June was celebrated with into Olympic venues and ecologically sustainable a number of environmental facilities and provides development achievements. activities and displays for a valuable tool for future the public and media, designers, developers including tree-planting in and decision makers. the Millennium Parklands • OCA continued to protect and a special environment and manage the unique brochure. OCA also hosted diversity of flora and fauna 35 representatives from of Homebush Bay through 21 local government areas its ecological monitoring across Sydney at a seminar programs. These include on environmental studies of the Green and management. Using its Golden Bell Frog, birds, developments as case benthic invertebrates, studies OCA demonstrated saltmarsh and mosquito how environmental monitoring. initiatives can be environment report 1999 Introduction Towards sustainable The Sydney SuperDome won existing environmental the construction practices legislation. However, the development category in Australia’s broader community is OCA is integrating the prestigious Banksia increasingly demanding principles of ecologically Foundation Environmental information on the sustainable development Awards for its environmental environmental impact of (ESD) into its development of initiatives, in the areas of an organisation’s activities, sporting facilities and venues waste management, energy products or services. OCA for the Sydney 2000 Olympic and water conservation, air recognises this demand by and Paralympic Games. It is quality and selection of producing these reports. generally agreed that there construction materials. Furthermore, OCA regards are no development sites in the dissemination of OCA is creating an enduring Australia today under greater information on its environmental legacy that sustained public scrutiny environmental performance will benefit the community than these. and achievements one of and future generations. its key legacy outcomes. This Environment Report The example set by OCA outlines the numerous in integrating ESD into the There is a growing activities undertaken by development of venues and understanding that OCA in 1999 to protect and facilities is a legacy others environmental, economic enhance the environment, can adopt in the drive towards and social objectives are raise environmental sustainable development. interlinked. This is awareness, conserve sometimes referred to as resources and comply with About this report the ‘triple bottom line’. These environmental legislation. three interlinked objectives This is OCA’s fourth contribute to people’s quality Many milestones were Environment Report. of life, and it is increasingly achieved during 1999, Its purpose is to outline becoming recognised that particularly the completion OCA’s environmental economic and social growth of nine venues and facilities. objectives, commitments, depends on a healthy and The high standard and practices and achievements productive environment. innovative designs of Stadium for local, state, national and Australia, the Sydney international stakeholders. In this context, OCA’s Showground, the Northern These stakeholders include Environment Report 1999 Water Feature and the Olympic employees, community covers wider issues than Plaza lighting towers were groups, business, those related only to the recognised in 1999 when government, environment environment and shows each of these projects won groups and those involved how OCA integrates architectural and engineering in the Olympic movement. environmental and social excellence awards. The report also showcases objectives into its activities. examples of sustainable The report also discusses urban development. the future direction of OCA, The publication of which is now focusing on environmental information in preparations for the Sydney NSW is not a requirement of 2000 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

environment report 1999 1 OCA’s vision OCA is preparing world- OCA is also responsible for the coordination of all NSW Government class sporting and activities required for the Games. The four principal roles of OCA recreation venues and are as developer, asset manager, operator and coordinator. facilities that reflect best practice and environmental • As a developer, OCA is remediating Homebush Bay and sustainability in their providing sporting venues and facilities and associated construction, development infrastructure and parklands. and operation. • As an asset manager, OCA is managing venues and facilities at Sydney Olympic Park at Homebush Bay and in western Sydney. These facilities will be • As an operator, OCA is managing the operation of Sydney enjoyed by participants in Olympic Park and other venues as required. the Sydney 2000 Olympic • As a coordinator, OCA ensures that input from other and Paralympic Games government and non-government agencies are effectively and by the community in incorporated in planning for the Games. the long term.

The Olympic Co- Location of venues ordination Authority and facilities The Olympic Co-ordination The Sydney 2000 Olympic and Authority, established in Paralympic Games will be held 1995, is a statutory authority at a number of venues located of the NSW State throughout the metropolitan Government. region of Sydney, including Sydney Olympic Park at OCA is responsible for the Homebush Bay, eastern provision of sporting venues Sydney and western Sydney. and facilities for use during the Sydney 2000 Olympic and Homebush Bay contains the Paralympic Games, meeting greatest number of venues the longer-term social, (Figure 1). It is a 760 hectare cultural and sporting needs site that includes Sydney of the people of NSW and Olympic Park and 450 redeveloping Homebush Bay. hectares of parkland in the demographic and geographic View of Olympic Boulevard, Sydney Olympic Park heart of Sydney. Homebush Bay is the focus of most of the environmental initiatives that have taken place.

environment report 1999 2 Blacktown Ryde

Rushcutter’s Bay Homebush Bay

Penrith Darling Bondi Beach Harbour Moore Park Horsley Park Fairfield City Farm Liverpool Bankstown

Figure 1: Location of Olympic venues and facilities in Sydney

OCA’s environmental Sydney’s commitment to • consistency of proposed hosting an environmentally developments with the commitments friendly Olympic Games was principles of ESD In 1993, the Sydney Olympics an important component in • the impact of proposed 2000 Bid Committee, in its winning bid. As a result developments on heritage conjunction with non- of Sydney’s environmental items, heritage conservation government organisations, commitments, the Olympic areas and potential developed the Environmental Charter now includes a third archaeological sites. Guidelines for the Summer dimension, environment, in Olympic Games (September addition to those of sport State Environmental 1993). The Environmental and culture. Planning Policy No 38— Guidelines commit Olympic Olympic Games Projects Policy and legislation host cities to ESD in the provides the framework for developed after the bid following areas: planning and development establishes the integration control. It requires the • protecting biological of ESD as a fundamental Minister for Urban Affairs diversity outcome for OCA’s and Planning to consider the • energy conservation developments. consistency of a proposed • water conservation development with the The Olympic Co-ordination Environmental Guidelines for • waste avoidance and Authority Act 1995 requires the Summer Olympic Games minimisation OCA to consider: when determining whether to • protecting significant approve a development. natural and cultural • consistency of proposed environments. developments with the Environmental Guidelines for the Summer Olympic Games

environment report 1999 3 Sydney Regional • remediate the legacy of will involve and communicate Environmental Plan No 24— past pollution to ensure with interested parties. Homebush Bay guides, and land is suitable for its use; Appropriate management coordinates the development systems will be implemented • protect soil and sediments of the Homebush Bay area to meet environmental within areas for which the and replaces all previous objectives and continually OCA is responsible; planning instruments. improve environmental The plan provides statutory • encourage the use of performance. protection for significant recycled materials and areas of natural vegetation reduce waste generation; OCA is committed to sharing and heritage value. its knowledge and experience • minimise the demand for with others through liaison OCA’s environmental potable water from Sydney’s with key stakeholder to commitments are mains supply; promote and achieve positive encapsulated in OCA’s • minimise the use of energy environmental values and environment policy. from non-renewable sources; outcomes. • minimise emissions of OCA’s environment greenhouse gases and policy minimise the use of ozone depleting substances; The Olympic Co-ordination Authority is committed to • minimise the use of the principles of ecologically materials which deplete sustainable development natural resources or create (ESD), in particular the toxic pollution; conservation of species • minimise the impacts of and natural resources noise and night lighting on and the control of pollution. environmental conservation and neighbouring In providing, to time residential areas; and and budget, community recreational and associated • minimise impacts on air infrastructure for the Sydney quality. 2000 Olympic and Paralympic OCA will comply with all Games and beyond, OCA’s relevant environmental commitment is to: regulations including • protect and enhance statutory planning remnant natural instruments and meet the ecosystems on OCA guiding principles of the development sites; Environmental Guidelines for the Summer Olympic • improve the quality of Games. OCA will implement water entering waterways development practices for its from OCA sites; sites which promote ESD and

environment report1999 4 Environmental Management

environment report 1999 5 Native trees inside the Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park

How OCA delivers • conservation of resources— The specification requires water, energy, construction all tenderers to show how its environmental materials, open space and they will comply with OCA’s commitments topsoil environmental commitments. It promotes environmental • pollution control—air, noise, OCA has developed a suite outcomes by encouraging light, water, soil and waste of strategies, guidelines all tenderers to strive for management. and plans to ensure that it environmental innovation meets its environmental A Structure Plan and a to secure the contract rather commitments. Master Plan were developed than specifying prescriptive These detail how to to integrate the transport environmental measures. implement the ESD principles networks and land uses at The specification is outlined in the Environmental Homebush Bay. A Landscape incorporated into all calls for Guidelines for the Summer Strategy was also prepared. design, development, project Olympic Games. This provides principles management and service for landscape design and management contracts. management to link the The Environment natural and built environment Strategy Environmental at Homebush Bay. Management System OCA produced the Homebush Bay Development Guideline Technical guidelines OCA has developed series to provide guidance a comprehensive Guidelines have been for developers, designers, Environmental Management developed to help developers, planners and managers in System (EMS), which designers and managers the implementation of ESD. complies with international implement ESD. They are: The series was prepared standard ISO14001. The EMS outlines OCA’s management in consultation with • energy guidelines representatives from state approach to ensuring that and local government, • construction and demolition Olympic venues and facilities environment groups, waste guidelines are developed in accordance academia, industry and • facility operations waste with OCA’s environmental community groups. guidelines. commitments. Volume 1 of the series, Environmental Tender Environmental the Environment Strategy, Specification management plans establishes the principles for implementation of ESD under Environmental considerations The EMS stipulates that three key performance areas: are integrated into the environmental management development of Olympic plans (EMPs) be produced • conservation of species— venues and facilities through for all development stages— flora and fauna, people OCA’s Environmental Tender design, construction, project and their environment Specification. management and operations— for all venues and facilities. EMPs ensure that OCA’s environmental commitments are achieved throughout the development process.

environment report 1999 6 Environmental System audits by the Development and management During 1999, system Operations Divisions and audits of OCA projects were ‘Build, Own, Operate and activities undertaken. These audits Transfer’ (BOOT) projects determine whether OCA’s such as Stadium Australia OCA is committed to and the Sydney SuperDome. maintaining and continually EMS procedures established improving its environmental for managing environmental The system audits verified a management activities issues and risks are high level of compliance with during the development appropriate and proactive OCA’s EMS and that the EMS and operation of Olympic (Indicator I). They also enable has been comprehensively venues and facilities. OCA to continually improve implemented across OCA. its procedures to ensure The system audits also EMS review that the requirements of identified a number of areas corporate due diligence and for improvement and action To ensure the suitability, other broader environmental is being taken to address adequacy and effectiveness commitments are met. any shortcomings. of OCA’s EMS, and thereby its performance, OCA reviewed The principal aims of the These findings have led to and revised its EMS in late system audits were: significant refinements of the 1999. The revision covered OCA EMS, aimed at improving the following issues: • to verify that OCA’s EMS is in place and is being its applicability to all aspects of OCA’s activities. • the changing focus of implemented as intended OCA’s core business • to identify opportunities A revised EMS Manual will from development to for improved performance be distributed in early 2000. overlay, operations and by OCA and its contractors The revised EMS will help Games planning OCA continue to deliver its • to examine areas for • legislative changes in environmental commitments potential improvements and improve environmental recent years, which include and provide feedback for the Protection of the management now and into the management review the future. Environment Operations of the EMS Act and Regulations 1997 Indicator I and the Contaminated Land • to support OCA’s reporting Management Act 1997 of its environmental Number of EMS audits performance and Results 23 • findings and achievements. recommendations of Date as at end 1999 EMS audits of 23 major The audits were completed Source Environment OCA projects in mid 1999. Issues raised Branch in the audits were reported • OCA’s commitment to and followed up by the end annual reviews of the EMS. of 1999. Twenty-three major OCA projects were audited, including projects managed

environment report 1999 7 New environmental Accordingly, OCA developed External reviews legislation a procedure that ensures all environmental incidents are Independent reviews of OCA’s The Protection of the fully investigated and environmental performance Environment Operations reported to the EPA. are undertaken by the Earth Act 1997 (POEO Act) began Council, Greenpeace operation on 1 July 1999. OCA also ran a series of Australia and Green Games It consolidates and replaces environmental awareness Watch 2000. the following Acts: and due diligence training sessions for its staff and The Earth Council provides • Clean Air Act 1960 contractors that included an an international perspective • Clean Waters Act 1970 overview of the new POEO on OCA’s environmental Act and its requirements performance whilst • Environmental Offences (see ‘Environmental Greenpeace Australia and and Penalties Act 1989 awareness and due diligence Green Games Watch 2000 • Noise Control Act 1975 training’, p. 12). examine OCA’s performance from a local perspective. • Pollution Control Act 1970 The major regulatory Reporting and Earth Council provisions of the Waste indicators OCA engages the Earth Minimisation and Council to provide it with Management Act 1995 ceased OCA produces a number of an independent international operation on 1 July 1999, and publicly available reports on perspective on its are now contained within the its environmental objectives, environmental performance POEO Act. practices and achievements. through periodic reviews. A key aspect of the POEO Act The Environment Report, The Earth Council was is the duty to notify the NSW Quarterly Environmental established after the Summit Environment Protection Performance Reports and on Ecologically Sustainable Authority (EPA) of pollution the Compendium of ESD Development in 1992 incidents where ‘material Initiatives and Outcomes (the ‘Rio Summit’). Regular harm to the environment is provide environmental performance reviews of this caused or threatened’. This is information on the type are valuable tools that defined in the Act as ‘actual development of Olympic enable OCA to benchmark its or potential harm to the venues and facilities. ongoing environmental health and safety of human Environmental indicators performance at an beings or ecosystems that is are used in this report to international level. not trivial or results in actual determine trends and to or potential loss or property track progress towards The second review, conducted damage of an amount or environmental performance in February 1999, awarded amounts in aggregate, targets and goals. Indicators OCA an environmental exceeding $10 000’. used in the 1996, 1997 State performance rating of 8/10 overall, reflecting the very As well, Pollution Control of the Environment Reports high environmental Licences and Pollution and Environment Report 1998 standards being maintained. Control Approvals have been are only included in this consolidated and replaced report where results have with Environment Protection changed from previous years. Licences. environment report 1999 8 The Earth Council Review an effective and transparent Greenpeace Australia commended OCA for its manner. In relation to this, Greenpeace Australia comprehensive approach in OCA is continuing to work produces an annual Report fulfilling its commitments with the Olympic Card, assessing Sydney’s and pursuing its objective Environment Forum on key environmental performance of ESD. It highlighted OCA’s environmental issues. The in meeting commitments continued commitment to members of this Forum are in the Environmental the remediation of lands at OCA, Green Games Watch Guidelines for the Summer Homebush Bay, its Enhanced 2000, Greenpeace Australia, Olympic Games. It released Remediation Strategy, steps Auburn Greenspace, SOCOG its ‘One Year to Go’ Report taken to protect and enhance and the EPA. Card in September 1999 biodiversity at Olympic sites OCA also established the and gave the environmental such as the restoration of efforts for the Games 7/10. Haslams Creek and the Homebush Bay Environment regeneration of saltmarshes Reference Group to facilitate Greenpeace Australia at Homebush Bay. The Review consultation with the congratulated OCA on also commended OCA on the community on OCA’s long- the environmental success widespread use of renewable term remediation strategy. of several of its projects. energy and natural lighting OCA has also taken steps These were: and ventilation in Olympic to make more use of its venues and facilities. OCA’s web site to disseminate • solar energy initiatives environmental training environmental information in the Athletes’ Village, programs, the application on a local, national and Sydney SuperDome, Media of ESD to Olympic international scale. Village and other venues developments, OCA’s The Earth Council firmly • the development of the comprehensive tendering endorsed OCA’s Millennium Parklands process and OCA’s environmental management, and the use of solar- monitoring and public concluding that the Sydney powered pumps in its reporting of environmental 2000 Olympic and leachate systems conditions and achievements Paralympic Games will be the were also highly commended. • treatment of scheduled ‘greenest games ever and the chemical wastes at The review identified the high standards set by Sydney Homebush Bay need for OCA to communicate will set the environmental • protection of endangered its decision-making process benchmark for future Games’. species to the broader community in

environment report 1999 9 • commitment to public was established in 1995 The Report raised a number transport to provide input and of issues in relation to independently monitor the the implementation of the • the Water Reclamation environmental initiatives Environmental Guidelines and Management Scheme associated with the for the Summer Olympic (WRAMS) at Sydney Olympic development of Olympic Games. OCA undertook a Park at Homebush Bay. facilities and the staging detailed analysis of these The Report Card criticised of the Games. Green Games concerns and a report, OCA OCA over the use of Watch 2000’s role is also Response to Environmental hydrochlorofluorocarbon to review and report on Performance Review Report (HCFC) and hydrofluoro- progress in the No 2 (1998), Green Games carbon (HFC) refrigerants implementation of the Watch 2000, was prepared. in the Sydney SuperDome Environmental Guidelines This report was provided to and other Olympic venues. for the Summer Olympic members of the Olympic Reference was made to the Games. Its second annual Environment Forum and the legal proceedings initiated Environmental Performance Homebush Bay Environment in the Federal Court by Review Report was released Reference Group in April 1999. Greenpeace Australia against in February 1999. The Report OCA in November 1998. focused on facilities and Greenpeace Australia venues that had advanced withdrew the proceedings beyond the planning and in July 1999. The Report Card design stage and included also stated that OCA was at the Athletes’ Village, Sydney times uncommunicative and SuperDome, Dunc Gray uncooperative with regards Velodrome, Sydney to environmental initiatives. International Equestrian Centre, Sydney International Green Games Watch Shooting Centre, Sydney 2000 International Regatta Centre, Penrith Whitewater Stadium, Green Games Watch 2000, Stadium Australia, a coalition of environmental Millennium Parklands and groups funded by the NSW North Homebush Bay and Federal Governments, remediation.

environment report 1999 10 Raising Environmental Awareness and Consultation

environment report 1999 11 Roses in bloom, Maiden Garden, Homebush Bay

Environmental Indicator II has also increased its contact Number of OCA staff with development managers awareness and due and contractors who have to provide them with support diligence training received environmental and advice to ensure that training relevant environmental OCA’s EMS requires that all Results 203 issues are being managed staff and contractors receive in construction projects in appropriate environmental Date as at end 1999 the lead-up to the Games. training. During 1999, OCA Source Environment delivered its Environmental Branch Awareness and Due Working Greener Diligence Training Program training package to more than 200 OCA staff Training needs and contractors (Indicator II). OCA’s Working Greener analysis training package continues to The key objectives of the OCA’s EMS requires that be implemented to raise the training sessions are to OCA’s training programs environmental awareness of ensure that participants be reviewed every year. Olympic construction workers are aware of: (Indicator III) of issues such As a result OCA analysed as stormwater and erosion • OCA’s environmental its Environmental Awareness control and management. responsibilities and Due Diligence Training • new legislative requirements Program in late 1999. The package consists of a and their relevance to OCA The analysis aimed to identify video and overheads. The development and operational the knowledge and skills overheads are used to activities that OCA personnel and reinforce the key messages contractors require to help of the video. • the principles of OCA in meeting its environmental due diligence environmental responsibilities. Indicator III • expectations and concerns Number of construction The analysis identified the workers who have been of the public in relation to need for OCA to change the made aware of ‘Working Olympic venues and focus of its environmental Greener’ facilities training from large Results 13,968 • OCA’s environmental construction projects to Date as at end 1999 practices including the smaller projects as it moves EMS, EMPs and compliance from a construction phase Notes 6,290 workers audit procedures to an operational phase. participated in OCA’s ‘Working It included recommendations Greener’ training package. • site-specific environmental Another 7,678 participated in on ways for OCA to deliver issues, including waste and training that covered general training in its changing work stormwater management, environmental issues on environment. In response to flora and fauna protection, construction sites. this recommendation, OCA and emergency response has restructured its Working procedures. Greener package for overlay and minor works contracts. OCA’s Environment Branch

environment report 1999 12 Planting grass along Haslams Creek, Homebush Bay Olympic Explorer Bus, Sydney Olympic Park

As OCA development Environmental • also, as part of OCA’s World activities move from Environment Day activities a construction towards overlay education and seminar for local government for the Games, it was community was held. The seminar that recognised that the original outlined OCA’s approach to Working Greener package involvement environmental management needed to be restructured OCA has conducted a and the implementation of and adapted for workers number of activities ESD at OCA sites was involved in Overlay projects. and produced several attended by representatives As a result, Working Greener environmental education from 35 local government was re-developed for overlay packages throughout the areas and minor works contracts year for the wider community: • in July 1999 OCA and it now consists of a participated in the 1999 trainer’s guide and an • in March 1999, OCA Auburn Environment Expo environmental awareness contributed to an ecological which attracts school handout. The handout is education package for students from surrounding given to all workers on primary and secondary areas as well as local overlay and minor works schools on the flora and residents. OCA’s exhibit projects. It provides details fauna found in the featured Kronos and his on the following: Homebush Bay area Kronies to explain the • OCA celebrated World • NSW’s environmental remediation program at Environment Day on 5 June legislation to protect the Homebush Bay with a range of environment environmental activities • the ‘Trees for Homebush • practical steps workers and displays. A special Bay’ program, managed can take to comply with brochure highlighting by Greening Australia, environmental legislation OCA’s environmental continued during 1999. Students from local schools • site-specific information achievements was developed and distributed collect native seeds from on venues and facilities Homebush Bay, grow the at Sydney Olympic Park to visitors on site tours and OCA’s ‘The Big Clean Up’ plants and plant them at at Homebush Bay and Sydney Olympic Park western Sydney and ‘Working Greener’ videos were shown in at Homebush Bay. • what to do if something the Homebush Bay Visitors The program helps goes wrong. Centre throughout the day educate school children

environment report 1999 13 Displays inside the Homebush Bay Visitors Centre

in environmental issues • annual Environment development and and gives them an Reports, Quarterly monitoring of remediated understanding of the Environmental lands at Homebush Bay Performance Reports significance of trees to • during 1999, the and the Compendium a healthy environment community was consulted of ESD Initiatives and • the Homebush Bay Visitors on the proposal to treat Outcomes were produced Centre continued to provide scheduled chemical wastes fact sheets and brochures • public information is at Homebush Bay (see on environmental initiatives available on OCA’s web site ‘Remediation’, page 45). at OCA sites to visitors at http://www.oca.nsw.gov.au There was also consultation with the National Advisory • presentations were given • OCA was nominated Body as required by the to community and local as a finalist in the National Protocol for and international communications category Approval/Licencing of professional groups on in the Banksia Foundation Commercial-scale Facilities OCA’s remediation projects Environmental Awards for the Treatment/Disposal and planned management for raising environmental of Schedule X Wastes. of remediated lands, water awareness and This process ensures management at Sydney understanding of that State and Territory Olympic Park at Homebush environmental issues at approval/licencing of Bay and OCA’s Olympic development sites commercial-scale facilities environmental initiatives • the Homebush Bay for the treatment/disposal and outcomes Environment Reference of scheduled wastes are • an information sheet Group, established in June consistent. called ‘From Wastelands 1998, facilitates A summary description of to Wetlands: A Homebush consultation with the the treatment process was Bay Story’ was produced. community on OCA’s long- placed in state and local It provides information on term remediation strategy. newspapers inviting the transition of degraded The Reference Group submissions from the local wetlands to rehabilitated enables community, community. The EPA, which ecosystems scientific and environment managed the consultation groups to obtain process, received 25 information and discuss submissions on the location issues relating to the of the treatment facility, technical aspects of the

environment report 1999 14 Visitors arriving at Sydney Olympic Park, Homebush Bay treatment, and concerns Consultation OCA has also established and regarding potential impacts participates in a number of on public health. During Consultation with the advisory and consultative the consultation period, community, industry and groups, including the OCA made a presentation stakeholders is an important following: to the Homebush Bay part of OCA’s planning and Environment Reference development processes. • Landscape and Open Space Group and conducted a Expert Advisory Panel All proposed Olympic letterbox drop that developments are required • Interim Management explained the waste by the Olympic Co-ordination Advisory Committee for the treatment process to Authority Act 1995 to include Silverwater Nature Reserve industrial and commercial an extensive consultation neighbours in the area. • Duck River and Homebush process. Stakeholders OCA also made formal Bay Catchment formally consulted include: presentations to Ryde Management Committee Council and the Hazardous • the council of the local • Social Impacts Advisory Chemicals Advisory government area in which Committee Committee of the EPA. the development is to be • Design Review Panel OCA operates a 24-hour carried out • Names Working Committee hotline on the scheduled • the council of each local chemical waste project government area adjoining • Access Advisory Committee to respond to community the development area • Olympic Energy Panel concerns. The hotline, which is operating • any relevant advisory • Homebush Bay throughout the entire committee for development Environment Reference waste treatment process, affecting the Parramatta Group River has to date handled 23 • Olympic Environment inquiries on odour control • any other appropriate body, Forum. and public health issues. including Green Games Watch 2000, Greenpeace The Olympic Environment Australia and the EPA Forum meets regularly and comprises representatives • SOCOG. from OCA, SOCOG, the EPA, Greenpeace Australia, Green Games Watch 2000 and Auburn Greenspace. It discusses environmental issues associated with the venues, facilities, events and planning for the Sydney 2000 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

environment report 1999 15 Resource Management

environment report 1999 16 North Homebush Bay Wetlands, Silverwater Nature Reserve, Homebush Bay

Biodiversity Biodiversity is the variety of A conservation management all life forms. It includes land plan for the Nature Reserve OCA’s commitment to and aquatic plants, animals was developed in 1998. biodiversity and microorganisms, the OCA is coordinating and Environmental Guidelines for genes they contain, and the implementing the actions the Summer Olympic Games ecosystems they are part of. detailed in the plan, including Conservation of biological weed and pest control. Olympic host cities should diversity is one of the key commit themselves to: objectives of Australia’s During 1999, OCA removed National Strategy for weeds throughout the • preservation and protection woodland in the Reserve. of the integrity of natural Ecologically Sustainable Development (Council of Results are encouraging: ecosystems, including local indigenous species native bushland, forest Australian Governments, 1992). are regenerating. Areas and waterways of existing grasslands • assessment of habitat Conservation of species is surrounding part of the and species, with special one of OCA’s key performance Reserve are not being mown attention to endangered areas for achieving ESD in and are providing excellent species and ecosystems the development of Olympic feeding grounds for that are subject to venues and facilities. grassland bird species. international conservation treaties Silverwater Nature Landscaping in the Millennium Parklands in • implementation of non- Reserve areas adjacent to the Reserve chemical pest control at Protection and enhancement will provide physical linkages Olympic sites. of the remnant Cumberland between the Parklands and The Environment Strategy Plain woodland and saline the Reserve as well as wetland at Homebush Bay enhancing protection of its Outcome: was secured at the end of vegetation. Species planted • that the remaining natural 1997 with an agreement in the Parklands have been ecosystems at Homebush between OCA and the NSW grown from seed collected Bay and other Olympic National Parks and Wildlife within the Reserve. development sites are Service (NPWS) that enhanced during establishes Silverwater development and protected Nature Reserve (50 ha) throughout ongoing use of at North Homebush Bay. the site. Although the agreement transfers the ownership of the Reserve to NPWS, the Reserve is being managed by OCA until the end of the Games period as full handover to NPWS will occur in 2001.

environment report 1999 17 Integrated pest In 1999, Golden Mealybug The proposed Criterium management strategy - (Araucaria cunninghamii), Circuit would be located fauna a sap-sucking pest, attacked in Louisa Reserve at The the hoop pines planted Crest, a significantly Pests, including feral along Olympic Boulevard. degraded area of bushland animals, plant diseases and Golden Mealybug can reduce due to clearing prior to the mosquitoes, are present at tree growth and cause leaf 1960’s and weed infestation. Homebush Bay and other discolouration. Rather than However, assessments Olympic venues and facilities. use traditional pesticides, of Louisa Reserve have A number of biological a light oil that is non- identified the existence of: controls and pest hazardous to birds and other wildlife was used as a spray • a threatened ecological management strategies used community referred to as by OCA were formalised in an to suffocate the mealybug. The application of the oil the Cooks River Clay Plain integrated pest management Scrub Forest (IPM) strategy in 1998. IPM spray reduced the numbers is the principle where by of Golden Mealybug and • a vulnerable plant species the most appropriate pest the trees recovered. Also, (Acacia pubescens or and disease control measures a natural predator of the Downy Wattle) with the least detrimental Golden Mealybug—native ladybirds (Cryptolaemus) • the potential for an environmental impact endangered plant population are used. are present in significant numbers. (Wahlenbergia multicaulis IPM pest fauna guidelines or Tadgell’s Bluebell) are being developed to cover Cycling Criterium During the development environmentally appropriate Circuit, Dunc Gray of the proposal for the methods to control pests, Velodrome Criterium Circuit in 1999 such as feral cats, foxes and OCA undertook extensive birds, which prey on native The Dunc Gray Velodrome consultation with community fauna. This aspect is is located at The Crest, an and environment groups and particularly important in established active and followed all necessary relation to protected habitat passive recreation complex, statutory processes. areas at Homebush Bay and at Bankstown. During the venues and facilities in development application for western Sydney. the Velodrome consideration was given to a Criterium IPM control methods used Circuit, a bitumen loop track, at Sydney Olympic Park at The Crest to complement at Homebush Bay include the Velodrome. the biological control of mosquitoes, rose aphids, fig psyllids and mealybugs in place of traditional pesticides.

environment report 1999 18 Green & Golden Bell Frog (Litoria aurea)

Case study: of the Brickpit’s significance the planning stages of all Management of the to the frog population, it was developments, and protection Green and Golden protected from development measures are used to Bell Frog until new habitat could be minimise impacts on the created in other areas of frogs during development. Homebush Bay is home Homebush Bay. Where necessary, frogs to one of the few known are relocated from areas breeding colonies in the OCA’s management of the designated for development Sydney region of the Homebush Bay frog population into new habitat. endangered Green and is guided by a comprehensive Golden Bell Frog (Litoria Management Plan, the OCA has engaged the aurea). OCA is working to Management Plan for the Australian Museum to ensure the conservation of Green and Golden Bell Frog monitor the Green and the Green and Golden Bell (Litoria aurea) at Homebush Golden Bell Frog population Frog population at Homebush Bay. The Management Plan and its habitat at Homebush Bay within the midst of was developed by Bay and to provide expert Australia’s biggest herpetologists from the advice on its management. development site, in Australian Museum in Monitoring results show accordance with NPWS conjunction with OCA, and has that mechanisms adopted requirements and OCA’s been endorsed by the NPWS. by OCA to conserve the frog commitment to ESD. are successful, and that the OCA has created new habitat population is large and viable. The frog at Homebush Bay for the frog on remediated During the 1998/99 breeding lands across the site. Ponds, When the Green and Golden season, the total adult frog shelter and foraging sites population was estimated at Bell Frog was first identified have been created in Haslams at Homebush Bay in 1993, over a thousand frogs, located Creek South and Newington in habitat across the site. its population was largely to replace ephemeral habitat restricted to the former State within development sites. The WRAMS development Brickworks quarry, known These habitats have been The Water Reclamation as the Brickpit. Low numbers successfully colonised by the and Management Scheme of the frog were found frogs – large numbers of adult (WRAMS), now under elsewhere across the site, frogs have been regularly construction, will use and these numbers varied recorded in new habitats since the bottom levels of the significantly with seasonal 1996, and breeding has been Brickpit as a water reservoir. conditions. recorded in some ponds over WRAMS is one of OCA’s key three successive years. The Brickpit contains several environmental initiatives, freshwater ponds that the As well as creating new and will greatly reduce the frogs use for breeding. habitat, OCA has constructed use of potable water at Piles of rocks and rubble movement corridors, vehicle Sydney Olympic Park at and precariously balanced overpasses, frog underpasses, Homebush Bay by providing boulders make excellent and ‘frog fences’ around reclaimed water for toilet hiding places during summer roadways and construction flushing and irrigation. (see and refuge sites in winter, sites. Potential impacts on ‘Water conservation’, p.26). when the frog becomes frogs are considered during relatively inactive. Because

environment report 1999 19 Construction of new frog habitat in the Brickpit, Homebush Bay

As part of the WRAMS The WRAMS project development, significant exemplifies ESD in action. areas of new and enhanced Stormwater harvested from frog habitat are being created Sydney Olympic Park at in other parts of the Brickpit. Homebush Bay will be stored These include the creation within the Brickpit reservoir, of semi-permanent and then treated by the WRAMS ephemeral freshwater ponds, water treatment plant, and planting of grasses and used to top up frog ponds reeds, and construction within the Brickpit during of boulder shelters. Frogs dry periods. This will currently inhabiting the increase the overall security lower levels of the Brickpit of the frog population, as will be relocated to the new additional frog breeding habitat. The new habitat will habitat will be available at provide more habitat features times when the ponds would and potential breeding sites otherwise be dry. than currently exist within the reservoir. Benefits to the Community OCA’s work to conserve OCA’s decision to locate the the Green and Golden Bell reservoir within the Brickpit Frog at Homebush Bay has followed five years of intensive brought many benefits to study of the frog population the community, including: and close consultation with expert herpetologists. • heightened community A Habitat Design Review Group awareness of the comprised of OCA staff and conservation needs of expert herpetologists was endangered species established to assist landscape architects in the design of new • advancement in scientific habitat. All habitat designs knowledge of the biology were reviewed prior to and ecology of the species construction by a Scientific • transfer of knowledge Review Group established and awareness of by the Australian Museum, environmental issues and and comprised of leading green work practices to herpetologists. OCA has other projects by industry. established stringent protocols The conservation of the for works within the Brickpit Green and Golden Bell Frog to ensure protection of this at Homebush Bay illustrates sensitive site during the works. co-operation between developers, scientists and wildlife managers in the achievement of ESD.

environment report 1999 20 Black swans at the eastern water quality control pond, Homebush Bay

Monitoring and Three rare saltmarsh Benthic invertebrates species are found within Benthic invertebrates are a research the wetlands: Wilsonia major source of food for many OCA’s commitment to backhousei, Lampranthus of the wading birds found biodiversity monitoring tegens and Halosarcia within the saline wetlands pergranulata. The first two of the Silverwater Nature The Environment Strategy of these are found only in Reserve. Benthic fauna are Outcome: the Homebush Bay area. being monitored before and Information from the after the second stage of • production of scientifically research and monitoring tidal flushing works in the sound ecological data on program has enabled OCA Silverwater Nature Reserve. the ecosystems of to expand the distribution Monitoring will evaluate Homebush Bay to enhance of these species by changes in numbers and understanding of these successfully propagating species of these fauna in systems and for their and transplanting them to response to increased effective management. newly remediated lands tidal flushing. Remnant pockets of original along Haslams Creek. wetlands, saltmarsh and Birds The monitoring program woodlands survive at has shown that both The Homebush Bay area Homebush Bay and at mangrove and saltmarsh contains a variety of Olympic venues in western are re-establishing in the terrestrial and wetland Sydney. These areas contain areas where tidal flushing landscapes that provide flora and fauna of local, has been restored in the significant habitat for a regional, national and saline wetlands at the large number of bird species. international significance. Silverwater Nature Reserve, These include species that OCA is undertaking and that the density of the are rare locally, as well as monitoring and research to rare species Halosarcia migratory species protected restore, protect and enhance pergranulata has increased under international the unique habitats and flora substantially. The first tidal agreements with China and fauna of these areas. flushing works completed (China-Australia Migratory in 1997 have successfully Bird Agreement) and Japan Homebush Bay restored tidal flushing (Japan-Australian Migratory Bird Agreement). Birds have Saline wetland plant between the Parramatta been monitored at Homebush communities (saltmarsh) River and the north-eastern segment of the wetlands. Bay since 1992. A total of Saline wetland plant 146 native bird species and communities at Homebush The second stage of the 13 introduced bird species Bay have been monitored tidal flushing works is to have been recorded . since 1993. The research be completed in early 2000. and monitoring program These works will result in has given OCA a good a more natural hydrological understanding of the regime in the saline wetlands population dynamics and at Silverwater Nature distribution of Homebush Reserve. OCA will continue Bay’s mangrove and to monitor the response of saltmarsh communities. the tidal flushing works.

environment report 1999 21 Most of the major landscape within the reserve, and birds Potamogeton tricarinatus modification works at of prey such as the Brown (floating pondweed) and Homebush Bay involving Goshawk, White-Bellied Sea Potamogeton ochreatus creation or remediation of Eagle and Black-Shouldered (blunt pondweed). bird habitat has now been Kite forage across the site. completed or is nearing To increase the biological completion. Monitoring shows Green and Golden Bell Frog diversity of the lakes, to remove nutrients from the that birds are recolonising OCA is monitoring lakes and to provide aesthetic these sites. The recently populations of the endangered value, a proposal to establish completed freshwater wetlands Green and Golden Bell Frog wetland vegetation along along Haslams Creek provide (Litoria aurea) at Homebush the lake edges was trialed. habitat for numerous species, Bay (see case study: The trial, involving the including Clamorous Reed Management of the Green translocation of vegetation Warblers, Little Grassbirds, and Golden Bell Frog, p. 19). Golden-Headed Cisticolas from a nearby swamp proved and Purple Swamphens. successful in quickly Sydney International establishing a diverse range Brown Quails are found on Regatta Centre the grasslands of Kronos Hill, of wetland plant species over and the migratory Latham’s The Sydney International a large distance of foreshore. Snipe has been recorded Regatta Centre (SIRC) is part It also showed that foraging near a recently built of the Penrith Lakes Scheme, regeneration of aquatic plants stormwater management pond. a recreational area consisting from local stock was more of a large number of lakes effective than regeneration The Silverwater Nature near the Nepean River. from other stocks or waiting Reserve contains extensive for colonies to form areas of remnant vegetation The SIRC comprises two of themselves. Monitoring will that provide habitat for a these lakes and a detention continue, to determine the large number of resident basin that has been created long-term sustainability of and migratory species. to improve the quality of the aquatic plants at the SIRC. Eastern Rosellas, Crimson water entering the lakes. Rosellas, Rainbow Lorikeets, Aquatic fauna Aquatic flora Sulphur-Crested Cockatoos During 1999, a fish survey and locally rare Red-Rumped More than 50,000 aquatic at the SIRC recorded 8 native Parrots nest in scribbly gums plants were established in species. The most abundant found within remnant the lakes in 1996 to improve were Retropinna semoni Cumberland Plain woodland. water quality and to create (Australian smelt), followed a diverse aquatic system. by Macquaria novemaculeata The saline wetlands attract Monitoring occurs at various (Australian bass) and a large number of migratory depths and results show that Tandanus tandanus wading birds, including the native aquatic plants in (freshwater catfish). Three Pacific Golden Plovers, the lakes are healthy. Species introduced fish species were Curlew Sandpiper, Eastern found in the lakes include recorded, European carp, Curlews, Black-Tailed Godwits Hydrilla verticillata (hydrilla), goldfish and the eastern and Red-Necked Stints. Potamogeton perfoliatus gambusia. All fish recorded Sydney’s largest population of (clasped pondweed), were in a healthy condition. White-Fronted Chats is found

environment report 1999 22 Case study: Mosquitoes Work began in September In February 1999 a single Mosquitoes are a natural part 1999 on the second tidal isolate of an arbovirus (Ross of the saline and freshwater opening to the saline wetland River virus) was detected in wetlands at Homebush Bay. in the Silverwater Nature a sample of mosquitoes from Reserve. Piping will be Homebush Bay. The detection OCA has developed an installed in the sea wall of a single isolate does not integrated action plan for below low tide level to allow indicate a substantial risk of mosquito control at tidal flows in and out of the infection in humans and is Homebush Bay to ensure the wetlands. This will prevent considered a typical comfort of people visiting the mosquito habitat forming in background result within area and to improve the local pools of water trapped within such populations. Subsequent environment. The action plan the wetlands following high monitoring did not detect has short term and long-term tides or heavy rain. further arbovirus isolates. strategies and was developed During the year OCA in consultation with NPWS, Mosquito populations are developed a protocol with the the EPA, NSW Health and monitored weekly during NSW Department of Health NSW Agriculture. the peak mosquito-breeding in the event of an arbovirus season between November being detected again. The short-term strategy and April. Monitoring data involves the application of are used to assess the It is anticipated that the naturally based larvicide abundance of adult mosquito numbers will Bacillus thuringiensis mosquitoes, species diversity reduce further as works to israelensis (Bti) during the and mosquito-borne diseases. reintroduce tidal flushing to peak mosquito-breeding Larval mosquito populations the saline wetlands at North season. Bti is safe to people, and species diversity are also Homebush Bay are completed other fauna and the monitored. Core research in early 2000. environment. The use of Bti sites have been established follows OCA’s IPM strategy, at some of the mosquito which aims to control pests monitoring locations, from and diseases with minimal which seasonal mosquito environmental impact. abundance and species diversity are compared. The long-term strategy involves reducing mosquito Monitoring results over the breeding habitats at 1998–99 mosquito breeding Homebush Bay. This is being season showed that mosquito achieved by the reintroduction numbers at Homebush Bay of tidal flushing into saline are declining. The residents wetland areas, opening tidal of Parramatta/Ryde, who channels along Haslams were affected by the pest Creek, and constructing mosquito populations at steep-sided water storage Homebush Bay in previous and irrigation ponds. years, expressed their satisfaction with OCA’s mosquito action plan at a local community mosquito meeting during the year.

environment report 1999 23 Haslams Creek, Homebush Bay

Aquatic systems Water quality monitoring OCA’s commitment to protecting aquatic systems Homebush Bay Environmental Guidelines for During 1999, OCA continued the Summer Olympic Games to monitor water quality in the creeks flowing through Olympic host cities should the Homebush Bay site. commit themselves to: Dry weather samples were • preservation and protection collected monthly from of the integrity of natural Haslams, Boundary and ecosystems, including Woodlands Creeks. native bushland, forest and In addition, where possible, waterways. wet weather samples were The Environment Strategy collected following rainfall Outcome: events greater than 10mm. • that development at A comparison of the 1998 Homebush Bay results in and 1999 water quality data improvement in the quality indicates: and quantity of water from • The concentration of metals the sites entering local appears to have decreased Realigned Haslams Creek, Homebush Bay water catchments and other at all monitoring sites. The water bodies. reason for the apparent fall Healthy waterways and is unknown. However it • Nutrient concentrations aquatic systems are an may be due to the different appear to be generally important natural resource climatic conditions. Wetter static at most sites, and are fundamental to conditions during the 1998 although there appears to functioning ecosystems. sampling period may have be a slight increase in total However, pollutants from washed more heavy metals nitrogen concentrations in agricultural and urban into the catchment through Boundary Creek over the stormwater run-off and stormwater run-off. Another year compared to 1998. industrial discharges are explanation could be the • The level of ammonia at impacting on the health significant decrease in the Woodlands Creek continued of aquatic systems. area of exposed soils at to decline (Figure 2). Homebush Bay in 1999 Ammonia is generally OCA is undertaking a number compared to 1998 and the present in leachate from of projects to ensure that its resulting decrease in the landfill contamination. activities improve water amount of soil being It is considered that the quality in the diverse range washed into the creeks. progressive capping and of aquatic systems (tidal and containment of the North freshwater creeks, fragmented • Another positive trend is Homebush Bay landfill estuarine wetland ecosystems, the apparent decrease in and the management of brackish and temporary water faecal coliform densities the leachate has assisted bodies, and artificial ponds) particularly in Boundary the decrease in ammonia on its sites. Creek from the levels recorded in 1998. levels at this site. environment report 1999 24 15 To ensure a sustainable Haslams Creek pollution approach to water booms management for the lakes OCA continued to maintain at the SIRC, a Memorandum two pollution booms in of Understanding between Haslams Creek, upstream OCA and the Penrith Lakes 10 of Sydney Olympic Park at Development Corporation Homebush Bay. These booms (PLDC) was discussed during are designed to capture litter 1999 and will be agreed to and other gross debris that in 2000. This Memorandum flows down the Creek from will commit OCA and PLDC 5 the upper catchment areas.

Ammonia Level (mg/L) to developing a long-term, balanced water management Litter is removed from system that is consistent with the booms twice a month the overall development of and is dried and sorted into the Penrith Lakes Scheme recyclable and non-recyclable and to providing an materials. Recyclable 0 international standard venue 1997 1998 1999 materials, such as cans, bottles for the Sydney 2000 Olympic and wood waste, are sent to Games. Figure 2: Woodlands Creek a recycling depot, and non- recyclable material is disposed - Ammonia Levels The Penrith Lakes Upper of at a licensed landfill. Catchment Stormwater Management Plan is also A total of 22,417 kg of Sydney International Regatta being developed to further litter was removed from the Centre improve water quality in booms during 1999. A major the lakes. Representatives component of the litter was Water quality was monitored on the management group fortnightly at the Sydney domestic packaging (food developing the plan include packaging, cups, straws, International Regatta Centre Penrith City Council, the (SIRC) throughout 1999. crisp packets). This indicates Hawkesbury–Nepean the need for better litter Results show that water quality Catchment Management has been consistently education and control in Trust, the Middle the upstream areas, an maintained to meet primary Nepean–Hawkesbury contact standards (ANZECC issue currently being Catchment Management addressed by the local 1992) for recreational use. Committee, the University On average, water clarity catchment management of Western Sydney committee. exceeded 1.6 m, which is (Hawkesbury), OCA, PLDC, recognised as a reliable Sydney Water Corporation indicator of high water quality. and the EPA. The plan aims Also, the temperature of the to minimise the impact of lakes is constant at various stormwater from the Penrith depths, indicating that little or Lakes upper catchment on no stratification is taking place. the lakes.

environment report 1999 25 Mangrove plants along the restored Haslams Creek, Homebush Bay

Case study: Waterways meandering path and has Three rare saltmarsh species and wetlands widened it up to 150 metres found within the Homebush in some areas. Bay wetlands—Wilsonia Homebush Bay contains more backhousei, Lampranthus than 100 ha of waterways and Much of Haslams Creek was tegens and Halosarcia wetlands, most of which were polluted with industrial, pergranulata—have been in a state of degradation commercial and domestic propagated in a temporary throughout most of this waste. During realignment nursery established at century as a result of human works, extensive remediation Homebush Bay and then activities and poor past land was carried out to remove planted along Haslams Creek use practices. these wastes. More than to create additional saltmarsh. 1.4 million cubic metres of Haslams Creek, the main As well, more than 2,000 waste has been removed and waterway that runs through seedlings of local mangroves placed in a containment area Homebush Bay, was once a have been planted along the north of the creek to form narrow, artificial, concrete- lower section of the creek near one of several containment lined channel that was Homebush Bay itself. mounds at Homebush Bay. heavily silted with debris and The 30 metre high mound rubbish. OCA has realigned it will be landscaped and will to flow along its original, offer views of Homebush Bay and the Parramatta River.

Water conservation The Environment Strategy Water cycle Outcome: management at Sydney OCA’s commitment to water Olympic Park at conservation • reduction in demand for Homebush Bay potable water from Sydney’s Environmental Guidelines for mains supply OCA’s response to the the Summer Olympic Games challenge of implementing Olympic host cities should • that development at a sustainable water commit themselves to: Homebush Bay results in management system for the improvement in the quality whole Homebush Bay site • water conservation and and quantity of water from was to develop a recycling practices the sites entering local comprehensive and • use of water conservation water catchments and other integrated approach to devices such as dual-flush water bodies. water conservation, use toilet systems, roof-fed water Adequate water supplies are and management. This tanks, water-saving shower crucial in Australia with its involves reusing stormwater roses and appropriate variable rainfall. Water and reclaimed water from irrigation devices. conservation is essential to ‘sewer mining’ for irrigation the sustainable management and toilet flushing. of this resource.

environment report 1999 26 Irrigation ponds along Haslams Creek, Homebush Bay

Water cycle management Water conservation Most of the irrigation needs at Sydney Olympic Park for the 450 ha Millennium at Homebush Bay consists Water Reclamation and Parklands will be met by of the following elements: Management Scheme stormwater collected in a This is the most significant series of freshwater wetlands • potable water water conservation initiative constructed along Haslams • sewerage services at Sydney Olympic Park Creek in 1999. The wetlands (see case study: Water collect stormwater from the • collection, storage and use Reclamation and adjacent Parklands, Newington of stormwater for irrigation Management Scheme, p. 29). Village and the Hill road car • reclamation of water from park. During drought, or as sewer mining Water-saving landscape otherwise required, additional practices water for irrigation is able to • provision of gross pollutant Low-volume irrigation be supplied from WRAMS. traps and water quality systems have been installed ponds and wetlands to where possible across Sydney Water management review maintain stormwater quality Olympic Park to conserve In late 1998 OCA undertook • the WRAMS development. water. Separate irrigation a water management review systems have been installed to assess the performance of Rivercare 2000 award in some locations to ensure the water systems at Sydney In 1999, OCA was awarded the that trees can be watered with Olympic Park and to identify Gold Rivercare 2000 Award in the right amount at the right any gaps and inconsistencies the State Government category time while grassed areas can in the overall water cycle. for its integrated water remain dry if maintenance management system at Sydney requirements demand this. As a result of the review, Olympic Park at Homebush Plant species that require in 1999 OCA established an Bay and the restoration of less water, such as natives, internal Water Management Haslams Creek, one of OCA’s have also been selected to Working Group to: most visible legacies. The save water use across the site. award recognises OCA’s • collate information from commitment to the principles Stormwater collection a number of OCA projects on site of best practice in all aspects Some venues at Sydney of water management and ESD. Olympic Park have installed • coordinate water roof rainwater collection management across Details on OCA’s innovative Homebush Bay water management practices systems. For example, contained in its submission rainwater is collected from • establish comprehensive for the Rivercare 2000 Award the massive Stadium water quality monitoring are provided below. Australia roof and is stored in across Homebush Bay underground water tanks and then used to irrigate the • develop a water Stadium arena. Roof management strategy that rainwater is also collected at encompasses all water the Sydney Showground to management systems irrigate the Main Arena. • investigate the implementation of a single water management operating system across environment report 1999 Homebush Bay. 27 Irrigation at the Sydney International Regatta Centre, Penrith using recycled water

Water quality enter Parramatta River During 1999, a Homebush Bay within OCA’s boundary. Stormwater Management Plan Water quality control ponds The catchments of these was prepared in consultation To improve the quality of creeks contain many land with stakeholders, including water leaving Sydney Olympic uses, including industrial, the Homebush Bay Duck River Park, OCA has built three and this affects the water Catchment Management water quality control ponds— quality of OCA’s creeks. Committee, and residents the Eastern Quality Control in the catchment. The plan Pond, the Northern Water OCA focuses on beneficial identifies the works, Feature near Haslams Creek catchment activities to educational strategies, and the Southern Water improve water quality environmental protection and Quality Control Pond near and quantity. This includes planning measures required Bicentennial Park . These protection and enhancement to manage and improve the ponds collect the first flush of natural and landscaped quality of stormwater entering of stormwater from the site areas, remediation of landfill Homebush Bay waterways. and allow sediments to settle, areas, establishment of thus preventing pollutants environmental management Although many of the from entering local water plans, and waste identified actions involve catchments. Water within management within the physical works, others involve the ponds is cleansed Homebush Bay site. These increasing the awareness through freshwater aquatic activities are supported by within the community of plants, which absorb a number of related research the potential impacts of nutrients. The ponds also and monitoring programs. stormwater and encourage provide aquatic habitat for greater involvement of the The Homebush Bay Duck birds and other fauna. community in specific actions. River Catchment Management Waterhens and Black Swans Committee launched its OCA, relevant local councils were observed breeding in strategic plan for the middle and other stakeholders will the Eastern Water Quality Parramatta catchment during form a working group to Control Pond during the year. the year. implement the plan. OCA’s Update—Homebush Bay Water Management Working Duck River Catchment Homebush Bay Group will also use the plan Management Committee Catchment Stormwater as input into the development Management Plan of a water management OCA is a member of the strategy to manage all water Homebush Bay Duck River Under the Protection of the resources at Homebush Bay. Catchment Management Environment Administration Committee. This committee Act 1991, the Councils of oversees the development Auburn, Burwood, Concord of catchment management and Strathfield are required strategies within the middle by the EPA to prepare a Parramatta River catchment. stormwater management Haslams, Boundary and plan for the Homebush Bay Woodlands creeks flow catchment. through the middle Parramatta catchment and the Homebush Bay site and

environment report 1999 28 Water Treatment Plant

Case study: Water The wastewater reclamation WRAMS is central to Reclamation and plant will receive sewage reducing the demand Management Scheme generated from Olympic for potable water at Sydney (WRAMS) venues and facilities at Olympic Park, thereby Sydney Olympic Park. The conserving Sydney’s water Construction began in plant has a capacity to treat resources. It will also reduce September 1999 on WRAMS 2.2 million litres of sewage the volume of sewage at Sydney Olympic Park at a day and uses standard discharged to Sydney’s Homebush Bay. biological processes to sewerage system. produce high-quality WRAMS comprises three secondary-treated effluent. WRAMS is a key components: environmental initiative The secondary effluent is then that demonstrates OCA’s • a wastewater reclamation further treated in the water commitment to sustainable plant treatment plant to make it development by conserving • a water treatment plant suitable for non-potable reuse. Sydney’s water resources and • a 300 million litre Stored stormwater in the providing for the long-term stormwater storage Brickpit will also be treated in conservation of the Green reservoir using the lower the water treatment plant. This and Golden Bell Frog. It also levels of the Brickpit at plant has the capacity to treat provides a model for future Homebush Bay. 7 million litres a day and uses developments in water reuse. continuous microfiltration WRAMS involves setting to remove fine particles, national and international and reverse osmosis to benchmarks for the delivery reduce salinity. of reclaimed water for non- potable uses, thereby reducing Reclaimed water will be used the demand for potable water for toilet flushing in Olympic at Sydney Olympic Park and venues and facilities and conserving Sydney’s water Newington Village and for resources. WRAMS is irrigation at Sydney Olympic designed to save 50% (or up Park at Homebush Bay. to 850 million litres) of water An essential part of the annually that would otherwise development of WRAMS be drawn from Sydney’s main involves protecting and water supply. enhancing the habitat of the Green and Golden Bell Frog (See case study: Management of the Green and Golden Bell Frog, p. 19).

environment report 1999 29 Bus stop at Homebush Bay

Energy encourage developers to Major event transport take a holistic approach to strategies established for OCA’s commitment to energy the development of venues Olympic venues and facilities conservation and facilities that take into outside Sydney Olympic Park Environmental Guidelines for account design, management include dedicated shuttle bus the Summer Olympic Games issues, use of renewable services to a nearby rail energy and appliance station and a satellite car Olympic host cities should selection. Energy initiatives parking area. commit themselves to: incorporated into Olympic In 1999, 88% of all patrons • low-energy designs for facilities and venues such as the Sydney Showground attending the 1999 Royal buildings and urban Easter Show at the Sydney infrastructure and the Sydney SuperDome include the use of natural Showground travelled by train • selection of specific ventilation, natural lighting, or bus. This significant use Olympic transport systems solar hot water, energy- of public transport during which minimise energy use efficient devices and the Show resulted in major and reduce pollution appropriate orientation of carbon dioxide savings from reductions in the number of • the successful the building and windows. people travelling to the 1999 implementation of transport Royal Easter Show by car. strategies to ensure Transport Carbon dioxide emissions to efficient movement of the The public transport system the atmosphere were reduced Olympic family and to Sydney Olympic Park is by approximately 1,300 tonnes spectators. already efficiently and (Table 1). The Environment Strategy effectively transporting visitors and spectators. Outcome: It comprises: These results clearly show • development that achieves • regular train services that transport strategies reductions in the use to Olympic Park Railway used for Olympic venues of energy from sources Station, which is located and facilities contribute which are non-renewable at the heart of Sydney greatly to a reduction in or emit greenhouse gases Olympic Park and is carbon dioxide emissions. in energy generation or capable of handling up consumption. to 50,000 passengers per OCA’s commitment to hour in peak periods conserving energy is • nine regional bus routes highlighted by the broad from various areas of Sydney array of built structures at to Sydney Olympic Park Sydney Olympic Park and other Olympic sites that • ferry services to the contain a diverse range of Homebush Bay Ferry Wharf. energy-efficient building designs and technologies. OCA’s Energy Guidelines

environment report 1999 30 Olympic Plaza Towers, Sydney Olympic Park

Table 1: Modes of travel to the Royal Easter Show. 1996 1999 Transport mode Proportion Carbon Proportion Carbon (%) dioxide (%) dioxide generated (t)* generated (t)* Public transport 45 1,272 88 1,860 Private car 50 2,120 7 222 Other (including coach) 5 not available 5 not available Total carbon dioxide generated (t)** 100 3,392 100 2,082 * Calculated for average 15 km journey CO2 emissions per passenger: car, 210 g/km; train, 150 g/km; bus, 120 g/km; public transport, 140 g/km (given higher proportion travelling by train).

More than 50% of spectators Each tower features an array All 665 dwellings built attending major events held of solar panels with state-of- before the Games will have at Sydney Olympic Park other the-art, laser-grooved roof-mounted solar cells. than the Royal Easter Show, photovoltaic solar cells. The power generated from such as sporting events at These cells developed by these cells will be fed into Stadium Australia, travelled the University of New South the national grid. The by bus or train. Wales are the most efficient photovoltaic panels will commercially available solar generate approximately the Renewable energy cells and are world’s best same amount of energy over practice. The total amount a year as each permanent OCA’s use of, and of energy generated by the household will consume. commitment to, sustainable towers is approximately Gas-boosted solar hot water energy is exemplified by the 160,000 kilowatt hours of systems are also being many applications of energy a year. This energy installed in each single-lot renewable energy in Olympic is supplied to the national dwelling. venues and facilities. Some grid and subsequently used examples are outlined below. to meet the lighting needs Other energy-efficient design features of the permanent Olympic Plaza towers of Olympic Plaza. Each tower generates the equivalent dwellings include: The 19 ‘Towers of Power’ amount of electricity used along Olympic Boulevard • orientation of houses and to power 2 Australian placement of windows to provide shade, seating and households per year. lighting for the Olympic maximise solar penetration in winter and to minimise Plaza. In recognition of Athletes’ Village, Newington their innovative design it in summer The Athletes’ Village at and concept, the “Towers Newington will be one • wall and ceiling insulation of Power” won an of the largest solar-powered Environmental Engineering • cross-ventilation suburbs in the world, with a Excellence Award in 1999. capacity to generate over one million kilowatt hours of power each year.

environment report 1999 31 Window shades on houses at the Athletes’ Village, Newington Solar powered leachate pump

• installation of skylights Other energy-conservation Hotel to maximise natural light devices used at the Sydney One of Australia’s largest solar SuperDome include: • vertical overhangs on hot water systems, consisting of more than 400 square windows facing east or west • roofing insulation made metres of solar hot water from recycled cellulose, • energy-efficient devices with collectors, has been installed equivalent to 65,000 Sydney a National Housing Energy on the roof of the Novotel and telephone directories Rating Scheme rating of 5 Hotel Ibis complex at (the highest rating). • a microclimate air Homebush Bay. The energy- conditioning system that Sydney SuperDome efficient design of the hotel delivers air as close to the complex reduces energy Use of renewable energy patrons as possible in the consumption by approximately has been maximised at the seating stands, rather than 40% (compared with Sydney SuperDome by the air conditioning the entire traditionally designed hotels). installation of a 70 kilowatt air space in the SuperDome Features that reduce energy photovoltaic power plant on • a building design that consumption include external the roof of the warm-up shading of north-east and court. The plant, one of the maximises the use of natural light. west-facing windows. The hotel largest of its kind in rooms’ air conditioning system Australia, is capable of Energy conservation also conserves energy, as it generating 87,000 kilowatt initiatives in the Sydney automatically shuts off when hours a year. The power SuperDome are estimated to one of the windows in the generated will be fed into reduce energy consumption rooms is opened, allowing the the national grid. by an estimated 65%. room to be naturally ventilated.

Case study: Sydney funnels made of lightweight The innovative design Showground pavilions canvas hang from the ceiling incorporated into the in the centre of the pavilions. pavilions is superior to other OCA’s commitment to energy The funnels are connected to natural ventilation designs conservation features thermal hoods that absorb in that it is not reliant on strongly at the Sydney heat from the Sun. This wind for cross-ventilation or Showground. warming forces warm air that for updraughts from the roof. This commitment was has risen from the pavilions This means that it works recognised in 1999 when out of the hoods via louvres. under all wind conditions. the Royal Australian Institute Subsequently, cooler air is Ventilation of the pavilions of Architects awarded its drawn in from the edge of in this manner shows that Energy Efficient Design the buildings to fill the space large public and commercial and Ecologically Sustainable created by the escaping warm buildings can be designed to Development award to the air. This natural ventilation minimise their impact on the Sydney Showground for its system provides up to 15 environment by conserving major pavilions. changes of air an hour in the pavilions; (an average energy resources that would The pavilions maximise air-conditioned office uses usually be used for lighting, natural lighting and 6 changes). cooling and heating. ventilation. Large fabric environment report 1999 32 Millennium Parklands Green Power guarantees In recognising the NSW Innovative energy- that 100% of power supplied Government’s target to conservation technologies to the building comes from reduce 1990 waste disposal will be showcased in the natural energy sources such levels in NSW by 60% by Millennium Parklands. as solar, wind, biomass or 2000, OCA is committed A series of solar powered hydroelectricity. to reducing, reusing and pumps have been installed recycling wastes. Materials to move water between This commitment is clearly groups of ponds and facilitate shown through the pond refill. OCA’s commitment to conservation of materials implementation of OCA’s Solar powered leachate Construction and Demolition Environmental Guidelines for Waste Guidelines and its pumps have also been the Summer Olympic Games installed as part of OCA’s Cleaning and Waste long-term site remediation Olympic host cities should Management Operational Plan commit themselves to: strategy. Power generated will Update—construction also be used to run data- • use of recycled and waste recycling logging equipment. recyclable building materials OCA is continuing to achieve Green Power • integrated management average waste recycling rates The Sydney SuperDome, programs based on the of more than 60% (Indicator Stadium Australia and the principles of waste avoidance IV). Construction and Novotel and Ibis Hotel complex and minimisation. demolition waste is separated are sourcing 100% of their The Environment Strategy on construction sites into power requirements from waste streams for steel, renewable energy sources Outcome: timber, hard waste, soft waste, through Energy Australia’s • that all development concrete and brick. Waste is Green Power scheme. and ongoing management placed into clearly labelled activities at Homebush Bay containers. The collected maximise the appropriate waste is either reused on site use of recycled materials or is sent to an accredited and reduce waste waste recycling facility. generation. Indicator IV Construction waste recycled Status Sydney SuperDome 98% Sydney International Shooting Centre 87% Media Village 78% NSW Tennis Centre 60% Dunc Gray Velodrome 94% Athletes’ Village 94% Date 1999 Source OCA unpublished data—contractor monthly waste records

environment report 1999 33 Steel bin for construction waste recycling

Sydney SuperDome The waste strategy developed for the construction of the Sydney SuperDome focused on reducing waste at the source and separating waste on site. Its success is illustrated by an overall construction waste recycling rate of 98% for this venue (Table 2). During construction, 26,000 cubic metres of concrete was recycled on site, and 106,000 cubic metres of soil was stockpiled and reused on site for backfilling and landscaping.

Table 2: Waste minimisation, Sydney SuperDome, 1997–99 Project phase Total waste Waste to Waste % total waste produced (m3) landfill (m3) recycled (m3) recycled Demolition & excavation 133,007 74 132,933 99.9% Pre-construction 1,016 26 990 97.4% Structure 4,611 835 3,776 81.9% Fit-out (complete) 4,426 774 3,652 82.5% Total 143,060 1,709 141,351 98.8%

Sydney International Shooting Centre Table 3 lists the amounts of waste from the various waste streams recycled during construction of the Sydney International Shooting Centre. Overall, 875.5 tonnes of waste were generated during construction in 1998 and 1999 and 764 tonnes were recycled, resulting in an overall recycling rate of 87%.

Table 3: Waste recycling, Sydney International Shooting Centre, 1998–99 Type of solid waste Waste recycled Waste to % total waste on site (tonnes) landfill (tonnes) recycled Timber 63.5 18.7 80% Steel 33.5 0 100% Concrete 667 0 100% Miscellaneous waste 0 92.85 0%

Media Village During refurbishment works at the old hospital at the Media Village, a recycling rate of 78% was achieved.

NSW Tennis Centre A construction waste recycling rate of 60% was achieved.

Dunc Gray Velodrome Table 4 lists the amounts of waste recycled during construction of the Dunc Gray Velodrome.

environment report 1999 34 Recycled timber at the Sydney International Shooting Centre, Liverpool

Table 4: Waste recycling, Dunc Gray Velodrome, 1998–99 Type of solid waste Amount of waste recycled (m3) Timber 183 Steel 13 Concrete 77 Miscellaneous 29 Total Waste generated 322 Waste recycled 302 (94%)

Athletes’ Village Public domain waste Waste collected from the A construction waste management recyclable and compostable waste streams during the recycling program was OCA has implemented year are transported to the implemented during the a cleaning and waste Waste Service NSW Waste construction of the Athletes’ management operational Transfer Station at Auburn for Village. This resulted in plan for public domain areas processing. The compostable 24 786 cubic metres of waste at Sydney Olympic Park. being diverted from landfill waste is then transferred to (December 1997 – June 1999) OCA’s waste management the trial composting facility and a recycling rate of 94%. system focuses on separating at Eastern Creek. Recyclable waste at the source. It waste is transported to the During construction, involves a three-bin recycling Chullora Materials Recovery concrete, bricks, tiles, timber, station for recyclables Centre for further separation steel, mixed recyclables and (aluminium cans, glass, PET and recycling. plasterboard were recycled bottles; blue coloured bin), During the 1999 Royal Easter on site at the source of the compostables (paper and Show, a waste system audit waste or elsewhere on site. food; maroon coloured bin) was undertaken to monitor For example, concrete is and residuals (other rubbish; and evaluate the performance crushed for road base, bricks grey coloured bin). Standard of OCA’s waste management and tiles are reprocessed to recycling signs and symbols system and to provide become decorative pebbles, developed by the Southern guidance for future events, and timber is mulched and Sydney Planning and Waste including the Games. Waste used as landscape and Management Board were also was monitored at 18 garden material. placed on the bins to help recycling stations outside the people to place their waste Sydney Showground on three in the correct bin. days with low, medium and peak crowd numbers. A waste audit was also done during the 1998 Royal Easter Show.

environment report 1999 35 Case study: Reuse of suppliers. A chain of custody The topsoil used consists materials in Olympic verifies the source of the of clean sandstone fill from developments timber product, from the excavation sites around forest through the production Sydney that has been blended One of OCA’s environmental process until its delivery at with ‘garden to garden’ soil objectives is to use recycled an Olympic development. conditioner. ‘Garden to and recyclable building garden’ products are materials to minimise the A significant environmental composts, soil conditioners, use of materials that deplete outcome is the extensive mulches and soils that natural resources. use of recycled timber in contain a minimum the Sydney International To achieve this goal, OCA percentage of recycled Shooting Centre. garden and wood waste: developed initiatives to reuse Approximately 350 cubic materials in the construction metres of recycled and • mulches—100% of Olympic venues and salvaged hardwood sourced • composts and soil facilities and during its from a saleyard, a rowing conditioners—80% remediation program in 1999. shed, a rail yard and a former abattoir has been used for • landscaping garden mixes— Timber interior finishes and safety 30% OCA’s Environment Branch baffles on the shooting ranges. • topdressing mixes—20% continued to provide advice Recycled timber comprises during the year to 90% of all timber used in the • potting mixes—40%. development managers on venue; the remaining 10% is Approximately 70,000 cubic the selection of timber for plantation timber. metres of crushed sandstone use in Olympic venues and and 5,000 cubic metres of facilities. Recycled and Use of green waste in compost will be used at plantation timbers are used remediation projects Homebush Bay, representing where possible. Where such Green waste has been used a significant use of recycled timbers cannot be used for extensively in remediation materials. reasons of availability, fit for projects at Homebush Bay. purpose, cost or performance, Remediation involves This practice reuses both hardwood timbers are sourced consolidating contaminated excess construction fill and from NSW state forests with material into specific areas, recycled green waste. identified sustainable capping these areas with a management practices. one-metre impervious clay Owing to the absence of layer, and installing leachate an international timber collection and monitoring certification system, chain- systems (See ‘Remediation’, of-custody documentation p. 45). These areas are then is requested from timber covered with topsoil and landscaped.

environment report 1999 36 80

70

60

50

40

30

Composition (%) 20

10 1998 0 1999 Compostable Recycled Residual

Waste Stream

Figure 3: Composition of total waste stream from public places during the 1999 Royal Easter Show (Source: Waste Audit, A Prince Consulting, 1999).

Figure 3 shows the compostables was 64%. This Parklands, composition of the total waste was an improvement on the stream for the 1998 and 1999 recovery rates of 70% and 44% landscaping and Royal Easter Shows. The achieved for recyclables and open space largest proportion of the compostables respectively waste stream in both years during the 1998 Royal Easter OCA’s commitment to was compostable waste. Show. The higher recovery parklands, landscaping The composition of the total rate for recyclables can be and open space waste stream changed very attributed to patrons’ greater Environmental Guidelines for little between years, and it familiarity with recycling the Summer Olympic Games is anticipated that it will be glass and plastic bottles and Olympic host cities should similar for the 2000 Royal aluminium cans, as these commit themselves to: Easter Show. materials have been collected at the kerbside for a long • landscape programs that The performance of OCA’s time, and greater familiarity minimise disruption of three-bin waste management with the three-bin waste wildlife habitat, protect system was determined by management system used. indigenous plant species monitoring recovery rates in The amount of material by with the selection of the separate waste streams. weight in each waste stream species to complement The recovery rate is the was also measured at the existing habitats amount of the targeted waste sampling recycling stations. found in the appropriate • landscape design The recycling station that that decreases water waste stream as a proportion attracted the most waste was of the total amount of requirements in parks, outside Olympic Park Railway gardens and other material in that waste stream. Station. This result indicates The overall recovery rate recreational areas with that the best locations for emphasis on selection for recyclable wastes in the recycling stations are near recyclable waste stream was of plants appropriate key transport modes and to climate. 82% and the recovery rate for exits from venues.

environment report 1999 37 Eucalypt trees at the Sydney International Shooting Centre, Liverpool Native trees planted on Kronos Hill, Homebush Bay

The Environment Strategy The advisory panel Millennium Parklands. Outcome: comprises OCA and external, These parks provide independent members with essential respite areas within • that redevelopment of expertise in management, the heavily visited Sydney Homebush Bay and other recreation, design, Olympic Park precinct. Olympic sites preserves horticulture, research and Several of the parks have significant areas of open environment. It provides already been used for spaces as a resource for advice and comment on a organised recreational generations to come. number of issues related to activities and events. Homebush Bay, including Homebush Bay contains urban and landscape design, Sydney Olympic Park at remnants of its original the Millennium Parklands Homebush Bay, as a newly vegetation and ecosystems. Concept Plan, and impacts developed site that is subject In the redevelopment of that visitors have on the public to warm to hot summer Homebush Bay, OCA is domain during the 1998 and months, requires extensive committed to protecting and 1999 Royal Easter Shows. shade to provide a comfortable enhancing the biodiversity environment for visitors. Some of these areas for future The advisory committee 1,400 Australian native trees generations. It is well provides management advice over 5 metres in height have recognised that natural and strategic input for the been planted throughout the and landscaped open spaces management of the North public domain (Table 5). The within an urban environment Homebush Bay precinct, trees were procured from are necessary for a including the Silverwater approved tree farms and community’s vitality and Nature Reserve. The external provide valuable shade and well-being. members are representative a sense of establishment to stakeholders who have a Sydney Olympic Park. The diverse landscaped direct interest in the effective and open space areas at management of the precinct. The completion of the Homebush Bay are integrated They include OCA, the EPA, landscaped areas at Olympic through the establishment NPWS, Auburn Council, the venues in Western Sydney of the Millennium Parklands. Department of Defence and and at Homebush Bay around Bicentennial Park. the Northern Water Feature, Advisory groups Fig Grove, the wetlands The Landscaping and Open Provision of parklands adjacent to Newington and around the NSW Tennis Space Expert Advisory Panel and tree planting and the Interim Management Centre during 1999 extends Advisory Committee for the OCA has about 160 ha of OCA’s available parkland North Homebush Bay precinct parkland and landscape and open space areas continued to meet regularly areas established at (Table 6 and 7). during 1999. Homebush Bay. The avenues and parklands within Sydney Olympic Park provide green, unifying links between the venues and into the

environment report 1999 38 Table 5: Tree planting at Homebush Bay and in western Sydney at the end of 1999. Number of trees Venue and precinct Total >5 m Notes Sydney Olympic Park Urban core 16,474 Car parks 90 Remnant trees located and planted Bus parking areas 3,069 Roads and avenues 66,814 109 Parks, Olympic Boulevard 350 Hoop pines and Hill’s figs on Olympic Boulevard Railway Station area 90 Jacarandas Fig Grove 173 Boundary Creek bridge crossing 2,720 Golf driving range 5,472 NSW Tennis Centre 488 Auburn Hardies landfill 13,997 Northern Water Feature 2,737 Community Planting Day 1,892 Millennium Parklands 19,345 Sydney International Equestrian Centre 85,000 50 Western Sydney Regional Park area contains 55,000 of the 85,000 trees Media Village 30 5 Transplanted from site and Royal Prince Alfred Hospital Sydney International Shooting Centre 200 Sydney International Regatta Centre 32,000 Dunc Gray Velodrome 909 TOTAL 146,020 694 Notes: Only venues with known tree planting numbers have been included. Tree plantings are almost totally native species. The Sydney International Equestrian Centre is part of the Western Sydney Regional Park. In addition to the trees planted to date, several hundred thousand native shrubs and grasses were established throughout the Sydney Olympic Park precinct in 1998 and 1999. Extensive use of native grasses has been used throughout the Olympic Park avenues. These were planted as small plant cells that grew very quickly and flowered within a few months of planting.

environment report 1999 39 Millennium Marker, Homebush Bay

Case study: The Millennium Parklands programs (see ‘Environmental Millennium Parklands includes areas of heritage education and community significance. Natural heritage involvement’, p. 13). The Millennium Parklands, areas include wetland including Bicentennial Park, and woodlands, which are During 1999, work continued is being developed at protected and are being on the ‘Millennium Markers’. Homebush Bay. restored and enhanced. These are five cone-shaped mounds located at strategic At 450 ha, it will be Sydney’s Cultural heritage sites points around the Parklands largest metropolitan park. associated with the former that are landscaped with The Parklands will showcase Royal Australian Navy native species. The public a diverse range of parkland, Armaments Depot at North will be able to walk up three open space and natural Newington have been of the markers to view habitat areas, integrating identified and a Conservation Sydney Olympic Park at all of the public open-space Management Plan has been Homebush Bay and the areas at Homebush Bay. developed. surrounding areas. The Parklands will provide The creation of the Millennium Haslams Creek Corridor recreation areas with picnic Parklands is a long-term is now complete, with the facilities and areas for a range process, taking approximately remediation and realignment of recreational activities, 10 to 15 years. Although the of Haslams Creek, saltmarsh including the Sydney Parklands are not yet complete restoration and planting, and International Archery Park, an OCA’s Landscape and Open mangrove re-establishment Olympic venue, for use by local Space Expert Advisory Panel (See case study: Waterways residents and visitors. and the community have been involved in its development. and Wetlands p. 26). Works The Parklands contain five School children from across for the Hill Road Corridor precincts—North Newington, NSW have planted more than precinct continued and will Hill Road Corridor, Haslams 2,000 trees in Millennium be complete in April 2000. Creek Corridor, the Brickpit Parkland areas as part of These works include the and Bicentennial Park—and community involvement provision of public access their design is based on to the North Homebush Bay ESD principles. mound, one of the Millennium Markers.

Table 6: Completed parkland & open space areas as at end 1999, western Sydney Area (ha) Publicly Venue accessible Sydney International Regatta Centre 196 ha Yes Penrith Whitewater Stadium 8 ha No Sydney International Equestrian Centre 40 ha No Sydney International Shooting Centre 78 ha No Aquilina Reserve Softball and baseball venue 50 ha No Dunc Gray Velodrome 8 ha No Western Sydney total 380 ha 196 ha 184 ha

environment report 1999 40 Table 7: Completed parkland and open space areas as at the end of 1999, Homebush Bay Precinct Park or Open Space Area (ha) Open to the public Sydney Olympic Park Stock Route Park 0.2 Yes Station Park 0.3 Yes Overflow Park 2.4 Yes Park, corner Herb Elliott Ave & Australia Ave 0.2 Yes Station Square 1 Yes Yulang 0.6 Yes Urban Forest (around Olympic Stadium) 5.3 No Showground (various areas) 3 Yes Olympic Boulevard 10.5 Yes Maiden Gardens 0.3 Yes Fig Grove 1.2 Yes Park, corner Herb Elliott & Olympic Boulevard 0.3 Yes Forest clearing 27 Yes Olympic Plaza 7.5 Yes Boundary Creek & NSW Tennis Centre 16.6 No Planting area for World Heritage Day, Edwin Flack Avenue 0.3 Yes Millennium Parklands Archery Park Hill Road car park 13.6 Yes Haslams Creek corridor 10.6 No Village Green 15 No Homebush Bay wharf 1.7 Yes Kronos Hill 10.4 Yes Little Kronos Hill 4.4 No Northern Water Feature 6.6 Yes Southern Water Quality Control Pond 1.3 Yes Eastern Water Quality Control Pond 0.5 Yes Hill Road Freshwater Wetlands 8 No Community Planting Day, Holker Street 5 No Homebush Bay Total 159.6 94.7 64.9

environment report 1999 41 Regional air quality Air quality is an environmental particulate matter, lead, carbon issue of concern for the broader monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, OCA’s commitment to air community. Air pollutants ozone and sulphur dioxide. quality contribute to issues of regional The EPA has a number of air Environmental Guidelines for air quality such as quality monitoring stations the Summer Olympic Games photochemical smog and fine particle pollution (brown throughout Sydney. The closest Olympic host cities should haze). Sources of air pollutants monitoring stations to Sydney commit themselves to: include motor vehicles, Olympic Park at Homebush industrial activities and some Bay are at Lidcombe and • protecting human health Rozelle. Results from these with appropriate standards domestic and commercial premises (EPA, 1997). stations are presented in of air, water, and soil quality. Indicator V to indicate air The Environment Strategy In 1998, a national quality at Olympic venues Outcome: environmental protection and facilities at Sydney measure on ambient air Olympic Park. No monitoring • development of Olympic quality (external air stations are located near facilities minimises the environment) was introduced. enough to the western Sydney negative impact on Sydney’s It includes standards for Olympic venue to determine air quality and avoids ozone- atmospheric levels of the air quality at these sites. depleting substances.

Indicator V Pollutant concentrations and performance against guidelines Status Ozone 0.08 ppm (1998) [Limit 0.1ppm] Nitrogen dioxide 0.06 ppm (1998) [Limit 0.12ppm] Carbon monoxide 4.8 ppm (1998) [Limit 9ppm] Sulphur dioxide not measured in vicinity Lead 0.2 mg/m3 (1998) [Limit 0.5mg/m3] PM10 32 mg/m3 (1998) [Limit 50mg/m3] All pollutant levels were within relevant guideline levels. (NEPM Ambient Air Quality Standards) Date 1998 Source EPA, 1999 Notes Local air quality inferred from pollutant levels recorded at the EPA’s Lidcombe monitoring station except for carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide and lead (from Rozelle). Results reflect peak concentrations reached from January to June 1998.

environment report 1999 42 View of the Abattoir Administration Precinct, Sydney Olympic Park

Heritage Before construction begins on A master plan for the area any site, local Aboriginal land was prepared during 1999. OCA’s commitment to councils conduct site surveys The broad objective of the heritage conservation to ensure that all Aboriginal master plan is to develop Environmental Guidelines for sites and artefacts found on the area with respect to: the Summer Olympic Games the site are protected and preserved. • place—to develop the area Olympic host cities should as a ‘place’ commit themselves to: Six venues and facilities • scale—to present the area opened during 1999 as a single element rather • heritage assessment of including the Sydney than as a loose collection proposed Olympic sites. International Shooting Centre of buildings The Environment Strategy and the Sydney International • character—to reinstate a Outcome: Equestrian Centre followed Aboriginal protocol and strong sense of heritage • protection of items and included a ‘welcome to character areas of heritage country’ ceremony. An • function—to accommodate significance. elected custodian or a appropriate uses of the descendant of the traditional Sydney Olympic Park at area’s buildings and owners of the land where the Homebush Bay and the gardens event was held conducted the western Sydney venues ceremony. This recognises • urban design—to create contain natural, cultural prior ownership of the land links with neighbouring and indigenous heritage by Aboriginal people and precincts at Homebush Bay items and areas, and OCA is respects their relationship committed to their protection. • appropriate use of the with it. gardens. Aboriginal heritage Cultural heritage These objectives will be OCA is committed to the achieved by marking the preservation of Aboriginal Sydney Olympic Park, boundary of the conservation heritage. OCA’s Manager, Homebush Bay area, maintaining the Aboriginal Strategy, is The NSW State Abattoir heritage character of the continuing to advise OCA operated at Homebush Bay gardens and buildings, development managers on from 1913 to 1988. The strengthening linkages Aboriginal protocols and Abattoir Administration between the buildings as a issues during the Precinct, the surrounding group, and offering different development of Olympic Maiden Gardens and other experiences from one garden venues and facilities and remnants of the abattoir to the next. during openings of venues. landscaping are listed as a Heritage Conservation Area under Sydney Regional Environmental Plan No 24— Homebush Bay.

environment report 1999 43 Western Sydney been recognised and they The buildings were designed The Media Village, which are listed on the Register in the late Victorian style is to accommodate 6,000 of the National Trust, the typical of their time. They international journalists NSW Health Register and the were modified and extended, during the Sydney 2000 Public Works and Services’ and over time they fell into Olympic Games, is located Historic Buildings Register. disrepair, but their basic at the former Lidcombe The Australian Heritage structure remains. As part Hospital. Commission’s Statement of OCA’s development of the of Significance notes in Media Village at the site, A group of buildings on the particular the excellent the buildings are being site known as the ‘Heritage timber craftsmanship and refurbished and adapted Buildings’ designed by Walter detailing. The siting of these for reuse during the Sydney Vernon and James Barnett, buildings around a central 2000 Olympic Games. the government architects at green adds to their overall During the Games they will that time, were built between cultural heritage. be used as reception facilities 1885 and 1930. The heritage incorporating dining, bars value of the buildings has and retail areas.

Case study: for a diverse bird community, Natural heritage including migratory wading birds, waterhens and During 1999, the wetlands wildfowl. The wetlands also of Haslams Creek were listed provide habitat for one of the on the interim list for the two Sydney colonies of the Register of the National Estate. White-Fronted Chat and one The register is Australia’s of the largest populations of national inventory of places the Chestnut Teal in NSW. of natural, cultural and In addition, Haslams Creek indigenous heritage that are supports one of the largest protected for the future. remaining populations of The wetlands are listed on Wilsonia backhousei, a rare the register as they are one species of saltmarsh, as well of eight significant remnant as two other rare species of wetlands that were once part saltmarsh, Halosarcia of an extensive wetland pergranulata and system bordering the Lampranthus tegens. Parramatta River. The wetlands of Haslams Creek represent a significant proportion of wetlands remaining in the Sydney Region. They provide habitat Haslams Creek, Homebush Bay

environment report 1999 44 Remediation

environment report 1999 45 North Homebush Bay Mound

Remediation which was industrial chemical Once the program is waste. Consequently, OCA has complete, approximately Strategy been involved in one of 9 million cubic metres of Australia’s largest programs waste and contaminated soil OCA’s commitment to of urban land rehabilitation. will have been moved and remediation safely contained in specially The remediation strategy Environmental Guidelines for designed landfills. The most adopted by OCA involves the Summer Olympic Games significant achievement of three steps: the remediation program at Olympic host cities should Homebush Bay is the commit themselves to: • cleaning up a contaminated area to a level suitable for transformation of a liability, • comprehensive its intended use. This a former rubbish dump, into contamination testing of involves removing the parkland and open space that former industrial sites waste material and is a asset for the people of being redeveloped for the undertaking extensive soil NSW and visitors to enjoy. Olympic Games, with sampling and testing to remediation and risk confirm that the site has Progress during reduction programs been cleaned up. All testing undertaken as appropriate. is validated by an EPA 1999 The Environment Strategy accredited site auditor Following is a summary of key remediation activities Outcome: • consolidating the contaminated soil removed undertaken during 1999. • that development at from the affected area into As illustrated in Indicator VI Homebush Bay remediates a containment area and Indicator VII and Figure 4, the results of polluting the remediation program is activities of the past. • developing and implementing maintenance nearing completion. One of OCA’s environmental and monitoring plans for commitments is the these areas so that remediation of lands at contaminants cannot Homebush Bay. In the 1960s escape into the and 1970s Homebush Bay was surrounding environment. subject to unauthorised and uncontrolled landfilling and dumping of wastes, some of

environment report 1999 46 100

80

60

40 Hectares

20

0 1996 1997 1998 1999

Figure 4: Extent of contaminated land

Indicator VI Extent of contaminated land at Homebush Bay Status 12 ha Date 1999 Source Unpublished data, Waste Service NSW Notes 165 ha of the 760 ha Homebush Bay site was originally found to be contaminated. An additional 37 ha of lands was found to be ‘contaminated’, including wetlands at North Homebush Bay, Wilson Park and the Auburn Hardies landfills, resulting in 202 ha of ‘contaminated land’ Wilson Park and a small area near the North Homebush Bay Mound are currently being remediated.

Indicator VII Extent of remediated land at Homebush Bay Status 190 ha Date 1999 Source Unpublished data, Waste Service NSW Notes As for Indicator VI

environment report 1999 47 North Homebush percentage of recycled The introduction of natural garden and wood waste gas to Sydney saw the closure Bay remediation mixed with crushed, graded of the plant in the 1970s, mound and Auburn sandstone that has been leaving residues of sludge sourced mainly from building and tar on the site. Following Hardies tip sites around Sydney (see removal of the town gas During 1999, landfill capping case study: Reuse of plant, equipment and works were completed at materials in Olympic buildings, the land surface the North Homebush Bay developments, p. 36). was capped and grassed for remediation mound and the use as public open space Auburn Hardies tip. Leachate Management of under the management of collection systems were also Auburn Council. installed and landscaping remediated landfills activities began. Some years later, Council During 1999, OCA produced employees noticed signs of Both landfills have now been a summary of all leachate pollution and the park was capped with a minimum of management systems at subsequently closed to the 0.5 metres of clay to prevent Homebush Bay that can be public in 1992. Further stormwater from seeping used by decision makers to investigations discovered into them. A subsurface effectively manage the site. that tarry wastes had migrated underground from leachate collection drain Landfill Environmental the former tar pits through system and a series of Monitoring and Maintenance to the foreshore of the pumping stations and Plans for the State Sports Parramatta River. sumps have been installed Centre, the Aquatic Centre around the base of the car park and Haslams Creek landfills. By the end of 1999, In 1997, Stage 1 remediation South landfill systems were works were undertaken to cut all collected leachate was completed in 1999. The plans being pumped to temporary off the subsurface pathway describe the procedures to and recover as much tarry evaporation ponds at the be followed by OCA to ensure Royal Australian Navy wastes from the river that the landfills at Homebush foreshore as practicable. Armament Depot site. Bay are well maintained and However, a permanent prevent pollution of the Since the completion of Stage pipeline connecting the environment in the future. 1, further investigations have landfills with the Lidcombe Similar plans will be prepared been carried out to determine Aqueous Waste Treatment for the other remediated the level of contamination in Plant will be constructed in landfills at Homebush Bay the park. Various options for the second quarter of 2000. following their completion. the final remediation strategy Artificial topsoil has been have been considered and placed over the surface of the Wilson Park these were presented to the clay capping layer to enable community at forums held final landscaping to take Wilson Park is the location in 1998. place at both landfills. This of a former industrial site topsoil consists of ‘garden that was used to produce to garden’ compost material, town gas for Sydney by which contains a high fractionating crude oil.

environment report 1999 48 The final remediation In February 1999 OCA contaminants by reversing strategy agreed through applied to the EPA for a the chemical process used the community consultation licence to treat the to make them. The residue process involves the contaminated soil under the resulting from this second installation of a deep cut-off Hazardous Chemicals Act stage will be transported to wall and pump station to 1985. The application and the Lidcombe Aqueous Waste prevent the migration of consultation process was Treatment Plant. contaminants to the managed in accordance with Parramatta River and the National Protocol for bioremediation of the scheduled chemical wastes. Enhanced hydrocarbon contamination In July 1999, OCA received a Remediation on site. At the end of 1999, licence from the EPA to treat Strategy and OCA was in the process the contaminated soil. An of obtaining all necessary important component of the ecology programs regulatory approvals to licence application process OCA’s Enhanced Remediation enable works to begin. involved consultation with Strategy, established in the community. As a result March 1998, provides for Wilson Park will be released leaflets were distributed to for public access in stages. continuous monitoring and residents near Homebush management of remediated It is anticipated that the Bay and advertisements southern half of the park and lands at Homebush Bay and were placed in state and is being implemented the north-western sector local newspapers inviting will be released at the end through three Ecology submissions from the public Programs. of 2000. The remaining on the treatment process north-eastern quadrant is (see ‘Consultation’, p. 15). expected to be validated Program One: as clean in 2003. The scheduled chemical waste The Ecology Data Bank is being treated and destroyed The redevelopment and Scheduled chemical on site at Homebush Bay. remediation of Homebush The process occurs in two Bay has generated vast waste stages. The first stage, which amounts of information. occurred between September In December 1998, OCA The Ecology Data Bank team and November 1999, removed contracted ADI Ltd to established during 1999 is the contaminants from the treat 400 tonnes of constructing a data bank soil and concentrated them contaminated soil. and developing a geographic in a waste sludge. The process information system (GIS) to The soil excavated during also produces water, treated present this information in a land remediation works at soil and gas which is vented simple manner. The GIS will Homebush Bay contained to the atmosphere. The treated provide an electronic record chemicals scheduled under soil is disposed to landfill. of the changing status of the the Environmentally In the second stage the environment at Homebush Hazardous Chemicals Act concentrated contaminants Bay and it will be an 1985 such as chlorobenzenes, present in the waste sludge important legacy for the chlorophenols and small will be destroyed using a long-term management amounts of dioxin. decomposition process that of Homebush Bay. breaks down the

environment report 1999 49 Program Two: Program Three: Issues discussed throughout Biological sciences Education and 1999 included scheduled projects and long-term community chemical waste management, management development program site leachate management, and land and water This program establishes This program aims to contamination of areas enhanced monitoring, promote community adjacent to Homebush Bay. verification and reporting understanding of pollution on remediated areas at issues and to enhance A number of presentations Homebush Bay. It aims environmental quality. were made to the reference to provide a technical It will also help extend OCA’s group. Topics included foundation for the long-term remediation principles to scheduled chemical waste management of Homebush others beyond the Homebush management, industrial Bay through the following Bay site. This program liquid waste management, projects: provides for a schedule wastewater recycling, of activities and events at epidemiology, and impacts • recording all environmental Homebush Bay, at schools from chronic exposure monitoring performed at and in the community. to toxic chemicals. Homebush Bay from 1994 to 2001 A touch-screen computer system was developed during • biological monitoring of 1999. It was used at the Royal leachate to check leachate Easter Show, Neighbours’ quality Day and Forum, and in the • bioremediation of Homebush Bay Visitor Centre. contaminated soil and water to demonstrate the applicability of Homebush Bay bioremediation techniques Environment • scientific papers and Reference Group presentations to publish The Homebush Bay the data. Environment Reference These projects will help Group, established in June in the development of a 1998 allows the community long-term management to review, consult and plan for Homebush Bay by participate in OCA’s establishing the condition Enhanced Remediation of rehabilitated lands and Strategy. delivering technical tools and training to enhance It comprises members their management. from the community, academic institutions and Protocols for the enhanced environmental groups. monitoring and bioremediation project were developed in 1999.

environment report 1999 50 Regulatory Compliance

environment report 1999 51 Construction at the North Homebush Bay Mound

All of OCA’s activities must EPA licences and Venues comply with NSW approvals • During the year, the EPA environment protection issued three penalty notices legislation and regulations. In the interests of best to Olympic projects. The Under this legislation OCA environmental practice, first was issued to an OCA is the regulated entity for OCA continues to comply contractor for not formally the construction and with the operational and submitting the bimonthly operation of venues and monitoring conditions of all monitoring reports infrastructure developments pollution control approvals prepared during 1998 except for those under BOOT issued by EPA under the to the EPA. The other schemes such as the Sydney previous legislation despite two were issued to SuperDome and Stadium these approvals lapsing OCA for not submitting Australia. As a regulated on commencement of the monitoring reports to the entity OCA is totally Protection of the Environment EPA in accordance with responsible for ensuring Operations Act 1997 on environment protection compliance with 1 July 1999. These approvals licences for the projects. environmental legislation, were previously issued by EPA indicated that these monitoring and reporting the EPA to allow OCA to non-compliances were breaches to the EPA. construct pollution control technical/administrative devices such as sedimentation To ensure that OCA has in nature and did not result basins on its sites. a systematic approach to in harm to the environment. environmental management Also from 1 July 1999, all • During construction of and compliance with pollution control licences the NSW Tennis Centre, two environmental legislation issued by the EPA to regulate technical non-compliances OCA has developed and discharges and emissions to occurred. The first was the implemented an EMS (see environment from the site importation of sandstone p 6). The EMS provides were deemed environment fill from a former industrial environmental best practice protection licences. site in Balmain before management of compliance. validation certificates were obtained for the fill. This section summarises Environmental Validation certificates were the major environmental subsequently obtained and compliance issues that compliance issues indicated that the fill was occurred during 1999. Listed below are the major not contaminated. The Further details can be found non-compliances with second non-compliance in OCA’s 1999 Quarterly environmental regulations regarded a difference in Environmental Performance in 1999. Non-compliances interpretation over two Reports which addresses associated with venues sedimentation basins. the regulatory compliance under construction were A basin that no longer of the diverse range of not pollution incidents and existed was specified projects being delivered action was taken to prevent on the pollution control by OCA and reports on the non-compliances licence, whereas the basin management measures taken occurring again. used was not included on by OCA staff and contractors the licence. to meet the requirements of environmental legislation and licences. environment report 1999 52 This was resolved by an • The licence issued by Complaints amendment to the licence, the EPA to OCA for the and no harm to the treatment of scheduled During the year, complaints environment occurred. chemical waste at were received by OCA on Homebush Bay requires the following matters. Each Remediation OCA to monitor stack complaint was investigated • A minor seepage of leachate gas emissions from the and resolved: from the golf driving range treatment facility. On one • odours from lime-stabilised landfill into Boundary occasion, one sample biosolids disposed of to the Creek occurred when the exceeded the environment Auburn Hardies landfill. Lidcombe Aqueous Waste protection licence criteria Works ceased when the Treatment Plant shut down for dioxin and the waste complaint was received. the leachate collection treatment process was The odour was managed system at Homebush Bay immediately suspended by covering the odour for 5 days without while this matter was generating materials, using informing OCA. The investigated. odour suppressants and seepage was a very low- The investigation concluded suspending works until flow discharge. Remedial that the higher dioxin appropriate (cool, low wind) action increased the rate reading was caused by a weather conditions were of pumping from the mechanical burner problem present. landfill to draw down the that resulted in inefficient level of leachate and • dust emissions from gas combustion and that prevent further seepage. the Athletes’ Village site. the scheduled chemical OCA advised the project Following the discovery waste being treated at the manager to ensure that of the minor seepage, OCA time did not contribute to dust mitigation measures inspected other landfills to the increase in dioxin (ie use of water cart, ascertain the overall impact levels. Nevertheless, as a covered truck loads) were of the shutdown of the further control, the level of in place to minimise dust leachate collection system. on-site operational testing emissions. An upgraded pump and was increased, additional pipe system is being to that required as part of • flooding of Bennelong Road installed at the golf driving the EPA licence, to provide with muddy water owing to range landfill to minimise a quicker monitoring and extraordinary rainfall that the risk of seeps recurring. response capability. exceeded the capacity of the stormwater system on • During works to install Subsequent testing Bennelong Road. Following a pump pit and collection confirmed that the this incident the sump in the leachate drain mechanical problem had stormwater system was at the North Homebush Bay been resolved and that completed. The system mound a small amount of dioxin levels in gas diverts stormwater away leachate overflowed emission samples were from the road through the towards the North consistently below the main surface swales to a Homebush Bay wetlands. licence limit. nearby pond. The leachate did not reach the wetlands, and no environmental harm occurred.

environment report 1999 53 Tree preservation and protection signs at Sydney International Shooting Centre, Liverpool

• sediment from the western Stormwater • unauthorised discharge side of the North from a sedimentation basin Homebush Bay mound management occurred at the Sydney washing into the North In 1999 OCA prepared a International Equestrian Homebush Bay wetlands stormwater management plan Centre, creating a breach following excessive rainfall. (See ‘Water conservation’, of the pollution control OCA implemented p. 26). The plan clearly licence. Pumping was corrective sedimentation outlined the need to ensure immediately stopped and measures to prevent a the quality of water water samples were taken. recurrence of this incident. discharged from temporary Results showed the water to be within acceptable • excessive noise from the sedimentation basins on EPA ranges for non-filtrable Dunc Gray Velodrome site construction sites meet residues, oil and grease, from the early start-up of environment protection but the pH level of 6.4 was construction equipment. licence criteria. It also marginally lower than the OCA met with the stipulated that stormwater EPA’s requirement of 6.5. subcontractors and must be effectively managed No harm to the informed them of the on construction sites to environment occurred. approved construction ensure that no sediment working hours. OCA also enters local waterways. • a formal warning was conducted noise monitoring issued by the EPA to the Stormwater management on of the site to ensure no Athletes’ Village relating site has improved following recurrence of this incident. to inadequate erosion and the completion of a number sedimentation control • perceived increases in the of Olympic venues at Sydney measures. Documentation number of trucks entering Olympic Park at Homebush was provided to the EPA OCA sites with uncovered Bay. In addition, the Northern on control measures that loads. OCA issued Water Feature was completed satisfactorily addressed instructions to all relevant in September 1999. This the concerns. project managers to ensure receives stormwater from that truck loads were approximately 100 hectares • during construction of the covered. of Sydney Olympic Park at Northern Water Feature, Homebush Bay site and is a dry weather discharge • offensive odour from the designed to remove 70%–90% occurred without prior EPA southern end of Hill Road. of suspended solids and approval. This incident was Investigations found that nutrients by settling out the result of a the odour did not originate particulate matter and misunderstanding between from project works at naturally filtering the authorities and contractors. Homebush Bay. stormwater through In response to this aquatic plants. incident, OCA has since ensured that samples have Listed below are a number been taken and analysed of non-compliance issues for non-filtrable residues relating to stormwater before each discharge, and management that occurred written EPA approval has during the year: been sought before dry weather discharging.

environment report 1999 54 Air (dust and • the Lidcombe Aqueous Ryde Aquatic Leisure Waste Treatment Plant, Centre (water polo) and the odours) managed by Waste Service scheduled chemical waste As development progressed NSW. The EPA regularly treatment site. The noise throughout the year and most meets stakeholders, issues at venue development of the Olympic venues were including OCA, to discuss sites related to works being completed, dust management odour issues arising from performed outside the issues decreased. the plant. At the end of approved construction Development sites with a 1999, the plant finalised hours of the site. Minor significant area of exposed the commissioning of a new modifications to the earth implemented dust odour treatment system. scheduled chemical waste control measures such treatment plant resolved as the use of water carts, Noise the noise matter at this site hydromulching and satisfactorily and no further shadecloth fencing. Noise assessments are complaints were received. conducted on OCA projects Several odour complaints as required by their pollution were made to OCA during control approvals or 1999. The major sources of environment protection odour at Homebush Bay were: licences. These assessments showed that projects • the use of biosolids at the generally complied with Auburn Hardies landfill. EPA noise guidelines. This practice was Some instances were ultimately discontinued identified where guidelines owing to odour concerns were exceeded, but they were • biological activity in the due primarily to elevated 2SM wetlands; works began background noise levels. late in 1999 to introduce However, noise complaints tidal flushing to the were made during the year wetlands that will prevent for works at the Dunc Gray the odours from stagnant Velodrome, Aquilina Reserve water and rotting vegetation (softball and baseball), the

environment report 1999 55 Future Directions

environment report 1999 56 Pedestrian overpass under construction for Olympic Overlay, Sydney Olympic Park

Games Planning will be viewed by spectators Olympic Overlay from the urban domain. OCA’s functions during 1999 This, combined with access At the end of 1999, almost included Games readiness. requirements relating to all venues and facilities for Games readiness involves Sydney’s road network, the Sydney 2000 Olympic urban domain planning, will impact on daily waste and Paralympic Games are Olympic Overlay and test management activities in complete for their long-term events. these areas. To address these use by the community of issues OCA has been working NSW. However, the Games Urban domain closely with local councils, will place a greater demand planning specialist waste managers, on these venues and such as Waste Service NSW facilities. In response to In mid 1998 OCA commenced this demand, OCA began a process known as urban and Sydney’s Regional Waste Boards to ensure that a construction program in domain planning which has 1999 to deliver the Olympic continued throughout 1999. adequate waste management services to residents and Overlay on behalf of SOCOG. The ‘urban domain’ refers to Olympic Overlay is the all areas of metropolitan businesses are maintained during the Games. temporary construction or Sydney that are affected by the conversion of existing and conduct of the Games. In these Another key environmental new facilities to meet the areas, the normal day-to-day issue is the use of Sydney needs of the Games. management arrangements Harbour and its foreshores in of state and local government the lead-up to and during the The components of the agencies will not be sufficient Games. Sydney Harbour will Olympic Overlay include to deal with the anticipated play several roles in the temporary and portable impacts and issues arising staging of the Games: facilities; technology fit-out; from the Games. OCA is broadcast fit-out; security responsible for co-ordinating • Olympic competition venue fit-out; sports equipment; activities to ensure that these (sailing, triathlon) furniture, fixtures and Games impacts are managed • spectator viewing area for equipment; fit-out by effectively. It does this by sailing sponsors; and fixed fit-out recognising that the venues and building works. and events operate not in • Olympic cultural festivals isolation, but within the The main requirements • accommodation (super for temporary and portable context of the broader urban yachts) environment, and by ensuring facilities are temporary that support systems and • general tourism. seating, tents and marquees, relocatable buildings and services are put in place. Urban domain planning teams temporary toilets. Other are continuing to work with The key urban domain facilities include temporary organisations such as the planning issue relating to buildings and accommodation, Waterways Authority, NPWS the environment is waste power and lighting, air and the EPA to ensure that the management. During the conditioning, storage natural environment of the Games events such as the containers, sports surfaces, Harbour is considered when torch relay, marathon, road fencing and screening, flag plans for its use are developed. cycling, sailing and triathlon poles, lighting, landscaping, scaffolding and signs.

environment report 1999 57 Mountain Bike test event, Fairfield City Farm

Environmental issues were for assigned venues or considered and investigated facilities. Other while the temporary and responsibilities include: portable facilities were sourced and selected. The • review of tender submission overriding environmental for key Overlay contracts to initiative is that all temporary ensure consistency with the and portable facilities will be Environmental Guidelines hired where possible, for the Summer Olympic allowing them to be reused Games after the Games. This will • review of building reduce the need to applications and Project , manufacture additional stock. Design or Construction All suppliers are required to EMPs comply with the Environmental Guidelines for • review and provision of the Summer Olympic Games, advice on monthly reports including accommodating submitted in accordance environmental initiatives in with EMPs the design and installation • attendance at regular of the facilities. meetings Additionally, new processes • site inspections. have been included in OCA’s EMS specifically for Overlay Test events projects including a checklist A number of test events to assist in the preparation were held during the year and revision of Overlay EMPs. by SOCOG at Olympic venues Similarly, OCA’s Working and facilities. OCA’s role Greener package has been during the test events was restructured to focus more to evaluate and improve site on Overlay issues. management activities to be implemented during the During 1999 arrangements Sydney 2000 Olympic and were established to assign Paralympic Games. environmental officers to specific Olympic venues and Site management includes the facilities. These officers are management of environmental responsible for providing issues such as stormwater run- timely advice and support to off, erosion and compliance OCA’s development managers with EPA environment on a range of Overlay matters protection and NPWS licences. There were no environmental incidents or breaches of licences during the test events.

environment report 1999 58 Conclusion

environment report 1999 59 Fig Grove, Sydney Olympic Park

As the Games draw near These excellent achievements OCA is also providing for OCA’s objectives are now show that OCA’s approach is the conservation of species being realised. Olympic setting new environmental through its tree planting venues and facilities are benchmarks. Furthermore, activities across Sydney completed and many are the integration of ESD Olympic Park and venues already holding major events. principles throughout OCA’s in Western Sydney. By the end Remediation of Homebush delivery of venues and its of 1999 approximately 146,000 Bay is continuing and is operational activities is a trees will have been planted. nearing completion and considerable achievement. As well, OCA is continuing to planning to address the undertake monitoring and impact of the Games across In relation to the conservation research to restore, protect Sydney and co-ordination of of resources, during the year and enhance the unique all NSW Government Games construction began on habitats and flora and fauna activities is progressing. WRAMS, the most significant at Homebush Bay and at water conservation initiative venues in Western Sydney. This Environment Report at Sydney Olympic Park at outlines the numerous Homebush Bay. WRAMS is All of these achievements activities undertaken by OCA designed to save up to 50% demonstrate conclusively in 1999 that demonstrate (or up to 850 million litres) that OCA is leading the way OCA’s sustainable and of water annually that would in integrated environmental environmentally sensitive otherwise be drawn from management. OCA’s approach to the development Sydney’s main water supply. environmental legacy will and construction of venues OCA is continuing to recycle not only benefit the present and facilities for the Games construction waste and use community, it will provide and for the long term and recycled materials, such as a benchmark that future the redevelopment of timber and concrete, in the generations can build upon Homebush Bay. construction of venues and and use in progressing facilities. As well, completed towards sustainable Significant achievements venues and facilities development. for 1999 include OCA demonstrate a diverse range obtaining an overall rating of energy efficient building of 8/10 in the Earth Council’s designs and technologies. second review of OCA’s environmental performance and, OCA being awarded the Gold Rivercare 2000 Award in the State Government category for its integrated management of water and aquatic systems at Homebush Bay.

environment report 1999 60 Appendices

environment report 1999 61 References Centre for Integrated Green Games Watch 2000, Catchment Management, 1999, Environmental A Prince Consulting, 1999, University of Western Sydney Performance Review Report Waste Audit of the 1999 Royal (Hawkesbury), 1999, The No 2 (1998). Easter Show. Unpublished Penrith Lakes Upper report prepared for the OCA. Catchment Draft Stormwater Gutteridge Haskins & Davey, Plan. 1999, Councils of Auburn, Australian Heritage Burwood, Concord and Commission, 1996, National Earth Council, 1999, Sydney Strathfield and the Olympic Strategy for the Conservation 2000 Olympic Games, Co-ordination Authority, of Biodiversity. Environmental Performance Homebush Bay Catchment of the Olympic Co-ordination Stormwater Management Australian Heritage Authority, Review 2, Plan, Final Report. Commission, 1999, Register December 1998. Report of the National Estate prepared for the OCA. Hunter Environmental Database: Haslams Creek Services, 1999, Aquatic plant Wetlands, Homebush Bay. Eccell Environmental inspection report. Management, Australian and New Zealand January–December 1998, Millennium Parklands Environment and Monthly site reports (waste) Design and Delivery Update, Conservation Council for the SuperDome. 1999. Unpublished report (ANZECC), 1992, Australian Unpublished reports prepared for the OCA. Water Quality Guidelines for prepared for the OCA. Fresh and Marine Waters, OCA, 1995, Homebush Bay ANZECC, Melbourne, Enproc, 1999, Simplified Life Development Guidelines: November 1992 Cycle Assessment, Olympic Volume 1, Environment Village Recycling Program, Strategy, September 1995. AWT Ensight, 1999, Fish Collex Waste Management Olympic Co-ordination Community Survey of the Pty Ltd. Unpublished report Authority, Sydney. Penrith Lakes System. prepared for the Mirvac Lend Unpublished report prepared OCA, 1996, Breaking New Lease Village Consortium. for the Penrith Lakes Ground, Environmental Development Corporation. EPA, 1997, Corporate Strategy for the New Sydney Environmental Reporting, Showground. Olympic Co- Bell, Ridley and Partners, why and how. NSW ordination Authority, Sydney. 1995, Lidcombe Hospital Environment Protection Conservation Plan. OCA, 1998, Annual Report Authority, Sydney. 1998. Olympic Co-ordination Birds Australia, 1999, EPA, 1997, New South Wales Authority, Sydney. Homebush Bay Bird State of the Environment Monitoring Project, Report OCA, 1998, Environmental Report 1997. NSW 1995–1999. Unpublished Practices Code. Olympic Co- Environment Protection report prepared for the OCA. ordination Authority, Sydney. Authority, Sydney. Bullen, Mark, 1999, OCA, 1998, State of the EPA, 1998, Quarterly Air Masterplan and Development Environment Report 1997. Quality Monitoring Reports Brief—Heritage Precinct. Olympic Co-ordination 1 and 2. NSW Environment Unpublished report prepared Authority, Sydney. Protection Authority, Sydney. for the OCA.

environment report 1999 62 OCA, 1999, Compendium of OCA, 1997, Solid Waste SOCOG, June 1998, Olympic ESD Initiatives and Outcomes, Management Guidelines— greenhouse gas challenge Edition 2. Olympic Co- Facility Operations. Olympic report. Sydney Organising ordination Authority, Sydney. Co-ordination Authority, Committee for the Olympic Sydney. Games, Sydney. OCA, 1999, Environment Report 1998. Olympic Co- Penrith Lakes Development Sydney SuperDome, 1999, ordination Authority, Sydney. Corporation and OCA, 1999, Submission for the 1999 Sydney International Regatta Banksia Foundation Award OCA, 1999, Quarterly Centre Water Management, 1999 for Construction Environmental Performance Draft Memorandum of Practices. Reports 6, 7, 8 and 9, 1998. Understanding. Unpublished report prepared Waste Service NSW, 1999, by the Olympic Co-ordination Perram & Partners, 1999, Garden to Garden Authority, Sydney. Statement of Environmental Information Sheet. Effects, Wilson Park OCA, 1999, Submission for Silverwater Stage 2 Waste recycling reports for the Australian Minerals and Remediation for Waste the Sydney International Energy Environment Service NSW on behalf of Shooting Centre – Belmadar Foundation Communication the Olympic Co-ordination Constructions, Sydney Award. Olympic Co- Authority. Unpublished report SuperDome–Millennium ordination Authority, Sydney. prepared for the Olympic Co- Consortium and Velodrome– Walter Constructions, 1999. OCA, 1999, Submission for ordination Authority. the Institution of Engineers, PPK Environment and World Resources Institute, Australia, Sydney Division, Infrastructure, 1999, 1997, Corporate EPIs—the way 1999 Engineering Excellence Statement of Environmental forward. WRI, Washington Award in the category of Effects for the proposed Water DC, USA. Project Development— Reclamation and Management Infrastructure for the ‘Towers Scheme and Frog Habitat Register of of Power’, the Olympic Plaza Works. Unpublished report Lighting Towers, Homebush prepared for the Olympic Co- environmental Bay. Olympic Co-ordination ordination Authority and documents Authority, Sydney. Kilpatrick Green. Compendium of ESD OCA, 1999, Submission for Royal Australian Institute of Initiatives and Outcomes, the Rivercare 2000 Award— Architects, 1999, Environment Edition 2, 1999. OCA, 1999. State Government category, Design Guide, RAS Horse and Homebush Bay Water Cattle Pavilions. Compendium of ESD Management. Olympic Co- Initiatives and Outcomes for ordination Authority, Sydney. Sydney Olympics Bid 2000 Olympic Venues and Ltd, 1993, Environmental Facilities, Edition 1, OCA, 1997, Solid waste Guidelines for the Summer December 1997. OCA, 1997. Management Guidelines— Olympic Games. Report Construction and Demolition. presented to the International Construction and Demolition Olympic Co-ordination Olympic Committee. Waste Guideline. OCA, 1997. Authority, Sydney.

environment report 1999 63 Delivering the Environmental Facility Operations Waste EPA Promise, OCA., 1998. Guideline. OCA, 1997. NSW Environment Protection Ecology fact sheet: From Guidelines for the protection Authority wastelands to wetlands: of trees in construction sites. ESD a Homebush Bay story. OCA, 1998. OCA, 1999. ecologically sustainable Homebush Bay Development development Environment fact sheet: Guideline Series: Volume 1, Protecting our heritage. Environment Strategy. OCA, ha OCA, 1998. 1995. hectare Environment fact sheet: Integrated Pest Management Reducing waste. OCA, 1998. Strategy. OCA, 1998. km kilometre Environment fact sheet: Irrigation design and Saving energy. OCA, 1998. technical specifications. OCA, NPWS 1998. Environment fact sheet: National Parks and Wildlife Saving water. OCA, 1998. Policy on the selection of Service refrigerants for Olympic OCA Environment fact sheet: developments. OCA, 1999. Green and Golden Bell Frog. Olympic Co-ordination OCA, 1999. State of the Environment Authority Report 1996. OCA, 1997. Environment Policy. OCA, PET January 1997. State of the Environment poly(ethyleneterephtalate), Report 1997. OCA, 1998. Environment Report 1998. a common plastic

OCA, 1999. Tree installation and 10 management guidelines. PM Environmental Guidelines for OCA, 1998. particulate matter less than the Summer Olympic Games. 10 microns in diameter Sydney Olympics 2000 Bid Limited, September 1993. Abbreviations and ppm Environmental Management symbols parts per million System, version 2.0. OCA, BOOT 1997. SIRC Design-Build-Own-Operate- Sydney International Regatta Environmental Management Transfer Centre System, version 3.1. OCA, 1998. EMP WRAMS Environmental Management Water Reclamation and Environmental Practices Plan Code. OCA, 1998. Management Scheme EMS Environmental Tender Specification. OCA, 1995. Environmental Management System

environment report 1999 64 Glossary Construction waste Ecology Solid waste materials The science dealing with Ambient arising from the demolition, the relationships between Surrounding or background. construction, refurbishment organisms and their or alteration of buildings environment. Audit (environmental) and the construction and A systematic and documented repair of infrastructure, Ecosystem method of verifying including roads, bridges, Community of organisms (environmental) performance dams, railways and the like. interacting with their and compliance. environment and each other. Contaminated Benthic Containing undesirable Emission Relating to, inhabiting or on or harmful impurities. The discharge of a substance the bottom of a body of water. into the atmosphere. Degraded Biological diversity Having reduced quality. EMS The variety of all life forms, Environmental management including genetic diversity Dioxins systems are part of an (within species), species Compounds that occur overall management system. diversity (the range of species) in the environment from They include organisational and ecosystem diversity. synthetic sources. The structure, planning activities, family of compounds include responsibilities, practices, Bioremediation 75 different polychlorinated procedures, processes, and A physical process that dibenzodioxins (PCDDs) resources for developing, involves the application of and 135 dibenzofurans implementing, achieving, organisms (such as bacteria) (PCDFs). The most toxic form reviewing and maintaining to wastes, including is 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo- environmental policy. industrial wastes, with the p-dioxin (TCDD). aim of destroying or reducing Endangered those wastes. Diversity (species) A plant or animal species A measure of the number of of conservation significance Brackish individuals and their relative listed in Schedule 1 of the Water with a salt abundance in a given area. NSW Threatened Species concentration between Conservation Act 1995. sea water and fresh water. Ecologically sustainable development Environmental indicator Chlorobenzene Development that improves Physical, chemical or See Scheduled waste. the total quality of life both biological feature that can now and in the future in be measured to determine Chlorophenol a way that maintains the changes to environmental See Scheduled waste. ecological processes on conditions, the nature of which life depends (Council environmental impact or the of Australian Governments, effectiveness of management December 1992). responses.

environment report 1999 65 Environmental Invertebrate Photovoltaic management plan An animal without a Of the transformation of light A detailed plan outlining the backbone or spine. directly into electricity. management approach for a specific project or activity. ISO14001 Pollutant International standard for Any substance that is of Epidemiology the structure, responsibilities, sufficient concentration, or Study of epidemics - prevalent practices, processes and present in the environment diseases in the community. resources for implementing for long enough, to be environmental management. harmful (or potentially Fauna harmful) to natural systems Animals. Landfill or human health. Solid or liquid material Feral disposed of by burial in Potable A wild, introduced organism, the ground. Drinkable (water). usually originally domestic. Leachate Recycling Flora Any matter that has been A process by which waste Plants. leached (removed by being is collected, reprocessed or dissolved in water that passes remanufactured, and used Greenhouse gases through soil or vegetation) to make a product. Atmospheric gases that and washed downwards enhance the natural through the soil by rainwater. Rehabilitation greenhouse effect, including The restoration of a damaged carbon dioxide, methane, Mangrove area. chlorofluorocarbons, nitrous A shrub or tree that has oxide and ozone. adapted to tidal brackish Remediation or saline conditions. Repairs or modifications to a Gross pollutant trap degraded site to make it safe A grid that traps litter in Non-potable for intended uses. watercourses or drains. For purposes other than drinking. Renewable resources Indigenous Resources, such as solar Native to or originating Nutrient energy, wind or wood, that in a particular region. A substance that is essential can be replaced or regrown. for plant or animal growth, Insulation such as nitrogen or Reuse Material installed in a phosphorus. A process by which waste building to prevent or reduce is cleaned or repaired for the amount of heat passing Ozone-depleting substances further use, for the purpose in or out of the building. Substances that destroy of prolonging the life of the ozone in the upper the product. atmosphere.

environment report 1999 66 Run-off Solar panels • any discarded, rejected, The portion of precipitation Photovoltaic cells, used to unwanted, surplus or (rain, hail or snow) that transform light energy into abandoned substance flows across the ground electrical energy. • any otherwise discarded, surface as water. rejected, unwanted surplus, Stormwater or abandoned substances Saltmarsh Run-off from heavy rain. intended for sale or for A vegetation community of recycling, reprocessing, mainly herbs, rushes and Sustainable recovery or purification grasses found in saline areas. Able to be conserved and by a separate operation maintained for now and in from that which produced Scheduled waste the future. the substance Wastes covered by the • any substance prescribed by Tidal flushing Scheduled Chemical Wastes the Regulations to be waste Chemical Control Order The process in which water for purposes of the Act. 1994 issued under the from an estuary or other Environmentally Hazardous saline system moves into Water catchment Chemicals Act 1985. They and drains out of a wetland The area within which are all chlorinated organic area with the tides. rainfall will contribute to compounds and are mostly run-off at a particular point, pesticides no longer Waste usually determined by permitted for use in NSW. Under the Waste Minimisation topographic features. and Management Act 1995, Sedimentation basin waste includes: Weed A basin constructed A plant out of place, usually to capture and settle • any substance (whether an introduced species. sediment-laden run-off. solid, liquid or gaseous) that is discharged, Wetland Sedimentation emitted or deposited in A low-lying area periodically The deposition of sediment the environment in such inundated or permanently (usually soil particles). a volume, consistency or manner as to cause covered by shallow water. Sediment an alteration to the environment Material of varying sizes that has been or is being moved from its site of origin by the action of wind, water or gravity. environment report 1999 67 Designed and produced by Designate for the Olympic Co-ordination Authority