Balmoral South Project Area (Maunsell AECOM, 2006)

MINERALOGY PTY. LTD

Balmoral South Iron Ore Project Response to Public Submissions

Assessment No.1677

Mineralogy Pty Ltd

Document BSP-780-EN-REP-0110.1 June 2009

Response to Public Submissions

Document Title: Balmoral South Iron Ore Project Response to Public Submissions

Document No: BSP-780-EN-REP-0110.1

Signatures Rev Revision Description & Issue Date Code Issued For Originator Checked Approved

Josephine Wang Ian Zlatnik Joe Webb A 21 May 09 Initial Internal Review

Josephine Wang Ian Zlatnik Joe Webb B 2 June 09 Initial Internal Review

For Submissions to Josephine Wang Ian Zlatnik Joe Webb 0 5 June 09 EPASU

Revised on EPASU Ian Zlatnik Sam Smith Joe Webb 1 23 June 09 comment

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

BALMORAL SOUTH IRON ORE PROJECT ...... 1

1. INTRODUCTION ...... 5

2. BALMORAL SOUTH IRON ORE PROJECT UPDATE ...... 5

3. RESPONSE TO PUBLIC SUBMISSIONS ...... 5

LIST OF TABLES

Table 3-1: Public Submissions on the BSIOP PER ...... 6 Table 3-2: The Numbers of Public Submission Items for the BSIOP PER ...... 7 Table 3-3: Assessment of BPPH Loss from BSIOP ...... 8 Table 3-4: Project Water Balance ...... 9 Table 3-5: Assessment of BPPH Loss from BSIOP ...... 13 Table 3-6: Assessment of BPPH Loss from BSIOP ...... 14 Table 3-7: Summary of Floristic Survey Results within the BSIOP Area ...... 23 Table 3-8: Area of Phreatophytic Vegetation Impacted by Groundwater Drawdown ...... 37 Table 3-9: Total Area of Each Land System to be Cleared by the BSIOP ...... 39 Table 3-10: Assessment of BPPH Loss from BSIOP ...... 42 Table 3-11: Configuration of the Proposed IM Diffuser Design ...... 52 Table 3-12: Mixing Zone Areas Required to Achieve 45 Dilutions 95, 99 and 100% of the Time ...... 53 Table 3-13: Mixing Zone Areas Required to Achieve 45 Dilutions 95, 99 and 100% of the Time ...... 54 Table 3-14: Monitoring and Corrective Actions for the Wastewater Outfall ...... 57 Table 3-15: Interim EVs, EQOs and EQC for Cape Preston Waters ...... 59 Table 3-16: Levels of Ecological Protection for the Maintenance of Ecosystem Integrity ...... 60 Table 3-17: Monitoring and Corrective Actions for Process Emissions ...... 62 Table 3-18: Dust Emissions Estimation ...... 66

LIST OF FIGURES Figure 3-1: Cape Preston Flora and Fauna Survey History ...... 22 Figure 3-2: Phreatophytic Vegetation Impacted by the Cumulative 3m Drawdown Contour ...... 25 Figure 3-3: Bores Sampled in June 2007 by Bennelongia in the Robe Catchment ...... 29 Figure 3-4: Cape Preston Benthic Habitats ...... 33 Figure 3-5: DEC Agreed Conservation Area & CPPM Offset Areas ...... 34 Figure 3-6: Proposed Ecological Protection Areas for the Proposal Area ...... 61

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LIST OF APPENDICES APPENDIX A Cape Preston Vegetation Communities & Disturbance Areas – Figures 5.01 to 5.13 - Maunsell/AECOM – May 2009 APPENDIX B Cape Preston Iron Ore Precinct Fauna Survey – Phoenix Draft Report – Nov 2008 APPENDIX C Cape Preston SRE Invertebrate Study – Phoenix – April 2009 APPENDIX D Cape Preston Desalination Plant Brine Discharge Modelling Study – GEMS May 2009

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1. INTRODUCTION The purpose of this document is to respond to public, stakeholder and government submissions of the BSIOP Iron Ore Project (BSIOP) Public Environmental Review (PER). The draft PER was published by International Minerals Pty Ltd (IM), as the previous proponent of the proposed BSIOP, for public review from 9 March 2009 to 4 May 2009.

2. BALMORAL SOUTH IRON ORE PROJECT UPDATE On 24th April 2009, Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has approved the change of proponent from IM to Mineralogy Pty Ltd under Section 38(a) of the Environmental Protection Act 1986. This change was to reduce the confusion on the status of Proponency for all proposed Projects in the Cape Preston Region. IM remains the Project Operator for BSIOP.

3. RESPONSE TO PUBLIC SUBMISSIONS A total of 12 submissions were received, with 10 being from Government Agencies, and two being from non-Government organisations (Table 3-1). Each comment or issue has been given a unique identifier that denotes the submission number given in and the comment or issue number within that submission. The comments and issues raised in each submission have been grouped into categories according to the contents of the BSIOP draft PER and responses to each are. Submissions were received in the following categories: • Project Description • Existing Environment • Biophysical Issues • Pollution Issues • Social Issues • Cumulative Assessment • Future Approvals

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Table 3-2 outlines the number of submissions made on each of the categories, and the organisation who made submission for that category.

Table 3-1: Public Submissions on the BSIOP PER

Submission Submissions from No.

1(a) Department of Environment and Conservation – Environmental Management Branch (DEC - EMB)

1(b) Department of Environment and Conservation – Office of Climate Change (DEC - OCC)

1(c) Department of Environment and Conservation – Pilbara Industry Regulation (DEC - PIR)

2 Department of Indigenous Affairs (DIA)

3 Pilbara Native Title Service (PNTS)

4 Department of Health (DoH)

5 Department of Water (DoW)

6 Wildflower Society (WS)

7 Environmental Protection Authority Service Unit (EPASU)

8 Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts (DEWHA)

9 Department of Mines and Petroleum (DMP)

10 Department of Fisheries (DoF)

11 Department of Main Road (DMR)

12 Marine Parks and Reserves Authority (MPRA)

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Table 3-2: The Numbers of Public Submission Items for the BSIOP PER Issue Number of Submitters Submission Items Project Description 32 DEC-EMB, DoH, DoW, EPASU, DMP, Existing Environment (12) Terrestrial Flora and 4 DEC-EMB, EPASU Vegetation Terrestrial Fauna 2 EPASU, DEWHA Subterranean Fauna 4 DEC-EMB, EPASU Marine Ecology 1 DEC-EMB Land Use 1 DEC-EMB

Biophysical Issues (33) Terrestrial Flora and 8 DEC-EMB, EPASU Vegetation Terrestrial Fauna 3 DEC-EMB, EPASU Mangroves 3 DEC-EMB, DoF Marine Ecology 11 DEC-EMB, DEC-PIR, EPASU, DEWHA, MPRA Surface Water 3 DEC-EMB, DoW Groundwater 5 DoE, EPASU

Pollution Issues (15) Marine water quality 8 DEC-EMB, DoH, EPASU, DEWHA, MPRA Process Emissions 3 DoH, EPASU Greenhouse Gas 2 DEC-OCC Emissions Dust 2 DoH, EPASU

Social Issues (11) General 7 EPASU, DoF Indigenous Heritage 4 DIA, PNTS, DoF

Cumulative Assessment 3 WS, EPASU, MPRA Future Approvals 19 DEC-PIR, DoH, DoW, DMP, DoF, DMR 125

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PROJECT DESCRIPTION

1(a).1 That the proponent clarifies the purpose, design and construction details of the western infrastructure corridor and the need for two infrastructure corridors, the second of which would be located in the middle of an important area of mangroves.

Consultation has been held with DEC EMB (27 Nov 2008) on the impacts of the proposed project on mangroves and these responses have been generated based upon this consultation. Mineralogy has highlighted the requirement for a Western Corridor to allow for the construction of additional infrastructure that may be required for BSIOP based on detailed engineering review, and following construction activity from the Central Block Project (also name as Sino Iron Project). The Corridors proposed in the BSIOP PER allow for all current projects and potentially future third party access to the port (as required by the Iron Ore Procesing (Mineralogy Pty Ltd) Agreement Act 2002). Current Central Block Project construction activities have highlighted many difficulties in maintaining alignments proposed in initial environmental approvals, due to physical, heritage and environmental constraints. This has resulted in the need to submit further proposals for approval (Section 45C). Additional to these constraints, Mineralogy has, as part of the Iron Ore Processing (Mineralogy Pty Ltd) Agreement Act Amendments in 2008, handed back to the State a significant portion of land to allow for the developmnent of a State port and industrial park. By doing this uncertainty has been created over the long term access for all projects through portions of the Eastern Corridor. The impacts associated with the proposed corridors have been assessed with respect to the BSIOP, and cumulatively with the Central Block Project. It is proposed that the Western Corridor be constructed as a trestle structure to cater for pipes, conveyors, power lines or other linear services. These trestle structures avoid the need to construct solid causeways, and as such, the physical impact on Mangrove Creek and associated vegetation is minimized. The assessment of the environmental impacts indicates that 1.3ha of mangrove and 7.8ha of algal mat habitat will be disturbed by the construction of the Western Corridor. Combining both corridors, the loss of mangrove (5.7ha) and algal mat habitats (23.3ha) are well under the BPPH policy (EPAWA Guidance Statement No.29) 10% cumulative impact criteria (1.1% and 5.8% respectively). No historical loss (human-related) to mangrove or algal mat habitat has occurred within the management unit. Table 3-3 (Table 7-8 in BSIOP PER on page 7-19) below summaries the potential BPPH direct habitat loss from the BSIOP.

Table 3-3: Assessment of BPPH Loss from BSIOP

Area in Habitat Loss Estimates % loss of Total BPPH Management Management Habitat Habitat Unit Western Central Eastern Unit Loss Corridor Portion Corridor Mangroves 502 ha 1.3 ha 0 ha 4.4 ha 5.7 ha 1.1% Algal Mat 401 ha 7.8 ha 9.2 ha 6.3 ha 23.3 ha 5.8%

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1(a).4 That the design of infrastructure within the proposed widened eastern corridor mirrors that of the Central Block Project in order to limit impacts on surface hydrology, particularly within mangrove communities.

Mineralogy concurs with EMB’s view that construction techniques should mirror those already in place for the Central Block Project (also name as Sino Iron Project), and will convey to the Project Operators that consultation on engineering design should occur to ensure consistency.

1(a).7 That the proponent provides a water balance model for the project in the PER.

A water balance model, outlining the volumes of consumption for each of the major Project areas was inluded in Section 2.11 of the PER (Page 2-38, Table 2-4). The water balance provided identifies that a total of 40GLpa is required for the BSIOP, and that this water will be provided via a combination of in-pit dewatering and desalination of seawater. Pit dewatering volumes have been estimated at up to 4GLpa (Section 2.1 of the PER, Page 2-3, Table 2-3). This volume is an estimate only, and as such cannot be relied on when assessing the overall water balance. If it is found that pit dewatering is a consistent and reliable source, then this water will be used in preference to other sources, and the requirements for desalination will be reduced accordingly. The major identified losses of water are within the process, dust supression, evaporation and power station. A copy of the water balance, as presented within the PER, is shown below as Table 3-4.

Table 3-4: Project Water Balance

Area of use Annual activity Water usage rate Water consumption (GLpa)

Mining dust suppression 160 Mtpa total 3% of material moved 4.8 movement in the mine Water in concentrate exiting 24 Mtpa produced 9% 2.2 the filter plant Water in screened and 56 Mtpa 15% 8.4 filtered coarse tailings leaving the plant Additional water for 56 Mtpa 28% 15.7 discharge of fine tailing Evaporation in the plant 10% of water used in 2.0 plant Pellet Plant 14 Mtpa 8% of pellets produced 1.1 Port stockyard 24 Mtpa 3% of material handled 0.7 Power station 450 MW for 7800 1.28 m3/MWh, mostly 4.5 hrs evaporated in cooling tower Camp 4000 people 0.4 m3/day 0.6 Total 40.0

Discharge to the environment of excess water is addressed in the PER Section 2.4.4 (page 2-21). As water is a precious commodity in the Project environment, water will only be discharged from site under extreme flood conditions, where water from surface run-off cannot be retained safely. A sampling program for emergency discharge is included in PEMP Section 12.

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1(a).19 The proponent identifies the potential location of the borefield within the BSIOP area and undertakes biological surveys and impact assessment as appropriate.

The BSIOP does not propose to construct a borefield (other than pit dewatering bores) within the BSIOP area. The BSIOP Bankable Feasibility Study has identified that all water for BSIOP can be sourced from either desalination or open pit dewatering. Dewatering of the open pit will be licenced by DoW, and monitoring programs to determine potential impacts on surrounding phreatophytic vegetation will be implemented on project commencement. A review of the effectiveness of this monitoring will be conducted after two full years of data collection, and discussion will be held with DoW on review of the program. The potential impacts of pit dewatering and desalination are discussed extensively in the PER. There is some possibility that water could be sourced through commercial agreement between the operator of BSIOP, and the operators of other Projects in the Cape Preston Region should those operators have the ability to provide water in excess of their own requirements.

1(a).20 That further information be required for the closure and rehabilitation of the pit void as this has a potential for long-term impacts on water quality and conservation of native fauna in the area.

A commitment has been made to the DMP by Mineralogy, as proponents of the BSIOP, to prepare a Project Proposal in accordance with the relevant State Agreement Act, for review and approval by the DMP prior to commencement of the Project. The Project Proposal will be prepared in accordance with DMP guidelines, and will contain detailed information on closure and rehabilitation to the satisfaction of DMP. Mineralogy assert that the Appropriate levels of information relating to mine closure and void management for part IV Environmental Impact Assessment have been included in the PER Section 7.8 (which demonstrates that the pit will act as a groundwater sink and will little to no impact on the surrounding groundwater sources) and PEMP Section 14.

1(a).21 That a Preliminary Closure and Rehabilitation plan be prepared incorporating the development of closure and rehabilitation objectives for this project to the requirements of EPA.

A preliminary Closure and Rehabilitation Plan at an appropriate level of detail is included in PER Section 2.18 and PEMP Section 14. A commitment has been made to the DMP by Mineralogy, as proponents of the BSIOP, to prepare a Project Proposal in accordance with the relevant State Agreement Act, for review and approval by the DMP prior to commencement of the Project. The Project Proposal will be prepared in accordance with DMP guidelines, and will contain detailed information on closure and rehabilitation to the satisfaction of DMP.

4.1 The proposal does not clarify whether drinking water supplies are to be provided by the 40GL desalination plant.

The desalination plant propsed in the BSIOP PER will produce process quality water. Further processing (chlorination and remineralisation) of the water at local sources will be installed to meet potable water requriements. Calculations provided in the BSOIP Bankable Feasibility Study, and shown in Table 2-4 of the PER indicate that for a 4,000 person camp, consumption of potable water equates to 0.6GLpa.

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4.3. Further details are required on proportions of the ‘clean’ water yield that is to be utilised within the Ore production process and for a potable drinking source.

Calculations provided in the BSOIP Bankable Feasibility Study, and shown in Table 2-4 of the PER indicate that for a 4,000 person camp, consumption of potable water equates to 0.6GLpa. The remaining water generated by the desalination plant (39.4GLpa) will be consumed in the process, dust supression, evaporation and power station.

4.4. Detail is required on how the potable source is to be stored, treated, and how it is to be ensured that other water sources which may not comply with the Drinking Water Guidelines are not used as potable water sources.

Potable water will be generated through desalination of seawater. The reverse osmosis process proposed has the capability to generate large volumes of potable quality water, and similar process are now utilised to provide drinking water to the Perth metropolitan region. Supplementatal chlorination and remineralisation of drinking water may be required, and will be implemented in consultation with the DoH. Feasibility-level studies have identified the separate storage, handling and piping of drinking, process and fire water, in accordance with appropriate Regulation. Further information on water storage, treatment and separation will be available on completion of detailed engineering design. These details will be made available to the Water Quality Branch of DoH. Appropriate signage across the site on potable and non-potable water sources will be installed. On site inductions will provide further information to ensure drinking water is easily identifiable.

4.14. The location and design of roads and other infrastructure must prevent the pooling of water and the growth of invasive vegetation in low-lying areas.

Mineralogy concurs with DoH’s view that the management of vector-borne diseases and nuisance (biting) insects will need to be implemented on commencement of the BSIOP. An integrated program to manage mosquitoes and other nuisance insects that reduces the risk of exposure of employees to mosquito-borne diseases will be an important Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) component for site, and this will be developed and implemented in consultation with DoH.

5.1. What volumes of water are required during the construction phase of the project.

The BSIOP Bankable Feasibility Study (24Mtpa) has identified the volume required as 2.6ML/day. Further volume may be required if pre-strip of the open pit occurs simultaneously with construction.

5.2. What are the contingency options for supply if Mineralogy’s proposed borefield in the Fortescue River alluvium is found to be unsustainable.

The BSIOP Bankable Feasibility Study has identified that all water for the Project can be sourced from either desalination or open pit dewatering. The BSIOP does not propose to utilise Mineralogy’s proposed borefield in the Fortescue River alluvium. There is some possibility that water could be sourced through commercial agreement between the operator of BSIOP, and the operators of other Projects in the Cape Preston Region should those operators have the ability to provide water in excess of their own requirements.

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If water becomes available from other sources (ie the Fortescue River borefield), then the use of this source will be considered at that time. Alternative supplies may have the benefit of potentially reducing operating costs, but are not essential for the ongoing operation of the Project as described.

5.3. Are the contingency options able to deliver the required volumes for construction.

During construction of the BSIOP desalination plant, a number of source options are available, including, in order of preference: • groundwater from pre-mining pit dewatering. The pit dewatering will be required to commence ahead of pre-strip activities to control the geotechnical stability of pit walls. This is the most likely source of construction water; • commercial supply from Central Block Project. The Central Block Project is currently under construction; • mobile desalination plant (similar to that used by CPMM); and • Fortescue River borefield. The proponent assumes the commercial risk to the project if water supplies are found to be insufficient to maintain compliance.

5.9. Development should be located a suitable distance away from any flood protection bunds to minimize damage from erosive flows in the event of failure.

This comment is acknowledged. Mineralogy will communicate with the Project Operator to ensure that suitable separation distances are considered in detailed engineering design.

7.1(a) An explanation and justification for the width of the eastern corridor – the current approval for the Central Block project is 55m on average (not 90m)

Mineralogy acknowledges that the corridor width is 55m on average not 90m. Approval is being sought through the BSIOP PER to widen the existing corridor to 300m. Environmental impact assessment of the proposed corridor extension has been done cumulatively, such the full width of the 300m corridor including the approved has been assessed. The original width of the corridor has no material impact on this assessment. Further justification of the corridors is provided in Section 2.9 of Project Description in PER.

7.1(b) An explanation and justification for the purpose and width of the western corridor and the central portion. Mineralogy will need to demonstrate how it has considered the mitigation sequence of avoidance, minimize, rectify, reduce, offset. If the western corridor can be avoided this will obviously reduce the risk of impact to the mangrove ecosystem.

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Additional to these constraints, Mineralogy has, as part of the Iron Ore Processing (Mineralogy Pty Ltd) Agreement Act Amendments in 2008, handed back to the State a significant portion of land to allow for the developmnent of a State port and industrial park. By doing this uncertainty has been created over the long term access for all projects through portions of the Eastern Corridor. The impacts associated with the proposed Corridors have been assessed with respect to the BSIOP, and cumulatively with the Central Block Project. It is proposed that the Western Corridor be constructed as a trestle structure to cater for pipes, conveyors, power lines or other linear services. These trestle structures avoid the need to construct solid causeways, and as such, the physical impact on Mangrove Creek and associated vegetation is minimized. The assessment of the environmental impacts indicates that 1.3ha of mangrove and 7.8ha of algal mat habitat will be disturbed by the construction of the Western Corridor. Combining both Corridors, the loss of mangrove (5.7ha) and algal mat habitats (23.3ha) are well under the BPPH policy (EPAWA Guidance Statement No.29) 10% cumulative impact criteria (1.1% and 5.8% respectively). No historical loss (human-related) to mangrove or algal mat habitat has occurred within the management unit. Table 3-5 (Table 7-8 in BSIOP PER on page 7-19) below summaries the potential BPPH direct habitat loss from the BSIOP.

Table 3-5: Assessment of BPPH Loss from BSIOP

7.1(c) Areas of disturbance should be broken down into purpose. A map should be provided with each of the purpose areas colour coded.

The BSIOP PER and its supporting documentation contain a number of Figures that demonstrate areas of proposed disturbance. Figures 2-1 and 2-2 within the Project Description section of the PER (Section 2) show the proposed project footprint with labels affixed to each of the purpose areas. The purpose areas highlighted include: • Open Pit, • Waste Disposal Facility(s), • Mine Infrastructure, • Process Plant, • Accommodation Village, • Service Corridor(s), • Access Roads, • Stockpiles, • Desalination pipeline; and, • Desalination Plant.

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Approval for construction of infrastructure will be managed through the Part V licensing process, in consultation with the DEC Industry Regulation Branch. The proponent does not agree that the provision of further maps will assist in assessing the environmental impacts of the project proposal.

7.2(e)iii Mangroves

• The PER does not explain and justify the need for the western causeway.

Consultation has been held with DEC EMB (27 Nov 2008) on the impacts of the proposed project on mangroves and these responses have been generated based upon this consultation. Mineralogy has highlighted the requirement for a Western Corridor to allow for the construction of additional infrastructure that may be required for BSIOP based on detailed engineering review, and following construction activity from the Central Block project. The Corridors proposed in the BSIOP PER allow for all current projects and potentially future third party access to the port (as required by the Iron Ore Procesing (Mineralogy Pty Ltd) Agreement Act 2002). Current Central Block Project construction activities have highlighted many difficulties in maintaining alignments proposed in initial environmental approvals, due to physical, heritage and environmental constraints. This has resulted in the need to submit further proposals for approval (Section 45C). Additional to these constraints, Mineralogy has, as part of the Iron Ore Processing (Mineralogy Pty Ltd) Agreement Act Amendments in 2008, handed back to the State a significant portion of land to allow for the developmnent of a State port and industrial park. By doing this uncertainty has been created over the long term access for all projects through portions of the Eastern Corridor. The impacts associated with the proposed Corridors have been assessed with respect to the BSIOP, and cumulatively with the Central Block Project. It is proposed that the Western Corridor be constructed as a trestle structure to cater for pipes, conveyors, power lines or other linear services. These trestle structures avoid the need to construct solid causeways, and as such, the physical impact on Mangrove Creek and associated vegetation is minimized. The assessment of the environmental impacts indicates that 1.3ha of mangrove and 7.8ha of algal mat habitat will be disturbed by the construction of the Western Corridor. Combining both Corridors, the loss of mangrove (5.7ha) and algal mat habitats (23.3ha) are well under the BPPH policy (EPAWA Guidance Statement No.29) 10% cumulative impact criteria (1.1% and 5.8% respectively). No historical loss (human-related) to mangrove or algal mat habitat has occurred within the management unit. Table 3-6 (Table 7-8 in BSIOP PER on page 7-19) below summaries the potential BPPH direct habitat loss from the BSIOP.

Table 3-6: Assessment of BPPH Loss from BSIOP

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7.6(b) The PER states that the Central Block Project includes a combined cycle power station, where as the project approval is for an open cycle power station of 320MW. What has modeling used as an emission from the Central Block Project? If a combined cycle power station was used, why and what would be the changes in emissions compared to open-cycle?

The Central Block Project has approval for a 640MW open cycle power station. Through the detailed engineering design of the Central Block Project a combined cycle power station has been adopted, decreasing the emissions associated with power generation by approximately 40%. The BSIOP PER assessed the culmulative impacts of the Central Block Project and BSIOP utilising the latest available data (that is the combined cycle power station for the Central Block Project). It would not be appropriate for the emissions from an open-cycle power station to be included into the cumulative assessment process, as this would not be reflective of the actual air emissionsassociated with power generation from the Central Block Project and BSIOP.

7.7(a) Are the procedures of identifying, assessing, minimizing, control, treatment and monitoring of acid and metalliferous drainage (Acid Mine Drainage) in accordance with the Department of Industry, Tourism and Resources – Leading Practice Sustainable Development Program for the Mining Industry – Managing Acid and Metalliferous Drainage – February 2007?

A commitment is made to DMP, who regulates these issues, by Mineralogy, as proponents of the BSIOP, to prepare a Project Proposal in accordance with the relevant legilslation, prior to commencement of the Project. The Project Proposal will be prepared in accordance with DMP guidelines, and will contain detailed information on identifying, assessing, minimizing, control, treatment and monitoring of acid and metalliferous drainage (Acid Mine Drainage) to the satisfaction of DMP. The Central Block Project has been subject to similar assessment, and demonstrated that these and similar issues can be managed to the satisfaction of DMP. . Mineralogy will further ensure the document titled Department of Industry, Tourism and Resources – Leading Practice Sustainable Development Program for the Mining Industry – Managing Acid and Metalliferous Drainage – February 2007 is discussed with the DMP during preparation of the Project Proposal.

7.8(a) Is the proposed closure of the mine in accordance with industry code of practice (ANZMEC/MCA Strategic Framework for Mine Closure Planning)?

A commitment is made to DMP, who regulates these issues, by Mineralogy, as proponents of the BSIOP, to prepare a Project Proposal in accordance with the relevant legilslation, prior to commencement of the Project. The Project Proposal will be prepared in accordance with DMP guidelines, and will contain detailed information on mine closure to the satisfaction of DMP. The Central Block Project has been subject to similar assessment, and demonstrated that these and similar issues can be managed to the satisfaction of DMP. Mineralogy will request that the document titled ANZMEC/MCA Strategic Framework for Mine Closure Planning be discussed with the DMP during preparation of the Project Proposal.

9.1 Further specific information on the method of storage for dry stack tailings within the WDF. Dry fine tailings should not be disposed of on the external batters

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A commitment is made to DMP, who regulates these issues, by Mineralogy, as proponents of the BSIOP, to prepare a Project Proposal in accordance with the relevant legilslation, prior to commencement of the Project. The Project Proposal will be prepared in accordance with DMP guidelines, and will contain detailed information on the specific method for storage of dry stack tailings within the WDF to the satisfaction of DMP. The DMP have advised in correspondence to IM that it is satisfied that if the issues raised in the advice provided to the EPA are not addressed as part of the Part IV assessment process, then they will be adequately covered with the project proposal, providing the document is in accordance with the mining proposal guidelines.

9.2 The potential issues associated with asbestiform mineral occurrence and how it will be dealt with has not been discussed as part of this document

A commitment is made to DMP, who regulates these issues, by Mineralogy, as proponents of the BSIOP, to prepare a Project Proposal in accordance with the relevant legilslation, prior to commencement of the Project. The Project Proposal will be prepared in accordance with DMP guidelines, and will contain detailed information on the potential issues associated with asbestiform mineral occurence to the satisfaction of DMP. The DMP have advised in correspondence to IM that it is satisfied that if the issues raised in the advice provided to the EPA are not addressed as part of the Part IV assessment process, then they will be adequately covered with the project proposal, providing the document is in accordance with the mining proposal guidelines.

9.3 Further information on the specifics of AMD management is required to determine the best approach towards minimizing the risk of AMD. Particular information on the encapsulation design or source of neutralizing waste is of importance.

A commitment is made to DMP, who regulates these issues, by Mineralogy, as proponents of the BSIOP, to prepare a Project Proposal in accordance with the relevant legilslation, prior to commencement of the Project. The Project Proposal will be prepared in accordance with DMP guidelines, and will contain detailed information on the potential issues associated with Acid Mine Drainage to the satisfaction of DMP. The DMP have advised in correspondence to IM that it is satisfied that if the issues raised in the advice provided to the EPA are not addressed as part of the Part IV assessment process, then they will be adequately covered with the project proposal, providing the document is in accordance with the mining proposal guidelines.

9.4 The geophysical characteristics of all waste encountered should be assessed to ensure materials prone to dispersion are not deposited on the outer batters of the WDF.

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The DMP have advised in correspondence to IM that it is satisfied that if the issues raised in the advice provided to the EPA are not addressed as part of the Part IV assessment process, then they will be adequately covered with the project proposal, providing the document is in accordance with the mining proposal guidelines.

9.5 DMP has concerns on whether or not adequate procedures are in place to ensure that waste material entering the pit can be identified and managed, with appropriate volumes of encapsulation materials. Particular attention should be given towards the positioning of tailings and PAF materials

A commitment is made to The Department of Mines and Petroleum (DMP), who regulates these issues, by Mineralogy, as proponents of the BSIOP, to prepare a Project Proposal in accordance with the relevant legilslation, prior to commencement of the Project. The Project Proposal will be prepared in accordance with DMP guidelines, and will contain detailed information on the procedures relating to the placement of waste and encapsulation to the satisfaction of DMP. The DMP have advised in correspondence to IM that it is satisfied that if the issues raised in the advice provided to the EPA are not addressed as part of the Part IV assessment process, then they will be adequately covered with the project proposal, providing the document is in accordance with the mining proposal guidelines.

9.6 Waste dumps must be located outside of the zone of instability and away from tenement boundaries, and sufficient distance be given to allow for expansion of the waste dump footprint during rehabilitation and the placement of abandonment bunds.

A commitment is made to DMP, who regulates these issues, by Mineralogy, as proponents of the BSIOP, to prepare a Project Proposal in accordance with the relevant legilslation, prior to commencement of the Project. The Project Proposal will be prepared in accordance with DMP guidelines, and will contain detailed information on the location and geotechnical stability of waste rock facilities to the satisfaction of DMP. The DMP have advised in correspondence to IM that it is satisfied that if the issues raised in the advice provided to the EPA are not addressed as part of the Part IV assessment process, then they will be adequately covered with the project proposal, providing the document is in accordance with the mining proposal guidelines.

9.7 Ensure that there are no dispersive materials, PAF, asbestiform or tailings located in the section of the WDF located within the floodplain.

A commitment is made to DMP, who regulates these issues, by Mineralogy, as proponents of the BSIOP, to prepare a Project Proposal in accordance with the relevant legilslation, prior to commencement of the Project. The Project Proposal will be prepared in accordance with DMP guidelines, and will contain detailed information on the potential issues associated with the handling of dispersive, PAF, asbestiform or tailings materials within the WDF located within the floodplain to the satisfaction of DMP. The DMP have advised in correspondence to IM that it is satisfied that if the issues raised in the advice provided to the EPA are not addressed as part of the Part IV assessment process, then they will be adequately covered with the project proposal, providing the document is in accordance with the mining proposal guidelines.

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9.8 The design and construction of rock drains on the WDF slopes should undergo technical assessment and be suitable for the volumes of water they will experience to minimize their risk of failure.

A commitment is made to DMP, who regulates these issues, by Mineralogy, as proponents of the BSIOP, to prepare a Project Proposal in accordance with the relevant legilslation, prior to commencement of the Project. The Project Proposal will be prepared in accordance with DMP guidelines, and will contain detailed information on the design and construction of rock drains on the WDF slopes, including geotechnical and hydrological assessment to the satisfaction of DMP. The DMP have advised in correspondence to IM that it is satisfied that if the issues raised in the advice provided to the EPA are not addressed as part of the Part IV assessment process, then they will be adequately covered with the project proposal, providing the document is in accordance with the mining proposal guidelines.

9.9 DMP requests that companies conduct rehabilitation trials to determine the final landform design. All WDF’s should be constructed to ensure they are safe, stable, non-polluting and support functioning ecosystems. Clear commitments should be made to ensure the WDF’s will sustain a cover of revegetation.

A commitment is made to DMP, who regulates these issues, by Mineralogy, as proponents of the BSIOP to prepare a Project Proposal in accordance with the relevant legilslation, prior to commencement of the Project. The Project Proposal will be prepared in accordance with DMP guidelines, and will contain detailed information on the implementation of rehabilitation trials, and commitments to achieving sustainable vegetative covers to the satisfaction of DMP. The DMP have advised in correspondence to IM that it is satisfied that if the issues raised in the advice provided to the EPA are not addressed as part of the Part IV assessment process, then they will be adequately covered with the project proposal, providing the document is in accordance with the mining proposal guidelines.

9.10 The entrained water in tailings combined with incident rainfall may result in seepage from the WDF’s. Water quality should be confirmed with appropriate testing.

A commitment is made to DMP, who regulates these issues, by Mineralogy, as proponents of the BSIOP, to prepare a Project Proposal in accordance with the relevant legilslation, prior to commencement of the Project. The Project Proposal will be prepared in accordance with DMP guidelines, and will contain detailed information on the monitoring and analysis of any seepage from incident rtainfall to the satisfaction of DMP. The DMP have advised in correspondence to IM that it is satisfied that if the issues raised in the advice provided to the EPA are not addressed as part of the Part IV assessment process, then they will be adequately covered with the project proposal, providing the document is in accordance with the mining proposal guidelines.

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9.11 The dedicated locations for topsoil stockpiles is not shown on site layout plans. It is important to ensure that the positioning of topsoil stockpiles is taken into consideration, and stockpiles are clearly signposted and locations made known to employees.

A commitment is made to DMP, who regulates these issues, by Mineralogy, as proponents of the BSIOP, to prepare a Project Proposal in accordance with the relevant legilslation, prior to commencement of the Project. The Project Proposal will be prepared in accordance with DMP guidelines, and will contain detailed information on the placement and ongoing management of topsoil stockpiles to the satisfaction of DMP. The DMP have advised in correspondence to IM that it is satisfied that if the issues raised in the advice provided to the EPA are not addressed as part of the Part IV assessment process, then they will be adequately covered with the project proposal, providing the document is in accordance with the mining proposal guidelines.

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EXISTING ENVIRONMENT

Terrestrial Flora and Vegetation 1(a).9 That the proponent reviews the adequacy of the survey methods for species diversity in relation to the results of other surveys in the immediate vicinity and undertakes further survey if required to ensure that significant flora are detected and major impacts on these species avoided.

The flora surveys undertaken for the BSIOP were conducted by a number of professional botanists over a number of years and seasons, and were more extensive and intensive than the DEC Pilbara regional survey. Professional botanists employed by the Proponent to complete vegetation surveys at Cape Preston include, Maunsell AECOM, Astron Environmental and Mattiske Consulting. Figure 4-7 and Table 4-2 of the PER outline the spatial and temporal extent of the surveys conducted, and list the consultants responsible for each of the survey events. Table 3-7 and Figure 3-1 are reproduced below.

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Figure 3-1: Cape Preston Flora and Fauna Survey History

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Table 3-7: Summary of Floristic Survey Results within the BSIOP Area

Survey Year Scope Results Survey Limitations • limited amount of sampling conducted; Halpern Glick Maunsell February Austeel Pty Ltd (Austeel) intended to develop a project The results of the Flora assessment conducted during 2000 are summarised • survey restricted to a two week period; 2001 in the Cape Preston Region approximately 80km south below: • sampling concentrated within areas proposed to be disturbed west of Karratha capable of producing of up to 4.7 • 64 Terrestrial communities identified from nine Land System Units; at time of survey; million tonnes per annum of Direct Reduced Iron/Hot • total of 426 flora species from 190 genera and 64 Families. This • heavy rain prior to survey caused delay and made access Briquetted Iron (DRI/HBI). The project includes included 6 mangrove species; difficult; development of an open-cut pit, waste dumps, tailings • no species of DRF were recorded; • survey only conducted during one season and unlikely to be dams, product stockpiles and additional infrastructure • six Priority Flora were recorded, however since the time of the report representative of the entire floristic community; including access roads, haul roads, construction camps, preparation only two species remain Priority Flora, namely Goodenia village, power station, power distribution network and sp. East Pilbara (AA Mitchell PRP 727) (P1) and Phyllanthus aridus desalinated water plant. (P3); • *Prosopis pallida a declared plant is common throughout the survey area. Halpern Glick Maunsell was commissioned to conduct flora and fauna assessment of the Austeel Project area. • No populations of Threatened or Priority Flora were located; • survey restricted to a 100m corridor within the infrastructure Halpern Glick Maunsell November This report details the findings of an additional seasonal corridor; 2003 flora study undertaken in June and July 2003 to • vegetation communities in which Priority Flora were known to specifically survey the mine footprint area for species of occur in were targeted; threatened flora. This study was commissioned by Austeel in response to the EPAWA requirement for an additional seasonal survey to be conducted. • 162 vascular flora species from 94 genera and 36 Families were • Maunsell Australia Pty November This report presents the findings of the Maunsell poor accessibility to some areas; recorded; Ltd 2006 biological survey for the proposed mine and associated • time limitations to traverse such a large project area with few • no species of Declared Rare Flora were recorded to occur; infrastructure locations. It includes new survey results vehicular access tracks; • one Priority flora species was recorded to occur namely Goodenia and conclusions from 2006 as well as a review of • relatively short days in terms of the hours of sunlight, limiting the pascua (formerly P3) which has since, been removed from the information gathered as part of the previous study effective duration of survey days; conducted in 2000. Priority Flora List; • two Declared weeds, namely *Prosopis pallida (Mesquite) and Datura • difficulty in placement of pegs for quadrats in compacted clays or leichhardtii (Native Thornapple), were recorded within project area; rocky soils; • a lack of good quality aerial photography, which was not made

available until after field investigations, due to a period of high demand and delays at the Department of Land Information (DLI).

• Review of HGM 2001 report. See above. Mattiske Consulting April 2007 Review of potential flora and vegetation issues within Not noted the preferred campsites and original campsite for the Project Area. Review of HGM flora assessment and mapping. • majority of survey area belong to Littoral Land System Unit; Astron Environmental June 2007 Area surveyed extends from the east coast of Cape Not noted • nine additional vegetation communities identified Services Preston in the north to directly west of Mount Potter in the south, within General purpose lease G08/52 and G08/53. This assessment was an extension of flora work previously conducted by HGM.

• not ground truthed Maunsell AECOM Pty Ltd 2008 Extrapolation of existing vegetation community mapping N/A based on interpretation of aerial photography for the purposes of exploration drilling program.

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1(a).10 That the proponent (and other proponents in the Cape Preston area) re-assess the use of land systems rather than defining vegetation communities based on species composition.

As noted by DEC, this comment is not considered to be a significant issue for this proposal. Land systems mapping has historically be used as it is the most readily available broad-scale mapping available. PATN analysis has been used to correlate vegetation communities to land systems, and the land systems have not been used as proxies for communities.

1(a).23 Re-assess flora data using quadrat and transect data separately.

Appendix C of the BSIOP PER (titled Cape Preston Mining Estate Consolidated Vegetation, Flora and Fauna Assessment - Maunsell 2008) refers to the establishment of both quadrats and transects, which might suggest two differing methods of data collection and sampling. However, the wording is misleading in this regard. Generally, quadrats of the dimension 50m x 50m were used as the sampling method. In locations where this dimension of sampling area was not appropriate, for exampling, in creek-lines and other drainage line areas, where the extent of the vegetation community does not span an area of at least 50m (many creeklines are less than 50m wide), longer and narrower areas for “quadrat” sampling were established. In many cases, long narrow quadrats 25m x 100m were established. We concur that a better choice of words where “transect” has been used, would be “linear quadrats”. During the 2006 assessment a total of 34 quadrats were established. Nine of these quadrats were established within the area previously surveyed during the 2000 assessment (2000, Biota Survey), whilst the remaining 25 were established in previously unsurveyed areas. The nine quadrats established within previously surveyed areas allowed for confirmation and comparison to the 2000 flora survey, including the detailed vegetation quadrats established during the 2000 assessment. The previous assessment (2000, Biota Survey) recorded 121 detailed flora sites. Therefore collectively, between 2000 and 2006, a total of 155 quadrats were sampled, within the entire project area. The method for data sampling follows a generally accepted method that is used in comparable flora and vegetation assessments in Western Australia. The method is primarily based on: Keighery, B.J. (1994) Bushland Plant Survey – A Guide to Plant Community Survey for the Community Wildflower Society of WA (inc) Nedlands WA. This method includes selection of a “Cover Class” (range of percentage foliage cover) for each species and each stratum, in order to determine the vegetation community structure. Foliage cover is accepted to be an interpretation of the surveying Botanist, made during field assessment. A more detailed account of our standard methodology for field assessments for values of flora and vegetation is provided within Appendix C of the PER.

7.3(b) Please provide a map that shows the locations of priority species, the Acacia victoriae and the phreatophytic vegetation with the boundary of the footprints as Figure 4-10 is difficult to decipher between the colours, especially under the green and yellow.

Figures 5.01 – 5.13 contained within Appendix E of the BSIOP PER Appendix C in this document (titled Cape Preston Mining Estate Consolidated Vegetation, Flora and Fauna Assessment - Maunsell 2008) have been re-printed to shown the locations of A victoriae and Priority plant species. These Figures have been attached to this response as Appendix A.

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It is considered impractical to overlay the phreatophytic vegetation onto these Figures, as the additional layer would introduce confusion with the underlying vegetation communities. The presence of phreatophytic vegetation is clearly shown in Fig 7-1 of the PER (page 7-11). Figure 7-1 is reproduced below as Figure 3-2. Some phreatophytic vegetation will be impacted directly by clearing for infratructure such as the open pitm roads and other structures crossing creeks etc. These areas are excpected to be small and are accounted for within the vegetation clearing tables within the PER.

Figure 3-2: Phreatophytic Vegetation Impacted by the Cumulative 3m Drawdown Contour

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Terrestrial Fauna 7.4(c) Were targeted surveys of the Little North-Western Mastiff bat undertaken? Provide explanation if this was not undertaken.

Targeted bat surveys were commissioned by Mineralogy, and completed in 2008 by Specialised Zoological on behalf of Phoenix Environmental Science. The proposed methodology of the survey was endorsed by the Environmental Management Branch of the Department of Environment and Conservation during a meeting held on the 4th September, 2008. Field survey took place from the 8th to the 26th of September, 2008, with up to three Anabat detectors used per night to record the ultrasonic calls of bat species. Recordings were taken in each habitat present within the study area for a minimum of two nights. A total of 28 Anabat nights were conducted during the survey. Recordings were analysed by Dr Kyle Armstrong (Specialised Zoological). Anabat echolocation call recordings identified a number of bat species, however, no recording were made of the Little North-Western Mastiff Bat. At the time of preparation of the PER the targeted bat survey was in draft form, and it was not considered appropriate to include the Report within the PER as Appendix B. Information contained within the draft report was cited within the BSIOP PER on page 7-25, and is copied below. “The bat fauna of the Cape Preston region were surveyed (Phoenix Environmental Services 2008b) using the non-invasive Anabat echolocation call recordings with a total of eight species being identified with a medium to high level of confidence. The species identified were; Gould’s wattled bat (Chalinolobus gouldii), Northern free- tailed bat (Chaerephon jobensis), Western little free-tailed bat (Mormopterus loriae cobourgiana), Unidentified long-eared bat (Nyctophilus sp.), Yellow-bellied sheath-tailed bat (Saccolaimus flaviventris), Little broad-nosed bat (Scotorepens greyii), Common sheath-tailed bat (Taphozous georgianus) and Finlayson’s forest bat (Vespadelus finlaysoni). The Little North-Western Mastiff Bat was not recorded during these surveys”. On request, a copy of this report has been provided to DEWHA, and is also attached to this response as Appendix B.

8.5 The Phoenix Environmental Sciences Fauna Survey “Cape Preston Iron Ore Precinct – Draft Report 24 November 2008” should have been presented in the published PER as an appendix given that the PER was not released until March 2009

At the time of preparation of the PER the targeted bat survey was in draft form, and it was not considered appropriate to include the Report within the PER as an Appendix. Information contained within the draft report was cited within the BSIOP PER on page 7-25, and is copied below. “The bat fauna of the Cape Preston region were surveyed (Phoenix Environmental Services 2008b) using the non-invasive Anabat echolocation call recordings with a total of eight species being identified with a medium to high level of confidence.

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The species identified were; Gould’s wattled bat (Chalinolobus gouldii), Northern free- tailed bat (Chaerephon jobensis), Western little free-tailed bat (Mormopterus loriae cobourgiana), Unidentified long-eared bat (Nyctophilus sp.), Yellow-bellied sheath-tailed bat (Saccolaimus flaviventris), Little broad-nosed bat (Scotorepens greyii), Common sheath-tailed bat (Taphozous georgianus) and Finlayson’s forest bat (Vespadelus finlaysoni). The Little North-Western Mastiff Bat was not recorded during these surveys”. On request, a copy of this report has been provided to DEWHA, and is also attached to this response as Appendix B.

Subterranean Fauna 1(a).11 That the proponent undertakes further troglofauna surveys and provides further information to support risk-based assessment to evaluate the potential impact of the proposed development on the troglofauna community at BSIOP.

Mineralogy, in consultation with EPA, commissioned Strategen Environmental Consultants Pty Ltd (Strategen) to prepare a high level review of potential cumulative impacts of all proposed current and future projects at Cape preston (Cape Preston Iron Ore Developments – High Level Review of Potential Cumulative Impacts – Strategen, 2009). This report has been provided directly to EPA for review, and has been made publically available via the Mineralogy web site. The high level review considered key environmental factors including subterranean fauna, and concluded that : “Given that geological information suggests that the Cape Preston troglofauna community may extend throughout the Brockman Iron Formation and that 65% of this formation will remain intact at full development, the four projects may pose a relatively low risk to troglofauna; however, there is a large uncertainty associated with this assumption. Additional troglofauna sampling, particularly in areas that will not be affected by development at Cape Preston, is required to confirm the distribution of the troglofauna community and facilitate a more certain assessment of risk”. Following this conclusion, EPA requested that further investigation be undertaken, and a supplemental report titled Cape Preston Iron Ore Developments – Cumulative impact investigations – additional information was prepared by Strategen. This report provided detailed information on Troglofauna, and included the following: • Challenges faced when sampling for troglofauna, • Sampling history, • Distribution of the Cape Preston troglofauna community; and, • Effects of groundwater drawdown. In conclusion, Strategen determined that based on available knowledge: “The Cape Preston troglofauna community and its constituent species are unlikely to be placed at significant risk from the development of the four proposed mining developments at Cape Preston.

Dewatering at Cape Preston is expected to drain the subterranean environment above the dewatered zone to field capacity and is therefore not expected to change the relative humidity within the soil matrix. Thus, potential impacts to troglofauna are limited to removal of habitat by excavation of mine pits.

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is contiguous troglofauna habitat between at least Northern Block and Southern Block. Together with the absence of any major geological discontinuities between these areas, this suggests the Cape Preston troglofauna community is likely to occur throughout the banded iron formation between these areas. At least some species of the community may extend beyond this range, as there is likely to be habitat connectivity beyond the ore bodies, for example, between the Cape Preston Brockman Iron Formation and that of Bilanoo Hill.

Several troglobitic species have been recorded only from a relatively small area based on sampling results to date; however, there does not appear to be any reason (geological or otherwise) why any particular group would be restricted within the Cape Preston locality. Alternative conclusions drawn purely from presence and absence in sampling records (given that sampling effort to date is strongly biased towards impact areas) are likely to be erroneous.

The Cape Preston troglofauna community and all its constituent species are unlikely to be placed at significant risk from the development of the four proposed mining developments at Cape Preston.

However, the proponents of the four Cape Preston mining proposals will undertake a long-term comprehensive study in consultation with DEC and a Western Australian university to: • further understand the distribution of troglofauna at Cape Preston and in the wider region • investigate the use of alternative sampling techniques such as leaf litter sampling • determine the effect of groundwater drawdown on troglofauna habitat • investigate the potential for waste dumps and tailings dams to provide troglofauna habitat. The proponents do not propose to complete these investigations as part of their impact assessment investigations”. This supplemental report has been presented to EPA, and a site visit to the Project Area arranged with the EPA Board.

1(a).12 That the proponent provides information on the area refered to as the ‘Robe’, with regard to the potential of this site to be impacted by approved or currently proposed developments as this is the only potentially non-impact site in which Diacyclops humphreysii s.str X unispinosus has been confirmed.

Appendix D of the BSIOP PER - Subterranean fauna sampling at BSIOP and adjacent areas (August 2008) – Report 2008/42 (page 26) refers to sampling locations CPM001-003 within the Robe catchment. These are the sampling locations where Diacyclops humphreysii s.str X unispinosus has been confirmed. CPM001-CPM003 are located close to the Robe River in the vicinity of the Pannawonica Road / North West Coastal Highway intersection. This is approximately 60km SSW of the BSIOP area, and will not be impacted by approved or currently proposed developments. A copy of the Figure demonstrating this location was omitted from the Report by the author, as the sites were considered “outliers”. Figure 3-3 is attached below.

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Figure 3-3: Bores Sampled in June 2007 by Bennelongia in the Robe Catchment

The “Robe Valley” referenced within Section 7 of the PER (Biota 2006) is an area outside of the Cape Preston region, some 43km west of Pannawonica, in the Western Pilbara. The referenced report Mesa A and Robe Valley mesas troglobitic fauna survey (2006) was prepared by Biota for Robe River Iron Associates as a supporting document for the Mesa A Public Environmental Report. EPA currently holds a copy of this report.

7.4(d) Have all species of stygofauna been found through sampling outside of the impact zone, including the predicted dewatering cone of depression of both the BSIOP and the Central Block Project?

Appendix D of the BSIOP PER, Subterranean fauna sampling at BSIOP and adjacent areas (Bennelongia, 2008) reported that; “The BSIOP supported less than one‐third the numbers of stygofaunal animals and species found in reference bores (mostly in alluvium to the west of Central Block) in May and June 2007, which suggests the stygofaunal community at the mine site is depauperate. All 15 stygofauna species present at the BSIOP have been recorded outside the zone of impact of both the BSIOP and Central Block Projects (Appendix 1). The community consisted of nematods (1 species), worms (1), mites (1), ostracods (3), copepods (6), thermosbaenacids (1) and amphipods (2).

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Information on stygofauna species impacts is also presented in the Section 3.5 of the Executive Summary of High Level Review of Potential Cumulative Impacts paper (Strategen, 2009). This paper has been provided directly to EPA, and has been made publically available by Mineralogy through publication on their web site.

7.4(e) Has further sampling been undertaken to locate all troglofauna species outside of the impact zones of the BSIOP and the Central Block Project?

Excavation of mine pits associated with the four proposed mining developments at Cape Preston will remove approximately 35% of the outcropping Brockman Iron Formation occurring from Northern Block to Southern Block. Sampling results to date suggest there is contiguous troglofauna habitat between at least Northern Block and Southern Block. Together with the absence of any major geological discontinuities between these areas, this suggests the Cape Preston troglofauna community is likely to occur throughout the banded iron formation between these areas. At least some species of the community may extend beyond this range, as there is likely to be habitat connectivity beyond the ore bodies, for example, between the Cape Preston Brockman Iron Formation and that of Bilanoo Hill.

Several troglobitic species have been recorded only from a relatively small area based on sampling results to date; however, there does not appear to be any reason (geological or

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otherwise) why any particular group would be restricted within the Cape Preston locality. Alternative conclusions drawn purely from presence and absence in sampling records (given that sampling effort to date is strongly biased towards impact areas) are likely to be erroneous.

The Cape Preston troglofauna community and all its constituent species are unlikely to be placed at significant risk from the development of the four proposed mining developments at Cape Preston.

Marine Ecology 1(a).16 That the proponent develops and provides a suitable map for nearshore marine habitats potentially affected by pipeline construction prior to project approval.

The potential loss of BPPH from pipeline construction is described in PER Section 7.6.2.3, and a map of nearshore marine habitats potentially affected by pipeline construction is provided as Figure 4-22 (Cape Preston Benthic Habitats) within the PER (page 4-61). This Figure is reproduced below as Figure 3-4. A single trench of 4m wide by 3m deep will be required for the installation of the intake and outfall (pipes will be laid side-by-side in this trench). As the intake is in deeper water than the outfall, the portion of the trench leading from the outfall to the intake will only contain the intake pipeline. Based on these dimensions, and an intertidal habitat crossing of around 800m, the total area disturbed during construction will be approximately 0.3ha. The area of algae dominated limestone pavement intertidal habitat available in the immediate Cape Preston region can be conservatively assessed as hundreds of hectares (around 300ha in the mapped area). Thus the area of disturbance is conservatively estimated as 0.00001% The area of the construction is described as “an area of low environmental sensitivity mainly consisting of algal dominated limestone pavement and deep sand/silt. These habitats are deemed to be of low sensitivity due to their widespread distribution in the greater region of the BSIOP”. Pipeline installation is noted to be a transient (2-3 month) activity, and will be conducted by a barge-mounted excavator. Advice from the lead consultant (URS) is that this transient activity will have no adverse impact on BPPH. “The remaining sections of pipeline outside of the dredged channel will be trenched into areas of low environmental sensitivity. The footprint required for installation of the pipeline will be minimised as much as is possible, but is estimated to be a maximum of 5m in width. Only those habitats within this immediate pipeline corridor will be directly disturbed as a result of the installation of the outlet pipeline.

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However, backfilling of the trench with rock will create a new ‘artificial reef’habitat which eventually will be colonised by similar organisms that currently colonise the exposed limestone pavement at that vicinity. In the long term, this ‘reef’ is likely to actually locally increase biological productivity in the region because it will provide a solid substrate for invertebrates and algae to colonise. Hence the direct impact of the brine outlet pipeline and diffuser footprint will be the modification of seafloor habitat to a more biologically stable and productive state (i.e. from sand to exposed limestone). There will therefore be no long-term loss of benthic primary producer habitat” (PER Appendix F Marine Impact Assessment Water production Desalination Plant at Cape Preston URS, 10 September 2008).

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Figure 3-4: Cape Preston Benthic Habitats

Land Use 1(a).22 Amend Figure 4.23 or 4.24 to include the 2015 pastoral lease exclusion area (which will become part of the State’s conservation reserve system) or add a separate figure.

Section 4 of the BSIOP PER discusses the location and importance of the proposed Regnard Marine Management Area (Figure 4-24) and then mentions the 2015 exclusion under the heading of Mardie Station (page 4-72), it A separate figure (Figure 3-5) has been provided below showing this detail.

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Figure 3-5: DEC Agreed Conservation Area & CPPM Offset Areas

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BIOPHYSICAL ISSUES

Terrestrial Flora and Vegetation 1(a).6 That the proponent demonstrates the dewatering activities will not adversely impact on the Fortescue River ecosystem, particularly the associated phreatophytic vegetation. If vegetation or fauna is likely to be impacted, the level of permitted impact needs to be defined, and management and mitigation and monitoring measures should be described in a Fortescue River Management Plan.

Section 7.2.2 of the PER outlines that the dewatering of the pit will not impact on flora in the Fortescue River Alluviums. However, IM has applied a precautionary approach to the management, mitigation and monitoring measures for groundwater protection prior to any dewatering activities. A Groundwater Water Management Plan has been prepared detailing this approach, and is presented in Section 13 of the PEMP. As outlined in the PEMP, potential impact and control sites for monitoring will be selected on the basis of predicted groundwater cones of depression. Control sites will be located upstream and downstream of the potential impact areas. The monitoring program will focus on using scientifically accepted plant physiological techniques to monitor tree health on a qualitative and quantitative basis using both potential and control monitoring sites. A statistically sound monitoring program will be implemented to determine impact on a temporal and spatial scale. The quantitative monitoring proposed focuses on analyzing the movement of xylem sap (transpiration pull) on the phreatophytes by adopting the leaf water potential technique. Qualitative visual assessment of both the overstorey and understorey will be undertaken to give a measurement of condition and health of the ambient environment. Overstorey will be assessed on the following: • Canopy density and cover • Percentage of dead branches • Presence of epicormic growth; and • Percentage of pathogen infestation and leaf condition. Understorey will be assessed on: • Weed infestation • Erosion • Impact of grazing by animals It is proposed that the above monitoring will be conducted biannually on commencement of the Project. If it is determined through monitoring that there are no significant impacts to indicator species (phreatophytes) at the monitoring locations, then the monitoring and dewatering program will continue unchanged. If significant impacts are identified, then remedial action will be discussed with DoW. A comprehensive annual report will be submitted to DoW annually, outlining the results of both vegetation and groundwater monitoring, and dewatering activity and a discussion of trends. If, on completion of two years of monitoring, there are no discernable trends or significant impacts to key species, it is expected that the monitoring program will be modified to reduce the sampling effort and frequency. Discussion will be held with DoW prior to finalizing changes to the monitoring program. As such, the proponent does not propose to produce a separate Fortescue River Management Plan.

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1(a).24 It is recommended that the Weed Control Management section of the Project Environmental Management Plan is reviewed to incorporate baseline weed mapping and active weed control programs with defined targets and outcomes.

Based on broad-scale weed mapping completed for the PER, it is proposed that the entire project area be treated as a weed-risk area and weed control / hygiene procedures will apply to the entire project. Weed mapping will be conducted as part of land clearing permits.

7.3(a) The PER states that Acacia victoriae will not be impacted by the Project as it occurs in vegetation types Mr3, Mr6, and Roc3 which will not be directly cleared. Will there be any indirect impacts on Acacia victoriae?

Acacia victoriae has been identified as occurring at two locations in the Cape Preston area. The two individuals were identified to the south-west of the BSIOP, on the western side of the Fortescue River (Quadrat locations 20 and 28, 2006 survey shown in Fig 5.13, Appendix E of the Maunsell Flora and Fauna Report, 2008). This Figure is attached to this submission within Appendix A. These individuals are outside of any area of influence (either direct or indirect) from the BSIOP.

7.3(c) What is the percentage loss of phreatophytic vegetation?

The area of phreatophytic vegetation lost through dewatering attributed to the BSIOP has been reported within the PER as 460ha (Section 7 – Table 7-6, page 7-10). The total cumulative loss is reported as 1,271ha (Section 7 – Table 7-6, page 7-10) The total area of phreatophytic vegetation in the Cape Preston survey area is 4,167ha. Based on these numbers, the % loss is 11.04% (BSIOP) and 30.5% cumulative. An updated table (Table 3-8) has been included below. Review of the BSIOP PER has determined that the potential % loss of phreatophytic vegetation associated with the BSIOP has been incorrectly reported in Table 6-1 (page 6-4) as 8.5%. This error was introduced following recalculation of the total area of phreatophytic vegetation within the study area. The total loss (ha) associated with the Project is unchanged at 460ha.

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Table 3-8: Area of Phreatophytic Vegetation Impacted by Groundwater Drawdown

Phreatophytic vegetation community BSIOP (ha) Cumulative Total area of Impact (ha) phreatophytic vegetation within Cape Preston vegetation survey areas

Pc – Eucalyptus victrix, E. camaldulensis woodland over Acacia coriacea, Mesquite high 139.52 258.56 369.66 shrubland over open herbland Pc2 – Eucalyptus victrix open woodland over Acacia coriacea high shrubland over 0.02 13.96 34.97 Cenchrus sp. tussock grassland

Pc3 – Eucalyptus victrix open woodland over Acacia coriacea high shrubland over Triodia 0.00 0.00 14.05 epactia open curly spinifex grassland and Cenchrus ciliaris open tussock grassland Pc4 – Eucalyptus victrix scattered trees over Acacia ancistrocarpa high open shrubland 2.54 3.09 3.09 over Sorghum spp. open annual tussock grassland and Triodia wiseana very open hummock grassland Rc2 – Melaleuca argentea, Eucalyptus camaldulensis open forest over patches of Acacia 0.00 0.14 0.14 coriacea high shrubland over Cenchrus sp. tussock grassland

Rc3 – Eucalyptus camaldulensis woodland over patches of Melaleuca glomerata high 41.89 96.03 187.12 shrubland over patches of Cyperus vaginatus sedgeland Rc4 – Eucalyptus victrix and E. camaldulensis woodland over patches of Melaleuca 7.33 109.44 493.78

glomerata high shrubland over Cenchrus sp. tussock grassland Rf1 – Eucalyptus victrix open woodland over Cenchrus spp. tussock grassland 268.75 790.21 3064.26 Total 460.05 1,271.43 4,167.07 % of total phreatophytic vegetation 11.04% 30.5%

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7.3(d) Will the two priority species be indirectly impacted?

A single recording of Phyllanthus aridus (P3) occurs within the proposed BSIOP open pit. This individual was recorded by HGM in the 2000 survey at quadrat location M059. This individual will not be able to be avoided during open pit development, and will be removed at the commencement of open pit pre-strip. This location is shown as site M059 on Figure 5.10 of Appendix A of this document. Goodenia sp. East Pilbara (P1) is located approximately 500m east of the proposed infrastructure corridor, and it is not expected that the will be impacted either directly (through clearing), or indirectly (through groundwater drawdown) by the project. This location is shown as site M027 on Figure 5.04 of Appendix A of this document. It is proposed that potential indirect impacts such as dust can be managed through actions already listed in the PEMP (PEMP Section 16 – Dust Management).

7.3(e) Clarity is required on why the Boolgeeda Land System is considered locally significant within the project areas due to being a locally limited type, but then the PER states that these values are considered well represented outside of the project area. What are ‘these values’ and what makes this land system locally limited?

The Boolgeeda land system is described within the PER as “stony lower slopes and plains found below hill systems, supporting hard and soft spinifex grasslands and mulga shrublands. Predominantly deposition surfaces of very gently inclined stony slopes and plains becoming almost level further downslope” (PER Section 4.7.2 – page 4-14). This system is considered locally significant, as there is only one occurrence within the BSIOP footprint. Figure 4-6 of the PER (page 4-16) demonstrates that outside of the BSIOP footprint, occurrence of this land system is widespread, and is therefore not regionally significant. In this context the description of “value” (PER page 7-5) is used to describe the land system itself. Mineralogy agree that the words “these values are” in the fourth paragraph of the sub-heading Impacts at the Land System Level (PER Section 7.2.2 – page 7-5) could be deleted and replaced with “this land system is”.

7.3(f) Cumulative impact of the Boolgeeda, Cheerawarra, Horseflats, Littorial, River, Rocklea, Yamerina should be provided in both area (ha) and percentage of the Roebourne Sub-region and the Pilbara Region.

Table 7-4 of the BSIOP PER (page 7-5) contained data outlining the area and % impact of vegetation clearing at the Roebourne Subregion and Pilbara Region for each of the land systems occurring within the Project Area. This clearing was restricted to the BSIOP only, and did not include cumulative impact with the existing Central Block Project. Page 7-6 of the PER contained a discussion of the cumulative impacts at a Land System and Vegetation Community level. Table 7-4 has been modified to include cumulative impact information and is attached below (Table 3-9). As can be seen from the Table, the cumulative impact of clearing within the Roebourne Subregion is calculated as 0.86%, and 0.11% of the Pilbara Region.

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Table 3-9: Total Area of Each Land System to be Cleared by the BSIOP

Land System BSIOP (ha) Cumulative Total area of % cleared in Roebourne Total area of % cleared within Pilbara Projects (ha) Land System Subregion Land System Region within within the Roebourne Pilbara Region Subregion (ha) (ha)

(Balmoral) (Cumulative) (Balmoral) (Balmoral) (Cumulative)

Boolgeeda 132.26 132.26 27,085.24 0.49 0.49 826,416.12 0.02 0.02

Cheerawarra 6.05 6.73 48,424.73 0.01 0.01 49,210.84 0.01 0.01

Horseflats 1,284.33 1,767.50 297,358.74 0.43 0.59 328,911.14 0.39 0.54

Littoral 375.37 433.32 212,125.90 0.18 0.20 248,221.78 0.15 0.17

Macroy 0.00 13.63 5,341.23 0.00 0.26 1,333,613.73 0.00 0.00

Newman 447.06 1,263.51 4,872.65 9.17 25.93 1,458,027.91 0.03 0.09

Paraburdoo 973.77 1,482.96 17,850.10 5.46 8.31 64,135.89 1.52 2.31

River 33.87 33.87 125,519.60 0.03 0.03 463,955.92 0.01 0.01

Rocklea 1,452.11 1,927.35 43,182.63 3.36 4.46 2,428,593.74 0.06 0.08

Yamerina 592.13 718.13 119,391.09 0.50 0.60 120,270.82 0.49 0.60

Totals 5,296.95 7,779.26 901,151.92 0.59 0.86 7,321,357.90 0.07 0.11

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7.3(g) Total areas (ha) of each vegetation community in both the Roebourne Sub-region and the Pilbara Region should be provided.

This is not possible, as neither the Roebourne Sub-region nor the Pilbara Region have been adequately surveyed to a vegetation community level. These areas are extensive (many 1,000’s of km2), and such a survey has not been conducted. Appendix C of the BSIOP PER Cape Preston Mining Estate Consolidated Vegetation, Flora and Fauna Assessment (Maunsell, 2008), Section 6.3 – Table 11 contains impact data at a vegetation community level, including area (ha) and % within the Cape Preston mapped area.

Terrestrial Fauna 1(a).5 That the proponent considers provision for fauna access in the design of infrastructure within the corridor as these corridors may become a significant barrier for movement of terrestrial fauna.

Mineralogy, in consultation with EPA, commissioned Strategen Environmental Consultants Pty Ltd (Strategen) to prepare a report titled Cape Preston Iron Ore Developments – Cumulative impact investigations – additional information. This report provided detailed information on Fauna linkages, and included the following: “There is limited information available on natural fauna linkages, including whether fauna linkages are utilised in modified environments. Based on the fauna that occur in the area, and an analysis of the landscape and fauna movement, frogs and small birds could be most affected by a reduction in fauna linkages.

The following may be considered to protect as far as practicable potentially significant fauna linkages: • prioritise retention and conservation of the area that would be subject to the 1 in 100yr ARI flooding event for the three main drainage lines that intersect the terrestrial disturbance footprint for the four projects (i.e. Edward Creeks and Du Boulay Creek) • investigate construction options of creek crossovers to minimise the interruption to fauna linkages”. This supplemental report has been presented to EPA. Mineralogy commit to informing the Project Operators of the requirement to plan for and install provisions for fauna access when designing infrastructure within the corridors, so as to minimise where possible the barriers to movement of terrestrial fauna.

7.4(a) Please provide information for the land snails, including and potential impacts and proposed management.

Section 4.11 of the PER included a description of the potential for Short Range Endemics (SREs) to occur at the Project location. Appendix I of the PER (Cape Preston Short Range Endemic Invertebrate Study - Phoenix Draft Report, February 2009) did not include the information on land snails due to the taxonomic identification not being available at the time of report preparation. Section 4 of the Draft Report states: “The results here exclude the land snails collected in the survey as taxonomic resolution of these is pending at the time of writing. A total of six families known to include SRE taxa were recorded during the survey. These families were represented by nine genera and 19 species” Subsequent to the publishing date of the BSIOP PER, the Cape Preston Short Range Endemic Invertebrate Study has been finalised (April 2009) and provided to Mineralogy.

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Section 4 of the Final Report has been revised to read: “A total of nine families known to include SRE taxa were recorded during the survey. These families were represented by 13 genera and 25 species”. “Six species of molluscs were recorded, including two new species which appear to be SRE taxa. The remaining four species have widespread distributions”. Of the two new species that appear to be SRE taxa, only one (Quistrachia sp. 2) has been recorded within the proposed BSIOP area (at Cape Preston – see Appendix C). These individuals were found to occur in locations that have been proposed to be cleared for construction of the product stockpiles and infrastructure corridor. The second taxa (Quistrachia sp. 1) was recorded on the coast to the west of James Point, outside of the area of direct impact (clearing). As such, no impacts are predicted at that location. The surveys conducted at Cape Preston have been the first of their kind in the coastal regions of the Pilbara, and as such it is unsurprising that taxa have been identified that were not previously known to exist in the area. Recommendations of the Final Report include an extension of the survey effort to further understand the significance of Quistrachia sp. 2, and Mineralogy support this recommendation. The habitat type in which Quistrachia sp.2 has been identified is described as “Coastal Dune”, a habitat type that occurs extensively along the Pilbara coastline. It is highly likely that these taxa will occur at other locations within adjacent dune systems, and that it’s restriction to the BSIOP area is an artefact of the survey sampling effort. To further improve the knowledge of this taxa, Mineralogy propose that the specific locations in which these taxa were identified be quarantined from development to a radius of 50m until further investigation has quantified the significance of this taxa as an SRE. A full copy of the Cape Preston Short Range Endemic Invertebrate Study - Phoenix Report, April 2009 has been attached to this report as Appendix C.

7.4(b) What has Mineralogy proposed to allow for the movement of fauna in all directions?

Mangroves

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1(a).2 That the PER provides a combined conservative (worst case) figure for all estimated losses on benthic primary producer habitat, direct and indirect, that will result from both construction and operation into one table (Table 7-8) to demonstrate that the cumulative mangrove and algal mat loss will not exceed 10% of these habitats within the habitat unit.

Information on the potential loss of BPPH (direct and indirect) has been provided in the PER(Section 7.3.2) and is repeated below: “To calculate the area of direct habitat loss and undertake an assessment within the framework of the BPPH guidance statement (EPAWA 2004d) the distribution of mangrove and algal mat habitats was mapped within the BPPH management unit shown in Table 7-8 (as Table 3-10). The area of the management unit is 50km2 and extends east from the western shoreline of Cape Preston and abuts the boundary of the proposed Regnard Marine Management Area (i.e. the mangrove management unit does not include any portion of the Regnard Marine Management Area within it). The mapping was undertaken by a mangrove specialist who digitised the distribution of mangrove and algal mat habitats on to high resolution (0.8m pixel) ortho-rectified aerial photography flown over the Cape Preston area in October 2001. The total area of direct mangrove habitat loss associated with construction activities within the corridors was estimated to be 5.7ha. The total area of mangroves within the management unit was calculated to be 502ha, consisting of 188ha from the western creek (i.e. the creek system that the proposed service corridors traverses) and 314ha from the eastern creek systems. When considering the percentage loss (1.1%) from this BSIOP, it is concluded that the direct loss of mangroves is low when compared to existing mangrove areas within the management unit and well under the 10% cumulative impact criteria stated in the BPPH Policy (see Section 6). The maximum loss of algal mat habitat (assuming disturbance across the entire width of the corridors and the central portion) is 23.3ha which represents 5.8% of algal mat area within the BPPH management unit. No historical loss (human-related) to mangrove or algal mat habitat has occurred within the management unit”. This assessment has included the potential indirect losses of BPPH, and includes losses from corridors and the desalination plant and associated infrastructure. Table 7-8 within the PER (Section 7, page 7-19) titled Assessment of BPPH Loss from BSIOP highlights the estimated losses both in area (ha) and % of Management Unit. This table is presented below.

Table 3-10: Assessment of BPPH Loss from BSIOP

Area in Habitat Loss Estimates % loss of BPPH Management Total Habitat Management Habitat Unit Western Central Eastern Loss Unit Corridor Portion Corridor

Mangroves 502 ha 1.3 ha 0 ha 4.4 ha 5.7 ha 1.1%

Algal Mat 401 ha 7.8 ha 9.2 ha 6.3 ha 23.3 ha 5.8%

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1(a).3 That any approval for this proposal incorporates an outcome based condition that applies quantitative limits to loss on mangrove and algal mat habitat attributable to this proposal, and a condition that the proponent undertakes an annual algal mat and mangrove monitoring program to demonstrate that losses of benthic primary producer habitat are not exceeding the predicted limits.

Mineralogy supports the setting of outcome based conditions, however caution must be taken when setting open-ended monitoring requirements that are unable to adapt to changing circumstances. As with the proposal for GDE monitoring within the Fortescue River Alluvials, Mineralogy propose that an intensive and statistically valid monitoring program be undertaken that can be altered over time should that monitoring reveal that no significant environmental impacts are arising from it’s activities. Should monitoring show minimal impacts, the monitoring and reporting program could be scaled back commensurate with the environmental values at risk.

10.2 Loss of fish habitat in Mangrove Creek may cause localized depletion of some species.

Investigations reported within Section 7.3.2 of the PER have shown that the proposed project will impact on 1.1% of the mangroves and 5.8% of the algal mat within the BPPH management unit (as reported in Table 7- 8 of the PER). The Western Corridor is proposed to be a trestle structure, and as such will have minimal impact on the tidal processes of the creek. The eastern corridor causeway will be designed to provide sufficient tidal exchange to the upstream areas of the creek. It is not expected that the limited footprint of the corridor infrastructure will result in adverse impact on fish habitats. Mineralogy concurs with EMB’s view that construction techniques should mirror those already in place for the Central Block Project, and will convey to the Project Operators that consultation on engineering design should occur to ensure consistency.

Marine Ecology 1(a).15 That the proponent assesses the loss of benthic primary producers from desalination pipeline construction in accordance with EPA Guidance Statement 29.

The potential loss of BPPH from pipeline construction is described in PER Section 7.6.2.3. The area of the construction is described as “an area of low environmental sensitivity mainly consisting of algal dominated limestone pavement and deep sand/silt. These habitats are deemed to be of low sensitivity due to their widespread distribution in the greater region of the BSIOP”. Pipeline installation is noted to be a transient (2-3 month) activity, and will be conducted by a barge-mounted excavator. Advice from the lead consultant (URS) is that this transient activity will have no adverse impact on BPPH. “The remaining sections of pipeline outside of the dredged channel will be trenched into areas of low environmental sensitivity. The footprint required for installation of the pipeline will be minimised as much as is possible, but is estimated to be a maximum of 5m in width. Only those habitats within this immediate pipeline corridor will be directly disturbed as a result of the installation of the outlet pipeline. However, backfilling of the trench with rock will create a new ‘artificial reef’ habitat which eventually will be colonised by similar organisms that currently colonise the exposed limestone pavement at that vicinity. In the long term, this ‘reef’ is likely to actually locally increase biological productivity in the region because it will provide a solid substrate for invertebrates and algae to colonise.

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Hence the direct impact of the brine outlet pipeline and diffuser footprint will be the modification of seafloor habitat to a more biologically stable and productive state (i.e. from sand to exposed limestone). There will therefore be no long-term loss of benthic primary producer habitat” (PER Appendix F Marine Impact Assessment Water production Desalination Plant at Cape Preston URS, 10 September 2008).

1(a).17 That the management of potential impacts on marine turtles and shorebirds be considered and monitored throughout all aspects of the development and operation of the project.

Management of Marine Turtles and Migratory Shorebirds is discussed at length in the PER Section 7 and PEMP Sections 10 and 11. The potential hazards to sea turtles during the construction phase of the desalination pipeline include light and noise generated from the excavation and support vessels, and any unplanned discharges from these vessels. Timing of activities has been considered, however, it was considered unecessary to limit the timing of the construction given the lack of nesting activity in close proximity to the onshore and offshore trenching activity as described in PER Section 7.6.2.3. In addition to the commitments outlined in PEMP Section 10.6, Mineralogy commit to ensuring that the Project Operators conduct monitoring of turtle fatalities during pipeline construction activities, including quantifying the cause of death if there are no obvious signs of the cause eg: collision, feral animals.

1(a).18 That a pipeline construction management plan be developed prior to ground disturbance to manage overall impacts of this operation on fauna.

The proponent agrees that PEMP Sections 10 and 11 may updated to include further detail on the management of pipeline construction as necessary once detailed engineering design is complete. The construction of the pipeline will be managed through the Part V approvals (Works Approval) process, and in consultation with DEC Pilbara Industry Regulation.

1(c).8 This (light spill) may be more appropriately dealt with under turtle management provisions in the Ministerial Statement if deemed necessary.

Mineralogy concurs with the DEC Pilbara Industry Regulation Group that the management of light spill is best dealt with via the use of the Project Environmental Management Plans (PEMP Section 11), rather than through Part V licensing arrangements.

7.2(a) Confirmation that there is only one trench for both the seawater intake and brine discharge

7.2(b) The PER states that the pipelines and diffusers would be located in an area of low environmental sensitivity (due to their widespread distribution) – is there any other reason(s) why this area is considered to be of low environmental sensitivity?

The environmental sensitivity of the area in which the pipelines and diffusers are to be installed is considered to be low based upon the benthic habitat mapping completed by CALM (2000), Maunsell (2006) and URS (2007). This mapping has shown that the area in question is primarily algae dominated limestone pavement (intertidal) and sand veneered limestone pavement (subtidal). There are no areas of high % coral and

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sponge cover, and the nearest area of high % coral cover is located on the eastern side of SW Regnard Island , approximately 3km to the east of and disturbance areas.

7.2(c) The PER states that localized disturbance within tidal flat habitats may occur during construction activities, however, this would be minor when consideration if given to the mobility of shorebirds and the extensive areas of tidal flats habitat available – what is the expected area of disturbance during construction compared to the area of tidal flat habitat available? Has this disturbance been included in the assessment of BPPH loss?

A single trench of 4m wide by 3m deep will be required for the installation of the intake and outfall (pipes will be laid side-by-side in this trench). As the intake is in deeper water than the outfall, the portion of the trench leading from the outfall to the intake will only contain the intake pipeline. Based on these dimensions, and an intertidal habitat crossing of around 800m, the total area disturbed during construction will be approximately 0.3ha. The area of algae dominated limestone pavement intertidal habitat available in the immediate Cape Preston region can be conservatively assessed as hundreds of hectares (around 300ha in the mapped area). Thus the area of disturbance is conservatively estimated as 0.00001% Advice from the lead consultant (URS) is that this transient activity will have no adverse impact on BPPH. “The remaining sections of pipeline outside of the dredged channel will be trenched into areas of low environmental sensitivity. The footprint required for installation of the pipeline will be minimised as much as is possible, but is estimated to be a maximum of 5m in width. Only those habitats within this immediate pipeline corridor will be directly disturbed as a result of the installation of the outlet pipeline. However, backfilling of the trench with rock will create a new ‘artificial reef’ habitat which eventually will be colonised by similar organisms that currently colonise the exposed limestone pavement at that vicinity. In the long term, this ‘reef’ is likely to actually locally increase biological productivity in the region because it will provide a solid substrate for invertebrates and algae to colonise. Hence the direct impact of the brine outlet pipeline and diffuser footprint will be the modification of seafloor habitat to a more biologically stable and productive state (i.e. from sand to exposed limestone). There will therefore be no long-term loss of benthic primary producer habitat” (PER Appendix F Marine Impact Assessment Water production Desalination Plant at Cape Preston URS, 10 September 2008).

7.2(d) Further information is required on why the impacts on whales, dolphins and sea snakes is considered little to no risk.

The potential impact of the pipeline construction and operation is considered to be of little or no risk to whales, dolphins and sea snakes due to the small area of construction and operational impact, the low environmental sensitivity of the receiving environment, and advice from the lead environmental consultant that: “whales are not known to aggregate in the waters offshore Cape Preston, but it is possible that individuals, as well as small pods of dolphins pass through the area” (PER Section 2.9.3). URS further advise that “dugongs and marine turtles are large, highly mobile animals in relation to the size of the brine mixing zone proposed. Because of their high mobility, it is expected that exposure to environmental conditions within the mixing zone, even if they were to be adverse, will be minimal”.

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Information relating to the impacts on whales, dolphins and sea snakes in contained in PER Section 7.6.2.3.

8.1 Turtle management plan should also include control of vehicle access

Management of Marine Turtles and Migratory Shorebirds is discussed at length in the PER Section 7 and PEMP Sections 10 and 11. The PEMP specifically control the access of nesting beaches by employees between November and February. This includes vehicle access. The potential hazards to sea turtles during the construction phase of the desalination pipeline include light and noise generated from the excavation and support vessels, and any unplanned discharges from these vessels. Timing of activities has been considered, however, it was considered unecessary to limit the timing of the construction given the lack of nesting activity in close proximity to the onshore and offshore trenching activity as described in PER Section 7.6.2.3. In addition to the commitments outlined in PEMP Section 10.6, Mineralogy commit to ensuring that the Project Operators conduct monitoring of turtle fatalities during pipeline construction activities, including quantifying the cause of death if there are no obvious signs of the cause eg: collision, feral animals.

12.2 The PER does not identify the extent of BPPH cumulative loss during the construction of the desal pipeline and surrounding outfall during operation. Cumulative losses should be considered. The PER does not contain a map of nearshore habitats that will be disturbed during pipeline construction.

The potential loss of BPPH from pipeline construction is described in PER Section 7.6.2.3. A single trench of 4m wide by 3m deep will be required for the installation of the intake and outfall (pipes will be laid side-by- side in this trench). As the intake is in deeper water than the outfall, the portion of the trench leading from the outfall to the intake will only contain the intake pipeline. Based on these dimensions, and an intertidal habitat crossing of around 800m, the total area disturbed during construction will be approximately 0.3ha. There are no BPPH (seagrasses, mangroves, turf algae, corals) recorded within the 4ha mixing zone allocated to the desalination outfall, and as such, this number does not include the brine mixing zone. The area of algae dominated limestone pavement intertidal habitat available in the immediate Cape Preston region can be conservatively assessed as hundreds of hectares (around 300ha in the mapped area). Thus the area of disturbance is conservatively estimated as 0.00001%. The area of the construction is described as “an area of low environmental sensitivity mainly consisting of algal dominated limestone pavement and deep sand/silt. These habitats are deemed to be of low sensitivity due to their widespread distribution in the greater region of the BSIOP”. Pipeline installation is noted to be a transient (2-3 month) activity, and will be conducted by a barge-mounted excavator. Advice from the lead consultant (URS) is that this transient activity will have no adverse impact on BPPH. “The remaining sections of pipeline outside of the dredged channel will be trenched into areas of low environmental sensitivity. The footprint required for installation of the pipeline will be minimised as much as is possible, but is estimated to be a maximum of 5m in width. Only those habitats within this immediate pipeline corridor will be directly disturbed as a result of the installation of the outlet pipeline. However, backfilling of the trench with rock will create a new ‘artificial reef’ habitat which eventually will be colonised by similar organisms that currently colonise the exposed limestone pavement at that vicinity. In the long term, this ‘reef’ is likely to actually locally increase biological productivity in the region because it will provide a solid substrate for invertebrates and algae to colonise. Hence the direct impact of the brine outlet pipeline and diffuser footprint will be the modification of seafloor habitat to a more biologically stable and productive state (i.e.

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from sand to exposed limestone). There will therefore be no long-term loss of benthic primary producer habitat” Information relating to the potential impacts associated with marine outfall construction activities is contained within PER Appendix F (Marine Impact Assessment Water production Desalination Plant at Cape Preston URS, 10 September 2008).

12.3 There is a considerable lack of detail in relation to managing the impacts of pipeline construction and brine outfall on marine turtles and other significant fauna. The proponent should develop a marine turtle management plan and pipeline management plan

Management of Marine Turtles and Migratory Shorebirds is discussed at length in the PER Section 7 and PEMP Sections 10 and 11. The PEMP specifically control the access of nesting beaches by employees between November and February, including vehicles. The potential hazards to sea turtles during the construction phase of the desalination pipeline include light and noise generated from the excavation and support vessels, and any unplanned discharges from these vessels. Timing of activities has been considered, however, it was considered unecessary to limit the timing of the construction given the lack of nesting activity in close proximity to the onshore and offshore trenching activity as described in PER Section 7.6.2.3. In addition to the commitments outlined in PEMP Section 10.6, Mineralogy commit to conducting monitoring of turtle fatalities during pipeline construction activities, including quantifying the cause of death if there are no obvious signs of the cause eg: collision, feral animals.

Surface Water 1(a).8 That, in order to ensure adequate impact management of any surface water discharge on the Fortescue River ecosystem, the proponent prepares an integrated Fortescue River Management Plan, in consultation with DEC, prior to commencement of dewatering activities.

A Surface Water Management Plan has been prepared detailing how any potential surface water discharges will be controlled. This Plan contains information on potential impacts, management actions, performance indicators and corrective actions. The Surface Water Management Plan is presented in Section 12 of PEMP. In conjunction with this Plan, separate Groundwater and Terrestrial Flora Management Plans have been prepared, and are presented in Appendix A of the PER. Dewatering of the open pit will be licenced by DoW, and monitoring programs to determine potential impacts on surrounding phreatophytic vegetation will be implemented on project commencement. A review of the effectiveness of this monitoring will be conducted after two full years of data collection, and discussion will be held with DoW on review of the program. The potential impacts of pit dewatering and desalination are discussed extensively in the PER. As such, the proponent does not propose to produce a separate Fortescue River Management Plan.

5.8. DoW recommends minimum habitable floor levels of 0.5m above the adjacent 100 year ARI flood level to ensure adequate flood protection.

Mineralogy concur that the construction of habitable buildings should be planned that floor levels remain 0.5m above the adjacent 100 year ARI flood level to ensure adequate flood protection.

5.10. The proponent states in Section 7 that further assessment work is required to assess potential impacts associated with the interaction between mining operations and DuBoulay creek. EPA

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should advise as to whether assessment should be delayed until this work is completed and reviewed by DoW / DEC.

This statement is directed toward mining-related, not environmental impacts (ie the need to target dewatering locations to effectively dewater mining areas, introduce grout curtains or install weep holes to maintain pit wall integrity). All potential environmental impacts associated with pit dewatering have been investigated and discussed in Section 7 of the PER.

Groundwater 5.6. DoW would prefer to see more monitoring bores between the mine pit and the Fortescue River to demonstrate that the conceptual hydrogeological model is continually reassessed.

Dewatering of the open pit will be licenced by DoW and as such, the number and location of monitoring bores will determined in consultation with DoW during the application for the 5C licence required. Monitoring programs to determine potential impacts on surrounding phreatophytic vegetation will be implemented on project commencement. A review of the effectiveness of this monitoring will be conducted after two full years of data collection, and discussion will be held with DoW on review of the program. The potential impacts of pit dewatering and desalination are discussed extensively in the PER.

5.7. DoW does not consider that a commitment to consult with Government agencies is a Corrective Action, so the detailed review and analysis in Item 30.5 (PEMP page 86) should be conducted immediately and delivered in the proponent response to submissions.

A detailed review of the actual dewatering and actual monitoring data cannot be conducted at this stage, as the dewatering and monitoring programs have not commences. The number and location of monitoring bores will be determined in consultation with DoW during the application for the 5C licence required for open pit dewatering. It is appropriate to consult with DoW and DEC upon recognition of impacts, as there may be a number of presently unknown causes or influencing factors.

5.11. The proponent should ensure that the proposed monitoring program is sufficient to detect potential impacts early.

Mineralogy has applied a precautionary approach to the management, mitigation and monitoring measures for groundwater protection prior to any dewatering activities. A Groundwater Water Management Plan has been prepared detailing this approach, and is presented in Section 13 of the PEMP. As outlined in the PEMP, potential impact and control sites for monitoring will be selected on the basis of predicted groundwater cones of depression. Control sites will be located upstream and downstream of the potential impact areas. The number and location of monitoring bores, and the overall monitoring program will be determined in consultation with DoW during the application for the 5C licence required for open pit dewatering If it is determined through monitoring that there are no significant impacts to indicator species (phreatophytes), groundwater levels and/or water quality at the monitoring locations, then the monitoring and dewatering program will continue unchanged. If significant impacts are identified, then remedial action will be discussed with DoW.

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A comprehensive annual report will be submitted to DoW annually, outlining the results of both vegetation and groundwater monitoring, and dewatering activity and a discussion of trends. If, on completion of two years of monitoring, there are no discernable trends or significant impacts to key indicators, it is expected that the monitoring program will be modified to reduce the sampling effort and frequency. Discussion will be held with DoW prior to finalizing changes to the monitoring program.

7.5(a) Have any investigations been undertaken to determine whether the water table (associated with the Du Boulay alluvium) is perched or not?

Advice from Aquaterra is that the DuBoulay creek aquifer can be described as “perched” or “unconfined” variously, dependent upon the position of the underlying aquifer. When the underlying aquifer recedes, the alluvium can be considered “perched”, and movement will be both lateral and vertical (and will drain to the underlying aquifer over time). When the underlying aquifer recharges and intersects the alluvium, the DuBoulay is considered unconfined, and movement is predominantly lateral. Section 7.8.2.2 of the PER (page 7-48) outlines the potential impacts that dewatering may have on the DuBoulay creek alluvial aquifer, with options presented for both perched and unperched scenarios to ensure completeness of information.

7.5(b) Have further hydrogeological investigations been undertaken to accurately assess the potential impacts associated with the inflows from, and the dewatering of the Du Boulay Creek alluvial sediments?

Any further hydrogeological investigations will be undertaken as part of the final project feasibility studies. These investigations will be to determine mining-related, not environmental impacts (ie the need to target dewatering locations, introduce grout curtains or install weep holes to maintain pit wall integrity). All potential environmental impacts have been investigated and discussed in the PER.

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POLLUTION ISSUES

Marine Water Quality 1(a).13 That the proponent provides the EPA and DEC with the proposed Water Quality Management Framework (WQMF) for consideration prior to a decision on this proposal.

The WQMF for Cape Preston is presented in Table 42 of the PEMP and includes Environmental Values, Environmental Quality Objectives, Levels of Protection and Interim Environmental Quality Criteria. This Framework has previously been presented to EPA via the Sino Iron Wastewater Outfall Management Plan (April 2009).

1(a).14 That the levels of acceptable change in water quality parameters for each zone of ecological protection be defined for this project prior to approval.

4.6. The wastewater outfall location currently shows levels of Boron and Lead that exceed the Drinking Water Guideline values and levels of arsenic that exceed trigger values within these guidelines. Consideration must be given to ensuring the brine outfall does not contribute to increasing these values further.

It should be noted that the trigger values within the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines are not applicable to marine environments. Further discussion with the Department of Health (DoH) has clarified that this comment was intended to highlight whether the desalination plant outfall may over time impact upon the desalination intake water quality, and thus alter the quality of drinking water obtained from the desalination process. Modelling of the brine discharge has shown that the brine plume dispersion in this high-flushing environment is such that the water quality parameters are returned to ambient values within the 4ha mixing zone proposed for the Project. The intake for the desalination process is located outside of the 4ha mixing zone, and as such, the quality of the intake water should be unaffected by brine discharge. The desalination process defined within the PER is capable of removing the elements of concern (arsenic, boron and lead) to acceptable (Australian Drinking Water Guideline) levels. On site sampling of the potable water stream will confirm adherance with these Guidelines.

7.2(e)ii The customary approach to assessing the environmental impact of at sea disposal of desalination plants

• Site Selection: It should be confirmed that with the planned diffuser design, 7m at LAT will provide sufficient depth for near-field mixing

The original site investigations for the brine outfall (PER Appendix F, Section 4.3.4, page 32) concluded that:

“Site selection investigations identified that the outfall had to be located in at least 5m depth of water at low tide to provide the initial dilution required to reduce the scale of the mixing zone. Three sites were investigated in relatively deep (5-10m)

Response to Public Submissions Page 50 of 79

water to the north and east of the Cape Preston port. All sites selected were located away from coral habitat and located over relatively barren sand-veneered limestone seafloor. The preferred site was chosen on the basis of achieving adequate brine dilution, being located a suitable distance away from sensitive benthic habitats, and being technically feasible to construct”.

Site selection investigations were based on three key elements in order to meet the proposal’s objectives. These being: • that the brine discharge mixing zone be limited to an area of four hectares or less, • that sensitive habitats are protected from the operation of the outfall pipeline and diffuser, and • that the diffuser and outfall pipeline can be adequately stabilised to protect against cyclone damage”.

The investigations by GEMS into the selection of the outfall site (PER Appendix F, sub-Appendix C, Section 1.1, page 8) identified two possible locations for the outfall that met the criteria listed above.

The final site selection for the BSIOP brine outfall is “Location B”, which meets all criteria listed above.

• Near Field modelling of the proposed diffuser design is used to predict initial mixing and the efficiency of the outfall diffuser, expressed as number of dilutions at the edge of the near firld mixing zone. In common practice this modelling is used to inform the design of the diffuser and the location of the outlet. Modelling is also used to calculate an appropriate size and dimension for the LEPA. Design of diffuser:

No near-field modelling is provided in the PER to describe the expected performance of the diffuser. Modelling of discharge is based on a conventional jetted diffuser 150m long. The PER proposes an “InvisiHead” diffuser installation.

Modelling of the BSIOP brine outfall diffusion was based upon a conventional jetted diffuser design to cater for the inherent restrictions associated with the USEPA PLUMES computer model used to calculate near- field diffuser performance. The PLUMES model will only address the near-field distribution of a linear conventional jetted diffuser, and not the preferred multi-direction low-velocity installation proposed within the BSIOP PER. Far-field distribution has been calculated using the PLUME3D model. PLUME3D is a lagrangian random walk far-field plume dispersion model which obtains oceanic conditions from GCOM3D (described below) and includes 3D plume dispersion algorithms for modelling the far-field behaviour of a wide variety of discharge materials including sediments, sewerage, thermal discharges, oils and chemicals, accounting for processes such as dispersion and dissolution, under defined release conditions (quantity, rate etc). GEMS 3-D Coastal Ocean Model (GCOM3D) is an advanced, fully three-dimensional, ocean-circulation model that determines horizontal and vertical hydrodynamic circulation due to wind stress, atmospheric pressure gradients, astronomical tides, quadratic bottom friction and ocean thermal structure. GCOM3D is fully functional anywhere in the world using tidal constituent and bathymetric data derived from global, regional and local databases. GEMS have confirmed that the design of the diffuser does not impact upon the far-field results generated by the PLUME3D computer model. Remodelling of the BSIOP brine outfall plume using the Invisihead design has been commissioned by Mineralogy to confirm this using the parameters listed below (Table 3-11).

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Table 3-11: Configuration of the Proposed IM Diffuser Design

Parameter Value

Number of Invisihead diffusers 2

Invisihead diameter (m) 4.5

Number of ports 10

Port width (m) 0.40

Port height (m) 0.20

Spacing of ports (m) 0.05

Vertical angle of ports from the horizontal (deg) 0

Diffuser port height above sea bed (m) 3.0

Diffuser discharge velocity (m/s) 0.09

Approximate depth of diffuser section of outfall (m CD) 7

Results of the modelling show that the far-field plume behaviour and distribution is unaffected by the diffuser design (see Appendix D of this report). • Modelling is not relevant to the final project description.

 Modelling is based on a port design that is no longer planned to be implemented

The port design used for the brine discharge modelling was that proposed by the Central Block Project at the time of preparation of the BSIOP PER. The Cental Block proposal included the construction of a transhipping harbour immediately north of Cape Preston, and the removal of the originally proposed causeway linking Cape Preston and Preston island. The Central Block proposal was to have been the subject of a Section 45C amendment to the original project approval. This proposal is no longer planned to be implemented by Central Block Project, and the design has returned to the original causeway installation. To cater for any effects that the installation of the causeway may have on the BSIOP brine outfall mixiing zone, Mineralogy hascommissioned GEMS to re-model the outfall based upon the finalised design. GEMS have confirmed that the change to the port design has not materially impacted upon the BSIOP brine outfall mixing zone, due to the outfall being located on the outer fringe of the tidal influence zone associated with the causeway installation. Remodelling of the BSIOP brine discharge has confirmed that the mixing zone required to achieve 45 dilutions 99% of the time is virtually unchanged at 3.7ha (previously reported within PER Appendix F as 3.5ha) (Table 3-12).

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Table 3-12: Mixing Zone Areas Required to Achieve 45 Dilutions 95, 99 and 100% of the Time

Mixing Zone Compliance Transhipping Harbour Design Causeway Design Outfall Mixing Percentage to achieve 45 Outfall Mixing Zone (ha) - as Zone (ha) dilutions presented in PER)

100% 22 24

99% 3.5 3.7

95% 1.2 1.2

A copy of the revised brine outfall modelling has been attached as Appendix D

• Modelling is not relevant to the final project description.

 Modelling does not take into account the construction of a causeway to Preston Island and small boat harbour

The port design used for the brine discharge modelling was that proposed by the Central Block Project at the time of preparation of the BSIOP PER. The Central Block Project proposal included the construction of a transhipping harbour immediately north of Cape Preston, and the removal of the originally proposed causeway linking Cape Preston and Preston island. The Central Block Project proposal was to have been the subject of a Section 45C amendment to the original project approval. This proposal is no longer planned to be implemented by Central Block Project, and the design has returned to the original causeway installation. To cater for any effects that the installation of the causeway may have on the BSIOP brine outfall mixiing zone, Mineralogy hascommissioned GEMS to re-model the outfall based upon the finalised design. GEMS have confirmed that the change to the port design has not materially impacted upon the BSIOP brine outfall mixing zone, due to the outfall being located on the outer fringe of the tidal influence zone associated with the causeway installation. Remodelling of the BSIOP brine discharge has confirmed that the mixing zone required to achieve 45 dilutions 99% of the time is virtually unchanged at 3.7ha (previously reported within PER Appendix F as 3.5ha) (Table 3-13).

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Table 3-13: Mixing Zone Areas Required to Achieve 45 Dilutions 95, 99 and 100% of the Time

Mixing Zone Compliance Transhipping Harbour Design Causeway Design Outfall Mixing Percentage to achieve 45 Outfall Mixing Zone (ha) - as Zone (ha) dilutions presented in PER)

100% 22 24

99% 3.5 3.7

95% 1.2 1.2

A copy of the revised brine outfall modelling has been attached as Appendix D

• Modelling is not relevant to the final project description.

 The modelling does not appear to factor in the near field dilution and the effect of the diffuser.Modelling is expected to under-estimate dilution due to only considering effects of tide, current and wind, and not the near-field effects of the diffuser itself.

Modelling of the BSIOP brine outfall diffusion was based upon a conventional jetted diffuser design to cater for the inherent restrictions associated with the USEPA PLUMES computer model used to calculate near- field diffuser performance. The PLUMES model will only address the near-field distribution of a linear conventional jetted diffuser, and not the preferred multi-direction low-velocity installation proposed within the BSIOP PER. Far-field distribution has been calculated using the PLUME3D model. PLUME3D is a lagrangian random walk far-field plume dispersion model which obtains oceanic conditions from GCOM3D (described below) and includes 3D plume dispersion algorithms for modelling the far-field behaviour of a wide variety of discharge materials including sediments, sewerage, thermal discharges, oils and chemicals, accounting for processes such as dispersion and dissolution, under defined release conditions (quantity, rate etc). GEMS 3-D Coastal Ocean Model (GCOM3D) is an advanced, fully three-dimensional, ocean-circulation model that determines horizontal and vertical hydrodynamic circulation due to wind stress, atmospheric pressure gradients, astronomical tides, quadratic bottom friction and ocean thermal structure. GCOM3D is fully functional anywhere in the world using tidal constituent and bathymetric data derived from global, regional and local databases. GEMS have confirmed that the design of the diffuser does not impact upon the far-field results generated by the PLUME3D computer model. Remodelling of the BSIOP brine outfall plume using the Invisihead design has been commissioned by Mineralogy. Results of the modelling show that the far-field plume behaviour and distribution is unaffected by the diffuser design (see Appendix D of this report).

Response to Public Submissions Page 54 of 79

• Modelling is not relevant to the final project description.

 Modelling is based on 250ML/day, whereas discharge is estimated to be 157ML/day, resulting in an overestimation of the area needed for the mixing zone.

Modelling of the brine outfall has been based on conservative “worst case” scenarios to cater for any surges that may occur in plant throughput during start-up, shutdown or emergency situations. The modelling commissioned shows that even in non-steady state conditions, the brine outfall does not have an adverse impact on the areas designated as having a high level of ecological protection. The use of abnormally large, but possible throughputs provides certainty that the normal, steady-state discharge conditions of 157ML/day will similarly not cause adverse environmental impacts, and further, that the actual azea of low ecological protection (brine mixing zone) will be less than that modelled. • The methodology prescribed in the State Water Quality Management Strategy should be applied in State Waters. This provides for Direct Toxicity Assessment (of local marine species) using Whole of Effluent applied to the hydrodynamic modelling so as to calculate the minimum mixing zone required. The dilution of effluent at the boundary of a moderate protection zone should be protective of at least 90% of species (as assessed through the approved methodology). The proposed moderate protection zone has been calculated on salinity alone.

 WET testing of process chemicals on Cape Preston fauna is required to support the far field distribution and estimation of the Moderate Protection Zone.

WET testing will be undertaken if trigger levels are exceeded to investigate the potential toxicity of the discharge, and of the discharge diluted with clean, locally sourced seawater through the use of living test organisms. The tests will be undertaken in accordance with the requirements of ANZECC/ARMCANZ (2000a), being for 5 species across 3 taxa, subject to review by the accredited testing laboratory (in the event that more appropriate tests have been developed), the default tests will comprise the following: • 15 minute Microtox test using the marine bacteria Vibrio fischeri; • 48 hour macroalgal germination test using the marine brown kelp Ecklonia radiata; • 48 hour mussel larval development test using the marine blue mussel Mytilis edulis; • 72 hour algal growth test using the unicellular marine alga Isochrysis galbana; • 24 Day copepod reproduction test using the estuarine copepod Gladioferens imparipes; and • 7 day larval fish growth test using the marine fish pink snapper Pagrus auratus. The results will be compared to the dilution determined using EC10 (the concentration that causes an effect on 10% of the population) and IC10 (inhibition concentration 10%) values obtained from each test. This approach has been proposed and approved for the Central Block Project (Sino Ore Project) brine outfall through the Sino Iron Marine Outfall Environmental Management Plan, as required by Ministerial Conditions imposed under Approval 00635. Utilising the same approach endorsed by EPA for the Central Block Project ensures consistency of environmental management at Cape Preston.

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• The PER does not discuss the requirement for on-land disposal of filtered particles and organic matter. Disposal to land is considered best practice.

Only recovered suspended particulate matter (non-organic) is returned via the brine outfall. Recovered organic matter (via rotating screens) will be collected and disposed of to landfill. Landfills will be approved, licensed and managed via the DEC Pilbara Industry Regulation

8.2 What level of wastewater storage is planned when discharge volumes of wastewater are reduced due to tidal conditions and/or there is an exceedence of toxicant discharge

The desalination plant design does not include any buffer for storage of brine prior to discharge. Storages of fresh and potable water will be maintained sufficient to maintain essential services should a shutdown of the desalination plant be required for any reason. Current engineering designs within the BSIOP Feasibility Study include the following storage capacities: • Process water – 10 days • Camp water – 14 days • Fire water – fixed separate storage as per Regulation • Power station (operating in normal combined cycle mode) – 16 hours • Power station (operating in emergency open cycle mode) – 30 days

8.3 How often will the samplesfrom the desal intake and discharge points be analysed for toxicants including metals and desalination chemicals

Monitoring and corrective actions for the wastewater outfall are shown in Table 44 of the Wastewater Outfall Management Plan (page 115, Section 17, PER Appendix A) (as Table 3-14 below). In order to ensure consistency in management strategies for all Cape Preston Projects, the sampling of metals and other toxicants will be the same as that approved for the Central Block Project, being fortnightly analysis with annual reporting of results to DEC. Real-time in-line sampling will occur for other physical parameters, including pH, temperature and salinity.

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Table 3-14: Monitoring and Corrective Actions for the Wastewater Outfall Item Activity Performance Corrective Frequency Responsibility Indicator Action 44.1 Real -time physical parameters will If EQCs are During SEO. be measured on-line within the exceeded, Operation. outfall stream to ensure that then discharge percentile deviations from intake flow rates will water are not exceeded. Water be modified to samples will be analysed for bring the toxicants at the intake and outfall parameters sites. back to within 44.2 Monitoring programme for salinity acceptable Immediately SEO. will be completed around the brine limits. If after discharge diffusers. This necessary, commencement monitoring will be undertaken to modifications of operations. validate the modelling results and to the diffuser ensure that an adequate level of structure will dilution is being achieved within be considered. the 4 ha mixing zone, and that the salinity criteria are being met at the boundary of the mixing zone Monitoring and the moderate ecological programme protection area. demonstrates 44.3 Diffuser compliance monitoring to non-compliance During SEO. be undertaken. Real-time, in-line with Table 46 operations. monitoring of both ambient and Interim EVs, discharge physical seawater EQOs and EQC parameters (pH, temperature and for Cape Preston salinity) will enable data Waters. verification of compliance. Any exceedance will be quickly acted upon to ensure the 5% limit is not exceeded. 44.4 An automated system will be During SEO. installed for withdrawing and operations. maintaining samples from both the desalination intake and discharge for later analysis of toxicants including metals, metalloids and desalination chemical. 44.5 An annual monitoring program will Annually. SEO. be conducted to verify the compliance with established EVs and EQOs.

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8.4 DEWHA would like the opportunity to view the proposed Water Quality Management Framework including the proposed parameters for monitoring the discharge and a more detailed corrective action program.

The Water Quality Management Framework outlining Environmental Values (EV), Environmental Quality Objectives (EQO) and Environmental Quality Criteria (EQC), is included within the PER PEMP as Table 42 (Table 3-15 below). The interim EQC adopted are in line with Australian and New Zealand Guidelines for Fresh and Marine Water Quality - ANZECC and ARMCANZ (2000).

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Table 3-15: Interim EVs, EQOs and EQC for Cape Preston Waters

Environmental Level of Where Interim EQC (as per: ANZECC & ARMCANZ EQO No. Environmental Quality Objective Value Protection Protected 2000) Physical and Chemical Stressors – not to deviate beyond the 5th and 95th percentile of reference All waters distribution. outside port Salinity – Not to exceed 5% of ambient for 1% of the High operational time. area. Toxicants in Water – Table 3.4.1* (99% species protection). Toxicants in Sediment – Table 3.5.1*. Maintenance of ecosystem integrity. Physical and Chemical Stressors – not to deviate This means maintaining the structure (e.g. the variety and quantity of life beyond the 20th and 80th percentile of reference Ecosystem forms) and function biodiversity, biomass and abundance of biota) and Harbour and distribution. EQO 1 Health functions (e.g. the food chains and nutrient cycles) of marine ecosystems. port operational Salinity – Not to exceed 5% of ambient for 1% of the Three levels of ecological protection shall apply to Cape Preston: High, Moderate area (excluding time. Moderate, and Low. brine discharge Toxicants in Water – Table 3.4.1* (not to exceed mixing zone). 95% species protection for more than 5% of the time). Toxicants in Sediment – Table 3.5.1*. Toxicants in Water – Table 3.4.1* (not to exceed 4 ha 90% species protection for more than 5% of the desalination Low time). brine discharge Toxicants in Sediment – only for substances that mixing zones. adversely bioaccumulate/biomagnify. EQO 2 Water quality is safe for recreational activities in the water (e.g. swimming) Table 5.2.2*

Recreation & Aesthetics EQO 3 Water quality is safe for recreational activities on the water (e.g. boating) Table 5.2.2*

EQO 4 Aesthetic values of the marine environment are protected. Table 5.2.2* Cultural and Maintenance of other EQOs should provide EQO 5 Cultural and Spiritual values of the marine environment are protected N/A All waters Spiritual adequate level of protection for EQO5. Table 4.4.4*, Table 4.4.5* & Table 9.4.46*. Refer EQO 6 Seafood (caught or grown) is of a quality safe for eating Fishing & EPA 2005, Table 4^ for metals in Seafood. Aquaculture EQO 7 Water quality is suitable for aquaculture purposes Table 4.4.2* & Table 4.4.3* Industrial Maintenance of other EQOs should provide EQO 8 Water quality is suitable for industrial supply purposes Water Supply adequate level of protection for EQO 8.

*as per: ANZECC & ARMCANZ 2000

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12.1 Any approval for the project should be contingent on requirements to limit the extent of impact from the brine discharge based on limits of acceptable change in water quality. In particular, it is important that any approval conditions establish limits on the level of change in water quality and biological receptors in the proposed Regnard Marine Management Area to the east of the brine discharge point.

As described in PER Appendix A (Section 17, page 108), in developing the ecosystem health Environmental Values, different levels of ecological protection have been developed for application to Pilbara coastal waters, as outlined in the Table 3-16 below. The spatial application of the Environmental Values and Environmental Quality Objectives to the waters around Cape Preston is outlined in the Figure 3-6 below.

A high level of ecological protection will apply to all waters of Cape Preston outside of the brine mixing zone and the port operational area. This will ensure adequate water quality in the surrounding port waters and that the maximum level of ecological protection applied by the EPA is maintained for waters east of Cape Preston, in the vicinity of SW Regnard Island.

Sampling of discharge and mixing at the boundary of the mixing zone Low Ecological Protection Area (LEPA) will be supported by the use of background reference sites.

Table 3-16: Levels of Ecological Protection for the Maintenance of Ecosystem Integrity

Level of Environmental Quality Condition (Limit of acceptable change) Ecological Protection Contaminant concentration indicators Biological indicators

Maximum no contaminants - pristine no detectable change from natural variation High very low levels of contaminants no detectable change from natural variation Moderate elevated levels of contaminants moderate change from natural variation Low high levels of contaminants large change from natural variation

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Figure 3-6: Proposed Ecological Protection Areas for the Proposal Area

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Process Emissions 4.11. The proponent will need to verify that HCl, HF, PAH and dioxin emissions meet expected BAT parameters and are negligible. This may need to be done on some periodic basis.

Monitoring of air quality is addressed in PER Appendix A (Section 15, page 100). Table 36 within the Process Emissions Management Plan defines the Monitoring and Corrective Action Program for Process Emissions (see Table 3-17 below) Table 3-17: Monitoring and Corrective Actions for Process Emissions Item Activity Performance Indicator Corrective Action Frequency Responsib ility 36.1 Mon itors on the Actual emissions compared Adjust the firing Real-time with SEO. exhaust stacks will to predicted emissions accordingly to daily reviews measure O2, NOx, and assessed in PER. control emissions. until CO2 levels. Compliance with National environmental

Environment Protection objectives are Council (NEPC) National met, then as Environmental Protection agreed Measure (NEPM) for through the Ambient Air Quality 1998. Part V Works These standards are set to Approval. ensure that public health, amenity and the Stack and ground environment are protected. level monitoring in Compliance with WHO Air order to ensure that Quality Guidelines for emissions comply with Europe, 2nd edition, 2000. guideline levels. Emissions per unit of product.

As defined, stack and ground level monitoring will be undertaken on a real-time basis for the emissions listed within the PER (as per Table 35 – Appendix A, Section 15, page 99) . The emissions defined in the PER are listed in PER Appendix I (Section 3.3.1, page 12), being: • HCl • HF

• O3

• CO2 • SOx Stack testing for dioxin and PAH emissions will be conducted after commissioning to confirm the expected low levels, as outlined in PER Appendix I (Section 2.1, page 4). Dioxin and PAH emissions are reported in Appendix I as follows: “Other emissions such as PAHs, dioxins and furans in European plant according to EC (2001) are small and are not of concern. Average dioxin emissions for European pellet plants are equivalent to 0.0024 to 0.003 ng I-TEQ/m3. Here I-TEQ is the International Toxic Equivalent Factor that is used to standardise the toxicity of mixtures of dioxins. For the BSIOP pellet plant potable water will be used to wash the ore in the concentrator, and tests to date show that the groundwater in the ore body is also potable. Measurements of salts (including chlorides) in the ore are underway, and this will allow the chlorides in the process to be calculated. The BS Project plant will use natural gas as the fuel, compared with the use of heavy fuel oil or coal at plants

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elsewhere, again reducing chloride input. Therefore as per the European experience, dioxin emissions are considered to be small and not of concern. As such, in this report they are not addressed further, but instead it is recommended that stack testing be conducted after commissioning to confirm the expected low levels”.

7.6(a) Comparison with the NOx vegetation criteria indicates this would be exceeded within 800m of the pellet plant and 1km for cumulative concentrations – what area of vegetation (per land system and vegetation community) will that potentially impact on or does that 800m contour fall within the areas proposed to be cleared?

The area of potential impact bounded by the 800m contour lies directly over the pellet plant and processing area, and this area has already been accounted for in vegetation clearing estimates. This is shown in PER Section 8.2.2.3

7.6(c) Will there be any monitoring of impacts of emissions on vegetation? Monitoring of this should be provided

Monitoring of ongoing emissions will be developed in consultation with the DEC Pilbara Industry Regulation, as the operation of both the power station and pellet plant will be subject to licensing through Part B of the EP Act.

Greenhouse Gas Emission 1(b).1 The OCC considers that the expected GHG emissions from this proposal is significant and reiterates its previous recommendation for an independent review on the project’s technology and management strategies to ensure that best practice is utilised.

An independent review of the BSIOP Greenhouse Gas Emissions Estimation and Management was undertaken by Kewan Bond Pty Ltd – Environmental and Consulting Services, and is included in the PER as Appendix N. PER Section 8.2.3 provides definition of compliance with BAT and World Best Practice, and is reproduced below: “Based on a reference document on best available techniques in the Iron and Steel Industry from European Commission (March 2000), the BSIOP has applied world’s best practice to reduce emissions from the pellet plants, power station, mine site, concentrator, etc. Power Station • Incorporation of thermal efficient gas turbines in combined cycle operation to reduce emissions. Turbines considered at present are Alstom 13 E 2 and Siemens SGT 2000 E. Both machines in combined cycle operation have a thermal efficiency in excess of 50 %. The 13 E 2 is considered the most thermal efficient turbine available for its class size. This compares to open cycle operation of 35% and sub critical coal of 36 %.

• Incorporation of dry low NOX burner technology to limit emissions to less than

25ppm @ 15% O2 dry.

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• Incorporation of sponge ball cleaning systems to maintain cleanliness of the steam turbine condenser to optimise heat transfer and maintain thermal efficiency. • Incorporation of multi cell evaporative cooling with integrated control logic to switch off fans/pumps depending on the changing climatic conditions to reduce auxiliary power load. • Use of only natural gas for the generation of base load electricity. • Incorporation of inlet air evaporative cooling to maintain efficiency during high ambient temperature conditions. • Collection of all water wastes for processing and reuse in the concentrator plant

Pellet Plants • Incorporation of heat recovery systems to maximise the recovery of sensible heat • Incorporation of dust recovery systems to minimise particulate emissions • Incorporate recycling of solid wastes to reduce emissions

• Use of low sulphur fuel gas and concentrate to reduce SOX emissions • Collection of all water wastes for processing and reuse in the concentrator plant • Incorporation of latest technology process control technology to optimise efficiency and reduce emissions

Concentrator • Incorporation of dust collection systems to minimise particulate emissions • Incorporation of Large Ball, HPGR and Tower Grinding Mills to achieve economy of scale and reduce energy use/emissions. • Incorporation of water spray and wet circuit processing to reduce particulate emissions. • Incorporation of waste water collection for reuse in the process plant to reduce waste and emissions • Incorporation of latest technology process control technology to optimise efficiency and reduce emissions

Mining • Use of new diesel/electro mining equipment with thermal efficient engines to reduce fuel use/emissions • Incorporation of in pit crushing at year 7 of mining to reduce truck haul use to reduce fuel consumption/emissions • Optimise blast pattern to optimise grinding efficiency and reduce emissions • Undertake best practice dust control measures to reduce particulate emissions • Use of latest mining software technology to optimise mining operations and reduce energy use/emissions. • Incorporation of GPS tracking systems in all mining equipment in conjunction with latest mine operation software technology to optimise vehicle use and reduce fuel use/emissions.

Miscellaneous • Use of 5 star energy efficient heat pump water heaters to reduce energy/emissions • Use of 5 star WELS water efficient appliances to reduce water and energy use. • Use of best practice building insulation materials to reduce energy use and emissions • Adopt a recycle and reuse policy to minimise waste and reduce emissions

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PEMP Section 15 provides commitment to maintaining low emissions levels. Based on these committments, and detailed assessment of Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Mineralogy do not agree that further independent review is necessary.

1(b).2 The OCC recommends that information on GHG abatement options, including a study on the marginal cost of abatement, available to the proponent be compiled during the environmental approvals process.

BSIOP has adopted all reasonable abatement options, utilizing Worlds Best Practice as a baseline. These practices are listed in response to Submission 1(b).1 above. Further to the initial adoption of WBP technology, PEMP Section 15 (PER Appendix A, Table 34, page 98) provides commitment to monitoring advances in technology. This commitment will be enacted upon commencement of operation and once actual emission rates are monitored and quantified. Mineralogy has committed to “Establishing the range of carbon abatement options available to IM and determining the cost of each option” (PER Appendix A, Table 34, Item 34.12). This commitment is given effect once the BSIOP is operational and actual emission rates are being monitored and quantified. Given the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the implementation of the Federal Emissions Trading Scheme, it is not prudent to undertake such a review during the environmental approval process.

Dust 4.10. Construction of living quarters should take into account dust levels from cumulative sources, and their impact upon health & amenity.

Mineralogy concurs with the Department of Health in this recommendation. The design and construction of living quarters will take into account the possible impacts that dust may have on health and amenity.

7.9(a) Dust emissions are not considered in a quantitative manner.

The PER discusses dust emissions within Section 8.3 (page 8-19) as a component of overall Pollution Issues and their Management, and this is reproduced below:

“Fugitive dust emissions (PM10 and TSP) from the mining, processing, transportation and stockpiling of ore have been calculated using the default emission factors within the National Pollutant Inventory (NPI) Emission Estimation Technique Manual for Mining (version 2.3). The use of these techniques for estimation is in line with the NPI National Environmental Protection Measure, 2008. NPI-based emissions estimation techniques do not allow for concentration-based values, such as those presented above in Section 8.2.2.3, but reports gross emissions in kg/annum.

Point source dust emissions (PM10) from the power station and pellet plant have been estimated, and modelled concentrations presented in Section 8.2.2.3.” Quantitative emission values are shown in PER Table 8-9 (PER Section 8.3.2, page 8-19), and this Table is reproduced below as

Table 3-18.

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Table 3-18: Dust Emissions Estimation

Operation / Activity Estimated Dust Emission (kg/yr) Dust Generation Total TSP Pre-strip (year 3) 12,070,763 Initial Production (year 4 to 6 and 29 to 31) 27,791,921 Initial Production (year 7 to 28) 49,422,780 Dust Generation Total PM10 Pre-strip (year 3) 4,146,080 Initial Production (year 4 to 6 and 29 to 31) 5,968,371 Initial Production (year 7 to 28) 10,554,601

Response to Public Submissions Page 66 of 79

SOCIAL ISSUES

General

4.5. Consideration must be given to the immediate and long term effects from the Desalination plant intake and wastewater outfall locations on the commercial fishing activities in the area.

A moderate level of ecological protection will be applied to all inside harbour waters and surrounding port operational waters, excluding the 4ha mixing zone around the desalination plant’s brine discharge, where a low level of ecological protection is applied. The application of a moderate protection area to the port waters is consistent with protection levels applied by the EPA to other operational ports and wharfs in the Pilbara region. Desalination intake and outfall have been sited remote from commercial fishing activities, which are to the west of Cape Preston (intake and outfall are to the east), and well outside the modelled outfall mixing zone.

4.12. DoH recommends that local indigenous groups are provided with opportunities for appropriate training and employment.

Mineralogy agrees with this recommendation, and will be seeking dialogue with local indigenous groups in relation to appropriate training and employment opportunities at the BSIOP.

4.13. It is recommended that the proponent consults with the Executive Director, Pilbara Health Services in Port Hedland about potential use of facilities in the Region.

Agreed – the proponent will seek to engage the Executive Director in dialogue in relation to the BSIOP, and its impact on Pilbara Health Services both in Pt Hedland and Regionally.

4.15. Water in sediment traps and collecting in the waste dump area will require monitoring for mosquito breeding and for the presence of invasive vegetation. Mosquito larviciding and herbicing may be required.

Mineralogy concurs with DoH’s view that the management of vector-borne diseases and nuisance (biting) insects will need to be implemented on commencement of the Project. An integrated program to manage mosquitoes and other nuisance insects that reduces the risk of exposure of employees to mosquito-borne diseases will be an important OHS component for site, and this will be developed and implemented in consultation with DoH.

4.16. Alternative water supplies that require storage may breed mosquitoes and therefore need to be appropriately designed and maintained to prevent this.

Mineralogy concurs with DoH’s view that the management of vector-borne diseases and nuisance (biting) insects will need to be implemented on commencement of the Project.

Response to Public Submissions Page 67 of 79

An integrated program to manage mosquitoes and other nuisance insects that reduces the risk of exposure of employees to mosquito-borne diseases will be an important OHS component for site, and this will be developed and implemented in consultation with DoH.

4.17. Exotic vector mosquito monitoring of the port area will need to be undertaken consistent with AQIS requirements in order to intercept mosquito life stages on vessels travelling from international ports.

This is outside the scope of the BSIOP, which does not include the construction of port facilities. The Port facility will be constructed by a third party (Central Block Project), and will be managed through a joint committee of users. The port operating committee will be required to liaise with AQIS, as the port will be equipped with a customs and quarantine facility.

10.1 Marine aquarium and specimen shell managed fisheries and hermit crab fishery are not mentioned. It is recommended that discussions be undertaken with the Aquarium Specimen Collectors Association and Professional Shell Fishermen’s Association to minimize potential impacts that this development may have on these Fisheries.

Some restriction of access to beaches in the immediate vicinity of the Cape will be necessary for safety, environmental and heritage reasons during construction and operation of the Cape Preston Port. Port construction and its associated access implications have already been assessed and approved via the Sino Iron Project Ministerial Conditions (000635). The BSIOP will not result in any alteration to beach access. Any commercial activities proposed in these areas that require access to beaches will need to be arranged with Mineralogy Pty Ltd as the tenement holder. Public access to the Fortescue River camping ground will be maintained, as per the requirements of the Sino Iron Project Ministerial Conditions. Discussions on the submissions received from Department of Fisheries (DoF) have been held with DoF, agreement has been reached that DoF will liaise directly with the Aquarium Specimen Collectors Association and Professional Shell Fishermen’s Association to reassure these groups that the BSIOP will not impact upon their fisheries.

Indigenous Heritage 2.1 In collaboration with the relevant Indigenous Stakeholders develop a Cultural Heritage Management Plan (CHMP) including:

I. The completion of Aboriginal heritage Surveys to site identification level prior to ground disturbing activities;

II. Provisions for the management of Aboriginal heritage sites within the project area; and

III. Provisions for informing all stakeholders of their obligations under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972

IM has consulted with the Department of Indigenous Affairs on Submission 2.1, and agreement reached that the Indigenous Heritage Management Plan contained within Section 24 of PER Appendix A contains sufficient information to address the items raised in their submission. Mineralogy does not propose to develop a further separate Cultural Heritage Management Plan.

Response to Public Submissions Page 68 of 79

3.1 PNTS requests that the EPA set conditions as to the conduct of future heritage surveys within the area of the BSIOP.

The Indigenous Heritage Management Plan contained within Section 24 of PER Appendix A contains commitment to completing Heritage Surveys prior to site clearance (Table 61). Discussions have been held between IM and the three Traditional Owner Groups active in the Cape Preston area, and these Groups have expressed their satisfaction with IM commitment to Indigenous Heritage. Mineralogy does not agree that it is necessary for the EPA to set conditions relating to the conduct of future heritage surveys.

3.2 The PNTS request that the concerns of the KM native title claimants in respect to their traditional rights and interests be included in the PER.

Mineralogy acknowledges the concerns of the KM native title group and agrees that Traditional interests will continue to be respected and existing and planned recreational uses are not compromised. If required, controlled access to sites for traditional purposes will be negotiated with the Project operator.

10.3 Further information is required as to what customary fishing is undertaken in the area surrounding the proposed development and what species are targeted.

The proponent has engaged the three recognized Traditional Owner groups in discussions on their requirements during the development of the PER. Copies of the PER were provided to the groups for review and comment. The TO groups have not raised any issues in regards to customary fishing either during these discussions or during the 8 week public review period.

Response to Public Submissions Page 69 of 79

CUMULATIVE ASSESSMENT

6.1 The BSIOP Iron Ore Project needs to consider the cumulative impact of their proposed project in conjunction with already approved projects in the area

The BSIOP PER was developed acknowledging the existence of the approved Central Block (Sino Iron) Project, and as such contains cumulative impact assessment for all issues. Section 6 of the PER (page 6-1) contains a discussion on cumulative impacts, and lists the particular environmental factors where cumulative impacts have been considered. Mineralogy, in consultation with EPA, commissioned Strategen Environmental Consultants Pty Ltd (Strategen) to prepare a high level review of potential cumulative impacts of all proposed current and future projects at Cape preston (Cape Preston Iron Ore Developments – High Level Review of Potential Cumulative Impacts – Strategen, 2009). This report has been provided directly to EPA for review, and has been made publically available via the Mineralogy web site. Following review of this Report, EPA requested that further investigation be undertaken, and a supplemental report titled Cape Preston Iron Ore Developments – Cumulative impact investigations – additional information was prepared by Strategen. This supplemental report has been presented to EPA, and a site visit to the Project Area arranged with the EPA Board.

7.2(e)I Cumulative Impact

• Details of the Central Block Project desalination plant intake and outlet are not currently available

• Requirement to assess cumulative impact of all projects

The BSIOP PER has been developed during a time of rapid transition of the Central Block Project (Sino Iron Project). The proponent has endeavoured to maintain information within the PER up to date with these developments, and the information presented within the PER was correct at the time of publishing. Further amendments to the Central Block Project have been presented to, reviewed and approved by EPA. Information on cumulative impacts of future projects has been provided directly to EPA by the proponent to allow for assessment.

12.4 The MPRA recommend that EPA considers the cumulative impact of all developments at Cape Preston on the near-shore marine environment.

The BSIOP PER was developed acknowledging the existence of the approved Central Block Project, and as such contains cumulative impact assessment for all issues. Section 6 of the PER (page 6-1) contains a discussion on cumulative impacts, and lists the particular environmental factors where cumulative impacts have been considered. Mineralogy, in consultation with EPA, commissioned Strategen Environmental Consultants Pty Ltd (Strategen) to prepare a high level review of potential cumulative impacts of all proposed current and future projects at Cape preston (Cape Preston Iron Ore Developments – High Level Review of Potential Cumulative Impacts – Strategen, 2009). This report has been provided directly to EPA for review, and has been made publically available via the Mineralogy web site.

Response to Public Submissions Page 70 of 79

Following review of this Report, EPA requested that further investigation be undertaken, and a supplemental report titled Cape Preston Iron Ore Developments – Cumulative impact investigations – additional information was prepared by Strategen. This supplemental report has been presented to EPA, and a site visit to the Project Area arranged with the EPA Board.

Response to Public Submissions Page 71 of 79

FUTURE APPROVALS

1(c).1 It is recommended that emissions from the pellet plant and power station be managed under Part V.

Mineralogy agree that emissions from the pellet plant can be managed under Part V licensing arrangements, and will liaise with the Pilbara Industry Regulation branch of DEC in developing Works Approvals and Operating Licenses as and when required.

1(c).2 Discharge from the desalination plant will be subject to Part V approval.

Mineralogy agree that discharges from the desalination plant can be managed under Part V licensing arrangements, and will liaise with the Pilbara Industry Regulation branch of DEC in developing Works Approvals and Operating Licenses as and when required.

1(c).3 Dust issues can be managed under the Works Approval and Licensing assessment process.

Mineralogy agree that dust issues can be managed under Part V licensing arrangements, and will liaise with the Pilbara Industry Regulation branch of DEC in developing Works Approvals and Operating Licenses as and when required.

1(c).4 During the Works Approval process DEC IR will assess the potential for emissions from the co- disposed waste rock and tailings and ensuring the proponent has management measures in place to mitigate them. DEC IR will also need to ensure that there is adequate monitoring runoff or seepage from these areas. This monitoring and reporting will be included in licence conditions.

A commitment has been made to the Department of Mines and Petroleum (DMP) by International Minerals, as operators of the BSIOP, to prepare a Project Proposal in accordance with the relevant State Agreement Act, for review and approval by the DMP prior to commencement of the Project. The Project Proposal will be prepared in accordance with DMP guidelines, and will contain detailed information on the monitoring and analysis of any seepage from incident rainfall to the satisfaction of DMP. The DMP have advised in correspondence to IM that it is satisfied that if the issues raised in the advice provided to the EPA are not addressed as part of the Part IV assessment process, then they will be adequately covered with the project proposal, providing the document is in accordance with the mining proposal guidelines. Mineralogy agree to liaise with the Pilbara Industry Regulation branch of DEC in developing Works Approvals conditions based upon the Project Proposal which has been developed in accordance with the mining proposal guidelines.

1(c).5 The management of surface water runoff can be addressed under Part V assessments through both Works Approvals and Licensing.

Mineralogy agree that surface water runoff issues can be managed under Part V licensing arrangements, and will liaise with the Pilbara Industry Regulation branch of DEC in developing Works Approvals and Operating Licenses as and when required. Consideration will be given to commitments already made within the Surface Water Management Plan contained in Section 12 of Appendix A of the PER.

Response to Public Submissions Page 72 of 79

1(c).6 Standard conditions exist for the operation of landfills and will be set during the Licensing process.

Mineralogy agree that landfills can be managed under Part V licensing arrangements, and will liaise with the Pilbara Industry Regulation branch of DEC in developing Works Approvals and Operating Licenses as and when required.

1(c).7 During the Works Approval assessment DEC IR will ensure that the proponent is proposing to use best available technology noise control and implementing a reasonable noise monitoring program. The licence could include noise monitoring and reporting conditions.

Mineralogy agree that a review of BAT noise control and monitoring can occur during Part V licensing arrangements, and will liaise with the Pilbara Industry Regulation branch of DEC in developing Works Approvals and Operating Licenses as and when required.

4.2. The proponent needs to comply with the 2004 Australian Drinking Water Guidelines, to provide a drinking water management plan prior to construction and to produce ongoing monitoring reports once the project is underway.

Mineralogy concur that compliance with the 2004 Australian Drinking Water Guidelines is a requirement of operation, and that ongoing monitoring and reporting to the Department of Health will be required once the Project is underway. A Drinking Water Management Plan will be developed in consultation with DoH prior to construction. 4.7. The package treatment plant must be designed, installed and maintained in accordance with the requirements of the DoH and be compliant with both local requirements and state requirement of onsite effluent disposal.

Agreed - the package treatment plant will be designed, installed and maintained in accordance with the requirements of the Department of Health and will be compliant with both local requirements and state requirement of onsite effluent disposal.

4.8. Any proposals to reuse treated wastewater for irrigation of public facilities or vegetated areas for recreational use will require and application for approval of a recycled water reuse scheme to be submitted to the DoH.

Agreed - application for approval of a recycled water reuse scheme to be submitted to the DoH for any proposals to reuse treated wastewater for irrigation of public facilities or vegetated areas for recreational use.

4.9. The use of radiation sources will require registration and licensing under the Radiation Safety Act.

Agreed – radiation sources will be registered and licensed under the Radiation Safety Act.

5.4. Any application made to DoW to extract water from the Fortescue and Robe River alluvium for the operational phase of the BSIOP will be referred to EPA for advice.

This comment is acknowledged.

Response to Public Submissions Page 73 of 79

5.5. If the proponent decides to construct and operate a conventional tailings in the future it should be submitted to the DoW and EPA

This comment is acknowledged.

9.12 IM had previously agreed to submit a Project Proposal under the Iron Ore Processing (Mineralogy Pty Ltd) Agreement Act 2002 to Department of State Development (DSD) for approval that provides sufficient information on the above items for assessment by the Environment Division, DMP. The proponent has since changed to Mineralogy Pty Ltd, and no assurance has been given to DMP that the information provided in the Project Proposal will cover all aspects of DMP concerns (points 9.1 – 9.11 above).

10.4 Appropriate conditions need to be applied on vessels brought to WA waters to reduce the potential for hull fouling to act as a vector for species translocation.

The proponent commits to ensuring that appropriate controls are implemented on construction vessels to prevent the introduction of unwanted marine species to the Cape Preston area.

11.1. Upgrade of the access track to Balmoral Station will require approval from Main Roads

Mineralogy understands that there will be a number of post-Part IV approvals required to allow for implementation of the Project as described within the PER. The Proponent commits to engaging in discussion with the appropriate regulatory authorities and obtaining these approvals as and when required.

11.2. Main Roads would prefer not to see separate access points being created along the North Coastal Highway (ie one for each project) and encourages the shared use of infrastructure wherever possible.

Agree – Recent changes to the proponency for the BSIOP Iron Ore Project (from IM to Mineralogy) will result in greater coordination of the current, proposed and future Projects at Cape Preston. The Proponent acknowledges Main Roads desire to reduce the number of access points along the North West Coastal Highway, and will work with the developers of the Projects to achieve this wherever practical.

11.3. The location of the access track and North Coastal Highway interaction should be discussed with Main Roads prior to appropriate approvals being sought.

Agree – Mineralogy thanks main Roads for their proactive approach in raising this important safety issue, and acknowledges that some refinement of the Project Proposal may be required prior to

Response to Public Submissions Page 74 of 79

implementation. The Proponent looks forward to working with Main Roads in addressing the design of the access location prior to construction.

11.4. Main Roads suggest that road sheeting material be sought from CPMM wherever possible to reduce transport requirements.

Acknowledged - recent changes to the proponency for the BSIOP Iron Ore Project (from IM to Mineralogy) will result in greater coordination of the current, proposed and future Projects at Cape Preston. The Proponent acknowledges Main Roads desire to reduce the frequency of heavy transport along the North West Coastal Highway, and will work with the developers of the Projects to achieve this wherever practical.

Response to Public Submissions Page 75 of 79

APPENDIX A

Cape Preston Vegetation Communities & Disturbance Areas Figures 5.01 to 5.13

Maunsell/AECOM

May 2009

Response to Public Submissions Page 76 of 79

International Minerals Cape Preston Vegetation Communities & Disturbance Areas Figure 5.01 May 2009

0 500 ° 1,000 1,500

Meters 1:25,000

International IM Minerals ACN 058 341 638

DEC Database Search Fauna Transect (! Priority Flora (! (2000)

HGM 2000 Fauna Transect (! Priority Flora (2006)

Quadrat Locations Quadrat Locations ") (2000) ") (2006)

Balmoral South Central Block Footprint Footprint

Vegetation Communities

Bx1 Nh1 ROh1a Hc1 Nh2 ROh1b Hp Nh3 ROh2 Lb Nr ROh2b Ld1 Nr3 ROpl Ld2 Pc ROr ROh1b Ld3 Pc2 ROr1 Ld4 Pc3 ROr3 Ld5 Pc4 ROx1 Lm Pf1 Rc1

Ld3 Ld2 Lp1 Pp1 Rc2 ROh1b ROh1b ROh1b Ls1 Pp2 Rc3

ROh2 Ls2 Px1 Rc4 ROh1b ROh2 M091 Ld3 Mp1 Px2 Rf1 ")M102 ROh2 ") Mr3 ROc1 Rf2

ROh1b Mr4 ROc2 Roh1b

M089 Mr5 ROc3 Ropl ") M093 M087 Mr6 ROc4 Yc1 ") ") ROh2 Nc ROc5 Yp1 M100 ROh1b ") ROh1b Ld2 Nh ROh1 Disturbed

Ld3

ROh1b Ld3

ROh2 1 Px2

M071 M080 Lp1 ") Ld4 Lp5 Lh2 Ld3 ") ROh1b Ld4 Px2 2 ROh1b")M078 M076 Ld4 Ld4 ") Lp4a Ld4 Lp1 Ls1 43 ")M069 ROh1b 6 Ls2 5 Lp1 Ls1 ROh2 7 8 Ld2

Mud Flat 9 10 Lp1

Ls1 11 12 Ls1 13 14 Ls2 ROh1b Ld2 Ls2 Lm Lm

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Ld2 Ls2 Cape Preston Lm Ls1 Lp1 ROh1b Vegetation Communities M072 Ld2 & Disturbance Areas ") Ls1 Ls2 Ls1 Ls2 Lm M068 M070 Ls1 Lm Figure 5.02 (! Lm Ls1 ") ")9 May 2009 Lm M061 Ls2 Lm Lm ") M063 Ls1 Ls2 Lm ") Lp1 0 500 ° 1,000 1,500 Ld5 M065 Lm Mud Flat ") Meters Lb Watercourse 1:25,000 Ls1 M036 M038 ")")") M037 M074 M035") Lm ") ROpl ROh1a ROh1a ROh1a International Ls2 IM Minerals ROh1a ACN 058 341 638

ROpl M073 ") M067 ") ROh1b ROh1b Ls1 ROh2 DEC Database Search Fauna Transect ROh1b ROh2 ROh2 (! Priority Flora (! (2000)

HGM 2000 Fauna Transect ROh2 (! Priority Flora (2006)

Quadrat Locations Quadrat Locations ") (2000) ") (2006) M098 Ls2 ") 4 M085 Balmoral South Central Block ROpl (!") Footprint Footprint ROpl Lp4b ROpl M040 ROh1b Ls2 ROh2 ")M039 ROh1b ") Vegetation Communities ROh1b ROh1b ROh2 ROpl Bx1 Nh1 ROh1a 8 ROpl (! ROh1b Hc1 Nh2 ROh1b ROc2 ROh2 Hp Nh3 ROh2 ROh2 ROh1b Lb Nr ROh2b Ld1 Nr3 ROpl ROh1b Ld2 Pc ROr Px1 M042 Ld3 Pc2 ROr1 ROh1b ") M041 ROh1b ") Ld4 Pc3 ROr3

ROh1b Ld5 Pc4 ROx1 ROh1b ROh2 Lm Pf1 Rc1 Px1 ROh1b ROh2 Lp1 Pp1 Rc2 Px1 ROh2 Pp1 ROh1b Ls1 Pp2 Rc3 ROh2 Ls2 Px1 Rc4 ROh1b Mp1 Px2 Rf1 Px1 Mr3 ROc1 Rf2 Pp1 Px1 Pp2 Mr4 ROc2 Roh1b Pp1 M044 ") M043 ROh2 Mr5 ROc3 Ropl ") ROh2 Pp2 M082 Px1 Mr6 ROc4 Yc1 ") Px1 Pp2 Px1 ROh2 Nc ROc5 Yp1 Ls2 ROh1b Nh ROh1 Disturbed 5 (! Pp1 Ls1

Pp2 ROh2 1 Pp1 Pp1

ROh2 2 Pp2

Pc2 ROh2 ROh1b Pp1 ROh2 43 ROh1b ROpl ROh1b 6 5 ROh1b ROh2 7 8 Pp1 ROh1b ROh2 Ls1 9 10 ROh1b

Pp1 ROh2 11 Pp1 ROh2 12

ROpl ROh2 13 14 Pp1 ROh2 ROh2

Date Modified: 25/05/2009 Author: KEJ J:\Client_Data\Australiasian_Resources\60019851_Balmoral_South\Workspaces\International_Minerals\IM_VegSeries_fig_5_20090525.mxd International Minerals Cape Preston Vegetation Communities & Disturbance Areas Figure 5.03 May 2009 6 (! 0 500 ° 1,000 1,500

Meters 1:25,000

Ls2 Lm International IM Minerals ACN 058 341 638 Ld2

Nh2

Lm Nh2 ROpl DEC Database Search Fauna Transect (! Priority Flora (! (2000)

Hp Nh3 2008 extrp HGM 2000 Fauna Transect ROpl (! Priority Flora (2006) Hp Nh2 Quadrat Locations Quadrat Locations ") (2000) ") (2006) Ld2 Balmoral South Central Block Nh2 Nh2 Footprint Footprint Nh2 ROpl 2008 extrp Nh3

Nh Nh2 Vegetation Communities ROpl Nc Bx1 Nh1 ROh1a ROpl Ld2 Nh2 Ld2 Nh Hc1 Nh2 ROh1b Ls2 ROpl Nh Nh2 Hp Nh3 ROh2 Ls2 ROpl Lb Nr ROh2b

Nh2 ROpl Ld1 Nr3 ROpl Nh2 Ls2 Ld2 Pc ROr ROpl Pp2 Pp2 Ld3 Pc2 ROr1 ROpl Nh Rf1 Nh2 Ls1 Ld4 Pc3 ROr3 Ls1 Ls2 Ld5 Pc4 ROx1

Lm Nh2 Lm Lm Pf1 Rc1 Nh2 Lp1 Pp1 Rc2 Nh2 ROpl Px1 Lm Nh2 Ls1 Pp2 Rc3 Ls2 Rf1 Ls2 Px1 Rc4 Ls2 M049 ") M052 Mp1 Px2 Rf1 ") Nh Nh3 Ls2 Mr3 ROc1 Rf2 Nh Px2 Nh3 Nh2 Nh Nh Mr4 ROc2 Roh1b

Ls1 Lm Nh3 Mr5 ROc3 Ropl Nh3 Nh Mr6 ROc4 Yc1 Nh3 Nh Nh Nc ROc5 Yp1 Nh3 Px1 Nh ROh1 Disturbed Nc Ls1 Px1 Nh Nh2

Nh3

Nh Pp2 2

M050 Nh ") Hp Hp Ls2 Px2 43 M047 ") Nh2 Hp 6 Hp Nh 5

Px1 M053 Nh2 Hp Yp1 Px2 7 8 ") Nh Pp2 M051 9 10 Px1 M048 ") Hp M054 Nh2 Rf1 Yp1 ") 11 M046 ") 12 Px2 M045") Px1 Nh Px2 Pp2 M113 Rf1 ") 13 14 Rf1 Rf1 Rf1 ") Yp1 Px1 Nh Px2 Px2 Px1 Rf1

Px1 Pp1 & Disturbance Areas

M034 ROpl Px1 Figure 5.04 ")M033 ROh2 May 2009 ") Pp1 Pp2

ROh2 0 500 ° 1,000 1,500 Hp Pp1 Px1 Meters ROh2 1:25,000

Hp Px1 ROh2 International P1 - Goodenia sp. East Pilbara (AA Mitchell PRP 727) IM Minerals M028 ")(!M027 ACN 058 341 638 Pp2 ")

Pp2 Px1 M029 Pp2 Px1 ") M030 Pp1 ") ROh2 DEC Database Search Fauna Transect Px1 ROh2 (! Priority Flora (! (2000) Pp2 Hp Pp2 HGM 2000 Fauna Transect (! Priority Flora (2006)

Ls1 Quadrat Locations Quadrat Locations Pp2 ROh2 ") (2000) ") (2006) Ls2 Pp2 ROpl Pp2 Pp1 Balmoral South Central Block Px1 M032 Footprint Footprint ROpl ") Px1 M031 ROh2 ") ROh2 Vegetation Communities

Px1 Pp2 Px1 Pp2 Bx1 Nh1 ROh1a Nh3

Px1 Hc1 Nh2 ROh1b Ls2 Px1 Px1 Hp Nh3 ROh2 Pp2 Pp1 Px1 Lb Nr ROh2b

ROpl Ld1 Nr3 ROpl Ld2 Pc ROr

ROh1 Ld3 Pc2 ROr1

ROh1 Ld4 Pc3 ROr3 Nh3 ROh1 ROc2 Ld5 Pc4 ROx1 M025 ") ROh2b Lm Pf1 Rc1 Rf1 ROh1 Lp1 Pp1 Rc2

Rf1 ROh1 Ls1 Pp2 Rc3 Px1 ROh1 ROh2b Ls2 Px1 Rc4 Px1 Mp1 Px2 Rf1 ROh2b Mr3 ROc1 Rf2 Px2 Px2 ROh2 Mr4 ROc2 Roh1b Px1 M026 M024 ") Px1 Mr5 ROc3 Ropl ")(!2 M023 Mr6 ROc4 Yc1 Px2 ")(!3 ROh1 Hp Px1 ROh1 Nc ROc5 Yp1 Px2 Px2 Nh ROh1 Disturbed

Rf1 ROh1a

ROh1 1 Hp Px2 ROh2 ROh1 Px1 Hp

Px2 2 ROh2 ROh2 ROh1 Px1 Px1 Rf1 Px2 ROh1 43 ROh2b ROh1 6 5 Hp Hp 7 8 Px1 ROh2b Px1 ROh1

ROh2b 9 10 ROh2 ROh2b 11 Px2 ROh2b 12 ROh1 ROh2b 13 14 Px1 ROh2 ROh1 ROh1 Hp Px2 Px2 Hc1 ROh2b Hp")

Date Modified: 25/05/2009 Author: KEJ J:\Client_Data\Australiasian_Resources\60019851_Balmoral_South\Workspaces\International_Minerals\IM_VegSeries_fig_5_20090525.mxd International Minerals

Lm Cape Preston ROpl Nh2 Ls2 Nh2 Ls2 M049 Vegetation Communities ") M052 ") & Disturbance Areas

Ls2 Nh2 Nh3 Figure 5.05 May 2009 Ls1 Lm

Lm 0 500 ° 1,000 1,500 Nh Nh Meters Nc 1:25,000 Ls1 Ls1 Nh2 International Nh IM Minerals ACN 058 341 638

Ls2 Pp2

Yp1 Lm Nh M050 Nh DEC Database Search Fauna Transect Ls2 ") (! Priority Flora (! (2000) M047 ") HGM 2000 Fauna Transect (! Priority Flora (2006) Nh Quadrat Locations Quadrat Locations Px1 Ls2 Yp1 Yp1 Nh ") (2000) ") (2006) Ls2 Pp2 Balmoral South Central Block Footprint Footprint Ls2 Nh

Yp1 ") Pp2 M046 M048 Ls2 ")M045 Vegetation Communities Yp1 M113 Rf1 ") ") Yp1 Bx1 Nh1 ROh1a Pp2

Px1 Hc1 Nh2 ROh1b Rf1 M122 Hp Nh3 ROh2 Px1 ") Lb Nr ROh2b Yp1 Ld1 Nr3 ROpl Nh Ld2 Pc ROr Rf1 Nh Ld3 Pc2 ROr1 Nh Ld4 Pc3 ROr3

Px1 Ld5 Pc4 ROx1 Px1 Lm Pf1 Rc1 Lp1 Pp1 Rc2 Ls1 Pp2 Rc3 Nh Nc Ls2 Px1 Rc4 Mp1 Px2 Rf1 Nc Mr3 ROc1 Rf2 Nh Mr4 ROc2 Roh1b Nh Px1 Mr5 ROc3 Ropl Mr6 ROc4 Yc1 M019 M020 Nc ROc5 Yp1 ")")(!7 Nh ROh1 Disturbed

Px1

Nh 1 Nh Px1

Nc M014") Px1 Nh Nh ") M013 2 1 M010 ") Nh Rf1 ") M011 Rf1 M009 M012 ") ")") Nh Nh 43 Px1 Nh Rf1 Px1 6 Px1 Nc 5 Px1 Nh

Rc3 7 8

Rf1 Px1 Nh Px1 2 Nh 9 10 Rf2 ") Nh Nh Nh Rf2 11 12

Rf1 Nh 13 14 Px1 Nh Rf1 Rf2 Px1 M017 M018 Rf1 Rf1 M016 ") ")")")M015

ROh1 ROh1 Hp Figure 5.06

ROh2b Px1 May 2009 ROh1

Px1 0 500 ° 1,000 1,500

Meters Px1 1:25,000 Px1 Px1 ROh1 Hp International IM Minerals ROh2b ACN 058 341 638 Px1

ROh1 ROh1

DEC Database Search Fauna Transect ROh2b (! Priority Flora (! (2000) ROh1 HGM 2000 Fauna Transect (! Priority Flora (2006)

ROh2b Quadrat Locations Quadrat Locations ROh1 ") (2000) ") (2006)

Balmoral South Central Block Footprint Footprint

Vegetation Communities

ROh1 Bx1 Nh1 ROh1a Hc1 Nh2 ROh1b Hp Nh3 ROh2 Lb Nr ROh2b P1 - Goodenia pallida (! Ld1 Nr3 ROpl Ld2 Pc ROr Ld3 Pc2 ROr1 Ld4 Pc3 ROr3 ROh1 Ld5 Pc4 ROx1 Lm Pf1 Rc1 Lp1 Pp1 Rc2

ROh1 Ls1 Pp2 Rc3 Ls2 Px1 Rc4 Mp1 Px2 Rf1 Mr3 ROc1 Rf2 Mr4 ROc2 Roh1b Mr5 ROc3 Ropl Mr6 ROc4 Yc1 Nc ROc5 Yp1 Rf1 Mp1 Nh ROh1 Disturbed

Rf1 Mp1 M084 M086 M077") ") 1 ") ") M075

Mp1

6 5

Mp1 7 8

Mp1

9 10 ROh2b Mp1 11 12 Px4 Px2 ROh3a Hp 13 14

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Yp1 Pp2 Px1 Nh Cape Preston Rf1 Px2 M122 Rf1 Vegetation Communities ") Px1 Px1 & Disturbance Areas Px2 Px1 Px2 Nh

Nh Rf1 Figure 5.07 Nh May 2009

Nh Rf1 Hp 0 500 ° 1,000 1,500

Px1 Meters 1:25,000

Px2

Rf1 Nh International Nc Px2 IM Minerals Px1 ACN 058 341 638 Hp

M003 Rf1 ") M001 Hp Px1") M002B Rf1 Pp1 M007 M004") M002A Nh Px1 ")M005") Px1 DEC Database Search Fauna Transect ") Pp1 M083 Nh M008") (! Priority Flora (! (2000) Rf1 M019 M020 ") ") Rf1 M096 HGM 2000 Fauna Transect ")")(!7 Px1 ") Px1 (! Priority Flora (2006) Px1 Quadrat Locations Quadrat Locations Nh Rf1 ") (2000) ") (2006)

Balmoral South Central Block Px1 Hp Px1 Px1 Footprint Footprint

Nh Nh Hp Vegetation Communities M014") Nh Px1 Nh ") M013 Nh 1 M010 Px2 Bx1 Nh1 ROh1a ") Nh ") Nh3 M011 Hc1 Nh2 ROh1b M009 M012 ") Nh3 Hp Nh3 ROh2 ")") Rf1 Nh Nh3 Lb Nr ROh2b Px1 Px1 Px1 Ld1 Nr3 ROpl Nh Px1 Ld2 Pc ROr ROh2b Px1 5 Nh Px1 Nc Ld3 Pc2 ROr1 Px1 ") Px1 ROh1 Nh Px1 Ld4 Pc3 ROr3 Nh Nh Nc Nh Nh3 Ld5 Pc4 ROx1 Nh Nh3 Roh1b 4 ") Lm Pf1 Rc1 Nh3 Px1 Pc Lp1 Pp1 Rc2 M017 M016 ") M018 Ls1 Pp2 Rc3 ")")")M015 Nh Roh1b Px2 Roh1b Ls2 Px1 Rc4 Mp1 Px2 Rf1 Nh ROh1b Mr3 ROc1 Rf2 Hp Mr4 ROc2 Roh1b Px1 Mr5 ROc3 Ropl Pc

Nh Px2 Mr6 ROc4 Yc1 Transect 3 Nc ROc5 Yp1 Px2 Px2 Px2 Px2 Nh ROh1 Disturbed Px2 Px2 Px1 Px2 Px1 Hp 1 Px1 ROh1b Px1 Px1 Px1 Hp 2 Rf1 Hp Px2 ROh1b Px2 P3 - Phyllanthus aridus Px2 43

6 Rf1 Px2 5 Px2 Hp 7 8

Px2 Pc 9 10 Px2 11 Px1 Pc Px2 12 Px2 Px2 Hp Hp Px2 13 14 Px1 Pc Px2 ROh1b Px2 Px2 ROh1b Px2 Hp Hp Px2

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M021 Px1 ROh2 ROh1 Hp Cape Preston M022") ROh1 ")1 ROh2b (!Px2 ROh1 Vegetation Communities Hc1 Px2 ROh2b Hp ROh2b & Disturbance Areas Px1 Px2 ROh2b ROh1 ROh1 Figure 5.08 Px1 ROh1 May 2009 ROh2b ROh2b

ROh2 ROh2b ROh1 ROh1 0 500 ° 1,000 1,500 ROh1 ROh1 Hp Px2 Px2 ROh2b Meters Hp Hp 1:25,000 Rf1 Hp ROh2b ROh2b Hp ROh1 ROh2b ROh2b ROh2b International Px1 Px1 Rf1 Px1 IM Minerals ROh2b ACN 058 341 638 ROh2b

ROh2b

ROh1 ROh2b Px1 Px1 ROh2b ROh1 Pp1 ROh2b ROh2b Mp1

Pp1 ROh2b DEC Database Search Fauna Transect (! Priority Flora (! (2000) Rf1 M094 Mp1 HGM 2000 Fauna Transect ") ROh2b ROx1 M090 (! Priority Flora (2006) M088 Px1 ") Pp1 M092 M079 ROh2b Pp1 Nh1 ") Quadrat Locations Quadrat Locations ROh2b ") ROh2b") ") (2000) ") (2006) ROh2b ROh2b") ROh1 ROh2b ROh2b ROh2b M081 ROh2b ROh2b Balmoral South Central Block Px1 Footprint Footprint ROh1 ROh2b Rf1 ROh2b ROh2b Nh1 Nh1 ROh2b Px1 ROh1 Vegetation Communities

ROh2b ROh1 Bx1 Nh1 ROh1a ROh2b ROh2b ROh2b Hc1 Nh2 ROh1b Hp Nh3 ROh2 ROh1 Pc Lb Nr ROh2b ROh2b ROh1 ROh2b Ld1 Nr3 ROpl

ROh2b Ld2 Pc ROr ROh2b ROh2b ROh2b Ld3 Pc2 ROr1 ROh1 Ld4 Pc3 ROr3 ROh2b

ROh2b Ld5 Pc4 ROx1 Lm Pf1 Rc1 Lp1 Pp1 Rc2 ROh1b Ls1 Pp2 Rc3 ROh1b Ls2 Px1 Rc4

Pc Mp1 Px2 Rf1 ROh1b Mr3 ROc1 Rf2 Mr4 ROc2 Roh1b Mr5 ROc3 Ropl Pc Mr6 ROc4 Yc1 Nc ROc5 Yp1 Nh ROh1 Disturbed

Px2 Px2 ROh1b

Hp 6 ROh1b Px1 ") 2 Pc Rc1 ROh1b Pc Pc 43 Px2 6 5 Pc 7 8 ROh1b Px2 ROh1b 9 10

11 11 12 ") 13 14 Px2 ROh1b

Px2

0 500 ° 1,000 1,500

Meters 1:25,000

International IM Minerals ACN 058 341 638

DEC Database Search Fauna Transect (! Priority Flora (! (2000)

HGM 2000 Fauna Transect (! Priority Flora (2006)

Quadrat Locations Quadrat Locations ") (2000) ") (2006)

Balmoral South Central Block Footprint Footprint

Vegetation Communities

Bx1 Nh1 ROh1a Hc1 Nh2 ROh1b Hp Nh3 ROh2 Lb Nr ROh2b Ld1 Nr3 ROpl Ld2 Pc ROr Ld3 Pc2 ROr1 Ld4 Pc3 ROr3 Rf1 Ld5 Pc4 ROx1 Px1 Lm Pf1 Rc1 Px1 Lp1 Pp1 Rc2 Mr5 Ls1 Pp2 Rc3

Mr3 Rc3 Ls2 Px1 Rc4 Mr5 Mp1 Px2 Rf1 Mr5 Mr3 ROc1 Rf2 Rc4 Mr4 ROc2 Roh1b Mr3 Rc4 Mr5 Mr5 ROc3 Ropl Rc4 Rc3

Rf2 Rf1 Mr6 ROc4 Yc1 Nc ROc5 Yp1 Rc4 Nh ROh1 Disturbed

Rf2 1 18 ") Rc1

Rc4 2

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Mr5 9 10

Nc Rf1 11 Nh 12 19 Nh Rc4 ") Nh Nh 13 14 Rf1 Nh Rf1

Mr3 Rc4

Date Modified: 25/05/2009 Author: KEJ J:\Client_Data\Australiasian_Resources\60019851_Balmoral_South\Workspaces\International_Minerals\IM_VegSeries_fig_5_20090525.mxd International Minerals Px1 Rf1 Px1 Rc3 Cape Preston Nh Rf1 Rf2 Vegetation Communities Px1 Nh & Disturbance Areas Figure 5.10 Rf1 3 ") Px1 Nh May 2009 Rf1 Rf1 Nh Rf2 Px1 Px1 Rf1 0 500 ° 1,000 1,500 Rf2

Nh Meters M126 1:25,000 Nh ")(!10

Rf1 Px1 Rf2 Px1 International Px1 IM Minerals Bx1 M055 M056 ")") Rf1 ACN 058 341 638 M058 Rf1 ") M066 Bx1 ") Rc3 Nh2 Px1 ")(!M059 P3 - Phyllanthus aridus DEC Database Search Fauna Transect (! Priority Flora (! (2000)

Rf1 Bx1 HGM 2000 Fauna Transect (! Priority Flora (2006) Bx1 Nh2 M057 Quadrat Locations Quadrat Locations ") ") (2000) ") (2006) M060 Px1 ") M064 Balmoral South Central Block ") Footprint Footprint Rf2 Px1 M062 Vegetation Communities ") Rf2 Bx1 Nh1 ROh1a

Rf1 Hc1 Nh2 ROh1b Rf1 Nh2 Hp Nh3 ROh2 Px1 Rc3 Px1 Lb Nr ROh2b Bx1 Ld1 Nr3 ROpl Rc3 Ld2 Pc ROr Nh2 Rc3 Hp Rf1 Ld3 Pc2 ROr1

Px1 Rc3 M106 Ld4 Pc3 ROr3 Px1 M104 ") M097 ")M095 Bx1 ") ") Ld5 Pc4 ROx1 Nh2 Lm Pf1 Rc1

Nh Lp1 Pp1 Rc2 Ls1 Pp2 Rc3 Rf1 Px1 Nh2 Ls2 Px1 Rc4 Rf1 Rf1 Nc Nc Nh2 Mp1 Px2 Rf1 Nh Px2 Rc4 Mr3 ROc1 Rf2 Nh2 Rc3 Nh2 Mr4 ROc2 Roh1b Px2 Rc3 32 Mr5 ROc3 Ropl Rc3 Nh2 Px2 ") Rf1 Nh2 Mr6 ROc4 Yc1 Rc1 Nh2 M107 Nc ROc5 Yp1 M109") M116 Rf2 ") M118 Nh ROh1 Disturbed ") ") Nh2 Nh2 Px1

Rc3 M124 M114 M112 M120 ") M103 1 ") Px1 M111 ") ")") ") Rf1 Rf1 2 M105 Nh2 25 Rc3 ") Nh2 ") Rf1 Nh2 Nh2 Nc Rf1 M108 Rf2 43

") M110 Px2 M101 Nh Px1 6 Px2 ") ") 5

Rc4 Nh Hp 7 8 Nh Hp Px1 Rf1 Px2 9 10 Px2 Px2 ") 31 Hp Rf1 ") 11 12 Px2 Px2 Nh Nh Hp Px2 13 14 Rf1 Nh Px2 Nh Hp 30 Nh Px2 Rc4 Hp ")

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Px2 Px2 Px2 Hp Px2 Cape Preston Px1 Hp ROh1b ROh1b Vegetation Communities Px2 Pc Px2 Px1 Hp & Disturbance Areas Hp

Px2 Px2 Px2 Figure 5.11

ROh1b May 2009 Px2

Px2 Px2 0 500 ° 1,000 1,500

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Mr4 Transect 4 33 9 International Px1") ") Mr4 IM Minerals ACN 058 341 638 Px2 10 8 Rf1 ") Pc Pc ")

DEC Database Search Fauna Transect (! Priority Flora (! (2000) Px1 Hp Hp HGM 2000 Fauna Transect (! Priority Flora (2006) ROh1 Px2 Quadrat Locations Quadrat Locations

Rf1 ") (2000) ") (2006) Balmoral South Central Block Footprint Footprint

Mr4 Px2 Vegetation Communities Px2 Rf1 Bx1 Nh1 ROh1a

Px2 Px2 Rf1 Hc1 Nh2 ROh1b Hp Px2 Hp Nh3 ROh2 ROh1 Lb Nr ROh2b Hp Rf1 Hp 34 Ld1 Nr3 ROpl Pc ") Pc Ld2 Pc ROr Rf1 Rf1 Px2 12 Ld3 Pc2 ROr1 Px2 ") Ld4 Pc3 ROr3 Rf1 Ld5 Pc4 ROx1 Px2 Lm Pf1 Rc1 Lp1 Pp1 Rc2 Rf1 Ls1 Pp2 Rc3 Ls2 Px1 Rc4 Pc Mp1 Px2 Rf1 Mr3 ROc1 Rf2 Mr4 ROc2 Roh1b Mr5 ROc3 Ropl Hp Mr6 ROc4 Yc1 Nc ROc5 Yp1 Nh ROh1 Disturbed Px2

Px2 1

43 Px2 6 5

Rf1 Px2 7 8

Px2 9 10 Rf1 11 12 Px2 Hp 13 14

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Px2 Px2 ROh1b Hp Px2 ROh1b Px2 Cape Preston ROh1b Pc

ROh1b ROh1b Vegetation Communities Px2 Px2 Pc ROh1b & Disturbance Areas ROh1b

Px2 Figure 5.12 ROh1b ROh1b May 2009 Px2 ROh1b

ROh1b 0 500 ° 1,000 1,500

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DEC Database Search Fauna Transect (! Priority Flora (! (2000)

HGM 2000 Fauna Transect Hp (! Priority Flora (2006) ROh1 ROh1b Quadrat Locations Quadrat Locations ") (2000) ") (2006)

Pc Balmoral South Central Block Mr4 Pc Footprint Footprint

Vegetation Communities

Px2 Bx1 Nh1 ROh1a Px2 Hc1 Nh2 ROh1b Hp Hp Nh3 ROh2 Px2 ROh1 Lb Nr ROh2b Rf1 Rf1 34 Ld1 Nr3 ROpl ") Pc Ld2 Pc ROr Rf1 Rf1 Pc Ld3 Pc2 ROr1 Pc Px2 Ld4 Pc3 ROr3 Px2 Ld5 Pc4 ROx1 Rf1 Lm Pf1 Rc1 Lp1 Pp1 Rc2 Rf1 Ls1 Pp2 Rc3 Ls2 Px1 Rc4 Pc Mp1 Px2 Rf1 Mr3 ROc1 Rf2 Mr4 ROc2 Roh1b Mr5 ROc3 Ropl Mr6 ROc4 Yc1 Nc ROc5 Yp1 Nh ROh1 Disturbed

6 5

7 8

9 10

11 12

13 14

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Rf1 Nh Nh Cape Preston Nh Rf1 Rc4 Nh Rf1 Vegetation Communities

Px2 & Disturbance Areas Rf1 Hp

Mr3 Rf1 Px2 Figure 5.13 May 2009

Nh Px1 Nh 0 500 ° 1,000 1,500 Rf1 Meters Rf1 Px1 1:25,000 Rc4

Rf2

Rf1 International Hp Mr6 IM Minerals ACN 058 341 638

Rf1 15 Rf2 Mr6 ") Rf2 Rc1 21 Rf1 Mr3 Mr6 ") DEC Database Search Fauna Transect (! Priority Flora (! (2000) 20 A. victoriae ") HGM 2000 Fauna Transect (! Priority Flora (2006)

Quadrat Locations Quadrat Locations 14 ") (2000) ") (2006) ") Rf1 Balmoral South Central Block Mr6 28 Footprint Footprint A. victoriae ") Transect 1 Mr6 29 Vegetation Communities ") 27 Bx1 Nh1 ROh1a ") Rf1 Hc1 Nh2 ROh1b

Mr3 Hp Nh3 ROh2 Transect 2 Lb Nr ROh2b Ld1 Nr3 ROpl Hp Ld2 Pc ROr Rc1 Ld3 Pc2 ROr1 Ld4 Pc3 ROr3 Ld5 Pc4 ROx1

Rf1 Lm Pf1 Rc1 Lp1 Pp1 Rc2 Ls1 Pp2 Rc3

Rf1 Ls2 Px1 Rc4 26 ") Mp1 Px2 Rf1 Mr3 ROc1 Rf2 Mr4 ROc2 Roh1b Rf2 Mr5 ROc3 Ropl Mr6 ROc4 Yc1 Px2 Nc ROc5 Yp1 Nh ROh1 Disturbed

Rc4

Pp2 13 ") 1

6 5

7 8

9 10

11 12

13 14

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Px2 30 Px2 Nh Nh Rc4 ") Cape Preston Nh Px2 Px2 Px2 Vegetation Communities Nh

Px2 Hp & Disturbance Areas

Px2 Hp Hp Rf1 Figure 5.14 May 2009 Rf1 Rc4 Px2 Px2 Nh 0 500 ° 1,000 1,500

Px2 Meters Hp 1:25,000 Hp Px2

Rf1 Px2 Rf1 International IM Minerals ACN 058 341 638

Hp Px2 Hp

Rf1 Rc4 Rf1

Hp Hp DEC Database Search Fauna Transect (! Priority Flora (! (2000)

HGM 2000 Fauna Transect (! Priority Flora (2006) Px2 Rf1 Quadrat Locations Quadrat Locations Hp Rf1 Rf1 Hp ") (2000) ") (2006) 24 Rf1 ") Rc4 Balmoral South Central Block Rf1 Footprint Footprint Px2 Rf2 Vegetation Communities Hp

Rf1 Bx1 Nh1 ROh1a Hp Hc1 Nh2 ROh1b Hp Nh3 ROh2 Rf1 Lb Nr ROh2b Ld1 Nr3 ROpl Ld2 Pc ROr Rc4 Ld3 Pc2 ROr1 Rf1 Ld4 Pc3 ROr3 Ld5 Pc4 ROx1 Px2 Rf1 Lm Pf1 Rc1

23 Lp1 Pp1 Rc2 ") Ls1 Pp2 Rc3 Ls2 Px1 Rc4 Rf1 Mp1 Px2 Rf1

Rf1 Mr3 ROc1 Rf2 Mr4 ROc2 Roh1b Mr5 ROc3 Ropl

Rc4 Mr6 ROc4 Yc1 Rf2 Nc ROc5 Yp1 Nh ROh1 Disturbed

Rc1 2

Rf1 Rc4

43 Rf1

6 5

Rc4 7 8

Rf1 9 10

11 12

13 14 22 ")

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APPENDIX B

Cape Preston Iron Ore Precinct Fauna Survey Phoenix Draft Report

Nov 2008

Response to Public Submissions Page 77 of 79

Mineralogy Pty Ltd

Fauna Survey

Cape Preston Iron Ore Precinct

Draft Report

24 November 2008

Fauna survey Cape Preston Iron Ore Precinct Mineralogy Pty Ltd

Fauna Survey

Project: Cape Preston Iron Ore Precinct

Prepared for Mineralogy Pty Ltd

Prepared by: Phoenix Environmental Sciences Pty Ltd

Draft report

Author: Morgan O’Connell, Karen Crews Reviewer: Jarrad Donald Version: 1 Date: 24 November 2008 Submitted to: Joe Webb (Mineralogy)

The use of this report is solely for the Client for the purpose in which it was prepared. Phoenix Environmental Sciences accepts no responsibility for use beyond this purpose.

All rights are reserved and no part of this publication may be reproduced or copied in any form without the written permission of Phoenix Environmental Sciences or Mineralogy.

Phoenix Environmental Sciences Pty Ltd U1, 50 Fitzgerald St NORTHBRIDGE WA 6003 P: 08 9243 6102 F: 08 6313 0680 E: [email protected]

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Fauna survey Cape Preston Iron Ore Precinct Mineralogy Pty Ltd

CONTENTS 1.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...... 1 2.0 INTRODUCTION ...... 3 2.1 Background ...... 3 2.2 Scope of work / objectives ...... 3 2.2.1 Level 2 fauna survey ...... 3 2.2.2 Targeted fauna survey ...... 5 2.2.3 Tasks / deliverables ...... 5 2.3 Site description ...... 6 2.3.1 Land Systems ...... 6 2.3.2 Climate ...... 7 2.4 Previous surveys ...... 7 3.0 METHODOLOGY ...... 9 3.1 Consultation ...... 9 3.2 Database searches ...... 9 3.3 Field methodology ...... 9 The field survey took place from the 8th to the 26th of September 2008. The field survey team consisted of Mr Morgan O’Connell (lead Zoologist), Mr Dean Bradshaw (Zoologist), Mr Glen Murray (Zoologist) and Mr Jarrad Donald (Biologist)...... 9 Survey work undertaken consisted of: ...... 11 3.3.1 Trapping for ground-dwelling mammals, reptiles and amphibians ...... 11 3.3.2 Avifauna surveys...... 14 3.3.3 Bats ...... 14 3.3.4 Spotlighting ...... 14 3.3.5 Opportunistic records ...... 14 3.3.6 Excluded fauna ...... 14 3.4 Targeted Mulgara and Pilbara Olive Python searches ...... 15 3.5 Taxonomy and nomenclature ...... 15 3.6 Limitations ...... 15 4.0 RESULTS ...... 17 4.1 Desktop study ...... 17 4.2 Habitat ...... 20 4.3 Fauna records ...... 23 4.3.1 Summary of records from the September 2008 survey ...... 23 4.3.2 Summary of records from all fauna surveys conducted within the study area. 23 4.4 Reptiles ...... 24 4.5 Mammals ...... 26 4.6 Birds ...... 28 4.7 Amphibians...... 30 4.8 Habitat and important areas ...... 30 4.9 Species of conservation significance ...... 31

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Fauna survey Cape Preston Iron Ore Precinct Mineralogy Pty Ltd

4.9.1 Relevant legislation and agreements for the protection of significant fauna in Western Australia...... 31 4.9.2 Significant species recorded on site...... 32 5.0 RECOMMENDATIONS ...... 36 6.0 REFERENCES ...... 37 Appendix 1: Vegetation mapping and site locations from all fauna surveys conducted in the Cape Preston Iron Ore Precinct Appendix 2: Migratory birds identified as occurring or potentially occurring in the study area through database searches Appendix 3: Full list of species obtained from general database searches Appendix 4: Categories of conservation status under the EPBC Act, the WC Act and the DEC priority fauna list Appendix 5: Species recorded from each habitat type during the 2008 fauna survey Appendix 6: List of species recorded in all fauna surveys conducted in the Cape Preston Iron Ore Precinct. Appendix 7: Analysis of bat call recordings, Dr Kyle Armstrong

TABLES AND FIGURES

Table 1: Summary of trapping effort and location of trapping sites...... 13 Table 2: Significant species recorded in the study area identified through database searches...... 17 Table 3: Vegetation descriptionsa for 2008 fauna survey sites and representative photos...... 20 Table 4 Number of species recorded from each group during the September 2008 fauna survey...... 23 Table 5: Number of species recorded from each vertebrate group during each fauna survey conducted within study area...... 24 Table 6: Reptile species recorded during September 2008 fauna survey...... 25 Table 7: Mammal species recorded during the September 2008 fauna survey...... 27 Table 8 Bird species recorded during the September 2008 fauna survey. Species in bold are listed as Migratory under the EPBC Act...... 28 Table 9 Significant species recorded during the 2008 fauna survey...... 34 Figure 1 Location of Cape Preston Iron Ore Precinct ...... 4 Figure 2 Project areas and locations of the September 2008 fauna survey sites. . 10 Figure 3: Daily minimum and maximum temperatures at Mardie Station during the survey period (8 – 26 September 2008)...... 11

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Fauna survey Cape Preston Iron Ore Precinct Mineralogy Pty Ltd

1.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Cape Preston Iron Ore Mining Precinct (the Precinct) is located approximately 80km south west of Karratha. There are currently three corporate entities developing parts of the Precinct which is divided into the Northern, Central and Southern Blocks. Mineralogy Pty Ltd holds the overall rights to the entire precinct. This report documents the results of a fauna survey undertaken over the entire Precinct in September 2008 and pulls together data derived from previous fauna surveys in the Precinct.

Seven broad fauna habitat types were identified within the study area based on landform and vegetation types described in Halpern Glick Maunsell et al., (2001). All habitat types were surveyed with replication of sampling effort in major habitats.

The field survey in September 2008 recorded 159 vertebrate species comprising 76 bird species, 64 reptile species, 18 mammal species (including two introduced species) and one species of amphibian. Twenty species were recorded in the 2008 survey that weren’t recorded in previous fauna surveys undertaken in the Precinct.

Previous fauna surveys have been conducted in the Precinct as follows: April 2000 comprehensive fauna survey over most of the Precinct (Halpern Glick Maunsell et al., 2001); October 2002 shorebird survey (Hassell, 2002); and October 2006 fauna survey over Balmoral South project area (Maunsell AECOM, 2006). The total number of vertebrate species recorded during all surveys combined was 247 species, comprising three species of amphibian, 132 species of bird, 29 species of mammal and 83 species of reptile.

The 2008 survey did not record any Schedule species listed under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 or Threatened species listed under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. However, three Priority species listed on the DEC Priority Fauna List were recorded: the Western Little Free-tailed Bat Mormopterus loriae cobourgiana, identified from Anabat echolocation call recordings (Priority 1); the Eastern Curlew Numensis madagascariensis (Priority 1); and the Western Pebble Mouse Pseudomys chapmanii (Priority 4), not recorded but evidence of its presence observed throughout the survey area.

Three other Priority 4 species were recorded from previous fauna surveys conducted in the Precinct: Short-tailed Mouse Leggadina lakedownensis (recorded in 2000); Australian Bustard Ardeotis australis (recorded in 2000, 2002 and 2006); and Bush Stone-curlew Burhinus grallarius (recorded in 2000). The Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrines, which was identified as potentially occurring in the study area from database searches, was not recorded in any of the surveys. This species may hunt, but is not likely to nest, in the study area.

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Fauna survey Cape Preston Iron Ore Precinct Mineralogy Pty Ltd

Nine species of migratory waders listed under the EPBC Act were recorded on site. The 2002 shorebird survey recorded 19 species of shorebird of which 16 are listed as migratory under international agreements and two of the species were recorded in internationally significant numbers under the Ramsar Convention (Hassell, 2002).

The study area contains species and habitat types that are generally common in the Pilbara region. However, the area has high species diversity in comparison to the inland Pilbara. This is particularly evident in the reptile and bird species and is due to coastal habitats such as dunes, mangroves and coastal cracking clay providing a diversity of habitats for vertebrate fauna. Habitats identified as being of conservation significance are the mangrove communities, hill top / slope communities and cracking clay habitat. The major drainage lines and dunes are also of local significance. The mudflats and beaches may also be significant for migratory birds, as Hassell (2002) recorded two migratory bird species in internationally significant numbers at Cape Preston.

Phoenix Environmental Sciences Pty Ltd 2

Fauna survey Cape Preston Iron Ore Precinct Mineralogy Pty Ltd

2.0 INTRODUCTION This report documents the results of a fauna survey undertaken by Phoenix Environmental Sciences Pty Ltd (Phoenix) on behalf of Mineralogy Pty Ltd in the Cape Preston Iron Ore Mining Precinct in September 2008. 2.1 B ACK GR OUND The Cape Preston Iron Ore Mining Precinct (the Precinct) is located approximately 80km south west of Karratha (Figure 1). The Precinct contains three major magnetite deposits collectively referred to as the Balmoral deposit. There are currently three corporate entities actively developing parts of the Precinct which is divided into the Northern, Central and Southern Blocks. Mineralogy Pty Ltd holds the overall rights to the entire precinct and plans to refer and develop the Northern Block and Stage 2 of the Southern Block. The Central Block, which is being developed by CITIC Pacific Mining Management Pty Ltd, has been approved for development and is currently proposed for expansion. International Minerals is developing Stage 1 of the Southern Block and submitted its Public Environmental Review documentation to the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) in September 2008.

The Precinct is situated within the Pilbara biogeographic region, which is classed as a “Group 2” area by the EPA. Within this group, any disturbance to an area greater than 50ha requires a “Level 2” biological survey.

2.2 S COPE OF WORK / OBJECTIVES 2.2.1 Level 2 fauna survey

Mineralogy commissioned Phoenix to undertake a vertebrate fauna survey within the Precinct. The principal objective of the scope of works was to provide baseline information on fauna species occurring in the Precinct.

The original scope of works required only part of the Precinct to be surveyed (Balmoral North, Balmoral South Stage 2 and some additional areas to the east of the main Precinct). Mineralogy subsequently requested that the survey also encompass the Balmoral Central Block and the Cape. While Balmoral South Stage 1 was not explicitly covered in the scope of works, all major fauna habitats represented in this part of the Precinct were surveyed.

According to Guidance Statement No. 56: Terrestrial Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment in Western Australia (EPA, 2004), the project area is located within a “Group 2” area and, as the disturbance is greater than 50ha, a Level 2 survey was required. Typically, a Level 2 survey requires field surveys over two seasons; however, a survey was previously conducted within the study area in April 2000 by Halpern Glick Maunsell Pty Ltd in collaboration with Biota Environmental Sciences and M E Trudgen & Associates and consequently, Phoenix were requested to undertake a single season survey only.

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Fauna survey Cape Preston Iron Ore Precinct Mineralogy Pty Ltd

Figure 1 Location of Cape Preston Iron Ore Precinct Phoenix Environmental Sciences Pty Ltd 4

Fauna survey Cape Preston Iron Ore Precinct Mineralogy Pty Ltd

2.2.2 Targeted fauna survey

Comments received by Mineralogy from the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts (DEWHA) indicated that targeted surveys to determine the presence of, and / or suitability of the project area to support the Pilbara Olive Python (Liasis olivacea barroni) and Mulgara (Dasycercus cristicauda) were required in order to facilitate a more accurate analysis of the project footprint for International Minerals (Balmoral South Stage 1).

Phoenix was engaged by Maunsell, on behalf of International Minerals, in August 2008 to undertake a high-level desktop review using existing vegetation data and reports to assess the likelihood of Olive pythons and Mulgara being present within the study area.

The findings of the desktop review indicated that Mulgara occurrence in the International Minerals project area is deemed unlikely due to the lack of suitable habitat, and Pilbara Olive Python occurrence in the study area is deemed unlikely to possible (Phoenix, 2008). The findings of the review were substantiated during a short-range endemic invertebrate survey undertaken in August. The review recommended that ground-truthing of a few locations be undertaken to investigate areas identified as potential habitat. This activity was undertaken during the Level 2 fauna survey for the whole study area.

2.2.3 Tasks / deliverables

Specifically, Phoenix committed to: • undertake a desktop review of all available reports and databases to obtain information on fauna species occurring or potentially occurring in the study area; • undertake a site assessment to determine a suitable sampling strategy based on existing vegetation/habitat mapping and followed up by a site visit; • undertake a comprehensive survey of the study area for all terrestrial mammal groups; • undertake targeted fauna searches for Pilbara Olive Python in areas identified as potential habitat for this species as part of the desktop review; and • prepare a technical report outlining the findings of the survey, including species recorded during the current and past surveys and identification of species of conservation significance.

As the study area encompasses the overall Precinct and multiple tenures, rather than a particular project footprint, this report does not include a detailed impact assessment. Rather, the information contained in this report is intended to serve as a baseline report for the relevant parties to use in assessing the potential impacts of their respective projects on fauna and faunal assemblages.

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2.3 S ITE DE SCR IPTION The Cape Preston Iron Ore Precinct falls within the Pilbara biogeographical region as defined by the Interim Biogeographic Regionalisation of Australia (Thackway and Cresswell, 1995). The Pilbara biogeographical region has four main geological components: the Hamersley Range, a mountainous area of Proterozoic sedimentary ranges and plateaux; the Fortescue Plains, consisting of alluvial plains and river frontages; the Chichester range comprising Archaean granite and basalt plains; and Roebourne consisting of Quaternary alluvial plains (Australian Natural Resources Atlas, 2008). The Precinct is situated within the Roebourne biogeographical subregion.

The Roebourne subregion is characterised by: • Quaternary alluvial and older colluvial coastal and sub-coastal plains with a grass savanna of mixed bunch and hummock grasses, and dwarf shrub steppe of Acacia translucens or A. pyrifolia and A. inequilatera; • Uplands, dominated by Triodia hummock grasslands; • Ephemeral drainage lines supporting Eucalyptus woodlands; • Samphire, Sporobulus and mangal occurring on marine alluvial flats and river deltas; • Resistant linear ranges of basalts occurring across the coastal plains; and • Islands comprising Quaternary sand accumulations, basalt and/or limestone. Source: Australian Natural Resources Atlas, 2008.

2.3.1 Land Systems

The Land Systems of the Cape Preston Iron Ore Precinct, as mapped by AgWest, were described in Halpern Glick Maunsell Pty Ltd et al. (2001). These are reproduced below. There are nine land systems occurring within the study area:

1. Littoral Bare coastal mudflats flanked by mangroves and samphire flats; minor sandy islands, narrow sandy plains, coastal dunes and beaches; occurred along the coast in the northern section of the project area; 2. Horseflats Extensive, weakly gilgaied clay plains with tussock grasslands; prominent in the southern portion of the survey area; 3. Newman Rugged jaspilite plateaux and ridges with hard spinifex grasslands; comprised the three ore bodies (Northern, Central and Southern OB); 4. Rocklea Rugged basalt hills and plateau remnants with hard spinifex grasslands; prominent in the northern portion of the survey area, particularly on Cape Preston; 5. Paraburdoo Stony plains derived from basalt, supporting snakewood shrublands and spinifex grasslands; occurred around hills of the Newman and Rocklea LS;

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6. Macroy Stony plains with hard and soft spinifex hummock grasslands; occurred along the eastern end of the access road; 7. Boolgeeda Stony lower slopes and plains found below hill systems, supporting hard spinifex grasslands; occurred as a single patch west of the Southern OB; 8. River Active floodplains and terraces flanking major rivers and creeks, supporting riverine woodlands and tussock and hummock grasslands; associated with the Fortescue River system; and 9. Yamerina Floodplains and deltaic deposits supporting tussock grasslands with chenopod low shrubs and soft spinifex grasslands; occurred west of the Northern OB. Source: Halpern Glick Maunsell Pty Ltd et al. (2001).

2.3.2 Climate

The Pilbara region has a semi-desert to tropical climate with highly variable, mostly summer rainfall. The average rainfall over the broader Pilbara area ranges from about 200mm to 350mm, although rainfall may vary widely from the average from year to year (Australian Natural Resources Atlas, 2008). The Roebourne subregion experiences significant cyclonic activity, with several systems affecting the coast and hinterland annually (Department of Conservation and Land Management, 2003).

Average annual rainfall at Balmoral, at the southern end of the Precinct, is 260mm, although this is highly variable. The bulk of rainfall in the region occurs from January to June and is significantly influenced by cyclonic activity.

2.4 P R EVIOUS SUR VEYS A number of biological surveys have previously been conducted within the Cape Preston Iron Ore Precinct. Halpern Glick Maunsell undertook a large scale vertebrate fauna survey, flora survey and detailed vegetation mapping of the mining leases covering the Balmoral deposit (M08/118 to M08/130) in 2000 in collaboration with Biota Environmental Sciences and MF Trudgen & Associates.

The vegetation mapping described 64 terrestrial vegetation units from the nine Land Systems above ranging from rank of plant community to vegetation association. These included tussock grasslands dominated by Eragrostis on plains; annual herblands on cracking clays; hummock grasslands of Triodia species on slopes and crests; Acacia shrublands over hummock grasslands on slopes and crests; tall shrublands of Acacia species in creeklines; low open woodlands of Corymbia over Acacia shrublands in flowlines on slopes; and open forests of Eucalyptus camaldulensis and/or E. victrix over tall shrublands of Acacia coriacea or Melaleuca glomerata on river banks and beds (Halpern Glick Maunsell et al., 2001). This vegetation mapping formed the basis for the fauna habitats described for the current survey.

The fauna survey was conducted in April 2000. Ten fauna habitats were identified based on a combination of the vegetation descriptions and the land system mapping.

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The fauna survey comprised both systematic and non-systematic approaches. The systematic component comprised 10 survey sites, one in each of the described fauna habitat types. Site selection considered representativeness of each fauna habitat type, geographic coverage of the project area and emphasis on proposed impact areas. The 2000 survey did not sample Preston Island. The locations of the fauna sites are shown in Appendix 1.

In October 2002, a shorebird survey of Cape Preston was undertaken over the northern part of the Precinct encompassing the Austeel project site (Balmoral North) and particularly around and just south of Preston Island (see Appendix 1). The purpose of the survey was to ascertain whether the Cape Preston area, within the proposed Austeel project site, is utilised by migratory shorebirds for feeding and/or roosting; and to clarify the significance of the area to migratory bird species.

A second fauna survey was undertaken in October 2006 over part of the Precinct, encompassing the Balmoral South block and some previously unsurveyed areas, as well as a review of results from the 2000 fauna survey in overlapping areas (Maunsell AECOM, 2006). The locations of the sites from this survey are shown in Appendix 1.

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3.0 METHODOLOGY

3.1 C ONSULTATION

Consultation between the Department of Environment and Conservation (Steve van Leeuwen, Nick Woolfrey and Tania Jackson), Phoenix and Mineralogy on the proposed methodology was held on the 4th September 2008. The Department (DEC) endorsed the proposal to follow a similar approach to that of Halpern Glick Maunsell et al. (2001) in the April 2000 survey, by aiming to survey all major habitat types within the study area. DEC also recommended using some of the 2000 sites as reference sites (where appropriate) and replicating survey effort in major habitats.

3.2 DATAB ASE SEARCHES Relevant environmental databases and maps were reviewed to identify significant species that may occur within the study area. The following databases were reviewed (see Section 4.1, Appendix 2 and Appendix 3 for results):

• EPBC Act protected matters database within the coordinates 20.8264,116.0527, -21.3412,116.0527, -21.3412,116.2688, -20.826,116.2688 (1km buffer); • DEC Threatened Fauna database within the coordinates 20.8145°S 116.0439°E / 21.2279°S 116.2499°E (Mardie area plus ~1km buffer); • WA Museum Faunabase within the coordinates 20.8322°S 116.0347°E / 21.2441°S 116.3027°E; and • Birds Australia Birdata database for one degree square containing the point 116.20338º E and 20.9504º S.

3.3 F IELD METHODOLOGY Prior to the survey, previous vegetation mapping data and aerial photography were reviewed to tentatively define fauna habitats. The habitats were further refined by ground-truthing during a field trip as part of a short range endemic (SRE) invertebrate survey undertaken in the study area by Phoenix in August 2008.

The field survey took place from the 8th to the 26th of September 2008. The field survey team consisted of Mr Morgan O’Connell (lead Zoologist), Mr Dean Bradshaw (Zoologist), Mr Glen Murray (Zoologist) and Mr Jarrad Donald (Biologist).

Twelve sites were surveyed over the study area (Figure 2). The sites were selected to sample the full range of fauna habitats and cover the full extent of the study area. Zoologists were unable to locate the sites from the Biota survey in 2000.

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Figure 2 Project areas and locations of the September 2008 fauna survey sites.

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Survey work undertaken consisted of: • systematic trapping for ground-dwelling mammals, reptiles and amphibians; • censusing of bird species; • recording of bat calls; • spotlighting for nocturnal species; and • opportunistic searches for reptiles and any other species throughout the field trip.

Weather conditions during the survey consisted of warm, dry days (maxima of 30 - 35ºC). No rainfall was recorded in the study area for the duration of the survey. The area also experienced little rainfall in the months prior to the survey. Daily maximum and minimum temperatures at Mardie Station (10km west of the southern end of the Precinct) for the period of the survey are shown in Figure 3.

15 Temperature (ºC)

10 Minimum 5 Max imum 0 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26

Date (September 2008)

Figure 3: Daily minimum and maximum temperatures at Mardie Station during the survey period (8 – 26 September 2008).

Data source: Bureau of Meteorology, 2008.

3.3.1 Trapping for ground-dwelling mammals, reptiles and amphibians

Trapping for ground-dwelling mammals, reptiles and amphibians was undertaken at all sites. A limit of six sites was surveyed simultaneously to reduce the likelihood of animal deaths. Sites 1-6 were surveyed for seven consecutive nights. The traps were then moved to sites 7-12 and trapping then continued for a further seven consecutive nights. The location of the fauna trapping sites is shown in Figure 4.

The summary of trapping effort and location of trap sites is provided in Table 1. Survey methodology and trapping effort was devised following review of the EPA’s

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Guidance Statement 56 (EPA, 2004). It conforms to a Level 2 survey, as outlined in GS56, and continues on work undertaken by Biota (2000).

Each site consisted of:

• Ten pit traps consisting of five PVC pipes (150mm diameter x 500mm depth) and five buckets (20L) installed in a transect at approximately 20m intervals. The traps were installed flush with the substrate with a 5m long and 30cm high aluminium drift fence bisecting the bucket or pipe.

• Twenty funnel traps, one placed at each end of the 10 aluminium drift fences.

• Twenty elliott traps, two placed parallel to each of the 10 pit traps at each site. A mixture of oats, peanut butter and sardines (universal bait) was used as bait.

• Two cage traps placed at each site and baited with universal bait.

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Table 1: Summary of trapping effort and location of trapping sites. Site Location Dates Nights # pit # funnel # elliott # cage Pit trap Funnel Elliott Cage Total trap (WGS84) open open traps traps traps traps effort trap trap trap nights (Sept) effort effort effort 1 50 K 408473 9 – 17 9 10 20 20 2 90 180 180 18 468 7660540 2 50 K 411101 9 – 17 9 10 20 20 2 90 180 180 18 468 7657754 3 50 K 409427 9 - 18 10 10 20 20 2 100 200 200 20 520 7667452 4 50 K 411995 9 - 15 7 10 20 20 2 70 140 140 14 364 7670521 5 50 K 411686 10 - 18 9 10 20 20 2 90 180 180 18 468 7675015 6 50 K 410874 10 - 18 9 10 20 20 2 90 180 180 18 468 7677739 7 50 K 417543 18 - 24 7 10 20 20 2 70 140 140 14 364 7685209 8 50 K 416347 18 - 24 7 10 20 20 2 70 140 140 14 364 7676389 9 50 K 414720 19 - 25 7 10 20 20 2 70 140 140 14 364 7671444 10 50 K 416845 19 - 25 7 10 20 20 2 70 140 140 14 364 7684800 11 50 K 417943 19 - 25 7 10 20 20 2 70 140 140 14 364 7657774 12 50 K 417326 16 - 20 5 10 20 20 2 50 100 100 10 260 7691665 Total 93 120 240 240 24 930 1860 1860 186 4836

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3.3.2 Avifauna surveys

Each habitat received at least seven, 20 minute bird surveys while some received up to 15. Surveying for bird species took place as early as possible in the morning (sunrise to 10:30am). Call playback was also used to detect the presence of rare targeted species.

3.3.3 Bats

Up to three Anabat detectors per night were used to record the ultrasonic calls of bat species. Recordings were taken in each habitat present within the study area for a minimum of two nights. A total of 28 Anabat nights were conducted during the survey. The recordings have been analysed by Dr Kyle Armstrong (see Appendix 7).

3.3.4 Spotlighting

Night searches were undertaken to detect the presence of nocturnal species and generally began at sunset and concluded at approximately 9:00pm when conditions became less ideal for nocturnal activity. The nocturnal surveys comprised head torching, hand spotlighting and road spotlighting. A total of six night searches were undertaken by two separate teams of two. The time spent spotlighting was evenly distributed between each habitat.

3.3.5 Opportunistic records

Opportunistic reptile surveys were undertaken at each site. This comprised opening logs with crowbars, looking under bark, looking under rocks and raking leaf litter.

Opportunistic records of other species were also made throughout the survey. Secondary evidence was also used to determine the presence of certain species, e.g. active pebble mounds, burrows and scats.

3.3.6 Excluded fauna

The scope of the survey did not target marine species, including turtles. It is understood that previous surveys have been undertaken for turtles and a management plan has been prepared to manage impacts on turtles from the Cape Preston developments.

Shorebirds were surveyed to a limited extent; however a previous survey targeting shorebirds was undertaken in 2002. The current survey builds on the information collected on shorebirds during this earlier survey.

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3.4 T ARGETED MULGARA AND P ILBAR A OLIVE P YTHON S EARCHES Targeted searches were conducted for Pilbara Olive Python throughout the study area in habitats determined to have the potential for harbouring this species. Opportunistic searches were also conducted throughout the survey. Marginal habitat exists on site for the Pilbara Olive Python. A dry waterhole near site three was investigated as potential habitat but the area lacked boulders or outcrops and permanent water.

No evidence was found to suggest that Pilbara Olive Python occurs within the study area. There are virtually no permanent water bodies adjacent to suitable habitat. One permanent artificial pool was observed, which is a consequence of a windmill, however this water body is not considered to have been present long enough to have supported local colonization by the species.

3.5 T AXONOMY AND NOMENCLATUR E The taxonomy and nomenclature used in this report follows that of the WA Museum FaunaList (Western Australian Museum, 2008).

3.6 L IMITATIONS The field survey was undertaken during weather conditions that are considered conducive for fauna surveying (i.e. warm and humid), particularly for reptiles. During these conditions, reptiles and in particular nocturnal species, such as snakes and geckoes, generally record the highest activity levels. The low amount of rainfall in the months leading up to the survey and therefore lack of available flower, seed and fresh growth may have affected the abundance of mammal and bird species. The first season survey undertaken in early 2000, which occurred after substantial rainfall in the region, should have recorded additional species that benefit from the vegetation that flourishes after rains. This may account for Leggadina lakedownensis being recorded in the fauna survey undertaken in 2000 (Halpern Glick Maunsell et al., 2001) but not in the current survey. There were no significant rainfall events either during or immediately prior to the study period; therefore limiting the probability of recording amphibian species. Frogs in the Pilbara generally get recorded after summer cyclones and thunderstorms when water is pooled on the surface and soil is soaked through. It is after these weather events that burrowing frogs will come to the surface. Previous surveys have recorded emergent burrowing species, and this is likely to be an accurate reflection of amphibian communities present within the study area. No amphibian species in the Pilbara are currently listed as conservation significant, and hence no additional surveying is considered to be required. Survey sites were located in areas that were considered representative of all the major fauna habitats present in the study area. Site locations were limited to areas that were accessible by vehicles and also by layout that allowed safe, timely and efficient checking of traps. Whilst all major habitats were surveyed, no variations in major habitats or microhabitats were able to be sampled. Given the level of survey work undertaken during this and previous surveys, the coverage of sampling sites is considered to be appropriate to document faunal assemblages within the project area.

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The island site received only five nights trapping due low tides extending into mid morning, therefore not enabling access to the island until late in the morning. Considerable survey time was taken up commuting to the island and surveying was also limited by track accessibility. The results of the survey should be considered a snapshot of the fauna communities present at the time of the field survey. However, the combined the results of this and previous surveys undertaken in the study area, gives a more comprehensive picture of species presence and species abundance.

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4.0 RESULTS

4.1 DE S KTOP STUDY A review of relevant databases, maps and reports was conducted to obtain information on fauna species occurring or potentially occurring in the study area. This included a review of the previous fauna survey reports (Halpern Glick Maunsell, 2001; Maunsell AECOM, 2006). Searches were conducted of the EPBC Act Protected Matters Database, the DEC Priority and Threatened Fauna Database, the WA Museum’s Faunabase and Birds Australia Birdata Database to identify significant species that may occur in the study area.

A total of 12 species of conservation significance were identified as occurring in the study area (Table 2). In addition, 41 species of birds listed as Migratory under the EPBC Act were identified in the database searches as occurring or potentially occurring in the study area (Appendix 2). The full list of species obtained from searches of all databases is provided in Appendix 3.

Table 2: Significant species recorded in the study area identified through database searches. Scientific Name EPBC Act WA categorya conservation category* Macronectes giganteus (Southern Giant-Petrel) Endangered Rhinonicteris aurantius (Pilbara form) (Pilbara Leaf- Vulnerable Schedule 1 nosed Bat) Dasycercus cristicauda (Mulgara) Vulnerable Schedule 1 Petrogale lateralis lateralis (Black-flanked Rock- Vulnerable wallaby) Liasis olivaceus barroni (Pilbra Olive Python) Vulnerable Schedule 1 Falco peregrinus (Peregrine Falcon) Schedule 4 Mormopterus loriae cobourgiana (Western Little Priority 1 Free-tailed bat) Leggadina lakedownensis (Short-tailed Mouse) Priority 4 Pseudomys chapmani (Western Pebble-mound Priority 4 Mouse) Ardeotis australis (Australian Bustard) Priority 4 Numenius madagascariensis (Eastern Curlew) Priority 4 Burhinus grallarius (Bush Stone-curlew) Priority 4 a - See Appendix 4 for explanations of conservation categories.

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Macronectes giganteus (Southern Giant-Petrel) The Southern Giant Petrel is a large seabird growing up to 100cm in length and with a wingspan up to 210cm. This species is found throughout the southern oceans and is rare as far north as the Pilbara coast on the western side of the continent. Threats to the species include longline fishing, predation, ingestion of plastics and hooks and entanglement in marine debris.

Rhinonicteris aurantius (Pilbara form) (Pilbara Leaf-nosed Bat) The Pilbara Leaf-nosed Bat is endemic to Australia and has a range stretching from the Pilbara to Queensland. The Pilbara form however, is restricted to the Pilbara region where it roosts in caves and mine adits with stable, warm and humid microclimates (Armstrong, 2001). Limited suitable habitats combined with its poor ability to maintain heat and water balance are the most important factors threatening the survival of this species (Baudinette et al. 2000).

Dasycercus cristicauda (Mulgara) The Mulgara is a dasyurid marsupial occurring in the arid areas of Australia. They are most frequently found in habitats dominated by mature spinifex (Triodia sp.; Baker, 1996). According to Maxwell et al. (1996), the Mulgara has declined over 50 – 90% of its original range. Recent revisions of Dasycercus resulted in the predominantly Western Australian populations of D. cristicauda being classified as a separate species, D. blythi (Brush-tailed Mulgara), primarily based on tail morphology (Woolley, 2008). Based on the known distributions of the two species, it is assumed that the listing of D. cristicauda from the database searches refers to D. blythi.

Petrogale lateralis lateralis (Black-flanked Rock-wallaby) Existing populations of this subspecies are scattered across much of western WA but are generally considered to be small and insecure (Pearson and Kinnear, 1997). It is typically located in proximity to some form of cliff, rocky outcrop, talus or escarpment (DEWHR, 2008).

Liasis olivaceus barroni (Pilbra Olive Python) The Pilbara Olive Python is one of Australia’s largest snakes, growing up 6.5m (Wilson & Swan, 2008). The species is restricted to the Pilbara and Gascoyne regions occurring in the Burrup Peninsula, Ord Ranges and Meentheena south to Nanutarra and Newman (Storr et al., 2002). A recent discovery of a sub- adult python was made approximately 70km east of Port Hedland at the site of the proposed Pardoo Iron Ore shipping facility (Phoenix, 2008). It is primarily found in gorges and dissected drainage lines (Wilson & Swan, 2008).

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Falco peregrinus (Peregrine Falcon) The Peregrine Falcon is found across much of Australia, inhabiting a wide variety of habitats. This species is relatively long lived, with low reproductive rates and low population density (DEWHR, 2008). Habitat loss is a major threat to the species as it typically nests on cliff faces and in woodland trees (DEWHR, 2008).

Mormopterus loriae cobourgiana (Little North-western Mastiff Bat) The Little North-western Mastiff Bat occurs along the northern coast of Western Australia and the Northern Territory. It occurs sparsely across its range but can from large transient aggregations (Milne et al., 2008). The WA population has only been recorded from mangrove stands, particularly those that include mature grey mangroves (Avicennia marina, Milne et al., 2008). It is of significance due to its restricted distribution and limited knowledge of the species.

Leggadina lakedownensis (Short-tailed Mouse) This secretive species is known to occur in the Pilbara and the Kimberley. Its populations rise and fall dramatically, probably in response to climatic fluctuations and availability of seeds.

Pseudomys chapmani (Western Pebble-mound Mouse, Ngadji) This species is well-known for the characteristic pebble-mounds which it constructs over underground burrow systems. These mounds are most common on spurs and lower slopes of rocky hills.

Ardeotis australis (Australian Bustard) This species occurs in open or lightly wooded grasslands. Once common throughout Australia in suitable habitats, they are now considered rare due to habitat loss.

Numenius madagascariensis (Eastern Curlew) The Eastern Curlew is the largest wader in Australia and has been recorded from most of Australia’s coastline. This species utilizes tidal mudflats, sand spits of estuaries, mangroves, lake shores and ocean beaches (Morcombe, 2004). This species is of significance due to the reduction of its habitat in Australia and overseas.

Burhinus grallarius (Bush Stone-curlew) The Bush Stone-curlew is a wader that inhabits open woodland, often near beaches (Simpson and Day, 2004). The species has been recorded from all but the most arid parts of mainland Australia but has declined considerably over the southern part of its range particularly due to habitat loss, habitat degradation and predation by foxes (DEWHR, 2008).

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4.2 HABITAT Seven broad fauna habitat types were identified within the study area for the 2008 survey. The vegetation descriptions for the fauna survey sites are provided in Table 3. The habitat descriptions are based on the vegetation mapping Halpern Glick Maunsell et al. (2001). All habitats defined for the study area are common throughout the Pilbara and coastal regions.

Table 3: Vegetation descriptionsa for 2008 fauna survey sites and representative photos. Vegetation descriptions Representative site Cracking clay

(Sites 2, 9 – Hp Vegetation type)

Broad areas of red-brown cracking clay supporting Eragrostis xerophila tussock grassland. These were characterized by open grassland which was strongly dominated by E. xerophila, with occasional other grasses (Halpern Glick Maunsell et al., 2001).

Substrate at site 2 consisted of much larger cracks and sinkholes than site 9. Site 2 also was devoid of a shrublayer whilst Site 9 had a scattered shrublayer of Acacia sp. Dunes

(Sites 6, 12 – Ld2 and Ld3 Vegetation Types)

Site 6 occurred on the coarse brown sands of the gently undulating dunes which border Cape Preston. It consists of an open to sparse tall shrub land that is dominated by Acacia coriacea subsp. coriacea, with lesser amounts of Acacia bivenosa (Halpern Glick Maunsell et al., 2001). The tall shrub layer also contained other occasional shrubs, over herbs and grasses.

Site 12 island dune vegetation was similar to Site 6 but the soft grasses were replaced by curly spinifex (Triodia epactia), i.e. not hummock forming. Part of site 6 was on a steep dune face.

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Hilltop/ hill slopes/ rocky outcrops

(Sites 1, 4, 11 – Nh Vegetation Type)

These areas support moderately dense hummock grassland of Triodia wiseana. Halpern Glick Maunsell et al. (2001) separated the vegetation of this land system on the basis of overstorey.

Site 1 consisted of a rocky outcrop amongst spinifex slopes. Scattered Ficus sp. occurred on the outcrops with sparse Senna glutinosa subsp. glutinosa and Acacia bivenosa occurring on the slopes. Site 4 was similar to Site 1 but was within a weakly incised drainage line containing moderately dense Acacia bivenosa. Site 11 was on the mid slopes of one of the bigger hills in the project area.

Mangrove/ beach

(Lb and Lm – Vegetation Types)

Belts of mangroves occurred in the intertidal zone, particularly around tidal creeks such as Preston Creek (Halpern Glick Maunsell et al., 2001). Avicenna marina was the most common mangal species. Areas of mangroves give rise to beaches. Narrow beaches occurred primarily along the western margin of Cape Preston. Beaches were scattered with the occasional mangrove patch.

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Samphire

(Site 10 – Ls1 and Ls2 Vegetation Types)

Half of this site was in Ls 1. Described as broad areas of tidal mudflats with only scattered low samphire occurring in the northern section of the project area (Halpern Glick Maunsell et al., 2001). The traps at this site were located at the base of small tidal wash aways / breakaways and small tidal flat outcrops.

The other half of this site was located in Ls 2. This consisted of an open to moderately dense low shrubland dominated by salt tolerant plants, principally samphires (Halpern Glick Maunsell et al., 2001). The grasslayer for this site consisted of hummock forming spinifex.

Stony spinifex plain with or without low shrub

(Sites 5b, 7, 8 - Px 1 and Pp2 Vegetation Types)

Px 1 represents the most common of the Snakewood vegetation types. It consisted of sparse to open tall shrubland of Acacia xiphophylla over patches of moderately dense Triodia wiseana hummock grassland. Pp2 consisted of a moderately dense to dense hummock grassland of Triodia angusta, with a very sparse to sparse overstorey of low shrubs. (Halpern Glick Maunsell et al., 2001).

Site 8 consisted of medium to low sparse Snakewood shrubs over sparse patches of spinifex hummocks interrupted with small patches of soft grasses. This site ran through moderately dense tall spinifex hummocks with scattered medium Acacia sp. shrubs. The site terminated in a grove of moderately dense medium Eucalyptus trees.

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Woodland drainage line

(Site 3 – Pc 1 Vegetation Type)

This vegetation type was recorded in the bed of major drainage lines. Consists of Eucalyptus camaldulensis and Eucalyptus victrix over a high shrublayer dominated by Acacia and intrusions of Mesquite (Prosopis pallid hybrid) (Halpern Glick Maunsell et al., 2001).

Site 3 had traps located at the base of large Eucalyptus trees and on dry island mounds within the drainage line. a – Vegetation decriptions based on vegetation mapping by Halpern Glick Maunsell et al. (2001). b – Site 5 was an unusual habitat that consisted of a heavily dissected drainage line. The drainage line was on a flat spinifex plain. Animals recorded were species that would normally be recorded in stony spinifex plain and rocky outcrops.

4.3 F AUNA RECORDS 4.3.1 Summary of records from the September 2008 survey

The field survey in September 2008 recorded 159 vertebrate species. The number of each species from each vertebrate group is provided in Table 4. A total of 2603 individual records were made during the survey. The results of the species and numbers of individuals recorded in each habitat type are provided in Appendix 5.

Table 4 Number of species recorded from each group during the September 2008 fauna survey. Group Total Amphibians 1 Birds 76 Mammals (native only) 18 Reptiles 64 Total 159

4.3.2 Summary of records from all fauna surveys conducted within the study area.

The September 2008 survey represents a second survey for the Cape Preston Iron Ore Precinct; the first being undertaken in April 2000 (Halpern Glick Maunsell et al., 2001). While the surveys are several years apart, they were conducted in different seasons (autumn and spring) with a similar methodology and level of survey effort employed. The results of the first season survey, as well as results from other targeted surveys (Hassell, 2002; Maunsell AECOM, 2006) conducted within the study area

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Fauna survey Cape Preston Iron Ore Precinct Mineralogy Pty Ltd have been combined here with the current survey results to provide a more comprehensive picture of vertebrate fauna occurring in the Precinct.

The total number of vertebrate species recorded during the 2000, 2002, 2006 and 2008 surveys was 247 species, comprising three species of amphibian, 132 species of bird, 29 species of mammal and 83 species of reptile. A summary of the number of species recorded from each group in each survey is provided in Table 5. Twenty species were recorded in the 2008 survey that weren’t recorded previously. These comprised 4 birds, 5 mammals (4 bats) and 11 reptiles. The full list of species recorded in each survey is provided in Appendix 6.

Table 5: Number of species recorded from each vertebrate group during each fauna survey conducted within study area. Group 2000 2002 2006 2008 Totals – No. new first shorebirds Balmoral second all species in season South season surveys 2008 Amphibians 3 n/a 1 1 3 0 Birds 96 84 57 76 132 4 Mammals 22 n/a 8 18 29 5 Reptiles 58 n/a 38 64 83 11 Total 179 84 104 159 247 20

4.4 R E PTILES Sixty four species of reptile were recorded during the September 2008 survey comprising 10 families and 82 species (Table 6). These records consisted of 23 species of skinks (family Scincidae), 13 species of snakes (family Boidae and Elapidae), two species of blind snake (family Typhlopidae), nine species of geckos (family Gekkonidae), seven species of dragons (family Agamidae), six species of goanna (family Varanidae) and four species of legless lizards (family Pygopodidae).

Almost 40% of reptile species recorded belonged to the Scincidae family. Ctenotus saxitilis was the second most recorded species behind Lerista bipes. Snakes made up approximately 20% of the reptile species.

Varanus acanthurus was captured a total of 15 times at sites 1, 4, 5, 7, and 11. It is unusual to capture V. acanthurus so frequently, as it is a rock dwelling species spending most of its time in cracks between boulders and under exfoliating rock. This species was only encountered a handful of times in previous surveys. Ctenotus aff. robustus was captured 11 times from the cracking clay habitat.

Eighty two species of reptiles were recorded between all three vertebrate fauna surveys (2000, 2006 and 2008).

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Table 6: Reptile species recorded during September 2008 fauna survey.

Family Scientific name Common name Agamidae Amphibolurus gilberti Gilbert’s Water Dragon Amphibolurus longirostris Long-nosed Water Dragon Ctenophorus caudicinctus Ring-tailed Dragon Ctenophorus nuchalis Central Netted Dragon Ctenophurus isolepis Crested Dragon Pogona minor mitchelli Little Bearded Dragon Tympanocryptis cephalus Pebble Dragon Boidae Antaresia stimsoni Stimson's Python Carphodactylidae Nephrurus levis occidentalis Nephrurus wheeleri cinctus Diplodactylidae Diplodactylus conspicillatus Fat-tailed Gecko Diplodactylus savagei Lucasium stenodactylum Strophurus strophurus Elapidae Acanthophis wellsi Pilbara Death Adder Brachyurophis approximans Demansia psammophis cupreiceps Yellow-faced Whipsnake Demansia rufescens Rufous Whipsnake Ephalophis greyae Furina ornata Moon Snake Parasuta monachus Monk Snake Pseudechis australis King Brown Pseudonaja modesta Ringed Brown Snake Pseudonaja nuchalis Gwardar Suta fasciata Rosen's Snake Suta punctata Spotted Snake Gekkonidae Gehyra punctata Gehyra variegata Tree Dtella Heteronotia binoei Bynoe's Gecko Pygopodidae Delma nasuta Delma pax Lialis burtonis Burton’s Legless Lizard Pygopus nigriceps Scincidae Carlia munda Carlia triacantha Cryptoblepharus ustulatus Ctenotus duricola Ctenotus grandis titan Ctenotus helenae Ctenotus pantherinus Leopard Ctenotus

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Family Scientific name Common name Scincidae Ctenotus aff. robustus Ctenotus rubicundus Ctenotus saxatilis Rock Ctenotus Ctenotus schomburgkii Ctenotus serventyi Ctenotus uber Cyclodomorphus melanops melanops Egernia depressa Pygmy Spiny-tailed Skink Glaphyromorphus isolepis Lerista bipes Lerista elegans Lerista muelleri Menetia greyii Morethia butleri Morethia ruficauda exquisita Notoscincus butleri Typhlopidae Ramphotyphlops ammodytes Ramphotyphlops grypus Varanidae Varanus acanthurus Spiny-tailed Monitor Varanus brevicauda Short-tailed Pygmy Monitor Varanus eremius Pygmy Desert Monitor Varanus giganteus Perentie Varanus gouldii Bungarra or Sand Monitor Varanus panoptes rubidus Yellow-spotted Monitor

4.5 MAMMALS Sixteen native mammal species were recorded during the survey (Table 7). These comprised three dasyurid (carnivorous marsupials), two macropod, three native rodent and eight bat species. Two introduced species were also recorded.

Eight species of native ground dwelling mammals were recorded during the second season survey. Most of these are members of the Muridae (rodents) or Dasyuridae (carnivorous marsupials) families. Another ground dweller, the Western Pebble Mouse (Pseudomys chapmani) was not recorded during the survey but evidence of its presence was seen throughout the study area. The Western Pebble Mouse is listed as Priority 4 on the DEC’s list of priority fauna and is discussed further in Section 4.9. The introduced mouse Mus musculus was not recorded during this survey and was recorded only once in the coastal dune habitat during previous surveys.

The Western Little Free-tailed Bat (Mormopterus loriae cobourgiana) was recorded from the Mangals (near site 6) with medium confidence (see Appendix 7 for confidence levels). This species has been recorded exclusively in mangrove

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Fauna survey Cape Preston Iron Ore Precinct Mineralogy Pty Ltd communities along the northwest coast. It is listed as Priority One on the DECs list of priority fauna. The Short-tailed Mouse (Leggadina lakedownensis) was not recorded in this second season survey, despite two sites being located in cracking clay habitat. The first season survey in 2000 recorded this species twice from cracking clay and once from low hills (Halpern Glick Maunsell et al., 2001).

A single capture of a Little Red Kaluta (Dasykaluta rosamondae) was made in the samphire habitat. This is unusual as this species is not associated with samphire. It is possible that this individual was traveling through or was enticed from its usual habitat adjacent to the samphire by the baited Elliott trap.

The Stripe-faced Dunnart (Sminthopsis macroura) and Desert Mouse (Pseudomys desertor) were the most frequently trapped mammals during the survey. The Stripe- faced Dunnart was also the most trapped mammal in the 2000 survey but the Desert Mouse was not recorded during this earlier survey.

Twenty nine species of mammal were recorded between all three surveys (2000, 2006 and 2008).

Table 7: Mammal species recorded during the September 2008 fauna survey. Family Scientific name Common name Dasyuridae Dasykaluta rosamondae Little Red Kaluta Planigale maculata Comon Planigale Sminthopsis macroura Stripe-faced Dunnart Emballonuridae Yellow-bellied sheath-tailed Saccolaimus flaviventris bat Taphozous georgianus Common sheath-tailed bat Macropodidae Macropus robustus erubescens Euro Macropus rufus Red Kangaroo Mollossidae Chaerephon jobensis Northern Freetail Bat Scotorepens greyii Little broad-nosed bat Vespadelus finlaysoni Finlayson’s cave bat Mormopterus loriae cobourgiana Western little free-tailed bat Muridae Pseudomys desertor Desert Mouse Pseudomys hermannsburgensis Sandy Inland Mouse Zyzomys argurus Common Rock-rat Vespertilionidae Chalinolobus gouldii Gould's Wattled Bat Nyctophilus sp. Unidentified long-eared bat Introduced mammals Canidae Canis lupus Dog/dingo Felidae Felis catus Cat

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4.6 B IR DS A total of 76 species of bird were recorded during the second season survey comprising 37 families and 60 genera (Table 8). Nine bird of prey species (family Falconidae, and Accipitridae), five Honeyeater species (family Meliphagidae), four Kingfisher (family Halcyonidae) and nine species of shorebirds were recorded.

The most commonly recorded species (number of times the species was observed) in order from the highest number recorded were Zebra Finch (Taeniopygia guttata), Galah (Cacatua roseicapillus) and Painted Finch (Emblema pictum). The most abundant species (number of individuals) was Zebra Finch followed by Painted Finch. These two species made up 57% of the total number of individual bird records.

Nine species recorded during the survey are EPBC listed as Migratory under the Japan-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement (JAMBA), the China-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement (CAMBA), the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (Bonn) and/or the Agreement between the Government of Australia and the Government of the Republic of Korea on the Protection of Migratory Birds (ROKAMBA).

The Eastern Curlew (Numenius madagascariensis), which was recorded near the creekline on the southern bank, is listed as Priority 2 on the DEC’s list of priority fauna.

Table 8 Bird species recorded during the September 2008 fauna survey. Species in bold are listed as Migratory under the EPBC Act. Family Species Common Name Phasianidae Coturnix ypsilophora Brown Quail Anatidae Anas superciliosa Pacific Black Duck Columbidae Ocyphaps lophotes Crested Pigeon Geophaps plumifera Spinifex Pigeon Geopelia cuneata Diamond Dove Geopelia striata Peaceful Dove Podargidae Podargus strigoides Tawny Frogmouth Eurostopidae Eurostopodus argus Spotted Nightjar Pelecanidae Pelecanus conspicillatus Australian Pelican Ardeidae Ardea sacra Eastern Reef Egret Ardea garzetta Little Egret Accipitridae Pandion haliaetus Osprey Haliaeetus leucogaster White-bellied Sea-Eagle Haliastur sphenurus Whistling Kite Haliastur indus Brahminy Kite Milvus migrans affinis Black Kite Circus assimilis Spotted Harrier

Aquila audax Wedge-tailed Eagle

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Family Species Common Name Falconidae Falco cenchroides Nankeen Kestrel Falco berigora Brown Falcon Gruidae Grus rubicunda Brolga Australian Pied Haematopodidae Haematopus longirostris Oystercatcher

Charadriidae Charadrius leschenaultii Greater Sand Plover Charadrius ruficapillus Red-capped Plover Charadrius melanops Black-fronted Dotterel Vanellus tricolor Banded Lapwing Scolopacidae Numenius phaeopus Whimbrel Numenius madagascariensis Eastern Curlew Tringa brevipes Grey-tailed Tattler Tringa stagnatilis Marsh Sandpiper Turnicidae Turnix velox Little Button-quail Laridae Sterna bergii Crested Tern Larus novaehollandiae Silver Gull Cacatuidae Cacatua roseicapillus Galah Cacatua sanguinea Little Corella Nymphicus hollandicus Cockatiel Psittacidae Platycercus zonarius Australian Ringneck Melopsittacus undulatus Budgerigar Cuculidae Centropus phasianinus Pheasant Coucal Chrysococcyx basalis Horsfield's Bronze-Cuckoo Halcyonidae Dacelo leachii Blue-winged Kookaburra Todiramphus pyrrhopygius Red-backed Kingfisher Todiramphus sanctus Sacred Kingfisher Todiramphus chloris Collared Kingfisher Meropidae Merops ornatus Rainbow Bee-eater Maluridae Malurus leucopterus White-winged Fairy-wren Malurus lamberti Variegated Fairy-wren Acanthizidae Gerygone tenebrosa Dusky Gerygone Pardalotidae Pardalotus rubricatus Red-browed Pardalote Meliphagidae Lichenostomus virescens Singing Honeyeater Lichenostomus penicillatus White-plumed Honeyeater Manorina flavigula Yellow-throated Miner Acanthagenys rufogularis Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater Lichmera indistincta Brown Honeyeater Pomatostomidae Pomatostomus temporalis Grey-crowned Babbler

Campephagidae Coracina novaehollandiae Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike

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Family Species Common Name Pachycephalidae Pachycephala rufiventris Rufous Whistler Pachycephala lanioides White-breasted Whistler Colluricincla harmonica Grey Shrike-thrush Oreoica gutturalis Crested Bellbird Artamidae White-breasted Artamus leucorynchus Woodswallow Artamus cinereus Black-faced Woodswallow Cracticus nigrogularis Pied Butcherbird Dicruridae Rhipidura phasiana Mangrove Grey Fantail Rhipidura leucophrys Willie Wagtail Corvidae Corvus orru Torresian Crow Monarchidae Grallina cyanoleuca Magpie-lark Horsfield’s (Singing) Alaudidae Mirafra javanica Bushlark Megaluridae Cincloramphus mathewsi Rufous Songlark Eremiornis carteri Spinifexbird Timaliidae Zosterops luteus Yellow White-eye Hirundinidae Hirundo ariel Fairy Martin Hirundo nigricans Tree Martin Estrildidae Taeniopygia guttata Zebra Finch Emblema pictum Painted Finch Motacillidae Anthus australis Australian Pipit

4.7 AMPHIB IANS A single amphibian species (Litoria rubella) was recorded during second season survey. The specimen was caught in a pit trap at the heavily vegetated, major drainage line (Site 3).

Three species of amphibian were recorded at Cape Preston in the 2000 fauna survey: two from the family Myobatrachidae (L. rubella and Cyclorana maini) and one from the family Hylidae (Uperoleia russelli).

4.8 HABITAT AND IMPORTANT AREAS The study area contains species and habitat that are generally common in the Pilbara region. However, the area has high species diversity when compared to the inland Pilbara and this is particularly evident in the reptile and bird species. This is due to coastal habitats such as dunes, mangroves and coastal cracking clay providing a diversity of suitable habitats for vertebrate fauna.

Generally speaking, areas containing dense ground cover, in particular spinifex (Triodia spp.), provide the best habitat for ground-dwelling mammals and reptiles. Habitats that contain this vegetation, in combination with soft loamy or sandy soils,

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Fauna survey Cape Preston Iron Ore Precinct Mineralogy Pty Ltd provide additional habitat for fossorial reptiles and mammals. These habitats were located in dunes, hillslopes and rocky plains in the study area and either 26 or 27 species of reptiles were recorded from each of the trapping sites in these habitats.

Drainage lines are considered to provide high habitat value in the Pilbara region. These areas generally contain mature trees with hollows that provide roosting sites for numerous bird, mammal and reptile species. In addition, these habitats provide linkages between areas of dense vegetation in an otherwise sparsely vegetated landscape, providing corridors for a number of species.

Habitats of conservation significance in the study area are the mangrove communities, the hill top / slope communities and cracking clay habitat. Mangrove communities are restricted in distribution, and support a number of species that are restricted to, or preferentially occur, in this habitat, for example the Western Little Free-tailed Bat (Mormopterus loriae cobourgiana). Mangrove communities are recognized by the EPA as being of significance, with guidelines specifically formulated to manage impacts to this community type on the Pilbara coast (Environmental Protection Authority, 2001). The hill slope and hill top communities, while being widespread in the Pilbara region generally, are restricted in distribution within the Precinct, and provide habitat for the conservation significant Western Pebble-mouse. The cracking clays are significant as they appear to support the Short-tailed Mouse (Leggadina lakedownensis) which was recorded in the first season survey in 2000 (Halpern Glick Maunsell et al., 2001).

The mudflats and beaches may also be significant for migratory birds. Hassell (2002) recorded two migratory bird species in internationally significant numbers at Cape Preston.

No permanent water was located in the study area nor is there any gorge habitat. Therefore no listed species generally associated with this habitat were recorded, such as the Pilbara Olive Python (Liasis olivaceus barroni) or Pilbara Leaf-nosed Bat (Rhinonicteris aurantius). A small stand of Melaleuca is present on site in one of the large drainage lines. This indicates water close to the surface but the area was dry during the survey.

4.9 S PECIES OF CONSERVATION S IGNIFIC ANCE 4.9.1 Relevant legislation and agreements for the protection of significant fauna in Western Australia.

International Migratory species are protected under a number of international agreements: • Japan-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement (JAMBA); • China-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement (CAMBA); • Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (Bonn); and • Agreement between the Government of Australia and the Government of the Republic of Korea on the Protection of Migratory Birds (ROKAMBA).

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The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) protects species in Australia listed under these agreements. Commonwealth Under the EPBC Act, actions that have, or are likely to have, a significant impact on a matter of national environmental significance (NES) require approval from the Australian Government Minister for the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts (the Minister). The EPBC Act provides for the listing of nationally threatened native species. It is also the enabling legislation for protection of migratory species under the international agreements listed above. The EPBC Act conservation classifications are provided in Appendix 4. State Native species in Western Australia which are under identifiable threat of extinction are protected under the Western Australian Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 (WC Act). In addition, the DEC produces a list of Priority species that have not been assigned statutory protection under the WC Act. Species on this list are considered to be of conservation priority because there is insufficient information to make an assessment of their conservation status or they are considered to be rare but not threatened and in need of monitoring. The conservation classifications under the WC Act and DEC Priority Fauna List are provided in Appendix 4.

Local or regional Species may be of conservation significance from a local or regional perspective, for example, due to their distributions and migrating patterns. Native species are often considered valuable to local people, particularly to Traditional owners. These values are rarely recognized formally through conservation legislation.

Species restricted to the Pilbara Biogeographic Region, while generally not given additional protection under legislature, are considered to be of significance due to their restricted distribution. Bioregional endemics recorded within the Precinct comprise the following species:

• Dasykaluta rosamondae (Little Red Kaluta); • Pseudomys chapmani (Western Pebble-mound Mouse); • Diplodactylus savagei; • Delma pax; • Ctenotus rubicundus; • Ctenotus aff. robustus; • Notoscincus butleri; • Acanthophis wellsi (Pilbara Death Adder);and • Demansia rufescens (Rufous Whipsnake).

4.9.2 Significant species recorded on site

The 2008 survey did not record any Schedule species listed under the WC Act or Threatened species listed under the EPBC Act. However, two Priority species listed on the DEC Priority Fauna List were recorded and evidence of the presence of a third species was observed (Table 9).

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1. The Western Little Free-tailed Bat (Mormopterus loriae cobourgiana) was identified with medium confidence levels from Anabat echolocation call recordings in the Mangals near site 6. It is listed as Priority 1 (taxa with few, poorly known populations on threatened lands). Gould’s wattled bat (Chalinolobus gouldii), which was identified from several sites, produces sequences very similar to M. loriae, and these might have been indistinguishable at some sites. M. loriae was also recorded from the Mangals during the 2000 fauna survey with 20 individuals being caught in mist nets and with a harp trap.

2. A single record of the Eastern Curlew (Numensis madagascariensis) was made near the creek on the southern bank. This species is listed as Priority 1 (Taxa in need of monitoring) due to habitat reduction in Australia and overseas. This species was also recorded in the 2000 fauna survey (Halpern Glick Maunsell et al., 2001).

3. The Western Pebble Mouse (Pseudomys chapmani) was not recorded during the survey, however numerous mounds characteristic of the species were observed throughout the study area. None of the mounds were active. This species is listed as Priority 4 (Taxa in need of monitoring). A small active mound of the species was observed during the 2000 fauna survey (Halpern Glick Maunsell et al., 2001).

Nine species listed under the EPBC Act were recorded on site (Table 9). All of these species are migratory waders that are listed within international agreements. A previous survey in October 2002 targeted waders in the Cape Preston area (Hassell, 2002). The 2002 survey recorded 19 species of shorebird of which 16 are migratory and listed under international agreements. Two of the species were recorded in internationally significant numbers under the Ramsar Convention, Ruddy Turnstone (Arenaria interpres) and Sanderling (Calidris alba).

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Table 9 Significant species recorded during the 2008 fauna survey.

WA conservation Name status EPBC Act status Mammals Mormopterus loriae cobourgiana (Western Little Free-tailed Bat) Priority 1 Pseudomys chapmani (Western Pebble-mound Mouse)a Priority 4 Birds Ardea sacra (Eastern Reef Egret) Migratory(CAMBA)

Migratory(Bonn, Charadrius leschenaultii (Greater CAMBA, JAMBA, Sand Plover) ROKAMBA) Haliaeetus leucogaster (White- bellied Sea-Eagle) Migratory(CAMBA) Merops ornatus (Rainbow Bee- eater) Migratory(JAMBA)

Migratory(Bonn, Numenius madagascariensis CAMBA, JAMBA, (Eastern Curlew) Priority 4 ROKAMBA) Migratory(Bonn, CAMBA, JAMBA, Numenius phaeopus (Whimbrel) ROKAMBA) Pandion haliaetus (Osprey) Migratory(Bonn)

Migratory(Bonn, Tringa brevipes (Grey-tailed CAMBA, JAMBA, Tattler) ROKAMBA)

Migratory(Bonn, Tringa stagnatilis (Marsh CAMBA, JAMBA, Sandpiper) ROKAMBA) a – species not recorded but evidence of its presence recorded during the survey.

Eight significant species that were identified from the database searches as occurring or potentially occurring in the study area were not recorded during the survey. 1. Macronectes giganteus (Southern Giant-Petrel) – this species is rare as far north as Cape Preston and was not recorded in any of the Cape Preston fauna surveys. 2. Rhinonicteris aurantius (Pilbara form) (Pilbara Leaf-nosed Bat) – not recorded in the current survey despite intensive Anabat recording throughout the survey. This species was not recorded in any of the previous surveys either. No suitable habitats for this species were observed during the 2008 survey. The closest record of the species to the study area is a single roadkill, made near Fortescue River Roadhouse in 1990. A targeted survey undertaken in 2001

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throughout the Pilbara region did not yield any records at Fortescue Roadhouse, the closest site in this survey to Cape Preston (Armstrong, 2001). 3. Dasycercus cristicauda (Mulgara) – not recorded in any of the surveys. It has been recorded approximately 300km east of the study area in sandy arid regions (Maunsell AECOM, 2006). A desktop review of Balmoral South Stage 1, undertaken in September 2008, concluded that it was highly unlikely that Mulgara would be present (Phoenix, 2008). The lack of sandy loam soils in the study area is likely to limit their presence in the study area. 4. Petrogale lateralis lateralis (Black-flanked Rock-wallaby) – existing populations of this subspecies are scattered in small distributions throughout WA, with one population occurring east of the Fortescue River Roadhouse (Pearson and Kinnear, 1997). This species was not recorded in any of the fauna surveys and is unlikely to be present in the study area as there are no major rock face or cliff formations. It is likely the buffer applied to the database searches picked up the aforementioned population. 5. Liasis olivaceus barroni (Pilbra Olive Python) – not recorded in any of the fauna surveys. Little evidence was found to suggest that Pilbara Olive Python occurs within the study area; there are virtually no permanent water bodies adjacent to suitable habitat within the study area. One permanent artificial pool was observed, however this water body is not considered to have been present long enough to have supported local colonization by the species. 6. Falco peregrinus (Peregrine Falcon) – not recorded in any of the fauna surveys. This species may hunt, but is not likely to nest, in the study area. 7. Leggadina lakedownensis (Short-tailed Mouse) – not recorded in the 2008 survey, despite two sites being located in cracking clay habitat. The first season survey in 2000 recorded this species twice from cracking clay and once from low hills (Halpern Glick Maunsell et al., 2001). 8. Ardeotis australis (Australian Bustard) – not recorded in 2008; however this species was recorded in the previous three surveys. 9. Burhinus grallarius (Bush Stone-curlew) – not recorded in 2008; however a single bird was observed in the 2000 survey (Halpern Glick Maunsell et al., 2001).

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5.0 RECOMMENDATIONS

The information contained in this report is principally intended to provide baseline environmental data for the various parties with active tenements in the Cape Preston Iron Ore Precinct to use in assessing the potential impacts of their respective projects on fauna and biodiversity values. As the study area encompasses the overall Precinct and multiple tenures, rather than a particular project footprint, this report does not include a detailed impact assessment. Accordingly, the recommendations provided below are high level, general management measures for protection of native fauna. They should be given consideration from the early (design) phase of each projects life.

The Cape Preston Iron Ore Precinct generally contains habitat types that are well- represented in the region. The exception to this is the mangroves and dune habitats which provide high value fauna habitat and/or habitat for restricted species. These habitats are recognized as being of significance by the EPA and guidelines and planning restrictions are in place to ensure appropriate management. Irrespective however, all native vegetation is important for native fauna and design of supporting infrastructure should endeavour to minimise habitat fragmentation and impacts on temporary refugia.

High level management recommendations to ensure that impacts on native fauna and vegetation are reduced comprise the following: • Dust suppression should be undertaken - dust can have detrimental effects on the ecological values of an area. Management options include wetting the surface of unsealed roads and tracks, or hardening road surfaces with bitumen; • Weed control should be undertaken to ensure the integrity of native vegetation is maintained. Ground disturbance in the form of roads, tracks and service corridors, increase the potential for weeds to spread throughout the Precinct; • Vegetation clearing should be kept to an absolute minimum. As far as practicable, disturbance footprints and service corridors should be placed in already disturbed areas. Cleared areas no longer required should be rehabilitated using provenance seed as soon as practicable. Removed trees should be preserved and replaced onto rehabilitated areas to provide fauna habitat; • Speed limits should be enforced. Driving should be restricted during dawn and dusk to reduce the likelihood of vehicle strikes; • Infrastructure placement should consider the retention of habitat corridors, particularly drainage lines, minimisation of habitat fragmentation and retaining temporary refugia; and • The use of barbed wire should be avoided to prevent injury to bat species.

It is also recommended that a wader monitoring program is undertaken to ensure that Waders are not being adversely affected by coastal infrastructure. It is important to get some baseline data as soon as possible for later comparison.

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6.0 REFERENCES

Armstrong, K.N. (2001). The roost habitat and distribution of the orange leaf-nosed bat, Rhinonicteris aurantius, in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. Wildlife Research. 28: 95-104. Australian Natural Resources Atlas (2008a). ‘Biodiversity Assessment – Pilbara’, Australian Natural Resources Atlas, website, viewed 20 October 2008, . Australian Natural Resources Atlas (2008b). ‘Rangelands - Overview’, Australian Natural Resources Atlas, website, viewed 20 October 2008, . Baker, L. (1996). The distribution, habitat requirements and status of the Mulgara (Dasycercus cristicauda, Krefft). MSc Thesis, University of New England, Armidale. Baudinette, R.V., Churchill, S.K., Christian, K.A., Nelson, J.E., & Hudson, P.J. (2000). ‘Energy, water balance and the roost microenvironment in three Australian cave-dwelling bats (Microchiroptera)’. Journal of Comparative Physiology. B 170:439-446. Bureau of Meteorology (2008). ‘Daily weather observations for Western Australia (M)’, Bureau of Meteorology, website, viewed 21 October 2008, < http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/dwo/200809/html/IDCJDW6080.200809.sht ml>. Department of Conservation and Land Management (2003). A biodiversity audit of Western Australia’s 53 Biogeographical subregions in 2002. DCLM, Perth. Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts (2008). ‘Species Profile and Threats Database’, Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts, website, viewed 25 October 2008, < http://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/sprat/public/sprat.pl>. Environmental Protection Authority (2001). Guidance Statement No. 1: Guidance Statement for protection of tropical arid zone mangroves along the Pilbara coastline. EPA, Perth. Environmental Protection Authority (2004). Guidance for the assessment of environmental factors No. 56: Terrestrial fauna surveys for environmental impact assessment in Western Australia. EPA, Perth. Halpern Glick Maunsell, Biota & Trudgen and Associates (2001). Austeel Biological Survey Phase I. Unpublished report. Hassell, C. (2002). Shorebird survey of Cape Preston, 8th – 13th October 2002. Unpublished report.

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Maxwell, S., Burbidge, A.A. & Morris, K. (1996) The 1996 action plan for Australian Marsupials and Monotreme, Project number 500. Wildlife Australia, Canberra. Maunsell AECOM (2006) Balmoral South environmental impact assessment: Flora and fauna survey. Unpublished report. Milne, D.J., Armstrong, K.N. and McKenzie, N.L. (2008), in Van Dyck, S. and Strahan, R. (eds) The mammals of Australia, Third Edition. New Holland, Sydney. Pearson, D.J. & Kinnear, J.E. (1997) A review of the distribution, status and conservation of rock-wallabies in Western Australia. Australian Mammalogy. 19:137-152. Phoenix Environmental Sciences (2008) Targeted Fauna Assessment (Mulgara and Pilbara Olive Python). Project: Balmoral South Stage 1. Unpublished report. Storr, G.M, Smith, L.A. & Johnstone, R.E. (2002) Snakes of Western Australia. West Australian Museum, Perth. Thackway, R. and Cresswell, I.D. (1995) An Interim Biogeographic Regionalisation for Australia: a framework for setting priorities in the National Reserves System Cooperative Program. Reserve System Unit, Australian Nature Conservation Agency, Canberra. Western Australian Museum (2008) WA FaunaList, database down loaded from the WA Museum, website, viewed, 23 October 2008, < http://www.museum.wa.gov.au/collections/natscience/vertebrates/birdsmamma ls.asp>. Wilson, S. & Swan, G. (2008) Reptiles of Australia. Princeton University Press, New Jersey. Woolley, P.A. (2008) in Van Dyck, S. and Strahan, R (eds) The mammals of Australia, Third Edition. New Holland, Sydney.

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APPENDIX 1: V EGETATION MAPPING AND S ITE L OC ATIONS FR OM AL L FAUNA SURVEYS CONDUCTED IN THE C APE P RESTON IRON ORE P R E C INCT

Map source: Maunsell AECOM.

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Appendix 1 continued.

Map source: Maunsell AECOM.

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Appendix 1 continued.

Key to vegetation descriptions (Halpern Glick Maunsell et at., 2001)

L Littoral Land System Lb Beaches: Bare sand with scattered grasses and herbs Lm Intertidal zones: Mangals Ls1 Tidal mudflats: Mudflat with Halosarcia scattered low shrubs Ls2 Tidal mudflats: Halosarcia halocnemoides subsp. tenuis low open shrubland to low open heath Ld1 Beach edges: Acacia bivenosa low open shrubland over Spinifex longifolius grassland Ld2 Foredunes: Acacia coriacea, A. bivenosa open shrubland to shrubland over scattered grasses Ld3 Backing dunes: Acacia coriacea, A. bivenosa open shrubland over Triodia epactia curly spinifex grassland Ld4 Sandy plains / dunes: Acacia coriacea scattered shrubs over mixed low shrubland and Triodia pungens, *Cenchrus ciliaris curly spinifex / tussock grassland Ld5 Dune swales: Saline low shrubland Lp1 Sandy plains: Triodia angusta hummock grassland

H Horseflats Land System Hp Clayey plains: Mosaic of Eragrostis xerophila open tussock grassland / Eriachne benthamii tussock grassland / Sida fibulifera low shrubland over very open herbland (Hpg1 / Hpg2 / Hps1) Hpg1 Clayey plains: Eragrostis xerophila open tussock grassland Hpg2 Clayey plains: Eriachne benthamii tussock grassland Hpg3 Clayey plains: Xerochloa imberbis grassland Hps1 Clayey plains: Sida aff. fibulifera low shrubland over very open herbland Hc1 Flowlines: Acacia sclerosperma high shrubland over Chrysopogon fallax tussock grassland

N Newman Land System Nh Low hills and slopes: Triodia wiseana hummock grassland with scattered emergent Acacia or Senna shrubs (mosaic of Nh1 / Nh2 / Nh3 / Nh4 / Nh5) Nh1 Low hills and slopes: Triodia wiseana hummock grassland Nh2 Low hills and slopes: Acacia bivenosa, A ancistrocarpa open shrubland over Triodia wiseana hummock grassland Nh3 Low hills and slopes: Acacia bivenosa open shrubland over Triodia wiseana hummock grassland Nh4 Low hills and slopes: Senna glutinosa subsp. pruinosa scattered shrubs over Triodia wiseana hummock grassland Nh5 Low hills and slopes: Acacia arida low open shrubland over Triodia wiseana hummock grassland Nc Minor flowlines: Variable low open woodlands and/or high shrublands over spinifex and/or tussock grasses (Nc1 / Nc2 / Nc3 / Nc4) Nc1 Minor flowlines: Corymbia hamersleyana scattered low trees over Acacia ancistrocarpa , A. tumida , Petalostylis labicheoides open scrub over Triodia pungens hummock grassland Nc2 Minor flowlines: Acacia monticola dominated open scrub over Triodia wiseana hummock grassland Nc3 Minor flowlines: Acacia coriacea high shrubland over Triodia wiseana hummock grassland Nc4 Minor flowlines: Acacia coriacea high shrubland over Eriachne benthamii , *Cenchrus ciliaris tussock grassland Nr Rockpiles: Scattered tall shrubs dominated by Acacia coriacea over lianes, spinifex and/or bunch grasses (Nr1 / Nr2 / Nr3 / Nr4) Nr1 Rockpiles: Acacia coriacea, Ficus platypoda high open shrubland over Cymbopogon ambiguus open tussock grassland and Operculina aequisepala, Trichosanthes cucumerina lianes Nr2 Rockpiles: Ficus platypoda, Acacia coriacea, Ehretia salign high open shrubland over Triodia wiseana open hummock grassland and scattered lianes Nr3 Rockpiles: Acacia coriacea scattered tall shrubs over *Cenchrus ciliaris, Cymbopogon ambiguus open tussock grassland Nr4 Burnt rocky ridges: Regenerating low open shrubland over open herbland and open grassland

RO Rocklea Land System ROh1 Low hills and slopes: Triodia wiseana hummock grassland with scattered emergent low shrubs (ROh1a / ROh1b) ROh1a Low hills and slopes: Triodia wiseana hummock grassland ROh1b Low hills and slopes: Indigofera monophylla low open shrubland over Triodia wiseana hummock grassland ROh2 Low hills and slopes: Triodia wiseana hummock grassland with scattered Acacia tall shrubs (mosaic of ROh2a / ROh2b) ROh2a Low hills and slopes: Acacia inaequilatera , A. bivenosa scattered shrubs over Triodia wiseana hummock grassland ROh2b Low hills and slopes: Acacia ancistrocarpa , A. bivenosa open shrubland over Triodia wiseana hummock grassland ROp1 Plains: Triodia angusta hummock grassland ROx1 Stony plains: Acacia xiphophylla open shrubland over patches of Triodia wiseana hummock grassland ROc1 Minor flowlines: Corymbia hamersleyana low woodland over Acacia bivenosa high shrubland over Triodia wiseana hummock grassland ROc2 Minor flowlines: Acacia coriacea high shrubland over hummock / tussock grassland ROc3 Minor flowlines: Acacia sclerosperma high shrubland over *Cenchrus ciliaris, Themeda triandra tussock grassland and Triodia wiseana open hummock grassland ROc4 Minor flowlines: Acacia coriacea, A. bivenosa high shrubland over mixed shrubs and grasses

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ROc5 Minor flowlines: Acacia ampliceps high shrubland over Triodia angusta hummock grassland and tussock grasses Ror Rockpiles: Scattered tall shrubs dominated by Acacia coriacea over lianes, spinifex and/or bunch grasses (ROr1 / ROr2 / ROr3) ROr1 Rockpiles: Acacia coriacea, Ficus platypoda high open shrubland over lianes dominated by Canavalia rosea ROr2 Rockpiles: Acacia coriacea high shrubland over Cymbopogon, *Cenchrus ciliaris , Triodia wiseana tussock / hummock grassland ROr3 Rockpiles: Acacia coriacea, A. bivenosa scattered tall shrubs over Cymbopogon ambiguus tussock grassland

P Paraburdoo Land System Px1 Stony / clayey plains: Acacia xiphophylla open shrubland over patches of Triodia wiseana hummock grassland Px2 Clayey plains: Acacia xiphophylla open shrubland over patches of Eragrostis xerophila tussock grassland Px3 Clayey plains: Mixed chenopod very open herblands Pp1 Stony plains: Acacia bivenosa open shrubland over Indigofera trita low open shrubland over Triodia wiseana hummock grassland Pp2 Plains: Triodia angusta hummock grassland with patches of open herbland Pc Ceeklines: Open to sparse tall woodlands of Eucalyptus camaldulensis and/or E. victrix over tall shrubs dominated by Acacia coriacea over herbs, grasses or spinifex (Pc1 / Pc2 / Pc3) Pc1 Creeklines: Eucalyptus victrix, E. camaldulensis woodland over Acacia coriacea, Mesquite high shrubland over open herbland Pc2 Creeklines: Eucalyptus victrix open woodland over Acacia coriacea high shrubland over *Cenchrus species tussock grassland Pc3 Creeklines: Eucalyptus victrix open woodland over Acacia coriacea high open shrubland over Triodia epactia open curly spinifex grassland and *Cenchrus ciliaris open tussock grassland Pc4 Creeklines: Eucalyptus victrix scattered trees over Acacia ancistrocarpa high open shrubland over Sorghum open annual tussock grassland and Triodia wiseana very open hummock grassland Pf1 Floodplains: Scattered patches of Corymbia hamersleyana low open woodland over patches of Acacia trachycarpa high shrubland over *Cenchrus ciliaris closed tussock grassland

M Macroy Land System Mp1 Plains: Acacia bivenosa, A. ancistrocarpa shrubland over Triodia wiseana hummock grassland Mr1 Sheet outcrops: Fimbristylis dichotoma low sedgeland Mr2 Boulder outcrops: Acacia ancistrocarpa high open shrubland over Indigofera monophylla low shrubland over Triodia epactia curly spinifex grassland and open herbland

Boolgeeda Land System Bx1 Stony plains: Acacia xiphophylla open shrubland over Triodia epactia hummock grassland

R River Land System Rc1 Scoured creekbeds: Scattered riverine trees and shrubs Rc2 Creeklines: Cadjeput Melaleuca argentea , River Redgum Eucalyptus camaldulensis open forest over patches of Acacia coriacea high shrubland over *Cenchrus species tussock grassland Rc3 Major creeklines: Eucalyptus camaldulensis woodland over patches of Melaleuca glomerata high shrubland over patches of Cyperus vaginatus sedgeland Rc4 Major creeklines: Eucalyptus victrix, E. camaldulensis woodland over patches of Melaleuca glomerata high shrubland over *Cenchrus species tussock grassland Rf1 Floodplains: Eucalyptus victrix open woodland over *Cenchrus species tussock grassland Rf2 Floodplains: Mesquite *Prosopis pallida hybrid high shrubland to open scrub

Y Yamerina Land System Yp1 Plains: Mosaic of patches of Triodia angusta hummock grassland with open herblands and Mesquite scattered tall shrubs Yc1 Tidal creeks: Avicennia marina high shrubland over patches of Schoenoplectus litoralis open sedgeland

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APPENDIX 2: MIG R AT OR Y B IR DS IDE NTIFIE D AS OCCURRING OR POTENTIALLY OCCURRING IN THE STUDY ARE A THROUGH DATABASE SE ARCHES

Name Common name International agreement listings Acrocephalus Clamorous Reed- stentoreus Warbler Migratory (Bonn) Migratory (Bonn, CAMBA, JAMBA, Actitis hypoleucos Common Sandpiper ROKAMBA) Apus pacificus Fork-tailed Swift Migratory (CAMBA, JAMBA, ROKAMBA) Ardea alba Great Egret Migratory (CAMBA, JAMBA) Ardea ibis Cattle Egret Migratory (CAMBA, JAMBA) Migratory (Bonn, CAMBA, JAMBA, Arenaria interpres Ruddy Turnstone ROKAMBA) Migratory (Bonn, CAMBA, JAMBA, Calidris alba Sanderling ROKAMBA) Migratory (Bonn, CAMBA, JAMBA, Calidris canutus Red Knot ROKAMBA) Migratory (Bonn, CAMBA, JAMBA, Calidris ferruginea Curlew Sandpiper ROKAMBA) Migratory (Bonn, CAMBA, JAMBA, Calidris ruficollis Red-necked Stint ROKAMBA) Migratory (Bonn, CAMBA, JAMBA, Calidris subminuta Long-toed Stint ROKAMBA) Migratory (Bonn, CAMBA, JAMBA, Calidris tenuirostris Great Knot ROKAMBA) Charadrius Migratory (Bonn, CAMBA, JAMBA, leschenaultii Greater Sand Plover ROKAMBA) Charadrius Migratory (Bonn, CAMBA, JAMBA, mongolus Lesser Sand Plover ROKAMBA)

Charadrius Oriental Plover, veredus Oriental Dotterel Migratory (Bonn, JAMBA, ROKAMBA) Chlidonias White-winged Black leucopterus Tern Migratory (CAMBA, JAMBA, ROKAMBA) Egretta sacra Eastern Reef Egret Migratory (CAMBA) Fregata ariel Lesser Frigatebird Migratory (CAMBA, JAMBA, ROKAMBA) Glareola maldivarum Oriental Pratincole Migratory (CAMBA, JAMBA, ROKAMBA) Haliaeetus White-bellied Sea- leucogaster Eagle Migratory (CAMBA) Heteroscelus Migratory (Bonn, CAMBA, JAMBA, brevipes Grey-tailed Tattler ROKAMBA) Hirundo rustica Barn Swallow Migratory (CAMBA, JAMBA, ROKAMBA) Migratory (Bonn, CAMBA, JAMBA, Limosa lapponica Bar-tailed Godwit ROKAMBA) Macronectes giganteus Southern Giant-Petrel Migratory (Bonn) Merops ornatus Rainbow Bee-eater Migratory (JAMBA) Numenius Migratory (Bonn, CAMBA, JAMBA, madagascariensis Eastern Curlew ROKAMBA)

Little Curlew, Little Migratory (Bonn, CAMBA, JAMBA, Numenius minutus Whimbrel ROKAMBA)

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Name Common name International agreement listings Numenius Migratory (Bonn, CAMBA, JAMBA, phaeopus Whimbrel ROKAMBA) Pandion haliaetus Osprey Migratory (Bonn) Migratory (Bonn, CAMBA, JAMBA, Pluvialis fulva Pacific Golden Plover ROKAMBA) Migratory (Bonn, CAMBA, JAMBA, Pluvialis squatarola Grey Plover ROKAMBA) Wedge-tailed Puffinus pacificus Shearwater Migratory (JAMBA) Sterna anaethetus Bridled Tern Migratory (CAMBA, JAMBA) Sterna bengalensis Lesser Crested Tern Migratory (CAMBA) Sterna caspia Caspian Tern Migratory (CAMBA, JAMBA) Sterna hirundo Common Tern Migratory (CAMBA, JAMBA, ROKAMBA) Migratory (Bonn, CAMBA, JAMBA, Tringa brevipes Grey-tailed Tattler ROKAMBA) Migratory (Bonn, CAMBA, JAMBA, Tringa glareola Wood Sandpiper ROKAMBA) Common Migratory (Bonn, CAMBA, JAMBA, Tringa nebularia Greenshank ROKAMBA) Migratory (Bonn, CAMBA, JAMBA, Tringa stagnatilis Marsh Sandpiper ROKAMBA) Migratory (Bonn, CAMBA, JAMBA, Xenus cinereus Terek Sandpiper ROKAMBA)

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APPENDIX 3: F UL L L IS T OF S PE C IE S OBTAINED FROM GENERAL DATAB AS E SE ARCHES

Species List Species List Amphibians None Birds continued Chenonetta jubata B Birds Chlamydera guttata B Accipiter cirrhocephalus B Chlidonias leucopterus B Accipiter fasciatus B Chrysococcyx basalis B Acrocephalus stentoreus B Cinclorhamphus cruralis B Actitis hypoleucos B Cinclorhamphus mathewsi B, F Aegotheles cristatus B Circus approximans B Anas gracilis B Circus assimilis B Anas superciliosa B Cladorhynchus leucocephalus B Anhinga melanogaster B Coracina novaehollandiae B Anthus novaeseelandiae B Corvus bennetti B Aquila audax B Corvus orru B Aquila morphnoides morphnoides F Coturnix ypsilophora B, F Ardea alba B Cracticus nigrogularis B Ardea intermedia B Cracticus torquatus B Ardea pacifica B Cuculus pallidus B Arenaria interpres B Cygnus atratus B Arenaria interpres interpres F Dacelo leachii B Artamus cinereus B Dacelo leachii leachii F Artamus leucorhynchus B Dendrocygna eytoni B Artamus minor B Dicaeum hirundinaceum B Aythya australis B Dromaius novaehollandiae B Barnardius zonarius B Egretta garzetta B Burhinus grallarius B Egretta novaehollandiae B Butorides striatus B Egretta sacra B Cacatua roseicapilla B Elanus axillaris B Cacatua sanguinea B Elseyornis melanops B Calidris acuminata B Emblema pictum B Calidris alba B Eremiornis carteri B Calidris canutus B Erythrogonys cinctus B Calidris ferruginea B Esacus neglectus B Calidris ruficollis B Falco berigora B Calidris subminuta B Falco berigora berigora F Calidris tenuirostris B Falco cenchroides B Centropus phasianinus B Falco longipennis B Charadrius leschenaultii B Falco peregrinus B Charadrius mongolus B Fregata ariel B

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Charadrius ruficapillus B Fulica atra B Species List Species List Birds continued Birds continued Gallirallus philippensis B Numenius madagascariensis B Geopelia cuneata B Numenius phaeopus B Geopelia humeralis B, F Nycticorax caledonicus B Geopelia striata B Nymphicus hollandicus B Geopelia striata placida F Ocyphaps lophotes B Geophaps plumifera B Pachycephala lanioides B, F Gerygone fusca B Pachycephala melanura B Gerygone tenebrosa B Pachycephala rufiventris B Glareola maldivarum B, F Pandion haliaetus B Grallina cyanoleuca B, F Pardalotus rubricatus B Grus rubicunda B Pardalotus striatus B Gymnorhina tibicen B Pelecanus conspicillatus B Haematopus fuliginosus B Phalacrocorax carbo B Haematopus longirostris B Phalacrocorax melanoleucos B Haliaeetus leucogaster B Phalacrocorax sulcirostris B Haliastur indus B Phalacrocorax varius B Haliastur sphenurus B Phaps chalcoptera B Hamirostra melanosternon B Platalea regia B Heteroscelus brevipes B Pluvialis fulva B Hieraaetus morphnoides B Pluvialis squatarola B Himantopus himantopus B Podargus strigoides B Hirundo ariel B Poliocephalus poliocephalus B Hirundo neoxena B Pomatostomus temporalis B Hirundo nigricans B Porphyrio porphyrio B Ixobrychus flavicollis B Porzana pusilla B Lalage sueurii B Porzana tabuensis B Larus novaehollandiae B Puffinus huttoni B Lichenostomus keartlandi B Puffinus pacificus B Lichenostomus penicillatus B Recurvirostra novaehollandiae B Lichenostomus virescens B Rhipidura albiscapa B Lichmera indistincta B Rhipidura leucophrys B Limosa lapponica B Rhipidura phasiana B Malurus lamberti B Smicrornis brevirostris B Malurus leucopterus B, F Sterna anaethetus B Manorina flavigula B Sterna bengalensis B Melopsittacus undulatus B Sterna bergii B Merops ornatus B Sterna caspia B Milvus migrans B Sterna hirundo B Mirafra javanica B Sterna nereis B

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Neochmia ruficauda B Sterna nilotica B Species List Species List Neopsphotus bourkii B Tachybaptus novaehollandiae B Ninox novaeseelandiae B Taeniopygia guttata B Birds continued Reptiles continued Threskiornis spinicollis B Ctenotus grandis titan F Todirhamphus chloris B Ctenotus helenae F Todirhamphus pyrrhopygia B Ctenotus pantherinus ocellifer F Todirhamphus sanctus B Ctenotus aff. robustus F Todiramphus sanctus sanctus F Ctenotus saxatilis F Tringa glareola B Ctenotus serventyi F Cyclodomorphus melanops Tringa brevipes F melanops F Tringa nebularia B Delma nasuta F Tringa stagnatilis B Delma pax F Demansia psammophis Turnix velox B cupreiceps F Tyto alba B Diplodactylus conspicillatus F Vanellus tricolor B Diplodactylus mitchelli F Xenus cinereus B Diplodactylus savagei F Zosterops luteus B Diplodactylus stenodactylus F Furina ornata F Mammals Gehyra pilbara F Dasykaluta rosamondae F Gehyra punctata F Leggadina lakedownensis F Gehyra variegata F Mormopterus loriae F Glaphyromorphus isolepis F Mus musculus F Heteronotia binoei F Ningaui timealeyi F Lerista bipes F Nyctophilus arnhemensis F Lerista muelleri F Planigale sp F Lialis burtonis F Pseudomys delicatulus F Lophognathus gilberti gilberti F Pseudomys hermannsburgensis F Lophognathus longirostris F Pseudomys nanus F Menetia greyii F Rhinonicteris aurantius F Menetia surda surda F Scotorepens greyii F Nephrurus wheeleri cinctus F Sminthopsis macroura F Parasuta monachus F Zyzomys argurus F Pogona minor minor F Pogona minor mitchelli F Reptiles Proablepharus reginae F Acanthophis wellsi F Pseudechis australis F Carlia munda F Pseudonaja modesta F Carlia triacantha F Pseudonaja nuchalis F Ctenophorus caudicinctus caudicinctus F Pygopus nigriceps F

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Ctenophorus isolepis isolepis F Ramphotyphlops ammodytes F Species List Species List Ctenophorus nuchalis F Ramphotyphlops grypus F Ctenophorus reticulatus F Ramphotyphlops hamatus F Ctenotus duricola F Rhynchoedura ornata F Suta fasciata F Suta punctata F Tiliqua multifasciata F Tympanocryptis cephala F F: Faunabase; B = Birdata

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APPENDIX 4: C ATEGORIES OF CONSERVAT ION S TAT US UNDE R T HE EPBC ACT, THE WC ACT AND THE DEC PR IOR ITY FAUNA L IS T

Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (the EPBC Act) and Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 threatened species categories Extinct: Taxa for which there is no reasonable doubt that the last member of the species has died. Extinct in the wild: Taxa known only to survive in captivity or as a naturalised population well outside its past range. Critically endangered: Taxa facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild in the immediate future. Endangered: Taxa facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild in the near future. Vulnerable: Taxa facing a high risk of extinction in the wild in the medium-term future. Conservation dependent: Taxa whose survival depends on ongoing conservation actions, the cessation of which would result in the species becoming vulnerable, endangered or critically endangered.

DEC priority fauna categories Priority 1: Taxa with few, poorly known populations on threatened lands. Priority 2: Taxa with few, poorly known populations on conservation lands. Priority 3: Taxa with several, poorly known populations, some on conservation lands. Priority 4: Taxa in need of monitoring – considered not currently threatened but could be if present circumstances change. Priority 5: Taxa in need of monitoring – considered not currently threatened but subject to a conservation program, the cessation of which could result in the species becoming threatened.

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APPENDIX 5: S PECIES RECORDED FROM EACH HABITAT TYPE DUR ING THE 2008 FAUNA SURVEY

Family Scientific name Common name HR CC D SP S MB WD Opp N Tot

Amphibians Hylidae Litoria rubella Little Red Tree Frog 1 1 Birds Acanthizidae Gerygone tenebrosa Dusky Gerygone 3 3 Accipitridae Aquila audax Wedge-tailed Eagle 2 2 Circus assimilis Spotted Harrier 1 1 1 3 Haliaeetus leucogaster White-bellied Sea-Eagle 1 1 Haliastur indus Brahminy Kite 2 2 4 Haliastur sphenurus Whistling Kite 2 1 1 4 Milvus migrans affinis Black Kite 1 1 Pandion haliaetus Osprey 2 2 Alaudidae Mirafra javanica Horsfield’s (Singing) Bushlark 5 42 10 5 62 Anatidae Anas superciliosa Pacific Black Duck 3 3 Ardeidae Ardea garzetta Little Egret 1 1 Ardea sacra Eastern Reef Egret 2 2 Artamidae Artamus cinereus Black-faced Woodswallow 3 3 6 Artamus leucorynchus White-breasted Woodswallow 3 9 12 Cracticus nigrogularis Pied Butcherbird 10 2 2 1 3 18 Cacatuidae Cacatua sanguinea Little Corella 4 2 11 17 Cacatua roseicapilla Galah 20 7 2 10 1 50 90 Nymphicus hollandicus Cockatiel 1 7 8 Campephagidae Coracina novaehollandiae Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike 6 2 2 2 9 21 Caprimulgidae Eurostopodus argus Spotted Nightjar 4 4 Charadriidae Charadrius leschenaultii Greater Sand Plover 2 2 Charadrius ruficapillus Red-capped Plover 5 1 32 38 Charadrius melanops Black-fronted Dotterel 3 2 5

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Family Scientific name Common name HR CC D SP S MB WD Opp N Tot Charadriidae Vanellus tricolor Banded Lapwing 11 11 Columbidae Geopelia cuneata Diamond Dove 1 2 25 28 Geopelia striata Peaceful Dove 7 7 Geophaps plumifera Spinifex Pigeon 9 1 6 12 28 Ocyphaps lophotes Crested Pigeon 8 8 Corvidae Corvus orru Torresian Crow 4 4 2 1 6 1 18 Cuculidae Centropus phasianinus Pheasant Coucal 1 1 2 Chrysococcyx basalis Horsfield's Bronze-Cuckoo 1 1 1 2 1 1 7 Dicruridae Rhipidura leucophrys Willie Wagtail 5 1 2 2 11 21 Rhipidura phasiana Mangrove Grey Fantail 3 3 Estrildidae Emblema pictum Painted Finch 43 74 20 209 346 Taeniopygia guttata Zebra Finch 22 8 34 14 16 10 349 453 Falconidae Falco berigora Brown Falcon 1 1 Falco cenchroides Nankeen Kestrel 2 1 4 7 Gruidae Grus rubicunda Brolga 17 17 Australian Pied Haematopodidae Haematopus longirostris Oystercatcher 2 2 Halcyonidae Dacelo leachii Blue-winged Kookaburra 3 3 Todiramphus chloris Collared Kingfisher 1 2 3 Todiramphus pyrrhopygius Red-backed Kingfisher 14 14 Todiramphus sanctus Sacred Kingfisher 1 1 Hirundinidae Hirundo ariel Fairy Martin 40 40 Hirundo nigricans Tree Martin 1 1 Laridae Larus novaehollandiae Silver Gull 2 34 36 Sterna bergi Crested Tern 1 1 Maluridae Malurus lamberti Variegated Fairy-wren 12 15 1 28 Malurus leucopterus White-winged Fairy-wren 35 5 12 52 Megaluridae Cincloramphus mathewsi Rufous Songlark 1 5 6

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Family Scientific name Common name HR CC D SP S MB WD Opp N T Megaluridae Eremiornis carteri Spinifexbird 1 7 2 10 Meliphagidae Acanthagenys rufogularis Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater 3 3 Lichenostomus penicillatus White-plumed Honeyeater 4 101 105 Lichenostomus virescens Singing Honeyeater 2 1 10 5 4 4 1 27 Lichmera indistincta Brown Honeyeater 1 16 17 Manorina flavigula Yellow-throated Miner 1 12 13 Meropidae Merops ornatus Rainbow Bee-eater 3 4 7 Monarchidae Grallina cyanoleuca Magpie-lark 5 19 24 Motacillidae Anthus australis Australian Pipit 3 2 4 3 2 14 Pachycephalidae Colluricincla harmonica Grey Shrike-thrush 2 2 Oreoica gutturalis Crested Bellbird 2 1 3 Pachycephala lanioides White-breasted Whistler 3 3 Pachycephala rufiventris Rufous Whistler 6 1 7 Pardalotidae Pardalotus rubricatus Red-browed Pardalote 3 2 5 Pelecanidae Pelecanus conspicillatus Australian Pelican 2 2 4 Phasianidae Coturnix ypsilophora Brown Quail 7 7 Podargidae Podargus strigoides Tawny Frogmouth 1 1 Pomatostomidae Pomatostomus temporalis Grey-crowned Babbler 3 3 Psittacidae Platycercus zonarius Australian Ringneck 11 11 Melopsittacus undulatus Budgerigar 5 5 127 137 Scolopacidae Numenius madagascariensis Eastern Curlew 1 1 Numenius phaeopus Whimbrel 1 1 Tringa brevipes Grey-tailed Tattler 2 10 12 Tringa stagnatilis Marsh Sandpiper 10 10 Timaliidae Zosterops luteus Yellow White-eye 4 3 7 Turnicidae Turnix velox Little Button-quail 1 1 2 1 5

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Family Scientific name Common name HR CC D SP S MB WD Opp N Tot

Mammalsa Dasyuridae Dasykaluta rosamondae Little Red Kaluta 1 1 Planigale maculata Comon Planigale 3 1 1 5 Sminthopsis macroura Stripe-faced Dunnart 10 4 14 Macropodidae Macropus robustus erubescens Euro 1 1 Macropus rufus Red kangaroo 1 1 Pseudomys desertor Desert Mouse 10 7 17 Pseudomys hermannsburgensis Sandy Inland Mouse 2 1 1 4 Muridae Zyzomys argurus Common Rock-rat 4 4 Introduced mammals Canidae Canis lupus dingo Dingo/dog 1 1 Felidae Felis catus Cat 1 1 Reptiles Agamidae Amphibolurus gilberti 1 1 Amphibolurus longirostris 3 3 1 7 Ctenophorus caudicinctus Ring-tailed Dragon 42 2 2 2 2 9 59 Ctenophorus nuchalis Central Netted Dragon 1 1 1 1 4 Ctenophurus isolepis Crested Dragon 32 7 39 Pogona minor mitchelli 1 1 10 8 1 21 Tympanocryptis cephalus Pebble Dragon 7 2 1 1 11 Boidae Antaresia stimsoni Stimson's Python 1 1 Carphodactylidae Nephrurus levis occidentalis 3 3 Nephrurus wheerleri cinctus 7 1 3 1 12 Diplodactylidae Diplodactylus conspicillatus Fat-tailed Gecko 2 2 Diplodactylus savagei 2 1 1 2 6 Lucasium stenodactylum 1 6 1 8

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Family Scientific name Common name HR CC D SP S MB WD Opp N Tot Diplodactylidae Strophurus strophurus 5 5 Elapidae Acanthophis wellsi Pilbara Death Adder 1 1 2 Brachyurophis approximans 1 1 2 Demansia psammophis cupreiceps 2 2 1 8 13 Demansia rufescens 1 2 2 1 6 Ephalophis greyae 1 1 Furina ornata Moon Snake 1 1 Parasuta monachus 1 1 Pseudechis australis 1 1 2 Pseudonaja modesta Ringed Brown Snake 1 1 Pseudonaja nuchalis Gwardar 1 1 2 Suta fasciata Rosen's Snake 1 1 2 Suta punctata Spotted Snake 1 1 Gekkonidae Gehyra punctata 19 1 1 3 3 1 1 3 32 Gehyra variegata 6 2 1 9 4 3 10 1 1 37 Heteronotia binoei Bynoe's Gecko 7 1 14 4 6 4 1 37 Pygopodidae Delma nasuta 1 1 2 Delma pax 3 1 4 Lialis burtonis 1 1 Pygopus nigriceps 1 1 Scincidae Carlia munda 2 4 5 8 19 Carlia triacantha 5 5 Cryptoblepharus ustulatus 1 1 1 3 Ctenotus duricola 2 6 2 14 24 Ctenotus grandis titan 2 6 14 22 Ctenotus helenae 6 10 2 7 2 27

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Family Scientific name Common name HR CC D SP S MB WD Opp N Tot Scincidae Ctenotus pantherinus Leopard Ctenotus 1 2 4 11 18 Ctenotus aff. robustus 6 3 2 11 Ctenotus rubicundus 4 2 3 9 Ctenotus saxatilis Rock Ctenotus 34 7 3 1 45 Ctenotus schomburgkii 1 1 Ctenotus serventyi 4 1 5 Ctenotus uber 5 1 6 Cyclodomorphus melanops melanops 1 1 2 Egernia depressa Pygmy Spiny-tailed Skink 1 1 Glaphyromorphus isolepis 2 1 3 Lerista bipes 2 57 7 66 Lerista elegans 2 2 Lerista muelleri 4 6 3 1 2 16 Menetia greyii 3 4 4 11 Morethia butleri 1 1 Morethia ruficauda exquisita 3 3 1 7 Notoscincus butleri 2 1 2 5 Typhlopidae Ramphotyphlops ammodytes 1 1 2 Ramphotyphlops grypus 1 1 Varanidae Varanus acanthurus Spiny-tailed Monitor 7 2 4 2 15 Varanus brevicauda Short-tailed Pygmy Monitor 2 1 3 Varanus eremius Pygmy Desert Monitor 1 1 Varanus giganteus Perentie 1 1 Varanus gouldii Bungarra or Sand Monitor 1 1 Varanus panoptes rubidus Yellow-spotted Monitor 1 1

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a – Excludes bats. HR = Hilltop/Hill Slopes/Rocky Outcrops; CC = Cracking Clay; D = Dunes; SP = Stony Spinifex Plain; S = Samphire; MB = Mangrove/Beach; WA = Woodland Drainage Line; Opp = Opportunistic siting; N = Nocturnal siting.

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APPENDIX 6: L IST OF SPECIES RECORDED IN ALL FAUNA SURVEYS CONDUCTED IN THE C APE P RESTON IRON ORE P R E C INCT

FAMILY NAME VERNACULAR 2000 2002 2006 2008 Amphibians Hylidae Cyclorana maini Sheep Frog X X Hylidae Litoria rubella Little Red Tree Frog X X Myobatrachidae Uperoleia russelli Northwest Toadlet X

Birds Acanthizidae Gerygone levigaster Mangrove Gerygone X Acanthizidae Gerygone tenebrosa Dusky Gerygone X X X X Acanthizidae Pyrrholaemus brunneus Redthroat X Accipitridae Accipiter fasciatus Brown Goshawk X X Accipitridae Aquila audax Wedge-tailed Eagle X X X X Accipitridae Aquila morphnoides Little Eagle X Accipitridae Circus assimilis Spotted Harrier X X X Accipitridae Elanus caeruleus Black-shouldered Kite X Accipitridae Haliaeetus leucogaster White-bellied Sea Eagle X X X X Accipitridae Haliastur indus Brahminy Kite X X X Accipitridae Haliastur sphenurus Whistling Kite X X X Accipitridae Milvus migrans affinis Black Kite X X Accipitridae Pandion haliaetus Osprey X X x Aegothelidae Aegotheles cristatus Australian Owlet-nightjar X Alaudidae Mirafra javanica Horsfield's Bushlark (Singing Bushlark) X X X Anatidae Anas gracilis Grey Teal X Anatidae Anas superciliosa Pacific Black Duck X X X Ardeidae Ardea garzetta Little Egret X X X Ardeidae Ardea novaehollandiae White-faced Heron X X X Ardeidae Ardea pacifica White-necked Heron X X Ardeidae Ardea sacra Eastern Reef Egret (Eastern Reef Heron) X X X Ardeidae Butorides striatus Striated Heron (Mangrove Heron) X x Ardeidae Nycticorax caledonicus Rufous Night Heron X Artamidae Artamus cinereus Black-faced Woodswallow X X X X

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FAMILY NAME VERNACULAR 2000 2002 2006 2008 Artamidae Artamus leucorynchus White-breasted Woodswallow X X X Artamidae Artamus minor Little Woodswallow X Artamidae Artamus personatus Masked Woodswallow X Artamidae Cracticus nigrogularis Pied Butcherbird X X X X Burhinidae Burhinus grallarius Bush Stone-curlew X Burhinidae Esacus neglectus Beach Stone-curlew X X Campephagidae Coracina novaehollandiae Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike X X X X Campephagidae Lalage tricolor White-winged Triller X Caprimulgidae Eurostopodus argus Spotted Nightjar X X X Casuariidae Dromaius novaehollandiae Emu X X X Centropodidae Centropus phasianinus Pheasant Coucal X X Charadriidae Charadrius leschenaultii Greater Sand Plover X X X Charadriidae Charadrius melanops Black-fronted Dotterel X X X X Charadriidae Charadrius mongolus Lesser Sand Plover X Charadriidae Charadrius ruficapillus Red-capped Plover X X X Charadriidae Charadrius veredus Oriental Plover X Charadriidae Pluvialis squatarola Grey Plover X Charadriidae Vanellus tricolor Banded Lapwing X X X X Ciconiidae Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus Black-necked Stork X Columbidae Geopelia cuneata Diamond Dove X X X X Columbidae Geopelia humeralis Bar-shouldered Dove X Columbidae Geopelia striata Peaceful Dove X X Columbidae Geopelia striata placida Peaceful Dove X Columbidae Geophaps plumifera Spinifex Pigeon X X X X Columbidae Ocyphaps lophotes Crested Pigeon X X X X Corvidae Corvus bennetti Little Crow X Corvidae Corvus orru Torresian Crow X X X X Cracticidae Cracticus tibicen Australian Magpie X X X Cuculidae Chrysococcyx basalis Horsfield's Bronze-Cuckoo X X X Cuculidae Chrysococcyx osculans Black-eared Cuckoo X X Cuculidae Cuculus pallidus Pallid Cuckoo X X X Dicruridae ?Myiagra rubecula ?Leaden Flycatcher X

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FAMILY NAME VERNACULAR 2000 2002 2006 2008 Dicruridae Grallina cyanoleuca Magpie-lark X X X X Dicruridae Rhipidura leucophrys Willie Wagtail X X X X Dicruridae Rhipidura phasiana Mangrove Grey Fantail X X X Estrildidae Emblema pictum Painted Finch X X X Estrildidae Taeniopygia guttata Zebra Finch X X X X Falconidae Falco berigora Brown Falcon X X X X Falconidae Falco cenchroides Australian Kestrel X X X Falconidae Falco cenchroides cenchroides Australian Kestrel X Falconidae Falco longipennis Australian Hobby X Gruidae Grus rubicunda Brolga X X Haematopodidae Haematopus longirostris Pied Oystercatcher X X X Halcyonidae Dacelo leachii Blue-winged Kookaburra X X Halcyonidae Dacelo leachii leachii Blue-winged Kookaburra X Halcyonidae Todiramphus chloris Collared Kingfisher X X Halcyonidae Todiramphus pyrrhopygius Red-backed Kingfisher X X X Halcyonidae Todiramphus sanctus Sacred Kingfisher X X X X Hirundinidae Hirundo ariel Fairy Martin X X X Hirundinidae Hirundo neoxena Welcome Swallow X X Hirundinidae Hirundo nigricans Tree Martin X X X X Laridae Larus novaehollandiae Silver Gull X X X Laridae Sterna anaethetus Bridled Tern X Laridae Sterna bengalensis Lesser Crested Tern X Laridae Sterna bergi Crested Tern X X X Laridae Sterna caspia Caspian Tern X X X Laridae Sterna nilotica Gull-billed Tern X Maluridae Amytornis striatus Striated Grasswren X Maluridae Malurus lamberti Variegated Fairy-wren X X X X Maluridae Malurus leucopterus White-winged Fairy-wren X X X X Maluridae Stipiturus ruficeps Rufous-crowned Emu-wren X X Meliphagidae Acanthagenys rufogularis Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater X Meliphagidae Lichenostomus penicillatus White-plumed Honeyeater X X Meliphagidae Lichenostomus virescens Singing Honeyeater X X X X

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FAMILY NAME VERNACULAR 2000 2002 2006 2008 Meliphagidae Lichmera indistincta Brown Honeyeater X X X Meliphagidae Lichmera indistincta indistinca Brown Honeyeater X Meliphagidae Manorina flavigula Yellow-throated Miner X X X X Meropidae Merops ornatus Rainbow Bee-eater X X X X Motacillidae Anthus australis Richard's Pipit or Australian Pipit X X X X Otididae Ardeotis australis Australian Bustard X X X Pachycephalidae Colluricincla harmonica Grey Shrike-thrush X Pachycephalidae Oreoica gutturalis Crested Bellbird X X Pachycephalidae Pachycephala lanioides White-breasted Whistler X X X Pachycephalidae Pachycephala melanura Mangrove Golden Whistler X Pachycephalidae Pachycephala rufiventris Rufous Whistler X Pardalotidae Pardalotus rubricatus Red-browed Pardalote X X Pelecanidae Pelecanus conspicillatus Australian Pelican X X X Petroicidae Petroica cucullata Hooded Robin X Phalacrocoracidae Phalacrocorax sulcirostris Little Black Cormorant X Phalacrocoracidae Phalacrocorax varius Pied Cormorant X Phasianidae Coturnix ypsilophora Brown Quail X X X X Podargidae Podargus strigoides Tawny Frogmouth X X X Podicipedidae Tachybaptus novaehollandiae Australasian Grebe X Pomatostomidae Pomatostomus temporalis Grey-crowned Babbler X X Psittacidae Cacatua roseicapilla Galah X X X X Psittacidae Cacatua sanguinea Little Corella X X X X Psittacidae Melopsittacus undulatus Budgerigar X X Psittacidae Nymphicus hollandicus Cockatiel X X X Psittacidae Platycercus zonarius Australian Ringneck X X Scolopacidae Arenaria interpres Ruddy Turnstone X X Scolopacidae Calidris alba Sanderling X Scolopacidae Calidris ruficollis Red-necked Stint X X Scolopacidae Calidris tenuirostris Great Knot X Scolopacidae Limosa lapponica Bar-tailed Godwit X Scolopacidae Numenius madagascariensis Eastern Curlew X X X Scolopacidae Numenius phaeopus Whimbrel X X

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FAMILY NAME VERNACULAR 2000 2002 2006 2008 Scolopacidae Tringa brevipes Grey-tailed Tattler X X X Scolopacidae Tringa cinerea Terek Sandpiper X Scolopacidae Tringa hypoleucos Common Sandpiper X Scolopacidae Tringa nebularia Common Greenshank X Scolopacidae Tringa stagnatilis Marsh Sandpiper X X Strigidae Ninox novaeseelandiae Boobook Owl X Sylviidae Cincloramphus cruralis Brown Songlark X X Sylviidae Cincloramphus mathewsi Rufous Songlark X Sylviidae Eremiornis carteri Spinifexbird X X X Threskiornithidae Threskiornis spinicollis Straw-necked Ibis X Turnicidae Turnix velox Little Button-quail X X X Zosteropidae Zosterops luteus Yellow White-eye X X X

Mammals Bovidae Ovis aries Sheep X Canidae Canis lupus dingo Dingo X X Canidae Vulpes vulpes Red Fox X Dasyuridae Dasykaluta rosamondae Little Red Kaluta X X Dasyuridae Ningaui timealeyi Pilbara Ningaui X Dasyuridae Planigale maculata Common Planigale X X Dasyuridae Sminthopsis macroura Stripe-faced Dunnart X X Emballonuridae Saccolaimus flaviventris Yellow-bellied Sheathtail-bat X Emballonuridae Taphozous georgianus Common sheath-tailed bat X Felidae Felis catus Feral Cat X X X Macropodidae Macropus robustus erubescens Euro X X X Macropodidae Macropus rufus Red Kangaroo X X X Mollossidae Chaerephon jobensis Northern Freetail-bat X X Mollossidae Mormopterus loriae cobourgiana Western Little Free-tailed bat X X Muridae Leggadina lakedownensis Short-tailed Mouse X X Muridae Mus musculus House Mouse X X Muridae Pseudomys "hamersley" Undescribed species X Muridae Pseudomys chapmani Western Pebble-mound Mouse X

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FAMILY NAME VERNACULAR 2000 2002 2006 2008 Muridae Pseudomys delicatulus Delicate Mouse X Muridae Pseudomys desertor Desert Mouse X Muridae Pseudomys hermannsburgensis Sandy Inland Mouse X X X Muridae Zyzomys argurus Common Rock-rat X Tachyglossidae Tachyglossus aculeatus Echidna X X Vespertilionidae Chalinolobus gouldii Gould's Wattled Bat X Vespertilionidae Nyctophilus arnhemensis Arnhem Land Long-eared Bat X Vespertilionidae Nyctophilus sp. Unidentified long-eared bat X Vespertilionidae Scotorepens greyi Little Broad-nosed Bat X? X Vespertilionidae Vespadelus finlaysonI Finlayson's Cave Bat X? X Vespertilionidae VESPERTILIONIDAE spp. X

Reptiles Agamidae Amphibolurus gilberti Ta-Ta or Gilbert's Dragon X X Agamidae Amphibolurus longirostris X X X Agamidae Ctenophorus caudicinctus Ring -tailed Dragon X X Ctenophorus caudicinctus Agamidae caudicinctus X Agamidae Ctenophorus isolepis Crested Dragon X X Agamidae Ctenophorus isolepis isolepis X Agamidae Ctenophorus nuchalis Central Netted Dragon X X X Agamidae Pogona minor mitchelli X X X Agamidae Tympanocryptis cephalus Pebble Dragon X X X Boidae Antaresia perthensis Pygmy Python X X Boidae Antaresia stimsoni Stimson's Python X X Boidae Aspidites melanocephalus Black-headed Python X Carphodactylidae Nephrurus levis occidentalis X X Carphodactylidae Nephrurus wheerleri cinctus X X Chelonidae Chelonia mydas Green Turtle X Chelonidae Chelonia sp. X Diplodactylidae Diplodactylus conspicillatus Fat -tailed Gecko X X X Diplodactylidae Diplodactylus mitchelli X

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Diplodactylidae Diplodactylus savagei X X X FAMILY NAME VERNACULAR 2000 2002 2006 2008 Diplodactylidae Lucasium stenodactylum X Diplodactylidae Strophurus strophurus X Elapidae Acanthophis wellsi Pilbara Death Adder X X X Elapidae Brachyurophis approximans X Elapidae Demansia psammophis cupreiceps X X Elapidae Demansia rufescens Rufous Whipsnake X Elapidae Ephalophis greyae X Elapidae Furina ornata Moon Snake X X Elapidae Hydrelaps darwiniensis X Elapidae Parasuta monachus X X Elapidae Pseudechis australis Mulga Snake X X X Elapidae Pseudonaja modesta Ringed Brown Snake X Elapidae Pseudonaja nuchalis Gwardar X X X Elapidae Suta fasciata Rosen's Snake X Elapidae Suta punctata Spotted Snake X X Gekkonidae Gehyra pilbara X X Gekkonidae Gehyra punctata X X Gekkonidae Gehyra variegata X X X Gekkonidae Heteronotia binoei Bynoe's Gecko X X X Pygopodidae Delma nasuta X X Pygopodidae Delma pax X X Pygopodidae Lialis burtonis X X X Pygopodidae Pygopus nigriceps X X X Scincidae Carlia munda X X Scincidae Carlia triacantha X X Scincidae Cryptoblepharus carnabyi X Scincidae Cryptoblepharus plagiocephalus X Scincidae Cryptoblepharus ustulatus X Scincidae Ctenotus duricola X X X Scincidae Ctenotus grandis titan X X

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Scincidae Ctenotus helenae X X X Scincidae Ctenotus pantherinus Leopard Ctenotus X FAMILY NAME VERNACULAR 2000 2002 2006 2008 Scincidae Ctenotus pantherinus ocellifer Leopard Ctenotus X X Scincidae Ctenotus aff. robustus X X X Scincidae Ctenotus rubicundus X Scincidae Ctenotus rufescens X Scincidae Ctenotus saxatilis Rock Ctenotus X X X Scincidae Ctenotus schomburgkii X X Scincidae Ctenotus serventyi X X Scincidae Ctenotus sp. nov. X Scincidae Ctenotus uber X Scincidae Cyclodomorphus melanops melanops X X Scincidae Egernia depressa Pygmy Spiny-tailed Skink X X Scincidae Glaphyromorphus isolepis X X X Scincidae Lerista bipes X X X Scincidae Lerista elegans X X Scincidae Lerista muelleri X X X Scincidae Menetia greyii X X X Scincidae Menetia surda X Scincidae Morethia butleri X Scincidae Morethia ruficauda exquisita X X Scincidae Notoscincus butleri X X Scincidae Proablepharus reginae X Scincidae Tiliqua multifasciata Central Blue-tongue X Typhlopidae Ramphotyphlops ammodytes X Typhlopidae Ramphotyphlops grypus X X X Rhamphotyphlops diversus Typhlopidae ammodytes X Typhlopidae Rhamphotyphlops hamatus X Varanidae Varanus acanthurus Spiny -tailed Monitor X X X Varanidae Varanus brevicauda Short-tailed Pygmy Monitor X X

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Varanidae Varanus eremius Pygmy Desert Monitor X Varanidae Varanus giganteus Perentie X X Varanidae Varanus gouldii Bungarra or Sand Monitor X X FAMILY NAME VERNACULAR 2000 2002 2006 2008 Varanidae Varanus panoptes Yellow-spotted Monitor X X X

2000 = fauna survey conducted in April 2000 by Biota (Halpern Glick Maunsell et al., 2001); 2002 – Shorebird survey conducted in October 2000 by Hassell (2002); 2006 = fauna survey (Balmoral South and previously unsurveyed areas) conducted in October by Maunsell AECOM (2006); 2008 = current survey of entire Precinct, conducted in September 2008.

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Bat call identification from Cape Preston, WA

APPENDIX 7: ANALYS IS OF B AT C AL L R E C OR DINGS , DR K YLE AR MS TR ONG

Bat call identification

from Cape Preston, WA

Type: Bat Call Analysis

Prepared for: Phoenix Environmental Sciences

Date: 26 October 2008

Job No.: SZ061

Prepared by: Specialised Zoological Kyle Armstrong and Yuki Konishi ABN 92 265 437 422 0404 423 264 [email protected] [email protected]

Bat call identification from Cape Preston, WA

SUMMARY

Bat identifications from Anabat echolocation call recordings are provided from Cape Preston, Western Australia. Eight species were identified with a ‘medium’ to ‘high’ level of confidence (Table 1).

The calls of the yellow-bellied sheath-tailed bat Saccolaimus flaviventris can sometimes be confused with those of the northern free-tailed bat Chaerephon jobensis. In most cases the calls appeared to be from S. flaviventris, however several sequences had characteristics of C. jobensis. The calls of long-eared bats Nyctophilus spp. are typically difficult to identify to species, and the sequences identified as Nyctophilus sp. may derive from the northern long- eared bat Nyctophilus arnhemensis, the lesser long-eared bat Nyctophilus geoffroyi or the pallid long-eared bat Nyctophilus bifax daedalus. One site had calls with a characteristic frequency and structure indicative of the western little free-tailed bat Mormopterus loriae cobourgiana, which inhabits mangroves. Gould’s wattled bat Chalinolobus gouldii also produces sequences very similar to M. loriae, and these might have been indistinguishable at some sites. Capture would be required to distinguish reliably between these three complexes of bat species.

Details supporting the identifications are provided, as recommended by the Australasian Bat Society (ABS 2006). A summary of pulse parameters is provided in Table 2, and representative call sequences are illustrated in Figure 1. Further data is available should verification be required.

METHODS

Signals as recorded with Anabat SD1 bat detectors were downloaded and examined in AnalookW 3.5f software. Three call variables were measured on good quality search phase pulses in representative call sequences: pulse duration (milliseconds), maximum frequency (kHz) and characteristic frequency (equivalent to minimum frequency; kHz). Species were identified based on information in McKenzie and Muir (2000). Nomenclature follows Armstrong and Reardon (2006).

Bat call identification from Cape Preston, WA

REFERENCES ABS (2006). Recommendations of the Australasian Bat Society Inc for reporting standards for insectivorous bat surveys using bat detectors. The Australasian Bat Society Newsletter 27: 6–9. [ISSN 1448-5877]

Armstrong, K. and Reardon, T. (2006). Standardising common names of bats in Australia. The Australasian Bat Society Newsletter 26: 37–42.

McKenzie, N.L. and Muir, W.P. (2000). Bats of the southern Carnarvon Basin, Western Australia. Records of the Western Australian Museum Supplement 61: 465–477.

TABLE 1. See after Table 2.

TABLE 2. Summary of variables from representative call sequences.

Duration Max Frequency Char frequency Species s,p1 (msec)2 (kHz)2 (kHz)2 Gould’s wattled bat 6.1 ± 1.8 37.4 ± 4.6 30.4 ± 1.4 3,50 Chalinolobus gouldii 3.5 – 11.3 31.1 – 53.5 27.9 – 33.2 Northern free-tailed bat 9.2 ± 2.2 35.3 ± 3.0 22.9 ± 1.2 3,32 Chaerephon jobensis 3.8 – 13.1 28.5 – 38.7 21.1 – 26.7 Western little free-tailed bat 9.8 ± 1.8 33.4 ± 2.1 31.2 ± 0.9 3,46 Mormopterus loriae cobourgiana 3.4 – 12.9 31.0 – 40.2 29.2 – 33.1 Unidentified long-eared bat 2.4 ± 0.9 66.6 ± 14.5 50.4 ± 7.9 3,17 Nyctophilus sp. 1.0 – 3.9 50.0 – 95.2 42.8 – 65.8 Yellow-bellied sheath-tailed bat 14.9 ± 1.8 19.0 ± 0.9 16.7 ± 0.5 3,61 Saccolaimus flaviventris 9.7 – 19.2 17.4 – 22.4 15.4 – 17.9 Little broad-nosed bat 5.5 ± 1.1 48.6 ± 5.5 36.6 ± 0.7 3,45 Scotorepens greyii 3.3 – 8.1 40.7 – 60.6 35.5 – 39.1 Common sheath-tailed bat 14.6 ± 1.8 24.7 ± 0.2 23.8 ± 0.2 1,11 Taphozous georgianus 10.9 – 16.7 24.4 – 25.0 23.5 – 24.0 Finlayson’s forest bat 5.5 ± 0.9 68.4 ± 7.2 54.1 ± 0.9 1,15 Vespadelus finlaysoni 3.7 – 6.7 58.4 – 82.5 52.8 – 55.7

1 s,p: number of sequences measured, combined total number of pulses measured; 2 Mean ± SD; range.

Bat call identification from Cape Preston, WA

TABLE 1A. Species identifications, with the degree of confidence indicated by a code. Date correlates with field site; see Table 2 for full species names.

Date C. gouldii C. jobensis M. loriae Nyctophilus sp. S. flaviventris S. greyii T. georgianus V. finlaysoni Serial 1333 25/08/2008 H — — — H — — H 26/08/2008 H — — — H — — — 27/08/2008 — — — — H H — — 28/08/2008 H — — — H H — — 29/08/2008 — — — M H — — — 30/08/2008 H — — — H — — H 31/08/2008 H — — — — — — — 1/09/2008 H — — — H — — H 2/09/2008 H — — — H — — H Serial 1514 25/08/2008 — — — — H H — H 26/08/2008 H — — — H H — H 27/08/2008 H — — — H H H H 28/08/2008 H — — — H H — H 29/08/2008 — — — — — — — — 30/08/2008 H — — — H — — — 31/08/2008 H — — — — — — — 1/09/2008 H — — — H H — — 2/09/2008 H — — — H H — —

Continued over …

Bat call identification from Cape Preston, WA

TABLE 1B . Continued.

Date C. gouldii C. jobensis M. loriae Nyctophilus sp. S. flaviventris S. greyii T. georgianus V. finlaysoni Serial 1333 21/09/2008 H M — — H — H — 23/09/2008 H — — — H — H H 25/09/2008 H — — — H H — — 26/09/2008 — — — — — — — — Serial 1514 23/09/2008 — — — — — H — — 25/09/2008 H — — — H — — — Serial 3006 21/09/2008 H H — M — H H H 23/09/2008 H — — — — — — H 24/09/2008 — — — — — — — — 25/09/2008 H — M M — — — —

Definition of confidence level codes: R Reference. Capture of the species was made at the site, and the identification is supported by measurements, a Reference call recording, and/or submission of a specimen/tissue to a museum. H High. Unambiguous identification of the species at the site based on measured call characteristics and comparison with available reference material. M Medium. Either call quality was poor, or the species cannot be distinguished reliably from another that makes similar calls. Alternative identifications are indicated in the Summary section of this report. If this is a species of conservation significance, further survey work might be required to confirm the record.

Bat call identification from Cape Preston, WA

FIGURE 1A. Representative call sequences of the eight species identified (time is compressed between pulses).

Bat call identification from Cape Preston, WA

FIGURE 1B. Representative call sequences of the eight species identified (time is compressed between pulses).

APPENDIX C

Cape Preston SRE Invertebrate Study Phoenix April 2009

Response to Public Submissions Page 78 of 79

Maunsell AECOM Pty Ltd

Cape Preston

Short-range Endemic Invertebrate Fauna Survey

Final Report

April 2009

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Short-range Endemic Invertebrate Fauna Survey Cape Preston Iron Ore Mining Precinct Maunsell AECOM Pty Ltd

Short-range Endemic Invertebrate Fauna Survey Final Report Project: Cape Preston

2 April 2009

Authors: Jarrad D. Clark, Karen Crews Reviewer: Melanie White

Prepared for Maunsell AECOM Pty Ltd Prepared by: Phoenix Environmental Sciences Pty Ltd

The information contained in this report is solely for the use of the Client for the purpose in which it has been prepared and Phoenix Environmental Sciences Pty Ltd accepts no responsibility for use beyond this purpose.

Any person or organisation wishing to quote or reproduce any section of this report may only do so with the written permission of Phoenix Environmental Sciences Pty Ltd or Maunsell AECOM Pty Ltd.

Phoenix Environmental Sciences Pty Ltd U1, 50 Fitzgerald St NORTHBRIDGE WA 6003 P: 08 9243 6102 F: 08 6313 0680 E: [email protected]

Project code: 905_2

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Short-range Endemic Invertebrate Fauna Survey Cape Preston Iron Ore Mining Precinct Maunsell AECOM Pty Ltd

Table of Contents

1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...... 4 2. INTRODUCTION ...... 7 2.1 Background ...... 7 2.2 Scope of work and survey objectives ...... 7 2.3 Survey significance ...... 8 2.4 Existing environment ...... 11 2.4.1 Interim Biogeographic Regionalisation of Australia (IBRA) Region ...... 11 2.4.2 Land Systems ...... 11 2.4.3 Climate ...... 12 2.4.4 Biological context ...... 12 2.4.5 Land use ...... 12 3. METHODS ...... 13 3.1 Habitat assessment and site selection ...... 13 3.2 Target taxa ...... 13 3.3 Environmental Protection Authority guidance ...... 16 3.4 Sampling methodology ...... 16 3.5 Sample handling ...... 17 3.6 Taxonomy and nomenclature ...... 17 3.7 Survey timing and effort ...... 17 4. RESULTS ...... 18 4.1 Araneomorphae ...... 23 4.1.1 Gallieniellidae ...... 23 4.2 Mygalomorphae ...... 23 4.2.1 Nemesiidae ...... 23 4.2.2 Barychelidae ...... 24 4.3 Pseudoscorpiones ...... 28 4.3.1 Olpiidae ...... 28 4.4 Scorpiones ...... 32 4.4.1 Buthidae ...... 32 4.5 Malacostraca ...... 35 4.5.1 Armadillidae ...... 35 4.6 Mollusca ...... 38 4.6.1 Camaenidae ...... 38 4.6.2 Pupillidae ...... 38 4.6.3 Vertiginidae ...... 39 4.7 Limitations ...... 42 5. DISCUSSION ...... 44 5.1 General comments on the survey...... 44 5.2 Short-range endemic taxa of the Precinct ...... 44 5.3 Assessment of species of interest identified in the survey ...... 46 6. SURVEY PERSONNEL ...... 49 7. REFERENCES ...... 50 APPENDIX 1: Cape Preston Site Descriptions ...... 53 APPENDIX 2: Cape Preston SRE Site GPS Coordinates ...... 68 APPENDIX 3: Cape Preston Snail Survey Site GPS Coordinates ...... 70

List of Tables

Table 1-1 Summary of important invertebrate species recorded in the SRE survey of the Cape Preston Iron Ore Precinct...... 5 Table 3-1 Sampling effort for the Cape Preston Iron Ore Mining Precinct SRE Survey...... 17 Table 4-1 The invertebrate taxa recorded during the Cape Preston Iron Ore Mining Precinct SRE Survey...... 19 Table 4-2 The number of spider species records per habitat type...... 25 Table 4-3 The number of pseudoscorpion records per habitat type...... 29 Table 4-4 The number of Buthidae scorpion records per habitat type...... 32

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Short-range Endemic Invertebrate Fauna Survey Cape Preston Iron Ore Mining Precinct Maunsell AECOM Pty Ltd

Table 4-5 The number of isopod species records per habitat type...... 35 Table 4-6 The limitations of the SRE survey of the Cape Preston Iron Ore Mining Precinct...... 42 Table 5-1 Summary of important invertebrate species recorded in the SRE survey of the Cape Preston Iron Ore Precinct...... 46 Table 6-1 Survey personnel...... 49

List of Figures

Figure 2-1 Location of Cape Preston Iron Ore Mining Precinct...... 10 Figure 3-1 Locations of SRE survey sites within the Cape Preston Iron Ore Mining Precinct...... 15 Figure 4-1 Locations of Mygalomorphae and Araneomorphae species recorded during the survey of the Cape Preston Iron Ore Mining Precinct...... 27 Figure 4-2 Location of pseudoscorpions recorded during the survey of the Cape Preston Iron Ore Mining Precinct...... 31 Figure 4-3 Location of Buthidae scorpion species recorded during the survey of the Cape Preston Iron Ore Mining Precinct...... 34 Figure 4-4 Location of Buddelundia isopod species recorded during the survey of the Cape Preston Iron Ore Mining Precinct...... 37

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Short-range Endemic Invertebrate Fauna Survey Cape Preston Iron Ore Mining Precinct Maunsell AECOM Pty Ltd

1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Phoenix Environmental Sciences Pty Ltd was commissioned by Maunsell AECOM Pty Ltd, on behalf of International Minerals Pty Ltd, Mineralogy Pty Ltd and CITIC Pacific Mining Management Pty Ltd, to undertake a baseline short-range endemic (SRE) invertebrate fauna survey of the Cape Preston Iron Ore Mining Precinct (the study area). This report documents the results of the survey, which was undertaken in August – September 2008. A total of nine families known to include SRE taxa were recorded during the survey. These families were represented by 13 genera and 25 species. Five new species of Mygalomorphae trapdoor spider were recorded, all of which fit the current definition of an SRE species based on known distribution alone. Four of these were either recorded outside the main development areas of the Precinct, or from multiple habitat types and therefore showed no habitat specialisation. The fifth species of mygalomorph, Synothele new species ‘pseudidiomata’, was recorded from a single site in cracking clay habitat (Horseflat Land System) to the west of Balmoral homestead. This species is also known from Warramboo Outstation (21°39’49”S, 115° 49’10”E, ca. 52km southwest of the cracking clay habitat. This limited evidence of a broader distribution extending relatively far beyond the boundaries of this project, indicates that the classification as an SRE is tentative until additional habitat and distribution data is available. A new species of araneomorph spider (Gallieniellidae: Meedo) was also recorded. Other members of this genus display short-range endemism due to habitat and prey specialisation, and as such, Meedo is also tentatively classified as an SRE. At present this species is known only from rocky outcrops and rocky slopes from two sites within the Newman Land System. Pseudoscorpions were the most diverse class recorded, with up to six species being recorded. None of these individuals has been formally described. Four true scorpion species were recorded, all belonging to the family Buthidae and genus Lychas. No members of the endemic Australian family Urodacidae were recorded. None of the four Lychas species are known to be SRE species and indeed the results in terms of habitat preference, bare this assumption out. Three species of terrestrial Isopoda (slater) were recorded. The distribution and habitat preference of two of the species suggests that short-range endemism is unlikely. In the third case, short-range endemism does appear likely, within the bounds of the current knowledge. Six species of molluscs were recorded, including two new species from the genus Quistrachia, which appear to be SRE taxa. The remaining four species have widespread distributions. There are several mining developments proposed or operational in the study area. As this survey was a baseline assessment and not related to any specific proposed development, no impact assessment has been conducted. However, the invertebrate taxa identified in this survey have been considered in terms of current knowledge of biological, distributional and habitat preferences, to identify any taxa that should be given further consideration in any proposed development in the study area (Table 1-1). On this basis, a priority rating has been allocated to each recorded species, with highest priority being allocated to those species that are considered likely to be SRE species, or where knowledge of taxa or their distribution is currently limited. This approach is designed to: • assist the proponents in understanding and managing potential risks to the prospective developments;

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Short-range Endemic Invertebrate Fauna Survey Cape Preston Iron Ore Mining Precinct Maunsell AECOM Pty Ltd

• prioritise and focus future investigations if further investigation such as impact assessment is required; and • facilitate the development of targeted SRE species management strategies or plans.

Table 1-1 Summary of important invertebrate species recorded in the SRE survey of the Cape Preston Iron Ore Precinct. Taxon Priority Reasons for Determination Spiders (Mygalomorphae and Araneomorphae) Meedo new species High Recorded from two rocky outcrop sites. Possible rock specialist based on current study and studies of other members of the family Gallieniellidae. Known records on the Newman Land System (iron ore containing land system / geology). Further investigation of this species is recommended to locate additional populations. Efforts should focus on the low ironstone hills that comprise the Newman Land System. Additional such areas are located to the south of the study area. Aname ? sp. Low Juvenile status means a definitive identity not achievable. DELTA database produced a number of possibilities. Recorded from uninterrupted coastal dune vegetation. Kwonkan n.sp. 02 Low Recorded at two different habitat types, cracking clays and alluvial plain, including from a reference site to the east of the precinct. Kwonkan n.sp. 03 Low One record only from Horseflats Land System. Likely to be represented locally and regionally in this land system. Synothele n. sp. High One record only. Found on cracking clay habitat west of Old ‘pseudoidopmata’ Balmoral Homestead. Under current proposals, this location is likely to be the site of a future waste dump. Further investigation of this species is warranted to locate additional populations. Efforts should focus on cracking clay and alluvial plain areas (Horseflat Land System) immediately east of the range and at Mardie Station, which has been purchased as an offset. Synothele n. sp. Low One record only but found well outside of the Precinct in Range ‘pseudaurecocrypta’ reference site south of Northwestern Highway. Pseudoscorpions Beierolpium 8/2 Med Genus suspected of containing SRE species, but taxonomy poorly resolved. The single record was from coastal dune vegetation that extends uninterrupted for at least 15 km to the south. Beierolpium 8/3 Med Genus suspected of containing SRE species, but taxonomy poorly resolved. A single record from rock outcrop reference site outside of the Precinct mining leases. It is given a Medium priority rating because of the single record and because it was recorded from the Newman Land System Beierolpium 8/4 Low Genus suspected of containing SRE species, but taxonomy poorly resolved. The species was recorded at three sites, two habitat types and two Land Systems. Considered a habitat generalist. Beierolpium Med Genus suspected of containing SRE species, but taxonomy poorly resolved. A single record from Newman Land System (iron ore containing system). Identity not resolved. Euryolpium Low Two records from sites over 30km apart in different habitat types. Very similar to other specimens of Euryolpium collected elsewhere in the Pilbara region. Indolpium Low Widespread across W.A. The results of this study suggest the

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Short-range Endemic Invertebrate Fauna Survey Cape Preston Iron Ore Mining Precinct Maunsell AECOM Pty Ltd

Taxon Priority Reasons for Determination species has no specialised habitat requirements, being found from multiple habitat types. Scorpions Lychas ‘bituberculatus Low Fairly widespread throughout the Pilbara and Kimberley regions group’ of W.A. and into the N.T. It is considered unlikely that the group contains SRE species. Results here agree, with no habitat specialization recorded. Lychas ‘harveyi group’ Low This groups is widespread across the Pilbara and considered unlikely to contain SRE species Lychas multipunctatus Low Widespread across the Pilbara (including the Hamersley Range and Barrow Island) and Kimberley regions of W.A. Lychas ‘nubby’ Low A member of the annulatus-complex, members of which are widespread through central and northern W.A. The SRE status of members unclear, but results here suggest no habitat specialization Isopods Buddelundia sp.1 High Restricted to three rocky outcrop and rocky slope habitats. Including two on the Cape. Likely rock specialist. No other known records. Further investigation of this species is recommended to confirm habitat preference, with a focus on the low hills of the Cape and the south side of Mangrove Creek (both comprised of the Rocklea Land System). Buddelundia sp.2 Low Previously recorded from ca. 20 km south of Paraburdoo and 75 km east of Newman. Thus the known distribution extends for over 700km south of Cape Preston. Buddelundia sp.3 Low Habitat generalist being recorded on rocky outcrops, alluvial plains and creek lines throughout the precinct. Molluscs Rhagada convicta Low Has a wide distribution along the west coast of WA. Genetic relationship between Cape Preston and ‘mainland’ specimens unknown but was collected throughout the study area. Quistrachia sp.1 High New species recorded from only two closely located sites (<5km). Further targeted searches following an adequate rainfall event is recommended to collect live specimens and determine more accurate distribution. Quistrachia sp.2 High New species restricted to Cape Preston. Further targeted searches following an adequate rainfall event is recommended to collect live specimens and determine more accurate distribution. Pupoides contrarius Low Widespread coastal distribution. Genetic relationship between Cape Preston and ‘mainland’ specimens unknown. Pupoides lepidulus Low Widespread coastal distribution. Genetic relationship between Cape Preston and ‘mainland’ specimens unknown. Gastrocopta mussoni Low Widespread distribution. Genetic relationship between Cape Preston and ‘mainland’ specimens unknown.

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2. INTRODUCTION In August 2008, Phoenix Environmental Sciences Pty Ltd (Phoenix) was commissioned by Maunsell AECOM Pty Ltd (Maunsell), on behalf of International Minerals Pty Ltd, Mineralogy Pty Ltd and CITIC Pacific Mining Management Pty Ltd (CPMM) to undertake a short-range endemic (SRE) invertebrate fauna survey in the Cape Preston Iron Ore Mining Precinct (the study area). This report documents the results of the survey, which was undertaken in August – September 2008.

2.1 BACKGROUND The Cape Preston Iron Ore Mining Precinct (the Precinct) is located in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, on the north-west coast near the mouth of the Fortescue River (Figure 2-1). The Precinct contains three major magnetite deposits collectively referred to as the Balmoral deposit. There are currently three corporate entities actively developing parts of the Precinct which is divided into the Northern, Central and Southern Blocks. Mineralogy holds the overall rights to the entire Precinct and plans to refer and develop the Northern Block and Stage 2 of the Southern Block. The Central Block, which is being developed by CPMM, has been approved for development and is currently proposed for expansion. International Minerals is developing Stage 1 of the Southern Block and submitted its Draft Public Environmental Review documentation to the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) in December 2008.

The Precinct is situated within the Pilbara biogeographic region (bioregion), which is classed as a “Group 2” area by the EPA. Within this group, any disturbance to an area greater than 50 hectares requires a “Level 2” biological survey.

2.2 SCOPE OF WORK AND SURVEY OBJECTIVES The aim of the survey was to provide baseline information on the presence and/or likelihood of presence of SRE species occurring in the study area (the Precinct). The scope of the works was to: • Undertake a desktop habitat assessment and database searches for SRE species; • Conduct an SRE survey of the study area; • Conduct an SRE survey of International Minerals tenements located to the south of the Precinct, where the Cape Preston Range is dissected by the Fortescue River, for the purpose of providing a regional perspective; and • Provide a technical report outlining the survey method, results and a discussion of any SRE species identified as occurring or potentially occurring in the study area.

As the study area encompasses the overall Precinct with multiple mining projects in differing stages of development, the scope of works does not include an impact assessment. Rather, the information contained in this report is intended to serve as a baseline report for the relevant parties to use in assessing the likely impacts of their respective projects on SRE habitats and SRE taxa.

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Short-range Endemic Invertebrate Fauna Survey Cape Preston Iron Ore Mining Precinct Maunsell AECOM Pty Ltd

2.3 SURVEY SIGNIFICANCE SRE fauna are defined as arthropods that display restricted geographic distributions that may be disjunct and highly localised (nominally defined as < 10km2 in Harvey, 2002). The most appropriate analogy is that of an island, where the movement of fauna is restricted by the surrounding marine waters, thus isolating the fauna from other terrestrial island populations. This analogy has some relevance to the study area which is dominated by an extensive range, orientated in a north-south direction and displaying many mesic, western facing slopes. The slopes are dissected by minor and major gullies, and a limited number of large gorges, creating isolated habitats with the potential to drive short-range endemism. There are a number of existing or potential threatening processes that may impact SRE habitats within the study area: • Land clearing • Grazing o much of the study area is significantly impacted from stock grazing • Weeds o infestations of Buffel Grass (Cenchrus ciliaris) occur along most drainage courses and a significant areas of Mesquite (Prosopis sp.) occurs across the area • Changed fire regimes o an altered fire regime may act to promote the premature ‘drying’ of mesic refuge habitats for SREs • Changed hydrology, such as altered flow regimes affecting riparian vegetation.

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(! Burrup

Dampier Broome !( (! Cape Preston

!( Karratha !( Port Hedland

Karratha !( WESTERN

AUSTRALIA Geraldton !(

!( Kalgoorlie Perth(! Cape Preston

Eramurra Creek y !( Albany a ) ighw stal H est Coa Preston Islet rth W (DBNGP No

Mangrove Island as Pipeline

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Cape Preston Tenement Boundaries

Figure 2.1 Location of Cape Preston Iron Ore Mining Precinct ° 0 5 10 15 20 25 Kilometres February 2009 J:\Client_Data\Australiasian_Resources\60019851_Balmoral_South\Workspaces\Phoenix_Maps\2009_02_23\Figure_2.1_LocationMap_20090309_A3.mxd Short-range Endemic Invertebrate Fauna Survey Cape Preston Iron Ore Mining Precinct Maunsell AECOM Pty Ltd

2.4 EXISTING ENVIRONMENT

2.4.1 Interim Biogeographic Regionalisation of Australia (IBRA) Region The Cape Preston Iron Ore Mining Precinct falls within the Pilbara biogeographic region as defined by the IBRA (Thackway and Cresswell, 1995). The Pilbara bioregion has four main geological components (subregions): the Hamersley Range, a mountainous area of Proterozoic sedimentary ranges and plateaux; the Fortescue Plains, consisting of alluvial plains and river frontages; the Chichester range comprising Archaean granite and basalt plains; and Roebourne consisting of Quaternary alluvial plains (Australian Natural Resources Atlas, 2008). The study area is situated within the Roebourne subregion.

2.4.2 Land Systems The Department of Agriculture and Food WA has mapped the Land Systems of the region from aerial photography, providing the largest scale interpretation of vegetation units for the project area (Van Vreeswyk et al. 2004). Ten Land Systems occur within the project leases of the Precinct: • Boolgeeda - stony lower slopes and plains found below hill systems, supporting hard and soft spinifex grasslands and mulga shrublands. Predominantly deposition surfaces of very gently inclined stony slopes and plains becoming almost level further downslope. • Cheerawarra - sandy coastal plains and saline clay plains supporting soft and hard spinifex grasslands and minor tussock grasslands. Depositional surfaces of gently undulating sandy surfaced coastal plains. • Horseflats - extensive, gilgaied clay plains supporting tussock grasslands and minor grassy snakewood shrublands. Depositional surfaces consisting of gilgaied and non – gilgaied clay plains, stony plains, narrow linear drainage depressions and dissected slopes marginal to the River Land Systems. • Littoral - coastal fringe consisting of areas of mangal on the seaward fringe, samphire shrublands on mudflats, Acacia coriacea shrublands over spinifex or tussock grasses on coastal dunes and Triodia angusta hummock grasslands on broad sandy plains. • Macroy - stony plains and occasional tor fields based on granite supporting hard and soft spinifex grasslands.

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Short-range Endemic Invertebrate Fauna Survey Cape Preston Iron Ore Mining Precinct Maunsell AECOM Pty Ltd

• Newman - rugged jaspilite plateaux and ridges with hard Spinifex grassland; prominent in the Northern, central and western sections of the study area. • Paraburdoo - stony gilgai plains derived from basalt, supporting snakewood shrublands and mulga shrublands with spinifex and tussock grasses. Consists of depositional surfaces such as isolated low basalt hills and stony upper interfluves and plains with small groves. • River - active floodplains and terraces flanking major rivers and creeks, supporting riverine woodlands and tussock and hummock grasslands; associated with the Fortescue River system. Flood plains and river terraces are subject to fairly regular overbank flooding from major channels and watercourses, sandbanks and poorly defined levees and cobble plains. • Rocklea - rugged Basalt hills and plateau remnants with hard Spinifex grasslands; prominent in the northern portion of the survey area. • Yamerina - floodplains and deltaic deposits supporting tussock grasslands with chenopod low shrubs and soft Spinifex grasslands; occurred in the western portions of the study area. 2.4.3 Climate The Pilbara region has a semi-desert to tropical climate with highly variable, mostly summer rainfall occurring as a result of cyclonic activity. The average rainfall over the broader Pilbara area ranges from about 200mm to 350mm, although rainfall may vary widely from the average from year to year (Australian Natural Resources Atlas, 2008).

The Roebourne subregion experiences significant cyclonic activity, with several systems affecting the coast and hinterland annually (Department of Conservation and Land Management, 2003). Average annual rainfall at Balmoral, at the southern end of the Precinct, is 260mm, although this is highly variable. 2.4.4 Biological context A number of biological surveys have previously been conducted within the Precinct (notably Halpern Glick Maunsell et al., 2001; and Maunsell AECOM, 2006). Eighty three vegetation communities have been mapped. Of particular importance are the cracking clays of the Horseflats Land System and the phreatophytic vegetation of the River and Paraburdoo Land Systems. The fauna of the Project Area is generally dominated by birds and reptiles. Several species of mammal are also common, predominantly consisting of smaller species such as native mice.

To date, no short-range endemic invertebrate fauna surveys have been conducted. 2.4.5 Land use Land use in the study area comprises pastoral grazing, mining activities at the Central Block and limited tourism and recreation. The area has been significantly impacted by cattle grazing.

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Short-range Endemic Invertebrate Fauna Survey Cape Preston Iron Ore Mining Precinct Maunsell AECOM Pty Ltd

3. METHODS

3.1 HABITAT ASSESSMENT AND SITE SELECTION A review of aerial photography identified several habitats within the study area that were considered to have some potential to facilitate short-range endemism among the resident invertebrate fauna. Reference sites were also identified during the habitat assessment within tenements to the south of the Precinct, to provide a regional context for the Precinct survey data, and comparative data for future impact assessment, if required. The review identified the following habitats as having the potential to harbour short-range endemic taxa: • rocky outcrops on low stony slopes; • major and minor creeklines; • south-facing slopes on low stony hills; • open cracking clay (albeit highly degraded by introduced plant species and cattle access); and • coastal dunes north of Mangrove Creek (the island) and southwest Balmoral North. The reference sites identified were generally considered to have a greater potential to facilitate short range endemism than the sites within the study area. Final site selection was determined on commencement of the initial field survey, following site verification. A total of 50 sites were surveyed across the Precinct and adjacent reference sites (Figure 3-1).

3.2 TARGET TAXA The survey targeted all taxonomic groups known to include SRE species in the Pilbara region: • trapdoor spiders (Mygalomorphae); • non-marine snails (Mollusca); • millipedes (Diplopoda); • centipedes (Chilopoda); • scorpions; and • pseudoscorpions

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BGD - Boolgeeda Land System CHE - Cheerawarra Land System HOF - Horseflat Land System #* ISLAND 01 LIT - Littoral Land System ISLAND 02 #* CHE MAC - Macroy Land System ROC #* ISLAND 03 RIV NEW - Newman Land System

ROC PAR - Paraburdoo Land System RUT

RIV - River Land System LIT HOF ROC - Rocklea Land System

RUT - Ruth Land System CHE RUT YAM - Yamerina Land System HOF

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PAR #* SITE 50 HOF ROC SITE 62 #*SITE 49 SITE 48#*#* SITE 58#* #* #* #* SITE 63 SITE 47 SITE 59 #* SITE 64 SITE 60 ) P SITE 44 #* SITE 61 MAC #*#* SITE 65 #*#* SITE 43 SITE 66 #* SITE 57 NEW

ne (DBNG i l e #* SITE 67

as Pip G l PAR PAR tura YAM a #* N #* y #* r #*BGD bu #* #*#*#* n u *# #*#* SITE 31 *# #* to B SITE 29 r NEW #* SNAIL1 PAR pie SITE 30 *# #*#* #*#* Dam *# SITE 28 SITE 70 HOF RIV SITE 69 *# #*#*NEW SITE 71 #* #* SITE 72 NEW YAM SITE 26 SITE 25 *#*# *# MAC SITE 73 NEW ROC SITE 27 SITE 68*# BGD

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*# SITE 20 *# PAR ROC SITE 21 SITE 19*# *# SITE 18

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HOF BGD SITE 04 *# *# NEW SITE 05 HOF ROC *# SITE 07 PAR *# #*SITE 75 NEW SITE 06 #* SITE 74 NEW

Figure 3.1 Location of SRE Survey Sites within the Cape Preston Iron Ore Mining Precinct

° #* SRE Survey Sites 012345678910 Tenement Boundary Kilometres

February 2009 J:\Client_Data\Australiasian_Resources\60019851_Balmoral_South\Workspaces\Phoenix_Maps\2009_02_23\Figure_3.1_SRE_Sites_20090309_A3.mxd Short-range Endemic Invertebrate Fauna Survey Cape Preston Iron Ore Mining Precinct Maunsell AECOM Pty Ltd

3.3 ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AUTHORITY GUIDANCE There are currently no formal guidelines on the preferred survey methods for terrestrial SRE invertebrates. The methods employed in this survey were based on Phoenix’s previous experience in undertaking SRE surveys throughout many regions of Western Australia. Where practicable, the survey design, methodology and report-writing aspects of the scope of work adhere to appropriate principles and guidelines, including: • Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) Position Statement No. 3: Terrestrial Biological Surveys as an Element of Biodiversity Protection (EPA 2002); and • EPA Guidance Statement No. 56: Terrestrial Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment in Western Australia (EPA 2004).

3.4 SAMPLING METHODOLOGY The field survey consisted of three proven, industry-recognised sampling techniques which target SRE taxa; wet pitfall trapping; active searches (foraging); and the collection of leaf litter samples. Wet pitfall trapping was conducted at 50 sites. Ten traps were dug in at each site in suitable microhabitats. The traps comprised one litre plastic containers with a 70 mm diameter that were partly-filled with a solution of ethylene glycol and formaldehyde (2.5% by volume). All traps were left open for a period of 30 days. The foraging incorporated the systematic inspection of logs, larger plant debris, under the bark of larger trees and the underside of larger rocks (outcrops). Methodical searches were also conducted amongst the leaf litter of shade-bearing tall shrubs and trees. Rocks and rock crevices were also inspected, particularly for pseudoscorpions. A temporally and spatially standardised approach was undertaken, whereby each site was sampled for 60 - 90 minutes within a 50m x 50m area. Mygalomorphae trapdoor spider burrows identified during the searches were excavated if they were considered to be inhabited. Excavation involved removing soil from around the burrow to expose the burrow chamber and remove the spider. Not all excavated burrows produced spiders. Some burrows revealed huntsman spiders, centipedes and geckos (Diplodactylus conspicillatus) upon excavation, which may have predated upon or displaced the trapdoor spiders. Leaf litter samples were taken from sites where target taxa were not recorded during the foraging component but where there was potential for occurrence. The collection of leaf litter samples was not standardized (either volumetrically or by weight) due to the high variability of the soil and leaf litter depth throughout the study area. Standardisation of samples was not critical to the survey as the principle objective was to determine the presence of SRE species rather than assessing (for example) relative abundance or species diversity. Searching was therefore conducted in any prospective habitat available. A targeted land snail survey was also conducted, subsequent to the main SRE survey and following a period of rainfall in the area. The aim of the survey was to record land snail species that may not have been recorded in the main SRE survey due to dry conditions. Leaf litter samples were collected from 62 sites. Most of the sites coincided generally with the main SRE sampling sites, which were re-sampled for snails as they were considered the most prospective SRE sites in the study area. The remaining sites targeted in the land snail survey were mostly located at the bases of larger trees where decent leaf litter was present. All leaf litter samples were processed in accordance with the methods employed in the main SRE survey.

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Short-range Endemic Invertebrate Fauna Survey Cape Preston Iron Ore Mining Precinct Maunsell AECOM Pty Ltd

Site descriptions, vegetation and sampling activity were recorded at each site (Appendix 1). The coordinates of each site were recorded by a hand held GPS device (Appendices 2 and 3).

3.5 SAMPLE HANDLING All specimens collected were transported to Perth for sorting and identification. The specimens from the 10 wet pitfall traps at each site were combined in a single, labelled container, with the trapping fluid being replaced by 100% ethanol. Specimens collected by foraging techniques were placed in a glass vial preserved in 100% ethanol and labelled accordingly. All leaf litter samples were sieved (18mm, 8mm and 5mm stack) and sorted in Perth under a stereo dissecting microscope. Tullgren funnel extraction was then used on the coarse sieved leaf litter component.

3.6 TAXONOMY AND NOMENCLATURE Specimens of Mygalomorphae spiders, scorpions and centipedes were identified by Phoenix scientists to at least level of Genus. Species level identification of Mygalomorphae spiders largely requires an extensive voucher collection, so final species level determinations were made by Dr Robert Raven (Queensland Museum). Pseudoscorpions, scorpions, millipedes and mollusc specimens were identified by taxonomists at the Western Australian Museum. All groups were submitted for identification in early November 2008. Any identifications which are outstanding at the time of writing this report will be communicated by letter as an addendum.

3.7 SURVEY TIMING AND EFFORT The wet pitfall trap installation was conducted from 25th of August to the 1st of September 2008. The traps were left open for a period of 30 days and then collected between the 26th and 30th of September 2008. A total sample size of 15,000 trap nights was attained (Table 3-1). Foraging was undertaken at each site for 60 - 90 minutes (30 - 45 mins x 2 people; 75 mins average). This equated to 62.5 hours of hand searching, and a total search area of 12.5 hectares. Black-lighting for Scorpions was not undertaken due to the distance between provided accommodation and site. The targeted land snail survey was conducted from 12th to the 15th of October 2008. The survey was conducted following a period of rainfall over the extent of the Cape Preston area on the 9th and 10th of October (9mm recorded at Mardie Station).

Table 3-1 Sampling effort for the Cape Preston Iron Ore Mining Precinct SRE Survey. No. trapsa / Area No. nightsc / Total sample Techniques No. sites (m2)b Time (mins)d size (n) Wet pitfall 50 10 30 15,000 trap trapping nights Foraging 50 50m x 50m 75 mins 3,750 mins (average) 125,000m2

Leaf litter 10 n/a n/a 10 samples Snail survey – 62 n/a n/a 62 leaf litter samples a, c – Wet pitfall trapping. b, d – Foraging.

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4. RESULTS A total of nine families known to include SRE taxa were recorded during the survey. These families were represented by 13 genera and 25 species (Table 4-1). Five new species of mygalomorph trapdoor spider were recorded, all of which fit the current definition of an SRE species, based solely on known distribution. A new species of araneomorph spider (Gallieniellidae: Meedo) was also recorded. Araneomorph spiders are considered to be modern spiders, having developed a more advanced respiratory system among other adaptations. Spiders from this super group are rarely targeted in SRE surveys, primarily because the majority use ‘ballooning’ to aid in juvenile distribution, with many species capable of dispersing hundreds of kilometres in appropriate conditions. However, only a limited number of mygalomorph spiders have this ability, which may justify reconsideration of their inclusion in surveys. However, some members of the family Gallieniellidae display a distinct restriction in distribution and on this basis could be included within the current definition of a short-range endemic species. Pseudoscorpions were the most diverse class recorded, with up to six species being identified. None of the species have been formally described. Four true scorpion species were recorded, all belonging to the family Buthidae and genus Lychas. No members of the endemic Australian family Urodacidae were recorded. None of the four Lychas species are known to be SRE species, and the results of this survey support this assumption. Three species of terrestrial isopods (slaters) were recorded. Short-range endemism in isopods is most strongly displayed in aquatic and subterranean species but is also present in some terrestrial species, particularly in the southwest Karri forests of Western Australia (S. Judd pers. comm.). One of these species is considered to be an SRE based on the recorded information. Six species of molluscs were recorded, including two new species which appear to be SRE taxa. The remaining four species have widespread distributions. The discussion section provides comment on the relevance of these results to the Precinct.

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Table 4-1 The invertebrate taxa recorded during the Cape Preston Iron Ore Mining Precinct SRE Survey.

Mining Lease Sites Family Genus Species F2a Is.1 Is.2 Is.3 CCb 4 5 6 7 18 19 20 21 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 43 44 47 48 49 50 Arachnida - Pseudoscorpiones Olpiidae Beierolpium 8/2'* 8/3'* 8/4'* 1 Beierolpium - 1 Euryolpium 1 1 Indolpium 1 3 3 1 1 2 2 5 3 3 1 1

Arachnida - Scorpiones bituberculatus Buthidae Lychas 1 1 1 1 group' harveyi group' multipunctatus 1 nubby' 1 1

Arachnida - Araneomorphae Gallieniellidae Meedo sp. nov. 1 1 Arachnida - Mygalomorphae Nemesiidae Aname sp. nov. Kwonkan n. sp.‘p02’ 1 n. sp.‘p03’ 2 n.sp.‘pseud- Barychelidae Synothele 1 idiomata’ n.sp.‘pseud-

aurecocrypta’ a – F2 is Vertebrate Fauna Survey Site 2. b – CC is Cracking Clay habitat. c – Snail Site 1 (see Appendix 3). d – Excludes CC unless recorded in CC as wasn’t a specific survey site.

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Table 4-1 (cont.) Mining Lease Sites Family Genus Species F2a Is.1 Is.2 Is.3 CCb 4 5 6 7 18 19 20 21 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 43 44 47 48 49 50 Malacostraca - Isopoda Armadillidae Buddelundia sp. 1 1 10 1000 sp. 2 10 5 1000 1 1000 1000 1 8 2 1 1 1 1 1 sp. 3 1 1

Gastropoda - Pulmonata Camaenidae Rhagada convicta 6c 11 1 1 10 2 1 1 Quistrachia sp.1 sp.2 1 5

Gastropoda - Pulmonata Pupillidae Pupoides contrarius 1 6 lepidulus 2 4

Gastropoda - Pulmonata

Vertiginidae Gastrocopta mussoni 5 a – F2 is Vertebrate Fauna Survey Site 2. b – CC is Cracking Clay habitat. c – Snail Site 1 (see Appendix 3). d – Excludes CC unless recorded in CC as wasn’t a specific survey site.

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Table 4-1 (cont.)

Mining/exploration Lease Sites Reference Sites Total Site % Family Genus Species 54 55 56 65 66 67 68 69 51 52 53 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 70 71 72 73 74 75 Presence Presenced Arachnida - Pseudoscorpiones Olpiidae Beierolpium 8/2'* 1 1 2.0% 8/3'* 2 1 2.0% 8/4'* 1 1 3 6.0% Beierolpium - 1 2.0% Euryolpium 2 4.0% Indolpium 1 2 20 1 2 4 1 1 4 1 1 23 50.0% Arachnida - Scorpiones bituberculatus Buthidae Lychas 1 1 6 12.0% group' harveyi group' 1 1 1 3 6.0% multipunctatus 1 1 3 6.0% nubby' 1 1 4 8.0% Arachnida - Araneomorphae Gallieniellidae Meedo sp. nov.* 2 4.0% Arachnida - Mygalomorphae Nemesiidae Aname sp. nov.* 3 1 2.0% Kwonkan n. sp.‘p02’ 1 2 4.0% n. sp.‘p03’ 1 2.0% n.sp.‘pseud- Barychelidae Synothele 1 2.0% idiomata’ n.sp.‘pseud- 1 1 2.0% aurecocrypta’ a – F2 is Vertebrate Fauna Survey Site 2. b – CC is Cracking Clay habitat. c – Snail Site 1 (see Appendix 3). d – Excludes CC unless recorded in CC as wasn’t a specific survey site.

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Table 4-1 (cont.) Mining/Exploration Lease Reference Sites Sites Total Site % Family Genus Species 54 55 56 65 66 67 68 69 51 52 53 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 70 71 72 73 74 75 Presence Presenced Malacostraca - Isopoda Armadillidae Buddelundia sp. 1 3 6.0% sp. 2 1 1 1 1 100 1 1 1 1 23 50.0% sp. 3 2 2 1 1 6 12.0% Gastropoda - Pulmonata Camaenidae Rhagada convicta 9 2 3 1 1 13 26.0% Quistrachia sp.1 4 3 2 4.0% sp.2 2 4.0% Gastropoda - Pulmonata Pupillidae Pupoides contrarius 1 3 6.0% lepidulus 2 4.0%

Gastropoda - Pulmonata

Vertiginidae Gastrocopta mussoni 1 2.0% a – F2 is Vertebrate Fauna Survey Site 2. b – CC is Cracking Clay habitat. c – Snail Site 1 (see Appendix 3). d – Excludes CC unless recorded in CC as wasn’t a specific survey site.

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4.1 ARANEOMORPHAE The Gnaphosoidea super group of spiders are among the most abundant and important predators in both forest and drier habitats throughout Australia (plus New Caledonia and New Zealand). Five families are known to occur in Australasia (the Lamponidae, Gallieniellidae, Trochanteriidae, Prodidomidae, and Gnaphosidae). They are considered to be almost completely endemic to Australasia and some species are known to have very restricted ranges (AMNH 1997). 4.1.1 Gallieniellidae

Meedo new species Gallieniellidae are a small family of small ground spiders (related to the White-tailed spiders, Lamponidae) that were only first recognised in Australia by Platnick (2002); no further revisions have been conducted since then. Their taxonomic treatment was too late to be included in Harvey's (2002) list of groups known to include SREs. The main body of evidence suggests that some species of this family may be SREs is within their known distributions of some taxa for which a reasonable quantity of data exists. In the family (Platnick 2002) some surveys have been conducted in Western Australia and a number of species displayed the requisite limited range (less than 100 km x 100 km area) for admission as an SRE. The family includes a number of Australian genera, one of which is the genus Meedo reported here. In the current survey, Meedo new species was recorded from just two sites, both rocky outcrops on a hilltop (site 06) and south-facing slope (site 44; Table 4-2). Both sites are located within the Newman Land System, which is the focus of the mining activity in the Cape Preston Iron Ore Mining Precinct as it contains high grade iron ore (Figure 4-1). Based on the survey results, the species is considered an SRE species. The geographically closest species to the one collected in this survey is Meedo houstoni Main, 1987. It was recorded from coastal areas in northwest Western Australia as well as several inland localities a little further south (Platnick 2002). However, a female of Meedo houstoni was reported from Mundabullagana Station (20°31’S, 118°04’E), located north-east of Karratha, and a male was reported from Barrow Island.

4.2 MYGALOMORPHAE

4.2.1 Nemesiidae Nemesiidae are burrowing trapdoor spiders, commonly called Wishbone spiders. The family reaches its highest diversity in Australia with different genera occurring in different habitats. Species of genera found in rainforests in eastern Australia tend to have highly localised distributions being restricted to one or two adjacent mountain tops. Species belonging to genera that dominate in drier forest to desert (e.g. Aname) have generally wider distributions, but depending on the biogeographical events that have occurred, they may still have disjunct distributions.

Aname? new species According to the Descriptive Language for Taxonomy (DELTA) database, the genus Aname and its relatives (e.g. Kwonkan) have diversified strongly in Western Australia and show higher degrees of endemism than those genera in eastern Australia. Taxonomic revisions of Australian Nemesiidae have been predominantly of Queensland species where 47 new species have been described in the previous three decades (Raven 1981, 1982a, b, c,

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1983, 1984a, b, 1985a, c; Raven 1994). In Western Australia, although the studies have been numerous (Main 1972, 1975, 1977, 1982a, b, 1983, 1985a, b, 1986, 1991, 1994, 2004, 2008), few have dealt with species outside the south–west land division. The result is that many species from large parts of Western Australia remain undescribed. In this survey, specimens were recorded from a single location in coastal dunes (site 52; Figure 4-1). The specimens recorded were juveniles and consequently, definitive identification of this species cannot be made. Robert Raven has concluded that this may be one of several known species or a new species. The conservation status of the species is therefore unclear, however it is considered highly likely that the species’ distribution extends southwest along the coast within the Littoral Land System.

Kwonkan new species ‘p02’ The genus Kwonkan is generally considered to be a southwestern species; however it is increasingly being recorded from the sub-tropical Pilbara region. Kwonkan new species ‘p02’ was recorded from two sites: one within the cracking clays to the west of Balmoral Homestead; and the other from low hills located at the eastern end of the study area in the Macroy Land System (Figure 4-1). Both sites are located on the periphery of the Precinct. This species currently fulfils the criteria of an SRE species (known distribution less than 10, 000 km2).

Kwonkan new species ‘p03’ Two adult male specimens of Kwonkan new species ‘p03’ were recorded from dry pitfall traps during a vertebrate fauna survey undertaken in September 2008. This site was located within the Horseflats Land System, a large system which extends over 10 km north of the record, on the eastern side of the iron ore bodies that encompass the Newman Land System (Figure 4-1). This species currently qualifies as an SRE species. The data suggests that it is likely to be represented both locally and regionally in this Land System.

4.2.2 Barychelidae Barychelid spiders, commonly called Brush-footed trapdoor spiders, are small to moderately large in size. Of all mygalomorph spiders, few are as cryptic as the Barychelidae. Their burrows often lack the firm thick door of the Ctenizidae or the extensive webs of Dipluridae. Females live for several years once mature. Unpublished work on other mygalomorphs indicates that maturity in barychelids takes 5-7 years. Once mature, males go wandering in search of females and so then are most easily taken by pitfall traps. Females remain in the burrow, mate once each year and moult after the eggs are inseminated. Barychelid burrows tend not to be deep (less than 60 cm) and, in some cases, the species survive very well in the highly disturbed inner suburban gardens of Brisbane for example (see Raven 1994; Seqocrypta jakaka, p. 481). Barychelids are similar to the Whistling Spiders or tarantulas (family Theraphosidae) and are considered their sister group (Raven 1985b; Raven 1994) but differ in being much smaller and in having relatively smaller spinnerets with a domed, rather than finger-like, apical segment and a fringe of hairs across the front of the book-lungs (Raven 1994). Australia supports the greatest diversity of this group. All Australian species are endemic and it is believed none have been accidentally or deliberately translocated or introduced (R. Raven pers.comm. 07/0209). Four barychelid genera occur in the north-western corner of Western Australia: Aurecocypta; Idiommata; Moruga; and Synothele. Aurecocrypta has dominated surveys from the Pilbara region but occurring with it are often new species of Synothele. In this survey, both barychelid species that were recorded belong to the genus Synothele.

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Synothele new species ‘pseudidiomata’ Synothele new species ‘pseudidiomata was recorded from a single site; the cracking clay habitat (Horseflat Land System) to the west of Balmoral homestead (Figure 4-1). As with Kwonkan new species ‘p02’ (also found at this site) the species currently qualifies as an SRE species. This species is also known from Warramboo Outstation (21°39’49”S, 115° 49’10”E, ca. 52km SW of the cracking clay habitat. Its distribution therefore extends relatively far beyond the boundaries of the study area.

Synothele new species ‘pseudaurecocrypta’ A single male Synothele new species ‘pseudaurecocrypta’ specimen was recorded from Site 74, situated within the Newman Land System and to the south of the Cape Preston projects area on additional Mineralogy tenements on the eastern side of the Northwestern Coastal Highway (Figure 4-1). The species qualifies as an SRE species based on current knowledge.

Table 4-2 The number of spider species records per habitat type.

Granite and Cracking Total Minor Sandstone Major Clay and Number Family / Hilltop / Minor Drainage Outcrop Drainage Coastal Alluvial of Genus Species Outcrop Slope Line (Minor) Line Dune Mangrove Plains Habitats Gallieniellidae Meedo sp. nov.* 1 1 2

Nemesiidae Aname sp. nov.* 1 1 Kwonkan n. sp.‘p02’ 1 1 2 n. sp.‘p03’ 1 1

Barychelidae n.sp.‘pseud- Synothele 1 1 idiomata’

n.sp.‘pseud- 1 1 aurecocrypta’

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BGD - Boolgeeda Land System CHE - Cheerawarra Land System HOF - Horseflat Land System CHE LIT - Littoral Land System ROC RIV MAC - Macroy Land System

ROC NEW - Newman Land System RUT PAR - Paraburdoo Land System LIT RIV - River Land System HOF

ROC - Rocklea Land System CHE RUT RUT - Ruth Land System YAM - Yamerina Land System HOF

PAR

BGD

HOF HOF RUT

ROC ROC

BGD BGD BGD

ROC )" RUT

NEW PAR RUT BGD LIT HOF

PAR

HOF ROC

)" North West Coastal Highway MAC )"

NEW

PAR PAR YAM

BGD )")"

NEW PAR )"

HOF

NEW NEW MAC NEW )" ROC

HOF

ROC

RIV ROC RUT

RUT Mardie Road

HOF BGD

NEW ROC PAR

)" NEW NEW

Figure 4.1 Locations of Mygalomorphae and Araneomorphae species recorded ° during the survey of the Cape Preston Iron Ore Mining Precinct )" Aname sp1 )" Meedo n.sp 012345678910 )" Kwonkan n.sp p02 )" Synothele n.sp. pseudaurecocrypta Kilometres )" Kwonkan n.sp p03 )" Synothelen.sp. pseudoidiomata

February 2009 J:\Client_Data\Australiasian_Resources\60019851_Balmoral_South\Workspaces\Phoenix_Maps\2009_02_23\Figure_4.1_Spiders_20090309_A3.mxd Short-range Endemic Invertebrate Fauna Survey Cape Preston Iron Ore Mining Precinct Maunsell AECOM Pty Ltd

4.3 PSEUDOSCORPIONES The Western Australian pseudoscorpion fauna is fairly diverse with representatives of 17 different families. They are found in a variety of biotopes, but can be most commonly collected from the bark of trees, from the underside of rocks, or from leaf litter habitats. Six species of pseudoscorpions from three genera of the family Olpiidae were recorded in the survey. The number of species’ records in relation to habitat type for each species is detailed in Table 4-3. The recorded distribution of each species is displayed in Figure 4-2. 4.3.1 Olpiidae

Beierolpium sp. ‘8/2’, ‘8/3’, ‘8/4’ At least three different species of Beierolpium were collected (Table 4-3; Figure 4-2). The systematic status of members of this genus in the Pilbara has not been fully assessed. It is not possible to firmly establish the identity of these species, or determine whether any are short-range endemics, until a complete systematic revision of the Western Australian members of Beierolpium is undertaken in the Pilbara and other bioregions. Beierolpium 8/2 was recorded near the coast from within the Littoral Land System, from just a single site (Site 53; Figure 4-2). The record resides within a mining lease, however there are no dispersal barriers locally and the habitat itself is not considered locally rare or restricted. The Littoral Land System extends at least 15 km to the southwest and northeast of the record and, given the homogeneity of the vegetation along the coast in the area, it is expected that the species distribution would extend at least that distance in either direction. Beierolpium 8/3 was recorded at a single site (Site 73), located outside any of the mining leases. Beierolpium 8/4 was recorded from three sites within the Cape Preston Iron Ore Mining Precinct. One site was located near Citic Pacific’s existing operations, and two sites were located several kilometres to the east within the Rocklea Land System; a rocky outcrop, and a creekline at the foot of the same low hill system. This distribution data suggests that the species is a habitat generalist and is locally widespread. Beierolpium sp. (un-coded) was not able to be assigned to the other species of Beierolpium recorded. The individual was recorded from a single site (Site 44), a minor rocky slope / breakaway within the Newman Land System. This land system contains the iron ore which is proposed for development at various stages in the future. The site in question is located within Citic Pacific’s existing approved operations. Given the uncertainty of this specimen, it is not possible to comment on its degree of endemism and the single record also makes determinations about habitat preference difficult.

Indolpium sp. Dozens of specimens of this pseudoscorpion species were collected at 50% of the sites surveyed and in various habitats throughout the study area. The specimens comprise a single species. Extremely similar specimens have been collected from other regions of Western Australia suggesting that this is a single, widespread species and not an SRE species.

Euryolpium sp. Species of Euryolpium are commonly found under bark and under rocks throughout northern Australia. They can be locally abundant, and at least one species is quite widespread across northern Australia. The species recorded in the survey was collected from two sites over 30 km apart (Island

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Site 1 and Site 21). It appears to be very similar to other specimens of Euryolpium collected elsewhere in the Pilbara region. Based on the current levels of knowledge concerning this genus, it is impossible to state definitively whether this species is a short-range endemic species. However, the distribution of these specimens in the study area (one individual from coastal dune vegetation at Cape Preston itself and the other from a minor rocky slope 30km to the south) suggests that the species does not display specific habitat requirements and thus is likely to be well-represented in coastal and rocky areas in the vicinity of the study area.

Table 4-3 The number of pseudoscorpion records per habitat type.

Granite and Cracking Total Minor Sandstone Major Clay and Number of Family / Hilltop / Minor Drainage Outcrop Drainage Coastal Alluvial Habitats Genus Species Outcrop Slope Line (Minor) Line Dune Mangrove Plains Present Olpiidae Beierolpium 8/2'* 1 1 8/3'* 1 1 8/4'* 2 1 2 Beierolpium - 1 1 Euryolpium 1 1 2 Indolpium 8 6 6 1 2 1 6

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BGD - Boolgeeda Land System CHE - Cheerawarra Land System HOF - Horseflat Land System

LIT - Littoral Land System $+ CHE ROC MAC - Macroy Land System RIV NEW - Newman Land System ROC PAR - Paraburdoo Land System RUT

RIV - River Land System LIT HOF ROC - Rocklea Land System

RUT - Ruth Land System CHE RUT YAM - Yamerina Land System HOF

PAR

BGD

HOF HOF RUT

ROC ROC

BGD BGD BGD

$+ ROC $+$+ RUT

NEW PAR RUT BGD LIT HOF $+

PAR $+ HOF ROC $+ $+$+ North West Coastal Highway MAC $+ $+$+$+ $+$+ NEW

PAR PAR YAM $+$+ $+ $+BGD $+ $+$+ $+

NEW PAR $+ $+$+ $+$+

HOF RIV $+ NEW $+ NEW YAM MAC NEW ROC BGD

HOF $+ $+ PAR ROC

RIV NEW RIV ROC RUT

RUT Mardie Road

HOF BGD $+ $+ NEW HOF ROC $+ PAR $+ $+ NEW NEW

Figure 4.2 Location of psuedoscorpions recorded during the survey of the Cape Preston Iron Ore Mining Precinct

° $+ Beierolpium $+ Beierolpium 8/4 012345678910 $+ Beierolpium 8/2 $+ Euryolpium Kilometres $+ Beierolpium 8/3 $+ Indolpium

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4.4 SCORPIONES Only one family and representative genus were recorded (Buthidae: Lychas) from Cape Preston SRE survey sites. No members of the endemic Australian family Urodacidae were recorded. Species of Lychas are abundant and increasingly diverse across all of mainland Australia (E. Volschenk pers. comm.), as well as adjacent parts of south-eastern Asia. All species are generally quite small with slender pedipalps and mottled colouration. The number of species’ records in relation to habitat type for each species is detailed in Table 4-4. The recorded distribution of each species is displayed in Figure 4-3. 4.4.1 Buthidae Lychas ‘bituberculatus group’ Specimens of the Lychas bituberculatus-group were found at six sites within the survey area. The group is fairly widespread throughout the Pilbara and Kimberley regions of Western Australia, as well as in the Northern Territory. Recent morphological examinations of material of this group suggested that it consists of more than one species; however the taxonomy is poorly resolved (E. Volschenk pers. comm.). It is considered unlikely that any member of this group represents a short- range endemic species. This assumption is supported by the data which shows that the species occurs in at least four habitat types in the study area. Buthidae Lychas ‘harveyi group’ Specimens of this group were found at three sites within three different habitat types across the study area. The group is widespread throughout the Pilbara bioregion, therefore it is considered unlikely that it contains any short-range endemic species. Buthidae Lychas multipunctatus Lychas multipunctatus was recorded from two habitat types within the study area (minor rocky slopes and a major drainage line). This species is widespread throughout the Pilbara and Kimberley bioregions of Western Australia. Within the Pilbara, it also occurs in the Hamersley Ranges and Barrow Island. It is not a short-range endemic species. Buthidae Lychas ‘nubby’ Five specimens of this species were found in the study area. This species forms part of the L. annulatus-complex, members of which are widespread through central and northern Western Australia. It is currently unknown if the species represents a short-range endemic taxon (E.S. Volschenk, pers. comm.). However the data from this study suggests that it is probably not an SRE species, because it is represented in a variety of habitat types including cracking clays, alluvial plains and minor rocky slope habitats. Table 4-4 The number of Buthidae scorpion records per habitat type.

Granite and Cracking Total Minor Sandstone Major Clay and Number of Family / Hilltop / Minor Drainage Outcrop Drainage Coastal Alluvial Habitats Genus Species Outcrop Slope Line (Minor) Line Dune Mangrove Plains Present Buthidae bituberculatus Lychas 2 1 1 2 4 group' harveyi group' 1 1 1 3 multipunctatus' 2 1 2 nubby' 2 2 2

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BGD - Boolgeeda Land System CHE - Cheerawarra Land System HOF - Horseflat Land System LIT - Littoral Land System CHE ROC MAC - Macroy Land System RIV NEW - Newman Land System ROC RUT PAR - Paraburdoo Land System RIV - River Land System LIT HOF ROC - Rocklea Land System RUT - Ruth Land System CHE RUT YAM - Yamerina Land System HOF

PAR

BGD

HOF HOF RUT

ROC ROC

BGD BGD BGD

ROC

RUT

NEW PAR RUT BGD LIT HOF '-

PAR

'- HOF ROC '- '- '- '- North West Coastal Highway MAC

'-'- NEW

PAR PAR YAM Lychas harveyi and Lychas nubby BGD '- '- NEW PAR '-

HOF '- Lychas bituberculatus NEW NEW and Lychas nubby MAC NEW ROC '-

HOF

ROC

RIV ROC RUT

RUT Mardie Road

HOF BGD

NEW ROC PAR '- NEW NEW

Figure 4.3 Location of Buthidae scorpion species recorded during ° the survey of the Cape Preston Iron Ore Mining Precinct '- '- 012345678910 Multiple species recorded at one site Lychas multipunctatus '- Lychas bituberculatus '- Lychas nubby Kilometres '- Lychas harveyi

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4.5 MALACOSTRACA

4.5.1 Armadillidae Three species of Isopod were recorded, all belonging to the family Armadillidae and the genus Buddelundia. The presence of each species in relation to habitat type is presented in Table 4-5. The location of records for each species is shown in Figure 4-4.

Buddelundia sp. 1 Buddelundia species one is poorly known, with no previous records on which to draw upon. This species was recorded from three sites (Island 1, Island 2 and Site 3) in essentially one habitat type; rocky outcrops and minor rocky slopes. The species is confined to the pores under larger rocks where it can find refuge from the extreme Pilbara conditions. Thus on the basis of current knowledge this species must be considered an SRE species.

Buddelundia sp. 2 Buddelundia species two was recorded throughout the study area. It has been previously recorded by Phoenix c.a. 20km south of Paraburdoo and c.a. 75km east of Newman. The recorded distribution of this species therefore precludes it from being considered an SRE species.

Buddelundia sp. 3 As with Buddelundia sp. 1, Buddelundia species three is poorly known; there are no previous records of this species. However, this species was recorded from three distinctly different habitat types in the survey (hilltops/slopes, coastal dunes and cracking clays/alluvial plains) and therefore it cannot be considered a specialist species.

Table 4-5 The number of isopod species records per habitat type.

Granite and Cracking Total Minor Sandstone Major Clay and Number of Family / Hilltop / Minor Drainage Outcrop Drainage Coastal Alluvial Habitats Genus Species Outcrop Slope Line (Minor) Line Dune Mangrove Plains Present Armadillidae Buddelundia sp. 1 2 1 2 Buddelundia sp. 2 8 6 6 1 2 5 Buddelundia sp. 3 1 2 1 2 5

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BGD - Boolgeeda Land System CHE - Cheerawarra Land System HOF - Horseflat Land System (! LIT - Littoral Land System (! CHE ROC MAC - Macroy Land System (! RIV NEW - Newman Land System ROC PAR - Paraburdoo Land System RUT

RIV - River Land System LIT HOF ROC - Rocklea Land System

RUT - Ruth Land System CHE RUT YAM - Yamerina Land System HOF

PAR

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HOF HOF RUT

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BGD BGD BGD

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RUT

NEW PAR RUT BGD LIT HOF

PAR (! (! HOF ROC (! (! (! (! North West Coastal Highway MAC

(!(!(! (!(! NEW

PAR PAR YAM (!(! (!(! (!BGD (! (!(! (! (! (! (! (! NEW PAR (! (! (!(! (!

HOF (! (! NEW RIV (! NEW YAM (! (! MAC NEW ROC (! BGD

HOF

(! PAR

ROC (! (!

RIV NEW RIV ROC RUT

RUT Mardie Road

HOF BGD (! NEW (! (! HOF ROC PAR (! (! NEW NEW

Figure 4.4 Location of Buddelundia isopod species recorded during ° the survey of the Cape Preston Iron Ore Mining Precinct 012345678910 (! Sp1 (! Sp2 (! Sp3 Kilometres

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4.6 MOLLUSCA Western Australia has a fairly diverse terrestrial gastropod fauna. In the current survey, six species from three families of terrestrial gastropod were recorded. No live specimens were collected despite a supplementary snail survey being conducted following a period of rainfall in the study area. The number of species’ records in relation to habitat type for each species is detailed in Table 4-6. The recorded distribution of each species is displayed in Figure 4-5. 4.6.1 Camaenidae The family Camaenidae is diverse and abundant in the north of Australia (Slack-Smith and Whisson, 2009). The taxa of the coastal areas of the Pilbara have been fairly well studied in contrast to other areas such as the inland Pilbara (for example, Solem 1985 and 1997). Three species representing two genera from this family were recorded in the survey. Two indeterminate Camaenid specimens were also collected. The Camaenid family includes many SRE species.

Rhagada convicta (Cox, 1870) Rhagada convicta was recorded from 13 sites in a variety of habitats. It has previously been recorded along the northern WA coastline from the Minilya River to Dampier (Solem 1997) and is not considered an SRE species. The extent of isolation between the recorded populations is currently being investigated. In the current survey no obvious difference was observed between the specimens collected from the mainland and the cape, however the genetic relationship between these specimens has not been tested.

Quistrachia sp.1 Species of Quistrachia have been identified from the inland Western Kimberley to the coastal region between Exmouth Gulf and Shark Bay. Quistrachia sp.1 was recorded from two sites (58 and 60) about 3km apart and comprising a south-facing minor gully and a rocky hilltop / outcrop. The collected specimens resemble Q. herberti (Solem, 1997) by way of a widely-open umbilicus overhung by the reflected lip. However, they were recorded west of the known range of Q. herberti and differ from this species in their size and the microsculpture of their non-apical whorls. Therefore this appears to be a new, undescribed species, which, based on current knowledge, qualifies as an SRE.

Quistrachia sp.2 Quistrachia sp.2 was recorded from Island Sites 1 and 3 at Cape Preston, which are both rocky outcrop/hilltop sites within the Rocklea Land System. These specimens also resemble, but are distinct from, Q. herberti. In particular the mature shells are considerably smaller than those of Q. herberti. Quistrachia sp.2 therefore also appears to be a new, undescribed species that also qualifies as an SRE. 4.6.2 Pupillidae

The family Pupillidae is large with a worldwide distribution. Two species were collected, both belonging to the Pupoides genus.

Pupoides contrarius (E.A. Smith, 1894)

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Pupoides contrarius was recorded from two sites at Cape Preston and one further south. This species has an apparently widespread coastal distribution, with records extending from Shark Bay to Cape Latouch-Treville (south of Broome) and some islands (Barrow; Montebello and Houtman Abrolhos) (Slack-Smith and Whisson, 2009). The species is thus not considered and SRE species.

Pupoides lepidulus Pupoides lepidulus was recorded from two sites at Cape Preston and one coastal dune site (site 53). One site at Cape Preston recorded both P. contrarius and P. lepidulus. The latter has a similar distribution to P. contrarius and the two taxa have been noted by Solem (1991) as having a sympatric relationship. The species is thus not considered to be an SRE species at this stage. 4.6.3 Vertiginidae Gastrocopta mussoni (Pilsbry, 1917) Five specimens of Gastrocopta mussoni were taken from a single coastal dune site at Cape Preston. There are two forms of this species, a cylindrical and an ovate form (Pokryszko, 1996). The cylindrical form was recorded in the current survey. The species has been recorded across a wide geographic area from eastern Queensland to the west coast of WA (Pokryszko, 1996) and thus does not conform to the definition of an SRE species. Table 4-6 The number of mollusc species records per habitat type.

Granite and Cracking Total Minor Sandstone Major Clay and Number of Family / Hilltop / Minor Drainage Outcrop Drainage Coastal Alluvial Habitats Genus Species Outcrop Slope Line (Minor) Line Dune Mangrove Plains Present Camaenidae Rhagada convicta 4 2 2 1 1 3 6 Quistrachia sp. 1 1 1 2 Quistrachia sp. 2 2 1 Pupillidae Pupoides contrarius 1 2 2 Pupoides lepidulus 1 1 2 Vertiginidae Gastrocopta mussoni 1 1

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BGD - Boolgeeda Land System Pupoides contrarius Pupoides lepidulus Quistrachia sp. 2 CHE - Cheerawarra Land System Rhagada convicta HOF - Horseflat Land System GF GF CHE Quistrachia sp. 2 Gastrocopta mussoni ROC Rhagada convicta LIT - Littoral Land System Pupoides contrarius GF RIV Pupoides lepidulus MAC - Macroy Land System Rhagada convicta

ROC NEW - Newman Land System RUT PAR - Paraburdoo Land System LIT RIV - River Land System HOF

ROC - Rocklea Land System CHE RUT RUT - Ruth Land System YAM - Yamerina Land System HOF

PAR

BGD

HOF HOF RUT

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HOF GF NEW NEW MAC NEW ROC

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Figure 4.5 Location of Terrestrial Mollusc species recorded ° during the survey of the Cape Preston Iron Ore Mining Precinct GF Multiple species recorded at one site GF Quistrachia sp. 1 012345678910 GF Camaenid indet. GF Rhagada convicta Kilometres GF Pupoides contrarius

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4.7 LIMITATIONS

Limitations of the survey are outlined in Table 4-7.

Table 4-7 The limitations of the SRE survey of the Cape Preston Iron Ore Mining Precinct.

Relevant to this survey? Limitations Yes / no Comments Competency / experience of the No Jarrad Clark has extensive experience in SRE consultant carrying out the survey. surveys throughout the Pilbara, Midwest, Southwest, Kimberley and Goldfields regions of W.A. Scope (what faunal groups were No The survey targeted all groups known to include sampled and were some sampling SREs. Extensive foraging effort supplemented the methods not able to be employed trapping program, to ensure that groups such as because of constraints such as weather Pseudoscorpions were represented in the survey. conditions, e.g. pitfall trapping in waterlogged soils or inability to use pitfall traps.) Proportion of fauna identified, recorded Yes Due to the paucity of knowledge concerning SREs and/or collected. and invertebrates in general, it is almost impossible to know for sure that all species have been

recorded. Species area curves may be used to determine the likelihood that species are adequately represented, but only if multiple survey data is generated. Sources of information e.g. previously Yes As above, there is little historic data concerning available information (whether historic or invertebrates in the region. The Pilbara Biological recent) as distinct from new data. Survey conducted by the DEC had sites almost within the project area. However the design of this

programme was to target broad scale habitats and not the isolated habitats targeted by SRE surveys. Timing/weather/season/cycle. Yes The survey commenced in late August and concluded in late September. It was beginning to get hot at this time and commencing a few weeks earlier would have been preferable. However, rainfall was experienced during the foraging. The relatively large sample size was designed to off-set the timing issue. The supplementary mollusc survey was conducted immediately following a period of rainfall, however the lack of live specimens collected suggests the rainfall event was not substantial enough to mobilize terrestrial snails or, that the wet season humidity build up had not yet taken place. The inadequate rainfall resulted in only snail shells being taken and has prevented any genetic analysis from being able to be conducted. The proportion of the task achieved and No The program was implemented as planned. A total further work which might be needed. of 50 pitfall sites were established and foraging was undertaken at all these sites. A targeted land snail

survey was also conducted in October 2008. Three species were recorded that are considered SREs

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Relevant to this survey? Limitations Yes / no Comments and may require additional investigation, depending on the extent and scale of the developments proposed for the study area. Disturbances (e.g. fire, flood, accidental No Mining operations have commenced on CPs lease, human intervention etc.) which affected however given the sedentary nature of SRE taxa, results of survey. these operations are unlikely to affect capture rates.

Intensity (in retrospect, was the intensity No The sample size was considerably large given the adequate?) perceived (low) chance of recording SRE species. This sample size was selected in order to off-set the survey being conducted at a sub-optimal time of year. Completeness (was relevant area fully No The majority of habitats with the greatest potential surveyed?) for facilitating short-range endemism were sampled across the various project areas. Remoteness and/or access problems. No Only one area of interest was inaccessible due to heritage constraints. Availability of contextual (e.g. No The Pilbara coast is fairly well known from a floristic biogeographic) information on the region. and vertebrate faunal context. However, as stated above, invertebrate biology, taxonomy and distribution is poorly known in this region.

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5. DISCUSSION

5.1 GENERAL COMMENTS ON THE SURVEY Overall it is considered that the likelihood of recording SRE invertebrate taxa within the Cape Preston Iron Ore Precinct is generally low as there are few landscape and biogeographical features present that would drive short-range endemism. In particular, the area contains few disjunct habitats and is relatively low-lying. The maximum height above sea level is 59 metres, averaging approximately 30 metres across sections of the Newman Land System. This rise of just 10 – 20 metres above the surrounding alluvial plains is considered insufficient to produce a vegetation change from east to west that would indicate the potential for SRE species. Further, the floristic condition of the area is generally poor, due to its long history of cattle grazing, which has led to infestation of Mesquite and the presence of Buffel Grass along the major and minor drainage systems. The north-south orientation of the range also limits the number of south-facing slopes, which favour micro-climate formation and hence act as a refuge for historically isolated fauna species. The majority of creek lines tend east-west as they drain off the north-south trending ridge line. The ironstone outcrops, which are divided by the minor creek systems (except for the relatively large DeBoulay Creek) are the only existing isolated habitats within the study area. There is little shade, leaf litter accumulation or soil to harbour species, such as millipedes and mygalomorph spiders. As expected, specimens of these groups were only recorded during foraging activities in cracking clay and alluvial plain habitats. Despite collecting only a few formally described species, most of the species recorded during the survey do not appear to be short-range endemics either because they are habitat generalists or were collected from multiple locations across significant distances (including reference sites). Of all the species identified to date in the survey, there are three species that, at present, appear to be SRE taxa, as discussed in section 5.2.

5.2 SHORT-RANGE ENDEMIC TAXA OF THE PRECINCT A total of nine families known to include SRE taxa were recorded in the SRE survey of the Precinct. The families were represented by 13 genera and 25 species. Only the scorpions and molluscs included extant species (formally described). Five new species of Mygalomorphae trapdoor spider were recorded, all of which fit the current definition of an SRE species based on their known distribution alone, which at present is only from the study area. The data indicated that four of these species either occur outside areas under development/proposed for development, or they show no habitat specialisation, as they were recorded from multiple habitat types. The only exception was Synothele new species ‘pseudoidiomata’, being the only mygalomorph species with a single record and thus habitat type. This species was found in a cracking clay habitat off the Cape Preston Range, to the west of Old Balmoral Homestead. This habitat type is largely associated with the Horseflats Land System. An area of cracking clays at Mardie Station (to the east of Cape Preston) was recently purchased by one of the proponents as an offset for their project. This site and others on the east side of the range are recommended as prospective locations to identify additional populations of this species. The regional data provides limited evidence that the species has a broader distribution than has been identified in this survey. The new species of araneomorph spider, Meedo (Gallieniellidae) recorded was restricted to two sites within the Newman Land System, and is likely to be an SRE species. The biology of members of the

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Short-range Endemic Invertebrate Fauna Survey Cape Preston Iron Ore Mining Precinct Maunsell AECOM Pty Ltd genus Meedo, such as M. houstoni, is poorly known, but other, better-known members of the family Gallieniellidae such as Galianoella leucostigma (Mello-Leita˜o 1941) exhibit SRE traits such as specialised habitat and prey requirements. G. leucostigma is found in Argentina where it is known to live under stones or logs, in arid or semi-arid habitats. The species creates small silk cells up to 2 cm long by 1 cm wide with two entrances, sometimes covered with debris and prey remains. This genus is also largely a myrmecomorph, having a strong ant-like appearance. In captivity, the specimens were observed to feed only on ants (Goloboff 2000). Araneomorph spiders are considered to be modern spiders, having developed a more advanced respiratory system and the ability to ‘balloon’, among other adaptations, which aids in juvenile distribution (Raven et al. 2002). To date this trait has largely excluded the araneomorph groups from the list of SRE taxa. In contrast, only a very limited number of mygalomorph spiders have been observed to ‘balloon’ and in all cases their ability is very limited (Baerg 1928; Bristowe 1939; Coyle 1983, 1985; Eberhard 2006; Enock 1885; Main 1957; Muma and Muma 1945). In Western Australia, members of the trapdoor genus Cethegus are believed to have limited ballooning capacity (B.Y. Main pers. comm.). As expected, pseudoscorpions were the most diverse class, with up to six species being recorded (none of which are formally described). The individuals from the genus Beierolpium that were identified in the survey are unlikely to be SRE species, as they were determined to be habitat generalists. The same was found to be true of the Euryolpium and Indolpium species. Indolpium were by far the most widespread and generalist species of pseudoscorpion recorded. Of the four true scorpion species recorded, all belonged to the family Buthidae and genus Lychas. No members of the endemic Australian family Urodacidae were recorded. The results of this survey support the current position that none of the four Lychas species are known to be SRE species. Of the three species of terrestrial Isopoda (slater), all are from the genus Buddelundia. Based on distribution and habitat preference data recorded in the survey, one of these, Buddelundia sp. 1 is considered to be an SRE species. Short-range endemism is strongly noted in aquatic and subterranean isopod species, and to a lesser extent terrestrial species (most notably species within the southwest Karri forests of Western Australia) (S. Judd pers.comm.). Two new mollusc species from the genus Quistrachia were recorded and are considered to be SRE taxa based on the data collected. The remaining four mollusc species recorded have widespread distributions and are not SRE taxa, however the genetic relationship between the specimens collected at Cape Preston and the mainland is unknown at present. The Cape is effectively an island, being segregated from the mainland by Mangrove Creek, which flows west to east restricting all but the largest vertebrates from crossing between the mainland and the Cape at current sea levels. The targeted land snail survey was undertaken in October 2008, within two days of the first seasonal rains, and did not record any additional species to those recorded during the foraging effort in the main survey, undertaken in September 2008. In summary, five likely SRE species were found in the survey of the Cape Preston Iron Ore Mining Precinct, as follows: • Meedo new species, whose known distribution is restricted to the Newman Land System. This Land System is comprised of the ironstone that is the focus of exploration activities and mining proposals. • Synothele pseudoidiomata, whose known distribution is restricted to a cracking clay habitat that is potentially earmarked for the placement of a waste dump in the next 15 – 20 years. There is some evidence, however, that this species has a wider distribution and so its classification as an SRE is tentative.

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• Buddelundia sp.1, which appears to be restricted to the low hills of the Rocklea Land System of Cape Preston itself. • Quistrachia sp.1, recorded from two close sites in the Rocklea and Macroy Land System at the eastern edge of the study area. • Quistrachia sp.2, recorded only from rocky outcrop / hilltop sites within the Rocklea Land System at Cape Preston.

5.3 ASSESSMENT OF SPECIES OF INTEREST IDENTIFIED IN THE SURVEY Based on the results of the survey and other known records, the recorded invertebrate taxa were considered in terms of current knowledge of their biology, distribution and habitat preferences. The aim of this assessment was to identify any taxa that should be given further consideration in any proposed development in the Cape Preston Iron Ore Mining Precinct. On this basis, a priority rating has been allocated to recorded species that are likely to be SRE species, or where biological knowledge of the taxa or their distribution, is currently limited (Table 5-1). This approach is designed to: • assist the proponents in understanding and managing potential risks to the prospective developments; • prioritise and focus future investigations if further investigation such as impact assessment is required; and • facilitate the development of targeted SRE species management strategies or plans.

Table 5-1 Summary of important invertebrate species recorded in the SRE survey of the Cape Preston Iron Ore Precinct.

Priority Taxon Rating Reasons for Determination Spiders (Mygalomorphae and Araneomorphae) Meedo new species High Recorded from two rocky outcrop sites. Possible rock specialist based on current study and studies of other members of the family Gallieniellidae. Known records on the Newman Land System (iron ore containing land system / geology). Further investigation of this species is recommended to locate additional populations. Efforts should focus on the low ironstone hills that comprise the Newman Land System. Additional such areas are located the south of the study area. Aname ? sp. Low Juvenile status means a definitive identity not achievable. DELTA database produced a number of possibilities. Recorded from uninterrupted coastal dune vegetation. Kwonkan n.sp. 02 Low Recorded at two different habitat types, cracking clays and alluvial plain, including from a reference site to the east of the precinct. Kwonkan n.sp. 03 Low One record only from Horseflats Land System. Likely to be represented locally and regionally in this land system. Synothele n. sp. High One record only. Found on cracking clay habitat west of Old ‘pseudoidopmata’ Balmoral Homestead. Under current proposals, this location is likely to be the site of a future waste dump. Further investigation of this species is warranted to locate additional populations. Efforts should focus on cracking clay and alluvial plain areas (Horseflat Land System) immediately east of the range and at Mardie Station, which has been purchased as an offset. Synothele n. sp. Low One record only but found well outside of the Precinct in Range

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Priority Taxon Rating Reasons for Determination ‘pseudaurecocrypta’ reference site south of Northwestern Highway. Pseudoscorpions Beierolpium 8/2 Med Genus suspected of containing SRE species, but taxonomy poorly resolved. The single record was from coastal dune vegetation that extends uninterrupted for at least 15 km to the south. Beierolpium 8/3 Med Genus suspected of containing SRE species, but taxonomy poorly resolved. A single record from rock outcrop reference site outside of the Precinct mining leases. It is given a Medium priority rating because of the single record and because it was recorded from the Newman Land System Beierolpium 8/4 Low Genus suspected of containing SRE species, but taxonomy poorly resolved. The species was recorded at three sites, two habitat types and two Land Systems. Considered a habitat generalist. Beierolpium Med Genus suspected of containing SRE species, but taxonomy poorly resolved. A single record from Newman Land System (iron ore containing system). Identity not resolved. Euryolpium Low Two records from sites over 30km apart in different habitat types. Very similar to other specimens of Euryolpium collected elsewhere in the Pilbara region. Indolpium Low Widespread across W.A. The results of this study suggest the species has no specialised habitat requirements, being found from multiple habitat types. Scorpions Lychas ‘bituberculatus Low Fairly widespread throughout the Pilbara and Kimberley regions of group’ W.A. and into the N.T. It is considered unlikely that the group contains SRE species. Results here agree, with no habitat specialization recorded. Lychas ‘harveyi group’ Low This groups is widespread across the Pilbara and considered unlikely to contain SRE species Lychas multipunctatus Low Widespread across the Pilbara (including the Hamersley Range and Barrow Island) and Kimberley regions of W.A. Lychas ‘nubby’ Low A member of the annulatus-complex, members of which are widespread through central and northern W.A. The SRE status of members unclear, but results here suggest no habitat specialization Isopods Buddelundia sp.1 High Restricted to three rocky outcrop and rocky slope habitats. Including two on the Cape. Likely rock specialist. No other known records. Further investigation of this species is recommended to confirm habitat preference, with a focus on the low hills of the Cape and the south side of Mangrove Creek (both comprised of the Rocklea Land System). Buddelundia sp.2 Low Previously recorded from ca. 20 km south of Paraburdoo and 75 km east of Newman. Thus the known distribution extends for over 700km south of Cape Preston. Buddelundia sp.3 Low Habitat generalist being recorded on rocky outcrops, alluvial plains and creek lines throughout the precinct. Molluscs Rhagada convicta Low Has a wide distribution along the west coast of WA. The genetic relationship between Cape Preston and ‘mainland’ specimens is unknown, but morphologically similar specimens were collected throughout the study area. Quistrachia sp.1 High New species recorded from only two closely located sites (<5km). Further targeted searches following an adequate rainfall event is

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Priority Taxon Rating Reasons for Determination recommended to collect live specimens and determine more accurate distribution. Quistrachia sp.2 High New species restricted to Cape Preston. Further targeted searches following an adequate rainfall event is recommended to collect live specimens and determine more accurate distribution. Pupoides contrarius Low Widespread coastal distribution. Genetic relationship between Cape Preston and ‘mainland’ specimens unknown. Pupoides lepidulus Low Widespread coastal distribution. Genetic relationship between Cape Preston and ‘mainland’ specimens unknown. Gastrocopta mussoni Low Widespread distribution. Genetic relationship between Cape Preston and ‘mainland’ specimens unknown.

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6. SURVEY PERSONNEL A summary of the personnel involved in the survey is provided in Table 6-1.

Table 6-1 Survey personnel.

Person Title Qualifications Mr Jarrad Clark Senior Invertebrate Zoologist, Ba. Sci (Env Mgt) Project Manager Mr Jarrad Donald Biologist Ba. Sci (Env Mgt) Mr Sean Steed Biologist Ba. (Bus. Marketing), Prac. Cert. (Advertising). Owner: Bushland Restoration Services Mr Morgan O’Connell Zoologist Ba. Sci. (Zool.) Mr Julian Corbitt Field Assistant

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7. REFERENCES AMNH. (1997, November 5, 1997). "PEET Spider Project." Retrieved 08/02/2009, 2009.

Assessment, A. B. R. (2002) Australian Terrestrial Biodiversity Assessment. Volume, DOI:

Baerg, W. J. (1928). Some studies of a trapdoor spider (Araneae : Aviculariidae). Entom. News 39(1): 1-4.

Bristowe, W. S. (1939). The Comity of Spiders . Vol. I. Ray Society, London, 1: 228.

Coyle, F. A. (1983). AERIAL DISPERSAL BY MYGALOMORPH SPIDERLINGS (ARANEAE, MYGALOMORPHAE ). J. Arachnol. 11: 283-286.

Coyle, F. A. (1985). Ballooning behavior of Ummidia spiderlings (Araneae, Ctenizidae). Journal of Arachnology 13(137-138).

Eberhard, W. G. (2006). DISPERSAL BY UMMIDIA SPIDERLINGS (ARANEAE, CTENIZIDAE): ANCIENT ROOTS OF AERIAL WEBS AND ORIENTATION? Journal of Arachnology 34(1): 254-257.

Enock, F. (1885). The life history of Atypus piceus Suly. Trans . Ent. Soc . London: 389-420.

EPA (2002). Position Statement No. 3 Terrestrial Biological Surveys as an element of Biodiversity Protection. Perth, Environmental Protection Authority.

EPA (2004). Guidance for the Assessment of Environmental Factors No. 56: Terrestrial Fauna Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment in Western Australia. Perth, Environmental Protection Authority: 40.

Goloboff, P. A. (2000). THE FAMILY GALLIENIELLIDAE (ARANEAE, GNAPHOSOIDEA) IN THE AMERICAS. Journal of Arachnology 28(1): 1-6.

Harvey, M. S. (2002). Short-range endemism among the Australian fauna: some examples from non-marine environments. Invert. System., 16: 555 - 570.

Koch, L. E. (1977). The taxonomy, geographic distribution and evolutionary radiation of Australo-Papuan scorpions. Rec. West. Aust. Mus. 5: 83-367.

Main, B. Y. (1957). Occurrence of the trap-door spider Conothele malayana (Doleschall) in Australia (Mygalomorphae : Ctenizidae). West . Australian Nat. 5(7): 209-216.

Main, B. Y. (1972). The mygalomorph spider genus Stanwellia Rainbow & Pulleine (Dipluridae*) and its relationship to Aname Koch and certain other diplurine genera. . J. Proc. R. Soc. West. Aust. 55: 100- 114.

Main, B. Y. (1975). 1975. The citrine spider: a new genus of trapdoor spider (Mygalomorphae: Dipluridae). W. Aust. Nat. 13: 73-78.

Main, B. Y. (1977). Spiders. In The Natural History of the Wongan Hills. . Western Australian Naturalists Club, Perth,: 100–107.

Main, B. Y. (1982a). Further studies on the systematics of Australian Diplurinae (Araneae: Mygalomorphae, Dipluridae): The taxonomic status of Proshermacha Simon and Chenistonia tepperi Hogg. Aust. ent. Mag. 8: 83-88.

Main, B. Y. (1982b). Notes on the revised taxonomic position of the black wishbone spider Dekana diversicolor Hogg (Mygalomorphae: Dipluridae). . J. R. Soc. West. Aust. 65: 25-29.

Main, B. Y. (1983). Further studies on the systematics of Australian Diplurinae (Chelicerata: Mygalomorphae: Dipluridae): Two new genera from south western Australia. Journal of Natural History 17(6): 923-949.

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Main, B. Y. (1985a). Further studies on Australian Diplurinae: A review of the genera of the Teylini (Araneae: Mygalomorphae: Dipluridae). Aust. J. Zool. 33: 743-759.

Main, B. Y. (1985b). Further studies on the systematics for Ctenizid trapdoor spiders: a review of the Australian genera (Araneae : Mygalomorphae : Ctenizidae). Australian Journal of Zoology Supplementary Series 33(108): 1-84.

Main, B. Y. (1986). Further studies on the systematics of Australian Diplurinae (Araneae: Mygalomorphae: Dipluridae): A new genus from south-western Australia. Rec. West. Aust. Mus. 12: 395-402.

Main, B. Y. (1991). Occurrence of the trapdoor spider genus Moggridgea in Australia with descriptions of two new species (Araneae: Mygalomorphae: Migidae). J. Nat. Hist. 25: 383 - 397.

Main, B. Y. (1994). Biosystematics of Australian mygalomorph spiders: Description of a new species of Aname and its aerial tube (Araneae: Nemesiidae). J. R. Soc. West. Aust. 77: 65-69.

Main, B. Y. (2004). Biosystematics of Australian mygalomorph spiders: descriptions of three new species of Teyl from Victoria (Araneae: Nemesiidae). Mem. Mus. Victoria 61(47-55).

Main, B. Y. (2008). A new species of the mygalomorph spider genus Yilgarnia from the Western Australian wheatbelt (Araneae: Nemesiidae). Records of the Western Australian Museum 24: 321-325.

Muma, M. H. and K. E. Muma (1945). Biological notes on Atypus bicolor Lucas (Arachnida). Entom. News 56(5): 122-126.

Platnick, N. I. (2002). A Revision of the Australasian Ground Spiders of the Families Ammoxenidae, Cithaeronidae, Gallieniellidae, and Trochanteriidae (Araneae: Gnaphosoidea). Bulletin of the American Museum of Natural History 271: 1-244.

Pokryszko, B. M. (1996). The Gastrocoptinae of Australia (Gastropoda: Pulmonata: Pupilloidea): systematics, distribution and origin. Invertebrate Taxonomy 10: 1085-1150.

Raven, R. J. (1981). A review of the Australian genera of the mygalomorph spider subfamily Diplurinae (Dipluridae: Chelicerata). Australian Jour. Zool. 29: 321-363.

Raven, R. J. (1982a). On the mygalomorph spider genus Xamiatus Raven (Diplurinae: Dipluridae) with the description of a new species. Mem. Queensland Mus. 20: 473-478.

Raven, R. J. (1982b). Systematics of the Australian mygalomorph spider genus Ixamatus Simon (Diplurinae: Dipluridae: Chelicerata). Aust. J. Zool. 30(1035 - 1067).

Raven, R. J. (1982c). Systematics of the Australian mygalomorph spider genus Ixamatus Simon (Diplurinae: Dipluridae: Chelicerata). Australian Jour. Zool. 30: 1035-1067.

Raven, R. J. (1983). Systematics of the Australian curtain-web spiders (Ischnothelinae : Dipluridae : Chelicerata). Australian Journal of Zoology Supplementary Series 31(93): 1-102.

Raven, R. J. (1984a). A new diplurid genus from eastern Australia and a related Aname species (Diplurinae: Dipluridae: Araneae). Australian Jour. Zool. suppl. ser. 96: 1-51.

Raven, R. J. (1984b). Systematics of the Australian curtain–web Spiders (Ischnothelinae: Dipluridae: Chelicerata). no. 93, pp. 1–102. Australian Jour. Zool. suppl. ser. 93: 1-102.

Raven, R. J. (1985a). A revision of the Aname pallida species–group in northern Australia (Anaminae: Nemesiidae: Araneae). Australian Jour. Zool. 33: 377-409.

Raven, R. J. (1985b). The spider infraorder Mygalomorphae (Araneae): cladistics and systematics. Bulletin of the American Museum of Natural History 182: 1 - 180.

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Raven, R. J. (1985c). Two new species of Ixamatus Simon from eastern Australia (Nemesiidae, Mygalomorphae, Araneae). J. Arachnol. 13(3): 285-290.

Raven, R. J. (1994). Mygalomorph spiders of the Barychelidae in Australia and the Western Pacific. Memoirs of the Queensland Museum 35(2): 291 - 706.

Raven, R. J., B. C. Baehr and M. S. Harvey (2002). Spiders of Australia: Interactive Identification to Subfamily. ABRS Identification Series. Collingwood, Victoria, CSIRO Publishing.

Slack-Smith, S. and Whisson, C. (2009) The Land Snail Component of a Faunal Survey in the Cape Preston Area, Western Australia. unpublished.

Solem, A. (1985). Camaenid land snails from Western and central Australia (Mollusca: Pulmonata: Camanidae). V. Remaining Kimberley genera and addenda to the Kimberley. Rec. W. Austr. Mus. Suppl. No 20: 707 - 981.

Solem, A. (1991). Distribution and diversity patterns of Australian pupilloid land snails (Mollusca: Pulmonata: Pupillidae, s.l.). Veliger. 34(3): 233 - 252

Solem, A. (1997). Camaenid land snails from Western and central Australia (Mollusca: Pulmonata: Camaenidae). VII. Taxa from Dampierland through the Nullabor. Rec. W. Austr. Mus. Suppl. No 50: 1461 – 1898.

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APPENDIX 1: CAPE PRESTON SITE DESCRIPTIONS Site Description Site Photos

Site 4 26/8/08

Hilltop (rocky outcrop)

Scattered Ficus sp. concentrated over Acacia sp. and sparse medium shrubs Senna venusta, Cymbopogon sp., Solanum sp. and Triodia wiseana.

Dry crust and crumbly boulders.

Site 5 26/8/08

Minor SW slope (small ridge slope / rocky outcrop).

Acacia sp., Ficus sp. and Ptilotus sp. over Triodia wiseana.

Extremely hard, skeletal soils throughout. Very rocky with red/brown sandy clay loam. Bare earth: 10-25. Leaf litter: 51-75 (under Ficus sp.).

Site 6

28/8/08

Hilltop (rocky outcrop)

Acacia bivenosa over Triodia wiseana.

Very stony/rocky skeletal soils with red brown sandy loam. Bare earth: 75-100. Leaf litter: <10.

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Site 7

28/8/08

Creek (drainage line between two minor slopes).

Scattered Corymbia hamersleyana over Acacia tumida and Acacia ancistrocarpa. Sparse to medium dense shrubs over low herbland and spinifex hummocks.

Red/brown sandy loam. Bare earth: 26- 50. Leaf litter: 26-50.

Site 18 and 19

26/8/08

Creek (minor)

Corymbia hamersleyana over Acacia tumida and Acacia ancistrocarpa.

Red/brown sandy clay loam. Bare earth: 26-50. Leaf litter: 10-25.

Site 20

26/8/08

Quartz / granite / conglomerate rock pile.

Acacia pruinocarpa over low mixed shrubs and Triodia wiseana.

Red/brown sandy clay loam. Bare earth: 51-75. Leaf litter: < 10.

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Site 21

26/8/08

South slope (minor slope, very rocky/pebbly).

Low shrubland of Acacia ancistrocarpa over Triodia wiseana.

Red/brown sandy loam. Bare earth: 10- 25. Leaf litter: 26-50.

Site 25

28/8/08

Minor creek (west trending minor drainage line).

Corymbia hamersleyana over Acacia tumida and Acacia ancistrocarpa.

Red/brown sandy loam. Bare earth: 26-50. Leaf litter: 26-50.

Site 26

28/8/08

Hilltop (rocky outcrop).

Sparse low shrubland of Acacia bivenosa and ?Capparis sp. over Triodia wiseana.

Skeletal rocky soils with red/brown sandy loam. Bare earth: 75-100. Leaf litter: <10.

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Site 27

28/8/08

Minor creek (minor drainage line E/SE facing).

Acacia sp. over Triodia sp. and Ptilotus sp. Open shrubs over banks.

Bare earth: 51-75. Leaf litter: 51-75.

Site 28

28/8/08

Hilltop/outcrop.

Acacia bivenosa, Acacia ancistrocarpa and Senna glutinosa over Triodia wiseana.

Skeletal soils with red/brown sandy loam. Bare earth: 75-100. Leaf litter: 26-50.

Site 29

28/8/08

Creek (minor drainage line, NE flowing at head of line and low hills with minor outcropping).

Acacia ancistrocarpa, Acacia bivenosa, Acacia sp. and Triodia pungens.

Skeletal soils, very stony and rocky - 5cm of soil. Red/brown sandy clay loam. Bare earth: 51-75. Leaf litter: 10- 25 (51-75 under shrubs).

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Site 30

28/8/08

Minor creek (minor drainage line of SW facing minor slope).

Acacia ancistrocarpa and Acacia bivenosa over Triodia wiseana.

Red/brown sandy loam. Bare earth: 51- 75. Leaf litter: 10-25.

Site 31

28/8/08

Rocky breakaway (pitted ironstone).

Cenchrus ciliaris, Ptilotus sp., weedy herbs and Triodia pungens.

Patches of deeper sands. Bare earth: 10-25. Leaf litter: <10.

Site 44

1/9/08

South slope (minor slope / breakaway / outcrop).

Scattered medium shrubland of Acacia ancistrocarpa and Acacia. bivenosa over Cymbopogon ambiguus over Triodia hummock grassland.

Bare earth: 51-75. Leaf litter: 26-50.

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Site 47

30/8/08

Major creek (large drainage line).

Eucalyptus leucophloia over Acacia sp. and Cenchrus ciliaris.

Bare earth: 10 25. Leaf litter: 51-75.

Site 48

30/8/08

Hilltop (minor outcropping).

Acacia sp.

Bare earth: 51-75. Leaf litter: <10.

Site 49

30/8/08

Major creek (major drainage line).

Eucalyptus leucophloia or victrix, over Acacia sp. and Cenchrus ciliaris with some hummock grass.

Bare earth: 26-50. Leaf litter: 26-50.

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Site 50

29/8/08

Hilltop (minor hilltop).

Ficus sp. and Acacia bivenosa over Triodia wiseana.

Bare earth: 75-100. Leaf litter: 75-100.

Site 51

30/8/08

Creekline (open floodline, minor drainage line).

Bare earth: 26-50. Leaf litter: 51-75.

Site 52

30/8/08

Coastal dune with medium slope to 5m.

Large shrubs and trees over Cenchrus ciliaris.

Bare earth: 10 25. Leaf litter: 26-50.

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Site 53

30/8/08

Coastal dune.

Eremophila sp., Acacia sp. (low sp.) and Cenchrus ciliaris.

Grey/brown sand. Bare earth: 26-50. Leaf litter: 26-50.

Site 54

30/8/08

Hilltop (outcrop / minor gully).

Ficus sp. and Acacia bivenosa over Cenchrus ciliaris and Triodia wiseana.

Red/brown clay sand. Bare earth: 51- 75. Leaf litter: 10-25.

Site 55

30/8/08

Dune opening on to rocky breakaway.

Mixed, low, moderately dense shrubs over herbland and Cenchrus ciliaris.

Bare earth: 26-50. Leaf litter: 26-50.

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Site 56

30/8/08

Mangrove over Cenchrus ciliaris on deep beach sand.

Bare earth: 75-100. Leaf litter: 75-100.

Site 57

31/8/08

SW trending slope with outcrop on ridge.

Spinifex hummock grass and introduced grasses.

Bare earth: 51-75. Leaf litter: 10-25.

Site 58

31/8/08

Minor valley (south facing minor gully).

Acacia bivenosa over Triodia sp.

Red/brown sandy clay. Bare earth: 26- 50. Leaf litter: 10-25.

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Site 59

31/8/08

Creek (drainage line out of semi-low hills).

Medium scattered shrubland of Acacia bivenosa, Acacia ancistrocarpa and Acacia pyrifolia over Triodia hummock grass.

Sandy clay. Bare earth: 26-50. Leaf litter: 10-25.

Site 60

31/8/08

Hilltop (south facing rocky cut, some parts permanently shaded).

Open low shrubland of Acacia sp. over Senna glutinosa and Triodia hummock grass.

Skeletal soils throughout. Red/brown sandy clay loam. Bare earth: 26-50. Leaf litter: 10-25.

Site 61

31/8/08

Creek (major drainage line)

Acacia bivenosa and Acacia sp. (tall, open) over Ptilotus sp. and Cenchrus ciliaris. Bare earth: 26-50. Leaf litter: 26-50.

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Site 62

31/8/08

SE slope (steep rocky slope, well sheltered)

Good vegetation cover generally.

Red/brown sandy clay. Bare earth: 26- 50. Leaf litter: 26-50.

Site 63

31/8/08

Rock pile on alluvial plain.

Cenchrus ciliaris and Triodia wiseana.

‘Island like’ rock pile on red sandy clay loam. Deep red/brown soils in places. Bare earth: 51-75. Leaf litter: <10.

Site 65

1/9/08

Creek (outcrop on south facing minor slope).

Low shrubland of Acacia bivenosa and Acacia sp. over Cymbopogon sp. and Triodia wiseana.

Brown sandy clays. Bare earth: 75- 100. Leaf litter: 10-25.

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Site 66

1/9/08

Creek.

Scattered medium shrubland of Acacia bivenosa and Acacia sp. over Cenchrus ciliaris.

Bare earth: 51-75. Leaf litter: 51-75.

Site 67

1/9/08

South facing slope.

Ficus sp. over Senna sp. backing onto drainage line of tall Acacia sp. (tree to 5m) and Acacia sp. (shrub to 3m).

Red/brown sandy soil. Bare earth: <10. Leaf litter: <10

Site 68

26/8/08

Open cracking clay shrubland.

Prosopis sp. (Mesquite), Senna artemisioides or S. glutinosa and Eucalyptus leucophloia over Cenchrus ciliaris.

Deep cracking clays and sandy clays with some pebbles. Bare earth: 76 – 100, Leaf litter: <10.

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Site 69

26/8/08

Cracking clay grassland, deep sandy clay.

Prosopis sp. (Mesquite) over introduced grasses.

Bare earth: 51-75. Leaf litter: 10-25.

Site 70

2/9/08

South facing slope (rocky outcrop in open Spinifex hummock grassland).

Acacia sp., spinifex to 30cm, Prosopis sp. abundant. Cattle present.

Rocky / pebbly red-brown sandy clay loam. Bare earth: 10-25. Leaf Litter: <10.

Site 71

2/9/08

Creek.

Dense Eucalyptus leucophloia (to 7m), Acacia sp. (to 4m) and Prosopis sp. (to 2m). Cattle present.

Red/brown sandy transported soils. Bare earth: <10. Leaf litter: 26-50.

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Site72

2/9/08

Hilltop (1-2m rocky outcrop).

Acacia sp. (to 3m) over Spinifex hummock grassland.

Rocky, red/brown sandy clay. Bare earth: 26-50. Leaf litter: 10-25.

Site 73

2/9/08

Major creek (Fortescue River)

Eucalyptus leucophloia (30 – 40% cover) over Prosopis sp., over low hummock grass of Triodia sp. and Cenchrus ciliaris.

Rocky, red/brown sandy transported soils. Bare earth: <10. Leaf litter: 51- 75.

Site 74

SW facing slope (outcrop on minor ridge).

Acacia ancistrocarpa over mixed shrubs and herbland, with Spinifex hummock grass.

Red/brown skeletal soils. Bare earth: 51-75. Leaf litter: <10.

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Site 75

1/9/08

South facing slope.

Ficus sp. and Acacia bivenosa over Triodia wiseana.

Bare earth: 51-75. Leaf litter: 51-75.

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APPENDIX 2: CAPE PRESTON SRE SITE GPS COORDINATES Datum: WGS-84 Zone Zone Easting Northing Name Latitude Longitude Number Char. (UTM) (UTM) 1 ISLAND 01 50 K 417440 7695229 -20° 50 28.144"S 116° 12 23.278"E 2 ISLAND 02 50 K 416935 7694964 -20° 50 36.683"S 116° 12 5.76"E 3 ISLAND 03 50 K 417550 7693600 -20° 51 21.146"S 116° 12 26.806"E 4 SITE 04 50 K 408417 7660695 -21° 9 9.821"S 116° 7 4.501"E 5 SITE 05 50 K 408510 7660571 -21° 9 13.871"S 116° 7 7.702"E 6 SITE 06 50 K 408619 7660225 -21° 9 25.142"S 116° 7 11.413"E 7 SITE 07 50 K 408699 7660380 -21° 9 20.117"S 116° 7 14.218"E 8 SITE 18 50 K 409215 7661958 -21° 8 28.885"S 116° 7 32.408"E 9 SITE 19 50 K 409237 7662058 -21° 8 25.638"S 116° 7 33.19"E 10 SITE 20 50 K 409654 7662340 -21° 8 16.541"S 116° 7 47.698"E 11 SITE 21 50 K 409564 7662299 -21° 8 17.858"S 116° 7 44.573"E 12 SITE 25 50 K 409409 7663043 -21° 7 53.63"S 116° 7 39.338"E 13 SITE 26 50 K 409483 7663041 -21° 7 53.71"S 116° 7 41.905"E 14 SITE 27 50 K 409603 7663046 -21° 7 53.569"S 116° 7 46.067"E 15 SITE 28 50 K 409670 7663574 -21° 7 36.408"S 116° 7 48.49"E 16 SITE 29 50 K 409824 7664112 -21° 7 18.937"S 116° 7 53.929"E 17 SITE 30 50 K 409624 7663820 -21° 7 28.398"S 116° 7 46.942"E 18 SITE 31 50 K 409706 7664151 -21° 7 17.648"S 116° 7 49.847"E 19 SITE 43 50 K 411972 7669444 -21° 4 25.896"S 116° 9 9.371"E 20 SITE 44 50 K 412031 7670115 -21° 4 4.08"S 116° 9 11.538"E 21 SITE 47 50 K 412185 7672101 -21° 2 59.514"S 116° 9 17.237"E 22 SITE 48 50 K 412362 7672276 -21° 2 53.851"S 116° 9 23.404"E 23 SITE 49 50 K 412277 7672680 -21° 2 40.697"S 116° 9 20.531"E 24 SITE 50 50 K 412478 7673462 -21° 2 15.299"S 116° 9 27.641"E 25 SITE 51 50 K 412058 7674832 -21° 1 30.666"S 116° 9 13.342"E 26 SITE 52 50 K 410982 7677685 -20° 59 57.689"S 116° 8 36.596"E 27 SITE 53 50 K 410511 7677663 -20° 59 58.322"S 116° 8 20.278"E 28 SITE 54 50 K 410586 7677955 -20° 59 48.836"S 116° 8 22.931"E 29 SITE 55 50 K 412979 7680760 -20° 58 18.019"S 116° 9 46.321"E 30 SITE 56 50 K 412874 7680208 -20° 58 35.954"S 116° 9 42.584"E 31 SITE 57 50 K 416889 7669259 -21° 4 32.74"S 116° 11 59.723"E 32 SITE 58 50 K 419550 7672099 -21° 3 0.796"S 116° 13 32.416"E 33 SITE 59 50 K 418977 7671686 -21° 3 14.137"S 116° 13 12.493"E 34 SITE 60 50 K 419307 7671457 -21° 3 21.636"S 116° 13 23.887"E 35 SITE 61 50 K 418740 7670483 -21° 3 53.226"S 116° 13 4.076"E 36 SITE 62 50 K 421044 7672276 -21° 2 55.273"S 116° 14 24.209"E 37 SITE 63 50 K 421200 7671898 -21° 3 7.589"S 116° 14 29.551"E 38 SITE 64 50 K 421244 7671828 -21° 3 9.875"S 116° 14 31.063"E 39 SITE 65 50 K 412162 7670057 -21° 4 5.992"S 116° 9 16.067"E 40 SITE 66 50 K 412238 7669399 -21° 4 27.404"S 116° 9 18.58"E 41 SITE 67 50 K 410400 7667476 -21° 5 29.627"S 116° 8 14.528"E 42 SITE 68 50 K 408329 7662856 -21° 7 59.52"S 116° 7 1.866"E 43 SITE 69 50 K 408524 7663323 -21° 7 44.368"S 116° 7 8.713"E 44 SITE 70 50 K 402604 7658791 -21° 10 10.661"S 116° 3 42.574"E 45 SITE 71 50 K 402422 7658650 -21° 10 15.211"S 116° 3 36.234"E

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Datum: WGS-84 Zone Zone Easting Northing Name Latitude Longitude Number Char. (UTM) (UTM) 46 SITE 72 50 K 403277 7658507 -21° 10 20.028"S 116° 4 5.851"E 47 SITE 73 50 K 402571 7658260 -21° 10 27.923"S 116° 3 41.321"E 48 SITE 74 50 K 412696 7645102 -21° 17 37.72"S 116° 9 29.981"E 49 SITE 75 50 K 412607 7645681 -21° 17 18.874"S 116° 9 27"E 50 SITE 76 50 K 412580 7647120 -21° 16 32.07"S 116° 9 26.327"E 51 SNAIL1 50 K 410579 7661527 -21° 8 43.145"S 116° 8 19.615"E

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APPENDIX 3: CAPE PRESTON SNAIL SURVEY SITE GPS COORDINATES Datum: WGS-84 Zone Zone Easting Northing Name Latitude Longitude Num. Char. (UTM) (UTM) 1 WP0 50 K 408844 7659758 -21° 9 40.345"S 116° 7 19.157"E 2 WP1 50 K 409397 7660627 -21° 9 12.193"S 116° 7 38.478"E 3 WP2 50 K 411212 7662167 -21° 8 22.423"S 116° 8 41.687"E 4 WP3 50 K 411211 7662168 -21° 8 22.398"S 116° 8 41.658"E 5 WP4 50 K 408844 7660680 -21° 9 10.361"S 116° 7 19.308"E 6 WP5 50 K 408843 7660679 -21° 9 10.411"S 116° 7 19.29"E 7 WP6 50 K 419300 7690920 -20° 52 48.569"S 116° 13 26.947"E 8 WP7 50 K 417459 7695333 -20° 50 24.756"S 116° 12 23.965"E 9 WP8 50 K 417788 7694253 -20° 50 59.939"S 116° 12 35.154"E 10 WP9 50 K 417023 7692578 -20° 51 54.288"S 116° 12 8.417"E 11 WP10 50 K 417030 7692579 -20° 51 54.27"S 116° 12 8.64"E 12 WP11 50 K 418125 7686641 -20° 55 7.583"S 116° 12 45.522"E 13 WP12 50 K 412378 7669586 -21° 4 21.324"S 116° 9 23.479"E 14 WP13 50 K 412448 7669446 -21° 4 25.896"S 116° 9 25.895"E 15 WP14 50 K 421077 7674739 -21° 1 35.137"S 116° 14 25.771"E 16 WP15 50 K 421039 7674678 -21° 1 37.117"S 116° 14 24.461"E 17 WP16 50 K 421031 7672164 -21° 2 58.909"S 116° 14 23.748"E 18 WP17 50 K 420983 7672103 -21° 3 0.857"S 116° 14 22.099"E 19 WP18 50 K 412373 7672208 -21° 2 56.047"S 116° 9 23.803"E 20 WP19 50 K 412374 7672212 -21° 2 55.932"S 116° 9 23.832"E 21 WP20 50 K 412379 7672292 -21° 2 53.304"S 116° 9 24.005"E 22 WP21 50 K 412416 7672243 -21° 2 54.924"S 116° 9 25.29"E 23 WP22 50 K 412205 7672741 -21° 2 38.67"S 116° 9 18.061"E 24 WP23 50 K 412205 7672741 -21° 2 38.681"S 116° 9 18.065"E 25 WP24 50 K 412235 7672630 -21° 2 42.313"S 116° 9 19.091"E 26 WP25 50 K 412484 7673487 -21° 2 14.485"S 116° 9 27.871"E 27 WP26 50 K 418418 7687937 -20° 54 25.463"S 116° 12 55.897"E 28 WP27 50 K 419790 7689268 -20° 53 42.371"S 116° 13 43.597"E 29 WP28 50 K 412098 7674500 -21° 1 41.459"S 116° 9 14.699"E 30 WP29 50 K 412219 7674950 -21° 1 26.839"S 116° 9 18.965"E 31 WP30 50 K 412320 7675247 -21° 1 17.195"S 116° 9 22.525"E 32 WP31 50 K 412284 7675342 -21° 1 14.095"S 116° 9 21.265"E 33 WP32 50 K 411683 7675027 -21° 1 24.247"S 116° 9 0.407"E 34 WP33 50 K 411819 7677270 -21° 0 11.311"S 116° 9 5.537"E 35 WP34 50 K 412919 7679893 -20° 58 46.189"S 116° 9 44.093"E 36 WP35 50 K 412053 7669971 -21° 4 8.76"S 116° 9 12.305"E 37 WP36 50 K 412014 7669971 -21° 4 8.76"S 116° 9 10.955"E 38 WP37 50 K 412083 7669648 -21° 4 19.247"S 116° 9 13.284"E 39 WP74 50 K 409270 7663918 -21° 7 25.147"S 116° 7 34.709"E 40 WP75 50 K 408497 7660558 -21° 9 14.274"S 116° 7 7.259"E 41 WP76 50 K 408415 7660683 -21° 9 10.188"S 116° 7 4.451"E 42 WP77 50 K 408634 7661363 -21° 8 48.102"S 116° 7 12.169"E 43 WP78 50 K 408598 7661411 -21° 8 46.565"S 116° 7 10.945"E 44 WP79 50 K 408698 7661347 -21° 8 48.653"S 116° 7 14.394"E 45 WP80 50 K 408921 7661673 -21° 8 38.076"S 116° 7 22.188"E

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Datum: WGS-84 Zone Zone Easting Northing Name Latitude Longitude Num. Char. (UTM) (UTM) 46 WP81 50 K 408983 7662047 -21° 8 25.926"S 116° 7 24.395"E 47 WP82 50 K 409262 7662130 -21° 8 23.28"S 116° 7 34.079"E 48 WP83 50 K 409261 7662130 -21° 8 23.273"S 116° 7 34.068"E 49 WP84 50 K 409261 7662130 -21° 8 23.273"S 116° 7 34.068"E 50 WP85 50 K 409496 7662545 -21° 8 9.841"S 116° 7 42.269"E 51 WP86 50 K 409710 7663328 -21° 7 44.393"S 116° 7 49.836"E 52 WP87 50 K 409673 7663875 -21° 7 26.605"S 116° 7 48.684"E 53 WP88 50 K 409364 7667480 -21° 5 29.31"S 116° 7 38.658"E 54 WP89 50 K 409116 7664226 -21° 7 15.085"S 116° 7 29.413"E 55 WP90 50 K 409369 7664453 -21° 7 7.741"S 116° 7 38.251"E 56 WP91 50 K 410201 7665616 -21° 6 30.071"S 116° 8 7.307"E 57 WP92 50 K 407658 7660140 -21° 9 27.731"S 116° 6 38.081"E 58 WP93 50 K 407207 7660985 -21° 9 0.162"S 116° 6 22.633"E 59 WP94 50 K 407109 7659783 -21° 9 39.229"S 116° 6 19.001"E 60 WP95 50 K 407369 7660222 -21° 9 24.995"S 116° 6 28.091"E 61 WP96 50 K 407421 7660439 -21° 9 17.957"S 116° 6 29.927"E

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APPENDIX D

Cape Preston Desalination Plant Brine Discharge Modelling Study

GEMS May 2009

Response to Public Submissions Page 79 of 79

GEMS

GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL MODELLING SYSTEMS GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING SYSTEMS

CAPE PRESTON

DESALINATION PLANT BRINE DISCHARGE MODELLING STUDY

on behalf of International Minerals P/L

June 2009

Global Environmental Modelling Systems GEMS

GEMS Contact Details

Melbourne Office Perth Office Telephone: +61 (0)3 8683 5405 Telephone: +61 (0)8 6364 0880 PO Box 149 PO Box 1432 Warrandyte VIC 3113 Subiaco WA 6097

Dr Graeme D Hubbert Matt Eliot Head of Oceanographic Studies Coastal Engineer Mobile: +61 (0)418 36 63 36 Mobile: +61 (0)408 414 225 Email:[email protected] Email: [email protected]

Steve Oliver Head of Meteorological and Wave Studies Mobile: +61 (0)408 81 8702 Email:[email protected]

Website: www.gems-aus.com

About GEMS

Global Environmental Modelling Systems (GEMS), a wholly owned Australian company, has expertise in the development and application of high-resolution computer models to realistically predict atmospheric and oceanographic conditions for use in riverine, coastal and oceanic settings.

The GEMS team is made up of qualified and experienced physical oceanographers, meteorologists, numerical modellers and environmental scientists. GEMS is a leading developer of numerical models in Australia. It has developed a system of validated environmental models and rigorous analytical procedures that provide solutions to a variety of environmental, engineering and operational problems.

Disclaimer

This report and the work undertaken for its preparation, is presented for the use of the client. Global Environmental Modelling Systems (GEMS) warrants that the study was carried out in accordance with accepted practice and available data, but that no other warranty is made as to the accuracy of the data or results contained in the report.

This GEMS report may not contain sufficient or appropriate information to meet the purpose of other potential users. GEMS, therefore, does not accept any responsibility for the use of the information in the report by other parties.

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Contents

1 Introduction ...... 6

1.1 Objectives ...... 8

1.2 Scope of Works ...... 8

1.3 Brine Discharge Characteristics ...... 9

2 Climate and Meteorology ...... 10

2.1 Synoptic Overview ...... 10

2.1.1 ‘Cool Season’ ...... 10

2.1.2 ‘Warm Season’ ...... 11

2.2 Annual and Seasonal Wind Roses ...... 12

3 Meteorological forcing of the Ocean Current Model ...... 15

3.1 LAPS and Meso-LAPS ...... 15

3.2 Selection of a Period of Representative Winds ...... 16

4. Oceanography ...... 17

4.1 Bathymetry ...... 17

4.2 Tides and Currents ...... 20

4.3 Ocean Model Setup ...... 22

4.4 Verification of the Hydrodynamic Model ...... 22

5. Brine Discharge Modelling ...... 25

5.1 Brine dispersion ...... 26

5.2 CPMM Diffuser Design ...... 27

5.3 IM Diffuser Design ...... 27

5.4 Investigation of the IM Outfall Site ...... 30

5.5 Investigation of potential interactions between the IM and CPMM Outfalls ...... 31

5.6 USA EPA PLUMES Model Studies ...... 33

5.5.1 Studies of the Initial Dilution of a brine discharge using a conventional linear diffuser with the USEPA Plumes Model ...... 33

5.5.2 Studies of Initial Dilution of the IM brine discharge with the USEPA Plumes Model 33

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5.6 Investigation of current flows at the Outfall Sites ...... 35

6 REFERENCES ...... 40

Appendix A: Model Descriptions ...... 41

A.1 GCOM3D ...... 41

A.2 Discharge Plume Modelling with PLUME3D ...... 42

Table of Tables

Table 1: Current Statistics derived from ADCP data at Cape Preston ...... 22

Table 2: Configuration of the proposed CPMM diffuser design ...... 27

Table 3: Configuration of the proposed IM diffuser design ...... 29

Table 4: Mixing zone areas required to achieve 45 dilutions 95, 99 and 100% of the time...... 31

Table 5: Current Statistics at Cape Preston ...... 37

Table of Figures

Figure 1 Google Earth image of the Cape Preston study region...... 7

Figure 2 Proposed Cape Preston port design and the IM and CPMM brine outfall locations (IM1 and IM2 are the two proposed “Invisihead” diffusers...... 7

Figure 3 Example of ‘Cool Season’ synoptic evolution...... 10

Figure 4 Example of typical ‘warm season’ pattern...... 11

Figure 5 Annual wind rose for Barrow Island derived from the years 1999 to 2005...... 12

Figure 6 Wind rose for Barrow Island for January to March from 1999 to 2005...... 13

Figure 7 Wind rose for Barrow Island for April to June from 1999 to 2005...... 13

Figure 8 Wind rose for Barrow Island for July to August from 1999 to 2005...... 14

Figure 9 Wind rose for Barrow Island for September to December from 1999 to 2005...... 14

Figure 10 Analysis of the occurrence of easterly or westerly wind events compared with the average at Barrow Island during the years 1999 to 2005...... 16

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Figure 11 Analysis of the occurrence of easterly or westerly wind events compared with the average at Cape Preston during the years 2001 to 2007...... 16

Figure 12 Bathymetry of the Cape Preston region. (Note depth in fathoms)...... 18

Figure 13 Cape Preston bathymetry and new port design...... 19

Figure 14 ADCP current rose (directions are “to”) ...... 21

Figure 15 Northwest Shelf grid from Exmouth to Broome ...... 23

Figure 16 Cape Preston nested grid...... 23

Figure 17 Example of the ebb tide off Cape Preston predicted by GCOM3D for the new port...... 24

Figure 18 Example of the flood tide off Cape Preston predicted by GCOM3D for the new port. ....24

Figure 19 A single “Invisihead” outfall diffuser ...... 28

Figure 20 The percentage of the year that compliance with the mixing zone criteria is achieved for the preferred IM design configuration...... 30

Figure 21 The percentage of the year that compliance with the mixing zone criteria is achieved for the preferred IM and CPMM design configurations...... 32

Figure 22 The percentage of the year that compliance with the mixing zone criteria is achieved for the CPMM preferred design configuration (from GEMS,2009)...... 32

Figure 23 PLUMES Model prediction of the plume behavior with distance from the discharge location for the mean annual current speed of 0.22 m/s which decreases with depth (solid red line is the plume centre, dotted line is plume boundary)...... 34

Figure 24 PLUMES Model prediction of the dilution of the plume with distance from the discharge location for the mean annual current speed of 0.22 m/s which decreases with depth (solid red line is the plume centre, dotted line is plume boundary)...... 34

Figure 25 The locations of the two model output sites (P1, P2 – after the breakwater is built) and the long term current meter data (CM - before the breakwater is built)...... 36

Figure 26 Track of a particle over a 5 day period after release near the IM diffuser site during neap tides in summer...... 38

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1 INTRODUCTION

Global Environmental Modelling Systems (GEMS) has been engaged by International Minerals Pty Ltd (IM) to model the brine dispersion characteristics for a desalination plant to be constructed at Cape Preston (Figure 1) to supply potable water to their Iron Ore Project. The maximum water production capacity of the desalination plant is 50 GL/annum. The proposed plant is to be constructed at Cape Preston alongside a 51 GL/annum desalination facility constructed by CP Mining Management Pty Ltd (CPMM) to supply potable water to their Sino Iron Project. The CPMM will have an intake located inside the yet to be constructed port whilst the IM intake will be located in deeper water approximately 800m NNW of the proposed discharge site. The CPMM outfall has been conditionally approved by the West Australian Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) under Ministerial statement 635 and is proposed to be located just north of the port breakwater as shown in Figure 2.

A previous study (GEMS, 2008a) of the proposed IM brine discharge outfall was carried out by GEMS and submitted as part of the IM Public Environmental Review documents (PER). For that study GEMS was engaged by URS/Mineralogy to select a suitable location for brine disposal which was both non‐sensitive from an environmental perspective and feasible from an engineering and economic point of view. It soon became apparent that the outfall had to be located in at least 5m depth of water at low tide to provide the initial dilution required to reduce the scale of the mixing zone.

Two sites were investigated in relatively deep (5‐10m) water to the north and east of the port (Figure 2). Both sites were located away from sensitive coral habitat and located over a relatively barren sandy seafloor. The eastern site was collocated with the original site proposed for the CPMM brine outfall. The eastern site was eventually selected because it is closer to the desalination plant and became available when CPMM decided to relocate their outfall.

Since those studies three things have changed: 1) CPMM has changed the design of the port to that shown in Figure 2; 2) IM has decided to install a significantly different outfall diffuser configuration to that originally studied; and 3) CPMM and IM have reduced the maximum size of their proposed desalination plants from producing 64 GL/annum of potable water to 51 GL/annum and 50 GL/annum respectively.

IM still proposes to locate their outfall in the original position proposed in the PER and shown in Figure 2 and the purpose of this study is to investigate the dispersion of the brine discharge from the proposed IM plant outfall with the above changes included to ascertain whether the mixing zone is still of an acceptable size to the DEC.

The work has been undertaken using two sophisticated numerical computer models:

1) The GEMS 3D Coastal Ocean Model (GCOM3D) to simulate the complex three-dimensional ocean currents off Cape Preston; and 2) The GEMS 3D Plume Dispersion Model (PLUME3D) to simulate the mixing of the desalination reject waters with the ambient seawater. Further simulations were also undertaken with the USA EPA Plumes model to study the near field dilution behaviour of the discharge under various tidal and wind conditions and to provide comparisons with studies for other desalination plants.

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Figure 1 Google Earth image of the Cape Preston study region.

Figure 2 Proposed Cape Preston port design and the IM and CPMM brine outfall locations (IM1 and IM2 are the two proposed “Invisihead” diffusers.

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1.1 OBJECTIVES

The major objectives of the brine outfall studies were:

1) Carry out detailed simulations of the preferred brine discharge and diffuser design to determine whether the dilution characteristics of the outfall complied with DEC guidelines;

2) To determine whether there are likely to be any interactive affects on the dilution of the IM and CPMM brine outfalls as a function of their mutual existence at Cape Preston.

The specific Ministerial conditions applied to the CPMM outfall, which were used as guidelines for the IM study, were that the preferred outfall configuration was required to:

• Restrict the size of the mixing zone surrounding the diffuser associated with each brine outfall to four hectares in area 99% of the time;

• Ensure that salinity variation resulting from the each discharge is no greater than 5% above the ambient level for more than one percent of the time anywhere around Cape Preston (except within the mixing zone.

1.2 SCOPE OF WORKS

The scope of works undertaken for this, and related previous studies, of brine outfalls at Cape Preston included:

• Digitising the bathymetry in vicinity of Cape Preston from information supplied by Sandwell (2007);

• Digitising the proposed port breakwater design and including the topography in the bathymetric grids;

• Digitising the proposed shipping channel and berth pocket depths and including these data in the bathymetric grids;

• Running the GEMS 3D Coastal Ocean Model (GCOM3D) to simulate the complex 3D ocean currents off Cape Preston with the new port and shipping channels in place;

• Setting up the IM and CPMM discharge configurations;

• Running the GEMS PLUME3D model to simulate the dispersal of the brine discharge from each outfall/diffuser;

• Detailed examination of the dispersion characteristics of each outfall site and diffuser design including studies of initial dilution with the USA EPA Plumes Model.

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1.3 BRINE DISCHARGE CHARACTERISTICS

The IM desalination plant is designed to routinely produce 40 GL/annum of desalinated water (109 ML/day), but has infrastructure capable of 50 GL/annum (137 ML/day) to accommodate make-up production following plant outages due to maintenance, cyclones, etc. The brine dispersion flows simulated in this study were therefore based on 137 ML/day plant operation as a worst case.

For this level of freshwater production the discharge characteristics were defined to be:

Outfall Flow: 196,500 m3/day

Total Dissolved Solids (TDS): 78.82 g/L

Temperature +2°C above ambient

Total Suspended Solids (TSS) Composition 45% inorganic solids (silt, clay and sand)

25% Ferric hydroxide

< 1% flocculants (polymer based)

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2 CLIMATE AND METEOROLOGY

2.1 SYNOPTIC OVERVIEW

The ocean climate of Cape Preston is dependent on meteorological forcing across the region and beyond. In order to understand the nature of the seasonal and inter-annual oceanographic response, it is important to have a working understanding of the general meteorology of the region.

The meteorology of the Northwest Shelf is controlled by two main seasons, referred to here, respectively as ‘cool’ and ‘warm’; there are short transition seasons between these two main seasons.

2.1.1 ‘COOL SEASON’

During the cooler months the winds over the region are controlled by a high-pressure ridge; this ridge is a persistent feature over the southern part of Western Australia. The ridge drives easterly quarter winds across the shelf region. Frontal systems moving through mid-latitudes periodically erode the ridge; wind gradients then shift to the northeast, with a subsequent shift through southwest to southeast following frontal passage. A new high pressure will then re-establish the pattern; during this phase periods of more persistent and stronger easterly winds can be expected to influence Cape Preston.

During periods of comparatively lighter offshore gradient winds local weak sea breezes may develop along the coast, directionally dependent on the particular location. Figure 3 shows a typical synoptic sequence over the WA region during June.

Figure 3 Example of ‘Cool Season’ synoptic evolution.

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The sequence initially shows a strong high-pressure system directing a north-east pressure gradient over the Pilbara, and then a weakening of this gradient as the high erodes under the influence of a mid- latitude front and finally the re-establishment of high pressure in the wake of the front.

2.1.2 ‘WARM SEASON’

During the warmer months, the sub-tropical ridge migrates southwards and the dominant synoptic feature is a permanent heat trough that develops inland from the Pilbara coast. This pattern produces results quasi- permanent south-west wind flow across the Shelf region. Fluctuations in the intensity and location of the heat trough as well as diurnal and local topographic influences affect day-to-day variations in wind direction and speed within the general south-west flow.

Figure 4 shows a typical synoptic pattern over the WA region during January. During this period, the winds at Cape Preston are controlled by the location and intensity of the Pilbara heat low.

Figure 4 Example of typical ‘warm season’ pattern.

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2.2 ANNUAL AND SEASONAL WIND ROSES

The Bureau of Meteorology holds data for a number of sites in the Pilbara region including Barrow Island, Karratha Airport and Onslow. Since these sites are remote from Cape Preston it is well recognized that winds from these locations will not directly represent the wind regime in waters off Cape Preston. However, these data-sets may be used to understand general inter-annual, seasonal and diurnal wind patterns for the area and to assist with verification of atmospheric models. The annual wind rose for Barrow Island (75km west of Cape Preston) derived from these observations is given in Figure 5. These data are disaggregated into quarterly wind roses in Figures 6 to 9.

Figure 5 Annual wind rose for Barrow Island derived from the years 1999 to 2005.

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Figure 6 Wind rose for Barrow Island for January to March from 1999 to 2005.

Figure 7 Wind rose for Barrow Island for April to June from 1999 to 2005.

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Figure 8 Wind rose for Barrow Island for July to August from 1999 to 2005.

Figure 9 Wind rose for Barrow Island for September to December from 1999 to 2005.

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3 METEOROLOGICAL FORCING OF THE OCEAN CURRENT MODEL

Accurate modelling of the waves and currents in any region can only be achieved with a suitable representative meteorological data set. In the past, much of the atmospheric forcing applied to drive ocean models has been based on historic, single station (wind) data obtained from the nearest automatic or manual weather station to the site of interest.

In work carried out for Woodside Energy off Northwest Cape in Australia, the limitations of adopting measured winds were clearly demonstrated. In that study, (GEMS, 2003) using satellite tracked drifting buoys, it was shown that when using coastal winds or even winds measured on site, the errors were quite large due to the fact that:

a) measured winds are only accurate at the release site; b) as the plume drifts on the currents it moves into areas influenced by winds which are different to those at the release site; and c) Even at the release site the currents are not just driven by the local wind but are influenced by currents flowing into the area driven by different winds to those at the release site. As a result GEMS has moved to applying spatial and time varying data from numerical weather prediction (NWP) models to force its oceanographic models.

3.1 LAPS AND MESO-LAPS

The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) routinely operates a suite of Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) models at a range of spatial and temporal resolutions. These models are nested in space so that the model system captures a range of atmospheric scales ranging from global through regional (continental) to the local, or mesoscale.

The main Australian region forecast model run by the BoM is LAPS (Limited Area Prediction System) which runs on a 35km grid from halfway across the Indian Ocean to east of New Zealand. This model runs twice daily nested in the BoM global atmospheric model – GASP (Global Assimilation and Prediction model) and produces forecasts out to ten days.

The BoM has also operated its mesoscale model (MesoLAPS – Mesoscale Limited Area Prediction System) at a spatial resolution of about 10km for a period of more than seven years (since the Sydney 2000 Olympics). The model is nested inside LAPS and runs twice daily producing forecasts out to 48 hours. Meteorological data from the analysis cycle (zero hour) and the first eleven hours of forecasts of this model are now routinely downloaded twice daily and archived by GEMS. This generates a database of hourly meteorological data with the longest forecast time step of eleven hours.

Validation of the accuracy of the meteorological data for each new study area needs to be undertaken, however GEMS has determined from previous studies that the MesoLAPS model data provides a very good representation of coastal wind regimes. Validation for this project is presented separately (GEMS, 2008b).

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3.2 SELECTION OF A PERIOD OF REPRESENTATIVE WINDS

In previous studies at Barrow Island it was shown that 2001 was a “typical” period on the northwest shelf with the balance of westerly versus easterly wind events at an average level (see Figure 10).

For this study, winds for Cape Preston were extracted from the MesoLaps database for the period 2001- 2007 and analysed to examine the inter-annual variation in the east-west components of winds in excess of 5 m/s over the period. Figure 11 shows the relative percentage of easterlies and westerlies over this entire period and for each individual year. In general, as expected, there is a noticeable bias towards the westerlies and the years 2001 and 2007 are the nearest to the long term average.

Accordingly, 2007 has been selected as a year broadly representative of long-term conditions and the brine discharge simulations were commenced on January 1, 2007 and continued for 52 weeks.

Figure 10 Analysis of the occurrence of easterly or westerly wind events compared with the average at Barrow Island during the years 1999 to 2005.

Easterly Westerly 90 80 70 e 60 g ta 50 n ce 40 re e 30 P 20 10 0 All 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007

Figure 11 Analysis of the occurrence of easterly or westerly wind events compared with the average at Cape Preston during the years 2001 to 2007.

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4. OCEANOGRAPHY

4.1 BATHYMETRY

The bathymetric data sets used in this study were derived from the GEMS database which has been developed from a range of sources including digital hydrographic chart data from Geoscience Australia. These data were updated with some local bathymetry provided by Sandwells (2007).

The bathymetry of the Cape Preston region is shown on Figure 12. The region can be characterised by extensive intertidal areas particularly to the south and southeast of Cape Preston and a shallow nearshore platform that extends to the southwest of Cape Preston for a few kilometres but extends much further to the northeast (some 30 km) to the vicinity of Eaglehawk Island. The platform to the east of Cape Preston is very shallow and contains a number of small islands (SW and NE Regnard) and shoals.

The Maitland River drains into Regnard Bay and the intertidal areas along this stretch of coast support large stands of mangrove habitat.

To the west of Cape Preston lies a shallow embayment known as Fortescue Roads. The Fortescue River discharges at the base of this embayment. The river is located some 23 km to the south-west of Cape Preston, and is the closest river to the Cape.

Both the Maitland and the Fortescue Rivers drain large areas of hinterland, but only flow occasionally in response to cyclonic downpours over the hinterland. On such occasions they discharge large volumes of fresh and highly turbid silty waters to the nearshore environment.

Further to the west lies a shallow promontory on which occur a number of small islands and shoals (eg Fortescue and Steamboat Islands). This promontory runs to the north and effectively borders Fortescue Roads to the west.

Fortescue Roads drains northward into a large basin where water depths extend to -16 m CD. This basin is relatively flat and slopes gently from the shore out. It is partly enclosed to the north by a low subtidal ridge at -11m CD. This ridge supports a number of shoals and banks (e.g. McLennan and Cod Banks). This basin is clearly shown on Figure 13 (note depths are in metres) which presents detailed bathymetry recently obtained by Sandwell on behalf of CP Mining.

Figure 13 also shows the extent of intertidal substrates in the vicinity of Cape Preston and the shallow passage to the east of Cape Preston through which the tide drains Regnard Bay.

Preston Island is located approximately 1.2 km to the north-west of Cape Preston and is located near the tip of the shallow nearshore platform referred to earlier. At low spring tide it is barely separated from the mainland by very shallow water (< 1 m chart datum (CD)).

The seabed is relatively shallow (<8 m CD) south-west of Preston Island, however, immediately north to north west of Preston Island (~300 m offshore) the seabed drops rapidly to over 13 m CD, and deep navigable waters (>20m ) occur some 11 km to the north. Hence its suitability as a port location.

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Figure 12 Bathymetry of the Cape Preston region. (Note depth in fathoms).

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Figure 13 Cape Preston bathymetry and new port design.

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4.2 TIDES AND CURRENTS

The dominant influence on the circulation in the waters off Cape Preston is the northwest shelf tides and the regional winds. Tides are relatively strong off Cape Preston with a typical semi-diurnal and spring-neap behaviour and a spring tidal range of 4.7 metres.

Water movements in the region during spring tides are more influenced by tidal currents than local wind conditions. Surface current velocities during spring tides can reach 0.75 m/s (1.5 knots) whereas during neap tides the peak current velocities are typically 0.25 m/s (0.5 knots).

There is no evidence of sustained stratification in the waters off Cape Preston from the 12 months of data recorded on site (GEMS, 2008b). The combination of relatively strong tidal currents, episodically strong winds producing wave action and surface currents and the relatively shallow bathymetry around Cape Preston tends to limit the opportunity for stratified layers to develop.

The majority of the flood tide reaches Cape Preston from the open ocean by going around the Montebello Islands and then flowing southwards towards the coast. When the flood tide reaches Cape Preston it splits around the Cape with flow occurring to the south-west and to the south-east along the coast. The ebb tide, whilst not being the exact converse of this process, generally reaches the open ocean by flowing north to north-west around the Montebello Islands.

The dominant mixing and dispersion mechanism off Cape Preston is the strong and varying tidal currents and the episodic influence of strong surface winds.

The dominant flushing mechanism is the ebb tide which generally flows north-north-west from the site. The analysis of the ADCP data (GEMS, 2008b) also highlights a relatively strong residual current to the north-east which is driven by the south-westerly winds and the ebb tide during summer.

Tidal forcing for the modelling study was based on data from the GEMS Australian region gridded tidal data base, which has been developed with extensive modelling programmes (primarily for AMSA Search and Rescue in Canberra).

Figure 14 shows the current rose (directions are “to”) derived from 12 months of ADCP data off Preston Island. Further detail can be obtained in Table 1 which gives current speed exceedance information and details on the flood and ebb tides and residual flows through the region.

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Figure 14 ADCP current rose (directions are “to”)

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Table 1: Current Statistics derived from ADCP data at Cape Preston

Current Speed (m/s) Dominant Summer Residual Current Current Exceeded for a Range of Percentages of Time Directions (averaged from September to April)

99% 95% 90% 50% 10% 5% 1% Flood Ebb Speed Direction (m/s) (deg)

0.04 0.06 0.08 0.21 0.43 0.49 0.60 205 45 0.11 63

4.3 OCEAN MODEL SETUP

The ocean currents and sea levels were modelled on two “nested” grids with GCOM3D. A large scale grid (Figure 15) was used to generate boundary conditions for a higher resolution GCOM3D grid (Figure 16). The coarse grid was run at a resolution of 1 km driven by tides and MesoLAPS winds and atmospheric pressures. The finer grid was nested in the larger grid at a resolution of 50 metres. It is necessary to run this nested system to fully capture the complex tidal dynamics of the northwest shelf region.

GCOM3D was used on this nested grid system to predict the ocean currents for the 12 months of the brine discharge simulation driven by the winds, atmospheric pressures and tides described earlier.

Examples of the ebb and flood tidal currents predicted by GCOM3D in the Cape Preston region are shown in Figures 17 and 18 respectively illustrating the fact that the dominant flushing mechanism during the dredging period is the ebb tide.

4.4 VERIFICATION OF THE HYDRODYNAMIC MODEL

The GCOM3D model has been verified extensively against current and tide data collected by GEMS at Cape Preston since October 2006. Specific studies using satellite tracked drogues released during a field survey in June 2007 have also been undertaken. These verification studies are presented in a separate report (see GEMS 2008b).

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Figure 15 Northwest Shelf grid from Exmouth to Broome

Figure 16 Cape Preston nested grid.

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Figure 17 Example of the ebb tide off Cape Preston predicted by GCOM3D for the new port.

Figure 18 Example of the flood tide off Cape Preston predicted by GCOM3D for the new port.

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5. BRINE DISCHARGE MODELLING

Unlike a positively buoyant plume, which will rise to the surface, denser (negatively buoyant) brine plume will sink to the bottom of the sea bed. While both plumes will undergo similar near-field mixing processes of entrainment induced by momentum flux, buoyant plumes experience more mixing in the far-field than dense plumes, as buoyant plumes ultimately reside at the surface where the actions of turbulent mixing due to winds and waves are more pronounced.

At the far-field, dense plumes are at the sea bed where mixing occurs only due to bed velocities, baroclinic flows and turbulent mixing down from the surface, which are typically less energetic than the processes closer to the surface.

Therefore, it is important that diffuser designs for outfalls focus on achieving the best possible dilution in the near-field and not rely on far-field dilution.

The dilution of a reject waters from a submerged outfall can be considered in two distinct phases, near-field and far-field dilution.

The initial, near-field dilution of the reject waters is a function of several parameters including:

• The physical properties of the discharge;

• The momentum flux of the discharge velocity, which induces entrainment of the surrounding ambient fluid;

• The speed (and direction) of the receiving waters; and

• The design of the diffuser.

Far-field mixing and dilution rely on the ambient conditions of the receiving waters (tidal and wind driven currents, wave induced turbulence and thermodynamic gradients) to induce horizontal and vertical mixing.

Simulation of this process can be carried out in three ways: a) The use of near field dilution algorithms which define the near-field dilution achieved by different diffuser configurations; b) The use of specific near-field CFD (computational fluid dynamics) sub-models such as the US EPA CORMIX and PLUMES models to define the behaviour of the reject flow in the first few metres from the outlet; or c) Undertake laboratory studies with scaled down models of diffusers to measure initial dilution under a range of receiving water conditions. A relationship can then be determined which can be used in far-field modelling to define the initial dilution.

PLUME3D simulates the near field as in (a) above.

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As discussed earlier, bathymetric grids were updated with data for the new port design and the potential future dredged shipping channel and berthing areas.

The hydrodynamic model GCOM3D was run for a 12 month period, on the corrected bathymetric grid, from January to December 2007. This period has been determined by GEMS to represent a “normal” year as far as seasonal wind strength and direction are concerned.

The GEMS PLUME3D model was then run with both the IM and CPMM outfalls operating. Since PLUME3D is a lagrangian plume model it does not run on a grid and therefore is not limited by issues of grid resolution and can simulate the release of material from small apertures.

Grid resolution does however become an issue when analyzing the output of PLUME3D to produce results such as dilution contours. To distinguish the influence of each separate diffuser port the results were analysed on a 3 D grid with horizontal spacing of 1 metre and vertical spacings of 0.20 metre to determine the number of dilutions obtained and the maximum area of mixing zone required for 45 dilutions to occur for 99% of the time.

5.1 BRINE DISPERSION

The Ministerial requirement for acceptable performance of the CPMM brine discharge is to “ensure that salinity variation resulting from the discharge is no greater than 5% above the ambient level for more than one percent of the time anywhere around Cape Preston except within the 4ha mixing zone.”

This condition is being used as a guideline for acceptability by IM and was interpreted to mean that the edge of the mixing zone is where salinity concentrations were 5% of ambient salinity for at least 99% of the time.

The ambient salinity at the site is approximately 37 ppt and the brine discharge will have a concentration of approximately 79ppt. The requirement is therefore that the salinity be reduced to approximately 1.85 ppt above background. This condition requires 22 dilutions of the discharge.

To add an extra level of conservatism it was agreed with the reviewers of the CPMM brine outfall study (GEMS,2009) that for modelling purposes the required number of dilutions would be doubled to 45 dilutions.

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5.2 CPMM DIFFUSER DESIGN

The CPMM diffuser is described in GEMS (2009) and consisted of 21 ports spaced 2.4 metres apart with each alternate port directed at an angle of 60 degrees to the horizontal on either side of the diffuser pipe which was oriented across the dominant flow direction (Figure 2).

The CPMM diffuser characteristics are summarised in Table 2.

Table 2: Configuration of the proposed CPMM diffuser design

Parameter Value

Diffuser port diameter (m) 0.21

Spacing of ports (m) 2.4

Number of ports 22

Vertical angle from the horizontal (deg) 60

Diffuser port height above sea bed (m) 3.0

Length of diffuser (m) 50

Diffuser discharge velocity (m/s) 3.09

Length of outlet pipeline from breakwater toe to the 10 diffuser (m)

Approximate depth of diffuser section of outfall (m CD) 10

5.3 IM DIFFUSER DESIGN

The proposed IM outfall diffuser is very different to the CPMM diffuser. Instead of utilizing a traditional linear port design with ports spaced evenly down the diffuser pipe, IM plans to install two “Invisihead” diffusers 50 metres apart along the outfall pipe. These diffusers operate differently to a diffuser with a line of ports across the dominant flow direction as the “Invisihead” diffuser head is circular with a continuous horizontal opening divided into 10 separate ports equally spaced around the head (Figure 19).

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Figure 19 A single “Invisihead” outfall diffuser

The following quotation from the manufacturer concerning the installation of an “Invisihead” intake and outfall configuration in offshore conditions provides further details concerning this type of diffuser:

“The InvisiHead outfall would have the same intake criteria except that it works in reverse. The brine plume dispersion would be evenly and super slowly funneled out of the outfall so as to attain ambient conditions within a few meters from the outlet point source. The InvisiHead outfall meets and exceeds all the international environmental codes. The outfall should be constructed close to the sea floor and may terminate at the 6 meter depth. The outfall should be located at the leeside of the most dominant submarine currents. However, due to excellent properties of 3- D omni directional plume dispersion performed by the InvisiHead outfall, recirculation of effluent is highly unlikely especially if the InvisiHead outfall diffuser is installed about 100 meters away from the InvisiHead intake head.

2 InvisiHead intake head systems should be installed to deliver 110,000m3/d of seawater, and the same for outfall discharge. Each unit is about 4.5 meters in diameter. The maximum entrance velocity is 0.091m/s. The maximum velocity allowed by the Clean Water Act of the US Environmental Prote4ction Agency is 0.15 m/s. It is the lowest enforced regulation worldwide. The future expansion of the desalination plant will be dealt with separately.

Due to the extreme weather conditions existing at the region of operations, the InvisiHead systems should be well anchored to the sea bottom. The support legs built in the InvisiHead should be bolted to a heavy concrete block or piles in order for the structure to remain stable and to maintain the delivery of the design capacity. The system should be designed to remain in full operation during severe weather conditions.

The structural integrity of the IH will not be affected by the severe weather conditions including the cyclonic actions and the high waves. The InvisiHead is made of thick stainless steel plates.”

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For the IM discharge simulations, PLUME3D was configured to represent this circular discharge port arrangement for the two “Invisihead” diffusers. The basic parameters used to setup the diffusers within PLUME3D are summarised in Table 3.

Table 3: Configuration of the proposed IM diffuser design

Parameter Value

Number of Invisihead diffusers 2

Invisihead diameter (m) 4.5

Number of ports 10

Port width (m) 0.40

Port height (m) 0.20

Spacing of ports (m) 0.05

Vertical angle of ports from the horizontal (deg) 0

Diffuser port height above sea bed (m) 3.0

Diffuser discharge velocity (m/s) 0.09

Approximate depth of diffuser section of outfall (m CD) 7

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5.4 INVESTIGATION OF THE IM OUTFALL SITE

The results produced for the IM outfall design by the GCOM3D/PLUME3D models for the prescribed mixing zone compliance over a period of 12 months are shown in Figure 20. The area of the 99% compliance region is approximately 3.7 hectares. The total sizes of the mixing zones for each of the outfalls are given in Table 4.

Figure 20 The percentage of the year that compliance with the mixing zone criteria is achieved for the preferred IM design configuration.

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Table 4: Mixing zone areas required to achieve 45 dilutions 95, 99 and 100% of the time.

Mixing Zone Compliance CPMM Outfall Mixing Zone International Minerals Outfall Percentage to achieve 45 Area (Ha) Mixing Zone Area (Ha) dilutions

100% 35 24

99% 3.0 3.7

95% 1.1 1.2

The “bipolar” nature of the flow past the diffuser makes it more difficult to comply with the defined mixing zone areas since the mixing zone orients either side of the diffuser depending on whether the tide is flooding or ebbing.

The results are however capturing the full range of tidal and wind forced behaviour and the overall 99% mixing zone is the result of a 12 months analysis.

5.5 INVESTIGATION OF POTENTIAL INTERACTIONS BETWEEN THE IM AND CPMM OUTFALLS

The mixing zone compliance results produced by the GCOM3D/PLUME3D models for the case when both the IM and CPMM outfalls were operating concurrently for 12 months are shown in Figure 21.

In this study the results for the CPMM outfall are indistinguishable from the results obtained in the previous standalone brine discharge study for CPMM (GEMS, 2009). To illustrate this result the corresponding Figure from GEMS (2009) is reproduced as Figure 22 in this report.

This result shows that the IM brine discharge is not having any discernible impact on the CPMM brine discharge.

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Figure 21 The percentage of the year that compliance with the mixing zone criteria is achieved for the preferred IM and CPMM design configurations.

Figure 22 The percentage of the year that compliance with the mixing zone criteria is achieved for the CPMM preferred design configuration (from GEMS,2009).

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5.6 USA EPA PLUMES MODEL STUDIES

A further method of analysis was introduced during the previous studies of the CPMM brine discharge (GEMS, 2009) by using the USA EPA Plumes Model to study the initial dilution of the multi-port diffuser. The Plumes Model has been used in studies of other brine discharge outfalls in Australia and provides another source of comparison of the behavior of the outfall.

The Plumes Model has its limitations however and is only useful in studying the initial dilution from the multi- port diffuser. A simple far-field dilution algorithm can be input but the results in the far-field would only be indicative.

The major limitation in the case of negatively buoyant plumes however is that once the plume hits the seabed the model does not provide reliable predictions of plume behavior.

The model cannot be used, in the manner that PLUME3D was applied, to determine mixing zone compliance statistics but it is a useful tool for studying particular scenarios of near-field dilution. Please refer to GEMS (2009) for more details.

5.5.1 STUDIES OF THE INITIAL DILUTION OF A BRINE DISCHARGE USING A CONVENTIONAL LINEAR DIFFUSER WITH THE USEPA PLUMES MODEL

As described previously, CPMM adopted a conventional linear diffuser with 22 ports 2.4m apart. The major results obtained for the CPMM diffuser with the USEPA Plumes Model are reproduced in Figures 23 and 24. Figure 23 indicates that, under average conditions, the plume will make contact with the seabed approximately 13 metres from the discharge location. Figure 24 indicates that, under average conditions, 22 dilutions are achieved within 7 metres of the discharge location and that 45 dilutions are achieved within 13 metres of the discharge location.

These results suggested that the mixing zone would, under average conditions, be very small.

5.5.2 STUDIES OF INITIAL DILUTION OF THE IM BRINE DISCHARGE WITH THE USEPA PLUMES MODEL

Logically similar studies should be carried out for the IM diffuser configuration in order to compare the results with those obtained for the CPMM diffuser. Unfortunately this was not possible as the USEPA Plumes Model does not enable a representation of a circular diffuser head such as the “Invisihead” diffuser.

The GEMS PLUME3D model was able to be modified to represent the “Invisihead” diffuser but the USEPA Plumes Model is a “black box” and cannot be changed by the user.

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5.6 INVESTIGATION OF CURRENT FLOWS AT THE OUTFALL SITES

In order to further understand the driving forces behind the far-field dilution in the region, and to understand the differences between the dominant current flows at the IM and CPMM discharge sites, an analysis was undertaken of observed (CM) and predicted currents at sites P1 (near the IM discharge location) and P2 (see Figure 25).

The observations (GEMS, 2008a) were of 12 months of data from a long term ADCP deployment (prior to the port development) and the GCOM3D predictions are for the year 2007 using bathymetry which included the proposed port development and potential future dredged shipping channel and berthing areas.

The current rose for the 12 months of ADCP (CM) data is shown in Figure 14 and the statistics derived at these three locations are summarised in Table 5.

Note that the reason the residual flow in Table 5 is averaged from September to April is that this is the period when south-westerly winds are prevalent. During the other four months the residual approaches zero due to the episodic existence of easterly wind regimes over the region.

The statistics at the current meter site and at prediction location P2 are of most interest to the CPMM outfall whereas prediction location P1 is near the proposed IM outfall site.

Comparison of the results in Table 5 near the two outfalls show dramatic differences. The average current at the IM outfall site is only two-thirds that at the CPMM outfall site and the ebb tide current direction is to the northwest rather than to the northeast.

The main causes of the differences are as follows:

• For approximately 8 months of the year the region experiences a residual flow to the northeast resulting from southwesterly winds across the Northwest Shelf. This flow enhances the ebb tide (through the CPMM discharge location) and, particularly during neap tides, tends to bend around the northern corner of the breakwater and flow southeast for a short time (affecting the IM discharge location) before curving to the northeast (see Figure 17).

• To illustrate the effect of this residual flow a particle tracking exercise was carried out using the GCOM3D surface currents. The results in Figure 26 show that the particle is well out of the region after 5 days.

• On the flood tide (see Figure 18) the northern corner of the breakwater acts to split the flow and one component flows southeast along the eastern side of the breakwater and the other component flows southwest around the breakwater and down the western side of Cape Preston.

• The component that flows down the western side of Cape Preston is stronger (affecting the CPMM discharge location) and carries more volume than the component that flows into the shallow waters to the east of Cape Preston (near the IM discharge location).

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Figure 25 The locations of the two model output sites (P1, P2 – after the breakwater is built) and the long term current meter data (CM - before the breakwater is built).

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Table 5: Current Statistics at Cape Preston

Current Speed (m/s) Exceeded for a Range of Percentages of Time Current Direction Residual Current (averaged from September to April)

99% 95% 90% 50% 10% 5% 1% Flood Ebb Speed Direction (m/s) (deg)

ADCP 0.04 0.06 0.08 0.21 0.43 0.49 0.60 205 45 0.11 63

P1 0.03 0.04 0.06 0.13 0.25 0.29 0.37 120 320 0.05 108

P2 0.05 0.07 0.08 0.22 0.44 0.50 0.61 225 45 0.10 70

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Figure 26 Track of a particle over a 5 day period after release near the IM diffuser site during neap tides in summer.

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6 CONCLUSIONS

This study has examined the behavior of the brine discharge from the International Minerals desalination plant at Cape Preston. With the desalination plant working at maximum capacity the brine will be discharged at 8500 m3/hour with an expected salinity of 79 ppt into receiving waters with an average salinity of 37 ppt. The operation of the discharge has been simulated with the CPMM desalination plant discharging simultaneously to investigate whether there are any cumulative outcomes.

The criteria adopted to define the mixing zone for the IM brine discharge in these studies was the same as that applied, via Ministerial Statement 635, to the CPMM brine discharge. These criteria were that the region within which the plume is diluted at least 22 times for 99% of the time and that this region must not exceed 4 hectares in area. To be conservative, the number of dilutions modelled in this study was doubled to 45.

The proposed IM outfall diffuser is very different to the CPMM diffuser. Instead of utilizing a traditional linear port design with ports spaced evenly down the diffuser pipe (22 x 2.4m apart in the case of CPMM), IM plans to install two “Invisihead” diffusers 50 metres apart along the outfall pipe. These diffusers operate differently to a diffuser with a line of ports across the dominant flow direction as the “Invisihead” diffuser head is circular with a continuous horizontal opening divided into 10 separate ports equally spaced around the head.

The US EPA PLUMES model is unable to provide information on the near-field dilution characteristics of the “Invisihead” diffuser due to design configuration. To investigate the near- and far-field dispersion of the IM brine discharge the GEMS PLUME3D model was configure with 2 diffusers, 50m apart, representing the characteristics of the “Invisihead” diffuser.

Given that the currents in the region of the diffuser are highly bi-directional, and that the diffuser extends approximately 50 metres across the flow, the maximum mixing zone dimensions allowed (4 Ha) would be expected to be something like 100 x 400 metres.

The major results of modelling 12 months of both the IM and CPMM desalination plants discharging brine into the waters off Cape Preston were:

• After the IM brine plume is discharged from the “Invisihead” diffuser it sinks to the bottom within a radius of 20m and enters the far-field hovering near the seabed;

• Analysis of the 12 months of operation indicates that the adopted conservative (45 dilutions) mixing zone area is approximately 3.7 hectares;

• Finally, due to the prevailing (quite different) current flow directions across the IM and CPMM diffusers, and to the level of mixing being achieved within 20 metres of the diffuser, there is no chance that waters with elevated salinity from one outfall will impact on the mixing zone of the other outfall.

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7 REFERENCES

GEMS, 2003: Vincent-Enfield marine Study. Report to Woodside Energy. January, 2003.

GEMS, 2008a: Cape Preston Desalination Plant Brine Discharge Modelling Study for URS on behalf of Mineralogy P/L.

GEMS, 2008b: Cape Preston Ocean Report – Volumes 1 and 2 (supplied separately).

GEMS, 2009: Cape Preston Port Development Desalination Plant Brine Discharge Modelling Study on behalf of Citic Pacific Mining Management P/L.

SANDWELL ENGINEERING, 2007: Cape Preston Iron Ore Project: at Cape Preston W.A. Bathymetric Survey at Cape Preston W.A .Report by Tara Remote Sensing Inc., Sidney B.C.

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APPENDIX A: MODEL DESCRIPTIONS

A.1 GCOM3D

For studies of hydrodynamic circulation and sea level variation under ambient and extreme weather conditions, GEMS has developed the GEMS 3-D Coastal Ocean Model (GCOM3D). GCOM3D is an advanced, fully three-dimensional, ocean-circulation model that determines horizontal and vertical hydrodynamic circulation due to wind stress, atmospheric pressure gradients, astronomical tides, quadratic bottom friction and ocean thermal structure. The system will run on Windows/NT or UNIX platforms. GCOM3D is fully functional anywhere in the world using tidal constituent and bathymetric data derived from global, regional and local databases.

GCOM3D (Hubbert 1993, 1999) calculates water currents in both the horizontal and vertical planes. The model operates on a regular grid (in the x and y directions) and uses a z-coordinate vertical-layering scheme. That is, the depth structure is modelled using a varying number of layers, depending on the depth of water, and each layer has a constant thickness over the horizontal plane. This scheme is used to decouple surface wind stress and seabed friction and to avoid bias of current predictions for a particular layer caused by averaging of currents over varying depths, as used in sigma co-ordinate and “depth-averaged” model schemes. GCOM3D is also formulated as a freely scalable and relocatable model. The three-dimensional structure of the model domain, tidal conditions at the open boundaries, and wind forcing are defined for each model application by extraction of data stored in gridded databases covering a wider geographical area of interest.

The model scale is freely adjustable, and nesting to any number of levels is supported in order to suit the hydrodynamic complexity of a study area. As the model is fully three-dimensional, output can include current data at any or all levels in the water column. A two-dimensional version of the model that includes tidal and flood inundation is also available for use in river systems.

GCOM3D has undergone exhaustive evaluation and verification in the 15 years it has served the coastal engineering industry in Australia and has a proven record of accurately predicting the wind and tidal driven ocean currents around the Australian continental shelf (and in many other parts of the world). The Australian National Oil Spill Response and Search and Rescue systems are based on ocean currents from GCOM3D, which has been running in real-time at the Australian Maritime Safety Authority in Canberra for the past 2 years. It is the first real-time ocean prediction model in Australia. The U.S. Navy also purchased GCOM3D for its coastal ocean forecasting system.

GCOM3D has also been used in a wide range of ocean environmental studies including prediction of the fate of oil spills, sediments, hydrotest chemicals, drill cuttings, produced formation water and cooling waters as well as in other coastal ocean modelling studies such as storm surges and search and rescue.

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A.2 DISCHARGE PLUME MODELLING WITH PLUME3D

PLUME3D is a lagrangian random walk far-field plume dispersion model which obtains oceanic conditions from GCOM3D and includes 3D plume dispersion algorithms for modelling the far-field behaviour of a wide variety of discharge materials including sediments, sewerage, thermal discharges, oils and chemicals, accounting for processes such as dispersion and dissolution, under defined release conditions (quantity, rate etc).

Near-field dilution of discharges is either taken from laboratory data, near-field dilution models (such as the USA EPA models CORMIX and PLUMES) or estimated internally from algorithms which provide only an approximation to the near-field dilution.

This model was the first 3D plume model to be used in Australia for the Geelong Ocean Outfall Study in 1984. The oil spill prediction model, OILTRAK3D, is a sub-model of PLUME3D.

PLUME3D uses predictions from GCOM3D to provide the ocean conditions into which the discharge is released. The lagrangian nature of the model allows the discharge plume to be simulated throughout the water column taking into account the effects of natural processes such as surface waves, horizontal diffusion and dispersion. The model is free from numerical diffusion problems (such as experienced by Eulerian models) because it is not run on a grid.

The plume model can be used stochastically to simulate a large number of random events over time or can be used for specific case studies in a deterministic mode.

PLUME3D can model the behaviour of a variety of constituents within a single release volume given information on the density and other physical and chemical parameters. The model reports mass and concentration levels on the water surface, on shorelines, in the sediments or through the water column. Where multiple constituents are involved, the model can report the distribution of each constituent individually. Horizontal and vertical cross-sections are also available to better illustrate the three dimensional distributions

GCOM3D and PLUME3D also produce Windows and Arc-GIS compatible graphic output that can be readily incorporated into Word documents or GIS systems (for integration with other spatial information for emergency spill response planning).

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