2014 Rehabilitation Monitoring Report

2014 Bulga Coal Complex Rehabilitation Monitoring Report

22001144 RReehhaabbiilliittaattiioonn MMoonniittoorriinngg RReeppoorrtt

for

Bulga Coal Complex

August 2014

Bulga Coal Management Pty Ltd Bulga Underground Operations Pty Ltd

Prepared by DnA Environmental August 2014 i

2014 Bulga Coal Complex Rehabilitation Monitoring Report

Disclaimer

This is a report of work carried out by DnA Environmental on behalf of the Bulga Coal Management Pty Ltd and Bulga Underground Operations Pty Ltd, collectively referred to as the Bulga Coal Complex and has been prepared according to the brief provided by the client. The information contained herein is complete and correct to the best of my knowledge. The representations, statements, opinions and advice, expressed or implied in this report are produced in good faith but on the basis that DnA Environmental are not liable (whether by reason of negligence, lack of care or otherwise) to any person for any damage or loss whatsoever which has occurred or may occur in relation to that person taking or not taking (as the case may be) action in respect of any or all of the content.

Signed:

Dr Donna Johnston Restoration Ecologist PhD, B.App.Sc (Hons) MEIANZ

Draft submitted: 1st August 2014 Reviewed by: Tom Scott (Bulga Open Cut) and Trecinda French (Bulga Underground) Final submitted: 1st September 2014

DnA Environmental 417 Mandurama Rd Mandurama NSW 2792

Ph/Fax: (02) 63 675 251 Mobile: 0408 221 922 [email protected]

ABN 19 607 392 634

Acknowledgements

The field surveys and resultant report were undertaken by and prepared by Dr Donna Johnston and Andrew Johnston from DnA Environmental. Stephen Shoesmith (Bulga Environment and Community Officer), Ned Stephenson (Beltana, Environment and Community Coordinator) and Nathan Lane (Beltana, Environment and Community Officer) provided technical information and assistance about the Bulga Coal Complex and rehabilitation sites. Barry Cox (Bulga Technical Officer) provided information and assistance accessing areas of the mine site during the field work period 2010 - 2012. Carbon Based Environmental were contracted to have the soil samples analysed in 2010. Tom Scott (Bulga Open Cut) and Marty Salm and Trecinda French (Bulga Underground) provided assistance for 2013 and 2014.

Prepared by DnA Environmental August 2014 ii 2014 Bulga Coal Complex Rehabilitation Monitoring Report

Executive summary

This is a report of work carried out by DnA Environmental on behalf of Bulga Coal Management Pty Ltd and Bulga Underground Operations Pty Ltd, collectively referred to as the Bulga Coal Complex located near Singleton NSW. The primary objective of the rehabilitation monitoring program is to compare the progress of rehabilitated landforms towards fulfilling long-term landuse objectives by comparing a selection of ecological targets or completion criteria against unmined areas of remnant vegetation (reference sites) that are representative of the final landuse and vegetation assemblage.

The rehabilitation monitoring program also aims to comply and be consistent with a range of conditions specified within approval documents and associated Management Plans, Glencore HSEC mine closure and rehabilitation monitoring standards and government regulations and best practice guidelines. This year, the rehabilitation monitoring program has been further revised such that it also fulfils the consent conditions and regulatory approvals associated with the submission of the Bulga Optimisation Project (BOP), the disturbance footprint associated with the BOP and the revised ESG3 Mining Operation Plans (MOP) guidelines.

Specifically this rehabilitation monitoring report aims to: 1. Provide a brief history of the rehabilitation monitoring program and describes the changes that have occurred since its inception; and 2. Present the 2014 monitoring results of 11 woodland and one pasture rehabilitation site and compare their ecological progress since 2010 against relevant reference sites, also established as part of the rehabilitation monitoring program; 3. Compare the performance of the rehabilitation sites against the selection of proposed primary completion targets; and 4. Provide a range of management recommendations which will assist in achieving rehabilitation objectives and associated completion criteria targets.

In 2013, BCC submitted an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Bulga Optimisation Project which is a proposed continuation of open cut coal mining operations at the existing Bulga Coal Complex to 2035. The underground mining operations which have been approved until 2031 will be largely unaffected by the BOP, except for the relocation of some surface facilities. A large proportion of mine rehabilitation areas at the closure of the BOP are due to the construction of the waste emplacements and visual bunds and these have been identified as being Class 6, 7 or 8 which have very low to extremely low land capability. In consultation with the local community and government the primary rehabilitation objectives of the BOP is to create sustainable woodland habitats which are generally consistent with the ecological communities that would have historically occurred in the area which include: • Central Hunter Swamp Oak Forest; • Central Hunter Grey Box - Ironbark Woodland Endangered Ecological Community (EEC); and • Central Hunter Ironbark – Spotted Gum – Grey Box Forest (EEC).

With the submission of the BOP, the rehabilitation monitoring program required revision to account for the large disturbance footprint and new commitments on final rehabilitated landforms. Subsequently suitable representative examples of these vegetation types needed to be established for use as reference sites by which the rehabilitation sites will be compared. The most dominant community type to be rehabilitated on the large waste emplacements will be the Central Hunter Grey Box - Ironbark Woodland (EEC). Presently there are areas of mixed woodland and exotic pastures that have already

Prepared by DnA Environmental August 2014 iii 2014 Bulga Coal Complex Rehabilitation Monitoring Report

been rehabilitated on the waste emplacements/rehabilitation areas, with some areas of the EEC community having been rehabilitated within the last two years.

Subsequently in the short-term transition period there are areas of woodland rehabilitation which will be required to meet ecological targets of the EEC woodland, as well as a small number of exotic pasture areas, which will now be compared to ecological targets geared for a derived native grassland. There were currently no riparian rehabilitation areas, but these will be undertaken during the progressive development of the BOP. Where possible, existing reference sites or ecological monitoring sites were considered for use as reference sites to reduce monitoring effort, but in most cases ecological sites were subjected to subsidence, were not in suitable condition or will be disturbed during the life of the BOP. In most cases this resulted in the establishment of new reference sites.

Data obtained from these reference sites quantified the range of performance indicators and resulting ecological targets in each respective monitoring year. The reference sites were situated on land owned by the BCC and these were spread out where possible to maximise the spatial distribution and subsequent variations in community composition across the local landscape, but were not situated in areas of subsidence or in known disturbance areas.

The rehabilitation sites largely occurred on various waste emplacements including North Blakefield (NB), South Blakefield (SB) and the Southern Extension (SE). Some rehabilitation sites were situated on areas subjected to subsidence repair (BEL5) and one was situated on the old [Beltana] tailings dam (BEL3). Past monitoring also included one riparian restoration projects but this site is situated within the proposed disturbance footprint. Rehabilitation monitoring sites were considered to be representative of the rehabilitation project as a whole or were similar to and representative of other areas of rehabilitation. This year there were 11 woodland rehabilitation monitoring sites and one pasture rehabilitation site.

A range of ecological data were obtained using several key monitoring methodologies including Landscape Function Analyses (LFA), accredited soil analyses and an assessment of ecosystem characteristics using an adaptation of methodologies derived by CSIRO Grassy woodland Benchmarking project. The methodology used has been consistent over the past four years, however the monitoring quadrat was reduced to 20 x 20m which may result in a reduction in total floristic diversity targets this year. The rehabilitation monitoring has been undertaken during June – July in all monitoring years and this year the field work was undertaken during 10 – 17th June by Dr Donna Johnston and Andrew Johnston (DnA Environmental).

The periods of extreme and prolonged dry conditions experienced over the past few years are likely to have had a significant impact on the composition and diversity of the vegetation communities, with the poorer growing conditions combined with increased disturbance and total grazing pressure having an adverse effect on the remnant native vegetation as well as rehabilitation areas. Rainfall received in autumn this year however has resulted in an increase in plant growth and initiated a flush of annual species with these seasonal conditions being reflected in the monitoring data.

Performance of the woodland rehabilitation sites

In the older woodland rehabilitation sites there has been no consistent trend in the changes in ecological function, but over the past year there tended to be minor improvements due to the increasing development of the perennial ground covers and accumulation and decomposition of the leaf litter which have in turn resulted in an increase in soil coherency and stability. Significant improvements were recorded in two relatively new sites which were rehabilitated in September 2012 (NB5 and SB6). SB4

Prepared by DnA Environmental August 2014 iv 2014 Bulga Coal Complex Rehabilitation Monitoring Report

and BEL5 were rehabilitation woodland sites which were ecologically more functional than one of the reference sites (BM18), despite SB4 lacking a mature tree canopy. Dam01 and NB4 were also sites which have performed relatively well but the remaining woodland rehabilitation sites were significantly lower in ecological functional, especially the newer rehabilitation sites and these are expected to improve given a longer establishment and development period.

BEL5 a regrowth Allocasuarina luehmannii (Bulloak) woodland was the only site to contain a suitable mature tree density. Sites which presently had a shrub and juvenile tree density similar to the remnant woodlands included SB8, BEL5 and SE1. The data indicate that most woodland rehabilitation sites do not and/or will not contain an adequate density or diversity of shrub species particularly when the juvenile trees have matured, indicating the need for supplementary planting or additional seeding. While the diversity of shrubs is low in the local woodlands, increased shrub diversity within the woodland rehabilitation areas is encouraged, especially the incorporation of acacias as part of the successional development of the rehabilitated ecosystems and improve overall biodiversity outcomes.

Total ground cover is a combination of leaf litter, annual plants, cryptogams, rocks, logs and live perennial plants (<0.5m in height) with the reference sites providing 100% total ground cover targets. In the older rehabilitation sites there tended to be a slight increase in total ground cover but decreases were recorded in NB4 and Dam01 due to increased macropod disturbance. There were significant improvements in ground in NB5 and SB6 due to the increased cover of perennial grasses. Despite the short establishment time, there were relatively good levels of total ground cover recorded in the newer sites SB6, SB7 and SB8. Only three rehabilitation sites presently had 100% ground cover and these included SB1, SB4 and SB5.

The ground cover within the woodland reference sites were largely comprised of perennial plants and dead leaf litter with a small contribution from cryptogams and fallen branches. Annual plants which were usually exotic species were not abundant but isolated occurrences may have been recorded. Most of the rehabilitation sites were also dominated by perennial ground covers and dead leaf litter, with SB7 and Dam01 being the only sites which did not meet the minimum perennial ground cover target. Annual plants continued to be recorded in significantly high proportions in Dam01, but were less common or absent in remaining rehabilitation areas. Cryptogams were also recorded in many rehabilitation areas and rocks may also have provided some protective ground cover and habitat value in some rehabilitation sites, but the cover they provided was overall limited.

The woodland reference sites contained a mature tree canopy with shrubs, regenerating saplings or low canopy foliage providing some vertical structure and habitat complexity and BEL5 contained a similar community structure. The remaining rehabilitation areas have not yet developed a mature canopy cover, and vertical structure was presently limited.

BEL5 continued to retain a very high diversity of plants and this was largely due to part of the site being regrowth woodland with the subsidence repair zone being colonised by a wide variety of native and exotic colonising plants. In the remaining rehabilitation sites total floristic diversity was much lower with the lowest diversity being recorded in SB4 and SB5. Due to the high targets associated with floristic diversity, the primary completion target has been nominated to be 70% of the woodland reference site with BEL5 and SE1 falling within this new diversity target however the remaining rehabilitation sites did not.

Exotic species were present in all monitoring sites including the reference sites, however only two rehabilitation sites SB4 and SB5 had an acceptable diversity of exotic species and this was because there was an overall very low diversity of species recorded within these sites. The highest diversity of exotic species was recorded in NB5 and in all sites there was a higher number of exotic species

Prepared by DnA Environmental August 2014 v 2014 Bulga Coal Complex Rehabilitation Monitoring Report

compared to native species except in BEL5. All woodland rehabilitation sites were dominated by exotic species and were therefore weedier than desired. The older rehabilitation sites have demonstrated a declining trend in native plant cover largely due to the increased cover of the exotic perennial grasses and flush of annual weeds this year.

In terms of vegetation composition, the data indicates there continued to be a lack of tree and shrub diversity and density over most of the North and South Blakefield rehabilitation areas despite being planted to tubestock last year, suggesting low germination rates, patchiness where tubestock were actually planted and/or high mortality rates. Other common deficiencies in the rehabilitation sites were the diversity of herbs and grasses indicating the need to improve rehabilitation methods with a focus on re-establishing a diverse native grassy understorey.

The exotic species Anagellis arvensis (Scarlet Pimpernel) and Chloris gayana (Rhodes Grass) were recorded in all rehabilitation sites with the annual herb Anagellis arvensis also being present within all three of the woodland reference sites, as were Sida rhombifolia (Paddy’s Lucerne), Senecio madagascariensis (Fireweed) and Plantago lanceolata (Ribwort) with these weeds being common across the wider Hunter Valley.

In numerous rehabilitation sites on the North and South Blakefield rehabilitation areas the exotic grasses Chloris gayana and Pennisetum clandestinum (Kikuyu) were particularly dominant with some sites also having an abundance of the native grass Cynodon dactylon (Couch). Galenia pubescens (Galenia) was the most abundant species in SB6, while Lolium perenne (Perennial Ryegrass) an exotic pasture species was presently the most abundant in the new site SB8. Dam01 continued to be dominated by the exotics Carthamus lanatus (Saffron Thistle) and Sida rhombifolia but the native grass Bothriochloa decipiens (Redgrass) was also re-establishing.

There were scattered occurrences of Chrysanthemoides monilifera subsp. rotundata (Bitou Bush) and Xanthium occidentale (Nagoora Burr) observed on the North and South Blakefield Waste Emplacements which may be introduced via dispersal from coastal birds and while not necessarily a declared noxious species, they can become invasive and early control is recommended. Several other weeds are common to the local Bulga area and were only found in the woodland reference sites including Lycium ferocissimum (Boxthorn), Nassella trichotoma (Serrated Tussock) and Opuntia aurantiaca (Tiger Pear), while Opuntia stricta (Common Prickly Pear) was recorded in BEL5. No threatened species were recorded within the range of monitoring sites.

Numerous sites on the North and South Blakefield Emplacements and Southern Extension tended to have undesirable soil characteristics including soils which were very strongly alkaline, extremely saline and highly sodic. While Organic Matter and Phosphorus concentrations were often low compared to agricultural standards most rehabilitation sites had OM levels that were similar to the local woodlands. In sites SB5 and SB8, the application of mushroom compost within the soil profile has resulted in particularly high OM levels.

The results of the soil tests also indicate there are numerous elements which occur at elevated levels within the rehabilitation sites but many of these also have been recorded at elevated levels within the reference sites suggesting various elements and heavy metals can occur at “naturally” high levels around the BCC and may be the result of the long agricultural disturbance and mining history of the

Prepared by DnA Environmental August 2014 vi 2014 Bulga Coal Complex Rehabilitation Monitoring Report

area. In particular, high to significantly high levels of Magnesium, Potassium, Sulfur and Iron were frequently recorded across the range of rehabilitation sites, while Calcium concentrations were also very high on the South Blakefield Waste Emplacement. While Iron concentrations were also elevated in the woodland reference sites and in BEL5, Sulfur concentrations were not.

Pasture rehabilitation site

BEL3 was the only pasture rehabilitation site this year and was established under a past regime and was essentially an exotic pasture, which was now being compared to the local native grasslands. This site was essentially a highly functional area with similar stability, infiltration and nutrient recycling capacity as the local [grazed] native grasslands and has shown a gradual improvement in functionality as the litter and topsoil layers further develop. It contained 100% total ground cover and was dominated by Setaria sphacelata (South African Pigeon Grass) an exotic perennial grasses, sown under past rehabilitation regimes with the site being weedier than desired. This year BEL3 did not contain the desired diversity of herbs or grasses even at the 70% level, but continued to have similar representation of reed and fern species as the local grasslands.

While Phosphorous concentrations were slightly low, the topsoil in BEL3 had similar chemical characteristics to the local grasslands. Of interest, Iron concentrations were moderately to significantly high in both pasture reference sites as well in two riparian reference sites, but were only slightly elevated in BEL3.

Performance of the rehabilitation monitoring sites against “proposed” completion performance indicators

The tables below indicates the performance of the rehabilitation monitoring sites against a selection of proposed Primary Performance Indicators during the 2014 monitoring period. The selection of criteria has been presented in order of rehabilitation phases according to the new ESG3 MOP guidelines excluding Phase 1: Decommissioning. The ecological targets begin at Phase 2: Landform establishment (yellow) and end with indicators in Phase 5: Ecosystem Development (dark blue). The range values of the ecological targets are amended annually. Rehabilitation sites meeting or exceeding the range values of their representative community type have been identified with a coloured box have therefore been deemed to meet these primary completion criteria targets this year. Hashed coloured boxes indicate they may be outside of the reference target ranges, but within acceptable agricultural limits.

Prepared by DnA Environmental August 2014 vii 2014 Bulga Coal Complex Rehabilitation Monitoring Report Performance of the Pasture site (BEL3) and the range of woodland rehabilitation monitoring sites against a selection of proposed primary completion performance indicators in 2014.

Aspect or Performance Rehabilitation Phase ecosystem Ecological Targets BEL3 NB4 NB5 SB1 SB4 SB5 SB6 SB7 SB8 DAM01 BEL5 SE1 Indicators component

Performance indicators are quantified by the range of values obtained from replicated reference sites which are amended annually Pasture Woodland

Phase2: Landform Landform slope, Landform is designed accordingly Slope establishment and gradient and suitable for final landuse stability 1 14 0 12 1 10 6 0 0 8 4 14

Active erosion Areas of active erosion are limited No. Rills/Gullies 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Phase 3: Growth Soil chemical, Soil properties are suitable for the pH medium physical properties establishment and maintenance of 7.0 7.58 7.85 7.79 7.46 9.17 9.05 8.8 8.91 7.2 5.5 7.83 development and amelioration selected vegetation species

Organic Matter 2.8 2.2 3.9 3.1 4.7 9.7 3.8 4.0 10.2 4.2 5.3 3.5

Phosphorous 5.3 4.4 29.9 9.3 46.1 9.7 4.4 16.8 133.1 7.8 11.5 6.2

Phase 4: Landform function Landform is functional and LFA Stability Ecosystem& performing as it was designed to Landuse do 76.5 70.1 75.5 71.1 75.2 69.0 62.7 57.2 57.4 72.5 71.0 69.2 Establishment

LFA Landscape organisation 100 100 100 98 100 100 41 88 48 100 100 80

Vegetation diversity Vegetation contains a diversity of Diversity of shrubs species comparable to that of the and juvenile trees local remnant vegetation 0 1 5 14 3 0 2 5 5 5 8 9

% endemic shrubs

na 100 46 96 100 0 100 89 100 88 100 100

Prepared by DnA Environmental August 2014 viii 2014 Bulga Coal Complex Rehabilitation Monitoring Report

Aspect or Performance Rehabilitation Phase ecosystem Ecological Targets BEL3 NB4 NB5 SB1 SB4 SB5 SB6 SB7 SB8 DAM01 BEL5 SE1 Indicators component

Exotic species richness 16 20 24 14 10 10 19 20 16 17 22 21

Vegetation density Vegetation contains a density of Density of shrubs species comparable to that of the and juvenile trees local remnant vegetation na 3 13 27 7 0 4 9 47 8 349 164

Ecosystem The vegetation is comprised by a Trees composition range of growth forms comparable to that of the local remnant na 0 1 9 3 0 0 2 3 4 4 6 vegetation Shrubs na 1 4 5 0 0 2 3 2 2 5 3

Herbs

15 18 16 17 4 5 12 13 11 20 40 21

Grass

7 4 4 6 5 5 6 6 7 11 16 10

Phase 5: Ecosystem Landform function Landform is functional and LFA Infiltration & Landuse performing as it was designed to Development do 48 46.0 37.6 44.7 52.3 45.4 31.8 27.4 28.6 45.4 49.4 39.4

LFA Nutrient recycling

49.9 47.0 41.3 43.9 55.6 43.2 30.3 29.9 26 46.7 50.3 41.6

Protective ground Ground layer contains protective Perennial plant cover ground cover and habitat structure cover (< 0.5m) comparable with the local remnant vegetation 57 30 57.5 33 61 75 74.5 6 45.5 16 27.5 34.5

Prepared by DnA Environmental August 2014 ix 2014 Bulga Coal Complex Rehabilitation Monitoring Report

Aspect or Performance Rehabilitation Phase ecosystem Ecological Targets BEL3 NB4 NB5 SB1 SB4 SB5 SB6 SB7 SB8 DAM01 BEL5 SE1 Indicators component

Total Ground Cover

100 90 95.5 100 99.5 100 94 91 65 90 97 95.5

Ground cover Vegetation contains a diversity of Native understorey diversity species per square meter abundance (70%) comparable to that of the local remnant vegetation 2.2 1 1 1.2 0 0.8 0.8 0.4 1.4 4 7.6 2.6

Native ground Native ground cover abundance is Percent ground cover abundance 70% comparable to the local cover provided by remnant vegetation native vegetation <0.5m tall 25.4 7.8 19.3 18.6 0 19.5 21.5 10.7 33.3 38.0 75.9 33.3

Ecosystem growth The vegetation is maturing and/or Shrubs and juvenile and natural natural recruitment is occurring at trees 0 - 0.5m in recruitment rates similar to those of the local height remnant vegetation N/A 1 13 5 7 0 4 9 47 0 231 18

Ecosystem The vegetation is developing Foliage cover structure vertical structure and complexity 0.5 - 2 m comparable to that of the local remnant vegetation N/A 13.5 10.5 8 0 0 10 0 0 3 12 8

Foliage cover >6m

N/A 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 18 0

Tree diversity Vegetation contains a diversity of Tree diversity maturing tree and shrubs species comparable to that of the local remnant vegetation N/A 0 0 100 0 0 0 0 0 100 100 100

Prepared by DnA Environmental August 2014 x 2014 Bulga Coal Complex Rehabilitation Monitoring Report

Aspect or Performance Rehabilitation Phase ecosystem Ecological Targets BEL3 NB4 NB5 SB1 SB4 SB5 SB6 SB7 SB8 DAM01 BEL5 SE1 Indicators component

Ecosystem health The vegetation is in a condition Live trees comparable to that of the local remnant vegetation. N/A 0 0 100 0 0 0 0 0 100 100 100

Flowers/fruit: Trees

N/A 0 0 14.3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Prepared by DnA Environmental August 2014 xi 2014 Bulga Coal Complex Rehabilitation Monitoring Report

Conclusion

Previous approval documents focused on the establishment of a predominantly cattle grazing post mine landuse for the Bulga Coal Complex with rehabilitation objectives of establishing 70% grazing pastures and 30% mixed native woodlands. Subsequently, most existing rehabilitation areas are comprised of exotic pastures with mixed stands of woodland trees. With the submission of the BOP, primary rehabilitation objectives have been revised and will now focus on the re-establishment of sustainable woodland habitats which would have historically occurred in the area. The most dominant community type to be rehabilitated on the large waste emplacements is the Central Hunter Grey Box - Ironbark Woodland (EEC).

Despite the improved planning processes and revision of the Rehabilitation Management Plan, most rehabilitation areas have been implemented under past management and rehabilitation regimes which are subsequently reflected in the ecological outcomes and ongoing management requirements. Many existing rehabilitation sites have demonstrated some improvement in ecological function however there continues to be many ecological aspects which will require amelioration via active management intervention if they are to replicate the structure, function and composition of the local EEC woodland and grassland communities. In particular the undesirable soil characteristics, low tree and shrub density, low species diversity and non conforming community composition and species selection tends to indicate that many existing sites require rehabilitation intervention.

Numerous rehabilitation areas especially on the North and South Blakefield Waste Emplacements continue to have inadequate topsoil material and had very strongly alkaline, highly sodic and extremely saline soils, with some of these also occurring within the newer areas of rehabilitation. Most sites also contained excessively high levels of Sulfur which may have the potential to affect ecosystem development indicating the need for improved topsoil testing, management and amelioration, particularly when topsoil is limited.

The BOP however is likely to result in the availability of topsoil from derived native grasslands and a priority will be to ensure that the quality topsoil is stripped, relocated and spread according to strict protocols. Having good quality topsoil is likely to result in greater rehabilitation success, as long as the topsoil characteristics are retained. Rapid stabilisation of the topsoils using sterile cover crops and native pasture-hay or weed free hay/straw and the application of seed of a variety of endemic colonising species and native ground covers is highly recommended. The application of exotic species other than sterile cover crops should be strictly avoided.

The results of the monitoring program indicates that the species selection and seeding and/or planting densities need also to be refined to reflect the composition, structure and diversity of the target EEC community. There continued to be a lack of tree and shrub diversity and density over most of the North and South Blakefield rehabilitation areas despite being planted to tubestock last year, suggesting low germination rates, patchiness where tubestock were actually planted and/or high mortality rates. Other common deficiencies in the rehabilitation sites were the diversity of herbs and grass species indicating the need to improve rehabilitation methods with a focus on re-establishing a native dominant grassy understorey.

Sowing a combination of short-lived colonising species such as Acacia species (and other leguminous species such as Senna, Daviesia, Dillwynia and Pultenaea) at high seeding densities is also recommended. Acacias are more readily available in large quantities and are usually reliable from establishment from seed. They also fix nitrogen, provide dead leaf litter, improve soil structure and protect the slower growing eucalypt species and will eventually be displaced when the overstorey

Prepared by DnA Environmental August 2014 xii 2014 Bulga Coal Complex Rehabilitation Monitoring Report

species (ie trees) mature. The use of exotic pasture species in future rehabilitation should be limited only to the appropriate sterile annual cover crops which will provide some rapid vegetative cover.

Establishing a well developed seed collection program that targets a range of local endemic native species that will form the foundation of the desired ecological community, including native trees, shrubs, grasses and herbs should also be priority management action, given the magnitude of rehabilitation required. The seed collection strategy should aim to coincide with BOP clearing and disturbance regimes. Consider establishing seed production areas for future seed collection, particularly for species that may be difficult to collect, are uncommon or seed availability is limited. Manage native grasslands on the buffer lands and offset areas for seed and hay harvesting purposes.

The monitoring data has indicated that the incorporation of compost within the soil profile can accelerate the development of the new rehabilitation areas and result in improved germination and establishment of seeded species, when exotic perennial grasses are limited as evident in site SB8, despite the adverse soil chemistry. Control and/or eradication of exotic perennial grasses in existing rehabilitation sites are likely to be required. Further investigative trials which assess the effectiveness of different organic materials and mulches and species mixes are recommended, focusing on hardy native species which are more tolerant of alkaline, saline and low nutrient conditions.

The inclusion of stags and rock mounds within the rehabilitation areas are proving to be popular with a range of birds of prey and other species frequently seen perching in them. The retention dams are also popular habitat features but additional weed control may be warranted as birds may be introducing seed of undesirable species (eg Bitou Bush).

Feral and pest animals and noxious weeds also require monitoring and targeted control programs need to be implemented. High numbers of macropods (and pigs) were observed across the Bulga Complex with the results of the rehabilitation and ecological monitoring programs indicating many sites are being further degraded with the prolonged hot dry conditions experienced over summer exacerbating the degree of disturbance and grazing pressure with adverse impacts on conservation and biodiversity goals. Small exclusion areas to exclude grazing animals especially macropods in high concentration areas will assist in quantifying the impact and extent of browsing on the vegetation and provide information on the need for and level of management intervention required in consultation with advice from relevant experts and authorities. Other exclusion methods such as electric fencing or sonar or chemical deterrents in sensitive high impact areas could also be considered.

Prepared by DnA Environmental August 2014 xiii 2014 Bulga Coal Complex Rehabilitation Monitoring Report

Table of Contents

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...... III 1 2014 REHABILITATION MONITORING REPORT ...... 1 1.1 INTRODUCTION ...... 1 1.2 BULGA COAL COMPLEX ...... 1 2 BULGA OPTIMISATION PROJECT ...... 5 2.1 OVERVIEW ...... 5 3 ENVIRONMENTAL CONTEXT ...... 7 3.1 VEGETATION AT THE BULGA COMPLEX ...... 7 3.2 VEGETATION CONDITION ...... 9 3.3 FAUNA ...... 9 3.4 THREATENED SPECIES ...... 9 3.5 BOP IMPACT ON VEGETATION COMMUNITIES ...... 10 4 BOP REHABILITATION GOALS AND OBJECTIVES ...... 10 4.1 REHABILITATION AND MINE CLOSURE ...... 10 5 ESG3 MOP GUIDELINES ...... 12 5.1 INTRODUCTION ...... 12 5.2 REHABILITATION PHASES...... 12 5.3 PERFORMANCE INDICATORS ...... 12 5.4 REFERENCE SITES ...... 13 5.5 COMPLETION CRITERIA AND KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS ...... 14 6 BULGA COAL COMPLEX LONG-TERM MONITORING PROGRAM ...... 15 6.1 PREVIOUS MONITORING REQUIREMENTS ...... 15 6.2 BOP REHABILITATION MONITORING PROGRAM ...... 17 7 REHABILITATION MONITORING METHODOLOGY ...... 19 7.1 LANDSCAPE FUNCTION ANALYSES ...... 19 7.2 SOIL ANALYSES ...... 20 7.3 MONITORING STRUCTURAL DIVERSITY, FLORISTIC AND OTHER BIODIVERSITY ATTRIBUTES...... 21 7.4 AMENDMENTS ...... 21 7.5 LIMITATIONS ...... 22 8 RAINFALL ...... 22 9 DESCRIPTIONS AND PHOTO-POINTS OF THE MONITORING SITES ...... 24 9.1 REFERENCE SITES ...... 24 9.1 REHABILITATION MONITORING SITES ...... 27 10 WOODLAND REHABILITATION SITES: ECOLOGICAL TRENDS AND PERFORMANCE AGAINST A SELECTION OF PRIMARY ECOLOGICAL PERFORMANCE INDICATORS ...... 34 10.1 LANDSCAPE FUNCTION ANALYSES ...... 34 10.2 TREE DENSITY...... 40 10.3 SHRUBS AND RECRUITMENT ...... 40 10.4 TOTAL GROUND COVER ...... 41 10.5 STRUCTURAL COMPOSITION ...... 42 10.6 FLORISTIC DIVERSITY ...... 46 10.7 PERCENT ENDEMIC GROUND COVER ...... 48 10.8 VEGETATION COMPOSITION ...... 48 10.9 MOST COMMON SPECIES ...... 49 10.10 MOST ABUNDANT SPECIES ...... 50 10.11 RILL ASSESSMENT ...... 52 10.12 SOIL ANALYSES ...... 53 10.13 WOODLAND REHABILITATION SITE PERFORMANCE TOWARDS MEETING ECOLOGICAL TARGETS ...... 59

Prepared by DnA Environmental August 2014 xiv 2014 Bulga Coal Complex Rehabilitation Monitoring Report

11 PASTURE REHABILITATION SITES: ECOLOGICAL TRENDS AND PERFORMANCE AGAINST A SELECTION OF PRIMARY ECOLOGICAL PERFORMANCE INDICATORS ...... 70 11.1 LANDSCAPE FUNCTION ANALYSES ...... 70 11.2 TOTAL GROUND COVER ...... 73 11.3 STRUCTURAL COMPOSITION ...... 73 11.4 FLORISTIC DIVERSITY ...... 74 11.5 PERCENT ENDEMIC GROUND COVER ...... 75 11.6 VEGETATION COMPOSITION ...... 76 11.7 MOST ABUNDANT SPECIES ...... 77 11.8 RILL ASSESSMENT ...... 77 11.9 SOIL ANALYSES ...... 77 11.10 PASTURE REHABILITATION SITE PERFORMANCE TOWARDS MEETING ECOLOGICAL TARGETS ...... 82 12 BIRDS OBSERVED ON THE BLAKEFIELD WASTE EMPLACEMENTS ...... 87 13 MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS ...... 88 14 REFERENCES ...... 90 APPENDIX 1. 2014 COMPREHENSIVE FLORA SPECIES LIST – REHABILITATION SITES ...... 92 APPENDIX 2. 2014 COMPREHENSIVE FLORA SPECIES LIST – REFERENCE SITES ...... 97 APPENDIX 3. 2014 COMPREHENSIVE SOIL ANALYSES –REHABILITATION SITES ...... 102 APPENDIX 4. 2014 COMPREHENSIVE SOIL ANALYSES – REFERENCE SITES ...... 107

Prepared by DnA Environmental August 2014 xv 2014 Bulga Coal Complex Rehabilitation Monitoring Report

1 2014 Rehabilitation monitoring report 1.1 Introduction

This is a report of work carried out by DnA Environmental on behalf of Bulga Coal Management Pty Ltd and Bulga Underground Operations Pty Ltd, collectively referred to as the Bulga Coal Complex located near Singleton NSW. The primary objective of the rehabilitation monitoring program was to compare the progress of rehabilitated landforms towards fulfilling long-term landuse objectives by comparing a selection of ecological targets or completion criteria against unmined areas of remnant vegetation (reference sites) that are representative of the final landuse and vegetation assemblage.

The rehabilitation monitoring program also aimed to comply and be consistent with a range of conditions specified within approval documents and associated Management Plans such as the Environmental Impact Statement (Xstrata 2008a), Flora and Fauna Management Plan (Xstrata 2008b), Draft Landscape Management Plan (Xstrata 2011), XCN/Glencore HSEC mine closure and rehabilitation monitoring standards and conditions and government regulations and best practice guidelines (eg. NSW I&I 2010, 2012).

This year, the rehabilitation monitoring program has been further revised such that it also fulfils the consent conditions and regulatory approvals associated with the submission of the Bulga Optimisation Project (BOP; Umwelt 2013), the disturbance footprint associated with the BOP and the revised ESG3 Mining Operation Plans (MOP) guidelines (NSW T&I 2013) and Biodiversity Management Plan (Bulga Coal 2014).

1.2 Bulga Coal Complex

The Bulga Coal Complex is located approximately 15 kilometres southwest of Singleton, 5 kilometres north of the town of Broke and 6 kilometres east of Bulga, in the upper Hunter Valley of New South Wales (Figure 1-1). Bulga Coal Complex comprises two coal mining operations: • Bulga Surface Operations (BSO) • Bulga Underground Operations (BUO)

Both the Bulga Surface and Underground Operations are collectively referred to as the Bulga Coal Complex and are managed by Bulga Coal Management (BCM) as separate business units serviced by a common coal handling and preparation plant (CHPP) and rail loading facility located in the northeast corner of BCC (Umwelt 2011).

Prepared by DnA Environmental August 2014 1 2014 Bulga Coal Complex Rehabilitation Monitoring Report

The Bulga Coal Complex Mining Lease is traversed by Charlton and Broke Roads and includes four kilometres of the Wollombi Brook in its northwest corner. The BCC is made up of land held privately to the west of Charlton Road as far as the margins of the Wollombi Brook floodplain, but not onto it. The lease area also extends southeast into Commonwealth owned land between Broke and Cessnock Roads (Figure 1-2).

In 2013, BCM submitted an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Bulga Optimisation Project (Umwelt 2013) which is a proposed continuation of open cut coal mining operations at the existing Bulga Coal Complex to 2035 which aims to extract 230 million tonnes of coal. The current open cut operations were approved to operate until 2025, however the approved resources to be extracted will be exhausted by 2018. The underground mining operations which have been approved until 2031 will be largely unaffected by the BOP, except for the relocation of some surface facilities. A key feature of the BOP is the construction of a noise and visual bund along the western and southern edges of the open cut pit to minimise noise and visual impacts (Umwelt 2013).

Prepared by DnA Environmental August 2014 2 2014 Bulga Coal Complex Rehabilitation Monitoring Report

Figure 1-1. Location of the Bulga Coal Complex (Xstrata 2008b).

Prepared by DnA Environmental August 2014 3 2014 Bulga Coal Complex Rehabilitation Monitoring Report

Figure 1-2. Existing mining operations of the Bulga Coal Complex (Umwelt 2013)

Prepared by DnA Environmental August 2014 4 2014 Bulga Coal Complex Rehabilitation Monitoring Report

2 Bulga Optimisation Project 2.1 Overview

The Bulga Optimisation Project (BOP) aims to maximise the Run-Of-Mine (ROM) coal resource extraction utilising the existing infrastructure where possible whilst minimising environmental and community impacts. A summary of some key features associate with of the BOP (and having some relevance to the rehabilitation monitoring) include: • A continuation of surface mining operations for an additional 22 years; • Continued extraction of coal using open cut methods as the current approved rate of 12.2Mtpa; • The extraction of ~230Mt of ROM coal (an addition 200Mt over existing approvals); • Conduct mining within three contiguous pit areas (Main, East and South pits). The Bayswater Pit will also be mined, with all areas occurring within the existing mine disturbance footprint; • Construction of a noise and visual bund along the western and southern edges of the open cut pit to minimise noise and visual impacts; • The construction of an Eastern Emplacement Area north of the CHPP on the eastern side of Broke Road; • Realignment of Broke and Charlton Roads; • Relocation of sections of two 330kV transmission lines and changes to other associated electricity infrastructure; • Relocation of the Private Irrigation District (PID) water pipeline, Singleton Council – Broke potable water pipelines and other services; and • Construction of a new water storage dam with approximate capacity of 3000ML (Northern Dam)

Key features of the BOP are provided in the conceptual diagram in Figure 2-1. Full details of the BOP can be found in Umwelt (2013).

Prepared by DnA Environmental August 2014 5 2014 Bulga Coal Complex Rehabilitation Monitoring Report

Figure 2-1. Conceptual plan of the BOP (Umwelt 2013).

Prepared by DnA Environmental August 2014 6 2014 Bulga Coal Complex Rehabilitation Monitoring Report

3 Environmental Context

There are a number of residential dwellings and a winery within the area affected by mine subsidence. Private vineyards, an olive farm, cattle grazing properties, public roads and land occupied by the Department of Defence (Singleton Army Training Area) will also be undermined by the project. Mount Thorley-Warkworth Mining Complex (MTW) adjoins the northern boundary of the Bulga Open cut pit. BCM also owns a number of properties surrounding the project and has commercial arrangements with some of the other private landholders which are impacted by BCC (Umwelt 2013).

3.1 Vegetation at the Bulga Complex

Fourteen native vegetation communities and seven types of disturbed or non-vegetated area have been identified by Umwelt (2013). The native vegetation communities include: • Central Hunter Grey Box – Ironbark Woodland EEC; • Central Hunter Grey Box – Ironbark Woodland Derived Native Grassland (DNG); • Central Hunter Bulloak Forest Regeneration; • Central Hunter Ironbark – Spotted Gum – Grey Box Forest EEC; • Central Hunter Paperbark Soaks Woodland; • Central Hunter Swamp Oak Forest; • Hunter Valley Weeping Myall Woodland EEC; • Riparian DNG; • Warkworth Sands Woodland EEC; • Warkworth Sands DNG; • Warkworth Sands Disturbed Grassland; • Hunter Valley River Oak Forest; • Mixed Shrubland on Alluvial Sand; and • Grassland on Alluvial Sand.

The most dominant woodlands identified within the project area are Central Hunter Grey Box – Ironbark Woodland EEC and the Central Hunter Grey Box – Ironbark Woodland Derived Native Grassland (DNG) (Umwelt 2013). A small number of planted native corridors also occur and are mostly adjacent to Broke Road, Charlton Road and the access road to the BCC (Umwelt 2013). The distribution of these communities is provided in Figure 3-1.

Prepared by DnA Environmental August 2014 7 2014 Bulga Coal Complex Rehabilitation Monitoring Report

Figure 3-1. Vegetation communities within the Project Area (Umwelt 2013)

Prepared by DnA Environmental August 2014 8 2014 Bulga Coal Complex Rehabilitation Monitoring Report

3.2 Vegetation condition

Vegetation within the BCC is largely dominated by derived native grasslands with relatively small isolated pockets of regrowth woodland. A large area of less disturbed woodland exists in the south- eastern portion of the project area.

The vegetation has been heavily modified due to a history of clearing and disturbance for agricultural purposes combined with the more recent mining activity, with less than 22% (approximately 1063 ha) comprising woodland or forest regeneration with most being less than 40- years old. Most woodlands have regenerated since 1975 and since the commencement of recent mining activity as a result of the change in land use practices. Due to the widespread clearing of native vegetation within the wider region areas of remnant vegetation provide important refuges for numerous fauna species, many of which are threatened due to habitat loss and fragmentation. Despite the lack of age and condition of the remnant vegetation they may potentially provide important stepping stones which facilitate the movement of wildlife particularly in a north-south direction (Umwelt 2013).

A total of 315 flora species were recorded during field surveys by Umwelt, with 75% of these being native. Six species were declared noxious species (Umwelt 2013). One threatened species Slaty red gum (Eucalyptus glaucina) and two endangered flora populations including Weeping Myall (Acacia pendula) Woodland and Tiger Orchid (Cymbidium canaliculatum) have also been recorded in the project area (Umwelt 2013).

3.3 Fauna

A total of 245 fauna species have been recorded in the BCC (Umwelt 2013) including: • 13 frogs; • 18 reptiles; • 169 birds; and • 45 mammals.

Twelve (5%) of these were introduced birds and mammals.

3.4 Threatened species

Endangered Ecological Communities (EECs) which will be potentially impacted on by the construction of the out-of-pit waste emplacements and visual bunds (Umwelt 2013) include: • Warkworth Sands Woodland; • Central Hunter Grey Box – Ironbark Woodland; • Central Hunter Ironbark – Spotted Gum – Grey Box Forest; and • Hunter Valley Weeping Myall Woodland.

A total of 21 threatened fauna have been recorded within or immediately adjacent to the BCC. A list of these species can be found in Umwelt (2013).

Prepared by DnA Environmental August 2014 9 2014 Bulga Coal Complex Rehabilitation Monitoring Report

3.5 BOP impact on vegetation communities

The BOP will result in the removal of an additional 611 ha of native woodland, 1013ha of derived native grassland and 500 ha of rehabilitated land, planted areas and non-native vegetation communities. To mitigate these impacts the BOP includes a comprehensive rehabilitation plan, habitat enhancement measures as well as biodiversity offset package (Umwelt 2013). Further details of the Biodiversity Offset Strategy can be found in the Bulga Coal Complex Biodiversity Management Plan (Bulga Coal 2014).

4 BOP rehabilitation goals and objectives 4.1 Rehabilitation and Mine closure

The majority of rehabilitation activities at Bulga Coal will occur on waste emplacements and the proposed visual bund. These have been identified as being Land Capability Class 6, 7 or 8 which have very low to extremely low land capability (Umwelt 2013).

BCM propose to return the project area to woodland habitat generally consistent with the ecological communities that would have historically occurred in the area and these will assist with the regional native vegetation corridor strategies. The indicative final landform and rehabilitation plan post closure is provided in Figure 4-1. Opportunities for part of the project area to be used for other land uses such as for agricultural purpose have also been considered.

Prepared by DnA Environmental August 2014 10 2014 Bulga Coal Complex Rehabilitation Monitoring Report

Figure 4-1. Map showing the conceptual final landform and rehabilitation areas post closure (Umwelt 2013).

Prepared by DnA Environmental August 2014 11 2014 Bulga Coal Complex Rehabilitation Monitoring Report

5 ESG3 MOP Guidelines 5.1 Introduction

In NSW, mining operations must be carried out in accordance with a Mining Operations Plan (MOP) that has been approved by the NSW Trade and Investment - Division of Resources and Energy (the Department). The Mining Operations Plan (MOP) is a tool used by the Department to monitor the progress of mining and rehabilitation activities across the life of a mine (NSW T&I 2013). The MOP is intended to fulfil the function of both a rehabilitation plan and a mine closure plan. It should document the long-term mine closure principles and outcomes whilst outlining the proposed rehabilitation activities during the MOP term (NSW T&I 2013).

ESG3: Mining Operations Plan (MOP) Guidelines, September 2013 (ESG3) details a new process for monitoring and managing progression towards successful rehabilitation outcomes (NSW T&I 2013). The Guideline requires industry to identify and provide measurable data and demonstrate that proposed rehabilitation outcomes are achievable and realistic within a given timeframe. The requirement for more targeted information strengthens the capacity of the Department to regulate rehabilitation and environmental performance and more accurately determine rehabilitation security liabilities (NSW T&I 2013).

5.2 Rehabilitation phases

Successful rehabilitation of a mine site can be conceptually described in terms of logical steps or phases and these should be made applicable to each of the similar land management units or domains. It is likely that most domains will require a different rehabilitation methodology to achieve the intended post-mining land use (NSW T&I 2013). Rehabilitation Phases where the post mining land use is a native plant ecosystem according to the new MOP guidelines include:  Decommissioning;  Landform Establishment;  Growth Medium Development;  Ecosystem and Land Use Establishment;  Ecosystem and Land Use Development; and  Relinquished Lands.

5.3 Performance Indicators

To satisfy regulatory conditions, performance measures, indicators and associated performance/completion criteria that are appropriate to the location and relevant to the stated rehabilitation goals and objectives must be presented for each land management unit or domain (NSW T&I 2013).

Completion criteria are objective target levels or values that can be measured to quantitatively demonstrate the progress and ultimate success of a biophysical process. These are the standards that are to be met by successful rehabilitation (NSW T&I 2013). They will generally be in the form of a numerical value that can be verified by measurement of the indicators selected for the rehabilitation objectives.

Prepared by DnA Environmental August 2014 12 2014 Bulga Coal Complex Rehabilitation Monitoring Report

As part of the rehabilitation monitoring program at BCC some performance indicators relevant to the rehabilitation of native ecosystems have been identified in Table 5-1 and these directly relate to primary ecosystem components identified by Nichols (2005). These performance indicators have been grouped to align with natural ecosystem succession and primary rehabilitation phases as described in new MOP guidelines (NSW T&I 2013).

The application of the ecological performance data during the Decommissioning phase (Phase 1) are not considered applicable within the presentation of the ecological data obtained within the BCC rehabilitation monitoring program. Subsequently the ecological performance criteria which are consolidated into Key Performance Indicator (KPI) tables are only represented within Rehabilitation Phases 2 (Landform establishment) to Phase 5 (Ecosystem and Land Use Development).

Table 5-1. Performance indicators relevant to the rehabilitation of native ecosystems Rehabilitation Phase Performance Indicator Phase 1: Decommissioning No applicable ecological data obtained Phase 2: Landform Establishment and Landform slope/gradient Stability Active erosion Phase 3: Growth medium development Soil chemical/physical properties Phase 4: Ecosystem and Landuse Landform stability and organisation Establishment Vegetation diversity Vegetation density Ecosystem composition Phase 5: Ecosystem and Land Use Landform function and ecological performance Development Protective ground cover Ground cover diversity

Native ground cover abundance Ecosystem growth and natural recruitment Tree diversity Floristic diversity Ecosystem health

5.4 Reference sites

Analogue or reference sites are effective in establishing completion criteria against which rehabilitation progress can be measured, assuming that the analogue sites are themselves sustainable. Data from reference sites provide suitable target values of key biophysical parameters, vegetation structures and diversity, and habitat complexity. It provides the ability to monitor both success against true values of an existing ecosystem and the effects of climatic variations and disturbance events (such as fire, flooding etc.). The reference site can be used as the target outcome of the final rehabilitated landscape and a time series record of ecosystem change or development can be obtained. By comparing data with reference sites, it is possible to see if the rehabilitation or disturbed site is developing adequately. All completion criteria at a given site should be within critical threshold values if ecosystem rehabilitation is to be judged successful (NSW T&I 2013).

Prepared by DnA Environmental August 2014 13 2014 Bulga Coal Complex Rehabilitation Monitoring Report

5.5 Completion criteria and key performance indicators

At BCC, a range of Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s) have been determined and are quantified by data obtained from replicated reference sites which are representative of the agreed final landuse. All ecological performance indicators are quantified by range values measured annually from these reference sites which form both an upper and lower KPI targets. The same ecological performance indicators are measured in the rehabilitation sites and these should equal or exceed these values, or demonstrate an increasing trend.

These Key Performance Indicators are then further separated into “Primary performance indicators” and “Secondary performance indicators”. Primary performance indicators are those chosen as essential completion criteria targets, and have been identified as those that will satisfy requirements specifically identified within the EIS, MOP and relevant Management Plans, and in particular the final landuse and any relevant conditions of consent relating to vegetation type, specific use of species and condition for example.

Secondary performance indicators are those that would be desirable to achieve but will not necessarily have an influence on relinquishment requirements. Therefore, please note that not all Performance Indicators are set as primary completion criteria targets.

Prepared by DnA Environmental August 2014 14 2014 Bulga Coal Complex Rehabilitation Monitoring Report

6 Bulga Coal Complex long-term monitoring program 6.1 Previous monitoring requirements

In 2010 the Bulga Coal Complex commissioned DnA Environmental to review the existing ecological monitoring program first established by Umwelt in 2003 such that it would encompass a variety of regulatory monitoring requirements. The outcome of this review resulted in the separation of the existing monitoring program into the following: • Ecological monitoring: Continue monitoring the condition of the remnant vegetation and riparian ecosystems using a methodology which quantifies the changes occurring within these ecological communities and addresses monitoring requirements of the BUO Environmental Impact Statement (Umwelt 2003) and Flora and Fauna Management Plan (Xstrata 2008b). • Rehabilitation Monitoring: Compare the performance of new revegetation/rehabilitation areas with suitable reference sites using quantified Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and determine a selection of “Ecological Targets” that comply with and are consistent with XCN/Glencore HSEC Standards and relevant NSW legislation, Mine closure requirements and best practice guidelines (eg. Nichols 2005, NSW I&I 2010, NSW T&I 2012) and Land Management Plan (Xstrata 2011).

This year, the rehabilitation monitoring program has been further revised such that it also fulfils the consent conditions and regulatory approvals associated with the submission of the Bulga Optimisation Project (BOP), the disturbance footprint associated with the BOP, Biodiversity Management Plan (Bulga Coal 2014) and the revised ESG3 Mining Operation Plans (MOP) guidelines (NSW T&I 2013). A summary of the long-term monitoring program is provided in Figure 6-1.

While ecological function and sustainability of the rehabilitation sites are directly compared with their relevant reference community according to MOP guidelines for completion criteria, “Ecological” monitoring sites are only compared to each other with trends in ecological function and sustainability assessed over time. The results of the annual Ecological Monitoring Program are provided in DnA Environmental (2010 - 2014).

Prepared by DnA Environmental August 2014 15 2014 Bulga Coal Complex Rehabilitation Monitoring Report

Bulga Complex Long-term Monitoring Program

Rehabilitation Monitoring Program Ecological Monitoring Program

Determine final Land use communities or Domains of rehabilitated areas (eg Conservation woodlands, grazing pastures, riparian ecosystem etc) as per BOP.

Reference Sites Rehabilitation sites Ecological sites

Establish multiple reference sites of each final Establish appropriate number of sites in each area Establish monitoring sites in areas of remnant vegetation as per EIS, landuse community of rehabilitation according to NSW T&I 2013 FFMP. The first sites were first established by Umwelt (2003).

Implement monitoring procedures including LFA, soil analyses and structural diversity and habitat assessments

Define lower and upper ecological targets Compare the progress of the rehabilitation within each community type as measured sites in relation to the ecological targets within the reference sites within that year recorded within the relevant reference sites

Provide management recommendations to Provide management recommendations to improve the ecological function of improve or maintain the ecological function of rehabilitation areas such that they will meet the remnant vegetation ecological targets

Implement recommendations and refine Implement recommendations rehabilitation techniques and procedures Figure 6-1. Flow diagram of the BCC long-term monitoring program (updated 2014).

Prepared by DnA Environmental August 2014 16 2014 Bulga Coal Complex Rehabilitation Monitoring Report

6.2 BOP Rehabilitation monitoring program

With the submission of the BOP in 2014, the rehabilitation monitoring program required revision to account for the large disturbance footprint and new commitments on final rehabilitated landforms. Previously rehabilitation areas were a combination of mixed native woodland or grazing pastures. The new BOP commitments however specify there will be three primary vegetation community types to be rehabilitated which include: 1 Central Hunter Swamp Oak Forest; 2 Central Hunter Grey Box - Ironbark Woodland (EEC); and 3 Central Hunter Ironbark – Spotted Gum – Grey Box Forest (EEC).

Subsequently suitable representative examples of these vegetation types needed to be established for use as reference sites, and these will be used to set the benchmark for completion targets associated with the rehabilitation of native ecosystems and ultimately mine closure.

6.2.1 Reference monitoring sites

The most dominant community type to be rehabilitated on the large waste emplacements will be the Central Hunter Grey Box - Ironbark Woodland (EEC). Presently there are areas of mixed woodland and pastures that have already been rehabilitated on the waste emplacements/rehabilitation areas, with some areas of the target EEC community type having been rehabilitated within the last two years.

This year we focused on locating suitable reference sites within undisturbed areas of the project area and established multiple reference sites of the following: 1. Central Hunter Grey Box - Ironbark Woodland (EEC): Three sites; 2. Perennial pasture/native grassland: Two sites; 3. Central Hunter Swamp Oak Forest: Two sites.

Where possible, existing reference sites or ecological monitoring sites were considered for use as reference sites to reduce monitoring effort, but in most cases ecological sites were subjected to subsidence, were not in suitable condition or will be disturbed during the life of the BOP. In most cases this resulted in the establishment of new reference sites.

All reference sites have been subjected to some form of prior disturbance, in particular clearing for agriculture and livestock grazing and all woodland sites were regrowth, with some invasion from introduced species. These sites, despite their disturbance history are typical of the local area and will provide realistic rehabilitation targets. Due to the relative immaturity of the regrowth areas, they are also likely to provide more appropriate benchmarks for the transitional processes that can be expected or that are presently occurring in the establishing rehabilitation areas.

Data obtained from these reference sites quantified the range of performance indicators and resulting ecological targets in each respective monitoring year and these sites have been further described in section 9. The reference sites were situated on land owned by the BCC and these were spread out where possible to maximise the spatial distribution and subsequent variations in community composition across the local landscape, but were not situated in areas of subsidence or in known disturbance areas.

Prepared by DnA Environmental August 2014 17 2014 Bulga Coal Complex Rehabilitation Monitoring Report

6.2.2 Rehabilitation monitoring sites

The rehabilitation sites are largely a combination of mixed native woodland and exotic pasture communities which were rehabilitated under prior rehabilitation approvals and occurred on various waste emplacement dumps including North and South Blakefield and the Southern Extension. Some rehabilitation sites were situated on areas subjected to subsidence repair (BEL5) and one was situated on the old [Beltana] tailings dam (BEL3). Past monitoring also included one riparian restoration projects but this site is situated within the proposed disturbance footprint and was no longer required.

In 2014 a review of the rehabilitation sites was undertaken and took into consideration the extent of new rehabilitation undertake over the last 12 months, the new BOP rehabilitation commitments and sites which will be subjected to disturbance as a result of changes in the BOP. Rehabilitation monitoring sites were considered to be representative of the rehabilitation project as a whole or were similar to and representative of other areas of rehabilitation.

This year there were 11 woodland rehabilitation monitoring sites and one pasture rehabilitation site.

Prepared by DnA Environmental August 2014 18 2014 Bulga Coal Complex Rehabilitation Monitoring Report 7 Rehabilitation monitoring methodology

A range of ecological data and completion performance indicators were collected annually from the various reference and rehabilitation monitoring sites. The rehabilitation monitoring has been undertaken during June – July in all monitoring years and this year the field work was undertaken during 10 – 17th June by Dr Donna Johnston and Andrew Johnston (DnA Environmental).

Data were obtained using several key monitoring methodologies including a combination Landscape Function Analyses (LFA), accredited soil analyses and an assessment of ecosystem characteristics using an adaptation of methodologies derived by CSIRO Grassy woodland Benchmarking project (Gibbons 2002, Gibbons et al 2008a, 2008b). The methodology used has been consistent over the past four years A detailed description of the rehabilitation monitoring methodology can be found in the “Rehabilitation monitoring methodology and Quality Control Plan (DnA Environmental 2010a), however a summarised description is provided below.

7.1 Landscape Function Analyses

LFA is a methodology used to assess key indicators of ecosystem function including landscape organisation and soil surface condition as measure of how well the landscape retains and uses vital resources. It was developed by CSIRO scientists Tongway and Hindley (Tongway 1994, Tongway and Hindley 1995, 1996, 2003, 2004). The indicators used quantify the utilisation of the vital landscape resources of water, topsoil, organic matter and perennial vegetation in space and time.

LFA methodology collects data at two “nested” spatial scales.

1. At coarse scale, landscape organisation is characterised. Patches and interpatches, indicators of resource regulation, are mapped at the 0.5 to 100 m scale from a gradient-oriented transect (making sense of landscape heterogeneity); and

2. At fine scale, soil surface assessment (soil “quality”) examines the status of surface processes at about the 1m scale, with rapidly assessed indicators on the patches and interpatches identified at the coarse scale.

At each scale, parameters are calculated that reflect several aspects of landscape function. In the first stage, we identify and record the patches and interpatches along a line oriented directly down slope. Sometimes there are several different types of each patch/interpatch which provides a measure of heterogeneity or “landscape organisation”.

In the second stage, called “soil surface condition” (SSC) assessment, it is possible to assess and monitor soil quality using simple indicators including: • Rain splash protection; • Perennial vegetation cover; • Percent litter cover, origin of the litter and extent of decomposition; • Cryptogam cover; • Crust brokenness; • Soil erosion type and severity; • Deposited materials; • Soil surface roughness; • Surface nature (resistance to disturbance); • Slake test; and • Soil surface texture.

Prepared by DnA Environmental August 2014 19 2014 Bulga Coal Complex Rehabilitation Monitoring Report

These 11 features are compiled and calculated into three indices of soil quality as demonstrated in Figure 7-1: 1. Stability (that is, resistance to accelerated erosion); 2. Infiltration (the rate soil absorbs water); and 3. Nutrient Cycling (the way plant litter and roots decompose and become available for use by other plants).

Figure 7-1. How the 11 soil surface indicators are calculated to produce the three indices of soil quality.

7.2 Soil analyses

Soil samples are undertaken using standard soil sampling techniques within the monitoring quadrat. At least 12 samples are taken at each site and bulked together. Soil samples are sent to Southern Cross University at their National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) accredited laboratory for analysis. Soil analysis consists of assessing the following parameters: • pH; • Electrical Conductivity (EC); • Organic Matter (OM); • Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC; • Exchangeable Sodium Percentage (ESP); • Available Calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg), Potassium (K), Nitrate Nitrogen (N), Sulphur (S); • Exchangeable Sodium (Na), Ca, Mg, K, Hydrogen (H); • Available and extractable Phosphorus (P); • Micronutrients Zinc (Zn), Manganese (Mn), Iron (Fe), Copper (Cu), Boron (B), Silicon (Si), Aluminium (Al), Molybdenum (Mo), Cobalt (Co) and Selenium (Se) and Total Carbon; • Heavy metals including Cadmium (Cd), Lead (Pb), Arsenic (As), Chromium (Cr), Nickel (Ni), Mercury (Hg) and Silver (Ag).

A report with analysis and desirable levels recommended in the agricultural industry is provided by the laboratory. Exchangeable Sodium Percentages are calculated as a measure of sodicity or dispersion.

Prepared by DnA Environmental August 2014 20 2014 Bulga Coal Complex Rehabilitation Monitoring Report

7.3 Monitoring structural diversity, floristic and other biodiversity attributes

In addition to LFA, assessments of various biodiversity components must also be made to monitor changes in particular plants and groups of plants through the various successional phases and to document and/or identify critical changes or management actions required.

Some simple and rapid procedures for making these assessments were developed by CSIRO scientists and were developed for assessment habitat quality across a range of vegetation types in the southern NSW Murray- Darling Basin (Gibbons 2002), and Biometric Model used in the Property Planning Process (Gibbons et al 2008a,b). Some adaptations have been made to reduce monitoring effort where possible, and to incorporate aspects of newly formed revegetation sites or sites in the early stages of recovery. For example some habitat features such as the detailed measuring and assessment of decomposition of the logs and branches has been omitted, whilst the understorey assessment included planted tubestock, direct seeding as well as natural recruitment and naturally occurring shrubs.

The rapid ecological assessment provides quantitative data that measures changes in: • Floristic diversity including species area curves and growth forms; • Ground cover diversity and abundance; • Vegetation structure and habitat characteristics (including ground cover, cryptogams, logs, rocks, litter, projected foliage cover at various height increments); • Understorey density and growth (including established shrubs, direct seeding and tubestock plantings and tree regeneration); • Overstorey characteristics including tree density, health and survival; and • Other habitat attributes such as the presence of hollows, mistletoe and the production of buds, flowers and fruit.

Permanent transects and photo-points are established to record changes in these attributes over time.

7.4 Amendments

7.4.1 BOP Rehabilitation objectives

Rehabilitation objectives have recently been altered with the implementation of the BOP such that the final land uses for the rehabilitated waste emplacements include the establishment of EEC woodland communities and Derived Native Grassland therefore the proposed primary ecological completion targets have also changed accordingly.

The Key Performance Indicators Tables provided within the annual rehabilitation reports have been restructured to more accurately align with the new BOP and ESG3 MOP (NSW T&I 2013) requirements and reporting guidelines.

7.4.2 Quadrat size

The size of the monitoring quadrats was reduced to 20 x 20m to reduce monitoring effort, with little significant change in the way monitoring data assessed and recorded. One exception however is the “total” floristic

Prepared by DnA Environmental August 2014 21 2014 Bulga Coal Complex Rehabilitation Monitoring Report diversity which is recorded within the entire monitoring quadrat thus a reduction in floristic diversity (total, native and exotic) is likely to be expected. This reduction however will also be reflected within the reference sites.

7.5 Limitations

7.5.1 Pasture reference sites

Past rehabilitation objectives at the Bulga Coal Complex were the establishment of exotic grazing pastures integrated with corridors of native tree woodlots on most of the constructed waste emplacements, and in particular the North and South Blakefield emplacements. Subsequently, existing pasture rehabilitation areas are predominantly comprised of exotic pastures species.

In the local district, grazing pastures are typically native grasslands with a long grazing history and were not ideal comparisons for use as reference sites, but sustainable exotic pastures such as those being established in rehabilitation areas, were limited in the local area. Subsequently, we were restricted to utilising derived native grasslands, rather than exotic perennial pastures as reference sites.

Subsequently ecological targets prior to 2014 do not include indicators associated with native species diversity, but rather focused on landform function, exotic species diversity and contribution of the perennial vegetation to the pasture ecosystems.

7.5.2 Riparian reference sites

It was difficult to locate areas of intact high conservation riparian zones that are not overlying longwall mining, highly degraded or extremely dense areas of Casuarina suckers. The sites established were however considered to be the best representatives within the BCC and were typical of the local area.

7.5.3 Species identification

Due to the cold seasonal conditions (including frosts) and heavy grazing pressure, there may have been a lack of reproductive structures that are required for the positive identification of numerous plant genera, and therefore some species were only able to be identified to the genera level and in some cases, the family level of taxonomy. In addition, there were often many small seedlings which had recently germinated and these too were often too small to positively identify or to enable suitable specimen collection.

On the more established woodland rehabilitation sites, tree and shrub establishment has been relatively successful, and due to their high density and lack of reproductive structures (combined with unfamiliar characteristics for non endemic species), species identification and accurate stem densities obtained in field conditions cannot be guaranteed, despite every effort to do so. However, these differences are unlikely to be significant and we do not anticipate it will have a significant affect in meeting ecological targets.

8 Rainfall

Prior to 2010 drought conditions were experienced across most of the state which had a deleterious effect on the native vegetation with the prolonged dry conditions also resulting in increased total grazing pressure. In 2010 above average rainfall was received and provided excellent growing conditions into 2011 which initiated plant growth and recruitment for numerous plant species but the remainder of 2011 however remained relatively dry (Figure 8-2), except in September where 140.5mm was recorded.

Prepared by DnA Environmental August 2014 22 2014 Bulga Coal Complex Rehabilitation Monitoring Report

Generally 2012 was very dry with rainfall well below the annual average and only 500.5mm of rain but there was a period of high summer rainfall which extended into March 2013 (Figure 8-2). The remainder of 2013 however was rather dry and prolonged hot and dry conditions were experienced during December and January this year. Relief from these conditions came in February with above average rainfall recorded from February to April, initiating growth and germination of vegetation. In May (and June) however rainfall was very low and well below the monthly averages.

The periods of extreme and prolonged dry conditions experienced over the past few years are likely to have had a significant impact on the composition and diversity of the vegetation communities, with the poorer growing conditions combined with increased disturbance and grazing pressures having adverse effects of much of the remnant vegetation and rehabilitation areas. Rainfall received in autumn however has resulted in an increase in plant growth and initiated a flush of annual species with these seasonal conditions being reflected in the monitoring data.

900 779.5 800 718.5 689 700 645.2

600 500.5 500 400 308 Rainfall (mm) 300 200 100 0 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 Mean Rainfall

Figure 8-1. Annual rainfall recorded at the Bulga Coal Complex from 2010 to the end of June 2014 compared to the long-term monthly averages recorded at Jerry’s Plains Post Office (BoM 2014).

160

140

120

100

40 Rainfall (mm) 20

2013 2014 Mean Rainfall JERRYS PLAINS POST OFFICE' 1884-2014

Figure 8-2. Monthly rainfall recorded at the Bulga Coal Complex over the last 18 months compared to the long-term monthly averages recorded at Jerry’s Plains Post Office (BoM 2014).

Prepared by DnA Environmental August 2014 23 2014 Bulga Coal Complex Rehabilitation Monitoring Report 9 Descriptions and photo-points of the monitoring sites 9.1 Reference sites

Table 9-1 provides a brief description of the reference sites and photos taken along the permanent vegetation transect in 2014. Table 9-2 provides the GPS coordinates and other site specific information. The location of the reference sites in relation to the rehabilitation sites are provided in Figure 9-1.

Table 9-1. Description of the reference sites and photos taken along the permanent vegetation transect in 2014. 2014 Front Rear 2014 BM18: Regrowth woodland dominated by Allocasuarina luehmannii and with several sparsely scattered E. crebra with a grassy understorey situated south of the CHPP. There were small patches of A. falcata and A. ambylygona. The woodland was relatively open with an understorey dominated by Bothriochloa decipiens and contained a high diversity of native grasses and herbs, with only sparsely scattered weeds. There were high levels of ground cover and the site was particularly stable. The site is grazed by macropods.

BM19: Low – medium density E. crebra regrowth woodland situated on the Hendley’s Offset area, mid slope above the shearing shed. There were scattered E. tereticornis with a patch of Angophora floribunda lower down the slope but these were not necessarily situated within the monitoring quadrat. There were scattered Bursaria spinosa and Lantana camara but typically shrubs were very sparse. The grassy understorey was dominated by Cymbopogon refractus, Bothriochloa decipiens and Aristida ramosa and contained a high diversity of other native grasses and herbs, with scattered weeds. There were high levels of ground cover and the site was particularly stable. The site is grazed by macropods.

BM20: The site was situated on the Hendley’s Offset area, also mid slope above the shearing shed. It was a relatively low density E. moluccana - E. crebra regrowth woodland with some scattered Allocasuarina luehmannii on a sloping hill. There were scattered and Lantana camara and Lycium ferocissimum but typically shrubs were very sparse. The grassy understorey was dominated by Microlaena stipoides, Aristida ramosa, Cymbopogon refractus and Bothriochloa decipiens and contained a high diversity of other native grasses and herbs, with scattered weeds. There were high levels of ground cover and the site was particularly stable. The site is grazed by macropods.

Prepared by DnA Environmental August 2014 24 2014 Bulga Coal Complex Rehabilitation Monitoring Report

2014 Front Rear 2014

RPast01: Pasture reference site located approximately 500m north of the CHPP and has not been grazed by livestock for several years. The grass was tall and rank and was dominated by Aristida ramosa, Chloris ventricosa and Bothriochloa decipiens but contained a good diversity of native herbs and forbs. There were high levels of ground cover. Senecio madagascariensis (Fireweed) and Gomphocarpus fruticosus were scattered throughout the site, particularly around the upper slope near the trees which was likely to have been an old stock camp.

RPast04: This pasture reference site was located on the “Hendley” property between the main access track and the Broke Rd and has been subjected to a long grazing history and was presently being grazed by cattle grazing. It was comprised by a variety of native grasses including Sporobolus creber, Aristida ramosa, Chloris ventricosa, Microlaena stipoides and Bothriochloa decipiens. It was a diverse site but also contained a high abundance of exotic annual species. Despite being grazed the site contained a high level of ground cover.

BM23: This riparian woodland reference site was situated on the area of Crown Land along the Nine Mile Creek on the western side of the Broke Road. It was a moderate - high density regrowth forest dominated by Casuarina glauca with fringing Allocasuarina luehmannii woodland on the upper banks. There were some scattered suckers/regeneration but this area was more open than almost sections along Nine Mile Creek with comparatively fewer weed. The creek sections were typically dominated by highly impenetrable Casuarina glauca thickets and/or were dominated by exotic species. The understorey contained high levels of leaf litter and was dominated by Microlaena stipoides and scattered native forbs. LFA =Veg transect

Prepared by DnA Environmental August 2014 25 2014 Bulga Coal Complex Rehabilitation Monitoring Report

2014 Front Rear 2014

BM24: This riparian woodland reference site was situated on Nine Mile Creek just south of the small house on the western side of the Broke Road. It was a low density regrowth forest dominated by Casuarina glauca with some patchy regrowth suckers. The site also contains scattered Lantana camara, Lycium ferocissimum, Cestrum parqui and along the water line, Juncus acutus was common. Despite being relatively weedy it also contained an understorey largely dominated by native grasses such as Microlaena stipoides, Austrostipa verticillata and Cynodon dactylon. LFA =Veg transect

Table 9-2. GPS coordinates and other site specific information for the reference sites. Site Name LFA Start LFA Finish LFA LFA Veg transect Veg transect Veg transect slope° bearing start finish bearing° BM18 (Woodland) 56323868 56323882 4 43 56323875 56323888 135 6381796 6381802 6381798 6381785 BM19 (Woodland) 56324812 56324795 9 214 56324800 56324790 306 6387177 6387173 6387177 6387192 BM20 (Woodland) 56325007 56325001 10 188 56325005 56324983 275 6387123 6387103 6387113 6387112 RPast01 (Pasture) 56 324729, 56 324732, 6 166 S 56 324732, 56 324680, 251 W 6383550 6383530 6383541 6383536 RPast04 (Pasture) 56324202 56324184 3 233 56324194 56324178 314 6388032 6388022 6388027 6388039 BM23 (Riparian) 56323021 56323006 4 208 - - - 6384500 6384490 BM23 (Riparian) 56323681 56323660 10 293 - - - 6387016 6387026

Prepared by DnA Environmental August 2014 26 2014 Bulga Coal Complex Rehabilitation Monitoring Report

9.1 Rehabilitation monitoring sites

In 2014 there were 11 woodland rehabilitation sites and one pasture rehabilitation site. Table 9-3 provides a brief description and photo from the permanent photo-point along the vegetation transect of the rehabilitation monitoring sites 2010 – 2014 where applicable. The location of the rehabilitation sites in comparison to the reference sites is provided in Figure 9-1. Table 9-4 provides the GPS coordinates and other site specific information.

Table 9-3. General site description of the rehabilitation monitoring sites and photos taken along the permanent vegetation transect since they were first established. Photo 2010 Photo 2011 Photo 2012 Photo 2013 Photo 2013 NB4: Change to EEC Woodland rehabilitation. This is an old pasture rehabilitation site located on the south east facing slope of the North Blakefield waste emplacement which was sown to exotic pasture with some scattered shrubs. It continued to be a dense rank pasture dominated by Chloris gayana with some scattered weeds. The overall slope contained some bare eroded areas, with some of the older rills becoming vegetated, and the smaller active rills contained within the vegetation. There were overall high levels of dead leaf litter and cryptogams. There were patches of Galenia and in 2012 the trees had a small infestation of psyllids leaving the leaves skeletonised and curled. The site continued to be weedy but appeared relatively stable. Some trees and shrubs remained stunted and chlorosed suggesting some soil toxicity. Macropod grazing continued to be evident. Due to the new BOP commitments has a density of endemic trees and shrubs and is very low in native species diversity.

NB5: Woodland rehabilitation area sown to woodland trees and shrubs and exotic pasture September 2012. The area contained scattered rock mounds, timber logs piles and large tree stags were erected to create wildlife habitat. The site was mostly well vegetated with a low cover of the plants however there was a very low to nil establishment of trees or shrubs. The entire rehabilitation area was being planted with tubestock of native woodland species in June 2013. In 2013 the site had become a dense sward of Rhodes Grass with pockets of Couch and scattered weeds. Lucerne and Galenia were common but not abundant. There were a small number (9) of endemic seedlings and several Bitou Bush. Since last year there has been and increase in perennial plant cover and there was slight decomposition of the litter layer. Cryptogams were also common on the crusted soil surfaces. Overall there was limited erosion and deposition and a noticeable improvement in soils coherency and had become a typically stable environment.

N/A N/A N/A

SB1: Woodland rehabilitation site located on the north east facing upper slope of the South Blakefield waste emplacement. It was planted with tubestock, with some evidence that an earlier attempt at tree seeding had generally failed. The tubestock were variable in height with most trees appearing relatively healthy, but there were some parts on the slope that were bare and eroding and trees were stunted in growth. Most of the slope however was dominated by

Prepared by DnA Environmental August 2014 27 2014 Bulga Coal Complex Rehabilitation Monitoring Report

Photo 2010 Photo 2011 Photo 2012 Photo 2013 Photo 2013 several species of native grasses, Rhodes Grass and Galenia. Minor rilling had occurred but most of these had now become well vegetated and stable. In 2012 the construction of a drop structure partially destroyed the vegetation transect. Subsequently the LFA transect was maintained but the monitoring quadrat was “flipped over” therefore photo-points, vegetation data and trends are likely to be different in 2012. In 2013, the vegetation had significantly grown with the exception of some individuals which remain stunted and chlorosed. There continues to be preferential grazing by macropods resulting in some areas of very low cover. The gabions within the adjacent rock lined drop structure have filled to capacity with sediment but largely the structure has remained intact. In 2014 there was little change. Plastic mesh tree guards require removal.

SB4: Change to EEC Woodland rehabilitation. Old pasture rehabilitation site seeded in September 2010. The site was deep ripped resulting in a sequence of troughs and banks approximately 60cm apart. The surface was rough with large clods of soil and large rocks scattered across the site. There was adequate ground cover and the site was generally very stable but there were numerous weeds and macropods have been heavily grazing the area leaving the grass pasture species short. In 2012 the site was almost completely dominated by Kikuyu and Rhodes Grass with only occasional weeds, but there was an increase in Galenia. Macropods have kept the site neatly low preferentially grazing the Kikuyu. The site is very low in floral diversity. In 2013, the site was moved 40m east due to the loss of most of the western half of the transect, due to the development of the waste emplacement. The site remained very densely vegetated, with macropods preferentially grazing the more palatable species such as Kikuyu. There were relatively large patches of Galenia. In 2014, the site had been planted with tubestock within a 30 x 20 deep hole. There was variable success but overall the survival rates appeared to be low. Kikuyu and Galenia continued to be the most dominant form of ground cover with the Galenia appearing to have been recently sprayed with it being stressed but presently not killed outright. The local macropods have been keeping the grasses short.

N/A

SB5: Change to EEC Woodland rehabilitation. Old pasture rehabilitation site seeded in September 2010 with an irregular spacing of small troughs and banks. The site also had a slight cover of Mushroom compost applied (Barry Cox pers com) although there was no evidence of it remaining on the soil surface. Large clods of spoil material and rocks were scattered across the site. The substrate was hard and crusted and plant cover was low and the plants were stressed and chlorosed. Typically more plants had established within the rip lines (troughs) and legumes were sparse. In 2012 the site has significantly transformed into a pasture system dominated by Couch and Kikuyu with the occasional large rock protruding the dense grass layer. No active rilling was observed. Macropods have kept the site neatly low preferentially grazing the Kikuyu and the site is very low in floral diversity. In 2013 and 2014 the site remained a dense sward of Couch and Kikuyu and Galenia has increased in abundance. The site continued to be low in weeds and in floral diversity and due to the new BOP commitments has an absence of trees and shrubs.

Prepared by DnA Environmental August 2014 28 2014 Bulga Coal Complex Rehabilitation Monitoring Report

Photo 2010 Photo 2011 Photo 2012 Photo 2013 Photo 2013

N/A

SB6: Woodland rehabilitation area sown to woodland trees and shrubs and exotic pasture September 2012. The area contained scattered rock mounds, timber logs piles and large tree stags were erected to create wildlife habitat. The site contained scattered to sparse ground cover vegetation however there was a very low to nil establishment of trees or shrubs. The entire rehabilitation area was being planted with tubestock of native woodland species in June 2013. This site was situated above a wetland area and was within a lower lying drainage depression. The troughs and banks formed after cross ripping had almost disappeared due to extensive movement of the dispersive soils. In 2014, there was a moderate to high density of Rhodes Grass and Couch and patches of Galenia. There continued to be bare patches with the soils in these continuing to erode. Despite tree planting last year there were only 4 Acacia seedlings located within the site, suggesting poor survival rates of the tubestock. Cryptogams had begun to colonise some of the more stable area of soils and the soils overall appeared to more stable and coherent. Ants were observed. Bitou Bush was also scattered around the adjacent dam with seed likely to be introduced via the variety of water birds.

N/A N/A N/A

SB7: Woodland rehabilitation area with an application of topsoil and compost and cross ripped in 2013, followed by seeding of native trees and shrubs. The site this year had become dominated by Fat Hen (Chenopodium album), an exotic annual, with the population having since died and leaving behind an important litter layer. There was a sparse scattering of Rhodes Grass, Pigeon Grass and Scarlet Pimpernel and there were eight (8) native seedlings within the monitoring quadrat. Cryptogams had already begun to colonise the more stable depressions but there continued to be some minor erosion on top of the small banks, but the combination of the litter and cryptogams have formed weak but functional patches. Mice holes were relatively common.

N/A

Prepared by DnA Environmental August 2014 29 2014 Bulga Coal Complex Rehabilitation Monitoring Report

Photo 2010 Photo 2011 Photo 2012 Photo 2013 Photo 2013 SB8: Woodland rehabilitation area treated with an application of compost only and cross ripped in 2013, followed by seeding of native trees and shrubs. Perennial Ryegrass and Couch have established relatively well but there continued to be some bare scattered patches throughout. There was a relatively goog germination of the native tree and shrub seedlings which were ~10-20cm in height and Approx ~50 were recorded in the monitoring plot. Cryptogams had already begun to colonise the more stable depressions but there continued to be some minor erosion on top of the small banks, but the combination of the litter and cryptogams have formed weak but functional patches.

N/A

Dam01: Woodland Offset revegetation area. The site had been sprayed and deep ripped into irregular troughs and banks. The trees were planted in September 2010 and were protected by plastic gauze supported by two bamboo stakes. There was little ground cover with the exception of scattered weeds, as a result of the ground preparation and follow up spraying of Ricinus communis (Castor Oil Plant, S. Shoesmith pers. com). There were numerous weeds including Sida Rhombifolia, Carthamus lanatus and Verbena littoralis which could potentially be problematic due to the lack of competitive perennial plant cover. The soils were prone to slaking but typically they have been retained within the rip lines. In 2012 there has been a significant increase in ground cover but most plants were annual weeds. The tubestock have grown considerably but many of the replacement plants (eg Lomandra) were missing. Macropods were grazing in the local area but have not appeared to have damaged the larger tubestock. In 2013, the tubestock ha significantly grown but some remained small and stunted with signs of insect damage and Chloris. The native understorey was increasing in abundance (eg Bothriochloa and Cymbopogon) but Carthamus lanatus remains very dominant. There continued to be a high presence of macropods. This year there was little change with the trees and shrubs having grown with some 5-6m in height, however numerous individuals have remained small and stunted. Saffron Thistles continue to be abundant with Swan Plant also abundant in patches. The site remains heavily grazed and macropod camps beneath the sapling canopies have resulted in the baring of the ground.

N/A

BEL3: BEL3 is pasture rehabilitation area located north of the Bulga Underground Operations tailings dam. It was rehabilitated using exotic pasture species over waste overburden which has since been subsided. The area contains a patchy distribution of native and exotic dominant pasture which generally provided good ground cover. The site continues to be heavily grazed by macropods. There were many germinating weed seedlings and Plantago lanceolata was increasing in abundance. There were other scattered weeds including Plantain, Fireweed and Galenia. There was typically good ground cover. In 2013 the Setaria had increased in height and macropods have kept the remainder of the site very low. The scattered Acacia amblygona had increased in height. Due to the reduction in quadrat size no acacias were recorded in 2104, otherwise there was little apparent change.

Prepared by DnA Environmental August 2014 30 2014 Bulga Coal Complex Rehabilitation Monitoring Report

Photo 2010 Photo 2011 Photo 2012 Photo 2013 Photo 2013

BEL5: BEL5 is patchy regrowth Bulloak woodland that has established after subsidence repair with deep ripping (and scalping?). In site contains rows of sown Rhodes Grass across the subsidence repair zone and an extensive network of macropod tracks throughout the site. There were some relatively bare crusted areas but generally there was a high level of leaf litter particularly beneath the Bulloak regeneration. The site contains scattered shrubs, some natural recruitment and was high in species diversity but many of these were low in abundance. In 2012 there appeared to be little change and the bare areas were extensively colonised by mosses and lichens. There was some A. amblygona recruitment and Galenia was colonising some of the bare scalded areas. In 2013, the site had been very heavily grazed by macropods and pigs, with numerous pigs sighted within the near vicinity. Many of the larger A. amblygona shrubs had continued to die however numerous seedlings had become relatively well established. The Mature Bulloak were losing their lower foliage and the Rhodes Grass had also been severely chewed back creating a much more open structure. In 2014 the site was more open in structure and appeared to be less disturbed, with a large number of A. amblygona seedlings persisting.

SE1: Woodland rehabilitation site located on the North facing slope of the Southern Extension emplacement. In 2010 a scattered assortment of native tree and shrubs species were establishing. The trough and bank sequence developed by deep ripping remains functional but the vegetative cover has dramatically improved over the past three years. Numerous rocks and large “clods” of grey spoil material are scattered across the site. Ground cover was variable with patches of Couch, Setaria and Galenia. In parts of the slope and on the top of the dump, trees and shrubs were stunted, chlorosed and no ground cover species had established probably due to soil toxicity. The shrubs continue to grow but were also heavily grazed by macropods. A weed control program targeting Galenia (Nathan Lane pers. com) in 2011 has resulted in a decline in the abundance of Galenia across parts of the slope. A 3m wide row had been mown in preparation for subsidence event. In 2013 and 2014, the trees and shrubs had significantly grown but numerous remained small and stunted and the ground cover was taller and had appeared to have improved but remained patchy.

Prepared by DnA Environmental August 2014 31 2014 Bulga Coal Complex Rehabilitation Monitoring Report

Figure 9-1. Map of the rehabilitation monitoring sites in relation to the reference sites.

Prepared by DnA Environmental August 2014 32 2014 Bulga Coal Complex Rehabilitation Monitoring Report

Table 9-4. GPS Co-ordinates of the rehabilitation monitoring sites and other site specific information. Site LFA Start LFA Finish LFA LFA Veg transect Veg transect Veg slope° bearing° start finish transect bearing° NB4: Woodland 56 321665, 56 321674, 14 141 SE 56 321672, 56 321631, 229 SW 6384595 6384577 6384584 6384556 NB5: Woodland 56320961, 56320980, 0 103 E 56320972, 56320957, 196 S 6384369 6384358 6384364 6384314 *SB1 (b): Woodland 56 321879, 56 321892, 12 72 NE 56 321885, 56 321879, 342 SE 6383691 6383695 6383692 6383740 SB4: Pasture » New EEC 56321219 56321236 1 60 NE 56 321224 56 321245 152 SE Woodland 6383523 6383528 6383524 6383482 SB5: Pasture» New EEC 56 321519 56 321539 10 82 E 56 321528 56 321525 172 SE Woodland 6384240 6384241 6384241 6384195 SB6: Woodland 56321003, 56321021, 6 85 E 56321014, 56321005, 185 S 6383904 6383906 6383905 6383860 SB7: Woodland 56321042 56321031 0 213 56321036 56321022 302 63835567 6383548 6383557 6383565 SB8: Woodland 56320502 56320487 0 223 56320493 56320483 304 6383922 6383911 6383915 6383932 Dam01: Woodland 56 325408 56 325414 8 359 N 56 325411 56 325459 90 E 6382129 6382148 6382136 6382130 BEL3: Pasture 56 322669, 56 322661, 1 190 S 56 322666, 56 322620, 277 W 6379338 6379323 6379329 6379343 BEL5: Remnant woodland 56 620699, 56 320700, 4 153 SE 56 320698, 56 320651, 246 SW (subsidence repair) 6381077 6381057 6381066 6381053 SE1: Woodland 56 321529, 56 321530, 14 351 N 56 321529, 56 321580, 80 E 6380640 6380658 6380653 6380646 * In 2012 a drop structure was constructed through the centre of the SB1 monitoring plot. The LFA transect was able to be retained but a mirror image of the original quadrat had to be established. Thus the quadrat was “flipped over”.

Prepared by DnA Environmental August 2014 33 2014 Bulga Coal Complex Rehabilitation Monitoring Report

10 Woodland rehabilitation sites: Ecological trends and performance against a selection of primary ecological performance indicators

10.1 Landscape Function Analyses

10.1.1 Landscape Organisation

A patch is an area within an ecosystem where resources such as soil and litter tend to accumulate, while areas where resources are mobilised and transported away are referred to as interpatches. Landscape Organisation Indices (LOI) are calculated by the length of the patches divided by the length of the transect to provide an index or percent of the transect which is occupied by functional patch areas (Tongway and Hindley 2004).

All three woodland reference sites were stable and functional patch areas with no visible evidence of loss of resources which resulted in a Landscape Organisation Index (LOI) of 100% (Figure 10-1). Most of the older rehabilitation sites were also stable and functional ecosystems with NB4, NB5, SB4, SB5, Dam01 and Bel5 also receiving and LOI of 100%, while SB1 was very close with 98%. A marginal reduction in LOI was recorded in SE1 due to macropod disturbances and scored an LOI of 80%.

The newer rehabilitation areas also scored relatively well given their short establishment period with site SB7 having an LOI of 88% while sites SB6 and SB8 scored a much lower LOI of 41% and 48% respectively.

100

90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20

Landscape Organisation Index (%) Index Organisation Landscape 10 0

2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

Figure 10-1. Landscape organisation indices recorded in the woodland rehabilitation sites compared to the woodland reference sites.

Prepared by DnA Environmental August 2014 34 2014 Bulga Coal Complex Rehabilitation Monitoring Report

10.1.2 Soil surface assessments

10.1.2.1 Stability

The woodland reference sites contained a high perennial plant component, a well developed litter and humus layer with stable topsoils and little evidence of erosion or deposition and subsequently provided high stability targets of 77.0 – 84.8 (Figure 10-2).

Most of the older rehabilitation sites have shown marginal changes in stability and typically these had increased but none yet fell within the LFA stability targets. Sites including NB4, NB5, SB1, SB4, Dam01 and Bel5 were however relatively close reaching the minimum targets and were within 6.0 LFA units.

There were significant increases in site NB5 and SB6 this year largely due to the greater abundance of perennial grasses and cryptogams, increased cover and rates of litter decomposition and greater stability and coherency within the topsoil layers. Due to the relatively immaturity of the newer rehabilitation sites SB6, SB7 and SB8, site stability was considerably lower with stability indices of 62.7, 57.2 and 57.4 respectively.

100 90 80 70 60 50

LFA IndexLFA 40 30 20 10 0

2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

Figure 10-2. LFA stability indices recorded in the woodland rehabilitation sites compared to the woodland reference sites.

10.1.2.2 Infiltration

There was some variability in infiltration capacity in the reference sites and this was largely due to the differences in soil surface crusting and soil hardness which is closely associated with the development of the ground cover vegetation and litter layers. In site BM20 which had the highest infiltration capacity, there was high perennial plant cover, a deep and well decomposed litter layer, no soil surface crusts and the soils were soft and spongy and subsequently scored a high infiltration index of 59.4. In BM18, these attributes were less developed and the site typically had very hard but stable crusts resulting in a lower infiltration capacity of 44.2 (Figure 10-3).

Several of the older rehabilitation sites also had developed good vegetative cover and were developing healthy soil layers with sites NB4, SB1, SB4, SB5, Dam01 and Bel5 having LFA infiltration indices which fell within the target range.

Prepared by DnA Environmental August 2014 35 2014 Bulga Coal Complex Rehabilitation Monitoring Report

The less developed rehabilitation sites including NB5, SB6, SB7 and SB8 did not yet reach the required targets and had infiltration indices of 37.6, 31.8, 27.4 and 28.6 respectively (Figure 10-3).

100 90 80 70 60 50

LFA IndexLFA 40 30 20 10 0

2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

Figure 10-3. LFA infiltration indices recorded in the woodland rehabilitation sites compared to the woodland reference sites.

10.1.2.3 Nutrient recycling

Similar trends in LFA nutrient recycling indices were also observed across the range of sites and for similar reasons with the reference sites providing a nutrient recycling target range of 48.3 - 56.1 (Figure 10-4). There were few rehabilitation sites which had a similar nutrient recycling capacity and those that did included SB4 and BEL5, with most of the older sites being relatively close to reaching the minimum target. The new rehabilitation sites SB6, SB7 and SB8 however had much lower nutrient recycling indices of 30.3, 29.9 and 26.0 respectively.

100 90 80 70 60 50

LFA indexLFA 40 30 20 10 0

2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

Figure 10-4. LFA nutrient recycling indices recorded in the woodland rehabilitation sites compared to the woodland reference sites.

Prepared by DnA Environmental August 2014 36 2014 Bulga Coal Complex Rehabilitation Monitoring Report

10.1.3 LFA Summary

The sum of the LFA stability, infiltration and nutrient recycling components provide an indication of the most functional to least functional monitoring site recorded in 2014 and is provided in Figure 10-5. While two of the reference sites were the most ecologically functional sites, SB4 and BEL5 were rehabilitation woodland sites which scored a sum of indices which exceeded BM18, one of the woodland reference sites. While SB4 lacked a mature tree canopy, the site had a high cover of protective exotic perennial grasses and had a well developed and decomposing litter layer, with surface crusting and soil hardness beginning to decline. There was no evidence of erosion or deposition as dense grass and litter cover but the soil remained slightly dispersive. BEL5 contained very similar characteristics to BM18 which was also regrowth Bulloak woodland.

Dam 01 and NB4 were also sites which have performed relatively well but were not yet within these Landscape Function targets. The remaining sites were significantly lower in ecological functional, especially the newer rehabilitation sites and these are expected to improve given a longer establishment and development period.

Examples of the substrates and vegetation covers in the woodland monitoring sites have been illustrated in Table 10-1. . .

300

250

200

150

100 Total Landscape Landscape Function Total

Figure 10-5. Sum of the LFA stability, infiltration and nutrient recycling components indicating the most functional to least functional monitoring site recorded in 2014.

Prepared by DnA Environmental August 2014 37 2014 Bulga Coal Complex Rehabilitation Monitoring Report Table 10-1. Examples of the substrates and vegetation covers in the woodland monitoring sites NB4: Good cover of exotic perennial plants and dead leaf litter NB5: Good cover of exotic perennial plants and dead leaf litter

SB1: Good cover of exotic perennial plants and dead leaf litter, SB4: Dense layer of perennial grasses exotic perennial plants with some bare interpatch areas and dead leaf litter

SB5: Good cover of exotic perennial plants and dead leaf litter, SB6: Patchy ground cover establishment with large bare with some bare interpatch areas interpatch areas with scattered weeds

Prepared by DnA Environmental August 2014 38 2014 Bulga Coal Complex Rehabilitation Monitoring Report SB7: Patchy litter and cryptogam cover, hard crusted soils SB8: Patchy perennial plant cover and hard crusted soils

Dam01: Good cover of annual plants and litter BEL5: Excellent leaf litter and scattered perennial plants

SE1: Good cover of exotic perennial plants and dead leaf litter, BM18: High cover of leaf litter and native perennial plants with with some bare interpatch areas hard crusted soils

BM19: Dense cover of leaf litter and native perennial plants BM20: Dense cover of leaf litter and native perennial plants

Prepared by DnA Environmental August 2014 39 2014 Bulga Coal Complex Rehabilitation Monitoring Report

10.2 Tree density

Trees and mature shrubs with a dbh >5cm are included within counts of the tree population with the reference sites having a stem density of 25 – 56 per monitoring quadrat (0.04ha) which translates into 625 - 1400 stems per hectare (Figure 10-6), with these densities probably far in excess of the more open pre European woodlands but typical of the surrounding landscape.

The oldest rehabilitation site, BEL5, met tree density targets with 26 individuals but the remaining rehabilitation sites did not. Sites SB1, Dam 01 and SE1 have demonstrated a small but increasing tree population but with 7, 5 and 4 individuals respectively fell well short of meeting stem density targets.

The reference sites were typically dominated by either Allocasuarina luehmannii or Eucalyptus crebra but all contained at least two species including Eucalyptus moluccana. The average dbh ranged between 10 – 12cm indicating the woodlands were comprised of relatively young trees, but the maximum dbh ranged 17 – 39cm. Most individuals were in moderate health, with mistletoe being recorded in one individual. The trees typically did not bear any reproductive structures such as buds, flowers or fruits except one individual in BM19.

BEL5 was regrowth Allocasuarina luehmannii woodland with an isolated occurrence of E. albens, while SB1, Dam01 and SE1 were various combinations and densities of E. punctata, E. moluccana, E. albens, E. rubida and Corymbia maculata. All individuals were in healthy condition and fruit was observed on an E. moluccana in SB1.

40 2010 2011 30 2012 No. individuals 20 2013

10 2014

Figure 10-6. Tree densities (>5cm dbh) in the rehabilitation sites compared to the woodland reference sites.

10.3 Shrubs and recruitment

There were 44 – 89 shrubs and juvenile trees (<5cm dbh) recorded in the reference sites which equates to 1100 – 2225 stems per ha (Figure 10-7). All rehabilitation sites except SB5 contained a population of shrubs and juvenile trees (<5cm dbh) but the densities recorded varied widely across the sites. Site BEL5 had the highest shrub density with 349 individuals with most of these being Acacia amblygona and Lissanthe strigosa seedlings and these have continue to demonstrate an increasing trend since 2010. The shrub populations in SB1 and SE1 have also slightly increased however a large majority of the population tended to be stunted tree species. Of the new rehabilitation areas, SB8 also presently contained an adequate population however 72% of individuals were tree species which may

Prepared by DnA Environmental August 2014 40 2014 Bulga Coal Complex Rehabilitation Monitoring Report

have implications for future shrub population diversity and density targets. In two reference sites, up to 23 individuals were the noxious weeds Lantana camara (Lantana) and Lycium ferocissimum (Boxthorn) indicating the need to implement a targeted control program around the mining lease and buffer lands. The minimum native shrub population targets therefore become lower 35 individuals per 0.04ha. Sites which presently had a shrub and juvenile tree density similar to the remnant woodlands included SB8, BEL5 and SE1.

Rehabilitation sites were predominantly comprised of local species of shrubs and juvenile trees however non endemic species such as E. cladocalyx, Lantana camara and Chrysanthemoides monilifera subsp. rotundata were found in Sites SB1, Dam01 and SB7 respectively. While Lantana and Chrysanthemoides monilifera subsp. rotundata were presently isolated to minor occurrences, their early control will be beneficial. Eucalyptus cladocalyx is endemic to South Australia and has been frequently recorded in numerous of the older rehabilitation areas, many of which will be disturbed during the BOP.

With the exception of the weeds, the shrub population in the reference sites was limited to Acacia falcata and juvenile Allocasuarina luehmannii and Eucalyptus crebra. The data indicate that most rehabilitation sites do not and/or will not contain an adequate density or diversity of shrub species particularly when the juvenile trees have matured, indicating the need for supplementary planting or additional seeding. While the diversity of shrubs is low in the local woodlands, increased shrub diversity within the woodland rehabilitation areas is encouraged, especially the incorporation of acacias as part of the successional recovery of the rehabilitated ecosystems and improve overall biodiversity outcomes.

400 350

300 250 2010 200 2011 2012 No. individuals 150 2013 100 2014 50 0

Figure 10-7. Total shrubs and juvenile trees recorded in the rehabilitation sites compared to the woodland reference sites.

10.4 Total ground cover

Total ground cover, which is a combination of leaf litter, annual plants, cryptogams, rocks, logs and live perennial plants (<0.5m in height) recorded along the vegetation transect was very high in the woodland reference sites providing a total ground cover target of 100% (Figure 10-8).

In the older rehabilitation sites there tended to be a slight increase in total ground but decreases were recorded in NB4 and Dam01 due to increased macropod disturbance. There were significant improvements in ground cover in NB5 and SB6 due to the increased cover of perennial grasses. Despite the short establishment time, there were relatively good levels of total ground cover recorded in the newer sites SB6, SB7 and SB8.

Prepared by DnA Environmental August 2014 41 2014 Bulga Coal Complex Rehabilitation Monitoring Report

Only two rehabilitation sites, SB1 and SB5, presently had 100% ground cover while SB4, NB5, BEL5 and SE1 were close.

100 90 80

70 60 2010

50 2011 40 2012

% Ground Cover % Cover Ground 30 2013 20 2014 10 0

Figure 10-8. Total ground cover recorded in the rehabilitation sites compared to the woodland reference sites.

10.5 Structural composition

The structural composition of the woodland sites is the average of 10 repeated measurements recorded along the vegetation transect with the results for 2014 given in Figure 10-9. The ground cover within the woodland reference sites were largely comprised of perennial plants (21.0 – 55%) and dead leaf litter (41.5 – 63.5), with a small contribution from cryptogams and fallen branches. Annual plants which were usually weed species were not an important ground cover component but isolated occurrences may have been recorded.

Most of the rehabilitation sites were also dominated by perennial ground covers and dead leaf litter, with SB7 and Dam01 being the only sites which did not meet the minimum perennial ground cover target. Annual plants continued to be recorded in significantly high proportions in Dam01, but were less common or absent in remaining rehabilitation areas. Cryptogams were also recorded in many rehabilitation areas except SB4, SB5 and SB6. Rocks may also have provided some protective ground cover and habitat value in some rehabilitation sites, but total cover was overall limited.

The woodland reference sites contained a mature tree canopy with shrubs, regenerating saplings or low canopy foliage providing some vertical structure and habitat complexity and BEL5 contained a similar community structure (Figure 10-10). The remaining rehabilitation areas have not yet developed a mature canopy cover, and vertical structure was presently limited to the 0.5 – 2.0m height class and this was largely due to the tall perennial grasses.

The structural compositions of the woodland monitoring sites are illustrated in Table 10-2. .

Prepared by DnA Environmental August 2014 42 2014 Bulga Coal Complex Rehabilitation Monitoring Report

100% 90% Perennial <0.5m

80% Bare

70% Log 60% 50% Rock

40% Cryptogam 30% Annuals

Percent Cover Ground Percent 20% Litter 10% 0%

Figure 10-9. Average percent ground cover recorded in the woodland monitoring sites in 2014.

(%) cover foliage Projected 5

Height category (m) 0.5-2.0m 2.0-4.0m 4.0-6.0m >6.0m

Figure 10-10. Average projected foliage cover recorded in the woodland monitoring sites in 2014.

Prepared by DnA Environmental August 2014 43 2014 Bulga Coal Complex Rehabilitation Monitoring Report

Table 10-2. The structural compositions of the woodland monitoring sites. NB4: Well developed exotic pasture understorey and limited NB5: Well developed exotic pasture understorey and limited tree and shrub establishment tree and shrub establishment

SB1: Patchy exotic pasture understorey and maturing trees and SB4: Well developed exotic pasture understorey and limited shrubs providing increasing structural diversity tree and shrub establishment

SB5: Patchy exotic pasture understorey and limited tree and SB6: Patchy exotic pasture understorey and limited tree and shrub establishment shrub establishment

Prepared by DnA Environmental August 2014 44 2014 Bulga Coal Complex Rehabilitation Monitoring Report

SB7: Patchy litter and cryptogam cover, good establishment SB8: Patchy exotic pasture understorey and limited tree and of tree and shrub seed, presently limited structural diversity shrub establishment

Dam01: Good ground cover of annual plants, low density of BEL5: Good ground cover with a mature Bulloak canopy and trees and shrubs scattered shrub regeneration

SE1: Patchy exotic pasture understorey and maturing trees BM18: Good ground cover with a mature Bulloak canopy and and shrubs providing increasing structural diversity scattered shrub regeneration

Prepared by DnA Environmental August 2014 45 2014 Bulga Coal Complex Rehabilitation Monitoring Report

BM19: Good ground cover with a maturing Eucalyptus crebra BM20: Good ground cover with a maturing Eucalyptus canopy and scattered eucalypt regeneration Moluccana - crebra canopy and scattered eucalypt regeneration

10.6 Floristic diversity

Due to the reduction in the total monitoring area from 20x50m to 20x20m this year a reduction in species diversity is likely and to be expected.

10.6.1 Total species diversity

The floristic diversity recorded in the new woodland reference sites remained relatively high with 48 – 54 different species being recorded within the 20 x 20m monitoring plot. Despite the reduction on the monitoring area causing an expected reduction, increased floristic diversity was recorded in several rehabilitation sites (Figure 10-11).

BEL5 continued to retain a very high diversity of plants with 76 species being recorded and this was largely due to part of the site being regrowth woodland with an intact understorey, while the subsidence repair zone was being colonised by a wide variety of native and exotic colonising plants. In the remaining rehabilitation sites total floristic diversity was much lower with the lowest diversity being recorded in SB4 and SB5 which were almost completely dominated by the highly invasive Pennisetum clandestinum (Kikuyu). While species diversity was lower than the target, sites SB2 was close with 43 species and Dam01 contained 41 species.

Prepared by DnA Environmental August 2014 46 2014 Bulga Coal Complex Rehabilitation Monitoring Report

60 2010 50 2011 40 2012 No. Species No. 30 2013

20 2014

Figure 10-11. Total species diversity recorded in the woodland sites.

10.6.2 Exotic species diversity

Exotic species were present in all monitoring sites and in the reference sites their diversity was relatively low with 7 – 13 exotic species however their presence is indicative of the long agricultural history with many weeds having become naturalised in the local area. Despite the reduction in monitoring area this year, there was an increase in exotic species in NB4, SB4, SB5 and Dam01 probably due to a combination of prolonged hot dry condition and increased macropod disturbances, followed by rainfall preceding the monitoring which has initiated a flush of growth including germination of opportunistic annual weeds.

Only two rehabilitation sites, SB4 and SB5 had an acceptable diversity of exotic species and this was because there was an overall very low diversity of species recorded within these sites. The highest diversity of exotic species was recorded in NB5 with 24 exotic species and in all sites except BEL5, there was a higher number of exotic species compared to native species (Figure 10-12).

40 2010

30 2011 2012 No. Species No. 20 2013 2014 10

Figure 10-12. Exotic species diversity recorded in the woodland sites.

Prepared by DnA Environmental August 2014 47 2014 Bulga Coal Complex Rehabilitation Monitoring Report

10.7 Percent endemic ground cover

The percent endemic ground cover is an ecological indicator used to provide some measure of the cover abundance of the live native vegetation along the vegetation transect and therefore indicates the level of weediness at the monitoring sites. While it is only estimation the percent cover of endemic ground cover species has been derived by the following equation.

Percent cover endemic species = sum of the five Braun- blanquet scores for native species / (sum of the five Braun- blanquet scores of exotic species + native species) x 100

In the woodland reference sites native species were significantly abundant and provided 91% - 99% of the total live plant cover along the vegetation transects (Figure 10-13). All woodland rehabilitation sites however were dominated by exotic species and were therefore weedier than desired. BEL5 had the highest endemic cover of 76%, while the remaining sites ranged from having no native plant cover at all in SB4 to 38% in Dam01. The older rehabilitation sites have demonstrated a declining trend in native plant cover largely due to the increased cover of the exotic perennial grasses and flush of annual weeds this year.

100 90

80 70 60

50 2012 40 2013 30 2014

% Endemic Ground Cover Cover % Ground Endemic 20 10 0

Figure 10-13. Percent endemic ground cover recorded in the woodland monitoring sites.

10.8 Vegetation composition

The composition of the vegetation as categorised by nine different growth forms is given in Figure 10-14. The woodland reference communities are characterised by a diverse range of herbs (24 – 28 species) and grasses (12 - 14 species). There was a comparatively lower diversity of tree species (2 - 3 species), shrubs (1 - 3 species), sub-shrubs (4 - 5 species), with some sites containing a small number of reeds, ferns or cactus. BEL5 continued to be the only rehabilitation site to contain an appropriate vegetation composition in comparison to these woodland reference sites.

Rehabilitation sites that did not contain an appropriate number of tree species included NB4, NB5, SB5 and SB6. Rehabilitation sites that did not contain an appropriate number of shrub species included SB4 and SB5. All rehabilitation sites had a low diversity of herbs and grasses, however at the 70% diversity targets of 17 herbs and 8 grass species, NB4, SB1, Dam01 and SE1 contained an appropriate diversity herbs, and sites Dam01 and SE1 contained an appropriate diversity of grasses. Numerous rehabilitation sites contained an overall very low diversity, especially sites SB4 and SB5.

Prepared by DnA Environmental August 2014 48 2014 Bulga Coal Complex Rehabilitation Monitoring Report

The data indicates there continued to be a lack of trees and shrub diversity (and density) over most of the North and South Blakefield rehabilitation areas despite being planted to tubestock last year, suggesting low germination rates, patchiness in where tubestock were actually planted and/or high mortality rates. The most common deficiencies in the rehabilitation sites were diversity of herbs and grasses indicating the need to improve rehabilitation methods with a focus on creating a native dominant grassy understorey component.

Species No. 30

Trees Shrubs Sub-shrubs Herbs Grass Reeds Vines Ferns Cactus

Figure 10-14. Composition of the vegetation recorded in the rehabilitation sites compared to the woodland reference sites in 2014.

10.9 Most common species

Species that were recorded in at least six of the eleven woodland rehabilitation sites in 2014 is given in Table 10-3. The exotic species Anagellis arvensis and Chloris gayana were recorded in all rehabilitation sites with the annual herb Anagellis arvensis also being present within all three of the woodland reference sites, as were Sida rhombifolia, Senecio madagascariensis and Plantago lanceolata with these weeds being common across the wider Hunter Valley.

The perennial grasses Chloris gayana, Cynodon dactylon, Panicum maximum and Pennisetum clandestinum were also common in many rehabilitation areas and were likely to seeded as part of the previous rehabilitation regimes as so were the clovers Trifolium spp. and tree species Corymbia maculata.

The invasive perennial Galenia pubescens was also recorded in nine rehabilitation sites, while several other weed species including and Cirsium vulgare, Bidens pilosa, Conyza spp. and Gomphocarpus fruticosus were relatively common. A full list of species recorded in the woodland monitoring sites is provided in Appendix 1.

Prepared by DnA Environmental August 2014 49 2014 Bulga Coal Complex Rehabilitation Monitoring Report

Table 10-3. Species that were recorded in at least six of the eleven woodland rehabilitation sites in 2014.

SE1

Common SB1 SB4 SB5 SB6 SB7 SB8 NB4 NB5 Bel5 Total Habit BM18 BM19 BM20 exotic Scientific Name Name Dam01 Scarlet * Anagallis arvensis Pimpernel h 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 11 1 1 1 Rhodes * Chloris gayana Grass g 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 11 Cynodon dactylon Couch g 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 10 Galenia * pubescens Galenia ss 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 9 Paddy's * Sida rhombifolia Lucerne ss 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 9 1 1 1 Plantago * lanceolata Ribwort h 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 8 1 1 1 Senecio * madagascariensis Fireweed h 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 8 1 1 1 Spear * Cirsium vulgare Thistle h 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 7 Cobbler's * Bidens pilosa Peg h 1 1 1 1 1 1 6 1 * Conyza spp. Fleabane h 1 1 1 1 1 1 6 Corymbia Spotted maculata Gum t 1 1 1 1 1 1 6 Gomphocarpus Swan * fruticosus Plant ss 1 1 1 1 1 1 6 Panicum Guinea * maximum Grass g 1 1 1 1 1 1 6 Pennisetum Kikuyu * clandestinum Grass g 1 1 1 1 1 1 6 * Trifolium spp. A Clover h 1 1 1 1 1 1 6

10.10 Most abundant species

The most abundant species recorded in each of the woodland monitoring sites this year are provided in Table 10-4. The most abundant species were those that collectively summed to a Braun-blanquet total of 10 or more from the five replicated sub-plots along the vegetation transect. The maximum score that can be obtained by an individual species is 30.

The most abundant species in the reference sites were native grasses including Bothriochloa decipiens, Entolasia marginata, Cymbopogon refractus and Microlaena stipoides and the native herbs Desmodium varians and Dichondra repens were also relatively abundant. The rehabilitation sites were dominated by a different composition of species and in BEL5 no species had become dominant.

In numerous rehabilitation sites on the North and South Blakefield rehabilitation areas the exotic grasses Chloris gayana and Pennisetum clandestinum were particularly dominant with some sites also having an abundance of the native grass Cynodon dactylon. Galenia pubescens was the most abundant species in SB6, while Lolium perenne an exotic pasture species was presently the most abundant in the new site SB8. Dam01 continued to be dominated by the exotics Carthamus lanatus and Sida rhombifolia but the native grass Bothriochloa decipiens was also re-establishing.

Prepared by DnA Environmental August 2014 50 2014 Bulga Coal Complex Rehabilitation Monitoring Report

Table 10-4. The most abundant species recorded in the woodland monitoring sites in 2014.

Common Scientific Name SE1 SB1 SB4 SB5 SB6 SB7 SB8 NB4 NB5 BEL5 Name BM18 BM19 BM20 Dam01

*Chloris gayana Rhodes Grass 27 21 21 11 10 14 Cynodon dactylon Couch 16 14 12 *Pennisetum Kikuyu 27 30 clandestinum *Galenia Galenia 12 pubescens *Lolium perenne Perennial 13 Ryegrass *Carthamus lanatus Saffron Thistle 25 *Sida rhombifolia Paddy's 13

Lucerne Bothriochloa Redgrass 11 16

decipiens Cymbopogon Barbed-wire 12 15

refractus Grass Desmodium varians Slender Tick- 11

trefoil Entolasia marginata Bordered Panic 16 Microlaena Weeping Rice- 15

stipoides grass Dichondra repens Kidney Weed 15

10.10.1 Noxious weeds and environmental weeds

Noxious and environmental weeds recorded in the monitoring sites in 2014 are provided in Table 10-5. While not all species indicated are declared species in the Singleton Shire, they can become invasive and early control is recommended. In particular there were scattered occurrences of Chrysanthemoides monilifera subsp. rotundata and Xanthium occidentale observed on the North and South Blakefield Waste Emplacements which may be introduced via dispersal from coastal birds.

Several other weeds which are common in the local Bulga area were only found in the woodland reference sites including Lycium ferocissimum, Nassella trichotoma and Opuntia aurantiaca, while Opuntia stricta was recorded in BEL5. Lantana camara was recorded in Dam01 as well as in the woodland reference sites BM19 and BM20.

Table 10-5. Noxious weeds recorded in the monitoring sites in 2014.

SE1 SB1 SB4 SB5 SB6 SB7 SB8 NB4 NB5 Bel3 Bel5 Habit Common BM18 BM19 BM20 Scientific Name Name Dam01 Chrysanthemoides monilifera subsp. rotundata Bitou Bush s 1 1 Lantana camara Lantana s 1 1 1 African Lycium ferocissimum Boxthorn s 1 1 Serrated Nassella trichotoma Tussock g 1 Opuntia aurantiaca Tiger Pear c 1 Common Opuntia stricta Prickly Pear c 1 Nagoora Xanthium occidentale Burr h 1 1 1

Prepared by DnA Environmental August 2014 51 2014 Bulga Coal Complex Rehabilitation Monitoring Report

Hyparrhenia hirta (Coolatai Grass) is an invasive grass species which can readily displace native plants and can contribute to changed fire regimes that affect native vegetation structure and biodiversity. Other invasive grasses include Needlegrasses (Nassella spp.), Feather-grasses (Pennisetum spp.), Veldt grasses (Ehrharta spp.), Buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris), Wheat-grasses (Thinopyrum spp.), Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana) and African lovegrass (Eragrostis curvula). Invasion of native plant communities by exotic perennial grasses has been listed as a key threatening process under the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995. In some local government areas in NSW, Coolatai grass is declared a Class 3 weed and the plant must be fully and continuously suppressed and destroyed (CRC 2008). Hyparrhenia hirta was recorded in BM15, Ehrharta erecta (Panic Veldtgrass) was recorded in BM23 and BM24, while Chloris gayana was recorded in all rehabilitation monitoring sites and dominates significant areas on the North and South Blakefield Waste Emplacements.

Eucalyptus cladocalyx is a native tree endemic to South Australia and has been frequently recorded in numerous of the older rehabilitation areas, many of which will be disturbed during the BOP. Eucalyptus cladocalyx was however recorded in SB1 and was frequently encountered on the Southern Extension (and BM11) in previous monitoring years.

10.10.2 Threatened species

No threatened species were recorded within the range of monitoring sites.

10.11 Rill Assessment

An assessment of rills greater than 30cm in width or depth was undertaken along a 50m transect which was extended from the vegetation transect along the contour of the slope. These dimensions 10cm x 30cm (0.03m2) are considered to be a minimum value of concern according to Nichols (2005). The sum of the cross-sectional areas of some rills recorded in the woodland rehabilitation areas since 2010 are provided in Figure 10-15.

Rilling has been recorded in several rehabilitation sites in the past, however as the sites have stabilised and become well established with vegetative cover, most rills are minor, inactive or have healed over. In site NB4 however, there continued to be one large active rill which was relatively shallow (4cm), but significantly wide (195cm) and provided a total cross-sectional area of 0.78 m2, but the data indicate the size of the rill has been decreasing since 2012.

0.25

0.2

0.15 2010 2011 0.1 2012

sectional area (m2) area sectional 2013 0.05 2014 Cross -

Figure 10-15. Sum of the cross-sectional area of the rills recorded in the woodland rehabilitation sites.

Prepared by DnA Environmental August 2014 52 2014 Bulga Coal Complex Rehabilitation Monitoring Report

10.12 Soil analyses

10.12.1 pH

Figure 10-16 shows the pH recorded in the rehabilitation sites compared to the woodland reference sites and “desirable” range in medium or clay loam soils as prescribed by the agricultural industry for growing introduced pastures and crops.

The local woodlands had low soil pH which ranged from 5.2 – 6.0 and these soils are classified as strongly to moderately acidic (Bruce & Rayment 1982). There has been no consistent trend in changes in pH across the older rehabilitation sites and in most cases any changes have been relatively small and are likely to be the result from inherent site and sampling variations. The most intact rehabilitation site BEL5 continued to have a low pH of 5.51 which was within local pH levels.

The remaining rehabilitation sites had a soil pH which exceeded the local and desirable ranges except site Dam01 which fell within the desirable agricultural range with a pH of 7.17 and was neutral. Rehabilitation sites on the North and South Blakefield and Southern Extension exceed the pH targets with the lowest pH recorded in 7.46 in site SB4 with the pH dropping over the last year and was now classed slightly alkaline. Sites SB5, SB6, SB7 and SB8 were strongly to very strongly alkaline and had soil pH which exceeded pH 8.8 and reached a pH up to 9.17 in SB5.

10 9 8 7

6 5 4

pH (1:5 water) 3 2 1 0

2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 Low desirable range High desirable range

Figure 10-16. Soil pH recorded in the rehabilitation sites compared to the woodland reference sites and desirable agricultural range.

10.12.2 Conductivity

Figure 10-17 shows the Electrical Conductivity (EC) recorded in the rehabilitation sites compared to the woodland reference sites and “desirable” range in medium or clay loam soils as prescribed by the agricultural industry for growing introduced pastures and crops.

EC recorded within the new woodland reference sites ranged between 0.048 – 0.055 dS/cm and were similar to the previous set of reference sites which were also much lower than desirable levels (<0.150 dS/cm) indicating low levels of soluble salts in the local woodlands. Between 2010 and 2013 there appeared to be a declining trend in EC across most of the woodland sites which may be related to

Prepared by DnA Environmental August 2014 53 2014 Bulga Coal Complex Rehabilitation Monitoring Report

slightly higher rainfall activity and subsequent leaching of soluble salts from the soil profile or perhaps having a dilution effect. This year however rainfall has been below average and many of the older rehabilitation areas demonstrated marginal increases in EC, and in SB4 this change was more pronounced.

Most rehabilitation sites had a higher EC than was recorded in the reference sites, but with negligible changes BEL5 and Dam01 remained very close to the local EC targets, while SB1 was within the desirable range with an EC of 0.128 dS/m. The remaining rehabilitation sites on the North and South Blakefield and Southern Extension had EC levels which exceeded the desirable threshold of 0.150 dS/m, with the minimum EC recorded in SB5 with an EC of 0.327 dS/m which can be considered to be slightly saline when converted to ECe, a measure of soil salinity (EC (dS/m) x conversion factor 8.6 in clay loam soils, Slavich and Petterson 1993).

Excessively high EC concentrations were recorded in SB4 with 1.877 dS/m and at these concentrations the soils are extremely saline followed by SB8 with and EC of 0.646 dS/m with these soils being moderately saline.

3.000

2.500

2.000

1.500

1.000

0.500

Electrical conductivity (dS/m) conductivity Electrical 0.000

2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 Desirable (<)

Figure 10-17. Electrical conductivity recorded in the rehabilitation sites compared to the woodland reference sites and desirable agricultural levels.

10.12.3 Organic Matter

Organic Matter (OM) levels in the woodland reference sites ranged between 3.7 – 4.1% with these being slightly lower than the desirable agricultural threshold of 4.5% and reflecting the relatively low fertility levels of the local woodland areas (Figure 10-18).

OM recorded in the older rehabilitation areas has been variable with no consistent trends developing across the range of sites, however numerous sites including SB4 and SB5 have improved OM levels over the last year perhaps due to increased litter cover and rates of decomposition, while other such as BEL5 and Dam01 have had a small decline, due to the loss of topsoil cover as a result of macropod disturbances.

Most sites except NB4 and SB1 had OM levels greater than the reference sites and sites SB4, SB5, SB8 and BEL5 had OM levels that exceeded the minimum desirable threshold. In sites SB5 and SB8, the application of mushroom compost within the soil profile has likely to have resulted in the high OM levels in these sites.

Prepared by DnA Environmental August 2014 54 2014 Bulga Coal Complex Rehabilitation Monitoring Report

10.00 9.00 8.00 7.00

6.00 5.00 4.00 3.00 2.00 Organic Matter (%) Matter Organic 1.00 0.00

2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 Desirable (>)

Figure 10-18. Organic Matter concentrations recorded in the rehabilitation sites compared to the woodland reference sites and desirable agricultural levels.

10.12.4 Phosphorous

Since 2010 Phosphorus (P) levels have been variable across the range of older rehabilitation sites with these fluctuating with rainfall activity and topography and inherent site and sampling variability. This year P in the new woodland reference sites continued to provide a low range of 7 – 10 mg/kg which was well below the agricultural threshold for growing introduced pastures and crops (Figure 10-19).

Sites with a particularly low P concentration included NB4, SB6 and SE1, which had concentrations below the minimum acceptable levels, but most other sites had P concentrations which were within the local woodland limits and/or the desirable agricultural threshold. One site SB8 had P concentrations which greatly exceeded the target ranges with a P concentration of 133 mg/kg, which is likely to be associated with the application of compost as part of the rehabilitation program.

140

120

100

Phosphorous (Colwell (Colwell mg/kg) Phosphorous 0

2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 Desirable

Figure 10-19. Phosphorous concentrations recorded in the rehabilitation sites compared to the woodland reference sites and desirable agricultural levels.

Prepared by DnA Environmental August 2014 55 2014 Bulga Coal Complex Rehabilitation Monitoring Report

10.12.5 Exchangeable Sodium Percentage

Sodicity refers to a significant proportion of Sodium in the soil compared to other cations with soil considered to be sodic when there is sufficient sodium to interfere with its structural stability which often interferes with plant growth. Sodic soils tend to suffer from poor soil structure including hard soil, hardpans, surface crusting and rain pooling on the surface, which can affect water infiltration, drainage, plant growth, cultivation and site accessibility.

There has been no consistent trend in the changes in Exchangeable Sodium Percentage (ESP) in the older rehabilitation sites since 2010 quite variable and erratic changes occurring in some sites which may be associated with rainfall activity and topography and inherent site and sampling variability. This year, there was a relatively large increase in ESP in numerous sites, including NB4, SB5, SB6 and SE1 (Figure 10-20).

The new woodland reference sites provided an ESP range of 2.3 – 4.6% which was higher than in the previous sites, with BM19 nearing the threshold for sodicity. Rehabilitation sites which fell within the natural ESP range included SB4 and Dam01 while BEL5 was just below the 5% threshold. The remaining rehabilitation sites had ESP’s which exceeded the ESP targets but sites NB5 and SB1 were close to target with ESPs of 6.4% and 5.7%. Site NB4, SB6, SB7, SB8 and SE1 had ESPs ranging from 11.0 – 26.2% and at these levels are considered to be sodic to highly sodic (Isbell 1996).

30.0

25.0

20.0

15.0

10.0

5.0

0.0 Exchangeable Sodium percentage (%) percentage Sodium Exchangeable

2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 Desirable (<)

Figure 10-20. ESP recorded in the rehabilitation sites compared to the woodland reference sites and desirable agricultural levels.

10.12.6 Other soil test results

The full results of the soil analysis are provided in Appendix 3 but a summarised version highlighting elevated levels of various elements and heavy metals is provided in Table 10-6. The results indicate there are numerous elements which occur at elevated levels within the rehabilitation sites but some of these also have been recorded at elevated levels within the reference sites suggesting various

Prepared by DnA Environmental August 2014 56 2014 Bulga Coal Complex Rehabilitation Monitoring Report elements and heavy metals can occur at “naturally” high levels around the Bulga Complex and may be implicated with the long agricultural disturbances and mining history of the area.

In particular high (yellow) to significantly high (brown) levels of Magnesium, Potassium, Sulfur and Iron were frequently recorded across the range of rehabilitation sites, while Calcium concentrations were also very high on the South Blakefield Waste Emplacement.

In all but one (SB1) rehabilitation sites on the North and South Blakefield Waste Emplacements there were very high (red) to significantly high (brown) concentrations of Sulfur with site SB4 having excessively highly Sulfur concentrations which were over 200 times the appropriate concentrations.

While Iron concentrations were also elevated in the woodland reference sites and in BEL5, Sulfur concentrations were not. With the combination of these elements at such elevated and potentially toxic levels may have the capacity to limit plant growth and full ecosystem development. Future monitoring of these and other rehabilitation areas is likely to determine the rate of ecosystem development and the level of amelioration or management intervention required.

Prepared by DnA Environmental August 2014 57 2014 Bulga Coal Complex Rehabilitation Monitoring Report

Table 10-6. Summarised soil analyses highlighting elevated concentrations of various elements and heavy metals in the woodland monitoring sites in 2014. Indicative Method Nutrient Units NB4 NB5 SB1 SB4 SB5 SB6 SB7 SB8 DAM01 Bel5 SE1 BM18 BM19 BM20 Guidelines Calcium Ca 445 1223 732 4032 2471 990 1172 2689 1269 263 755 510 297 392 750 Magnesium Mg 467 558 468 433 263 576 539 824 547 255 681 384 107 91 105 Morgan 1 mg/kg Potassium K 89 133 109 156 132 103 148 445 123 108 88 100 107 129 75 Phosphorus P 1.4 7.6 2.6 41.3 2.2 1.3 5.5 23.2 2.3 1.8 1.4 2.1 1.5 2.0 12 KCl Sulfur S mg/kg 269.3 177.4 11.8 1644.8 96.3 95.8 167.9 109.4 11.5 11.4 31.1 10.9 11.1 8.9 8.0 Zinc Zn 1.2 3.0 1.5 4.1 6.3 4.6 4.4 20.8 1.1 2.9 1.5 4.0 2.8 2.8 5.0 DTPA mg/kg Iron Fe 47 32 38 22 23 20 30 56 33 705 31 80 457 342 22 Total Acid Chromium Cr mg/kg 7 7 9 6 5 6 5 7 27 26 8 12 7 9 <25 Extractable Purple = Exceptionally high; Brown = Significantly High; Red = Very high; Yellow = Moderately high; Green = Slightly high

Prepared by DnA Environmental August 2014 58 2014 Bulga Coal Complex Rehabilitation Monitoring Report

10.13 Woodland rehabilitation site performance towards meeting ecological targets

Table 10-7 indicates the performance of the rehabilitation monitoring sites against a selection of proposed Primary and Secondary Performance Indicators developed for woodland communities during the 2014 monitoring period. The selection of indicators has been presented in order of ecosystem successional processes, beginning with landform establishment (orange) and ending with indicators of ecosystem stability (blue). The range values will be amended annually.

Rehabilitation sites meeting or exceeding the range values of their representative community type have been identified with a shaded colour box and have therefore been deemed to have met the respective ecological target. In the case of “growth medium development”, upper and lower soil property indicators are also based on results obtained from the respective reference sites sampled in 2014. In some cases, the site may not fall within ranges based on these data, but may be within “desirable” levels as prescribed by the agricultural industry. If this scenario occurs, the rehabilitation site has been identified using a striped shaded box to indicate that it falls within “desirable” ranges but does not fall within specified targets using the adopted methodology.

Table 10-7. Performance of the woodland rehabilitation monitoring sites against a selection of proposed Primary and Secondary Performance Indicators.

Aspect or Secondary Woodland Rehabilitation Ecological Performance Primary Performance Units ecosystem Performance ecosystem range SE1 SB1 SB4 SB5 SB6 SB7 SB8 NB4 NB5

Phase Targets Indicators Indicators (desirable) BEL5 component Indicators 2014 DAM01

Performance indicators are quantified by the range of values obtained from replicated reference sites and these are amended Lower Upper 2014 2014 2014 2014 2014 2014 2014 2014 2014 2014 2014 annually Phase2: Landform Landform is Slope Landform is generally Landform slope, designed compatible within the establishment gradient accordingly context of the local and stability and suitable topography and final for final landform design. Degrees 4 10 14 0 12 1 10 6 0 0 8 4 14 landuse (<14°)

Active Areas of No. Number of gullies or erosion active Rills/Gullies rills >0.3m in width or erosion are depth in a 50m transect limited are limited and stabilising No. 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Cross- Provides an sectional assessment of the area of rills extent of soil loss due to gully and rill m2 0 0 0.078 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 erosion and that it is limited and/or is stabilising

Prepared by DnA Environmental August 2014 59 2014 Bulga Coal Complex Rehabilitation Monitoring Report

Aspect or Secondary Woodland Rehabilitation Ecological Performance Primary Performance Units ecosystem Performance ecosystem range SE1 SB1 SB4 SB5 SB6 SB7 SB8 NB4 NB5

Phase Targets Indicators Indicators (desirable) BEL5 component Indicators 2014 DAM01

Phase 3: Soil Soil pH pH is typical of that of Growth chemical, properties the surrounding medium physical are suitable landscape or falls within pH development properties for the desirable ranges 5.2 6.0 7.58 7.85 7.79 7.46 9.17 9.05 8.8 8.91 7.2 5.5 7.83 (5.6-7.3) and establishmen provided by the amelioratio t and agricultural industry n maintenance of selected EC Electrical vegetation Conductivity is species typical of that of the surrounding < dS/cm landscape or fall 0.048 0.055 0.516 0.381 0.128 1.877 0.327 0.330 0.486 0.646 0.069 0.061 0.288 (<0.150) within desirable ranges provided by the agricultural industry Organic Organic Carbon levels Matter are typical of that of the surrounding landscape, increasing or fall within % (>4.5) 3.7 4.1 2.2 3.9 3.1 4.7 9.7 3.8 4.0 10.2 4.2 5.3 3.5 desirable ranges provided by the agricultural industry

Phosphorous Available Phosphorus is typical of that of the surrounding landscape or fall within desirable mg/kg (50) 7.5 10.3 4.4 29.9 9.3 46.1 9.7 4.4 16.8 133.1 7.8 11.5 6.2 ranges provided by the agricultural industry

Nitrate Nitrate levels are typical of that of the surrounding landscape or fall mg/kg within desirable 0.6 1.0 0.4 0.2 2.8 2.4 1.8 0.6 3.4 41.8 2.6 1.8 12.6 (>12.5) ranges provided by the agricultural industry

CEC Cation Exchange Capacity is typical of that of the surrounding Cmol+/kg landscape or fall 5.1 11.5 14.2 17.0 13.2 31.6 20.3 15.9 16.9 27.2 24.8 6.8 16.2 (>14) within desirable ranges provided by the agricultural industry

Prepared by DnA Environmental August 2014 60 2014 Bulga Coal Complex Rehabilitation Monitoring Report

Aspect or Secondary Woodland Rehabilitation Ecological Performance Primary Performance Units ecosystem Performance ecosystem range SE1 SB1 SB4 SB5 SB6 SB7 SB8 NB4 NB5

Phase Targets Indicators Indicators (desirable) BEL5 component Indicators 2014 DAM01

ESP Exchangeable Sodium Percentage (a measure of sodicity) is typical of that of the surrounding % (<5) 2.3 4.6 26.2 6.4 5.7 3.0 13.0 19.7 19.7 16.8 2.4 4.8 11.0 landscape or fall within desirable ranges provided by the agricultural industry Phase 4: Landform Landform is LFA Stability The LFA stability index Ecosystem& function functional is comparable to or Landuse and trending towards the Establishment performing as local remnant % 77 84.8 70.1 75.5 71.1 75.2 69.0 62.7 57.2 57.4 72.5 71.0 69.2 it was vegetation designed to do LFA The Landscape Landscape Organisation Index is organisation comparable to the local % 100 100 100 100 98 100 100 41 88 48 100 100 80 remnant vegetation

Vegetation Vegetation Diversity of The diversity of shrubs diversity contains a shrubs and and juvenile trees with diversity of juvenile trees a stem diameter <5cm species is comparable to the species/area 2 4 1 5 14 3 0 2 5 5 5 8 9 comparable local remnant to the local vegetation. remnant vegetation % Endemic The percentage of shrubs and shrubs and juvenile juvenile trees trees with a stem diameter <5cm dbh which are local endemic % population 59 100 100 46 96 100 0 100 89 100 88 100 100 species and these percentages are comparable to the local remnant vegetation Total species The total number of richness live plant species provides an indication of the floristic diversity of No./area 48 54 26 28 43 14 11 23 27 24 41 76 44 the site and is comparable to the local remnant vegetation

Prepared by DnA Environmental August 2014 61 2014 Bulga Coal Complex Rehabilitation Monitoring Report

Aspect or Secondary Woodland Rehabilitation Ecological Performance Primary Performance Units ecosystem Performance ecosystem range SE1 SB1 SB4 SB5 SB6 SB7 SB8 NB4 NB5

Phase Targets Indicators Indicators (desirable) BEL5 component Indicators 2014 DAM01

Native The total number of species live native plant richness species provides an indication of the native plant diversity >No./area 40 42 6 4 29 4 1 4 7 8 24 54 23 of the site and that it is greater than or comparable to the local remnant vegetation Exotic The total number of live species exotic plant species richness provides an indication of the exotic plant

Prepared by DnA Environmental August 2014 62 2014 Bulga Coal Complex Rehabilitation Monitoring Report

Aspect or Secondary Woodland Rehabilitation Ecological Performance Primary Performance Units ecosystem Performance ecosystem range SE1 SB1 SB4 SB5 SB6 SB7 SB8 NB4 NB5

Phase Targets Indicators Indicators (desirable) BEL5 component Indicators 2014 DAM01

Herbs The number of herbs or forb species comprising the vegetation No./area 17 20 18 16 17 4 5 12 13 11 20 40 21 community is within 70% of the local remnant vegetation Grass The number of grass species comprising the vegetation community No./area 8 11 4 4 6 5 5 6 6 7 11 16 10 is within 70% of the local remnant vegetation Reeds The number of reed, sedge or rush species comprising the vegetation No./area 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 community is comparable to the local remnant vegetation Vines The number of vines or climbing species comprising the vegetation No./area 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 community is comparable to the local remnant vegetation Ferns The number of ferns comprising the vegetation community is No./area 1 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 comparable to the local remnant vegetation Cactus The number of cactus comprising the vegetation community is No./area 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 comparable to the local remnant vegetation Phase 5: Landform Landform is LFA LFA infiltration index is Ecosystem & function functional Infiltration comparable to or Landuse and trending towards that of Development performing as the local remnant % 44.2 59.4 46.0 37.6 44.7 52.3 45.4 31.8 27.4 28.6 45.4 49.4 39.4 it was vegetation designed to do

Prepared by DnA Environmental August 2014 63 2014 Bulga Coal Complex Rehabilitation Monitoring Report

Aspect or Secondary Woodland Rehabilitation Ecological Performance Primary Performance Units ecosystem Performance ecosystem range SE1 SB1 SB4 SB5 SB6 SB7 SB8 NB4 NB5

Phase Targets Indicators Indicators (desirable) BEL5 component Indicators 2014 DAM01

LFA Nutrient LFA nutrient recycling recycling index is comparable to or trending towards that of the local remnant % 48.3 56.1 47.0 41.3 43.9 55.6 43.2 30.3 29.9 26 46.7 50.3 41.6 vegetation

Protective Ground layer Litter cover Percent ground ground contains cover provided by cover protective dead plant material ground cover is comparable to the % 42 64 47 28.5 59.5 38 25 18 70 8.5 10 54 38 and habitat local remnant structure vegetation comparable with the local Annual plants Percent ground remnant cover provided by vegetation live annual plants is less than or <% 0 1 9.5 2 1 0.5 0 0.5 5 2 63 0.5 4 comparable to the local remnant vegetation Cryptogam Percent ground cover cover provided by cryptogams (eg mosses, lichens) is % 0 15 3.5 7 6.5 0 0 0 8.5 4.5 1 15 12.5 comparable of the local remnant vegetation Rock Percent ground cover provided by stones or rocks (> 5cm diameter) is % 0 1 0 0.5 0 0 0 1 1.5 4.5 0 0 6.5 comparable to the local remnant vegetation Log Percent ground cover provided by fallen branches and logs (>5cm) is % 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 comparable of the local remnant vegetation Bare ground Percentage of bare ground is less than or comparable to the local remnant < % 0 0 10 4.5 0 0.5 0 6 9 35 10 3 4.5 vegetation

Prepared by DnA Environmental August 2014 64 2014 Bulga Coal Complex Rehabilitation Monitoring Report

Aspect or Secondary Woodland Rehabilitation Ecological Performance Primary Performance Units ecosystem Performance ecosystem range SE1 SB1 SB4 SB5 SB6 SB7 SB8 NB4 NB5

Phase Targets Indicators Indicators (desirable) BEL5 component Indicators 2014 DAM01

Perennial Percent ground cover plant cover (< provided by live 0.5m) perennial vegetation (<0.5m in height) is comparable of the local % 21 55 30 57.5 33 61 75 74.5 6 45.5 16 27.5 34.5 remnant vegetation

Total Ground Total groundcover is Cover the sum of protective ground cover components (as described above) and % 100 100 90 95.5 100 99.5 100 94 91 65 90 97 95.5 that it is comparable of the local remnant vegetation

Ground Vegetation Native The abundance of cover contains a understorey native species per diversity diversity of abundance square metre averaged species per across the site is within square meter 70% of the local > species/m2 5.7 8.4 1 1 1.2 0 0.8 0.8 0.4 1.4 4 7.6 2.6 comparable remnant vegetation to that of the local remnant vegetation Exotic The abundance of understorey exotic species per abundance square metre averaged across the site has less than or < species/m2 0.2 1.6 6.4 7.2 3.4 2.2 1.2 4 4 2.8 4.8 2.4 4.2 an equal number of native species as the local remnant vegetation

Native Native Percent The percent ground ground ground cover ground cover cover abundance of cover abundance is provided by native species (<0.5m) abundance comparable native compared to exotic to that of the vegetation species is comparable local remnant <0.5m tall to the 70% target 18.60 75.86 % 64 69 7.8 19.3 0 19.5 21.5 10.7 33.3 38.0 33.3 vegetation provided by the 465 207 reference sites and demonstrating a sustained positive trend towards target values

Prepared by DnA Environmental August 2014 65 2014 Bulga Coal Complex Rehabilitation Monitoring Report

Aspect or Secondary Woodland Rehabilitation Ecological Performance Primary Performance Units ecosystem Performance ecosystem range SE1 SB1 SB4 SB5 SB6 SB7 SB8 NB4 NB5

Phase Targets Indicators Indicators (desirable) BEL5 component Indicators 2014 DAM01

Ecosystem The shrubs and The number of shrubs growth and vegetation is juvenile trees or juvenile trees <0.5m natural maturing 0 - 0.5m in in height provides an recruitment and/or height indication of natural establishment success No./area 16 23 1 13 5 7 0 4 9 47 0 231 18 recruitment is and/or natural occurring at ecosystem recruitment rates similar and that it is to those of comparable to the local the local remnant vegetation remnant shrubs and The number of vegetation juvenile trees shrubs or juvenile 0.5 - 1m in trees 0.5-1m in height height provides an indication of establishment success, growth No./area 9 17 1 0 9 0 0 0 0 0 2 89 45 and/or natural ecosystem recruitment and that it is comparable to the local remnant vegetation shrubs and The number of juvenile trees shrubs or juvenile 1 - 1.5m in trees 1-1.5m in height height provides an indication of establishment success, growth No./area 2 15 1 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 12 44 and/or natural ecosystem recruitment and that it is comparable to the local remnant vegetation shrubs and The number of juvenile trees shrubs or juvenile 1.5 - 2m in trees 1.5-2m in height height provides an indication of establishment success, growth No./area 1 9 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 13 and/or natural ecosystem recruitment and that it is comparable to the local remnant vegetation

Prepared by DnA Environmental August 2014 66 2014 Bulga Coal Complex Rehabilitation Monitoring Report

Aspect or Secondary Woodland Rehabilitation Ecological Performance Primary Performance Units ecosystem Performance ecosystem range SE1 SB1 SB4 SB5 SB6 SB7 SB8 NB4 NB5

Phase Targets Indicators Indicators (desirable) BEL5 component Indicators 2014 DAM01

shrubs and The number of juvenile trees shrubs or juvenile >2m in height trees >2m in height provides an indication of establishment success, growth No./area 11 32 0 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 2 17 44 and/or natural ecosystem recruitment and that it is comparable to the local remnant vegetation Ecosystem The Foliage cover Projected foliage cover structure vegetation is 0.5 - 2 m provided by perennial developing plants in the 0.5 - 2m vertical vertical height stratum % cover 0 11 13.5 10.5 8 0 0 10 0 0 3 12 8 structure and indicates the complexity community structure is comparable comparable to the local to the local remnant vegetation remnant Foliage cover Projected foliage vegetation 2 - 4m cover provided by perennial plants in the 2 - 4m vertical height stratum % cover 6 13 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 10 0 indicates the community structure is comparable to the local remnant vegetation Foliage cover Projected foliage 4 - 6m cover provided by perennial plants in the 4 -6m vertical height stratum % cover 12 24 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 13 0 indicates the community structure is comparable to the local remnant vegetation Foliage cover Projected foliage cover >6m provided by perennial plants > 6m vertical height stratum indicates % cover 20 40 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 18 0 the community structure is comparable to the local remnant vegetation

Prepared by DnA Environmental August 2014 67 2014 Bulga Coal Complex Rehabilitation Monitoring Report

Aspect or Secondary Woodland Rehabilitation Ecological Performance Primary Performance Units ecosystem Performance ecosystem range SE1 SB1 SB4 SB5 SB6 SB7 SB8 NB4 NB5

Phase Targets Indicators Indicators (desirable) BEL5 component Indicators 2014 DAM01

Tree Vegetation Tree diversity The diversity of diversity contains a trees or shrubs with diversity of a stem diameter maturing tree >5cm is comparable and shrubs to the local remnant species/area 2 3 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 2 2 2 species vegetation. Species comparable used in rehabilitation to the local will be endemic to remnant the local area vegetation The percentage of maturing trees and shrubs with a stem diameter >5cm dbh which are local endemic % 100 100 0 0 100 0 0 0 0 0 100 100 100 species and these percentages are comparable to the local remnant vegetation Tree density Vegetation Tree density The density of contains a shrubs or trees with density of a stem diameter > No./area 25 56 0 0 7 0 0 0 0 0 5 26 4 maturing tree 5cm is comparable and shrubs to the local remnant species vegetation comparable Average dbh Average tree to that of the diameter of the tree local remnant population provides vegetation a measure of age, (height) and growth cm 10 12 0 0 10 0 0 0 0 0 7 11 6 rate and that it is trending towards the local remnant vegetation. Ecosystem The Live trees The percentage of the health vegetation is tree population which in a condition are live individuals and comparable that the percentage is % population 100 100 0 0 100 0 0 0 0 0 100 100 100 to the local comparable to the local remnant remnant vegetation vegetation. Healthy trees The percentage of the tree population which are in healthy condition and that the percentage is % population 20 48 0 0 100 0 0 0 0 0 100 38.5 100 comparable to the local remnant vegetation

Prepared by DnA Environmental August 2014 68 2014 Bulga Coal Complex Rehabilitation Monitoring Report

Aspect or Secondary Woodland Rehabilitation Ecological Performance Primary Performance Units ecosystem Performance ecosystem range SE1 SB1 SB4 SB5 SB6 SB7 SB8 NB4 NB5

Phase Targets Indicators Indicators (desirable) BEL5 component Indicators 2014 DAM01

Medium The percentage of health the tree population which are in a medium health condition and that % population 44 76 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 61.5 0 the percentage is comparable to the local remnant vegetation Advanced The percentage of dieback the tree population which are in a state of advanced dieback <% and that the 4 9 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 population percentage is less than or comparable to the local remnant vegetation Dead Trees The percentage of the tree population which are dead (stags) and that the <% 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 percentage is less population than or comparable to the local remnant vegetation Mistletoe The percentage of the tree population which have mistletoe provides an indication of community health % population 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 and habitat value and that the percentage is comparable to the local remnant vegetation Flowers/fruit: The presence of Trees reproductive structures such as buds, flowers or fruit provides evidence that the ecosystem is maturing, % population 0 2 0 0 14.3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 capable of recruitment and can provide habitat resources comparable to the local remnant vegetation

Prepared by DnA Environmental August 2014 69 2014 Bulga Coal Complex Rehabilitation Monitoring Report

11 Pasture rehabilitation sites: Ecological trends and performance against a selection of primary ecological performance indicators 11.1 Landscape Function Analyses

11.1.1 Landscape Organisation

Both grassland reference sites contained high patch area with no bare areas where resources could be lost and scored a Landscape Organisation Index (LOI) of 100% (Figure 11-1). In the rehabilitation site BEL3, there was also high patch area which continued to meet the LOI target.

100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10

Landscape Organisation Index (%) Index Organisation Landscape 0 BEL3 RPast01 RPast04 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

Figure 11-1. Landscape organisation indices recorded in the pasture rehabilitation site compared to the pasture reference sites.

11.1.2 Soil surface assessments

11.1.2.1 Stability

The existing pasture reference site (RPast01) has continued to show a gradual improvement in site stability probably due to the maintenance of good perennial plant and cryptogam cover with increasing litter levels resulting in high decomposition rates and the formation of a spongy humus layer. The new pasture reference sites had been subjected to a long and current grazing regime and had lower covers of perennial vegetation and a litter layer which was less developed, resulting in patches of soil which were hard and crusted but cryptogams were very common to abundant. Neither reference site had evidence of erosion or deposition and the soils were very stable, providing a LFA stability target of 72.8 – 76.5.

Prepared by DnA Environmental August 2014 70 2014 Bulga Coal Complex Rehabilitation Monitoring Report

The rehabilitated pasture site BEL3 also contained high perennial plant covers with characteristics similar to both reference sites and with a score of 76.5, had a stability which was similar to the local native pastures (Figure 11-2).

100 90 80 70 2010 60 2011 50 2012 40 2013 LFA indexLFA 30 2014 20 10 0 BEL3 RPast01 RPast04

Figure 11-2. LFA stability indices recorded in the pasture rehabilitation monitoring site compared to the pasture reference sites.

11.1.2.2 Infiltration

There were similar trends in infiltration with the reference sites providing a target range of 46.4 – 61.7. In site BEL3 there was also a gradual increase in infiltration capacity and with a score of 48.0, site BEL3 fell within the local infiltration levels (Figure 11-3).

100 90 80 70 2010 60 2011 50 2012

LFA IndexLFA 40 2013 30 2014 20 10 0 BEL3 RPast01 RPast04

Figure 11-3. LFA infiltration indices recorded in the pasture rehabilitation monitoring site compared to the pasture reference sites.

Prepared by DnA Environmental August 2014 71 2014 Bulga Coal Complex Rehabilitation Monitoring Report

11.1.2.3 Nutrient recycling

Similar trends were also observed in nutrient recycling capacity with the reference sites providing a target of 45.9 – 58.0 (Figure 11-4). With a score of 49.9, site BEL3 fell has a nutrient recycling capacity which was within those of the local grasslands.

100 90 80 70 2010 60 2011 50 2012

LFA IndexLFA 40 2013 30 2014 20 10 0 BEL3 RPast01 RPast04

Figure 11-4. LFA nutrient indices recorded in the pasture rehabilitation monitoring site compared to the pasture reference sites.

11.1.3 LFA Summary

In summary, the rehabilitated pasture site was an ecologically functional area with similar stability, infiltration and nutrient recycling capacity as the local [grazed] native grasslands and has shown a gradual improvement in functionality as the litter and topsoil layers further develop. Some examples of the different ground covers in the pasture monitoring sites are provided in Table 11-1.

Table 11-1. Ground covers occurring within the pasture monitoring sites in 2014. BEL3(1): Dense cover of perennial grasses and well developed BEL3(2): Moderate cover of perennial grasses and cryptogams litter layer colonising the crusted soils

Prepared by DnA Environmental August 2014 72 2014 Bulga Coal Complex Rehabilitation Monitoring Report

RPast01: Dense cover of perennial native grasses, well RPast04: Variable cover of perennial and annual plants, developed litter layer and abundance cryptogams developing litter layer with cryptogams colonising the crusted soils

11.2 Total ground cover

Total ground cover, which is a combination of leaf litter, annual plants, cryptogams, rocks, logs and live perennial plants (<0.5m in height) remained high in the pasture reference sites and 100% cover continued to be recorded in both sites (Figure 11-5). In BEL3, there was also 100% total ground cover this year.

100

99.5

98.5 2010 98 2011

97.5 2012 2013 % Ground Cover % Cover Ground 97 2014 96.5

95.5 BEL3 RPast01 RPast04

Figure 11-5. Total ground cover recorded in the rehabilitation sites compared to the pasture reference sites.

11.3 Structural composition

The structural composition recorded in the pasture monitoring sites in 2014 is provided in Figure 11-6. Perennial plant cover (<0.5m in height) provided 49 – 65.5% of the ground cover on average in the reference sites and with 57%, site BEL3 fell within this target range. BEL3 also contained similar proportions of dead litter cover and 11.5% of scattered annual weeds, however almost twice as many annuals were recorded in RPast04. There was little to no contributions from cryptogams, rocks or logs within any of the pasture sites, despite their high abundance along the LFA transect as most cryptogams were covered beneath the grasses and litter covers.

Prepared by DnA Environmental August 2014 73 2014 Bulga Coal Complex Rehabilitation Monitoring Report

Due to the taller grass tussocks, there was some projected foliage cover 0.5 – 2.0m in height in BEL3 and in RPast04.

100% 90% Perennial 80% <0.5m

Bare 70% 60% Log

50% Rock 40% Cryptogam 30% Annuals

Percent Cover Ground Percent 20% 10% Litter 0% BEL3 RPast01 RPast04

Figure 11-6. Average percent ground cover recorded in the pasture monitoring sites in 2014.

11.4 Floristic diversity

Due to the reduction in the total monitoring area from 20x50m to 20x20m this year a reduction in species diversity is likely and to be expected.

11.4.1 Total species diversity

In the existing pasture reference site there has been no change in total floristic diversity over the past year despite the reduction in monitoring area and provided a minimum target of 48 species and there were 54 species recorded in RPast04. Floristic diversity in BEL3 did however demonstrate a significant reduction, probably due to the reduced monitoring area and with 27 species, did not meet total diversity targets or even 70% of the total diversity targets this year.

Prepared by DnA Environmental August 2014 74 2014 Bulga Coal Complex Rehabilitation Monitoring Report

40 2010 2011 30 2012 No. Species No. 20 2013 2014 10

0 BEL3 RPast01 RPast04

Figure 11-7. Total species diversity recorded in the pasture sites.

11.4.2 Exotic species diversity

In the reference sites there were 16 - 27 exotic species, and while native species were more numerous than exotics in RPast01, there were an equal quantity in RPast04. In BEL3, 16 exotic species were recorded this year and this was within an acceptable diversity range (Figure 11-8).

30 2010 25 2011 20 2012 No. Species No. 15 2013 2014 10

0 BEL3 RPast01 RPast04

Figure 11-8. Exotic species diversity recorded in the pasture sites.

11.5 Percent endemic ground cover

The percent endemic ground cover is an ecological indicator which provides a measure of the cover abundance of the native vegetation and the overall weediness of the site. In the pasture reference sites native species provided 59.2 – 85.9% of the total live plant cover. In BEL3, there was 25.4% native plant cover, indicating the site was weedier than desired, but much of the live vegetation can be attributed to exotic pasture species which were sown under past rehabilitation regimes.

Prepared by DnA Environmental August 2014 75 2014 Bulga Coal Complex Rehabilitation Monitoring Report

100 90 80 70 60 2012 50 2013 40 2014 30

% Endemic Ground Cover Cover % Ground Endemic 20 10 0 BEL3 RPast01 RPast04

Figure 11-9. Percent endemic ground cover recorded in the pasture monitoring sites.

11.6 Vegetation composition

The composition of the vegetation as categorised by nine different growth forms is given in Figure 11-10. The reference sites are largely dominated by herbs (27 - 34 species) and both contained 14 grasses and three species of sub-shrub. There may also have been up to two reed species and two fern species. RPast01 contained one tree species, which was Angophora floribunda (Rough-barked Apple) seedling which had naturally regenerated from a nearby tree.

This year BEL3 did not contain the desired diversity of herbs or grasses even at the 70% level, but continued to have similar representation of reed and fern species.

30 No. Species

0 BEL3 RPast01 RPast04

Trees Shrubs Sub-shrubs Herbs Grass Reeds Vines Ferns Cactus

Figure 11-10. Composition of the vegetation recorded at the rehabilitation site compared to the pasture reference sites in 2014.

Prepared by DnA Environmental August 2014 76 2014 Bulga Coal Complex Rehabilitation Monitoring Report

11.7 Most abundant species

The most abundant or dominant species recorded in the pasture monitoring sites this year are provided in Table 11-2. The most abundant species were those that collectively summed to a Braun-blanquet total of 10 or more from the five replicated sub-plots along the vegetation transect. The maximum score that can be obtained by an individual species is 30.

The most abundant species in the reference sites were the native grasses Bothriochloa decipiens, Cymbopogon refractus, Chloris ventricosa, Microlaena stipoides and Sporobolus creber, while various (and unidentified) Trifolium species were abundant in the more disturbed RPast04 site. In BEL3, the exotic perennial Setaria sphacelata was the most dominant species.

Table 11-2. The most abundant species recorded in the pasture monitoring sites in 2014.

Scientific Name Common Name BEL3 RPast01 RPast04

*Setaria sphacelata South African Pigeon Grass 25 Aristida ramosa Threeawn Grass 15 Bothriochloa decipiens Redgrass 13 13 Cymbopogon refractus Barbed-wire Grass 14 *Trifolium spp. A Clover 11 Chloris ventricosa Tall Windmill Grass 12 Microlaena stipoides Weeping Rice-grass 15 Sporobolus creber Western Rat's-tail Gras 11

11.8 Rill Assessment

No rills of concern have been recorded in BEL3 in any monitoring year.

11.9 Soil analyses

11.9.1 pH

Figure 11-11 shows the pH recorded in the pasture rehabilitation site BEL3 compared to the pasture reference sites and “desirable” range in medium or clay loam soils as prescribed by the agricultural industry for growing introduced pastures and crops. There has been negligible change in the existing pasture reference site RPast01 and a negligible increase in BEL3 since 2010, with the new target range being 5.75 – 6.18 with the soils being slightly to moderately acidic but within the desirable ranges. With a soil pH of 6.96, pH in BEL3 exceeded that recorded in the local pastures but was neutral and remained within desirable agricultural ranges.

Prepared by DnA Environmental August 2014 77 2014 Bulga Coal Complex Rehabilitation Monitoring Report

10 9 8 7

6 5 4

pH (1:5 water) 3 2 1 0 BEL3 RPast01 RPast04 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 Low desirable range High desirable range

Figure 11-11.Soil pH recorded in the pasture rehabilitation site compared to the pasture reference sites and desirable agricultural levels.

11.9.2 Conductivity

Figure 11-12 shows the Electrical Conductivity (EC) recorded in the rehabilitation sites compared to the pasture reference sites as well as “desirable” agricultural levels in medium or clay loam soils. In BEL3 and RPast01, there has been a declining trend in EC over the past four years but these reductions have been relatively minor.

Despite the change of sites, EC ranges recorded within the pasture reference sites continued to be much lower than desirable levels (<0.150 dS/cm) indicating low levels of soluble salts and low soil salinity in the local grazing pastures. This year the EC range was 0.042 – 0.050 dS/cm in the pasture reference sites. In BEL3, the EC was 0.073 dS/cm) and while it exceeded local concentrations they were non saline and remained well within the agricultural standards.

0.300

0.250

0.200

0.150

0.100

0.050 Electrical conductivity (dS/m) conductivity Electrical

0.000 BEL3 RPast01 RPast04 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 Desirable (<)

Figure 11-12. Electrical Conductivity recorded in the rehabilitation site compared to the pasture reference sites and desirable levels.

Prepared by DnA Environmental August 2014 78 2014 Bulga Coal Complex Rehabilitation Monitoring Report

11.9.3 Organic Matter

Organic Matter (OM) levels within the existing monitoring sites BEL3 and RPast01 have shown a significant reduction this year which could be related to inherent site and sampling variation but could also be implicated with the prolonged dry conditions. This year OM concentrations in the reference sites were much lower and with a range of 2.7 – 3.4%, fell below the desirable threshold reflecting the low soil fertility of the local grazing pastures. Site BEL3 had 2.8% OM which was similar to the reference sites (Figure 11-13).

10.00 9.00 8.00 7.00 6.00 5.00 4.00 3.00 Organic Matter (%) Matter Organic 2.00 1.00 0.00 BEL3 RPast01 RPast04

2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 Desirable (>)

Figure 11-13.Organic Matter concentrations recorded in the rehabilitation site compared to pasture reference sites and desirable agricultural levels.

11.9.4 Phosphorous

Since 2010, Phosphorous (P) levels in BEL3 and RPast01 have fluctuated but have continued to be significantly lower than the desirable agricultural level. This year, local P ranges were 6 – 9 mg/kg (Figure 11-14) and continued to reflect the low fertility status of the native grasslands in the local area. In BEL3, P concentrations were slightly low with 5 mg/kg.

Prepared by DnA Environmental August 2014 79 2014 Bulga Coal Complex Rehabilitation Monitoring Report

70.0

60.0

50.0

40.0

30.0

20.0

Phosphorous (Colwell (Colwell mg/kg) Phosphorous 10.0

0.0 BEL3 RPast01 RPast04 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 Desirable

Figure 11-14. Phosphorous concentrations recorded in the rehabilitation site compared to the pasture reference sites and desirable agricultural levels.

11.9.5 Exchangeable Sodium Percentage

Sodicity refers to a significant proportion of Sodium in soil compared to other cations with soil considered to be sodic when there is sufficient sodium to interfere with its structural stability which often interferes with plant growth. Sodic soils tend to suffer from poor soil structure including hard soil, hardpans, surface crusting and rain pooling on the surface, which can affect water infiltration, drainage, plant growth, cultivation and site accessibility.

The new reference target range continued to be lower than the agricultural threshold and this year provided a target of 1.2 – 3.3% (Figure 11-15). ESP recorded in BEL3 has shown little change and with an ESP of 1.4% remained within the natural ESP range indicating the soils are non sodic and have a limited capacity to disperse.

6.00

5.00

4.00

3.00

2.00

1.00

Exchangeable Sodium percentage (%) percentage Sodium Exchangeable 0.00 BEL3 RPast01 RPast04 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 Desirable (<)

Figure 11-15. ESP recorded in the rehabilitation site compared to the pasture reference sites and desirable agricultural levels.

Prepared by DnA Environmental August 2014 80 2014 Bulga Coal Complex Rehabilitation Monitoring Report

11.9.6 Other soil test results

The full results of the soil analysis are provided in Appendix 3 and 4 but a summarised version highlighting abnormal results recorded in the pasture monitoring sites provided in Table 11-3 which has also included the two riparian reference sites BM23 and BM24 for comparison.

The results indicate there are numerous elements which occur at slightly (green) to moderately (yellow) elevated levels in BEL3 the pasture rehabilitation site however most of these have also been recorded at elevated levels within the pasture and riparian reference sites suggesting various elements and heavy metals may naturally occur at high levels around the Bulga Complex and may be the result of the long agricultural disturbance and mining history of the area. In particular Iron concentrations were moderately to significantly high in all four reference sites, but these were only slightly high in BEL3.

Table 11-3. Summarised soil analyses highlighting elevated concentrations of various elements and heavy metals in the pasture (and riparian reference) monitoring sites in 2014.

BM23 BM24 Indicative Method Nutrient Units Bel3 RPast01 RPast04 (riparian) (riparian) guidelines

Calcium Ca 741 590 923 436 497 750 Magnesium Mg 382 415 121 186 408 105 Morgan 1 mg/kg Potassium K 142 126 55 82 160 75 Phosphorus P 1.9 1.9 3.3 2.2 2.5 12 KCl Sulfur S mg/kg 14.0 4.9 7.8 14.4 15.7 8.0 Zinc Zn 1.8 2.2 1.3 1.8 3.6 5.0 DTPA mg/kg Iron Fe 46 71 96 235 192 22 Total Acid Chromium Cr mg/kg 6 15 13 8 7 <25 Cr Extractable Purple = Exceptionally high; Brown = Significantly High; Red = Very high; Yellow = Moderately high; Green = Slightly high

Prepared by DnA Environmental August 2014 81 2014 Bulga Coal Complex Rehabilitation Monitoring Report

11.10 Pasture rehabilitation site performance towards meeting ecological targets

Table 11-4 indicates the performance of the rehabilitation monitoring site against a selection of proposed Primary and Secondary Performance Indicators developed for pasture sites during the 2014 monitoring period. The selection of indicators have been presented in order of ecosystem successional processes, beginning with landform establishment (orange) and ending with indicators of ecosystem stability (blue). The range values will be amended annually.

Rehabilitation sites meeting or exceeding the range values of their representative community type have been identified with a shaded colour box and are therefore deemed to have met the respective ecological target. In the case of “growth medium development”, upper and lower soil property indicators are also based on results obtained from the respective reference sites sampled in 2014. In some cases, the site may not fall within ranges based on these data, but may be within “desirable” levels as prescribed by the agricultural industry. If this scenario occurs, the rehabilitation site has been identified using a striped shaded box to indicate that it falls within “desirable” ranges but does not fall within specified targets using the adopted methodology.

Table 11-4. Performance of the pasture rehabilitation monitoring site against a selection of proposed Primary and Secondary Performance Indicators. Aspect or Unit of Pasture Rehabilitation Performance ecosystem Ecological Targets Primary Performance Indicators Secondary Performance Indicators measurement ecosystem BEL3 Phase Indicators component (desirable) range 2014

Performance indicators are quantified by the range of values obtained from replicated reference sites and these are amended annually Lower Upper 2014 Phase2: Landform Landform is designed Slope Landform is generally compatible within the Landform slope, gradient accordingly and suitable for context of the local topography and final landform establishment final landuse design. Degrees (<14°) 3 6 1 and stability Active erosion Areas of active erosion are No. Number of gullies or rills >0.3m in width or depth limited Rills/Gullies in a 50m transect are limited and stabilising No. 0 0 0

Cross-sectional Provides an assessment of the extent of soil loss due to gully area of rills and rill erosion and that it is limited and/or is stabilising m2 0 0 0

Phase 3: Soil chemical, Soil properties are suitable pH pH is typical of that of the surrounding landscape Growth medium physical for the establishment and or falls within desirable ranges provided by the pH (5.6-7.3) 5.8 6.2 7.0 development properties and maintenance of selected agricultural industry amelioration vegetation species EC Electrical Conductivity is typical of the surrounding landscape or falls within desirable ranges provided by the agricultural industry. < dS/cm (<0.150) 0.042 0.050 0.073

Organic Matter Organic Carbon levels are typical of that of the surrounding landscape, increasing or fall within desirable ranges provided by the agricultural % (>4.5) 2.7 3.4 2.8 industry

Prepared by DnA Environmental August 2014 82 2014 Bulga Coal Complex Rehabilitation Monitoring Report

Aspect or Unit of Pasture Rehabilitation Performance ecosystem Ecological Targets Primary Performance Indicators Secondary Performance Indicators measurement ecosystem BEL3 Phase Indicators component (desirable) range 2014 Phosphorous Available Phosphorus is typical of that of the surrounding landscape or fall within desirable mg/kg (50) 6.2 9.3 5.3 ranges provided by the agricultural industry

Nitrate Nitrate levels are typical of that of the surrounding landscape or fall within desirable ranges provided by the agricultural industry mg/kg (>12.5) 0.2 1.3 0.7

CEC Cation Exchange Capacity is typical of that of the surrounding landscape or fall within desirable ranges provided by the agricultural industry Cmol+/kg (>14) 10.5 13.2 12.8

ESP Exchangeable Sodium Percentage (a measure of sodicity) is typical of that of the surrounding landscape or fall within desirable ranges provided by the agricultural industry % (<5) 1.2 3.3 1.4

Phase 4: Landform Landform is functional and LFA Stability The LFA stability index provides an indication of Ecosystem& function performing as it was the sites stability and is comparable to or Landuse designed to do trending towards the local remnant vegetation % 72.8 85.6 76.5 Establishment

LFA Landscape The Landscape Organisation Index provides a organisation measure of the ability of the site to retain resources and that it is comparable to the local % 100 100 100 remnant vegetation

Vegetation Vegetation contains a Total species The total number of live plant species provides an indication diversity diversity of species richness of the floristic diversity of the site and is comparable to the comparable to the local local remnant vegetation No./area 48 54 27 remnant vegetation

Native species The total number of live native plant species provides an richness indication of the native plant diversity of the site and that it is greater than or comparable to the local remnant vegetation >No./area 27 32 11

Exotic species The total number of live exotic plant species richness provides an indication of the exotic plant diversity of the site and that it is less than or comparable

Prepared by DnA Environmental August 2014 83 2014 Bulga Coal Complex Rehabilitation Monitoring Report

Aspect or Unit of Pasture Rehabilitation Performance ecosystem Ecological Targets Primary Performance Indicators Secondary Performance Indicators measurement ecosystem BEL3 Phase Indicators component (desirable) range 2014 Ecosystem The vegetation is comprised Herbs The number of herbs or forb species comprising composition by a range of growth forms the vegetation community is within 70% of the comparable to the local local remnant vegetation No./area 19 24 15 remnant vegetation

Grass The number of grass species comprising the vegetation community is within 70% of the local remnant vegetation No./area 10 10 7

Reeds The number of reed, sedge or rush species comprising the vegetation community is comparable to the local remnant vegetation No./area 1 2 2

Vines The number of vines or climbing species comprising the vegetation community is comparable to the local remnant vegetation No./area 0 0 0

Ferns The number of ferns comprising the vegetation community is comparable to the local remnant vegetation No./area 1 2 1

Cactus The number of cactus comprising the vegetation community is comparable to the local remnant vegetation No./area 0 0 0

Phase 5: Landform Landform is functional and LFA Infiltration LFA infiltration index provides an indication of the Ecosystem & function performing as it was sites infiltration capacity and is comparable to or Landuse designed to do trending towards that of the local remnant Development vegetation % 46.4 61.7 48

LFA Nutrient LFA nutrient recycling index provides an recycling indication of the sites ability to recycle nutrient and is comparable to or trending towards that of the local remnant vegetation % 45.9 58.0 49.9

Protective Ground layer contains Litter cover Percent ground cover provided by dead plant material is ground cover protective ground cover and comparable to the local remnant vegetation habitat structure % 17 33 31.5 comparable with the local remnant vegetation Annual plants Percent ground cover provided by live annual plants is less than or comparable to the local remnant vegetation <% 1 32 11.5

Prepared by DnA Environmental August 2014 84 2014 Bulga Coal Complex Rehabilitation Monitoring Report

Aspect or Unit of Pasture Rehabilitation Performance ecosystem Ecological Targets Primary Performance Indicators Secondary Performance Indicators measurement ecosystem BEL3 Phase Indicators component (desirable) range 2014 Cryptogam Percent ground cover provided by cryptogams (eg mosses, cover lichens) is comparable of the local remnant vegetation % 1 3 0

Rock Percent ground cover provided by stones or rocks (> 5cm diameter) is comparable to the local remnant vegetation % 0 0 0

Log Percent ground cover provided by fallen branches and logs (>5cm) is comparable of the local remnant vegetation % 0 0 0

Bare ground Percentage of bare ground is less than or comparable to the local remnant vegetation < % 0 0 0

Perennial plant Percent ground cover provided by live perennial cover (< 0.5m) vegetation (<0.5m in height) is comparable of the local remnant vegetation % 49 66 57

Total Ground Total groundcover is the sum of protective Cover ground cover components (as described above) and that it is comparable of the local remnant vegetation % 100 100 100

Ground cover Vegetation contains a Native The abundance of native species per square diversity diversity of species per understorey metre averaged across the site is within 70% of square meter comparable to abundance the local remnant vegetation that of the local remnant (70%) > species/m2 6 8 2.2 vegetation

Exotic The abundance of exotic species per square metre averaged understorey across the site has less than or an equal number of native abundance species as the local remnant vegetation < species/m2 3 9 4.4

Prepared by DnA Environmental August 2014 85 2014 Bulga Coal Complex Rehabilitation Monitoring Report

Aspect or Unit of Pasture Rehabilitation Performance ecosystem Ecological Targets Primary Performance Indicators Secondary Performance Indicators measurement ecosystem BEL3 Phase Indicators component (desirable) range 2014 Native ground Native ground cover Percent ground The percent ground cover abundance of native cover abundance is comparable to cover provided species (<0.5m) compared to exotic species is abundance that of the local remnant by native 70% comparable to the reference sites and vegetation vegetation demonstrating a sustained positive trend towards % 41 60 25.4 <0.5m tall target values

Prepared by DnA Environmental August 2014 86 2014 Bulga Coal Complex Rehabilitation Monitoring Report 12 Birds observed on the Blakefield Waste Emplacements

While a formal fauna surveys was not within the scope of this rehabilitation monitoring program, a range of birds were observed perching, foraging, resting and swimming in the variety of habitats on North and South Blakefield Waste Emplacements. The upright tree stags, rock mounds and retention dams within the rehabilitation areas were popular habitat features. Some birds seen within the rehabilitation sites included: • Goshawk; • Richards Pipit; • Australian Raven; • Nankeen Kestrel; • Magpie; • Wedge tailed Eagle; • Zebra Finches; • Willy Wag-tail; • Black-shouldered Kite; • Welcome Swallow, • White faced Heron; • Honey-eater (Yellow?); and • Ducks (several species including Pacific Black Duck)

One site (SB7) had numerous small holes which appeared similar to those made and utilised by Field mice. Ants were also commonly observed especially on the older rehabilitation areas.

Figure 12-1. Nankeen Kestrel perching on an upright stag on the South Blakefield rehabilitation area.

Prepared by DnA Environmental August 2014 87 2014 Bulga Coal Complex Rehabilitation Monitoring Report

13 Management recommendations

The results of the 2014 monitoring program have been summarised in Table 13-1 which aims to identify any shortfalls associated with the individual rehabilitation areas and provide some management recommendations that will assist in improving long-term rehabilitation outcomes.

Table 13-1. Sites summary and management recommendation Site summary and issues associated with long-term management outcomes Management recommendations Existing monitoring sites have been rehabilitated under a past management regime subsequently leaving a The new Draft Biodiversity Management Plan (BMP) has considered the need to include existing range of issues which require addressing or amelioration in order to meet primary ecological targets. sites which are unlikely to meet completion criteria targets and has provided recommendations to ensure that these criteria will be met. The final landuse strategy for most of the rehabilitation areas are listed EEC woodlands with the potential Many existing rehabilitation sites will require amelioration via active management intervention if for some areas of native pastures, therefore the mix of woodland and pasture species as used in previous they are to replicate the structure, function and composition of the local EEC woodland years will no longer be appropriate. communities. In particular the undesirable soil characteristics, low species diversity and non conforming community composition and species selection in sites which are not to be disturbed during the BOP will require rehabilitation intervention. The new Draft BMP has provided recommendations to ensure that these criteria will be met. The highly competitive exotic perennial grasses have the potential to suppress, displace and invade The new Draft BMP specifies that exotic pasture species in future rehabilitation will be limited to desirable native species which will have significant implications for the establishment of sustainable native the appropriate annual cover crops which will provide some rapid vegetative cover. Cynodon woodland ecosystems with characteristics of the local EEC woodlands. dactylon a proven native rehabilitation species may be used with in conjunction with a complement of local native grasses which may beharvested off site as seed or contained within seed-bearing native pasture hay. Reducing ecological function and integrity within undisturbed native grasslands in preparation for Minimise any disturbance in native grassland areas as ecological function, diversity and revegetation and/or tree planting activities (Eg Dam01 and in areas subjected to subsidence repair). This composition will be severely compromised with increased risks of further degradation such as will also be applicable to the Hendley’s Offset rehabilitation areas. erosion, weed invasion and unbeneficial substrate characteristics. Rather spot spraying and hand planting tubestock directly into native grasslands or limiting deep ripping and spraying in narrow rows (~1m wide) will more rapidly achieve ecological outcomes. Over abundance of macropods selectively grazing palatable species. Extensive networks of tracks and/or Erect a series of exclosures (at least 50x20m in size) in high concentration areas to exclude camps that reduce ground cover and in some cases may initiate or accelerate erosion. macropods to monitor the impact and extent of browsing on the vegetation. This will enable a quantitative assessment to be made and provide evidence of and for a control program to be implemented. Request advice from relevant experts and authorities. Trial the use and feasibility of electric fencing, sonar or chemical deterrents in problematic areas. Lack of suitable and stable topsoil material. Numerous areas on the rehabilitation waste emplacements The new Draft BMP has developed a strategy to ensure satisfactory rehabilitation design and were very strongly alkaline, highly sodic and extremely saline, including newly established pastures on the topsoil management, including soil testing prior to stockpiling and spreading onto rehabilitation South Blakefield Waste Emplacement. area. Rehabilitation trials which investigate methods for impriovng topsosil characteristics have already commenced with the BMP outllining further investigative trials using organic materials (OGM, Biosolids, composts, woodchips etc) and mulches (native pasture hay, weed free straw). Lack of suitable ground cover species and species diversity, combined with the threat of Galenia invasion. The BMP has included a full revision of suitable ground cover species mixes such that ground cover, diversity and composition targets will be met. While ground cover targets were generally adequate and improving, species composition, diversity and abundance targets were typically poor.

Prepared by DnA Environmental August 2014 88 2014 Bulga Coal Complex Rehabilitation Monitoring Report

Site summary and issues associated with long-term management outcomes Management recommendations Potential lack of local endemic seed of a desired selection of species. As part of the BMP a well developed seed collection program that targets a range of local endemic native species, including native trees, shrubs, grasses and herbs is being undertaken. The seed collection strategy considers establishing seed production areas/orchards for future seed collection, particularly for species that may be difficult to collect, are uncommon or seed availability is limited. Native grasslands occurring within offset and buffer areas will also be managed for seed/hay harvesting purposes. The results of the soil tests indicate there continued to be elevated levels of Magnesium, Potassium, Sulfur The BMP outlines a strategy that will undertake soil tests of spoil material prior to constructing and Iron in many of the rehabilitation areas. While reference sites also showed higher than desirable levels rehabilitated landforms and ameliorate sites which will not become disturbed throughout the BOP. in numerous cases reflecting the natural occurrence of the elements in the local area, Sulfur concentrations Continued monitoring of these sites will be undertaken to determine changes or trends. were typically exceeded on numerous rehabilitation areas which may affect plant growth and establishment. Full soil results are provided in Appendices 3 (Rehabilitation sites), and 4 (Reference sites). The establishment of trees and shrubs not necessarily endemic to the local area may lead to an ecosystem The new BMP includes revised species mixes to establish ‘specific EEC’ vegetation communities that is not representative of the local remnant vegetation and may impact on meeting ecological targets. using species found only within the natural associations from within the local area. Species Some non endemic species could potentially become invasive. selected are those that are recorded within the relevant reference sites and/or those identified within target vegetation communities (eg Peake 2006, Umwelt, DnA Environmental). Successful tree seeding does not necessarily translate into successful rehabilitation in the longer term as The new BMP includes revised seeding rates to establish an appropriate density of trees and high tree (eg eucalypt) densities can limit ground cover and reduce the likelihood for future population shrubs to ensure high ground cover levels and open grassy clearings are maintained for future recruitment. recruitment events. Low tree and shrub densities Use a combination of high seeding densities of short-lived colonising species such as Acacia species (Senna, Daviesia, Dillwynia and Pultenaea) and sterile cover crops (Ryecorn, Japanese Millet) and include native perennial grasses and other native ground covers in the species mixes which can better tolerate low fertility, alkaline and saline environments. Implement field trials using high acacia densities. Exotic perennial pasture species are likely to limit tree and shrub germination, growth and development and The Control/Eradication of invasive exotic perennial grasses in existing rehabilitation sites has prevent natural recruitment in the longer term. The woodland will be unsustainable in the longer-term. been identified as a management activity within the new BMP. Trials using a combination of high seeding densities of natural colonisers such as Acacia species and sterile cover crops and include native perennial grasses and other native ground covers in the species mixes will also be undertaken. . Low diversity of native ground cover species and low native species abundance The BOP is likely to result in the availability of topsoil from derived native grasslands. The BMP will ensure the quality topsoil is stripped, relocated and spread according to strict protocols to ensure topsoil characteristics are retained. Assist rapid stabilisation using sterile cover crops or native pasture-hay or weed free hay/straw. Lack of critical habitat elements within woodland revegetation areas. Elements of critical habitat (trees, tree hollows, logs etc) and keystone species (those difficult to propagate, rare or locally uncommon) from areas to be cleared have been identified in the new BMP and will be salvaged and redistributed within woodland rehabilitation sites. Nesting boxes suited to specific fauna species will also be erected into remnants and more established rehabilitation areas. Plastic mesh tree guards littering the site The new BMP indicates that tree guards will no longer be used.

Prepared by DnA Environmental August 2014 89 2014 Bulga Coal Complex Rehabilitation Monitoring Report

14 References

Bruce, R.C. and Rayment, G.E. 1982. Analytical Methods and Interpretations Used by the Agricultural Chemistry Branch for Soil and Land Use Surveys, Bulletin No. QB2004, Dept of Primary Industries, Brisbane, Qld.

Bulga Coal (2014). Draft Bulga Coal Complex Biodiversity Management Plan. Bulga Coal Complex, Singleton NSW.

Bureau of Meteorology (2014). Monthly Climate Statistics for 'JERRYS PLAINS POST OFFICE' [061086], 1884 to 2014. http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/averages/tables/cw_061086.shtml Accessed 30th July 2014.

CRC for Australian Weed Management (2008). Coolatai Grass (accessed 28th July 2014) http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/347155/awmg_coolatai.pdf

DnA Environmental (2010a). Rehabilitation Monitoring Methodology and Quality Control Plan for the Bulga Complex, Singleton NSW.

DnA Environmental (2010 – 2013a). 2010 - 2013 Bulga Coal Complex annual rehabilitation monitoring reports for the Bulga Coal Complex, Singleton NSW.

DnA Environmental (2010 – 2014). 2010 - 2014 Bulga Coal Complex annual ecological monitoring reports for the Bulga Coal Complex, Singleton NSW.

Gibbons (2002). Methodology for the Grassy Box Woodlands Benchmarking Project in southern NSW Murray-Darling Basin. CSIRO, Canberra.

Gibbons, P., Briggs, S.V., Ayers, D.A., Doyle, S., Seddon, J., McElhinny, C., Jones, N. Simes, R. and Doody, J.S. (2008a). Rapidly quantifying reference conditions in modified landscapes. Journal of Biological Conservation.

Gibbons, P., Briggs, S.V., Ayers, D.A., Seddon, J., Doyle, S. and Briggs J.S. (2008b). Biometric 2.0. A terrestrial Biodiversity Assessment Tool for the NSW Native Vegetation Assessment Tool. Operations Manual. NSW Department of Environment and Climate Change, C/- CSIRO Sustainable Ecosystems, GPO Box 284, Canberra ACT 2601.

Isbell, R.F. (1996). The Australian Soil Classification. CSIRO Publishing, Melbourne.

Nichols, O.G. (2005) Development of Rehabilitation Completion Criteria for Native Ecosystem Establishment on Coal Mines in the Hunter Valley. ACARP Project No. C13048 Australian Centre for Minerals Extension and Research PO Box 883, Kenmore QLD 4069.

NSW I&I: Department of Industry and Investment (2010). Rehabilitation and Environmental Management Plan (REMP) Guidelines. Consultation Draft V2.0, June 2010. Minerals and Energy Division, Mineral Resources Branch. Maitland, NSW.

Prepared by DnA Environmental August 2014 90 2014 Bulga Coal Complex Rehabilitation Monitoring Report

NSW Trade & Investment (T&I) (2012). ESG3: Mining Operations Plan (MOP) guidelines. December 2012. NSW Trade and Investment, Regional Infrastructure and Services – Division of Resources and Energy.

NSW Trade & Investment (T&I) (2013). ESG3: Mining Operations Plan (MOP) Guidelines, September 2013. NSW Trade and Investment, Regional Infrastructure and Services – Division of Resources and Energy.

Peake, T. (2006). The vegetation of the Central Hunter Valley of New South Wales. A report on the findings of the Hunter Remnant Vegetation Project. Volume 1: Main report Version 2.2. Hunter – Central Rivers Catchment Management Authority.

Slavich, P.G. and Petterson, G.H. 1993. Estimating the electrical conductivity of saturated paste extracts from 1:5 soil:water suspensions and texture. Australian Journal of Soil Research 31, 73-81.

Tongway, David J., and Norman L. Hindley. 1995. Manual for Soil Condition Assessment of Tropical Grasslands. 60 p. Canberra: CSIRO Division of Wildlife and Ecology.

Tongway, D. & Hindley, N. (1996). Landscape Function Analysis. Understanding more about your landscape. A method for monitoring landscape productivity. CSIRO Sustainable Ecosystems. CD Version 3.1

Tongway, D. & Hindley, N. (2003). Indicators of Ecosystem Rehabilitation Success. Stage Two – Verification of EFA Indicators. Final Report for the Australian Centre for Mining Environmental Research. CSIRO Sustainable Ecosystems In association with Ben Seaborn CMLR, University of Queensland

Tongway, DJ and Hindley, NL 2004. Landscape Function Analysis: Methods for monitoring and assessing landscapes, with special reference to minesites and rangelands. CSIRO Sustainable Ecosystems, Canberra. www.cse.csiro.au/research/efa/index.htm

Umwelt (2003). Bulga Coal Complex Continued Underground Operations, Environmental Impact Statement. Volume 1 Main Text. July 2003.

Umwelt (2013). Bulga Optimisation Project Environmental Impact Statement. Volume 1: Main text. April 2013 for Bulga Coal Management Pty Ltd.

Xstrata (2008a). Beltana Highwall Biodiversity and Land Management Plan ENVST4.3.03.01.037.

Xstrata (2008b). Beltana Highwall Flora and Fauna Management Plan ENSTD 4.3.03.01.009.

Xstrata Coal (2011) DRAFT Bulga Coal Complex Landscape Management Plan. September 2011. Project No 1010-059.

Prepared by DnA Environmental August 2014 91 2014 Bulga Coal Complex Rehabilitation Monitoring Report Appendix 1. 2014 Comprehensive Flora Species List – Rehabilitation Sites

SE1 SB1 SB4 SB5 SB6 SB7 SB8 NB4 NB5 Bel3 Bel5 Habit exotic Group Family Scientific Name Common Name Dam01 Dicotyledon Aizoaceae * Galenia pubescens Galenia ss 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Dicotyledon Amaranthaceae Alternanthera nodiflora Common Joyweed h 1 Dicotyledon Amaranthaceae * Gomphrena celosioides Gomphrena Weed h 1 1 Dicotyledon Apiaceae * Ciclospermum leptophyllum Slender Celery h 1 1 1 1 Dicotyledon Asteraceae * Bidens pilosa Cobbler's Peg h 1 1 1 1 1 1 Dicotyledon Asteraceae Calocephalus sonderi Pale Beautyheads h 1 1 Dicotyledon Asteraceae Calotis lappulacea Yellow Burr Daisy h 1 1 Dicotyledon Asteraceae * Carthamus lanatus Saffron Thistle h 1 1 1 Dicotyledon Asteraceae Cassinia quinquefaria Cassinia s 1 Dicotyledon Asteraceae * Chondrilla juncea Skeleton Weed h 1 1 1 Dicotyledon Asteraceae * Chrysanthemoides monilifera subsp. rotundata Bitou Bush s 1 1 Dicotyledon Asteraceae Chrysocephalum apiculatum Common Everlasting h 1 1 Dicotyledon Asteraceae * Cichorium intybus Chicory h 1 1 Dicotyledon Asteraceae * Cirsium vulgare Spear Thistle h 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Dicotyledon Asteraceae * Conyza spp. Fleabane h 1 1 1 1 1 1 Dicotyledon Asteraceae Cotula australis Common Cotula h 1 1 1 Dicotyledon Asteraceae * Facelis retusa h 1 1 Dicotyledon Asteraceae * Gamochaeta americana Cudweed h 1 1 1 Dicotyledon Asteraceae * Gomphocarpus fruticosus Swan Plant ss 1 1 1 1 1 1 Dicotyledon Asteraceae * Hypochaeris glabra Smooth Catsear h 1 Dicotyledon Asteraceae * Hypochaeris microcephala White Flatweed h 1 Dicotyledon Asteraceae * Hypochaeris radicata Flatweed h 1 1 1 Dicotyledon Asteraceae * Richardia stellaris h 1 Dicotyledon Asteraceae * Senecio madagascariensis Fireweed h 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Dicotyledon Asteraceae Senecio spp. h 1 Dicotyledon Asteraceae * Silybum marianum Variegated Thistle h 1 Dicotyledon Asteraceae Solenogyne bellioides h 1 Dicotyledon Asteraceae * Sonchus asper Prickly Sowthistle h 1 1 1 1 Dicotyledon Asteraceae * Sonchus oleraceus Milk Thistle h 1 1 1 1 1 Dicotyledon Asteraceae Vittadinia cuneata Fuzzweed h 1 1 Dicotyledon Asteraceae Vittadinia muelleri Fuzzweed h 1 Dicotyledon Asteraceae Vittadinia pustulata h 1

Prepared by DnA Environmental August 2014 92 2014 Bulga Coal Complex Rehabilitation Monitoring Report

SE1 SB1 SB4 SB5 SB6 SB7 SB8 NB4 NB5 Bel3 Bel5 Habit exotic Group Family Scientific Name Common Name Dam01 Dicotyledon Asteraceae Vittadinia spp. Fuzzweed h 1 Dicotyledon Asteraceae * Xanthium occidentale Nagoora Burr h 1 1 1 Dicotyledon Brassicaceae * Coronopus didymus Lesser Swinecress h 1 Dicotyledon Brassicaceae * Lepidium africanum Peppercress h 1 Dicotyledon Brassicaceae * Lepidium bonariense h 1 1 Dicotyledon Cactaceae * Opuntia stricta Common Prickly Pear c 1 Dicotyledon Campanulaceae Wahlenbergia gracilis Sprawling Bluebell h 1 Dicotyledon Campanulaceae Wahlenbergia spp. Bluebell h 1 Dicotyledon Caryophyllaceae * Paronychia brasiliana Chilean Whitlow Wort h 1 Dicotyledon Casuarinaceae Allocasuarina luehmannii Bulloak t 1 1 Dicotyledon Chenopodiaceae * Chenopodium album Fat Hen h 1 Dicotyledon Chenopodiaceae Einadia nutans subsp. nutans Climbing Saltbush h 1 Dicotyledon Chenopodiaceae Enchylaena tomentosa Ruby Saltbush ss 1 1 1 Dicotyledon Chenopodiaceae Maireana microphylla Eastern Cottonbush ss 1 1 1 Dicotyledon Chenopodiaceae Salsola kali Buckbush ss 1 Dicotyledon Convolvulaceae Convolvulus erubescens Australian Bindweed h 1 Dicotyledon Convolvulaceae Dichondra repens Kidney Weed h 1 1 1 Dicotyledon Epacridaceae Lissanthe strigosa Peach Heath s 1 Dicotyledon Euphorbiaceae Breynia oblongifolia Coffee Bush s 1 Dicotyledon Euphorbiaceae Chamaesyce drummondii Caustic Weed h 1 1 Dicotyledon Fabaceae (Faboideae) Daviesia genistifolia Broom Bitter Pea s 1 Dicotyledon Fabaceae (Faboideae) Desmodium varians Slender Tick-trefoil h 1 Dicotyledon Fabaceae (Faboideae) Glycine clandestina Climbing Glycine h 1 Dicotyledon Fabaceae (Faboideae) Glycine tabacina Variable Glycine h 1 1 1 1 1 Dicotyledon Fabaceae (Faboideae) Kennedia procurrens Purple Running Pea v 1 Dicotyledon Fabaceae (Faboideae) * Medicago polymorpha Burr Medic h 1 1 1 Dicotyledon Fabaceae (Faboideae) * Medicago sativa Lucerne h 1 1 1 Dicotyledon Fabaceae (Faboideae) * Medicago spp. A Medic h 1 1 1 Dicotyledon Fabaceae (Faboideae) * Melilotus indicus Hexham Scent h 1 1 Dicotyledon Fabaceae (Faboideae) * Trifolium arvense Haresfoot Clover h 1 Dicotyledon Fabaceae (Faboideae) * Trifolium repens White Clover h 1 1 Dicotyledon Fabaceae (Faboideae) * Trifolium spp. A Clover h 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Dicotyledon Fabaceae (Faboideae) * Trifolium subterraneum Subterraneum Clover h 1 1 Dicotyledon Fabaceae (Faboideae) * Vicia villosa Vetch h 1 1 Dicotyledon Fabaceae (Mimosoideae) Acacia amblygona Fan Wattle s 1 1

Prepared by DnA Environmental August 2014 93 2014 Bulga Coal Complex Rehabilitation Monitoring Report

SE1 SB1 SB4 SB5 SB6 SB7 SB8 NB4 NB5 Bel3 Bel5 Habit exotic Group Family Scientific Name Common Name Dam01 Dicotyledon Fabaceae (Mimosoideae) Acacia falcata A Wattle s 1 1 1 1 1 Dicotyledon Fabaceae (Mimosoideae) Acacia longifolia Sydney Golden Wattle s 1 Dicotyledon Fabaceae (Mimosoideae) Acacia parvipinnula Silver-stemmed Wattle s 1 Dicotyledon Fabaceae (Mimosoideae) Acacia salicina Willow Wattle s 1 1 1 Dicotyledon Fabaceae (Mimosoideae) * Acacia saligna Golden Wreath Wattle s 1 Dicotyledon Fabaceae (Mimosoideae) Acacia spp. A Wattle s 1 1 Dicotyledon Fabaceae (Mimosoideae) * Mimosa pudica? Common Sensitive Plant h 1 Dicotyledon Geraniaceae Erodium crinitum Blue Storksbill h 1 Dicotyledon Geraniaceae Geranium solanderi Native Geranium h 1 Dicotyledon Lamiaceae Mentha satureioides Native Pennyroyal h 1 1 Dicotyledon Lamiaceae * Stachys arvensis Stagger Weed h 1 Dicotyledon Linaceae * Linum trigynum French Flax h 1 1 1 1 Dicotyledon Malvaceae * Modiola caroliniana Red-flowered Mallow h 1 1 1 1 1 Dicotyledon Malvaceae Sida corrugata Corrugated Sida h 1 Dicotyledon Malvaceae * Sida rhombifolia Paddy's Lucerne ss 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Dicotyledon Malvaceae Sida subspicata Spiked Sida ss 1 1 Dicotyledon Myoporaceae Eremophila debilis Amulla ss 1 Dicotyledon Myrtaceae Angophora floribunda Rough-barked Apple t 1 1 Dicotyledon Myrtaceae Callistemon rigidus s 1 Dicotyledon Myrtaceae Corymbia maculata Spotted Gum t 1 1 1 1 1 1 Dicotyledon Myrtaceae Eucalyptus albens White Box t 1 1 Dicotyledon Myrtaceae Eucalyptus camaldulensis? River Red Gum t 1 Dicotyledon Myrtaceae * Eucalyptus cladocalyx Sugar Gum t 1 Dicotyledon Myrtaceae Eucalyptus crebra Narrow-leaf Ironbark t 1 1 1 1 1 Dicotyledon Myrtaceae Eucalyptus moluccana Grey Box t 1 1 Dicotyledon Myrtaceae Eucalyptus punctata Grey Gum t 1 1 1 Dicotyledon Myrtaceae Eucalyptus rubida Candlebark t 1 1 Dicotyledon Myrtaceae Eucalyptus sideroxylon Mugga Ironbark t 1 Dicotyledon Myrtaceae Eucalyptus tereticornis Forest Red Gum t 1 1 1 Dicotyledon Myrtaceae Platysace ericoides Heathy Platysace s 1 Dicotyledon Oxalidaceae Oxalis exilis h 1 Dicotyledon Oxalidaceae Oxalis perennans Yellow Wood-sorrel h 1 Dicotyledon Oxalidaceae Oxalis spp. h 1 1 1 Dicotyledon Plantaginaceae Plantago debilis Plantain h 1 Dicotyledon Plantaginaceae * Plantago lanceolata Ribwort h 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

Prepared by DnA Environmental August 2014 94 2014 Bulga Coal Complex Rehabilitation Monitoring Report

SE1 SB1 SB4 SB5 SB6 SB7 SB8 NB4 NB5 Bel3 Bel5 Habit exotic Group Family Scientific Name Common Name Dam01 Dicotyledon Polygonaceae * Polygonum aviculare Wireweed h 1 Dicotyledon Primulaceae * Anagallis arvensis Scarlet Pimpernel h 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Dicotyledon Rubiaceae Asperula conferta Common Woodruff h 1 Dicotyledon Sapindaceae Dodonaea viscosa subsp. cuneata Wedge-leaf Hopbush s 1 1 1 Dicotyledon Schrophulariaceae Brunoniella australis Blue Trumpet h 1 Dicotyledon Solanaceae Solanum cinereum Narrawa Burr h 1 1 1 Dicotyledon Solanaceae * Solanum nigrum Blackberry Nightshade h 1 1 1 1 Dicotyledon Solanaceae * Solanum spp. h 1 Dicotyledon Stackhousiaceae Stackhousia viminea Slender Stackhousia h 1 Dicotyledon Sterculiaceae Brachychiton populneus Kurrajong t 1 1 Dicotyledon Verbenaceae * Lantana camara Lantana s 1 Dicotyledon Verbenaceae * Verbena litoralis Coastal Verbena h 1 1 1 Dicotyledon Verbenaceae * Verbena rigida Veined Verbena h 1 Monocotyledon Cyperaceae Fimbristylis dichotoma Common Fringe Rush r 1 Monocotyledon Cyperaceae Schoenus apogon Common Bog Rush r 1 1 Monocotyledon Juncaceae Juncus usitatus r 1 Monocotyledon Lomandraceae Lomandra filiformis Wattle Mat-rush h 1 Monocotyledon Lomandraceae Lomandra multiflora Many-flowered Mat-rush h 1 Monocotyledon Phormiaceae Dianella caerulea h 1 Monocotyledon Phormiaceae Dianella revoluta Native Flax Lily h 1 Monocotyledon Poaceae Aristida calycina Number Nine g 1 Monocotyledon Poaceae Aristida ramosa Threeawn Grass g 1 Monocotyledon Poaceae Aristida vagans Wire Grass g 1 Monocotyledon Poaceae Bothriochloa decipiens Redgrass g 1 1 1 1 Monocotyledon Poaceae Chloris divaricata Slender Windmill Grass g 1 1 Monocotyledon Poaceae * Chloris gayana Rhodes Grass g 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Monocotyledon Poaceae Chloris truncata Windmill Grass g 1 1 Monocotyledon Poaceae Chloris ventricosa Tall Windmill Grass g 1 1 Monocotyledon Poaceae Cymbopogon refractus Barbed-wire Grass g 1 1 1 1 Monocotyledon Poaceae Cynodon dactylon Couch g 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Monocotyledon Poaceae Dichanthium sericeum Queensland Bluegrass g 1 1 Monocotyledon Poaceae Digitaria spp. g 1 Monocotyledon Poaceae * Echinochloa esculenta Japanese Millet g 1 1 Monocotyledon Poaceae Enteropogon acicularis Curly Windmill Grass g 1 Monocotyledon Poaceae Entolasia marginata Bordered Panic g 1

Prepared by DnA Environmental August 2014 95 2014 Bulga Coal Complex Rehabilitation Monitoring Report

SE1 SB1 SB4 SB5 SB6 SB7 SB8 NB4 NB5 Bel3 Bel5 Habit exotic Group Family Scientific Name Common Name Dam01 Monocotyledon Poaceae Eragrostis lacunaria Purple Lovegrass g 1 Monocotyledon Poaceae Eriochloa pseudoacrotricha Early Spring Grass g 1 1 1 Monocotyledon Poaceae * Lolium perenne Perennial Ryegrass g 1 Monocotyledon Poaceae * Lolium rigidum Wimmera Ryegrass g 1 Monocotyledon Poaceae * Lolium spp. A Ryegrass g 1 Monocotyledon Poaceae Microlaena stipoides Weeping Rice-grass g 1 Monocotyledon Poaceae * Panicum maximum Guinea Grass g 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Monocotyledon Poaceae Panicum simile g 1 1 1 Monocotyledon Poaceae Paspalidium constrictum Knottybutt Grass g 1 Monocotyledon Poaceae Paspalidium sp. g 1 Monocotyledon Poaceae * Pennisetum clandestinum Kikuyu Grass g 1 1 1 1 1 1 Monocotyledon Poaceae Rytidosperma sp. Wallaby Grass g 1 Monocotyledon Poaceae * Setaria gracilis Slender Pigeon Grass g 1 1 1 Monocotyledon Poaceae * Setaria sphacelata South African Pigeon Grass g 1 1 1 1 1 Monocotyledon Poaceae Sporobolus creber Western Rat's-tail Grass g 1 1 1 1 1 Pteridophyta Adiantaceae Cheilanthes distans Bristly Cloak fern f 1 Pteridophyta Adiantaceae Cheilanthes sieberi subsp. sieberi Rock Fern f 1 1 1

Prepared by DnA Environmental August 2014 96 2014 Bulga Coal Complex Rehabilitation Monitoring Report Appendix 2. 2014 Comprehensive Flora Species List – Reference Sites

Group Family exotic Scientific Name Common Name Habit BM18 BM19 BM20 RPast01 RPast04 BM23 BM24 Dicotyledon Aizoaceae * Galenia pubescens Galenia ss 1 1 Dicotyledon Apiaceae Daucus glochidiatus Australian Carrot h 1 1 Dicotyledon Apiaceae Hydrocotyle laxiflora Stinking Pennywort h 1 1 Dicotyledon Asteraceae * Bidens pilosa Cobbler's Peg h 1 1 1 Dicotyledon Asteraceae Brachyscome formosa Pilliga Daisy h 1 Dicotyledon Asteraceae Calocephalus sonderi Pale Beautyheads h 1 Dicotyledon Asteraceae Calotis cuneifolia Purple Burr Daisy h 1 Dicotyledon Asteraceae Calotis lappulacea Yellow Burr Daisy h 1 1 Dicotyledon Asteraceae * Carthamus lanatus Saffron Thistle h 1 1 Dicotyledon Asteraceae Chrysocephalum apiculatum Common Everlasting h 1 1 1 1 1 Dicotyledon Asteraceae * Cirsium vulgare Spear Thistle h 1 1 1 Dicotyledon Asteraceae * Conyza albida Tall Fleabane h 1 Dicotyledon Asteraceae * Conyza spp. Fleabane h 1 1 Dicotyledon Asteraceae Cotula australis Common Cotula h 1 1 Dicotyledon Asteraceae Cymbonotus lawsonianus Bear's Ear h 1 Dicotyledon Asteraceae * Facelis retusa h 1 1 Dicotyledon Asteraceae * Gamochaeta americana Cudweed h 1 1 Dicotyledon Asteraceae Glossocardia bidens Cobbler's Tack h 1 Dicotyledon Asteraceae * Gomphocarpus fruticosus Swan Plant ss 1 Dicotyledon Asteraceae * Hypochaeris microcephala White Flatweed h 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Dicotyledon Asteraceae * Hypochaeris radicata Flatweed h 1 1 1 Dicotyledon Asteraceae Lagenophora gracilis Slender Lagenophora h 1 Dicotyledon Asteraceae * Richardia stellaris h 1 1 1 Dicotyledon Asteraceae * Schkuhria pinnata Dwarf Marigold h 1 Dicotyledon Asteraceae * Senecio madagascariensis Fireweed h 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Dicotyledon Asteraceae Solenogyne bellioides h 1 Dicotyledon Asteraceae * Sonchus asper Prickly Sowthistle h 1 1 Dicotyledon Asteraceae * Sonchus oleraceus Milk Thistle h 1 1 1 1 1 Dicotyledon Asteraceae * Tagetes minuta Stinking Roger h 1 Dicotyledon Asteraceae * Taraxacum officinale Dandelion h 1 Dicotyledon Asteraceae Vernonia cinerea var. cinerea h 1 1 Dicotyledon Asteraceae Vittadinia spp. Fuzzweed h 1

Prepared by DnA Environmental August 2014 97 2014 Bulga Coal Complex Rehabilitation Monitoring Report

Group Family exotic Scientific Name Common Name Habit BM18 BM19 BM20 RPast01 RPast04 BM23 BM24 Dicotyledon Boraginaceae Cynoglossum australe Forget-me-not h 1 Dicotyledon Cactaceae * Opuntia aurantiaca Tiger Pear c 1 Dicotyledon Cactaceae * Opuntia stricta Common Prickly Pear c 1 Dicotyledon Campanulaceae Wahlenbergia communis Tufted Bluebell h 1 1 Dicotyledon Campanulaceae Wahlenbergia gracilis Sprawling Bluebell h 1 Dicotyledon Campanulaceae Wahlenbergia luteola Australian Bluebell h 1 Dicotyledon Campanulaceae Wahlenbergia spp. Bluebell h 1 Dicotyledon Caryophyllaceae * Stellaria media Chickweed h 1 Dicotyledon Casuarinaceae Allocasuarina luehmannii Bulloak t 1 1 1 1 Dicotyledon Casuarinaceae Casuarina glauca Swamp Oak t 1 1 Dicotyledon Chenopodiaceae Einadia nutans subsp. linifolia Climbing Saltbush h 1 Dicotyledon Chenopodiaceae Einadia nutans subsp. nutans Climbing Saltbush h 1 1 Dicotyledon Chenopodiaceae Einadia trigonos Fishweed h 1 Dicotyledon Chenopodiaceae Enchylaena tomentosa Ruby Saltbush ss 1 1 Dicotyledon Clusiaceae Hypericum gramineum Small St. John's Wort h 1 Dicotyledon Convolvulaceae Convolvulus erubescens Australian Bindweed h 1 1 1 Dicotyledon Convolvulaceae Dichondra repens Kidney Weed h 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Dicotyledon Epacridaceae Astroloma humifusum Native Cranberry ss 1 Dicotyledon Euphorbiaceae Chamaesyce drummondii Caustic Weed h 1 1 Dicotyledon Euphorbiaceae Phyllanthus virgatus A Spurge ss 1 1 Dicotyledon Fabaceae (Faboideae) Desmodium brachypodum Large Tick trefoil ss 1 Dicotyledon Fabaceae (Faboideae) Desmodium varians Slender Tick-trefoil h 1 1 1 1 1 Dicotyledon Fabaceae (Faboideae) Glycine clandestina Climbing Glycine h 1 1 1 1 Dicotyledon Fabaceae (Faboideae) Glycine tabacina Variable Glycine h 1 1 1 Dicotyledon Fabaceae (Faboideae) * Trifolium campestre Hop Clover h 1 Dicotyledon Fabaceae (Faboideae) * Trifolium repens White Clover h 1 Dicotyledon Fabaceae (Faboideae) * Trifolium spp. A Clover h 1 1 Dicotyledon Fabaceae (Mimosoideae) Acacia falcata A Wattle s 1 Dicotyledon Gentaniaceae * Centaurium erythraea Common Centaury h 1 Dicotyledon Geraniaceae Erodium crinitum Blue Storksbill h 1 Dicotyledon Geraniaceae Geranium solanderi Native Geranium h 1 1 Dicotyledon Goodeniaceae Velleia paradoxa Spur Velleia h 1 Dicotyledon Lamiaceae Ajuga australis Australian Bugle h 1 Dicotyledon Lamiaceae Mentha satureioides Native Pennyroyal h 1 1 1 Dicotyledon Linaceae Linum marginale Native Flax h 1

Prepared by DnA Environmental August 2014 98 2014 Bulga Coal Complex Rehabilitation Monitoring Report

Group Family exotic Scientific Name Common Name Habit BM18 BM19 BM20 RPast01 RPast04 BM23 BM24 Dicotyledon Lobeliaceae Pratia purpurascens Whiteroot h 1 1 1 Dicotyledon Malvaceae * Modiola caroliniana Red-flowered Mallow h 1 Dicotyledon Malvaceae Sida corrugata Corrugated Sida h 1 1 1 1 Dicotyledon Malvaceae * Sida rhombifolia Paddy's Lucerne ss 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Dicotyledon Malvaceae Sida subspicata Spiked Sida ss 1 Dicotyledon Myoporaceae Eremophila debilis Amulla ss 1 1 1 1 1 1 Dicotyledon Myrtaceae Angophora floribunda Rough-barked Apple t 1 Dicotyledon Myrtaceae Eucalyptus crebra Narrow-leaf Ironbark t 1 1 1 1 Dicotyledon Myrtaceae Eucalyptus moluccana Grey Box t 1 Dicotyledon Myrtaceae Eucalyptus tereticornis Forest Red Gum t 1 Dicotyledon Myrtaceae Platysace ericoides Heathy Platysace s 1 Dicotyledon Oxalidaceae Oxalis exilis h 1 Dicotyledon Oxalidaceae * Oxalis sp. h 1 Dicotyledon Oxalidaceae Oxalis spp. h 1 1 1 Dicotyledon Plantaginaceae * Plantago lanceolata Ribwort h 1 1 1 1 1 1 Dicotyledon Plantaginaceae Veronica plebeia Trailing Speedwell h 1 1 Dicotyledon Polygonaceae Rumex brownii Swamp Dock h 1 1 1 Dicotyledon Portulacaceae Portulaca oleracea Pigweed h 1 Dicotyledon Primulaceae * Anagallis arvensis Scarlet Pimpernel h 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Dicotyledon Ranunculaceae Clematis aristata Old Man's Beard v 1 Dicotyledon Rubiaceae Asperula conferta Common Woodruff h 1 1 1 1 Dicotyledon Schrophulariaceae Brunoniella australis Blue Trumpet h 1 1 1 1 Dicotyledon Solanaceae * Cestrum parqui Green Cestrum s 1 Dicotyledon Solanaceae * Lycium ferocissimum African Boxthorn s 1 1 1 Dicotyledon Solanaceae Solanum cinereum Narrawa Burr h 1 1 Dicotyledon Solanaceae * Solanum nigrum Blackberry Nightshade h 1 1 Dicotyledon Solanaceae * Withania somnifera Winter Cherry s 1 Dicotyledon Stackhousiaceae Stackhousia viminea Slender Stackhousia h 1 Dicotyledon Thymelaeaceae Pimelea curviflora Curved Rice Flower ss 1 1 1 Dicotyledon Verbenaceae * Lantana camara Lantana s 1 1 1 1 Dicotyledon Verbenaceae * Verbena litoralis Coastal Verbena h 1 1 1 Dicotyledon Verbenaceae * Verbena rigida Veined Verbena h 1 1 1 1 Monocotyledon Anthericaceae Arthropodium milleflorum Vanilla-lily h 1 Monocotyledon Anthericaceae Laxmannia gracilis Slender Wire Lily h 1 1 Monocotyledon Commelinaceae Commelina cyanea Scurvy Weed h 1

Prepared by DnA Environmental August 2014 99 2014 Bulga Coal Complex Rehabilitation Monitoring Report

Group Family exotic Scientific Name Common Name Habit BM18 BM19 BM20 RPast01 RPast04 BM23 BM24 Monocotyledon Cyperaceae Carex inversa Knob Sedge r 1 1 1 Monocotyledon Cyperaceae Fimbristylis dichotoma Common Fringe Rush r 1 1 1 Monocotyledon Iridaceae * Romulea rosea Onion Grass h 1 Monocotyledon Juncaceae * Juncus acutus Spiny Rush r 1 Monocotyledon Lomandraceae Lomandra filiformis Wattle Mat-rush h 1 1 1 1 1 Monocotyledon Lomandraceae Lomandra multiflora Many-flowered Mat-rush h 1 1 1 1 1 Monocotyledon Phormiaceae Dianella revoluta Native Flax Lily h 1 1 1 Monocotyledon Poaceae Aristida benthamii var. benthamii g 1 Monocotyledon Poaceae Aristida calycina Number Nine g 1 Monocotyledon Poaceae Aristida ramosa Threeawn Grass g 1 1 1 1 1 1 Monocotyledon Poaceae Aristida vagans Wire Grass g 1 Monocotyledon Poaceae Austrostipa verticillata Slender Bamboo Grass g 1 1 1 Monocotyledon Poaceae Bothriochloa decipiens Redgrass g 1 1 1 1 1 Monocotyledon Poaceae * Bromus cartharticus Prairie Grass g 1 Monocotyledon Poaceae Chloris divaricata Slender Windmill Grass g 1 Monocotyledon Poaceae * Chloris gayana Rhodes Grass g 1 Monocotyledon Poaceae Chloris ventricosa Tall Windmill Grass g 1 1 1 1 1 1 Monocotyledon Poaceae Cymbopogon refractus Barbed-wire Grass g 1 1 1 1 1 Monocotyledon Poaceae Cynodon dactylon Couch g 1 1 1 Monocotyledon Poaceae * Dactylis glomerata Cocksfoot g 1 Monocotyledon Poaceae Dichanthium sericeum Queensland Bluegrass g 1 Monocotyledon Poaceae Dichelachne crinita Longhair Plumegrass g 1 Monocotyledon Poaceae Dichelachne micrantha Shorthair Plumegrass g 1 Monocotyledon Poaceae Echinopogon ovatus Forest Hedgehog Grass g 1 1 Monocotyledon Poaceae * Ehrharta erecta Panic Veldtgrass g 1 1 Monocotyledon Poaceae Enteropogon acicularis Curly Windmill Grass g 1 1 Monocotyledon Poaceae Entolasia marginata Bordered Panic g 1 1 Monocotyledon Poaceae Eragrostis brownii Brown's Lovegrass g 1 1 Monocotyledon Poaceae Eragrostis lacunaria Purple Lovegrass g 1 1 Monocotyledon Poaceae Eragrostis leptostachya Paddock Lovegrass g 1 1 1 1 1 Monocotyledon Poaceae * Lolium rigidum Wimmera Ryegrass g 1 Monocotyledon Poaceae Microlaena stipoides Weeping Rice-grass g 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Monocotyledon Poaceae * Nassella trichotoma Serrated Tussock g 1 Monocotyledon Poaceae * Panicum maximum Guinea Grass g 1 Monocotyledon Poaceae Panicum simile g 1 1 1

Prepared by DnA Environmental August 2014 100 2014 Bulga Coal Complex Rehabilitation Monitoring Report

Group Family exotic Scientific Name Common Name Habit BM18 BM19 BM20 RPast01 RPast04 BM23 BM24 Monocotyledon Poaceae Paspalidium sp. g 1 1 Monocotyledon Poaceae * Paspalum dilatatum Paspalum g 1 1 1 Monocotyledon Poaceae * Phalaris aquatica Phalaris g 1 Monocotyledon Poaceae Phragmites australis Common Reed r 1 Monocotyledon Poaceae Poa sieberiana Fine-leaf Tussock g 1 Monocotyledon Poaceae Rytidosperma bipartitum Wallaby Grass g 1 Monocotyledon Poaceae Rytidosperma sp. Wallaby Grass g 1 1 1 1 1 Monocotyledon Poaceae * Setaria gracilis Slender Pigeon Grass g 1 1 1 1 Monocotyledon Poaceae Sporobolus creber Western Rat's-tail Grass g 1 1 1 1 1 Monocotyledon Poaceae Themeda triandra Kangaroo Grass g 1 Pteridophyta Adiantaceae Cheilanthes distans Bristly Cloak fern f 1 1 1 1 1 Pteridophyta Adiantaceae Cheilanthes sieberi subsp. sieberi Rock Fern f 1 1 1 1 1 1

Prepared by DnA Environmental August 2014 101 2014 Bulga Coal Complex Rehabilitation Monitoring Report Appendix 3. 2014 Comprehensive Soil Analyses –Rehabilitation Sites ROUTINE AGRICULTURAL SOIL ANALYSIS REPORT Soil samples supplied by DnA Environmental on 23/06/2014- Lab Job No. D4316 Mediu Sandy Heavy Light m Soil Soil Soil Soil e.g e.g Site NB4 NB5 SB1 SB4 SB5 SB6 SB7 SB8 DAM01 Bel3 Bel5 SE1 e.g e.g Clay Loamy Clay Loam Loam Sand D4316/ D4316/ D4316/1 D4316/1 D4316/1 Indicative guidelines only- Method Nutrient Units D4316/7 D4316/8 D4316/1 D4316/2 D4316/4 D4316/5 D4316/9 3 6 0 1 2 refer Note 6 Calcium Ca 445 1223 732 4032 2471 990 1172 2689 1269 741 263 755 1150 750 375 175 M Magnesium 467 558 468 433 263 576 539 824 547 382 255 681 160 105 60 25 Morgan 1 g mg/kg Potassium K 89 133 109 156 132 103 148 445 123 142 108 88 113 75 60 50 Phosphorus P 1.4 7.6 2.6 41.3 2.2 1.3 5.5 23.2 2.3 1.9 1.8 1.4 15 12 10 5.0 45note 30note 24note 20note Bray1 1.9 13.2 4.1 31.1 3.4 1.8 9.0 44.0 1.6 1.5 2.4 1.9 8 8 8 8 Colwell Phosphorus P mg/kg 4 30 9 46 10 4 17 133 8 5 12 6 80 50 45 35 90note 60note 48note 40note Bray2 3 44 8 138 17 5 45 325 3 4 5 4 8 8 8 8 Nitrate Nitrogen 0.4 0.2 2.8 2.4 1.8 0.6 3.4 41.8 2.6 0.7 1.8 12.6 15 13 10 10 N KCl Ammonium Nitrogen mg/kg 2.2 1.5 2.3 1.5 1.5 1.3 1.4 2.9 2.5 1.7 3.5 5.1 20 18 15 12 Sulfur S 269.3 177.4 11.8 1644.8 96.3 95.8 167.9 109.4 11.5 14.0 11.4 31.1 10.0 8.0 8.0 7.0 pH units 7.58 7.85 7.79 7.46 9.17 9.05 8.80 8.91 7.17 6.96 5.51 7.83 6.5 6.5 6.3 6.3 1:5 Water 0.20 0.12 0.10 Conductivity dS/m 0.516 0.381 0.128 1.877 0.327 0.330 0.486 0.646 0.069 0.073 0.061 0.288 0.150 0 0 0 Calculation Organic Matter % OM 2.2 3.9 3.1 4.7 9.7 3.8 4.0 10.2 4.2 2.8 5.3 3.5 >5.5 >4.5 >3.5 >2.5 cmol+/Kg 3.83 8.85 5.99 25.70 14.09 5.74 6.82 12.27 14.22 6.73 2.45 5.54 Ammonium Calcium Ca kg/ha 1720 3974 2689 11535 6323 2576 3063 5508 6385 3023 1099 2489 Acetate + mg/kg 768 1774 1200 5149 2823 1150 1367 2459 2850 1349 491 1111 3125 2150 1000 375 Calculation s + M cmol /Kg 6.08 6.41 5.82 4.34 2.97 6.51 6.07 8.25 8.60 5.12 3.12 8.31 Magnesium g kg/ha 1655 1745 1583 1181 809 1773 1653 2246 2340 1393 850 2263

Prepared by DnA Environmental August 2014 102 2014 Bulga Coal Complex Rehabilitation Monitoring Report Mediu Sandy Heavy Light m Soil Soil Soil Soil e.g e.g Site NB4 NB5 SB1 SB4 SB5 SB6 SB7 SB8 DAM01 Bel3 Bel5 SE1 e.g e.g Clay Loamy Clay Loam Loam Sand mg/kg 739 779 707 527 361 792 738 1003 1045 622 380 1010 290 200 145 75 cmol+/Kg 0.49 0.63 0.58 0.56 0.59 0.49 0.66 2.00 1.29 0.77 0.57 0.50 Potassium K kg/ha 432 553 507 494 513 428 581 1749 1133 674 501 440 mg/kg 193 247 226 221 229 191 259 781 506 301 224 196 235 190 150 100 cmol+/Kg 3.72 1.09 0.75 0.96 2.65 3.14 3.33 4.57 0.59 0.18 0.33 1.79 Sodium Na kg/ha 1918 560 387 493 1363 1617 1715 2352 303 93 170 920 mg/kg 856 250 173 220 609 722 765 1050 135 41 76 411 69 60 51 25 cmol+/Kg 0.06 0.07 0.04 0.06 0.04 0.04 0.06 0.06 0.05 0.04 0.17 0.05 KCl Aluminium Al kg/ha 12 13 8 11 9 9 11 13 10 9 34 11 mg/kg 5 6 4 5 4 4 5 6 4 4 15 5 54 45 41 14 cmol+/Kg 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.15 0.00 Acidity Hydrogen H+ kg/ha 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 Titration mg/kg 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 6 5 5 2 Effective Cation Exchange Calculation cmol+/Kg 14.19 17.04 13.17 31.61 20.33 15.93 16.94 27.15 24.75 12.85 6.80 16.20 20 14 7 4 Capacity (ECEC) Calcium Ca 27.0 51.9 45.5 81.3 69.3 36.0 40.3 45.2 57.5 52.4 36.0 34.2 77 76 69 60 M Magnesium 42.9 37.6 44.1 13.7 14.6 40.9 35.8 30.4 34.7 39.8 46.0 51.3 12 12 16 20 g Base Saturation Potassium K 3.5 3.7 4.4 1.8 2.9 3.1 3.9 7.4 5.2 6.0 8.4 3.1 3 4 5 8 % Calculation Sodium - ESP Na 26.2 6.4 5.7 3.0 13.0 19.7 19.7 16.8 2.4 1.4 4.8 11.0 2 2 3 3 s Aluminium Al 0.4 0.4 0.3 0.2 0.2 0.3 0.3 0.2 0.2 0.3 2.5 0.3 7 7 7 9 Hydrogen H+ 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 2.3 0.0 Calcium/ Magnesium Calculation ratio 0.6 1.4 1.0 5.9 4.7 0.9 1.1 1.5 1.7 1.3 0.8 0.7 6.4 6.3 4.3 3.0 Ratio Zinc Zn 1.2 3.0 1.5 4.1 6.3 4.6 4.4 20.8 1.1 1.8 2.9 1.5 6.0 5.0 4.0 3.0 DTPA mg/kg Manganese Mn 3 3 4 2 2 2 3 6 12 5 13 5 25 22 18 15

Prepared by DnA Environmental August 2014 103 2014 Bulga Coal Complex Rehabilitation Monitoring Report Mediu Sandy Heavy Light m Soil Soil Soil Soil e.g e.g Site NB4 NB5 SB1 SB4 SB5 SB6 SB7 SB8 DAM01 Bel3 Bel5 SE1 e.g e.g Clay Loamy Clay Loam Loam Sand Iron Fe 47 32 38 22 23 20 30 56 33 46 705 31 25 22 18 15 Copper Cu 0.3 0.6 0.7 0.9 2.3 1.0 1.2 2.5 1.2 0.7 0.4 0.7 2.4 2.0 1.6 1.2 Boron B 0.34 0.55 0.32 0.29 0.24 0.24 0.42 1.12 1.01 0.29 0.38 0.24 2.0 1.7 1.4 1.0 CaCl2 mg/kg Silicon Si 26 8 22 18 3 2 4 12 48 37 45 32 50 45 40 35 Total Carbon C % 1.28 2.25 1.75 2.67 5.52 2.16 2.29 5.82 2.38 1.61 3.02 2.03 >3.1 >2.6 >2.0 >1.4 LECO IR >0.3 >0.2 >0.1 Analyser Total Nitrogen N % 0.07 0.10 0.09 0.12 0.16 0.07 0.09 0.29 0.16 0.10 0.18 0.09 >0.25 0 0 5 10- 10- 10- Calculation Carbon/ Nitrogen Ratio ratio 18.3 23.2 19.4 22.5 34.1 30.0 24.5 20.1 15.0 15.9 16.5 22.2 10-12 12 12 12

Clay Loam Loam Loam Loam Loam Loam Loam Loam Loam Loam Loam Basic Texture Loam ......

Brownis Brownis Brownis Brownis Brownis Brownis Grey Black Brownish Brownish Brownish Brownish Basic Colour h h h h h h ...... equiv. Calculation Chloride Estimate 330 244 82 1201 209 211 311 414 44 46 39 185 ...... ppm 12,04 Calcium Ca 1,016 4,607 2,532 10,984 7,926 3,810 4,020 3,454 1,651 745 2,712 1,000 - 10,000 Ca 8 M Magnesium 1,077 2,665 2,305 2,841 3,576 2,849 2,651 4,971 4,150 1,061 836 2,406 500 - 5,000 Mg g Total Acid mg/kg Extractable Potassium K 1,032 1,332 1,250 1,213 1,709 1,251 1,264 2,054 3,639 1,413 1,144 1,218 200 - 2,000 K Sodium Na 1,040 882 405 597 1,494 1,987 1,985 2,222 245 110 143 544 100 - 500 Na Sulfur S 447 440 151 3,410 311 249 366 628 213 164 236 220 100 - 1,000 S Total Acid Phosphorus P mg/kg 73 176 160 340 82 67 148 590 213 100 303 100 400 - 1,500 P Extractable Zinc Zn 20 44 35 51 77 53 52 116 58 31 36 40 20 - 50 Zn M Manganese 65 183 206 199 227 186 203 283 468 150 398 224 200 - 2,000 Mn n 16,44 18,36 116,79 Total Acid Iron Fe 23,456 20,093 25,312 15,508 16,076 16,230 32,384 16,743 34,766 1,000 - 50,000 Fe mg/kg 5 5 4 Extractable Copper Cu 3.6 9.3 8.1 12.0 16.2 10.1 11.2 28.4 20.2 6.6 6.0 7.3 20 - 50 Cu Boron B <2 <2 <2 <2 <2 <2 <2 <2 3 <2 <2 <2 2 - 50 B Silicon Si 405 367 475 322 447 293 285 334 440 378 467 328 1,000 - 3,000 Si

Prepared by DnA Environmental August 2014 104 2014 Bulga Coal Complex Rehabilitation Monitoring Report Mediu Sandy Heavy Light m Soil Soil Soil Soil e.g e.g Site NB4 NB5 SB1 SB4 SB5 SB6 SB7 SB8 DAM01 Bel3 Bel5 SE1 e.g e.g Clay Loamy Clay Loam Loam Sand Aluminium Al 7,508 6,891 7,280 4,679 4,430 6,132 5,827 5,398 23,460 7,559 8,039 7,656 2,000 - 50,000 Al M Molybdenum 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.4 0.6 0.5 0.8 0.9 0.6 1.3 1.0 0.5 - 3 Mo o Total Acid mg/kg Extractable Cobalt Co 4 6 5 6 8 6 5 7 14 5 6 5 5 - 50 Co Selenium Se 0.7 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 0.6 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 1.2 <0.5 0.8 0.6 0.1 - 2.0 Se Cadmium Cd <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 < 5 Cd Lead Pb 12 13 11 11 20 13 14 45 18 12 21 20 < 75 Pb Arsenic As 7 5 4 4 5 7 5 4 11 5 16 8 < 25 As Total Acid Chromium Cr mg/kg 7 7 9 6 5 6 5 7 27 6 26 8 <25 Cr Extractable Nickel Ni 4 8 7 9 11 9 8 11 29 6 7 6 <150 Ni Mercury Hg <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 < 3.75 Hg Silver Ag <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 .. Ag

EAL Soil Testing Notes Calculations 1. All results as dry weight - 40oC oven dried soil crushed to <2mm 1. For conductivity 1 dS/m = 1 mS/cm = 1000 µS/cm 2. Methods from Rayment and Lyons, 2011. Soil Chemical Methods 2. 1 cmol+/Kg = 1 meq/100g; 1 Lb/Acre = 2 ppm (parts per million); kg/ha = 2.24 x ppm; mg/kg = ppm 3. Conversions for 1 cmol+/Kg = 230 Kg/Hectare Sodium, 780 Kg/Ha Potassium, 240 Kg/Ha Magnesium, 400 Kg/Ha 3. Soluble Salts included in Exchangeable Cations - NO PRE-WASH Calcium 4. 'Morgan 1 Extract' adapted from 'Science in Agriculture', 'Non-Toxic Farming' and Lamonte Soil Handbook. 4. Organic Matter = %C x 1.75 5. Guidelines for phosphorus have been reduced for Australian soils 5. Chloride Estimate = EC x 640 (most likely over-estimate) 6. Indicative guidelines are based on 'Albrecht' and 'Reams' concepts 6. ECEC = sum of the exchangeable cations cmol+/Kg 7. Total Acid Extractable Nutrients indicate a store of nutrients 7. Base saturation calculations = (cation cmol+/Kg) /ECEC x 100 8. Contaminant Guides based on 'Residential with gardens and accessible soil including childrens daycare 8. Ca/Mg ratio from the exchangeable cmol+/Kg results centres, preschools, primary schools, town houses or villas' (NSW EPA 1998). 9. Information relating to testing colour codes is available on Sheet 2 - "Understanding you soil results"

Prepared by DnA Environmental August 2014 105 2014 Bulga Coal Complex Rehabilitation Monitoring Report Understanding your EAL soil results

Soil Acidity - Is the water pH >6.5 or CaCl2 pH >5.5 – hence no major problem. >7pH indicates alkaline soil. Soil with pH below 4.5 often has high kg/ha exchangeable hydrogen and aluminium

(and likely high % exchangeable H and Al).

Cation Exchange Capacity - Using the ECEC or CEC is the soil heavy, medium, light or sandy? In particular, compare the exchangeable Calcium and

Potassium in kg/ha to suggested guidelines.

Soil Salinity - Is the electrical conductivity (EC) above texture guidelines (ie. > 0.2dS/m heavy soil) – hence indicates possible salinity issue. If the

Exchangeable Sodium Percentage or % Exchangeable Sodium > 5% then possible salt issue. With high EC the chloride is also likely to be elevated.

Ca/Mg Ratio - Above 5 indicates good soil structure. Ratio 1 – 5 suggests addition of calcium to assist soil structure. Ratio <1 (ie. far higher magnesium)

often indicates high clay soil and possibly a sub-soil. Compaction and poor water infiltration is a likely indication of the cation imbalance.

Organic Matter - Refer to guidelines - >5.5% indicates good organic carbon and organic matter in the soil. Total Carbon to Total Nitrogen ratio should be

around 12:1 – If higher then suggests depletion of organic nitrogen.

Phosphorus - Are the levels of Bray I (plant available)/Bray II (exchangeable P) below or above the guidelines. At, above or near guidelines suggests no

need for P addition.

Solubles - Nitrate, ammonium and sulfur – compare to guidelines for soil type. Leachable nutrients hence may be further down soil profile.

Micronutrients - Plant available Iron, Manganese, Copper and Zinc – compare to guidelines to assess if relatively low or high. Iron and manganese availability

is significantly influenced by soil pH (acid soils often have very high soluble iron). Leaf testing is ideal for confirming potential issues with micronutrients.

Boron - A micronutrient extracted as plant available – compare to guidelines but be aware boron is very leachable and could be elevated down the soil profile.

Acid Extractable Nutrients - If total available nutrients were analysed then use numbers as a guide to compare to assess store of nutrients.

Prepared by DnA Environmental August 2014 106 2014 Bulga Coal Complex Rehabilitation Monitoring Report Appendix 4. 2014 Comprehensive Soil Analyses – Reference Sites ROUTINE AGRICULTURAL SOIL ANALYSIS REPORT Soil samples supplied by DnA Environmental on 23/06/2014- Lab Job No. D4316

Medium Sandy Heavy Light Soil e.g Soil e.g Soil e.g Soil e.g Site BM18 BM19 BM20 RPast01 RPast04 BM23 BM24 Clay Loamy Clay Loam Loam Sand Indicative guidelines only- refer Method Nutrient Units D4316/13 D4316/14 D4316/15 D4316/18 D4316/19 D4316/16 D4316/17 Note 6 Calcium Ca 510 297 392 590 923 436 497 1150 750 375 175 Magnesium Mg 384 107 91 415 121 186 408 160 105 60 25 Morgan 1 mg/kg Potassium K 100 107 129 126 55 82 160 113 75 60 50 Phosphorus P 2.1 1.5 2.0 1.9 3.3 2.2 2.5 15 12 10 5.0 Bray1 1.6 2.3 1.8 1.6 3.1 2.1 2.4 45note 8 30note 8 24note 8 20note 8 Colwell Phosphorus P mg/kg 7 10 10 6 9 8 10 80 50 45 35 Bray2 2 3 3 3 5 8 7 90note 8 60note 8 48note 8 40note 8 Nitrate Nitrogen 1.0 0.6 0.9 0.2 1.3 3.8 3.2 15 13 10 10 N KCl Ammonium Nitrogen mg/kg 2.6 3.0 2.9 16.0 2.5 2.1 2.0 20 18 15 12 Sulfur S 10.9 11.1 8.9 4.9 7.8 14.4 15.7 10.0 8.0 8.0 7.0 pH units 6.00 5.20 5.20 6.18 5.75 5.49 5.89 6.5 6.5 6.3 6.3 1:5 Water Conductivity dS/m 0.048 0.055 0.051 0.050 0.042 0.068 0.087 0.200 0.150 0.120 0.100 Calculation Organic Matter % OM 3.9 3.7 4.1 3.4 2.7 3.1 5.9 >5.5 >4.5 >3.5 >2.5 cmol+/Kg 5.14 2.54 3.53 6.04 8.46 3.93 5.21 Calcium Ca kg/ha 2306 1141 1583 2710 3799 1764 2338 Ammonium Acetate + mg/kg 1029 509 707 1210 1696 788 1044 3125 2150 1000 375 Calculations cmol+/Kg 5.22 1.17 1.03 5.85 1.49 2.22 5.46 Magnesium Mg kg/ha 1422 319 281 1592 405 604 1485

Prepared by DnA Environmental August 2014 107 2014 Bulga Coal Complex Rehabilitation Monitoring Report Medium Sandy Heavy Light Soil e.g Soil e.g Soil e.g Soil e.g Site BM18 BM19 BM20 RPast01 RPast04 BM23 BM24 Clay Loamy Clay Loam Loam Sand mg/kg 635 142 126 711 181 269 663 290 200 145 75 cmol+/Kg 0.63 0.47 0.57 0.83 0.34 0.38 0.79 Potassium K kg/ha 550 415 504 731 299 332 694 mg/kg 245 185 225 326 133 148 310 235 190 150 100 cmol+/Kg 0.36 0.23 0.13 0.43 0.12 0.25 0.46 Sodium Na kg/ha 187 119 66 223 64 128 239 mg/kg 84 53 29 99 29 57 107 69 60 51 25 cmol+/Kg 0.04 0.27 0.16 0.04 0.03 0.06 0.05 KCl Aluminium Al kg/ha 7 55 33 7 6 12 11 mg/kg 3 24 15 3 3 5 5 54 45 41 14 cmol+/Kg 0.14 0.38 0.24 0.03 0.05 0.07 0.17 Acidity Titration Hydrogen H+ kg/ha 3 9 5 1 1 1 4 mg/kg 1 4 2 0 1 1 2 6 5 5 2 Calculation Effective Cation Exchange Capacity (ECEC) cmol+/Kg 11.53 5.07 5.66 13.21 10.50 6.90 12.14 20 14 7 4 Calcium Ca 44.6 50.1 62.3 45.7 80.6 57.0 42.9 77 76 69 60 Magnesium Mg 45.3 23.1 18.3 44.3 14.2 32.1 44.9 12 12 16 20

Base Saturation Potassium K 5.4 9.4 10.2 6.3 3.2 5.5 6.5 3 4 5 8 % Calculations Sodium - ESP Na 3.2 4.6 2.3 3.3 1.2 3.6 3.8 2 2 3 3 Aluminium Al 0.3 5.3 2.9 0.3 0.3 0.8 0.4 7 7 7 9 Hydrogen H+ 1.2 7.5 4.2 0.2 0.5 1.0 1.4 Calculation Calcium/ Magnesium Ratio ratio 1.0 2.2 3.4 1.0 5.7 1.8 1.0 6.4 6.3 4.3 3.0 Zinc Zn 4.0 2.8 2.8 2.2 1.3 1.8 3.6 6.0 5.0 4.0 3.0 DTPA Manganese Mn mg/kg 18 7 6 9 5 22 14 25 22 18 15 Iron Fe 80 457 342 71 96 235 192 25 22 18 15

Prepared by DnA Environmental August 2014 108 2014 Bulga Coal Complex Rehabilitation Monitoring Report Medium Sandy Heavy Light Soil e.g Soil e.g Soil e.g Soil e.g Site BM18 BM19 BM20 RPast01 RPast04 BM23 BM24 Clay Loamy Clay Loam Loam Sand Copper Cu 1.0 0.5 0.4 1.2 0.5 0.6 0.6 2.4 2.0 1.6 1.2 Boron B 0.40 0.47 0.50 0.57 0.52 0.60 0.58 2.0 1.7 1.4 1.0 CaCl2 mg/kg Silicon Si 63 40 42 52 46 47 70 50 45 40 35 Total Carbon C % 2.26 2.09 2.37 1.95 1.55 1.80 3.40 >3.1 >2.6 >2.0 >1.4 LECO IR Analyser Total Nitrogen N % 0.14 0.12 0.14 0.13 0.11 0.13 0.23 >0.30 >0.25 >0.20 >0.15 Calculation Carbon/ Nitrogen Ratio ratio 16.3 17.2 16.4 14.7 13.7 13.5 14.7 10-12 10-12 10-12 10-12

Basic Texture Loam Loam Loam Loam Loam Loam Loam ......

Basic Colour Brownish Brownish Brownish Brownish Brownish Brownish Brownish ...... Calculation Chloride Estimate equiv. ppm 31 35 32 32 27 43 56 ...... Calcium Ca 1,357 671 970 1,552 2,044 963 1,328 1,000 - 10,000 Ca Magnesium Mg 1,267 352 388 1,385 464 710 1,242 500 - 5,000 Mg Total Acid Extractable Potassium K mg/kg 1,495 1,220 1,373 2,018 1,209 1,119 1,537 200 - 2,000 K Sodium Na 138 86 <50 157 <50 103 167 100 - 500 Na Sulfur S 179 143 172 161 136 149 276 100 - 1,000 S Total Acid Extractable Phosphorus P mg/kg 230 131 150 180 138 152 182 400 - 1,500 P Zinc Zn 50 23 33 42 33 26 29 20 - 50 Zn Manganese Mn 547 79 73 245 64 265 158 200 - 2,000 Mn Iron Fe 58,825 10,276 12,166 20,535 19,197 10,787 10,830 1,000 - 50,000 Fe Total Acid Extractable Copper Cu mg/kg 10.2 4.2 5.0 12.9 6.9 6.3 6.8 20 - 50 Cu Boron B <2 <2 2 <2 <2 2 <2 2 - 50 B Silicon Si 455 313 337 415 358 329 374 1,000 - 3,000 Si Aluminium Al 8,701 4,188 4,290 13,005 7,572 4,336 6,340 2,000 - 50,000 Al Molybdenum Mo 0.8 0.4 0.5 0.8 0.6 0.5 0.6 0.5 - 3 Mo Total Acid Extractable mg/kg Cobalt Co 9 2 3 7 3 6 5 5 - 50 Co

Prepared by DnA Environmental August 2014 109 2014 Bulga Coal Complex Rehabilitation Monitoring Report Medium Sandy Heavy Light Soil e.g Soil e.g Soil e.g Soil e.g Site BM18 BM19 BM20 RPast01 RPast04 BM23 BM24 Clay Loamy Clay Loam Loam Sand Selenium Se 0.7 <0.5 0.7 0.8 0.6 0.6 0.7 0.1 - 2.0 Se Cadmium Cd <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 < 5 Cd Lead Pb 15 9 9 11 12 10 10 < 75 Pb Arsenic As 7 3 4 4 5 4 3 < 25 As Total Acid Extractable Chromium Cr mg/kg 12 7 9 15 13 8 7 <25 Cr Nickel Ni 8 6 8 9 9 7 7 <150 Ni Mercury Hg <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 < 3.75 Hg Silver Ag <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 .. Ag

Prepared by DnA Environmental August 2014 110