PER Rev0.Doc Page 1 of 127

creating connections

Roe Highway Stage 7 Extension (South Street to Kwinana Freeway) Public Environmental Review Assessment Number 1466

January 2004

Roe 7 Alliance,1110 Hay Street, West Perth WA 6005, Australia Tel: +61 9211 4699 Fax: +61 9322 8029

Main Roads Western Australia - Roe 7 Alliance

Roe Highway Stage 7 (South Street to Kwinana Freeway)

Public Environmental Review (Assessment Number 1466)

Roe 7 Alliance 1110 Hay Street West Perth WA 6005 Australia Tel: + 61 8 9211 4699 Fax: + 61 8 9322 8029

Our Reference: REP -00-G-0002

Roe Highway Stage 7 (South Street to Kwinana Freeway) Revision 0 Public Environmental Review (Assessment Number 1466) - 22 January 2004 P:\7679 Roe 7\Alliance\23 Environment\23.21 PER\PER Rev0.doc Page 1 of 127

Main Roads Western Australia Roe Highway Stage 7 (South Street to Kwinana Freeway)

Public Environmental Review (Assessment Number 1466)

Doc No.REP-00-G-0002

REV DATE DESCRIPTION PREPARED CHECKED APPROVED

A 22.12.03 Preliminary draft L Chandler

B 19.1.04 Preliminary draft P Holmes

C 21.01.04 Final draft P Holmes 0 21/01/04 Final P Holmes

Invitation

The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) invites people to make a submission on this proposal.

In accordance with the Environmental Protection Act (1986), a Public Environmental Review (PER) has been prepared which describes Main Roads Western Australia Roe Highway Stage 7 (South Street to Kwinana Freeway) proposal. The PER is available for public review period of 8 weeks from Tuesday 27 January 2004 closing Tuesday 23 March 2004.

Comments from the public and government agencies will assist the EPA to prepare an assessment report in which it will make recommendations to the government.

Why Write a Submission?

A submission is a way to provide information, express your opinion and put forward your suggested course of action, including any alternative approach. It is useful if you indicate any suggestions you have to improve the proposal.

All submissions received by the EPA will be acknowledged. Submissions will be treated as public documents unless specially marked confidential, and may be quoted in full or in part in each report.

Why Not Join a Group?

If you prefer not to write your own comments, it may be worthwhile joining a group or other groups interested in making a submission on similar issues. Joint submissions may help to reduce the workload for an individual or group, as well as increase the pool of ideas and information. If you form a small group (up to 10 people) please indicate all the names of the participants. If your group is larger, please indicate how many people your submission represents.

Developing a Submission

You may agree or disagree with, or comment on, the general issues discussed in the document or the specific proposals. It helps if you give reasons for your conclusions, supported by relevant data. You may make an important contribution by suggesting ways to make the proposal environmentally more acceptable.

When making comments on specific proposals in the document:

· clearly state your point of view; · indicate the source of your information or argument if this is applicable; and · suggest recommendations, safeguards or alternatives.

Points to Keep in Mind

By keeping the following points in mind, you will make it easier for your submission to be analysed:

· attempt to list points so that the issues raised are clear. A summary of your submission is helpful; · refer each point to the appropriate sections, chapter or recommendation in the document; · if you discuss sections of the document, keep them distinct and separate, so that there is no confusion as to which section you are considering; and · attach any factual information you wish to provide and give details of the source. Make sure your information is accurate.

Remember to include:

· your name; · address; · date; and · whether you want your submission to be confidential.

The closing date for submission is: Tuesday 23 March 2004.

Submissions should ideally be emailed to [email protected] or addressed to:

The Chairman Environmental Protection Authority 9th Floor, Westralia Square PO Box K822 141 St George’s Terrace PERTH WA 6842 PERTH WA 6000 Attention: Juliet Cole

More information on how to make a submission can be obtained from the free pamphlet “Environmental Impact Assessment – How to Make a Submission” available from the Environmental Protection Library, Tel: (08) 9222 7127 or by calling the project officer Juliet Cole on (08) 9222 7080.

Table of Contents

Executive Summary i

1 Introduction 28 1.1 This Document 28 1.2 Proponent and Project Delivery 29 1.3 Relevant Legislation 29 1.3.1 State Legislation 29 1.3.2 Commonwealth Legislation 30 1.4 Assessment Process and Project Schedule 30

2 Existing Environment 33 2.1 Physical 33 2.1.1 Climate and Local Weather Conditions 33 2.1.2 Landform and Soils 33 2.1.3 Surface and Groundwater 34 2.1.4 Site Contamination 35 2.2 Biological Conditions 37 2.2.1 Vegetation 37 2.2.2 Flora 43 2.2.3 Declared Rare and Other Significant Flora 44 2.2.4 Fauna 47 2.3 Social 52 2.3.1 Land Use 52 2.3.2 Residential Amenity 52 2.3.3 Aboriginal Heritage 55 2.3.4 Other Heritage 55

3 Description of the Proposal 57 3.1 Proposal 57 3.2 Project Justification 58 3.2.1 Planning Context 58 3.2.2 Current Status of Roe Highway 59 3.2.3 Benefits of Constructing Roe Highway Stage 7 59 3.3 Alignment Selection – Consideration of Alternative Route Options 60 3.4 Project Specific Stakeholder Consultation 62 3.5 Environmental and Associated Studies and Surveys 63

4 Environmental Impact Assessment, Proposed Management and Mitigation 65 4.1 Native Vegetation 65 4.1.1 Clearing 65 4.1.2 Pests and Diseases 69 4.2 Declared Rare Flora 72 4.3 Residential Amenity 79 4.3.1 Construction Related Traffic 79 4.3.2 Construction Related Noise and Vibration 81 4.3.3 Construction Related Dust 86 4.3.4 Visual and Other Impacts 88 4.3.5 Access to Ken Hurst Park 90 4.3.6 Operational Traffic Noise 92 4.3.7 Vehicle Emissions 95 4.4 Native Fauna 99 4.5 Water Resources 104 4.5.1 Surface Water and Groundwater Hydrology 104 4.5.2 Site Contamination 109

Table of Contents - cont

5 Project Environmental Management 113 5.1 Responsibility 113 5.2 Environmental Management System 113 5.3 Environmental Management Plan 114 5.3.1 Objectives and Targets 114 5.3.2 Structure and Scope 116 5.3.3 Review and Revision of EMP 116 5.3.4 Environmental Audit 116 5.4 Site Management 116 5.5 Supporting Management Plans 116

6 Future Consultation Programme 118 6.1 Stakeholder Consultation Programme 118 6.2 Project Representative Group 118 6.3 Community Forums 120 6.3.1 Affected Community 120 6.3.2 Other Stakeholders 120

7 Conclusions 121

8 References 123

9 Abbreviations 127

Technical Appendencies (see separate volume)

Appendix A Draft Environmental Scoping Document Appendix B PRG Meeting Agendas Appendix C Vegetation Studies Appendix D Fauna Studies Appendix E Noise Studies Appendix F Air Quality Studies

Table of Contents - cont

Tables Table 1 Project and Environmental Assessment Milestones...... 31 Table 2 Climatological Summary for Jandakot Airport (Bureau of Meteorology)...... 33 Table 3 Vegetation Communities...... 37 Table 4 Vegetation Condition Rating Scale (from Department of Environmental Protection, 2000)... 38 Table 5 Bush Forever Sites that support Banksia Woodland and Mixed Shrubland similar to that found on the Roe Highway Alignment...... 40 Table 6 Conservation Codes for Rare and Priority Flora (Atkins 2003)...... 44 Table 7 Categories of Threatened Species (EPBC Act, Section 179, 1999) ...... 45 Table 8 Summary of Fauna Species...... 48 Table 9 Fauna Species Listed Under Commonwealth or State Acts...... 50 Table 10 Fauna Species Listed as Priority Fauna by CALM ...... 50 Table 11 Noise Monitoring Results in dB (A)...... 54 Table 12 Combined Air Quality Data from the Leeming and South Lake Monitoring Stations...... 55 Table 13 Criteria, Criteria Weightings and Scores forAlignment Options...... 61 Table 14 Alignment Option Value for Money Assessments...... 61 Table 15 Summary of Environmental Studies and Reports...... 64 Table 16 Noise Level Objectives ...... 93 Table 17 NEPM Standards Compared with Monitoring Data...... 96 Table 18 Highest Predicted Pollutant Concentrations...... 97 Table 19 Background and Maximum Predicted Atmospheric Pollutant Concentrations...... 98 Table 20 Crash Data for selected Highways in the Perth Metropolitan Area (Five year period 1998 – 2003) ...... 107 Table 21 Project Environmental Objectives...... 114 Table 22 Previous PRG Meetings for 2003...... 119

Figures Figure 2.1 Site Contours Figure 2.2 Groundwater Protection and Waste Disposal Areas Figure 2.3 Bush Forever Sites Figure 2.4 Vegetation Communities, Figure 2.5 Vegetation Condition and Dieback Areas Figure 2.6 Overall Alignment Option Figure 2.7 Northern Alignment Option Figure 2.8 Adjacent Land Uses Figure 3.1 Concept Design Original Alignment Figure 3.2 Typical Cross Section Figure 3.3 Perth Metropolitan Road Network Figure 3.4 Roe Highway Stage 7 Alignment Options Considered by LIC Figure 3.5 Proposed Northern Alignment Excursions into MRS Parks and Recreation Reserve Figure 4.1 Noise Barrier Locations Figure 4.2 Noise Barrier Locations Figure 4.3 Noise Barrier Locations Figure 4.4 Noise Barrier Locations Figure 4.5 Noise Barrier Locations Figure 4.6 Noise Barrier Locations Figure 4.7 Noise Barrier Locations

Executive Summary

Executive Summary The corridor for the Roe 7 extension has been reserved under the Metropolitan Region Scheme Roe Highway forms part of the strategic ring road (MRS) since promulgation of the Scheme in 1963. system servicing the Perth Metropolitan Region Accordingly, as the surrounding areas have (PMR), the need for which has been confirmed developed in accordance with prevailing regional through recent studies into the efficiency of the and local planning policies, the Roe 7 corridor has regional freight movement network. The remained undeveloped. It is now regarded as construction of Roe Highway has been staged environmentally significant because of the native over a number of years and the penultimate stage vegetation it retains (ie the Grand Spider Orchid of the route (between Nicholson Road and South and Carnaby’s Cockatoo habitat) and part of the Street through Canning Vale) is currently under corridor is included within the recommendation construction. The Stage 7 extension of Roe for Bush Forever Site 245 for Ken Hurst Park. Highway from South Street to the Kwinana Bush Forever is the State Government initiative Freeway through Leeming will complete the ring addressing the protection of regionally significant road system and improve transport efficiencies for remnant Swan Coastal Plain native vegetation freight and general traffic. Construction of the within the PMR. However, as is the case in this Stage 7 extension will also achieve a number of instance, where a Bush Forever site incorporates more localised community and traffic-related designated regional road reserve, the relevant benefits in the Canning Vale and Leeming Bush Forever implementation and practice localities, including improved safety, access and procedures acknowledge that the primary purpose amenity. of the reserve is to accommodate regional transportation infrastructure. Accordingly, the On behalf of the State Government, Main Roads recommendation for Bush Forever Site 245 Western Australia (MRWA) is now proposing to affecting the Roe 7 corridor does not preclude construct the Stage 7 extension of Roe Highway construction of the proposed route. Rather, it and the Roe 7 Alliance has been formed to establishes that, in constructing the route, the undertake design and construction of the proposed objective should be to minimise the extent of route. impact on the regionally significant remnant vegetation. The proposal to construct the Stage 7 extension of Roe Highway is being formally assessed by the The Roe 7 corridor is also used by local residents Western Australian Environmental Protection for passive and active recreational purposes, Authority (EPA) at Public Environmental Review including bushwalking and off-road vehicular (PER) level. This document represents the PER activities. Combined with the remnant native for the Roe 7 project. In addition, the corridor vegetation contained within the corridor, these through which the Roe 7 extension will pass informal recreational functions have clearly contains a species of Declared Rare Flora (the contributed to local amenity. Grand Spider Orchid, Caladenia huegelii), and also contains remnant native vegetation some of Investigations undertaken as part of the process of which forms feeding habitat for the endangered progressing the Roe 7 extension have included Short -billed (Carnaby’s) Black Cockatoo consideration of several route options arising from (Calyptorhynchus latirostris). As both the Grand earlier review of the metropolitan freight network. Spider Orchid and Carnaby’s Cockatoo are trigger These investigations included assessment and species pursuant to the Environment Protection ranking of the route options against a range of and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, the cost and non-cost based environmental, social, proposed Stage 7 extension of Roe Highway is planning, organisational and administrative also being assessed by the Commonwealth factors. The assessment and ranking was Department of Environment and Heritage (DEH). undertaken through a broad consultative process In this regard, it has been determined that the and resulted in identification of a route based on Commonwealth assessment will be through an the existing MRS reserve for the Roe 7 extension accredited process based on the EPA’s formal as the best option based on both the cost and non- assessment of the project. cost criteria considered during the process.

Executive Summary

This route option is, therefore, being developed by However, in the event that development approval the Roe 7 Alliance and is addressed in this PER as for the northerly alignment option is not the proposal for assessment by the EPA. forthcoming, construction of the route within the existing MRS reserve would be pursued and as However, an alternative route alignment for that already indicated, construction within the existing portion of the Roe 7 extension with the greatest reserve is the proposal presented in this PER for effect on the Grand Spider Orchid habitat (ie assessment by EPA, the rationale being that if this generally where the route passes between Ken route option is regarded as environmentally Hurst Park and John Connell Reserve) is also acceptable, the northerly alignment should also be being considered. Under the alternative, this regarded as acceptable because of its lesser portion of the route follows a more northerly impacts on the Spider Orchid and native alignment involving minor excursions beyond the vegetation. existing MRS reserve for the route and into the adjoining MRS Parks and Recreation Reserve. Irrespective of the route alignment finally adopted, it is necessary to acknowledge that Although the overall footprint of the two route construction of the proposed Roe 7 extension will options is similar, the more northerly alignment result in impacts upon the environmental and will reduce the number of Grand Spider Orchids amenity values of the corridor through which the directly affected by the highway extension, and route will pass. Additionally, construction and will slightly lessen its intrusion upon areas of operation of the route will result in a range of better quality native vegetation. The northern other impacts with the potential to impinge on alignment is therefore the Alliance’s preferred residential amenity in the near environs. The option. However, because it involves excursions EPA’s scoping document for its assessment of the into the adjoining Parks and Recreation Reserve, Roe 7 project outlines these issues and approval pursuant to the MRS would be necessary necessarily, they have been addressed. to allow use of the alternative alignment. An application for Approval to Commence Key characteristics of the proposed Roe 7 Development pursuant to the MRS for the extension (based on construction within the alternative alignment has therefore been lodged existing MRS reserve) are listed in Table I. with the relevant Local and State Government Anticipated impacts have been identified and agencies. As this application only applies to a programmes for their mitigation have been localised area and would not have the effect of proposed and in this regard, commitments as allowing the overall Stage 7 extension of Roe indicated in Table II will be made by the Highway to proceed in advance of EPA’s Proponent. assessment of the project, there is no reason to delay processing of the application.

Assuming that the required development and environmental approvals are forthcoming, the Roe 7 extension will be constructed on the northerly alignment, because of its lesser impact on the Spider Orchid and better quality native vegetation.

Executive Summary

Table I: Key Characteristics of Proposed Roe 7 Extension

Element Description Proposal description Design, construct and operate a four lane highway from South Street to Kwinana Freeway, with allowance for future widening to six lanes. The proposal includes construction of all road pavements, access roads, drainage basins, drains, medians, grade separated interchanges, ramps, traffic signals, associated earthworks, Principal Shared Paths, other shared paths, road bridges, footbridges, underpasses, culverts, lighting, noise barriers, fencing, landscaping and signs. Length of highway Approximately 4.5km. Area of road reserve Approximately 130.6 hectares. Cross-section – first stage two lanes 3.0m shoulder, 2 x 3.5m lanes, 1.5m shoulder, 22m median* (including median shoulders), 1.5m shoulder, 2 x 3.5m lanes and 3.0m shoulder. Cross-section – ultimate stage three lanes 3.0m shoulder, 3 x 3.5m lanes, 2.5m shoulder, 15m median* (including median shoulders), 2.5m shoulder, 3 x 3.5m lanes and 3.0m shoulder. Area of surfaced road 17.24 hectares including interchanges (Stage 1). Area of clearing Approximately 53.9 hectares (including batters and drainage basins). This includes 8 hectares of already disturbed native vegetation. Number of observed Caladenia huegelii directly 86 individuals affected by the proosed route Area to be revegetated Approximately 31 hectares (including batters and drainage basins). Construction duration Constructed over a period between July 2004 and December 2005. Grade separated intersections South St, Karel Ave, Kwinana Fwy. Bridges and underpasses Road bridges at South St (two bridges), Karel Ave and Kwinana Fwy; footbridge over Roe Hwy east bound on-ramp at Kwinana Freeway; and pedestrian underpasses at South St off-ramp, Ken Hurst Park (under Roe Highway) and Karel Avenue. General standard of design and construction Design speed 70kph to 100kph – Austroads and MRWA standards Construction materials source Road constructed in cut and on fill. Additional fill obtained from approved sources (e.g. sand mines) and suppliers.

* Note: Median reduced to 17.5m and 10.5m respectively for first and ultimate stage near populations of Declared Rare Fauna.

Public Environmental Review (Assessment Number 1466) -

Table II Summary of Issues and Management

Environmental Factor Scope of Work Existing Environment Future Environment EPA Objective Work required for PER Existing Environment Potential Impacts Proposed Management Predicted Outcome BIOPHYSICAL Native Flora Vegetation Maintain the abundance, Vegetation surveys conducted in Banksia Woodland of the Bassendean The “footprint” of the proposed 1 minimise the extent of the project Reduced extent of clearing for species diversity, 1998/99 as part of project Complex Central and South, including minor route totals 54 ha, of which 46 “footprint” through sensitive permanent loss of native project geographic distribution master planning. low-lying shrub land areas, occurs along the ha contains good quality design and construction vegetation. (Section 4.1.1) and productivity of proposed route. This vegetation is generally vegetation with the remaining 8 management; vegetation Botanical survey and in above average condition. ha displaying varying degrees of 2 utilise the landscaping - assessment undertaken in 2002 disturbance. revegetation programme to by BSD Consultants. 24% of vegetation of the Bassendean Central replace some of the native and South Complex remains on the Swan Remnant native vegetation vegetation lost; Coastal Plain, of which approximately 13% within the project “footprint” 3 rehabilitate disturbed areas within is proposed for inclusion in conservation will be lost as a result of route the highway corridor not required reserves. construction. for the project; 4 maximise conservation management of remnant native vegetation areas within and adjacent to the highway corridor.

Pests and Botanical survey and Dieback mapping undertaken in Most of the highway corridor is dieback free The movement of machinery 1 implement effective dieback and Control of dieback and Diseases assessment undertaken in 1998 and the proposed route although two areas of infection and a and vehicles throughout the weed hygiene programmes; weed species through (Section 4.1.2) 2002 by BSD was re-surveyed by Hart surrounding “uninterpretable” area occur highway corridor during the 2 where applicable use dieback effective management. Consultants. Simpson & Associates in March near South Street. Two small infections also project construction phase has resistant native vegetation species 2003. occur in the vicinity of Ken Hurst Park. the potential to spread both in landscaping and rehabilitation dieback infection and weeds. programmes; Botanical survey and Weeds occur within disturbed area 3 support weed control and dieback assessment undertaken in 2002 throughout the highway corridor. treatment programmes within by BSD Consultants. Ken Hurst Park; 4 implement weed control and dieback treatment measures within susceptible areas in the vicinity of the proposed route. Declared Disturbance to Protect Declared Rare Vegetation surveys conducted in The highway corridor contains the largest The northern alignment option 1 pursue the northern route Risk to the insitu and Rare Flora rare flora and Priority Flora, 1998/99 as part of project known population of the DRF Caladenia will reduce the number of C. alignment; exsitu C.huegelii Section 4.2 consistent with the master planning. huegelii, the importance of which for both huegelii that would be directly 2 develop and implement a C. populations minimised. provisions of the Wildlife maintenance and future recovery of the affected by the proposed route huegelii Conservation and Conservation Act 1950, Detailed Spring DRF survey species is clearly significant. from 86 to 68 plants (13% of the Management Plan incorporating a and the Environment undertaken in 2002 and repeated insitu population and 8.5% of translocation programme for the Protection and in 2003. C. huegelii is listed as critically endangered the total known population of plants that would be affected by Biodiversity Act 1999. under the EPBC Act. the species). the highway extension; Protect other flora of 3 maximise conservation conservation management of remnant native significance. vegetation areas within and adjacent to the highway corridor; 4 contribute funding for research into C. huegelii; 5 consider the provision of offset

Public Environmental Review (Assessment Number 1466) -

Environmental Factor Scope of Work Existing Environment Future Environment EPA Objective Work required for PER Existing Environment Potential Impacts Proposed Management Predicted Outcome land in the event that translocation does not succeed. Rare fauna Disturbance to Maintain the species Review of fauna investigations Species of conservation significance that Of Specially Protected Fauna, 1 pursue an optimal design that Potential impacts and local feeding habitat abundance, diversity and by Bamford Consulting have been recorded or might be expected to the potential for impact on will minimise loss and severance minimised as practicable macro-fauna and creating geographical distribution Ecologists, March 2003. occur on or near the Roe Highway alignment Carnaby’s Cockatoo via the loss of fauna habitat; through effective populations barriers to of fauna. include native bees Leioproctus of approximately 54Ha of 2 prepare and implement a Fauna management. movement. Review of Carnaby’s Cockatoo douglasiellus, Neopasiphae simplicior and feeding habitat appears to be the Management Plan that will Section 4.4 Protect Special Protected Calyptorhynchus latirostris Leioproctus contrarius, the Peregrine Falcon most significant issue. address the inclusion of fauna (Threatened) Fauna and within the proposed Roe (Falco peregrinus), the Short-billed However, a recent site specific food plants in revegetation, Priority Fauna species Highway Stage 7 Area, (Carnaby’s) Black Cockatoo assessment of the significance design of fauna fencing, design and their habitats, Jandakot, RE & C Johnstone (Calyptorhynchus latirostris), the Barking of vegetation clearing along the of fauna underpasses, Quenda consistent with the December 2003. Owl (Ninox connivens) the Rainbow Bee- Stage 7 alignment concluded trapping and relocation, and provisions of the Wildlife eater (Merops ornatus), the Quenda or that the loss of feeding habitat management of kangaroos. Conservation Act 1950 Southern Brown Bandicoot (Isoodon would not in fact be significant. and the EPBC Act 1999. obesulus), the Brush Wallaby (Macropus irma) and the Vesper Bat (Fasistrellus The impact on local macrofauna mackeniei). Carnaby’s Cockatoo is listed populations will be in the form under the EPBC Act 1999 as endangered. of an additional barrier to their The Rainbow Bee-eater is listed under the movement. There is also the EPBC Act 1999 as a migratory species. The potential for road kills to occur other are either listed under the WA Wildlife once the highway is operational. Conservation Act 1950, or are considered by CALM to be in need of management or monitoring.

Kangaroos move across the alignment between Melville Golf Course and areas of adjacent bushland. Impact on Loss of native Ensure that regionally Botanical survey and Bush Forever Site 245 (Ken Hurst Park) Loss of native vegetation within Management of the impact on Bush Potential impacts Bush vegetation. significant flora and assessment undertaken in 2002 includes vegetation on the Roe Highway the footprint of the highway Forever Site 245 within the MRS minimised as practicable Forever site Section 2.2.1 vegetation communities by BSD Consultants. reserve where it adjoins the Park. alignment. road reserve will be as for through sensitive design and 4.1 in Bush Forever sites are management of impacts on native and management. adequately protected. Vegetation surveys conducted in 7.5 Ha of the mapped extent of Bush Bush Forever Site vegetation and Declared Rare Flora 1998/99 as part of project Forever Site 245 lie inside the MRS regional Implementation Guidelines and as discussed previously. master planning. road reserve. Practice Notes recognise that the primary purpose of road Detailed Spring DRF survey reserves identified in the MRS undertaken in 2002 and repeated or local Town Planning is to in 2003. accommodate vital transport infrastructure.

SOCIAL SURROUNDINGS Residential Construction Maintain the integrity, N/A Bassendean sands that are relatively loose Nuisance levels of dust and Design to reduce extent of footprint Minimal impacts of dust Amenity related dust ecological functions and and inherently unstable when disturbed. windblown sand which could and hence clearing of vegetation. on residential amenity. (Section 4.3.3) environmental values of Most of the alignment is covered in affect the amenity of residential the soil and landform mature native vegetation. prop erties that are down-wind Daily monitoring of dust and Some areas previously cleared (the larger of the project during the windblown sand levels, watering protected from wind erosion by exotic blustery summer afternoon and use of screening barriers during plant species). winds from the south-west. construction. Numerous firebreaks, tracks and cleared Detrimental effects on Commencing construction during easements. revegetation. winter if practicable.

Public Environmental Review (Assessment Number 1466) -

Environmental Factor Scope of Work Existing Environment Future Environment EPA Objective Work required for PER Existing Environment Potential Impacts Proposed Management Predicted Outcome

Provide rapid stabilisation of disturbed areas or new embankments through timely and progressive mulching and revegetation.

Monitor stability of finished works, and rectify any problem areas for the duration of the two year defect liability period Construction Protect the amenity of Existing acoustic environment Current L10 (18 hour) noise levels typically less Increased heavy vehicle traffic 1. designate haulage routes to be Potential impacts related traffic residents from noise and documented through the noise than 60dB(A), while Leq (8 hour) levels on local roads, giving rise to used; minimised as practicable (Section 4.3.1) vibration impacts studies undertaken. generally within the 43-53 dB(A) range. safety concerns, issues, possible 2. ensure compliance with all through effective resulting from activities congestion, noise and vibration, applicable statutory management. associated with Existing vehicle movements in residential spillage of materials and requirements; construction of the areas adjacent to the proposed route are consequent dust, 3. minimise heavy vehicle proposal by ensuring that essentially private domestic traffic. movements as practicable; noise and vibration levels 4. regular inspection and meet statutory maintenance of the haulage requirements and routes; acceptable standards. 5. control of out of hours heavy haulage via specific management plan; and 6. implement effective complaint receipt and response procedures.

Construction Protect the amenity of Existing acoustic environment Current L10 (18 hour) noise levels typically less Construction of the proposed 1 ensure compliance with all Potential impacts related noise residents from noise and documented through the noise than 60dB(A), while Leq (8 hour) levels route will entail a range of applicable statutory requirements; minimised as practicable and vibration vibration impacts studies undertaken. generally within the 43-53 dB(A) range. activities that could influence 2 require alternatives to audible through effective (Section 4.3.2) resulting from activities the local noise environment and reversing alarms as practicable; management. associated with induce ground vibrations which 3 limit operations to normal construction of the could be transmitted into nearby business hours as practicable; proposal by ensuring that residential areas. 4 maximise separation between noise and vibration levels noisy/vibration inducing meet statutory activities and adjacent residential requirements and areas as operationally practicable; acceptable standards. 5 adopt construction techniques that will minimise vibration impacts within nearby residential areas, particularly for piling operations; 6 install noise barriers at the earliest feasible opportunity; 7 maximise retained vegetation to assist in noise screening; and 8 implement effective complaint receipt and response procedures. Visual and Ensure that visual N/A The corridor through which the proposed Construction of the proposed 1 minimise visual prominence of Potential impacts other impacts amenity of the area is not route will pass is essentially undeveloped, route will alter local visual the road formation and associated minimised as practicable on residential significantly affected by retains native vegetation and is used for characteristics (eg through structures as practicable through through sensitive design amenity implementation of the informal recreational activities. It would clearing, establishment of design and landscaping; and effective (Section 4.3.4) proposal. therefore contribute to local amenity, visible structures and light 2 minimise potential light spill management.

Public Environmental Review (Assessment Number 1466) -

Environmental Factor Scope of Work Existing Environment Future Environment EPA Objective Work required for PER Existing Environment Potential Impacts Proposed Management Predicted Outcome although this contribution would be spill), disrupt current through sensitive placement of diminished through some aspects of current recreational use of the area, and light sources, minimising human activity (off-road vehicular activity interfere with local movement. illumination intensity and and illegal dumping) and possible fire maximising directional shielding hazard. as consistent with operational requirements; 3 establishment of continuous PSP along the northern side of the proposed route and provision for north-south movement across the route between John Connell Reserve and Ken Hurst Park, and Karel Avenue; 4 maximisation of separation between the PSP and adjoining residential properties and establishment of noise screening walls and landscaping within the intervening area as practicable. Operational Protect the amenity of Noise studies conducted in Current L10 (18 hour) noise levels typically less Modelling undertaken predicts 1 install noise barriers walls to Compliance with base traffic noise residents from noise 1997/98 as part of project than 60dB(A), while Leq (8 hour) levels L10 (18 hour noise levels in the ensure compliance with base level noise criteria of 63 (Section 4.3.6) impacts resulting from master planning. generally within the 49-58 dB(A) range. 60dB(A) to 70dB(A) range in level criteria of 63 dB(A) for day dB(A) for day time and operation of the proposal the vicinity of the proposed time and 55 dB(A) for night time. 55 dB(A) for night time, by ensuring that noise Additional investigations route, generally in excess of 2 complete further “best practice” or alternative “best levels meet statutory undertaken by GHD (1999), applicable base level criteria. noise investigations to establish practice” standard as requirements and Herring Storer (Aug 2003) and This modelling also indicates potential improved noise agreed with the DEP. acceptable standards. Vipac (Dec 2003). that compliance with these attenuation achievable through criteria can be achieved through increased wall height in selected Further “best practice” noise installation of noise barrier areas along the proposed route. attenuation investigations to be walls. undertaken during PER review process. Vehicle Ensure that gaseous Screening level local air quality Data from DEP’s air quality monitoring As a major traffic artery, the Complete regional air quality Compliance with emissions emissions do not assessment undertaken by stations at Leeming and South Lake indicate proposed highway extension has assessment local air toxics statutory and other (Section 4.3.7) adversely affect the CSIRO (Nov 2003 – Jan 2004). clear compliance with NEPM criteria the potential to reduce air assessment for the proposed route relevant requirements. environment, health, relating to pollutants typically associated quality in the near environs, and and report results to the EPA for welfare or amenity of Regional assessment and with motor vehicle exhaust emissions. contribute to regional pollutant consideration. nearby land users by investigation of local levels of loads. meeting statutory air toxics to be undertaken Modelling undertaken indicates requirements (including during PER review period. the unlikelihood of local Section 51 of the adverse air quality impacts, but Environmental further investigations are Protection Act 1986) and necessary to confirm this in acceptable standards. relation to air toxics and a regional assessment. Access to Ken N/A Further liaison with relevant Current access is via Dundee St, Access from the north will be Provision of a grade separated Pedestrian access from Hurst Park stakeholders to finalise access Hollingsworth Way, and Leeming Rd (un- severed by the proposed route. crossing to maintain pedestrian the north maintained. (Section 4.3.5) arrangements. constructed). Informal access by off-road access from the north. vehicles.

POLLUTION MANAGEMENT

Public Environmental Review (Assessment Number 1466) -

Environmental Factor Scope of Work Existing Environment Future Environment EPA Objective Work required for PER Existing Environment Potential Impacts Proposed Management Predicted Outcome Underground Site Maintain the quality of N/A Groundwater levels vary throughout the area Construction of the proposed 1 Develop dewatering Potential impacts Water Contaminati groundwater so that traversed by the proposed highway from about route may necessitate some management strategies including minimised as practicable Pollution on and existing and potential 2 to 16m below natural surface. The minor dewatering (for bridge for disposal of excess water in through effect Control Area Topographic uses, including shallowest ground water is in the vicinity of footings), and could also consultation with DEP. management. Changes, ecosystem maintenance Karel Avenue. mobilise any insitu 2 Design and implement site Altered are protected. contaminated materials drainage strategy in accordance Surface and There are some 500 registered groundwater encountered. with principals agreed with the Ground Ensure that groundwater bores within 500m of the highway corridor DEP. Water resources used for public and a number of unregistered domestic bores Construction will also involve 3 Incorporate stormwater and (Sections water supply are are also likely. the use and handling of hazardous materials management 4.5.1 and protected in accordance hydrocarbon product which, if programmes in the project 4.5.2) with NHMRC guidelines Local groundwater quality is generally high mismanaged, could result in construction management plan. and that land uses which notwithstanding existence of several sources localised contamination. 4 In the event that would affect both the of potential contamination (eg the City of contaminating materials are quantity and quality of Melville’s closed landfill within John Connell Spillage of contaminating encountered during construction, groundwater are Reserve, the City of Canning’s Bannister materials as a result of traffic develop strategies for dealing with appropriately controlled. Road landfill, the nearby closed liquid waste incidents on the highway these materials in consultation with site and industrial land uses). Heavy metals when operational could also the DEP. and elevated levels of nitrogen and pose a contamination risk. 5 Use lease conditions applying phosphorous have been recorded in to the existing soils blending and groundwater samples from these areas. nursery sites to ensure remediation of any insitu contamination on A portion of the Priority 1 UGWPCA for the sessation of the operations. Jandakot Mound adjoins the southern boundary of the highway corridor in the vicinity of Karel Avenue and the Kwinana Freeway. Priority 3 UGWPCA extends into the corridor in this area. The direction of groundwater flow in this area is generally south to north.

Public Environmental Review (Assessment Number 1466) -

Table III Interim Commitments

No Topic Actions Objectives Timing Advice From 1 Environmental Prepare a construction EMS consistent with To manage relevant environmental Prior to construction. Management the core requirements of the ISO 14001 factors during construction of the System (EMS) standard. Roe Highway Stage 7. 2 Environmental Implement the construction EMS referred to Achieve the objectives of During construction. Management in commitment 1. commitment 1. System (EMS) 3 Environmental MRWA will develop, as part of the To manage and minimise the Prior to construction CALM, WRC Management Plan construction EMP, plans, guidelines and potential impacts of the construction procedures to address and manage (but not phase of the Roe Highway Stage 7. be limited to) the following environmental issues: 1. noise and vibration; 2. dust; 3. construction traffic; 4. site stormwater and hazardous materials; 5. groundwater protection; 6. lighting control; 7. flora; 8. declared rare flora; 9. pests and diseases; 10. fauna; 11. soil contamination; 12. aboriginal and european heritage; 13. waste management; 14. air quality; and 15. aesthetics

Public Environmental Review (Assessment Number 1466) -

No Topic Actions Objectives Timing Advice From 4 Environmental Implement the construction EMP referred to Achieve the objectives of During construction. CALM, WRC, Management Plan in commitment 3. commitment 3. MRWA 5 Vegetation Prepare a Vegetation Management Plan, for 1. Minimise the extent of clearing Prior to construction CALM Management Plan the construction EMP, based on best practice required for the project through and sound ecological principles. This will design and rigorous management address: of construction activities. 1. demarcating clearing boundaries; 2. Mitigate for the loss of 2. selective harvesting of site won organic significant vegetation material in order to avoid the spread of weedy species; 3. dieback hygiene requirements; 4. stripping, management and reuse of topsoil; 5. site preparation activities including decompaction, furrowing or other surface preparation and mulching; 6. documentation of a revegetation schedule providing details of the species to be used, where they will be used, propagule densities (seeding rates and/or planting density) and what type of seeding or planting regime will be employed; 7. optimal timing for all activities; 8. success criteria for revegetation; and 9. management, maintenance, monitoring and remedial activities to ensure a successful outcome.

6 Vegetation Implement the Vegetation Management Plan Achieve the objectives of During construction CALM Management Plan referred to in commitment 5. commitment 5.

Public Environmental Review (Assessment Number 1466) -

No Topic Actions Objectives Timing Advice From 7 Native Vegetation MRWA will review the MRS road reserve Achieve the objectives of Post Design City of Melville, City boundary once construction is complete. commitment 5. of Cockburn, DPI, WAPC 8 Native Vegetation MRWA will initiate action to maximize the Achieve the objectives of Post Design City of Melville, City extent of conservation management of commitment 5. of Cockburn, DPI, remnant native vegetation including, for WAPC example, through incorporation into Ken Hurst Park. 9 Wetland Vegetation Replace the wetland values and functions Maintain the abundance, species Prior to construction CALM, WRC Replacement lost as a result of the proposed highway diversity, geographic distribution extension as fully as practicable through and productivity of vegetation. design and construction of the highway drainage system. 10 Wetland Vegetation In the event that the replacement of these Maintain the abundance, species Prior to construction CALM, WRC Replacement wetland functions and values is not regarded diversity, geographic distribution as an acceptable option, develop and and productivity of vegetation. implement, in consultation with the DEP, an appropriate strategy for mitigating the loss of wetland functions and values resulting from the proposed highway extension in accordance with established principles agreed between MRWA and the DEP. 11 Caladenia huegelii Prepare an Caladenia huegelii Conservation 1. Minimise the impact on the Prior to construction CALM, DEH, KPBG, Conservation and and Management Plan that addresses: significant flora species through and EPA reporting City of Melville, F of Management Plan 1. the exact locations of all of the C. design and rigorous management KHP, WAOSG huegelii plants in the local population of construction activities. (combined survey data for 2002-2004 2. Mitigate for the impacts on the flowering seasons); population of DRF. 2. the numbers of plants to be translocated; 3. Ensure protection of the 3. locations for translocation sites; remaining population and its 4. translocation methodologies and possible habitat. trial design for comparing

Public Environmental Review (Assessment Number 1466) -

No Topic Actions Objectives Timing Advice From methodologies; 5. logistics and materials required for implementation of the programme; 6. habitat remediation such as weed control; 7. consultation strategy development and implementation, and 8. monitoring and reporting requirements. 12 Caladenia huegellii Implement the Caladenia huegelii Achieve the objectives of Prior to construction CALM Conservation and Management Plan referred commitment 11. to in commitment 11. 13 Declared Rare Flora Fund (to an amount agreed with the DEP) a Ensure protection of the remaining Final design stage KPBG, CALM Research programme of research to improve population and its habitat Programme understanding of the ecology of Caladenia huegelii. The scope of the research project will be agreed by CALM and MRWA at the conclusion of the PER process. It is envisaged that it will complement other research on rare orchids currently being carried out by KPBG. 14 Caladenia huegelii In the event that monitoring indicates a loss Mitigate for impacts on the Following CALM, KPBG mitigation of greater than 50% of the translocated population of DRF. implementation of the specimens, Main Roads will consider Caladenia huegelii purchasing suitable offset land to Conservation of compensate for the impacts on C. huegelii Management Plan. population. 15 Fauna Management Prepare a Fauna Management Plan that 1. Minimise impacts on the Prior to construction CALM, City of Plan addresses all of the issues associated with threatened fauna species. Melville design and construction as they pertain to 2. Ensure that the population of the protection of local fauna, and to kangaroos affected by the project mitigation of impacts on local fauna is appropriately managed populations. This will address: through consultation with the City of Melville, the Golf Course

Public Environmental Review (Assessment Number 1466) -

No Topic Actions Objectives Timing Advice From 1. the link between the Fauna Management managers and the Department of Plan and the Vegetation Management Conservation and Land Plan; Management (CALM). 2. fauna food plants to be incorporated in the revegetation; 3. design of fauna fencing; 4. design of underpasses for small fauna species, including any special revegetation requirements; 5. trapping and relocation of Quenda, including timing constraints; 6. management requirements for Kangaroos during the construction period; 7. monitoring and maintenance requirements for the fauna fencing in the long term, and 8. monitoring requirements for the fauna underpass. 16 Fauna Management Implement the approved Fauna Management Achieve the objectives of During construction CALM Plan Plan referred to in commitment 15. commitment 15. 17 Pest and Disease Prepare a Pest and Disease Management 1. Protect the ecological integrity of Prior to construction CALM Management Plan Plan for incorporation in the construction remnant bushland within the EMP. This will address: MRS and of adjoining areas 1. dieback cleandown requirements for including Ken Hurst Park by entry onto the site and for internal preventing the spread of dieback movement of machinery and vehicles; and weeds. 2. mechanism for treating small dieback 2. Avoid introduction of aggressive infected areas; plant species by selecting 3. disposal or burying of dieback infected appropriate species, including soil; species native to the project area, 4. selective clearing and topsoil harvesting for use in revegetation and to avoid retaining weedy material; amenity plantings.

Public Environmental Review (Assessment Number 1466) -

No Topic Actions Objectives Timing Advice From 5. integration of all site works to achieve a 3. Contribute to the sustainability of dieback free site and to minimise the remnant native vegetation within spread of weeds; and and adjacent to the MRS by 6. landscaping will make use of species supporting active weed native to the area and will avoid use of eradication and dieback aggressive introduced species that have treatment programmes. the potential to become weeds. 18 Pest and Disease Implement the Pest and Disease Achieve the objectives in During construction CALM Management Plan Management Plan referred to in commitment commitment 17. 17. 19 Pest and Disease MRWA will make monetary or in-kind Achieve the objectives in Within first autumn CALM Eradication contributions to support weed eradication commitment 17. after construction and die-back treatment programmes in Ken completion Hurst Park and in susceptible or affected areas of the MRS. 20 Regional Air Undertake a regional scale air quality Ensure gaseous emissions do not Prior to construction EPA Quality investigation for the proposed highway adversely affect the environment or Investigation extension in consultation with the DEP, the health, welfare and amenity of outcomes from which will be reported to the nearby land uses by meeting the EPA for consideration in conjunction with statutory requirements (including other submissions on the PER. Section 51 of the EP Act) and acceptable standards. 21 Air Toxics Investigate in consultation with the DEP the Ensure gaseous emissions do not Prior to construction EPA Investigation potential significance of air toxins from adversely affect the environment or motor vehicle exhaust emissions as an issue health, welfare and amenity of associated with the proposed highway nearby land uses by meeting the extension, with the outcomes from this statutory requirements (including investigation being reported to EPA for Section 51 of the EP Act) and consideration in conjunction with other acceptable standards. submissions on the PER 22 Road Drainage Design the Road Drainage System in 1. Ensure no adverse impacts on Design phase (pre- WRC, CALM System accordance with principles agreed with the the quality of the underground construction)

Public Environmental Review (Assessment Number 1466) -

No Topic Actions Objectives Timing Advice From DEP (including the WRC). water supply. 2. Ensure no interference with quantity of water available to users of groundwater bores in the vicinity of the project. 3. Ensure no adverse impacts on the surrounding native vegetation. 23 Road Drainage Implement the Road Drainage System Achieve the objectives in Construction WRC System referred in commitment 22. commitment 22. 24 Site Stormwater and Prepare a Site Stormwater and Hazardous Achieve the objectives in 22. Design phase (pre- WRC Hazardous Materials Materials Handling Management Plan to be construction) Handling incorporated in the project Construction Management Plan EMP. 25 Site Stormwater and Implement the Site Stormwater and Achieve the objectives in 2. Design phase (pre- WRC Hazardous Materials Hazardous Materials Handling Management construction) Handling Plan referred to in commitment 24. Management Plan 26 Asbestos Waste In the event that disturbance of the emplaced Ensure no adverse impacts from Prior to construction HDWA, City of Management asbestos is unavoidable, an Asbestos Waste asbestos. Melville Strategy Management Strategy will be developed and implemented. 27 Dewatering In the event that the need for dewatering Ensure no adverse impacts on the Construction WRC, Water Management Plan cannot be avoided through design and quality of the underground water Corporation, City of operational management measures, a supply. Melville, City of Dewatering Management Plan will be Canning, City of developed and implemented. Cockburn

Discharge water from dewatering operations (if any) will be utilised for construction purposes as practicable.

Public Environmental Review (Assessment Number 1466) -

No Topic Actions Objectives Timing Advice From 28 Site Contamination- The conditions of MRWA lease agreements Ensure no adverse impacts on the Prior to construction MRWA Soils Blending and relating to the soils blending and nursery quality of the underground water Nursery Sites sites will be used to ensure that any in situ supply. contamination is remediated by the lessees prior to vacation of the sites. 29 Construction Traffic Prepare a Cosntruction Traffic Management Minimise the effects of construction Prior to construction MRWA Management Plan Plan, to be incorporated in the construction related traffic in adjoining areas. EMP, addressing: 1. designation and implementation of “haulage” routes to service the Roe 7 project; 2. compliance with the applicable traffic laws; 3. minimising as practicable project-related heavy vehicle movements; 4. regular inspection of the designated haulage routes in the vicinity of the project area and implementation of appropriate remedial actions as may be necessary; 5. preparation and implementation of an Out of Hours Haulage Plan in the event that heavy haulage operations need to occur beyond normal business hours; and 6. implementation of a system for the receipt and response to any public complaints arising from the transport of construction-related materials. 30 Transport of Implement the Construction Traffic Achieve the objectives of During construction MRWA, City of Construction Mangement Plan referred to in commitment commitment 29. Canning, City of Related Materials 29. Melville, City of Cockburn

Public Environmental Review (Assessment Number 1466) -

No Topic Actions Objectives Timing Advice From 31 Noise and Vibration Develop a Noise and Vibration Management Ensure that the amenity of adjacent Design City of Canning, City Management Plan Plan as part of the construction EMP. In residential areas is not significantly of Melville and City order to limit the noise and vibration impacted by either noise or vibration of Cockburn experienced on sites neighbouring the from construction of the highway. project area during highway construction MRWA will: 1. stringently adhere to the requirements of the WA Noise Regulations; 2. wherever possible seek alternatives to use of reversing alarms on mobile plant; 3. limit construction to normal business hours (7am to 7pm Monday to Saturday) as realistic and compatible with operational requirements; 4. carry out pre-construction condition surveys of residential premises in close proximity to the works area to enable assessment of any subsequent damage potentially associated with ground vibration; 5. maximise separation between potentially noisy/vibration inducing activities and nearby residential areas as practicable and consistent with operational requirements. 6. adopt construction techniques that will minimise the vibration experienced at residential premises in close proximity to the works area; 7. install noise protection barriers as early as practicable in the construction programme to reduce the noise

Public Environmental Review (Assessment Number 1466) -

No Topic Actions Objectives Timing Advice From experienced by residents; and 8. provide a timely and effective system for recording and responding to noise complaints. 32 Noise and Vibration Implement the Noise and Vibration Achieve the objective of Construction City of Canning, City Management Plan Management Plan outlined in commitment commitment 31. of Melville and City 31. of Cockburn 33 Traffic Noise All residential or other noise sensitive Ensure that the amenity of adjacent Prior to Construction MRWA, City of premises adjacent to the alignment do not residential areas is not significantly Canning, City of exceed the base level criteria of 63 dB(A) impacted by noise from operation of Melville and City of for day time noise levels and 55 dB(A) for the highway. Cockburn night time noise through provision of a range of noise attenuation barriers. 34 Traffic Noise Noise levels will be measured after opening Ensure that the amenity of adjacent Post construction MRWA, City of of the highway extension, and any non residential areas is not significantly Canning, City of compliances where the measured noise impacted by noise from operation of Melville and City of levels do not comply with the base level the highway. Cockburn criteria will be rectified. 35 Traffic Noise Identify a “best practise” approach to traffic Ensure that the amenity of adjacent Prior to construction MRWA, City of Investigations noise mitigation (based on noise modelling residential areas is not significantly Canning, City of already undertaken) in consultation with the impacted by either noise from Melville and City of DEP. construction or from operation of the Cockburn highway. 36 Traffic Noise Implement the appropriate further Ensure that the amenity of adjacent Prior to construction MRWA, City of Investigations investigations required by the outcome of residential areas is not significantly Canning, City of commitment 35. The results of these impacted by noise or from operation Melville and City of investigations are to be submitted to the of the highway. Cockburn EPA for consideration in conjunction with other submissions on the PER. 37 Review Noise Review noise mitigation proposals in Ensure that the amenity of adjacent Prior to construction MRWA, City of Mitigation Proposals response to any route design changes that residential areas is not significantly (design phase) Canning, City of could adversely affect noise impacts impacted by either noise from Melville and City of

Public Environmental Review (Assessment Number 1466) -

No Topic Actions Objectives Timing Advice From associated with the proposed highway construction or from operation of the Cockburn extension, with the outcomes from this highway. review being reported to EPA for consideration in conjunction with other submissions on the PER. 38 Access to Ken Hurst MRWA is committed to providing a grade 1. Ensure the safety of residents is Design phase City of Canning, City Park separated crossing so that the community taken into account in the of Melville retains safe access to Ken Hurst Park. This provision of cycling and will involve continued liaison with the PRG, walking facilities. to determine the most suitable location and 2. Provide access to Ken Hurst type of grade separated crossing of the Park from residential / highway. recreational areas on the north of the highway. 39 Construction Minimise the area of disturbance through 1. Ensure new cut and fill Prior to construction MRWA Related Dust design initiatives and management of the embankments are rapidly and construction clearing operations. stabilised, and are not subject to excessive wind or water erosion 2. Minimise the impacts on local air quality, and the nuisance aspects from windblown sand and dust 40 Construction Prepare a Dust Management Plan, to be Achieve the objectives of Prior to construction City of Canning, City Related Dust incorporated within the construction EMP, commitment 39. of Melville and City that addresses the potential for dust and of Cockburn. wind blown sand. Management actions are to include: 1. daily monitoring of levels of dust and windblown sand during construction; and 2. the dampening down of all work areas to ameliorate unacceptable levels.

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No Topic Actions Objectives Timing Advice From 41 Construction Implement the Dust Management Plan Achieve the objectives of Pre-construction City of Canning, City Related Dust referred to in commitment 40. commitment 40. of Melville and City of Cockburn.

42 Construction Provide rapid stabilisation of disturbed areas Achieve the objectives of Construction MRWA Related Dust or new embankments through timely and commitment 40. progressive mulching and revegetation. 43 Construction Monitor stability of finished works, and Achieve the objectives of Post construction MRWA Related Dust rectify any problem areas for the duration of commitment 40. the two year defects liability period. 44 Management Visual Minimisation of the visual prominence of Ensure that visual amenity of the Prior to construction. City of Melville Impacts the road formation and associated structures area is not significantly affected by City of Canning as practicable and consistent with implementation of the proposal. City of Cockburn operational and safety considerations through: 1. design measures (eg relating to physical dimensions, shape and colour of the formation and associated structures);

2. landscaping and rehabilitation planting programmes; and

3. minimisation of the risk of light spill into adjacent residential areas from route and PSP illumination as practicable and consistent with relevant standards and operational and safety considerations.

45 Management of Facilitation of access within the corridor Ensure that the safety of residents is Prior to construction. City of Melville Access Severance accommodating the Roe 7 extension through taken into account in provision of City of Canning

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No Topic Actions Objectives Timing Advice From the following: cycling and walking facilities. City of Cockburn 1. establishment of a continuous PSP along the northern side of the route and connection of this path to the existing local PSP network;

2. provision for north-south movement across the route at Karel Avenue and via a link between John Connell Reserve and Ken Hurst Park; and

3. consultation with the Cities of Canning and Melville regarding the provision of formal access to Ken Hurst Park from Bannister Road. 46. Residential amenity. Minimisation of other impacts on residential Ensure that the safety of residents is Prior to construction. City of Melville amenity through: taken into account in provision of City of Canning 1. maximisation of the separation between cycling and walking facilities. City of Cockburn the PSP along the northern side of the proposed route and adjoining residential properties as practicable;

2. establishment of screen walls and landscaping between the PSP and adjoining residential properties.

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1 Introduction Sections 18 and 18A (listed threatened species and communities). 1.1 This Document Preparation of the PER has been based on a This Public Environmental Review (PER) number of studies carried out by MRWA over addresses the environmental issues associated several years of planning for the extension, recent with the proposal to extend Roe Highway from investigations by the Roe 7 Alliance as well as South Street to connect to Kwinana Freeway in background information (both published and Leeming, Perth. It has been prepared to comply unpublished) concerning adjacent areas. Advice with the Western Australian Environmental from external stakeholders and the outcomes of Impact Assessment (Part IV Division I) consultation with the community have been Administration Procedures 2002. The The included in decisions regarding the alignment and Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has set other key aspects of the proposal as described in the level of assessment on the proposal as PER. Section 3.1. The mitigation and management The Authority’s Environmental Scoping measures being proposed to ensure that the project Document (refer to Appendix A) establishes the is carried out to an acceptable environmental understanding between the EPA and Main Roads standard have taken account of specialist studies, Western Australia (MRWA) regarding the published policy and guideline documents and assessment of the project. community perspectives.

As outlined in the EPA’s Guidelines for The PER is structured as follows: preparation of environmental review documents, this PER: Section 1 - provides an introduction to the document and the proponent, relevant legislative · describes the proposal in the context of the requirements and applicable guidelines. The local and regional environment; assessment and consultation process undertaken · describes all the components of the proposal prior to preparation of the PER is described and so that the public, the Decision Making an indicative timeframe for the project and Authorities, and ultimately the Minister for the finalisation of the environmental review process is Environment and Heritage, can make informed included. decisions on a well-defined project; · describes all of the environmental impacts of Section 2 - describes the existing environment the proposal; and along the proposed alignment and in the · provides a basis for mitigation and immediate vicinity of the project. Where management of environmental impacts arising appropriate to an understanding of the possible from the proposal. impacts of the proposal, local conditions are placed in a regional context. The proposal to construct and operate the extension to Roe Highway has also been Section 3 - provides a description of the project, determined to be a controlled action under the stakeholder consultation and environmental Commonwealth’s Environment Protection and studies. Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act). The Commonwealth Minister for the Environment Section 4 - describes how each of the major and Heritage determined that assessment was to effects of construction and operation of the be by an accredited process utilising the PER highway impact on the environment. The impacts under Section 38 of the Western Australian are assessed in terms of the local (and if Environmental Protection Act 1986 (EP Act) to applicable) the regional environment. This meet the assessment requirement under the EPBC section also describes what design strategies have Act. The PER thus also covers any impacts of the been implemented to minimise impacts, and how proposal pertinent to the controlling provisions unavoidable impacts can be further mitigated or under the EPBC Act, which in this instance are managed during final design, construction and operation of the highway.

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Section 5 - describes the systems, consultation The principles of risk sharing, team work and and management approaches which will be collaboration, transparency, skills integration and employed for environmental management of the innovation on which alliancing is based assist in project. achieving excellence in project outcomes beyond those normally achieved using traditional Section 6 - sets out the future consultation contracting arrangements. In particular, this form programme for the project. of contract allows increased flexibility to deal with environmental issues. The alliancing Section 7 - draws together the assessment of approach has been used successfully for delivery impacts, the proposed management and mitigation of road projects in Queensland and New Zealand, and provides conclusions as to the environmental and for other infrastructure projects in Western acceptability of the proposal to construct Roe Australia. Stage 7. 1.3 Relevant Legislation Section 8 - provides a list of resources for background information that includes material The proposal to construct Stage 7 of the Roe referenced in the PER as well as other relevant Highway extension is subject to the provisions material. and constraints of a number of both State and Commonwealth Acts, in particular, the Western Section 9 - provides a list of abbreviations used in Australian EP Act and the Commonwealth EPBC the PER. Act. In addition, the following legislation must be complied with through approvals, design, 1.2 Proponent and Project Delivery construction and operation of the highway.

Main Roads Western Australia (MRWA) is the 1.3.1 State Legislation proponent for the Roe Highway Stage 7 extension Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972 – The Act provides project. All correspondence or enquiries for the preservation and protection of places or regarding the project should be addressed in the objects of historical significance to, or of first instance to: traditional or customary use by the original

inhabitants of Australia or their descendents. Mr Antony (Tony) Missikos

Main Roads Western Australia Agriculture and Related Resources Protection Act Roe 7 Alliance 1976 – The Act addresses the obligations for 1110 Hay Street control, destruction, and notification of gazetted West Perth, WA 6005 noxious plants and animals.

Telephone: (08) 9211 4638 Contaminated Sites Act 2003 – The Act regulates E-mail: [email protected] matters relating to the identification, assessment,

recording, management and clean up of MRWA has determined that delivery (final contaminated land. design, construction and defects maintenance for two years after practical completion) of the Roe Heritage of Western Australia Act 1990 (WA) – Highway Stage 7 project will be by an alliance The Act provides for and encourages the contract. Alliancing is a project delivery method conservation of places (natural or constructed) based on creating a mutually beneficial which have significance to the cultural heritage of relationship among the alliance participants. In the State. the case of the Roe Highway project the alliance comprises MRWA (owner participant), Henry Land Administration Act 1997 – The Act codifies Walker Eltin Contracting Pty Ltd., Clough all processes in relation to Crown land surveys, Engineering Limited and Maunsell Australia Pty Ltd (non-owner participants).

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reservation of Crown land for specific purposes, Water Authority Act 1984 – The Act provides for and the sale or transfer of Crown land. the protection of public drinking water source areas against the effects of pollution. Local Government Act 1985 – The Act vests local authorities with the responsibility for waste Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 (WA) – The Act management, sewage disposal and protection of provides for the conservation and protection of water supplies within their jurisdiction. wildlife (flora and fauna). Special provisions and schedules cover protection and management of Main Roads Act 1930 (WA) – The Act gazetted rare flora and fauna. consolidates laws relating to, and providing for the construction, maintenance, supervision and 1.3.2 Commonwealth Legislation control of access for Highways and Main Roads. Freedom of Information Act 1992 – The Act

requires the release of information relating to MRS (Metropolitan Region Town Planning decisions made by public bodies. Scheme Act 1959 (WA)) – Under the Act the State

Planning Commission has responsibility for Native Title Act 1993 – The Act provides for the developing, and managing land held in reserve protection and recognition of native title to under the Act. This responsibility may be unalienated Crown land, providing that a delegated to a Local Government or other continuous connection with that land can be Authority. Development outside of road reserves established. as delineated in the MRS requires approval from the Local Government Authority. 1.4 Assessment Process and Project Metropolitan Water Supply, Sewerage and Schedule Drainage Act 1909 – Provides for supply and management of infrastructure and protection of The proposal to construct Stage 7 of Roe supply Highway was referred to the EPA under the provisions of the Western Australian EP Act in Mining Act 1978 – This Act regulates the January 2003. The EPA determined that the transport, handling and storage of dangerous project should be assessed at a level of PER. goods, including bulk fuel. In February 2003 the project was also referred to National Trust of Australia (Western Australia) the Department of Environment and Heritage Act 1964 – The Act provides for the covenanting (DEH) for assessment under the Commonwealth’s of places which may have heritage significance in EPBC Act. Application was also made to the order to control the development or use of the Commonwealth Minister for the Environment and land. Heritage for accreditation of the State assessment process. The proposal to construct and operate Soil and Land Conservation Act 1988 (WA) and the extension to Roe Highway was determined to Clearing Control Regulations 1991 – The Act be a controlled action under the EPBC Act with deals with the conservation of soil and land the controlling provisions being Section 18 and resources and with the mitigation of the effects of 18A (Listed threatened species and communities). erosion, salinity and flooding. The clearing The Commonwealth Minister determined that control regulations require that clearing of native assessment was to be by accredited process vegetation be notified to the Commissioner for utilising the PER under Section 38 of the EP Act Soil and Land Conservation. to meet the assessment requirements under the EPBC Act. Town Planning and Development Act 1928 (WA) – See Metropolitan Region Scheme (above). An environmental scoping document was developed in consultation with stakeholders, the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)

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and DEH, and was endorsed by the EPA in Commonwealth Ministers. Public participation is August 2003. also possible at this stage through an appeal process. A working draft of this PER was submitted to the DEP in December 2003. After revision, and Once the assessment process under the Western finalisation, the PER is now available for public Australian Environmental Protection Act (1986) review for a period of 8 weeks from Tuesday 27 is complete, the Commonwealth Minister for the January, 2004. Environment and Heritage will then consider whether to approve the proposal under the EPBC At the close of the public review period, MRWA Act. (through the Roe 7 Alliance) will address the concerns raised by the public and Decision Anticipated timing for these actions is set out in Making Authorities so that the project can be Table 1. This table also shows potential project considered by the EPA. The EPA will report to milestones (with any site work dependant on the Minister for Environment, who is then approval being granted in advance). required to consult with any interested parties. Consultation will also occur between the State and

Table 1 Project and Environmental Assessment Milestones Date Environmental Assessment Project Management, Design & Milestones Construction Milestones Jan/Feb 03 Project referred to EPA and Environment Australia April 03 Project Representative Group Meeting 1 May 03 Project Representative Group Meeting 2 May 03 Project Representative Group Meeting 3 June 03 Project Representative Group Meeting 4 July 03 Scoping document presented to EPA for endorsement Aug 03 Project Representative Group Meeting 5 Nov 03 Alliance formally established Dec 03 Project Representative Group Meeting 7 Jan 04 Draft PER to DEP for comment and approval Dec 03 Preliminary design complete Jan 04 PER advertised for public comment Jan 04 Project Representative Group Meeting 7 Jan-Mar 04 Public workshops on key environmental issues. Mar 04 Public comment period closes Apr 04 Summarise & respond to public submissions May 04 EPA Assessment and release of Bulletin July 04 Final design complete. July 04 – Aug 04 Appeals resolved July 04 - Aug 04 Ministerial Statement (State and Commonwealth) July 04 – Aug 04 Clearing for bridge sites only - construction commences with major bridge works. No

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Date Environmental Assessment Project Management, Design & Milestones Construction Milestones ground disturbance in orchid areas. Aug 04 – Sept 04 Commence bush regeneration in areas not affected by construction activities. Aug 04 - Oct 04 DRF research, marking of impacted plants Jan 05 Translocation of impacted DRF Jan 05 Clearing for remainder of Construction commences for carriageways alignment May -July 05 Rehabilitation and planting of completed works Sept/Oct 05 Monitoring of translocated and protected DRF Dec 05 Construction complete May -July 06 Infill planting Sept 06 Monitoring of translocated and protected DRF

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2 Existing Environment May to September, with an annual average precipitation (recorded at Jandakot Airport) of 2.1 Physical 863.0 mm falling over about 110 days per year. The mean daily maximum temperature ranges 2.1.1 Climate and Local Weather from 17.7ºC in July to 31.4ºC in February. Conditions Temperatures over 40ºC can occur in the summer The climate of Perth is described as being “warm months, and frosts are sometimes recorded in Mediterranean”, characterised by mild wet winter. winters and hot dry summers. Table 2 shows that the months with reliable rainfall are from

Table 2 Climatological Summary for Jandakot Airport (Bureau of Meteorology) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Annual Yrs* Mean Daily 31.0 31.4 29.1 25.8 21.9 18.8 17.7 18.2 19.8 22.4 25.8 28.8 24.2 11 Max. ºC Highest 45.7 46.6 43.0 35.7 33.4 24.7 24.5 27.0 30.0 35.7 38.2 41.6 46.6 11 Temp ºC Mean Daily 16.4 16.8 15.2 13.0 9.8 7.6 7.0 7.1 8.3 9.5 12.3 14.7 11.5 11 Min. ºC Lowest 4.7 6.5 3.6 2.3 1.0 -1.0 -2.8 -1.4 -0.6 0.9 3.6 3.2 -2.8 11 Temp. ºC Mean 15.9 17.4 16.0 42.6 112. 167. 186. 128. 87.0 50.9 28.2 10.2 863.0 29 Monthly 1 3 8 7 Rainfall mm Highest No 8 9 9 13 24 23 24 21 19 19 11 7 29 of Rain days Lowest No 0 0 0 0 6 10 11 6 7 2 2 0 29 of Rain days

* Years of record at Jandakot Airport site

The tabulated data suggest that good and reliable construction areas will have to be managed to rainfall can only be expected between May and avoid impacts on nearby residential areas to the September. This means that if revegetation is to east and north-east during predictably windy be successful with minimum artificial irrigation, summer afternoons. propagules will have to be established during this period to allow for adequate root growth before 2.1.2 Landform and Soils the soil profile dries out in summer. The geomorphic or landform elements that

characterise the project area are known as the Wind speed and direction information for the Bassendean Dunes. The Bassendean Dunes are airport indicates that all months can have windy the oldest of the aeolian (wind blown) soils on periods with speeds of over 30 kilometres per the Swan Coastal Plain. In the vicinity of the hour recorded. However, winds are significant in Roe Highway extension alignment, the dunes terms of speed and duration only on summer form an undulating landscape ranging in height afternoons (September through March) with from 25 metres AHD (Australian Height Datum) prevailing south-westerly and westerly flows. near South Street to around 40 metres AHD at The implication of this information for the the Kwinana Freeway end. Topographic contour project is that windblown dust and sand from

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lines showing the undulating nature of the site 2.1.3 Surface and Groundwater are shown in Figure 2.1. There is no co-coordinated surface drainage in

the areas through which the highway extension Churchward and McArthur, (1980) described in passes. Precipitation infiltrates rapidly where, or broad terms the soil associations on the Swan close to where, it falls. There are no recognised Coastal Plain. Their Bassendean Soil wetlands close to the proposed alignment, Association is described as comprising deep grey although some vegetation characteristic of high sands in the form of dunes with sandy swamps in water tables occurs close to Karel Avenue. the interdunal swales. They categorise the dune sands as coarse to medium grained with very Groundwater Protection Areas little development of organic humus. These soils tend to be highly leached and excessively The highway alignment traverses the northern drained. This is an accurate description of the section of the Jandakot groundwater mound. The soils on the highway alignment. Jandakot mound is an unconfined aquifer, which,

in the vicinity of the project site occurs at a depth Additional information is available from the of between approximately 2 m and 13 m below Environmental Geology Series of maps for the the natural ground surface level during the wet PMR (Gozzard, 1983; Jordan, 1986). This season. The shallowest depths to groundwater mapping shows that the landform relief is more occur in the low-lying areas midway along the pronounced at the western end of the proposed alignment from the Karel Avenue intersection alignment (near Kwinana Freeway), with slopes westwards. of between 3º and 10º. Slopes at the eastern

(South Street) end tend to be less than 3º. The project site is some five kilometres north Borehole logs reported in this mapping for test west of the highest point of the mound. bores close to the alignment show that the sand is Groundwater flows radially outwards from this often deep (up to 30 metres), and generally rests high point to the receiving waters of the Southern directly on the underlying formation (Osborne and Canning Rivers, and westwards towards the Formation). In places there may be limestone ocean. The groundwater flow direction in the present at depth. Capability information on the vicinity of the project is generally towards the maps suggests that the sands are unstable (loose north-west, passing below North and Bibra Lakes and susceptible to erosion) when disturbed. on its way to the ocean.

The presence of deep sandy soils along the Data collected from monitoring bores in the alignment has both positive and negative general vicinity of the project area between 1975 implications for the project. The inherent and 2003 indicate no distinct trend in water instability of these sands will require levels over time within the project area. management during construction to prevent wind Although seasonal fluctuations occur through the and/or water erosion, and will present a year, the average water table elevation and the challenging environment for revegetation of seasonal extremes have been reasonably steady disturbed areas. On the other hand, the high during the monitoring period. Groundwater permeability of the soils will allow for a elevations vary over the site from approximately minimalist approach to the design of the road 20.5m AHD to 24m AHD, generally decreasing drainage, which means a far smaller area of in elevation towards the north-west. impact on the natural contours and on the native vegetation. Within the Jandakot mound is a defined area

known as an Underground Water Pollution Impacts due to modification of the existing Control Area (UWPCA). UWPCAs are topography, as well as mitigation and protected by the Metropolitan Water Supply, management measures to limit disturbance are Sewerage and Drainage Act, the purpose of set out in Section 4.5. which is to control activities that have the

potential to contaminate the water resource. The

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Roe 7 project area abuts the northern boundary of the Jandakot UWPCA. Groundwater Quality

The boundaries of the Jandakot UWPCA were Groundwater in the project area is generally of a reviewed and amendments suggested in 1995 high standard. Available groundwater (Dames and Moore, 1995). The boundary monitoring data sourced from the WRC indicates changes and recognition of different “Priority that most chemical parameters monitored and Areas” were reflected in the MRS Amendment analysed were below Australian Drinking Water No. 981/33. Under the Metropolitan Water Guideline Standards. Localised contamination is Supply, Sewerage and Drainage Act, the Water known to exist around the decommissioned and Rivers Commission (WRC) has defined three Melville landfill site located to the north of the priority protection levels, of which two are proposed route (refer Figure 2.2). Groundwater relevant to the Roe Highway project. These are contamination issues have also been documented (refer to Figure 2.2): in the industrial area adjacent to the south eastern end of the alignment. Monitoring undertaken in · Priority 1 (P1). This is the highest level of 1999 suggested the groundwater within these protection. Use of this land for protection of areas contained metals and elevated levels of the public water supply outweighs virtually nitrogen compounds and phosphorus. all other considerations and the object is to ensure that there is no degradation of water Although the general direction of groundwater resources in these areas. flow is from the Jandakot Mound towards the highway alignment, it is still of paramount · Priority 3 (P3). Generally includes areas importance to design road drainage so as to where water supply needs co-exist with other protect the health of the Priority 1 catchment area land uses such as housing, commercial sites to the south of the alignment. Other implications and light industry. Management controls, for the project are potential short-term alterations rather than land use restrictions dominate the to groundwater levels and management of water management and protection policy for dewatering water in the event that dewatering is these areas. required during construction. Potential groundwater related impacts and mitigation and The MRS regional road reservation for Roe management measures are discussed in Sections Highway Stage 7 is recognised in the MRS 4.5.1 and 4.5.2. amendment with a Priority 3 protection level imposed on the reserve between Kwinana 2.1.4 Site Contamination Freeway and Karel Ave. A Priority 1 designated The now closed and partly rehabilitated Melville area abuts the southern boundary of the highway landfill site is situated north of, and adjacent to, reserve along the same section. Groundwater the proposed alignment. The City of Melville is flow is from the Priority 1 protection area progressively developing both active and passive towards the proposed highway extension. recreation areas on this site, which now forms part of the John Connell Reserve. Groundwater Use The landfill site was operated from 1972 to 1995 As of November 2003, there were twenty-eight as a series of unlined cells which were capped registered bores within a 500m radius of the with clay and loam on closure. The principal proposed alignment, five of which are material disposed to the site was municipal waste monitoring bores. Groundwater from the but a range of other materials, including asbestos registered bores is predominantly used for and septage waste was also disposed of at the irrigation. There may also be a number of site. Initially, asbestos waste was accepted as unregistered domestic bores within the project part of the waste stream but following the area, as the WRC does not require domestic introduction of the requirement to segregate bores installed in unconfined surficial aquifers to asbestos from other wastes, a dedicated disposal be registered or licensed.

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area along the south-western extremity of the Highway construction will require replacement landfill site was established. Septage was of a portion of the gas delivery pipeline and accepted only early in the site’s life and was pump station. These works will be undertaken in disposed of in a series of ponds adjacent to the consultation with the City of Melville. current Western Power easement. The south-eastern quadrant of the intersection of Original concept planning for the highway Roe Highway with South Street (between extension aligned the carriageways towards the Bannister Road and the highway reserve) was northern side of the highway reserve, adjacent to formerly used by the City of Canning as a liquid the former landfill site in order to minimise waste disposal facility. The site was used mostly impacts on areas in which populations of for disposal of the City’s septage collection Declared Rare Flora (DRF) have been reported. between 1971 and 1988 (Binnie and Partners, This planning indicated that it would be possible 1990). Binnie and Partners found that to construct the highway with minimal, if any, groundwater monitoring to the north and north- interference to the old landfill. west of the old liquid waste facility site had previously recorded slightly elevated ammonia The northern alternative, which is now also being and potassium levels attributable to leachate from considered, will place the highway adjacent to the site. However, the low levels of previously land filled areas. However, site contamination detected in 1990 indicated that investigations indicate that construction of the biological degradation and dilution/dispersion highway on the northern alignment will not result were actively reducing the concentration and in any disturbance of the emplaced wastes distribution of contaminants. materials. Ground surface contour mapping, and old As far as any possible ground water records indicate that the ponds used for initial contamination from the old Melville landfill is settlement and drying of the septage waste may concerned, the following is noted regarding the have been situated partly inside what is now the construction of the highway in the immediate Roe Highway reserve. The Water Corporation vicinity: maintenance depot and Swan Transit bus depot now occupy the remainder of the site. If · in the vicinity of the old landfill site, most of geotechnical investigations confirm the presence the construction will be on fill. Minor of non-soil wastes beneath the highway excavation may be required for construction alignment, it may be necessary to excavate and of an underpass or to ensure an appropriate dispose of the material, which would not be vertical alignment, but not to the depth of the geotechnically suitable for support of the water table; highway. Any waste materials removed from the site would be disposed of in accordance with · the general direction of groundwater flow in DEP guidelines. the area of the landfill site is west-north-west which is along the alignment, or slightly away Construction of the bridges to take Roe Highway from it towards the landfill site itself. over South Street may require some temporary dewatering during construction. This means that Therefore it is anticipated that there will be no there will be a need to confirm the groundwater interfaces between the project and any existing quality and possibly provide management of the groundwater contamination that may be present. dewatering operations to control discharge of potentially contaminated groundwater. A landfill gas collection system to intercept methane generated within the waste underlying Indicative boundaries of the landfill and waste the John Connell Reserve is operated by the City disposal sites (as supplied by the Cities of of Melville, and the recovered methane is used Melville and Canning) are shown in Figure 2.2. by the City of Melville.

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Section 4.5 discusses potential impacts from project at that time (ERM Mitchell McCotter, disturbance of the waste disposal sites and 1999b). In the Spring of 2002, the vegetation on associated potentially contaminated groundwater. and adjacent to the alignment was resurveyed in Management actions are included in this order to update existing information, to take into discussion. consideration possible Threatened Ecological Communities (TECs) and to update mapping 2.2 Biological Conditions units to co-ordinate with new vegetation mapping being prepared for Ken Hurst Park. 2.2.1 Vegetation The 2002 field survey was conducted over three Introduction days in October 2002 (BSD Consultants, 2002).

Plot based sampling of the vegetation was Figure 2.3 shows the extent of regionally undertaken using 10 x10 metre plots to conform significant remnant bushland along the with other surveys on the Swan Coastal Plain. alignment, and in the vicinity of the project. The Plots were positioned with the assistance of native vegetation on the alignment si part of a large-scale aerial photography and larger area of bush that encompasses Ken Hurst reconnaissance of the site. The aerial Park and the Jandakot Airport bushland. photography was used to extrapolate and map the Linkages with North and Bibra Lakes are present vegetation communities recognised. to the west along the land reserved for further extensions of Roe Highway, and with the Acourt Vegetation Types and Fraser Road bushland in Banjup through the

Jandakot Airport bushland. Six vegetation communities were described and

mapped as a result of the 2002 survey. These are During the Master Planning phase for the shown in Figure 2.4, and described in Table 3. extension of Roe Highway to Kwinana Freeway Full details of the data collected for each sample in 1998, a survey of the vegetation along the site can be found in the survey report appended alignment was carried out (Main Roads, 1998). as Appendix C. The results were included in an Environmental

Assessment and Management Plan written for the

Table 3 Vegetation Communities Inferred Gibson et al. Community Description (1994). Floristi c Community Types (FCTs) Communities of low-lying areas, interdunal depressions: Open Heath of Regelia inops, R. ciliata and Beaufortia elegans over a Low Shrub land of Xanthorrhoea preissii, Melaleuca seriata, Scholtzia involucrata over an 4 1 Open Herb/Sedgeland of Patersonia occidentalis, Lyginia barbata and Conostylis aurea in low-lying areas. Low Woodland of Banksia ilicifolia, B. attenuata and B. menziesii over a Tall Open 4 / 5 Scrub of Regelia spp., Beaufortia elegans and Astartea fasicularis, over shrubs, 2 Affinities with herbs and sedges including Euchilopsis linearis, Hibbertia racemosa, Melaleuca 22 seriata and Dasypogon bromeliifolius in interdunal flats. Low Open Woodland of Melaleuca preissiana, Banksia attenuata and B. ilicifolia over an Open Low heath of Melaleuca seriata, Scholtzia involucrata and 4 3 Xanthorrhoea preissii over a Herbland of Conostylis aurea, Phlebocarya ciliata and Affinities with Dasypogon bromelifolius in interdunal depressions. 22

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Inferred Gibson et al. Community Description (1994). Floristi c Community Types (FCTs) Vegetation Communities on midslopes: Low Woodland of Banksia attenuata and B. menziesii with Eucalyptus todtiana over a Shrub land of Allocasuarina humilis, Bossiaea eriocarpa and Leucopogon 23a 4 oxycedrus over a Low Shrub/Herbland of Calytrix flavescens, Patersonia occidentalis and Lyginia barbata on grey sandy midslopes. Low Open Forest/Woodland of Allocasuarina fraseriana with Banksia attenuata and B. menziesii over a Shrub land of Melaleuca thymoides, Xanthorrhoea preissii and 5 Macrozamia riedlei over a Low Shrub land of Melaleuca seriata, Astroloma 21a / 23a xerophyllum and Scholtzia involucrata over an Open Herbland of Phlebocarya ciliata, Stylidium spp. and Platysace compressa on sandy midslopes. Vegetation communities of the old dunal ridges: Low Woodland of Banksia menziesii and B. attenuata with occasional Eucalyptus marginata over an Open Shrub land of Allocasuarina humilis and Stirlingia latifolia 23a 6 over a diverse Open Low Heath of Hibbertia hypericoides, Scaevola repens var. repens, Dryandra nivea and Eremaea sp . on old dunal ridges.

Vegetation Condition scale of vegetation condition developed for the Bush Forever Reports (Department of Vegetation condition was recorded for each Environmental Protection, 2000). These indices sample plot, and by means of running notes made are defined in Table 4. while traversing the project area. Condition was recorded using the condition indices from the

Table 4 Vegetation Condition Rating Scale (from Department of Environmental Protection, 2000) Condition Descriptor Explanation Index 1 Pristine Pristine or nearly so, no obvious signs of disturbance. 2 Excellent Vegetation structure intact, disturbance affecting individual species and weeds are non-aggressive species. 3 Very Good Vegetation structure altered obvious signs of disturbance. For example, disturbance to vegetation structure caused by repeated fires, the presence of some more aggressive weeds, dieback, logging and grazing. 4 Good Vegetation structure significantly altered by very obvious signs of multiple disturbances. Retains basic vegetation structure or ability to regenerate it. For example, disturbance to vegetation structure caused by very frequent fires, the presence of some very aggressive weeds at high density, partial clearing, dieback and grazing. 5 Degraded Basic vegetation structure severely impacted by disturbance. Scope for regeneration but not to a state approaching good condition without intensive management. For example, disturbance to vegetation structure caused by very frequent fires, the presence of very aggressive weeds, partial clearing, dieback and grazing. 6 Completely The structure of the vegetation is no longer intact and the area is completely or Degraded almost completely without native species. These areas are often described as “parkland cleared” with the flora comprising weed or crop species with isolated native trees or shrubs.

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Vegetation condition along the alignment is several years) and computer based analysis, generally above average for bushland remnants which includes Gibson et al. (1994) original data in urbanised areas. Most of the vegetation along set. Alternatively, FCTs can be inferred by the highway alignment is considered to be in an comparisons of species composition, geographic “Excellent” condition. Some localised areas of position and the soil types present with already disturbance have occurred and are associated determined areas. with a lack of access control, resulting in rubbish dumping and track proliferation. Weeds are To establish the conservation and reservation generally associated with firebreak and track status of the vegetation types defined for the construction with few weed species actually project area, a comparison was made with the present within the core bushland areas. FCTs. FCTs were inferred by comparing the Vegetation condition is illustrated in Figure 2.5. results of the plot-based assessments with the full list of species for each FCT. The inferred FCTs Vegetation Significance and Conservation are also given in Table 3. Status The vegetation occurring on the lower lying dune Work carried out by scientists of the Department swales and flats has been inferred to belong to of Conservation and Land Management (CALM) FCT 4 and 5. These are both shrub-rich and others over many years has identified a range damplands, and may or may not have a tree of vegetation community types in the South West canopy present. Communities 2 and 3, as of Western Australia which are in need of special recognised in the BSD survey, may also have protection, either because they are restricted in affinities with FCT 22 (Banksia ilicifolia their distribution, or because they have been woodlands). Similar vegetation on the Jandakot largely cleared, and sometimes for a combination Airport lease has been inferred to belong to FCT of these reasons. Vegetation types which are still 22 (Mattiske Consulting, 2001b). Vegetation well represented, but which are considered to be communities on the dunes have been inferred to subject to other threatening processes such as represent predominantly FCT 23a, with grazing, may also be included. These are known Community 5 also having affinities with FCT as TECs. Many of these communities are 21a. discussed in English and Blyth, (1997), but new communities are continuously added to the The reservation status of the inferred FCTs 4, 5, listing as more research is carried out. TECs are 21a and 23a was regarded as “well reserved” and assigned to one of four categories related to the the conservation status was classed as “low risk” status of the threat to that community. whilst FCT 22 was regarded as being “poorly reserved” but at “low risk” in the Gibson et al. On the Swan Coastal Plain the TECs are based 1994 Report). on the floristic community types (FCTs) determined during a study by Gibson and others The distribution of the FCTs in relation to the from CALM (Gibson et al, 1994) and from a PMR is discussed in Bush Forever (Government range of comparable plot-based studies drawn of Western Australia 2000). FCTs 4 and 22 (to together and analysed for the System 6 and Part which vegetation communities 3 and 4 as System 1 Update Programme (Department of described by BSD 2002 have affinities) both Environmental Protection 1996 reported in DEP have distributions centred on the PMR but which Protection 2000). This means that the extend well beyond the PMR. The distribution community types are determined on the basis of of FCT 5 is predominantly contained within the the comb inations of plant species that they PMR. FCTs 21a and 23a are both restricted to the contain. The FCTs are often referred to by a PMR. numerical identifier (eg FCT 9 refers to Dense Shrublands on Clay Flats). A number of Bush Forever sites which are known to support the FCTs inferred for the FCTs are difficult to determine without extensive highway alignment are listed in Table 2.4. The survey effort (detailed plot based sampling over table however does not contain an exhaustive list

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of Bush Forever sites centred on Bassendean River as identified in Table 5. Information on Dunes but highlights that these FCTs are widely individual FCTs is not available for the PMR the distributed on both the southern and northern total extent (ha) of which precludes a comparison metropolitan area. The Banksia Woodland on this basis. which is the predominant vegetation found on the alignment (which equates to FCT 23a) occurs in Bush Forever Sites both south and north of the

Table 5 Bush Forever Sites that support Banksia Woodland and Mixed Shrubland similar to that found on the Roe Highway Alignment

Bush Forever Floristic Community Type Present Site Total Site No Site Name 21a 23a 4 5 22 Area of site (Ha) Southern Metropolitan Areas 125 Holmes Street Bushland, Southern x 121.3 River/Huntingdale 244 North Lake and Bibra Lake, North x 128.2* Lake/Bibra Lake 245 Ken Hurst Park, Leeming x x 52.7 263 Banjup Bushland, Banjup x 103.9* 344 Denis de Young Reserve & Gibbs Rd x 289.8* Swamp Bushland, Bajup/Forrestdale 345 Forrestdale Lake & Adjacent Bushland, x x 344.5* Forrestdale 347 Wandi NR & Anketell Rd Bushland, x x 412.3* Wandi/Oakford 368 Lowlands Bushland – Eastern Block, Peel x x x x 1034.1* Estate 388 Jandakot Airport, Jandakot x x x 410.9 389 Acourt Road Bushland, Banjup x x 295.2 390 Fraser Road Bushland, Banjup x 171.7† 392 Harry Waring Marsupial Reserve, Wattleup x x x 271.6* 492 Lyon Road Bushland, Banjup x x x 25.0 Northern Metropolitan Areas 193 Gnangara Lake & Adjacent Bushland, x 162.3* Gnangarra/Lexia 196 Gnangarra Rd Bushland, x x 236.6 Landsdale/Cullacabardee 198 Beechboro Rd Bushland, x 431.4 Cullacabardee/Ballajura 304 Whiteman Park, Whiteman/West Swan x 1547.9

* site also includes open water † proposed boundary circumscribes 133.0ha bush land

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Another system for classifying vegetation and of the Swan Coastal Plain. To a large extent the hence for gauging its relative conservation status adequacy of representation is measured by is to use the vegetation complexes defined for the determining the amounts of the 26 original Swan Coastal Plain by Heddle et al, (1980). The vegetation complexes, and aiming for at least delineation of vegetation complexes is based on 10% to be retained, if still possible. Other the concept of a series of plant communities criteria taken into account in the selection of the forming patterns of distribution associated with Bush Forever sites are: physiographic and soil conditions. The mapping of Heddle et al, (1980) complexes indicates that · internal diversity (both flora and fauna); all of the vegetation on and around the highway alignment belongs to the Bassendean Complex – · rarity of either flora or fauna; Central and South. This complex extends on Bassendean sands from near Lake Gnangara in · maintenance of ecological systems or the north to around Pinjarra in the south. processes;

The Bush Forever Reports (Government of · scientific or evolutionary importance (i.e. Western Australia, 2000) conclude that only 24% contains fossils or has educational of the original extent of the Bassendean Complex significance); – Central and South remains uncleared on Bassendean Dunes in the metropolitan region. · protection of wetlands or the coastal This 24% equates to around 11,000 hectares of management areas, and which slightly less than 6,000 hectares is subject to some degree of existing protection and/or is · landscape and historical values. now included in Bush Forever Sites. Bush Fore ver Site 245 (Ken Hurst Park) includes Bush Forever Project Background and Roe the vegetation on the Roe Highway reserve Highway Situation where it adjoins the Park. Ken Hurst Park was included in Bush Forever because it satisfies the Bush Forever is a State Government initiative for selection criteria listed above. the protection and management of Regionally Significant remnant bushland on the Swan Specifically it is recognised that the presence of Coastal Plain portion of the PMR. Years of the Declared Rare Caladenia huegelii (see survey, planning and negotiation preceded the Section 2.2.3) and the relatively undisturbed determination of almost 300 areas of bushland condition of vegetation of the Bassendean included in the plan for protection. Several Complex Central and South including areas of programmes were incorporated in the FCT 23a, a FCT restricted to the PMR, increase determination including: the significance of the bushland. It is with this in mind that the management and mitigation · the Ministry for Planning’s Perth measures detailed in Sections 4.1 & 4.2 have Environment Project; been prepared.

· the System 6 update of the DEP; However Bush Forever Site Implementation Guidelines and Practice Notes recognise that the · CALM’s regional biological surveys, and primary purpose of road reserves identified in the MRS or local Town Planning Schemes is to · the wetland evaluation and mapping carried accommodate vital transport infrastructure, and out by the WRC. that the construction authority has the right to undertake the required works for transport and The Bush Forever plan aims to provide a associated infrastructure (Refer to: Bush Forever comprehensive and adequate representation of Practice Note 18, page 67 of Volume 3). Thus the original biodiversity of the metropolitan area the inclusion of the vegetation inside of the road

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reserve in the Bush Forever site should not Plants belonging to the Protea (Proteaceae) and preclude the reserve being used for road Heath (Epacridaceae) families are particularly construction. vulnerable to dieback. Impacts are not restricted to native plants, with many horticultural and crop The loss of native vegetation and associated species also affected. The disease occurs impacts of the proposed Roe Highway Stage 7 discontinuously throughout the south-west of project are set out in Section 4.1.1. Western Australia. CALM coordinates surveys and mapping of its occurrence and spread. Wetland Vegetation Dieback can be combatted with conventional The classification of vegetation communities 1, 2 fungicides, and this is done where infestations and 3 as comparable to FCTs 4, 4/5 and 4 occur in populations of rare flora, or where early respectively suggests the existence of wetlands detection means that the impact can be curtailed. vegetation within the road reserve and adjoining In general, however, management actions require bushland, specifically: that areas known to be free of the disease are protected from active infection through the · FCT 4 - Melaleuca preissiana damplands; implementation of either quarantine or hygiene and practices.

· FCT 5 – Mixed shrub damplands. A survey for signs of dieback infection along the highway alignment was carried out in 1998 (Hart The vegetation present is therefore indicative of Simpson and Associates, 1998), but due to the shallow water tables and therefore may be time that had elapsed and continuing disturbance subject to seasonal waterlogging. These areas in the area, a new survey was carried out in late are not recognised as wetlands by Hill et al summer of 2003. The vegetation along the (1996) and they are not mapped within the Bush alignment is readily assessable for dieback Forever documents as Conservation Category because of the large number of susceptible wetlands (refer Map Sheet 53 Bush Forever species present although areas which have been Volume 1 Policies Principles and Processes). heavily disturbed are more difficult to interpret. Given the relatively undisturbed condition of the area including the areas of wetland vegetation it The highway alignment and adjacent areas were is reasonable to conclude that they would be found to be mostly dieback free. A large infected classified as resource enhancement wetlands. area was found at the eastern end close to South Street, with disturbed areas adjacent which are Dieback Disease considered to be uninterruptible for dieback. In addition, there are several small, scattered Dieback is a plant disease caused by a soil borne occurrences along the alignment, and a larger fungus. In Western Australia the most common area of uninterpretable vegetation south of the and destructive species is Phytophthora proposed Karel Avenue interchange. The cinnamomi, also known as Jarrah Dieback as it dieback status of the alignment is shown in was first observed and confirmed in this species Figure 2.5. after its introduction to the State in the 1950s. The pathogen is a microscopic root-rot fungus, The results of the Hart Simpson and Associates which lives in the soil and is easily carried by survey are corroborated by the findings of a surface and soil water. In susceptible plant comparable survey for dieback carried out over species, infection leads to decline of the canopy the whole of Ken Hurst Park (Glevan Dieback and eventually to death of the whole plant. The Consultancy Services, 2003). fungus is spread passively by spores carried in surface and ground water, but may also be spread Management strategies and some detail of the over long distances through the movement of actions to be taken to avoid the spread of dieback infected soil on vehicles, or by bushwalkers or during construction are set out in Section 4.1.2. animals.

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2.2.2 Flora Mrytaceae, Papillionaceae and Proteaceae as is generally typical of bushland in the PMR. The survey of the vegetation along the alignment However, one group of plants for which the Ken (BSD Consultants, 2002) resulted in a Hurst Park flora differs markedly in numbers of comprehensive checklist of the flora of the species from that recorded for the highway highway reserve. All species occurring in the alignment, is the native orchids. The probable plots used for the vegetation analysis were noted. explanations for the discrepancy are the same as Species were also recorded opportunistically for the discrepancy in species numbers (ie, throughout the site. Although the field survey absence of wetland areas in the highway reserve was undertaken during the peak flowering and more extensive history of observation in the season, it was limited to a single survey Ken Hurst Park). “window” over a period of a week. It is therefore highly likely that continued intensive Exotic Flora survey would add some less visible and smaller species to the list. Similar single season surveys Thirty-two taxa of non-native, weedy species in Banksia Woodland and other vegetation types were recorded during the 2002 vegetation survey. on the Swan Coastal Plain have been found to Site visits by the Roe 7 Alliance team during record between 60% and 80% of the total flora September and October of 2003 have confirmed (Trudgen, 1996). the major weedy species and also areas of

Native Flora maximum occurrence. In general weeds are associated with prior disturbance, so that the

margins of all the tracks and firebreaks have The 2002 vegetation survey resulted in a list of significant infestations. As could be expected, 140 native taxa (a general term used for sub- the spread of the weedy species into undisturbed species or species of flora) representing 38 bushland is most pronounced near the older and vascular plant families being recorded. Typical more defined tracks. Weeds are also significant of Banksia Woodland generally, the families in the areas immediately adjacent to the two with the highest numerical representation were commercial properties on the alignment, and in the Myrtaceae (11 taxa), the Papillionaceae (13 areas backing onto residential properties. taxa), and the Proteaceae and Anthericaceae each with 11 taxa. Of the weedy species recorded, the following are

most prolific, although restricted to track margins These results can be compared with the total and other disturbed areas: species list known for Ken Hurst Park, which is similar in size to the area of the highway reserve. The park is known to support 214 (estimated to · Freesia leichtlinii (Freesias); be >85% of expected flora) native taxa · Asphodelus fistulosus (Onion weed); representing 41 families of vascular flora. The · Euphorbia terracina (Geraldton carnation discrepancy in numbers of species recorded can weed); be attributed to: · Ehrharta spp (Veldt grasses); · Avena spp (Wild oats); · the sustained effort over many years of · Trifolium arvense (Hare’s foot clover); recording within the park by the Friends of · Pelargonium capitatum (Rose pelargonium); Ken Hurst Park and the Wildflower Society; · Lupinus consentinii (Western Australian blue and lupin); · Arctotheca calendula (Cape weed), and · the more diverse nature of the vegetation in · Oxalis pes-caprae (soursob) Ken Hurst Park, including extensive wetland areas Along tracks near the Kwinana Freeway there are some occurrences of Chamelaucium uncinatum The flora of Ken Hurst Park shows a similar (Geraldton wax) and Gazania linearis (Gazania), dominance of species from the families which are both garden escapees. On disturbed

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ground near South Street, Leptospermum proliferation of weedy species during laevigatum (Victorian tea-tree) and Carpobrotus construction are set out in Section 4.1.2. edulis (Pigface) have colonised the open areas. 2.2.3 Declared Rare and Other Significant In the undisturbed bushland only three species of Flora weed are common, and these occur as scattered In Western Australia the Wildlife Conservation isolated individuals. The three are: Act 1950 affords special protection to a range of

flora considered to be rare or in need of · Gladiolus caryophyllaceus (Pink gladiolus); protection. These taxa are gazetted as a schedule · Petrorhagia velutina (Velvet pink); under the Act, and are known as DRF. It is an · Wahlenbergia capensis (Cape bluebell). offence to “take” DRF and to take flora includes to gather, pluck, cut, pull up, destroy, dig up, One declared plant (under the Agriculture and remove or injure the flora or to cause or permit Related Resources Protection Act) has previously the same to be done by any means. been found on the highway reserve. This is Skeleton Weed (Chondrilla juncea). The CALM maintains a list of rare and priority flora, infestation was small and confined to a disturbed to which a conservation code of DRF or Priority area near South Street. It has been routinely ranking is assigned. Those ranked as DRF are monitored and treated by Agriculture WA protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act officers, most recently in August 2003. This site 1950. Those ranked as Priority Flora are those was monitored again in December 2003 and no that are poorly known, are thought to require plants were found at that time. Agriculture WA protection or management but for which there is has now declared the site clear of the weed. not sufficient information to allow gazettal as DRF. Further explanation of the conservation Management strategies and some detail of the codes for both rare (DRF) and Priority Flora is actions to be taken to avoid the spread or shown in Table 6.

Table 6 Conservation Codes for Rare and Priority Flora (Atkins 2003) Conservation Conservation Explanation Code Status R Declared Rare Flora Taxa which have been adequately searched for and are deemed to be in the wild – Extant Taxa either rare, in danger of extinction, or otherwise in need of special protection, and have been gazetted as such. X Declared Rare Flora Taxa which have not been collected, or otherwise verified, over the past 50 years – Presumed Extinct despite thorough searching, or of which all known wild populations have been Taxa destroyed more recently, and have been gazetted as such. P1 Priority One – Taxa which are known from one or a few (generally <5) populations which are Poorly Known Taxa under threat, either due to small population size, or being on lands under immediate threat, or the plants are under threat. May include taxa with threatened populations on protected lands. Such taxa are under consideration for declaration as “rare flora”, but are in need of further survey. P2 Priority Two – Taxa which are known from one or a few (generally <5) populations, at least Poorly Known Taxa some of which are not believed to be under immediate threat (i.e. not currently endangered). Such taxa are under consideration for declaration as “rare flora”, but are in need of further survey. P3 Priority Three – Taxa which are known from several populations, and the taxa are not believed to Poorly Known Taxa be under immediate threat (i.e. not currently endangered), either due to the number of known populations (generally >5), or known population being large, and either widespread or protected. Such taxa are under consideration for declaration as “rare flora” but are in need of further survey. P4 Priority Four – Rare Taxa which are considered to have been adequately surveyed and which, whilst Taxa being rare (in Australia), are not currently threatened by any identifiable factors. These taxa require monitoring every 5-10 yrs

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The most threatened of the species identified under the provisions of the Commonwealth under the State legislation are also protected EPBC Act (Table 7).

Table 7 Categories of Threatened Species (EPBC Act, Section 179, 1999)

Category Category Explanation Code 1 Extinct A taxon which is known only to survive in cultivation, in captivity or as a naturalised population, well outside its past range; or which has not been recorded in its known and/or expected habitat, at appropriate seasons, anywhere in its past range, despite exhaustive surveys over a time frame appropriate to its life cycle and form. 2 Critically A taxon that is facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild in the immediate Endangered or near future, as determined in accordance with the prescribed criteria. 3 Endangered A taxon that Is not critically endangered and is facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild in the near future, as determined in accordance with the prescribed criteria. 4 Vulnerable A taxon that is not endangered and is facing a high risk of extinction in the wild in the medium-term future, as determined in accordance with the prescribed criteria. 5 Conservation A species that is the focus of a specific conservation program, the cessation of Dependant which would result in the species becoming vulnerable, endangered, or critically endangered within a period of 5 years.

Applications to impact or destroy DRF must be referred to the Minister for the Environment for a permit “to take” to be granted. Permits may be granted subject to a range of conditions, such as translocation of known individuals that are to be Plate 1 Caladenia huegelii – The Grand impacted, the protection and monitoring of the Spider Orchid remaining population, contributions to research leading to better understanding of the taxon involved, or other offset requirements.

DRF – Caladenia huegelii – The Grand Spider Orchid

Caladenia huegelii is a tall spider orchid species, growing to around 60 centimetres. Each plant has a single, pale green, hairy leaf, which appears above ground in late autumn. There are one or two (rarely three) flowers on each plant. The most distinctive aspect of the flower is the large green-cream labellum with a curved maroon tip, rows of club shaped calli and a very long, occasionally branched fringe (refer to Plate 1). Flowering is not certain every year, and the The flowers are not scented. stimulus for plants to flower is not well understood. In some areas the species is found to flower in larger numbers following summer fire,

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however fire is not a prerequisite to flowering occur in Bush Forever sites. Ken Hurst Park Site and at least some plants in a population will No. 245, Fraser Road Bushland Site No. 390 flower every year regardless of the fire regime. (Canning River Regional Park Site No. 224, Flowering occurs mainly from mid September Harnsdale Swamp and adjacent bushland site no. through October in the Perth metropolitan area. 253, Acourt Road Bushland Site No. 389 and Flowering appears to be dependant on rainfall Holmes Street Bushland Site No. 125, Lowlands with very few plants flowering in a dry year, and Bushland Site No. 368, Jandakot Airport Site No. many more in a favourable one. 388, Sicklemore Road Bushland Site No. 272, Maralla Road Bushland Site No. 300. At present Like most other orchid species found in south- there are 10 development proposals in the west Australia, Caladenia huegelii has an metropolitan area that have implications for the underground ”potato-like” tuber which sprouts species in terms of direct or indirect impacts. after the first autumn rains. The plant grows through winter, flowers in spring and then dies Caladenia huegelii was gazetted as Rare Flora back to become dormant over summer. The under Western Australian legislation in 1990, tuber is replaced annually with the old tuber and ranked as Critically Endangered under the remaining shrivelled above the current season’s Commonwealth EPBC Act in December 2002. new fleshy one. The species emits a pheromone The reasons for the “Critically Endangered” on warm days (odourless to humans) that is classification under International Union for the known to attract males from a single species of Conservation of Nature criteria (IUCN, 1994) thynnid wasps as pollinators. Once pollinated, are: each flower is capable of producing thousands of minute, wind-dispersed seeds. Very few seeds · populations are severely fragmented; appear to germinate to form new plants in nature. This low germination rate may be associated · the total area of occupancy is believed to be with a patchy distribution of particular less than 10 km2; mycorrhizal soil fungi. Like all other orchids, C. huegelii relies on a symbiotic association with · there is continuing decline in the extent of such a fungus for both germination and for occurrence, area of occupancy, quality of ongoing health. habitat, number of locations and number of mature individuals; The species is often found growing with another spider orchid – Caladenia longicauda, with During the Master Planning for the highway which it sometimes hybridises. extension in 1998, MRWA became aware that the DRF species C. huegelii occurred close to the Caladenia huegelii is found in well-drained proposed highway alignment in a Western Power sandy soils in Banksia/Jarrah/Allocasuarina easement which parallels the freight railway just woodland in scattered locations on the Swan south of the highway reserve (Weston, 1997). Coastal Plain between the Perth metropolitan The plants identified in the Weston survey are all area and Capel. Historically the species is outside the impact area for the project. In the known from over 50 populations. Revision of Spring of 2002 MRWA commissioned a survey the taxonomy of the orchid and its closest allies to confirm the location of this population and to (Hopper and Brown 2001) resulted in many of search for the species along the proposed the previously recorded populations being highway alignment adjacent to the Weston recognised as Caladenia thinicola. Most recent population. This survey was carried out over records held by CALM indicate that there are several weeks in Spring of 2002 (Hart Simpson now 30 populations and a total of just fewer than and Associates, 2002). This survey has been 800 plants extant. Many previously recorded repeated in September and October of 2003 populations have not been verified in recent (Maunsell, 2003), and extended to include the years. Of the recorded populations, two are in area required for the Roe Highway – Kwinana secure conservation areas (Kooljerrenup Nature Freeway interchange (Woodman Environmental Reserve and Ruabon Nature Reserve), and ten Consulting, 2003).

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which, at the time of reporting, were included on Results of the recent surveys for C. huegelii on the CALM’s Rare and Priority Flora list. These the Roe Highway reserve and adjacent areas have species are Lysinema elegans, Daviesia physodes shown that the species is quite widely distributed and Calectasia cyanea. Further survey has led to in the highway corridor and adjacent bushland, a re-evaluation of the status of the first two and is not restricted to the Western Power species and their removal from the Rare and easement as previously thought. These surveys Priority Flora list. The taxonomy of Calectasia resulted in the positive identification of 463 has recently been revised, and the species that is individuals not previously officially recorded in found on the highway alignment is now known the area. This number takes into account as C. narragarra, a species that is not considered possible overlap between the 2002 and 2003 to be under threat of any sort, and is not listed on survey years but may include some of the plants the Priority Flora lists. previously recorded by Weston (1997). The Weston survey reported between 116 and 150 In addition to formally listed (DRF or Priority) plants. Allowing for a possible overlap of 50% species of significance as discussed previously, with the more recent surveys, this would give an flora species may be of elevated conservation estimate of the total number of plants known significance if they: from the area at around 520 individuals. The distribution of the Grand Spider Orchid on and · are poorly known; around the highway reserve has been determined · have restricted distributions; or but at the request of CALM the location of the · are occurring at the limit of their known Orchids is not shown in this document. This distributions. information will, however, be provided to EPA to assist its assessment of the proposal. Bush Forever (Government of Western Australia, 2000) identifies the following species of Gazettal of a species as DRF presupposes that significant flora as occurring within Ken Hurst extensive searches for the plants have been made Park (based on results of Wildflower Society of over a period of time. There is, however, still WA, 1992) which adjoins part of the Roe Hwy some potential habitat in the general southern road reserve: metropolitan area that has not been searched systematically, and there may in fact be · Drosera zonaria; additional populations yet to be recorded. As an · Stylidium pressii - only known record of the example, a search on a small area of the Jandakot species on the Swan Coastal Plain; and Airport bushland in Spring of 2003 resulted in · Stylidium squamellosum - uncommon in the the location of a new record (B Evans, CALM PMR. pers comm). Eleven individual orchids were recently reported by TAFE students who None of these three species were recorded during conducted a study of remnant bushland at the surveys of the Roe 7 alignment (BSD, 2002). Melville Glades golf course in Spring 2003 (D Corbyn, TAFE pers comm.). 2.2.4 Fauna

Impacts on the population of DRF are set out in No systematic survey for fauna has been carried Section 4.2. Mitigation and management out along the highway alignment by Main Roads. measures for limiting the impacts to those that Bamford and Bamford (1998) made casual are absolutely unavoidable are included in this observations of fauna usage, and similar section. observations were reported in ERM Mitchell McCotter, (1998). However, detailed surveys for Other Significant Flora fauna (including trapping) have been carried out in Ken Hurst Park (Dell and Cooper, 1992) and Flora and vegetation survey reports along the more recently in the Jandakot Bushland highway alignment and of Ken Hurst Park have (Bamford et al., 2003). On advice from the DEP, previously made reference to several species Dr Mike Bamford was commissioned to review

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and collate all of the known information on fauna assemblages found in remnant bushland in the likely to be present on the highway alignment Perth metropolitan area, Bamford and Bamford, (Bamford and Bamford, 2003), and it is this (2003) conclude that the highway alignment is review that forms the basis of the following likely to support a rich fauna. They also indicate information. The full review report is in that this richness is probably influenced by the Appendix D. Additional information concerning juxtaposition of the large areas of fauna habitat in Carnaby’s Black Cockatoo was sought from the Ken Hurst Park and Jandakot Airport Bushland. Curator of Birds at the WA Museum. This A summary of their findings is set out in Table 8. information (RE & C Johnstone, 2003) is also No information is available on invertebrate fauna included in Appendix D. other than that on the CALM database of Threatened Fauna. Given the habitats present on the alignment and extensive knowledge of the vertebrate fauna

Table 8 Summary of Fauna Species Fauna Group Presence Expected* Presence Observed** Frogs 5 5 Reptiles 40 31 Birds (native species) 67 60 Mammals (native species) 14 9

Note: * based on habitat present and records for the Perth metropolitan area ** species observed during opportunistic sightings or recorded in the surveys at Ken Hurst Park and Jandakot Airport.

Five species of frogs have been recorded in the quality of the habitat, and its similarity with the vicinity of the highway alignment and are likely adjoining areas in Ken Hurst Park and the to occur there given the habitats represented. Of Jandakot Bushland. Bamford and Bamford these five, one is wholly terrestrial, and the consider that a total of sixty-seven native species others have terrestrial adults that are highly may use the bush on the alignment, although mobile. some of these such as the larger birds of prey are only occasional visitors. The list for the highway Thirty-one species of reptiles have been recorded alignment excludes waterbirds that have been in the vicinity of the highway alignment and are recorded flying overhead and which frequent the likely to occur there on the basis of the habitats cleared, grassy areas around the airport runways present. A further nine species known from the or that forage amongst refuse at the Canning general region are likely to be present. These Vale Waste Disposal Site. species are cryptic and thus very rarely observed. Several reptiles that might occur in the habitats Nine species of native mammal have been along the alignment have not been included in recorded in the vicinity of the highway the totals, as they are considered ot be locally alignment, and a further five species have been extinct. These species include larger predatory recorded regionally. Of these, eight are bat species such as the Carpet Python (Morelia species, which may feed over the area. Some of spilota) and Gould’s Monitor (Varanus gouldii) the small bat species, which are known to roost (Dell and Cooper, 1992). under bark on dead Banksia or Sheoak trees may be resident. In 1992 Dell and Cooper were of the Birds are the most numerous in both species opinion that only three native mammals likely to be present, and in total numbers of definitely remained in Ken Hurst Park. These individuals observed in both of the surveys of were the Western Grey Kangaroo, the Western adjacent areas (ibid). This is likely to be the case Brush Wallaby and the Quenda or Southern on the highway alignment as well, due to the Brown Bandicoot. They also considered that the

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area of habitat available in Ken Hurst Park was areas. Dell and Cooper recorded the species too small to support the Honey Possum, which from both the northern and southern parts of Ken they did not record. The recent surveys Hurst Park in 1992. Bamford et al., (2003) (Bamford, et al 2003) at Jandakot Airport did estimate that the Jandakot Airport bush supports record this species. As the Honey Possum between 20 and 66 individuals. These animals populations appear to be dependant on climatic could easily move between the Jandakot conditions and on fire history, there is a chance Bushland and Ken Hurst Park and the bush on that the species occurs in Ken Hurst Park – Roe the Roe Highway alignment. Highway alignment bush. Quenda or Southern Brown Bandicoot – Of the three species of large mammal probably Although previously protected under the WA still present along the highway alignment, the Wildlife Conservation Act, the Quenda is now following is known: known to be present throughout the metropolitan area. It pre fers dense low shrub cover as habitat, Western Grey Kangaroo – Grey Kangaroos and is often found near wetlands. However, it is persist in many of the larger bushland remnants not restricted to bushland of good quality, and in the metropolitan area. Several golf courses in also uses degraded areas so long as the ground the metropolitan area also support reasonable cover is dense enough for it to make tunnels in populations. The Melville Glades Golf Course is the low vegetation which the animal uses to known to have a population of close to 100 traverse its territory. Dell and Cooper, (1992) individuals resident. This population is confined considered the Quenda to be relatively common to the golf course (which is fenced), although in Ken Hurst Park in suitable habitat given the animals are known to escape regularly. number of feeding signs present. Bamford, et al Kangaroos from the Ken Hurst Park – Roe (2003) found the Quenda to be common in the Highway – Jandakot Airport bushland are highly Jandakot Bushland where it was recorded from mobile and feed on the open areas on top of the all of their trapping sites, with 35 individuals former Melville landfill site. No accurate trapped overall during the summer survey. estimate of numbers is available. In 1992 Dell Population densities previously recorded in the and Cooper reported three small groups in Ken Perth area range from 0.15 – 1.5 individuals per Hurst Park. In early 2003, a group of about 30 hectare dependent on habitat suitability and the animals was observed feeding on the landfill site. presence or absence of predators such as dogs. Bamford et al., (2003) estimated (by counting faecal pellets and applying a known formula), Conservation Significance of the Expected that there might be a total of 30 animals present Fauna Assemblage in the Jandakot Airport lease in March 2002, with a drop to only 10 individuals in December. The conservation status of fauna species is Although the counting of faecal pellets is proclaimed under both the Commonwealth considered to give good estimates of numbers, EPBC Act and the Western Australian Wildlife the authors concluded that this was likely to be Conservation Act. In addition, in Western an underestimate of total numbers present on the Australia, CALM has produced a supplementary Jandakot lease area. No reason could be found list of Priority Fauna. These are species that are for the large drop in numbers between the not considered threatened under the WA Act, but autumn and summer surveys. for which CALM feels there is cause for concern.

Western Brush Wallaby – This species has all but Tables 9 and 10 list the species held to have disappeared from the metropolitan area. It conservation significance, which have been favours areas of forest or woodland with a dense recorded, or might be expected to occur, on or shrub layer, or dense shrubland in low-lying near the Roe Highway alignment.

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Table 9 Fauna Species Listed Under Commonwealth or State Acts Speci es Recorded Legislation Native Bees (Leioproctus douglasiellus Armadale Golf Course, WA Wildlife Conservation Act Schedule 1 and Neopasiphae simplicior) Lake Forrestdale – Fauna that are rare or likely to become extinct. Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) Within 2 kilometres WA Wildlife Conservation Act Schedule 4 – Other Specially Protected Fauna Short-billed (Carnaby’s) Black Cockatoo Ken Hurst Park EPBC Act – Endangered (Calyptorhynchus latirostris) Jandakot Bushland WA Wildlife Conservation Act Schedule 1 – Endangered Rainbow Bee-eater (Merops ornatus) Ken Hurst Park, EPBC Act – Listed Migratory Species Jandakot Bushland and Melville waste disposal site

Table 10 Fauna Species Listed as Priority Fauna by CALM Species Recorded Legislation Native Bee (Leioproctus contrarius) Forrestdale and Murdoch CALM Priority 3 Barking Owl (Ninox connivens) Blue Gum Swamp, Melville CALM Priority 2 Quenda or Southern Brown Bandicoot Ken Hurst Park CALM Priority 4 (Isoodon obesulus) Jandakot Bushland Brush Wallaby (Macropus irma) Ken Hurst Park CALM Priority 4 Jandakot Bushland Vesper Bat (Falsistrellus mackenziei) Jandakot Bushland, CALM Priority 4 Thompson’s Lake

In addition to these two groups of species, there Highway alignment or adjacent areas. This is a are a number of species, possibly present in the species usually associated with low-lying or highway alignment bush that can be considered winter wet heaths. This habitat is not present on significant at a local level. Reasons for this the highway alignment. A number of species recognition include that they are at the limit of belonging to the family Goodeniaceae do occur their distribution ranges, have very restricted on the highway alignment. In the absence of ranges, or occur in breeding colonies. These firm evidence, it must therefore be assumed that species are listed in full in the fauna review in two of the native bee species may visit the Roe Appendix D. Highway bushland, although they have not yet been observed there. Invertebrates Birds The three species of native bee listed above appear to have very particular feeding The Peregrine Falcon is listed as “other protected requirements. Leioproctus douglasiellus has fauna” under the WA Wildlife Conservation Act. been recorded only from flowers of Goodenia This species is included in the list for the filiformis, Neopasiphae simplicior has been highway reserve, as the Jandakot Bushland is recorded only from flowers of G. filiformis, thought to be part of the range of a pair of birds. Lobelia tenuior, and Angianthus preissianus, and Generally larger birds of prey such as the Leioproctus contrarius only from flowers of the Peregrine would utilise taller trees than occur on family Goodeniaceae. the alignment for perching, and would require large hollows for nesting that are not typical of Of the named food plants, Lobelia tenuior is the the Banksia Woodland habitat. Bamford et al., only one to have been recorded (from Ken Hurst (2003) consider that at most it would be an Park) during any of the surveys of the Roe infrequent visitor to the area.

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The Short -billed or Carnaby’s Black Cockatoo is Open areas, free of vegetation are preferred. listed as Endangered under the Commonwealth Birds are also known to nest on flat ground, EPBC Act, and also under the WA Wildlife sometimes diving straight into the nest openings Conservation Act. Carnaby’s Black Cockatoo from mid-flight. Any flying insect of a suitable breeds in Woodlands (principally Salmon Gum size will be taken as food, with all food caught and Wandoo) throughout wheat belt areas from on the wing. In the metropolitan area the birds the west coast as far eastwards as Ravensthorpe. are often seen when honey bee colonies swarm, After fledging, the young and parent birds move and are also known to frequent apiarist sites to to feeding areas in higher rainfall coastal feed on honey bees around the hives. locations where they may aggregate to form large feeding flocks. The birds feed primarily on seeds The species has previously been recorded in both of a variety of native plants, on nectar and on Ken Hurst Park and the Jandakot bushland, and insect grubs, which they find in the fruits that nest sites have recently been observed on the they open for seeds. A range of introduced north-facing slopes of the Melville waste plants are also utilised for food. On the Swan disposal site (RE & C Johnstone, 2003). Coastal Plain pine nuts harvested from plantation trees or from individual trees in gardens appear The southern race of the Barking Owl is listed as to be a favoured food. The birds are also a Priority 2 Species by CALM. This means that reported to feed on almonds from plantings in it has either a few poorly known populations on domestic gardens. conservation lands, or several, poorly known populations that are not on conservation lands. In the Banksia Woodland on and around the Bamford and Bamford, (2003) consider that it highway alignment, flocks of Carnaby’s might be an infrequent visitor to the woodland Cockatoos are seen regularly. Bamford et al., around the highway alignment, as it has been (2003) have recorded flocks of over a hundred recorded at Blue Gum Swamp nearby in Melville individuals at Jandakot Airport, and Dell and as recently as 2001. Cooper, (1992) recorded several groups at Ken Hurst Park with the largest containing 42 birds. Mammals A flock of 63 mainly juvenile birds was observed at Ken Hurst Park in December 2003 (RE & C The Quenda and Western Brush Wallaby are Johnstone, pers comm.). both listed as Priority 4 Species by CALM. These are taxa for which adequate information is The Rainbow Bee-eater is listed under provisions known, and which are not threatened, but which of the EPBC Act that cover migratory species. In CALM wishes to monitor. These species have Western Australia however, the species is not been discussed above under the general considered to be under any form of threat. It has discussion of fauna present on the highway a statewide distribution, and is seasonally alignment. common on the Swan Coastal Plain, including the metropolitan area of Perth. The species The status of the Vesper Bat Falsistrellus migrates annually, moving southwards to breed mackenziei is unknown for the area, as it is over the summer months. The species is known included on the list due to an incomplete to move between Papua New Guinea and observation at Jandakot Airport. It has Indonesia and the Australian mainland, but the previously been recorded at Thompson’s Lake. birds that arrive in Perth around mid September may in fact come from the Pilbara or Kimberley, Impacts on the local native fauna are discussed in but no studies have been undertaken to confirm Section 4.4. This section also outlines mitigation this. and management measures for limiting negative impacts on resident fauna populations. The Rainbow Bee-eater nests in steep banks such as found on the edge of some rivers, or in any substrate material that is soft, but stable enough for the parent birds to construct a nest burrow.

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2.3 Social Street with the Roe Highway is partially developed to various industrial uses including 2.3.1 Land Use a bus depot, a Water Corporation depot, and the City of Canning’s Waste Disposal The physical setting and land uses that determine Facility. Future development of this area is the social amenity of the area through which the planned. highway alignment passes can be inferred from

Figure 2.8. Land uses in the immediate vicinity Transport, Power Supply and other Linear of the highway alignment include: · Infrastructure – for part of the alignment, the

road reserve runs alongside the Welshpool to · Residential – residential areas are restricted to Kwinana freight railway line, and an existing the northern side of the highway reserve for power line easement. A high-pressure gas much of its length, and also occur close to the pipeline is located between the power line and interchange with Kwinana Freeway (on the the freight railway, running parallel to the west of the Freeway). For the greater part, railway. At the closest point the pipeline is the properties closest to the alignment back 40 to 50 metres from the edge of the road onto the highway reserve. Exceptions to this reserve. A storage and training facility for are along Merrifield Circle near South Street, Western Power is situated close to the and on the west of the Kwinana Freeway. alignment near the Kwinana Freeway This means that for some residents, the interchange area. highway will essentially become a

“neighbour”. Airport – the Jandakot Airport is situated · south of the freight railway line, and west of Active Recreation – the City of Melville’s · Ken Hurst Park. The airport is used by light sports and recreation precinct, known as John aircraft and helicopters and is the base for Connell Reserve, includes both developed several flight training schools, charter and future development areas and is situated operations, and the Royal Flying Doctor on the north of the road reserve. A large Service. The airport is reputed to be one of proportion of the future sports and other the busiest in Australia as far as aircraft recreational areas are situated on the now movements are concerned. The airport is decommissioned Melville waste disposal site. operated by the Jandakot Airport Corporation Development of the old waste disposal site on a lease from the Commonwealth has commenced at the eastern end, with open Government. grassed areas now in place. Other existing

facilities include the Melville Glades Golf 2.3.2 Residential Amenity Course and a lawn bowls club and cricket pitch. The residential character of the areas closest to the highway alignment is influenced by the · Parks and Reserves – Ken Hurst Park abuts activities associated with the land uses mentioned the southern side of the highway reserve. The above. For example, many in the local park is a bushland area of around 53 hectares community value the adjacent bushland for its managed by the City of Melville. Current natural attributes, and for the quiet that it zoning of the land occupied by Ken Hurst provides. The community has enjoyed unfettered Park in the MRS is “Rural”. The land was access to all of the highway reserve, and to the previously earmarked for development. The section of Ken Hurst Park that is north of the City of Melville is now committed to freight railway line. Notwithstanding the fact managing the Park for conservation and that the land was reserved for the highway long passive recreation (ATA Environmental, before any of the residents moved in, and that 2003). most residents were aware of the impending highway construction, the loss of “sense of · Industrial and/or Commercial – the south- place” will still be keenly felt by some residents. eastern sector of the intersection of South

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Easy access to the bush also has negative aspects up one metre from the building facade, and 1.2 to common to most areas of remnant bushland in 1.5 metres above the ground floor (of the the metropolitan area. Rubbish dumping occurs, building) level. Measurements were taken over a motorbike riders find the sandy tracks long enough period to ensure that at least three irresistible, and there is evidence along the full days of recordings are available for highway reserve that target shooting or attempted calculations of averages. Data can be discarded hunting is occurring. for various reasons, including unsuitable weather conditions such as high winds, or logger Construction and operation of the highway malfunction. extension will mean changes for the nearest residents. Ambient noise levels will increase, but Noise loggers measure continuously, but were set it is possible that some antisocial behaviour will to record at 1-hour intervals. The following be restricted. parameters were reported:

Noise L 1 This is the noise level exceeded for 1% of the time (9 seconds); During the Master Planning for the extension in L 10 This is the noise level exceeded for 10% of 1997/98, a study of the ambient noise levels for the time (1½ minutes); residences close to the alignment was carried out L 90 This is the noise level exceeded for 90% of (ERM Mitchell McCotter, 1999a). This study the time and is considered to represent was reviewed and updated in 2003 (Herring ambient conditions; Storer Acoustics, 2003). Leq The continuous equivalent noise level, or average. During the 2003 study, the existing acoustic environment was sampled and quantified using Readings are in decibels (dB), and are A- automatic noise data loggers at selected weighted (ie values have been modified to residences adjacent to the proposed alignment. closely approximate the response of the human The three residences chosen for placement of ear). From the recorded noise levels, the noise data loggers were situated as follows: following were calculated:

L The arithmetic average of the · eastern end of project – 36 Merrifield Circle, 10(18hour) recorded L 10 values between 6:00am and Leeming; midnight;

L eq(8hour) The logarithmic average of the central portion of project – 17 Heatherlea · recorded L eq values between 10:00pm and Parkway, Leeming; 6:00am of the same day;

L eq(24hour) The logarithmic average of the · western end of project – 13 Evergreen Court, recorded L eq values for a complete 24-hour Leeming. period.

Measurements were undertaken generally in The calculated results from the measured data for accordance with Australian Standard 2702-1984 the three residences are set out in Table 11. Acoustics – Methods orf the Measurement of Road Traffic Noise. Noise data loggers were set

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Table 11 Noise Monitoring Results in dB (A)

Location / Date L 10(18hour) L eq(8hour) L eq(24hour) 36 Merrifield Circle, Leeming 19/03/03 60.8 53.8 58.1 20/03/03 61.1 53.0 58.1 25/03/03 59.0 53.1 56.6 Average 60 53 58 17 Heatherlea Parkway, Leeming 18/03/03 52.1 43.7 50.2 19/03/03 52.5 45.2 51.3 24/03/03 52.4 47.1 51.5 Average 52 45 51 13 Evergreen Court, Leeming 24/03/03 50.9 44.5 49.5 25/03/03 49.8 40.1 47.8 26/03/03 51.2 44.8 49.3 Average 51 43 49

From these results the following can be The noise measurement data is given in full in determined: Appendix E.

· the influence of traffic on South Street is Construction of the highway extension will evident in both day and night-time calculated increase noise levels for all properties adjacent to noise levels for the Merrifield Circle the alignment. These impacts as well as residence, which are relatively high for a mitigation measures to limit the noise levels at all suburban situation, but typical of a busy road residences to acceptable standards are discussed environment; in Sectio ns 4.3.2 and 4.3.6.

· results from the other two residences reflect Air Quality the fact that there is a large amount of undeveloped land in the vicinity, but also The following table (Table 12) summarises the show that noise from the industrial areas, the 90th and 70th percentile background air quality freight railway and the airport already data from the WA DEP’s Leeming and South influence existing noise levels, which are Lake monitoring stations. The Leeming station moderate for a suburban situation; is adjacent to the corridor through which the Roe 7 extension will pass. However, the last full year · the results for the Evergreen Court residence of data available from that station was for 1999. are the lowest in the survey. This suggests Data for 2001 are available from the South Lake that any noise from Kwinana Freeway is not Monitoring Station, which is located about 4 km impacting unduly on this precinct at present. south-west of the study area.

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Table 12 Combined Air Quality Data from the Leeming and South Lake Monitoring Stations Pollutants Monitoring sites background concentration 90th percentile 70th percentile CO 1.0 ppm 0.3 ppm 8-hour average PM10 25 µg m-3 19 µg m-3 24-hour average PM2.5 14 µg m-3 11 µg m-3 24-hour average NO2 0.018 ppm 0.010 ppm 1-hour average NO2 0.008 ppm (annual average)- Annual average O3 0.029 ppm 0.022 ppm 1-hour average

This site was assessed by the Aboriginal Cultural The impacts of the operation of the Highway Materials Committee (ACMC) in August of 2000 through to Kwinana Freeway on local air quality as part of the DIA sites verification project. The have been investigated and are discussed in ACMC determined that there is insufficient Section 4.3. This section includes results of a information to confidently locate the assemblage preliminary modelling assessment of the impacts of artefacts and that the site should no longer be of Roe Highway on local air quality. The air considered a site under the Aboriginal Heritage quality study report is presented in full in Act 1972. (Resolution date 8/8/2000, resolution # Appendix F. 00123, resolution Id 004350).

2.3.3 Aboriginal Heritage Previous consultation with the Aboriginal Community resulted in requests for information Archaeological surveys and consultation with on the project to be circulated to them as Aboriginal community representatives planning progressed. This will be done as the (Quartermaine Consultants, 1998 & 2003; final design for the project proceeds. O’Connor, 1998 & 2003) found that there is a single site, which might possibly be impacted by As a result of these surveys and consultation, the proposed extension. This is an Aboriginal Heritage is not considered to be a archaeological site previously registered on the constraint on planning or design of the highway Western Australian Aboriginal Site register. It is extension; however strategies for the an artefact scatter (DIA 4361 (S00773), situated management of Aboriginal Heritage issues will to the south of Hope Road and immediately north be included in the EMP for the project. of the freight railway crossing. The assemblage of artefacts present suggest that the site may have 2.3.4 Other Heritage been used on a transitory basis to manufacture or curate wooden implements or to butcher game. Approximately 120 hectares of remnant bushland The archaeological consultants considered the on the northern side of Jandakot Airport and site to be of low significance because of the including the area of the road reserve has been small numbers of artefacts found, the ubiquity on nominated and entered into the database of the the Swan Coastal Plain of the lithologies present, Australian Heritage Commission, and is thus and the low likelihood of further material being known as an “indicative” place as far as present due to previous disturbance to the site. Australian heritage is concerned. The status of The site was subject to total surface collection in “indicative” place means that the Heritage the 1980s. Commission has yet to make a decision on whether or not the bushland should be included on the Register of the National Estate.

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Nomination pre-dates the establishment of the The Statement of Nomination sets out the reasons Jandakot Botanic Park. Banksia woodland of the for which the area is considered significant. type that occurs in the project area is now These reasons all deal with the natural values of regarded as adequately protected. the place, including a rich flora and fauna, rare plants and “the poor conservation status” of No other places, either constructed or natural Banksia Woodland on the Swan Coastal Plain. It within the confines of the road reserve have been is important to note that the Statement of identified as having any heritage significance.

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3 Description of the Proposal of the Roe Highway crossing. Karel Avenue will connect into Hope Road as at present; 3.1 Proposal 5. a grade separated connection to Kwinana The proposal is to extend Roe Highway from Freeway with full access to both north and South Street to connect into Kwinana Freeway in south bound carriageway on the Freeway; the southern metropolitan area of Leeming over a distance of approximately 4.6 kilometres. The 6. continuation of the PSP network along the two carriageways, ramps, the Principal Shared northern side of the Highway extension with Paths (PSP) and the extent of embankments (cut connections to existing local pedestrian and and fill) proposed are shown in the concept cycle facilities at: design in Figure 3.1. § South Street The highway is planned as a four-lane dual § Merrifield Circle carriageway (two lanes in each direction), with § Sellen Court provision for future upgrading to three lanes in § Hollingsworth Way each direction. The land required for any future § Dundee Street upgrading is to be provided in the median. All § Fern Leaf Court earthworks and associated infrastructure, such as § Karel Avenue; and road drainage, for the ultimate extent (three lanes § Sylvan Crescent in each direction) will be constructed as part of this proposal. The new PSP will pass over Kwinana Freeway to connect into the existing PSP on Details of the proposal are: the west of the Freeway;

1. a dual carriageway to link South Street and 7. highway lighting along the full extent of the Kwinana Freeway. This will consist of: new works; a) Two traffic lanes (3.5 metres wide), a 3.0 metre sealed shoulder/emergency stopping 8. noise amelioration through a combination of lane, and a 2.0 metre unsealed verge (for screening walls and low-noise road surfaces signage, cabling etc.) in each direction; where required to protect the amenity of b) A median of 17.5 metres, which includes a adjacent residents and to comply with 1.5 metre sealed shoulder for each appropriate standards; carriageway. The remainder of the median (14.5 metres) will be revegetated 9. road drainage infrastructure such as kerbing, in the short term, but in uturef would piping, infiltration basins, riffles or other accommodate any upgrading of the dispersion mechanisms as required to highway (Figure 3.2 shows a typical cross protect the road formation and the receiving section); environment;

2. a grade separated interchange at South Street 10. public access across the Highway from the with Roe Highway passing over South residential and recreational areas north of Street; the Highway to the area of Ken Hurst Park which is adjacent to the Highway; 3. a grade separated interchange at Karel Avenue with Karel Avenue passing over Roe 11. appropriate fencing of the road reserve for Highway; the protection of pedestrians, cyclists and native fauna; 4. extension of the dual carriageway (provision of a median island) on Karel Avenue from 12. rehabilitation/landscaping of all areas around Dimond Court to immediately south disturbed by construction;

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13. provision for small fauna movement across the Highway, and 3.2.1 Planning Context

A major review of the Perth metropolitan freight 14. other minor construction works such as retaining walls. network commenced in October 2001 with a Freight Congress, the congress aimed to “put the

community at the heart of the planning process 3.2 Project Justification by bringing together representatives of the community, industry and regulators to plan a way The competitiveness of Australian commerce and forward”. A number of working groups were industry is increasingly dependent upon the established to focus on specific areas of the efficiency of freight transport. Road freight is metropolitan freight system. One facet of the currently the main form of freight movement for work carried out during the Freight Network commodities (other than bulk commodities) in Review was a comprehensive multi-criteria the Perth metropolitan area. Road transport is assessment of various road construction or likely to remain the dominant form of both upgrade options to improve the effectiveness of freight and passenger transport for the Perth’s freight network. Twenty-one options foreseeable future, even if the most ambitious were assessed. All options were constrained by goals for use of public transport and alternative requiring a connection to Stage 6 of the Roe freight modes are realised (Freight Network Highway. At the request of the Minister for Review Master Plan, 2002). Planning and Infrastructure, none of the options

included construction of the Fremantle Eastern Residential and industrial land uses (as opposed By-pass (Freight Network Review Master Plan to retail or office uses) currently generate a Working Group, 2002). substantial proportion of total freight movements, respectively accounting for 24% and 20% of The findings of the working groups were commercial vehicle movements in the integrated into a Master Plan addressing metropolitan area. The major inland freight land planning, operational and management issues use nodes in the Perth area are Kewdale- which contribute to a sustainable freight network Welshpool, Forrestfield, Canning Vale and Perth capable of accommodating future growth and Airport, while the Kwinana Outer Harbour and change in social, economic and environmental the Kwinana and Henderson industrial areas are priorities. The Master Plan identified a number predicted to dominate bulk shipping and of key issues, one of which is the need for a containerised freight generation (Freight connection between the terminus of Roe Network Review Master Plan, 2002). At present Highway Stage 6 at South Street and Kwinana road access between these areas is mainly via Freeway (Stage 7) as a critical element in sharing Leach Highway, South Street, and the Kwinana the freight and general vehicle traffic load with Freeway. other arterial roads in the area (Freight Network

Review Master Plan Working Group, 2002). The focus of freight generating land uses over the next 20 to 25 years is expected to be in the south- The multi-criteria assessment carried out during west freight corridor. With the Kwinana Outer the Freight Network Review confirmed the Harbour becoming increasingly important as a importance and validity of Roe Highway as part freight handling facility as the port facilities at of the strategic ring road system for Perth. Roe Fremantle reach capacity. It is clear that Highway’s function is to provide a connection decisions about the provision of transport between the main northern and eastern gateways infrastructure in the southern Perth metropolitan to the metropolitan region and the industrial area will have important consequences both for areas of Midland, Welshpool, Canning Vale, the viability of Western Australian Rockingham and various metropolitan port manufacturing and commerce and for the social facilities. In conjunction with Reid Highway, well-being and amenity of the residential areas which forms the northern component of the ring along the transport corridor (Freight Network road system, Roe Highway provides easy access Review Master Plan, 2002).

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to these areas from the major north-south route servicing Perth, the Kwinana and Mitchell 3.2.3 Benefits of Constructing Roe Highway Freeways. These routes are shown on the plan in Stage 7 Figure 3.3. The completion of Roe Highway – Stage 7 will

produce benefits for the community at large and The construction of Roe Highway Stage 7 will for the localities of Leeming and Canning Vale in enable realization of a ring road system that was particular. When completed it will result in: first included in the 1955 Stephenson – Hepburn

Plan for the PMR. The Primary Regional Road reservation for Roe Highway has been included · Improved Road Safety – Stage 7 will in the MRS since its promulgation in 1963. significantly increase road safety through improved road geometry and a more direct The Roe Highway has been classified by the route, and the provision of grade-separated interchanges and high standard dual Federal Government as a Road of National Importance, as it links Western Australian major carriageways designed for all traffic types. industrial areas, ports and airports with the National Highway System namely the Great · Improved Community Safety and Amenity Northern and Great Eastern Highways (refer – completion of Stage 7 will provide a high Figure 3.3). The Federal Government has standard route for heavy trucks east of the committed a total of $76 million for the funding Kwinana Freeway. It will reduce the number of Roe Highway, with $41.3 million allocated for of heavy haulage vehicles that currently use the extension from Nicholson Road to the local community streets to avoid traffic lights Kwinana Freeway (Stages 6 & 7). and uphill starts on South Street and Leach Highway. This will improve safety and 3.2.2 Current Status of Roe Highway amenity for all residents.

Construction of Roe Highway from its northern · Improved Community Access – The connections with Reid and Great Northern completion of Stage 7 will provide suburbs Highways to Nicholson Road (Stages 1 to 5) is located along the alignment of Roe Highway now complete. Stage 6 of the highway between with improved access to Kwinana Freeway Nicholson Road and South Street is under and hence the southern metropolitan region, construction. The next component of the including Rockingham, Kwinana and strategic ring road system, the Stage 7 extension Mandurah. The construction of an improved of the Roe Highway from South Street to the network of pedestrian and bicycle paths will Kwinana Freeway, is now proposed for facilitate non-motorised transport for local construction. travel and will provide better access to the existing major cycling routes for commuting Completion of Roe Highway Stage 7 will cyclists. provide efficient transport links for freight and general traffic: · Facilitation of Emergency Services - Roe Highway will provide easier and faster access · from the Great Northern Highway and Great for emergency vehicles such as ambulances Eastern Highway to the Kwinana Freeway and fire engines, significantly benefiting the and the southern metropolitan area, Kwinana, well being of the whole community. Rockingham and the south–west corner of the state; · Economic Benefits – The Stage 7 extension will reduce freight travel time and provide · between the industrial areas of Midland, more efficient connections between industrial Kewdale, Canning Vale, Jandakot and areas at Canning Vale, Jandakot, Kwinana Kwinana; and and Kewdale and the various metropolitan port facilities. It will also provide improved · to Perth Airport and Jandakot Airport. freight access to Perth Airport and to the

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planned intermodal road/rail freight yard at immediately adjacent to the freight rail line Kewdale. Trade and commerce will therefore between Karel Avenue and Kwinana benefit from the project, which in turn will Freeway; enhance economic development and employment. · Options AS, BS and CS – these options are the same as options A, B and C respectively · Motor Vehicle Emissions – Roe Highway at the western end, but follow the railway line Stage 7 will provide free flowing traffic as far as possible eastwards. conditions, in contrast to the existing routes which are characterised by frequent All options were constrained by the need to stop/starts at signalized intersections and high provide continuity with the western terminus of levels of congestion at peak travel times. Roe Stage 6 at South Street. Overall, this will reduce motor vehicle emissions and enhance air quality. The LIC undertook a wide-ranging value management assessment of the various route 3.3 Alignment Selection – Consideration options proposed. This assessment included of Alternative Route Options consultation with numerous specialists and with the community. Following the completion of the Metropolitan Freight Network Review (Freight Network The non-cost evaluation criteria developed by the Review Master Plan Working Group 2002), the LIC for the value management assessment, the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure relative importance given to each, and the values established a Local Impacts Committee (LIC) to assigned for the six alignment options are consider the implications of freight movement in tabulated in Table 13 in descending order of the the southwest metropolitan area. The LIC was importance assigned to each criterion. The required to consider several possible variations of weightings were derived by a pairwise the route for Stage 7 between South Street and comparison of all the criteria. In this process Kwinana Freeway and to recommend a preferred each criterion was compared with every other, alignment. and the one believed to be more important was nominated. The number of times that a criterion The alignment options considered by the LIC was nominated determined its weighting. were based on those identified in the Metropolitan Freight Network Review, as shown The ranked options were then considered against in Figure 3.4. They were: an estimated cost for each option. Option costs included construction, land acquisition and · Option A – an alignment entirely within the service relocation costs. To derive a “value for existing MRS reservation; money” ranking the weighted scores for the assessment criteria were divided by the estimated · Option B – an alignment within the existing cost. These results are shown in Table 14. MRS reserve at the eastern end that deviates to the south of the MRS to run just north of the Western Power facilities between Karel Avenue and Kwinana Freeway;

· Option C – an alignment within the existing MRS reserve at the eastern end, that runs

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Table 13 Criteria, Criteria Weightings and Scores forAlignment Options

Criterion Weighting Weighted Scores A B C AS BS CS Impacts on Declared Rare Flora 18 18 18 18 26 36 36 Planning Flexibility 16 112 128 112 112 128 112 Impacts on Groundwater Protection 15 60 30 15 60 30 15 Areas Social Amenity – noise and vibration 13 26 52 65 52 78 91 impacts on adjacent residences Impacts on Bush Forever Sites 11 55 55 55 22 22 22 Social Equity 7 70 49 28 56 35 14 Implications for Project Timeframe 7 63 35 21 21 14 7 Impacts on Remnant Vegetation 5 10 10 20 5 10 15 Impacts on Government Property 4 36 16 8 20 8 4 Impacts on Private Property 2 16 16 4 12 12 2 Visual Impacts 2 8 10 4 10 14 8 Total Weighting 100 474 419 350 406 387 326 Option Ranking 1 2 5 3 4 6

Table 14 Alignment Option Value for Money Assessments

Options A B C AS BS CS Total Weighted Score 474 419 350 406 387 326 Ranking 1 2 5 3 4 6

Option Cost ($ M) 51 68 105 70 87 124 Value for Money Score 9.5 6.2 3.5 5.8 4.4 2.6 Value for Money Ranking 1 2 5 3 4 6

The outcome of the value management MRS reserve. This option is addressed in this assessment was that the option that follows the PER as the proposal for assessment by the EPA. existing MRS alignment was ranked as the best The second (referred to as the northern option on non-cost evaluation criteria and also alternative) is being explored as a result of the after cost was taken into account. desire to minimise clearing of good quality native vegetation and to minimise impacts on significant Current planning for Stage 7 is based on the flora found inside the road reserve. In this regard outcomes of the LIC deliberations on the possible although the overall footprint of the two route alignments for the project, and the Minister of options is similar the northern alternative will Planning and Infrastructure endorsement of these reduce the number of Grand Spider Orchids outcomes. MRWA has therefore progressed with directly affected by the highway extension and planning for Stage 7 within the existing MRS will slightly reduce intrusion upon better quality highway reservation. Figure 3.1 shows the native vegetation. alignment proposed for Roe Highway Stage 7. However, under this second alternative, the Two alternative concept designs, both of which proposed alignment has been moved as far to the essentially follow the MRS reservation, are being north towards the old Melville landfill site (John further developed by the Alliance. The first Connell Reserve) as safety and engineering (referred to as the original alternative, shown in constraints allow. Figure 3.1 is similar to the original proposal for the extension, and is wholly contained within the

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This alternative is preferred on environmental Department of Premier and Cabinet Citizens and grounds, but does require the use of some land Civic Unit’s guidelines (Consulting Citizens: a outside the MRS highway reserve (approximately Resource Guide, DPC, 2002). 2 hectares). MRS reserve boundaries and the proposed northern alignment are shown in Figure Through public advertising, MRWA called for 3.5. The northern alignment option has not been community members and groups to nominate for put forward as the only possibility, as its the Roe Highway Stage 7 Project Representative realisation is dependant on development approval Group (PRG). The group comprised local from the Local Government Authority. residents and representatives of Local Application has been made to the City of Melville Government, the Friends of Ken Hurst Park, the and the Western Australian Planning Commission Conservation Council, and the Wildflower for development approval, and should this Society. The group met formally on seven approval be forthcoming, the northern alternative occasions. Meeting agendas are presented in will be designed and implemented for Appendix B. construction. Approval from these organisations is expected before the EPA’s decision regarding The PRG provided comment on the the Roe 7 Environmental Scoping Document for the project, prior to its finalisation and submission to the EPA. Differences between the two alternatives are Strategies, suggestions, information and concerns shown in Figures 2.6 and 2.7. The northern put forward by the group have also been given alternative reduces the extent of orchid habitat to due consideration and are reflected in the be cleared by over 30% (approximately1 hectare), proposed changes to the concept designs for the and slightly lessens intrusion of the route upon project. The management actions proposed in this areas of better quality native vegetation. PER have also taken the PRG’s input into account where possible, given the project’s technical and Assuming that the required development and financial constraints. environmental approvals are forthcoming, the Roe 7 extension will be constructed on the northerly The major concerns raised by the PRG were: alignment, because of its lesser impact on the Spider Orchid and better quality native vegetation. · whether the correct decision on alignment has However, in the event that development approval been made; for the northerly alignment options is not forthcoming, construction of the route within the · reducing the footprint of the works; existing MRS reserve would be pursued and as already indicted, construction within the existing · impacts on Declared Rare Flora; reserve is the proposal presented in this PER for assessment by EPA, the rationale being that if this · fauna facilities; route option is regarded as environmentally acceptable, the northerly alignment should also be · possibility of tunnelling as a means of regarded as acceptable because of its lesser construction; impacts on the Spider Orchid and native vegetation · proximity of the highway to houses and associated impacts of noise and other 3.4 Project Specific Stakeholder disturbance; Consultation · planning shared path links to local networks; In February 2002, MRWA developed a consultation strategy designed to identify, address · safety and proximity issues associated with the where possible, and integrate the socio- ramps on and off Kwinana Freeway; environmental needs of the local community in the planning for the highway extension. The · traffic management and impacts on local strategy was developed in accordance with the roads;

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· the three Local Government Authorities · aesthetics and the quality of design for through whose jurisdictions the highway structures; passes (Cities of Canning, Melville and Cockburn); · fencing (security, fauna, Ken Hurst Park boundary); · the WRC;

· noise attenuation; · the Friends of Ken Hurst Park; and

· drainage design and potential pollution · Department of CALM. impacts; · DPI · construction working hours; Consultation and negotiation with these · dieback management; authorities and bodies will continue throughout the final design and construction phases of the · fire control; project.

· site contamination, and 3.5 Environmental and Associated Studies and Surveys · co-ordination with other projects. A Master Plan and concept alignment was It is anticipated that the PRG, possibly with an developed for Stage 7 of the Roe Highway extended membership, will continue to contribute extension in 1998. In conjunction with this work, to the project throughout the final design and MRWA commissioned the preparation of an construction phases (see Section 6). Environmental Assessment and Management Plan for the project. Table 15 summarises the studies Main Roads also consulted separately with: undertaken at that time and more recently. All of these studies are fully referenced in Section 8. · DEP;

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Table 15 Summary of Environmental Studies and Reports Date Activity / Study Consultant / MRWA Reasons / Results 1998 Environmental Assessment and ERM Mitchell McCotter Assist with Master Planning Management Plan (EAMP) Commissioned Associated specialist studies: 1. Flora and Vegetation MRWA (A. Napier) Local significance for bushland. No DRF recorded inside MRS reserve (late survey timing). 2. Dieback Hart Simpson and Small occurrences reported near Hope Associates Rd. and South St. 3. Biodiversity Guidelines Bamford and Bamford To inform planning team. 4. Noise ERM Mitchell McCotter Noise amelioration required to achieve (D. Lloyd) MRWA noise criteria. 5. Aboriginal Heritage Quartermaine and One previously registered O’Connor archaeological site outside proposed work area. 1999 EAMP Finalised ERM Michell McCotter 2002 Declared Rare Flora (DRF) Hart Simpson and Large population recorded and mapped Caladenia huegelii reported on Associates on Stage 7 alignment. Stage 6. Spring survey confirmed Stage 6 population. Considered prudent to extend survey onto Roe 7 alignment Vegetation Survey for Roe 7 BSD Terminology updated, condition revisited reassessed, Threatened Ecological Communities considered, new mapping produced. 2003 Fauna review commissioned Bamford and Bamford Included consolidation of information from other detailed surveys in the area. Aboriginal Heritage revisited Quartermaine and Report recommended that Department O’Connor of Indigenous Affairs be requested to review status of the previously recorded archaeological site. Noise Study revisited Herring Storer New baseline data. Modeling and recommendations for noise treatments Drainage Strategy developed GHD Strategy based on consultation with WRC Air Quality study commissioned Roe 7 Alliance / CSIRO Screening level study predicted worst case ground level pollutant concentrations well within NEPM guidelines. Repeat survey for DRF & Roe 7 Alliance / DRF – Some variation from 2002 Banksia density survey Maunsell results. Some plants found to be hybrids. Noise modeling revisited Roe 7 Alliance/Vipac following modifications to road profile

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4 Environmental Impact surveyed). Translocation of native orchids is Assessment, Proposed most successful if carried out when the plant is at Management and Mitigation the peak of dormancy, which is in mid summer (late December into January). Thus the 4.1 Native Vegetation remainder of the clearing for the project will be deferred until January 2005. 4.1.1 Clearing 4.1.1.1 Current Situation EPA Objective: As described in Section 2.2.1, the alignment for · Maintain the abundance, species diversity, Roe Highway Stage 7 supports native vegetation geographic distribution and productivity of in what is considered to be above average vegetation. condition for remnants of native vegetation in the

Project Objectives: urban environment.

Minimise the extent of clearing required for · None of the vegetation community types the project through careful design and identified as being present are known to be rigorous management of construction restricted in distribution and are all considered to activities be at “low risk” as far as conservation status is concerned. The predominant vegetation type · Mitigate for the loss of significant vegetation present is Banksia Woodland with minor Relevant Guidelines: representation of low-lying shrubland.

EPA Draft Guidance Statement No 51 – · 4.1.1.2 Impact Assessment Terrestrial flora and vegetation surveys for Construction of the highway requires clearing of Environmental Impact Assessment in Western all vegetation in the area required for earthworks. Australia The area to be cleared has been calculated as

being 53.9 hectares. This represents the area · EPA Position Statement No 2 – occupied by the highway and Principal Shared Environmental Protection of Native Path plus a margin of one metre all around to Vegetation in Western Australia allow safe working conditions for construction

equipment and vehicles. Most of this area · EPA Position Statement No 3 – Terrestrial contains native vegetation in above average Biological Surveys as an Element of condition. The remainder (about 8ha) displays Biodiversity Protection varying degrees of disturbance. These include

the two commercial properties inside the reserve, It is anticipated that clearing for the project will disturbance adjacent to the Water Corporation take place in two stages. The first stage will be property boundary, tracks, firebreaks, service in the areas required for bridge construction at easements and the closed section of Hope Road, South Street, Karel Avenue and Kwinana as well as the areas along Kwinana Freeway Freeway, and for the section of highway between which have been previously disturbed and Karel Avenue and Kwinana Freeway. These are landscaped. This gives a total of 45.9 hectares of the areas that do not support the DRF - good quality native vegetation that will need to Caladenia huegelii. Clearing in these areas will be removed. The total areas of clearing required commence immediately upon Ministerial do not differ substantially between the original Consent being given for the project to proceed. and northern alignment alternatives, although the

northern alternative impacts on a smaller area of The second stage of clearing, which will involve habitat known to support declared rare flora. the remainder of the areas required for the highway, will only proceed after translocation of all of the C. huegelii individuals that can be identified during flowering in Spring 2004 (on which have been previously identified and

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Vegetation Communities and Floristic Community Bush Forever Site Types The boundary of Bush Forever Site 245 (Ken More than 90% of the vegetation to be cleared Hurst Park) includes some of the vegetation on has been identified as being Banksia Low the Roe Highway reserve where it adjoins the Woodland, occasionally with some Jarrah Park. However, the Bush Forever Site (Eucalyptus marginata) also present (Vegetation Implementation Guidelines and Practice Notes Type 6 of BSD, 2002). This vegetation has been recognise that the primary purpose of road inferred to be representative of FCT 23a. This reserves identified in the MRS or local Town community occurs for about 80% of the distance Planning Schemes is to accommodate vital along the length of the alignment, and is also the transport infrastructure, and that the construction vegetation present at the three bridge sites where authority has the right to undertake the required construction of drainage basins and ramps adds works for transport and associated infrastructure. to the clearing required. Small amounts of Just under 7.5 hectares (about 14%) of the Vegetation Types 2 through 5 of the BSD survey mapped extent of the Bush Forever Site 245 lie make up the remainder of the vegetation to be inside the MRS road reserve. For the original cleared. alignment, the extent of clearing of vegetation covered by the Bush Forever classification will As previously stated (Section 2.2.1) the dominant be around 4.5 hectares, whilst the northern vegetation type present (FCT 23a) is considered alignment alternative reduces this requirement to to be well reserved. All of the upland vegetation about 3.5 hectares. in Ken Hurst Park and a large proportion of the Banksia Woodland in the Jandakot Airport Heritage Site bushland has been inferred to be representative of this FCT. In addition, FCT 23a is known from Approximately 120 hectares of remnant bushland similar Bassendean sand habitats in many of the on the northern side of Jandakot Airport and Bush Forever Sites throughout the metropolitan including the Roe Highway reserve has been area (see Table 5). nominated and entered into the database of the Australian Heritage Commission, and is thus None of the other FCTs identified on the known as an “indicative” place as far as alignment and directly impacted by the clearing Australian Heritage is concerned. The entry is requirements will be totally removed from the known as “Ken Hurst Park and Adjacent Areas, local area, as they are well represented in Ken Leeming WA”. The status of an “indicative” Hurst Park, the Jandakot Airport bushland or place in the database means that the Heritage other reserves or Bush Forever Sites in the Commission has yet to make a decision on southern metropolitan area. In terms of the whether or not it should be included on the Bassendean Complex – Central and South to Register of the National Estate. which the vegetation belongs, the clearing will remove less than half a percent of that recorded The Statement of Nomination made when the as remaining in the PMR (54 of 10,919 hectares) area was nominated sets out the reasons for (Dept. of Environmental Protection, 2000). which the area is considered significant. In the case of Ken Hurst Park and adjacent areas, these The proposed clearing cause any of the FCTs reasons all deal with the natural values of the present to be considered at any greater place, including a rich flora and fauna, rare plants conservation risk than at present. No species of and (at that time) the poor conservation status of flora will be lost, and the overall geographic Banksia Woodland on the Swan Coastal Plain. distribution of the vegetation types will not be Since the nomination, the conservation status of significantly altered due to the large areas of Banksia Woodland has been substantially similar vegetation remaining in the immediate improved in the metropolitan area through the vicinity of the project. creation of the Jandakot Botanic Park and the Bush Forever initiatives. Nomination, or listing on the Register of the National estate serves to

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alert owners, managers and the general been achieved. The extent of reductions in community to the recognised heritage value of embankment heights is not uniform over the these places, but does not limit (in terms of length of the project, as it is dependant on legislation) the future uses or management of the existing ground levels. However, there has land. been some reduction over most of the length of the highway. With design slopes for the 4.1.1.3 Proposed Management embankments being 1:3 (vertical:horizontal), Planning and Design any height reduction results in considerable reduction in the footprint of the works. MRWA, through the Alliance recognises that the most important contribution to the conservation · Drainage design. Existing soil conditions of the natural vegetation on the highway reserve along the alignment (deep and permeable can be made through design decisions. Reducing sands), mean that the requirement for road the footprint of the works has already been the kerbing, piped drainage and compensation focus of work during development of the concept basins can be confined mainly to the design through: interchanges.

· Reducing the width of the median. The The use of cleared, constructed compensating median width is the width of the area between basins has been minimised, and infiltration of the inside edges of the right hand side traffic storm water will be predominantly achieved lanes, and includes road shoulders and the on undisturbed areas of the road reserve. area normally grassed or otherwise Kerbing will be provided at intersections and landscaped. Current MRWA practice interchange ramps as per normal engineering requires this width to be 15 metres in the practice to clearly delineate the roadway and ultimate carriageway configuration. For Roe to control runoff. In the remaining sections Highway, the ultimate carriageway design is an unkerbed road cross section will be for three lanes in each direction. Several utilised, which further reduces the options for minimising the median width have requirement for cleared road embankment been considered (Main Roads Western width by approximately half a metre either Australia, 2003). An assessment of safety, side. cost and aesthetic considerations has led to a reduction of 4.5 metres in median width (to Through these design initiatives the footprint of 10.5 metres in the ultimate configuration) the works has been reduced in width by up to being adopted for Roe Highway Stage 7. Any 17.5 metres. further reductions would require the installation of a crash barrier to comply with A suggestion put forward by the PRG to relocate safety for the high-speed environment of the the PSP outside the highway reserve to minimise highway. The use of crash barriers is the extent of clearing has been considered by the generally considered less attractive and less design team but has not been adopted. There do desirable from a safety perspective, however, not appear to be any routes through the adjacent this option may be reconsidered following a areas which would not compromise the design review of the preliminary design by road standards of the path (width, surface, route safety auditors. length, direct connection to existing PSPs), or which do not raise safety concerns for users. · Adjustments to the final finished level of the carriageways. Development of the concept During the final design period, the Alliance will design to date has resulted in modifications to continue to pursue the best possible design to the final finished levels of the carriageways minimise the footprint of the works through such that some of the fill heights have been optimising the finished level of the carriageways reduced by up to two metres. Similar, but and the slope of batters. In addition, decisions on smaller reductions in the depth of cut required the placement of boundary fencing for the for acceptable carriageway levels have also highway will be made so as to avoid additional

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disturbance and achieve the best outcome for groups will wish to be involved in the planning adjacent bushland areas. and monitoring of the clearing. This will be encouraged and facilitated by the Alliance. Landscape/revegetation design will utilise locally Some of the principles to be employed in the occurring native plant species. A preliminary management of clearing activities are set out estimate of the area to be revegetated suggests below: that around 31 hectares of new batters, median and cleared buffer areas will require revegetation · clearing boundaries will be surveyed, marked treatment. Success in the revegetation of these and verified; areas will provide some mitigation for the clearing of the natural vegetation by stabilising · if required, temporary fencing will be erected the site and replacing some of the lost biomass. to protect adjacent vegetation;

MRWA also intends to rehabilitate and · no additional clearing of native vegetation for revegetate the old Hope Road alignment and to site compounds, laydown areas or side tracks carry out bush regeneration works on other tracks will be permitted; inside the MRS road reserve, but not used for construction. Approximately 3 hectares of · weed infested areas will be identified and degraded bushland will be threatened by: cleared separately;

· removal of the old pavement and formation · no weed infested material will be reused on (where present); site;

· stripping and disposal of the weedy · all non-weedy site won organic material will vegetation adjacent to the road and tracks; be incorporated in the revegetation and bush regeneration programme; and · ripping to alleviate compaction; · a dieback hygiene programme will be · spreading of weed free topsoil and mulch; developed and implemented.

· planting with locally native species; These principles provide the framework for the vegetation management plan which is to be · continuing maintenance such as weed control; prepared for the project. This plan will establish and the specific actions to be implemented in order to minimise and mitigate project related impacts on · monitoring and reporting on the success of native vegetation. The plan will be prepared on the revegetation. completion of detailed engineering design but prior to commencement of any ground disturbing In order to ensure that best use can be made of construction activity. locally available seed, seed collection for use in revegetation of the project areas is set to Post Construction and Operation commence from areas inside the highway reserve, and on adjacent areas currently owned During the two year defects liability period the by MRWA. Alliance will continue to implement the management actions set out in the Vegetation Clearing and Construction Management Plan. This will include controlling access to revegetated areas and monitoring the Clearing activities will be carefully planned, success of the revegetation and bush regeneration documented and managed. It is anticipated that works. If at the end of the two year defects community members, either from the PRG, period the objectives of the management plan Friends of Ken Hurst Park or other conservation

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have not been fully implemented, responsibility density) and what type of seeding or will revert to MRWA. planting regime will be employed;

In accordance with the recommendations in the · optimal timing for all activities; Bush Forever Practice Notes that deal with existing regional road reserves, MRWA will, in · success criteria for revegetation; and consultation with the City of Melville, Department of Planning and Infrastructure, · management, maintenance, monitoring Western Australian Planning Commission, and remedial activities to ensure a Western Power and City of Cockburn, review the successful outcome. MRS road reserve boundary once construction is complete. To the extent practicable, MRWA will 3. MRWA will review the MRS road reserve actively support the use of MRS land not boundary once construction is complete. required for road purposes for conservation. This could be achieved through the incorporation of 4. MRWA will initiate action to increase the parts of the MRS into Ken Hurst Park. extent of conservation management of remnant native vegetation including, for As an interim measure, MRWA will relocate example, through incorporation of land fencing along the route to enable land not currently in the MRS into Ken Hurst Park. required for road purposes to be used and managed for conservation purposes. 4.1.2 Pests and Diseases

4.1.1.4 Commitments EPA Objective: 1. Pursue a design that will minimise the amount · Maintain the abundance, species diversity, of clearing required. geographic distribution and productivity of vegetation. 2. Prepare and implement a Vegetation Management Plan, for the construction EMP, · Protect flora of conservation significance. based on best practice and sound ecological Project Objectives: principles. This will address: · Protect the ecological integrity of remnant bushland within the MRS and of adjoining demarcating clearing boundaries; · areas including Ken Hurst Park by

preventing the spread of dieback and weeds. · selective harvesting of site won organic material in order to avoid the spread of Avoid introduction of aggressive plant species weedy species; · by selecting appropriate species, including species native to the project area, for use in · dieback hygiene requirements; revegetation and amenity plantings.

· stripping, management and reuse of · Contribute to the sustainability of remnant topsoil; native vegetation within and adjacent to the MRS by supporting weed eradication and · site preparation activities including dieback treatment programmes. decompaction, furrowing or other surface preparation and mulching; Relevant Guidelines: · Conservation and Land Management Act · documentation of a revegetation schedule 1984. providing details of the species to be used, where they will be used, propagule · Phytophthora cinnamomi and diseases densities (seeding rates and/or planting caused by it, Volume 1 – Management Guidelines (CALM, 2000)

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along the highway alignment north of the Ken · Managing Phytophthora dieback, Guidelines Hurst Park boundary. for Local Government (Dieback Working Group, 2000). Weeds

As described in Section 4.1.1, it is anticipated The distribution of weeds in the works area is that clearing for the project will take place in more widespread and more complex. In general two separate stages to take into account the weeds are associated with prior disturbance, so seasonal requirements for further survey of that the margins of all the tracks and firebreaks the Caladenia huegelii population, and to have significant infestations. The spread of the allow translocation of the plants that will be weedy species into undisturbed bushland is most impacted. The two stages differ in pronounced near the older and more defined requirements for management of dieback and tracks. Weeds are also significant in the areas weeds, in particular as they will take place at immediately adjacent to the two commercial different times of the year, with potentially properties on the alignment, and in areas backing very different soil and weather conditions onto residential properties. prevailing. 4.1.2.2 Impact Assessment The first stage of clearing will be in the areas Dieback required for bridge construction at South Street, Karel Avenue and Kwinana Freeway, Movement of vehicles and machinery during and for the section of highway between Karel clearing and associated activities can potentially Avenue and Kwinana Freeway. Activity in spread dieback by redistributing excavated these areas is expected to commence in the material to other locations on the project. The third quarter of 2004 when soil conditions respreading of topsoil may similarly spread may already be wet. disease throughout the site if infected material is not isolated. The second stage of clearing will involve the remainder of the areas required for the Spreading of the infection along the alignment highway, and will only proceed after would be a significant impact given the translocation of all of the C. huegelii susceptibility of much of the surrounding individuals directly impacted by the project, vegetation, and the fact that some of this area is which is best carried out in mid summer (late habitat for DRF. Unchecked spread of dieback December into January). Thus the remainder disease causes thinning of the vegetative cover, of the clearing for the project is anticipated to and a significant loss of biodiversity and proceed in January 2005 when it is likely that recreational values of the vegetation. soil conditions will be dry. Construction activities could spread disease if:

4.1.2.1 Current Situation · infected construction material is introduced to The extent of the known dieback infestations previously uninfected areas; along the alignment and a description of the weedy flora and its distribution are given in · unrestricted vehicle movements cause transfer Sections 2.2.1 and 2.2.2, respectively. of infected material; and

Dieback · water runoff from infected material enters uninfected areas. In summary, most of the site is considered to be dieback free, with two infected areas at the In addition to the impacts on surrounding eastern end near South Street, surrounded by remnant vegetation, the spread of dieback has disturbed vegetation that is considered significant implications for the success of uninterpretable for the presence of dieback. Two revegetation on the project. Many of the species small areas with confirmed infections are situated proposed for use in project landscaping and

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revegetation are susceptible to dieback. Failure · all phases of the work on site from to control dieback could result in failure of preliminary works through to revegetation revegetation objectives. will be subject to dieback hygiene requirements; Weeds · machinery and vehicles must be clean when As for dieback, the movement of machinery and entering the site; vehicles during clearing and associated activities can inadvertently spread weed propagules. · machinery and vehicles must be cleaned However, the most common cause for the spread down when moving across a classification of weeds into newly constructed areas is likely to boundary into an uninfected area, and when be through the reuse of weed infested topsoil or moving from an infected area into an mulch. uninterpretable area (uninterpretable areas are treated as uninfected for incoming Recent MRWA experience on projects such as movements, and as infected for movement of the Kwinana Freeway interchanges and machinery or material outwards); and Extension Project has demonstrated that any benefits derived from added organic material, · only uninfected fill will be imported. higher nutrient levels and soil micro-organisms present in the topsoil are far outweighed by the It is anticipated that work at the western end of negative results if reused topsoil is weedy. the project (clearing and earthworks for work Proliferation of weeds in rehabilitated areas has between Karel Avenue and Kwinana Freeway) potential to cause failure of revegetation, and can proceed with the only requirement being that once established, the weeds present a constant material and vehicles entering the site are clean. maintenance problem. Establishment of weedy Movement along the alignment throughout this species in revegetated areas also has potential to area can proceed without any particular hygiene spread these plants into nearby bushland areas measures, as the whole of the area is dieback which are currently relatively weed free. free.

4.1.2.3 Proposed Management The area around South Street will be treated as Planning and Design completely infected. Thus no material (fill or topsoil) sourced from this area will be used Detailed management actions for both dieback elsewhere on the project. The boundary of this containment and weed control will be area is shown in Figure 2.5. A clean-down point incorporated into the construction EMP. These will be required for machinery or vehicles actions will be developed in conjunction with the moving out of this area onto the remainder of the detailed construction programme and the final site. Work taking place around the two small, design. infected areas will be appropriately managed until the infected soil is covered by clean fill. All exploratory, survey or preliminary works have been, and will continue to be managed on a Weeds case by case basis, and be subject to a strict protocol which has been put in place to limit Management actions for weed control will be disturbance to the bushland and to guard against based around the selective clearing and disposal the spread of dieback and weeds. of weedy material and topsoil. Every attempt will be made to avoid re-use of weed infected, Clearing and Construction site won mulch and to dispose of weedy topsoil, either by burying it or by removing it from site. Dieback Detailed mapping of the location of weed infested areas and integration of clearing and General guidelines for hygiene measures are: topsoil stripping with other construction works will be addressed during the final project design

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and development of the construction programme. The detailed mapping will be used as the basis 4.2 Declared Rare Flora for the weed component of the Pest and Disease Management Plan within the construction EMP. EPA Objectives: · Protect Declared Rare and Priority Flora, Post Construction and Operation consistent with the provisions of the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950, and the Environment For any activity on site once construction is Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act complete there will be a protocol developed 1999. similar to that being implemented for exploratory and survey work in order to protect adjacent · Protect other flora of conservation vegetation and revegetated areas, and minimise significance. the risk of spreading dieback and weeds. Project Objectives: Other actions will primarily be concerned with · Minimise the impact on significant flora the control of weeds in revegetated areas. species through design and rigorous Maintenance requirements will be dependant on management of construction activities. the successful implementation of the topsoil and mulching activities. · Mitigate the impacts on the population of Caladenia huegelii. 4.1.2.4 Commitments 1. The Alliance will prepare and implement a · Ensure protection of the remaining Pest and Disease Management Plan for population and its habitat incorporation in the construction EMP. This will address: Relevant Guidelines: · Wildlife Conservation Act 1950; · Dieback cleandown requirements for entry onto the site and for internal movement of · Environment Protection and Biodiversity machinery and vehicles; Conservation Act 1999

· Mechanism for treating small dieback · EPA Position Statement No. 2 – infected areas; Environmental Protection of Native Vegetation in Western Australia. · Disposal or burial of dieback infected soil; · CALM Draft Policy, Statement No 9 – · Selective clearing and topsoil harvesting Conserving Threatened Species and to avoid retaining weedy material; Ecological Communities.

· Integration of all site works to achieve a · Guidelines for the Translocation of dieback free site and to minimise the Threatened Plants in Australia Produced by spread of weeds. the Australian Network for Plant Conservation Translocation Working Group. · Landscaping will make use of species native to the area and will avoid use of 4.2.1 Current Situation aggressive introduced species that have The taking of the DRF species Caladenia the potential to become weeds. huegelii is a direct consequence of native vegetation clearing required for construction of 2. The Alliance will make monetary or in-kind the highway. However, the activities involved, contributions to support weed eradication and the impacts on the species and the implications dieback treatment programmes in Ken Hurst for the project are dealt with apart from the more Park and in susceptible or affected areas in general aspects of the clearing operation (Section the vicinity of the highway route. 4.1.1) for the following reasons:

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· there are statutory requirements associated The results of previous surveys and examination with actions that may impact on this species of the CALM database for the species show that under both Western Australian and the population on the highway reserve and in its Commonwealth legislation that do not apply immediate vicinity is the largest known, and to the clearing operations per se; accounts for slightly under two-thirds (520 of a total of approximately 800) of the plants known · the nature of the direct and indirect impacts to be extant. on the local population and on the species as a whole need to be considered within a Guidelines set out for assessment of the different reference framework and at a importance of a population under the EPBC Act different scale to those used for assessing the list the following as some of the indicators that clearing operation; could determine the level of importance:

· much of the scientific and general community · it is a key source population either for concern regarding the project is centred on breeding or dispersal; the impacts on this species; · it is a population that is necessary for · specific mitigation and management actions maintaining genetic diversity, and/or are required; and · it is a population that is near the limit of the · the timing of the “taking” action and its species’ range. dependence on seasonal opportunities differs from that for the general clearing operation. Given that the Roe Highway / Ken Hurst Park population is the largest known population of the The limits of the area to be cleared through the Grand Spider orchid, there can be no question C. huegelii habitat will be accurately marked on that it will be important for both in situ and ex site. During the 2004 flowering season, all plants situ propagation, future recovery and found inside and immediately adjacent to this maintenance of the species. There is no boundary will be accurately located. During the published information on the genetic diversity of peak dormancy period for the species (late this population. Further work on species ecology December through January), these plants will be as well as all other facets of the biology of the translocated to predetermined sites in adjacent plant, its symbiont and its pollinator is urgently areas outside of the clearing boundary. important.

The size and distribution of the currently known 4.2.2 Impact Assessment C. huegelii population in the vicinity of the All of the design modifications already highway alignment is described in Section 2.2.3. mentioned (Section 4.1.1) that reduce the CALM has requested that the location of the footprint of the works will also serve to reduce orchid not be presented on any figures within the the direct impacts of the project on the PER. population of C. huegelii. In addition to these, an alternative, more northern alignment than the Given the intensity of the surveys over the past original concept has been explored in order to two flowering seasons, and that Members of the minimise impacts on the DRF population. For Friends of Ken Hurst Park and the WA Native this alternative, the proposed highway alignment Orchid Society have also been actively involved is located partly outside the MRS road reserve. in searches, it can safely be assumed that the areas where the orchid has not been found are in By plotting the combined results of all of the fact clear of the species. Due to what appears to surveys for C. huegelii since 1997, the original be erratic flowering behaviour of the species, the concept alignment is estimated to impact directly distribution patches may be larger than indicated, on 86 plants whereas the more northerly but probably not significantly so. alignment impacts directly on 68 plants. This

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equates to around 16.5% and 13% respectively of John Connell Reserve will be isolated physically the total number of known individuals in the from the rest of the population. The recently area, and with about 11% and 8.5% of the total discovered plants situated on the Melville Glades known number of plants throughout the Golf Course, are already physically separated distribution range of C. huegelii. from the main population.

The guidelines for assessment of actions under The construction of the highway could in fact be the EPBC Act, give eight criteria for gauging the beneficial in the long term for the protection of significance of impacts on critically endangered the remainder of the population not directly species. These criteria are applied to the Roe impacted by the highway construction in that it Highway proposal in the discussion below. will establish a buffer between the residential and active recreation areas and the native bush. At The guidelines state “An action has, will have, or present, access to the bushland where the plants is likely to have a significant impact on a are found is unimpeded. From a conservation critically endangered species if it does, will, or is perspective this has some negative outcomes: likely to:” · off road vehicles and trail bikes have 1. Lead to long-term decrease in the size of uncontrolled access. This leads to a population; proliferation of tracks and disturbance to soil and vegetation; Clearing for construction of the highway will · rubbish dumping is common, and often decrease the population numbers in the short includes garden prunings. This activity term. Translocation of the plants directly heightens the risk of introduction and spread impacted could lessen this impact. Translocation of exotic species; and of Caladenia species has not previously been · uncontrolled vehicle movements and attempted on a large scale, but anecdotal pedestrian traffic may spread dieback into evidence suggests that some attempts have been uninfected areas. successful in the past. Four C. huegelii plants translocated over a distance of a few metres 4. Adversely affect habitat critical to the (away from the alignment of the highway on Roe survival of a species; Highway Stage 6) in January 2003 were monitored in October 2003. Two of these Other than the direct impact mentioned above, translocated plants flowered successfully in this clearing and construction of the highway is not first flowering season. This success and the likely to have any other impacts on the anecdotal evidence suggests that translocation population of C. huegelii. Adjacent areas will may well be a useful tool for rescue of threatened remain untouched, and in particular, the road plants. drainage will be designed so that the existing natural infiltration patterns are not significantly 2. Reduce the area of occupancy of the altered (see Section 4.5.1). species; 5. Disrupt the breeding cycle of a As the highway construction does not impact the population; greater part of the population, the regional, and even local distribution of the species will not be No impacts on pollinators, seed dispersal, or significantly affected. future natural germination are anticipated as a result of the clearing and construction of the 3. Fragment an existing population into highway. two or more populations; 6. Modify, destroy, remove, isolate or Construction of the highway impacts on what is decrease the availability or quality of now the outer edge of distribution of the local habitat to the extent that the species is population. Approximately 20 plants located on likely to decline;

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include assessment of the positive aspects of the The greater part of the areas where the orchid is highway proposal on the long-term integrity and currently found will not be impacted by the security of the remaining population and its proposal (see Figures 2.6 and 2.7), and the habitat. In this respect, as mentioned above, the remaining population is likely to remain presence of the highway may in fact be beneficial undisturbed and viable. The species is known to for the local population and the species in be surviving in much smaller remnants, and general. under far more disturbed and weedy conditions than those that will remain after construction of 4.2.3 Proposed Management the highway. The comments above (criterion no. 3) regarding the benefit of the highway in terms Similar to the impacts of clearing on the of providing a buffer between the residential bushland as a whole, the impacts on the areas and remaining bushland are also pertinent population of C. huegelii can best be minimised is this respect. through judicious design decisions. During the final design period, MRWA, through the 7. Result in invasive species that are Alliance, will continue to pursue the best harmful to a critically endangered possible design to minimise the footprint of the species becoming established in the works through optimising the finished level of critically endangered species’ habitat; the carriageways and the slope of batters. Decisions on the placement of boundary fencing The comment regarding the benefits of more for the highway will be made so as to avoid controlled access to the area where the majority additional impacts on the C. huegelii population. of the orchids occur (see comment under criterion no. 3 above) is important with respect to From a conservation perspective it is considered limiting the spread of weedy exotics and for important that the northern alignment alternative management of dieback in the bushland. be adopted for construction. In this context the local and state planning authorities must be 8. Interfere with the recovery of the encouraged to approve the adoption of this species; alternative, which will result in a substantially reduced impact on the population of DRF. A formal recovery plan for C. huegelii has not yet been developed. Discussions with CALM Landscaping of disturbed areas will endeavour to personnel indicate the most significant actions include wherever appropriate some of the plants for any future recovery plan will be resurvey of known to be food plants for thynnid wasps known populations, repeated further survey of (pollinators of C. huegelii). These include remaining potential habitat and the marking and Kunzea ericifolia, Hakea prostrata, Dasypogon monitoring of known populations. bromeliifolius, Hibbertia hypericoides and Pericalymma ellipticum. (Andrew Brown, The loss of the plants on the highway reserve CALM pers comm). Some of these species do will be significant in terms of the local not occur in the immediate area of the highway population, but not terminally so. In terms of the alignment, and would thus not be considered for species as a whole, given the total number of revegetation adjacent to remaining bushland. plants known and their fairly widespread However, they can be included in landscaping distribution, this loss is unlikely to lead to proposals for more formal treatments on the irrecoverable decline of the species, or to intersecting roads, and for use in amenity interfere with future recovery actions. plantings on the northern side of the highway away from the remnant bushland. The impacts of the highway construction on the viability and survival of both the local population Clearing and Construction and the species as a whole should both be considered in relation to the numbers of plants In addition to the management actions employed taken or remaining. A broader approach is to for general clearing activities (Section 4.1.1), the

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clearing limits through DRF habitat areas will be · Habitat remediation such as weed control; temporarily fenced to ensure that there are no accidental over clearing incidents. This fencing · A consultation strategy and its will remain in place for the duration of implementation, and construction works. During the marking of the clearing boundaries on site, small modifications · Monitoring and reporting requirements. to the boundaries of both the clearing boundary and the batter design will be considered on a case Additional information on these aspects of the by case basis if such modifications will lead to Caladenia Conservation and Management Plan retention of clusters of C. huegelii plants. follows:

Once these boundaries have been determined and 1. The exact locations of all of the C. huegelii marked, all of the known and previously marked plants in the local population (combined (Spring Survey 2004) plants will be translocated survey data for 2002-2004 flowering seasons) to predetermined areas as close as possible to the original location of the plants. The methodologies employed during the 2002 and 2003 surveys are detailed in the PER A detailed translocation programme will be (Appendix C). During Spring 2004 the orchid developed as part of a project specific Caladenia survey will be repeated using the same Conservation and Management Plan. The methodology employed during previous surveys. Management Plan and translocation programme In brief this will entail intensive searches for C. will be developed and documented in huegelii via a series of foot traverses undertaken consultation with CALM and will be reviewed during the peak flowering period of September – by an appropriately qualified independent expert October. Individual locations will be accurately prior to implementation. Planning for the recorded using a differential GPS receiver or translocation programme will be finalised when similar (surveyors were employed during the the results of the survey in Spring of 2004 are 2002 and 2003 surveys to record locations of known. orchids to an accuracy of 10cm or better).

It is anticipated that members of the Friends of Data sets for the 2002 to 2004 surveys will be Ken Hurst Park, the WA Native Orchid Society interrogated using a Geographic Information and the Wildflower Society may wish to be System (GIS) with the objective of obtaining an involved in the development and implementation estimate of the total population. As in previous of the translocation programme. This surveys it will be assumed for the purposes of involvement will be encouraged and facilitated this interrogation that records from different by Main Roads through the Alliance. The years within 10cm of each other represent the translocation programme will address: same individual. This level of accuracy is based on the accuracy of the surveying equipment used. · The exact locations of all of the C. huegelii plants in the local population (combined The location of individuals within the works survey data for 2002-2004 flowering seasons; footprint area will be marked in such a way so as to allow their relocation during the translocation · The numb ers of plants to be translocated; program.

· Locations for translocation sites; 2. Number of plants to be translocated

· Translocation methodologies and possible The number of plants to be translocated will be trial design for comparing methodologies; determined following the 2004 survey. It is anticipated that translocation will be attempted · Logistics and materials required for for all individuals of C. huegelii located within implementation of the programme; the footprint of the proposed highway. Based on the results of the 2003 survey this is currently

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estimated to total 86 individuals if the original confirm that the methodologies selected are the concept alignment is adopted or 68 if the most suitable translocation method/s. northern alignment is adopted. A literature review is currently being conducted 3. Location of translocation sites to provide background information for the preparation of the Caladenia Conservation and Translocation sites will be selected within the Management Plan. This review will include as a local area. Criteria will be established to minimum the following: evaluate possible sites to ensure greatest possible long term survival of translocated individuals. · guidelines for the Translocation of Factors which will be considered during the Threatened Plants in Australia (ANPC selection of translocation sites will include (but Translocation Working Group, 1997). (It not be limited to) the following: should be noted that this document is set to be revised and re-released in April 2004. The · land tenure and long term planned use; revised version will be obtained for the · vegetation condition including abundance of literature review); weeds and likely dieback infection; · vegetation community composition; · published journal articles detailing previous · soil type; translocations of Australian threatened flora · topography and drainage; and species; · likely presence of required mycorrhizal symbionts. · reports by government agencies and consultants into translocation programs (when Field assessments of the biological and physical available); and characteristics of potential translocation sites may be required to evaluate their suitability. · available published information on the biology and ecology on C. huegelii and The objective will be to select sites that will not related species. be developed in the foreseeable future and replicate the conditions in which orchids are It is anticipated that translocation will be known to occur. It is possible that some sites will undertaken in summer whilst the orchids are be selected adjacent to existing populations in dormant. The translocation is likely to focus on Ken Hurst Park. If this is the case care will be the tubers from which plants sprout each April taken during the translocation to ensure existing although investigations into the production and C. huegelii populations remain undisturbed. It viability of seed may also be undertaken. may be possible to incorporate the translocation Alternatively, investigations into seed production of C. huegelii into the rehabilitation of tracks and viability may be undertaken as part of the within Ken Hurst Park which is a proposed C. huegelii research program to be sponsored by component of the Roe Highway Stage 7 MRWA. rehabilitation program. 5. Logistics and materials required for 4. Translocation methodologies and possible implementation of the programme trial design for comparing methodologies The logistical and material requirements for the Investigations into possible translocation translocation selected methodologies will be methodologies will be undertaken during the detailed in full in the Caladenia Conservation and preparation of the Caladenia Conservation and Management Plan. Management Plan. It is anticipated that considerable consultation will be undertaken 6. Habitat remediation such as weed control with scientists from CALM and KPBG to Habitat remediation requirements will be dictated by the methodologies employed for translocation

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and to an extent the characteristics of the sites · year 1 spring monitoring to assess the initial selected for translocation. Translocation sites success of translocations, the results of which may require remediation such as fencing to will be summarised in a report; and prevent disturbance and weed control following disturbance. · year 2 spring monitoring. Given that not every plant in a population flowers every 7. A consultation strategy and its year, monitoring of translocated plants will be implementation repeated in the second spring following translocation. An extensive consultation process will be undertaken to review the proposed translocation Post Construction and Operation methodologies and selected translocation sites. It is anticipated that the following groups will be The Roe 7 Alliance will implement all consulted: monitoring and reporting requirements necessary to determine the outcomes of the translocation · CALM Threatened Species Conservation programme for the duration of the projects two Unit; year defects liability period. Beyond this period, · CALM Swan Region; MRWA will be responsible for the continued · KPBG; implementation of the monitoring and reporting · City of Melville; requirements. Post construction monitoring and · Friends of Ken Hurst Park; and reporting will include but not be restricted to · Western Australian Orchid Study Group assessment of: · WA Wildflower Society · the number and location of all flowering 8. Monitoring and reporting requirements individuals in the translocated population;

Full details of the translocation program will be · the location of all flowering individuals contained in the Caladenia Conservation and within 10 metres of the limit of the works; Management Plan which will be submitted to the EPA for consideration with the PER following · the extent and composition of exotic flora public consultation process. within 10 metres of the limit of works throughout the DRF habitat; Monitoring and reporting requirements will largely be detailed in the Caladenia Conservation · erosion or spillage which may impact on the and Management Plan. DRF population; and

In addition to the preparation of the Caladenia · recommendations for remedial action, if Conservation and Management Plan it is required. anticipated that monitoring and reporting requirements will include: All remedial actions recommended will be discussed with CALM personnel and · preparation of a brief progress report implemented as agreed in these discussions. following the initial translocation anticipated to occur during January 2005. This will In the event that monitoring indicates a loss of confirm the details of the translocation greater than 50% of the translocated specimens, process including numbers of plants Main Roads indicates its preparedness to translocated, methodology used, translocation consider purchasing suitable offset land to sites and remediation works; compensate for the impacts on C. huegelii population.

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Modification of the MRS reserve boundaries, and · the numbers of plants to be translocated; conservation management of the land not required for road purposes as outlined in Section · locations for translocation sites; 4.1.1 above, will also have benefits for the local C. huegelii population, as all of the areas · translocation methodologies and possible trial possibly involved in the land nationalisation design for comparing methodologies; support the species. · logistics and materials required for MRWA will continue to hold discussions with implementation of the programme; suitably qualified experts regarding the funding of a research programme centred on the · habitat remediation such as weed control; population of C. huegelii on the highway reserve and Ken Hurst Park. · a consultation strategy and its implementation; and The scope of the orchid research to be funded through the Alliance will be agreed at the · monitoring and reporting requirements. conclusion of the PER process. It is envisaged that it will complement other research into rare 3. MRWA will fund (to an amount agreed with orchids currently being carried out by KPBG. the EPA) a programme of research to improve The research could address: understanding of the ecology and biology of Caladenia huegelii. The scope of the · ex situ conservation such as the harvest of research project will be agreed by CALM and tissue culture material and of seed from the other relevant agencies at the conclusion of plants directly impacted; the PER process. It is envisaged that it will complement other research into rare orchids · reintroduction techniques; currently being carried out by KPBG.

· population genetics; 4. In the event that monitoring indicates a loss of greater than 50% of the translocated · mycorrhizal distribution and habitat specimens, Main Roads will consider requirements; purchasing suitable offset land to compensate for the impacts on C. huegelii population. · predation levels and influences; and 4.3 Residential Amenity · pollinator identification, distribution, habitat requirements and behaviour. 4.3.1 Construction Related Traffic EPA Objective: 4.2.4 Commitments Protect the amenity of residents from noise and 1. The Roe 7 Alliance will pursue an optimal vibration impacts resulting from activities desig n that will minimise impacts on the C. associated with construction of the proposal by huegelii population. ensuring that noise and vibration levels meet statutory requirements and acceptable standards. 2. The Roe 7 Alliance will prepare and implement a C. huegelii Conservation and Project Objectives: Management Plan that addresses: · To minimise the effects of construction related traffic in adjoining areas. · the exact locations of all of the C. huegelii plants in the local population (combined 4.3.1.1 Current Situation survey data for 2002-2004 flowering At present, residential areas in the vicinity of the season’s; corridor through which the proposed highway extension will pass experience the effects of only

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traffic that would normally be generated by Local Governments and the Project residential land uses. This would involve some Representative Group; truck traffic but typically, the majority of vehicle movements would be private (domestic) motor · ensuring that all project personnel involved in vehicle traffic. the transport of construction materials, including sub-contractors, are aware of the 4.3.1.2 Impact Assessment designated haulage routes and the consequent The movement of vehicles, particularly heavy need to use them, and of the need to operate truck traffic, associated with the project raises a within the traffic laws at all times; range of issues, including: · minimising the number of project-related · road safety, including traffic congestion; heavy vehicle movements to the extent practicable, particularly beyond normal · noise and vibration; business hours, and ensuring that such vehicles are appropriately equipped and · spillage of materials; and maintained so as to comply with all relevant safety and operating standards; · dust and exhaust emissions. · ensuring that all construction-related loads The significance of these potential impacts will being transported are fully secured in be a function of a number of factors, including: accordance with all relevant safety and operating standards to prevent spillage · the routes used for accessing/egressing the (including the covering/dampening of friable project area; materials to prevent dust lift) during travel;

· the number and timing of vehicle movements; · implementation of a regular inspection programme along the designated haulage · the type of vehicles involved and the standard routes in the vicinity of the project area and of of their maintenance; appropriate remedial action as may be necessary; · operator behaviour; and · ensuring that all construction-related oversize · the type of materials being transported and transport operations comply with all size of the loads. requirements of the relevant regulatory bodies and all relevant statutory requirements and Project-related vehicle movements will extend are confined as realistically practicable to into the broader environment surrounding the normal business hours beyond peak traffic project area. The Roe 7 Alliance recognise that periods; the management of impacts associated with the transport of construction materials will have a · preparation and implementation of an Out of significant influence on local amenity and on Hours Haulage Plan in consultation with the public reaction to the Roe 7 project. relevant regulatory bodies, the Project Representative Group and relevant Local 4.3.1.3 Proposed Management Governments in the event that heavy haulage Strategies for managing potential impacts operations need to occur beyond normal associated with construction traffic and the business hours; and transport of construction materials to and from the project area incorporate: · implementation of a system for the receipt and response to any public complaints arising · designation of “haulage” routes to service the from the construction traffic, including the Roe 7 project in consultation with the relevant transport of construction-related materials.

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These strategies will be given effect through · Environmental Protection (Noise) preparation of a Construction Traffic Plan. Regulations 1997

4.3.1.4 Commitments 4.3.2.1 Current Situation The Roe 7 Alliance will prepare and implement a The alignment of Roe Highway Stage 7 is Construction Traffic Management Plan, to be located at the southern edge of the suburb of incorporated in the construction EMP. The plan Leeming. With the exception of John Connell will address: Reserve and Lot 99 owned by MRWA, the northern side of the alignment is residential. · designation and implementation of “haulage” Along the alignment and to the southof it, most routes to service the Roe 7 project; of the adjacent land is natural bush dissected in places by access tracks and fire breaks. · compliance with the applicable traffic laws; Current sources of noise in the general vicinity · minimisation of project-related heavy vehicle include: movements as reasonably practicable; · Kwinana Freeway traffic at the western end; · regular inspection of the designated haulage routes in the vicinity of the project area and · the freight railway; implementation of appropriate remedial actions as may be necessary; · Jandakot Airport;

· preparation and implementation of an Out of · Karel Avenue traffic; Hours Haulage Plan in the event that heavy haulage operations need to occur beyond · trail bikes using Ken Hurst Park and normal business hours; and surrounding bush;

· implementation of a system for the receipt · Bibra Lake Speedway; and response to any public complaints arising from the construction traffic. · light industry on Hope Road and near South Street; 4.3.2 Construction Related Noise and Vibration · South Street traffic at the eastern end; and

EPA Objectives: · the residences themselves. · Protect the amenity of residents from noise and vibration impacts resulting from Those near the Roe Highway alignment most activities associated with the construction of affected by current noise are: the proposal by ensuring that noise and vibration levels meet statutory requirements · residents in Merrifield Circle (eastern end) – and acceptable standards. most affected by noise from South Street traffic; Project Objectives: · Ensure that the amenity of adjacent · residents in Hollingsworth Way westwards to residential areas is not significantly impacted Sylvan Crescent west of Karel Avenue – by either noise from construction or probably most affected by periodic noise operation of the highway. from the freight railway, Jandakot Airport and trail bikes using Ken Hurst Park and Relevant Guidelines: surrounding bush and locally by noise from · EPA Guidance Statement No 8 – traffic on Karel Avenue; and Environmental Noise (Draft – June 1998)

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· residents in Evergreen Court and westwards Lunchrooms and toilet facilities in the vicinity of on both sides of Kwinana Freeway - most the interchanges at South Street, Karel Avenue affected by noise from Kwinana Freeway and Kwinana Freeway. The most likely location traffic and Jandakot Airport. for the construction site offices is between Karel Avenue and Kwinana Freeway south of the Roe Studies carried out to document the existing Highway alignment (in the vicinity of Hope acoustic environment in the vicinity of the Road). proposed highway extension include: Overview of Construction Works · noise monitoring carried out in the vicinity of five Leeming residential properties in 1999 The construction works can be divided into the by ERM Mitchell McCotter Pty Ltd, and following broad activities:

· noise monitoring carried out in the vicinity of · earthworks along the alignment from South three Leeming residential properties by Street to the Kwinana Freeway and along the Herring Storer Acoustics in August 2003. Kwinana Freeway from Farrington Road south towards Berrigan Drive; The monitoring results from these studies carried out are summarised in Table 11 in Section 2.3.2 · road building and road surfacing works along Ambient noise levels determined during 1999 the alignment from east of South Street to the and 2003 studies indicated that L10 (18 hour) noise Kwinana Freeway and along the Kwinana levels (measured between 6 am and midnight) in Freeway from Farrington Road south towards the locality are typically less than 60 dB(A). Leq Berrigan Drive; (8 hour) noise levels (measured between 10 pm and 6 am) differed somewhat between the two · earthworks and paving of principal shared studies, but are generally within the 45 - 53 dB paths (PSPs), for pedestrians and bicycles, (A) range. from South Street along the alignment to link with the existing PSP west of Kwinana 4.3.2.2 Impact Assessment Freeway; Construction of the proposed highway extension will entail a range of activities that could · construction of concrete bridge structures at influence the local noise environment and induce the interchanges at: general vibration which could be transmitted into - South Street; nearby residential areas. These activities are - Karel Avenue; and described below. - Kwinana Freeway;

For operational safety reasons, mobile · construction or installation of noise abatement construction equipment is normally fitted with structures at various locations; approved reversing alarms. Audible reversing alarms are recognised as a source of intensive · construction of a pedestrian footbridge to noise and because of the proximity of provide access between John Connell Reserve construction activities to existing residential area, and Ken Hurst Park; consideration of alternative forms of alarm will be necessary. · landscaping works; and

Conditions throughout the corridor through · traffic management works at South Street, which the proposed highway extension will pass Karel Avenue and along Kwinana Freeway. (as described in Section 2.1.2) indicate the unlikelihood of blasting being required during construction.

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Clearing and Earthworks significant vibration. The types of equipment that will be used include: The clearing and earthworks for the roads and PSP’s are expected to commence in mid-2004, · asphalt and line marking trucks; and immediately after environmental approvals are obtained. Work will start between Karel Avenue · asphalting machines. and Kwinana Freeway with material excavated from the Karel Avenue area being carted west to Concrete Bridge Structures Kwinana Freeway and east for use along the alignment. Earthworks in the areas near Ken Construction of spread footings for the concrete Hurst Park supporting C. huegelii will not bridge structures at South Street and Kwinana proceed until January 2005, in order to allow the Freeway will involve installation of sheet piling, translocation of protected orchids. Earth fill for which may result in local noise and vibration the west side of Kwinana Freeway and the South over short time durations. Other bridge Street interchange will be imported from off site. construction and installation activities will require the use of construction equipment which The clearing and earthworks have the potential to will contribute noise and vibration for short cause significant noise and vibration. The types periods. Examples of the equipment required at of heavy equipment that will be used at the South Street, Karel Avenue and Kwinana various stages of construction are: Freeway are:

· dozers · delivery trucks; · mulching machines · concrete trucks; · front end loaders · concrete pumps; · excavators · concrete vibrators; · trucks · cranes; and · graders · power tools and hand tools for formwork for · static and vibrating rollers. concrete.

Noise Abatement Structures and Landscaping Roadworks and PSPs The construction of noise abatement structures Construction of roadworks and PSPs will involve and landscaping works will proceed importing limestone from off site and spreading progressively in 2004 and 2005 and involve and compacting it in layers. Again, the potential some noise and vibration. Noise walls will be generation of nois e and vibration will arise. The erected as early as practicable in the project to types of heavy equipment that will be used are: minimise the effect of any other construction noise on residents. · trucks; · front end loaders; Traffic Management Works

· water trucks; Throughout the construction period from mid- · graders; and 2004 to December 2005, traffic management works and site traffic will contribute to traffic static and vibrating rollers. · noise. The following traffic management works are expected to involve the use of heavy road Road surfacing works will proceed in the second construction equipment while the temporary half of 2005 with minimal noise and no works are established:

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· on South Street, the widening of each · the builder must advise all nearby occupants carriageway to enable the median strip to be of the work to be done out of hours; and widened for bridge foundation works; · the builder must submit to the relevant Chief · at Karel Avenue, a new temporary road will Executive Officer (CEO) a noise management be constructed to bypass the bridgeworks plan at least seven days before the work area; and starts, and the plan must be approved by the CEO. The noise management plan must · at Kwinana Freeway, a construction access include details of: ramp may be required on the west side. - need for the work to be done out of hours, - types of activity which could be noisy, During the works, traffic patterns will change - predictions of noise levels, according to the volume of traffic generated by - control measures for noise and vibration, the newly commissioned Roe Stage 6 and driver - monitoring of noise and vibration, responses to traffic management measures - complaint response. implemented. Traffic on existing roads is likely to be delayed at the three bridge sites. Actions taken to ensure compliance with Regulation 13 and minimise risk of vibration – 4.3.2.3 Proposed Management related impacts within adjacent residential areas Planning and Design will include:

Noise levels during construction will be managed · Development and Implementation of to ensure they comply with Regulation 13 of the Construction Management Plan. Th CMP Environmental Protection (Noise) Regulations will incorporate management strategies and 1997 (EPA, 1997), which describes actions actions to limit noise and vibration. The plan required to manage noise impacts during will also establish procedures for the receipt construction. of and response to public complaints.

Regulation 13 requires that “for construction · Working hours. Normal working hours will work carried out between 7am and 7pm on any be between 7am and 7pm on any day which is day which is not a Sunday or public holiday: not a Sunday or public holiday. Occasionally there will be a need to perform work outside · the construction work must be carried out in the normal hours to minimize disruption to accordance with control of noise practices set traffic, eg transporting and lifting pre-cast out in Section 6 of Australian Standard 2436- concrete bridge beams into place. On these 1981 “Guide to Noise Control on occasions noise management plans will be Construction, Maintenance and Demolition submitted for approval at least seven days Sites”; before the work is scheduled to commence, and residents and stakeholders will be · the equipment used for the construction work formally advised more than 24 hours before must be the quietest reasonably available.” commencement.

Regulation 13 also requires that “for construction · Site offices. The site offices for construction work done outside the hours shown above: will be located so as to protect the amenity of local residents. The three potential office · the work must be carried out in accordance sites listed in Section 4.3.2.2 are located to with Section 6 of AS 2436-1981; minimize the impact of traffic noise and other issues. · the equipment used must be the quietest reasonably available; · Plant and equipment selection. The objective is to ensure that all plant and equipment

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(including vehicles and machines) engaged on be trucked to site mainly via South Street or the project will comply with the Roe Highway Stage 6. Environmental Protection (Noise) Delegations 1997 and relevant Worksafe · Compaction. When vibratory rollers are requirements. In particular, the need to also used, vibration monitoring equipment will be consider alternatives to audible reversing set up at nearby residences and vibration alarms is recognised. monitored. Vibration patterns will be adjusted if required or static rollers using · Noise walls and barriers. As soon as is more passes may be utilized instead. Where practicable, noise walls and barriers will be the PSP passes close to residences, it is likely constructed to minimize the impact of that static rollers will be used. Strategies and construction noise as well as operational actions for managing potential vibration traffic noise. induced impacts will be detailed in the overall Construction Management Plan, and will be · Mulching. Mulching along the alignment will developed in consultation with the DEP and be performed as far south (away from relevant local Governments. Necessarily, residential areas) as possible. however, initiatives addressing the prior identification of areas/holdings potentially at · Retain vegetation. The minimum area of risk (and completion of condition surveys as clearing required for operational purposes necessary within these area) plant and will occur. In this way, retained vegetation machinery selection and operational practices, will be maximised and may assist in and communication with local residents will screening construction noise and activity. require attention.

· Earth fill west of the areas in Ken Hurst Park · Sheet piling. Sheet piling works will be supporting Caladenia huegelii. Substantial performed during daylight hours only. It quantities (in the order of 10,000 cubic should be noted that the duration of sheet metres) of earth fill for use in construction piling works is relatively short (in the order of will need to be transported from the 10 to 12 days in total) and located mainly excavation around the Karel Avenue within the existing medians on heavy interchange to the west end of Ken Hurst Park trafficked sites (South Street and Kwinana before the transplantation of Caladenia Freeway). As indicated above in relation to huegelii. To minimize noise and disruption to compaction, strategies and actions for residential neighbourhoods, while protecting managing potential vibration related impacts areas containing DRF, the Alliance is seeking will be addressed through the overall permission from West Australian Construction Management Plan. In this Government Railways to haul soil via the regard, minimising, potential minimal railways service road that runs parallel to the vibration impacts associated with piling northern side of the freight rail line. Any activities as practicable and consistent with excess spoil stockpiles will be located as far operational requirements, is recognised as a as operationally practicable from residential key factor in the selection of appropriate pile areas and in this regard, the possibility of any placement methodology. such spoil being used by the Cities of Canning and/or Melville is also being · Assessment of subcontractors’ equipment. As investigated (thereby obviating the need for part of the assessment process in selecting stockpiling). subcontractors, their heavy equipment will be assessed. Old or excessively noisy equipment · Imported fill. Imported fill for the west side will not be allowed on the project. of Kwinana Freeway will be trucked to site directly off the Freeway or via existing roads · Public information. Newsletters and other west of Kwinana Freeway. Imported fill for formats will be used to ensure stakeholders use around the South Street interchange will are aware of upcoming works in their area.

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works area, particularly in respect of · Complaint receipt and response. Procedures compaction and sheet piling operations; for the receipt of, and to ensure timely response to complaints will be instigated and · install noise protection barriers as early as maintained for the duration of the project. practicable in the construction programme to reduce the noise experienced by residents; · Night Works. Possible night works include: - Large concrete pours which may · provide a timely and effective system for commence at 4 – 4.30am involving recording and responding to noise complaints; lighting and noise from concrete trucks and pumps. · maximise retained native vegetation and - Installation of precast beams at the three assist in noise screening. (3) bridge locations. - Asphalt work at major intersections. 4.3.3 Construction Related Dust - Installation of traffic signals. EPA Objective: - Line marking both removal of existing · Maintain the integrity, ecological functions and permanent. and environmental values of the soil and landform 4.3.2.4 Commitments The Roe 7 Alliance will prepare and implement a Project Objectives: Noise and Vibration Management Plan as part of · Ensure new cut and fill embankments are the construction EMP. In order to limit the noise rapidly stabilised, and are not subject to and vibration experienced on sites neighbouring excessive wind or water erosion the project area during highway construction MRWA will: · Minimise the impacts on local air quality, and

the nuisance aspects from windbown sand · stringently adhere to the requirements of the and dust WA Environmental Protection (Noise) Regulations 1997; Relevant Guidelines:

· EPA Guidance Statement 18 – Prevention of · wherever possible seek alternatives to use of air quality impacts from land development reversing alarms on mobile plant; sites

· carry out pre-construction condition surveys Any ground disturbing activity is likely to result of residential premises in close proximity to in a surface which is loose, unstable, and the works area to enable assessment of any vulnerable to both wind and water erosion. For subsequent damage potentially associated the Roe Highway project, ground disturbing with ground vibration; activities will commence with clearing of the existing vegetation. Other construction related · limit construction to normal business hours activities which may result in unstable earth (7am to 7pm Monday to Saturday) as realistic surfaces include excavation and transfer or and compatible with operational importation of fill material. Thus there is requirements; potential for surface instability related impacts from project works until the disturbed areas or · maximise separation between potentially newly created embankments are stabilised. noisy/vibration inducing activities and nearby 4.3.3.1 Current Situation residential areas as practicable and consistent The topography and soils that characterise the with operational requirements. proposed alignment are described in Section 2.1.2. The Bassendean sands that occur in the · adopt construction techniques that will project area are relatively loose and inherently minimise the vibration experienced at unstable when disturbed. At present most of the residential premises in close proximity to the

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alignment, including the larger dunes, is covered completed work in a sequential manner, thus in mature native vegetation. Some areas have minimising the amount of unstable surface at any previously been cleared, but the larger of these one time on the project. This outcome will be areas have a cover of exotic species that provide aimed for in the finalisation of the construction protection from wind erosion. There are programme. numerous firebreaks, tracks and cleared easements, which either cross or run alongside Depending on the timing of gaining approvals for the highway reserve, but most of these are the project, initial clearing and the start of relatively small and are protected to some extent construction work may commence during the by adjacent vegetation. autumn and winter months when the soil will be moister and less prone to being transported off 4.3.3.2 Impact Assessment the site by wind. During the summer months, all Clearing of vegetation, stripping of top soil and work surfaces that have not been stabilised or other ground disturbing activities associated with mulched will be watered to control wind erosion construction of the highway have the potential to and deposition of dust or sand outside of the result in nuisance levels of dust and windblown work areas. Dust and windblown sand levels sand which could affect the amenity of will be monitored on a daily basis and a damping residential properties that are down-wind of the down schedule will be implemented to suit the project during the blustery summer afternoon prevailing weather conditions and the site works winds from the south-west (see Section 2.1.1). being undertaken. Screening barriers will be Such impacts are not uncommon on construction emp loyed as required to confine wind blown dust or development sites in the Perth metropolitan to the works area. area, but are easily managed by use of conventional dust suppression and control Once final levels and embankments have been measures. constructed, mulching with site-won material will commence. It is envisaged that this Once the final levels have been constructed, wind mulching will achieve a total cover of the and water erosion of the loose surface material disturbed surfaces and of any new embankments. can also have detrimental effects on any Once mulch has been spread any further risk of revegetation. Seed may be blown or washed dust or windblown sand leaving the works areas away, and small plants suffer from sand blasting will be negligible. It has been the experience on if the worked surfaces are not rapidly stabilised. other road construction projects in the metropolitan area that heavy mulching also 4.3.3.3 Proposed Management provides protection from water erosion and Design scour.

Finalisation of the design for the highway If the construction programme permits, extension will focus on reducing the footprint of revegetation of disturbed ground will commence the works as much as is practicable (see Section after the first winter rains of 2005, and will be 4.1.1). Limiting clearing and disturbance of carried out sequentially as construction works are existing vegetation will be important in completed and the various portions of the work minimising the exposed and unstable surfaces site become available. which might be prone to wind or water erosion. The management actions set out above which Clearing and Construction include minimising the amount of disturbance, use of water sprays for dust control and the Clearing limits will be carefully marked and combination of early mulching and rapid strictly adhered to. This will result in the least revegetation will ensure that the health and possible exposure of unstable surfaces. As comfort of adjacent residents are not clearing for the project is likely to proceed in two compromised, and that disturbed areas of the site stages (see Section 4.1.1), it may be possible to do not provide an ongoing source of windblown provide stabilisation to some of the earlier material.

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Post Construction and Operation Scope of Work: · Ensure that visual amenity and safety are Surface stability and erosion or scour problems integral to the design process. will be monitored as part of the monitoring of the revegetation of the works. Any problems will be · Provide a grade separated crossing so that rectified as best suits the particular circumstances the local community retains access to Ken in order to protect the revegetation works, to Hurst Park. ensure the safety and comfort of the adjacent community, and to ensure that the completed 4.3.4.1 Current Situation works present a pleasant visual environment. The area traversed by the proposed highway extension is currently undeveloped and retains 4.3.3.4 Commitments generally high quality remnant native vegetation 1. Minimise the area of disturbance through and it is also used for a range of informal design initiatives and management of the recreational and other human activities. As such, clearing operations (See detailed commitment it could be regarded as contributing both directly in Section 4.1.1.4). and indirectly to residential amenity within nearby suburban areas. Considerations in this 2. Prepare and implement a Dust Management context include: Plan within the construction EMP that addresses the potential for dust and wind · because of its remnant native vegetation and blown sand. Management actions are to varied topography, the project area represents include: a significant local landscape element and is · daily monitoring of levels of dust and therefore an important contributor to visual windblown sand during construction; and amenity; and · the dampening down of all work areas to ameliorate unacceptable levels. · as a large, readily accessible and visually pleasing feature, the project area can be 3. Provide rapid stabilisation of disturbed areas regarded as an important contributor to or new embankments through timely and lifestyle quality in the near environs and to a progressive mulching and revegetation. sense of wellbeing for local residents.

4. Monitor stability of finished works, and However, it is also necessary to acknowledge rectify any problem areas for the duration of that some human activity within the project area the two year defects liability period. could detract from its beneficial contribution to local amenity. Considerations in this context 4.3.4 Visual and Other Impacts include: EPA Objectives: · Ensure that visual amenity of the area is not · off-road motorised and non-motorised significantly affected by implementation of the vehicular activity resulting in noise, dust, proposal. destruction of vegetation and conflict with people using the area for passive recreational Project Objectives: purposes; · Minimise the visual impact of the project through appropriate landscaping and/or · illegal rubbish dumping; and screening. · fire hazard. · Ensure that the safety of residents is taken into account in provision of cycling and 4.3.4.2 Impact Assessment pedestrian facilities. Establishment of the Roe 7 extension will alter the character of the project area and its contribution to local amenity. For example,

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where the route is elevated above natural 4.3.4.3 Proposed Management landform, it will be visually prominent. Strategies for managing potential visual and Similarly, overhead structures associated with the other impacts on residential amenity will route, traffic and PSP bridges, and major signage incorporate the following initiatives: will also be visually prominent. Light spill from route illumination represents another source of Visual Impacts: potential visual impact. · minimisation of the visual prominence of the These aspects will be particularly important in road formation and associated structures as the vicinity of South Street, Karel Avenue and practicable and consistent with operational the Kwinana Freeway where the route adjoins and safety considerations through design areas of existing residential development. measures (eg relating to physical dimensions, Additionally, the proximity of the Roe Highway shape and colour); Stage 7 extension to Ken Hurst Park and John Connell Reserve, both of which are and will · design and implementation of landscaping continue to be used recreationally, indicates that and rehabilitation planting programmes to potential visual impact is likely to be an issue maximise visual screening of the road over much of the route. formation and associated structures (taking key view points and areas of particular Construction of the highway will also dis rupt sensitivity into account as appropriate); and current recreational activity within the project area and sever informal movement networks. An · minimisation of light spill into adjacent increased capacity to control the undesirable residential areas from route and PSP recreational and other human activities within the illumination as practicable and consistent project area (eg off-road vehicles and illegal with relevant standards and operational and rubbish dumping) will be a benefit stemming safety considerations through: from diminished informal access to the project area. However, as access for other non- - sensitive placement of light sources (eg disruptive recreational activity (eg bush-walking lights illuminating the PSP should face and nature study) would also be diminished, an away from adjacent residences), adverse impact on local amenity could arise. - minimisation of the intensity of artificial lighting, and Although offering benefits for pedestrians and - maximum utilisation of directional cyclists, thereby promoting non-vehicular shielding. movements, construction of the PSP along the Roe 7 extension represents another potential Access Severance: source of adverse impact on residential amenity associated with the project. The PSP skirts the · facilitation of continuous access along the existing residential areas and may be perceived northern side of the proposed route via the by adjoining residents as having an adverse PSP to be established as part of the Roe 7 impact on amenity for the following reasons: project, and connection of this path to the existing local PSP network; · reduced privacy (ie adjoining properties will be visible from the PSP); · provision for north-south movement across the route at Karel Avenue and via a link · increased noise, litter and graffiti; and between John Connell Reserve and Ken Hurst Park, thereby enabling pedestrian access to · anti-social behaviour by people using the the remnant bushland areas to the south of the PSP, including security and crime concerns. proposed route; and

Light spill from illumination of the PSP could be · consultation with the Cities of Canning and another source of potential visual impact. Melville regarding the provision of formal

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access to Ken Hurst Park from Bannister · consultation with the Cities of Canning and Road. Melville regarding the provision of formal access to Ken Hurst Park from Bannister Impacts on Residential Amenity: Road.

· maximisation of the separation between the Management of Other Impacts on Residential PSP and adjoining residential properties as Amenity: practicable through design; Minimisation of other impacts on residential · establishment of screening walls and amenity through: landscaping between the PSP and adjoining residential properties. · maximisation of the separation between the PSP along the northern side of the proposed 4.3.3.4 Commitments route and adjoining residential properties as The following commitments regarding the practicable; management of visual and other impacts of residential amenity are provided: · establishment of screening walls and landscaping between the PSP and adjoining Management of Visual Impacts: residential properties. Minimisation of the visual prominence of the road formation and associated structures as 4.3.5 Access to Ken Hurst Park practicable and consistent with operational and safety considerations through: Project Objectives: Ensure the safety of residents is taken into · design measures (eg relating to physical · dimensions, shape and colour of the account in the provision of cycling and formation and associated structures); walking facilities.

· landscaping and rehabilitation planting · Provide access to Ken Hurst Park from programmes; and residential / recreational areas on the north of the highway. minimisation of the risk of light spill into · 4.3.5.1 Current Situation adjacent residential areas from route and PSP Ken Hurst Park comprises of 53.7 hectares of illumination as practicable and consistent with relevant standards and operational and bushland, recognised as supporting comprising safety considerations. values of regional significance including the representation of ecological communities,

Management of Access Severance: species diversity and rarity, scientific interest and wetland protection. Facilitation of access within the corridor accommodating the Roe 7 extension through the The park is dissected by a railway line and following: several uncontrolled access paths and tracks. Based on current usage and visitation rates, the recreational value of the park is considered not · establishment of a continuous PSP along the northern side of the route and connection of high (ATA Environmental, 2003). this path to the existing local PSP network ; The use of the park is mainly limited to passive activities such as nature observation, provision for north-south movement across · bushwalking and dog exercising. However, the the route at Karel Avenue and via a link bushland is currently accessed by off road between John Connell Reserve and Ken Hurst vehicles and motorbikes, with abandoned Park; and vehicles and the dumping of rubbish present within the bushland. The existing points of entry

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to the park for both people and vehicles are The PRG has expressed the following Hollingsworth Way, Dundee Street and the preferences, in relation to access to Ken Hurst unconstructed Leeming Road. Park:

An EMP was developed by ATA Environmental · provide pedestrian connection from Leeming for the City of Melville in September 2003. The to Ken Hurst Park, preferably in the John development of this Plan was supported by the Connell Reserve area and not far from community via a community workshop. The Dundee Street; workshop identified a number of high priority management strategies related to the issue of · provide two access points to Ken Hurst Park; access to Ken Hurst Park. The high priority and strategies included: · access facilities for fauna should be separate · improving control over egress/ingress by the to pedestrian access facilities. use of strategic fencing and lockable gates. The Roe 7 Alliance is currently reviewing a · rationalis ing the network of paths to and number of options in relation to access to Ken through the park by providing limestone Hurst Park, taking into account constraints such surface treatment on paths to be retained and as cut and fill levels, need to minimise clearing rehabilitating paths proposed for closure. of native vegetation and the presence of DRF in the vicinity. 4.3.5.2 Impact Assessment The construction of the highway will result in The project team will be working with the PRG, isolation of Ken Hurst Park, for both the local to determine stakeholder requirements and community and fauna populations. Issues relating preferences in relation to access points, access to the restricted access for the fauna population types, disability access and carparking facilities have been addressed in Section 4.4.2 and have to service Ken Hurst Park. It is anticipated that a not been repeated here. workshop will be held in early 2004 to refine requirements and to reach a consensus of the Construction of the proposed highway extension preferred options. will result in the severance of existing access points to Ken Hurst Park at Hollingsworth Way Construction and Dundee Street. This will hinder future access to paths which have been targeted for Access to the park from the northern side of the retention and upgrading in the Ken Hurst Park highway alignment will be temporarily restricted EMP. during the construction period (from late January 2005) due to safety issues. Sufficient public Access to the southern portion of the park, will notification and signage will be provided to be maintained via the unconstructed Leeming advise residents and recreational users of Road. anticipated closure times and alternative access poin ts and routes. 4.3.5.3 Proposed Management Planning and Design 4.3.5.4 Commitments The PSP is located on the northern side of the MRWA is committed to providing a grade highway with a number of access points from separated crossing so that the community retains residential areas to the east of Karel Avenue. The safe access to Ken Hurst Park. number of access points from residential areas is restricted west of Karel Avenue due to the nature This will involve continued liaison with the PRG, of the housing layout, which does not currently to determine to most suitable location and type of include public footpaths or other access ways to grade separated crossing of the highway. residential areas.

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4.3.6 Operational Traffic Noise the operation of the highway, but they have been EPA Objectives: used in the modelling of future noise levels. All noise amelioration measures will be designed · Protect the amenity of residents from noise around these traffic flow numbers and and vibration impacts resulting from consequent noise levels. activities associated with the construction and

operation of the proposal by ensuring that Background measurements taken previously by noise and vibration levels meet statutory Herring Storer Acoustics (August 2003) and requirements and acceptable standards. ERM Mitchell McCotter (1999a) at several Project Objectives: locations in Leeming in the vicinity of the proposed section of road were used to determine · Ensure that the amenity of adjacent the criteria applicable to adjacent noise sensitive residential areas is not significantly impacted residences. by either noise from construction or from

operation of the highway. The assessment of predicted traffic noise levels Relevant Guidelines: was made against the MRWA Noise Level Objectives, as outlined below. EPA Guidance Statement No 8 – · Environmental Noise (Draft – June 1998) Most recently (December 2003) Vipac Engineers and Scientists was engaged by the Alliance to · Environmental Protection (Noise) Regulations 1997 conduct a further study of noise arising from the proposed highway extension. The Herring Storer

4.3.6.1 Current Situation and Vipac reports are included in Appendix E A discussion of the noise levels measured along and each addresses noise generation and the highway alignment in 2003 is given in management based on the level of design detail Section 2.3.2. Existing noise levels indicate that available at the time of the investigation. for most residents at present, the ambient noise Noise Level Objectives environment is moderate, with influences of existing traffic and other activities in the vicinity evident in the measured noise levels. At the Noise Level Objectives are specified upper limits of traffic noise that apply outside residential South Street end of the residential area, the influence of existing traffic on South Street is buildings. They are listed in Table 16. Due to the impracticality of controlling noise at the upper also reflected in a relatively high ambient level. floors of multi-storey buildings, noise assessment

4.3.6.2 Impact Assessment is restricted to the ground floor levels. Traffic on the highway will alter the noise environment for the residential community The Noise Level Objectives in Table 16 must closest to the highway. Modelling of future also be applied outside public buildings such as traffic flows indicates that by the year 2031 there hospitals, schools, places of worship and libraries will be around 54,000 vehicle movements per that have uses sensitive to noise. There is scope day at the South Street end of Roe Stage 7 and to relax the Noise Level Objectives if the rooms approximately 46,000 vehicle movements per are air-conditioned and are therefore normally day at the Kwinana Freeway end. Naturally used with windows closed. these figures do not apply to the first few years of

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Table 16 Noise Level Objectives Base Objective Objective for high ambient areas L 10(18hour) 63 dB(A) Ambient +3 dB(A) L eq(8hour) 55 dB(A) Ambient +3 dB(A)

(i) Noise levels are L 10(18hour) values, from 6 (iv) Due to the impracticality of controlling am to midnight and L eq(8hour) values from noise at the upper floors of multi-storey 10 pm to 6 a.m. buildings, noise assessment is restricted to the ground floor level.

(ii) Ambient noise is the level of noise before (v) Noise is assessed 1.0m from a building, the road project commences. 1.2 to 1.5m above ground floor level.

(iii ) A high ambient area is where ambient (vi) Noise level objectives relate to the total noise is more than 60 dB(A) L 10(18hour) or noise expected at a building facade, that 52 dB(A) L 10(18hour). is, noise from the new road and any other road.

Ambient noise levels measured previously by · For all entry and exit ramps where Dense Herring Storer Acoustics and ERM indicate Graded Asphalt (DGA) will be used as the average ambient noise levels of less than L road surface, no corrections were applied to 10(18hour) 60 dB(A) during the day and typically the results of the SoundPLAN modelling; less than L eq(8hour) 52 dB(A) during the night time period, for residences adjacent to the · The contribution of heavy vehicle traffic was proposed Stage 7 road development, therefore taken as 14% of day time and 28% of night the base objective noise criteria as outlined above time traffic on Roe Highway and 5% of are those to be applied. daytime and 10% of night time traffic on other roads and entry/exit ramps; Traffic noise single point calculations were produced using SoundPLAN software. · Proposed posted traffic speeds for Roe SoundPLAN noise modelling software is used Highway and Kwinana Freeway were taken worldwide and is one of the leading software as 100 km/hr except for the section of Roe products available for road, rail and industry Highway between Karel Avenue and noise prediction. Kwinana Freeway where the speed was assumed to be 80 km/hr; Several assumptions and corrections were applied to modelling of future traffic noise levels · Ramp speeds of between 60 and 80 km/hr as set out below: were applied as appropriate;

· Predicted traffic volumes were those provided · A speed of 70 km/hr was assumed for Karel by MRWA; Avenue and South Street;

· For Roe Highway, South Street, Karel · Gradient corrections were made to Avenue and Kwinana Freeway where Open accommodate differing engine noise for all Graded Asphalt (OGA) will be used as the roads and ramps; road surface, a correction of -2.5 dB(A) was applied to the results of the SoundPLAN · Existing fences on property boundaries were modelling; assumed to be 1.7 metres high;

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· Single point receivers were assumed to be day time noise levels and 55 dB(A) for night located at the most exposed façades of the time noise. Modelling to date has indicated that closest houses. House locations were these objectives can be achieved through a obtained from a digital house file supplied by combination of noise walls on property the Roe 7 Alliance team; boundaries, noise walls adjacent to some ramps and solid crash barriers of various heights on the · A +2.5 dB(A) correction was applied to the South Street Bridge and on the Kwinana Freeway modelled traffic noise levels to account for north on-ramp to Roe Highway. Modelling has façade reflections which were not calculated indicated that the noise walls will need to be in the SoundPLAN modelling. In addition to between two and four metres in height depending this the AUSTROADS correction of –1.7 on the location (refer to Figure 4.1). dB(A) was applied, resulting in an overall correction of +0.8 dB(A). MRWA and the DEP have an agreed position regarding the investigation of road project related The predicted noise level at most houses within noise generation and management that includes the close vicinity of the highway exceeded the consideration of a “best practice” approach applicable criteria. Predicted traffic noise levels within areas wherein significant benefits in terms ranged from 60dB(A) to 70dB(A) L 10(18hr), of noise attenuation may be achievable through depending on the location, with the highest levels realistic increases in barrier wall heights. This indicated in places such as the area at the rear of investigation has not yet occurred because design Tana Court, Greanlea Rise or on the eastern side of the proposed extension is still being of the intersection of Karel Avenue along Fern developed. Leaf Court. Similar levels were predicted at houses along Roe Highway Stage 6 extension Areas within which a best practice approach that terminates at South Street. could be applicable can be interpreted from the reports documenting the earlier noise Required barrier heights were determined investigations undertaken by Herring Storer and through modelling, with areas requiring most Vipac (refer to Appendix E). These areas will be road noise attenuation including the areas around agreed with the DEP as a basis for undertaking the Roe Highway – South Street intersection (in consultation with the Department) appropriate such as Merrifield Circle, also around the Roe further investigation into best practice based Highway – Karel Avenue intersection and barrier walling within these areas. Additionally, towards the south west of the Kwinana Freeway the need for review of noise mitigation proposals entry and exit ramps. The proposed locations of in response to further route design changes that the barriers is given in the Noise Barrier design could adversely affect noise impacts arising from report which is ni Appendix E (refer also to the proposed. route is also recognised. Figures 4.1.1 to 4.1.7) Post Construction and Operation Predicted noise levels assuming the construction of the proposed barriers will result in between 58 Actual noise levels will be measured after and 63 dB(A) for day time levels and between 46 opening of the highway to traffic in order to and 54 dB(A) for night time levels at the closest evaluate the efficacy of the noise attenuation receiving properties (refer to noise level tables in measures included in the design. Any Herring Storer Acoustics report in Appendix E). discrepancies or situations which do not comply with the base level criteria will be rectified after 4.3.6.3 Proposed Management assessment of these measurements. Design The final design for the highway extension will 4.3.6.4 Commitments include noise attenuation measures that will ensure that all residential or other noise sensitive 1. MRWA will ensure that ambient noise premises adjacent to the alignment do not exceed levels at all residential or other noise the MRWA base level criteria of 63 dB(A) for sensitive premises adjacent to the alignment

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do not exceed the base level criteria of 63 dB(A) for day time noise levels and 55 dB(A) for night time noise through provision of a range of noise attenuation barriers.

2. Noise levels will be measured after opening of the highway extension, and any non- compliances where the measured noise levels do not comply with the base level criteria will be rectified.

3. Identify a “best practice” approach to traffic noise mitigation (based on noise modelling already undertaken) in consultation with the DEP.

4. Review noise mitigation proposals in response to any route design changes that could adversely affect noise impact associated with the proposed highway extension, with the outcomes from this review being reported to the EPA for consideration in conjunction with other submissions on the PER.

4.3.7 Vehicle Emissions EPA Objectives: · Ensure that gaseous emissions do not adversely affect the environment or health, welfare and amenity of nearby land users by meeting the statutory requirements (including Section 51 of the Environmental Protection Act 1986) and acceptable standards.

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Project Objectives: high, notwithstanding regular over-summer · Investigate potential air quality impacts occurrence of photochemical smog (DEP, 1998). associated with the Roe 7 extension and respond to outcomes from this investigation The pollutants of major concern that are emitted as appropriate. by motor vehicles are:

Scope of Work: · nitrogen dioxide (NO2); · Undertake basic air quality modelling to · carbon monoxide (CO); determine the impact of the proposal on air · ozone (O3); and quality in the immediate vicinity of the Roe 7 · fine particles (PM10). extension. Table 17 below compares the National 4.3.7.1 Current Situation Environment Protection Measure (NEPM) The Perth Photochemical Smog Study (Western standards for these pollutants (plus PM 2.5) with Power and DEP, 1996) identified photochemical data from nearby monitoring sites. smog and haze as the major influences on air quality within the PMR, the principal causes being vehicle emissions and smoke (DEP, 1996). Perth’s air quality is regarded as comparatively

Table 17 NEPM Standards Compared with Monitoring Data Monitoring sites NEPM background concentration Averaging Maximum Max. number 90th percentile 70th percentile Pollutant Period Concentration of exceedences CO 8 hours 9.0 ppm 1 day a year 1.0 ppm 0.3 ppm

PM10 calendar day 50 µg m-3 5 days a year 25 µg m-3 19 µg m-3

PM2.5 calendar day 25 µg m-3 Advisory 14 µg m-3 11 µg m-3 standard

NO2 1 hour 0.120 ppm 1 day a year 0.018 ppm 0.010 ppm 0.008 ppm (annual average) NO2 calendar year 0.030 ppm none

O3 1 hour 0.100 ppm 1 day a year 0.029 ppm 0.022 ppm

As can be seen, the monitoring data show 4.3.7.2 Impact Assessment maximum values all below the NEPM Standards The Roe 7 extension will place a major traffic (CSIRO, 2003). Although these monitoring artery adjacent to existing residential areas, and stations are some distance from the Roe 7 project will carry a significant heavy vehicle component. area, and notwithstanding the proximity of the There is therefore some potential that the project area to the Kwinana Freeway (one of the implementation of the project will result in a principal regional routes servicing the Perth reduction in air quality in the near environs. Site metropolitan area), the inference that can be specific investigations have been undertaken to drawn from the available data is that air quality quantify the possible air quality impacts arising in the vicinity of the project area is generally from the Roe 7 extension. high. Potential impact on local air quality is an acknowledged issue arising from major road

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projects. As a consequence, MRWA has concentrations within the local environment as a negotiated a Memorandum of Understanding result of the proposed highway extension, it is (MoU) with the DEP regarding air quality recognised that EPA will require information on assessment requirements for road proposals such contaminants. This investigation will be (MRWA, 2002). The level of investigation undertaken during the PER review period with required depends on the volume of traffic the the results again being reported to EPA for proposed route will attract and its proximity to consideration in conjunction with other receptors regarded as sensitive to diminished air submissions on the PER proposal. quality. The investigation considered CO, NO2, In accordance with the provisions of the MoU, a particulate matter and lead, and the findings screening-level assessment has been carried out are summarised below (the full report to evaluate the possible air quality impacts of documenting the investigations, CSIRO, traffic using the Roe Highway Stage 7 on 2003, is included as Appendix F): receptors in close proximity (within 500 m) to the proposed highway. In particular, the study · The maximum modelled concentrations for investigated whether NEPM values for the each of the main pollutants as well as the pollutants of concern are likely to be exceeded at second highest, 99.9th, 99.8th, 99.5th and 99.0th a distance of 40 m (or more) from the centre-line percentiles are shown in Table 18. The table of the route. presents data regarding the highest pollutant concentration predicted at distances greater The regional level component of this than 40 m from any of the roadways in the investigation has not yet been undertaken. The modelled region due to emissions from regional investigation will, however, be vehicles on these roadways. completed during the PER review period, with the results being reported to the EPA for · The predicted annual average NO2 consideration in conjunction with other concentration is 0.00087 ppm, and the submissions on the proposal. predicted annual average lead concentration does not exceed 0.013 µg m-3 (it should be The air quality investigation undertaken also has noted that the NO2 concentration only not specifically considered air toxics which are includes direct vehicle emissions). covered by the MoU. Although it is considered unlikely that air toxics would occur at adverse

Table 18 Highest Predicted Pollutant Concentrations

Percentile NO2 CO PM10 PM2.5 1-hr average 8-hr average 24-hr 24-hr average (ppm) (ppm) average (µg m-3) (µg m-3) Maximum 0.0131 0.41 4.7 3.8 2nd highest 0.0128 0.38 4.7 3.7 99.9% 0.0105 0.32 4.5 3.6 99.8% 0.0097 0.29 4.3 3.5 99.5% 0.0085 0.27 3.9 3.1 99.0% 0.0069 0.25 3.5 2.8 NEPM 0.120 9.0 50 25

· For most pollutants, the total impact was emissions. However, for NO2 an additional derived by summing the 90th percentile allowance was made for reaction of emitted background concentrations and the predicted NO with O3 to form NO2. The conservative maximum impact of roadway vehicle assumption was made of complete reaction of all available background ozone with NO

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emitted from the roadway. This is equivalent to adding an NO2 concentration equal to the - anywhere greater than 40 m from all the background ozone concentration. modelled roadways; - anywhere greater than 40 m from the · Comparison of predicted maximum proposed Roe 7 extension; and concentrations in the following areas with - Leeming Primary School, located about background levels for each of the pollutants 1.4 km north of the Roe 7 extension. (refer Table 19) indicates that in all cases, the combined impact of the roadway emissions · The relatively small contribution of the and background concentrations is well below roadway emissions to the total concentrations the NEPM standard. For PM 10, PM2.5 and 1- indicates that the results are not particularly hour average NO2 levels, the predictions are sensitive to the emission factors used in the approximately 50% of the NEPM standard, modelling. Even a doubling of emission for the annual-average NO2 approximately factors would still see all concentrations well 30%, for CO less than 15%, and for lead less below the NEPM. than 3% of the standard

Table 19 Background and Maximum Predicted Atmospheric Pollutant Concentrations Regional Predicted maximum concentration 70 m (or more) from Pollutant NEPM Background roadway including regional background

Within 500 m Along Roe 7 At Leeming design buffer roadway, Primary School (excluding Kwinana Fwy) CO 9.0 ppm 1.0 ppm 1.4 ppm 1.3 ppm 1.0 ppm 8-hour average PM10 50 µg m-3 25.0 µg m-3 29.7 µg m-3 29.7 µg m-3 25.5 µg m-3 24-hour average PM2.5 25 µg m-3 13.2 µg m-3 17.0 µg m-3 17.0 µg m-3 13.6 µg m-3 24-hour average NO2 0.120 0.047 ppm 0.061 ppm 0.059 ppm 0.048 ppm 1-hour ppm (see text) average NO2 0.030 0.008 ppm 0.009 ppm 0.009 ppm 0.008 ppm Annual ppm average Lead 0.5 µg m-3 not available <0.018 µg m-3 <0.014 µg m-3 <0.001 µg m-3 Annual from vehicles from vehicles from vehicles average

4.3.7.3 Proposed Management Based on the outcomes from the modelling 4.3.7.4 Commitments undertaken, specific management strategies The following commitments relating to the addressing air quality issues, beyond the completion of additional air quality following addressing the further investigations to investigations and reporting of the results to the be undertaken, are not required. EPA are provided:

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death of some individuals, particularly of smaller · Undertake a regional scale air quality ground dwelling species and will displace others. investigation for the proposed highway However, it is the combined effects of loss of extension in consultation with the DEP, the habitat and the barrier to movement created by outcomes from which will be reported to the the construction of the highway that will have the EPA for consideration in conjunction with biggest impact on local fauna. other submissions on the PER. 4.4.1 Current Situation · Investigate in consultation with the DEP the A review and collation of all of the known potential significance of air toxics from motor information on fauna recorded or likely to be vehicle exhaust emissions as an issue present in the local area concluded that the associated with the proposed highway highway alignment is likely to support a rich extension, with the outcomes from this fauna. This richness is probably influenced by investigation being reported to EPA for the juxtaposition of the large areas of fauna consideration in conjunction with other habitat in Ken Hurst Park and Jandakot Airport submissions on the PER Bushland. A summary of the findings of the review is given in Section 2.2.4, and the review 4.4 Native Fauna is appended as Appendix D.

EPA Objectives: Several species considered to be of conservation · Maintain the species abundance, diversity significance have been recorded, or might be and geographical distribution of fauna. expected to occur, on or near the Roe Highway alignment. These are the native bees Leioproctus · Protect Specially Protected (Threatened) douglasiellus, Neopasiphae simplicior and Fauna and Priority Fauna species and their Leioproctus contrarius, the Peregrine Falcon habitats, consistent with the provisions of the (Falco peregrinus), the Short-billed (Carnaby’s) Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 and the Black Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus latirostris), Environment Protection and Biodiversity the Barking Owl (Ninox connivens), the Rainbow Conservation Act 1999. Bee-eater (Merops ornatus), the Quenda or Southern Brown Bandicoot (Isoodon obesulus), Project Objectives: the Brush Wallaby (Macropus irma) and the · Minimise impacts on the threatened fauna Vesper Bat (Falsistrellus mackenziei). Of these, species. Carnaby’s Cockatoo is listed under the Commonwealth EPBC Act as endangered. The · Ensure that the population of kangaroos Rainbow Bee-eater is listed under the EPBC Act affected by the project is appropriately as a migratory species (that is not threatened). managed through consultation with the City The others are either listed under the WA Wildlife of Melville, the Golf Course managers and Conservation Act, or are considered by CALM to CALM. be in need of management or monitoring.

Relevant Guidelines: 4.4.2 Impact Assessment · EPA Draft Guidance Statement No 56 – Death or Displacement Terrestrial fauna surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment in Western Australia. The most immediate impact of clearing for the highway project may be the death of some of the · EPA Position Statement No 3 – Terrestrial smaller or less mobile species of fauna resident Biological Surveys as an Element of in the highway reserve bush. Fossorial species Biodiversity Protection. and those that live under bark on trees are the most likely to be affected in this way, and could Clearing for construction will have an immediate include smaller reptiles and many insects. The effect on the fauna populations occurring on the exact nature or significance of impacts such as highway reserve. The clearing may cause the this loss of individuals from a defined area is

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almost impossible to determine given that the Australian Recovery Plan for Carnaby’s Black total fauna assemblage for even the most Cockatoo (Cale 2003) has identified feeding thoroughly studied bushland remnants is thought areas generally (including those used in the non- to be far from complete (How and Dell, 2000). breeding season) as critical habitat. However, the Recovery Plan has not yet been accepted by Most mobile vertebrate species will move out of Environment Australia, and the information in it the area once clearing activity commences. For is taken to be of an advisory nature, and not to highly territorial species, and for those with very have any statutory backing. specific habitat requirements the disruption may still be fatal due to competition and disputes over The recovery plan also suggests that it is the space and feeding or breeding resources with breeding sites and feeding areas within easy animals already resident in the adjacent areas. Of flying distance of breeding sites that are priority the species considered to be of conservation areas for conservation. This is because significance only the Quenda, is likely to be population growth is primarily limited by factors affected in this way. associated with breeding such as the availability of nesting hollows (Cooper et al., 2002). These Loss of Habitat priority areas are tall woodlands and shrubland/heaths throughout the Wheatbelt. The loss of fauna habitat is commensurate with Lack of nesting sites in the Wheatbelt may be the the amount of native vegetation that will need to reason for Carnaby’s Cockatoos now using the be cleared for the project. Details of the clearing Wandoo Woodlands in Yanchep National Park required are given in Section 4.1.1. north of Perth (on the Swan Coastal Plain) for Approximately 54 hectares of predominantly breeding. Cooper et al., (2002) cite work by Banksia Low Woodland will be cleared for Saunders (1977) and Saunders et al., (1985) that construction of the highway. Both resident and suggests that the inability to gather sufficient visiting species are affected to some degree food within reserves in the Wheatbelt is a threat through loss of habitat. However, as discussed to continued breeding success of the Cockatoo. previously regarding the loss of native vegetation, the impacts and their significance are The feeding habitats utilised by the birds during relative to the amount of habitat remaining after the non-breeding season include vegetation such clearing has taken place. The loss is likely to as that found on the Roe highway alignment and affect resident animals and those that only visit adjacent areas. Seeds from Banksia cones and or feed in the area in different ways and to insect grubs also found in the cones are typical different degrees. A more detailed discussion of food sources. Other native plants that are known the possible impact of vegetation clearing on to be important in the Cockatoo’s diet are Carnaby’s Black Cockatoo follows. Eucalypts, in particular the large fruited Marri (Corymbia calophylla). Very few Eucalypts are No particular habitat type will be depleted as a present on the highway alignment, and there is result of clearing for the highway, and the no Marri present. The seeds of many other amount of good quality bushland remaining in Proteaceous plants and Sheoaks are also eaten. Ken Hurst Park, Jandakot Airport bushland and Sheoaks are scattered in the canopy of the other nearby sites is considerable. Banksia Woodland on the highway alignment, and other food plants occur in the understorey. Carnaby’s Black Cockatoo In the metropolitan area the birds appear to be Loss of feeding habitat for Carnaby’s Black attracted to pine trees, both in plantations, and in Cockatoo is assessable under the provisions of gardens. Other introduced species such as the the EPBC Act. In this respect the question of various Bottlebrushes (Callistemon species) that whether the Banksia Woodland that will be lost are planted extensively in gardens and as street due to clearing for construction of the highway is trees throughout Perth are also utilised for food. “critical habitat” that is, critical to the survival of the species, is an important one. The Western

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Cooper et al. (2002) have estimated from feeding survival of the species. Neither will this loss trials and calculations of the calorific content of interfere with any of the proposed recovery various food nuts that it takes around 11 Banksia actions in the Recovery Plan for the species. attenuata cones or 18 Pinus radiata cones to meet the daily field energy requirements of an Rainbow Bee-eater adult bird. All of the other food species in the trials required hundreds (and for some species Although the Bee-eater has been recorded in the thousands) of fruits to contribute daily vicinity of the proposed site, there is no habitat requirements. suitable for breeding sites on the actual site alignment. Given that the Bee-eater is an Although this basic information on dietary opportunistic feeder that does not rely on native requirements of the Cockatoos is known, there vegetation for feeding habitat, construction of the are many other questions regarding feeding highway extension will have minimal impact on requirements and behaviour which are not known their numbers or distribution during the species’ such as food type preferences, annual production migratory visits to the Perth metropolitan area. of different food sources, foraging and extraction effort, spatial and seasonal patterns of food Barrier to Fauna Movement source usage, and in fact which breeding populations are using different food sources in With the highway alignment located near the the Perth metropolitan area (Mitchell, 2003). northern limit of the remnant native vegetation and fauna habitat in the area, construction of the An assessment of the significance of clearing on highway does not prevent use of the greater part the seasonal food resource of the species can thus of the remaining native vegetation by fauna only be based on the amount of habitat to be species. A small area will be isolated north of cleared relative to the amount remaining, and the highway in John Connell Reserve. likely to remain into the future. The 54 hectares Movement across the highway into and out of of Banksia woodland habitat required for this small remnant can be maintained for smaller construction of the highway is a very small species likely to use the small remnant, by proportion of the possible (native vegetation) providing dedicated fauna underpasses such as feeding habitat that has, or will have, protection have been installed on most recent major road in the metropolitan area in the long term either in projects in the metropolitan area. These State or Local conservation areas. A recent site underpasses consist of 1.2 metre box culverts, specific assessment of the significance of designed in consultation with CALM for use by vegetation clearing along the Stage 7 alignment small ground dwelling fauna species, including concluded that, “The loss of some native the Quenda, one of the species of conservation vegetation along the Roe Highway Stage 7 significance likely to be present in the area. extension would not have a significant impact on the overall feeding area used by the cockatoos.” MRWA does not have any monitoring or usage (RE & C Johnstone, 2003). A copy of the information for this design. However, there is Johnstone report is provided in Appendix D. some data available on the use of a previous underpass type (0.6 metre diameter concrete Another indicator of the importance of the area to pipe). This underpass type was used on the the visiting flocks could be the numbers that have extension of Kwinana Freeway between Forrest been recorded visiting local vegetation. There Road. (Armadale Road.) and Thomas Road. are records of between 10 and over 100 Several of the underpasses installed were individuals being seen during surveys in Ken monitored over summer and autumn of 1994/95, Hurst Park and the Jandakot Airport bushland. approximately 12 to 18 months after the opening This compares with records of flocks of over of this section of the freeway. 9000 birds in the Gnangara pine plantations north of Perth (Mitchell, 2003). Given these statistics, Although the monitoring only resulted in a small the loss of the vegetation for construction of the sample, it showed that the dedicated underpasses highway cannot be considered to be critical to the could function well for the target species. Where

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the animals were present in habitat surrounding Melville. This could be achieved by installing a the underpasses, many animals used the large culvert under the highway. MRWA has underpass entrances, with some passing right previously provided large underpasses for fauna through on several occasions. Species on projects in the South West (Busselton Bypass documented as venturing through these and Ludlow Deviation). However, there has underpasses were Quenda, Gould’s Monitor, been no formal monitoring of their use. Blue – tongued Skinks and feral cats. The Circumstantial evidence indicates that those on underpasses where animals ventured right the Busselton Bypass are being used. through ranged in length from 61 to 86 metres, indicating that even long underpasses are used. Recent discussions with fauna specialists at the The most significant attribute contributing to DEP and CALM have led to the understanding success of these underpasses was the presence of that structures with dimensions in the region of 3 dense, low undergrowth around the underpass metres in diameter should be readily used by entrances . kangaroos, so long as these underpasses are not also meant for use by other traffic (i.e. as a The monitoring of the Kwinana Freeway service road or for pedestrians and cyclists). underpasses is the only data available for This advice is borne out by the experience of the Western Australia. There is, however, Road Traffic Authority in New South Wales considerable information available from where use of large underpasses of various monitoring of underpass use along the Pacific designs have been monitored (Australian Highway in New South Wales (Australian Museum Business Services Consulting, 2002a & Museum Business Services Consulting, 2002a b). A wide range of species used these and b). There can be some confidence that underpasses including Grey Kangaroos, various movement into and out of the remnant vegetation wallabies, possums and a wide range of smaller north of the highway can be maintained for small species. Underpass lengths in this study varied species of fauna. between 37 and 52 metres, and did not appear to have a direct impact on their usage. Larger, As described in Section 2.2.4 there is a large terrestrial fauna (including kangaroos and population of Western Grey Kangaroos present wallabies) seemed to prefer underpasses where in the area. This population appears to move there was a clear area around the underpass across the numerous barriers and boundaries entrances. already present from (and including) the Melville Glades Golf Course through to the Fraser - and Discussions with the Nature Conservation Acourt Road bushland south of Jandakot Airport. Branch of CALM has resulted in a decision not The golf course management tries to contain the to provide an underpass designed for the larger population resident on the course (up to 100 fauna on the Roe Stage 7 project. The concerns animals), but the remainder of the population raised by the CALM officers centre around the appears to move freely throughout the area, and fact that the artificially lush habitat provided by can occasionally be seen feeding on the open the golf course and the old landfill site would grassy/weedy area on the top of the old Melville tend to influence the population numbers in Ken landfill site. No accurate estimate of total Hurst Park in particular, and also in the Jandakot numbers is available. In early 2003, a group of Airport bushland. Additional food and water has about 30 animals was observed feeding on the the potential to increase population levels to landfill site. Bamford et al. (2003) estimated that above the levels that would otherwise occur. there might be a total of 30 animals present in the Elevated population numbers elsewhere in small Jandakot Airport lease in March 2002, but remnants of bushland have resulted in cautioned that this was likely to be an degradation of the vegetation. This potential underestimate. impact is particularly significant given the distribution of the DRF Caladenia huegelii in The question of providing access across the Ken Hurst Park. highway for this population of kangaroos has been raised by the PRG and by the City of

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Not providing connectivity for the kangaroo be encouraged close to the carriageways, and population will require that there be some form particularly not onto the median, as this can be a of across-tenure management in the future. The cause of higher mortality in a population. Melville Glades Golf course already undertakes However, the proposal to rehabilitate and some population control. Future management revegetate the old Hope Road alignment and could include occasional transfer of animals other tracks in the Kwinana interchange area will across the highway if genetic mixing was thought mitigate for some of the habitat lost. to be required at a later date. Revegetation is particularly important for Notwithstanding the long-term future of the replacing some of the possible feeding resource kangaroo population, the fact that there are of Carnaby’s Cockatoo lost through clearing of numbers of them present in close proximity to Banksia woodland. An estimate of the number the construction site will require management of Banksia trees which may be removed during during construction. The noise and activity may the clearing gives a number of around 26 000 cause the animals to wander into residential trees (all age classes, and not all mature). The areas, as has been the case on other metropolitan ratio between the three species present is 4 road projects. This will mean that a Fauna Banksia attenuata: 1 B. menziesii : 1 B. ilicifolia. Management Plan will need to be developed for the construction period. This plan could also Banksias will be used in the revegetation address strategic actions for the future wherever possible. This will be predominantly at management of the population in the area. the outer edge of disturbance (where safety setbacks allow), in more formal treatments on In order to ensure that safety on the highway is Karel Avenue and South Street where not compromised, and to protect the Kangaroos, landscaping is required, and on the old Hope suitable barrier fencing will be provided along Road alignment, and in rehabilitation of tracks the length of the highway reserve where and other disturbed areas away from the kangaroo tracks indicate that habitual movements immediate area of work, but inside the road are taking place. reserve. These initiatives will ensure that a significant proportion of the Banksias removed 4.4.3 Proposed Management will be replaced. Planning and Design Other design initiatives that relate to the The most significant contribution to reducing the protection of local fauna or which mitigate for impacts of the highway on the local fauna impacts on the populations are: population will be to minimise the amount of clearing required. During the final design period, · Designing the highway so that an underpass the Alliance will continue to pursue the best (or more than one if deemed necessary) will possible design to minimise the footprint of the maintain connectivity between the larger works through optimising the finished level of habitat areas south of the alignment and the the carriageways and the slope of batters. smaller remnant of native bush in John Connell Reserve for small fauna species, and Landscape / revegetation design will be based on best engineering practices and ecological · Design and installation of kangaroo proof principles as practicable and will utilise locally fauna fencing for those areas where occurring native plant species. Revegetation on kangaroos or wallabies are likely to attempt to the inside of the highway reserve fencing does cross the alignment. not contribute greatly to compensating for loss of habitat, except perhaps for small birds which Clearing and Construction prefer dense shrubland, and for the invertebrate fauna. Advice from CALM and the DEP fauna In addition to the management actions employed specialists is that larger animals and birds generally for the clearing activities (Section (including Black Cockatoos) should in fact not 4.1.1), there will be a trapping programme for

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Quenda that may reside in the area to be cleared. to the protection of local fauna, and to This programme will be developed in mitigation of impacts on local fauna consultation with CALM, and CALM will be populations. This plan will be developed approached to manage it on site. Trapping will prior to the commencement of construction occur immediately before clearing for the two and will cover, but not be restricted to: separate clearing phases so that animals from adjacent areas do not have the opportunity to · the link between the Fauna Management Plan recolonise the site. Any animals trapped will be and the Management Plan for Clearing, relocated at the discretion of the CALM wildlife Revegetation and Associated Works; specialists. · fauna food plants to be incorporated in the Management of the kangaroo population during revegetation; construction will be addressed, along with all other fauna management issues in a Fauna · design of fauna fencing; Management Plan. Strategic decisions regarding whether any animals are left on the north of the · design of underpasses for small fauna species, highway will be determined in consultation with including any special revegetation the City of Melville and with CALM. The requirements; requirement for long term management across the various land holdings will also be canvassed · trapping and relocation of quenda, including in this management plan and will be dependant timing constraints; on whether a population is proposed to be retained on John Connell Reserve. · management requirements for Kangaroos during the construction period; Post Construction and Operation · monitoring and maintenance requirements for Monitoring and maintenance of the fauna fencing the fauna fencing in the long term, and will be carried out by the Roe 7 Alliance during the defects liability period. MRWA will assume · monitoring requirements for the fauna responsibility for monitoring and maintenance of underpass. the fencing beyond this. 4.5 Water Resources MRWA will carry out a monitoring timeframe to assess the efficacy of the fauna underpass(s). 4.5.1 Surface Water and Groundwater CALM and DEP fauna specialists will be Hydrology consulted about the timing and scale of the monitoring, but it is envisaged that the first EPA Objectives: episode would be no sooner than 12 months after Surface Water completion of the highway. · Ensure that the beneficial uses of surface water can be maintained, consistent with the 4.4.4 Commitments draft WA Guidelines for Fresh and Marine The following commitments relating to the Waters (EPA, 1993). management of impacts on fauna will be supplemented in Section 4.1.1.4 relating to the Groundwater management of impacts on native vegetation. · Maintain the quantity of groundwater so that existing and potential uses, including 1. Pursue an optimal design that will minimise ecosystem maintenance, are protected. loss and severance of fauna habitat. · Ensure that groundwater resources used for 2. Prepare and implement a Fauna Management public water supply are protected in Plan that addresses all of the issues associated accordance with NHMRC guidelines and that with design and construction as they pertain land uses which could affect both the quantity

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and quality of groundwater are appropriately 4.5.1.1 Current Situation controlled. The soils along the alignment are generally deep, sandy and well drained. There is no coordinated Project Objectives: surface drainage. Infiltration of rain is rapid, and · Ensure no adverse impacts on the quality of mostly occurs close to where the rain falls. Even the underground water supply. the deepest dune swales do not show signs of water ponding. The maximum groundwater · Ensure no interference with quantity of water elevations vary from around two to 16 metres available to users of groundwater bores in the below natural surface. The shallowest vicinity of the project. groundwater occurs in the vicinity of South Street and Karel Avenue. · Ensure no adverse impacts on the surrounding native vegetation. The Jandakot Underground Water Protection Control Area (UWPCA) extends from south of Relevant Guidelines: the alignment to include part of the highway · Draft WA Guidelines for Fresh and Marine reserve between Karel Avenue and Kwinana Waters (EPA, 1993). Freeway.

· EPA Draft Guidance Statement No 26 – 4.5.1.2 Impact Assessment Management of Surface Run-off from Excavation for bridge footings is likely to be of Industrial and Commercial Sites the order of two to two and one-half metres below finished ground surface levels . It is likely · EPA Draft Guidance Statement No 48 – that the founding depth of the shallow spread Groundwater Environmental Management footings will be sufficiently shallower than the Areas highest seasonal groundwater level to eliminate the need for dewatering. Some dewatering may Dewatering is unlikely to be required during be required (particularly in the vicinity of South excavation for bridge footings and underpasses Street) if footing construction takes place during unless the construction of these structures a period of extended above average rainfall. coincides with an exceptionally wet winter season. Any such activity will be temporary, and Both the excavation works and any minor the natural (or finished) surface will be rapidly dewatering that may be necessary will be restored. temporary, and any possible impacts will be short lived. The finished (near natural) surface levels Construction of the highway to a standard which will be reinstated as soon as is practicable. It is safely accommodates highway speeds will likely that the all bridge excavation work will require excavation in some areas, and placement occur in winter/spring 2004 and natural rainfall of fill in others to achieve an optimum profile for will help to ensure that any impacts to nearby the carriageways and bridge ramps. These native vegetation are negligible. Dewatering is changes to local topography will be permanent. not expected to have any effect on nearby structures due to the winter timing of this work, Of most significance to the maintenance of both its short duration and the prevailing sandy soil surface and groundwater quality and distribution conditions. is drainage management of both temporary works and management of runoff from the final paved In order to achieve optimal finished levels for the surfaces and structures. carriageways, excavation and placement of embankment fill will be required. Most of the Existing site conditions regarding topography, highway will be constructed on fill, with areas of soils and surface and groundwater hydrology are cut (below natural surface levels) occurring near set out in Sections 2.1.2 and 2.1.3, and are Hollingsworth Way, where the highway passes summarised below. under Karel Avenue and at several other places to accommodate the on-and off ramps for

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Kwinana Freeway. None of these excavations is monitoring sites (Goldstone and Stubberfield, expected to be below the maximum (shallowest) 1999). The highest levels of nitrogen and groundwater levels. At Karel Avenue subsurface phosphorus were recorded at the intersection of drainage may be required in order to protect the Armadale Road and Southwest Coastal Highway, road formation and pavement. This subsurface which supports the suggestion that rural transport drainage, if installed, could result in a small, activities are likely to increase nutrient runoff. localised depression in groundwater levels. Results for the distribution of various metals did not appear to correlate with traffic volumes, and Fill will be either site won sand, if suitable, or preliminary conclusions were that there are other imported sand. Even after compaction, typical sources of pollution apart from motor vehicles sandy embankments are not likely to present a causing elevated levels in stormwater runoff. barrier ot infiltration. The depth of the sand The study also highlighted that settlement of the typically found along the highway alignment, runoff water could remove up to 80% of the combined with a design for the road drainage metals present. The exact nature and bio-activity which focuses on dispersal and infiltration will of the various pollutants has not been ensure that the highway has little impact on the determined. distribution of precipitation or on existing groundwater levels. Similarly, the permeable As the water table is mostly well below the sands and the absence of significant cross natural surface, and will not be intersected in any drainage along the alignment means that ponding cut for construction of the highway, it is or flooding is unlikely to occur as a result of the anticipated that the majority of the pollutants in highway embankments. the road runoff will be retained (through a combination of filtration and adsorption) in the Stormwater runoff from areas where construction top layers of the soil in the immediate vicinity of is taking place may occur before new or where the runoff exits the paved surface. disturbed surfaces are stabilised and can pose a risk to adjacent areas. Runoff may wash unstable Pollution in road runoff appears to have mostly material into adjacent areas, and in extreme cases been studied in the context of its impacts on might smother existing native vegetation. receiving waters, and aquatic fauna. Only Runoff may also contain trace amounts of passing mention is made in the literature of hydrocarbons or construction materials that could impacts on vegetation. Smith and Lord (1992) be deleterious to the vegetation. document increased levels of salts and metals in Typha rooted in near shore sediments close to a Road drainage from the finished carriageways road runoff outfall in the United States. These and structures will, over time contain pollutants authors also summarise studies on the migration derived from wear and tear of vehicles, tyres and of pollutants originating in highway runoff. the road surface itself. These are typically metals Soils data from a long running, country wide such as copper, lead and zinc. Roads which are research project indicated that metals were part of the routes for livestock trucks or for the retained in the top 10 cm of the soil adjacent to transport of agricultural fertilisers are also known highways, and concentrations decreased rapidly to have increased levels of phosphorus and away from the road formation. The uptake of nitrogen in road runoff. metals by plants appeared to be correlated with the concentrations present in the topsoil. Smith MRWA conducted a five-year monitoring and Lord postulated that levels found in some programme at twenty sites throughout the vegetation might affect normal ecosystem metropolitan area in order to gain some insight processes, but that these levels were only seen into the composition and level of contaminants in within the first couple of metres adjacent to the road runoff. Preliminary analysis of the results highway. carried out in 1999 indicated that levels of nutrients and some metals exceeded the water Similar studies have not been undertaken in quality standards set by the EPA for various Western Australia where soil, atmospheric, receiving environments (EPA, 1993) at all of the traffic and road management conditions are

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different to those studied by Smith and Lord. speed limits, heavy vehicle usage) in the However, to date visual monitoring of vegetation metropolitan area were investigated, namely: condition along roadsides has not shown pollutants to be impacting adversely on Tonkin Highway (Reid Highway to Armadale vegetation (Rob Howard, Environmental Road); Manager Main Roads pers. comm.). Albany Highway (Great Eastern Highway– The risk of a large accidental spillage incident Armadale Road); and involving bulk chemical carriers (including fuels and oils) has been assessed for other sections of Reid Highway (Marmion Ave to Great Northern the metropolitan road network, and found to be Highway). within acceptable limits (Main Roads 1998; Western Infrastructure, 2001). In order to assess Information on the number of crashes involving the risk of accidental loss of large quantities of tankers with hazardous loads between 1998 and fuel or chemical as a result of road accidents, 2002 were obtained from the Department of accident statistics from roads of similar Industry and Resources and are shown in Table magnitude and characteristics (ie carriageway, 20.

Table 20 Crash Data for selected Highways in the Perth Metropolitan Area (Five year period 1998 – 2003) No of accidents Approximate Number of Number of involving spillage Highway length of accidents (per accidents (per of hazardous Highway km) in 5 years km) in one year material Tonkin Highway 1 33.75 0.03 0.006 Reid Highway 1 23 0.43 0.009 Albany Highway 2 24.5 0.08 0.016 Average 0.01

The probability of an event is typically expressed 7) is in the order of 1 in 100 years, i.e. a 1% as 1 in X number of years i.e. 1 vehicle accident chance of occurring in any year; and resulting in spillage of hazardous material in X number of years. Based on the calculations · the probability or likelihood of an accident outlined in Table 20 for similar existing roads in involving a hazardous spill on the entire the metropolitan area, the average accident length (4.6km) of Roe Highway (Stage 7) is frequency involving the spillage of hazardous in the order of 1 in 22 years (1/0.046 materials is 0.01 accidents per year, per frequency = 22 years) i.e., a 4.5% chance of kilometre. Therefore the probability or such an incident occurring in any given year. likelihood of an accident involving a hazardous spill on any particular one kilometre section on This outcome is based on a number of Albany, Tonkin and Reid Highways is 1 in 100 assumptions: years, i.e. a 1% chance of occurring in any year. · Heavy vehicle traffic for the proposed Roe 7 Assuming that the probability of an accident extension will be similar to historical heavy involving a hazardous spill on Roe hwy stage 7 vehicle traffic along the metropolitan sections will be comparable to these transport corridors: of Reid, Albany and Tonkin Highway.

· the probability or likelihood of an accident · The probability of an accident occurring is involving a hazardous spill on any particular equally likely to occur at any point along the one kilometre section of Roe Highway (Stage proposed highway (ie intersections and/or mid block).

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· Avoid concentration of flows to optimise Of the accidents included in the previous infiltration and minimise scour; calculations an estimated average of 19.8% of the total load was lost. Therefore in the event · Provide detention/infiltration storage zones in of a spill, the estimated release is likely to be constructed swales, or direct runoff toward a minor proportion of the total load. It should natural depressions in the uncleared adjacent be noted that no accidents involving vegetated areas; hazardous spills have been logged for the existing section of Roe Highway for the last · Use “bubble up” pits rather than free- five years. Thus along with the high discharge headwalls to minimise pipe outlet standards that apply to the storage and flow velocities and scour; transportation of dangerous goods, the probabilities given above may be considered · Provide traps for sediments and oil conservative. transported by runoff prior to discharging piped drainage into vegetated areas; Preliminary design for the Stage 7 Roe highway extension has attempted to balance · Minimise disturbance and clearing of remnant the very low risk of a major spillage incident vegetation; that could impact on the surrounding native vegetation, soil or groundwater against the · Where appropriate, adopt a treatment train environmental benefits of a smaller approach to manage water quality and disturbance footprint and non-concentration quantity. of runoff that would result from constructing with unkerbed carriageways. It has generally These principles form the basis of the road been concluded that the benefits of drainage management strategy, a key element of maintaining existing site hydrology and which is the replacement of any wetland –related minimizing disturbance footprints by functions and values lost as a result of eliminating kerbing and concentration of construction of the proposed extension flows far outweigh the risk reduction benefit of engineering for a major spill event. The concept design incorporates these principles wherever possible. All bridges, bridge 4.5.1.3 Proposed Management approaches and ramps are kerbed. This is seen to Planning and Design be unavoidable, as uncontrolled runoff over high embankments can result in excessive erosion and Drainage design for Roe Highway Stage 7 was scour and associated revegetation failure. discussed with officers of the DEP (both DEP Drainage from these areas will be piped to and WRC) at an early stage in order to lay down treatment and infiltration basins in sequence, principles which would guide the design of the where pollutants and/or sediment can be isolated road drainage for Roe Highway Stage 7, given in the first basin, and excess water can be the environmental constraints of the Jandakot infiltrated from the second basin. Because the UWPCA and the presence of DRF. distance between the Kwinana Freeway and Karel Avenue ramps is fairly short, and also The following design principles were agreed because this is the area immediately adjacent to through these discussions: the Priority 1 UWPCA, this section of the highway will also be kerbed. This design · Where possible avoid the use of kerbs, gutters approach results in greater certainty with respect and piped drainage; to management of possible major accidental spillage and hence greater protection of the · Promote direct infiltration over unsealed ground water resource. The pollutant collecting shoulders and verges; basins will be easily accessible from the highway, and their locations will be notified to the Emergency Response Agencies. Final sizes

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and exact locations for these basin pairs will be Post Construction and Operation determined during final design. The behaviour of the road drainage will be Subsurface drainage will be designed to comply carefully monitored over the first few rainy with guidelines set out by the WRC so that no seasons post construction completion in order to significant drawdown effects result in confirm that the system is operating as designed. unacceptable impacts on the adjacent areas of During this period any problems with ponding, native vegetation or to any private water bores in flooding, erosion or scour will be identified and the vicinity. rectified.

Along the rest of the highway, the concept design 4.5.1.4 Commitments for the road drainage has allowed road runoff to 1. Prepare and implement a Road Drainage flow over the road shoulders and verges to be System in accordance with principles agreed dissipated naturally where possible in natural low with the DEP (including the WRC). points or constructed swales along the alignment. This will allow for infiltration and groundwater 2. Prepare and implement a Site Stormwater recharge to remain as close as possible to the pre- and Hazardous Materials Handling construction situation. As discussed above, it is Management Plan to be incorporated in the anticipated that there will be very little risk of project construction EMP. pollutants entering the groundwater, or impacting on the native vegetation, with most pollutants, if 3. Replace the wetland values and functions not all, being trapped in the surficial layers of the lost as a result of the proposed highway soil on the shoulders, verges and new extension as fully as practicable through embankments. design and construction of the highway drainage system. Clearing and Construction 4. In the event that the replacement of these All areas disturbed during construction will be wetland functions and values is not regarded stabilised as rapidly as possible. As soon as the as an acceptable option, develop and construction schedule allows, mulch will be implement, in consultation with the DEP, an applied to the new embankments and other appropriate strategy for mitigating the loss completed works. This will assist in controlling of wetland functions and values resulting erosion and scour during rainfall events before from the proposed highway extension in revegetation can provide additional stability. accordance with established principles agreed between MRWA and the DEP. Stormwater runoff will be monitored during construction works, and temporary sediment 4.5.2 Site Contamination barriers will be employed if required to ensure EPA Objectives: that excess sediment is not washed into the · Ensure that the beneficial uses of surface undisturbed areas adjacent to the works. Any water can be maintained consistent with the areas where chemicals (including concrete) are draft Western Australian Guidelines for Fresh being used will be bunded or sandbagged to and Marine Waters (EPA 1993). ensure that pollutants are not washed into adjacent areas during rainfall events. Any Maintain the quality of groundwater so that accidental release of potential pollutants beyond · existing and potential uses, including the immediate construction areas will be cleaned ecosystem maintenance, are protected. up immediately.

Project Objectives: These and other management measures for Ensure no adverse impacts on the quality of control of chemicals and fuels will be detailed in · the underground water supply. a construction EMP.

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Relevant Guidelines: closely adjoins the preferred northern alignment · Contaminated Sites Act 2003. for the Roe 7 extension. The juxtaposition of the asbestos waste site and the route alignment · DEP Contaminated Sites Guidelines (Series). represents a potential construction-related constraint. 4.5.2.1 Current Situation The Ranford Road landfill and the nearby closed There are no surface drainage features within the liquid waste disposal site are up hydraulic project area, although some wetland vegetation gradient of the project area and accordingly, characteristic of high water tables occurs in the contaminated groundwater originating from these vicinity of Karel Avenue and in the area between sites does require consideration as a potential John Connell Reserve and the western extremity construction-related constraint. Available water of Ken Hurst Park. None of these areas exhibit quality monitoring data indicates the following in evidence of surface inundation and accordingly, respect of local groundwater quality in the EPA’s objective of maintaining the beneficial vicinity of these sites: uses of surface water does not directly apply within the area likely to experience direct · pH in the 5.0 to 6.0 range; disturbance as a result of the highway extension. Mobilisation and the subsequent movement of · elevated levels of nitrogen and phosphorus contaminants through the groundwater system (all forms); and does, however, raise a potential for surface water runoff. · traces of heavy metals, herbicides and pesticides. The following sources of potential contamination are known to occur in the vicinity of the project The soils blending operation adjacent to South area: Street and the nursery adjacent to Dundee Street could also constitute a source of contamination. · the closed and partly rehabilitated City of The possibility of other contaminated sites Melville landfill site which forms part of the occurring within the project area is considered John Connell Reserve; low because of the limited level of disturbance throughout. · the south-eastern quadrant of the intersection of Roe Highway and South Street (between 4.5.2.2 Impact Assessment Bannister Road and the highway reserve) Asbestos is regarded as a hazardous material and used by the City of Canning for liquid waste the possibility of its mobilisation as a result of disposal (principally septic tank waste) route construction is, therefore, an important between 1971 and 1988; issue. As the asbestos disposal site is some 600 to 700 m from the adjacent residential areas, its · the City of Canning’s Ranford Road landfill relative isolation would facilitate management of site; and the material in the event of its disturbance during construction. Conversely, however, it is · soils blending and necessary facilities on recognised that the closed landfill is a popular South Street and Dundee Street respectfully. informal passive recreational area. In the event of disturbance of the emplaced asbestos waste, As the closed landfill within John Connell recreational users of the area could, therefore, be Reserve is located down-hydraulic gradient of at risk. On balance, because of the possible the proposed route, potentially contaminated consequences of exposure to asbestos fibres, it is groundwater originating from the site does not appropriate to acknowledge disturbance of the represent a significant issue in terms of route emplaced material as a significant potential construction. However, the south western impact of the highway extension project. extremity of the closed landfill contains a dedicated asbestos waste disposal site which

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Mobilisation of contaminated groundwater · maximum utilisation of discharge water from during construction, for example through dewatering operations (if any) for dewatering operations (if required), could result construction purposes; and in the release of contaminants to the broader environment. As previously indicated, there are · development and implementation of no surface water features within the project area dewatering discharge management strategy in and accordingly, the risk of surface water accordance with all applicable requirements contamination would only arise in the event that and in consultation with the DEP, Water polluted groundwater was discharged to the Corporation (if appropriate) and local surface drainage system. The mobilisation of governments. possibly contaminated groundwater is considered to be a low likelihood impact. Soils Blending and Nursery Sites: · Use of the conditions stipulated with MRWA’ Two commercial sites (one carrying out soils lease agreements relating to the soils blending blending and one plant nursery) exist within the and nursery sites to ensure that any in situ road reserve under a lease agreement between the contamination is remediated by the lessees site operators and MRWA. The lease conditions prior to vacation of the sites. include requirements relating to the condition of the sites on termination of the lease. Through Other Contamination: this mechanism, MRWA will be able to ensure · In the event that other contamination is that the sites do not represent a contamination encountered during construction, risk. As indicated above, the likelihood of development and implementation of a encountering other potential sources of strategy for dealing with the contamination in contamination is regarded as low. However, it is consultation with the DEP, local governments necessary to recognize this possibility and the and the parties responsible for the consequent need for an appropriate response. contamination (if they can be identified).

4.5.2.3 Proposed Management 4.5.3.4 Commitments Strategies for managing potential impacts The following commitments regarding the associated with the disturbance of contaminated management of potential impacts associated with materials and groundwater will incorporate the the release of contaminated groundwater and following: exposure of waste materials are provided:

Asbestos: Asbestos: · avoidance of the asbestos waste disposal area 1. In the event that disturbance of the emplaced through design measures; and asbestos is unavoidable, an Asbestos Waste Management Strategy will be developed and · in the event that disturbance of the emplaced implemented. asbestos is unavoidable, development and implementation of an asbestos waste Contaminated Groundwater: management strategy in accordance with all 2. In the event that the need for dewatering applicable requirements and in consultation cannot be avoided through design and with the DEP, the Health Department and operational management measures, a other relevant authorities including the City Dewatering Management Plan will be of Melville. developed and implemented in consultation with the DEP, Water Corporation (if Contaminated Groundwater: appropriate) and relevant Local · minimisation of the need for dewatering Governments. during construction, as practicable and consistent with operational requirements, 3. Discharge water from dewatering operations through design and operational management (if any) will be utilised for construction measures; purposes as practicable.

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Soils Blending and Nursery Sites: Other Contamination: 4. The conditions of MRWA’s lease 5. In the event that other contamination is agreements relating to the soils blending and encountered during construction, a strategy nursery sites will be used to ensure that any for dealing with the contamination will be in situ contamination is remediated by the developed and implemented in consultation lessees prior to vacation of the sites. with the DEP and relevant local governments.

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5 Project Environmental (Guidance Statement to Assist Proponents in Management Understanding the EPA's Requirements in Relation to the Condition on Environmental 5.1 Responsibility Management Systems).

Overall environmental management for the Roe 7 The Roe 7 EMS will incorporate: Project will be the responsibility of the Roe 7 Alliance Project Director. The responsibilities of · a project specific environmental policy; the Project Director will be to: · mechanisms for identifying, evaluating and · develop and ensure implementation of the ranking the significance of environmental Roe 7 Environmental Policy; aspects and impacts of highway construction using accepted environmental risk guidelines · ensure legislative compliance; (AS/ NZS 4360: 1999, Risk Management);

· set project environmental objectives and · project specific environmental objectives and targets; targets;

· develop appropriate management plans and · a documented program for tracking procedures to manage specific environmental environmental requirements, actions, issues; associated responsibilities and time frames;

· assign individuals responsible for · a procedure for developing and maintaining a environmental management; project environmental legislation register;

· direct the activities of project employees, · operational and document control procedures contractors and subcontractors to ensure that for managing routine environmental issues. environmental requirements are met; These will serve as a core part of the project EMP; · provide adequate resources and budget for environmental management for the Roe 7 · procedures for identifying, preventing, Project; evaluating, responding to and recording environmental incidents (i.e. accidents and · ensure that the management aims and emergencies); monitoring responsibilities of the EMP are met; and · an environmental audit framework. This will include daily checklists by construction · liaise with contractors, other Roe 7 Alliance personnel, weekly surveillance checks by personnel and Government Agencies as project environmental personnel, monthly required. internal audits and six monthly external audits; 5.2 Environmental Management System · a communications strategy for capturing internal and external communications on The Roe 7 Alliance will develop a framework for environmental matters. This will include an Environmental Management System (EMS) to receiving and resolving any environmental be in place during the construction phase. Its complaints from external parties; design will be consistent with the core requirements of the AS/NZ ISO 14001: 1996 · a schedule for management reviews of the Standard addressing EMSs and will take account EMS and EMP; of the EPA’s interim Guidance Statement No 43

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· regular Management Reviews of the EMS Table 21 Project Environmental Objectives and EMP for performance review; This section provides an outline for a draft EMP for the construction phase of the Roe 7 Project. · training for employees and contractors Following public and government review of the regarding their environmental obligations; PER and the setting of Ministerial Conditions, and this document will be completed and resubmitted in its final form to the DEP for approval prior to · management of contractors/ subcontractors commencement of construction. and ensuring their compliance with the required environmental management 5.3.1 Objectives and Targets practices. The EMP will serve as a high- level document Commitment containing detailed management plans, ensuring · prepare and implement a construction EMS that the project environmental objectives and consistent with the core requirements of the targets are met. Environmental objectives and ISO 14001 standard. Targets for the Roe 7 Project have been developed from an environmental risk 5.3 Environmental Management Plan assessment (in accordance with AS/NZS 4360: 1999 Risk Management), liaison with DEP/ EPA The Roe 7 Alliance will develop an EMP for the and liaison with stakeholders. construction phase of the Roe 7 Project. The EMP will provide plans to manage the relevant The Roe 7 Alliance has developed and is environmental factors, define the performance committed to the project objectives given in objectives, describe the resources to be used, Table 21. outline the operational procedures and outline the monitoring and reporting procedures that would demonstrate the achievement of the objectives. The EMP will be developed in accordance with the applicable statutory conditions and will be reviewed and updated throughout the construction phase. The EMP will address the environmental responsibilities of key project team members (e.g. Project Director, Construction Manager, Design Manager, Environment Manager etc).

Objective Source Clearing of native vegetation Maintain the abundance, species diversity, geographic distribution and Scoping document (EPA objective) productivity of vegetation Minimise the extent of clearing required for the project through design Scoping document (Project and rigorous management of construction activities objective) Mitigate for the loss of significant vegetation Scoping document (Project objective) Impacts on declared rare flora Protect Declared Rare and Priority Flora, consistent with the provisions Scoping document (EPA Objective) of the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950, and the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Act 1999. Protect other flora of conservation significance Scoping document (EPA Objective) Minimise the impact on the significant flora species through design and Scoping document (Project rigorous management of construction activities objective) Mitigate for the impacts on the population of DRF Scoping document (Project

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Objective Source objective) Ensure protection of the remaining population and its habitat Scoping document (Project objective) Residential Amenity Ensure that visual amenity of the area is not significantly affected by the Scoping document (EPA Objective) implementation of the proposal Protect the amenity of the residents from noise and vibration impacts Scoping document (EPA Objective) resulting from activities associated with the construction and operation of the proposal by ensuring that noise and vibration levels meet statutory requirements and acceptable standards Ensure that gaseous emissions do not adversely affect the environment Scoping document (EPA Objective) or health, welfare and amenity of nearby land users by meeting the statutory requirements (including Section 51 of the Environmental Protection Act 1986) and acceptable standards Ensure that the amenity of adjacent residential areas is not significantly Scoping document (Project impacted by either noise from construction or from operation of the objective) highway Ensure that the safety of residents is taken into account in provision of Scoping document (Project cycling and walking facilities objective) Minimise the visual impact of the project through appropriate Scoping document (Project landscaping and / or screening objective) Provide access to Ken Hurst Park from the residential areas on the north Scoping document (Project of the highway objective) Impact on Bush Forever Site Ensure that regionally significant flora and vegetation communities in Scoping document (EPA Objective) Bush Forever sites are adequately protected Minimise the impacts on Ken Hurst Park Scoping document (Project objective) Ensure that the integrity of the remainder of the Park is protected and Scoping document (Project possibly enhanced objective) Rare fauna and macro-fauna populations Maintain the species abundance, diversity and geographical distribution Scoping document (EPA Objective) of fauna Protect Specially Protected (Threatened) Fauna and Priority Fauna Scoping document (EPA Objective) species and their habitats, consistent with the provisions of the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 and the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 Minimise impacts on the threatened fauna species Scoping document (Project objective) Ensure that the population of kangaroos affected by the project is Scoping document (Project appropriately managed through consultation with the City of Melville, objective) the Golf Course managers and CALM Proximity of Underground Water Pollution Control Area Ensure that the beneficial uses of surface water can be maintained, Scoping document (EPA Objective) consistent with the draft WA Guidelines for Fresh and Marine Waters (EPA 1993) Maintain the quantity of groundwater so that existing and potential uses, Scoping document (EPA Objective) including ecosystem maintenance, are protected Ensure that groundwater resources used for public water supply are Scoping document (EPA Objective) protected in accordance with NHMRC guidelines and that land uses which could affect both the quantity and quality of groundwater are appropriately controlled

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For each of these objectives, targets and monthly external audits (the auditor to be indicators will be developed to monitor the accompanied by PRG members) and six monthly performance of the project against the objective. unannounced internal audits arranged by the These will be included in the EMP. Continual Alliance Leadership Team. improvement mechanisms of the EMS, such as monitoring, management reviews, and auditing, Commitment will identify project deficiencies that may affect MRWA will develop and implement, as part of achievement of objectives. Improvement and the construction EMP, plans, guidelines and corrective actions can then be developed and procedures to address and manage (but not be implemented within the project. limited to) the following environmental issues:

5.3.2 Structure and Scope · noise and vibration; For each environmental issue and component · dust; within the EMP, the following will be addressed: · construction traffic; · site stormwater and hazardous materials; · a brief description of the environmental · groundwater protection; feature and potential associated impacts; · lighting control; · environmental management objectives; · flora; · management strategies; · declared rare flora; · monitoring requirements; · pests and diseases; · performance indicators; · fauna; · responsibility; · soil contamination; · critical dates; and · aboriginal and European heritage; · reporting requirements. · waste management; · air quality; and 5.3.3 Review and Revision of EMP · aesthetics.

The EMP will be periodically reviewed (at a 5.4 Site Management minimum of every 3 months) via management reviews and updated to ensure that stated Site management will incorporate the following objectives and targets and management practices initiatives: are being met as the project evolves. Any improvements required by audits, reviews, work practices overseen by experienced operational changes or monitoring will be made · construction team; as required.

site environmental officer – monitor Relevant Government agencies will be consulted · performance, advise construction team and where a proposed change may relate to a liaise with agencies; particular agency’s area of responsibility. Approval for amendments will be sought. · site specific induction programmes;

Project document control will ensure that new independent monitoring by community and or revisions of the EMP are distributed accordingly · conservation groups. and relevant individuals and organisations notified of changes. 5.5 Supporting Management Plans 5.3.4 Environmental Audit Over the next few months final design work will Compliance with the EMP will be monitored via be undertaken and a construction programme environmental audits. The audit schedule will be confirmed. This will allow the supporting comprised of monthly internal audits, six management plans to be developed whilst taking

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into account the final design, the works These management plans will be reported to the programme and construction methodologies EPA at the earliest opportunity prior to proposed. commencement of construction. This means that the EPA can have confidence in the standards to These plans will be developed in close be set for environmental management of the consultation with the construction team so that all project, and will be able to confirm that the possible management actions are documented, commitments made will be implemented at the and there is no need for repeated revisions. highest standard.

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6 Future Consultation Programme In February 2003, the Minister for Planning and 6.1 Stakeholder Consultation Infrastructure announced her approval of the Programme alignment for Roe Highway Stage 7 and MRWA’s decision to use an alliance ensured that In February 2002, MRWA developed a the project scope, consultation and environmental consultation strategy designed to identify, approvals would develop in tandem with a address where possible, and integrate the socio- suitable contracting approach. environmental needs of the local community in the planning for the highway extension. The aim By April 2003, MRWA had called for and of this strategy, which was developed in received nominations for its PRG to consult with accordance with the Department of Premier and and involve project stakeholders in the project Cabinet Citizens and Civic Unit’s guidelines, is scope as well as provide input into the project’s to continue the dialogue that has already been PER process. established with representative stakeholders and to provide information through the comment 6.2 Project Representative Group period of the PER, and the design and construction phases. The PRG was established following receipt of nominations in response to an advertised The objective of the consulting strategy si to invitation to the community. This group has partner with the public in each aspect of the already completed eight facilitated meetings. decision including the development of alternatives and the identification of the preferred It is the aim of the Alliance to continue meeting solution. The promise to the public is that with the PRG on a monthly basis to continue to MRWA’s and now the Alliance will look to the inform, consult and involve them throughout the public for direct advice and innovation in remaining phases of the project. The value formulating solutions and incorporate their already gained from this process has been noted. advice and recommendations in the decisions where possible. The Alliance will revisit the ‘Terms of Reference’ of the PRG to ensure there is a fit The formal communications process for the Roe with each phase of the project. Highway Project commenced in September 1996 Members of the PRG were invited to participate and prior to this date, communication with the in a Value Management Scoping Workshop held public had been undertaken on an ad hoc basis. on 21 November 2003. The aim was to enable MRWA’ master planning for stages six and opportunities for involvement in the early design seven of Roe Highway was completed in phase. 1999/2000, and at that time, the project was expected to start construction in 2002 as a single It is anticipated that during the construction design and construction phase. Subsequent to phase, the PRG will act as monitors to assist the this, the State Government committed to review Alliance to meet the project conditions set down the alignment for Roe Highway Stage 7 as part of by the EPA and its own commitments. its greater consultation strategy to examine WA’s road freight network. Meetings previously held with the PRG are summarised below. The alignment for Roe Highway Stage 7 was selected following examination of several options as part of the Local Impacts Committee (LIC) and an extensive community and stakeholder consultation process.

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Table 22 Previous PRG Meetings for 2003 Mtg Date Groups/individuals Activities undertaken Objectives of the No involved Activities 1 07.04.03 Residents, Wildflower Introductions to members Introductions, overview Society, City of Melville, and process; overview of of project, introduction of Conservation Council, the project, identification issues and constraints, City of Canning, Friends of issues and initial broad discussion of of Ken Hurst Park, discussions. opportunities and options. Leeming Primary School Community, MRWA 2 05.05.03 Wildflower Society, Detailed discussion of Explore in detail issues Residents, City of issues raised at Meeting 1, raised at Meeting 1, Melville, Cit of Canning, outline of PER process overview of the PER City of Cockburn, Friends process and answer of Ken Hurst Park, queries Leeming Primary School Community, MRWA 3 26.05.03 Residents, Wildflower Review of Meeting 2 Review actions from Society, Beeliar Regional minutes, PER process Meeting 2, updates on conservation & Heritage update, update on options project matters, discuss Council, Conservation from previous meetings, future role of PRG, Council of WA, Friends overview of noise identify agreed outcomes. of Ken Hurst Park, predictions, presentation Leeming Primary School of three-dimensional Community, City of computer model of Melville, City of Canning, project area, discussion MRWA on future role of PRG 4 23.06.03 Residents, Wildflower Review of Meeting 3 Review of Meeting 3 Society, Beeliar Regional minutes, update on the actions, Update on PER Conservation & Heritage PER process, Update on progress, update of Council, Conservation design options, PRG role, project design matters, Council WA, Friends of responsibilities and agree relevant outcomes. Ken Hurst Park, Leeming membership for Alliance, Primary School PRG feedback. Community, City of Melville, MRWA 5 13.08.03 Residents, City of Review of Meeting 4 Review action from Cockburn, City of minutes, update of Meeting 4, Review PER Melville, Beeliar Regional project, PER process scoping process, project Conservation & Heritage update, road safety audit, update, agree terms of Council, Conservation freeway lighting, PRG reference for future PRG Council WA, City of review involvement. Melville, Wildflower Society, Friends of Ken Hurst Park 6 29.10.03 Residents, City of General introductions Introductions, overview Cockburn, City of between members of the of project status, broad Melville, City of Canning, PRG and the new Roe 7 discussion of future Wildflower Society, Alliance Team direction and involvement Friends of Ken Hurst of PRG Park, Leeming Primary School Community, Alliance members

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The PRG comprises residents of the affected This communication process also provides a area, special interest groups such as Friends of degree of personal contact between the Ken Hurst Park, representatives of affected local community and the project team, which will government authorities and interested parties. It assist all concerned during the construction is envisioned that members of this group will be period. reviewed at each stage of the project to ensure that affected residents are represented as much as 6.3.1 Affected Community possible. The PRG members will grow and Community groups can be identified as those contract during the project phases as their needs adjacent to the project who will be both and interest level grow and contract. Some permanently affected by the introduction of Roe members are expected to remain with the PRG Highway Stage 7 and temporarily affected as a for the duration of the project. result of the construction programme.

6.3 Community Forums A communications programme will be established for the construction phase to enable Roe 7 Alliance plans to hold a series of affected community members to be informed of community forums. The aim of these forums is construction activities in advance of the to provide information about the project and to commencement of those activities. A process allow community members to seek further will be established to effectively manage clarification of issues specific to their locality enquiries and complaints. and concerns. It is believed that this process will assist members of the community with their 6.3.2 Other Stakeholders understanding of the project and its construction to enable them to provide clearer comment Presentations to key groups will include the EPA should they wish to make a submission during Board, Conservation Council of WA, Friends of the PER period. Ken Hurst Park and other relevant stakeholders.

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7 Conclusions including improved road and traffic safety, and improved community safety and amenity. The Roe 7 extension will pass through an essentially undeveloped corridor that contains A recent review of the Perth metropolitan freight comparatively high quality remnant native network has confirmed that the Roe 7 connection vegetation, including the DRF species Caladenia to the Kwinana Freeway is a necessary huegelii (the Grand Spider Orchid). component of the regional road system, a point Additionally, where it adjoins Ken Hurst Park, a reinforced by the Federal Government’s significant local conservation area managed by designation of Roe Highway as a Road of the City of Melville in conjunction with an active National Importance. community based “friends” group, a portion of the corridor through which the Roe 7 route will In view of the importance of the Roe 7 extension pass is affected by a recommendation pursuant to to the regional road system and the local benefits the State Government’s Bush Forever initiative it offers, construction of the route is regarded as addressing the protection of regionally the only realistic option. Accordingly, the significant remnant native vegetation. Further, priority is to develop strategies through which the Banksia woodland vegetation within the Roe the potentially adverse impacts of the route can 7 corridor is regarded as suitable habitat for be mitigated. In this regard, a range of design Carnaby’s Black Cockatoo. Clearly, as a measures have been considered, including an significant bushland remnant providing flora and alternative northerly alignment that will assist in fauna habitat, the Roe 7 corridor is biologically reducing impacts on remnant native vegetation important and the occurrence of the spider orchid including the C. huegelii. Programmes for and Carnaby’s Cockatoo gives rise to the need managing other potential biological and social for the proposed highway extension to be environmental impacts have also been integrated considered under the Commonwealth EPBC Act. into the proposals for the Roe 7 extension and a comprehensive set of commitments for A variety of land uses adjoin the Roe 7 corridor. programmes addressing the following issues has These include residential, Parks and Recreation, been provided: conservation (Ken Hurst Park), industrial and commercial, and infrastructure (including the · native vegetation Welshpool to Kwinana freight rail line, natural - clearing gas transmission line, Western Power facilities - pests and diseases and Jandakot Airport). Notwithstanding the · DRF influence of these uses, local residents use the residential amenity Roe 7 corridor informally for a range of passive · - construction related traffic and active recreation and although there are some - construction related noise and vibration adverse consequences from this usage, it is - construction dust evident that the corridor contributes towards - visual and other impacts local residential amenity. - access to Ken Hurst Park - operational traffic noise It is also evident that construction of the Roe 7 - vehicle emissions extension will produce change within the · native fauna corridor through which it will pass and that this · water resources change will result in a number of biological and - surface water and groundwater social environmental impacts. The only means hydrology by which these impacts could be avoided would - site contamination be to not construct the Roe 7 extension. · EMS/EMP preparation and implementation However, it is necessary to recognise that the overall Roe Highway project has been an integral Effective implementation of the commitments part of the transport strategy for the PMR since provided will substantially mitigate the the early 1960s and that construction of the Roe biological and social impacts arising from the 7 extension will realise a number of benefits proposal. It is therefore considered that,

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conditional on implementation of these extension as presented here should be regarded commitments, the proposal to construct the Roe 7 as environmentally acceptable.

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8 References Binnie and Partners Consulting Engineers 1990. City of Canning Waste Management Plan. ATA Environmental 2003. Ken Hurst Park Draft Unpublished Report for the City of Canning. Environmental Management Plan 2003-2007. Unpublished Report prepared for the City of BSD Consultants 2002. Roe Highway Stage 7 Melville. Botanical Survey and Assessment. Unpublished Report for Main Roads WA. Atkins K., 2003. Declared Rare and Priority Flora List for Western Australia. CALM Cale B 2003. Carnaby’s Black-Cockatoo Western Australia. (Calyptorhynchus latirostris) Recovery Plan 2002-2012. Prepared on behalf of the Carnaby’s Australian Museum Business Services Black-Cockatoo Recovery Team. Department of Consulting 2002a. Fauna Underpass Monitoring Conservation and Land Management Western Stage Two, Episode Five. Taree. Unpublished Australian Threatened Species and Communities Report for NSW Roads and Traffic Authority. Unit, Wanneroo.

Australian Museum Business Services Churchward H. M. and W. M. McArthur 1980. Consulting 2002b. Fauna Underpass Monitoring The Soil Associations of the Swan Coastal Plain Stage Two, Episode Five. Bulahdelah to Western Australia. Soil and Land Use Series no. Coolongolook. Unpublished Report for NSW 35. Division of Soils CSIRO Melbourne. Road and Traffic Authority. Cooper C. E., P. C. Withers, P. R. Mawson, S. D. Australian Network for Plan Conservation Bradshaw, J. Prince and H. Robertson 2002. Translocation Working Group, 1997. Guidelines Metabolic ecology of cockatoos in the south-west for the Translocation of Threatened Plants in of Western Australia. Aust J Zool 50 (67-76). Australia. Australian Network for Plan Conservation, Canberra, ACT, Australia. CSIRO, 2003. Assessment of Potential Air Quality Impacts – Roe Highway (Stage 7). Bamford M. J. and A. R. Bamford 1998. Roe Unpublished report to the Roe 7 Alliance Highway Stages 5, 6 and 7. Report on prepared by MF Hibbard (CSIRO Atmospheric Ecologically Sustainable Development and Research Division), Aspendale, Vic. Biodiversity. Unpublished Report for ERM Mitchell McCotter Pty Ltd. Perth Western Dames and Moore 1996. Review of Australia. Groundwater Protection Priority Area Boundaries Jandakot Mound. Bamford M. J and A. R Bamford 2003a. Roe Highway Stage 7 Review of Fauna Dell J. and N. K. Cooper 1992. Vertebrate Fauna Investigations. Unpublished Report for GHD Pty of Ken Hurst Park City of Melville. Unpublished Ltd. Report for the City of Melville.

Bamford M. J. and A. R. Bamford 2003b. The Department of Environmental Protection 1996. Western Grey Kangaroo in the Area of the The Perth Haze Study 1999 – 1998: Summary Southern River and Tonkin Highway. and Major Findings. Government of Western Unpublished Report for Main Roads WA. Australia, Perth, WA.

Bamford M. J., V Saffer and J Wilcox 2003. Department of Environmental Protection 1998. Fauna Survey of Jandakot Airport 2002 Final State of the Environment Report. Government of Report. Unpublished Report for Jandakot Western Australia, Perth, WA Airport Holdings Pty Ltd. Department of Environmental Protection 2000. Bush Forever Volume 2. Directory of Bush Forever Sites. Government of Western Australia.

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Department of Premiere and Cabinet, Consulting GHD Pty Ltd. 2003. Roe Highway Stage 7 Citizens: a Resource Guide, 2002. Drainage Management Strategy. Unpublished Report for Main Roads Western Australia. Davies J. and D. Pierce 1998. Street-sweeping to Reduce Stormwater Pollutant Loads to the Gibson N. B. Keighery G. Keighery A. Burbidge Environment. Proceedings of Planning for and M. Lyons 1994. A Floristic survey of the Sustainable Futures National Conference, southern Swan Coastal Plain. Unpublished Mandurah September 1998. Report for the Australian Heritage Commission prepared by CALM and Conservation Council of Ecologia 1995. Kwinana Freeway Wildlife Western Australia (Inc.) Underpass Study. Unpublished Report for Main Roads WA. Glevan Dieback Consultancy Services 2003. Ken Hurst Reserve Assessment for the presence English V. and J. Blyth 1997. Identifying and of Phytophthora sp. Unpublished Report for the Conserving Threatened Ecological Communities City of Melville. in the South West Botanical Province. Project Number N702 Final Report to Environment Goldstone M. E. and D. Stubberfield 1999. Australia. CALM, Perth, Western Australia. Roads – a major source of stormwater pollution – fact or fiction. Paper presented at International Environment Australia 2002. Introduction to Association on Water Quality Conference Urban Stormwater Management in Australia. “Water 99” Perth May 1999. Report prepared by the DEP and Heritage under the Urban Stormwater Initiative of the Living Government of Western Australia 2000. Bush Cities Programme. Commonwealth of Australia. Forever Volume 1 Policies Principles and Processes. WA Planning Commission Perth. EPA 1993. Western Australian Water Quality Guidelines for Fresh and Marine Waters. EPA Gozzard J. R. 1983. Fremantle Part Sheets 2033 Bulletin 771. I & 2033 IV. Perth Metropolitan Region Environmental Geology Series. Geological ERM Mitchell McCotter Pty Ltd 1999a. Roe Survey of Western Autsralia. Highway Project Stage 7. Noise Impact Assessment Report. Unpublished Report for Hart Simpson and Associates 1998. Roe Main Roads Western Australia. Highway Stage 7 – Dieback. Unpublished Report prepared for ERM Mitchell McCotter Pty ERM Mitchell McCotter Pty Ltd 1999b. Roe Ltd. Highway Kenwick Link to Kwinana Freeway. Environmental Assessment and Management Hart Simpson and Associates 2002. Survey for Plan. Book 2 of 2 – Stage 7. Unpublished Caladenia huegelii on and adjacent to the Roe Report for Main Roads WA. Highway alignment. Unpublished Report for Main Roads Western Australia. Freight Network Review Master Plan Working Group 2002. Freight Network Master Plan – Hart Simpson and Associates 2003. Roe Working Paper No 2 of the Freight Network Highway Stage 7 Dieback. Unpublished Report Review. Minister for Planning and Infrastructure prepared for GHD Pty Ltd. Western Australia. Heddle E. M. O. L. Loneragan and J. J. Havel GHD Pty Ltd. 1999. Roe Highway Report on 1980. Vegetation of the Darling System. In: Air Quality Monitoring. Unpublished Report for Atlas of Natural Resources Darling System Main Roads WA. Western Australia. Department of Conservation and Environment Western Australia.

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Herring Storer Acoustics 2003. Acoustical Mattiske Consulting Pty Ltd 2001a. Bushland Assessment Roe Highway Stage 7 – South Street Condition Survey of Jandakot Airport Lease to Kwinana Freeway. Unpublished Report Area. Unpublished Report for Jandakot Airport prepared for GHD Pty Ltd. Holdings Pty Ltd.

Hill A. L., C.A. Semeniuk, V. Semeniuk and A. Mattiske Consulting Pty Ltd 2001b. Vegetation Del Marco 1996. Wetlands of the Swan Coastal Mapping of Jandakot Airport Lease Area. Plain, Volume 26, Wetland Mapping, Unpublished Report for Jandakot Airport Classification and Evaluation, Westland Atlas. Holdings Pty Ltd. Water and Rivers Commission. Mattiske Consulting Pty Ltd 2001c. Declared How R. A. and J. Dell 2000. Ground vertebrate Rare and Priority Flora Survey of Jandakot fauna of Perth’s vegetation remnants: impact of Airport. Unpublished Report for Jandakot 170 years of urbanisation. Pacific Conservation Airport Holdings Pty Ltd. Biology 6(3). Mitchell D. 2003. Clearing of Gnangara Pine IUCN 1994. IUCN Red List Categories prepared Plantation: Implications for Carnaby’s Black by the IUCN Species Survival Commission, as Cockatoo on the Swan Coastal Plain. approved by the 40th meeting of the International Unpublished paper delivered at Conserving Union for the Conservation of Nature Council Carnaby’s Black Cockatoo: future directions Switzerland. Seminar Perth July 2003.

Johnstone RE & C, 2003. Review of Carnaby’s O’Connor R. 1998. Report on an Ethnographic Cockatoo Calyptorhynchus latirostris within the Survey of the Roe Highway extension from Proposed Roe Highway Stage 7 area Jandakot. South Street to the Kwinana Freeway (Stage 7). Unpublished report for Maunsell Australia. Unpublished Report for ERM Mitchell McCotter Pty Ltd. Jordan J. E. 1986. Armadale part sheets 2033 I and 2133 IV Perth Metropolitan Region O’Connor R. 2003. Review of Roe Highway Environmental Geology Series. Geological Stage Seven Ethnographic Survey. Unpublished Survey of Western Australia. Report for GHD Pty Ltd.

Main Roads Western Australia 1998. Roe Pierce D. and J. Davies 1999. Street-Sweeping Highway Stage 7 (Ranford Road to Kwinana revisited – Nutrients and metals in particle size Freeway). Flora and Vegetation Survey. fractions of road sediment from two major roads Unpublished Report. in Perth. Paper presented at International Association on Water Quality Conference Main Roads Western Australia 1998. Risk “Water 99” Perth May 1999. Assessment for Hazardous Load Spills on Narrows Bridge Catchment and along the Tonkin Quartermaine Consultants 1998. Report of an Highway Extension. Unpublished Report. Archaeological Survey on Stage 7 Roe Highway extension form South Street to Kwinana Main Roads Western Australia 2002. Main Freeway. Unpublished Report for ERM Mitchell Roads Air Quality Assessment requirement for McCotter Pty Ltd. Road Proposals. MRWA Document No. 6702/02/13005 Quartermaine Consultants 2003. Report on further Archaeological Investigations for Main Roads Western Australia 2003. Report on Aboriginal Sites – Roe Highway Stage 7. Median Width Analysis for Roe Highway Stage Unpublished Report for GHD Pty Ltd. 7 – South Street to Kwinana Freeway. Unpublished Report.

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Saunders D. A. 1977. The effect of agricultural Western Infrastructure 2001. Tonkin Highway clearing on the breeding success of the White- Extension Public Environmental Review. tailed Black Cockatoo. Emu 77(257-269). Assessment Document prepared on behalf of Main Roads Western Australia. Saunders D. A., I. Rowley and G. T. Smith 1985. The effects of clearing for agriculture on the Western Power & DEP, 1996. An inventory of distribution of cockatoos in the southwest of Emissions from Industrial and Commercial Paint Western Australia. In: Birds of Eucalypt Forests Services in Perth. Prepared for the Perth and Woodlands: Ecology, Conservation, Histochemical Survey Study. DEP, Perth, WA. Management. (Eds A. Keast H. F. Recher H. Ford and D. Saunders) pp 309-321. Surrey Weston A. S. 1997. Rare Flora Survey Part of Beatty Sydney. Southern Terminal – Canning Vale 132kV Transmission Line. Unpublished Report for Smith D. L. and B. N. Lord 1992. Highway Western Power Corporation. Water Quality Control – Summary of 15 Years of Research. Transportation Research Record 1279 Wildflower Society of Western Australia (69-74). Murdoch Branch 1992. Flora and Vegetation Survey of Ken Hurst Park. Unpublished Report Trudgen M. E. 1996. An Assessment of the for the City of Melville. Conservation Values of the Remnant Vegetation in the City of Wanneroo with Recommendations Woodman Environmental Consulting 2003. for Appropriate Reserves for City. Unpublished Proposed Transmission Line between the Report for the City of Wanneroo Western Southern Terminal sub-Station and the Australia. Cannington sub-Station. Caladenia huegelii Survey. Unpublished Report for Western Power Corporation.

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9 Abbreviations

ACMC Aboriginal Cultural Materials Committee AHD Australian Height Datum CALM Department of Conservation and Land Management DEH Department of Environmental Protection (the DEP and Water and Rivers Commission are being amalgamated to form the Department of Environment) DRF Declared Rare Flora EAMP Environmental Assessment and Management Plan EMP Environmental Management Plan EMS Environmental Management System EPA Environmental Protection Authority EP Act Environmental Protection Act 1986 EPBC Act Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 FCT Floristic Community Type KPBG Kings Park and Botanic Gardens LIC Local Impacts Committee MRS Metropolitan Region Scheme MRWA Main Roads Western Australia PER Public Environmental Review PMR Perth Metropolitan Region PRG Project Reference Group PRR Principal Regional Road PSPs Principle Shared Paths TECs Threatened Ecological Communities UWPCA Underground Water Pollution Control Area WAOSG Western Australian Orchid Study Group WRC Water and Rivers Commission (the WRC and DEP are being amalgamated to form the Department of Environment)