STATEMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS Proposed Electricity Generating Works 190 Rodhams Road, Uranquinty September 2020 Project Number: 19-890 DOCUMENT VERIFICATION Project Title: Proposed Electricity Generating Works 190 Rodhams Road, Uranquinty Project Number: 19-890 Project File Name: \\10.0.14.1\Active\Projects\2019\19-890 Sandy Creek Solar Farm\Report Revision Date Prepared by Reviewed by Approved by Final 10/09/2020 J. Neuer, E. Matthews, S. Anderson L. Olesen - Jensen J. Duck/Z. Jokadar/ B. Poulton NGH Consulting prints all documents on environmentally sustainable paper including paper made from bagasse (a by-product of sugar production) or recycled paper. Statement of Environmental Effects Proposed Electricity Generating Works 190 Rodhams Road, Uranquinty TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. Introduction ............................................................................................................................................ 1 1.1. Overview .................................................................................................................................................. 1 1.2. Applicant And Land Ownership ............................................................................................................... 1 1.3. This Report .............................................................................................................................................. 1 1.4. Background ............................................................................................................................................. 2 1.5. Subject Land And Locality ....................................................................................................................... 3 2. The Development Proposal .................................................................................................................. 6 2.1. General Overview .................................................................................................................................... 6 2.2. Proposal Summary .................................................................................................................................. 6 2.3. Proposed Infrastructure ........................................................................................................................... 7 2.3.1. Solar arrays .............................................................................................................................. 7 2.3.2. Inverters and transformers ....................................................................................................... 8 2.3.3. Perimeter fencing and security CCTV ..................................................................................... 9 2.3.4. Distribution line connection and cabling .................................................................................. 9 2.3.5. Site access ............................................................................................................................. 10 2.3.6. Meteorological stations .......................................................................................................... 10 2.4. Construction .......................................................................................................................................... 10 2.4.1. Site preparation and earthworks ............................................................................................ 10 2.4.2. Temporary construction facilities ........................................................................................... 10 2.4.3. Materials and resources ......................................................................................................... 11 2.4.4. Personnel and work hours ..................................................................................................... 12 2.5. Operation ............................................................................................................................................... 12 2.5.1. Operation activities ................................................................................................................ 12 2.5.2. Transport and access ............................................................................................................ 13 2.5.3. Materials and resources ......................................................................................................... 13 2.5.4. Personnel and work hours ..................................................................................................... 13 2.5.5. Lighting ................................................................................................................................... 13 2.5.6. Refurbishment and upgrading ................................................................................................ 14 2.6. Decommissioning And Rehabilitation .................................................................................................... 14 2.7. Justification For The Project .................................................................................................................. 14 2.7.1. Strategic need ........................................................................................................................ 14 2.7.2. Socio-economic benefits ........................................................................................................ 17 2.8. Consultation ........................................................................................................................................... 18 NGH Pty Ltd | 19-890 - Final | i Statement of Environmental Effects Proposed Electricity Generating Works 190 Rodhams Road, Uranquinty 3. Environmental Analysis ...................................................................................................................... 20 3.1. Site Analysis .......................................................................................................................................... 20 3.1.1. Site description....................................................................................................................... 20 3.1.2. Existing land use .................................................................................................................... 20 3.1.3. Character and landscape ....................................................................................................... 22 3.2. Post-European Heritage ........................................................................................................................ 24 3.3. Aboriginal Cultural Heritage .................................................................................................................. 26 3.3.1. Existing conditions ................................................................................................................. 26 3.3.2. Potential impacts .................................................................................................................... 26 3.3.3. Recommendations ................................................................................................................. 26 3.4. Land Use And Resources ..................................................................................................................... 30 3.4.1. Existing conditions ................................................................................................................. 30 3.4.2. Potential impacts and recommendations ............................................................................... 35 3.5. Biodiversity Considerations ................................................................................................................... 37 3.5.1. Existing conditions ................................................................................................................. 37 3.5.2. Potential impacts .................................................................................................................... 39 3.5.3. Recommendations ................................................................................................................. 40 3.6. Bushfire ................................................................................................................................................. 42 3.6.1. Existing conditions ................................................................................................................. 42 3.6.2. Recommendations ................................................................................................................. 44 3.7. Flood and overland flow ........................................................................................................................ 45 3.7.1. Existing conditions ................................................................................................................. 45 3.7.2. Potential Impacts.................................................................................................................... 46 3.7.3. Recommendations ................................................................................................................. 46 3.8. Consideration Of Other Hazards ........................................................................................................... 46 3.8.1. Land slip ................................................................................................................................. 46 3.8.2. Acid sulfate