Download Chapter 11 - Matters of National Environmental Significance

11
Matters of National Environmental Significance
11.1
Introduction
The Matters of National Environmental Significance Report, (Appendix UU) as prepared by Cardno
Chenoweth, addresses the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act)
controlling provisions as they relate to the proposed Gold Coast Quarry site. The assessment that has been
completed represents a balance between an initial desktop review and ground truthing to confirm the initial
assessment. Overall, this technical report specifically addresses Chapter 11 of the Terms of Reference.
The Matters of National Environmental Significance Report includes the following figures of note:
>
Figure 11-1 – Site Locality
>
Figure 11-2 – Regional Distribution of Known White-Bellied Sea Eagle Nests
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Figure 11-3 – EPBC Scheduled Ecological Communities; and
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Figure 11- 4 – Viewshed from the Nest.
Reference is to be made to Appendix UU in order to view the Matters of National Environmental Significance
Report and the associated Figures that have been prepared.
The Flora and Fauna Technical Report (Appendix X) completed by Cardno Chenoweth also includes some of
the information presented in the Matters of National Environmental Significance Report.
The Gold Coast Quarry project was referred to the Commonwealth Department of Sustainability, Environment,
Water, Population and Communities (SEWPaC) on 1 December 2010 for determination as to whether the
project constitutes a ‘controlled action’ under the EPBC Act.
On 21 December 2010, the Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities
determined that the project is a ‘controlled action’ under the EPBC Act23 due to the likely potential impacts on
matters of national environmental significance (MNES). The controlling provisions for the project are Sections
18 and 18A. The controlling provisions relate specifically to the potential impacts of the project on threatened
species and communities listed under the EPBC Act.
The controlling provisions for the project relate only to threatened species and ecological communities and do
not relate to migratory species. In the interest of completeness, migratory species have been addressed in
this report
11.1.1
Description of the Action
The action is proposed near Reedy Creek in the City of Gold Coast, Queensland. A site locality plan is
provided as Figure 11-1, and identifies the disturbance footprint which will encompass an estimated 65ha.
The proponent is proposing to establish a new extractive industry operation on a greenfield site bordering Old
Coach Rd and Tallebudgera Creek Road, at Reedy Creek. The action is proposed on land described as Lot
105 on SP144215.
In developing this proposal, the proponent has sought to balance the need to bring this State-significant
extractive resource to market whilst protecting the environmental and social values of the local area. After
taking into account a range of environmental constraints and the need to provide extensive buffer areas, the
proposed quarry has been designed and sited to access an estimated total of 79 million tonnes of resource.
The proponent has voluntarily sterilised a substantial proportion of the resource which is known to occur on
the site in order to achieve an appropriate balance between environmental, economic and community
interests.
Chapter 2 of the EIS provides a detailed overview of the project, particularly with respect to the various stages
of the development.
23
Project reference: EPBC 2010/5757
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11.1.2
Relationship with Other Actions
As detailed in Section 1.4 of the technical report, the proponent is not aware of any other actions that have
been taken, are being taken, or that have been approved in the immediate site locality. The surrounding area
is characterised by existing land uses that include urban residential development, rural residential
development, nature conservation industry and extractive industry operations..
A search of SEWPaC’s online list of referrals was undertaken on 26 November 2012. The closest referred
project is the Gold Coast Ocean Terminal which is located approximately 10 km north of the study area. Other
referred projects within the City of Gold Coast are:
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the Springbrook Conservation Area and Day Use Facilities, located approximately 14 km south-west of
the Study Area
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the upgrade of the Smith Street Motorway approximately 17 km north of the Study Area; and
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the Helensvale Waste Transfer Station Expansion located approximately 26 km north-west from the Study
Area.
11.1.3
Project Team and Agencies Consulted
Chapter 1.7 of the EIS provides an overview of all agencies consulted during the process.
Section 1.6 details the members of the Cardno Chenoweth team who were involved in the preparation of the
Matters of National Environmental Significance Report.
11.1.4
Environmental Record
The proponent has never received a penalty or been convicted of an offence under the Commonwealth
Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.The proponent’s environmental policy is
contained in Attachment A to the Matters of National Environmental Significance Report.
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11.2
Listed Threatened Species and Ecological
Communities
11.2.1
List of potential listed threatened species and ecological communities
and their status
The EIS project team has investigated and confirmed the presence and status of any listed threatened
species and ecological communities that could be impacted by the project.
11.2.1.1
Threatened ecological communities
The EPBC Protected Matters Search maintained by SEWPaC identified one (1) threatened ecological
community that may occur within the Study Area: the Lowland Rainforests of Subtropical Australia. The
ecological community is listed as critically endangered.
The Lowland Rainforests of Subtropical Australia community was listed under the EPBC Act on 25 November
2011. Although the community was listed after the project was declared a controlled action on 21 December
2012, the EIS studies sought to determine the presence of the Lowland Rainforests of Subtropical Australia
community within the Study Area.
Section 4.1 of the Matters of National Environmental Significance Report outlines that the field survey
recorded four distinct vegetation community types within the Study Area, all of which were described to be
open forests dominated by various Eucalypts. No vegetation communities within the Study Area were found to
be analogous to any EPBC-listed threatened ecological community.
A plot survey was undertaken to assess the species composition within an area that supported rainforest
species on alluvium. It was found that this area supported a predominance of sclerophyll species within the
canopy.
Reference is to be made to Section 2.1 of the technical report for further comments with respect to potentially
threatened ecological communities.
11.2.1.2
Threatened Flora Species
The EPBC Protected Matters Search identified a total of 57 threatened flora species that have the potential to
occur within the Study Area. Descriptions of the distribution, ecology and habitat preferences of each
threatened species identified by the EPBC Protected Matters Search are documented Attachment C to the
Matters of National Environmental Significance Report.
The likelihood that each of the threatened species inhabits the Study Area was subsequently assessed in
detail to more accurately identify those threatened flora species which could be affected by the proposal.
Descriptive profiles for threatened species known to occur on site, together with those identified by SEWPaC’s
decision on their referral notice, are provided in the following sections of the Matters of National
Environmental Significance Report. In each case, aspects including each species’ current distribution, habitat
requirements and populations discovered on Lot 105 are detailed:
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Section 2.2.1—Diploglottis campbellii (Small-leaved Tamarind);
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Section 2.2.2—Endiandra hayesii (Rusty Rose Walnut);
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Section 2.2.3—Gossia fragrantissima (Sweet Myrtle);
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Section 2.2.4—Hicksbeachia pinnatifolia (Monkey Nut);
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Section 2.2.5—Marsdenia coronata (Slender Milkvine);
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Section 2.2.6—Syzygium hodgkinsoniae (Smooth-barked Rose Apple);
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Section 2.2.7—Syzygium moorei (Durobby); and
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Section 2.2.8—Taeniophyllum muelleri (Ribbon Orchid).
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Overall, vegetation communities within the Study Area were found to comprise a diverse suite of flora species.
A total of 348 flora species were recorded.
The field surveys within the Study Area recorded the presence of three EPBC-listed flora species on Lot 105:
the Syzygium moorei (Durobby), theTaeniophyllum muelleri (Ribbon Orchid) and the Marsdenia coronata
(Slender Milkvine). Figure 11-1 confirms the location of each species identified on the site. None of the listed
species were found within the disturbance footprint.
Eight flora species that are of conservation significance under the Queensland Nature Conservation Act 1992,
(2 Vulnerable species and 6 Near Threatened species) were identified during the field surveys.
Section 4.2 of the technical report provides further comments as a result of the field surveys that were
completed.
11.2.1.3
Threatened Fauna Species
The EIS studies confirmed that there is potential for listed threatened species to occasionally utilise habitat
areas within the Study Area. The Study Area was found to support a range of fauna species, with a total of
101 native fauna species recorded over the duration of the study. This included 69 bird species, 11 reptile
species, 12 mammal species and 9 amphibian species.
One Grey-headed Flying-fox (Pteropus poliocephalus) was recorded feeding in the Study Area during the field
survey. This species is listed as vulnerable under the EPBC Act. No roosting sites are mapped by the
Queensland Parks and Wildlife in close proximity to the Study Area.
Two fauna species recorded within the Study Area, the Glossy-black cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus lathami) and
the Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus), are regarded as vulnerable pursuant to the Queensland Nature
Conservation Act 1992.
The Koala was listed as a vulnerable species under the EPBC Act on 02 May 2012. As the Koala was listed
as a vulnerable species after the project was declared a controlled action, the EIS does not address the Koala
as a matter of national environmental significance.
11.2.1.4
Migratory species
Attachment C of the Matters of National Environmental Significance Report contains descriptions of the
distribution, ecology and habitat preferences of each migratory species identified by the EPBC Protected
Matters Search.
The field surveys within the Study Area recorded the presence of one (1) EPBC-listed migratory fauna
species: the White-bellied Sea-Eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster).
A nest tree used by the White-bellied Sea-Eagle is situated on Lot 105. The location of the nest tree is
illustrated in Figure 11-1. The existence of the White-bellied Sea Eagle nest on Lot 105 has been known since
earlier fauna studies undertaken in 2005. Site observations conducted for the EIS confirmed the nest was in
use in 2012, including to fledge young. Figure 11-2 details the known White-bellied sea eagle sites within the
region.
The EPBC Protected Matters Search identified a further six (6) migratory species that may occasionally utilise
the Study Area in a transient context. Table 4-4 of the technical report provides details on these predicted
migratory species.
The controlling provisions prescribed for the project do not include migratory species. However, further
information about the presence of the White-bellied Sea-Eagle and other known migratory species within the
Study Area is provided in Table 4-2 of the Matters of National Environmental Significance Report.
11.2.1.5
Potential Wetlands of International Importance
The EPBC Protected Matters Search indicated the presence of one wetland of international importance in
relative proximity (20km) to the Study Area: the Moreton Bay Ramsar site. Whilst not a controlling provision,
consideration was given to the potential impacts of the project on the Moreton Bay Ramsar site as part of the
EIS studies.
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The Study Area predominantly drains to the Tallebudgera Creek catchment which does not drain to Moreton
Bay.
No part of the Study Area drains directly to the Moreton Bay Ramsar site.
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11.3
Species Surveys
Section 3 of the Matters of National Environmental Significance Report provides an overview of the survey
methods that were employed for the EIS.
Field surveys were undertaken to determine the ecological values of the Study Area, including the presence of
EPBC-listed communities and species that potentially inhabit the Study Area. The methods of assessment
were selected based on accepted Commonwealth and/or State guidelines.
Flora and fauna field surveys were primarily conducted over two periods so as to encompass seasonal
variation: a winter (dry) season survey was conducted during July/August 2012 and a summer (wet) season
survey during November/December 2012. Each survey was undertaken by two professional ecologists.
Additional site visits conducted in the intervening period enabled the collection of further data.
11.3.1
Ecological Communities / Flora Surveys
As described in Section 3.1 of the technical report, the mapping and assessment of vegetation communities
within the Study Area was undertaken in accordance with the Queensland Herbarium’s method. Specifically,
the survey included a combination of secondary (transect) and quaternary (rapid) level sampling procedures,
The secondary study areas consisted of a 50m x 10m plot located along the contour within vegetation
communities that displayed homogeneity in terms of floristics, structure and age. Canopy cover was
determined by extending the plot a further 50m to generate a 100m transect. A total of 11 secondary sites
were assessed during the surveys.
Quaternary data primarily involved the recording of dominant canopy elements for locations recorded by the
GPS that was utilised. The median canopy height was determined through ocular assessment at all
quaternary study areas. Quaternary study areas were also utilised to record the presence of species
previously not recorded elsewhere in the Study Area.
A total of 166 quaternary sites were assessed during the surveys.
11.3.2
Fauna Surveys
The fauna field survey utilised the following techniques:
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Diurnal / nocturnal bird searches;
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Targeted amphibian surveys;
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Ground searches;
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Establishing transects in representative habitats whereby a series of different fauna traps were
utilised;
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Spotlighting;
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SM2BAT bat detection;
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Camera trapping;
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Call playback; and
>
Habitat assessment.
Section 3.2 of the Matters of National Environmental Significance Report outlines the methodology that was
applied with respect to the field surveys in additional detail.
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11.4
Relevant Impacts
This Section of EIS assesses, in detail, the impacts of the proposal addressing all the identified environmental
values.
11.4.1
Land Clearing
Land clearing is required in order to facilitate the construction and operation of the project. While the
disturbance footprint covers 65ha, a total of 63 ha of vegetation will be cleared, which equates to
approximately 30% of the total area of the Study Area. The disturbance footprint for the project, which
includes the extent of vegetation which will be sequentially cleared over the course of the project, is illustrated
at Figure 11-1.
The EIS has identified the potential for both direct and indirect impacts associated with the land clearing
involved in the project. Section 5.1 of the technical report addresses the identified land clearing impacts. In
summary, vegetation within the disturbance footprint will be progressively cleared. The Koala Management
Plan that has been prepared includes a staged clearing plan that is based on the various phases of the
project’s establishment. The extent of clearing is governed by the sequential clearing requirements specified
in the Nature Conservation (Koala) Conservation Plan 2006 (Appendix Y).
11.4.1.1
Potential loss of biodiversity
Land clearing within the Study Area has the potential to lead to a loss of biodiversity as a result of reduced
habitat for native species. Specifically, land clearing will result in a direct loss of individual plants, together with
displacement of a variety of fauna species that currently use the Study Area for feeding, resting and roosting.
However, it is unlikely that the proposal will compromise the long-term persistence of biodiversity at a local or
regional scale given the proposed buffer and adjacent areas of vegetation.
Clearing will not result in the direct loss on any threatened species of plant or animal identified during the site
surveys and listed under the EPBC Act.
11.4.1.2
Habitat fragmentation and edge effects
Land clearing has the potential to result in habitat fragmentation, with potential impacts including reduced
population size, reduced habitat extent and increased habitat isolation. Furthermore, habitat fragmentation
has the potential to increase edge effects associated with the boundary between retained vegetated habitats
and cleared areas. Edge effects may include loss of soil moisture, increased wind, dust and noise impacts,
changes to species composition and abundance, increased predation and competition, and increased weed
invasion, all of which can degrade habitat values.
The proposed impact area is located central to the site and hence vegetation will be retained within a
continuous band of approximately 150ha of vegetation. The minor exceptions to this will be the existing fire
trail network and proposed site access road.
It is acknowledged that edge effects are likely to occur in association with the proposal. Appropriate
environmental management will be necessary to reduce those impacts.
11.4.1.3
Corridor connectivity
The Study Area is located within the Springbrook to Burleigh Heads bioregional corridor which is of State
significance.
While the proposed disturbance footprint results in the removal of 63ha of vegetation of variable integrity, a
total of over 150ha will be retained within the buffer area. The 127ha of vegetation within the buffer areas that
is not mapped as remnant vegetation by the PMAV for the site will be subject of restoration.
With the exception of areas proximate to the site entry, the footprint is located between around 100m to 560m
from the boundaries of Lot 105. Movement opportunities therefore remain within the buffer areas for the
species known or predicted to utilise the Study Area. Particular attention to the proposed site access road has
been paid to ensure that the new site access arrangements do not undermine the integrity of the corridor
connectivity features.
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11.4.1.4
Hydrological impacts
The loss of vegetation on site has the potential to impact surface and groundwater hydrology. In particular,
land clearing has the potential to lead to an increased risk of erosion and sedimentation.
A sediment and erosion control program has been prepared in response to the Terms of Reference and is
contained in Appendix W.
11.4.2
Water Resources and Pollution
The existing water sources within Lot 105 include a number of natural waterways along with dams. Figure 111 details the location of these water sources in terms of the disturbance footprint and the identified locations of
significant flora and fauna species. Section 5.2 of the Matters of National Environmental Significance Report
addresses the identified land clearing impacts.
11.4.2.1
Surface water
A minor decrease in flows is anticipated downstream from the project as a result of the reduced catchment
extent. Additionally, water consumption from the dam will occur during the construction and operational
phases of the project, thereby potentially resulting in a reduction in flows discharged to the waterway.
Changes to environmental flows have the potential to impact ecological values that are supported by
downstream riparian habitats, including EPBC-listed threatened species. While there will be changes in
hydrology, it is not anticipated that they will have a significant effect on riparian vegetation within the Study
Area. It will be necessary to monitor the health of threatened flora and mitigate if changes in species health
are attributable to changes in hydrology.
Further details regarding the purpose and approximate volumes of water consumption is provided in the
Water Resources and Floodplain Management Report (Appendix CC).
11.4.2.2
Water quality
Construction and operation of the proposed quarry has the potential to impact water quality as a result of
accidental or inappropriate release of contaminants or pollutants, as well as increased suspended sediment
levels as a result of vegetation clearing and earthworks.
The Water Resources and Floodplain Management Report identifies that changes in stormwater quality will be
mitigated appropriately and effectively. In fact, the existing pollutant loads of surface water will be reduced
(improved) by the development and operation of the proposed quarry. No adverse impacts on EPBC Act
listed-threatened flora or fauna are therefore expected, either within or external to the site.
11.4.2.3
Groundwater
Changes in groundwater flows can adversely affect the available moisture to varying degrees throughout the
life of the project. As there are no groundwater dependant ecosystems or EPBC Act-listed species that occur
within the disturbance footprint, the project will not have an adverse impact on matters of national
environmental significance as a result of any changes to the groundwater regime.
The Groundwater Impact Assessment is contained in Appendix FF.
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11.4.3
Weeds and Exotic Fauna
The following section identifies and describes the potential impacts of the proposed action on exotic fauna and
weeds within and adjacent to the study area.
11.4.3.1
Weed Species
A number of weed species are known to occur within the Study Area.
The project has the potential to increase weed abundance and facilitate weed dispersal. Construction traffic
and bulk earthworks have the potential to disperse existing weed species into new areas of the Study Area as
well as introduce new weed species to the Study Area. Ground disturbance associated with the project can
also create opportunities for the establishment of weed infestations. In turn, increased weed abundance may
have negative economic and social effects, as well as negative impacts on biodiversity through displacement
of native flora species and reduced resources for native fauna species.
Management of existing weeds through the recommendations of the Landscape Rehabilitation Plan is an
important aspect of managing the risk to threatened EPBC Act flora species. The Landscape Rehabilitation
Plan is contained in Appendix N.
11.4.3.2
Feral Fauna
Feral fauna species are known to occur within the Study Area and could increase as a result of the project.
For example, project works may create pathways that facilitate feral fauna dispersal, increase the availability
of water, or provide additional food resources in the form of inappropriately managed project wastes. In turn,
an increased abundance of feral fauna could lead to increased competition with and predation of native fauna,
as well as increased habitat degradation.
Implementation of environmental management measures will be necessary to ensure that the proposal will not
lead to an increase in populations of feral fauna species.
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11.5
Impact Assessments for MNES
The following section provides a detailed assessment of the impacts of the project on listed threatened
species and ecological communities.
The project has the potential to cause adverse impacts on Matters of National Environmental Significance
during the construction and operation of the project. The Australian Government has developed Matters of
National Environmental Significance Significant Impact Guidelines v1.1 (2006) to assist in determining
whether proposed action will have a significant impact on a matter of national environmental significance.
For each matter of national environmental significance known to occur within the Study Area, the significance
of impacts was assessed against the relevant impact criteria prescribed by the Guideline.
With regards to cumulative impacts, it is to be noted that the proponent and EIS project team are not aware of
any other actions that have been taken, or are being taken, or that have been approved in the region. As a
result, no cumulative impacts to matters of National environmental significance within the Study Area are
anticipated.
Section 6 of the Matters of National Environmental Significance Report specifically addresses this component
of the TOR.
11.5.1
Threatened Ecological Communities
As the Study Area was thoroughly traversed during vegetation mapping surveys and no vegetation
communities within the Study Area were found to be analogous to any EPBC-listed threatened ecological
community, it can confidently be concluded that the proposal will not impact any threatened ecological
community. Similarly there are no known EPBC-listed threatened ecological communities to occur in the
immediate vicinity of Lot 105. This is confirmed by way of Figure 11-3.
11.5.2
Threatened Flora Species
An assessment of the proposed quarry development against the Matters of National Environmental
Significance Significant Impact Guidelines v1.1 was undertaken for each of the three (3) identified EPBC Actlisted flora species identified on Lot 105. The result of this assessment was that the proposed quarry
development is will not have a significant impact on any of the identified flora species.
11.5.3
Threatened Fauna Species
No EPBC-listed threatened fauna species were recorded during the flora and fauna surveys within the Study
Area, although habitat that is potentially suitable for the two (2) species listed in Table 4-1 of the Matters of
National Environmental Significance Report was encountered.
An assessment of the proposed quarry development against the Matters of National Environmental
Significance Significant Impact Guidelines v1.1 was undertaken for the group of threatened fauna species that
may occur on site.
The assessment indicated that the proposal is not likely to have a significant impact on threatened fauna
species.
11.5.4
Migratory Species
Four (4) EPBC-listed migratory species have been recorded within the Study Area, and it is possible that an
additional six species may periodically utilise the habitats of the Study Area.
An assessment of the proposal against the Matters of National Environmental Significance Significant Impact
Guidelines v1.1 was undertaken for the group of listed migratory species that may occur on site. The
controlling provisions do not relate to migratory species, however, migratory species are addressed in the
interest of completeness. Given that the White-bellied Sea Eagle is known to utilise Lot 105 as a nesting area,
a more rigorous assessment of the Matters of National Environmental Significance Significant Impact
Guidelines v1.1 was carried out for this species. The Guidelines note:
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An action is likely to have a significant impact on a migratory species if there is a real chance or possibility
that it will:
>
substantially modify (including by fragmenting, altering fire regimes, altering nutrient cycles or
altering hydrological cycles), destroy or isolate an area of important habitat for a migratory
species
>
result in an invasive species that is harmful to the migratory species becoming established in an
area of important habitat for the migratory species, or
>
seriously disrupt the lifecycle (breeding, feeding, migration or resting behaviour) of an ecologically
significant proportion of the population of a migratory species.
The terms underlined above are defined in the Guideline. Below are the definitions along with an assessment
of whether they are triggered in the context of Lot 105:
Table 11-1:
Applicability of Guideline Definitions
Term
Definition
Response
Important habitat
a)
habitat utilised by a migratory species
occasionally or periodically within a region
that supports an ecologically significant
proportion of the population of the species,
and/or
The habitat on site does not represent an
ecologically significant proportion of the
population of the species.
b)
habitat that is of critical importance to the
species at particular life-cycle stages,
and/or
The nesting tree is of critical importance to the
species at a particular life-cycle stage.
c)
habitat utilised by a migratory species
which is at the limit of the species range,
and/or
The species is wide spread in coastal parts of
Australia.
d)
habitat within an area where the species is
declining.
O’Donnell & Debus (2012) speculate that the
population within the Tweed Coast and Gold
Coast may be declining.
Listed migratory species cover a broad range of
species with different life cycles and population
sizes. Therefore, what is an ‘ecologically
significant proportion’ of the population varies
with the species (each circumstance will need
to be evaluated). Some factors that should be
considered include the species’ population
status, genetic distinctiveness and species
specific behavioural patterns (for example, site
fidelity and dispersal rates).
SEWPaC
conservatively
estimates
the
Australian population of White-bellied seaeagle to be 500 breeding pairs, but
acknowledges that this is likely to be an
underestimate. By applying the conservative
estimate, the breeding pair utilising the nest on
site accounts for 0.2% of the national
population, which does not represent an
ecologically significant proportion.
Ecologically
Significant
Proportion
Despite the breeding pair not representing an Ecologically Significant Proportion of the population, the nest
tree represents Important Habitat and an assessment against the Guideline is therefore warranted. An
assessment of the likelihood that the project will result in a significant impact on the White-bellied Sea Eagle is
tabulated below:
Table 11-2:
Assessment of Significant Impact Potential
Criteria
Response
Substantially modify (including by
fragmenting, altering fire regimes,
altering nutrient cycles or altering
hydrological cycles), destroy or
isolate an area of important habitat
for a migratory species;
The nesting tree will remain intact and retained within the proposed buffer area
under a covenant or similar protective mechanism – foraging and other roosting
habitat are located outside of the study area. The tree is separated from the
proposed development footprint by at least 30m and will not be substantially
modified by altering fire regimes, nutrient cycles or hydrological cycles. Vistas
from the nest into quarry operations will be minimal and distant (approx. 250m)
and will be screened where possible. The tree will not be isolated from the
balance of the White-bellied sea-eagle’s habitat by the development proposal.
Result in an invasive species that is
harmful to the migratory species
The proposal will not result in the introduction of an invasive species that will be
harmful to the important habitat of the species. Management of the buffer will
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Criteria
Response
becoming established in an area of
important habitat for the migratory
species, or
reduce the extent of existing pest species on site.
Seriously
disrupt
the
lifecycle
(breeding, feeding, migration or
resting behaviour) of an ecologically
significant
proportion
of
the
population of a migratory species.
The proposal will not seriously disrupt the lifecycle of an ecologically significant
proportion of the population.
The assessment carried out as part of the EIS confirms that the project will not result in a significant impact on
the White-bellied sea-eagle as a migratory species scheduled under the EPBC Act.
11.5.5
Risk assessment for Scheduled Species
There is little risk that scheduled flora or fauna species will be directly impacted by the project. However, the
proposal has the potential to indirectly impact some of the species known to occur within the Study Area.
Potential indirect impacts on significant flora species have been identified as being:
>
changes to the microclimate that supports the threatened species;
>
dust resulting from construction and operation activities;
>
introduction of new weeds or pathogens in construction materials and planting stock;
>
uncontrolled public access to remnant vegetation;
>
inappropriate burning regimes; and
>
risks associated with any threatened species were not recorded during the survey;
The project’s potential indirect impacts on the White-bellied Sea Eagle have been identified as being:
>
Construction and operation impacts the nesting of the White-bellied Sea Eagles.
Section 6.4 of the Matters of National Environmental Significance Report provides specific particulars with
respect to the above described risks and the predicted impacts.
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11.6
Avoidance, Mitigation and Offset measures to reduce
the impacts to the MNES
11.6.1
Avoidance and reduction of impacts on MNES
The project seeks to avoid direct impacts on EPBC-listed threatened flora species. Specifically, the proposed
disturbance footprint does not encompass:
>
drainage lines and waterways that support Syzygium moorei (Durobby) or Taeniophyllum muelleri (Ribbon
Orchid);
>
the documented location of Marsdenia coronata (Slender Milkvine) and maintains an approximate 30m
buffer to its known locations; and
>
the nest site of the White-bellied Sea Eagle.
However, it is acknowledged that these matters of national environmental significance may be indirectly
impacted by the proposed action. Mitigation measures for the identified indirect impacts are therefore detailed
in the following section.
11.6.2
Mitigation Measures
A range of mitigation and monitoring measures are detailed in Table 11-3 and Table 11-4 in response to the
indirect impacts that have been identified with respect to significant flora species and the White-bellied Sea
Eagle.
Further to the specific mitigation measures that are identified, a number of general mitigation measures are
detailed within the Matters of National Environmental Significance Report. Best practice environmental
management measures have been detailed within an environmental management plan (EMP) to mitigate any
potential impacts to environmental values within the Study Area. Management measures will include a range
of actions that will not only benefit common species but also EPBC-listed species that are known to or
potentially utilise the habitats of Lot 105.
Section 7 of the Matters of National Environmental Significance Report provides the specific particulars of the
proposed mitigation and monitoring measures, while the Environmental Management Plan can be viewed in
Appendix UU.
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Environmental Impact Statement
341
Table 11-3:
Mitigation of Indirect Impacts on Flora Species
Potential Impact
Mitigation Measure
Monitoring
a)
Threatened
species
were not recorded
during the survey
The following mitigation measures are proposed:
> If located on site the species is to be translocated to an equivalent location within the buffer area.
>
If translocation is necessary then
monitoring will be required to
assess
the
success
of
translocation
b)
Changes
to
the
microclimate
that
supports threatened
species.
The design in part mitigates the potential indirect impacts by proving buffers to the Durobby (Syzygium
moorei) and Ribbon root orchid (Taeniophyllum muelleri) all of which are located along drainage lines
and waterways. Buffers in excess of 50m are provided to these species.
It is proposed that planting stock is established from seed Durobby (Syzygium moorei) to be used on
site for proposed restoration.
Monitoring is fundamental to determining whether a mitigation response is required. Natural systems
are dynamic. By way of example, the current study documented the natural attrition of threatened plant
species within the Mid Catchment Waterway. It will therefore be necessary to undertake monitoring
over time and take into account climatic conditions to ensure it accurately charts changes that can be
attributed to the proposed development. The following monitoring actions are proposed for species
within drainage lines and waterways along with the appropriate mitigation response.
> Monitor the population of threatened species specifically within the Mid Catchment and Northern
Catchment Waterways commencing prior to the establishment of earthworks. Information
attained prior to clearing will assist in establishing the baseline condition. Information collected
will include the number of individual threatened trees, a description of the health and vigour of
individual threatened trees, a count of the number of trees/shrubs on which the Ribbon root
orchid occurs and an estimate of the overall Ribbon root orchid population.
> For threatened species in the Mid-catchment Waterway upstream of the proposed sediment pond
and in the Northern catchment , if there is a decline in the health of trees or abundance of Ribbon
root orchid over 5 successive years that can be attributed to quarrying activities (e.g. changes in
hydrology) then implement the following mitigative steps (1) supplement flows in the waterway to
mimic the pre-clearing state; (2) if Ribbon root orchid continues to decline translocate a limited
number of specimens to the Southern Catchment waterway to establish a separate population.
> For threatened tree species in the Mid-catchment Waterway downstream of the proposed
sediment pond, if there is a decline in the health of trees over 5 successive years that can be
attributed to quarrying activities (e.g. changes in hydrology) then manage the volume of water
received by the vegetation.
>
In the case of the Ribbon Root
Orchid,
if
translocation
is
necessary then monitoring will be
required to assess the success of
translocation
Other monitoring outlined in the
mitigation measures
c)
Dust resulting from
construction
and
operational activities.
The following mitigation measures are proposed:
> An approximate 45m buffer is provided to the Slender milkvine (Marsdenia coronata), which
represents the threatened species most proximate to the disturbance footprint.
> Application of dust control measures as outlined in Katestone Environmental Air Quality
Assessment 2013 will be used to control dust levels on site.
Gold Coast Quarry
Environmental Impact Statement
>
>
>
Coincide monitoring with the
periods outlined in (i) above.
Monitor in accordance with
Katestone Environmental 2013 air
quality indicators, objectives and
guidelines.
342
Potential Impact
Mitigation Measure
Monitoring
d)
Introduction of new
weeds or pathogens in
construction materials
and planting stock
The following mitigation measures are proposed:
> Maximise use of materials sourced on site including topsoil and mulch generated from chipping of
cleared vegetation.
> As part of the environmental management plan measures to manage the introduction of materials
or planting stock are documented.
> Rehabilitate disturbed areas with plant species indigenous to the area. Local provenance planting
stock is preferentially used.
>
Condition monitoring of vegetation
communities.
e)
Uncontrolled
public
access to remnant
vegetation
>
Regular surveillance
f)
Inappropriate burning
regimes
>
Monitor the health of vegetation
adjacent to drainage lines
Table 11-4:
The following mitigation measures are proposed:
> Restrict access through fencing, site management and other physical barriers.
The following mitigation measures are proposed:
> Implement the Bushfire Management Plan. Significant Environmental areas are delineated in the
fire plan that incorporates fire sensitive vegetation/species.
Mitigation of Indirect Impacts on the White-Bellied Sea Eagle
Potential Impact
Mitigation Measure
Monitoring
Construction and operation
impacts the nesting of
Whitebellied Sea Eagles
>
>
>
>
Gold Coast Quarry
Environmental Impact Statement
The proposed setback limits views into the proposed pit and plant site. It may be necessary to
enhance the screening in the shrub and subcanopy layers through planting uphill of the nest
tree.
Reduce the likelihood of nest abandonment during a breeding season by adopting a similar
strategy to that developed by Ecosure in the management of a White-bellied sea-eagle’s nest on
Curtis Island. This involved covering the nest during the nesting season to discourage use for the
period while construction activities are underway. Specifically, this would apply only to the period
while the cut face immediately to the north of the nest site is being constructed during Phases
D1- D4 (i.e. approximately potentially for a maximum of 2 breeding cycles)
Monitor health of nesting tree
Monitor use of the nesting tree by
White-bellied sea-eagles. While it
is acknowledged that disturbance
will have a strong influence on
continued use of the site care will
be necessary in drawing this
conclusion because as some nest
sites that are free from human
disturbance fail to fledge young
and are sometimes abandoned
So & Lee (2010).
343
11.6.3
Offset Measures for Residual Impacts
The EIS and its various technical assessments have established that the project will have no residual impacts
on matters of National environmental significance. Offset measures under the EPBC Act are therefore not
necessary.
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Environmental Impact Statement
344
11.7
Monitoring and Reporting
Environmental monitoring will be undertaken as part of the project and will aim to observe and report on the
performance of proposed mitigation and management measures, with a focus on facilitating early intervention
and remediation of any identified non-compliance. Monitoring and reporting requirements for EPBC-listed
threatened and migratory species are outlined in Section 7 of the Matters of National Environmental
Significance Report.
The following monitoring actions will be carried out and will enable the adoption of an adaptive management
approach:
>
monitor areas of clearing to ensure that boundaries are demarcated and that clearing activities are
confined to the demarcated boundaries.
>
monitor areas of excavation for entrapped fauna.
>
monitor the effectiveness of weed management activities.
>
monitor the effectiveness erosion and sediment control devices.
>
monitor the success of rehabilitation works.
>
record details of all fauna captured by the spotter-catcher.
>
record all monitoring activities and results within the project’s environmental register.
11.8
Ecologically Sustainable Development Principles
Development and design of the Gold Coast Quarry project has incorporated ecologically sustainable
development as a fundamental principle. Further detail is provided at Chapter 9 of the EIS.
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Environmental Impact Statement
345