Environmental Impact Monitoring

8/3/2019 Environmental Impact Monitoring

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/environmental-impact-monitoring 1/20

ENVIRONMENTALIMPACT MONITORING

a guide for tourism operators



Table of Contents

1. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT MONITORING 1

2. WHY MONITOR 1

WHO ARE THESE GUIDELINES FOR? 2OBLIGATIONS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE AND MONITORING 2

CERTIFICATION AND ACCREDITATION 2

3. HOW TO MONITOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS 3

SIGNIFICANCE AND RISK 3

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT MONITORING - SOME TIPS 3

4. PREVENTING IMPACTS 4

ENVIRONMENTAL DUE DILIGENCE 4

PERMIT, LICENCE, ACCREDITATION AND LEGAL REQUIREMENTS 4

IMPACT ASSESSMENT 4

STAFF AND CLIENT RESPONSIBILITY, KNOWLEDGE AND BEHAVIOUR 4CONTINGENCY PLANNING AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS 5

CUSTOMER FEEDBACK 5

CONTINUAL IMPROVEMENT 5

5. WHAT TO MONITOR - ENVIRONMENTAL AND ACTIVITY CRITERIA 5

ENERGY 5

WATER 6

SOLID WASTE 7

LIQUID WASTE/EFFLUENT 7

NOISE 8

VISUAL/LIGHT 8

FUEL AND CHEMICAL STORAGE 8

EROSION 9

VEGETATION DAMAGE, LANDSCAPING AND REHABILITATION 9

WEEDS AND FERAL ANIMALS 10

VISITING NATIONAL PARKS AND NATURAL AREA MANAGEMENT 10

CAMPING AND BUSH PICNICKING 11

VEHICLE USE 11

ROCK CLIMBING AND ABSEILING 11

WILDLIFE 12

6. WHAT DOES IT ALL MEAN? 12

FINAL COMMENTS 13

CHECKLIST - MONITORING REQUIREMENTS FOR ACCOMMODATION, TOURS AND ATTRACTIONS 14

CHECKLIST - MONITORING REQUIREMENTS FOR DIFFERENT ACTIVITIES. 15

CONTACT DETAILS 16

FURTHER REFERENCES TO ASSIST MONITORING 17

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Tourism Queensland and the Queensland Environmental Protection Agency would like to thank allcontributors to this publication for their enthusiasm and commitment. Special thanks to GutteridgeHaskins & Davey.



'Environmental Impact Monitoring' involves observing, measuring andreporting on the surrounding environment in order to detect impacts, orunnatural changes to the environment such as those caused by humans.Impacts can include obvious damage like road kill, vegetation clearing,

pollution and erosion. They can also include less obvious but pervasiveimpacts like disturbance to animal breeding or the introduction of weeds.

Environmental Impact Monitoring can help ecotourism operators (includingnature-based tourism operators) to understand their own impacts andcontinue their work towards achieving sustainability in business operations.These guidelines will assist you to identify relevant criteria for assessing yourenvironmental impacts and provide suggestions on how to monitor theenvironmental impacts of your operation.

Although an important activity for ecotourism operators, environmentalimpact monitoring is often overlooked. Environmental impact monitoring canimprove environmental sustainability, and result in 'better business' throughidentifying areas of an operation where it might be possible to reduceconsumption of water, energy and goods. An environmental impactmonitoring program can help not only with understanding your impacts at thesites at which you operate, but also demonstrate your commitment toachieving best practice - particularly important for operators who accessNational Parks and other protected areas.

Monitoring is fundamental to understanding the relationship between atourism business and its surrounding environments, and is a crucial part of achieving ecological sustainability. Monitoring provides a structured formatfor periodically evaluating resource conditions, the affect of tourism onnatural areas and the effectiveness of environmental management andsustainability measures that have been implemented.

The Queensland Ecotourism Plan promotes monitoring as being one of thekey measures for helping to achieve ecotourism best practice. TheQueensland Ecotourism Plan suggests the main aspects of ecotourism thatshould be monitored are the ecotourism 'setting' (physical, social, culturaland managerial conditions of the ecotourism site); the 'product' (consumerexperiences and satisfaction); and the 'level and character of ecotourism use'(group size, group characteristics, travel style). This guide to EnvironmentalImpact Monitoring focuses on monitoring the ecotourism setting andoperational aspects of ecotourism businesses and activities.

Environmental Impact Monitoring has become more important for ecotourismoperators and managers as both industry and the public show greaterconcern for environmental degradation and sustainability. Protection of biodiversity and identification of opportunities for proactive environmentalmanagement are important reasons to undertake Environmental ImpactMonitoring.

PROTECTING BIODIVERSITY

Ultimately a successful ecotourism industry will depend on high qualitynatural attractions. This requires protected area managers, privatelandholders and operators to take a sensitive approach to natural areamanagement, visitor management and operating practices within andadjacent to protected and natural areas.

Cooperative relationships between the tourism industry and protected areamanagers (such as the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service and the GreatBarrier Reef Marine Park Authority), can benefit tourism businesses directlythrough improved resource management. Corrective actions can be moreeffective when operators work cooperatively with protected area managers,providing greater protection for natural settings and their biodiversity andmaintaining key elements of visitor experiences.

PROACTIVE MANAGEMENT Environmental impact monitoring undertaken by ecotourism operators canprovide an early warning that environmental stresses are occurring. Whereenvironmental management needs are identified at an early stage, timelyaction can be taken to ensure the least possible damage to the environmentand disruption to a business operation.

1.

EnvironmentalImpact Monitoring Why Monitor

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT MONITORING BY TOURISM OPERATORS:

• makes good business sense in terms of protecting the natural assets of tourism

• enables businesses to be proactive in managing their impacts and avoidingrestrictive regulations

• assists agencies to effectively manage and avoid environmental degradation of protected areas.

1 2


http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/environmental-impact-monitoring 4/202.

Why Monitor (cont.)2WHO ARE THESE GUIDELINES FOR?

These guidelines are relevant to ecotourism attractions and accommodation,as well as tours including a wide range of activities. All tourism operatorsinterested in improving their environmental sustainability and reducing costs

through eco-efficiency can use this manual to monitor their impacts. Theguidelines apply to operations in all types of environments whether they arein protected areas (such as national parks or marine parks) or private lands.The guidelines will also be of interest to land managers involved inmanagement of tourism activities.

The impact monitoring criteria outlined in the guidelines are suggestions andideas that can assist with monitoring the impacts of your individualoperations. It is important to note that most of the criteria and monitoringactivities can be modified and adapted to suit the needs of individualoperations, catering for variations in activity style or environmental or'setting' conditions.

These guidelines address the key areas of environmental impact that mayarise from tourism operations however they are not exhaustive. Tourismoperators will need to ensure they have a monitoring program in place that

will address all the key impacts of their operation, particularly those impactsunique to their operation.

OBLIGATIONS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE ANDMONITORING

Environmental impact monitoring is not only a worthwhile exercise in termsof the environmental and business benefits - there are also legal obligationsthat require environmental performance and monitoring. Queensland'sEnvironmental Protection Act 1994 imposes a 'general environmental duty'on all persons (and businesses) in the state. The 'general environmentalduty' requires that people do not wilfully or negligently cause environmentalharm or nuisance. It also places an onus on all persons to inform the relevantadministering authority (generally the Environmental Protection Agency orlocal Council) of serious or material environmental harm caused or

threatened.

CERTIFICATION AND ACCREDITATION

There are two key environmental certification schemes for tourism operatorsin Australia, and both require accredited products to monitor theirenvironmental impact and performance.

The Nature and Ecotourism Accreditation Program (NEAP) emphasisesfeatures that differentiate ecotourism from other forms of tourism.Accreditation at the ‘Advanced Ecotourism Accreditation’ level requires a highpercentage of available bonus criteria. In most instances, tourism businessesmeeting ‘Advanced Ecotourism Accreditation’ or ‘Ecotourism Accreditation’level will need to undertake environmental impact monitoring to meet theaccreditation criteria.

The Green Globe 21 accreditation system focuses on the sustainability of many sectors within the tourism industry, from aviation to golf courses anddestinations. Green Globe includes a Sector Performance Indicator fornature and ecotourism that is being developed cooperatively with NEAP. AllGreen Globe 21 certified companies need to monitor key environmentalindicators.

NATURE CONSERVATION REGULATION

The Nature Conservation Regulation 1996 outlines requirements of personsvisiting facilities located within a Protected Area (eg National Parks, ConservationParks). A person must obey all regulatory signs and must not:

a) Defecate within 10m of a lake, watercourse or walking track.

b) Bury or leave human wastes within 10m of a lake, watercourse,established or occupied campsite or walking track.

c) Pollute a lake or watercourse (using soap, detergent, shampoo orputting grease or a harmful or dangerous substance in the vicinity of alake or watercourse).

d) Interfere with or damage a water supply or water storage facility.

e) Allow water from taps to run unchecked.

f) Wash a vehicle, clothing, cooking utensils or anything else in a lakeor watercourse.

g) Allow an animal in a person's possession in a lake or watercourse.

h) Take or keep any plant, animal or living organism out of the park.

i) Feed any dangerous animal.

j) Litter.Specific instructions are made for the use of vehicles, boats and recreational craft.Further, tourism businesses operating in National Parks require a commercialactivity permit. These usually have specific conditions relating to the touritineraries, activities and parks visited.

ECOLOGICALLY SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Ecologically sustainable development involves using, conserving, and enhancing thecommunities' resources so that ecological processes on which life depends aremaintained, and the total quality of life, now and in the future, can be increased.



DETECTING CHANGE

Most monitoring undertaken by ecotourism businesses will be useful inidentifying broad trends. Where ecotourism activities have been identified as'high risk', or very likely to cause serious environmental impacts, specialist adviceon impact monitoring and environmental management should be considered. TheEnvironmental Protection Agency may be able to assist, see contact details onpage 16.

WHEN YOU ARE THE ONLY ONE USING A SITE...

Ecotourism operators rarely have exclusive access to sites on public land - otheroperators and the public also access most sites. In most cases, impacts cannot beattributed to just one user. Where others also use a site, there is no need to

estimate the proportion of impacts being caused by your operations. Theimportant outcome from monitoring is to detect change and where necessary takemitigative action. Where impacts are detected at a site with multiple users, it maybe useful to work with other operators and land managers to implementmanagement actions that will help to address the impacts.

3.

How to Monitor Environmental Impacts

Tourism businesses often undertake a range of activities in various locations.Firstly, you will need to identify the indicators that are relevant to youroperation as not all businesses will need to monitor all indicators. Impactswill vary according to the type of operation, activities and settings in which

you operate.This section describes some key concepts related to Environmental ImpactMonitoring. Understanding how these concepts relate to your operations willprovide a useful context for deciding which criteria you need to monitor.

SIGNIFICANCE AND RISK

There are two key aspects in determining what to monitor and why certainindicators should be used: the conservation significance of the area; and thelikelihood or 'risk' of impacts on these conservation values.

1. Understanding the conservation significance of an area

Ecotourism operators usually have a good understanding of the nature

conservation values of the area(s) in which they operate. It is theseconservation values that are often a key attraction of the operation and thatconstitute the basis of interpretative programs. It is necessary to take a moretechnical look at these conservation values and their significance, includingidentifying the intrinsic values of a locality. The key steps are:

• identify particular endangered species at the site;

• identify threatening processes (eg wildlife road kill, habitat loss.);

• identify key resources which affect the viability of wildlife species(eg seagrass for dugong);

• identify the conservation significance of the regional ecosystem(s);

• identify any formal recognition of the conservation value, and thefeatures that make the area important (eg listing on the Register of the National Estate, Ramsar Wetlands, World Heritage listing);

• identify key ecosystem processes vital to the long term conservationof ecosystems and threatened species (eg. fire regimes that provideconditions necessary for particular vegetation types to regenerate).

2. Identify the risks

When the conservation values of a site are identified, you need to considerthe likelihood of impacts resulting from the normal operation of youractivities and also the possibility of one off events (‘accidents’) and theirpotential consequences.

Impact assessment studies are used to identify environmental risks for aproposed development. Larger tourism businesses may have planningapplications or environmental impacts assessment reports that identify keyrisks. To assess the risks, consider:

• How could an impact occur?

• If it occurred, how great is the risk or what would the magnitude andduration of the impact be, and would it be reversible?

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT MONITORING - SOME TIPS

Repeatable Monitoring

Even with limited time, equipment and finances available to undertakeimpact monitoring, a realistic impact monitoring program can still bedeveloped and incorporated into your activities. You may need to prioritisethe indicators you will use for impact monitoring to ensure the mostimportant, useful and practicable information is being collected.

The important thing is for the monitoring program to be consistent andrepeatable. Monitoring procedures should measure the same indicators overtime and monitoring methods should be simple to ensure they can be

accurately repeated by different people. For instance, monitoring usingphotographic records will be most effective if the photo is taken from thesame location each time to ensure comparable records are developed.

Determining Monitoring Priorities

Environmental impact monitoring priorities can be determined byconsidering:

• Indicators that are practical and easy to monitor.

• Indicators that will detect change - they will provide you with themost useful information.

• Monitoring that can involve your clients through interpretive oractivity programs.

• Indicators that will detect impacts resulting from your operations -some indicators will detect environmental impacts that are notrelated to your operation.

Choose appropriate impact monitoring criteria

Identify the criteria that are relevant to your operation in terms of:

a) possible impact prevention measures your business could incorporate;

b) whether your product is a tour, attraction or accommodation; and,

c) the activities you undertake - activity specific criteria are providedalong with general monitoring criteria.

A Cooperative Approach

While many aspects of environmental impact monitoring by ecotourismoperators can be undertaken on an individual basis, other aspects canbenefit from a cooperative approach - either through cooperating with othertourism operators or protected area managers, educational and researchinstitutions, community and environmental groups. Often a cooperativeapproach can save money and resources and provide higher quality results.Willingness to cooperate can create goodwill and good working relationshipswith other operators, agencies and stakeholders.

NEED HELP IN IDENTIFYING CONSERVATION VALUES?

There are a number of sources of information that can help to identify conservationvalues of an area. These can include National Park and or Marine Park managementplans, and environmental impact assessment reports for the tourism business itself or for other proposals in the area. The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service mayalso be able to help. The Queensland Herbarium also holds flora records and theQueensland Museum holds fauna records. The Nature Conservation Act 1992 liststhe conservation status of species (rare, endangered etc) and the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Commonwealth) listsconservation status of species at a national level. Sattler and Williams (1999) listthe conservation status of regional ecosystems throughout Queensland.

For some species, there are Conservation Plans and/or Recovery Plans (publishedby the Environmental Protection Agency or Environment Australia, which give thethreatening processes and other information on the important conservation issuesfor those species.

NEED HELP?

Queensland has a range of research and management initiatives that may be able tohelp with developing and implementing monitoring programs. Try contacting the

Environmental Protection Agency, Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, GreatBarrier Reef Marine Park Authority, Coastcare, Landcare, Waterwatch, and theCooperative Research Centres (Rainforest, Reef, Savannah and SustainableTourism). See p. 16 for contact details.

3



This section provides some guidance on how to prevent impacts fromoccurring. Preventing impacts from occurring is preferable to managing orregenerating a site where impacts have occurred.

The following example illustrates how Impact Monitoring Guidelines forcriteria in this section are presented:

ENVIRONMENTAL DUE DILIGENCE

‘Environmental due diligence’ is a recognised basis of best practiceenvironmental management. Environmental management systems andimpact monitoring programs can help increase operators' understanding of environmental management and gain a better understanding of what ishappening ‘on the ground’.

To demonstrate environmental due diligence, operators must have anunderstanding of their legal requirements, the activities undertaken

(including both those of staff and clients), and have a system in place to dealwith contingencies and record any actions taken. Operational staff need tobe trained to meet these environmental requirements.

Review environmental management obligations and organisational

management structure, reporting procedures, etc. to evaluate the

business' implementation of environmental due diligence.

ANNUALLY

PERMIT, LICENCE, ACCREDITATION AND LEGAL REQUIREMENTS

When starting up ecotourism operations it is often necessary to obtainpermits, licenses and other approvals - many of which will require compliancewith set environmental standards. Ecotourism operations should bereviewed to ensure compliance with permit and licence conditions, and thatthe claims made in applications for accreditation are implemented.

Review the environmental laws, standards and codes of conduct that apply

to your operation. Review information on the conservation values of the

area(s) visited.

Review compliance with requirements of permits, licences and

accreditation obligations. ANNUALLY

IMPACT ASSESSMENT

Environmental impact studies (EIS) are often prepared in the developmentstages of ecotourism accommodation and attractions. However, afterconstruction and initial establishment, the conclusions and mitigationstrategies in the EIS may not be referred to.

Review compliance with mitigation strategies in EIS and evaluate the

conclusions of risks and significance of impact with actual achievements.

ANNUALLY

STAFF AND CLIENT RESPONSIBILITY, KNOWLEDGE ANDBEHAVIOUR

Staff training and awareness of environmental management responsibilitiescan help ensure staff follow set procedures to minimise environmentalimpacts.

Review staff orientation, training and briefing documents, and processes to

ensure they include all relevant aspects in relation to environmental

compliance, impact minimisation and monitoring.

Review staff duty statements (where applicable) to ensure they include

relevant environmental compliance, impact minimisation and monitoring.

ANNUALLY

Monitor staff awareness of environmental responsibilities.

Encourage guides and client contact staff to keep a log or diary of

unacceptable client behaviour. Review the diary regularly to identify trends

that need to be addressed. Work with staff to identify techniques to modify

client behaviour.

QUARTERLY

sample

Aspect

Suggestedfrequency formonitoring

Backgroundinformation onaspect

GREY WATER

Grey water includes waste from sinks, showers, andhand-washing basins. Grey water has the potentialto impact on water quality and aquatic floraand fauna.

How to monitoraspect

Monitor volume of greywater generated by

recording pump operating hours. Calculate the

volume generated by multiplying the number of

minutes the pump has operated by the flow rate of

the pump in minutes (where pumps are on a

separate electricity tariff, it may be more practical to

monitor power consumption). Inspect for evidence

of ponding at disposal or evapotranspiration areas.

DUE DILIGENCE

Environmental Due Diligence can be defined as “taking reasonable andpractical measures to prevent environmental damage that an organisation cancreate by its activities, products and services”. By making an assessment of potential impacts and methods of addressing these impacts operators can ensurethey understand and meet their environmental obligations as set out in the

Environmental Protection Act 1994 or permit or licence conditions. Implementingenvironmental ‘Due Diligence’ is a fundamental aspect of achieving ecologicalsustainability.

MONTHLY

ISO 14001

ISO 14001 is the International Standard for Environmental Management Systems -Specification with Guidance for Use. It describes the elements of an effectiveenvironmental management system. The standard is applicable to all types andsizes of organisations. The main elements are:

• Setting and maintaining an Environmental Policy

• Planning

• Implementation and Operation

• Checking and Corrective Action

• Management Review.

Preventing Impacts4



CONTINGENCY PLANNING AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

Developing emergency responses is an important part of achievingenvironmental sustainability. Ecotourism businesses need to consideractions required to minimise environmental harm in the event of anenvironmental incident (eg. oil spills, sinking or grounding of vessels, sewagetreatment plants failure).

Review contingency plans to ensure that in the case of an emergency all

possible environmental harm is addressed. Monitor to ensure necessary

emergency equipment (oil spill kits, fire fighting equipment) is available and

suitably maintained. Ensure relevant staff have appropriate skills/training

(eg. First Aid).

QUARTERLY

CUSTOMER FEEDBACK

Feedback from clients, staff, other tourism businesses, protected areamanagers and the public can be indicators of environmental impacts. Thereare times where observations by other people or groups provide a differentbut very useful perspective that may not otherwise be obvious. Customerfeedback may be able to be incorporated into an operation's interpretiveprogram to give guests a 'hands on' involvement in managing theirenvironmental impact.

Keep a register of feedback provided by clients, other operators, agencies

and the local community, including any complaints and the corrective

measures implemented. Review to identify trends and develop mitigation strategies to avoid impacts in the future.

QUARTERLY

CONTINUAL IMPROVEMENT

Continual improvement is a process of enhancing the environmentalmanagement procedures to achieve improvements in overall environmentalperformance. Continual improvement involves reviewing environmentalperformance to identify opportunities for enhancing environmental bestpractice measures.

Review environmental performance with the aim of identifying opportunities

for improvement. Improvements may be achieved by - making changes to the

structure or responsibilities of staffing; improved training and awareness;

improved preparedness and response arrangement; and better record keeping.

ANNUALLY

This section provides background information and suggestions formonitoring a range of environmental 'aspects', including physical elementsof the environment such as:

• Water • Fires

• Erosion • Weeds and Feral Animals• Landscaping and Rehabilitation

This section also provides monitoring criteria for the following elements of tourism operations that can interact with the environment:

• Energy • Solid Waste• Human Waste • Noise• Visual/Light • Fuel Storage• Natural Area Management

The monitoring criteria in this section are relevant to a wide range of tourismbusinesses and activities, however not all operations will need to monitoreach of the environmental aspects that are presented.

Not all operations will need to monitor using all of the criteria provided. To

assist in determining which criteria are relevant to your operation, checklistsindicating which criteria are relevant to accommodation, attractions andtours as well as specific activities can be found on page 15.

The following example illustrates how Impact Monitoring Guidelines forcriteria in this section are presented:

ENERGY

Energy use is often taken for granted, but it is well known that energyproduction is a major contributor to the production of greenhouse gases.Furthermore, energy use can be one of the largest financial costs associatedwith running a tourism operation. Though greenhouse gases are a natural

part of the earth's atmosphere, the by-products of energy consumption cancause an 'unnatural' increase in concentrations of these atmospheric gases.This in turn has created climate change, better known as the 'GreenhouseEffect'.

Greenhouse gas emissions can be minimised several different ways. Forexample, 'green energy' such as wind, solar and water (renewable resources)can be substituted for coal-fired power. Efficient energy use involves bothminimising energy waste and taking steps to improve energy efficiency. Thismight include the introduction of mechanisms to turn off air-conditioning andlighting when not in use, and the installation of compact fluorescent lightbulbs and better maintenance of equipment.

The energy efficiency of tourism operations can be assessed by monitoringconsumption of various forms of energy. Operators can calculate greenhousegas emissions associated with their operations, and thereby better

understand their own impacts and assess the effectiveness of energyconservation measures.

There are two options for monitoring energy usage. The most simple methodis to simply monitor the amount of energy consumed, including electricity(kWh on electricity bills); diesel and petrol (litres used by vehicles, machineryand generators); and LPG or Natural Gas consumed (in kilos).

5.

What to Monitor -Environmental and Activity Criteria

sampleAspect

Suggestedfrequency formonitoring

Backgroundinformation onaspect

WATER

Lack of management of demand for water can leadto unnecessarily high levels of consumption. Whereoperators extract water from creeks, rivers, dams orbores, it is necessary to ensure that etc.

How to monitoraspect

Monitor the standing water level in creeks, rivers or dams at the water supply intake point. Monitor the

groundwater level in water bores. Record

monitoring results in a graph form with 'WATER

CONSUMPTION' and 'WATER LEVEL' plotted over

time.

MONTHLY

Water ExtractionSub - Aspect

5



A more comprehensive monitoring program would monitor each of thecriteria set out below, measuring the total amount of energy consumed,determining the amount of consumption per client and calculating theamount of greenhouse gas emitted based on the amount of energy used.

The key to both approaches is to monitor any changes in energy consumptionlevels and monitor the effectiveness of any energy efficiency measures youimplement.

Monitor:

• Grid electricity consumed (kWh). Refer to power bill and record kWh

for each quarter

• Diesel and petrol consumed (in Litres) by vehicles, machinery

and generators

• LPG or Natural Gas consumed (kg)

Calculate:

• Total energy consumption in kWh (use formulas to convert fuels and

gases to kWh)

• Energy use per guest/client (divide total energy in kWh by the total

number of guests/clients)

Assess:

• Compare changes in energy use over time

• Compare energy use per guest/client with benchmark values

QUARTERLY

The table below allows you to not only identify your current total energy usebut also to identify the impact of this energy use on the environment.Minimising energy use will also reduce your impact on the environment.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Record energy consumption figures for different (non-renewable) energy

sources. Use the above calculation sheet to calculate the total greenhouse

gas emissions per visitor or equivalent client.

ANNUALLY

Energy Eco-Efficiency

As eco-efficiency measures are implemented, monitor reduction in energy

consumption per guest over time.

QUARTERLY

WATER

Lack of management of demand for water can lead to unnecessarily highlevels of consumption. Where operators extract water from creeks, rivers,dams or bores, it is necessary to ensure that water extraction rates aresustainable. Over extraction of ground or surface water can lead to salt watercontamination or the reduction in downstream environmental flows.

Operators can monitor their current water usage patterns to identifyopportunities for improved efficiency in water usage. Reductions in wateruse can be achieved by fixing leaking taps, installing flow control equipmentinto showers and taps, and better watering practices in garden areas.Minimising extraction can lead to savings in water pumping and treatment

costs, as well as savings in excess water consumption charges that may applyto operations that utilise mains water. In the bigger picture, a reduction inwater usage can reduce the need for dams and other water storage facilitieswhich will not only benefit the environment, but also save the communitymoney.

Water Extraction

Monitor the standing water level in creeks, rivers or dams at the water supply

intake point. Monitor the groundwater level in water bores. Record

monitoring results in a graph form with 'WATER CONSUMPTION' and 'WATER

LEVEL' plotted over time.

FORTNIGHTLY

Water Use

Record the amount of water consumed each month to develop an annual

profile of water usage. Refer to water bills or rates notices for water

consumption. It is usually given in 'kL' (kilolitres - One kilolitre equals 1000

litres).

Calculate the average water consumption per guest per day for each month

(the per capita consumption rate).

Based on per capita consumption rates, has water use increased? If so, was

there a good reason (e.g. hot, dry weather)? If not, is water being wasted or

could it be used more efficiently?

MONTHLY

Water Eco-Efficiency As eco-efficiency measures are implemented, monitor the reduction in water

consumption per guest over time.

QUARTERLY

ENERGY ENERGY CONVERSION ENERGY GREENHOUSESOURCE USED FACTORS (kWh) GAS

kg CO2 equivalent

[A] [B] [C] [A]x[B] [A]x[C]

Electricity _____kWh x 1.0 1.05 =

Diesel _____L x 10.1 2.7 =

Petrol _____L x 9.5 2.24 =

Gas (LPG) _____kg x 13.9 3.2 =

Gas _____kg x 14.2 2.97 =

(Natural)

TOTAL [X]

Equivalent Number of Clients* [Y]

ENERGY OR GREENHOUSE GASES/GUEST [X/Y]

* - 'Equivalent Clients' should represent the number of guests who visit your attraction/hotel or

take part in tours. (eg. A group of 100 visitors who are at a facility for 1/4 of a day, will represent25 Equivalent Guests)

ECO-EFFICIENCY - WHAT IS IT?

Eco-efficiency refers to environmental performance or efficiency in relation to thefollowing (examples are given):

• Raw Material Use (minimise packaging, minimise wastage)

• Energy Use (use energy efficient appliances and lighting)

• Water Use (installing low-flow shower heads, using water efficientwashing machines, avoiding unnecessary washing)

• Waste Generated (segregation of waste streams, composting, recycling)

• Improved Management Practices and Technology

• Training (staff awareness of eco-efficiency practices)

What to Monitor -Environmental and Activity Criteria (cont.)

5



SOLID WASTE

Australia's per capita waste generation is approximately one tonne perperson per year - one of the highest rates in the world. Poor wastemanagement (storage and disposal) can lead to problems of visual pollution,odour issues for guests and neighbours and pollution of waterways. Poorwaste management may also directly affect wildlife through changing feedinghabits (scavenging) or contributing directly to the death of animals (sea birds,turtles).

Solid waste can be reduced by minimising the use of raw materials andpackaging and implementing a reuse or recycling program. Minimising thegeneration of solid waste may include changes in purchasing policy (forexample purchase products in recyclable or reusable containers, buyproducts in bulk to minimise individual packaging), or introduction of newtechnologies such as composting.

Solid Waste Generation

Monitoring volumes of solid waste can be done by recording the amount of

waste removed for disposal off-site by staff and contractors. Review invoices

for volume collected or count the number of bins collected on a weekly or

daily basis.

Waste associated with organisation of tours (office and administration

waste) as well as waste generated in the course of the actual tour (eg. food

packaging and lunch scraps) should be recorded.

QUARTERLY

Recycling/Reuse

Consider options for reuse or recycling of solid waste (particularly organic

wastes and packaging materials). Monitor and record the proportion of solid

waste that is (1) reused; and (2) recycled.

QUARTERLY

Solid Waste Eco-Efficiency

Review opportunities to reduce packaging associated with raw materials

purchased. As eco-efficiency measures are implemented, monitor the

reduction in solid waste.

QUARTERLY

Litter

Litter can create aesthetic impacts, affecting the experience of clients, andcan also cause harm to wildlife. Litter is a cultural issue as well as being partof poor waste management and handling practices.

Monitor the amount of litter in a given area by counting the number of pieces

of litter visible. For tracks or roads count the number of pieces of litter per 100

metres of track. Record the results and compare them with previous

monitoring results.

QUARTERLY

LIQUID WASTE/EFFLUENT

Liquid waste (effluent & ‘grey water’) results from the use of facilities such astoilets and laundries. The amount of liquid waste generated will depend onthe type of facilities that are supplied and their level of use.

Waste water can result in negative environmental impacts if not treated ordisposed of correctly. Problems may include contamination of waterways andground water, ponding on the soil surface which can ultimately affect floraand fauna.

Often ‘land disposal’ or irrigation of treated effluent is the best means of sustainable disposal of treated sewage. However, irrigation rates must be

low enough to ensure that the liquid evaporates or is taken up by vegetation('evapotranspiration'), rather than seeping through to groundwater orrunning into creeks. During wet weather the soils can become saturated tothe point where effluent either runs off or ponds on the soil surface.

Treated effluent and grey water may be reused to reduce the amount of cleanwater used for things such as watering gardens, or in toilets. Where treatedeffluent and/or greywater are irrigated ('effluent reuse' or 'land disposal'),soil health can be impacted by nutrients and salinity. Whilst nutrients such asnitrogen and phosphorous are required for plant growth, under effluentirrigation they can increase to levels that are toxic to plants. The nutrientstatus of soils can impact on the health of vegetation and in extreme casescan cause vegetation dieback. Before developing and implementing wastedisposal plans, government and local council environmental requirementsshould be checked.

Vessels and buses sometimes provide holding tanks for storage of sewage.Sewage is regularly pumped out for disposal and treatment. The mostsignificant potential impact is the inappropriate disposal or spillage of thismaterial.

Bush disposal of human waste presents a risk to human health and anamenity issue if it occurs too close to general use areas. It also has thepotential to impact on water quality.

Sewage Treatment

Monitor effluent quality by a settling rate test. Take a sample in a standard

sized glass jar and record the time taken for suspended solids to settle.

MONTHLY

Septic Tanks

Septic tanks should be inspected (particularly in periods of high rainfall) for

evidence of ponding at disposal/evapotranspiration areas.

WEEKLY

Grey water

Grey water includes waste from sinks, showers, and hand-washing basins.Grey water has the potential to impact on water quality and aquatic flora andfauna.

Monitor volume of grey water generated by recording pump operating hours.

Calculate the volume generated by multiplying the number of minutes the

pump has operated by the flow rate of the pump in minutes. Where pumpsare on a separate electricity tariff, it may be more practical to monitor power

consumption. Inspect for evidence of ponding at disposal and

evapotranspiration areas.

MONTHLY



Effluent Irrigation

Inspect irrigation areas for evidence of ponding or run off. Where ponding is

occurring, increasing the irrigated area will reduce the application rate. If

ponding is only occurring during wet weather, increase the size of wet

weather storage tanks so that it is not necessary to irrigate during wet weather.

WEEKLY

Visually inspect effluent irrigation area for impact on vegetation.

ONGOING

Holding Tanks

Monitor the integrity of holding tanks, hoses and pipes by physical

inspection. Look for signs of drips, leaks and cracks (particularly

around fittings).

Monitor volume of discharges to approved pump-outs and approved oceandischarge.

On vessels where freshwater is used for toilet flushing, monitor the volume of

freshwater taken on-board and the volume pump-out.

MONTHLY

Bush Disposal

Walk around campsites, picnic areas, lunch spots, smoko stops and rest

areas at 20-100 metres distance and check banks of nearby watercourses.

Count the number of 'deposits' based on soil disturbance.

MONTHLY

NOISE

Noise from ecotourism operations can detract from the quality of visitorexperiences and from the amenity of local residents as well as impacting onthe natural environment (such as breeding and behaviour of fauna). The term‘natural quiet’ is commonly used to describe noise levels in natural areas.That is, the general noise level, excluding discernible human noises. In

natural areas, noise levels should be assessed in terms of their intrusivenesscompared to the 'natural quiet' level.

Natural Quiet

Move to the nearest public area or campsite and see if it is 'natural quiet'. If

not, record what type of noise can be detected.

MONTHLY

VISUAL/LIGHT

'Light Spill' is light that escapes from a site and lights up adjoining areas.Light spill can cause environmental nuisance to neighbours and guests, andcan impact on nocturnal fauna.

Go to the nearest light sensitive place (usually adjacent bushland or

neighbouring property) and see whether light 'spills' from the site. If so,

measure the furthest distance that light spills past the boundary of the site.

Consider options to reduce light spill including the use of lower wattage

bulbs and 'spot' lighting or directional lights, in favour of 'wash' lighting

such as streetlights.

QUARTERLY

FUEL AND CHEMICAL STORAGE

Storing fuel, petroleum-based products or chemicals presents a risk of landand water contamination from spills. Permanent fuel and bulk chemicalstorages should be contained ('bunded') so that in the event of a spill, fuelwill be trapped. Storage tanks should be located within a hardstand area (eg.concrete slab) surrounded by a concrete perimeter bund. Any spillage withinthe bund should be collected immediately to prevent overflow or mixing withuncontaminated stormwater (particularly if the storage is not covered).Collected fuel or chemicals should be stored safely for disposal by a licensedtrade waste contractor. Check with your local council to find out anyrequirements for storage of fuel.

Monitor the condition of the bund and any valves or drain points. Inspect bunding and the concrete slab for cracks or joints where any spills could

escape. Check that valves are operational and remain closed.

DAILY

Monitor the collection and disposal of rainwater that collects inside the fuel

tank bunding. Check whether rainwater has accumulated inside the bund

(even for fuel storages that are roofed, wind-blown rain can collect). Check

that any uncontaminated water is pumped out from inside the bund so

sufficient capacity is available to trap a potential spill.

AFTER RAINFALL

Monitor downstream drains or waterways for any evidence of vegetation

dieback or oil or fuel sheen on the water surface. Walk downstream alongwaterways and drainage lines undertaking a visual inspection of vegetation.

Vegetation dieback should be assessed by monitoring the number of

individual trees in decline or the area of vegetation affected. Fuel spills can

usually be detected as a shiny sheen on the water surface and by odour.

MONTHLY

For fuel tanks with bowser type pumps, monitor both the volume of fuel

delivered to the tank, and the volume of fuel dispensed. Volumes 'in' and

'out' should be correlated. A discrepancy can indicate a leak in the tank.

MONTHLY

Monitor the integrity of underground tanks by pressure testing. Contractorsthat supply and install fuel tanks are able to 'pressure test' fuel tanks to

check for leaks. The procedure involves emptying the tanks and pumping

pressurised air into the tanks and monitoring any pressure drop.

ANNUALLY

8.

THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION POLICY FOR NOISE AIMS TO:

• Protect and enhance the acoustic environment (to ensure the well-being of thecommunity and individuals, for assurance of their opportunity to have sleep,relaxation and conversation without unreasonable interference from intrusivenoises; and

• Ensure that acoustic quality objectives are kept at an acceptable level and donot allow for the deterioration of the natural environment.

The policy allows for management and licensing for noise making activities. Whensetting criteria, the potential level of impact on the surrounding users and possibleabatement measures are considered.


5

SEWAGE TREATMENT AND THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ACT

In Queensland all sewage treatment plants (including septic systems) with acapacity greater than 20 'Equivalent Persons' (EP) require an EnvironmentalAuthority (licence), issued under the Environmental Protection Act. Where this isthe case, the Authority usually includes specific monitoring requirements foreffluent quality. They often also include a requirement to monitor the ongoingquality of receiving waters.



EROSION

Erosion is a problem commonly associated with visitation to natural areas.Erosion is generally caused by site disturbance, such as where vegetation hasbeen cleared. Vehicles and vessel access points to waterways, mountainbikes, pedestrians, removal of vegetation for camping or fuel may all lead toerosion events. When vulnerable sites start to erode, elements such as windand water can extend the problem. Stopping erosion events once they havestarted is difficult and may require some form of either engineering works (tostabilise) or closure (tracks, camping grounds) for regeneration purposes.

Erosion can result in sedimentation of downstream waterways, causing waterquality impacts such as increased turbidity. It can also cause loss of topsoilthat can negatively impact on vegetation. An increase in the number of erosion sites or the extent of erosion indicates that a negative impact isoccurring. Inspect downstream drainage lines for sedimentation. Where soilis eroded by overland stormwater flow, it will be deposited downstream.

Fin damage to coral is the most likely impact associated with snorkelling andscuba diving. Inexperienced users are mostly likely to cause damage to coralby inadvertently kicking it with fins or by standing on it.

Take a photographic record of potential erosion sites and/or the extent of

erosion at known problem sites (creek crossings, steep climbs, camp sites,

river banks and roadways). The extent of erosion can also be recorded on

maps or plans if they are available. Erosion should be photographed from

'repeatable' locations.

Take a photographic record of key coral sites at snorkel and dive locations tomeasure coral damage or health over time.

ANNUALLY

Sample the turbidity or suspended solids of the nearest downstream

standing water body by doing a settling test. Take a sample in a standard

sized glass jar and record the time taken for suspended solids to settle.

Where suspended solids take a long time (more than 1 hour) they are likely to

stop light passing through the water that can affect water quality. Ensure you

do not disturb the water while gathering your sample as this could affect

your result.

QUARTERLY

Monitor erosion of waterways or gullies by checking sediment levels in

relatively still pools downstream. If necessary, insert a stake as a reference

point to measure siltation levels.

QUARTERLY

VEGETATION DAMAGE, LANDSCAPING AND REHABILITATION

Adhering to minimal Impact Codes of Practice relating to specific ecotourismactivities can clearly assist with avoiding damage to vegetation, and a needfor landscaping and rehabilitation. If unmanaged, visitation to campingareas, picnic areas and rest areas can result in clearing and vegetationdamage. Vehicle and mountain bike use in areas with no clearly markedtracks can also lead to vegetation damage. Damage to vegetation can alsooccur from abseiling and belaying tie points where ropes and slings are tiedaround tree trunks and other natural features. Uncontrolled access aroundraft and kayak entry points to waterways can lead to vegetation damage andassociated erosion.

Cleared or degraded areas should be landscaped or rehabilitated to avoid anyfurther erosion or spread of weeds. Where possible landscaping andrehabilitation should aim to restore land to a state consistent with thesurrounding natural environment.

Monitor the progress of landscaping or rehabilitation by assessing the

number and extent of weeds, the percentage of vegetation cover and the

extent of erosion. Where maps or plans of the area are available, mark the

extent of weeds, erosion, and percentage vegetation cover.

QUARTERLY

Take a photographic record of the extent of clearing for campsites and the

extent of vegetation damage at any watering point near campsites.Photographs should be compared with previous monitoring records to

determine whether any additional clearing has occurred. Where maps or

plans of the site are available, mark the extent of damage for future reference.

If a cleared area is increasing (ie. clearing is occurring faster than vegetation

re-grows), a negative impact is occurring and action required.

SIX MONTHLY

Take a photographic record of the extent of vegetation cover or damage at

known problem sites. Photographs should be taken from elevated

repeatable locations. Photographic records should be compared with

previous results with consideration of the season. If an area of vegetation

damage is increasing management action to address the problem will

be required.

QUARTERLY

At rock climbing sites, monitor the state of vegetation at the top of abseils.

Take a photographic record of vegetation damage, especially at anchor

points. If an area of vegetation damage is increasing management action to

address the problem will be required.

SIX MONTHLY MONITORING BY PHOTOGRAPHIC RECORD

This sort of monitoring is straightforward. It is best to photograph from a set point(against a tree or rock) or a marker (small surveyors stake) to ensure photographstaken over a period of time capture images of the same site.

In some instances it may be more practical to monitor by video. In this case it will benecessary to include 'markers' for later reference.



WEEDS AND FERAL ANIMALS

Weeds can be inadvertently spread by walkers, bicycles, and vehicles (eg.seed caught in clothing, soil attached to footwear and vehicles). Weedinvasion has an environmental impact by out-competing native flora and may

also impact on fauna species through reduction in food sources, suitablenesting places etc. Various methods of weed and feral animal control areavailable. Common weed controls include cutting or digging them out(physical removal) and spraying (chemical control). Another measure forpreventing the spread of weeds could include washing down vehicles thatmay be carrying weeds prior to entering sensitive or protected areas.

Feral animals impact on natural areas through preying on or out-competingnative fauna, as well as destroying habitats. Common feral animal controlsinclude trapping, baiting and shooting. You should check with theappropriate authorities prior to commencing any feral animal or plant controlprograms.

Weeds

Monitor the number of weed species and the areas that are affected by weeds. Where maps or plans are available, mark the extent of weeds for

future reference.

SIX MONTHLY (BEFORE AND AFTER THE WETTEST SEASON)

Feral Animals

Monitor the occurrence of feral animals, include sightings and evidence (eg.

scats or droppings and disturbance such as pig diggings).

MONTHLY

Weed and Feral Management

Monitor the effectiveness of control programs. Specialist advice from

Department of Primary Industries, National Parks and Wildlife Services and

Local Government may be required.

ANNUALLY

VISITING NATIONAL PARKS AND NATURAL AREA MANAGEMENT

As regular visitors to National Parks (particularly those with un-staffedfacilities), tour operators are often in a good position to notice environmentalimpacts in the early stages. Impacts should be reported to the relevant landmanager as soon as possible to allow prompt responses. Generally sitesused by ecotourism operators are also by other operators and/or the public.Observing and understanding patterns of visitor usage of a site will help indetermining the cause of the impact, when impacts are identified.

Appropriate site hardening can preserve the quality of natural areas.Examples include car parks and bollards, signage about appropriate visitorbehaviour, paving, pathways and boardwalks.

Facilities

Create a checklist of facilities that are available at the site - such as toilets,

BBQs, tables, interpretive facilities, fences, bridges, walking tracks. Check

the condition of each facility used, and make a note of the condition of

facilities or anything that is damaged or not operating. Ensure land

managers are informed if damage to facilities is noted.

MONTHLY

Visitor numbers

Create a visitor numbers monitoring sheet, to record the date and time of

visit, and visitor numbers present. Visitor number recordings should note: (1)

the approximate number of other commercial operators; and (2) the numbers

of members of the general public at common use sites. This information can

then be used to understand the relative use by businesses, compared to use

by free and independent travellers.

EACH VISIT

Monitor degradation of facilities in natural areas or where impacts are

occurring as a result of misuse or other problems with site hardening.

QUARTERLY


5



CAMPING AND BUSH PICNICKING

Visitation to camping areas, picnic areas and rest areas can result in clearingand vegetation damage, accidental bushfires and littering.

Campfires

Audit campfire facilities to assess maintenance required and the potential for

escape of fire. Also check for evidence of campfires in non-designated areas,

and illegal use of timber or tree damage for firewood.

SIX MONTHLY

VEHICLE USE

Vehicles are used extensively in transporting clients, and often form part of the visitor experience. Vehicles can have direct and indirect environmentalimpacts. Indirect impacts relate to fuel consumption and the release of greenhouse gasses. Direct impacts potentially include killing wildlife,erosion of roads, vegetation damage, soil compaction, weed dispersion andsedimentation of streams.

Environmental impacts associated with vehicle use can be minimised throughawareness of minimal impact driving techniques. Driving style should aim tominimise erosion, sedimentation of waterways, wildlife disturbance, and dustsettling on surrounding vegetation. Minimal impact codes should beobserved at all times, especially during wet weather conditions andextremely dry weather where speed and driving style can have direct impactson the environment.

Road kill

Record the number of road kills observed per kilometre. Monitor changes in

numbers of road kill. An increase in the number of road kill may indicate a

greater impact. Gradual increases in the number of road kill may indicate a

change in usage of the road. Sudden increases in the number of road kill may

indicate a change in animal behaviour.

MONTHLY

ROCK CLIMBING AND ABSEILING

Impacts associated with rock climbing are graffiti, breakage of rock, trackerosion, litter/rubbish, damage to vegetation from tie points and profusion of anchor points. While this would not be expected to occur frequently it canleave a scar on the rock face. Litter can also be a problem at abseiling androck climbing sites. Erosion can occur along access tracks and scrambleclimbs that link the top and bottom of climbing/abseiling faces.

Hardware

Count the number of non-natural anchor points at each site, and record any

graffiti. Compare with previous records to check whether additional protection is continuing to be installed and whether more graffiti is

appearing. Non-natural additions can detract from the amenity values of a

natural area.

QUARTERLY

Rock Disturbance

Monitor evidence of broken rock that has been damaged by rock climbing

and abseiling. Take a photographic record and monitor any changes.

SIX MONTHLY



What Does it All Mean?

WILDLIFE

Viewing birds and animals can impact on their behaviour patterns and cancreate additional opportunities for predators. Spotlighting can affect thebehaviour of nocturnal fauna (for example, animals can become accustomed

to humans, predators can take advantage of spot lighting to locate prey).This has the potential to impact on animal numbers and species diversity.Some animals can be intimidated by human presence and be scared awayfrom feeding grounds; others can change their behaviour ('habituate') andbecome too accustomed to human presence.

Fish feeding (from boats and whilst scuba diving or snorkelling) has thepotential to change fish behaviour and population dynamics.

Bird Watching

Record the number of bird species and the estimated number of individuals

observed. Observe trends in the number and type of animals observed.

WEEKLY

Spotlighting

Observe trends in the number and species of animals spotted. Monitor

animal numbers observed, and record the number of observers (torches or

spotlights) and the length of the spotlighting session.

Look for a relationship between the number of species sighted and the

number of torches or spotlights used.

EACH SPOTLIGHTING SESSION

Fauna Watching

Record the number of species and the estimated number of individuals

observed. Observe trends in the number and type of animals observed.

EACH VIEWING SESSION

Record any incidents of sickness amongst animals.

ONGOING

Marine Mammal and Megafauna Viewing

Monitor the community population by recording marine mammal sightings

(including numbers of young) and approximate locations. If GPS coordinates

are available then sighting locations can be recorded on maps. A consistent

decrease in the population can indicate that a negative impact is occurring.

EACH VIEWING SESSION

Fish Feeding

Monitor the number of fish species feeding (and the most common species)

and the length of time taken to consume a given amount of food. If the most

common species of fish changes, more intensive monitoring should be

undertaken to identify the cause of the change.

MONTHLY

Environmental monitoring data in itself will not do anything to improveperformance or to reduce impacts. It is a tool that can help to review youroperation's environmental impacts and to encourage you to be aware of environmental changes occurring at sites your operation is based at or visits.Monitoring is the first step in recognising when and how impacts occur, andin determining ways of preventing impacts from occurring. The followinginformation provides suggestions for how to record your impact monitoringresults in a format that will ensure the 'data' can easily be used.

Photographic data collection

Where monitoring involves taking photographs of a site on a regular basis theimportant thing is to photograph from a set point (against a tree or rock) or amarker (small surveyors stake) to ensure photographs taken over a period of time capture comparable images. The important aspect of 'recording data' isto ensure the photographs are kept in one place, and that they are collated inchronological order. This can be achieved simply by putting the photos intoa scrapbook, noting down the dates the photographs were taken, and anyother observations or comments (such as seasonal patterns or weather

conditions at the time the photograph was taken).

Calculations and Plotting data

Monitoring that requires recording numbers (such as wildlife sighted, amountof solid waste removed, visitor numbers) will involve recording numberswhile you are 'in the field' and then transferring the data to be stored andcollated at a central point (such as a notebook or computer file). Creating agraph to illustrate any changes over time is also recommended. Plotting thedata on a graph will assist with identifying any trends or changes at the site.Plotting new data systematically and on a regular basis is highlyrecommended as this will ensure that records are kept up to date and thatdata is not misplaced. It will also help to avoid the need to enter or plot alarge amount of data at one time. Where calculations (such as determininggreenhouse gas emissions) are required, these should also be recorded in thenotebook or computer file.

Visual inspections

When monitoring impacts through regular inspections or observations of asite, equipment, or infrastructure, the important thing is to record and datenotes or observations in a central notebook so that they can be reviewed andcompared over time.

Mapping

Where impact monitoring involves mapping observations (such as changes tovegetation cover), observations should be marked on the same map over aperiod of time to clearly illustrate any changes. The map used should be at a

scale that allows details of any changes to be marked with reasonableaccuracy.

Review Results and Compare

Results should be reviewed regularly to identify trends. Look for changesthat indicate impacts might be occurring, such as decreasing sightings of wildlife, or widening track erosion.

Be aware that natural systems will always show some variability (for example,seasonal changes in water quality, migratory birds). For this reason it is bestto plot results over time - that way it is easier to tell the difference betweenseasonal (cyclic) repetition and genuine impacts.


5 6



Isolate the Cause

If ongoing monitoring of operations and environmental impacts indicates thatenvironmental impacts are occurring at a site, the next step is to identify thecause of the impacts. Impacts can be the result of many different factors -including some that will not be related to your operations. However, if youroperations are contributing to the impacts, it is important to recognise how.This can be done by reviewing the environmental aspects associated withyour operation such as the various activities undertaken at a site. Identifywhat part of the operation or which activity is the main cause of the impact.

Management ActionsOnce the cause of an impact is identified, it is possible to modify activities orbehaviour to avoid or minimise the impact. For many activities, minimalimpact guidelines are available and it is advisable to review your compliancewith the guidelines as a starting point to determining any impactminimisation techniques that are not currently being implemented.

Impact minimisation techniques might be as simple as increasing visitorawareness of the consequences of certain behaviour (such as walking off thetrack resulting in erosion), or implementing a routine litter collection atfrequently visited sites. In more extreme cases it might involve developing analternative tour to avoid damaging unsealed roads after wet weather, orrescheduling tours to avoid wildlife breeding areas.

For accommodation or attractions, reducing environmental impacts mightinvolve installing water efficient tap fittings or educating guests on water

conservation. It might involve formalising an environmental managementsystem to establish a documented system of checks and responsibilities.

Often impacts are not a result of one activity or a single operator. Whereimpacts are caused by cumulative use of an area by a number of operatorsand independent visitors, modifying the activities of one operator may not beeffective in impact management. This re-enforces the importance of workingwith other operators that use the site, as well as working with the appropriateland management agency such as the local council or National Parks andWildlife Service. Working with land managers will help to address impactscontributed by free and independent visitors at the site whose behaviour cannot otherwise be influenced by individual tour operators.

Identifying detrimental impacts

With natural variations and seasonal cycles in environmental conditions, itmay be difficult to determine whether activities at a site are having anadverse impact. A simple measure for identifying whether impacts areoccurring at a site would be to simply consider anything over a 10 % variationfrom the ‘natural environment’ to be evidence of a detrimental impact(number of species, area covered by weeds, litter, extent of erosion, feralanimals spotted etc). Although this is a somewhat crude measure, it willprovide a starting point to identify significant impacts. Where a site isshowing greater than 10% variation in natural environmental conditions, itwould be an appropriate time to discuss the issues with the relevant landmanagers and authorities.

Where environmental impacts are identified, you may not be able to rectifythe situation without the advice or consent of the land holder or landmanager. Similarly, the impacts you identify may be cumulative impacts of

many users, and as such would not be your responsibility alone to rectify.Working with the appropriate management agency or land owner can help inachieving a coordinated approach in managing environmental impacts.

The Environmental Protection Act (1994) identifies the impact of an activity atthree levels which may also be useful for you to consider:

Environmental nuisance - where there is an unreasonable interference withan environmental value caused by dust, odour, light, noise, or an unhealthyor unsightly condition due to contamination.

Material environmental harm - harm that is not trivial or negligible in nature,extent or context and that causes actual or potential loss or damage toproperty of between $5,000 - $50,000, or will incur costs of between $5,000- $50,000 to rectify.

Serious environmental harm - harm that causes irreversible, high impact orwidespread damage, that causes actual or potential harm in areas of highconservation value or special significance, or causes loss or damage toproperty of an amount more than $50,000, or that it would cost more than$50,000 to minimise harm or rehabilitate the environment.

This publication does not provide exhaustive guidelines for environmentalimpact monitoring by ecotourism operators. It does however, serve thepurpose of explaining the need to monitor and provides some direction onhow tourism operators can undertake environmental impact monitoring:

• Practically - ways that can be incorporated into 'day to day' operations,

• Inclusively - in many cases the monitoring of activities that are suggestedcan be adapted to involve guests in data collection, and form part of theclient's overall experience, and

• In partnership - there are many agencies and organisations that are ableto assist with environmental impact monitoring, as well as coordinatecooperation in impact monitoring between a number of tour operatorsthat access the same site.

Successful and diligent implementation of Environmental Impact Monitoringprograms will benefit businesses and the environment, as well as therelationship between the tourism industry and the broader community.

Final Comments



Checklist - Monitoring requirements for accommodation,tours and attractions

ASPECT TO BE MONITORED ACCOMMODATION TOURS ATTRACTIONS PAGE NO.

Energy

Energy Use 5

Greenhouse Gas Emission 6

Eco-Efficiency (Energy) 6

Water

Water Extraction 6

Water Use 6

Eco-Efficiency (Water) 6

Solid Waste

Solid Waste Generation 7

Recycling/Reuse 7

Eco-Efficiency (Solid Waste) 7

Litter 7

Liquid Waste/Effluent

Sewage Treatment 7

Grey water 7

Effluent Irrigation 8

Holding Tanks 8

Bush Disposal 8

Noise

Natural Quiet 8

Effect on Other People 8

Visual/Light 8

Fuel and Chemical Storage 8

Erosion 9

Vegetation Damage,Landscaping & Rehabilitation 9

Weeds and Feral Animals

Weeds 10

Feral Animals 10

Weed and Feral Management 10

Visiting National Parks &Natural Area Management 10



ACTIVITY ASPECT TO MONITOR PAGE NO.

Visiting National Parks Weeds 10

Facilities 10

Visitor numbers 10

Walking Weeds 10

Erosion 9

Litter 7

Camping, Bush Picnicking Clearing/Vegetation Damage 9

Bushfire 11

Litter 7

Campfires 11

Vehicle Use Driving Style 11

Road Kill 11

Rock Climbing, Abseiling Hardware 11

Litter 7

Erosion 9

Rock Disturbance 11

Vegetation Damage 9

Mountain Biking Litter 7

Weeds 10

Erosion 9

Vegetation Damage 9Wildlife Bird Watching 12

Spotlighting 12

Fauna Watching 12

Marine Mammal and Megafauna Viewing 12

Fish Feeding 12

Coral and Fish Viewing (Glass Bottom Boats) 9

Power Boat Use Bank Erosion 9

Refuelling 8

Rafting and Kayaking Litter 7

Erosion 9

Vegetation Damage 9

Snorkelling and Scuba Diving Coral damage 9

15.

Checklist - Monitoring requirements for different activities



Queensland Environmental Protection Agency

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which includes the QueenslandParks and Wildlife Service (QPWS), is a department of the QueenslandGovernment. It manages National and Marine Parks, State Forests and fiveWorld Heritage areas as well as being responsible for ensuring compliancewith environmental laws. The EPA plays an active role in monitoring,regulating and reporting on impacts on our environment with a dual focus onpollution prevention and control.

The ‘Waste Wise’ program run by the EPA's Sustainable Industries Division ishelping Queensland businesses redefine best practice in waste minimisationand resource recovery. This is achieved by providing the necessaryprofessional advice to businesses so that they may build on their capacity toidentify and implement continuous incremental improvements as well as the‘big step’ innovative advances in waste management practices. Waste Wiseis a free, voluntary, EPA program through which organisations eliminatecostly solid waste, benefiting their bottom line and the environment.

The Waste Wise program supports industry sectors to identify and implementcost-effective solutions for a more sustainable and competitive future byfocusing on assessment, training and benchmarking. Waste Wise also helpsyou maintain the momentum to continue to cut wastes and reduce costs.

www.env.qld.gov.au

Coastcare

The Coastcare program is based on a partnership involving theCommonwealth, State/Territory and Local Governments. The program assistsresidents, volunteers, businesses and interest groups to care for their coastalareas by providing funding for community-based projects. The program aims

to bring together the community and bodies responsible for coastalmanagement, with the focus being on practical actions and on-ground worksthat tackle the causes of environmental degradation.

www.env.qld.gov.au/environment/coast/coastcare

NatureSearch

NatureSearch is a Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service program thatengages the community in collecting high quality data on the state's flora andfauna. The data gathered assists landholders to better manage their ownland for wildlife and provides valuable data for management and planning of our natural resources.

www.env.qld.gov.au/environment/environment/conservation/n.html

Waterwatch

Waterwatch Queensland is part of a national program that aims to raisegeneral community awareness about the relationship between water qualityand the health of the whole catchment. It encourages participation byschools, land users, community groups, industry, local authorities andgovernment in action to improve the water quality of catchments.

www.nrm.qld.gov.au/resourcenet/education/programs/waterwatch.html

Landcare

Landcare is a network of people in Australia who are committed to the moresustainable management and use of our natural resources. It is led by thecommunity, frequently people working together as landcare groups, inpartnership with government, community organisations, business andothers.

www.landcareqld.org.au/cgi-bin/php/landcare/index.html

Cooperative Research Centres

Cooperative Research Centres (CRCs) are an initiative of the federalgovernment, aiming to deliver research to industry, government and otherstakeholders. Each CRC is a consortium of research providers and researchuser organisations who are prepared to contribute cash and in-kind resourcestowards common research and education goals.

The following CRCs may be of interest to ecotourism and nature basedtourism operators.

• Cooperative Research Centre - Sustainable Tourism

CRC Tourism is focused on developing a dynamic, internationallycompetitive and sustainable tourism industry, through deliveringinnovation and strategic knowledge to business, community andgovernment to enhance the environmental, economic and socialsustainability of tourism. CRC Tourism's research focuses on tourismplanning and environmental management, tourism informationtechnology, engineering and design, tourism policy, products andbusiness systems.

www.crctourism.com.au

• Cooperative Research Centre - Reef

Science for sustaining coral reefs - CRC Reef provides research solutionsto protect, conserve and restore the world's coral reefs by ensuringindustries and management are sustainable and that ecosystem qualityis maintained.

www.reef.crc.org.au

• Cooperative Research Centre-Tropical Rainforest Ecologyand Management

The Rainforest CRC vision is to see the rainforests of Australia managedand utilised in a scientifically sound and sustainable manner to yieldeconomic and social benefits to the community while ensuringconservation of the unique cultural and natural features of the rainforest.

www.rainforest-crc.jcu.edu.au

• Cooperative Research Centre - Tropical Savannah Management

The CRC Savannah's mission is to achieve sustainable use andconservation of Australia's tropical savannahs through excellence incollaborative research, communication and education. A key focus isachieving sustainable land management across the tropical savannasthrough understanding how the landscape works and how varioussavanna ecosystems function.

www.savanna.ntu.edu.au

16.

Contact Details



FURTHER REFERENCES TO ASSIST MONITORING

Some Useful Impact Monitoring References

Commonwealth Department of Tourism. (1995) Best Practice Ecotourism.

Commonwealth of Australia, ACT.

Energy Victoria. (1996). Energy Efficient Housing Manual: Design Guidelines

and Case Studies. Energy Victoria. Australia.

Green Globe, (1997). Green Globe Manual. Green Globe, Cambridge, United

Kingdom.

GHD. (2000) Nature and Ecotourism Accreditation Program Audit Protocol.

GHD, Cairns, Australia.

McAbbot, H. (1994). Green Guide. Gary Allen Pty Ltd, Sydney, Australia.

NEAP. (2000) Nature and Ecotourism Accreditation Program. NEAP, Brisbane,Australia.

Office of National Tourism. (1997). Best Practice Ecotourism: A Guide to

Energy and Waste Minimisation. Commonwealth Government,Canberra, Australia.

Sattler P., and Williams R., Eds, (1999). The Conservation Status of

Queensland's Bioregional Ecosystems. Environmental Protection Agency,Brisbane, Australia.

South Australian Tourism Commission. (1994). Ecotourism: A South

Australian Design Guide for Sustainable Development. South AustralianGovernment, Adelaide, Australia.

Tourism Council Australia. (1999) Being Green is Your Business. Tourism

Council Australia, NSW.

Tourism Council Australia. (1998) Code of Sustainable Practice. TourismCouncil Australia, NSW.

Tourism Queensland. (1999) Queensland Ecotourism Plan. State of Queensland.

Tourism Queensland. (1999) Grow Your own Ecotourism Business: A Support

Kit for Operators, Volume 1. Queensland Government, Brisbane, Australia.

Tourism Queensland. (1999) Grow Your own Ecotourism Business: A Support

Kit for Operators, Volume 2. Queensland Government, Brisbane, Australia.

Troyer, W. (1992) The Green Partnership Guide. Canadian Pacific Hotels andResorts. Canada.

RELEVANT ACTS AND REGULATIONS

Queensland Legislation

Building (Flammable and Combustible Liquids) 1994

Environmental Protection Act 1994

Environmental Protection (Interim Waste) Reg 1996

Environmental Protection (Waste Management) Regulation 2000

Environmental Protection Policies

Environmental Protection Regulation 1998

Environmental Protection (Water) Policy 1994

Environmental Protection (Waste Management) Policy 2000

Environmental Protection (Noise) Policy 1997

Environmental Protection (Air) Policy 1997

Fisheries Act 1994

Marine Parks Act 1982

Nature Conservation Act 1992

Nature Conservation Regulation 1992

Water Resources Act, 1989

Commonwealth Legislation

Endangered Species Protection Act 1992

Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act 1975

Wet Tropics World Heritage and Protection Act 1993

Wet Tropics Management Plan 1998

Marine Park Act 1982

Definitions

Assimilative Capacity - refers to an environment's resilience to impacts.

Eco-efficiency - refers to efficiency or performance in relation to raw material

use, energy, air, noise, waste and water, management practices andtechnology and training.

Ecotourism - nature-based tourism that involves education and interpretationof the natural environment and is managed to be ecologically sustainable.

Nature-based Tourism - tourism that occurs in a natural setting

Resilience - refers to an environment's ability to deal with impacts.

Wild Animals - are animals that have had limited human contact.

Wildlife - includes both flora (plants) and fauna (animals).

Abbreviations

CO2 Carbon Dioxide

EPA Environmental Protection AgencyGBRMPA Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority

ISO International Standards Organisation

kg Kilogram

kWh Kilowatt hour (measure of electricity consumption)

L Litres

pH Measure of acidity/alkalinity

QPWS Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service

The Information contained in this publication ( the Information ) is provided to you onthe basis that you will use your own skill and judgement and make your ownenquiries to independently evaluate, assess and verify the Information’scorrectness, completeness and usefulness to you before you rely on theInformation. Tourism Queensland makes no warranty as to the correctness,completeness or suitability of purpose of the Information.

In no event will Tourism Queensland be liable to any person in contract, tort orotherwise if any information in the publication is incomplete, inaccurate or not

suitable for the purpose you use the Information for.© Copyright Tourism Queensland. All rights reserved. May 2002.

Environmental Impact Monitoring

Documents

Transcript of Environmental Impact Monitoring