November 2009 - Cairns Regional Council · 42/15610/100507 Mulgrave River Aquifer 1 draft...

Cairns Water and Waste

Mulgrave River Aquiferdraft Environmental Management Plan

November 2009

42/15610/100507 Mulgrave River Aquiferdraft Environmental Management Plan

Contents

1. Introduction 1

1.1 Project Information 1

1.2 Purpose of the Environmental Management Plan 1

2. Statutory Obligations 3

2.1 State Legislation and Planning Approvals Framework 3

2.2 Licences, Permits and Approvals Summary 7

2.3 Additional Studies 11

3. Responsibilities and Processes 13

3.1 Implementation Responsibility 13

3.2 Cairns Water and Waste 13

3.3 Contractor 14

3.4 Implementation Reporting Structure 15

3.5 Training and Induction 15

3.6 Environmental Monitoring and Auditing 16

3.7 Incident Reporting Procedure 16

4. Aspects, Risks and Impacts 17

4.1 Planning Phase 17

4.2 Construction Phase 18

4.3 Operation Phase 19

4.4 Environmental Values 19

4.5 Environmental Management Strategies 20

5. Planning Environmental Management Strategies 21

5.1 Planning - Residential Amenity 21

5.2 Planning - Land Availability 22

5.3 Planning - Soils 22

5.4 Planning - Groundwater 23

5.5 Planning - Cultural Heritage 23

6. Construction Environmental Management Strategies 24

6.1 Construction - Soil 24

6.2 Construction - Water 26

6.3 Construction - Air Quality 28


6.4 Construction - Waste 30

6.5 Construction - Flora and Fauna 31

6.6 Construction - Traffic 32

6.7 Construction - Cultural Heritage 33

7. Operation Environmental Management Strategies 34

7.1 Operation - Groundwater 34

7.2 Operation - Soil 35

7.3 Operation - Noise 36

7.4 Operation - Traffic 37

Table IndexTable 1: Legislative Assessment Requirements 7Table 2: Proposed Licensing and Permitting Application

Process for Stage 1 11Table 3 Planning Phase - Aspects, Risks and Impacts 17Table 4 Construction Phase - Aspects, Risks and Impacts 18Table 5 Operation Phase - Aspects, Risks and Impacts 19Table 6 Strategy Structure 20


1. Introduction

1.1 Project InformationCurrent water for the immediate Cairns City area is drawn from the Barron River, Copperlode Dam, andBehana Creek water supplies, all of which have their major catchments wholly or predominantly withinthe WTQWHA. These water supplies are at imminent risk of being taxed to the limit of theirenvironmentally sustainable capability under the current population increase scenario of 2% growth perannum.

As part of the finalisation of its Water Supply Strategy, Cairns Regional Council Water and Waste (hereinreferred to as Cairns Water and Waste) is embarking on a program of works to provide necessaryinformation to confirm its future water supply source. The assessment of the feasibility of the abstractionof a water supply from the Mulgrave River Aquifer (Mulgrave River Aquifer Scheme) forms part of thisprogram of works. If developed, the water supply would be used to supplement existing sources of waterfrom Cairns.

In this option a borefield consisting of bore installations and associated delivery and treatmentinfrastructure would be established near Aloomba, in the northern section of the lower Mulgrave Rivervalley (20 km south of Cairns). It is envisaged that the proposed scheme will deliver up to 15 ML/dayfrom up to 10 bores. Cairns Water and Waste currently holds a ground water allocation from theDepartment of Natural Resources and Water (now known as the Department of Environment andResource Management (DERM)) from the Mulgrave Aquifer of 15,000 ML/year (approximately40ML/day).

The detail of the water supply infrastructure requirements and assessments of the project are based onthe implementation of the project via a single borefield of up to 10 bores will be developed to supply theprojected demand for 2015 (up to 15 ML/day). The water will be pumped to a treatment facility and newground level reservoir at the existing waste transfer site (near Aloomba). From the reservoir the supplywill be injected into the existing Behana Creek supply mains.

1.2 Purpose of the Environmental Management PlanGHD Pty Ltd (GHD) has prepared this Environmental Management Plan (EMP) to accompany the PublicEnvironment Report to the Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts (DEWHA) on behalfof Cairns Water and Waste. The EMP outlines the framework for management, mitigation andmonitoring of relevant impacts of the Cairns Water and Waste Aquifer project during planning,construction and operational phases.

The EMP provides guidance in addressing organisational structure, planning activities, responsibilities,practices, procedures, processes and resources for implementing, achieving, reviewing and maintainingenvironmental management for and during planning, construction and operational phases of the project.

Prior to commencement of works, Cairns Water and Waste will ensure that the Contractor will prepare anEMP (Construction) using this EMP as a framework.

Specifically this EMP will address:

Compliance with environmental legislation.


Identification of environmental opportunities.

Identification of environmental aspects, impacts and risks.

Planning, evaluating and implementing appropriate on-site mitigation measures.

Planning for emergency and contingency events that may arise from operations.

Staff awareness of environmental issues.

Monitoring and reporting of environmental performance.


2. Statutory Obligations

2.1 State Legislation and Planning Approvals Framework

2.1.1 Queensland Integrated Planning Act 1997

Background

Under the IPA, developments are categorised as ‘Impact Assessment’ or ‘Code Assessment’. However,all water-related developments are code-assessed, meaning they don’t require public notification and noother parties (except the applicant) can appeal a decision.

The ‘code’ can be an actual code defined by regulation or simply the laws and policies of DERM. In thecase of the Mulgrave Aquifer Project, DERM will assess the project against the department’s ownpolicies and demonstrated project need.

Most water-related developments are assessed by DERM. However, where a Local Government’splanning scheme covers such developments, the Local Government will be the Assessment Manager. Inaddition, where a water-related development forms part of a larger development (such as a new reservoirand treatment facility), the forms must be submitted to the Local Government for assessment. In thisinstance DERM have confirmed that they will be the Assessment Manager although Cairns RegionalCouncil will be the concurrence agency.

That is, DERM will assess the application and may, with respect to the water-related development:

Attach certain conditions to any development approval;

approve part only of the application;

give a preliminary approval only; or

refuse the application.

Development ApprovalsThe two types of approvals are:

Preliminary approval – which is less common and provides for approval in principle (subject toimposed conditions) where the applicant may be seeking finance prior to commencement of works.

Development permit – most common procedure and approves the commencement of works. Mostwater-related developments will receive a development permit without the need for preliminaryapproval.

In this instance Cairns Water and Waste will be applying directly for a Development Permit.

Applications for the proposed actions will be made and assessed under the provisions of the QueenslandIntegrated Planning Act 1997(IPA). This legislation guides how development applications will beassessed, nominates the appropriate assessment manager, and the referral agencies responsible forassessing different aspects of the application.

Schedule 8 of the Qld IPA specifies that operational works (including construction of bores) for thepurposes of taking or interfering with water under the Queensland Water Act 2000 is classified as


“assessable development”, and the proposed action will require an approved development permit fromDERM who concurrence agency will assess the project against the requirements of the Water Act 2000.

Development Permit Applications

Applicants need to complete the standard IDAS development ‘Form A’ – plus the relevant water-related‘Form K1’ (artesian bore/subartesian bore).

Form A is available at any Local Government or State Government office. Form K is available fromDERM offices or government agents. All IDAS forms are now available through the Department ofInfrastructure and Planning website.

Mandatory information required on both Form A and Form K includes:

an accurate description of the land;

the consent of the land owner or owners;

the consent of the resource manager;

a description of the development; and

the signatures of all interested parties.

The State is the owner of road reserve and esplanades. Therefore, as the proposed borefielddevelopment and water delivery infrastructure is to be sited in road reserve, owner’s consent must beprovided by DERM.

Additionally, all construction work for the water supply and treatment infrastructure (including the borehousings, construction of delivery infrastructure, the treatment plan and reservoir) will be classed asoperational works under IPA. An IDAS application is required to Cairns Regional Council, who asassessment manager will seek comment from various statutory government agencies. IPA specifies thelevel of assessment and supporting information that will be required by the statutory governmentauthorities in order to assess the project under the provisions of their own individual Legislation. Giventhe broad nature of the project, the potential for impact and public interest, the level of supportinginformation to be supplied to the referral agencies may be in the form of an Environmental ImpactAssessment Study in accordance with the provisions of recognised formats under the Qld governmentState Development and Public Works Organisation Act 1971 and/or the Environmental Protection Act1994.

This Aquifer Feasibility Study represents Phase 1 of the investigations required for the Mulgrave RiverAquifer Project. Phase 2 of the investigation is a detailed planning, social/economic and communityconsultation program. Phase 2 will only be undertaken should Cairns Regional Council make thedecision to proceed with the implementation of the Mulgrave River Aquifer Project. The information fromthe PER, this Aquifer Feasibility Study and the Phase 2 studies will be sufficient to be satisfy therequirements of an Environmental Impact Assessment Study as supporting information to an IDASapplication and subsequent referral information.

2.1.2 Queensland Coastal Protection and Management Act 1995

Under the Coastal Protection and Management Act 1995, the State Coastal Management Plan (SCMP)and subsequent Regional Coastal Management Plans have the status of State Planning Policies for the


purpose of making and amending Planning Schemes and assessing and deciding developmentapplications.

The Queensland coastline has been divided into eleven regions with a regional coastal managementplan to be prepared for each region. The Wet Tropical Coast Regional Coastal Management Plan is astatutory instrument under the Coastal Protection and Management Act 1995 (Coastal Act). The Plan isdesigned to guide decisions by State and local governments about coastal development andmanagement on the coast between the former Douglas and Johnstone Shires. The Coastal Act alsobinds the Commonwealth as far as the legislative power of the Parliament permits. The Wet TropicalCoast Regional Coastal Management Plan, and the State Coastal Plan, also has the effect of Stateplanning policies under the Integrated Planning Act 1997.

The Wet Tropical Coast Regional Coastal Management Plan addresses matters of international, national,state or regional importance within the region. Matters of international, national, and state significanceare identified by State and Commonwealth legislation and plans, including the State Coastal Plan.

In the context of the Mulgrave River Aquifer Project the key regional policies and principles that adevelopment application will be assessed against include:

Section 2.1 Coastal use and development, ‘use and development of the coastal zone occurs in anecologically sustainable manner’.

Section 2.2 Physical coastal processes, ‘the coast is managed to allow for natural fluctuations tooccur, including any that occur as a result of climate change and sea level rise, and provideprotection for life and property’.

Section 2.4 Water quality, ‘water quality in the coastal zone is maintained at a standard that protectsand maintains coastal ecosystems and their ability to support human use’.

Section 2.8 Conserving nature, ‘coastal ecosystems, including their ecological processesopportunities for survival, biological diversity and potential for continuing evolutionary adaptation, aremaintained, enhanced and restored’.

As a statutory instrument under the Coastal Protection and Management Act 1995 (Coastal Act), the WetTropical Coast Regional Coastal Management Plan has the force of law to guide relevant decisions byState and local governments and the Planning and Environment Court. State Government is required toconsider the Wet Tropical Coast Regional Coastal Management Plan when making relevant decisionsabout coastal management in the Mulgrave River aquifer area.

2.1.3 Queensland Vegetation Management Act 1999

The provisions of the Vegetation Management Act 1999 (VMA) will apply to sections of the proposedaction that impact on mapped remnant vegetation outside the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area.

Under the VMA, remnant vegetation is mapped by the Queensland Herbarium, and classified accordingto its bioregion, soil/geology/topography characteristics, and floristics, and are assigned different levels ofprotection depending on what proportion of the estimated pre-European settlement coverage remains.For clearance of vegetation in these areas (for example, where clearance is required for pipeline andreservoir construction), an approval to undertake operational works (including clearance of vegetation) isrequired. Vegetation communities (termed regional ecosystems in the VMA) listed as Endangered andOf Concern under the schedule of the VMA Regulation are mapped in the area of the proposeddevelopment Vegetation classed as such cannot be cleared except in clearly defined circumstances.


The application of the VMA to the project appears limited, with the most likely areas applicable in theareas where clearing of vegetation will be required for a reservoir and a treatment facility. The currentpreferred site for the facilities is within a block of land owned by Cairns Regional Council adjacent theBruce Highway (Gordonvale Waste Transfer Station). The land is zoned as “special purpose” under theprovisions of the Cairns Plan and under schedule 8 of IPA clearing of vegetation on this land is exemptfrom the VMA. Should another site be chosen for the reservoir and treatment plant on another property(not zoned as special purpose or otherwise exempt under IPA schedule 8) then Council will need tomake an application to the DERM for a permit to clear remnant vegetation.

It should be noted that the requirements for assessment under the VMA are currently “fluid” for localgovernments, and that revision and amendment to the VMA is being undertaken with a view tostreamlining the process for local government projects.

2.1.4 Queensland State Development and Public Works Organisation Act 1971

This act outlines the process required to gain approval for public and other essential infrastructure. Asrelevant to the Mulgrave River Aquifer Project the act sets out the structure and assessment protocols forsupporting information necessary for statutory and/or referral agencies to assess and comment on theproject as submitted under the IDAS process (under IPA). In particular the act sets out the necessaryframework for information referral, notably that for an Environmental Impact Assessment Study (EIAS),which would be the key supporting information requirement to government agencies under IPA. An EIASundertaken under the guidelines of this act is recognised by the Queensland and CommonwealthGovernment as an accredited process to gain approval from statutory authorities for public infrastructure.

2.1.5 Queensland Environmental Protection Act 1994

The Queensland Environmental Protection Act 1994 (EPA) requires specific development approval forEnvironmentally Relevant Activities (ERA) defined in the Act. ERA’s include facilities such as amunicipal water treatment plant, and actions such as dredging material from the bed of any water.

A list of ERA’s arising from the proposed action has not been finalised, but may include installation andoperation of the water treatment plant and dredging where pipelines may cross the Mulgrave River andother drainage lines.

2.1.6 Queensland Water Act 2000

Recent changes to the Water Act 2000 mean that most water related developments now requireassessment and approval under the Integrated Planning Act 1997 (IPA). Many of these developmentswill also require a Water Licence under the Water Act. While some developments are exempt or selfassessable, others require an approved development permit from the Assessment Manager (either theDepartment of Natural Resources and Water or the Local Government authority).

Water Licence applications, except where water is used solely for free-range stock or domestic use, arerequired to be advertised in the local newspaper. A minimum of three months for the licence applicationto be advertised and investigated should be allowed for. A Development Permit is required to authorisethe construction of most bores. A proposed bore in a declared groundwater area will need adevelopment permit issued by DERM before any drilling (even test holes) can commence. Cairns Waterand Waste currently hold a water allocation granted by DERM (formally NRW) from the Mulgrave River


aquifer for 15 000 ML/year. Cairns Water and Waste has not yet applied for a Water Licence for thisallocation.

The Water Act 2000 provides for protection of water resources through development of Water ResourcePlanning and their attendant Resource Operation Plans (ROP). Water resource planning for theMulgrave River Catchment is not yet available and the Mulgrave River is currently not subject to ROP.

Works that involve destruction of vegetation on the banks of a watercourse, or excavation or placing of fillwithin a defined watercourse, must take place either under a permit issued under the Act, or as part of anactivity permitted under another Act.

2.1.7 Queensland Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2003

The Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act (CHA) confers a Duty of Care upon Cairns Regional Council toensure that all reasonable and practical measures have been undertaken to minimise and mitigateimpacts of the project on Cultural Heritage Values.

Search requests were made to DERM for any registered sites on the Cultural Heritage Register andDatabase within the general study area. Registered sites are entirely restricted to within the WTQWHA,with no sites on either the register or the database located within the Mulgrave River aquifer area.Discussions were also held with Project Officers of the Aboriginal Rainforest Council. Their primaryinterest was in the potential impact of the project on story places and sites. However all sites identifiedwere within the WTQWHA, the closest area being the Behana Gorge (not to be affected by the project).

The borefield area is within a highly modified rural environment, dominated by intensive sugar canefarming. Under the Duty of Care guidelines of the CHA it is noted that such areas are very unlikely toretain any areas of cultural heritage significance and further assessment within the borefield area wouldnot required.

The water treatment facilities and reservoir facilities exact location has not been finalised. Howeversearches of the CH register and database have not identified any CH records within the Cairns Cityproperty (existing Gordonvale waste transfer station). As this property has not been fully cleared ofvegetation, a site clearance by a traditional owner prior to vegetation removal and earthworks wouldsatisfy Council’s duty of care in relation to the CHA.

2.2 Licences, Permits and Approvals SummaryEnvironmental licences, permits and approvals that may be required for the project are summarised inthe table below. Cairns Water and Waste and Waste or its Contractors will need to obtain all necessaryapprovals.

Table 1: Legislative Assessment Requirements

Legislation Responsible Authority Activity License / Permit / Approval

Environment Protection andBiodiversity Conservation Act1999 - Commonwealth

Department ofEnvironment, Water,Heritage and the Arts

Potential impacts on Mattersof National EnvironmentalSignificance

Submission of PublicEnvironment Report

Commonwealth to assess PERand advise of outcome.



Environmental Protection Act1994 - Queensland

Department ofEnvironment andResource Management

Where ‘serious and materialenvironmental harm’ iscaused or threatened.

Construction and operationof water treatment facility.

Duty to notify.

Application for ERAs underIDAS for water treatmentfacility.

Water Act 2000 - Queensland Department ofEnvironment andResource Management

Use of groundwaterresource.

Development of bores.

Works within a watercourse.

Development permit forinstallation of bores in agroundwater declared area.

Water Licence for the taking ofgroundwater (note that CW holdan existing allocation ofmaximum 15 000 ML/year)

Coastal Protection andManagement Act 1995


Planning policies related tothis Act have force of law inrelation to the project.

Demonstrated compliance withSections 2.4 (water quality), 2.6(cultural heritage) and 2.8(conserving nature). Adevelopment approval soughtthrough the IntegratedDevelopment AssessmentSystem (IDAS).

Application to be accompaniedby demonstrated compliancewith the policies in the StateCoastal Management Plan andWet Tropical Coast CoastalManagement Plan.

Vegetation Management Act1999 - Queensland


Clearing of mapped remnantvegetation.

Clearing of riparianvegetation

Required only if vegetation isrequired to be removed onfreehold land that is not zonedeither urban or special purpose,or vegetation is within a riparianarea.

Integrated Planning Act 1997 -Queensland

Cairns Regional Council Referral of the project tostatutory authorities forassessment under individuallegislation.

Development application to beaccompanied by supportingdocumentation in the form of anEIAS. Project referral to: EPAand DNRW.

Land Act 1994 - Queensland Department ofEnvironment andResource Management

Occupation of road reserve,rail corridor and esplanadeby infrastructure.

Lot excision from freeholdland for construction ofinfrastructure (if needed).

Permit to occupy road/railreserve required. This permitrequires agreement with MainRoads and Qld Transport/QldRail to be lodged withapplication.

Application to Cairns RegionalCouncil for reconfiguration of alot.

Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act2003 - Queensland


Employment of TO for siteclearance prior toearthworks and removal ofnative vegetation.

Only applicable in the instanceof earthworks involving clearingof native vegetation for thereservoir and treatment facility.Not required for borefield areaor for pipelines within roadreserve where landuse isintensive rural.



Transport Infrastructure Act1995 - Queensland

Department of Transportand Main Roads

Road and rail crossings aswell as occupation of roadand rail corridor land

Agreement required withQueensland Transport andDepartment of Main Roads forthe crossing of rail & roadcorridors of water supplypipelines.

Native Title Act 1993 -Queensland


Infrastructure in areas withNative Title Claim or areasawaiting determination.

Not applicable for freehold landor road reserves. Phase 2investigations will furtherassess the locality of thestructures and applicability ofNative Title (eg: within StateForest or National Park).

It should be noted that Queensland legislation and the policies and principles of the governmentagencies responsible for assessment of the various permits and licence applications are not static, andmay change from year to year. Consequently the above is provided as a guide only.

2.2.1 State Planning Policies

A State Planning Policy (SPP) is a statutory planning instrument that relates to matters of State interest.These policies must be considered by the Minister in the Community Infrastructure Designation processpursuant to Section 2.6.7(2)(b) of the IPA. These SPPs are incorporated into the planning schemes ofLocal Governments as they are deemed applicable. The general principles of the SPP considered forthe Aquifer Feasibility Study are outlined below.

SPP 1/92: Development and the Conservation of Agricultural LandState Planning Policy 1/92 addresses the conservation of good quality agricultural land (GQAL) andprovides guidance to local authorities on how this issue should be addressed when carrying out theirrange of planning duties. This policy commenced on 18 December 1992.

Areas mapped as GQAL were considered in the Aquifer Feasibility Study and assessed on the basis ofthe principles of the SPP applicable to the study area, in particular Principle 2 of SPP 1/92:

The alienation of some productive agricultural land will inevitably occur as a consequence ofdevelopment, but the Government (QLD) will not support such alienation when equally viablealternatives exist, particularly where developments that do not have very specific locationalrequirements are involved.

The entire borefield is in an area mapped as GQAL under the Cairns Plan. Therefore the project impactsneed to be measured against the objectives of this SPP.

In considering the feasibility of the Mulgrave River Aquifer Project, it was considered that as thedevelopment of the borefield has very specific locational requirements (ie: within the aquifer area), thatPrinciple 2 of this SPP is upheld.

It should however, be noted that it is not intended that any of the borefield infrastructure requirements belocated within any productive land, and that infrastructure would be located within road reserves andeasements. This may not always be achievable, and in those instances where borefield infrastructureimpinges on agricultural usage then the provisions of Principle 2 of the SPP must be considered andtaken into account in any landowner negotiations.


SPP 2/02: Planning and Managing Development Involving Acid Sulfate SoilsThis policy came into effect on 18 November 2002. The general aquifer has been defined aspredominantly that area of the Mulgrave River valley below the 20 m (AHD) contour. Under theprovisions of this SPP any development (in this instance the borefield development and abstraction fromthe aquifer) proposed to be below 20 m AHD must consider the potential of the development dewateringand exposing potential acid sulfate soil.

Acid sulfate soils have been mapped under Cairns Plan for the lower section of the Mulgrave River.These have been mapped by the Department of Natural Resources and Water based on researchundertaken by the Queensland Acid Sulfate Soils Investigation Team (QASSIT). These identified acidsulfate soil areas are primarily tidal, with a soil type based on marine and organic muds and silts anddominated by mangroves. The numerical modelling and assessment of the potential impact ofabstraction from the Mulgrave River aquifer has predicted that there are no likely impacts arising from theproject on acid sulfate soils. Therefore this SPP has been considered and assessed in this AquiferFeasibility Study.

SPP 1/03: Mitigating the Adverse Impacts of Flood, Bushfire and LandslideThis policy came into effect on 1 September 2003. The purpose of this policy is to set out the StateGovernment’s interests with regard to the natural hazards of flood, bushfire and landslide and how thesematters are to be addressed when carrying out assessment for development purposes.

Under the Integrated Planning Act 1997 (IPA), this SPP has effect when development applications areassessed; when planning schemes are made or amended; and when land is designated for communityinfrastructure.

Flooding is an issue throughout the general study area, with areas of flood inundation clearly mappedunder the Cairns Plan. None of the borefield area (nor the reservoir or treatment plant) is located withina flood prone area. Behana Creek (and the Mulgrave River) are both flood prone systems, howeverflooding is generally confined to the high points of the banks of each system. Not withstanding, the waterdelivery infrastructure in the vicinity of any waterway would be designed to cope with flood events.

Bushfire and landslide consideration is applicable to the development of the reservoirs and treatmentplant. In both instances the design and construction will incorporate the outcomes of geotechnicalinvestigations of the proposed sites for these facilities. In the case of bushfires, the sites will largely becleared of vegetation with significant cleared buffers between the facilities and any adjacent vegetation.The buffer will enable access for fire fighting equipment and ameliorates the likely risk of bushfireimpacts on the facilities.

Bushfire hazard risk areas have been mapped for the study area, and include areas of sugarcanecultivation in the risk assessment. Sugar cane is no longer regularly burnt prior to harvesting, but theborefield location and infrastructure design must take into account the possibility of sugar cane firesimmediately adjacent these structures.

Environmental Protection (Water) Policy 2009Part 5 of the Environmental Protection (Water) Policy (EPP (Water)) details the “Management ofactivities” by administering authorities. The various sections impose a duty on the administeringauthority to consider a range of water quality aspects including acid sulfate soils, stormwatermanagement and wastewater treatment. A number of agencies are involved in the management of thispolicy.


The EPP (Water) was considered in the Aquifer Feasibility Study in the context of the potential impact ofthe project on the contamination of the aquifer through salt intrusion as a result of abstraction, and interms of contamination of waterways through the exposure of acid sulfate soils.

In both instances the predicted impacts on both have not been able to able to be quantified and thepotential for impact of abstraction on both of these issues is considered to be negligible.

2.2.2 Licence and Permit Application Process

The following outlines an approach for Cairns Water and Waste to ensure that all relevant permits,approvals and licences have been obtained to implement the Mulgrave River Aquifer project.

Table 2: Proposed Licensing and Permitting Application Process for Stage 1

Timeframe (months) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Activity/licence/permit

Submit PER to Commonwealth

EPBC approval granted

Undertake Phase 2 planning/social/communityinvestigations

Compile Phase 1 and Phase 2 studies into EIAS

Application to DERM for vegetation clearing (ifrequired)

Negotiate road/rail occupation with DTMR and QT

Finalise construction Environmental ManagementPlans and monitoring protocols

Prepare and submit Riverine protection permit (ifrequired)

Prepare and submit Permit to Occupy application

Prepare and submit ERA applications to DERM

Prepare and submit Water Licence application

Prepare and submit Development application

Project Development Approval

The above timeframe is indicative, and is reliant on all supporting information being accepted by theconcurrence and referral agencies with no additional requests for information involving field-testing,and/or further modelling. If agencies ask for additional information of this nature, then time frames maybe extended by a much as an additional 6 months. An 18 month timeframe is therefore recommendedfor planning purposes. This timeframe is also reliant on the design and Council’s planning beingsufficiently developed in order to provide the required technical input into the referral process.

2.3 Additional StudiesCairns Water and Waste have recognised that further studies may be necessary for further approvalsunder Queensland legislation. In particular detailed environmental flow assessments based on holistic or


benchmarking approach are to be undertaken for these approvals. These may take in excess of twoyears (two seasonal rounds of data) to prepare. A key requirement for the development of environmentalflows is the installation of gauging stations on the Mulgrave River and Behana Creek in order to providethe essential flow data needed for these assessments.

Development of the aquifer to its full allocation will require the application of an environmental flowsregime detailing thresholds and triggers for an abstraction schedule.


3. Responsibilities and Processes

3.1 Implementation ResponsibilityCairns Water and Waste and Contractor responsibilities relating to environmental management forconstruction activities are provided as general guidelines.

Cairns Water and Waste is responsible for ensuring that the environmental Duty of Care requirements asoutlined under the Environmental Protection Act 1994 for this project are met. There is also a duty tonotify authorities of potential and actual incidences of environmental harm.

The Contractor is responsible in ensuring all employees and/or contractors involved with the earthworks,properly implement their Construction EMP.

Successful implementation relies upon support from, and compliance by all involved parties.Responsibilities are detailed below.

3.2 Cairns Water and Waste

General ManagerThe Cairns Water and Waste General Manager is responsible for ensuring the successful delivery of theproject.

Project Manager

The Project Manager receives reports from the Environmental Officer and the Contractor’s Site Managerand in return reports to the General Manager. The Project Manager is responsible for environmentalstatutory compliance, reporting of environmental incidents to the appropriate authorities and thesuccessful completion of the construction project.

Environmental OfficerThe Environmental Officer reports to Cairns Water and Waste’s Project Manager. The EnvironmentalOfficer is responsible for:

Obtaining any permits and licences on behalf of Cairns Water and Waste.

Ensuring staff/contractors are aware of and understand their responsibilities under the EMP.

Identifying training requirements.

Conducting environmental audits/reviews during all stages to ensure implementation ofenvironmental procedures.

Liaising with stakeholders such as statutory authorities, local government and neighbours, in relationto any environmental complaints that may arise.

Monitoring statutory requirements and ensure compliance.

Monitoring non-compliance and reviewing management procedures if problems persist.

Ensuring that routine environmental monitoring is occurring and results recorded and reported.


3.3 Contractor

Site ManagerThe Contractor’s Site Manager reports to Cairns Water and Waste’s Project Manager. The Contractor’sSite Manager is responsible for:

Obtaining all licenses and permits that the contractor is responsible for.

Ensuring all environmental requirements and procedures outlined in the Construction EMP areimplemented and that adequate resources are allocated to allow for effective implementation.

Advising staff of special requirements and provide guidance and advice to staff with regard toenvironmental management requirements.

Implementing and ensure environmental controls and procedures are in place and maintained duringall phases of construction.

Ensuring environmental incidents are reported to Cairns Water and Waste’s Environmental Officerimmediately.

Ensuring compliance with statutory requirements.

Managing remediation actions to correct incidents of environmental non-conformance.

Staff and Sub-Contractors

The Contractor’s staff and sub-contractors report to the Site Manager. They are responsible for:

Implementing environmental controls as directed.

Reporting any malfunctions, emergencies or other environmental incidents to the Site Manager.

Rectifying temporary situations that can result in or are resulting in environmental harm.


3.4 Implementation Reporting Structure

3.5 Training and InductionAll personnel directly involved in environmental management will be appropriately qualified andexperienced to undertake their relevant tasks.

All employees will receive environmental induction training prior to commencement of work on thisproject. The environmental instruction given to all staff and any contractors obtaining access andworking on site is to include the key points below:

Individual employee responsibilities under the EMP.

The Contractor’s responsibility under the Environmental Protection Act 1994.

Reporting of Environmental Incidents.

Any licences and permits held by Cairns Water and Waste and the Contractor and their conditions.

Importance and location of bunds for storage of hazardous materials.

Refuse bins, washing, refuelling and maintenance points for vehicles and plants.

Emergency Plans.

A Training Register shall record each person trained, the date, the trainer and the componentsdiscussed.

In addition, the Contractor must ensure that each operator is trained to use the machinery and materialson site efficiently to minimise environmental nuisance, including noise, air pollution, water contamination,waste material and land contamination.

Cairns Water and Waste will be responsible for training during the Operation phase.

Cairns Water and WasteEnvironmental Officer

ContractorSite Manager

Cairns Water and WasteProject Manager

Cairns Water and WasteGeneral Manager

ContractorStaff and Sub-Contractors


3.6 Environmental Monitoring and AuditingMonitoring and auditing will be undertaken to determine the impact on the environment as aconsequence of the construction and operation of the borefields. General monitoring and auditing will beconducted throughout the construction stage, and inspections will be conducted during the operationphase.

Monitoring types and frequencies are specified in this EMP and will be specified by the Contractor in theConstruction EMP. Scheduled audits will be undertaken to check compliance with the approved EMPs.The audit program for the Construction EMP will be developed and managed by the Contractor, and willbe approved by Cairns Water and Waste.

Cairns Water and Waste’s Environmental Officer will undertake environmental audits. Cairns Water andWaste will maintain audit records and be responsible for scheduling follow-up inspections wherecorrective actions must be implemented for any non-compliances detected.

The auditor will be responsible for determining the severity of non-compliances and may instruct works tocease until the non-compliance has been rectified. All non-compliances shall be recorded on a register.

3.7 Incident Reporting ProcedureThe reporting procedures will be particular Cairns Water and Waste.

Environmental incident reporting shall be as described in the respective organisation’s standardoperating procedures. Construction contractors and maintenance service providers shall align theirprocedures to comply with the respective requirements.

The following records are to be kept in the event of an incident or complaint:

Time, date and nature of the incident/complaint.

Type of communication (for complaints only, eg telephone, letter, in person, etc.).

Name, contact address and contact telephone number of complainant. (Note: if the complainant doesnot wish to be identified then "Not Identified" is to be recorded).

Response and investigation undertaken as a result of the incident/complaint.

Name of person responsible for investigating the incident/complaint.

Corrective action taken as a result of the incident/complaint investigation and signature ofresponsible person.


4. Aspects, Risks and Impacts

4.1 Planning PhaseEnvironmental aspects for the planning phase have been identified and assessed. Table 3 summarisesthe risks and impacts that may result from the environmental aspects.

Table 3 Planning Phase - Aspects, Risks and Impacts

Aspect Risk Impact

Maximum available demandfrom Mulgrave Aquifer

Locating bores too closetogether causing drawdown

Aquifer running belowenvironmentally sustainable levels

Increase salinity

Running bores for extensiveperiods causing drawdown

As above

Pumps too large for flowcausing drawdown

As above

Siting of 10 bores Land availability Permission for acquisition of land

Impact on residential property Pump noise

Visual amenity

Difficulty in accessing property

Impact on cane land Reduced crop output

Sugar Mill, closed GordonvaleLandfill

Contamination of groundwater

Acid Sulfate Soils Corrosion of concrete and steel,deterioration of asphalt

Contamination of groundwaterwith acids and metals

Cultural heritage Heritage not identified

Siting of pressure mains Land availability Permission for acquisition of land

Acid Sulfate Soils Corrosion of concrete and steel,deterioration of asphalt

Release of acids and metals tosurface waters

Cultural heritage Heritage not identified


4.2 Construction PhaseEnvironmental aspects for the construction phase have been identified and assessed. Table 4summarises the risks and impacts that may result from the environmental aspects.

Table 4 Construction Phase - Aspects, Risks and Impacts

Aspect Risk Impact

Excavation of soil for pressuremains & drilling bores

Erosion Sediment on roads

Sediment in creeks

Sediment in cane paddocks atharvesting time

Acid Sulfate Soils Contamination of groundwaterwith acids and metals

Access for property owners Difficulty in accessing propertydue to works

Generation of waste Waste blown away

Waste to landfill

Cultural heritage Find/area impacted by works

Temporary stockpiling of soil Erosion As above

Acid Sulfate Soils Contamination of surfacewaters with acids and metals

Dust Dust impact on residentialdwellings

Dust impact on traffic

Placement of pressure mainsand fill

Erosion As above

Traffic Congestion on Bruce Highway

Difficulty in accessing propertydue to works

Vegetation Removal of vegetation

Removal of fauna habitat

Generation of waste Waste blown away

Waste to landfill


Aspect Risk Impact

Use of plant and machinery Air emissions Release of CO2, CO, NOx, VOC,particulates

Noise Noise impact on residentialdwellings and businesses

Noise impact on fauna

Fuel spills Fuel released into groundwater

Fuel released into surfacewaters

4.3 Operation PhaseEnvironmental aspects for the operation phase have been identified and assessed. Table 5 summarisesthe risks and impacts that may result from the environmental aspects.

Table 5 Operation Phase - Aspects, Risks and Impacts

Aspect Risk Impact

Abstraction of groundwater Abstracting volumes greaterthan design levels

Aquifer running belowenvironmentally sustainable levels

Increase salinity in ground water

Maintenance of the bores andpressure mains.

Erosion where excavationrequired

Sediment in creeks and on road

Traffic Property accessibility issues

Impact flow of Bruce Highway

Noise Noise impact on residentialdwellings and businesses

4.4 Environmental ValuesEnvironmental values of the proposed borefield and associated pressure mains have been identified byundertaking assessment of environmental aspects, risks and impacts (above).

The values with implication for the planning, construction and operation include:

fauna and habitats;

soils;

ground water quality;

surface water quality;

noise;

air quality;


waste management;

visual impacts;

traffic;

cultural heritage and

agricultural disturbance.

Specific environmental management strategies that address these values during the planning,construction, and operation phases are included in the following sections of this report.

4.5 Environmental Management StrategiesThe Environmental Management Strategy component is comprised of a number of values, each with anoverall associated management objective, mechanisms of policy implementation, proposed monitoringprograms and potential corrective actions as described below:

Table 6 Strategy Structure

Structure Description

Objective The guiding objective that applies to the value (what is hoped to be achievedthrough effective management of this element).

PerformanceStandard

The criteria by which the success of the implementation of the policy will bedetermined.

Action The mechanisms and actions through which the objectives will be achieved.

Monitoring The process of measuring actual performance or how well the objective is beingachieved.

Reporting The process of informing the appropriate person of monitoring outcomes. Format,timing and responsibility for reporting and auditing of monitoring results.

Corrective Action The action to be implemented and by whom, in the case where a performancerequirement is not met.


5. Planning Environmental Management Strategies

5.1 Planning - Residential Amenity

Objectives To site and design the bores using all reasonable and practicable measures to:

– minimise impact on visual amenity;

– minimise noise; and

– prevent property accessibility issues.

Entire length of pressure mains is to be below ground.

PerformanceStandards

The bores are designed so that:

– bores are below ground;

– all pumps are located within the bores; and

– only a small electrical box will be above ground.

The bores are sited on road reserve away from property entrances, residentialdwellings and cane headlands.

The pressure mains cannot be seen above ground.

Action The design utilises materials and mechanical parts that can meet the aboveperformance standards.

Survey is undertaken of property entrances, residential dwellings and caneheadlands so the bores can be sited adequately.

Monitoring Project Manager to ensure drawings reflect performance standards.

Reporting Project Manager to report to General Manager on achievement of objectives.

CorrectiveAction

Amend the siting or design to achieve the objectives.


5.2 Planning - Land Availability

Objectives To site the bores and pressure mains so as:

– minimal agricultural land is lost; and

– on government land.


The bores and pressure mains are sited on road reserve or within easements.

Action GIS data is used to identify road reserve and easements for siting of bores andpressure mains.



CorrectiveAction


5.3 Planning - Soils

Objectives To site the bores using all reasonable and practicable measures to ensure thebores are not located adjacent potential contaminated land sources.

To consider the impact of Acid Sulfate Soils when siting and designing the boresand pressure mains.


Bores are not located within 3 km of any Sewage Treatment Plants, Sugar Mills, orlandfills (existing or closed).

Consideration is given to Acid Sulfate Soil Mapping in the region.

Action GIS data and aerial photos are used to identify locations of Sewage TreatmentPlants, Sugar Mills, or landfills (existing or closed). Bores to be sited a minimum of3 km away from these potential contaminated land sources.

Acid Sulfate Soil Mapping is to be overlayed over the siting design.

Soil logs are assessed for Quaternary aged sediments that are indicative of ASS.

The bore design is in accordance with Australian Standards including full casingand backfilling to prevent any leaching of acidity.

The bore and pressure main design utilises materials that cannot be corroded ordeteriorate from acidity.



CorrectiveAction



5.4 Planning - Groundwater

Objectives To abstract groundwater without depleting the aquifer and causing:

– vegetation die-back; and

– salinity.


The bores are designed so that the groundwater is allowed to recharge.

Action The design must incorporate the following parameters:

– 10 bores;

– bores to be located 400 m apart;

– Area 2 bores do not exceed a flow rate of 50 l/sec and

– all 10 bores to be pumped simultaneously for 12 hours and rested for 12 hours.

Monitoring Project Manager to ensure specifications reflect the actions to be adopted.


CorrectiveAction


5.5 Planning - Cultural Heritage

Objectives Cairns Water and Waste to satisfy Duty of Care with respect to Aboriginal CulturalHeritage.


To identify if any culturally significant areas exist along the pressure main route orat the bore fields prior to final siting of bores and pressure main.

Action All Traditional Owners are consulted at planning stage.

Searches of the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Database and Register undertaken.

Monitoring Project Manager to ensure the actions have been undertaken.


CorrectiveAction

Searches and consultation to be undertaken again.


6. Construction Environmental Management Strategies

6.1 Construction - Soil

Objectives To minimise erosion and prevent sedimentation of roads, drainage lines/creeksand cane paddocks during harvesting season.

To minimise the impact of Acid Sulfate Soils (ASS).


Appropriate erosion and sediment controls are utilised around disturbed/exposedsoil, stockpiles and drainage lines.

Where ASS is identified, appropriate management of all disturbed soil is employed.

Action Erosion and Sediment Control

Where possible, works are to be undertaken during the dry season.

An Erosion and Sediment Control Plan for earthworks shall be developed andimplemented by the contractor as per Institute of Engineers Australia QueenslandDivision (1996) Soil Erosion and Sediment Control – Guidelines for QueenslandConstruction Sites.

Vegetation is only to be cleared where excavation is to occur along the pressuremain and at bore sites.

Areas that have been disturbed are to be turfed or hydromulched.

Stockpiles are to be located away from drainage paths and covered when left tostand for greater than 24 hours.

Acid Sulfate Soils

Undertake an Acid Sulfate Soil Investigation as required by the State PlanningPolicy 2/02 – Planning and Managing Development Involving Acid Sulfate Soils(SPP 2/02) for all material below 5 m AHD where the natural ground level is lessthan 20 m AHD, where greater than 100 m3 of soil is excavated.

Areas that may require investigation include pressure main crossings of creeks anddrainage lines in the aquifer area.

Where ASS is identified, undertake appropriate management such as treating theexcavated soil with aglime before replacing as fill or removing offsite to a landfillthat will accept ASS.

General

Only self-contained portable toilets or toilets connected to an approved seweragesystem may be used on site.


Monitoring Contractor’s Site Manager to check disturbed/exposed areas and stockpiles forerosion at the end of each day.

Contractor’s Site Manager to check all erosion and sediment control structuresdaily for integrity, and immediately after any heavy or prolonged rain events(>5 mm).

Contractor’s Site Manager to undertake validation testing of ASS that has beentreated with aglime prior to reusing as fill.

Reporting Contractor’s Site Manager to record failed erosion and sediment control measuresand the corrective action taken to minimise impact.

Contractor’s Site Manager to report any significant non-conformances orincidences to the Project Manager (e.g. sediment reaching Mulgrave River orBehana Creek).

CorrectiveAction

Where erosion has occurred, the Contractor must identify the cause of erosion andmodify the control measures to prevent further erosion.

Sediment must be cleaned out of any drainage lines and controls that are reused.


6.2 Construction - Water

Objectives To prevent contamination of ground and surface waters.



Where ASS is identified, appropriate management of all disturbed soil is employed.Run off water quality complies with Queensland Water Quality Guideline pH rangeof 6.5 to 8.0.

No spillage of fuels or chemicals onsite.

Action Erosion and Sediment Control

Refer to Section 6.1 – Soils for all actions, monitoring, reporting and correctiveaction requirements.

Acid Sulfate Soils

Refer to Section 6.1 – Soils for all actions, monitoring, reporting and correctiveaction requirements.

Stormwater runoff from exposed ASS is to be collected and treated to raise the pHto between 6.5 and 8.0 before being released.

Fuels and Chemicals

Minimise volumes of fuels and chemicals stored onsite. Where storage isnecessary, appropriate bunding and lining in accordance with AS1940 is required.Label fuels and chemicals clearly.

Material Safety Data Sheets must be kept with each of the stored fuels andchemicals used for the project.

Refuelling and plant maintenance to take place in designated compacted andbunded area. Area to be sloped away from drainage lines and kitted with a spillclean up kit.

Fuel or chemical spills are not to be hosed down. A Spill Clean Up Kit is to belocated on plant where appropriate and located at the temporary depot.

Monitoring Contractor’s Site Manager to visually inspect downstream drainage paths andnearby creeks for visible signs of contamination, such as an oil film on the water, ormurky water when fuels and chemicals are spilt and erosion and sediment controlsfail.

If contamination or sedimentation is possible, samples are to be collected andanalysed for suspected analytes.

Contractor’s Site Manager to check that fuels and chemicals are storedappropriately after refuelling and/or plant maintenance is undertaken in designatedarea.


Reporting Contractor’s Site Manager to record failed erosion and sediment control measuresor spill clean up procedures and the corrective action taken to minimise impact.

Contractor’s Site Manager to report any significant non-conformances orincidences to the Project Manager (e.g. sediment or fuel reaching Mulgrave Riveror Behana Creek).

If a significant chemical or fuel spill occurs the Contractor’s Site Manager is toreport the incident to the Project Manager.

CorrectiveAction



If a spill of fuel or chemicals occurs, Spill Clean Up must be undertakenimmediately. If a spill occurs the Contractor’s Site Manager is to be informed, whowill in turn inform the Project Manager. The spill should immediately be containedand contaminant prevented from entering drains and waterways. The absorbentmaterial should then be spread over the spill and once the spill is absorbed thecontaminated absorbent material is to be collected and placed in heavy-duty bagsand disposed of in an appropriate manner. Contaminated soil is also to bedisposed of. The spill clean up is to be overseen by the foreman and relevantauthority if they deem it necessary.


6.3 Construction - Air Quality

Objectives To prevent dust impacting residential dwellings and trafficable areas.

To prevent construction and drilling noise impacting on residential dwellings andbusinesses.

To minimise release of greenhouse gasses, nitrous oxides, carbons andparticulates from use of plant and machinery.


No visible dust particulates or settling on roads.

Plant and machinery in peak working condition.

Compliance with Draft Environmental Guideline for Construction and Building Sitesnoise criteria as follows:

Time PeriodDwelling or other Noise

Sensitive PlaceCommercial Place

Evening

(6:30 pm to 6.30 am)

Background + 5 dB(A) Background + 10 dB(A)

Daytime

(6.30 am to 6.30 pm)

40 + 5 dB(A) 40 + 10 dB(A)

Notes:

1.Assume a typical rural background noise level of 40 dB(A).2.Compliance noise limits are based on background sound levels, for proposed sources or

places to protect established dwellings and other noise sensitive places or commercialplaces.

3.Compliance limit levels are measured as the average of the maximum A-weighted soundlevels adjusted (LAmaxadj,T) for noise character measured over a 15 minute time interval. TheLAmaxadj,T is normally equated to LA10,T noise levels.

Action All plant and machinery used during construction must be fitted with exhaustsilencers and, where necessary, sound attenuators and maintained in goodoperating condition.

Switch off vehicle, plant and equipment engines when not in use.

Work will be undertaken between 6.30 am and 6.30 pm. No work will beundertaken outside these hours.

Encourage revegetation (e.g. grass) in areas that that have been disturbed.

No burning off of rubbish or vegetation.

Stockpiles of soil to be kept to a minimum and located at approved nominatedareas.

Stockpiles are to be covered when not utilised for periods greater than 24 hours.During very windy conditions, stockpiles are to be covered or watered.

All truckloads containing fill material leaving or entering the site are to beappropriately covered.

Cease earthworks in very windy conditions where dust cannot be controlled.

Use water trucks on earthworks areas to reduce dust.


Monitoring Contractor’s Site Manager to visually monitor dust levels and co-ordinate watertruck as required (may involve delegating responsibility to nominated water truckdriver).

Contractor’s Site Manager to monitor vehicle emissions both visually and usingolfactory organ.

Contractor’s Site Manager to identify when noise levels are excessive.

Contractor to maintain a record of all dust and noise complaints.

If Cairns Regional Council issue a noise abatement notice, the Contractor isresponsible for taking action to stop the noise or reduce it to an acceptable level. Ifthe contractor does not believe their operations are generating noise above theacceptable levels, noise monitoring can be undertaken in accordance with AS1055.1-1997 Acoustics - Description and measurement of environmental noise -General procedures.

Reporting If a noise or dust complaint is received the Contractor’s Site Manager is to reportthe complaint to the Project Manager.

Contractor staff to report dust problems (eg visibility restricted, dust not settling in5 minutes, dust is nuisance) and unusual plant emissions to Contractor’s SiteManager.

CorrectiveAction



The Contractor’s Site Manager is to immediately act upon complaints andobservations regarding air quality. This may require modification to the wateringprogram, reassessing appropriate covering of truck loads, repair of plant, coveringof stockpiles, hydro mulching of exposed earthen areas and ceasing work duringdry and windy conditions.

The Contractor’s Site Manager is to attend to all noise complaints promptly andcourteously (within 24 hours of receipt of the complaint). Where complaints arereasonable and noise is considered a nuisance, the Contractor must modify workpractices as required. Such modifications may include restricting working hours,work may need to cease on a windy day or further noise control equipment mayneed to be fitted.


6.4 Construction - Waste

Objectives Waste is not to contaminate the surrounding environment.

Where possible, waste is to be reduced, reused and recycled.


Provision of waste receptacles for recycling of products.

No waste or litter observed outside of waste receptacles or waste storage areas onconstruction site.

Action For each type of waste generated, such as general (e.g. food and items that can’tbe recycled), recyclable (e.g. steel, plastics, tin, paper), industrial (e.g. buildersrubble, timber, concrete) and regulated (tyres, batteries, paint), a designatedreceptacle will be provided in an easily accessible and visible location close to theworks area. Receptacles will be designed to prevent infiltration of rainfall or runoff.Receptacles containing regulated or hazardous substances will be bunded toprevent contamination of stormwater.

Label the waste containers clearly, as mixing wastes may make them unsuitable forreuse or recycling.

Foodstuffs are to be disposed of into animal proof bins and removed regularly.

Ensure that the waste is collected prior to overfilling of storage containers orgeneration of strong odours.

This project is unlikely to generate regulated waste, however if it does, theContractor is responsible for the disposal of any regulated wastes produced by theiractivities at regulated waste disposal facilities approved under the EnvironmentalProtection Act 1994.

No burning of waste on site.

Check all erosion and sediment controls for waste, collect and remove.

Monitoring Contractor’s Site Manager must visually inspect the site for rubbish and ensure thesite is tidy at the end of each day.

The Contractor’s Site Manager is responsible for ensuring the waste receptaclesare collected prior to overfilling of storage containers or generation of strongodours.

Reporting Contractor’s Site Manager to report any significant non-conformances or incidencesto the Project Manager.

The Contractor will retain records of regulated waste disposal. Records willinclude:

– Date, quantity and type of waste removed;

– Name of the waste contractor that removed the waste; and

– The intended treatment/disposal destination of the waste.

CorrectiveAction

Waste litter found by the staff in the course of their normal duties should becollected and disposed in the appropriate receptacle immediately where realisticallypossible.


6.5 Construction - Flora and Fauna

Objectives Retain vegetation that does not need to be removed for construction of the boresor pressure main.

Minimise disturbance to fauna habitat, thereby minimising impact on fauna.


Vegetation is to be cleared in accordance with design area only.

Where the works will impact habitat, native fauna is to be relocated.

Vehicles and plant limited to existing access tracks.

Disturbance to ground surfaces progressively rehabilitated following disturbance.

Action During vegetation clearing beside the roads, the Contractor must ensure the safetyof passing traffic by erecting signs, stopping traffic if necessary, and removingdebris from the road and road shoulder.

Ensure that no roosting or nesting fauna are present in any larger trees on the roadreserve prior to clearing. When present, consult Qld Parks and Wildlife Service forassistance to remove, or alternatively delay clearing to determine whether faunawill move off on their own accord.

Groundcover should not be cleared in areas that are not being excavated.Groundcover should be left to assist with erosion control where possible.

After construction, native grasses should be reseeded to assist with erosion controlof disturbed areas.

Only existing roads and permanent access tracks should be used for vehiclemovement. Vehicles will be parked within the construction area disturbanceenvelope.

All vegetation removed is to be treated as waste and removed from site.

Feeding of native animals including birds is not permitted.

All waste is to be collected and stored in sealed receptacles to prevent attractingvermin to the site.

Monitoring Contractor’s Site Manager must ensure clearing only occurs in designated areas.

Contractor’s staff to report presence of any native fauna that the constructionactivities may impact upon to the Contractor’s Site Manager.

Reporting Contractor’s Site Manager to report any significant non-conformances orincidences such as vegetation clearing in non-designated areas, to the ProjectManager.

Contractor’s staff to report any harmed or injured fauna to the Contractor’s SiteManager, who will notify the Project Manager. Cairns Water and Wastes ProjectManager or Environmental Officer will contact Queensland Parks and WildlifeService or equivalent. Cairns Water and Waste incident forms are to becompleted.


CorrectiveAction

Where disturbance has occurred erosion may impede natural revegetation of thesite. Mitigative action shall be undertaken by the construction contractor, whichmay include drill seed, hydro mulching and revegetation with endemic species.

Any areas of vegetation outside of the limits of clearing, which is disturbed, shall berehabilitated to the condition existing prior to the disturbance.

6.6 Construction - Traffic

Objectives To minimise disturbance to natural traffic flow and residential access to property.


No complaints from local traffic around the borefields, Reservoirs, or commutertraffic along the Bruce Highway.

Action Contractor to prepare a Road Users Management Plan for the construction of theproject to identify and address traffic issues.

Information provided to locals (local newspaper, signs, postal drops), with at leastone weeks notice, where traffic diversion is required for extended period of time.

Traffic control used when road blocked or partially blocked by construction works.

Clear signage provided on diversion routes.

Where possible, work that impacts on traffic flow is to be conducted outside ofpeak flow times.

Monitoring The Contractor’s Site Manager is to ensure that traffic control is undertaken inaccordance with the Road Users Management Plan.

The Environmental Officer or Project Manager is to inspect the traffic control on aweekly basis.

Reporting Contractor’s Site Manager to report any significant non-conformances orincidences such as vehicle accidents, to the Project Manager.

Contractor’s Site Manager to report any complaints to the Project Manager.

CorrectiveAction

Contractor’s Site Manager to review the Road Users Management Plan and revisewhere necessary. Mitigative actions may include modifying the work hours whenthe road is blocked or partially blocked, revising the diversion signage or improvinginformation of road closures to locals.


6.7 Construction - Cultural Heritage

Objectives To protect any cultural material encountered during earthworks.


Cultural heritage aspects of the area continue to be preserved during constructionactivities.

Action The contractor, when undertaking the works must be able to show that they aresatisfying Duty of Care with respect to Aboriginal cultural heritage.

If potential cultural heritage sites are identified during the works, the works are tostop and the Contractor’s Site Manager is to isolate the immediate area. TheProject Manger is to be notified, who in turn will notify the Cultural Heritage Unit ofthe DERM immediately. Earthworks are not to recommence until advised by theProject Manager (as advised by the DERM). The contractor is only to carry outdirections given by the Project Manager or the DERM.

Monitoring Construction operators are to visually monitor the works area during earthworks.

Reporting The Contractor’s Site Manager is to advise the Project Manger of a suspected find,who in turn will notify the Cultural Heritage Unit of the DERM immediately.

CorrectiveAction

Should any artefacts or other heritage items be uncovered then works will ceaseuntil a clear direction has been provided by the Project Manager and DERM.


7. Operation Environmental Management Strategies

7.1 Operation - Groundwater

Objectives To abstract groundwater without depleting the aquifer and causing:

– depletion of receiving waters below the environmental baseline flow;

– vegetation die-back; and

– salinity.


The bores are operated using flow volumes calculated using numericalgroundwater modelling so that the groundwater continues to recharge.

Action Operation to be in accordance with the maximum allocation specified in theabstraction schedule including:

– Pumping of Area 2 bores is not to exceed a flow rate of 50 l/sec; and

– all 10 bores are to be pumped simultaneously for 12 hours and rested for 12hours.

Monitoring Groundwater quality testing from the bores.

Use of River Gauging device.

Reporting Environmental Officer to record all monitoring results and provide to the ProjectManager on a quarterly basis or when an exceedence of criteria/limits occurs.

Project Manager to report to General Manager on achievement of performancestandards.

CorrectiveAction

Where groundwater depletion, salinity and/or reduced flow in receiving watersoccurs, abstraction is to cease. Remodelling of appropriate abstraction volumesand modification to the abstraction schedule is then to be undertaken.


7.2 Operation - Soil

Objectives To minimise erosion and prevent sedimentation of roads and drainagelines/creeks.



Action Where possible, works are to be undertaken during the dry season.

An Erosion and Sediment Control Plan for significant earthworks shall bedeveloped and implemented by the Maintenance Contractor as per Institute ofEngineers Australia Queensland Division (1996) Soil Erosion and SedimentControl – Guidelines for Queensland Construction Sites.

For minor earthworks the maintenance contractor is to adopt erosion and sedimentcontrols as per Institute of Engineers Australia Queensland Division (1996) SoilErosion and Sediment Control – Guidelines for Queensland Construction Sites.

No vegetation clearing is to occur unless prior agreed with the Project Manager.

Areas that have been disturbed are to be turfed or hydromulched.

Stockpiles are to be located away from drainage paths and covered when left tostand for greater than 24 hours.

Monitoring Maintenance Contractor to check disturbed/exposed areas and stockpiles forerosion at the end of each day.

Maintenance Contractor to check all erosion and sediment control structures dailyfor integrity, and immediately after any heavy or prolonged rain events (>5 mm).

Reporting Maintenance Contractor to record failed erosion and sediment control measuresand the corrective action taken to minimise impact.

Maintenance Contractor to report any significant non-conformances or incidencesto the Project Manager (e.g. sediment reaching Mulgrave River or Behana Creek).

CorrectiveAction




7.3 Operation - Noise

Objectives To prevent maintenance and operational noise impacting on residential dwellingsand businesses.


Plant and machinery in peak working condition.

Compliance with Draft Environmental Guideline for Construction and Building Sitesnoise criteria as follows:

Time PeriodDwelling or other Noise

Sensitive PlaceCommercial Place

Evening

(6:30 pm to 6.30 am)

Background + 5 dB(A) Background + 10 dB(A)

Daytime

(6.30 am to 6.30 pm)

40 + 5 dB(A) 40 + 10 dB(A)

Notes:

1.Assume a typical rural background noise level of 40 dB(A).2.Compliance noise limits are based on background sound levels, for proposed sources or

places to protect established dwellings and other noise sensitive places or commercialplaces.

3.Compliance limit levels are measured as the average of the maximum A-weighted soundlevels adjusted (LAmaxadj,T) for noise character measured over a 15 minute time interval. TheLAmaxadj,T is normally equated to LA10,T noise levels.

Action All plant and machinery used during maintenance must be fitted with exhaustsilencers and, where necessary, sound attenuators and maintained in goodoperating condition.

Switch off vehicle, plant and equipment engines when not in use.

Work will be undertaken between 6.30 am and 6.30 pm. No work will beundertaken outside these hours.

When operational, the:

– bores are below ground;

– all pumps are located within the bores; and

– only a small electrical box will be above ground.

The bores are sited on road reserve away from property entrances, residentialdwellings and cane headlands.

Monitoring Operations Manager to identify when noise levels from bores is excessive.

Maintenance Contractor to identify when maintenance noise levels are excessive.

If Cairns Regional Council issue a noise abatement notice for operation of thebores, Cairns Water and Waste is responsible for taking action to stop the noise orreduce it to an acceptable level.

Reporting If a noise complaint is received the Operations Manager is to report the complaintto the Project Manager.


CorrectiveAction

The Operations Manager or Maintenance Contractor is to attend to all noisecomplaints promptly and courteously (within 24 hours of receipt of the complaint).Where complaints are reasonable and noise is considered a nuisance, theOperations Manager or Maintenance Contractor must modify work practices asrequired. Such modifications may include restricting working hours, work may needto cease on a windy day or further noise control equipment may need to be fitted.

7.4 Operation - Traffic

Objectives To minimise disturbance to natural traffic flow and residential access to propertyduring maintenance works.


No complaints from traffic around maintenance works.

Action Information provided to locals (local newspaper, signs, postal drops), with at leastone weeks notice, where traffic diversion is required for extended period of time.

Traffic control used when road blocked or partially blocked by maintenance works.

Clear signage provided on diversion routes.

Where possible, work that impacts on traffic flow is to be conducted outside ofpeak flow times.

Monitoring The Maintenance Contractor is to ensure that traffic control is undertaken whenrequired and in accordance with Department of Main Road and Cairns RegionalCouncil laws.

Reporting Maintenance Contractor to report any significant non-conformances or incidencessuch as vehicle accidents, to the Project Manager.

Maintenance Contractor to report any complaints to the Project Manager.

CorrectiveAction

Maintenance Contractor to review the traffic controls and revise where necessary.Mitigative actions may include modifying the work hours when the road is blockedor partially blocked, revising the diversion signage or improving information of roadclosures to locals.

November 2009 - Cairns Regional Council · 42/15610/100507 Mulgrave River Aquifer 1 draft...

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Transcript of November 2009 - Cairns Regional Council · 42/15610/100507 Mulgrave River Aquifer 1 draft...