PARKLEA CORRECTIONAL CENTRE UPGRADE · December 2016 . Parklea Correctional Centre Upgrde Stage 3...

A division of the Department of Finance, Services and Innovation

PARKLEA CORRECTIONAL CENTRE UPGRADE

STAGE 3 WORKS – MAXIMUM SECURITY PRISON EXPANSION REVIEW OF ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS

PREPARED FOR NSW DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

Report No DC16056

December 2016

Parklea Correctional Centre Upgrde Stage 3 Works Review of Environmental Factors

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PARKLEA CORRECTIONAL CENTRE UPGRADE STAGE 3 WORKS – MAXIMUM SECURITY PRISON EXPANSION REVIEW OF ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS PREPARED FOR NSW DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

Report No DC16056

December 2016

Document Control

Issue / Revision

Author Reviewer Approved for Issue

Name Date

Draft v1 Lara Hess Anastasia Assargiotis Lara Hess 1.11.2016



Final Lara Hess Anastasia Assargiotis Lara Hess 07.12.2016

Lara Hess Environmental Scientist Level 13 McKell Building 2-24 Rawson Place Sydney NSW 2000 T: 02 9372 7863 E: [email protected] W: www.publicworks.nsw.gov.au

© Crown in right of NSW through the Department of Finance, Services and Innovation 2016

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Executive Summary The Parklea Correctional Centre (Parklea CC) is a privately managed Australian maximum and minimum security prison for males. The centre is located at 66 Sentry Drive, Parklea within the Blacktown Local Government Area approximately 40 km north-west of Sydney. The facility is operated by GEO Group Australia and has a current capacity for 823 inmates.

The Parklea CC is currently running at or above capacity and facilities which were constructed over 30 years ago are inadequate to meet the current inmate population. There has been an unprecedented rise in inmate numbers beyond the previous projections and this has placed increasing pressures on the correctional system resulting in serious inefficiencies and operational challenges (NSW Public Works, 2015). A lack of compliant bed capacity has seen the practice of doubling and tripling up cells extensively employed across the correctional system.

The NSW Department of Justice is proposing to upgrade the Parklea CC to meet the needs of the State’s growing prison population. The upgrade of the centre is being undertaken in a number of stages as detailed below;

Stage 1 – driveway realignment, new visitor carpark and new playing field in the maximum security prison,

Stage 2 – minimum security prison upgrade, associated facilities and second visitor carpark,

Stage 3 – maximum security prison upgrade and associated facilities. Stage 1 and Stage 2 works have commenced. This REF has been prepared to assess the potential impacts associated with the Stage 3 works only. The Stage 3 Works would be undertaken within the maximum security compound and would provide the following new facilities, summarised as:

Additional maximum security accommodation totalling 500 beds; Clinic/ Audio Visual Link (AVL) facility; Program/industries building; Visits centre; Control posts; Gate House / reception extension; Two new playing fields, outdoor recreation areas and circulation path; New and extended security fencing; Covered walkways; and Realignment of the perimeter road surrounding the new maximum security area.

The location and footprint of the proposed new facilities is shown on the plans provided in Appendix A.

Planning Framework

The proposed works are permissible without consent pursuant to clause 26 of State Environmental Planning Policy (Infrastructure) 2007, which allows development for certain works undertaken by a public authority in connection with an existing correction centre to proceed without the need to gain development consent.

This Review of Environmental Factors (REF) has been prepared to assess the potential environmental impacts of the proposed works in accordance with the requirements of Part 5 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act).


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Environment Impacts and Mitigation

Construction

A number of potential environmental impacts associated with the construction and operation of the maximum security expansion works proposed at the Parklea CC have been identified and are briefly discussed below.

The Parklea CC site is highly disturbed having been mostly cleared of vegetation over many decades, although some localised natural re-generation vegetation is evident in some areas of the property. Very minimal vegetation clearing is proposed as part of the construction works. The footprint of the new works is mostly within disturbed and cleared areas of the site inside or directly adjacent to the maximum security complex. No significant flora or fauna habitat would be removed as part of the proposal and the overall net amount of habitat lost would be minor. A number of small patches of the Cumberland Plain Woodland vegetation community have been identified in the north eastern corner of the site. An assessment of significance under both the TSC Act and EPBC Act concluded that the proposed development is unlikely to have a significant impact on this vegetation community and a Species Impact Statement or referral to the Department of the Environment for approval under the EPBC Act is not considered necessary.

A due diligence assessment involving an archaeological survey conducted at the site determined that no Aboriginal cultural heritage sites or places will be impacted by the works.

The construction area is within close proximity to neighbouring residential properties along the northern and north-eastern boundary of the site, and therefore it is likely that some inconvenience to residents would be expected during construction due to increased traffic, and other impacts to the local amenity. Noise emission from during some phases of the construction program are predicted to exceed the applicable construction noise management levels at the nearest affected receivers; however, receivers are not predicted to be highly affected (ie noise would not exceed 75dB(A)).

No road closures or traffic detours will be required on the public road network during the construction phases. A transport and traffic assessment has determined that the increased traffic during construction is not predicted to have an impact on local traffic flow and only a minor inconvenience to local road users is expected.

The proposal will generate excess spoil in the order of 25,000 m3. Excess spoil will be tested in accordance with EPA guidelines and if found to be suitable, disposed of onsite in permanent spoil mounds along the eastern and western section of the northern boundary of the site. The spoil will be graded into existing mounds (thought to have been generated by the original construction works at the site) and will assist in screening the new works from future residential developments planned to the north of the Parklea CC site. Onsite spoil disposal will substantially reduce the potential for traffic related impacts in the local area when compared to off-site disposal options.

Prior to construction commencing, a Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) would be developed by the construction contractor, to detail how the environmental management of the project would be implemented. This will includes mitigation measures related to traffic, noise and dust, to manage any temporary impacts associated with the construction works.

There will be some cumulative impacts associated with the concurrent construction of the Stage 1, Stage 2 (subject to previous environmental assessment) and Stage 3 works at the Parklea CC site. The majority of Stage 1 and Stage 2 works are occurring in or adjacent to the minimum security complex. The main impact would be the extended duration of construction activities occurring at the site, which is likely to result in a greater period of construction related impacts associated with noise, dust and traffic. However the cumulative


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impact of the three construction phases is unlikely to result in a significant environmental impact.

Operation

The socio-economic assessment undertaken for the proposal determined that whilst there are many perceived community concerns in relation to the operation of correctional facilities, these issues are generally not valid in most cases. The increased capacity of the maximum security prison will have a number of social benefits to the local community such as through support for local charities, inmate work projects and additional employment for local residents. It is considered unlikely that inmates who were not previously residents of the Blacktown region would remain in the area post release, or that families of inmates would move to the area.

Whilst there would be a small impact on increased demand for services such as educational, health and social services in the area, these would be managed through the maintenance of open lines of communication between Parklea CC management and relevant agencies. There is the potential for improved benefits for the Indigenous community, such as the maintenance of social networks, employment and training opportunities.

Community consultation undertaken as part of the socio-economic assessment found that overall there were few concerns expressed by the local community in relation to safety and security with visual and noise impacts being the most common issue for clarification and response.

The proposed development is within the confines of an existing correctional centre and is not expected to have a significant adverse impact on the amenity of the surrounding residential areas. The expanded facility will be well screened through the extension of the spoil mound along the northern boundary and landscaping along the perimeter and throughout the site.

Minimal operational noise is expected to result and lighting has been designed to prevent adverse impacts to the surrounding residential areas.

The concept design for the new buildings includes stormwater quality and quantity controls including the upgrade of the existing detention basin, rainwater harvesting tanks, enviropods, gross pollutants traps and grassed swales which would mitigation any issues associated with increased runoff from the site.

Post construction the maximum security prison would accommodate an additional 500 inmates with the total population of the maximum security prison rising to 1,243. The provision of additional maximum security accommodation at Parklea CC will assist in alleviating the current pressure on the State’s prison system and will respond to long term growth forecasts. The expanded correctional facilities will assist in maintaining the social support networks of both current and future inmates from the western Sydney region of NSW.

Summary

Pursuant to the provisions of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, and Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2000, an environmental assessment of the proposed expansion of the maximum security prison at Parklea CC has been undertaken. Consideration has been given to the likely impact of the activity on the environment, having regard to all relevant factors. On the basis of the information presented in this REF it is concluded that by adopting the safeguards identified in this assessment it is unlikely that there would be significant adverse environmental impacts associated with the proposed works.


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Table of Contents 1 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................... 1

1.1 Background and Purpose of the Proposal ........................................................................... 1

1.2 Project Summary ................................................................................................................. 1

1.3 Objectives ............................................................................................................................ 2

1.4 Land Ownership ................................................................................................................... 2

2 STATUTORY CONSIDERATIONS ........................................................................................................ 4

2.1 Environmental Planning Instruments ................................................................................... 4

2.2 State Environmental Planning Policies ................................................................................ 4

2.3 NSW Legislation .................................................................................................................. 5

2.4 Commonwealth Legislation .................................................................................................. 7

2.5 Summary of Approvals and Consents ................................................................................. 7

2.6 Consultation ......................................................................................................................... 8

3 NEED FOR THE PROJECT ................................................................................................................. 9

3.1 Existing Infrastructure .......................................................................................................... 9

3.2 Existing Operation .............................................................................................................. 9

3.3 Existing Performance ......................................................................................................... 11

3.4 Project Justification ............................................................................................................ 11

4 OPTION EVALUATION .................................................................................................................... 12

4.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................................ 12

4.2 Options Development ........................................................................................................ 12

4.3 Option Evaluation .............................................................................................................. 13

5 DESCRIPTION OF THE ACTIVITY ..................................................................................................... 14

5.1 Description of the Proposed Works ................................................................................... 14

5.2 Construction Works ........................................................................................................... 15

5.3 Operation ........................................................................................................................... 17

6 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT .................................................................................................... 19

6.1 Assessment Methodology .................................................................................................. 19

6.2 Location and Land Use ...................................................................................................... 20

6.3 Noise and Vibration ........................................................................................................... 24

6.4 Traffic and Access ............................................................................................................. 31

6.5 Air Quality .......................................................................................................................... 36

6.6 Soils, Erosion and Water Quality ....................................................................................... 37

6.7 Terrestrial Flora and Fauna ............................................................................................... 42

6.8 Cultural Heritage ................................................................................................................ 48

6.9 Site Contamination and Salinity ......................................................................................... 49

6.10 Waste Management ........................................................................................................... 50


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6.11 Bushfire Hazard ................................................................................................................. 51

6.12 Visual ................................................................................................................................. 51

6.13 Socio-economic Impacts .................................................................................................... 51

7 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT ................................................................................................... 56

7.1 Environmental Management Measures ............................................................................. 57

8 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ....................................................................................... 71

8.1 Recommendations ............................................................................................................. 71

9 REFERENCES ............................................................................................................................... 72

APPENDIX A: SITE PLANS .................................................................................................................... 73

APPENDIX B CLAUSE 228 OF THE EP&A REGULATION ......................................................................... 74

APPENDIX C: STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATION ....................................................................................... 77

APPENDIX D: FLORA AND FAUNA IMPACT ASSESSMENTS ..................................................................... 82

APPENDIX E: ABORIGINAL DUE DILIGENCE ASSESSMENT ..................................................................... 83

APPENDIX F: STORMWATER MANAGEMENT REPORT ............................................................................ 84

APPENDIX G: NOISE ASSESSMENT ....................................................................................................... 85

APPENDIX H: SOCIO ECONOMIC IMPACT ASSESSMENT ......................................................................... 86

APPENDIX I: GEOTECHNICAL REPORT .................................................................................................. 87

APPENDIX J: PRELIMINARY SOIL CONTAMINATION AND SALINITY SCREENING REPORT ......................... 88

LIST OF TABLES

Table 2-1 Summary of Approvals and Consents .......................................................................... 7

Table 5-1 Construction Staging and timing ................................................................................. 15

Table 5-2 Cut and Fill Volumes .................................................................................................. 16

Table 6-1 Measured Background (L90) and Ambient (Leq) Noise Levels, dB(A) ...................... 24

Table 6-2 Measured Background (L90) and Ambient (Leq) Noise Levels, dB(A) ...................... 24

Table 6-3 Applicable Operational Noise Criteria ........................................................................ 27

Table 6-4 Sound Power Levels of Operational Activities ........................................................... 28

Table 7-1 Construction Environmental Management Plan Structure .......................................... 56

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1-1 Location of the Parklea Correctional Centre site in relation to Sydney ....................... 3

Figure 1-2 Aerial showing Parklea Correctional Centre Layout and Lot Boundary (in red) ......... 3

Figure 5-1 Stage 3 Works Site Plan ........................................................................................... 18

Figure 6-1 Parklea Correctional Centre Site Location ................................................................ 20

Figure 6-2 Stage 3 Works Footprint ........................................................................................... 23

Figure 6-3 Background Noise Monitoring Locations (noise catchment areas) ........................... 25

Figure 6-4 Construction Traffic Access ...................................................................................... 34


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Figure 6-5 Cumberland Plain Woodland CEEC mapping (Shale Plains Woodland shown in orange, Shale Hills Woodland shown in purple) ............................................................ 47


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List of Abbreviations

AHD Australian Height Datum

AHIMS Aboriginal Heritage Information Management System

AHIP Aboriginal Heritage Impact Permit

APZ Asset Protection Zone

AVL Audio Visual Link

CC Correctional Centre

CEMP Construction Environmental Management Plan

DCP Development Control Plan

DP&I Department of Planning and Infrastructure

EP&A Act Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979

EP&A Regulation

Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2000

EPA Environment Protection Authority

EPBC Act Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

ESD Environmentally Sustainable Development

LEP Local Environmental Plan

LGA Local government area

NPW Act National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974

NVMP Noise and vibration management plan

OEH Office of Environment and Heritage

REF Review of Environmental Factors

SEPP State Environmental Planning Policy

SWMP Soil and Water Management Plan

TMP Traffic Management Plan

TSC Act

WHS

Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995

Work Health and Safety

WMP Waste Management Plan


Public Works Advisory 1

1 Introduction This section provides details on the background of the proposal, its objectives, and site location.

1.1 Background and Purpose of the Proposal

The Parklea Correctional Centre (CC) is a privately managed Australian maximum and minimum security prison for males. The centre is located at 66 Sentry Drive, Parklea within the Blacktown Local Government Area approximately 40 km north-west of Sydney (refer to Figure 1-2).

The Parklea CC facility is operated by GEO Group Australia and currently accommodates 743 maximum security inmates. It also incorporates a minimum security work release centre for inmates nearing release with a capacity of 80. The complex accepts prisoners charged and convicted under NSW and/or Commonwealth legislation.

The Parklea CC comprises three separate correctional facilities, namely the;

minimum security correctional centre; maximum security correctional centre; and compulsory drug treatment correctional unit.

The unprecedented and unanticipated rise in inmate numbers in recent years, which has exceeded previous inmate population projections, has placed demand pressures on the correctional system. This has resulted in a number of inefficiencies and operational challenges, particularly in metropolitan Sydney.

The NSW Department of Justice is therefore proposing to upgrade the Parklea CC to meet the needs of the State’s growing prison population and to overcome the operational management challenges of the correctional system in the Sydney metropolitan area. The upgrade of the Parklea CC is being undertaken in a number of stages as detailed below;

Stage 1 – driveway realignment, carpark construction and new playing field in the maximum security prison,

Stage 2 – minimum security prison upgrade, associated facilities and second carpark,

Stage 3 – maximum security prison upgrade and associated facilities. Stage 1 and 2 works have commenced. This REF has been prepared to assess the potential impacts associated with the Stage 3 works only, this being the expansion of the maximum security prison and associated works.

1.2 Project Summary

The proposal involves the expansion of the existing maximum security prison by 500 beds, thereby increasing the current inmate capacity of 743 to 1,243.

The Stage 3 Works would be undertaken within the maximum security compound and would provide a number of new facilities, summarised as:

Additional maximum security accommodation totalling 500 beds; Clinic/ AVL facility; Program/industries building; Visits centre;



Control posts; Gate House / reception extension; Two new playing fields, outdoor recreation areas and circulation path; New and extended security fencing; Covered walkways; and Realignment of the perimeter road surrounding the new maximum security

area. The location and footprint of the proposed new facilities is shown on site plans provided in Appendix A.

1.3 Objectives

The objective of the proposal is to:

Provide additional prison accommodation and associated infrastructure to assist in alleviating the current state shortage;

Ensure compliance with legislation and conditions of approval, permits and licences.

1.4 Land Ownership

The works are proposed within the Parklea CC (Lot 51, DP1026712) which is owned by the NSW Department of Justice.

Parklea Correctional Centre

Source: GoogleMap 2016



Figure 1-1 Location of the Parklea Correctional Centre site in relation to Sydney

Figure 1-2 Aerial showing Parklea Correctional Centre Layout and Lot Boundary (in red)

Source: SixMaps 2016



2 Statutory Considerations 2.1 Environmental Planning Instruments

2.1.1 Blacktown Local Environmental Plan 2015

The Parklea CC is located on land zoned SP1 Special Activities (Correctional Centre) under the Blacktown Local Environmental Plan 2015 (LEP). Prisons (Correctional Centres) are permitted with consent in this zone.

The objectives of the SP1 zone are to:

To provide for special land uses that are not provided for in other zones. To provide for sites with special natural characteristics that are not provided

for in other zones. To facilitate development that is in keeping with the special characteristics of

the site or its existing or intended special use, and that minimises any adverse impacts on surrounding land.

Uses that are permitted in within the SP1 Special Activities zone are shown on the Blacktown LEP Land Zoning Map. The “use” or purpose is labelled “Correctional Centre” and it includes any development that is ordinarily incidental or ancillary to development for that purpose.

The Blacktown LEP defines correctional centre as meaning:

(a) any premises declared to be a correctional centre by a proclamation in force under section 225 of the Crimes (Administration of Sentences) Act 1999, including any juvenile correctional centre or periodic detention centre, and

(b) any premises declared to be a detention centre by an order in force under section 5 (1) of the Children (Detention Centres) Act 1987,

but does not include any police station or court cell complex in which a person is held in custody in accordance with any Act.

Clause 5.12(1) of the Blacktown LEP states that the LEP does not restrict or prohibit, or enable the restriction or prohibition of, the carrying out of any development, by or on behalf of a public authority, that is permitted to be carried out with or without development consent, or that is exempt development, under State Environmental Planning Policy (Infrastructure) 2007 (see 2.2.1 below).

2.2 State Environmental Planning Policies

2.2.1 State Environmental Planning Policy (Infrastructure) 2007

State Environmental Planning Policy (Infrastructure) 2007 (SEPP (Infrastructure)) aims to assist in the effective delivery of public infrastructure across the State by improving certainty and regulatory efficiency through consistent planning assessment and approvals regime for public infrastructure and services facilities.

Clause 26 of SEPP (Infrastructure) allows development for certain works undertaken by a public authority, in connection with an existing correction centre to proceed without the need to gain development consent in a prescribed zone (or equivalent zone). This includes;

(a) transitional group homes that each contain not more than 5 bedrooms and accommodate fewer residents than the number equal to the number calculated by multiplying the number of bedrooms in the home by 2,

http://www.legislation.nsw.gov.au/xref/inforce/?xref=Type%3Dact%20AND%20Year%3D1999%20AND%20no%3D93&nohits=y

http://www.legislation.nsw.gov.au/xref/inforce/?xref=Type%3Dact%20AND%20Year%3D1987%20AND%20no%3D57&nohits=y



(b) sporting facilities or additions to sporting facilities, if the development does not involve clearing of more than 2 hectares of native vegetation,

(c) demolition of buildings,

(d) replacement of accommodation, administration or other facilities in a correctional complex, and

(e) alterations of, or additions to, a correctional complex, and

(f) construction, maintenance or realignment of security fencing with a height of not more than 12 metres above ground level (existing).

The entire Parklea CC site has been declared to be a Correctional Complex and the maximum security prison declared to be a Correctional Centre by way of notification in the NSW Government Gazette. The Parklea CC site is zoned SP1 Special Activities (Correctional Centre) under the Blacktown Local Environmental Plan 2015 (see Section 2.1.1 above). SP1 Special Activities is a prescribed zone under clause 24 of SEPP (Infrastructure). Pursuant to Clause 24 of the SEPP (Infrastructure) the proposed extension of the maximum security prison at the Parklea CC including all associated is considered meet clause 26(b), 26(d) and 26(e) and is therefore permissible without development consent.

2.3 NSW Legislation

2.3.1 Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979

The Environmental Planning & Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act) provides a framework for environmental planning and assessment in NSW. The applicable environmental planning instrument for the works is the SEPP (Infrastructure) which removes the requirement to obtain development consent for the proposed works. The Stage 3 Works have therefore been assessed under Part 5 of the EP&A Act. The Department of Justice is the proponent and the determining authority for the works.

The REF has been prepared in accordance with Section 111 of the EP&A Act, which requires that the proponent take into account to the fullest extent possible all matters affecting or likely to affect the environment due to the proposed activity. These matters are assessed in Section 6 of this REF. The environmental impact of the works has been assessed against the factors listed under clause 228 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2000 (EP&A Regulation) (Appendix B).

2.3.2 National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974

The National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 (NPW Act) provides for the statutory protection of Aboriginal cultural heritage places, objects and features. One of the objects of the NPW Act is the conservation of places, objects and features of significance to Aboriginal people (Section 2A).

Aboriginal Objects and Aboriginal Places are protected under Part 6 of the NPW Act and there are legislative penalties if a person harms or desecrates an Aboriginal Place or Object (s. 86). Harm to an Aboriginal Place or Object includes any act or omission that destroys, defaces or damages the object or place, or, in relation to an Aboriginal object, moves the object from the land on which it had been situated. It is a defence against prosecution for unintentionally harming Aboriginal Objects if due diligence had been exercised to determine that no Aboriginal object would be harmed, or the harm or desecration was authorised by an Aboriginal heritage impact permit (AHIP). A due diligence assessment including site survey undertaken at the site has confirmed that the works would not impact on any Aboriginal objects or places (Appendix E).



2.3.3 Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 (NSW)

The Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 (TSC Act) protects species of threatened flora and fauna, endangered populations and endangered ecological communities and their habitats in NSW.

A Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment and addendum report have been prepared by Lesryk Environmental (2016) and GIS Environmental Consultants (2016) and are provided in Appendix D. This assessment concluded that the proposal would not impact upon any threatened species, population or ecological community provided that the mitigation measures proposed are implemented (refer to Section 6.7 for details).

2.3.4 Native Vegetation Act 2003

The Native Vegetation Act 2003 regulates the clearing of native vegetation in NSW. However, this Act does not apply to any clearing that is, or is part of, an activity carried out by a determining authority within the meaning of Part 5 of the EP&A Act if the determining authority has complied with that Part. As such the Native Vegetation Act 2003 does not apply to the proposed works.

2.3.5 Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997

The Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 (POEO Act) regulates air, noise, land and water pollution, and is administered by Environment Protection Authority (EPA).

Activities listed under Schedule 1 of the POEO Act are scheduled activities which require an Environment Protection Licence (EPL) to be issued by the Environment Protection Authority (EPA). Clause 19(3) declares that land-based extractive activities that involve the extraction of more than 30,000 tonnes per year of extractive materials are a scheduled activity. A land-based extractive activity is defined to mean the extraction of extractive materials, either for sale or re-use, by means of excavation, blasting, tunnelling, quarrying or other such land-based methods (cl 19(1)).

The estimated amount of excavated material (which would be re-used onsite) resulting from the proposal is approximately 45,000 tonnes (37,500m3) which would be generated over a four month period (see Section 5.2.1). However, under clause 1(2) of Schedule 1, the activity is not considered ‘premises-based’ if the excavation works are carried out by “mobile plant” and “is operated at a particular site on a temporary basis only (that is, for a total period of not more than 6 months in any 12-month period)”

The excavation works would meet the requirements of Schedule 1 clause 1(2) and are therefore not considered to be a scheduled activity under the Act. As such an EPL would not be required.

2.3.6 Heritage Act 1977

The Heritage Act 1977 provides legislative protection of items or state or local historical heritage significance and establishes the Heritage Council of NSW. The Heritage Council’s role is to advise the government on the protection of heritage assets, make listing recommendations to the Minister in relation to the State Heritage Register, and assess/approve/decline proposals involving modification to heritage items or places listed on the Register.

Automatic protection is afforded to ‘relics’, defined as ‘any deposit or material evidence relating to the settlement of the area that comprised New South Wales, not being Aboriginal settlement, and which holds state or local significance’. Excavation



of land on which it is known or where there is reasonable cause to suspect that ‘relics’ will be exposed, moved, destroyed, discovered or damaged is prohibited unless ordered under an excavation permit.

The Parklea CC site is not listed as an item of local or state heritage. Given the past land use history (grazing / golf course) and the development of the site in the 1980’s as a correctional facility, it is considered highly unlikely that historical relics would be present at the site. No approval under the Heritage Act 1977 is required.

2.4 Commonwealth Legislation

2.4.1 Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

The Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) provides for Commonwealth involvement in development assessment and approval in circumstances where there exist ‘matters of national environmental significance’. Matters of national environmental significance include:

World Heritage properties; National Heritage places; Wetlands of international importance (listed under the Ramsar Convention); Nationally threatened species and ecological communities; Migratory species; Commonwealth marine areas; Great Barrier Reef Marine Park; Nuclear actions (including uranium mining) and A water resource, in relation to coal seam gas development and large coal mining

development. The subject site is not Commonwealth land, and the proposal would not have any significant impact on the environment of any Commonwealth land.

The Cumberland Plain Woodland vegetation community has been identified on the Parklea CC site. Cumberland Plain Woodland is listed as a critically endangered ecological community under the EPBC Act, and as such was subject an assessment of significance as part of the Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment (Appendix D). The assessment concluded that the proposal would not result in a significant impact to the Cumberland Plain Woodland vegetation community and therefore the proposal does not need to be referred to the Commonwealth Department of the Environment and Energy for approval.

2.5 Summary of Approvals and Consents

Table 2-1 provides a summary of the approvals or consents required in relation to the works proposed at the Parklea CC.

Table 2-1 Summary of Approvals and Consents

Agency Requirements Reference

Department of Justice Determination of the proposal Pt 5 of EP&A Act



2.6 Consultation

2.6.1 Agency Consultation

Consultation was undertaken with stakeholder agencies as part of the request for Secretary’s environmental assessment requirements for the original proposal scope. It is noted that this was undertaken when the project required development consent, prior to the amendment to the SEPP (infrastructure) 2007 allowing the proposal to proceed as development without consent.

A summary of the environmental assessment requirements and the outcomes of the agency consultation are provided in the Consultation Report - Proposed Additions and Alterations to Parklea Correctional Centre (BBC Planners 2016) which is provided in Appendix C. Where relevant these issues have been addressed in this REF.

There are no statutory consultation requirements under SEPP (Infrastructure) 2007 for this proposal as, in accordance with Clauses 13-16:

There would be no impact on Council-related infrastructure or services (Clause 13).

There would be no impact that is not minor or inconsequential on a local heritage item (other than a local heritage item that is also a State heritage item) or a heritage conservation area (Clause 14)

There would be no impact on flood liable land (Clause 15)

The development is not specified development (Clause 16)

2.6.2 Community and Other Stakeholder Consultation

BBC Consulting Planners undertook community and stakeholder consultation as part of the REF. The details and results of the consultation is summarised in the Consultation Report provided in Appendix C.



3 Need for the Project This section reviews the existing infrastructure serving the Parklea Correctional Centre and provides the context for the proposed works.

3.1 Existing Infrastructure

The Parklea CC was opened in 1983. The facility is the second largest correctional centre in NSW and accommodates a total of 823 inmates of both maximum and minimum security categorisation. Approximately 50 percent of inmates within the Parklea CC are on remand (i.e. awaiting sentencing) (Justice, 2015).

The main facilities at the site comprise;

an 80-bed minimum security works release centre for sentenced inmates approaching release,

maximum security facility comprising; o a 96 bed therapeutic community facility for sentenced inmates

providing cognitive-behavioural intervention programs, o a 377 bed protective custody unit for mainly remand inmates, and o a 270 bed unit for mainly remand mainstream inmates held

pending court appearances. industrial workshop complex that provides manufacturing services to a

number of industries, vocational training and programs centre, clinic, visits centres, outside exercise areas, associated infrastructure including administrative, fences, security

facilities.

3.2 Existing Operation

3.2.1 Programs, Services and Industries

There are approximately 150 inmates employed in industries and programs within the maximum security prison at the Parklea CC.

These industries include:

External works release (pallet shop) providing inmate employment with manufacturing roles, refurbishing timber pallets and temporary fence panes;

Engineering Services: Involving the manufacture / refurbishment of steel pallet cages, manufacturing projects for FRNSW, manufacture temporary fence panels, manufacture charity clothing bins and self-sufficiency projects Correctional Fence and a wide range of light to medium engineering capabilities.

Cabinetry Manufacturing Office and General Furniture, Kitchen Cabinetry, Children’s Toys, timber recycling and self-sufficiency project.

Print Services: Provided for local schools, including merit awards and certificates etc, self-sufficiency log books and Journals etc.



Parklea CC Service Industries include:-

Internal Grounds Maintenance Ration and Reception Packaging Laundry Operations Kitchen Operations

3.2.2 Site Security

In general the objectives of the security system for the maximum security prison are maintained through constructive staff/inmate interaction, complimented by mechanical and electronic devices. With the aim of ensuring the safety of the inmates, staff and the local community the principle objectives of the security system include:

Preventing inmates from escaping; Preventing illegal entry into the correctional centre; and Controlling any aggressive behaviour of inmates towards staff, visitors and

other inmates. The current management strategies to achieve the above objectives for security at the Parklea CC site are summarised as:

Security and inmate control rely on “direct supervision”. This key concept involves placing custodial staff in accommodation units where they are in direct sight and sound contact with inmates;

Groups of inmates (between 50-80 inmates) managed on an area management basis encouraging decentralisation of decision-making and relying on achieving a high level of security through the use of staff-inmate interaction;

Individual inmate programs managed on a case management basis to encourage structured interaction and personalises the area management process by allocating groups of inmates to multi-disciplinary case-management teams; and

Inmates will be subject to a structured day to provide for and encourage them to be occupied with either work, education and life skills courses, or constructive recreation and hobbycraft programs for the best part of the working week.

Internal security is based on an appropriate level of personal contact between inmates and staff and includes ‘zoning’ principles to increase dynamic security.

Perimeter Security Systems

The existing perimeter security system encloses the accommodation units and playing fields, as well as the industries, programs and visits, and consists of:

A two fence system separated by a sterile zone of approximately 8 metres. The inner fence is a heavy duty expanded mesh fence 5 metres high and topped with a roll top drum (“MACEM” fence). The outer fence is a 5.0 metre high precast concrete wall;

A microwave security system surrounding the facility; A video motion detection system for comprehensive 24 hour perimeter

surveillance;



A sealed, one way road surrounding the perimeter wall, providing the opportunity for staff to respond to attempted breaches of the perimeter by vehicle; and

A standard 2.4 metre high chainwire link fence which delineates the property boundary.

3.3 Existing Performance

The Parklea CC is currently running at or above capacity, and facilities which were constructed over 30 years ago are inadequate to meet the current inmate population.

The continuing demand pressures on the NSW correctional system have resulted in a number of inefficiencies and operational challenges in metropolitan Sydney. To address the identified deficiencies the 400 bed Parklea CC Expansion Project was approved to proceed in May 2015. Since the preparation of the Correction Services NSW Blueprint 2030 in April 2013, and the original Business Case in November 2014, there has been an unprecedented and unexpected rise in inmate numbers which has seen the previous inmate population projection for 2030 reached in April 2015.

The exceptional rise in inmate numbers has necessitated a review of the prison population projections. Given the risks to the operational management of the correctional system in the Sydney metropolitan area, additional permanent prison accommodation is urgently needed. The original Parklea CC expansion project was therefore reviewed which has resulted in the increased the scope of the upgrade by a further 250 beds to support the recent influx of inmates into the system.

3.4 Project Justification

The Department of Justice is proposing to expand the Parklea CC to overcome the severe shortage of compliant prison accommodation. The works proposed at Parklea CC are being undertaken over a number of stages to minimise disruptions to prison operations. The Stage 1 works comprising the driveway realignment and carpark replacement are now complete and have allowed the Stage 2 (minimum security prison expansion on the site of the existing visitor car park), and the Stage 3 (maximum security prison expansion) to proceed.

The proposed development comprises the expansion of an existing correction centre within the site of an existing correctional complex. There is an abundance of available land on the Parklea CC site and the expansion of the maximum security complex can be adequately accommodated within the existing site boundaries. The upgraded facility would be screened from neighbouring properties through the extension of existing spoil mounds and landscaping. Site investigations have confirmed that the works would not result in any impacts to ecological or cultural heritage values at the property.

Parklea CC is unable to meet the increasing and changing demands of its expanding prison population. The proposed expansion of the Parklea CC will respond to long term growth forecasts through the provision of additional prison beds and associated infrastructure. The upgraded maximum security prison would comprise a modern facility which would meet the existing needs at the Parklea CC as well as assisting in meeting the inmate accommodation shortage across Sydney metropolitan area.



4 Option Evaluation This section briefly describes the option evaluation methodology and the options considered for the proposal.

4.1 Introduction

As discussed in Section 3, an urgent need for additional prison accommodation in the Sydney metropolitan area has been identified. The following options were considered in relation to the upgrade of the entire Parklea Correctional Complex.

4.2 Options Development

In November 2014, a Business Case for the Correctional Centre Expansion Program: Northern NSW Region & Parklea was prepared by the former Corrective Services NSW (now part of the NSW Department of Justice). The Business Case sought funding approval for the construction of an additional 400 (150 minimum security and 250 maximum security) beds at the Parklea CC.

Since the approval of the original business case, increases in inmate population projections have far exceeded official forecasts. This led to the preparation of an updated Parklea Business Case which presented an additional option consisting of a further 250 maximum security and support facilities.

These options are discussed below.

4.2.1 Option 1 – Expansion of Parklea CC with 400 beds and additional support facilities

Option 1 involves;

An additional 400 bed facility (150 minimum and 250 maximum) comprising 304 cells that can accommodate 400 inmates.

Development of support facilities to adequately support the additional number of inmates, including clinic extension, AVL, legal holding, programs building and visit facility.

This option was endorsed for development in Blueprint 2030 and subsequently approved by the NSW Government, but was subject to review to address infrastructure shortfalls.

4.2.2 Option 2 - Expansion of Parklea CC with 650 beds and support facilities

Option 2 involves;

An additional 650 bed facility (150 minimum and 500 maximum) comprising 494 cells that can accommodate 650 inmates.

Development of support facilities to adequately support the additional number of inmates, including clinic extension, AVL, legal holding, programs building and visit facility.

4.2.3 Do Nothing Option

The Do Nothing Option would not address the identified deficiencies associated with the inadequate prison accommodation which is unable to meet the current and projected inmate population. The Do Nothing Option is not considered to be acceptable in terms of meeting the objectives of the proposal.



4.3 Option Evaluation

The Parklea Correctional Centre Expansion Program Updated Business Case (NSW Public Works, 2015) evaluated the two expansion options on the basis of project costs, including the capital and operating costs.

4.3.1 Preferred Option

Parklea Correctional Centre Expansion Program Updated Business Case (NSW Public Works, 2015) recommended Option 2 as the preferred expansion option. The Business Case determined that whilst benefits are common to both options, the expanded (650 bed option) was found to have additional advantages. Fundamentally it was found that in order for the Department of Justice to continue to deliver on the Government’s policy objectives and to ensure that investment in Parklea CC is adequate to address current demand and network issues, it was recommended that Option 2 be selected.

The preferred option has been implemented in 3 stages. This REF has been prepared to assess the Stage 3 works, this being the upgrade of the maximum security prison and associated facilities. The Stage 1 and 2 minimum security upgrade works have been assessed in separate REFs.



5 Description of the Activity This section provides a description of the infrastructure to be provided for the Parklea CC Stage 3 Works upgrades including relevant details relating to construction of the proposed works.

5.1 Description of the Proposed Works

The Department of Justice is proposing to expand the Parklea CC. The upgrade of the centre is being undertaken in a number of stages as detailed below;

Stage 1 – driveway realignment, carpark construction and new playing field in the maximum security prison,

Stage 2 – minimum security prison upgrade, associated facilities and second carpark, Stage 3 – maximum security prison upgrade and associated facilities.

Stage 1 and 2 works have now commenced. This REF has been prepared to assess the potential impacts associated with the Stage 3 works only, this being the maximum security prison upgrade and associated works as described below;

Four (4) 125 bed maximum security accommodation pods with associated outdoor recreational court;

Programs/Industries Building Clinic/ AVL facility Gate House/ Reception Building (extension) Two (2) Control Post Buildings Two (2) Open space / exercise areas Sealed private roadways adjacent to the outer perimeter concrete and inner perimeter

Macem security fences Fencing including 5000 mm Macem perimeter fence Covered walkways

Site plans and site layouts are provided in Appendix A. A more detailed description of the works is provided below.

5.1.1 Maximum Security Accommodation

The new maximum security accommodation is proposed to be housed in four (4) two-storey in self-contained buildings, each arranged in pods with a combined total of 252 single cells, 120 double cells and eight access rooms. Each pod would accommodate 125 inmates and include an external asphalt recreational/playing court area.

5.1.2 Programs/Industries Building

The new Programs/Industries building would comprise a single storey building containing staff offices and meeting rooms, chapel, group rooms, business unit rooms, store, rooms, interviews rooms, computer rooms, lunch rooms, staff and inmate amenities and officer post. The building would provide education and on-the-job skills and training facilities for inmates.

5.1.3 Clinic/ AVL Facility

The new Clinic/ AVL Facility building would comprise a single storey building containing a clinic post, consulting rooms, dispensary, observations cells and holding areas, staff office space and amenities, audio/visual rooms and legal rooms. The building would provide support services for inmates such as addiction treatment and rehabilitation, legal support and long distance communication facilities.



5.1.4 Control Posts

The two new Control Post buildings would comprise a single storey building containing two officer posts, store room, cleaners room; in addition to staff WC, inmate WC and shower amenities.

5.1.5 Gate House / Reception

The existing Gate House/Reception building would comprise a single storey extension to include eight new holding cells in the reception area; and a range of spaces in the Gate House building including staff and visitor entry foyer/processing area, waiting area, officer posts, interview room, amenities and lock in and out areas. The extension of the existing building would provide upgraded visitor, staff and inmate ingress and egress/ processing facilities.

5.1.6 Roadways

Two new sealed private roadways would be located along the north-western and north-eastern perimeter of the outer concrete perimeter fence (outer side) and inner Macem security fence (inner side) of the correctional centre to provide vehicular access to these areas.

5.1.7 Exercise Areas

The new maximum security area would include two additional exercise areas which would comprise two new playing fields and an open space recreational area. Each playing field with include a new Control Post Building.

5.2 Construction Works

5.2.1 Construction Methodology, Timing and Staging

The construction works are predicted to take approximately 27 months, commencing in December 2016. The predicted construction methodology including staging and construction equipment requirements is provided in Table 5-1 below.

Table 5-1 Construction Staging and timing

Construction activity Staging (timing) Duration Equipment involved

Site establishment, construction compounds, fencing etc;

December 2016 3 months

Mobile crane, trucks, bored piers, grader/bobcat/excavator, roller, post hole digger

Establishment of construction access points /road;

December 2016 3 months Grader, excavator, loaders, rollers,

trucks

Clearing and removal of topsoil December 2016 3 months Grader/scraper, loader, trucks,

excavator Excavation works, grading and levelling the construction site

February 2017 4 months Grader, loader, trucks, rollers,

excavator, scraper, compactor

Outdoor area February 2017 12 months

Crane, concrete pump, concrete vibrators/floats, delivery trucks concrete saw/drills, bored or screw piling, small tools, excavator

Construction of buildings Accommodation

March 2017 24 months


Programs / industries March 2018 12 months Crane, concrete pump, concrete vibrators/floats, delivery trucks



Construction activity Staging (timing) Duration Equipment involved

concrete saw/drills, bored or screw piling, small tools, excavator

Clinic / AVL March 2017 12 months


Control posts September 2017 6 months


Fence-line roadway and associated civil works;

January 2019 6 months Grade roller loader, trucks

compactor Building services installation and fit-out; March 2019 6 months Brick saws, power tools

Site stabilisation and landscaping with native vegetation.

March 2019 6 months Trucks, bobcat, water truck, excavator.

Working hours

The Interim Construction Noise Guidelines (DECC 2009) outlines recommended standard construction working hours as:

Monday to Friday 7am to 6pm Saturdays 8am to 1pm No work on Sundays or public holidays.

The construction would comply with these recommended hours.

5.2.2 Cut and Fill

The predicted cut and fill volumes resulting from the Stage 3 Works are presented in Table 5-2 below.

Table 5-2 Cut and Fill Volumes

Work Area Cut volume Fill volume Excess

Maximum security upgrade 37,500 m3 12,500 m3 25,000 m3

The excess fill would be placed in spoil mounds located along the eastern and western section of the northern boundary of the Parklea CC site outside the security fences. The mounds would be graded into landscaped embankments (approximately 5 m high and constructed at a 4:1 grade). A plan showing the height of the spoil mounds in relation to the buildings and fencing at the site is provided in Appendix A.

5.2.3 Construction Site Layout

The contractor would establish two compound areas to accommodate construction facilities for the duration of the construction period. The compound areas are shown in the site plans provided in Appendix A and would accommodate the following facilities.

Vehicle parking



Site Office Amenities Stockpiles Fuel storage

5.2.4 Construction Environmental Management Plan

The proposed works would be undertaken in accordance with a Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) prepared by the construction contractor and approved by the Department of Justice prior to the commencement of works.

The CEMP would incorporate site specific management plans and would reflect all the mitigation measures identified in this REF, additional mitigation measures identified as a result of the contractors risk assessment and construction methodology and any conditions of the project determination and other licences/approvals.

5.3 Operation

5.3.1 Visits

The operation of the maximum security facility would remain unchanged post construction. As per the existing arrangement, visits are permitted on all days, except Tuesdays between the hours of:

8:45am – 11:00am and 12:15pm – 2:45pm

Maximum visit time is 1 hour, which must be booked at least 24 hours prior to the intended visit time.

Visitors to the maximum security facility are authorised two visits per week, either one weekday and one weekend, or two weekday visits. Visitors cannot be allocated two weekend visits. A maximum of four adult visitors and four children are allowed a visit at any one time.

5.3.2 Operational Workforce

An additional 43 permanent staff would be employed at the Parklea CC following the completion of the additions associated with the maximum security prison, as summarised below within the following categories:

24 custodial 8 industries 8 programs 2 health 1 administration

Figure 5-1



6 Environmental Assessment This section identifies and characterises the likely potential impacts associated with the construction and operational phases of the project.

6.1 Assessment Methodology

The impacts of the proposed works have been assessed in the context of Section 228 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2000 – “What factors must be taken into account concerning the impact of an activity on the environment?”. Appendix B addresses the factors requiring consideration under Section 228. Appropriate environmental management procedures and control measures are summarised in Section 7.

The key objectives of this assessment are to:

Identify those facets of the environment likely to be affected by the Proposal during both construction and operation;

Identify the sensitivity of the site; Identify and characterise the associated impacts; and Identify and evaluate feasible mitigation measures for the identified impacts.

Environmental issues of relevance to the proposal include:

Location and Land use; Noise and vibration; Traffic and Access; Air Quality; Soils, Erosion and Water Quality; Terrestrial Flora and Fauna; Cultural Heritage; Site contamination Waste Management; Visual; and Socio-economic.



6.2 Location and Land Use

Parklea CC is located at 66 Sentry Drive, Parklea, NSW within the Blacktown Local Government Area, approximately 40 km to the north-west of the Sydney CBD (refer to Figure 1-2).

The Parklea CC currently accommodates 743 maximum security inmates and incorporates a minimum security work release centre for inmates nearing release with a capacity of 80. The complex accepts prisoners charged and convicted under New South Wales and/or Commonwealth legislation. Additional associated infrastructure and administrative units of the Department of Justice are also located on-site.

The correctional facility was originally built in 1983 on land that was formerly a golf course and water reservoir. The prison buildings are located in the central part of the property with areas of existing managed bushland and landscaped, planted vegetation and grass-covered soil embankments around the perimeter.

The Parklea CC frontage and site access driveway connects directly to Sentry Drive via a roundabout-controlled T-junction located on the eastern side of the site. Development in the area surrounding the proposal site typically includes low density residential development to the east, south and west of the site, and a commercial shopping centre and leisure centre are located to the north-east of the site. The nearest resident is located approximately 20 m from the eastern site boundary.

Two reservoir ponds are located in the south western area of the site. Second Ponds Creek is also located at the south western section of the site and at the north western boundary of the site.

Figure 6-1 Parklea Correctional Centre Site Location

Parklea Correctional Centre

Source: Google Maps 2016



6.2.1 Construction Impacts

The general construction footprint for the works is provided on the aerial figure below (Figure 6-2). The construction area is approximately 7 ha and would be located on the north and north-eastern area of the Parklea CC site within 50 m to 200 m from the property boundary.

Given the location of residential properties in close proximity to the construction site, some impacts associated with traffic, noise and dust impacts are likely to result. These impacts are discussed in more detail in Sections 6.3, 6.4 and 6.5 below.

The construction works would be temporary in nature and would not interfere with the current use of the site as a correctional facility. All construction activities would be carried out with due diligence, duty of care and best management practices. This would be documented in the project specific CEMP.

Appropriate staging of the construction program will be implemented to ensure that site security is not compromised during the works. The contractors will work closely with the operator of the centre to ensure the site remains secure at all times. Any active work areas will be observed by dedicated prison officers. It is not anticipated that the construction works would adversely impact upon security at the site and that of the surrounding area.

6.2.2 Operational Impacts

The new infrastructure would be located within the existing Parklea CC complex (see Figure 5-1) and the site would continue to operate as correctional facility albeit at an increased capacity. The proposal is therefore consistent with the existing land use of the site. Post construction the maximum security prison would accommodate an additional 500 inmates with the total population of the maximum security prison rising to 1243. The socio-economic impact of the increased prison population is discussed further in Section 6.13.

All new buildings and infrastructure would be set back from the site boundary and located within the main security wall. Plans of the new buildings (section and elevation) are provided in Appendix A. The new buildings would be no greater than two storeys in height and would be generally consistent in design and form with existing infrastructure at the site.

The additional 500 inmates would have the same prisoner classification as the existing maximum security inmates and would participate in the same daily routine as the current maximum security inmates. The daily routines in the maximum security complex would remain unchanged post construction and all inmates would be imprisoned at night. The overall impact to the land use at the site is expected to be minimal.

The provision of new maximum security facilities would assist provide necessary social support networks for both current and future inmates from the western Sydney region of NSW (NSW Public Works, 2015). It is considered that there would be an overall positive impact to the land use at the site post construction, through improved prison infrastructure designed to cater for current and predicted inmate population growth.

6.2.3 Mitigation

The neighbouring land owners are to be consulted with regards to the construction works, predicted program and any access requirements.

Best management construction impacts are to be documented in a project specific CEMP.

Land disturbance during construction is to be strictly limited to that required to undertake the construction works

Construction works would be undertaken in consideration of adjacent vegetation Areas disturbed during construction would be returned to the pre-construction

condition.



The construction program is to be planned to site security is not compromised during the works. The contractors will work closely with the operator of the centre to ensure the site remains secure at all times.

Any active work areas will be observed by dedicated prison officers.



Figure 6-2 Stage 3 Works Footprint

Source: Six Maps 2016

Approximate location of spoil mound

Approximate location of spoil mound

Approximate Stage 3 works footprint



6.3 Noise and Vibration

The immediate surrounding area in all directions is residential and Stanhope Gardens Shopping Centre and Blacktown Leisure Centre Stanhope are located to the north east. Background noise levels at the site are considered to be low to moderate. The nearest resident to the existing maximum security site is located 100 m away. Aside from some minor complaints with respect to the air conditioner, there has been no noise complaints associated with the operation of the Parklea CC.

Renzo-Tonin was engaged to undertake a specialist noise assessment for the construction and operation of the proposed upgrade work. The information for this section of the REF has bene taken directly from Parklea Correctional Centre Construction and Operational Noise and Vibration Assessment (Renzo Tonin and Associates, 2016) and is provided in Appendix G.

Background noise monitoring was undertaken as part of the noise assessment (locations shown in Figure 6-4 below). The results are presented in Table 6-1 below.

Table 6-1 Measured Background (L90) and Ambient (Leq) Noise Levels, dB(A)

Noise Monitoring Location

LA90 Rating Background Level (RBL)

LAeq Ambient noise levels

Day Evening Night Day Evening Night

Northern Boundary (M1) 38 39 34 48 46 43 Eastern Boundary (M2) 45 41 36 60 49 53 Southern Boundary (M3) 43 40 36 56 51 51 Western Boundary (M4) 36 42 36 48 48 45


The construction sites for the new maximum security prison and exercise areas are located approximately 30 m and 100 m from the nearest resident respectively.

The adopted noise management levels for the construction works have been determined using the criteria set out in the NSW Interim Construction Noise Guideline (ICNG, DECC 2009). The adopted noise management levels for the residential receivers is the rating background noise level plus 10dB(A) and are presented in Table 6-2 below.

Table 6-2 Measured Background (L90) and Ambient (Leq) Noise Levels, dB(A)

Time of Day Noise

Management Level LAeq(15min)

Noise Management Level, LAeq(15min)

NCA 1 NCA 2 NCA 3 NCA 4

During recommended standard hours (day period)

RBL + 10dB(A) 48 55 53 46

Outside recommended standard hours (evening)

RBL + 5dB(A) 44 46 45 47

Outside recommended standard hours (nightime)

RBL + 5dB(A) 38 41 41 41

*Noise catchment areas (NCA)



Figure 6-3 Background Noise Monitoring Locations (noise catchment areas)

Table 4.7 of the noise assessment report (Appendix G) lists the proposed construction activities, associated plant and equipment to carry out the necessary works for the project along with their corresponding sound power levels. Construction work is anticipated to be carried out during standard daytime hours.

Noise emissions were determined by modelling the noise sources, receiver locations, topographical features of the intervening area and buildings surrounding the study area. Noise levels at any receptors resulting from construction works would depend on the location of the receptor with respect to the area of construction, shielding from intervening topography and structures, distance between the receptor and noise source and the type and duration of construction being undertaken. Furthermore, noise levels at receivers would vary over the total construction program due to the transient nature of the construction works and the range of plant and equipment that could be used.



Construction noise impacts to the receiver locations within the noise catchment areas identified (see Figure 6-3) were determined by modelling the noise sources, receiver locations and operating activities and using the predicted noise levels for all plant and equipment operating concurrently for each construction activity phase. This approach is conservative and has been adopted to ensure the full extent of possible noise impacts are assessed (what might occur in the worst-case). Therefore, the noise generated during construction works would generally be below the predicted noise levels presented in Table 4-9 of the noise assessment report and discussed below.

The predicted LAeq construction noise levels for each construction activity associated with the construction works at the most affected receiver locations within each noise catchment area is summarised below. The noise level ranges indicate the minimum noise level with the least noisy equipment and the maximum level with all equipment operating concurrently for each construction activity. It is noted that noise levels would vary depending on the nature of the activities being undertaken and that the use of all equipment operating concurrently is unlikely to occur.

Noise Catchment Area 1 (NCA 1)

Day time construction noise management levels are exceeded at almost all receivers in NCA 1 when all equipment are operating concurrently for each construction activity with the worst affected properties being along Lookout Circuit.

No exceedance would occur when minimal equipment is being used for all construction activities.


The daytime construction noise management levels are exceeded at the majority of receivers in NCA 2 when all equipment is operating concurrently.

Noise management levels are not exceeded when minimal construction equipment is in operation.

The day time noise management level for the childcare centre at 67 Sentry Drive is exceeded for all construction activities when all equipment is operating concurrently however the noise levels comply when minimal equipment is in use including for removal of topsoil, excavation works and construction of buildings.


When minimal equipment is being used for each construction activity, all activities comply with the noise management levels.


The day time construction noise management levels are exceeded at all receivers in NCA 4 when all equipment are operating concurrently for each construction activity.

Further to the above outcomes, the predicted noise levels indicate no receivers to be highly noise affected (ie. >75dB(A)). It is recommended that a feasible and reasonable approach towards noise management measures be applied to reduce noise levels as much as possible to manage the impact from construction noise through the implementation of the construction noise mitigation and management measures are provided in Section 6.3.3 below.

Traffic Noise

The noise assessment determined that traffic noise resulting from the construction works would be insignificant and inconsequential compared to the existing traffic noise.



Vibration

The noise assessment determined that the vibration generated from construction works will vary depending on the level and type of activity carried out at the site during the construction works. Unlike noise, vibration cannot be ‘predicted’ accurately as there are many variables from site to site, for example soil type and conditions; sub surface rock; building types and foundations; and actual plant on site. It is noted that the data used in the noise assessment is taken from a database of vibration levels measured at various sites or obtained from other sources and should not be considered specific for this project.

At residences greater than 30m from the construction works there is a very low risk of structural damage or adverse comment due to construction works. As a result, vibration impacts at the residences surrounding the site are highly unlikely. However, site specific buffer distances for vibration significant plant items should be determined through vibration measurements on site. Recommendations for reducing potential vibration impacts, including minimum working distances for construction plant are provided in Section 6.3.3 below.


Noise associated with the operation of the expanded maximum security prison is likely to be similar to that currently emanated from the site. Potential sources of noise include:

Car parking and vehicle movements; Public address system Outdoor Areas General deliveries and waste handling; and Mechanical plant (air conditioning units).

As discussed in Section 6.3 above, the existing maximum security facility is located within 100 m of the nearest resident and it has been operated with minimum noise impacts to the surrounding residential area. The new maximum security prison would be 30 m from the nearest residential receiver.

The applicable operational noise criteria as determined from the noise assessment report are presented in Table 6-3 below.

Table 6-3 Applicable Operational Noise Criteria

Noise Catchment Area

Intrusiveness Criteria LAeq, (15min)

Amenity Criteria, LAeq, period

Day Day

NCA 1 Northern Boundary 43 55 NCA 2 Eastern Boundary 50 55 NCA 2 – Childcare Centre - 50* NCA 3 Southern Boundary 48 55 NCA 4 Western Boundary 41 55

*Equivalent external noise level based on typical 10dB(A) reduction from external to internal through a building façade with windows open

It is understood the new buildings of the correctional centre will utilise six (6) packaged air conditioning units per building. These units will be located on the first level of the buildings and within enclosed plantrooms.

The outdoor areas associated with the new maximum security prison will include two playing fields and a recreational area. There will be a maximum of 125 people in each playing field at any given time and will be used between 9:00am and 3:00pm during the day time period.



Sound power levels for activities in outdoor playing field were based on previous data and measurements undertaken by Renzo Tonin & Associates.

Table 6-4 Sound Power Levels of Operational Activities

Activity Sound Power Level, dB(A) re

1pW

Outdoor playing field (players and spectators yelling and clapping) 95

Basketball game in outdoor hard courts 100

External Public Announcement System 100

Vehicle door closing 86

Vehicle engine starting 92

Vehicle moving (10km/h) per metre 79

Mechanical equipment 75 dB(A) at 1m from the exhaust and 67 dB(A) at 4m from the intake

Noise emissions were predicted by modelling the noise sources, receiver locations, topographical features of the intervening area, and possible noise control treatments. The modelling program calculates the contribution of each noise source at each specified receptor point and allows for the prediction of the total noise from a site.

The noise modelling results indicate that the noise impact from the operation of the correctional centre will comply with the applicable noise criteria at all receiver locations. Therefore, no further noise mitigation measures would be required, however some recommendations are provided in Section 6.3.3 below to maintain and conserve the acoustic amenity of the surrounding environment.

6.3.3 Mitigation

Construction

The following recommendations provide in-principle noise control solutions to reduce construction noise impacts to noise affected receivers. Where actual construction activities differ from those assessed in this report, more detailed design of noise control measures may be required.

Implement community consultation measures – inform community of construction activity and potential impacts through the development of a community liaison plan.

All employees, contractors and subcontractors are to receive a Project induction. The environmental component may be covered in toolboxes and should include:

o all relevant project specific and standard noise mitigation measures as detailed in the construction noise & vibration management plan prepared by the contractor;

o relevant licence and approval conditions; o permissible hours of work; o any limitations on high noise generating activities; o location of nearest sensitive receivers; o construction employee parking areas; o designated loading/unloading areas and procedures;



o site opening/closing times (including deliveries); and o environmental incident procedures.

No swearing or unnecessary shouting or loud stereos/radios on site. No dropping of materials from height where practicable, throwing of metal items

and slamming of doors. Noise monitoring should be considered for the duration of the works. Construction is to be carried out during the standard daytime working hours. Work generating high noise levels should be scheduled during less sensitive time

periods if practicable. Noise generating activities with impulsive, tonal or low frequency characteristics

(such as rock breaking, etc) should only be carried out: o in continuous blocks, up to but not exceeding 3 hours each; and o with a minimum respite period of one hour between each block.

Use quieter and less noise emitting construction methods where feasible and reasonable.

All plant and equipment to be appropriately maintained to ensure optimum running conditions, with periodic monitoring.

The noise levels of plant and equipment items are to be considered in rental decisions and in any case cannot be used on site unless compliant with the applicable criteria.

Simultaneous operation of noisy plant within discernible range of a sensitive receiver is to be limited/ avoided where possible.

The offset distance between noisy plant and adjacent sensitive receivers is to be maximised where practicable.

Plant used intermittently to be throttled down or shut down when not in use where practicable.

Noise-emitting plant to be directed away from sensitive receivers where possible. Plan worksites and activities to minimise noise

Plan traffic flow, parking and loading/unloading areas to minimise reversing movements within the site.

Non-tonal reversing beepers (or an equivalent mechanism) should be fitted and used on all construction vehicles and mobile plant regularly used on site for periods of over two months where practicable.

Ensure all deliveries occur during standard construction hours. Where reasonable and feasible, use structures to shield residential receivers from

noise such as: o site shed placement; o earth bunds; o temporary or mobile noise screens (where practicable) o enclosures to shield fixed noise sources such as pumps, compressors,

fans etc (where practicable); and o consideration of site topography when situating plant.

Where reasonable and feasible, implement noise control measures for the construction plant likely to be used on site based on the Table 4.13 of the noise assessment report (Appendix G).



Regular Periodic Noise Monitoring

The following approach should be adopted with regard to noise monitoring procedures during the construction works.

Where potential noise impacts are predicted to be more than 15dB(A) above the noise management levels (as presented in Table 4.9 of the noise assessment report (Appendix G)), the potential construction noise nuisance is considered to be high. All reasonable and feasible noise control measures should be implemented prior to the commencement of construction works.

Noise levels during construction should be monitored when required (eg. to address complaints) and where exceeded, further noise reduction measures (where reasonable and feasible) should be implemented eg. restricting working hours, use silencing equipment, etc.

Vibration Management Measures

Where construction activity occurs in close proximity to sensitive receivers and within the minimum working distances presented in Table 4.14 of the noise assessment report (Appendix G) or larger plant items are than that assessed are to be used, minimum buffer distances to affected receivers shall be determined by site measurements and maintained in order to comply with relevant vibration limits. It should be noted that the buffer distances identified above are a guide only.

A management procedure should be implemented to deal with vibration complaints. Each complaint should be investigated and where vibration levels are established as exceeding the set limits, appropriate amelioration measures should be put in place to mitigate future occurrences.

Where vibration is found to be excessive, management measures should be implemented to ensure vibration compliance is achieved. Management measures may include modification of construction methods such as using smaller equipment, establishment of safe buffer zones as mentioned above, and if necessary, time restrictions for the most excessive vibration activities. Time restrictions are to be negotiated with affected receivers.

Where construction activity occurs in close proximity to sensitive receivers, vibration testing of actual equipment on site would be carried out prior to their commencement of site operation to determine acceptable buffer distances to the nearest affected receiver locations. (Details of the procedures for vibration monitoring are presented in Appendix C of the noise assessment report, (Appendix G)).

Dilapidation surveys should be conducted at all buildings within the vicinity of the construction works. These surveys are used to address potential community concerns that perceived vibration may have caused damage to property.

Complaints Handling Procedure

A management procedure is to be put in place to deal with noise and vibration complaints that may arise from the construction works. Each complaint would need to be investigated and appropriate noise and/or vibration amelioration measures be put in place to mitigate future occurrences, where the noise and/or vibration in question is in excess of allowable limits.

Operational Any complaints associated with the operation of the upgraded facility would be

investigated as soon as practicable. Any practicable and feasible measures to minimise noise would be identified.



Outdoor fields and recreational areas:

Ensure use of outdoor areas is scheduled within the day time period. Minimise shouting or other loud noises from inmates or staff while outdoors. Avoid slamming doors and gates. No music should be played in outdoor areas, especially through the PA system at

any time.

Public announcement system:

Ensure the PA system is used only during the day time period. Minimise usage of PA system and only use when necessary for announcements. Volume should be adjusted to a suitable level. Do not use the PA system to broadcast music.

Mechanical Plant

Once details of the actual mechanical plant and equipment to be used and their locations are known, assistance of an acoustic consultant must be sought during the detailed design stage of the project. Should noise impacts from mechanical plant be determined to exceed the relevant noise criteria during the detailed design stage, the following noise mitigation measures should be considered.

Mechanical plant noise emission can be controllable by appropriate mechanical system design and implementation of common engineering methods that may include any of the following:

o Procurement of 'quiet' plant; o Strategic positioning of plant away from sensitive neighbouring premises,

maximising= the intervening shielding between the plant and sensitive neighbouring premises;

o Commercially available silencers or acoustic attenuators for air discharge and air intakes of plant;

o Acoustically lined and lagged ductwork; o Acoustic screens and barriers between plant and sensitive neighbouring

premises; and/or o Partially enclosed or fully enclosed acoustic enclosures over plant.

Mechanical plant shall have their noise specifications and their proposed locations checked prior to their installation on site.

6.4 Traffic and Access

A Traffic and Parking Assessment was undertaken at the site by Samsa Consulting Pty Ltd (May 2016). The following information has been taken directly from this report.

The Parklea CC site access driveway connects directly to Sentry Drive via a roundabout-controlled T-junction. The existing access road is a sealed 6.5 m wide road located within the site from the entrance from Sentry Drive. The road has good pavement conditions however, street lighting is minimal.

Parking is provided on site for staff and visitors to the Parklea CC. The access road provides suitable access for both light and heavy vehicles. Access to the visitor (public) parking area is prior to the security gates, while vehicular access to all other areas on site is controlled, i.e. beyond the security gates. Pedestrian access from the visitor parking area to the centre offices is informal and via the car park area and pedestrian paths beyond security gates. Traffic volumes along this access road are low.



The visiting times for the maximum security facility are 8:45 am to 11:00 am and 12:15 pm to 2:45 pm daily, except Tuesday, when the centre is closed to visitors. Weekend visiting hours are between 8:30 am to 10:30 am and 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm.

The current visitor trends show that the visitor numbers vary considerably. The most recent reports indicate that in September 2015 there were approximately 4,000 visitors to the Parklea CC over the month (an average of 130 per day).

Deliveries

The centres stores facility is open between 7 am and 3 pm for deliveries. Typically, deliveries would average approximately 10 per day. These are of a sporadic nature and would generally not coincide with the background commuter peak periods because it is inefficient for deliveries to be made during those periods when traffic delays are maximised.

Delivery vehicles range from small vans to medium sized trucks (up to 10-tonne capacity). The centres stores facility offers a dedicated location for deliveries with approximately eight car spaces and abundant space for delivery vehicle manoeuvring, parking, unloading / loading, etc. There are no known issues with access for delivery vehicles.


Construction of new maximum security accommodation and associated facilities would occur over a 27 month period with some increase in traffic in the local area expected. Construction vehicles and staff would enter the site via Sentry Drive and access the work site via an existing internal access road (shown in Figure 6-4).

The construction workforce would vary according to the work being carried out, the construction method and contractor’s program. It is anticipated that the number of construction staff on site daily is expected to grow progressively as the work increases in scale and then decrease as the works near completion. It is estimated that an average of some 250 construction staff would be on site each month during the construction period. The average is likely to increase during peak construction periods when it is estimated that there may be a daily maximum of approximately 40 construction staff. During the last month worker numbers will decline dramatically once the main construction activity is completed and the final internal fitout is being undertaken.

This number of staff would generate approximately 30 light vehicles (cars, utility vehicles) accessing the site (allowing for some car-sharing), resulting in 60 light vehicle trips per day. All heavy vehicles and construction plant will be accommodated on site. Construction staff vehicle parking would be available on site and therefore no impact to on-street parking or visitor parking are predicted. It is estimated that up to ten heavy vehicle movements (cranes and semi-trailer delivery trucks) would be expected per day. This is anticipated to approximately double during peak activities such as during concrete pours when concrete trucks make their deliveries.

The disposal of excess spoil onsite would substantially reduce the potential traffic related impacts when compared to offsite disposal options. The proposed increase in traffic in the road network during construction is considered relatively minor for the temporary nature of the construction activities. Importantly, the additional construction-related volumes will be within any daily variations along the surrounding road network.

No road closures or traffic detours will be required on the public road network during the construction phases.

There is the potential that construction traffic travelling on the internal access road within the Parklea CC site could result in degradation of the road condition. A dilapidation survey (pre and post construction) would be undertaken to ensure that all road surfaces are returned to their preconstruction condition.



The increased traffic is not predicted to have an impact on local traffic flow and only a minor inconvenience to local road users is expected. Whilst construction works may cause some inconvenience to local residents, any impacts would be minor, localised and short-term. There are no significant construction-related issues or impacts that would not be mitigated by an appropriate Traffic Management Plan.


The number of visitors to the Parklea CC is expected to increase with the additional 500 beds resulting in increased traffic to the site. As discussed in Section 5.3, visiting hours would remain as per the existing operational arrangement. It is estimated that in peak visiting periods, up to 160 visitors (from both the minimum and maximum security facilities) would access the site per day. Increased visitation to the site has been taken into consideration with the allocation of additional car parking and the design of the new purpose built visits centre area. Very little visitor traffic would coincide with peak travel periods on the local road network.

The existing visitor car park area will be replaced with 220 parking spaces across two parking areas on either side of the centre access road (assessed as part of the Stage 2 works) which will increase the available parking spaces by 146. All other parking areas on site will remain as per current layout and operations. The traffic assessment has confirmed that the additional visitor numbers are able to be catered for by the proposed parking areas to be provided on site.

The new maximum security facility would require an additional 43 full time equivalent staff. Staff would continue to use the dedicated staff carpark. The traffic assessment identified a current shortage of existing staff parking and this would be amplified by the increase in staff numbers. However there will be a surplus of parking within the visitor parking area and therefore there is an opportunity for staff to utilise any unused spaces.

Whilst there may be an increase in deliveries to the site, these would be limited to between 10am to 3pm.

The Parklea Correctional Centre Additions Traffic and Parking Assessment (Samsa Consulting, 2016) found that the additional traffic generated due to the operation of the upgrade of the Parklea CC would be readily absorbed into the existing traffic flows on the surrounding road network. The level of traffic increase would be well within any daily variations that currently exist along the surrounding road network. Therefore, traffic impacts associated with the expansion of the centre are considered to be minimal and will have an insignificant impact on road network and intersection operations.

The upgraded facility would not result in any significant impacts to site access, road safety, public transport, bicycle or pedestrian facilities. Post construction, access to the site would not be excessive and no adverse impacts due to traffic and access during operation of the new maximum security prison and car park are expected. Therefore, traffic impacts from the proposal are considered to be minimal and will have an insignificant impact on road network and intersection operations.

Figure 6-4 Construction Access



6.4.3 Mitigation

The following mitigation measures have been taken from Parklea Correctional Centre Additions Traffic and Parking Assessment (Samsa Consulting, 2016).

Construction

Prepare a Traffic Management Plan (TMP) based on the detailed construction methodology and use of specific heavy vehicles and construction plant. The TMP is to be signed-off by the Department of Justice prior to commencement of works. The Traffic Management Plan would include measures to minimise traffic impacts ensure public safety and would be prepared in accordance with:

o Traffic Control at Work Sites Manual (RTA, 2010) o Australian Standard 1742.3 - 2002 Traffic Control Devices for Works on

Roads. The TMP is to be developed in consultation with NSW Roads & Maritime Services

(RMS) and Blacktown City Council and approved prior to the commencement of construction.

The TMP is to detail hours of operation, heavy vehicle volumes (numbers) and routes, construction staff parking, loading / unloading areas and site access arrangements, all temporary warning, guidance and information signage, and appropriate traffic control devices.

Notify surrounding land owners at least one week in advance of the works All vehicles accessing the sites would use the designated access roads. All roads would be kept clean and free of dust and mud at all times. Where material is

tracked onto sealed roads at any time, it would be removed immediately so that road pavements are kept safe and trafficable.

All vehicles transporting spoil onsite would be covered and filled to maximum capacity to minimise vehicle movements.

All roads, kerbs, gutters and footpaths damaged as a result of construction are to be restored to their pre-construction condition.

A dedicated vehicle wash down area would be established on site. All traffic would comply with all applicable traffic laws and regulations including speed

limits. All construction vehicles would comply with the speed limits set for the roads accessing the site.

All roads and access tracks would be rehabilitated post construction to a standard equivalent to or better than the preconstruction condition.

All roads would be rehabilitated post construction to a standard equivalent to or better than the preconstruction condition.

Operational

Dedicate some additional staff parking within the two new proposed visitor parking areas and/or utilise the existing informal parking areas as contingent overflow parking.

Provide incentives for staff to use existing public transport (i.e. buses along Sentry Drive) or to car pool, thus increasing car occupancy levels and reducing traffic generation / parking demand.



6.5 Air Quality

The existing air quality surrounding the site is considered to be relatively good and typical of a residential environment. A search of the National Pollution Inventory (NPI) indicates that there are no point sources of pollution in proximity to the subject site that report emissions to the NPI. While industry, commercial and house air emissions can be a source of pollution it is unlikely that these sources are significantly impacting on the ambient air quality levels at the proposed works site.


The main impact to air quality during construction is expected to arise from the generation of airborne localised dust associated with earthworks. Onsite excavation is predicted to be in the order of 37,500 m3. Given the close proximity of the residential areas to the works site there is the potential for neighbouring properties to be impacted by dust, particularly during windy conditions. Earthworks would be undertaken in a manner that minimises potential disturbances through wind and water borne movement of dust, and this would be documented in a site specific erosion and sediment control plan developed as part of the CEMP. Dust suppression methods, including the use of water carts, would be applied on windy days to prevent dust being transported off site.

Local air quality may be affected by emissions from construction traffic. These emissions would, however, occur only intermittently, and are expected to be minor and temporary. It would be unlikely that they would contribute to a permanent detectable reduction in local air quality.

With implementation of the recommended mitigation measures, potential air quality impacts during construction are unlikely to be significant


Post construction, no adverse air quality impacts are expected due to the operation of the maximum security prison.

6.5.3 Mitigation

Construction

Construction vehicles and equipment are to be suitably serviced within the six-month period prior to commencement of construction activities and all necessary maintenance undertaken during the construction period to meet EPA air quality requirements.

The excessive use of vehicles and powered construction equipment is to be avoided.

All construction machinery would be turned off when not in use to minimise emissions.

Construction contractors would monitor dust generation potential.

Dust suppression methods including the use of water carts would be applied where required (i.e. on windy days when earthworks and vehicle movements are generating dust).

Any stockpiled spoil/fill would be protected to minimise dust generation to avoid sediment moving offsite.

Vehicles transporting spoil around the site would be covered.

The burning of waste materials is not permitted on site



6.6 Soils, Erosion and Water Quality

The following information on geology, topography and soils has been taken from the geotechnical investigation report (JK Geotechnics, 2015) and the Preliminary Soil Contamination and Salinity Environmental Investigation Report (Environmental Investigation Services (EIS), 2015).

Stormwater and water quality information has been taken from the Parklea Correctional Centre Expansion Stormwater Management Report prepared by Woolacotts Consulting Engineers (2016) which has been prepared to identify water quality treatment measures to be incorporated into the proposal to demonstrate compliance with the requirements of the Blacktown Council and industry best practice.

Topography

The site lies in gently undulating topography with slopes of no more than generally 4°. The site itself appears to extend from the crest of a westward facing hill sloping down between 1° and 4°. In the northern area of the site, cut and fill earthworks have resulted in a level grassed area with steep earth embankments (most likely fill) to the north and east. The southern area of the site comprises a grassed area and asphaltic concrete (AC) paved car park sloping down to the south-west at approximately 2°.

Blacktown City Council mapping indicates that the site is outside identified flooding precincts.

Geology and Soils

The 1:100,000 Geological Map of Penrith indicates the site to be underlain by Bringelly Shale of the Wianamatta Group comprising shale, carbonaceous claystone, claystone, laminite, fine to medium grained lithic shale, rare coal and tuff.. The Blacktown soil landscapes dominates in the area with shallow to moderately deep red to brown clays on crests grading to yellow podzolics on the lower slopes and drainage lines (GIS Environmental Consultants, 2015)

The site does not contain acid sulphate soils.

The geotechnical drilling investigation by JK Geotechnics indicates that the subsurface profile comprises a layer of fill material across all areas of the site which generally extends to depths between 0.1m and 0.5m depth below existing surface levels. The fill overlies natural residual silty clays of high plasticity, which extend down to shale bedrock.

Shale bedrock was encountered in all boreholes in the northern area of the site at depths ranging from 0.1m to 1.1m below existing surface levels. The shale bedrock in the southern area was slightly deeper ranging from 1.0m to 2.1m below the existing surface levels.

The surface fill material is comprised of clayey material containing varying amounts of fine to medium grained sand, fine to medium grained ironstone and shale gravel, shale fragments, roots and root fibres.

The natural subsurface clays contain varying amounts of fine to medium grained ironstone gravel and were assessed as being very stiff to hard strength.

Surface Water

Second Ponds Creek flows through the Parklea CC site in a northerly direction and eventually into Cattai Creek which forms part of the greater Hawkesbury River catchment. Second Ponds Creek is a first order drainage line which naturally commences within the Parklea CC site and is the nearest natural waterway to the construction site.

The Parklea CC also includes two artificial detention ponds located in the south western section of the site which are connected to the Second Ponds Creek. Each of these is an open expanse of water approximately 10,000 m2 and 72,900 m2 in size, respectively. The ponds act as flood retarding basins, reducing peak flows from the upstream piped catchment.



The total catchment area north and south of the ponds was calculated in the Parklea Correctional Centre Expansion Stormwater Management Report (Woolacotts, 2016) to be 884,000 m2 with the external catchment (outside of the Parklea CC site) found to be 45% impervious. Approximately 30% of the current Parklea CC is impervious with the remaining areas comprising natural pervious surfaces.

According to the State of the Waterways Management Plan 2005 Second Ponds Creek (Blacktown, 2006) significant erosion exacerbated by the saline groundwater and associated soils has been recorded in the creek downstream from the Parklea CC site.

Groundwater

Groundwater observations were made during and on completion of geotechnical investigation drilling and at the end of the field work. The boreholes were drilled to depths between 0.2m and 6.0 below existing surface levels. No groundwater was encountered during the investigation.

Stormwater

Stormwater from the site currently discharges to the existing detention basin at the south west of the site. The minimum security facility discharges to the south basin, and the maximum security discharges to the larger northern basin. Stormwater is temporarily stored at these locations and discharges into Second Ponds Creek.

Flooding

The site is not mapped as flood prone.


Earthworks and general ground disturbances associated with the construction works could result in sediment and other materials leaving the site via wind or water movement. This has the potential to result in the water pollution such as turbidity and nutrient inputs, should sediment wash into stormwater or natural drainage lines. Second Ponds Creek is approximately 50 m from the construction site.

Aspects of the proposal identified as potentially impacting on water quality includes:

Excavation for foundations and site levelling; Temporary stockpiling, transportation of excess spoil, permanent spoil mounds; and General construction waste entering drainage lines.

The construction of the maximum security prison and exercise areas is estimated to generate 37,500 m3 of cut material of which 12,500 m3 would be reused on site as fill. The geotechnical investigation determined that the existing fill and residual clays on site may be re-used as engineered fill on the condition that the soils used are clean (i.e. free of organics and inclusions greater than 75mm size), and free of contaminants.

A total of 25,000 m3 excess spoil would result from the works. Excess fill material would be placed on-site in permanent spoil mounds located along the eastern and western section of the northern boundary of the site. The mounds would be graded into landscaped embankments (approximately 5 m high and constructed at a 4:1 grade), which would create a visual and noise buffer along the northern site boundary.

Given the relatively flat topography of the site, it is assessed that appropriate sediment and erosion controls can be implemented to effectively prevent runoff from entering the nearby Second Ponds Creek and artificial water pond.

The main mitigation measures to protect against water quality impacts would be the installation and maintenance of effective sediment and erosion control measures to ensure sediment stays on site and does not enter onsite drainage lines. A Soil and Water



Management Plan (SWMP) would be prepared in accordance with Managing Urban Stormwater Soils and Construction (Landcom, 2004) for the construction works which would detail appropriate onsite erosion and sediment control measures such as silt fences on the low side of the site, diversion swales upstream of the works and silt traps at existing pits near works.

Provide appropriate sediment and erosion control measures are in place, it is assessed that the works would not result in impact to local water quality.

Groundwater

Groundwater was not encountered during the geotechnical investigation (boreholes were drilled down to 6.0 m below existing surface level) and is not expected to be impacted by the construction works.


The new buildings, perimeter roadways, external pathways and parts of the recreational areas will result in the addition of impermeable surfaces at the site with the potential to result in adverse water quality and quantity issues. The additional impervious surface area at the site post construction is predicted to be approximately 31,000m2 equating to a 6% increase in impervious surfaces over the entire Parklea CC complex. A site specific stormwater management report has been prepared (Woolacotts, 2016) to document stormwater management issues associated with the proposed works and to develop appropriate controls to comply with Council and industry best practice. This report is provided in Appendix F.

The report included MUSIC modelling using the Blacktown City Council model to ensure stormwater management infrastructure for the new buildings would meet Blacktown City Council’s water sensitive urban design post-development target for non-potable water use, and council’s reduction targets for gross pollutants, total suspended solids, total phosphorous and total nitrogen loads.

Based on the outcomes of the modelling, a stormwater management system has been developed to accommodate the new works associated with the maximum security upgrade at the site due to the increased impervious areas, as well as complying with Council’s requirements. A combination of stormwater control devices would be installed within the site to limit peak flows from the developed site and reduce runoff related impacts.

A summary of the stormwater controls are listed below;

A piped stormwater drainage system designed to carry runoff from storms up to and including the 20 year average recurrence interval (ARI) event, with pipes graded at a minimum fall of 1 in 100.

External surfaces are to be graded at a minimum fall of 1 in 100 to the stormwater collection and drainage system.

Upgrade of the stormwater detention system. The stormwater detention system upgrade has been designed based on site- specific modelling and Council’s specifications in order to mitigate post-development stormwater flows from the new maximum security development. The objective is to ensure that flows do not exceed the peak pre-development flows for a range of storm events ranging from the 1 in 2 year ARI to the 1 in 100 year ARI (see Appendix F).

Based on the increase in impervious area post construction and the resultant increase of peak flow rate from the basins, it has been necessary to increase the volume of the existing (northern) detention basin. This basin was determined to be capable of storing additional volume with minor modification it is therefore proposed raise the existing spillway by 50 mm. This modification resulted in an overall increase of available detention volume, and having a direct reduction on the discharged peak flowrates to below the pre-developed levels of the total site.



A number of control devices are proposed to address water quality improvement post construction and consist of:

Enviropods Grassed swales Rainwater reuse tanks Existing detention basins Gross Pollutant Trap

A combination of the above listed control devices have been implemented to improve the overall water quality as a result of the proposed works. The following is a summary of the post-developed reduction values satisfying Council’s reduction in annual average pollutant loads.

Gross pollutants 100% Total suspended solids 95.8% Total phosphorous 93.2% Total Nitrogen 89% Total hydrocarbons Vort Sentry GPT (targeting hydrocarbons)

The stormwater management report modelling results concluded that the post-development average annual pollutant loads would satisfy Council’s required post-development reduction in annual average pollutant loads. The modelling results are provided in the report within Appendix F.

The concept design for the new buildings includes stormwater quality and quantity controls including the existing detention basins, rainwater harvesting tanks, enviropods, gross pollutants traps and grassed swales (Woolacotts, 2016). Detailed stormwater plan drawings are provided within Appendix F.

There is potential that the permanent disposal of spoil on site in mounds may result in sediment and erosion and subsequently water quality impacts as a result of heavy rainfall and runoff. However it is considered that the appropriate design of the spoil mounds, taking into account suitable batter gradients and drainage consideration would ensure water quality impacts did not occur. Prompt revegetation and sediment and erosion controls would further limit the erosion risk.

The operation of the new buildings and associated infrastructure at the site is not expected to result in an adverse impact to water quality.

6.6.3 Mitigation

Construction

The earthworks and construction activities are to be undertaken in accordance with the recommendations of the Geotechnical Investigation for proposed alterations and additions at Parklea Correction Centre 66 Sentry Drive, Parklea NSW (JK Geotechnics, 2015).

All spoil reused on site as engineered fill is to be clean (i.e. free of organics and inclusions greater than 75 mm size), and free of contaminant.



Sediment and Erosion Control

Sediment and erosion control measures would be documented in a Soil and Water Management Plan (SWMP) developed by the contractor as part of the CEMP. The SWMP would need to be prepared using the NSW Landcom (2004) Managing Urban Stormwater – Soils and Construction as a primary reference. The SWMP would need to be specific to the construction methodology developed and is to incorporate best management practices and may include the following:

o Installation of instream sediment control devices (such as sediment curtains) to isolate turbidity.

o Monitoring of temporary erosion control measures to ensure they are effective, especially after any heavy rain event.

o Minimising the time and the size of any exposed areas. The SWMP is to be consistent with the stormwater management plan prepared by

Wollacotts (2016) as provided in Appendix F of this REF. All erosion and sediment control devices shall be properly maintained for the duration

of the work. All structures are to be inspected after rain events and sediment to be removed when the capacity has been reduced by 50% or more.

Contractor’s compound and temporary spoil placement areas are to be located no closer than 50 m to Second Ponds Creek or the two detention ponds onsite.

Any temporary stockpiles should be stabilised using sediment fencing or similar. All fuels and other hazardous liquids shall be stored at designated construction

compounds within containers in a bunded enclosure with sufficient capacity to hold 120% of the stored liquids.

All chemicals used for construction shall be stored and used in accordance with the relevant Material Safety Data Sheets.

An emergency spill kit shall be kept at the construction compound. The CEMP shall include a procedure for using the spill kit in the event of a spill and all construction personnel shall be informed of the procedure and their roles and responsibilities in that procedure.

Workers are to be made aware of the provisions of Section 120 of the POEO Act with regards to water pollution.

Notification to the EPA in accordance with Part 5.7 of the POEO Act is to be undertaken where a pollution incident occurs in the course of an activity so that material harm to the environment is caused or threatened.

All construction vehicles and equipment are to be maintained in designated areas away from watercourses.

Construction vehicles will be appropriately cleaned of any soil or mud prior to leaving each works site at dedicated wash down bays.

All disturbed areas would be restored post construction.

Spoil Disposal

All excess spoil resulting from the works would to be subject to testing in accordance with the Waste Classification Guidelines (DECCW 2009). Spoil would need to meet the appropriate waste classification for onsite spoil disposal.

The permanent spoil mound would be designed (by the contractor) to a suitable gradient to ensure erosion and sedimentation loss does not occur.



The permanent spoil mound design would take into consideration drainage to ensure runoff is directed around the mounds and that the mounds do not impact upon local hydrology.

Permanent spoil mounds would be stabilised as soon as practicable using suitably fast growing and preferable endemic species.

The permanent spoil mound would be suitably stabilised to prevent sediment eroding and being washed into the nearby pond.

Sediment and erosion controls would be maintained until vegetation is established and the site stabilised.

Operational

The design of the new buildings and associated infrastructure is to consistent with the recommendations of the stormwater management report (Woolacotts, 2016)

6.7 Terrestrial Flora and Fauna

Flora and Fauna Impact Assessments were carried out at the Parklea Correctional Centre site by GIS Consultants (2016), Lesryk Environmental (2016a) and Lesryk Environmental (2016b) are provided in Appendix D. The information for the following section is taken directly from these assessments.

6.7.1 Existing Environment

The Parklea CC subject site is relatively flat and contains the prison buildings with a large secured area located outside the prison building walls. This area, although landscaped and mowed, has some areas which have been retained in relatively natural conditions. It contains the Second Ponds Creek that runs through the south-western section of the site together with two artificial wetlands and a scattering of tree. The wetlands have been constructed for flood management.

The north-eastern section of the site in the location of the proposed maximum security prison and exercise areas is highly disturbed, with the majority of proposed infrastructure to be located on the area of the existing outdoor exercise yard and vacant grassed areas. The surrounding area comprises a mix of landscaped common native species including prickly paperbark, bracelet honey myrtle, black she-oak and bottle brush, with limited fauna habitat resources.

The north western section of the site, in the area of the prosed spoil mound, is regularly mown/slashed and consists of a mixture of native and introduced grasses, herbs and forbs that, where not mown, reach a height of 30 cm and are of a high density. Native grass species in this area include Three-awn Speargrass, Kangaroo Grass and Kidney Weed along with introduced species, which are more dominant, including Pigeon Grass, Kikuyu Grass, Giant Parramatta Grass, Purple Top and Paddy’s Lucerne. Isolated eucalypt species occur throughout this area, such as Forest Red Gum, Thin-leaved Stringybark and Eucalyptus sp.

The north western area of the site, to the south of the proposed spoil mound contains an area of Tick Bush Shrubland dominated by a high density layer of Tick Bush that reaches 4 m in height, with Bushy Needlebush and Gorse Bitter Pea occurring to a lesser extent. Forest Red Gums and Thin-leaved Stringybark also occur in this area as an isolated emergent. Towards the western end of the shrubland area, native tree species including Parramatta Green Wattle White Feather Honeymyrtle and Ball Honeymyrtle were recorded. Native grasses including Three-awn Speargrass and Kangaroo Grass occur at the edge of the shrubland along with introduced species, such as Fireweed, Farmers Friend, Bridal Creeper and African Love Grass.

A second small area in the south-eastern section of the site, in front of the existing Gatehouse entrance, would require the removal of several trees to install an accessible



pathway. This area consists of planted trees including an unidentified eucalyptus species, Spotted Gum and Prickly-leaved Paperbark above maintained exotic grassland. No understorey plants are present in this area.

Threatened Flora and Fauna

A total 13 threatened flora species and 31 threatened fauna species have been recorded within 5 km of the Parklea CC. No threatened flora species were found during the two site surveys. The construction site has limited suitable habitat for threatened flora species.

Endangered Ecological Communities

OEH Vegetation mapping (see Figure 6-5) indicates that the site contains a patch, approximately 3.3 ha in size, of Shale Plains Woodland in the south western corner well away from the proposed Stage 3 works area, and a patch, approximately 1.6 ha in size, of Shale Hills Woodland in the north western corner, in proximity to the proposed north-western spoil mound area. Shale Plains Woodland and Shale Hills Woodland are both considered as part of the Cumberland Plains Woodland, which is listed as a critically endangered ecological community (CEEC) under both the EPBC Act and TSC Act.

In the past the north western area of the site would have been vegetated by the critically endangered Cumberland Plain Woodland ecological community, prior to its clearing and subsequent land uses. As a result, a number of plants found within this ecological community are present in patches within this area. Whilst this is the case, this ecological community is no longer considered to be present within the north-western area of the site due to the lack of species richness, frequency and community structure and this area no longer meets the definition of this CEEC.

Aquatic Environment

Two impounded water bodies (detention basins) exist within the boundaries of the Parklea CC. Each of these is an open expanse of water and they are around 10,000 m2 and 72,900 m2 in size, respectively. Both of the water bodies support patches of reed beds along their banks and emergent snags (dead trees), the larger ‘lake’ including floating aquatic vegetation and a vegetated island. Riparian vegetation is either absent, or composed of ‘narrow’ bands of 10 m high Casuarinas and Eucalypts. Each of the water bodies has an urban catchment and flow out of these is controlled.

Due to the presence of two raised dam walls, each of the water bodies are considered to be an ‘artificial’ construct. Though artificial, each is considered to provide ‘Moderate Fish Habitat (Class 2) in accordance with DPI Fisheries guidelines as they are named permanent waterways with clearly defined beds and banks and support freshwater aquatic vegetation. The section of Second Ponds Creek that is present within the study area is identified on mapping of Key Fish Habitat in the Sydney Metropolitan Region (NSW Department of Primary Industries undated).

Given their urban catchment and ‘artificial’ nature of each water body, fish expected to be present within these lakes would include Eels (Anguilla sp.), Freshwater Catfish (Tandanus tandanus) and the introduced Mosquitofish (Gambusia holbrooki), European Carp (Cyprinus carpio) and Goldfish (Carassius auratus). No threatened species listed under the Fisheries Management Act 1994 are considered to occupy either water body present.

Weeds

Three of the plants detected are listed as a noxious weed in the Blacktown LGA under the NW Act, these being:

Fireweed (Senecio madagascariensis). Fireweed has been assigned a control class of 4 which states ‘the plant must not be sold, propagated or knowingly distributed’.



Giant Parramatta Grass (Sporobolus fertilis). Giant Parramatta Grass has been assigned a control class of 3 which states ‘the plant must be fully and continuously suppressed and destroyed’.

Bridal Creeper (Asparagus asparagoides). Bridal Creeper has been assigned a control class of 4 which states ‘the plant must not be sold, propagated or knowingly distributed’

Fireweed and Bridal Creeper are also included on the list of Weeds of National Significance, which is part of a combined State and Commonwealth initiative to combat invasive species.

Fireweed is an annual or biennial herb which flowers mostly from spring to autumn. Bridal Creeper is a perennial climber with annually renewed tough spineless stems, which can sprawl for several metres and extend high into trees.

All three species were observed within the grassland that occurs in association with the linear strip of trees that have been planted along the northern perimeter of the Parklea Correctional Centre. Fireweed is widely distributed through this area.


The proposal site is located within a heavily disturbed and cleared area that was formerly a golf course and a water reservoir and the majority of the new maximum security works would be located on an existing exercise yard and vacant grassed areas. As a consequence, it has been mostly cleared of habitat for many decades and there are areas of minor disturbance and re-generation throughout the property.

The works associated with the construction of the maximum security prison and all associated infrastructure would be undertaken within heavily disturbed areas of the site and no tree clearing is required.

The north-western corner of the property where a spoil disposal mound is to be established may be considered a fragmented end to a narrow linear corridor that extends north along Second Ponds Creek. Whilst this corridor is considered to be important in a local context, the area proposed to be disturbed would not have any impact on the role this corridor plays in the movement and dispersal of native animals.

There will be no high quality bushland removed as part of the works and it is considered that the proposal would not present any further barriers to the movement patterns of any native animals such that their local populations would be adversely affected. Overall, the net amount of habitat lost due to this proposal is relatively minor.

Threatened Flora and Fauna

No threatened plant or fauna species were identified to be present/using the site during the site survey and no threatened species are considered likely to be impacted by the proposal. Whilst some listed fauna species may traverse over or occur on an occasional basis, it is considered that the scope of the proposed works at the two locations within the site would not have an adverse impact on any threatened species of State or national conservation significance.

Endangered Ecological Communities

The locations of the proposed maximum security prison, exercise areas and area adjacent to the Gatehouse do not contain any endangered ecological communities and the proposal would not disturb any area of CEEC bushland at the Parklea CC site.

The flora and fauna assessment concluded that the proposed development is unlikely to have a significant impact on the Cumberland Plains Woodland. Therefore, further assessment in the form of a Species Impact Statement was not considered necessary for this species for the proposal.



Matters of National Environmental Significance

All of the migratory species that have been recorded, or are predicted to occur within the locality are unlikely to be impacted by the proposal.

The proposal is not considered likely to have a significant impact on a matter of national environmental significance, or a significant impact on the environment in general; and therefore will not need to be referred to the Commonwealth Department of the Environment for approval under the EPBC Act.

Endangered Populations

There were no endangered populations on the site or likely to be impacted by the proposal.

Wildlife Corridor

The proposed works would not further fragment or isolate any habitat areas.

Tree Hollow

None of the trees present in the Stage 3 works areas contain any hollows suitable for the sheltering needs of native species. Therefore, no trees with hollows are proposed to be removed as a result of the proposal.

Aquatic

Neither of the water bodies at the Parklea CC site would be directly affected by the scope of works proposed. The upgrading of the facility will not present any further barriers to, or impede the movement of, any aquatic species.

6.7.3 Operational Impact

Indirect impacts due to the operation of the new infrastructure may occur such as through increased surface runoff. The new maximum security prison would reuse approximately 60% of the surface runoff generated within the facility, the remainder entering the existing onsite detention basins (see Section 6.6.2 for further information). Mitigation measures have been developed to minimise any indirect impacts associated with water quality and quantity due to the operation of the facility and are in Section 6.6.3.

6.7.4 Mitigation

Construction

No vegetation removal or modification is to occur beyond the proposed works areas shown on the plans.

All instances of weeds of national significance, Fireweed and Bridal Creeper, should be removed from the subject site prior to the commencement of earthworks. Weeds should be treated by hand removal.

The tree protection recommendations are to be implemented to minimise the impact of the proposed development on trees that are to be retained and protected.

Newly exposed surfaces should be stabilised as soon as possible in order to reduce the potential for soil erosion. This should be done through the planting of native species endemic to the study area or non-invasive grass species.

Any shrub or tree plantings to be undertaken as part of landscaping works should include a suite of those native plants that constitute Cumberland Plain Woodland.

To minimize any potential indirect impacts on the Cumberland Plain Woodland that occurs within the north-western portion of the site near to the proposed spoil disposal area (shown in Figure 6-5) should be pointed out on site to works personnel so as to minimise any potential indirect impacts on this endangered ecological community.



No works personnel or machinery should enter the Cumberland Plain Woodland.

Operation

In line with the recovery plan prepared for the Cumberland Plain, a management plan for the stands of Cumberland Plain Woodland present within the boundaries of the Correctional Centre should be prepared. This plan should address the management of threatened biodiversity and be consistent with:

o the Cumberland Plain recovery plan o the DEC (2005a) publication ‘recovering bushland on the Cumberland Plain:

Best practice guidelines for the management and restoration of bushland’ o the recommended fire regimes in Appendix 3 of the recovery plan o any other best practice documents that DECCW may promote at a later date.

Development of this plan will also assist the local White-winged Chough population.



Figure 6-5 Cumberland Plain Woodland CEEC mapping (Shale Plains Woodland shown in orange, Shale Hills Woodland shown in purple)

Source: LPI SIX Maps, OEH VIS vegetation map 2016



6.8 Cultural Heritage

A search of the OEH Aboriginal Heritage Information Management System database indicates that there are two Aboriginal items recorded within or within 200 m of the Parklea CC site. A Due Diligence Aboriginal Archaeological Assessment in accordance with the Due Diligence Code of Practice for the Protection of Aboriginal Objects in NSW (DECCW 2010) has been undertaken by Dominic Steele Consulting Archaeology (2016) as part of the REF to determine the likelihood of encountering previously unrecorded Aboriginal sites during the construction works. A copy of the assessment is provided in Appendix C.

A site survey undertaken with a representative of the Deerubbin Local Aboriginal Land Council (LALC) did not identify any Aboriginal objects at the Parklea CC site. The site was found to have been subject to a high level of disturbance and the potential for undetected Aboriginal archaeological items to occur was assessed to be low.

The subject site is not listed as an item of local or state heritage. Prior to the construction of the Correctional Centre in the 1980’s, the site was used for grazing, followed by a golf course.


The site of the new maximum security prison is located on the site of an existing exercise yard and vacant grassed areas which have been subject to a high level of past disturbance as a consequence of vegetation clearing, recreational and water management related activity and landfill. No works are required outside of these disturbed areas. It is therefore unlikely that the proposed works would disturb any undisturbed Aboriginal objects or sites or historical relics as defined under the Heritage Act 1977.

The Due Diligence Assessment concluded that the proposal will not impact upon any identified Aboriginal archaeological sites or objects, and that the potential for undetected Aboriginal archaeological items to occur within the proposed activity areas is low. Therefore, it has been assessed that there are no obvious Aboriginal archaeological (scientific) constraints to the proposal proceeding as intended and that no further Aboriginal archaeological heritage input is warranted.

Mitigation measures will be implemented with respect to any unexpected finds.

6.8.2 Mitigation

All workers (including contractors) should be made aware that it is illegal to harm an Aboriginal object or historic relics, and if a potential Aboriginal object or historic relic is encountered during activities, then all work at the site will cease and the OEH will be contacted to advise on the appropriate course of action. For Aboriginal objects, this would include allowing the Deerubbin Local Aboriginal Land Council (DLALC) to record and collect the identified item(s).

All workers (including contractors) should be inducted concerning Aboriginal cultural and historic heritage values and basic training should be provided for identifying Aboriginal objects and historic relics.

In the event that known or suspected Aboriginal skeletal remains are encountered during the activity, the following procedure will be followed:

(a) all work in the immediate vicinity will cease; (b) the find will be immediately reported to the work supervisor who will

immediately advise the Environment Manager or other nominated senior staff member;

(c) the Environment Manager or other nominated senior staff member will promptly notify the police and the state coroner (as required for all human remains discoveries);



(d) the Environment Manager or other nominated senior staff member will contact the OEH for advice on identification of the skeletal material as Aboriginal and management of the material; and

(e) if the skeletal material is of Aboriginal ancestral remains, the Local Aboriginal Land Council will be contacted and consultative arrangements will be made to discuss ongoing care of the remains.

6.9 Site Contamination and Salinity

Preliminary contamination screening was carried out at the site by EIS (2016). Based on a review of the site history and site information, the report identified the potential for heavy metals to be present due to the presence of fill material across the entire site and the likelihood of past pesticide use at the site.

Soil samples were collected from the 28 boreholes across the Parklea CC site. Elevated concentrations of contaminants were not encountered in the soil samples analysed for the investigation and all samples were found to be below the adopted site assessment criteria for Health Investigation Levels (HILs) and Health Screening Levels (HSLs). Asbestos was not detected in the samples analysed for the site contamination investigation.

Salinity

Salinity screening carried out at the site (EIS, 2016) indicated that 67% of the soil samples tested were classified as non-saline or slightly saline, and 30% of the results were classified as moderately saline.


The preliminary contamination assessment (EIS, 2016) concluded that the risk posed by the areas of concern identified at the site is relatively low and that the site is suitable for the proposed development. No impacts in relation to site contamination are therefore predicted.

6.9.2 Mitigation

The following mitigation measures are taken directly from Preliminary Soil Contamination and Salinity Screening for proposed alternations and additions at Parklea Correctional Centre (EIS, 2016) and Geotechnical Investigation for proposed alterations and additions at Parklea Correction Centre 66 Sentry Drive, Parklea NSW (JK Geotechnics 2015).

In the event that unexpected conditions are encountered during development work or between sampling locations which may pose a contamination risk, all works should stop and an environmental consultant should be engaged to inspect the site and address the issue.

Once the development plans have been finalised a Salinity Management Plan is to be prepared for the Parklea CC site.

Recommendations from the salinity screening report (EIS, 2016) with respect to concrete slabs and footings in saline soils would be implemented during the design and construction of the driveway works.


No impacts are predicted.

6.9.4 Mitigation

No mitigation measures are proposed.



6.10 Waste Management


The main source of waste to arise from the construction works would be excess spoil. As discussed in Section 6.6, a total of 25,000 m3 of excess spoil would be generated from onsite earthworks. Excess fill would be subject to waste classification in accordance with the Waste Classification Guidelines (DECCW 2009) and if deemed suitable would be placed on-site in spoil mounds located along the eastern and western section of the northern boundary of the site. The mounds would be graded into landscaped embankments (approximately 5 m high and constructed at a 4:1 grade), which would create a visual and noise buffer along the northern site boundary.

Minimal other waste streams have been identified as part of the construction works. The new buildings and associated facilities would be located within existing cleared areas and no demolition works are proposed. A small section of existing fencing would need to be removed.

It is likely that some excess building materials would be produced due to the construction work such as miscellaneous waste associated with packaging and transport of plant and equipment and various other manufactured items forming part of the augmentation works. These would be recycled or reused where possible or where this was not possible, disposed of to a Council landfill site.

It is assessed that construction waste can be adequately managed to avoid adverse environmental impacts.


There would be an increase in operational waste associated with the expanded facilities. Waste management procedures for the new maximum security infrastructure would as per current operations, which would include separation of waste for recycling and general disposal.

6.10.3 Mitigation

Construction

All soil excavated from the site would be tested and subsequently managed in accordance with the Waste Classification Guidelines (DECCW 2009). Only spoil which meets the specified classification would be used for permanent onsite disposal.


The contractor undertaking the works would detail waste management procedures in a Waste Management Plan to be incorporated into the CEMP. The contractor is to assume responsibility for the appropriate disposal of any waste generated.

The Waste Management Plan would adopt the objectives of the Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery Act 2001, namely, to encourage the most efficient use of resources, to reduce environmental harm, and to provide for the continual reduction in waste generation in line with the principles of environmentally sustainable development (ESD).

The Waste Management Plan would also need to be consistent with the Waste Classification Guidelines (DECCW 2009) in that all waste removed from the site is to be classified and disposed of appropriately.

Accurate written records are to be kept such as: o who transported the waste (company name, ABN, vehicle registration and

driver details, date and time of transport, description of waste)



o copies of waste dockets/receipts for the waste facility (date and time of delivery, name and address of the facility, it’s ABN, contact person).

The construction contractor is to ensure that waste generated by the works is transported to a place that can lawfully accept it as per Section 143 of the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997.

The removal of any asbestos containing material if found is only to undertaken by an appropriately licenced contractor as per WorkCover NSW requirements and current guidelines.

All waste, including excess spoil be recycled if practicable or alternatively taken to a licensed waste disposal facility.

Trucks transporting spoil off site would be covered. Waste receptacles for recyclable and non-recyclable waste are to be provided at

each construction site for personnel waste. The EPA is to be notified immediately of any pollution incidents or harm to the

environment (as defined under Part 5.7 of the POEO Act).

6.11 Bushfire Hazard

The subject site is not identified as being bushfire prone land on Blacktown City Council’s Bushfire Prone Land Map. The construction and operation of the Parklea CC is not considered to represent a bushfire hazard.

6.12 Visual

The Parklea CC is well screened from the neighbouring residential area with trees along the northern boundary and landscaped lawns and scattering of trees between the complex and the eastern boundary (refer to Figure 6-2).


Post construction there would be a number of new buildings and associated infrastructure at the Parklea CC site. The new buildings would be consistent with the existing prison infrastructure at the site. Elevation plans for the new buildings are provided in Appendix A.

The maximum security prison would be screened through man proof fencing, re-vegetated spoil mounds and existing vegetation at the site. The perimeter fencing would consist of 5 m high Macem with an anti-climb roll drum. The new facilities would not be visible to adjacent land owners and are predicted to have a minimal impact on the visible aesthetics of the area. Post construction landscaping would also assist in reducing any impacts to the aesthetic quality of the site.

The works site is not visible from surrounding roads.

6.12.2 Mitigation

Prepare and implement a Landscaping Plan to reduce the visual impacts of the new development.

New landscaping is to comply with Appendix 5 ‘Landscaping and Property Maintenance’ under Planning for Bush Fire Protection 2006.

6.13 Socio-economic Impacts

A Socio-economic impact assessment was prepared for the maximum security additions to Parklea CC by BBC Planners (2016) and is provided in Appendix H. The following information has been taken directly from the assessment.



An assessment of the impact associated with the operation of the existing Parklea CC concluded that the Parklea area has a low incidence of crime in general which has remained stable or has had a downward trend over the last five years. The operational of the Parklea CC is not considered to have an impact on existing crime rates in the locality.


Social impacts in relation to the operation of correctional centres are generally related to fear of escapees and the safety and security of residents of the adjoining neighbourhoods. The socio-economic assessment undertaken for the proposal determined that whilst there are many perceived community concerns in relation to local correctional centres, these issues are generally not valid in most cases. The following key points are noted for the Parklea CC site;

the proposed development is an extension within the site of an existing correctional centre;

the proposed buildings and the building platforms will still enjoy a setback from the surrounding land zoned for residential purposes;

the remand and reception centre will have a high quality perimeter security zone; activities will be managed by qualified DOCS staff and the community will not be

exposed to any undue risk; and the proposed development is within the confines of an existing correctional centre

and is not expected to have a significant adverse impact on the amenity of the surrounding residential areas.

It is considered that the proposed development will have a positive social benefit for the wider community. It will provide much needed relief for the already overcrowded correctional facilities within the metropolitan area and the associated high risk issues. The industries program would continue and would provide a positive contribution to the corrective function of the Parklea CC.

Some potential impacts, as well as community concerns of the impact, are discussed below

Security

Site security and security procedures will be based on the current operations with an increase in custodian staff, security features and associated infrastructure proportionate to the increased inmate population. The proposed works will be designed and managed to ensure there is low risk of escapes. In addition to the physical security measures (i.e. perimeter fences) there will be continued close case management and gathering of intelligence which will form an integral part to overall security at the centre and assist as a major deterrent to escapes.

Staff at all levels at the correctional centre will continue to receive comprehensive security training. In addition, it is recommended that the established Emergency Response Plan for the existing correctional centre is updated to ensure the procedures to be followed in the event of an escape or abscond and the notification procedure for neighbours and the surrounding community are reviewed and updated where necessary.

Crime

There is often a concern amongst the community and some service providers that the increasing the capacity of a correctional centre would increase the likelihood of crimes being committed in the area by released inmates, either immediately after their release or if they chose to remain in the area for longer periods. However there are no apparent reasons for inmates to remain in the area upon release. Given the metropolitan location, it is anticipated that inmates or visitors would return to their previous address or suburb.



It is a commonly held fear that the introduction of a correctional facility (or the expansion of an existing facility) to an established community will lead to increased crime in the area, committed by prison escapees, families of inmates or by visitors to the centre or inmates choosing to remain in the area upon release. Community feedback through consultation indicates that similar perceptions are held by some members of the Parklea community who feel that the expansion of the facility could have a negative impact on safety and security in the area.

Given that the Parklea CC opened over 30 years ago, prior to the construction of a significant level of residential development surrounding the site, there is no accurate way to determine what impact the centre has had, if any, on crime rates in the LGA in a statistically meaningful way. However there is no indication that there have been increased rates of crime associated with the Parklea CC. Research undertaken in Lithgow, Kempsey and New Zealand indicates that the presence of a correctional centre does not necessarily lead to an increase in crime. As part of the consultation process for the project Blacktown Local Area Command (NSW Police) did not raise any concern in relation to expected increases in Policing activity as a result of the expanded Parklea CC. It was indicated that if any additional policing activity was required that this would be accommodated by NSW Police.

It is noted that the majority of visitors to inmates are law abiding citizens; however notwithstanding this, visits to inmates are tightly controlled. All visitors to the Parklea CC must make appointments in advance and this procedure will not change as a result of the expansion.

Property and Land Valves

There are concerns within some sections of the Parklea community that property and land values in the area will be negatively impacted by the expansion of the Parklea CC. Despite these concerns property trends have shown that the presence of the established Parklea CC has not deterred or impacted on redevelopment of the residential areas surrounding the site. Rather, property prices within the surrounding suburbs have continued to increase over time following similar trends to that for the Greater Metropolitan Region.

The area surrounding the Parklea CC has developed into a well-established and desirable residential area. It is considered unlikely, that the presence of the PCC has impacted on the rate of development or resale values.

Overall, it is expected that, following the upgrade of the proposed maximum security facility -

the incidence of families moving to the Parklea area will remain low; the likelihood of released inmates (not previously residents of the Blacktown region)

remaining in the area will not increase; there will be no negative effect on the image of the local suburb, in fact it is likely to

have a positive impact through increased social and economic opportunities; there will be a small impact on increased demand for services such as educational,

health and social services, however these can be managed through Centre management maintaining open lines of communication with the relevant agencies; and

potential exists for improved benefits for the Indigenous community, such as the maintenance of social networks, employment and training opportunities.

A number of social benefits associated with the operation of the enlarged Parklea CC have been identified and include:

support for local charities through inmate work projects and additional staff fundraising;

additional employment for local residents;



expansion of a stable industry, diversifying the economy of the town; ongoing support of TAFE services.

The economic impact of the proposed facility will be important and positive, providing secure local employment and additional annual local expenditure. The economic benefits during construction will also be significant. Aside from these direct benefits and the associated multiplier of flow-on effects in support industries, the continued presence of a major stable government employer will carry on supporting investor confidence.

6.13.2 Mitigation

The Community Consultative Committee is to be re-established and is to update the Emergency Management Plan and a communications strategy for the additions to the Parklea CC.

Centre management are to develop an updated program of communication with neighbouring residents, including points of contact during any crisis situation at the Centre.

Centre management are to continue working through the correctional centre to report on security measures and action taken in relation to escape management.

Centre management are to continue to work with police, Council and other community groups to ensure management of crime levels;

Continued liaison with the Local Area Command to ensure staffing levels remain adequate and to continue to share information where relevant is to occur.

Continued close integration with parole officers and other services is to be established in order to ensure smooth transition of released inmates back to their home communities.

Enhance partnerships with government and not for profit community services providers to assist in minimising the impact of the correctional centre, to facilitate the integration of service delivery.

Encourage social service providers to clearly articulate their policies on service provision, work with local service providers to ensure streamlined approach to service delivery and maximising opportunities.

Parklea CC is to increase awareness of support and assistance which is available through the Department of Justice to eligible visitors of inmates.

Continue liaison between Parklea CC, Department of Justice and TAFE to is be maintained to ensure a co-ordinated approach to the planning and delivery of education programs.

Liaise with Council and housing providers during staff appointment and when staff take up positions at the Centre, to monitor the demand for housing and means of maximising the number of staff who live locally.

Monitor the placement of families of inmates in Department of Housing accommodation to ensure allocation to appropriate geographic locations.

Department of Justice, the Community Consultative Committee, Council and local land councils are to co-operate on addressing the community-wide issues surrounding Indigenous needs, particularly in areas such as access to short-term accommodation and transport.

Indigenous needs, particularly in areas such as access to short-term accommodation and transport.

Parklea CC is to work closely with local businesses and service providers, including schools, to ensure all possible opportunities for partnership and development are identified and addressed.



Community Consultative Committee is to establish communication with local schools and other community facilities during early operation of the new centre to identify initiatives which provide community benefit

Liaise closely with economic development groups to develop new ways to value add economically from the Centre, e.g. attracting new industries, briefing sessions to assist the local community in the development of individual or consortium based approaches to bid for tenders.

Community Consultative Committee is to work co-operatively with the local Indigenous community to develop and facilitate skills enhancement programs, pre-employment strategies and active recruitment drives in the Indigenous community.



7 Environmental Management Under the State Government’s policy to improve the performance of the NSW construction industry, preparation of a CEMP is mandatory for all projects undertaken by or on behalf of government agencies or where funding is being provided by the government. The Construction Policy Steering Committee and the then Department of Infrastructure Planning and Natural Resources have produced Environmental Management System and EMP Guidelines aiming to assist contractors both in complying with the Government’s policy and in demonstrating that compliance. The environmental management objectives and supporting actions presented in this section are intended to assist in this process.

The CEMP would include a risk assessment which ensures that the safeguards identified in this REF, as well as any others that are considered relevant, are effectively translated into actual construction techniques and environmental management activities, controls and monitoring/verification to prevent or minimise environmental impacts. The CEMP should also identify the requirements for compliance with relevant legislation and other regulatory any requirements to ensure environmental safeguards described throughout this REF are implemented. The environmental management objectives and supporting actions presented in this section are intended to assist in this process. The Department of Justice would review the CEMP.

The CEMP should generally conform to the structure shown in Table 7-1.

Table 7-1 Construction Environmental Management Plan Structure

Background

Introduction to the document Description of the proposal and project details The context for the CEMP in regards to the overall project The CEMP objectives The contractor’s environmental policy

Environmental Management

Environmental management structure of the organisation and specific team responsibilities with respect to the CEMP and its implementation Approval and licensing requirements relevant to the project Reporting requirements Environmental training Emergency contacts and response

Implementation

A project specific risk assessment A detailed list of environmental management safeguards and controls CEMP sub plans for specific environmental controls A detailed schedule assigning responsibility to each environmental management activity and control

Monitor and Review

Environmental monitoring Environmental auditing Corrective action CEMP review and document control procedures



7.1 Environmental Management Measures

Implementation of the mitigation measures outlined in Section 6 would be undertaken during a number of phases of the project. These phases comprise:

Detailed design – refinement of the design details. Pre-construction – prior to the contractor arriving on site to carry out the works Construction – during construction phase Operation – post construction.

7.1.1 Landuse

Objective(s)

Minimise impacts to surrounding land users during construction and operation of the correctional centre upgrade.

Action(s)

Action/Phase Responsibility

Pre-construction

The neighbouring land owners are to be consulted with regards to the construction works, predicted program and any access requirements.

Contractor

Best management construction measures would be documented in a project specific CEMP.

Contractor

Construction

Land disturbance during construction is to be limited to that required to undertake the construction works

Contractor

Construction works are to be undertaken in consideration of neighbouring properties and land users

Contractor

The construction program is to be planned to site security is not compromised during the works. The contractors will work closely with the operator of the centre to ensure the site remains secure at all times.

Contractor

Any active work areas will be observed by dedicated prison officers. Contractor Operation

Areas disturbed during construction would be returned to the pre-construction condition.

Contractor

7.1.2 Noise

Objective(s)

Compliance with relevant recommendations specified in the Interim Construction Noise Guideline (DECC, 2009).

Avoidance/minimisation of noise impacts on nearby sensitive noise receivers.

Action(s)

The following recommendations provide in-principle noise control solutions to reduce construction noise impacts to noise affected receivers. Where actual construction activities differ from those assessed in this report, more detailed design of noise control measures may be required.




Pre-Construction

Implement community consultation measures – inform community of construction activity and potential impacts through the development of a community liaison plan.

Contractor

All employees, contractors and subcontractors are to receive a Project induction. The environmental component may be covered in toolboxes and should include:

all relevant project specific and standard noise mitigation measures as detailed in the construction noise & vibration management plan prepared by the contractor;

relevant licence and approval conditions;

permissible hours of work;

any limitations on high noise generating activities;

location of nearest sensitive receivers;

construction employee parking areas;

designated loading/unloading areas and procedures;

site opening/closing times (including deliveries); and

environmental incident procedures.

Contractor

Construction

No swearing or unnecessary shouting or loud stereos/radios on site. Contractor No dropping of materials from height where practicable, throwing of metal items and slamming of doors.

Contractor

Construction is to be carried out during the standard daytime working hours.

Contractor

Work generating high noise levels should be scheduled during less sensitive time periods if practicable.

Contractor

Noise generating activities with impulsive, tonal or low frequency characteristics (such as rock breaking, etc) should only be carried out:

in continuous blocks, up to but not exceeding 3 hours each; and with a minimum respite period of one hour between each block.

Contractor

Use quieter and less noise emitting construction methods where feasible and reasonable.

Contractor

All plant and equipment to be appropriately maintained to ensure optimum running conditions, with periodic monitoring.

Contractor

The noise levels of plant and equipment items are to be considered in rental decisions and in any case cannot be used on site unless compliant with the applicable criteria.

Contractor

Simultaneous operation of noisy plant within discernible range of a sensitive receiver is to be limited/ avoided where possible.

Contractor

The offset distance between noisy plant and adjacent sensitive receivers is to be maximised where practicable.

Contractor

Plant used intermittently to be throttled down or shut down when not in use where practicable.

Contractor

Noise-emitting plant to be directed away from sensitive receivers where possible. Plan worksites and activities to minimise noise

Contractor




Plan traffic flow, parking and loading/unloading areas to minimise reversing movements within the site.

Contractor

Non-tonal reversing beepers (or an equivalent mechanism) should be fitted and used on all construction vehicles and mobile plant regularly used on site for periods of over two months where practicable.

Contractor

Ensure all deliveries occur during standard construction hours. Contractor Where reasonable and feasible, use structures to shield residential receivers from noise such as:

site shed placement; earth bunds; temporary or mobile noise screens (where practicable) enclosures to shield fixed noise sources such as pumps,

compressors, fans etc (where practicable); and consideration of site topography when situating plant.

Contractor

Where reasonable and feasible, implement noise control measures for the construction plant likely to be used on site based on the Table 4.13 of the noise assessment report (Appendix G).

Contractor

Periodic Noise Monitoring Where potential noise impacts are predicted to be more than 15dB(A) above the noise management levels (as presented in Table 4.9 of the noise assessment report (Appendix G)), the potential construction noise nuisance is considered to be high. All reasonable and feasible noise control measures should be implemented prior to the commencement of construction works.

Contractor

Noise levels during construction should be monitored when required (eg. to address complaints) and where exceeded, further noise reduction measures (where reasonable and feasible) should be implemented eg. restricting working hours, use silencing equipment, etc.

Contractor

Vibration Management Measures Where construction activity occurs in close proximity to sensitive receivers and within the minimum working distances presented in Table 4.14 of the noise assessment report (Appendix G) or larger plant items are than that assessed are to be used, minimum buffer distances to affected receivers shall be determined by site measurements and maintained in order to comply with relevant vibration limits. It should be noted that the buffer distances identified above are a guide only.

Contractor

A management procedure should be implemented to deal with vibration complaints. Each complaint should be investigated and where vibration levels are established as exceeding the set limits, appropriate amelioration measures should be put in place to mitigate future occurrences.

Contractor

Where vibration is found to be excessive, management measures should be implemented to ensure vibration compliance is achieved. Management measures may include modification of construction methods such as using smaller equipment, establishment of safe buffer zones as mentioned above, and if necessary, time restrictions for the most excessive vibration activities. Time restrictions are to be negotiated with affected receivers.

Contractor

Where construction activity occurs in close proximity to sensitive receivers, vibration testing of actual equipment on site would be carried out prior to their commencement of site operation to determine acceptable buffer distances to the nearest affected receiver locations. (Details of the procedures for vibration monitoring are presented in Appendix C of the noise assessment report, (Appendix G)).

Contractor




Dilapidation surveys should be conducted at all buildings within the vicinity of the construction works. These surveys are used to address potential community concerns that perceived vibration may have caused damage to property.

Contractor

Complaints Handling Procedure

A management procedure is to be put in place to deal with noise and vibration complaints that may arise from the construction works. Each complaint would need to be investigated and appropriate noise and/or vibration amelioration measures be put in place to mitigate future occurrences, where the noise and/or vibration in question is in excess of allowable limits.

Contractor

Operation

Any complaints associated with the operation of the upgraded facility would be investigated as soon as practicable. Any practicable and feasible measures to minimise noise would be identified.

Justice

Outdoor fields and recreational areas: Ensure use of outdoor areas is scheduled within the day time period. Justice Minimise shouting or other loud noises from inmates or staff while outdoors.

Justice

Avoid slamming doors and gates. Justice No music should be played in outdoor areas, especially through the PA system at any time.

Justice

Public announcement system: Ensure the PA system is used only during the day time period. Justice Minimise usage of PA system and only use when necessary for announcements.

Justice

Volume should be adjusted to a suitable level. Justice Do not use the PA system to broadcast music. Justice Mechanical Plant

Once details of the actual mechanical plant and equipment to be used and their locations are known, assistance of an acoustic consultant must be sought during the detailed design stage of the project. Should noise impacts from mechanical plant be determined to exceed the relevant noise criteria during the detailed design stage, the following noise mitigation measures should be considered.

Mechanical plant noise emission can be controllable by appropriate mechanical system design and implementation of common engineering methods that may include any of the following:

Procurement of 'quiet' plant; Strategic positioning of plant away from sensitive neighbouring

premises, maximising= the intervening shielding between the plant and sensitive neighbouring premises;

Commercially available silencers or acoustic attenuators for air discharge and air intakes of plant;

Acoustically lined and lagged ductwork; Acoustic screens and barriers between plant and sensitive

neighbouring premises; and/or Partially enclosed or fully enclosed acoustic enclosures over plant.

Justice

Mechanical plant shall have their noise specifications and their proposed locations checked prior to their installation on site.

Justice



7.1.3 Traffic and Access

Objective(s)

Ensure that construction vehicles do not cause excessive inconvenience to road and pedestrian users.

Ensure the safety of road users, construction personnel, other workers and visitors to the site for the duration of the works.

Minimise the pollution impacts resulting from the use of vehicles during construction.

Action(s)


Pre-construction

Prepare a Traffic Management Plan (TMP) based on the detailed construction methodology and use of specific heavy vehicles and construction plant. The TMP is to be signed-off by the Department of Justice prior to commencement of works. The Traffic Management Plan would include measures to minimise traffic impacts ensure public safety and would be prepared in accordance with: Traffic Control at Work Sites Manual (RTA, 2010) Australian Standard 1742.3 - 2002 Traffic Control Devices for Works on

Roads.

Contractor

The TMP is to be developed in consultation with NSW Roads & Maritime Services (RMS) and Blacktown City Council and approved prior to the commencement of construction.

Contractor

The TMP is to detail hours of operation, heavy vehicle volumes (numbers) and routes, construction staff parking, loading / unloading areas and site access arrangements, all temporary warning, guidance and information signage, and appropriate traffic control devices.

Contractor

Notify surrounding land owners at least one week in advance of the works Contractor Construction

All vehicles accessing the sites would use the designated access roads. Contractor All roads would be kept clean and free of dust and mud at all times. Where material is tracked onto sealed roads at any time, it would be removed immediately so that road pavements are kept safe and trafficable.

Contractor

All vehicles transporting spoil would be covered and filled to maximum capacity to minimise vehicle movements.

Contractor

All roads, kerbs, gutters and footpaths damaged as a result of construction are to be restored to their pre-construction condition.

Contractor

A dedicated vehicle wash down area would be established on site. Contractor

All traffic would comply with all applicable traffic laws and regulations including speed limits. All construction vehicles would comply with the speed limits set for the roads accessing the site.

Contractor

All roads and access tracks would be rehabilitated post construction to a standard equivalent to or better than the preconstruction condition.

Contractor

Operation

Dedicate some additional staff parking within the two new proposed visitor parking areas and/or utilise the existing informal parking areas as contingent overflow parking.

Dept of Justice




Provide incentives for staff to use existing public transport (i.e. buses along Sentry Drive) or to car pool, thus increasing car occupancy levels and reducing traffic generation / parking demand.

Dept of Justice

7.1.4 Air Quality

Objective(s)

Avoidance/minimisation of off-site dust nuisance to neighbouring residences, workers, inmate visitors and the community.

Minimisation of air quality impacts resulting from machinery and vehicle emissions.

Action(s)


Construction

Construction vehicles and equipment are to be suitably serviced within the six-month period prior to commencement of construction activities and all necessary maintenance undertaken during the construction period. The excessive use of vehicles and powered construction equipment is to be avoided.

Contractor

The excessive use of vehicles and powered construction equipment is to be avoided.

Contractor

All construction machinery is to be turned off when not in use to minimise emissions

Contractor

Construction contractors are to monitor dust generation potential. Contractor If required, dust suppression measures such as watering exposed surfaces are to be implemented during extremely windy conditions.

Contractor

Any stockpiled spoil/fill is to be protected to minimise dust generation to avoid sediment moving offsite.

Contractor

Vehicles transporting spoil around the site are to be covered. Contractor Bare surfaces are to be vegetated or sealed as soon as possible. Contractor Under extreme wind conditions, construction activities are to be temporarily suspended.

Contractor

The burning of waste materials is not permitted on site Contractor

7.1.5 Water Quality Impacts and Erosion and Sediment Control and Flooding

Objective(s)

To effectively manage sediment and erosion control during the construction stage of the project.

Prevention/minimisation of impacts to adjacent water bodies, including Second Pond’s Creek and associated drainage line during the construction and operation of the scheme.

Action(s)


Pre-construction

The new buildings and associated infrastructure is to consistent with the recommendations of the stormwater management report (Woolacotts, 2016)

Dept of Justice / Contractor




Construction is to be undertaken in accordance with the site specific soil and water management plan based on the stormwater management plan prepared by Wollacotts (2016) as provided in Appendix F of this REF.

Contractor

Once the development plans have been finalised; a Salinity Management Plan is to be prepared as part of the CEMP.

Contractor

Sediment and erosion control measures would be documented in a Soil and Water Management Plan (SWMP) developed by the contractor as part of the CEMP. The SWMP would need to be prepared using the NSW Landcom (2004) Managing Urban Stormwater – Soils and Construction as a primary reference. The SWMP would need to be specific to the construction methodology developed and is to incorporate best management practices and may include the following:

Installation of instream sediment control devices (such as sediment curtains) to isolate turbidity.

Monitoring of temporary erosion control measures to ensure they are effective, especially after any heavy rain event.

Minimising the time and the size of any exposed areas. The SWMP is to be consistent with the stormwater management plan prepared by Wollacotts (2016) as provided in Appendix F of this REF.

Construction

The earthworks and construction activities are to be undertaken in accordance with the recommendations of the Geotechnical Investigation for proposed alterations and additions at Parklea Correction Centre 66 Sentry Drive, Parklea NSW (JK Geotechnics, 2015).

Contractor


Contractor

All erosion and sediment control devices shall be properly maintained for the duration of the work. All structures are to be inspected after rain events and sediment to be removed when the capacity has been reduced by 50% or more.

Contractor

Contractor’s compound and temporary spoil placement area is to be located no closer than 50 m from the two onsite ponds or Second Ponds Creek.

Contractor

Any temporary stockpiles should be stabilised using sediment fencing or similar.

Contractor

All fuels and other hazardous liquids shall be stored at designated construction compounds within containers in a bunded enclosure with sufficient capacity to hold 120% of the stored liquids.

Contractor

All chemicals used for construction shall be stored and used in accordance with the relevant Safety Data Sheets.

Contractor

An emergency spill kit shall be kept at the construction compound. The CEMP shall include a procedure for using the spill kit in the event of a spill and all construction personnel shall be informed of the procedure and their roles and responsibilities in that procedure.

Contractor

Workers are to be made aware of the provisions of Section 120 of the POEO Act with regards to water pollution.

Contractor

Notification to the EPA in accordance with Part 5.7 of the POEO Act is to be undertaken where a pollution incident occurs in the course of an activity so that material harm to the environment is caused or threatened.

All construction vehicles and equipment are to be maintained in designated areas away from watercourses;

Contractor

All disturbed areas would be restored post construction. Contractor




Spoil Disposal

All excess spoil resulting from the works would to be subject to testing in accordance with the Waste Classification Guidelines (DECCW 2009). Spoil would need to meet the appropriate waste classification for onsite spoil disposal.

Contractor

The permanent spoil mound would be designed (by the contractor) to a suitable gradient to ensure erosion and sedimentation loss does not occur.

Contractor

The permanent spoil mound design would take into consideration drainage to ensure runoff is directed around the mounds and that the mounds do not impact upon local hydrology.

Contractor

Permanent spoil mounds would be stabilised as soon as practicable using suitably fast growing and preferable endemic species.

Contractor

The permanent spoil mound would be suitably stabilised to prevent sediment eroding and being washed into the nearby pond.

Contractor

Sediment and erosion controls would be maintained until vegetation is established and the site stabilised.

Contractor

7.1.6 Flora and Fauna

Objective(s)

Avoidance/minimisation of impacts to flora and fauna. Minimise clearing of onsite vegetation Avoid weed invasion

Action(s)


Pre-construction

The tree protection is be implemented to minimise the impact of the proposed development on trees that are to be retained and protected.

Contractor

Construction

No vegetation removal or modification is to occur beyond the proposed works areas shown on the plans.

Contractor

All instances of weeds of national significance, Fireweed and Bridal Creeper, should be removed from the subject site prior to the commencement of earthworks.

Weeds should be treated by hand removal.

Contractor

Newly exposed surfaces should be stabilised as soon as possible in order to reduce the potential for soil erosion. This should be done through the planting of native species endemic to the study area or non-invasive grass species.

Contractor

Any shrub or tree plantings to be undertaken as part of landscaping works should include a suite of those native plants that constitute Cumberland Plain Woodland.

Contractor

The tree protection recommendations are to be implemented to minimise the impact of the proposed development on trees that are to be retained and protected.

Contractor




To minimize any potential indirect impacts on the Cumberland Plain Woodland that occurs within the north-western portion of the site near to the proposed spoil disposal area (shown in Figure 6-5) should be pointed out on site to works personnel so as to minimise any potential indirect impacts on this endangered ecological community

Contractor

No works personnel or machinery should enter the Cumberland Plain Woodland onsite.

Contractor

Operation

In line with the recovery plan prepared for the Cumberland Plain, a management plan for the stands of Cumberland Plain Woodland present within the boundaries of the Correctional Centre should be prepared. This plan should address the management of threatened biodiversity and be consistent with:

the Cumberland Plain recovery plan the DEC (2005a) publication ‘recovering bushland on the

Cumberland Plain: Best practice guidelines for the management and restoration of bushland’

the recommended fire regimes in Appendix 3 of the recovery plan

any other best practice documents that DECCW may promote at a later date.

Development of this plan will also assist the local White-winged Chough population.

Dept of Justice

7.1.7 Aboriginal Heritage

Objective(s)

Minimise potential impacts to items and places of Aboriginal heritage due to the works

Action(s)

Action/Phase Responsibility Construction

All workers (including contractors) should be made aware that it is illegal to harm an Aboriginal object or historic relics, and if a potential Aboriginal object or historic relic is encountered during activities, then all work at the site will cease and the OEH will be contacted will be contacted to advise on the appropriate course of action. For Aboriginal objects, this would include allowing the Deerubbin Local Aboriginal Land Council (DLALC) to record and collect the identified item(s).

Contractor

All workers (including contractors) should be inducted concerning Aboriginal cultural and historic heritage values and basic training should be provided for identifying Aboriginal objects and historic relics.

Contractor



Action/Phase Responsibility In the event that known or suspected Aboriginal skeletal remains are encountered during the activity, the following procedure will be followed:

a) all work in the immediate vicinity will cease; b) the find will be immediately reported to the work supervisor who will

immediately advise the Environment Manager or other nominated senior staff member;

c) the Environment Manager or other nominated senior staff member will promptly notify the police and the state coroner (as required for all human remains discoveries);

d) the Environment Manager or other nominated senior staff member will contact the OEH for advice on identification of the skeletal material as Aboriginal and management of the material; and

e) if the skeletal material is of Aboriginal ancestral remains, the Local Aboriginal Land Council will be contacted and consultative arrangements will be made to discuss ongoing care of the remains.

Contractor

7.1.8 Site Contamination and Salinity

Objective(s)

Minimise the risk associated with potential site contamination during construction and operation of the correctional centre upgrade works.

Ensure the works are appropriately design having consideration to salinity levels detected at the site.

Action(s)


Pre-construction

Once the development plans have been finalised a Salinity Management Plan is to be prepared.

Contractor

Construction

Recommendations from the salinity screening report (EIS, 2016) with respect to concrete slabs and footings in saline soils would be implemented during the design and construction of the driveway works.

Contractor

In the event that unexpected conditions are encountered during development work or between sampling locations which may pose a contamination risk, all works should stop and an environmental consultant should be engaged to inspect the site and address the issue.

Contractor

7.1.9 Waste Management

Objective(s)

Compliance the provisions of the Protection of the Environment Operations (Waste) Regulation 2005.

Maximise reuse/recycling of waste material and minimise waste disposed of to landfill.

Action(s)


Pre-construction




The contractor undertaking the works would detail waste management procedures in a Waste Management Plan to be incorporated into the CEMP. The contractor is to assume responsibility for the appropriate disposal of any waste generated.

Contractor

The Waste Management Plan would adopt the objectives of the Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery Act, namely, to encourage the most efficient use of resources, to reduce environmental harm, and to provide for the continual reduction in waste generation in line with the principles of environmentally sustainable development (ESD).

Contractor

The Waste Management Plan would also need to be consistent with the Waste Classification Guidelines (DECCW 2009) in that all waste removed from the site is to be classified and disposed of appropriately.

Contractor

Accurate written records are to be kept such as: who transported the waste (company name, ABN, vehicle registration and

driver details, date and time of transport, description of waste) copies of waste dockets/receipts for the waste facility (date and time of

delivery, name and address of the facility, it’s ABN, contact person).

Contractor

Construction

All soil excavated from the site would be tested and subsequently managed in accordance with the Waste Classification Guidelines (DECCW 2009). Only spoil which meets the specified classification would be used for permanent onsite disposal.

Contractor

The construction contractor is to ensure that waste generated by the works is transported to a place that can lawfully accept it as per Section 143 of the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997.

Contractor

The removal of any asbestos containing material if found is only to undertaken by an appropriately licenced contractor as per WorkCover NSW requirements.

Contractor

Any person involved in the removal of asbestos if found is to be appropriately trained in accordance with the National Occupational Health and Safety Commission’s Code of Practice for the Safe Removal of Bonded Asbestos (2002) and relevant WHS Act and WorkCover guidelines.

Contractor

All waste, including excess spoil be recycled if practicable or alternatively taken to a licensed waste disposal facility.

Contractor

Trucks transporting spoil off site would be covered. Contractor Waste receptacles for recyclable and non-recyclable waste are to be provided at each construction site for personnel waste.

Contractor

The EPA is to be notified immediately of any pollution incidents or harm to the environment (as defined under Part 5.7 of the POEO Act).

Contractor

7.1.10 Visual

Objective(s)

Minimise visual impact of the new infrastructure at the expanded Parklea CC.

Action(s)


Construction

Prepare and implement a Landscaping Plan to reduce the visual impacts of the new development.

Contractor




New landscaping is to comply with Appendix 5 ‘Landscaping and Property Maintenance’ under Planning for Bush Fire Protection 2006.

Contractor

7.1.11 Socio-economic

Objective(s)

Minimising the potential negative social impacts, particularly in relation to housing and community facility and welfare needs related to the correctional centre,

Enhancement of the positive economic and social impacts of the centre.

Action(s)


Operation

The Community Consultative Committee is to be re-established and is to update the Emergency Management Plan and a communications strategy for the additions to the Parklea CC

Justice

Centre management are to develop an updated program of communication with neighbouring residents, including points of contact during any crisis situation at the Centre.

Justice

Centre management are to continue working through the correctional centre to report on security measures and action taken in relation to escape management.

Justice

Centre management are to continue to work with police, Council and other community groups to ensure management of crime levels;

Justice

Continued liaison with the Local Area Command to ensure staffing levels remain adequate and to continue to share information where relevant.

Justice

Continued close integration with parole officers and other services will be established in order to ensure smooth transition of released inmates back to their home communities.

Justice

Enhance partnerships with government and not for profit community services providers to assist in minimising the impact of the correctional centre, to facilitate the integration of service delivery.

Justice

Encourage social service providers to clearly articulate their policies on service provision, work with local service providers to ensure streamlined approach to service delivery and maximising opportunities.

Justice

Parklea CC to increase awareness of support and assistance which is available through Department of Justice to eligible visitors of inmates.

Justice

Continue liaison between Parklea CC, Department of Justice and TAFE to ensure a co-ordinated approach to the planning and delivery of education programs.

Justice

Liaise with Council and housing providers during staff appointment and when staff take up positions at the Centre, to monitor the demand for housing and means of maximising the number of staff who live locally.

Justice

Monitor the placement of families of inmates in Department of Housing accommodation to ensure allocation to appropriate geographic locations.

Justice




Department of Justice, the Community Consultative Committee, Council and local land councils will co-operate on addressing the community-wide issues surrounding Indigenous needs, particularly in areas such as access to short-term accommodation and transport.

Justice

Indigenous needs, particularly in areas such as access to short-term accommodation and transport.

Justice

Parklea CC is to work closely with local businesses and service providers, including schools, to ensure all possible opportunities for partnership and development are identified and addressed.

Justice

Community Consultative Committee is to establish communication with local schools and other community facilities during early operation of the new centre to identify initiatives which provide community benefit

Justice

Liaise closely with economic development groups to develop new ways to value add economically from the Centre, e.g. attracting new industries, briefing sessions to assist the local community in the development of individual or consortium based approaches to bid for tenders.

Justice

Community Consultative Committee to work co-operatively with the local Indigenous community to develop and facilitate skills enhancement programs, pre-employment strategies and active recruitment drives in the Indigenous community.

Justice



8 Conclusions and Recommendations Whilst a number of short term impacts associated with the Parklea CC Stage 3 (maximum security prison expansion) works have been identified, such as increased noise, dust, traffic and waste management, it has been assessed that these can be adequately managed through the implementation of appropriate mitigation measures.

Only a very minimal area of vegetation would be directly impacted by the proposal and no impact to threatened species, communities or populations is predicted. The proposed works would not have impact on any know Aboriginal places or items.

The proposed expansion would cater to the correctional centre’s current capacity as well as predicted growth forecasts due to the projected increase in the number of inmates. It is considered that the proposed development will have a positive social benefit for the wider community. It will provide much needed relief for the already overcrowded maximum security correctional facilities within the metropolitan area and the associated high risk issues.

Pursuant to the provisions of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, and Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2000, an environmental assessment of the proposed upgrade to the Parklea Correctional Centre has been undertaken. Consideration has been given to the likely impact of the activity on the environment, having regard to all relevant factors. On the basis of the information presented in this REF it is concluded that by adopting the safeguards identified in this assessment it is unlikely that there would be significant adverse environmental impacts associated with the proposed works.

8.1 Recommendations

It is recommended that the proposed Stage 3 maximum security expansion works at the Parklea CC be approved with the following condition:

A CEMP be developed for the proposed works incorporating the mitigation measures outlined in Section 7 of this report.



9 References

Australian Standard (2002) AS1742.3 - 2002 Traffic Control Devices for Works on Roads.

Australian Standard (2010) AS2436-2010 Guide to Noise Control on Construction, Maintenance and Demolition Sites

BBC Planners (2016) Socio-economic impact assessment for the minimum security additions to Parklea Correctional Centre

Blacktown (2006) State of the Waterways Management Plan 2005 Second Ponds Creek

DECC (2008). Managing Urban Stormwater: Soils and Construction Volume 2C. NSW Government.

DECCW (2009a) Interim Construction Noise Guideline, NSW and Department of Environment and Climate Change

DECCW (2009b) Waste Classification Guidelines, NSW Government

DECCW (2010) Due Diligence Code of Practice for the Protection of Aboriginal Objects in New South Wales

Dominic Steele Consulting Archaeology (2016) Due Diligence Aboriginal Archaeological Heritage Assessment Parklea Correctional Centre, Parklea, NSW Proposed Expansion & Additions to Existing Facilities

EIS (2016) Preliminary Soil Contamination and Salinity Screening for proposed alternations and additions at Parklea Correctional Centre.

Environment Protection Authority, 2000, NSW Industrial Noise Policy

GIS Environmental Consultants (2016) Flora & Fauna Impact Assessment for Alterations and Additions to the Parklea Correctional Centre

JK Geotechnics (2015) Geotechnical Investigation for proposed alterations and additions at Parklea Correction Centre 66 Sentry Drive, Parklea NSW

Landcom’s Blue Book Volume 1 (2004), Managing Urban Stormwater: Soils and Construction – Volume 1,4th Edition, reprinted July 2006

Lesryk Environmental (2016a) Flora and Fauna survey and assessment Parklea Correctional Centre, Parklea, NSW.

Lesryk Environmental (2016b) Flora and Fauna addendum study Parklea Correctional Centre, Parklea, NSW.

NSW Department of Justice, 2015 Full House: The growth of the inmate population in NSW Sydney April 2015.

NSW Public Works (2015) Parklea Correctional Centre Expansion Program Updated Business Case

Samsa Consulting, (2016) Parklea Correctional Centre Additions Traffic and Parking Assessment

Woolacotts (2016) Parklea Correctional Centre Expansion – Stormwater Management Report

PARKLEA CORRECTIONAL CENTRE UPGRADE · December 2016 . Parklea Correctional Centre Upgrde Stage 3...

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