Environmental Management Plan for Barron Gorge Power Station

Business Procedure

WRITTEN BY: .................................. NAME: M. Jarvis / R. Hossack

ENDORSED/CHECKED BY: ..............................

NAME: N. Lawler

APPROVED BY: ....................................

NAME: Tim Hogan

DATE: ........

Doc No: ENV-PROC-54 Revision No: 0 Revision Date: 24.08.2016 Page: 1 of 34

THIS DOCUMENT IS UNCONTROLLED IN HARD COPY FORMAT

Environmental Management Plan for Barron Gorge Hydro Power Station Document Number – ENV-PROC-54

This document applies to the following site(s):

Rockhampton Office Brisbane Office Tarong Site

Barron Gorge Hydro PS Kareeya Hydro PS Mica Creek PS

Koombooloomba Hydro PS Swanbank PS Mackay Gas Turbine

Wivenhoe Small Hydro PS Stanwell PS Meandu Mine

Doc No: ENV-PROC-54 Rev: 0 Rev Date: 24.08.2016 of 34 THIS DOCUMENT IS UNCONTROLLED IN HARD COPY FORMAT

Table of Contents

1.0 Purpose and Scope ............................................................................................................................... 3

2.0 Objective ................................................................................................................................................ 3

3.0 Site Description ..................................................................................................................................... 4

4.0 Definitions .............................................................................................................................................. 4

5.0 Environmental Management Plan Framework ...................................................................................... 6

5.1 General Requirements Under WTMA Permit and Codes of Practice ............................................. 6

6.0 Cultural Heritage .................................................................................................................................. 10

7.0 Infrastructure Specific Maintenance Requirements ............................................................................ 10

8.0 Implementation .................................................................................................................................... 15

9.0 Desirable Flora Species for Retention ................................................................................................. 16

10.0 Inductions and Training ....................................................................................................................... 16

11.0 Weed and Undesired Plant Management ........................................................................................... 16

11.1 Weed Presence within Barron Gorge Power Station Locality ....................................................... 17

11.2 Weed Control, Herbicides and Record Keeping ........................................................................... 18

12.0 Undesired Animal Species Management ............................................................................................ 19

13.0 Regional Ecosystems .......................................................................................................................... 19

14.0 Threatened Species ............................................................................................................................ 19

15.0 Erosion and Sediment Control ............................................................................................................ 21

16.0 Waste Management ............................................................................................................................ 22

17.0 Natural Disaster Management ............................................................................................................. 22

17.1 Cyclones and Storms .................................................................................................................... 22

17.2 Fire................................................................................................................................................. 23

18.0 Responsibilities .................................................................................................................................... 23

19.0 Review, Consultation and Communication .......................................................................................... 23

20.0 References (incl. legislation and other requirements) ......................................................................... 24

21.0 Revision History ................................................................................................................................... 24

22.0 Appendix 1: Zone Mapping.................................................................................................................. 25

23.0 Appendix 2: Weed Register ................................................................................................................. 29

23.1 Additional WTMA Undesirable Plant Species ............................................................................... 30

24.0 Appendix 3: Weed Mapping ................................................................................................................ 32


1.0 Purpose and Scope The Environmental Management Plan (‘EMP’) provides a framework within which Stanwell may undertake routine management of infrastructure for the Barron Gorge Power Station. The EMP is applicable for all Stanwell staff, contractors and visitors accessing or completing work within the Barron Gorge Power Station locality. Barron Gorge Power Station consists of a variety of infrastructure including Power Station, Weir and Valve Chamber located across a site including freehold land, reserves and National Parks, within the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area (‘WTWHA’) as outlined in Table 1: Property Description for Barron Gorge Power Station. The WTWHA is different from other conservation areas within Queensland because it contains lands of various tenures including national park, leasehold tenures, freehold tenures, roads and water reserves. Under the Wet Tropics Management Plan, all infrastructure maintenance works in the WTWHA are regulated under permits issued by the WTMA. These permits are issued to each QESI entity individually. All QESI members and contractors must ensure their works in the WTWHA are not only compliant with the guidelines described in this EMP but also compliant with the conditions contained in WTMA permits. For ease of reference, areas within the WTWHA, and areas under the management of Stanwell Corporation may be referred to as ‘Stanwell infrastructure’ within this Code of Practice. (Ref QESI CoP Feb 16 V1.2 p4). The EMP identifies environmental features relating to the Barron Gorge Power Station and ancillary infrastructure including Station Benchworks, Workshops, Stop Log Structure and Shed, and the Kuranda Weir and saddle dams, as specified in EMP spreadsheets and Maps of this document. In addition this EMP provides a management framework for maintenance activities in compliance with relevant legislative, regulatory, approval and policy requirements.

2.0 Objective The objective of the EMP is to ensure the environmental impact from continued maintenance of Barron Gorge Power Station infrastructure within the locality is managed in a manner that is sympathetic to the unique environmental characteristics of the area, whilst also being safe, commercial and responsible. Of critical importance is the provision of:

• Safe working conditions for Stanwell staff, contractors and visitors to site; • Safe operation and management practices for the infrastructure on site, both from an

electrical and dam management perspective; • Safe site in terms of public access to shared areas; • Compliance with the WTMA Permit, Codes of Practice (where relevant) and other regulatory

requirements; • Alignment with the Stanwell Environmental Policy (ENV – POL – 01) and the Site Conditions

– Stanwell Generating Sites (OHS – STD – 07) which are available at http://www.stanwell.com/doing-business-with-stanwell/policies-and-procedures/;

• Commercially sustainable options for the management of critical infrastructure across the site.

• Control current weed infestations to prevent further spread within Stanwell land. • Where Stanwell has control, maintain good weed hygiene practices to prevent the further

spread of weeds or introduction of new weed species, both into and out of Stanwell land and into the Wet

• Tropics World Heritage Area (WTWHA)


Given the location of the site within the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, the EMP also provides for: • Promotion of canopy and under storey connectivity wherever feasible; • Minimisation of the area of bare earth; • Retention and protection of riparian vegetation.

3.0 Site Description Barron Gorge Power Station operates across a broad area, located between Cairns and Kuranda, in Far North Queensland. The site straddles two local government areas (Cairns Regional and Mareeba Shire Councils), with particular sites described below (refer Table 1 and Figure 1).

Table 1: Property Description for Barron Gorge Powe r Station

Property Description Location / Infrastructure

Lot 752 on NR5189 Barron Gorge Power Station; Station Bench (Admin Building and Workshop); surge tank at Wrights Lookout; Butterfly Valve Chamber

Lot 23 on NR7579 Lot 24 on NR7579 Lot 25 on NR7579

Land above penstock

Lot 152 on SP126541 Part of Marshall’s Road including Kuranda Weir Access Road

Lot 150 on NR4991 Kuranda Weir and support infrastructure including Stop Log Shed, Gate House and Weir Deck)

Ergon Energy and Powerlink Queensland own and maintain infrastructure requiring vegetation maintenance within Stanwell controlled areas. Relevantly, Powerlink’s EMP provides the maintenance framework for vegetation maintenance of the microwave transmitter. Importantly, regardless of Ergon or Powerlink EMP provisions, works on Stanwell controlled areas will be undertaken with due regard fo the:

1. QESI Code;

2. Relevant permit and maintenance code.

A copy of this EMP will be made available to Ergon and Powerlink on request.

4.0 Definitions BGPS Barron Gorge Power Station

DEHP Department of Environment and Heritage Protection

DMR Department of Main Roads

EMP Environment Management Plan

EMS Stanwell Environmental Management System

QESI Qld Electricity Supply Industry

QPWS Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service

Stanwell Stanwell Corporation Limited

Stanwell Infrastructure As listed in Section 1

Stanwell Land Land owned, controlled, and/or managed by Stanwell (Refer to Section 1)

WTWHA Wet Tropics World Heritage Area

WTMA Wet Tropics Management Authority

WTMA Permit Wet Tropics Permit No WTMA11020


Figure 1: Overview map


5.0 Environmental Management Plan Framework The Wet Tropics Management Authority (WTMA) has issued Stanwell a WTMA Permit #11020 which authorises the maintenance of infrastructure within the WTWHA and applies to Barron Gorge Power Station and Kareeya Power Station, including Koombooloomba Power Station and Koombooloomba Dam. A copy of the WTMA Permit is available on Stanwell’s GenNet Right to Operate intranet page. The WTMA Permit requires compliance with relevant Codes of Practice, unless otherwise provided for within this EMP (that is, the EMP over-rides the Codes of Practice in the event of any conflict). The EMP is required to be approved by WTMA. Changes or amendments to the EMP require consultation between Stanwell and WTMA, and must be reviewed and approved by WTMA prior to implementation. The EMP is the primary operational document guiding maintenance and management of Stanwell infrastructure within the WTWHA associated with Barron Gorge Power Station. Work undertaken in compliance with the EMP will not require a Stanwell Land Disturbance and Vegetation Clearing Permit. Works to be undertaken outside the parameters of this EMP will require consultation with Stanwell’s Environmental Team and will require approval from WTMA. As outlined within Section 6 and Section 15, there are a number of circumstances whereby notification to WTMA is required prior to commencement of work. Notification should be managed in consultation with the Environmental Team.

Figure 2: Functional Flowchart

5.1 General Requirements Under WTMA Permit and Code s of Practice General requirements applicable to Stanwell employees or contractors undertaking maintenance and other activities across the site are outlined within Table 3 below. These requirements are derived from the:

• WTMA Permit; • Water Infrastructure Code of Practice; • DMR Road Maintenance Code of Practice; • QESI Code of Practice.

WTMA Permit

Stanwell EMP Work not in accordance with EMP

Water

Infrastructure Code

of Practice

(WTMA 2011)

DMR Road

Maintenance Code

of Practice

(DTMR 2012)

QESI Maintenance

Code of Practice

(WTMA 2008)

Land Disturbance

and Vegetation

Clearing Permit

(Stanwell 2015)

WTMA Approval


Table 3: General requirements for vegetation manage ment

Issue Requirement Reference

Vehicles Remain on designated and existing access ways QESI Code

During wet conditions – 4wd vehicles required, 4wd to be engaged and vehicle to remain on constructed access ways wherever possible in the course of completion of required tasks

QESI Code

WTMA Permit

Wash down for weeds / pathogens when first moving to site and when moving from known on-site weed / pathogen infested area

WTMA Permit

Machinery Remain on designated and existing access ways when travelling or being taken to site

QESI Code

WTMA Permit

When completing work, remain within existing disturbed areas wherever possible, having due regard to safety considerations

WTMA Permit

During wet conditions – 4wd required, to be engaged and wherever possible

QESI Code

WTMA Permit

Herbicide Use Limit herbicide use to those types referenced in the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority “Permit to Allow Minor Use of an AGVET Chemical Product”

WTMA Permit

Preferable to use glyphosate based herbicides WTMA Permit

Mixing, decanting and application per rates listed in AGVET Permit

WTMA Permit

Use only by approved / trained personnel WTMA Permit

Mixing, decanting and application only within existing cleared areas or infrastructure footprint; no mixing or decanting within 50m of waterways or drainage paths

QESI Code

Limited to control vegetation where mechanical methods are not economical or are impractical

QESI Code

WTMA Permit

Use to be recorded (i.e. herbicide type, undiluted amount used, location and date of application)

QESI Code

Selective application where possible QESI Code

WTMA Permit

Tree Removal Tree felled so as to minimise damage to adjacent vegetation

QESI Code

WTMA Permit

Control angle and position of felling with ropes QESI Code

WTMA Permit

Fell trees within own canopy line, or if not possible, into existing openings or parallel to the cleared edge

QESI Code

WTMA Permit

Alter weight distribution to ensure tree falls away from infrastructure

QESI Code

WTMA Permit

Remove branches to minimise chance of re-shooting



Stumps and root structures to be left intact where possible and where unlikely to impact maintenance and access to infrastructure

QESI Code

WTMA Permit

Mechanical methods utilised where practical and economical

QESI Code

WTMA Permit

Qualified and experienced contractors to be used at all times

QESI Code

WTMA Permit

Removed Vegetation

Smaller and Larger limbs / branches / trees to be mulched or dropped, returned or left in area where removal occurred provided access and / or maintenance of infrastructure will not be affected

WTMA Permit

Larger limbs / branches / trees not capable of being mulched or likely to impact access and maintenance of infrastructure to be returned to uncleared areas immediately adjoining or near the point of removal, whilst ensuring that windrowing and fire load situations are appropriately considered.

QESI Code

WTMA Permit

Fuel and Chemical Storage

Chemical storage and handling areas will be secure from public access and potential flood inundation

QESI Code

WTMA Permit

Chemicals stored in substation facilities will be stored in purpose built structure/s that:

• Is waterproof, secure, well-ventilated, fire safe with ramp or unloading facility;

• Has a sealed bunded floor; • Meets design, equipment and signage

requirements set out in relevant Material Safety Data Sheets

QESI Code

Visual Amenity Buildings / structures to be maintained; where replacement of buildings or infrastructure is required, non-reflective materials to be utilised wherever possible to ensure scenic values of the locality are retained

WTMA Permit

Use of Aircraft Aircraft utilised in association with operations are to fly above 1,000ft over the WTWHA, unless taking off or landing, flying at an alternative level for safety purposes or flying over Stanwell infrastructure within the locality

WTMA Permit

Options for use of unmanned aerial vehicles to be further investigated

Maintenance of Roads

Road spoil to be disposed of outside the WTWHA WTMA Permit

Gravel, fill, and other earthen materials brought into the WTWHA will be from a commercial supplier. Areas where material is imported for use will be monitored initially for weed germination and controlled if required.

Quarries currently used by Stanwell are outside of the known Phytophthora cinnamomi (root rot / dieback) infestation areas and therefore are not likely to be sources of the fungus. When using a new quarry for material

or if there is an outbreak of a declared weed species or plant pathogen at a currently used quarry, material is



either not to be used or samples of material to be used will be tested for weed germination and root rot / dieback presence prior to use in the WTWHA.

Consult the Stanwell Environmental Advisor for advice on testing.

Road spoil not to be pushed into or over the road verge WTMA Permit

Road spoil may be utilised to fill sections of road ways, or for resurfacing of a road

WTMA Permit

Material for road works must not be sourced within the WTWHA

WTMA Permit

Track maintenance to occur at frequencies sufficient to prevent failure of track drainage systems

QESI Code

Where washouts occur, cause/s will be corrected to ensure limitation of potential for environmental impact and increased restoration costs

QESI Code

Maintenance of roads and access tracks will:

• Return useable material to the pavement and avoid lowering the road surface in a way that impedes surface drainage or concentrates flow along the road edge

• Restore the road profile and smooth the road surface

• Restore drainage systems including any erosion control devices.

• Ensure water can freely drain from the surface and is not blocked by vegetation

• Minimise or avoid disturbance to soils adjacent to the road

QESI Code

Drainage systems will:

• Prevent water from adjacent areas from flowing on to, or saturating the pavement

• Shed surface water from the pavement • Collect surface and sub-surface waters and direct

this away from the road

QESI Code

Drainage systems will consist of various combinations of:

• Catch drains to intercept and divert water away from batters or the access / road way;

• A road profile, crowned, out-sloped or in-sloped that sheds water from the surface;

• Sediment traps or vegetated areas where water will decelerate and deposit sediment

QESI Code

Where ground cover exists, and no erosion is occurring, access will be maintained via slashing; grading will be limited to maintenance of drainage structures

QESI Code


6.0 Cultural Heritage Given the majority of work to be undertaken at Barron Gorge Power Station, Kuranda Weir and the Valve Chamber will occur within already disturbed areas, it is anticipated risk of disturbance of indigenous cultural heritage is low. In the event a cultural heritage artefact or site is uncovered during the course of works under this EMP, or during an inspection of the site, activities will cease immediately and the Stanwell Environmental Team will be notified. If works are being undertaken outside of the scope of this EMP which require a permit through the WTMA, then Stanwell may need to engage the Yirrganydji People who are represented through the Djabugay Aboriginal Corporation (http://nativetitle.org.au/profiles/profile_qld_djabugay.html) . They will be able to arrange for a cultural heritage assessment or survey. A copy of the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2003 Cultural Heritage Duty of Care Guidelines is available for download at: https://www.datsip.qld.gov.au/resources/datsima/people-communities/cultural-heritage/duty-care-guidelines.pdf.

7.0 Infrastructure Specific Maintenance Requirement s This section outlines the parameters for management of vegetation in specific locations or in regards specific infrastructure. Table 4 outlines the standard maintenance methodology for infrastructure. Permitted Works / Clearing as nominated within the Tables include:

P = Pruning / Trimming of vegetation R = Removal of vegetation H = Herbicide use (if required) S = Slashing of vegetation C = Cleaning and removal of vegetative waste to approved location RR = Rock removal Table 4: Infrastructure Specific Requirements

Structure Permitted Works / Clearing

Corridor Width

Corridor Height

Remove Over-hang?

Treat tall species?

Other Controls

Sluice Channel

P, R, C

No limit (ie,

open to sky)

YES YES Maintenance involves removal of larger rocks, sediment and material. Material removed is placed along the bank of the river where it may be removed via flood-waters and transport downstream. Larger rocks may be utilised for bank stabilisation works adjacent to the sluice channel

Catch Drain System

P, R, C, RR

2m No limit (ie,

open to sky)

YES YES Drain requires regular cleaning, with material generally being taken off-site. Small amounts may be placed in suitable locations for transfer downstream during flood events

Rock Scaling behind Station Bench

P, R, C, RR

No limit (ie,

open to sky)

YES YES Removal of rocks from behind the Station Bench is necessary to ensure maintenance of a safe, secure area



Corridor Width

Corridor Height

Remove Over-hang?

Treat tall species?

Other Controls

Skimmers Trash Racks Screen Rakes

P, R, H, C

2m from edge of

building / infrastruc-

ture

To canopy

height of adjoin-

ing vegeta-

tion

YES YES Vegetative waste to be returned to forest floor or utilised in revegetation activities Non-vegetative waste to be removed to appropriate facility off-site

Stop Log Shed and Toilets

P, R

2m from edge of


ture

To canopy

height of adjoin-

ing vegeta-

tion

YES YES Vegetative waste to be returned to forest floor or utilised in revegetation activities

Tunnels (at Station and Valve Chamber)

P 0.5m from edge of


ture

2.0m from

edge of building

/ infrastr-ucture

YES Vegetation is required to be maintained vehicle and personnel access into the tunnels. Vegetation is to be pruned and returned to forest floor or utilised in revegetation activities.

Radio / Communi-cations Towers

P, R, H 2m from edge of tower

To canopy

height of adjoin-

ing vegeta-

tion

YES YES

Radio / Communic-ations Line

P, R, H 2m (total width for sight line)

2m (total

width for sight line)

YES YES

Fencelines P, R, H, S

2m No limit (ie,

open to sky)

YES YES

Diagram to illustrate:

Survey Points / Lines Note: no existing survey

P, R

2m (total width for sight line)

4m YES YES Vegetation is to be pruned or lopped wherever possible Work associated with survey of property boundaries or infrastructure only



Corridor Width

Corridor Height

Remove Over-hang?

Treat tall species?

Other Controls

points at BGPS

Preferable for survey to be undertaken with reduction in the corridor width as nominated, if possible (depending upon site conditions)


Main Boom Gate

P, R 0.5m clear zone

Clear zone to be retained around boom gate structure and operational zone only Vegetation is required to be maintained to allow the operation of the main boom gate. Vegetation is to be pruned wherever possible, and returned to forest floor or utilised in revegetation activities

Bridges P, R 0.5m clear zone

N/A YES NO Clear zone under bridge and near abutment to be retained Vegetative material to be returned to the forest floor or utilised for revegetation on site


Bridge Approach

P, R 0.5m clear zone

5.5m YES YES Clear zone to be retained on approach



Corridor Width

Corridor Height

Remove Over-hang?

Treat tall species?

Other Controls


Walkways and Handrails

P 0.5m clear zone

Clear zone to be retained on both sides of walkways and handrails Vegetation is required to be maintained to allow safe access for workers Vegetation is to be pruned and returned to forest floor or utilised in revegetation activities

Signage P 0.5m clear zone

0.5m clear zone

YES NO Clear zone to be retained around signage Vegetation is required to be maintained to provide visibility of Stanwell signage. Vegetation is to be pruned and returned to forest floor or utilised in revegetation activities.

Diagram to illustrate

Vegetated Access Tracks / Maintenance Tracks

P, R, S 0.5m (shoulder)

3m (travel

width)

5.5m YES YES



Corridor Width

Corridor Height

Remove Over-hang?

Treat tall species?

Other Controls

– Vehicular (Public / Stanwell)


Unsealed Roads – Vehicular (Public / Stanwell)

P, R

0.5m (shoulder)

4m (travel

width)

5.5 YES YES


Sealed Roads – Vehicular

P, R 0.5m (shoulder)

5.5m YES YES



Corridor Width

Corridor Height

Remove Over-hang?

Treat tall species?

Other Controls

(Public) Diagram to illustrate:

Laydown Areas / Cleared Areas

P, R, H, S

Maintain existing footprint

YES YES No new area cleared – maintain existing area only

8.0 Implementation Maintenance programs will be implemented generally in accordance with the zoning arrangements outlined in Table 5 below. Zone mapping is provided within Appendix 1 for reference. Zones throughout the site are as follows:

• Environmental Management • Access Infrastructure Management • Built Infrastructure Management

It is critical to note that detailed maintenance and management options for locations within each zone as identified will be as per Table 5 in this EMP. Zones are provided to assist in allocation of resources, and to ensure that ongoing maintenance programs are implemented in a fiscally responsible manner.

Table 5: Maintenance Zones

Zone Management Regime Location Colour

Environmental Management

Selective clearing and pruning Creeks, waterways, drainage corridors

Green

Access Infrastructure Management

Slashing, mulching, pruning (if required), cut / stump / poison if necessary, herbicide for weed management

Access tracks, sealed and unsealed, across the site

Red

Built Infrastructure Management

Pruning (if required), cut / stump / poison if necessary, herbicide for weed management

Buildings, building pads, hard stand areas, weirs and the like throughout the site

Purple


9.0 Desirable Flora Species for Retention Low-growing species that should be retained where appropriate are listed in Table 6 below.

Table 6: Desirable Species For Retention (<4m) Scientific Name Common Name

Alpinia caerulea Native Ginger

Dicranopteris linearis Jungle Brake

Gahnia aspera Saw Sedge

Gahnia sieberiana Saw Grass

Lycopodiella cernua Coral Fern

Lomandra hystrix Mat Rush

Lomandra longifolia Mat Rush

Sticherus flabellatus Fan Fern

10.0 Inductions and Training All employees, contractors and visitors to Barron Gorge Power Station are required to complete a Stanwell Induction. Visitors to the Barron Gorge Power Station are to complete a Stanwell Visitor Induction, whilst employees and contractors are required to complete a Generic and Site Specific HSE Induction. Further to this, employees and contactors are required to complete Working in the Wet Tropics training. These inductions and the Working in the Wet Tropics training provide participants with information on the WTMA Permit and EMP requirements, as well as describing the natural values of the site. Additional training will be provided to selected employees and contractors at Barron Gorge Power Station who are responsible for the implementation of vegetation maintenance and weed management programs. Training will be provided on the identification of native species, particularly those flora species to be retained (as outlined in Table 8) and the identification of weed species, by a suitably experienced person.

Stanwell individuals who operate ground equipment for herbicide distribution have successfully completed a specialised training course and hold a Commercial Operator’s Licence for Ground Distribution of Herbicides (ACDC License - Qld). Similarly the contractors Stanwell engages to undertake weed control hold a Ground Distribution Contractor's License. These licenses are required under the Agricultural Chemicals Distribution Control Act 1966. This training course has equipped Stanwell staff and it’s contractors with the necessary knowledge and skills to prepare and apply chemical, controls weeds, and transport, handle and store chemicals.

11.0 Weed and Undesired Plant Management Weeds and undesired plant species are managed in Queensland via declaration under the Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management) Act 2002, or by Councils and other statutory bodies under other legislation. Landholders, including state agencies, may be required to control declared pest plants on their properties. The Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management) Act 2002 was superseded by the Biosecurity Act 2014 from 1 July 2016 (https://www.daf.qld.gov.au/biosecurity/about-biosecurity/Biosecurity-Act-2014).


Under the superseded Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management) Act 2002 there were three classes of declared plants. These plants continue to be targeted for control because they have, or could have, serious economic, environmental or social impacts.

Class 1 pests can cause adverse economic, environmental and social impacts. Once established in Queensland, class 1 pests are subject to eradication from the state. Landowners must take reasonable steps to keep land free of Class 1 pests. Class 2 pests established in Queensland can have adverse economic, environmental and social impacts. The management of these pests requires coordination and they are subject to programs led by local government, community or landowners. Landowners must take reasonable steps to keep land free of Class 2 pests. Class 3 pests are established in Queensland and have, or could have, an adverse economic, environmental or social impact. The primary objective of Class 3 listing is to prevent sale, therefore preventing the spread of these pests into new areas. Landholders are not required to control Class 3 plants unless their land is adjacent to an environmentally significant area and they are issued with a pest control notice.

Within the Stanwell Barron Gorge Power Station locality, Class 1, Class 2 and Class 3 declared pest plants have been identified. The objective in implementing the following weed and undesired species management practices is to:

(a) Take reasonable steps to contain and progressively remove Class 2 declared pest plants in conjunction with completion of maintenance activities;

(b) Take reasonable steps to contain the spread of Class 3 declared pest plants;

(c) Take reasonable steps to prevent introduction of new pest plants from the locality via management practices that are reasonable, practicable and commercially sustainable;

(d) Take reasonable steps to reduce further spread of declared pest plants across Stanwell controlled areas.

11.1 Weed Presence within Barron Gorge Power Statio n Locality Within the Stanwell Barron Gorge Power Station locality, Class 1, Class 2 and Class 3 declared plants have been identified along with a number of WTMA undesirable plant species and environmental weeds. These are outlined in Table 7 below. The declared weeds and WTMA undesirable plant species are further described in Appendix 2 , in section 23.0. Appendix 3 maps the locations of these species, according to their class or type, although this information is best viewed through Stanwell’s GIS mapping program, GenMaps. Table 7: Weed species present within the Barron Gor ge Power Station locality.

Species Name Common Name Class / Type Thunbergia fragrans Fragrant thunbergia Class 1

Hymenachne amplexicaulis Hymenachne Class 2 Senna obtusifolia Sicklepod Class 2 Lantana camara Lantana Class 3

Sphagneticola trilobata Singapore Daisy Class 3 Tecoma stans Yellow Bells Class 3 Coffea arabica Coffee WTMA Undesirable Plant Hiptus capitata Knobweed WTMA Undesirable Plant

Rubus alceifolius Giant Bramble WTMA Undesirable Plant Saritaea magnifica Glow Vine WTMA Undesirable Plant

Acacia mearnsii Environmental Weed


Species Name Common Name Class / Type Ageratum conyzoides Environmental Weed

Ardisia crenata Environmental Weed Argemone mexicana Environmental Weed

Bambusa Eutuldoides var Viridi Vittata Environmental Weed Bambusa vulgaris Environmental Weed Bauhinia purpurea Environmental Weed

Bidens pilosa Environmental Weed Bixa orellana Environmental Weed

Bryophyllum pinnatum Environmental Weed Cascabela thevetia Captain Cook Tree Environmental Weed

Citrus var limon Environmental Weed Cyperus aromaticus Navua Sedge Environmental Weed

Megathyrsus maximus Guinea Grass Environmental Weed Melinis minutiflora Molasses Grass Environmental Weed Mimosia pudica Common Sensitive Plant Environmental Weed

Passiflora ‘Amethyst’ Environmental Weed Passiflora foetida var. foetida Environmental Weed

Persea americana Environmental Weed Pinus caribaea Caribbean Pine Environmental Weed

Psidium guajava Apple Guava Environmental Weed Ravenala madagascariensis Environmental Weed

Ricinus communis Castor Oil Bush Environmental Weed Sanchezia parvibracteata Environmental Weed

Sansevieria trifasciata Mother-in-laws Tongue Environmental Weed Senna septemptrionalis Smooth Senna Environmental Weed

Solanum torvum Devil's fig Environmental Weed Stachytarpheta cayennensis Snakeweed Environmental Weed

Synadenium grantii Environmental Weed Synedrella nodiflora Environmental Weed

Syngonium podophyllum Environmental Weed Tradescantia pallida Environmental Weed Tridax procumbens Environmental Weed

Tristemma mauritianum var. mauritianum Environmental Weed Urena lobata Caesar's Weed Environmental Weed

Urochloa mutica Para Grass Environmental Weed Urochloa panicoides Liverseed grass Environmental Weed

11.2 Weed Control, Herbicides and Record Keeping Species listed within 23.0 in Appendix 2 will be targeted via annual budgetary and work management processes, for the removal and/or control during maintenance activities within the relevant areas. Species listed within 23.1 in Appendix 2 will be targeted for control via herbicide use where feasible during maintenance activities within relevant areas. In accordance with the WTMA Permit #11020, herbicide usage will be limited to those types referenced in the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) “Permit to Allow Minor Use of an AGVET Chemical Product” (PER11463). This permit is valid from 1st July 2009 to 30th June 2018 and is available on Stanwell’s GenNet Right to Operate page. The Agricultural Chemicals and Distribution Control Act 1966 required ground and aerial distribution contractors to maintain records of chemical distribution (including herbicides) carried out on their behalf. Herbicide Distribution Records must be kept for a minimum of two years, and made available to an authorised officer on request.


12.0 Undesired Animal Species Management Non-native animals are not permitted to be carried through or onto Stanwell managed areas, unless carried within appropriate containment devices, to locations beyond or outside Stanwell managed areas.

Pigs and cattle are understood to be present within the Stanwell controlled and adjacent areas, with dingoes and cats also likely to be present. Given the extent of damage in Stanwell controlled areas as a result of these infestations is minimal, no direct action to control, save and except that identified above, is proposed.

13.0 Regional Ecosystems Regional Ecosystems (RE’s) are protected by state law under the Vegetation Management Act 1999 and have been mapped by the Queensland Government. The Regional Ecosystem Description Database (REDD) (https://www.qld.gov.au/environment/plants-animals/plants/ecosystems/download/lists) lists the biodiversity status and the vegetation management class (VM class) of each regional ecosystem, according to the following categories:

• Endangered • Of Concern • Least Concern

The RE’s occurring on Stanwell lands are available in Stanwell’s GIS mapping program, GenMaps. A variety of Regional Ecosystems exist across the Barron Gorge Power Station, with some of these being classified as endangered and of concern. Works outside of the limits defined in Table 4 will require approval via a Stanwell Land Disturbance and Vegetation Clearing Permit and endorsement from WTMA. As part of the Stanwell Land Disturbance and Vegetation Clearing Permit process, the Regional Ecosystem will be identified (via GenMaps Workflow).

14.0 Threatened Species In Queensland threatened species are listed under the Nature Conservation Act 1992 according to the following codes:

• Extinct in the wild (PE) • Endangered (E) • Vulnerable (V) • Near threatened (NT) • Special least concern (SL) • Least concern (C)

Nationally threatened species are listed under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, according to the following codes:

• Conservation dependent (CD) • Critically endangered (CE) • Endangered (E) • Extinct (EX) • Extinct in the wild (XW) • Vulnerable (V).

The Queensland Government’s “Wildlife Online” database is an application that generates species lists for protected areas, forestry areas and local government areas (https://environment.ehp.qld.gov.au/report-request/species-list/).


Species lists were generated from the “Wildlife Online” database for Barron Gorge National Park (dated 23 October 2015). Threatened fauna species known to be present within the Barron Gorge National Park (excluding Least Concern (C)) from these species lists have been described in Table 8 below. Threatened flora species known to be present within the Barron Gorge National Park (excluding Least Concern (C)) from these species lists have been described in Table 9 below. . None of these species are known to be present within Stanwell lands. Land disturbance and vegetation clearing outside of the limits defined in Table 4 will be requiring approval via a Stanwell Land Disturbance and Vegetation Clearing Permit and endorsement from WTMA, and as part of this process, impacts to threatened species will be considered. Table 8: Threatened fauna species within Barron Gor ge National Park

Scientific Name Common Name NCA 1992 (QLD) Status

EPBC Act 1999 (Common-wealth)

Status

Litoria nannotis waterfall frog E E

Litoria nyakalensis mountain mistfrog E CE

Litoria serrata tapping green eyed frog V

Litoria dayi Australian lacelid E E

Litoria rheocola common mistfrog E E

Casuarius casuarius johnsonii (southern population)

southern cassowary (southern population) E E

Cyclopsitta diophthalma macleayana

Macleay's fig-parrot V

Pteropus conspicillatus spectacled flying-fox V V

Table 9: Threatened flora species within Barron Gor ge National Park

Scientific Name Common Name NCA 1992 (QLD) Status

EPBC Act 1999 (Common-wealth)

Status Growth Habit

Alpinia hylandii Ginger, Slender; Slender Ginger

V Herb

Wetria australiensis NT Herb


15.0 Erosion and Sediment Control Existing drainage infrastructure and management tools, including constructed whoa boys, table drains and turn out drains will be maintained to ensure continued operational viability. Material removed from this infrastructure will be re-used on site where appropriate (fill for other work), or alternatively, disposed of off-site if necessary. Vegetation in existing drains and associated infrastructure will be removed. Grasses and appropriate low-growing vegetation will be retained. Table 10 below provides examples of preferred erosion and sediment control measures for different locations across the site.

Table 10: Erosion and Sediment Control Measures

Location Measure Discussion Diagram Roads and access tracks (non-sealed)

Rollover cross banks

To be constructed as per the diagram by excavation and/or deposition of material to create a long and gently sloped cross bank.

Non-trafficable roads or access tracks Around infrastructure

Whoa boys

They are primarily erosion control structures best used to stabilise surfaces on the completion of use. Water bars operate by slowing and diverting water from tracks to a stable outlet without water returning to the track down slope.

Roads and access tracks

Inverts They are most suitable on lower grades (slopes). Inverts are built by excavating material from the road to form the drain. In some cases this material may be spread on the road surface down slope of the drain itself. The invert size should be adequate to match flow requirements. Inverts may be constructed with a wide flat base or a narrow base (angled). It is important to ensure cross fall will drain the base and outlet drains onto a stable, vegetated area. The base of the depression can be protected with rock if the wetness of the structure makes this necessary.


16.0 Waste Management Any waste generated, transported or received as part of carrying out the activity is managed in a way that complies with the Environmental Protection (Waste Management) Regulation 2000 and protects environmental values of the site and locality. The Waste Management Plan – Northern Hydro’s Sites is available on Stanwell’s GenNet Right to Operate intranet page.

17.0 Natural Disaster Management Natural disasters considered likely to impact, or potentially impact, BPS operations include cyclones and fire. In a natural disaster situation, works associated with responding to restoration of supply, or ensuring employee, contractor or public safety, must be undertaken within the existing footprint and using standard maintenance procedures wherever possible, feasible and practicable. In the event standard procedures cannot be applied, rehabilitation of damaged or disturbed areas may be required. Insomuch as is possible, feasible and practicable, when undertaking works in a disaster situation Stanwell will ensure works are undertaken within existing cleared areas across the site. When works are undertaken in response to a natural disaster that are outside the existing footprint and / or are unable to be complete using standard maintenance procedures, notification of the work undertaken will be provided to WTMA. Notification to WTMA will contain the following information:

(a) Date work completed / anticipated date for work completion;

(b) Nature of work to be undertaken;

(c) Anticipated or actual machinery involved in completion of work;

(d) Location work undertaken within (including GPS information if possible).

17.1 Cyclones and Storms Below is a summary of key actions during the approach of a Cyclone, and following the landfall of a Cyclone impacting or considered likely to be impacting Barron Gorge Power Station infrastructure. Alert phases provide a guide for action; determination as to which Alert Phase is being implemented will be at the discretion of the Operations Manager for Barron Gorge Power Station. Notifications to WTMA are only required if work required is not capable of being undertaken via standard maintenance procedures. Notification to WTMA will be provided via the Environment Team. Stanwell Barron Gorge Power Station Site Manager is to provide relevant information to the Environment Team to undertake notification as required.

Table 10: Cyclone Alerts and actions

Alert Phase Storm / Cyclone Position

Action Notification to WTMA

Yellow Alert A cyclone or severe weather event is declared and destructive winds are within 48hrs of Barron Gorge Power Station

Infrastructure inspection

Removal of trees / branches / species likely to impact infrastructure in the event

Prior to works commencing via

email

Red Alert Destructive winds are less than 24hrs of Barron Gorge Power Station

Infrastructure inspection continues

Removal of trees / branches / species likely to impact infrastructure

Prior to works commencing via

email


Alert Phase Storm / Cyclone Position

Action Notification to WTMA

Blue Alert Major Weather event concluded / Cyclone passed

Remove trees / branches / species impacting infrastructure

As soon as practicable via telephone and

email

17.2 Fire Annual fuel load and fire hazard checks will be undertaken. Noting the potential for QPWS controlled burning to be undertaken in the adjacent WTWHA, Stanwell will engage with QPWS in the event of uncontrolled fire breaking out.

18.0 Responsibilities Table 11 confirms roles and responsibilities for this EMP:

Table 11: Roles and Responsibilities

Role Responsibility

Barron Gorge Power Station Site Manager Ensure adequate resources are available to implement EMP Ensure EMP provisions communicated to Contractors and Visitors

Barron Gorge Power Station Operational Staff Compliance with EMP Ensure EMP provisions communicated to Contractors and Visitors

Environmental Manager Liaison with WTMA Ensure approval of WTMA Permit and EMP

Environmental Advisor Review and Maintenance of EMP Overview and audit when necessary of site works compliance with EMP

Contractors and Visitors Compliance with EMP

19.0 Review, Consultation and Communication Review: This Document is required to be reviewed, as a minimum, every 5 year/s in conjunction with renewal of WTMA Permit/s; and upon legislative or operational change. Consultation : Operational, environmental and site management personnel will be consulted in preparation and / or revision to this document. Communication/Requirements after Update: Changes or amendments to the EMP require consultation between Stanwell and WTMA, and must be reviewed and approved by WTMA prior to implementation.


20.0 References (incl. legislation and other requir ements) • Agricultural Chemicals Distribution Control Act 1966

• Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2003

• Environmental Protection Act 1994 and Regulation 2008

• Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

• Health & Safety Act 2011 and Regulation 2011

• Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management) Act 2002 and Regulations

• Nature Conservation Act 1992

• Vegetation Management Act Year 1999

• Wet Tropics World Heritage Protection and Management Act 1993

21.0 Revision History

Rev. No. Rev. Date Revision Description Author Endor se/Check Approved By

D1 24 April 2015 Draft for internal discussion purposes IMEMS (KLG)

D2 9 June 2015 Draft for internal discussion purposes IMEMS (KLG)

D3 29 June 2015 Draft for discussion Stanwell / IMEMS

D4 23 October 2015

Aligned with KPS EMP and updated weed maps

C. Logan

D5 5 November 2015

Revision of maps K. Swanepoel

D6 3 August 2016 Revised draft addressing feedback from WTMA

M.Jarvis

0 24.08.2016 Document issued. Melanie Jarvis / Rhiannon Hossack

Nick Lawler Tim Hogan


22.0 Appendix 1: Zone Mapping


23.0 Appendix 2: Weed Register1

Species name Common name Form State

Class Control Method Extent within

area

Lantana camara Lantana Shrub Class 3

Herbicide and/or

Mechanical and/or

Slashing

occasional

Photographic Example:

Senna obtusifolia Sicklepod Shrub Class 2

Herbicide and/or

Mechanical and/or

Slashing

Isolated


Thunbergia fragrans Frangrant Thunbergia Vine Class 1

Herbicide and/or

Mechanical and/or

Slashing

Isolated on adjacent property


1 Photographs courtesy www.daf.qld.gov.au © 2015


Sphagneticola trilobata

Singapore Daisy

Vine Class 3

Herbicide and/or

Mechanical and/or

Slashing

Occasional


23.1 Additional WTMA Undesirable Plant Species 2

Species name Common name Form

Control Method Extent within area

Rubus alceifolius Giant Bramble Vine

Herbicide and/or Mechanical

and/or Slashing

Widespread

Photographic Example3:

Coffea Arabica Coffea Shrub

Herbicide and/or

Mechanical and/or

Slashing

occasional

2 Photographs courtesy of Australian Tropical Rainforest Plants http://keys.trin.org.au/key-server/data/0e0f0504-0103-430d-8004-060d07080d04/media/Html/index.html© 2010


Photographic Example4:


24.0 Appendix 3: Weed Mapping

Environmental Management Plan for Barron Gorge Power Station

Documents

Transcript of Environmental Management Plan for Barron Gorge Power Station