caboolture to maroochydore corridor study design

Caboolture to Maroochydore Corridor StudyFinal Impact Assessment and Land Use Transport Strategy

G:\ENVIRON\PROJECTS\9727\STAGE3\FINALIAS\FEB2000\PARTC Part C 12-31February 2001

design specifications for suitable noise controlmeasures have to be fulfilled with utmost care toensure proper functioning of any noise barriersspecified eg. any gaps between the posts of the noisebarriers can result in significant reduction of the noiseattenuation characteristics of the barriers.

Historically, the noise from construction activities inQueensland has been controlled under environmentalguideline E1 “Noise from construction, renovation,maintenance and demolition sites”. More recently adraft “Construction and Buildings Sites EnvironmentalNoise Guideline - N41” has been prepared.Considering that the draft guideline N41 is still inworking group discussion stage, the qualitativeassessment and the noise control measuressuggested in this EM Plan are based on therecommendations from the environmental guidelineE1.

Guideline E1 recommends that for sites whereresidences may be affected by construction activity,the hours of activity should be limited from 6:00am to6:00pm Monday to Saturday for the case ofconstruction sites adjacent to major thoroughfares. Ifthe construction is taking place in other areas, awayfrom major thoroughfares, then the hours of activityshould be 7:00am to 6:00pm Monday to Friday and7:00am to 12:00 noon Saturday. These hours ofoperation are conditional upon all mechanicallyoperated equipment being properly attenuated (eg.high efficiency mufflers for diesel powered plant).There are no specific noise limits recommended in theguideline leaving it to the discretion of the authorised(Environmental Protection Agency) officer. Anauthorised officer can impose noise limits in caseswhen there are no appropriate noise control methodsimplemented on the construction site.

When site work needs to be undertaken during thehours 6:00pm to 10:00pm Monday to Friday, noon to10:00pm Saturday and 7:00am to 10:00pm Sunday

and public holidays (due to reasons such as delayscaused by rain or the nature of the operation beingundertaken) the guideline states that constructionnoise should not exceed the background noise bymore than 10 dB(A) at nearby residential locations,and site noise should be inaudible within any habitableroom of any residential premises outside of theseextended working hours. The recommended noisecontrol measures outlined in AS 2436 “Guide to noisecontrol on construction, maintenance and demolitionsites” should also be implemented during constructionto help minimise noise.

Relevant Legislation/Guidelines

q Environmental Protection Act 1994.

q Environmental Protection (Noise) Policy 1997.

q Australian Standard AS1055.1. Acoustics -Description and Measurement of EnvironmentalNoise Part 1: General Procedures.

q Australian Standard AS1055.2. Acoustics -Description and Measurement of EnvironmentalNoise Part 2: Application to Specific Situations.

q Australian Standard AS2436. Guide to NoiseControl on Construction, Maintenance andDemolition Sites.

q Environmental Guideline E1. Noise fromConstruction, Renovation, Maintenance andDemolition Sites. Department of Environment andConservation May 1989.

q Guidelines for Railway Noise. Queensland RailSeptember 1997.

Guidelines for Preparation of EM Plan (Construction)



TABLE 12.6.5: CONSTRUCTION ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT – NOISE CONTROL PLANElement Noise

Policy To minimise noise impact on noise sensitive places as a result of constructionworks.

Performance Criteria In the absence of quantitative monitoring during the construction phase, noiselevels are to be to be controlled such that complaints are not received fromsurrounding residential areas or regulatory authorities.

ImplementationStrategy

q Maintain regular contact with the residents via a letter box drop indicating whenconstruction is expected to occur near their area, construction work hours, briefdescription of activities and contact phone number for complaints. This should be doneprior to work commencing in an area. Additional notification should be given for anyafter hours works or particularly noisy works (eg. Piling, rock breaking), explaining theexpected duration and reason for the works (refer also sub-section 12.6.2).

q All noise generating work to be limited to hours: 7am - 6pm (Mon – Fri) and 7am –12noon Saturday. Noise is to be kept as low as practically possible. Or as specified inthe Construction Contract.

q All noise generating activities to be kept to a minimum (ie. <10dB(A) above ambientbackground noise level) in situations when the work has to be undertaken outside thesehours up to 10pm (Mon - Sat) and 7am - 10pm Sunday and public holidays. Or asspecified in the Construction Contract.

q All noise generating activities to be inaudible inside any habitable room of a noisesensitive building, before 7am and after 10pm. Or as specified in the ConstructionContract.

q All practical noise control measures outlined in AS 2436 are implemented duringconstruction.

q All mechanical plant is properly attenuated (eg. High efficiency mufflers for dieselpowered plant) and maintained in good working order.

Monitoring q A suitably qualified acoustic consultant shall measure all earthmoving equipment beingused on the site when first used and at 6 monthly intervals thereafter. Measurement ofnoise from each machine shall be to appropriate Australian Standards. Any notableincrease in levels shall be addressed.

q A detailed noise monitoring programme will be implemented during the constructionworks to measure and report on noise levels at representative noise affected premises.This will include the use of noise logging equipment with tape recorders to enablespecific noise events to be identified and acted upon as required.

q Noise monitoring by a suitably qualified acoustic consultant should also be undertakenon receipt of a complaint on a specific item after a reasonable attempt has been madeby the project manager and Construction Contractor to rectify the offending noise.

Reporting q The construction site manager would keep a register of noise complaints.q On the receipt of a noise complaint, the complaint’s details are to be recorded together

with the action to rectify the noise.q Any instructions to contractors to repair noisy equipment shall be noted.q In the event of noise complaints, all noise level data for equipment being used on the

site shall be provided by the construction site manager to the relevant regulatory bodyon request.

Corrective Action q Should non-conformance with the objectives of the EM Plan (Construction) be identified,action should be taken to rectify the situation immediately. Notwithstanding this, shoulda situation demand, non-conformance and corrective action notices are to be preparedand actioned as quickly as possible.

q In the event that the non-conformance has occurred as a result of poor practices,personnel on site will be made aware of the problem and informed of acceptable workpractices.

Responsibility Construction Site ManagerTiming Throughout the construction phase.



12.6.6 Ecology


q Environmental Protection Act 1994

q Nature Conservation Act 1992

q Nature Conservation Regulation 1994

q Nature Conservation (Wildlife) Regulation 1994


TABLE 12.6.6: CONSTRUCTION ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT – WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT PLAN(See also sub-section 12.6.9b)Element Wildlife ManagementPolicy To minimise the impacts to flora and fauna during the construction works.PerformanceCriteria

Disturbance to vegetation the minimum required to undertake the works andminimising impacts upon fauna.


q Consult with EPA (National Parks and Wildlife Service) and wildlife assessment/rescueservices to assist in developing a wildlife management plan.

q Present the methods that will be employed to reduce the impacts of feral animals.q Prior to clearing all potential habitat, sites to be inspected and fauna moved to designated

safe area by Contractor or as directed by the Superintendent.q All native animals disturbed during the works to be lifted off site unhurt by the Contractor

and/ or as directed by be Superintendent.q No dogs to be taken onto site.q All appropriate authorisations for the clearance of vegetation to be obtained by the

Contractor.q Present the methods that would be employed in the event that native wildlife is injured or

found injured.q Maximising the use of areas of existing disturbances for locating features such as fill

stockpiles, access tracks, site facilities, etc.q Retain trees and taller shrub species where their complete removal is not necessary – avoid

clearing where slashing/ cutting back would suffice.q Careful placement of viaduct pylons to minimise disturbance in the vicinity of riparian

vegetation.q Mark out and strictly adhere to designated access tracks.

Monitoring Monitoring by the Contractor will be in the form of visual observations of the areas ofthe works. This monitoring will be ongoing throughout the works.

Reporting Comment relating to flora and fauna management is to be included as part of theContractor’s weekly site reports.

Corrective Action In the event that monitoring identifies practices inconsistent with the WildlifeManagement Plan, the Construction Contractor shall take the necessary correctivesteps and note them in the weekly site report.

Responsibility Construction Site ManagerTiming Throughout the construction phase.



12.6.7 Air Quality

Relevant Legislation and Guidelines

q Environmental Protection Act 1994.

q Environmental Protection (Air) Policy 1997.

q Australian Standard AS2922 - 1987 (Ambient Air -Guide to the siting of sampling units).

q Australian Standard AS3580.9.6 - 1990(Determination of suspended particulate matter

q M10 high volume sampler with size selective inlet -Gravimetric method).

q Queensland Department of Environment andHeritage. Laboratory Method No 6 - Determinationof odour concentration by dynamic olfactometry.

q Draft Australian/ New Zealand Standard, DR99306 Air Quality - Determination of odourconcentration by dynamic olfactometry.




TABLE 12.6.7: CONSTRUCTION ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT - AIR QUALITY PLANElement Air QualityPolicy To minimise the impacts on air quality as a result of construction works.Performance Criteria q No air quality based complaints by the public and regulatory authorities.

q No exceedance of the EPP (Air) goals for airborne dust (particulate matter with diameterless than 10 microns, PM10) beyond the boundary of the construction site.

q No offensive odours noticeable beyond the boundary of the construction site.


q Existing vegetated buffers at the development boundary to be maintained whileconstruction is undertaken. All buffer areas are to be identified by survey tape to preventaccidental clearing.

q Undertake tree clearing and development in stages to minimise areas of bare groundfrom which dust can be generated.

q Cover loaded haul trucks when entering and leaving site.q Use water trucks regularly on haul routes/ working areas within the construction site. It is

recommended that a chemical dust suppressant additive be used to increase thelongevity and effectiveness of this control.

q Install temporary wheel washers at construction exits in accordance with Institution ofEngineers, Australia Soil Erosion and Sediment Control guidelines for haul trucks leavingthe site.

q Minimise soil and fill stockpile heights.q Reduce to minimum idle operation of any diesel plant or diesel trucks.q Maintain the emission control systems on any plant and vehicles at full operational

condition at all times.q Whether or not burning is to be permitted in various areas, will be decided by the relevant

local councils. If burning is permitted, it should be undertaken such that prevailing winddirects smoke and ash away from residential areas.

Monitoring q Daily visual inspection by Contractor to ensure no excessive airborne dust or offensiveodour is present beyond the boundary of the construction site.

q Routine monitoring programme to ensure compliance with the performance criteria forairborne dust (PM10). Monitoring is to be designed and operated in accordance with therequirements of Australian Standard AS2922 - 1987 (Ambient Air - Guide to the siting ofsampling units) and Australian Standard AS3580.9.6 - 1990 (Determination of suspendedparticulate matter PM10 high volume sampler with size selective inlet - Gravimetricmethod).

Reporting q Monthly reports containing the results of the monitoring programme with reference to thelevel of compliance with the EPP (Air) goals are to be forwarded to the Principal orPrincipal’s nominated representative.

q Monitoring to be undertaken on receipt of airborne dust complaint at appropriate locationnear the origin of the complaint. Monitoring is to be in accordance with the requirementsof Australian Standard AS2922 - 1987 (Ambient Air - Guide to the siting of sampling units)and Australian Standard AS3580.9.6 - 1990 (Determination of suspended particulatematter PM10 high volume sampler with size selective inlet – Gravimetric method).

q Monitoring to be undertaken on receipt of odour complaint at appropriate location nearthe origin of the complaint in accordance with the requirements of QueenslandDepartment of Environment and Heritage Laboratory Method No 6 – Determination ofodour concentration by dynamic olfactometry. Due consideration is to be given to the factthat a new Australian Standard on Air Quality - Determination of odour concentration bydynamic olfactometry is in draft stage and is likely to replace the Laboratory Method No 6.

q Contractor to record any complaints in the weekly site report and inform the Principal orPrincipal’s nominated representative. Complaints to be reviewed by Contractor andaddressed as soon as possible with formal documentation provided within 7 days.

Corrective Action q Should non-conformance with the objectives of this EM Plan (Planning) be identified,action should be taken to rectify the situation immediately. Notwithstanding this, should asituation demand, non-conformance and corrective action notices are to be prepared andactioned as quickly as possible.

q In the event that the non-conformance has occurred as a result of poor work practices,personnel on site will be made aware of the problem and informed of acceptable workpractices.

Responsibility Construction Site Manager

Timing Throughout the construction phase.



12.6.8 Cultural Heritage

Several sites of cultural and archaeologicalsignificance were found within the corridor of theproposed CAMCOS scheme. In addition it is possiblethat some cultural heritage sites, items and placeswere not located during the course of the previousarchaeological survey. These “…items of theQueensland Estate”, both known and unknown, havelegal protection under the Cultural Record(Landscapes Queensland and Queensland Estate) Act

1987 and it is the responsibility of the ConstructionContractor to protect these items and sites.

Relevant Legislation and Guidelines

q Queensland Heritage Act 1992.q Cultural Record (Landscapes Queensland and

Queensland Estate) Act 1987.q Australian Heritage Commission Act 1975-1990.




TABLE 12.6.8: CONSTRUCTION ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT - CULTURAL HERITAGEMANAGEMENT PLANElement Cultural HeritagePolicy To minimise the impacts on cultural heritage as a result of the construction works.Performance Criteria Compliance with the cultural heritage management plan.

Note: The cultural heritage management plan, when finalised, will reflect the results of negotiationsbetween the Traditional Owners and the Principal. It is incumbent on all contractors employed on thisproject to implement the relevant sections of the plan.


q It is a legal obligation on the Construction Contractors that work cease immediately ifbone, suspected of being human in origin, is uncovered.

q Any irreverent misbehaviour towards indigenous sites and most importantlyindigenous people, would be treated as a serious misdemeanour by the contractor.

q Representatives of the Traditional Owners (employed by the Principal) will provide adiscussion on cultural awareness and the significance of the local landscape to thecontractors.

q During ground disturbing activities, including vegetation clearing, representatives ofthe Traditional Owners should be employed as monitors, to remove any artefactualmaterial that appears. (see section 16.4.9).

q The artefact scatters, scarred trees and midden sites on the western corridor sideshould be protected during the construction phase from machinery and workers.Temporary fencing and education about the presence of the sites during the culturalawareness programme may be considered adequate protection.

q Work should cease immediately if cultural heritage material is located until otherwisedirected by the site superintendent or appropriate regulatory authority.

q An hierarchical reporting system between Traditional Owners and the ConstructionContractor would be established. This would involve clear lines of communicationbetween any Traditional Owners involved during construction (eg monitors) andconstruction supervisors and include a grievance process.

q A grievance process would be established so that both the Traditional Owners and theConstruction Contractor have lines of communication should managementmechanisms become difficult. This will require negotiation between the ConstructionContractor and the Traditional Owners.

q Responsibilities for the protection of cultural heritage should be negotiated beforeconstruction commences. These should include mechanisms for:

q The appointment of responsible personnel who can act as spokespersons or foremenfor the Traditional Owners and the Construction Contractor.

q A pre-agreed mechanism for the involvement of Elders if significant indigenouscultural heritage material is uncovered.

q Reporting mechanisms (see below) would be prepared before constructioncommences and negotiated between the Construction Contractor and the TraditionalOwners.

q Before the construction phase commences, the detailed elements of the culturalheritage management plan should be negotiated and agreed to by all parties (theTraditional Owners, Principal and Construction Contractor).

Monitoring q Monitoring of areas that have or were deemed to have potential cultural heritagevalue. Certain areas should be inspected by a monitoring team consisting of anarchaeologist and Traditional Owners during the vegetation clearing and initial removalof topsoil.

q Construction Contractor staff to maintain a watching brief for items of cultural heritage.

Reporting q Traditional Owners involved during the construction process (eg monitors) would berequired to document and report on their involvement on a daily basis.

q Comment relating to cultural heritage management is to be included as part of theConstruction Contractor’s weekly environmental report.

Corrective Action q Before the construction phase commences, a clear reporting and auditing process willhave been negotiated. This would include the establishment of protocols aboutcorrective action and may involve:

q Discussions with Elders if a site is uncovered or impacted on during construction.q Involvement of the Regional Manager, Cultural Heritage Programme, Environmental

Protection Agency, if cultural heritage sites are uncovered.q The development of localised management to reduce or repair impact on cultural

heritage material if uncovered during the construction phase.q Should non-conformance with the objectives of cultural heritage management plan be

identified, action should be taken to rectify the situation immediately. Notwithstandingthis, should a situation demand, non-conformance and corrective action notices are tobe prepared and actioned as quickly as possible.

q In the event that the non-conformance has occurred as a result of poor work



TABLE 12.6.8: CONSTRUCTION ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT - CULTURAL HERITAGEMANAGEMENT PLANElement Cultural Heritage

practices, personnel on site will be made aware of the problem and informed ofacceptable work practices.

Responsibility q The Construction Contractor in conjunction with the Principal would be responsible forconsulting with the Traditional Owners to set up the mechanisms for the operation ofthe cultural heritage management plan.

q The Construction Site Manager would be responsible for the on-site implementation ofthe obligations of the Construction Contractor as regards the cultural heritagemanagement plan.

q The Construction Contractor and Traditional Owners both have responsibilities in theprotection of cultural heritage material. Personnel carrying these responsibilitieswould be well briefed. Other personnel on site would know who is responsible foreach management action, eg who is responsible for calling in an Elder in the eventthat cultural material is uncovered.

Timing Throughout the construction phase.

12.6.9 Vegetation




TABLE 12.6.9: CONSTRUCTION ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT – VEGETATION PLANElement Vegetation Management and Revegetation Plan

(Refer also sub-section 12.6.6)Policy To undertake construction works in such a way as to minimise the introduction of

weed species, replant using native species wherever practicable and limit theimpacts on existing vegetation.

PerformanceCriteria

Adherence to the Landscape/ Vegetation Management Drawings/ Plans.


q Present the methods that will be employed to control weed species.q If wood chipping is to take place on site, it will not be undertaken within 100m of

watercourses. The Construction Contractor will provide details of how wood chipparticulates will be restricted to within the agreed working areas. Control of stockpile siteswill be the responsibility of the Construction Contractor.

q Stage vegetation removal to minimise overall disturbance of the area (see also erosionand sedimentation control). Vegetation clearing shall be the minimum necessary topermit construction of the works.

q The area of the construction compound is to be nominated by the ConstructionContractor, but shall be agreed with the Principal or the Principal’s representative.

q The Construction Contractor should note that the pruning, lopping or clearing of naturalvegetation outside of the contractually agreed areas without the approval of the Principalor the Principal’s representative will constitute a breach of contract.

q Where it has been necessary to clear areas of existing native vegetation, such materialshould (where possible) be used in replanting or transformed into mulch and used inrevegetation or sediment stabilisation activities.

q Weed species must not be used for mulch. They should be either burned (however, thiswill require permission from the relevant local council and the Fire Service) or the cutplants/stumps treated with herbicide and left to decompose. Should the contractor wish todispose of the herbicide treated material off-site they should consult with the local councilto identify a suitable location.

q Any external fill materials to be obtained from weed free sources.q All appropriate authorisations for the clearance of vegetation to be obtained by the

Contractor.q Removal of weeds from areas identified in the IAS as containing features of terrestrial

ecology significance, taking care to minimise disturbance to surrounding native species.q Minimise potential for weed establishment by washing down all equipment and vehicles

before working on the site and providing wash down facilities to be used when movingbetween construction areas along the alignment.

q Maintenance watering, weeding and other forms of care are to be undertaken for theperiod specified in the Construction Contract.

Monitoring Periodic inspection to determine the success or otherwise of revegetation measures and toensure that only the minimum area for safe construction is being used.

Reporting Observations made during conduct of the above inspections should be incorporated into theContractor’s weekly site report.

Corrective Action q In the event that monitoring identifies practices inconsistent with the minimisation ofvegetation clearance and the revegetation with native species, appropriate actions will beundertaken to remedy the situation as quickly as possible. Notwithstanding this, should asituation demand, non-conformance and corrective action notices are to be prepared andactioned as quickly as possible.


Responsibility Construction Site Manager.Timing Throughout the construction phase.



12.6.10 Handling and Storage of HazardousMaterials

Given the nature of the construction works it is notanticipated that large quantities of chemicals will beused or stored on site. The most likely source of anychemical spill would be oil or diesel from plant andmachinery. Provided that good handling and storagepractices are employed on site the risk ofcontaminating the environment due to chemical spillsis considered low.



q Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road Act 1984-1988, 1993

q Building (Flammable and Combustible Liquids)Regulation 1994.

q Health Regulation 1996

q Health (Drugs and Poisons) Regulation 1996


TABLE 12.6.10: CONSTRUCTION ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT - HANDLING & STORAGE OFHAZARDOUS MATERIALS PLANElement Handling & Storage of Hazardous MaterialsPolicy To minimise, as far as reasonably practicable, the potential for adverse

environmental impact due to handling of hazardous materials.PerformanceCriteria

Handling and storage of hazardous materials in accordance with the relevantlegislation and best management practice.


q Establish a suitable dangerous goods storage area (in compliance with statutoryregulations), including regular stores and waste chemical compounds, and preparestandard operating procedures for handling dangerous goods, signage, labelling,appropriate storage and separation of chemicals and general housekeeping. Measuresto be included should be the prohibition of open containers being left out in the open,provision of bunded handling and storage areas, use of drip trays when decantingmaterials etc.

q Bunded areas to have the capacity to store 110% of the volume of the largest containerwithin each bunded area. Bunds to be lined or compacted where leakage to groundwould cause contamination.

q All dangerous goods are to be stored in accordance with the requirements set out in theBuilding Act (Flammable and Combustible Liquid) Regulations.

q Any waste oils are to be collected and transported to recyclers or designated disposalsites as soon as possible.

q Major maintenance/repairs to vehicles will be carried out off-site whenever practicable.q Development of spill control plan and education of workers in its provisions.

Monitoring q Ongoing visual inspection of handling and storage practices.

Reporting q Non-conformances with best practice handling and storage procedures will be noted inthe Contractor’s weekly site report together with the actions taken to remedy the.

Corrective Action q In the event that monitoring identifies practices inconsistent with the objectives of thisEMP, appropriate actions will be undertaken to remedy the situation as quickly aspossible. Notwithstanding this, should a situation so demand, non-conformance andcorrective action notices are to be prepared and actioned as quickly as possible.





Accidental Spill Management and ResponseProcedure

It should be noted that the following proceduresrepresent outline measures to guide the Contractor inestablishing a spill response procedure. They shouldnot be followed if at any time carrying out these stepswould endanger the life of personnel and/ or the publicor represent a contravention of the Workplace Healthand Safety Act 1995 and any procedures theContractor has in place to meet the requirements ofthat act. The Contractor should incorporate themeasures set out below into any Health and SafetyProcedures relating to spill control measures that theymay already have in place.

Hydrocarbon Based Spills Directly into WaterFilled Water Courses

1. Hydrocarbon absorbent materials such asabsorbent booms or blankets are to be stored on sitein an accessible location known to all staff.

21. Report spill to supervisor/environmental officer andblock off area until spill material is identified.

31. Identify material by reading label on the container.

41. Check the precautions and hazards on theMaterial Safety Data Sheets (MSDS).

51. After determining hazard is not a health hazard,shut off source of spill (where able eg container turnedupright, valve closed, operation ceased, leakingequipment moved away etc).

6. The absorbent materials will be deployed into thewatercourses in the event of hydrocarbon spill and leftin place until the spilled material has been absorbed.This may require the removal of ‘spent’ absorbent andreplacement by fresh. The manufacturer’s instructionsfor the care, maintenance and application of theparticular absorbent used, should be followed at alltimes.

7. The Environmental Protection Agency will becontacted for advice and informed as to the time of thespill, the nature of the chemical spilled, the volume ofthe spill (even if only approximate) and the controlmeasures employed.

8. Used hydrocarbon-absorbent materials will beplaced in drums, sealed and disposed of at anapproved local authority waste management facility.

1. It is anticipated that given the nature of the construction operationin question, in the majority of cases, the nature of the spilled materialand its safety status would be known and step 5 would begin almostimmediately.

Non-hydrocarbon Based Spills Directly into WaterFilled Water Courses

Should the spill be of a chemical that is easilymixed/dissolved in water the use of booms would be ofextremely limited value. However, where the waterbody is discrete, the contaminated water can bepumped out into containers and disposed of inaccordance with Environmental Protection Agency andlocal authority requirements.

11. Report spill to supervisor/ environmental officerand block off area until spill material is identified.


31. Check the precautions and hazards on the MSDS.

41. After determining hazard is not a health hazard,shut off source of spill (where able eg container turnedupright, valve closed, operation ceased, leakingequipment moved away etc).

5. The Environmental Protection Agency will becontacted for advice and informed as to the time of thespill, the nature of the chemical spilled and the volumeof the spill (even if only approximate).

1. It is anticipated that given the nature of the construction operationin question, in the majority of cases, the nature of the spilled materialand its safety status would be known and step 4 would begin almostimmediately.

Spills to Land

1. Absorbent materials eg sand, sawdust etc are to bestored on site in an accessible location known to allstaff.

21. Report spill to supervisor/environmental officer andblock off area until spill material is identified.


41. Check the precautions and hazards on the MSDS.

51. After determining hazard is not flammable or ahealth hazard, shut off source of spill (where able egcontainer turned upright, valve closed, operationceased, leaking equipment moved away etc).

6. Where applicable bund off the area to contain thespill material and stop it from entering into watercourse(s) or nearby drains.

7. Check MSDS for spills clean up information.

8. Clean up can now begin using an absorbentmaterial eg sand, sawdust etc starting form the outeredges and working towards the centre. Where thematerial has soaked into the ground it will probably be



more appropriate to excavate the contaminatedground.

9. After spill material has been absorbed, it can becollected and placed into a correctly labelled container.

10. Leaking drums and containers are to be placedinto a salvage container.

11. Dispose of containers at an approved localauthority waste management facility.

12. Where spills are small it will probably be possibleto simply manually excavate the contaminated soil andfollow steps from 9 onwards.

1. It is anticipated that given the nature of the construction operationin question, in the majority of cases, the nature of the spilled material

and its safety status would be known and step 5 would begin almostimmediately.

NOTE Where a spill is identified as being Flammableor a Health Hazard, secure the area and notify theauthorities. Fire Brigade/Police 000.

12.6.11 Acid Sulphate Soils




TABLE 12.6.11: CONSTRUCTION ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT – ACID SULPHATE SOILSMANAGEMENT PLANElement Acid Sulphate SoilsPolicy The on-site containment and management of all pollutants produced as a result of

disturbance of acid sulfate soils. These pollutants may include acid, water-solubleiron, aluminium and possibly heavy metals.

PerformanceCriteria

Adherence to “Guidelines for Sampling & Analysis of Lowland Acid Sulfate Soils inQueensland”, Queensland Acid Sulfate Soils Investigation Team (QASSIT) and anyreasonable quantitative criteria determined in collaboration with regulatory authorities.


q Review design drawings, site investigation reports and potential management strategies.q Prepare an EM Plan (Construction) which includes a section specifically addressing the

management of acid sulphate soils that may be disturbed during construction.q Education and awareness training so that construction personnel are made aware of visual

and other indicators signalling the presence of acid sulphate soils and the managementstrategies that may be utilised to control adverse impact on the environment andsusceptible engineered structures.

Monitoring Regular inspection of the site to confirm that known acid sulphate ‘hot spots’ arebeing managed appropriately and to identify and instigate appropriate managementstrategies for isolated lenses of pyritic material that may not have been identifiedduring initial site investigations.

Reporting The results (and implications) of construction phase soil/ water analysis, theimplementation, success (or otherwise) of acid sulphate management strategies andcorrective actions (where necessary) will be documented in the Contractor’s weeklysite report.

Corrective Action q Should non-conformance with the objectives of the EM Plan (Planning), EM Plan (Design)or EM Plan (Construction) be identified, action should be taken to rectify the situationimmediately. Notwithstanding this, should the situation so demand, non-conformance andcorrective action notices are to be prepared and actioned as quickly as possible.






TABLE 12.6.12: CONSTRUCTION ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT – WASTE MANAGEMENT PLANElement Waste ManagementPolicy To minimise, as far as reasonably practicable, waste generation at source.Performance Criteria Waste generated as a result of construction activities is located in designated

areas of site awaiting appropriate disposal or, where possible, recycling.Implementation Strategy q Where possible use suppliers who have a working waste minimisation policy in place.

q Assess quantities of materials required carefully to minimise surpluses and scrap.q Designate specific areas on site for the temporary management of various waste

streams ie general domestic waste, construction waste and contaminated waste.q Recycle waste oils.q All domestic waste and industrial waste is to be disposed of into proper industrial bins

for collection. No open or ground waste areas will be permitted.q Ensure that waste collection sites are not scavenged by wildlife.q All excess construction material and solid material is to be first separated and then

collected into wastes that can be recycled. The remaining waste is to be disposed ofat a legally operating landfill site.

q Any contaminated waste must be disposed of at an approved local authority wastemanagement facility.

q Optimise use of construction materials and where possible adopt a recycling policy.q Any disposal is to be in accordance with local authority requirements. Under no

circumstances is waste (including cleared vegetation) to be burned (unless permittedby the Queensland Fire & Rescue Authority - see below) or buried on site.

q Disposal of trees may be undertaken using one or more of the following methods:

(i) They may be chipped and mulched (the larger trunk sections may bechipped using a tub grinder).(ii) Large trunk sections may be sold/passed on to a commercial mill.(iii) Root boles may only be pit burned under permit from the FireService. Otherwise they must be excavated (with due attention tobackfilling the stump holes). Disposal of the removed root boles must beagreed with local authority officers. It is understood that land filling is notconsidered a sustainable option and all other potential avenues ofdisposal (ie breaking up and chipping, passing on to a commercial body,or burning at an approved location) should be explored first. A permit forpit burning must be obtained from the local authority.

q Where possible, source materials from statutory approved borrow pits.

Monitoring The Contractor as part of the weekly construction site inspection will inspectareas designated for waste storage during the construction phase.

Reporting q Observations made during inspections should be incorporated into the Contractor’sweekly site.

q Disposal of hazardous materials will be documented. Documentation is to provideinformation relating the nature of the material, quantity, final destination and the wastecontractor used.

Corrective Action q In the event that monitoring identifies practices inconsistent with the objectives of thisEM Plan, appropriate actions will be undertaken to remedy the situation as quickly aspossible. Notwithstanding this, should a situation so demand, non-conformance andcorrective action notices are to be prepared and actioned as quickly as possible.

q In the event that the non-conformance has occurred as a result of poor workpractices, personnel on site will be made aware of the problem and informed ofacceptable work practices..




12.6.13 Staff Training

Training is essentially to ensure that all those workingon the site during the construction works are aware ofthe EM Plan (Construction) and their obligations andresponsibilities.


TABLE 12.6.13: CONSTRUCTION ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT – STAFF TRAININGElement Staff TrainingPolicy All personnel involved in the works are aware of the EM Plan (Construction) and

its objectives. Particularly those aspects relevant to the individual.Performance Criteria All personnel involved in works to be aware of the EM Plan (Construction) and

their responsibilities pursuant to the objectives.Implementation Strategy Project/Site induction is to include instruction upon the EM Plan (Construction)

and its requirements. Particular attention should be given to the specific actionsrequired, responsibility and timings for each action.

Monitoring Regular inspection of the activities carried out on site to identify compliance withthe EM Plan (Construction).

Reporting The induction of personnel working on the construction site to the EM Plan(Construction) shall be noted in the Contractor’s weekly site report.

Corrective Action Where individuals are identified as carrying out construction work in a mannercontrary to the objectives of the EM Plan (Construction), they shall be appraisedof the problems and given appropriate training in best practices to remedy thedeficiency.

Responsibility Construction Site Manager.Timing Prior to commencement of construction and as required for new personnel.

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