volume 2 chapter 7 construction impact assessment

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Chapter 7 Construction impact assessment 7-1

7 Construction impact assessment

This chapter discusses the Projects potential environmental effects on the

marine environment that may occur during construction. The environmentalimpact assessment for construction is based on specialist findings from the

following reports:

Bassett (2008) Underwater Noise(Technical Appendix 22)

Biosis Research (20082)Assessment of Marine Mammals, Birds, and

Reptiles for the Desalination Project, Bass Coast, Victoria(Technical

Appendix 13)

Biosis Research (20087) Cultural Heritage Existing Conditions and Impact

Assessment Report Plant site(Technical Appendix 45)

Consulting Environmental Engineers (CEE) (2008) The Desalination ProjectMarine Biology (Technical Appendix 31)

Essential Economics (20082) Victorian Desalination Project Impact

Assessment(Technical Appendix 11)

GHD (20084) Invasive Marine Species(Technical Appendix 27)

Maunsell Australia (Maunsell) (20085) Victorian Desalination Project

Environment Effects Statement-Social Impact Assessment Report(Technical

Appendix 56).

Volume 1Synthesis of

environmentaleffects

Volume 2Environmental

effects ofMarine Structures


effects ofDesalination Plant


effects ofTransferPipeline


effects ofPower Supply

TechnicalAppendix

Chapter 7Construction

impact assessment


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Table 7-1 Construction risks assessed as medium or above

Activity Impact pathway

Consequence

Likelihood

k

Seabed clearing Removal or damage of reef habitat Moderate Certain

Ris

High

Removal or damage of sandy habitat Minor Likely Medium

Destruction of or disturbance to significant reef species Moderate Likely Medium

7-2 Chapter 7 Construction impact assessment

Marine construction activities for the Reference Project, as detailed in Chapter 2

of this Volume, would build the Marine Structures by tunnelling under the

dunes, beach and seafloor and would install the intake and outlet structures.

Self-elevating platforms (SEPs) would conduct marine drilling. These temporary

structures may be serviced (with materials and people) from land by marine

vessels and helicopters.

7.1 Impact assessment

This section discusses the potential impacts of construction activities of the

Marine Structures on the marine environment. Both the risk assessment and the

impact assessment recognise that, like the Reference Project, the Project must

comply with the Performance Requirements set out in Chapter 11 of Volume 1.

7.1.1 Risks assessed medium or above

The risk assessment was conducted for the Variations as well as the Reference

Project and impacts on the marine environment are applicable to these

Variations. Construction risks and potential impacts for the Variations multiple

smaller conduits, passive screens at the intake head, pipeline diffuser and

alternate locations for the Marine Structures (low profile reef or sand in deeper

water) are considered to be similar to the Reference Project and are discussed

below where applicable.

Table 7-1 sets out the risks associated with construction of the Marine

Structures which were rated medium or above. The risks are discussed in order

of activity and likelihood with those most likely to occur discussed first.


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Consequence

Likelihood

k

Generation of noise Impact pile driving impacting on fish Moderate Likely Medium

Ris

and vibrationUse of air guns impacting on fish Moderate Likely Medium

Use of air guns impacting on smaller toothed cetaceans, Minor Likely Medium

mammals and sea birds

Geophysical surveys other than air guns impacting on fish Minor Likely Medium

Use of chemicals and Small chemical/hydrocarbon spill or incident impacting on Minor Almost Medium

hydrocarbons marine biota and ecosystems certain

Medium or significant chemical/hydrocarbon spill or incident Moderate Unlikely Medium

impacting on water column, intertidal marine biota and marineecosystems

Medium or significant chemical / hydrocarbon spill or incident Major Rare Medium

impacting on the marine park

Production of drilling Release of spoil at the drill site impacting on reef biota and Minor Likely Medium

spoil ecosystems

Disposal of spoil at a selected oceanic location impacting on Minor Likely Medium

marine biota and ecosystems

Movement of marine Increase in marine traffic impacting on fishing and recreational Minor Almost Medium

vessels activities Certain

Introduction of flora and fauna marine pests from marine Major Unlikely Medium

vessels impacting on marine species

Increase in marine traffic impacting on public safety Major Rare Medium

Use of construction Introduction of abalone disease impacting on commercial Extreme Unlikely High

divers viability of abalone diving industry in the Project area

Introduction of abalone disease impacting on abalone Major Unlikely Medium

communities



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Consequence

Likelihood

k

All construction Social impacts of construction of Marine Structures impacts Minor Certain Medium

Ris

activities on amenity

Potential for reduced visitation and loss of business revenue Moderate Almost High

due to perception that the Wonthaggi / Kilcunda coastline is

becoming industrialised

certain

Construction Impacts on commercial fishing Minor Likely Medium

exclusion zone

Increased access to People accessing Williamsons Beach impacting on threatened Moderate Unlikely Medium

Williamsons Beach fauna


The above risk assessment is based on accepted construction practices but does not take into account the mitigation measures

embodied in the Performance Requirements. If the Performance Requirements are taken into account, both the likelihood and

consequence of these risks may be significantly lower.

7.2 Seabed clearing

Some clearing of the seabed would occur to create a level platform for

placement of equipment including SEP legs, anchors and cables that would be

used to position and anchor the SEPs. This would likely disturb some biological

habitats and affect the associated biological communities, although disturbance

would likely be localised to around the SEPs. Benthic communities are mostlikely to be affected by seabed clearing. There may be localised damage to the

seabed and the plants and animals that inhabit the affected areas. Generally,

marine mammals are expected to avoid disturbed areas due to noise and

vibration from construction activities, so it is unlikely that clearing activities

would affect these species.

Seabed clearing for the multiple smaller conduits and the pipeline diffuser

Variations is expected to encompass a similar area as the clearing required for

the Reference Project. Clearing for alternate Marine Structure locations (also a

Variation in the Reference Project) would also be similar to the Reference

Project as these locations would not be within marine sensitivity areas.


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The consequence of these activities are not considered to be significant as SEPs

and associated infrastructure would be removed from the marine environment

upon completion of construction of the Marine Structures and it is expected that

these communities would recover to their original state after construction

activities are complete. Secondary effects due to clearing (such as dispersal of

sand from the seabed) would also only occur for a short period of time.

Disturbed areas in the marine environment tend to be rapidly colonised by a

succession of marine biota, usually resulting in a marine biological assemblage

similar to the community that existed prior to disturbance (CEE 2008, Technical

Appendix 31).

7.3 Generation of noise and vibration

Many marine mammals rely on sound as their primary method of

communication. Some species may even use echolocation to determine the

physical features of their surroundings. These animals communicate underwater

at varying frequencies. Therefore, artificial sources of underwater noise may

impact marine mammals by masking biologically important sounds. This could

induce a behavioural response causing a temporary threshold shift (TTS) or

permanent threshold shift (PTS) in hearing.

Pile driving may be required during construction (based on geological

conditions), depending on final siting of the Marine Structures. Pile driving, if

required, would emit noise and vibration. The noise from pile driving is generally

high level, low frequency and impulsive. The noise level from pile driving would

depend on the pile diameter, local geology and bathymetry. Intense, impulsive

signals such as those produced from pile drivers can affect fish, and noise levelsof a smaller magnitude can cause behavioural changes. Damage to hearing by

intense sound depends on the auditory threshold of the receiving species and

would therefore vary from species to species (Bassett 2008, Technical Appendix

22). Noise from pile driving is expected to affect individual fish but not

significantly affect species at the population level.

Geophysical surveys (including the use of air guns) used to characterise the

marine geology prior to construction have the potential to generate periodic

underwater noise and vibration.



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Noise modelling was undertaken by Bassett (2008, Technical Appendix 22) using

a software implementation of the Range-dependent Acoustic Model (RAM) to

estimate geophysical survey construction noise and evaluate the consequence to

marine biota. Modelling was undertaken for boomers and sparkers (used in

geophysical surveys), which are mid-frequency sources used in seismic and

hydrographic survey. These devices would likely be used for geophysical surveys

for the Marine Structure tunnels.

Figure 7-1 presents the noise modelling results for geophysical surveys. Results

are presented between 16 hertz and 1 kilohertz. In order to provide a three-

dimensional picture of the noise, each individual figure shows the modelled

noise propagation along a transect radiating from the noise source. The noise

source can be seen at the left of each of the bathymetric tracks with red

indicating high noise levels. The variable line indicates the seabed. The colour

gradient shows the sound pressure level (SPL) expressed in decibels. The

modelling estimates the potential for some species of fish to be impacted within

two kilometres of geophysical surveys operating at a typical source level of 230decibels (Bassett 2008, Technical Appendix 22).

The impact on cetaceans, sea birds, mammals and reptiles is considered lower

than the potential impact on fish. The soft start management procedure in the

EPBC Act Policy Statement 2.1, which regulates seismic testing activities as they

affect cetaceans, recommends a gradual increase of the geophysical source over

a 30-minute period. This is expected to alert animals and enable them to move

away from the disturbed area. Since this method would be required by the

Performance Requirements, cetaceans, fish, sea birds, mammals and reptiles

are not expected to be significantly affected by geophysical surveys including

the use of air guns (Bassett 2008, Technical Appendix 22).



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Figure 7-1 Noise modelling results for geophysical survey at the intake location

Bassett 2008

7.4 Use of chemicals and hydrocarbons

Chemicals and hydrocarbons would be used for marine construction, largely for

vessel and equipment fuelling. These chemicals would not be placed in the

marine environment, but accidental spills could occur. Accidental spills of

hydrocarbons may affect:

marine biota and ecosystems

water column



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the intertidal community

the marine parks in the region.

The level of impact is dependent on the types of chemical used and their

toxicity. The risk process identified that accidental small chemical orhydrocarbon spills would be almost certain to occur during the construction

phase, but are likely to have only minor effects on any communities or

ecosystems because quantities of chemicals stored and used would generally be

small. Medium or significant spills are considered unlikely to occur. The PRs

require development and implementation of methods and management systems

to limit on-vessel storage and/or use of hazardous substances and dangerous

goods, which would reduce the risk of spills.

If a spill were to occur, it is expected to only affect individual marine biota,

rather than entire populations and any effects, though moderate, are likely to be

temporary and localised.

The risk of an accidental spill affecting the neighbouring marine park was rated

as low because the quantity of any spill is likely to be small and the marine

parks are located at a sufficient distance from the Project area to minimise the

impact. Accidental spills are not likely to have any significant or long-term

effects on any population of marine mammal, sea birds or reptiles (Biosis

Research 20082, Technical Appendix 13).

7.5 Production of drilling spoil

Spoil will be generated from tunnelling and drilling for the Marine Structures.

Based on the Reference Project, if a suitable marine spoil disposal site can not

be identified, most of the drilling spoil will be collected on the jack-up barge and

later taken to land for disposal. Any impact on the marine environment is

expected to be minimal as the Performance Requirements specify disposal of

any spoil from marine construction in accordance with EPA Best Practice

Guidelines for Dredging and the National Ocean Disposal Guidelines.



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7.6 Movement of marine vessels

Marine traffic would be largely from the movement of vessels to the SEPs from

the shore.

7.6.1 Increase in marine traffic

It is possible that the movement of marine vessels could disturb recreational

users in the Project area, especially fishing activities and affect public safety.

Any disruption is expected to have a minor effect on recreational and fishing

activities because the duration of the impact would be limited to the

construction period. The construction exclusion zone would limit interactions

between construction vessels and the public such that any impact would be

from the exclusion zone rather than marine traffic. The exclusion zone is

designed to protect public safety and would ensure that no public safety impacts

arise from increases in marine traffic.

7.6.2 Introduction of pests and disease

Movement of construction and support vessels and discharge of ballast waters

by vessels arriving from international and domestic locations have potential to

spread marine pests if not properly managed. Marine pests and disease could

also be transported via attachments to the hulls of ships (biofouling).

The spatial and time scale over which the transplant of an introduced species

may affect the marine environment is difficult to predict; however, the

movement of introduced species into areas where there are no natural controls

may have widespread ecological effects. The translocation of some pests can

cause changes to biodiversity in the immediate affected area. Compliance with

Commonwealth and State legislation requirements for ballast water would likely

reduce the probability of pest species translocations and standard operating

procedures have been developed in recognition of the risk that marine industries

pose in translocating marine pests. The movement of vessels to and from the

Project area poses no greater risk than any other marine industry in introducing

marine pests. However, the Performance Requirements require development

and implementation of a marine pest risk management process (including

monitoring) to further reduce the risk of the introduction, spread andestablishment of marine pests (GHD 20084, Technical Appendix 27).



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7.7 Use of construction divers

The disease of greatest concern is the ganglioneuritis virus that affects abalone.

This disease appears to be spread by several vectors, including through the

action of ocean currents, the use of abalone as fishing bait and by attaching to

diving equipment and boats. Divers may be used to assist with sub-surface

construction. This disease was detected in the wild in western Victoria in May

2006 and has now currently spread approximately five kilometres from the

Twelve Apostils Marine National Park eastern boundary (CEE 2008, Technical

Appendix 31).

Although it is considered unlikely that this disease would be introduced to the

Project area, the consequence of this introduction would be serious as it may

have significant implications for abalone commercial fishing and the areas

abalone population. Additionally, experience from the infection site in western

Victoria indicates that the disease can infect large areas after introduction (CEE

2008, Technical Appendix 31). The PRs require specific risk managementprocesses to limit the risk of introduction of this abalone disease in the Project

area (see section 7.11).

7.8 Construction affecting social Amenity

Collectively, construction activities are expected to affect the visual amenity of

the local area, as the Project may interrupt the quality of coastal views in some

areas. The coastal area is valued for its significant scenic landscape created by

the intersection between the coast and the Strzelecki foothills. The community

also values the views across to Phillip Island and east to Gippsland and thescenic quality of the undeveloped tourist route near Phillip Island. Any effect

on amenity from construction is expected to be minor as construction activities

would be restricted to a small section of the coast and would only extend for the

temporary construction period (Maunsell 20085, Technical Appendix 56).



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The community consultation for the Project identified a concern that the Project

would contribute to a general industrialisation of the Wonthaggi coastline,

which could generally change the perception of the area and lower tourist visits.

Most tourism in the area occurs in and around Philip Island and well away from

the Project area. While a moderate impact on visitation and eco-tourism is

expected in the immediate area of Wonthaggi during construction, the

construction activities, as such, are of limited duration and are not expected to

appear to industrialise the area.

7.9 Exclusion zone

A construction exclusion zone would be required to ensure health and safety of

the general public. The temporary exclusion zone would preclude all marine

activities including commercial fisheries and recreational uses within this zone in

order to prevent the interaction between construction activities and other public

and commercial activities.

The construction area is frequently fished for rock lobster and abalone near-

shore and less frequently for shark and squid offshore (CEE 2008, Technical

Appendix 31). According to ABS census data (Essential Economics 20082,

Technical Appendix 11), there are 30 to 40 jobs out of a population of around

10 000 that are associated with the commercial fishing industry. The

aquaculture and fishing industries are very small with respect to total business

and employment (less than one per cent) in the area. Since the exclusion zone

would only preclude commercial fishing from a small area (approximately two

kilometres by two kilometres) and any reduction of commercial fishing would

affect only a small percentage of the population for only the short constructionperiod, the exclusion zone would only have a minor effect on commercial fishing

and it is not expected to have any long-term effects on commercial fishing in the

local area.



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Tunnel collapse

It is highly unlikely that any tunnel collapse would affect the marine

environment, as tunnelling would occur 15 metres below the seabed.

However, if this did occur, only a small area of the seabed would likely be

affected resulting in some disturbance or destruction to seabed habitat.

Any disturbance would only be temporary and the seabed would likely fully

recover (CEE 2008, Technical Appendix 31).

Release of bentonite

The tunnel-boring machine (TBM) that would create the tunnels for the Marine

Structures could use bentonite as a drilling fluid to lubricate and cool the drill-

cutting head. A malfunction of this machine may result in bentonite being

released into the marine environment. However, only in rare circumstances

would accidental release occur and any release of bentonite is expected to only

have a moderate effect on marine biota. These water-based drilling fluids

have low toxicity and any localised impact could be due to temporary

seabed blanketing.

Drilling noise affecting fish and marine mammals

Underwater noise that would be generated from drilling for the intake and outlet

risers has been assessed through noise modelling and this is considered to be a

low risk to marine biota (Bassett, 2008 Technical Appendix 22). The rate of

diminishing noise for drilling at the intake and outlet would be slightly less than

for seismic activities (discussed above) and drilling noise is generally low level,

low frequency and continuous with most energy concentrated below 1 kHz.

Since this is a level in which most whales have reduced hearing sensitivity,

only in rare circumstances would drilling affect cetaceans, and it is considered

unlikely that drilling would affect and fish and other vertebrate species

(Bassett 2008, Technical Appendix 22).



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Helicopter noise

Helicopters may be used for transportation between the shore and the SEPs

during the construction period. Noise impacts from helicopters may be a source

of disturbance to birds, especially the beach-nesting species, the Hooded Plover.

Helicopters could also affect other marine biota. It is likely that there would be

some noise disturbance from this activity, but since helicopter movements are

not likely to be frequent and would only occur during the construction period,

the effect on Hooded Plovers and other biota is expected to be negligible

(Biosis Research 20082, Technical Appendix 13).

Lighting

Artificial lights may also have deleterious effects on birds, especially on seabirds.

Many seabirds fly or migrate at night. Artificial lighting can be disorienting and

may trap large numbers of birds within a pool of light. Lighting impacts

associated with construction activities are expected to only affect individual birds

rather than an entire population. This impact would be contained in the local

area, and would only occur during the period of construction (Biosis Research

20082, Technical Appendix 13).

Underwater noise affecting recreational activities

Although it is possible that underwater noise generated by construction activities

could affect recreational activities, any impact would be temporary with no

lasting effect on recreational use of the area. Marine activities that generate

noise and vibration that may affect recreational users (e.g. helicopters) would

only occur during the construction phase during a short time period

(approximately 24 months) and then would cease. Therefore, it is considered

unlikely that noise and vibration from construction would affect the overall

recreational use of this area (Maunsell 20085, Technical Appendix 56).

Additionally, the PRs require minimising exposure of marine recreational users

to underwater (continuous) noise levels greater than 145 dB re 1 PA.



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Exclusion zone affecting recreational activities

It is also possible that the exclusion zone would preclude some recreational

activities (such as diving). However, any impact on recreation would likely be

minor because construction would only limit recreational activities in a small

area for a short period of time.

Tourism and visitation

Penguin and seals are the main wildlife visitor attractions in Bass Coast Shire,

although there is also some bird watching and occasional whale spotting.

Although it is possible that adverse effects on the penguin population and other

marine life from Project construction activities could affect long-term visitation

and eco-tourism activities in the region, with adoption of the PRs, the Project is

unlikely to have an impact on penguins, seals and other wildlife attractions

(Biosis Research 20082, Technical Appendix 13). Therefore, it is unlikely that the

eco-tourism industry would be adversely affected by the construction activities

and eco-tourism operators are not likely to experience a downturn in business

due to the Project. Any effects of the Project on eco-tourism would most likely

be restricted to the Project area with no effect on operators on Philip Island who

are responsible for the larger amount of employment and economic activity

(Essential Economics 20082, Technical Appendix 11).

Maritime heritage

Construction activities are not expected to affect maritime heritage in the

Project area. A systematic search of the Project area using the sidescan sonar

and multibeam data did not detect any areas of heritage interest within the

areas proposed for the Marine Structures. Therefore, any disturbance to the

seabed in this area is unlikely to affect any maritime heritage assets (Biosis

Research 20082, Technical Appendix 13).

Marine vessel emissions

Emissions generated from the movement of marine vessels during construction

are unlikely to be sufficient to affect human health and interactions between the

public and construction vessels would be restricted by the exclusion zone

(Maunsell 20085, Technical Appendix 56).



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7.11 Performance Requirements during construction

Performance Requirements (PRs) have been developed to provide an

environmental framework for management of potential impacts during

construction of Marine Structures. The PRs are focussed on the environmental

outcomes that the State wishes to achieve through Project delivery. The PRs

relevant to the management of construction impacts of the Marine Structures

are set out below. The full suite of PRs for the Project is provided in Volume 1

Chapter 11 as part of the overall Environmental Management Framework.

As part of the environmental impact and risk assessment process relating to

construction of Marine Structures, CEE (2008, Technical Appendix 31), Biosis

Research (20082, Technical Appendix 13; 20087, Technical Appendix 45), GHD

(20084, Technical Appendix 27) and Bassett (2008, Technical Appendix 22) have

identified a range of suggested management measures that could be

implemented to manage potential impacts. These suggested management

measures have been formulated in response to the Reference Project andrelevant Variations for the Marine Structures. In effect, the suggested

management measures demonstrate how the Reference Project and relevant

Variations can achieve the PRs. These detailed management measures have

formed an important input to the PRs for the Project.

The management measures suggested by CEE (2008), Biosis Research (20082,

20087), GHD (20084) and Bassett (2008) for the mitigation of impacts associated

with the construction of the Marine Structures address the following matters:

managing the introduction of aquatic pests and diseases potentiallyintroduced by the transfer of equipment and construction vessels to theconstruction site by ensuring:

- all international vessels comply with Australian Quarantine andInspection Service (AQIS) requirements

- all interstate vessels comply with State requirements- a pre-entry risk assessment procedure is considered, determining the

likelihood of any vessel associated with construction of the

Desalination Plant introducing marine biofouling pests of concern to

the Project bioregion



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minimising the effects of the self elevating platform (SEP) and associatedequipment on the marine environment by:

- positioning the SEP, jack-up legs, anchors and cables to avoid areasof high relief reef

minimising or avoiding the interaction between fishing operators, fishinggear and the marine construction site by:

- consulting with the fishing operators and advising them of the natureof construction activities and timing, possible exclusion zones and the

risks to their fishing gear and catches

- taking particular care when construction vessels are moving throughfishing grounds between the construction site and home ports

- limiting vessel movements to daylight hours to and from theconstruction sites

managing potential impacts of seismic survey on cetaceans by:- ensuring compliance with the measures prescribed in the EPBC Act

Policy Statement 2.1 Interaction between offshore seismic

exploration and whales

- minimising the generation and propagation of impulsive and/orrepetitive noise, such as from offshore impact pile driving underwater

- ceasing drilling activities, where practicable, if a baleen whale, largertoothed whales such as the killer whale or false killer whale, or

leatherback turtle is spotted within 50 m of activities

managing the physical and ecological integrity of the Williamsons Beach,the dune systems and the intertidal zone by:

- minimising project personnels access to these areas during Projectactivities

- banning dogs from the construction site and consult with ParksVictoria to determine further measures in the protection of

Williamsons Beach and Kilcunda-Harmers Haven Coastal Reserve

- educating project personnel about conservation and exclusion zones- monitoring the locations and breeding success of resident Hooded

Plovers along Williamsons Beach at least monthly until the plant is in

routine operation

- developing measures that manage injured sea birds if impacted byconstruction activities.



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The PRs proposed for the marine environment are outlined in Table 7-2.

Table 7-2 Performance Requirements

Timing

Subject

D&C O&M

Objective Performance Criteria Performance Requirements

Coastal

processes

Protect coastal

processes.

Minimise impacts on sand

movements, wave patterns

and currents.

Comply with the Performance Criteria.

Demonstrate through modelling of hydrodynamic

processes such as tides, currents, winds and sand

movements, that the Project will have no adverse

effect on coastal processes.

Monitor and report the effect of Project Activities

on coastal processes.

Detail the measures proposed to address the

results of the monitoring undertaken to achieve

compliance with the Performance Criteria.

Coastal

integrity

Protect the

physical

integrity of the

dune system,

beach and

intertidal zone.

No surface disturbance of

the dune system, beach and

intertidal zone.

No measurable loss to the

integrity of the coastal

assets including the dune

system, beach and intertidal

zone.


Develop and implement methods and

management systems designed to ensure no

adverse effect on the dune system, beach and

intertidal zone from Project Activities including:

Induction programs for Project personnel

Minimise access outside public access pathways

Monitor and report the effect of Project Activities

on the dune system, beach and intertidal zone.

Coastal flora

and fauna

Protect the

ecological

values of coastal

habitat.

No reduction in habitat

values for significant

species.

Minimise loss of significant

species individuals.

No removal of coastal

vegetation.


Develop and implement methods and

management systems designed to ensure no

adverse effect on the dune system, beach and

intertidal zone from Project Activities including:

Induction programs for Project personnel

Implement management measures to minimise

access of construction personnel to Williamsons

Beach and foreshore reserve, particularly during

Hooded Plover breeding season (August to

February)

Collaborate with Parks Victoria and DSE to

achieve additional protective measures such as

fencing off portions of the beach used by

nesting Hooded Plovers to exclude people,

uncontrolled dogs and increased fox and cat

control

Ensure that external lights are kept to a


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Timing

Subject Objective Performance Criteria Performance Requirements

D&C O&M

minimum, that they are positioned as low to the

ground as is practicable and that they are

shielded to avoid light spill upward and toward

the foreshore, beach and sea

Implement a program of monitoring the

locations and breeding success of resident

Hooded Plovers along Williamsons Beach to

measure the impact of Project Activities and

inform opportunities for mitigation. This should

continue at least monthly from prior to

construction until the plant is in routine

operation.

Implement a program of monitoring for the

Orange-bellied Parrot from March to September

prior to and during construction activities and

inform opportunities for mitigation.

Marine flora Protect marine Minimise to the extent Develop, implement and maintain methods and

and fauna flora and fauna. practicable the impacts on management systems to protect marine flora and

general No significant marine flora and fauna from fauna.

impact on Project Activities. No construction in the designated areas, which

Bunurong Limit impacts on ecology of creates a long-term impact, presented in Figure

Marine National continuous high relief reef. PR Sensitivity Area Marine Area, in Technical

Park and on the Appendix 5.

protected values Trenching is not permitted in the designated areasof marine parks. presented in Figure PR Sensitivity Area Marine

Area, in Technical Appendix 5.

Manage any geotechnical investigation program to

avoid significant impacts on the high relief reef in

the designated area and marine fauna in general.

Any spoil from marine construction to be disposed

of in accordance with EPA Best Practice Guidelines

for Dredging and the National Ocean Disposal

Guidelines for Dredged Material.

Marine Minimise Outside any marine Comply with the Performance Criteria.

amenity disruption to exclusion zone (for diving Develop and implement methods andrecreational marine safety) no significant impact management and systems to minimise disruption

recreational on diving, surfing, to recreational activities.activities. recreational fishing or

marine boating activities.Turbidity or colouration impacts from the outlet

should not be visible from the shoreline.Limit disruption to divers

outside construction

exclusion zones.



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Timing

Subject Objective Performance Criteria Performance Requirements

D&C O&M

Commercial Minimise Minimise restrictions on Comply with the Performance Criterion.

fishing and disruption to the commercial fishing and Develop and implement methods andmarine commercial marine tourism activities. management systems that seek to achievetourism fishing industry

effective consultation and communication with theand marine commercial fishing and marine tourism industry intourism. relation to potential restrictions and disruptions

during construction.

Marine pests Avoid the Compliance with the Comply with the Performance Criterion.

introduction, Commonwealth and State Develop and implement a marine pest riskspread and legislative requirements for management and monitoring process (including aestablishment of Ballast Water. process directed to addressing the risks ofmarine pests. introducing pests by vessels and equipment).

Develop and implement a risk management

process specifically for limiting risk of abalone

disease.

Underwater Protect Compliance with EPBC Act Comply with the Performance Criterion.noise and cetaceans. Policy Statement 2.1 Conduct geophysical survey of Project Activities invibration Interaction between accordance with the procedures outlined underecological offshore seismic exploration the EPBC Act Policy Statement 2.1 - Interaction

and whales. between offshore seismic exploration and whales.

Underwater Protect marine No significant impact Comply with the Performance Criterion.

noise and diving activities outside any marine Outside any exclusion zone, minimise exposure ofvibration from exclusion zone on marine marine recreational users to underwatermarine diving underwater diving activities. (continuous) noise levels greater than 145 dB reactivities noise and 1PA.

vibration.Develop, implement and maintain methods and

management systems that ensure effective

consultation and communication with marinedivers in relation to marine noise and vibration.

Marine Protect coastal Minimise impact on safe Comply with the Performance Criterion.

navigation access on passage of non-Project Identify and implement any requirements formarine waters vessels along the coast. notifications for vessel movements by Marinefor vessels. Safety Victoria.

volume 2 chapter 7 construction impact assessment

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