Environment Construction Method Statement 02 Clearing …...This Environmental Construction Method Statement (ECMS) documents the requirements for works associated with clearing and

EnvironmentConstruction Method Statement #2

Clearing and Topsoil Management

HEA-CMS-GL-ENV-002-00-01

ScopeThis Construction Method Statement describes the environmental managementmeasures to be applied to the general clearing activities and topsoil managementfor all construction sites.

Location/s Whole project

Timing Pre-construction and construction

Minister’s COAs CoA 30

Rev Date Prepared by Reviewed by Approved by Remarks

0 C. Mueller A. Zambolt H. Chemney

Hunter Expressway Alliance

ECMS – Clearing and Topsoil Management

HEA-CMS-GL-ENV-002-00-01_Clearing_Topsoil_Mgt.Doc Page ii

DOCUMENT CONTROL

Document Type: Document No/Ref:HEA-CMS-GL-ENV-002-00-01

Title: Clearing and Topsoil Management

GeneralDescription:

This ECMS covers the general clearing activities and topsoil management for all generalconstruction sites for the construction of a 13km expressway from the Newcastle Link Roadinterchange with the F3, through to Buchanan.

Document Path: \\10.10.25.35\Data\HEA\01Environment\01_09_ECMS\02_Clearing_Topsoilmgt\Senttoemr_210710\Sent_260710\HEA-CMS-GL-ENV-002-00-01_Clearing_Topsoil_Mgt.Doc

Approval Name Position Signed/Approved Date

DocumentEditor / Author

Chris Mueller Senior EnvironmentalOfficer

Review Howard Chemney Environment Manager

Final approval Peter Chatburn Alliance ProjectDirector

DOCUMENT REVISIONS

Rev No Date Prepared by Approved by Remarks

0 20.7.10 C.Mueller H. Chemney/ T. Doczy

EMR Certification

I have reviewed this ECMS and find it to be in accordance with the relevant Conditions of Approvaland all relevant undertakings made in the EIS, Representations Report and the approved CEMP.

Signed:

Environmental Management Representative

Date:



HEA-CMS-GL-ENV-002-00-01_Clearing_Topsoil_Mgt.Doc Page iii

Table of Contents1 Introduction .................................................................................................................................1

1.1 ECMS Overview ..................................................................................................................1

1.2 Key reference documents to ECMS .....................................................................................2

1.2.1 Additional relevant references ......................................................................................3

1.3 ECMS attachments ..............................................................................................................4

2 Scope of works............................................................................................................................5

2.1 Hours of operation ...............................................................................................................6

2.2 Site rehabilitation and restoration .........................................................................................6

3 Key roles and responsibilities ......................................................................................................7

4 Statutory requirements and approvals .........................................................................................8

4.1 Revision of ECMS to reflect licence conditions .....................................................................8

4.2 Minister’s Conditions of Approval .........................................................................................8

4.3 Consultation process ......................................................................................................... 11

5 Site induction and training ......................................................................................................... 12

6 Monitoring and inspection .......................................................................................................... 12

7 Revisions .................................................................................................................................. 12

8 Document control ...................................................................................................................... 12

9 Attachments .............................................................................................................................. 12

LIST OF TABLES

Table 1.1: Relevant sub-plans to the ECMS ..................................................................................2Table 1.2: Key work instructions relevant to clearing and top soil management activities ...............3Table 3.1: Key contact details .......................................................................................................7Table 4.1: Legislation and statutory obligations .............................................................................8Table 4.2: Matrix of Minister’s Condition of Approval 30 ................................................................9



HEA-CMS-GL-ENV-002-00-01_Clearing_Topsoil_Mgt.Doc Page 1

1 IntroductionThis Environmental Construction Method Statement (ECMS) documents the requirements for worksassociated with clearing and topsoil management across all construction sites of the project. Thisdocument:

addresses the requirements of the Minister’s Condition of Approval 30 of the HunterExpressway project,

reflects the requirements of the Hunter Expressway Alliance (HEA) environmentalmanagement system (as detailed in the Construction Environmental Management Plan),

incorporates the management measures from the relevant sub-plans

describes the environmental management measures relating specifically to the constructionactivities and potential environmental issues.

This ECMS has been prepared as a practical environmental management tool for use by all HEApersonnel and subcontractors and incorporates the assessment of the environmental and communityrisks for these works. The specific environmental and community management controls developedand detailed in the ECMS, include the following key information:

Key site and management personnel - responsibilities and contact details.

Operating hours.

Construction details – activities, staging and schedule.

Objectives and targets – monitoring requirements, criteria and procedures.

Action tables/plans – inspection and test plans with actions, responsibilities, training, timing,reporting, monitoring/auditing and checklists.

Site Drawings - Site layout, monitoring locations, erosion controls, noise barriers, dischargepoints and limits of clearing.

1.1 ECMS OverviewThe Clearing and Topsoil Management ECMS #2 will be used in conjunction with the GeneralConstruction ECMS #1. While ECMS 1 has more general environmental mitigation measures,ECMS 2 applies to all clearing and topsoil management activities on all construction sites. Specificcontrols for clearing and topsoil management are tabled in Attachment A.




1.2 Key reference documents to ECMS

The development of this ECMS has been guided by the following detailed management plans andreports to assist in the development of mitigation of specific environmental issues for the works. ThisECMS provides the required detail for day-to-day worksite activities and the management plans andreports will be referred as needed for specific information requirements:

Table 1.1: Relevant sub-plans to the ECMS

Issue Relevant Plan(s) Details

Noise & vibration(incl. blastmanagement)

Construction Noise & Vibration Sub Plan

(incl. Blast Management Strategy &Construction Noise Impact Statements)

HEA-PL-GL-NVP-001-00

Provides a comparison of measuredbackground noise levels at sensitivereceivers vs. predicted noise impacts,duration of impacts from site works andtraffic, physical and site managementmeasures to minimise impacts andcompliance monitoring program.

Flora & Fauna

Visual

Flora and Fauna Management Sub Plan

(incl Landscape Master Plan)

HEA-PL-GL-FFP-001-00

Provides details of the location of sensitiveenvironment, including EECs andmanagement measures to preventconstruction encroachment.

Soil and waterquality

Soil & Water Management Sub PlanHEA-PL-GL-SWP-00-00

Landscape Management Sub Plan

Spoil Management Sub PlanHEA-PL-GL-SHP-001-00

Provides details of the physical andmanagement controls for surface runoff,erosion and sedimentation control, incidentresponse and details of the compliancemonitoring program.

Land contamination Hazard & Risk Management Plan

HEA-PL-GL-HRP-001-00

Provides details of the assessment ofcontamination.

Heritage Aboriginal Cultural Heritage ManagementSub Plan

HEA-PL-GL-IHP-001-00

Historical Heritage Management Sub PlanHEA-PL-GL-HHP-001-00

Provides details of the location known andpotential of archaeological sites and heritagesites as well as management measures toprevent damage or destruction.

Air Quality Construction Air Quality Management Plan

HEA-PL-GL-AQP-001-00

Provides details on the location of sensitivereceivers, air quality impacts fromconstruction works and mitigation strategiesand measures.

Waste Waste Management & Re-Use Sub Plan

HEA-PL-GL-WMP-001-00

Provides details on the waste strategies andmanagement measures to maximise reuse,minimise waste generation and ensurelawful disposal where required.




1.2.1 Additional relevant references

Managing Urban Stormwater: Soil and Construction, Appendix C- Unsealed Roads. Dept ofHousing (2006).http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/resources/stormwater/0802soilsconststorm2c.pdf

As in the development of the CEMP, all relevant RTA Specifications were incorporated in thedevelopment of the Clearing and soil disturbance procedure , Attachment A. Specific control measuresrelevant to clearing and grubbing operation and topsoil management are Specifications G38 ‘Soil andWater Management’ and G40, ‘Clearing and Grubbing’.

The Refer to the General Construction ECMS, Table 1.4 for all specific work instructions developed forthe CEMP and subplans as relevant to construction works and environmental management. Below arethe work instructions extracted from this table that are relevant to clearing and topsoil managementactivities.

Table 1.2: Key work instructions relevant to clearing and top soil management activities

Activity Work Instruction/Procedure/Protocols Location

Work during the fireseason ban

Work During the Fire Season Ban(Hazard & Risk Subplan, App.D)

HEA-PL-GL-HRP-001-D

Air quality monitoring Air Quality Monitoring Protocol(Air Quality Subplan, App. A)

HEA-PL-GL-AQP-001-A

High wind conditions Work Modification Record – Excessive Wind(Air Quality Subplan, App.B)

HEA-PL-GL-AQP-001-B

Weed control Weed management strategy(Flora & Fauna Subplan, App.B)

HEA-PL-GL-FFP-001-D

Nest box installation preclearing & during clearing

Nest box procedures and specifications (Flora &

Fauna Subplan, App.C)

HEA-PL-GL-FFP-001-E

Pre clearing activities Habitat assessment, pre-clearing survey andfauna rescue procedure

(Flora & Fauna Subplan, App.F)

HEA-PL-GL-FFP-001-F

Clearing and grubbing Clearing and grubbing procedure(Flora & Fauna Subplan, App.G)

HEA-PL-GL-FFP-001-G

Work near historicalheritage items

Historical Heritage Management Protocols(Historical Heritage Subplan, section 5.2)

HEA-PL-GL-HHP-001-00

Work near aboriginalheritage items

Protocol for the Discovery of Aboriginal Objectsduring Construction and all Associated Works(Indigenous Heritage Subplan, App.D)

HEA-PL-GL-IHP-001-D

Work near aboriginalheritage items

Protocol for the Discovery of PossibleHuman/Human Skeletal remains duringconstruction and all associated works

HEA-PL-GL-IHP-001-E

http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/resources/stormwater/0802soilsconststorm2c.pdf




Activity Work Instruction/Procedure/Protocols Location

(Indigenous Heritage Subplan, App.E)

Management requirementsfor each aboriginalheritage site

Schedule of Management Strategies for theProtection of Aboriginal Heritage Sites(Indigenous Heritage Subplan, App.F)

HEA-PL-GL-IHP-001-F

Water Quality Monitoring Water Quality Monitoring Work Procedure

(Soil & Water Subplan, App. A)

HEA-PL-GL-SWP-001-A

Works near creeks Location of Drainage Structures, waterwaysand Water Quality Monitoring Locations (Soil &

Water Subplan, App. F)

HEA-PL-GL-SWP-001-00

1.3 ECMS attachments

Attachment A – Clearing and soil disturbance procedure




2 Scope of worksThis ECMS covers the clearing and grubbing and topsoil management for all construction sitesassociated with the construction of a 13 km expressway from the Newcastle Link Road interchangewith the F3, through to Buchanan. The Clearing and Topsoil Management ECMS applies to thefollowing proposed activities for the duration of the project.

Refer to the Clearing and soil disturbance procedure in Attachment A for a more detailed descriptionof works, responsibilities and timing.

Activities Timing

Pre-construction

Clearing Survey Extents –minor clearing and pegging out site 2 weeks prior to clearing

Site Feature Survey –

as per Pre-clearing Project Checklist (FFMP, Appendix F)

2 weeks prior to clearing

Relocation of hollow-bearing limbs, woody debris and bush rocks to faunatranslocation sites

During Site Feature Survey

Install delineation fencing for clearing and environmentally sensitive areas During Site Feature Survey

Commence weed control , including establishing a wheel wash

-as per Weed Management Strategy, Appendix D, FFMP.

Prior to clearing

Install nest boxes (70%)

-as per Nest Box Procedure, Appendix E, FFMP

Prior to clearing

Pre-clearing survey for clearing works One day prior to clearing

Install initial erosion and sediment controls Prior to clearing

Complete Pre-clearing Checklist Prior to clearing

Clearing operations

Complete removal of target weed species and rubbish Prior to clearing

Stage 1 –clearing and grubbing (non-habitat trees)

-as per Clearing and Grubbing Procedure Appendix G, FFMP

During clearing

Mulch vegetation and stockpile During clearing

Fauna rescue during clearing operations During clearing

Stage 2 –clearing and grubbing (habitat trees) 48 hours after Stage 1

Install remaining nest boxes (30%) During Stage 2 clearing




Activities Timing

-as per Nest Box Procedure, APP E, FFMP

Relocation of hollow-bearing limbs, woody debris and bush rocks to faunatranslocation sites

During Stage 2 clearing

Mulch vegetation and stockpile During Stage 2 clearing

Fauna rescue during clearing operations During Stage 2 clearing

Stockpile management During clearing

Install and maintain erosion and sediment controls During clearing

Earthworks

Translocation of soils –as per Flora Translocation, Appendix H, AFFMP Prior to earthworks

Topsoil stripping, stockpiling and backfilling from grubbing works Before bulk earthworks

Note: PS -Project Surveyor, PEM –Project Environmental Manager, PE –Project Ecologist, SE –Site Engineer, SS-Site Supervisor.

2.1 Hours of operation

Normal construction hours apply to the activities included in this ECMS. These hours are:

Monday to Friday 7:00 am – 6:00 pm

Saturdays: 8:00 am – 1:00 pm

Sundays & Public Holidays – no work

Where work is required outside these hours, an application will be made to DECCW in accordancewith the out of hours protocol in the Noise and Vibration Management Plan.

2.2 Site rehabilitation and restorationAt the completion of construction, construction site compounds and facilities will be demobilised.Appropriate replanting with local native species will be undertaken in accordance with the LandscapeManagement Plan, prepared in consultation with Councils affected landowners and the CommunityLiaison Group.




3 Key roles and responsibilitiesRefer to the ‘General Construction ECMS #1 for roles and responsibilities for key personnel.

Table 3.1: Key contact details

Position Name/Organisation Mobile

Site Surveyor To be confirmed

Project Environment Manager Tracy Doczy 0439 300 118

Project Environmental Officer Erran Woodward 0437 343 178

Project Soil Conservationist John Wright 0418-434-516

Project Ecologist Rhidian Harrington 0488 224 999

Project Heritage Consultant Kym McNamara 0427 125 687

Native Animal Trust Fund–

Wildlife Rescue Service

0418 628 483




4 Statutory requirements and approvalsA summary of the key statutory requirements and approvals for the clearing and topsoil managementworks are detailed below.

Table 4.1: Legislation and statutory obligations

Regulator Licence/Approval etc Relevant works

Dept of Planning MCoA -Comply with Blue Book:Managing Urban Stormwater: Soiland Construction

Design and construction of erosionsediment control structures

DECCW Environmental Protection Licence -POEO Act 1997

Discharge from sediment basins

Impact on waterways

DECCW, Dept of Planning Approval as per MCoA -60 To clear areas that exceeds projectlimits

DECCW Licence to harm or pick threatenedspecies, populations or ecologicalcommunities or damage habitat

Clearing or disturbed areasthreatened species, populations, orEEC

Seed and cutting collection

NSW Heritage Council NSW Heritage Act 1977:

s139 excavation permit

s146 notice of relic discovery

Excavation near a heritage item

DECCW National Parks and Wildlife Act1974:

s87 / s90 Aboriginal HeritageImpact Permit

Construction works near anaboriginal sites

Note: Refer also to Table 3.5 in the CEMP for further information on the consultation with externalstakeholders.

4.1 Revision of ECMS to reflect licence conditionsUp-to-date copies of each licence are kept on site for reference as required.

4.2 Minister’s Conditions of Approval

Each CEMP subplan addresses the relevant Minister’s Conditions of Approval (MCoA) for this project.The MCoA relevant to the development of this Clearing and Topsoil Management ECMS are listed inthe following table with cross reference to where the condition is addressed in this or other projectmanagement documents. Please note that the General Construction ECMS #1 addresses most of theMCoA.




Table 4.2: Matrix of Minister’s Condition of Approval 30

Reference CoA 30 Requirement ECMS Reference

The Proponent shall prepare Construction Method Statements (CMS)identified in the CEMP required by Condition 24. CMSs must be certifiedby the EMR as being in accordance with the Conditions of Approval and allundertakings made in the EIS, Representations Report and the ApprovedCEMP.

Page 2

Each CMS shall include, but not be limited to:

i construction activities and processes associated with the relevantconstruction site(s), including staging and timing of the proposed works;

ECMS#1 & this ECMS2 Scope of Works.

ii specific hours of operation for all key elements including off-sitemovements;

2. Scope of Works

2.2 Hours of operation

iii cover specific environmental management objectives and strategies for theenvironmental system elements and include, but not be limited to:

Clearing and soildisturbance procedure- Attachment A - willcover relevant issues

noise and vibration; ECMS #1

air quality; ECMS #1

water quality; ECMS #1

erosion and sedimentation;

access and traffic;

property acquisition and/or adjustments CEMP

heritage and archaeology ECMS #1

flora and fauna & ECMS #1

groundwater ECMS #1

acid sulfate soils ECMS #1

spoil stockpiling and disposal & ECMS #1

waste/resource management ECMS #1

weed management & ECMS #1

flooding and stormwater control ECMS #1

geotechnical issues Soil and Water subplan

visual screening Landscape





Management subplan

landscaping and rehabilitation LandscapeManagement subplan

safety, hazards and risk ECMS #1

energy use CEMP

resource use and recycling ECMS #1

utilities ECMS #1

iv address, but not be limited to:

identification of the statutory and other obligations which the Proponent isrequired to fulfil during project construction, including all approvals andconsultations/agreements required from other authorities andstakeholders, and key legislation and policies which control theProponent’s construction of the project;

4. Statutoryrequirements andapprovals

measures to avoid and/or control the occurrence of environmental impacts; Clearing and soildisturbance procedure- Attachment A

measures (where practicable and cost effective) to provide positiveenvironmental offsets to unavoidable environmental impacts;

The key environmentaloffsets related to theworksite will berealised during the postconstructionrehabilitation.

definition of the role, responsibility, authority, accountability and reportingof personnel relevant to compliance with the CMS;

3.ECMS#1 & Clearingand soil disturbanceprocedure inAttachment A

site specific environmental management techniques and processes for allconstruction processes which are important for the quality of theenvironment in respect of permanent and/or temporary works;

Refer to each specificECMS –EnvironmentalControl Plan (ECP)

site specific monitoring, inspection and test plans for all activities andenvironmental qualities which are important to the environmentalmanagement of the project, including performance criteria, tests, andprotocols (eg. frequency and location);

Attachment A

& ECMS #1

locational details of important elements such as temporary noise barriers;portable offices and amenities; truck, plant and materials storage; accesslocations; provision of site hoardings etc;

ECMS #1

environmental management instructions for all complex environmentalcontrol processes which do not follow common practice or where theabsence of such instructions could be potentially detrimental to the

Refer to Table 1.1 andTable 1.3





environment;

steps the Proponent intends to take to ensure that all Plans and Sub Plansare being complied with;

CEMP

consultation requirements with relevant government agencies and utility/service providers; and,

ECMS #1 -ECP

community consultation and notification strategy (including localcommunity, businesses, relevant government agencies, and all relevantCouncils), and complaint handling procedures.

ECMS #1 -ECP

Specific requirements of the main environmental system elements referredto in (iii) shall be as required under the conditions of this approval and/oras required under any licence or approval. All CMS shall be made publiclyavailable

ECMS #1 - Section 4.3

4.3 Consultation processConsultation for the project has been undertaken with agencies and stakeholders including:

Department of Planning

DECCW

Lake Macquarie City Council

Maitland City Council

Cessnock City Council

Industries and Investment NSW

Utility providers

Local Aboriginal Land Councils

Ongoing consultation during the works covered under this ECMS will be undertaken with relevantstakeholders where changes to works occur under this ECMS. Specifically DoP and DECCW will benotified where necessary.

Any further updates to the ECMS requires EMR endorsement and a summary of changes and updateswill be provided to the public for their information, and a full copy of the ECMS be made available onthe internet, following EMR endorsement.




5 Site induction and trainingRefer to the ‘General Construction ECMS #1 for general training details. Refer to the CEMP, Table 3.3for details on the training requirements for key construction staff.

6 Monitoring and inspectionRefer to the Clearing and soil disturbance procedure, Attachment A for details on monitoring andinspection.

7 RevisionsRevisions to the ECMS will be made as required and changes will be endorsed by the EnvironmentalManagement Representative (EMR) as required.

The current copy of this ECMS is kept at the worksite and at the HEA Project Display Office followingEMR endorsement (where they may be viewed on request) and a summary of the update provided tocommunity members for their information.

8 Document controlProject document control is detailed in the project management plan and project filing and numberingis defined in Management Procedure HEA-MP-GL-OPS-002-00. When the document is reviewed anew revision number is assigned by the Environmental Manager.

The current revision of the ECMS and specifically the ECMS Drawing Sheets (1-3) will be availableand displayed in site offices for ongoing implementation and amendment as conditions or approvalchange.

9 Attachments Attachment A – Clearing and soil disturbance procedure




Attachment A

Clearing and soil disturbance procedure




Clearing and soil disturbance procedurePlease refer to the general principles for guidance on clearing and topsoil management.

Note: some of the following steps may be concurrent.

Step Activities Timing Responsibility

Process 1: Pre-clearing works

1. Obtain scheduled development work licence from DECCW prior to workscommencing.

Prior to workscommencing

PEM

2. Complete Pre-Construction Environmental Checklist Prior to workscommencing

PEM, PE

3. Complete Pre-Clearing Project Checklist (FFMP, Appendix F) as per below. 2 weeks prior toclearing

PEM

4. Induct all site personnel and provide specific training. 2 weeks prior toclearing

SS

5. Complete Clearing Extents survey–see Process 2. 2 weeks prior toclearing

PS & PM/PE

6. Complete Site Feature survey –

• identify habitat trees to be removed –see Step 7

• identify hollows to be relocated

• identify bat roost hollows to be relocated – see Step 8

• identify woody debris and bush rocks to be relocated –seeStep 14.

• identify significant areas of weeds requiring treatment beforeclearing

• identify translocation sites for release of fauna

• identify sensitive areas

2 weeks prior toclearing

PM/PE

7. Identify habitat trees with fluorescent pink survey tape - number and recordvia GPS. The project ecologist will complete a pre-clearing checklist prior tocommencement of clearing works.


PEM/PE

8. Install bat roosts in adjacent vegetation prior to clearing if any tree hollowroosts for bats are identified during pre-clearing surveys that are unable tobe relocated.


PEM/PE

9. Site walkover –see Step 19 Prior to clearing

10. Install nest boxes (at least 70%) in predetermined locations –

-as per Nest Box Procedure, Appendix E, FFMP & Hunter Expressway ElectricityAdjustments Hollow Survey Report (July 2010)

Prior to clearing PM/PE

11. Commence weed control -as per Weed Management Strategy,Appendix D, FFMP.

Prior to clearing SE





12. Undertake site rehabilitation and flora translocations. Prior to clearing SE

13. Undertake pre-clearing surveys one day prior to clearing start date. One day prior toclearing

PEM/PE

14. Relocate key habitat features, including coarse woody debris (wood greaterthan 100 mm in diameter and longer than 0.5 m), ground cover featuresand bush rock to adjacent recipient sites.

Prior to clearing PEM/PE

Process 2: Survey, site access and fencing

15. Restrict access to existing local roads and access tracks in accordancewith access points detailed on progressive erosion and sediment controlplans (see attachment 2). There is to be no access from other locations.

All stages ofworks

PS

16. Do not start clearing or trimming vegetation until all environmentalapprovals have been received and the Project Environmental Manager hasapproved commencement of works ie completion of pre-constructionenvironmental checklist.

Prior to clearing PS

17. Establish limits of clearing by survey pegging and installing continuousdurable reflective spinning tape or similar to delineate the boundary ofworks.

Prior to clearing PS

18. Establish limits of construction access by survey pegs marked with adifferent colour tape from the clearing limits.

Prior to clearing SS

19. Conduct a walkover to confirm clearing limits are marked and fencedappropriately prior to clearing activities occurring. Review clearing limitsadjacent to environmentally sensitive areas.

Prior to clearing PEM and SS

PE & SC

20. Erect signage (nominally visible from distances of about 20m) that states“Environmental Protection Zone – No Entry Without Authorisation”.


Process 3: Installation of erosion and sediment controls

21. Install erosion and sediment controls appropriate to the work in accordancewith RTA Specification G38 (Annex D), and Progressive Erosion andSediment Control Plan.


22. Conduct walk over to confirm erosion and sediment controls have beenappropriately installed.

Prior to clearing PEM/SS

23. Inspect erosion and sediment controls weekly and after 10mm of rainfall bya suitably qualified soil conservationist.

Weekly SC

Process 4: Clearing operations

24. Induct workers into requirements of ECMS. Include requirements in dailytoolbox meetings.

Prior to/duringclearing

SS

25. Complete removal of target weed species and rubbish. Prior to clearing SS





26. Undertake clearing in two stages as per RTA Specification G38 and theClearing and Grubbing Procedure Appendix G, FFMP.

Stage 1 –clearing and grubbing (non-habitat trees)

Stage 2 –clearing and grubbing (habitat trees) -48 hours later

During clearing SS

27. Install any remaining nest boxes (30%) During clearing PM/PE

28. Undertake timber-felling using direction felling into the cleared easementarea only within sensitive areas such as EECs.

During clearing SS

29. Undertake cut-stump clearing within 20 m of all water flow lines. During clearing SS

30. Construct temporary crossing s in accordance with Temporary WaterwayCrossing ECMS and Blue Book requirements.

During clearing SS

31. All non habitat trees are to be felled in the presence of fauna rescuepersonnel.

Stage 1 clearing SS

32. Relocate any rescued fauna to previously installed nest-boxes or suitablehabitat in surrounding area.

During clearing PE

33. Retain habitat trees for at least 48 hours to allow remaining fauna torelocate beyond clearing limits.

Stage 2 clearing SS

34. Work with tree clearing personnel to identify any trees of concern andinspect habitat trees following felling. Following this period, the projectecologist and fauna rescue personnel will be present to

35. Habitat trees are to be lowered to the ground as slowly as possible tominimise the impact on potential fauna in hollows. Felled trees are to be leftfor a short period of time to allow fauna to escape. Following this, theproject ecologist and fauna rescue personnel will inspect the hollow for anyremaining wildlife and cut out hollows as required. Any rescued fauna willbe relocated to previously installed nest-boxes or suitable habitat insurrounding habitat.

The project ecologist will maintain records of trees with hollows that arefelled (including hollows and species dimensions) and records of allanimals that occupy hollows and are relocated.

Once habitat trees have been felled, any hollows will be removed andrelocated to adjacent land or as per requirements outlined in the pre-clearing survey report.

Stage 2 clearing SS, PE

36. All non-harvestable timber, or timber not otherwise used in habitatreplacement (which includes timber used by Industry and Investment -Fisheries), is to be mulched and spread thinly within the electricityeasement, or windrows along the contour within the easement to minimisedisturbance of topsoil and reduce erosion and sedimentation.

During clearing SS

37. Minimise removal of groundcover/grasses and topsoil in order to retain therun-off infiltration capacity of the groundcover and to minimise topsoil run-off.

During clearing SS





38. Seed disturbed areas, as required, with a suitable cover crop within 14days of clearing.

During clearing SS

39. Survey and record area of native vegetation clearing, During clearing PEM/PE

40. Maintain roads, disturbed areas, stockpiles and handling areas in acondition that minimises windblown, traffic generated or equipmentgenerated dust. This could be done by activities such as:

• Watering

• Road sweeping

• Removal of accumulated materials from environmental controls.

During clearing SS

41. Undertake fauna rescue during clearing operations During clearing PEM/SS

Process 5: Earthworks

42. Translocation of soils –as per Flora Translocation, Appendix H, AFFMP Prior toearthworks

SS

43. Strip topsoil, ie the first 100mm of soil, stockpiling and backfilling fromgrubbing works. Follow general principles below.

Prior to bulkearthworks

SS

Topsoil Stripping

(Please note specific requirement for topsoil management are contained in the Landscape MasterPlan, Appendix I of the FFMP)


General principles: Topsoil stripping

1. Minimise exposure and revegetate as soon as practicable During soildisturbance

SS

2. Avoid mixing the A, horizon with the B horizon and C horizon and stockpileseparately for backfilling in the correct sequence.

During soildisturbance

SS

3. Avoid stockpiling soil in steep embankment, utilise degraded firetrails or placedirectly into rehabilitation areas.


SS

4. Any stored topsoil stockpiles will be protected from water and wind erosion byseeding with a sterile cover crop or by covering with geotextile fabric untilrequired.


SS

5. Maintain separate topsoil stockpiles for separate areas of native vegetation. During soildisturbance

SS

6.Maintain details of each topsoil stockpile to ensure they are only used inappropriate locations.


SS





7. Weed infested topsoil will be stockpiled separately for sterilizing, treatment ordisposal.


SS

8. Onsite use of soil containing weed seed should be restricted to use as fillburied to a depth where seeds or other propagules will not be able to emerge(nominally a depth of 0.5 metres or greater).


SS

General principles: Clearing near riparian zone SS

9. Riparian areas that are not affected by Alliance Works will be fenced withdurable and high visibility paraweb fencing or reflective spinning tape typefencing and identified as environmental protection zones with signage thatstates “Environmental Protection Zone – No Entry Without Authorisation” and isvisible from a distance of at least 20 metres.

Duringclearing

SS

10. Do not clear within the riparian zone during periods when flooding is likely tooccur .

Duringclearing

SS

11. Prevent vegetation/trees from falling into rivers, creeks, watercourses anddrainage lines during clearing operations.

Duringclearing

SS

12. Manually fell trees within 15 m of rivers, creeks, watercourses and drainagelines, ensuring trees within 10 m of the centre line of bridges and 5 m of thebank are cut off 300-600mm above ground level with the roots of the treeretained.

Duringclearing

SS

13. Trees in areas to be cleared will be assessed for potential use in re-snagging ofwaterways prior to clearing in consultation with the Department of Industry andInvestment (Aquatic Habitat Protection Unit).

Duringclearing

SS

14. Construction plant and machinery will stay as far away as possible fromriparian areas and vehicles will not park within 20 metres of riparian areas.

Duringclearing

SS

15. Permanent fencing of riparian areas will be provided to prevent access to theriparian areas.

Duringclearing

SS

16. Identify tree branches that overhang the road formation and cut back flush withthe tree trunk or primary branch

Duringclearing

SS

17. Identify trees overhanging bridges and cut back 3 m clear of the structure. Duringclearing

SS

18. Except for waterway banks and areas of pile embankments and pre-loadembankments, grub all tree trunks within the clearing limits to the lower depthof either 0.5 m below the natural surface or 1.5 m below the top of the selectedmaterial zone.

Duringclearing

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19. Compact and backfill all holes within the road formation caused by grubbing toat least that of surrounding adjacent land.

Duringclearing

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20. Hollow bearing limbs, woody debris and bush rocks marked for relocationshould be moved to fauna translocation sites or other recipient sites previouslymarked during the site features survey. Remove all remaining materials

Duringclearing

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cleared, primed and grubbed for recycling or disposal.

General principles: Site stablisation

21. Revegetation works will be undertaken progressively and in conjunction withearthworks to minimise the time that an area is exposed;

During sitestabilisation

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22. Batters will be stabilised and revegetated as quickly as possible to minimiseerosion and sedimentation in accordance with Alliance Specifications R178 andR179;


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23. Site soils will be tested for agronomic and erosion parameters and soils will beameliorated accordingly; and


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24. Revegetation will be undertaken using direct seeding, hydromulching, compostblankets or direct planting.


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Documents

Environment Construction Method Statement 02 Clearing …...This Environmental Construction Method Statement (ECMS) documents the requirements for works associated with clearing and