Tiger Brennan Drive Extension Stage 2. Project Environmental Management Plan

Transcription

1 Tiger Brennan Drive Extension Stage 2 Project Environmental Management Plan Volume 2 of 2 Macmahon Ref No: N016 Controlled Copy # Copyright All rights reserved. No unauthorised reproduction or use without express permission of Macmahon Contractors Pty Ltd

2 Project Environmental Management Plan Tiger Brennan Drive Extension Stage 2 APPENDIX 6 DPI STRATEGY ROADS & THE ENVIRONMENT N015 - Tiger Brennan Drive Extension Stage 2 Appendix 6

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4 Roads and the Environment A Strategy for Sustainable Development, Use and Maintenance of Northern Territory Roads This strategy aims to provide guidance to staff, consultants and contractors on roadrelated planning, design, construction and maintenance projects, as well as being a general information document for the public. It will be reviewed regularly to make sure it remains effective. If you have any comments or suggestions on issues raised in this document, please send them to: Senior Director, Road Network Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Environment GPO Box 2520 Darwin NT 0801 Phone Fax ernie.wanka@nt.gov.au 1

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6 Contents Background...4 Roads and the Environment...6 Environmental Responsibilities...8 Improving Environmental Outcomes...10 Environmental Policy...12 Environmental Strategy...14 Monitoring Environmental Performance...16 Delivering Results...18 Glossary...20 Attachment A - Relevant Legislation

7 Background The Northern Territory Government is responsible for kilometres of roads and 189 bridges in the Northern Territory through its Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Environment. The Department owns, constructs and maintains: national highways funded by the Australian Government rural arterial roads arterial links in major urban centres local roads in unincorporated areas An effective road transport system can be a catalyst for economic, social and regional development by integrating social well being, economic viability and environmental integrity. This has the potential to improve the total quality of life for all Territorians, now and in the future. The Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Environment has the role of balancing development and conservation. The Department s structure enables transport planning and land use planning to be more fully integrated with environment protection. 4

8 This strategy establishes the policy framework for sustainable and integrated road development and road use management through an Environmental Management System. The strategy is based on the following principles: Demonstrating duty of care in environmental protection as a good corporate citizen Implementing relevant policy and legislation on environmental protection relating to the provision of road transport Applying environmental management and ecologically sustainable development. 5

9 Roads and the Environment Roads impact on the environment in many different ways. This applies from the initial construction to maintenance, upgrading and usage. Roads that impede drainage or cause run-off to be concentrated or polluted, can seriously degrade the environment. Vehicles travelling on roads can add to ambient noise and reduce air quality, which has the potential to affect people s health. All road development proposals must go through a process of consultation with other government agencies to identify possible impacts on the environment and the community. Depending on the size and potential impact of the project, a formal assessment may be required under the Northern Territory s Environmental Assessment Act. For example, a large road project with potential for adverse environmental impact or public concern may be subject to a Public Environmental Report (PER) or a more detailed examination through an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). Projects with limited environmental impact, such as the widening or duplication of a road, require an environmental clearance from the Office of Environment and Heritage, which administers the Environmental Assessment Act. Routine maintenance does not usually need environmental assessment under the Act. The environmental impact of roads does not end with construction and maintenance. Motor vehicles using roads can cause problems such as traffic noise, reduced air quality, dust pollution and contamination of natural water resources as well as landscape degradation and soil erosion. 6

10 The following issues are of major concern in road infrastructure development and managing road use: air pollution biodiversity cultural heritage fire management greenhouse gas emissions land use management resource consumption social equity soil contamination soil erosion and sediment management drainage and storm water management vegetation control and management vehicle and traffic noise visual amenity water pollution weed management This strategy aims to integrate these important environmental issues into the planning and operational stages of developing road infrastructure and managing road use. 7

11 Environmental Responsibilities Northern Territory Government Policies A number of Northern Territory Government policy documents explicitly address environmental responsibilities for the provision and use of roads: Building a Better Territory: The Economic Development Strategy for the Northern Territory provides the basis for the Government s economic and social development priorities and strategies. The Government s vision is to develop integrated, accessible and effective transport services while managing our natural resources and protecting our environment for future generations. The proposed NT Greenhouse Strategy seeks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and prepare for climate change, through further integration of transport and land use planning. One of the three core objectives of the Department s Strategic Directions emphasises sustaining the value of our natural environment and public asset base through rigorous environmental management. The Northern Territory Road Strategy recognises that its overall goals can only be fully achieved through environmental management and ecologically sustainable development (ESD). Federal and Territory Legislation A wide range of legislation has been promulgated by the Commonwealth and Northern Territory Governments which relate to environment protection and environmentally sustainable development in the road and transport sector. Three of the most relevant Acts are: The Northern Territory s Environmental Assessment Act, which ensures that projects likely to have significant environmental impacts are subject to an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). The EIA process enables, prior to project approval, systematic examination of the expected consequences of development proposals and the development of management options to minimise negative environmental impacts. NT Waste Management and Pollution Control Act has far-reaching environmental requirements. Any person or organisation undertaking an activity which may cause pollution or environmental harm must: take all reasonable care to minimise the effects of the activity promote effective waste management, pollution prevention and control practices. Federal Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (EPBC Act) which formally requires the principles of ESD to be taken into account when considering: project approvals for federally funded projects projects on Commonwealth land projects that could have an effect on Commonwealth land actions likely to have an effect on matters of national environmental significance Compliance with all relevant legislation is clearly an important factor in sustainable road development and road use management. A list of relevant legislation is at Attachment A. 8

12 Ecologically Sustainable Development in Transport Growing public concern about the environment led to the development of the National Strategy on Ecologically Sustainable Development (NSESD) in The strategy was endorsed by Commonwealth, State and Territory governments. It is a framework for: cooperative decision-making within government promoting Ecologically Sustainable Development (ESD) throughout Australia. The goal of ESD is improving total quality of life now and in the future by using, conserving and enhancing natural resources in a way that does not adversely impact on the ecological processes on which life depends. The key principle is integrating social, environmental and economic factors in decision-making. In terms of transport, more sustainable use of energy and natural resources can be achieved through integrated urban and transport planning particularly in urban areas. Austroads, the national association of road transport agencies in Australia and New Zealand, developed its second Environmental Strategy in 2002, articulating a commitment to an ecologically balanced approach to road development and use with least impact in long-term viability of life. Its framework for enabling environmental outcomes has four key areas: applying standards and practices to improve consistency of environmental practices stimulating innovation developing skills and technology researching tools and techniques to aid decision making and benchmarking. At a corporate level, environmental management requires decision-making that integrates short and long term economic, environmental, social and equity considerations on a local, regional and Territory-wide scale. This can be achieved by: pursuing an intra-departmental strategic planning approach between the Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Environment s divisions broader consultation with other government agencies community engagement. This will help establish best practice towards a sustainable transportation system that contributes to social wellbeing, economic development and ecosystem integrity. At an operational level, environmental management is based on best practice and quality assurance management principles. It enables an organisation to identify, manage and monitor adverse environmental impacts resulting from its road construction and maintenance activities on a project by project basis. Sustainable transportation and best practice environmental management in road development and road use management can be achieved through an Environmental Management System (EMS). Through an EMS, an organisation can continually improve its environmental performance and meet the due diligence required by law for environment protection. An EMS: Establishes an environmental policy and strategy Sets objectives and specific targets Develops monitoring and reporting procedures and guidelines Ensures continual review of strategy and policy, objectives and targets, procedures and guidelines Evaluates environmental performance. Through this strategy, we aim to sustainably deliver an advanced and efficient road transport system for the Northern Territory with the essential elements of an EMS guiding our day-to-day service delivery and long-term planning. 9

13 Improving Environmental Outcomes This Department s core business objectives are: sustaining the value of our natural environment and public asset base building on our unique natural and cultural heritage working as a catalyst for economic development. 10

14 Integrating these objectives into the environmental management of road infrastructure and road use is achieved through: 1. Commitment and policy => environmental policy which sets the overall goal. 2. Planning => environmental strategy which provides an action plan with clear objectives and targets to achieve community expectations in environment protection. 3. Implementation => procedures and guidelines articulated in an environmental management manual for roads projects and the continued implementation of measures under the Northern Territory Greenhouse Strategy. 4. Measurement and evaluation => procedures and guidelines for monitoring and corrective action, evaluation and reporting. 5. Review and improvement => a review strategy for management and staff that regularly monitors the timeliness and effectiveness of all the above steps. 11

15 Environmental Policy An environmental policy should: establish an overall direction on environmental affairs be relevant to the Department s activities and services relating to roads reflect community values and guiding principles for appropriate best practice management for roads. 12

16 The Department has established an overall direction for environmental management of road infrastructure development and road use management which shows our commitment to environmental management. At the same time, we recognise that some existing roads, particularly local roads in remote areas with small traffic volumes, may present environmental problems that can only be sufficiently addressed in the long-term. Environmental policy for roads The Department manages transport infrastructure assets, and provides safe and efficient access to and use of the road network for the people of the Northern Territory. In doing so it recognises the importance of safeguarding the environment and accepts its environmental responsibilities arising from its services and activities in providing road infrastructure. The Department will demonstrate due diligence in the provision of its road network services and will strive for continual improvement by: Ensuring compliance with relevant environmental legislation and regulations Setting appropriate environmental management strategies Developing and implementing sound environmental policies and practices Minimising the environmental impacts of its activities Providing our employees with the skills to achieve environmental outcomes Improving the way we manage our contractors and suppliers Involving the community in planning and implementation issues Reporting publicly on environmental performance. 13

17 Three key environmental objectives for roads have been identified to shape Departmental transport strategies on an organisational and operational level, and set the framework for outcomes over the next few years. Advance as an environmentally responsible organisation. Objective 1 Advance as an environmentally responsible organisation. This objective will be achieved by enhancing intradepartmental and inter-departmental processes and promoting corporate cultural change to improve environmental performance in delivering road development and road use management. Environmental Strategy Key environmental objectives Achieve best practice standards in environmental management in road development, construction and maintenance. Desired outcomes Organisational cultural change within the Department s infrastructure, roads and transport groups for the benefit of the environment. Integration of environment protection in roads, infrastructure and transport groups business planning process. Full consultation with the community and other stakeholders on environmental matters. Promote a sustainable and efficient road transport system. Strategies Strengthen awareness, knowledge and skills in environmental issues among relevant staff. Integrate environmental considerations into road development and road use management processes and decisions. Improve consultation process with other governmental departments, industry and the community

18 Objective 2 Achieve best practice standards in environmental management in road development, construction and maintenance. This objective will be achieved by integrating the key elements and processes of an environmental management system into service delivery. This will ultimately result in better environmental performance of the roads, infrastructure and transport groups. Objective 3 Promote a sustainable and efficient road transport system. This objective will be achieved by integrating the concept of ecologically sustainable development in decision-making processes and service delivery of strategic road network planning and road use management. Desired outcomes Best practice environmental management in road development, construction and maintenance. Minimise the impact of road construction and maintenance. Protect the natural, social and cultural environment. Conserve resources and minimising waste. Identifying impacts and suitable replacement actions. Desired outcomes Enhanced of transport planning and land-use planning. Greater use of alternative modes of transport such as public transport, cycling and walking in urban areas. Efficient performance of the vehicle fleet on Territory roads. Reduction in traffic noise, vehicle pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Strategies Develop guidelines to achieve best practice environmental management through continuous improvement in planning, design, construction and maintenance of roads. Minimise harmful emissions into air and water as well as adverse impacts on landscape, vegetation and soil during construction and maintenance. Increase recycling of materials and natural resources where possible. Minimise impacts on biodiversity, including the rehabilitation of significant impacts. Continue to protect cultural and heritage sites. Improve the way we manage our contractors and suppliers. Strategies Promote the integration of land use, transport and environment in the decision-making process of strategic road network planning. Increase use of existing and future public transport services. Improve the infrastructure for walking and cycling. Continue to support improved vehicle technology as well as the use of better and alternative fuels through cooperation with all jurisdictions. Continue to support an efficient vehicle fleet and traffic management

19 h Monitoring Environmental Performance As this strategy is implemented, it will be important to: build on existing achievements develop environmental performance indicators establish organisational responsibilities set timelines for specific targets conduct a regular environmental performance review. 16

20 These steps will ensure that the Department remains well-informed of its environmental achievements and has suitable responses to any future environmental challenges, including addressing future changes in legal or other requirements. The review should include this strategy, its action plan and future performance indicators, environmental incidents and their corrective actions. Public reporting on environmental achievements is an important part of evaluating environmental performance. It provides the opportunity for the Department to assess its environmental achievements in road development and road use management, while at the same time offering the wider community opportunity to examine these achievements. 17

21 Delivering Results The Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Environment works with the transport industry and takes part in a number of national forums that address environmental management. They include the Australian Transport Council (ATC), National Transport Commission (NTC), Land Transport Environment Committee (LTEC) and Austroads. The Department is currently developing, reviewing and implementing other policies including: Australian Design Rules on vehicle emissions Transport-related greenhouse gas abatement strategies Vehicle Noise Standards, modelling techniques and mitigation measures Noise Design Standards for roads projects Weed Management Policy Fire Management Policy Road Reserve Management, specifically rest areas and roadside litter Guidelines for the protection of heritage sites within road corridors National fuel quality standards and alternative fuels Freight transport and dangerous goods legislation and regulations Efficient vehicle use and intermodal integration Accident and incident management for transport-related spills Native Vegetation Clearing Controls. 18

22 The Darwin Bus Service (DBS) successfully completed a trial of a diesel/lpg fuel substitution on several buses of the Darwinbus fleet to reduce fuel consumption and reduce greenhouse gas and other pollutant emissions. DBS is extending the fuel substitution system to a third of the fleet. The Department is also developing an environmental management manual for road projects. The manual will incorporate the principles of ecologically sustainable development and serve as a communication plan for relevant staff. It will help provide best practice environmental management for design, construction and maintenance of the Territory s road network. The manual is likely to incorporate: Environmental policy Register of significant environmental aspects and impacts Register of legal and other requirements such as professional standards and policies Core objectives, strategies and guidelines for an environmental management plan for construction and maintenance projects Job descriptions and organisational responsibilities Training manuals and course information Procedures related to communication and operational functions System procedures for document control and records management Guidelines for corrective and preventive action Emergency plans Monitoring and auditing procedures. A major step forward will be the implementation of this Roads and the Environment Strategy. 19

23 Glossary Attachment A Relevant Legislation Best practice Identifying, evaluating and implementing appropriate management strategies, actions, techniques and measures to minimise adverse impacts on the environment, and ensuring that the process and outcomes are reviewed and, if necessary, improved. Biodiversity The biological diversity of an area or region as indicated by the numbers of different species of plants and animals living in that environment. Community engagement Informing and consulting with all relevant stakeholders in the planning, assessment and implementation of a project. Due diligence The care an organisation takes in a specific project or in the overall management of environmental impacts of its activities to identify and assess risks and their prevention. Ecologically sustainable development (ESD) Using, conserving and enhancing natural resources in a way that maintains and protects the ecological processes on which life depends and increases the overall quality of life, now and in the future, for the whole community. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) A planning procedure to consider the environmental implications of developments. All aspects and impacts (adverse and beneficial) on the environment caused by a project and related activities are studied. Major developments require an Environmental Impact Statement, while smaller scale developments may require a Public Environment Report (PER). Environmental Management Plan (EMP) Documents the requirements, procedures and performance criteria during the planning, construction and maintenance of a project to prevent or minimise adverse environmental impacts from project-related activities. Northern Territory Aboriginal Sacred Sites Act Building Act Bushfires Act Commercial Passenger (Road) Transport Act Control of Roads Act Dangerous Goods Act Disasters Act Energy Pipelines Act Environmental Assessment Act Environmental Offences and Penalties Act Fire and Emergency Act Heritage Conservation Act Motor Vehicles Act National Environmental Protection Council (Northern Territory) Act Noxious Weeds Act Ozone Protection Act Planning Act Plant Disease Control Act Prevention of Pollution of Waters by Oil Act Public Health Act Soil Conservation and Land Utilisation Act Territory Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act Traffic Act Waste Management and Pollution Control Act Water Act Weeds Management Act Work Health Act Commonwealth Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act Commonwealth Environmental Protection (Impact of Proposals) Act Endangered Species Protection Act Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act Native Title Act Native Title Amendment Act World Heritage Properties Conservation Act 20

24 Project Environmental Management Plan Tiger Brennan Drive Extension Stage 2 APPENDIX 7 DPI TECHNICAL STANDARD RECYCLING FOLLOWING CLEARING N015 - Tiger Brennan Drive Extension Stage 2 Appendix 7

25 Technical Standard Road Develop ment Division Recycling Following Clearing Approved: E Wanka Director RDD 18/1/02 Instruction Number: TS 01/04F Effective: 18 January 2002 File Reference: RD 2001/171 Originating Officer: Director, Road Development Previous Instructions: Nil Definitions: Approved: Effective: Number: File Reference: Originating Officer: Previous Instruction: Date instruction is approved and by whom Date instruction becomes effective D= Draft; F= Finalised; R= Revised; R2= Second Revision (etc.) File location of instruction Officer who compiled this version of the instruction Refers to previous versions of the instruction, including dates and officers. Background: The previous specification for clearing, grubbing and rehabilitation states that all vegetative matter is to be cleared and grubbed to a depth of 200 mm. The cleared vegetation was then to be burned or removed from site. This standard, which appeared in the contract, has now been withdrawn. A new Specification has been developed and appears in all contracts issued by the Construction Division. This new specification calls for the mulching of all cleared vegetative matter This material is not to be burned. General: Mulch all cleared vegetative matter to a maximum size of 100mm in mechanical brush chippers as the clearing work proceeds. Do not stockpile cleared material for later mulching. Stumps Grasses etc: Stumps, grass clods, roots or other components containing viable propagules and other material unsuitable for mulching may be buried in disused gravel pits during rehabilitation of the pits. Stockpiles: Stockpile mulched material on the site at a maximum height of 2m for use during reinstatement work. In urban areas stockpile mulch on the site for reuse and deliver surplus mulch as directed by the Superintendent (within 10 kms of the site) for use in local landscaping projects. In rural areas stockpile mulch on the site for reuse and power blow surplus mulch into the adjacent natural vegetated areas adjacent to the works. Further information is contained in the Standard Specifications. Original signed by ERNIE WANKA DIRECTOR ROAD DEVELOPMENT 18 January 2002 WI 01/04 F Recycling following clearing Page: 1 of 1

26 Project Environmental Management Plan Tiger Brennan Drive Extension Stage 2 APPENDIX 8A SITE PLAN INDICATING INUNDATED AREAS, WATER COURSES, AND EROSION CONTROLS N015 - Tiger Brennan Drive Extension Stage 2 Appendix 8A

27 Site Access Crib Hut, parking, laydown area Stockpiles Waterlogged soils Seasonally inundated area Tributary Hudson Creek ch 1120 Waterlogged soils Site Access Seasonally inundated area Creek east of Tivandale Rd ch 1220 Seasonally inundated area Drain receiving stormwater from Wishart Rd ch 1180 Waterlogged soils Seasonally inundated area Waterlogged soils

28 Seasonally inundated area Creek east of Tivandale Rd Culvert under railway Waterlogged soils Seasonally inundated area Crib Hut, parking, laydown area Site Access Crib Hut, parking, laydown area Marjory St Dam Seasonally inundated area Waterlogged soils

29 Seasonally inundated area Site Access Crib Hut, parking, laydown area Fairway Waters Lagoon Site Access

30 Project Environmental Management Plan Tiger Brennan Drive Extension Stage 2 APPENDIX 8 B TYPICAL SECTIONS FOR EROSION CONTROLS N015 - Tiger Brennan Drive Extension Stage 2 Appendix 8B

31 Project Environmental Management Plan Tiger Brennan Drive Extension Stage 2 Sources: - SKM plans, NSW Government, Soils & Construction ( Blue Book ), 2004 Typical section A : Culvert protection Typical section B : Sediment fence Typical section C : Batter protection and chutes Typical section D : Stockpiles Typical section E : Earth diversion bank Typical section F : Rock check dam Typical section G : Rock sediment basin Typical section H : Inlet pit protection Typical section I : Stabilised Site Access N015 - Tiger Brennan Drive Extension Stage 2 Appendix 8B

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41 Project Environmental Management Plan Tiger Brennan Drive Extension Stage 2 APPENDIX 9 EXTERNAL CATCHMENT AREAS WITH EXISTING SITE CONTOURS N015 - Tiger Brennan Drive Extension Stage 2 Appendix 9

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44 Project Environmental Management Plan Tiger Brennan Drive Extension Stage 2 APPENDIX 10 LONGITUDINAL SECTIONS/ FINAL SITE CONTOURS WITH CUT AND FILL LOCATIONS N015 - Tiger Brennan Drive Extension Stage 2 Appendix 10

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83 Project Environmental Management Plan Tiger Brennan Drive Extension Stage 2 APPENDIX 11 TYPICAL CROSS SECTIONS AND GRADES & BATTER SLOPES N015 - Tiger Brennan Drive Extension Stage 2 Appendix 11

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86 Project Environmental Management Plan Tiger Brennan Drive Extension Stage 2 APPENDIX 12 DRAINAGE PLANS N015 - Tiger Brennan Drive Extension Stage 2 Appendix 12

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